Wider EV product portfolio at more accessible price points will be key for such an ambitious target.
Andre Konsbruck, vice president of overseas sales at Audi AG believes that more than 50 percent of luxury cars sold in India by 2028 will be electric vehicles and hence the German carmaker is very actively looking at localising electric vehicles in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2023 annual conference in Ingolstadt on Tuesday, Konsbruck told Autocar India that he knows that the Government of India wants to achieve 30 percent electric vehicle penetration for cars by 2030, but he believes that in the luxury segment, EV penetration will be much higher at 50 percent by 2028.
EV penetration in luxury segments
“In the premium market, the penetration for EVs will be faster. We believe that the tipping point will come around 2028, when the market crosses 50 percent EV share. I believe in the D segment and in the top end of luxury cars, it may be even earlier. That is our planning premise,” said Konsbruck.
He elaborated that given the high import duty structure in India of around 15-35 percent (for locally assembled vehicles) versus 70-110 percent (for imported models)- with that big gap, “you are only competitive if you locally produce,” he added. “We are currently evaluating different scenarios (for assembling EVs in India), I hope that we will be able to make a decision soon,” asserted Konsbruck.
Autocar India learns that Audi is currently studying both the possibilities of either utilizing the VW Group’s MEB platform for smaller compact EVs and also its own premium modular EV architecture PPE, which it shares with sports car brand Porsche.
Audi India entered the luxury EV space with e-tron SUVs in 2021, but has remained a sub-optimal player due to completely built imports. Its portfolio only comprises models costing well above Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom), which is why its German rivals – Mercedes-Benz and BMW – and Volvo sell much higher volumes of EVs, some of which are much more competitive due to local assembly.
How Audi aims to achieve 50 percent EV sales
The first step will be the introduction of more products. The company just globally unveiled the new Q6 e-tron based on the all-new PPE architecture that’s supposed to mark Audi’s next phase of electrification. As we have reported to you already, the Q6 e-tron is India-bound by late-2024 or early-2025. It is, in fact, one of 20 new models – ICE and EV combined – that Audi plans to introduce globally in the next one year, and “some of these models will also be headed to India,” said Balbir Singh Dhillon, head of Audi India. “With availability of more products, the EV penetration will go up.”
Apart from localization initiatives, Audi also needs more EVs across a wider price band, especially in India. The company has stated that there will be a new entry-level electric SUV positioned below the Q4 e-tron which is currently the entry point to Audi’s EVs, and this could very well be on cards for India as well.
“We need to have a basket of cars available globally to choose from. The availability of products is widening, and we have to combine demands of customers in India and what we have globally and choose some of these models to be brought to India,” said Dhillon.
Challenges in EV adoption
Currently, infrastructure is still the biggest hurdle for wider adoption of EVs. In fact, very few customers actually rely on public charging infrastructure. As Dhillon accepted, “We began with installing charging facilities at all our dealerships, but we now see very few customers actually use it. Most charging happens at home.” And herein lies a big challenge as there have even been cases of customers facing challenges in the installation of home chargers in high-rise societies.
Audi, however, is committed to electrification – the company has already outlined plans to be an all-electric brand globally in the next ten years, and while India catches up on EV adoption over the next few years, the company will maintain a balance of both ICE and EVs in India. “We will be flexible towards ICE and BEVs in India,” said Dhillon.
Q6 e-tron is the first Audi built on the Group’s PPE platform that’s set to underpin future models; India-bound in the next 10-12 months.
Published On Mar 18, 2024 11:30:00 PM
Audi says the Q6 e-tron isn’t just another new car, but the next step in the brand’s transformation into a premium electric mobility company. Indeed, the Q6 e-tron is the very first model to be built on the group’s new platform; the premium platform electric (PPE), which also underpins the Porsche Macan electric. The Q6 e-tron also comes with a new e&e architecture that gets an all-new electronic hardware and software, which is set to filter into the rest of the Audi range, including the internal combustion engine (ICE) models. So yes, the Q6 e-tron is a very important car to examine inside out.
Q6 e-tron is the first Audi on the VW Group’s PPE platform.
The VW group currently has four electric platforms: the MLB EVO platform that underpins the Q8 e-tron; the J1 Performance platform over which the e-tron GT and the Porsche Taycan are built; the MEB platform which the Q4 e-tron and the VW ID family use; and this, the new PPE that’s been designed to underpin EVs right from the midsize to the premium end. So models like this Q6 to sedans like the A6 will be built on it. The platform is also likely to expand and include electric versions of the A8 and the next generation Q8 too. A point to note, the Q6 e-tron is not related to the ICE Q6 on sale in China; that’s an entirely different model built on the MQB EVO platform and sits outside of the typical Audi hierarchy. In fact, Audi says the Q6 e-tron is a sister model to the Q5.
As for the new E3 1.2 e&e architecture, Audi says it has decoupled the hardware and software interdependence, so it should help the company adapt to fast evolving technology. Of course, it brings with it new hardware and software, including some AI tech.
Audi Q6 e-tron exterior style and design
At first look it’s very understated, much like all Audis, but a moment later you’ll soon see some rather striking design elements, and to my eyes it’s a very attractive balance. The grille is the Audi trapezoidal unit but it’s protruding a bit more and is largely sealed off; air flow being managed from the lower bumper area, which has a lot of angular and sharp edges. These elements will differ depending on the trim level.
The LED DRLs can have as many as eight different light signatures.
Unlike the Q4 and Q8 e-trons, the headlights and DRLs are now separate units, which show just how important DRLs have become. They occupy a larger area than the headlights, they sit on top and look really cool with eight different signatures that owners can select; the headlights are the familiar LED Matrix beams.
The profile is typical ICE-like with a long bonnet, and the cabin area stretches back neatly. It has a swept-back look, but even then, it’s very understated. You do see some really flashy elements like a front fender crease line and an extremely prominent, almost horizontal panel over the rear wheels, which Audi calls the Quattro blister. The doors have a contrast cladding below, with smooth but deep curves giving it a nice sensuous flair.
The character line over the rear wheel arch is what Audi calls the Quattro blister.
At the rear, there’s the now-familiar continuous light bar, but the highlight is the new second generation OLED lights, which have six OLED panels and a total of 360 segments. In what Audi says is possibly a world first, the tail-lights have a continuously animated pattern; think twinkling Diwali lights. There’s no real benefit though and if you don’t like them – I don’t – you can opt for different light signatures, some of which have a neat 3D effect.
OLED tail-lights can create warning triangles to alert cars behind of hazards ahead.
Thanks to the new E3 1.2 architecture, these lights can also actively communicate with the outside. So for instance if the Q6 detects some road work signs ahead, it will indicate this to the cars following it by showing small warning triangles in the tail-lights, this also happens when you switch on the hazard lights. Down below there’s a functioning diffuser that helps the Q6 achieve a 0.28 coefficient of drag.
Audi Q6 e-tron interiors, space and comfort
If the outsides are Audi-esque the interiors are pretty much all new. There’s now a single curved pane housing a 11.9-inch IP screen and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen. In an Audi first, it also has a passenger touchscreen. The 10.9-inch screen can also play videos which are obstructed from the driver’s view, the sound though will play over the car’s speakers. There’s an HUD with AR displays and the Audi assistant has a few more clever voice commands like asking it to lower a window half way down.
The curved infotainment and instrument cluster are an Audi first, so is the passenger touchscreen.
The new E3 1.2 architecture is based on the Android operating system, so Android Auto is included. Apple Carplay is also deeply integrated, and the system also brings in some AI bits, which Audi says will keep evolving. So for instance, if the car realises you are struggling with setting the right temperature, it would suggest things like using the cooled seats.
The steering wheel is all new and gone are the buttons, and in its place are touch surfaces. This is the same with the mirror controls; there are indents to guide your fingers around but buttons would have just been better. Also missing is the neat palm rest-integrated drive selector from the Q8 e-tron, and in its place is a simple toggle switch. HVAC controls are also sadly embedded into the touchscreen, but thankfully the familiar Audi media control dial hasn’t been deleted.
Rear seat space is pretty impressive, but some may find the backrest recline slightly upright.
Space inside is pretty impressive, boot space stands at 526 litres and there’s a 64-litre frunk too. For my 5 foot 8 inch frame, front and rear legroom is more than adequate, and headroom is very good too, with about 5 inches to spare. We’ll know more about seat comfort when we spend substantially more time with the car, but first impressions are good. However, some will find the rear backrest recline slightly upright. In terms of features, it’s got all you’d expect like a premium 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, full ADAS suite, powered tailgate and 360-deg camera.
Boot has a generous 526 litres of space.
Audi Q6 e-tron performance and drive impressions
At launch, the Q6 e-tron will be offered in two AWD (Quattro) versions; Q6 and a sportier SQ6, with a rear-wheel drive model set to follow. The SQ6 puts out 517hp, does the 0-100kph dash in 4.3 seconds and tops out at 230kph, while the Q6 has 387hp, takes 5.9 seconds to 100kph and has a top speed of 210kph. We did drive both, but very briefly and only within the Audi training centre parking lot, so I can’t tell you much, except that acceleration is quick and steady, in typical EV fashion. Through rapid lane changes you can feel some weight, but it’s stable; again, having a low centre of gravity helps. Suspension duties are carried out by the optional adaptive air suspension system. We’ll have a proper drive review by the middle of this year so stay tuned for that.
Acceleration is brisk in typical EV fashion.
One bit that did stand out was the brakes – the blending of the recuperation from the motors and the friction brakes is very good, and pedal feel is uniform and positive. Audi says they have a complex brake blending program that, for the first time, can manage axle-specific blending too. It does work, braking is well controlled and you can’t tell when the friction brakes kick in. The company also says that about 90 percent of everyday braking would be handled by regenerative braking alone.
Audi Q6 battery, charging and range
Both the Q6 and SQ6 get the same 100kWh battery, so range is the only differentiating factor. The Q6 has a claimed WLTP range of 625km, while the SQ6 has a claimed range of 598km. There’s also a smaller 83kWh battery in the pipeline, which is basically the same lithium-ion prismatic unit but with two fewer (10) modules, and it’s this version that’s likely to be brought to India. With up to 270kW at 800 volts, the 100kWh battery can go from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. On board AC charging speed is only 11kW, but an option of 22kW will be offered at a later stage.
Audi Q6 India launch and price
The Q6 e-tron launch is scheduled to take place by the middle of this year in Europe, followed by China. India launch is likely to take place by the end of the year or early next year, and it’s likely to be the two-wheel drive 83kWh battery, which would be priced around the Rs 70 lakh-80 lakh mark. With direct rivals like the iX3 and the Mercedes EQC, both not available in India, the Audi Q6 e-tron would sit between smaller electric SUVs like the Volvo XC40 and the BMW iX1, and larger SUVs like its sibling, the Q8 e-tron, the Mercedes EQE SUV and the BMW iX.
When it arrives in India, it will pretty much sit in a space of its own.
By: Mainak Das | Updated on: 18 Mar 2024, 16:41 PM
Various factors like the gradual improvement of EV charging infrastructure across India, the rising number of electric two-wheelers, and a narrowing p
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Various factors like the gradual improvement of EV charging infrastructure across India, the rising number of electric two-wheelers, and a narrowing price gap between the ICE and electric two-wheelers are fuelling the favourable situation for electric scooters and motorcycles.
Various factors like the gradual improvement of EV charging infrastructure across India, the rising number of electric two-wheelers, and a narrowing price gap between the ICE and electric two-wheelers are fuelling the favourable situation for electric scooters and motorcycles.
Electric vehicles are finding an increasing level of footprint in India over the last few years. In the last few years, electric two-wheelers have taken the baton of spearheading the EV adoption pace in the country from electric three-wheelers. Also, this shift has democratised the adoption of electric vehicle ownership in the country.
An estimate shows that an electric scooter can offer the rider a saving of about ₹16,200 every year compared to an equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) powered scooter if the daily commuting distance is 30 kilometres, per unit electricity charge is ₹10 and a litre of petrol costs ₹100. With the FAME 2 subsidy benefits are about to conclude at the end of this month, the newly launched Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 brings another opportunity for two-wheeler buyers to avail the benefit of purchasing an electric scooter or electric motorcycle with lowered acquisition cost.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched the EMPS 2024, which allocates a total amount of ₹333.39 crore for electric two-wheelers. The scheme also states that a total of 333,387 electric scooters will receive the benefit of ₹10,000 each. Under the EMPS 2024, the buyers of electric two-wheelers will receive this benefit for four months, spanning between April 1 and July 31 this year.
Watch: Ather 450S review: Worthy of its price tag?
Adding further advantage points for the consumers are factors like the rapidly improving electric vehicle charging infrastructure across India, the rising number of products, and the narrowing price gap between the ICE and electric scooters.
EV charging infrastructure
While electric cars require large charging space and bigger infrastructure, electric two-wheelers can use smaller space. This has propelled the EV charging infra developers to set up charging points at various spaces across the country. The EV manufacturers too are coming up at a large number with their relevant solutions. Besides this, electric two-wheelers can be easily charged using home charging solutions. Apart from that, the ease of taking out the battery from the vehicle and charging it somewhere is available with electric two-wheelers. In the last few years, EV charging infrastructure across India has improved significantly, which is one reason to make it an appropriate time for buying an electric scooter or motorcycle, as range anxiety is addressed at large.
Watch: Ola S1 Pro electric scooter: First impressions
Rising number of products
In the last few years, the number of electric vehicle launches, especially in the two-wheeler segment has increased drastically. While the EV startups have been leading the pack, the legacy two-wheeler manufacturers too have shifted their attention to this space. This is why, besides the EV startups like Ather Energy and Ola Electric, Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor Company, and Bajaj Auto have brought their respective offerings into the space.
Narrowing price gap between ICE and electric two-wheelers
The price gap between conventional petrol engine-powered and electric two-wheelers is narrowing gradually. The EV startups have been offering discounts on their products, while schemes such as FAME and EMPS too are reducing the acquisition costs for the buyers. Additionally, the sky-high cost of petrol and rising maintenance costs along with the rising cost of acquisition for the ICE two-wheelers are making the situation favourable for electric two-wheelers.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 17 Mar 2024, 14:20 PM
Hyundai Creta EV is expected to share a host of design elements with the ICE variant of the midsize SUV.
Hyundai Creta EV is expected to share a host of design elements with the ICE variant of the midsize SUV. (Image: Autospy)
Hyundai Creta EV has been in discussions among Indian electric vehicle enthusiasts even before the updated version of the mid-size SUV entered the market in January this year. Now, the Creta EV has been spotted in the wild in South Korea in a fresh spy shot image. A fully camouflaged test mule of the Hyundai Creta EV has been spied, giving us a clue about the possible design elements of the electric SUV.
The latest spy shot of the upcoming HyundaiCreta EV shows the SUV gets an identical LED daytime running light (DRL) spanning the entire width of the front profile. Also, it looks like the car will have similar styling elements including LED projector headlamps as the ICE variant of the Creta, which is currently on sale in India. However, being an electric car, it would feature a closed panel instead of a conventional radiator grille visible in the newly launched Creta facelift. The spyshot also reveals the electric Creta gets 17-inch aero-designed alloy wheels, which is specifically meant for the EV and comes as the most distinctive change compared to the ICE variant.
Watch: Hyundai Creta facelift review: Major step-up for the SUV king
The Hyundai Creta EV is expected to come with repositioned brand log, front-fender mounted charging port. Also, there will be a smoothened bumper with tweaked radiator grille. Expect the electric SUV to feature design tweaks at side and rear profile as well.
Speaking about features, the Hyundai Creta EV is expected to come equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system with EV-based user interface, an all-digital instrument cluster with new graphics, revamped centre console. Also, there would be a 360 degree surround camera and Level 2 ADAS suite. The front camera is visible at the centre of the nose section at front profile.
The South Korean automaker is tightlipped about the specifications of the upcoming electric car. However, expect it to come offering about 450 kilometre range on a single charge thanks to 55-60 kWh battery pack.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 16 Mar 2024, 17:40 PM
The Isuzu pre-summer service camp offers a range of benefits for customers including complementary checks, discounts on parts, labour and more.
Isuzu customers can avail preventive checks and discounts across all models as part of the pre-summer service camp
Japanese automaker Isuzu has announced its I-Care pre-summer camp bringing preventive checks and maintenance for its D-Max range of pick-ups and MU-X SUVs. The service camp offers a range of benefits for customers including complementary checks, discounts on parts, labour and more. The Isuzu pre-summer camp will be held between March 19 and March 24, 2024, across the company’s authorised dealer service outlets.
Isuzu customers can avail of a free 37-point comprehensive check-up for their vehicles, a 10 per cent discount on labour, a 7 per cent discount on parts, lubricant and fluids, and a 20 per cent discount on the retail RSA purchase. Furthermore, the automaker is offering a free top wash on all vehicles, while BS6 vehicle customers get free regen.
The Isuzu pre-summer camp will be organised at all authorised service facilities of in Ahmedabad, Baramulla, Bengaluru, Bimavaram, Bhuj, Bhubhaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Dimapur, Durgapur, Gandhidham, Gorakhpur, Gurugram, Guwahati, Hyderabad (Kukatpally & L.B.Nagar), Indore, Jaipur, Jaigaon, Jalandhar, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kolhapur, Kurnool, Leh, Lucknow, Madurai, Mandi, Mangalore, Mehsana, Mohali, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Nellore, Noida, Pune, Raipur, Rajahmundry, Rajkot, Siliguri, Surat, Tirupati, Trivandrum, Trichy, Vadodara, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
Customers can call their preferred Isuzu service centre to book a service appointment during the camp days. The automaker retails the D-MAX pick-ups – S-CAB Z, S-CAB and Regular Cab, for the commercial segment; whereas it retails the D-MAX V-Cross lifestyle pick-up and MU-X full-size SUV in the passenger vehicle segment.
Low speed limits on a 6-lane road result in dangerous braking in front of speed cameras.
I write this column as someone who has evolved into a very sedate driver over the years. Don’t get me wrong, I have my fun on bikes in the right environment, but I find much more joy in driving to a destination as efficiently as possible rather than as fast as possible. I suppose it also helps that my personal car is a twenty-year-old Maruti Zen. It’s a car whose ability to transport you to a simpler time is something I adore, and it also doesn’t feel very comfortable above 100kph.
With that foundation laid in place, it’s time to get to the point of this column. Some of our speed limits are ridiculous to the point of being downright dangerous. A prime example would be what’s happening on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. A few years ago, the speed limit was raised from 80kph to 100kph and I think that number nicely balances the capability of our modern cars along with the driving skills of the average Indian road user.
However, this speed limit only applies to the straight stretches and the problem begins when you get to the ghat section between Khopoli and Lonavala. Here, the speed limit is immediately halved to 50kph, which is simply way too slow for a road that remains a very wide and flowing six-lane expressway throughout.
How do we know that this is far too slow? Well, the authorities have now erected plenty of new overhead gantries with speed cameras, and I’ve noticed that almost nobody – not even most commercial vehicles – are going that slowly, especially downhill. People either drive past with oblivion or suddenly and dangerously brake to avoid the fine.
Things get even worse when you’re on the elevated section over Lonavala where there’s a 30kph speed limit board that is soon followed by a row of new cameras. To put it into context, how absurd is this on a six-lane ‘expressway’, an above-average athlete can run faster than that.
Having recently been stung by a Rs 2,000 fine for doing a very sedate 64kph on the expressway ghat, I tried slowing down to 30kph for this board and had to completely get off the road to do so without possibly causing a pile-up.
I really wonder how this hasn’t already been corrected. Do the authorities who set these speeds actually drive on these roads? Or have all these new speed cameras been intentionally placed right next to unrealistic speed limit boards? Either way, something has to change.
For bikes, things get worse, with painfully low speed limits on many state and national highways, and a growing number of strategically parked speed interceptor vehicles waiting to catch you out.
Speed limits are important and the steep fines associated with them do a good job of keeping reckless driving under control. But at the same time, more thought and science needs to go into the design of these limits, especially when tens of thousands of crores of taxpayer money is being put into road infrastructure development.
The very point of making great roads is to facilitate more efficient traffic movement, which will lead to a more efficient economy. Doesn’t it completely defeat the purpose if we are going to then artificially slow the traffic down again?
Skoda Epiq breaks cover as the brand’s most accessible EV
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 15 Mar 2024, 16:39 PM
The Skoda Epiq derives its name from the word epiq and is about 4.1 metres long, making it a tad shorter than the Skoda Kushaq, promising a range of 4
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The Skoda Epiq derives its name from the word epiq and is about 4.1 metres long, making it a tad shorter than the Skoda Kushaq, promising a range of 400 km on a single charge.
The Skoda Epiq concept will enter production in 2025 and will be priced around 25,000 Euros (approx ₹23 lakh) in Europe
Skoda Auto has taken the wraps off its most accessible electric offering. The new Skoda Epiq electric SUV arrives as a design study with the final version to arrive in 2025. The Epiq derives its name from the word ‘epiq’ and is about 4.1 metres long, making it a tad shorter than the Skoda Kushaq, while promising a range of 400 km on a single charge. Prices in Europe will be around 25,000 Euros (approx. ₹23 lakh) in the European market.
The Skoda Epiq shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.2. The exterior adopts the Modern Solid design language, which the company says incorporates smart functionality and practicality together. The front gets the new Tech-Deck Face, which Skoda says is a modern interpretation of the brand’s radiator grille with the gloss black surface hiding the camera and adaptive cruise control radar.
The Skoda Epiq measures about 4.1 metres in length and promises a range of 400 km on a single charge
The grille is flanked by new T-shaped LED DRLs with the headlights sporting Matrix LED technology stacked below. The bumper features massive vertical slats, which reminds us of the iconic grille on Jeep SUVs. The shoulder line offers a bold and flat design at the side that adds to the rugged feel of the Skoda Epiq. Add to that the flared wheel arches and the T-shaped LED taillights at the rear.
The cabin on the Skoda Epiq concept shows a clutter-free design with a dual-tone theme. The model gets a two-spoke steering wheel, a 5.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The dashboard features simpler lines with a gloss-black finish running across. Skoda says there will be wireless charging and plenty of open storage areas across the cabin including a boot capacity of up to 490 litres.
The Skoda Epiq concept gets a 5-inch Virtual Cockpit and a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment screen
The Epiq will be able to support bi-directional charging, allowing it to charge devices using the vehicle’s battery. The automaker has not revealed any specifications yet on the electric SUV and we expect the same to be disclosed closer to the launch next year. The Epiq is part of the brand’s EV offensive that includes six electric cars in the coming years. Skoda also has the new Elroq compact electric SUV lined up for debut later this year.
Also Watch: Skoda’s upcoming Nexon, Brezza rival: What to expect?
There’s no word on whether Skoda plans to bring the Epiq to India at any point. The automaker though is planning to introduce the Enyaq electric SUV in the country later this year as its first all-electric offering.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 14 Mar 2024, 18:43 PM
The third edition of the TVS One Make Championship will be held alongside the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship set to kick off this weekend.
The TVS Asia One Make Championship is all set to go kick off at the Changi Circuit in Thailand with Round 1 scheduled this weekend
TVS Racing is all set to kick off the 2024 TVS Asia One Make Championship (OMC) from March 15, 2024, onwards. The third edition of the TVS One Make Championship will be held alongside the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and will have promising young riders on the race-spec Apache RR 310 competing for the laurels.
Much like the previous editions, the TVS One Make Championship will have riders from different regions in Asia participating in the race. From India, riders KY Ahmed, Jagan Kumar, Chiranth Kumar, and Sarthak Chavan will be competing in the series, alongside riders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea and Germany.
Commenting on the championship, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium at TVS Motor Company said, “Celebrating our third year at the Idemitsu FIM ARRC alongside TVS Asia OMC marks a significant milestone for TVS Racing. It’s a testament to our enduring dedication to motorsport, excellence and innovation. Our continued participation underscores our commitment to pushing the limits of engineering and performance, while also providing an exciting platform for our riders to showcase their skills on the international stage. The race machines for this season of the championship get a few important technical updates for further possibilities on the race performance. The engineering behind these race machines and insights from the races go into our products and showcase our strengths and transformations. As we embark on another thrilling season, we are eagerly excited by the opportunity to continue our legacy of success and to bring the thrill of racing to fans around the world. We look forward to another exciting year of competition, camaraderie, and, most importantly, the relentless pursuit of victory, and wish our racers luck for this season.”
The race-spec 2024 TVS Apache RR 310 gets subtle improvements in the forms of new EFi and electronics systems, and an improved braking setup
Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing said, “TVS Asia OMC has been instrumental in the expansion of ARRC and since their debut in 2022, we have garnered vast support and recognition from our fanbase and motorsports community which has impacted the championship positively. This year, we are proud to mark the entries of two additional countries in the one-make series which I believe would also serve to broaden our brand proposition and incite new interests in the future. As we move forward, our goal remains the same which is to ensure our reach to a wider demography while elevating the standards of Asian motorsports.”
This edition will also see the riders using the Alpinestars airbag system equipped in their racing suit. The new safety feature will bring more confidence among the riders ensuring a safety net. The young racers will be piloting the 2024 TVS Apache RR 310 built for the track. The race-spec machine remains largely similar to the 2023 edition but gets improvements in the form of advanced electronic fuel injection (EFi) and electronics systems. The overall braking has also been refined with improved engine braking and a more consistent braking system.
The 2024 ARRC will commence with Round 1 at the Changi circuit this weekend. The season will move forward with six rounds in 2024. The TVS OMC will have a total of 15 riders on the grid, of which six are newcomers.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 13 Mar 2024, 18:29 PM
The design language remains unchanged on the 2024 BYD Atto 3 but there are cosmetic and feature changes including a new infotainment system, software
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The design language remains unchanged on the 2024 BYD Atto 3 but there are cosmetic and feature changes including a new infotainment system, software updates and a new colour option.
The 2024 BYD Atto 3 gets the new Cosmos Black colour scheme with a new design for the alloys. The wheels also wear wider rubber
Chinese electric vehicle giant, Build Your Dreams (BYD) has revealed the updated Atto 3 electric SUV for the 2024 model year. The MY2024 BYD Atto 3 arrives with subtle upgrades over the outgoing model. The design language remains unchanged on the 2024 Atto 3 but there are cosmetic and feature changes including a new infotainment system.
The 2024 BYD Atto 3 now comes with a new Cosmos Black colour option that brings a more premium look to the SUV. The model also gets a new gloss black finish on the chrome window surrounds, while the D-pillar insert is also finished in gloss black. The Build Your Dreams badge on the tailgate has been shortened to just the ‘BYD’ logo. The electric offering also gets new 18-inch alloy wheels that now get wider 235/50 R18, as opposed to 215/55 R18 tyres. The changes were made after customers in international markets reported a subpar grip from the rubber.
The cabin gets a new dark blue and black dual-tone theme and a larger 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system from the new Seal EV
The cabin layout remains the same but the big update on the 2024 Atto 3 is the new infotainment screen. The model uses a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen system from the new Seal EV, as against the 12.8-inch unit on the current model. The screen continues to get the rotating feature enabling it in landscape and portrait modes. The cabin also features a new dark blue and black colour scheme, which exudes a fresh look to the interior.
BYD has also introduced software updates including the new ‘Intelligent Start’ system that allows the driver to start the car by pressing the brake pedal. The new infotainment unit also comes with Amazon Music support, a web browser, a karaoke function and a BYD app store. Other upgrades include a thicker sunroof shade, expanded voice recognition software, quieter navigation and proximity alarm alerts, as well as a new anti-theft alarm sound. The interior ambient lighting is also linked to Spotify songs being played.
The Build Your Dreams badge on the tailgate has been replaced by the simpler BYD logo on the 2024 Atto 3
There are no mechanical changes to the Atto 3. The electric offering continues to be underpinned by the e-Platform 3.0 with a 49.9 kWh blade battery that promises 345 km on a single charge. The electric motor is good for 201 bhp and 310 Nm of peak torque. A larger 60.5 kWh battery pack also powers the SUV with a claimed range of 420 (WLTP) on a single charge in international markets, while the India-spec version offers a range of 521 km (ARAI-certified).
Also Watch: BYD Atto 3: First Drive Review
The right-hand-drive 2024 BYD Atto 3 is on sale in Japan and Singapore and will slowly be available in more markets globally. The Atto 3 is already on sale in India and the update is likely to make its way here later this year. The company though is yet to confirm any details on the same. The BYD Atto 3 is priced at ₹33.99 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
Atto 3 borrows its larger touchscreen from Seal EV; no mechanical changes.
BYD has rolled out a mid-lifecycle update for the Atto 3 electric SUV overseas, and the updates include new paint options and an updated infotainment screen with more features. However, it remains mechanically unchanged. The BYD Atto 3 is the company’s highest selling EV in several markets, including India.
Atto 3 gets larger touchscreen from the Seal EV
Exterior gets a new all-black paint option
Remains mechanically unchanged
BYD Atto 3 exterior and interior: what’s new?
There aren’t any cosmetic changes on the outside, but the Atto 3 gets a new ‘Cosmos Black’ exterior colour shade. The chrome window surround and the silver textured D-pillar trim have also been blacked-out. Furthermore, the alloy wheels have a slightly updated design and the ‘Build Your Dreams’ logo on the boot lid is now just spelt as BYD.
The more significant update is on the inside – the 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment has made way for a larger 15.6-inch unit that’s borrowed from the Seal EV. It also gets a new black-blue interior colour scheme that replaces the previous beige-blue colours. There, however, aren’t any cosmetic changes, but it does get a new ‘intelligent start’ system that allows the driver to start the car by just pressing the accelerator pedal.
BYD Atto 3 powertrain, specs and range
The Atto 3 is powered by a front-axle mounted electric motor that develops 201hp and 310Nm, allowing the Atto 3 to do the 0-100kph run in 7.3 seconds (claimed). It packs a 60.48kWh blade battery that has an ARAI-certified range of 521km. The Atto 3’s battery pack can be charged in around 10 hours using a 7kW Type 2 AC charger, while a 80kW fast charger takes around 50 minutes to go from 0-80 percent.
Given that the Atto 3 is already on sale in India, we expect the updated version to be available here pretty soon. BYD recently also launched the Seal EV as its third product in India.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Mar 2024, 20:46 PM
The teaser video shows the battery undergoing a 40-foot drop test to demonstrate the durability of the component that will power the upcoming Rizta f
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The teaser video shows the battery undergoing a 40-foot drop test to demonstrate the durability of the component that will power the upcoming Rizta family electric scooter.
The Ather Rizta will be revealed on April 6 at the Ather Community Day (Instagram/Ather Energy)
Ather Energy will reveal the new Rizta electric scooter on April 6, 2024, at the Ather Community Day. Ahead of the debut, the company is slowly revealing little details about the upcoming offering in a bid to keep buyers excited. The latest teaser video has now dropped on Ather’s social media and shows the new battery pack on the Rizta.
The teaser video shows the battery undergoing a 40-foot drop test to demonstrate the durability of the component. The video ends with the battery pack successfully withstanding the impact at the end of the test. The company says that the drop test showcases the battery pack’s ability to withstand shocks when going over bad roads. That’s all the details the company has shared so far without giving out numbers on the capacity or range. The flat design though hints at the battery going under the floorboard, similar to the Ather 450X, which would ensure maximum space under the seat.
Details remain scarce but Ather has promised the biggest seat in the segment and under-seat storage for the Rizta family e-scooter. The company currently builds battery packs in the 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh capacities respectively. The former promises a range of 111 km, while the latter offers a range of 150 km (certified) on a single charge. It needs to be seen if the Rizta will get the same battery pack or if the company opt for something larger in the interest of a higher range.
The bigger battery pack will also increase the weight of the scooter, which will be another challenge for the company. Hence, it needs to be seen how the Rizta is engineered to accommodate the needs of the family scooter buyer. Complete details on the Rizta should be available early next month. Make sure to keep watching this space for all the action.
Apart from hybrid tech, the Porsche 911 line-up will also get a major model update.
The Porsche 911 hybrid has been confirmed for a debut later this year, and this powertrain upgrade for the iconic 911 line-up is a part of a major model update that’s been two years in the making.
Four new Porsche unveils in 2024
Porsche 911 992.2-gen to get styling tweaks as well
Porsche 911 has been in production for six decades now
Porsche 992.2-gen 911 coming this year
The ‘992.2’-generation Porsche 911 receives a host of mid-life revisions, including subtly altered exterior styling, a reworked interior and updated six-cylinder petrol engines. It is one of four new Porsche models arriving in 2024 – one of the German marque’s busiest years on record for new launches – alongside the new Panamera, Taycan and electric Macan.
The changes are intended to sustain the 911’s appeal through to 2027, when an all-new ninth-generation model will join the increasingly electrified Porsche line-up.
Porsche 992.2-gen 911 powertrain
The most significant change to the 911 in its sixth decade of production is the adoption of a unique petrol-electric hybrid system. Set to appear in a new four-wheel-drive model being revealed in the summer, it combines a tuned version of Porsche’s turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a specially designed electric motor housed within the front axle. The petrol engine provides drive to the rear wheels, while the electric motor drives the front wheels. A 48V integrated starter motor in the dual-clutch automatic gearbox will provide an electric boost and power ancillary components.
The new 400V system is claimed to generate its own energy reserves using the engine as a generator – in a function similar to that of a range-extender drivetrain – as well as via brake regeneration, negating the need for external charging.
Electric energy is stored in a specially developed lightweight lithium-ion battery. With an energy capacity well below the batteries used by Ferrari and Mercedes-AMG in their plug-in performance models, it has been configured specifically for rapid energy charge and discharge properties.
Secrecy surrounds the output of the new hybrid drivetrain, though Porsche is eventually expected to offer the new petrol-electric unit in a range of different performance levels. Both Turbo-E Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid models have been mooted for introduction in line with the Cayenne and Panamera line-ups.
Before the eighth-generation 911 bows out later this decade, Porsche is also set to launch an 800hp-plus hybrid successor to the fearsome GT2 RS. A fully electric 911 is not immediately planned, and Porsche instead envisages them progressing into the future with electrified combustion engines in combination with new e-fuel derivatives to provide net-zero emissions.
Porsche 911 992.2: what else will be new?
Apart from the powertrain, the changes on the facelift include:
Enhanced cooling: To boost cooling for the front-mounted radiators and brakes, Porsche has given the new front bumper distinctive air ducts that house five vertical louvres on each side, in place of the three horizontal louvres of the existing model. It is most likely that they will incorporate some sort of active operation to better balance cooling and aerodynamic drag. There is also a larger central air duct book-ended by additional cooling channels on either side.
Revised headlamps: Instead of being housed within the top section of the bumper insert, the indicators are now integrated into the revised headlight assemblies that feature a new graphic design. As with the units used by the facelifted Cayenne, the new headlights are expected to offer HD matrix LED functionality with more than 32,000 pixels per unit and the capability of lighting up to 600 metres ahead.
Restyled rear end: The updated 911 receives new-look brake lights integrated into the top of a restyled rear bumper, and it also features inboard-mounted tailpipes within a revised diffuser.
Interior upgrades: The changes to the interior of the new 911 are more subtle. Prototypes use the existing dashboard architecture and other features, suggesting that most tweaks will involve software upgrades. Among the expected developments are new digital instrument graphics and the latest Porsche Communication Management system for infotainment functions.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 11 Mar 2024, 17:02 PM
NHAI has removed the Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from its list of FASTag issuers and published the revised list.
NHAI has removed the Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from its list of FASTag issuers and published the revised list.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has removed Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from its list of FASTag issuing banks and NBFCs after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ordered the closure of Paytm Payments Bank due to non-compliance and supervisory concerns. Now, it has published a revised list of issuers of the FASTag.
In the revised list, there are a total of 39 banks and NBFCs which are eligible to issue FASTags to vehicle owners. The banks and NBFCs in the revised list of FASTag issuers authorised by the NHAI include Airtel Payments Bank, Allahabad Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank Ltd, Bandhan Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, City Union Bank Ltd, Cosmos Bank, Dombivli Nagari Sahakari Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank, Fino Payment Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, IndusInd Bank, J&K Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, LivQuik Technology Pvt Ltd, Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd, Punjab Maharashtra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Saraswat Bank, South Indian Bank, State Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, The Jalgaon People’s Co-op Bank, Thrissur District Cooperative Bank, UCO Bank, Union Bank of India and Yes Bank.
After the removal of Paytm Payment Bank Ltd from the list of FASTag issuing banks, many vehicle owners who purchased FASTag from the PPBL now have to buy FASTag from any other issuing banks. However, they can continue using the existing Paytm FASTag until they have any balance in the account. However, no topping up of the Paytm FASTag accounts will be allowed after March 15, 2024, as NHAI and RBI have informed. Hence, the users of Paytm FASTags are advised to purchase a new FASTag from any other authorised bank.
Creta N Line gets sporty cosmetic changes along with larger 18-inch wheels.
Less than 2 months after the 2024 Hyundai Creta facelift’s prices were announced, the Korean company has brought in the sportier N Line – in N8 and N10 trims – priced between Rs 16.82 lakh-20.30 lakh, which is quite close to our estimate. This is Hyundai’s third N Line model in India, and the second major expansion of the Creta line-up after the launch of the Alcazar. Bookings for the N Linehad opened for Rs 25,000 on February 29 and Hyundai has already received over 80,000 orders.
Creta N Line N10 DCT priced Rs 30,000 higher than Creta SX(O) Turbo
Powered by 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with MT and DCT options
More than the usual N Line treatment outside; interior sees minor changes
2024 Hyundai Creta N Line prices, rivals
Hyundai Creta N Line prices (ex-showroom)
Variant
Price
Creta N Line N8 MT
Rs 16.82 lakh
Creta N Line N10 MT
Rs 18.32 lakh
Creta N Line N8 DCT
Rs 19.34 lakh
Creta N Line N10 DCT
Rs 20.30 lakh
The top-spec Creta SX(O) with the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine comes mated to only a 7-speed dual-clutch auto, and is priced at Rs 20 lakh. The equivalent N Line trim, N 10, costs Rs 30,000 more. Meanwhile, the N8 trim costs Rs 19.34 lakh. Hyundai claims that the automatic version does the 0-100kph sprint in 8.9 seconds.
However, the Creta N Line is also available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, priced between Rs 16.82 lakh-18.32 lakh. Both powertrains come with three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – and three ‘Traction’ modes – Snow, Sand and Mud. Hyundai claims the dual-clutch version delivers 18.4kpl, while the manual is rated at 18kpl.
The Creta N Line is priced lower than special range-topping versions of rivals like the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI (Rs 19.09 lakh-20.49 lakh), Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus and GT Edge (Rs 18.18 lakh-20 lakh) and the Kia Seltos X-Line (Rs 19.60 lakh-20.30 lakh).
2024 Hyundai Creta N Line exterior highlights
Cosmetically, Hyundai seems to have upped the ante with the Creta N Line compared to previous N Line models. Along with the usual sportier bits, the model sports all-new front and rear bumpers, a new front grille, pronounced side skirts, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels – the N Line has relatively lower profile 215/55 R18 tyres (compared to the Creta SX(O)’s 215/60 R17 units).
Hyundai offers three monotone exterior finishes – Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White and Titan Grey Matte (exclusive to the N Line trim) – along with three dual-tone ones – Atlas White, Shadow Grey and Thunder Blue – which get a contrasting black roof. Red accents are seen in various places, both inside and out; the Creta N Line also sports a prominent rear spoiler and twin exhaust tips.
2024 Hyundai Creta N Line interior highlights, features
The interior is all-black with red accents – the standard Creta gets a dual-tone interior theme. The N Line adds metal pedals, N-badged steering, gear knob and leatherette seat upholstery, and red ambient lighting.
The features list on the top-spec Creta N Line N10 is the same as the top-spec SX(O). Safety features such as rear disc brakes, 360-degree cameras, blind-sport monitors, a tyre pressure monitor, an electronic parking brake, Level 2 ADAS tech, six airbags and more are standard. Creature comforts include a panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment screens, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, an 8-way powered driver’s seat and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. A dual dash cam is also standard with the Creta N Line.
2024 Hyundai Creta N Line mechanical changes
The Creta N Line gets a retuned suspension setup and reworked steering dynamics for a sportier drive, along with a sportier-sounding exhaust.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 10 Mar 2024, 17:35 PM
Insurance companies in the UK are reluctant to insure Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing concerns over high repair costs, lack of technical infor
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Insurance companies in the UK are reluctant to insure Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing concerns over high repair costs, lack of technical information, and long lead times for replacement parts. Models such as the BYD Seal, GWM Ora 03, and some MG models are particularly challenging to insure.
While insurance costs for EVs in the UK are already high, Chinese EVs face additional hurdles due to parts availability issues and lack of manufacturer documentation for repairs. (Photo is representational)
Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are facing insurance challenges in the UK, with many models being either uninsurable or burdened with exorbitant premiums. Factors such as high repair costs, lack of technical information, and lengthy lead times for replacement parts are contributing to this issue. Models like the BYD Seal, GWM Ora 03, and some MG models are particularly affected, according to a report by Auto Express.
Thatcham Research, a UK-based risk intelligence company, attributes this situation to Chinese automakers’ unfamiliarity with European repair processes. The intelligence company emphasises that there is a need for better engagement between Chinese automakers and the UK insurance industry. It advises these companies to understand the market and ensure they have the right logistics in place to support their vehicles.
However, Chinese EVs are not the only ones facing insurance challenges in the UK. EV owners in general are paying nearly double the premiums compared to those with combustion vehicles. Tesla owners, in particular, are experiencing significant cost increases. Insurers are also quick to write off cars from mainstream Western manufacturers due to minor battery issues, especially those with batteries as structural elements.
The UK’s National Body Repair Association, highlights the lack of parts availability for Chinese manufacturers as a major issue. The repair association stated that repairers have had to write off models like the GWM ORA 03 due to unavailability of parts, despite these being repairable under different circumstances.
GWM ORA acknowledges the challenges faced by some owners in obtaining insurance coverage and claims to be taking steps to address the issue. However, the carmaker suggest that part of the problem may be due to unfamiliarity with the brand, leading to communication breakdowns and exaggerated parts lead times.
Another challenge lies in the differences between the Chinese and European repair markets. Labor rates in China are much lower, leading to a perception that repairs are simpler and more cost-effective than they actually are in Europe.
Ultimately, these insurance challenges could impact the competitiveness of Chinese EVs in the UK and European markets, especially in light of potential tariffs. The gap between the expectations of Chinese automakers and the UK insurance industry needs to be addressed to ensure a smoother path for Chinese EVs in these markets.
Red Bull secured their second consecutive 1-2 finish this season. Leclerc secured the final spot on the podium.
Max Verstappen took a commanding victory at the Saudi Arabian GP to secure his 100th podium finish in F1. Interestingly, this is the first time that he has won the opening two races of a season.
Sergio Perez overcame a penalty to finish second, handing Red Bull their second straight 1-2 finish this season. Charles Leclerc bounced back from a disappointing Bahrain GP to finish third at Jeddah. Ferrari’s 18-year-old reserve driver Oliver Bearman, who was subbing in for an ill Carlos Sainz, won the fan vote for Driver of the Day after scoring points on his F1 debut.
Verstappen wins, 13.643secs ahead of Perez
Leclerc third for Ferrari
Bearman P7 on F1 debut
Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 at Jeddah
Red Bull remain undefeated two rounds into the season. Verstappen led the way from pole position and delivered yet another controlled and commanding drive to take victory.
“I think overall of course a fantastic weekend for the whole team, but also from my side, I felt really good with the car,” said Verstappen. “The last stint was a bit longer than we would have liked, but with the Safety Car we had to go for it. So, the last few laps, also with those backmarkers, with the cold tyres, it was a little bit slippery. But we had good pace so we could manage it quite well. Overall, very, very pleased.”
Perez was given a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release into the path of Fernando Alonso. But he held enough of a gap to Leclerc behind him to hold on to second place.
Leclerc on podium
Leclerc struggled a bit on the medium compounds. While he couldn’t quite capitalise on Perez’s penalty, he did score an additional point for setting the fastest lap of the race.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished fourth, ahead of Fernando Alonso, who was the sole Aston Martin driver in the race after his teammate Lance Stroll clipped the wall and hit the barriers early on. Mercedes’ George Russell was chasing Alonso in the closing stages, but had to settle for sixth place.
Bearman makes strong F1 debut
It’s been a fairytale weekend for Oliver Bearman. The 18-year-old had just secured pole position in F2 when he was called up as a last-minute replacement for Sainz, who was diagnosed with appendicitis.
Despite less than an hour of practice time, Bearman managed to qualify P11. He then pulled off some spirited overtakes on Yuki Tsunoda and Nico Hulkenberg, and even resisted pressure from Norris towards the end of the race to finish seventh on his debut.
“What a great experience and opportunity to have my first race in Formula 1 with Scuderia Ferrari. It was physically demanding, especially in the end when I had Lando (Norris) and Lewis (Hamilton) behind me on Softs. I had to push flat out to maintain the gap and had to stay really focused, always checking my mirrors,” said Bearman.
“I’m confident that I maximised everything today and had great fun out there. I’ll never forget this weekend.”
Norris ended up eighth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Hulkenberg rounded out the top 10 to score Haas’ first point this season. The German was aided by his teammate Kevin Magnussen, who helped back up the field, giving Hulkenberg enough of a gap to pit and re-join the field without losing ground.
2024 F1 championship standings
Verstappen leads the standings,15 points ahead of his teammate Perez. Leclerc is third overall, eight points behind Perez.
Next up on the F1 calendar is the Australian GP on March 22-24.
The smaller Rivian R2 SUV, which will start at $45,000, has attracted more than 68,000 reservations, CEO RJ Scaringe said in a post on X.
The Rivian R2 will go on sale in the US in 2026 while order books are open for the electric SUV
Rivian’s shares closed more than 2 per cent higher on Friday as its cheaper R2 SUV racked up tens of thousands of reservations within hours of its launch, fueling optimism that the electric vehicle maker could expand in the mass-market segment. Unveiled on Thursday, the smaller R2 SUV, which will start at $45,000, has attracted more than 68,000 reservations, CEO RJ Scaringe said in a post on X.
Analysts also said that the Amazon-backed EV maker’s plan to produce the R2 at its existing U.S. factory and pause the construction of its second factory in Georgia may result in cost savings that will delay further fundraising.
Rivian gains as new launch R2 SUV attracts
The pause in its Georgia plant is expected to drive additional savings of more than $2.25 billion for Rivian compared to its prior forecast. It will also hasten R2 deliveries to the first half of 2026.
Cost savings will leave the company with enough cash on hand through R2’s start of production, “relieving considerable pressure to raise capital in the near term,” Deutsche Bank analyst Emmanuel Rosner said.
The Illinois plant, where Rivian also makes its electric delivery vans, can produce 215,000 vehicles a year after production of the R2 starts, the company said on Thursday.
“With this new product, Rivian can potentially break more into the mass market segment, which represents about half of total U.S. auto sales,” said analysts at Bank of America.
In a surprise move, the company also introduced the R3 and a more powerful R3X variant on Thursday. The R3 will be cheaper than the R2 and will be launched after it.
The reveals come when EV demand is rising at a slower pace than automakers had expected, weighing on shares of the companies this year. Rivian’s stock had nearly halved in value this year, before the launch on Thursday.
After Friday’s close, Rivian’s market value stands at $12.49 billion, around $264 million more than its close on Thursday. Since the R2 launch event, Rivian’s market value has increased by more than $1.7 billion.
Meanwhile, market leader Tesla has slashed prices to spur sales and is also pursuing a cheaper model.
“Given Tesla has shown little ambition to move into the SUV space, Rivian could be one of the few EV SUVs on the market that most investors will likely want to buy over the next 3-4 years,” Evercore ISI analyst Chris McNally said in a note.
With million-dollar cars, track days and amazing private collections, Dubai just might be one of the best holiday destinations for auto enthusiasts.
Published On Mar 09, 2024 09:30:00 AM
This private collection even had a small aeroplane (right) on display.
The Hatta Dam Reservoir is one picturesque location for kayaking.
Think about an automotive-themed holiday and you invariably think of road trips in the Swiss Alps, top speed runs on the German Autobahn, cruising around the Italian lake district or perhaps a track day at Silverstone. But there’s another destination that’s closer to home, has some of the most insane and exclusive cars in the world, and a number of attractions to keep the auto enthusiast in you entertained – Dubai.
The Flat12 cafe is the place to visit for some great cars and coffee.
Dubai in February is a great place to be. The weather is perfect, there’s loads of events and gatherings happening, and of course, there’s the automobiles. If you are a keen car spotter, there isn’t a better place in the world than Dubai. From the huge showrooms flanking Sheikh Zayed road selling ultra-exclusive, multi-million dollar supercars and hypercars, to the exotics parked carefree on the streets and in mall parkings, it is truly a sight to behold. My personal street car spotting highlights were a Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34), a Mercedes-McLaren SLR and a Bugatti Chiron, and this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Agile and punchy BMW M240i was good fun to drive on the Dubai Autodrome.
A select few Indian media personnel were invited by Dubai tourism to experience what the city has to offer, and apart from some interesting and insightful ‘touristy’ activities planned, our event itinerary involved a few auto-centric activities. The one I was most excited about, by far, was the track driving experience. I had a lot of pent-up excitement before we even got to the Dubai Autodrome; after all this would be my first ever track drive experience. And that excitement only grew tenfold once we entered the track. The car park was littered with your ‘usual’ Dubai cars – Audi R8s, Lamborghini Huracans, Rolls-Royces, Dodge Challenger Hellcats and the likes. But through the half-drawn garage doors, I could see some really special track machinery. A Ferrari 488 Challenge Cup Car, plenty of Formula 4 open wheel race cars and even some superbikes.
Dubai Autodrome track experience
Post a quick briefing session, where we were told what to and what not to do out on the track, I got to meet the car I would be driving. It was a BMW M240i coupe, which with its sweet B58 straight six motor, rear wheel-drive configuration and short wheelbase was sure to be a hoot to drive. And it was! It was dusk by the time I got to the track but that didn’t stop me from enjoying myself. The focus was not on flat-out lap times but on proper track driving techniques and following the racing line. And to keep me in check, I was accompanied by Charles who was one of the instructors at the Dubai Autodrome; it was a good thing considering a near million dollar Ferrari Cup car was also on the track at the same time.
You can literally arrive and drive at the track.
And it wasn’t like this was open to just racing license holders or media people, anyone with a valid driving license can literally arrive and drive at the Dubai Autodrome. The choice of track weapons are also plentiful – the M240i, the M4 Competition, the Ferrari Challenge Cup cars and even an older Jaguar Formula 1 car!
Dubai car culture
It’s not just the cars or the track driving experience that you’ve got to look forward to. There’s a bustling and growing car culture as well, with regular cars and coffee meets taking place, and one of the best places to experience this is the Flat 12 cafe. We visited this cafe that’s situated in a huge warehouse by Port Rashid, on a relatively off day. Still, there was some serious eye candy in store, from a mint condition Audi Quattro, to a Lancia Delta Integrale, two Jaguar E-Types (one was a restomod), a BMW M3 (E46), a Honda Integra Type R and a Porsche 911 (991.2), all on display inside the cafe. The delicious food and coffee was an added bonus. We also dropped by a special, private collection of some eclectic classic and vintage cars in the heart of Dubai, which also had a small aeroplane parked inside!
Seeing the Dubai skyline from behind the wheel of a car, in the sea, was an unusual experience.
The Marina is another place where Dubai really flexes its muscles, with huge shiny yachts parked in the harbour on one side and tall shiny skyscrapers on the other. This is also where I got to drive the Jet Car, which was essentially a jet ski with a car’s body. It was an unnerving experience, thanks to the choppy waters, but exciting and unique nonetheless.
Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire’s food was as delicious to eat as it was to look at.
While in Dubai, I also got to experience some amazing food from around the world, with the highlight being 11 Woodfire, a Michelin star restaurant. Then there was the exhilarating Edge Walk, which is a 55-storey high platform that provides stunning, uninterrupted views of the entire city and the mammoth Burj Khalifa right in front. We also drove down to the town of Hatta, which is near the Oman border and experienced kayaking in the picturesque Hatta Dam reservoir. We also had an informative tour on honeybees and how they make the precious honey, which was concluded by a very sweet tasting session.
There was also an insightful tour on the life of honeybees.
Mind you, these are just the experiences we had but Dubai has so much more to offer. From exotic car rentals, to dune bashing in the desert in Toyota Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols, auto enthusiasts and tourists are well catered to in this city. This jewel in the middle of the desert should be on your bucket list of places to visit.
US–based auto giant Ford Motor is expected to return to India soon with models like new Endeavour SUV and Mustang Mach-E.
Ford Everest, earlier sold as Endeavour SUV, is one of the most awaited cars from the US-based auto giants expected for a comeback in new avatar soon.
Ford Motor could soon to return to India as the US-based carmaker recently filed a few design patents for the domestic market and two of its global models spotted on Indian roads recently. Ford Motor has not officially made any statement on the future of Ford India yet. However, the carmaker is expected to make a comeback after two years after stopping production in 2022. From Figo to Ecosport, Ford has offered several popular models in India before it left the market. While these models may not return to India, here is a look at five global cars which one would like to see on Indian roads when Ford returns.
The Endeavour SUV, rival to Toyota Fortuner, is one of the most awaited models in India. The rival to Toyota Fortuner, Endeavour has been one of the best-selling models in the large SUV space before Ford stopped making cars in India. Recently, Ford Everest was seen on Indian roads, triggering speculation of the SUV’s return. Everest is basically the new generation avatar of the Endeavour SUV sold globally.
The Everest SUV spotted in India comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel or a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine. The turbo engine can churn out 168 bhp of power while the bi-turbo can generate 208 bhp of power. The torque output peaks at 405 Nm and 500 Nm. The turbo diesel engine uses a 6-speed automatic transmission whereas the Bi-turbo gets a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both gearboxes get SelectShift and Ford offers 4×2 as well as 4×4 drivetrains.
Ford Ranger
The Ranger pickup truck is another model that was spotted on Indian roads along with the Everest SUV. The Ranger, which could rival the likes of Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max sold in India, is one of the smallest pickup trucks Ford offers in global markets.
Ford offers the Ranger pickup globally with three engine options. There is a 2.3-litre EcoBoost, 2.7-litre EcoBoost and a 3.0-litre EcoBoost. The 2.3-litre unit puts out 266 bhp of max power and 420 Nm of peak torque. Then there is the 3.0-litre unit that is rated for 399 bhp and 583 Nm. As of now, the 2.7-litre engine has not gone on sale. Ford says that they are targeting power and torque figures of 310 bhp and 542 Nm.
Ford Bronco
IF Ford was to have an SUV that can rival the likes of Mahindra Thar or Maruti Suzuki Jimny, it would probably be the Bronco. Ford launched the Bronco SUV in 2021 with both two-door and four-door 4X4 versions for the first time. Ford Bronco SUVs are offered in two powertrain options. There is a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine which can produce 310 horsepower and 542 Nm of torque. It also comes equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine which can churn out 270 hp of power and peak torque of 420 Nm.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford used to sell the Mustang sports car in India before it wrapped up business three years ago. However, the Mustang can return to India in its new electric avatar when Ford makes a comeback. Ford Mustang Mach-E, which was recently trademarked in India, comes with up to 502 km of driving range. Ford offers the EV equipped with two battery choices – a 72 kWh unit and a 91 kWh unit.
Ford F-150 Lightning
As EV adoption in India grows and customers look forward to newer models, Ford may find an opportunity in the electric pickup segment with the F-150 Lightning. Launched for the first time in 2022, the F-150 Lightning is one of the most popular electric pickup trucks in the US.
The Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck comes with a range of 482 km on a single charge. Equipped with dual electric motors, one on each axle, the electric pickup can achieve 563 horsepower and a staggering 1,050 Nm of peak torque. F-150 Lightning can go from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just four seconds. Ford claims that with a super fast DC charger, the F-150 Lightning can replenish around 87 kms of charge in just 10 minutes, charging the battery from 15 to 80% in just 41 minutes. The towing capacity of the F-150 Lightning, an important characteristic in pickup trucks, is 4.53 tonnes.
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