Auto Recap, Sep 21: Full price list of MG Windsor, Lexus LM 350h bookings halted

Auto Recap, Sep 21: Full price list of MG Windsor, Lexus LM 350h bookings halted

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By: HT Auto Desk
, updated on: 22 September 2024, 08:29 am

  • View the latest and major updates from the Indian and global automotive industry.
View the latest and major updates from the Indian and global automotive industry.

HT Auto provides instant updates on important happenings in the automotive sector in India and around the world. In view of the many recent changes in the automotive industry, below is a brief account of the major developments that took place on Saturday, September 21.

MG Windsor EV full price revealed

JSW MG Motor India has announced the full price list of the new Windsor EV and its range starts from from Rs 13.50 lakh to Rs 13.50 lakh ₹ 15.50 lakh (ex-showroom) The ex-showroom prices include the cost of the battery, which is why the base Excite variant is priced at ₹ 15.50 lakh. 13.50 lakh, ₹ 3.5 lakh more with fixed battery compared to battery rental option, which is available at retail price 10 lakh for the same edition and Rs. Fare cost is ₹3.5 per km.

Also Read: MG Windsor EV Full Price Revealed, Starting Price 13.50 lakh with fixed battery

Ultraviolent F99 Electric Factory Racing Platform Revealed in India

Ultraviolet Automotive has showcased the F99 factory racing platform in India, almost a year after it was globally unveiled at EICMA 2023 in November last year. Ultraviolet Automotive has followed the theme of 'Design in India, Design for the World' for the development of its factory racing platform, which serves as a test-bed for its upcoming offerings. The F99 has been conceived, designed and engineered from the ground up in Bengaluru and the electric bike maker is calling it 'India's first superbike'.

Also Read: Ultraviolette F99 Electric Factory Racing Platform Showcased In India, 0-100 In 3 Seconds

Bookings for the Lexus LM 350h have been temporarily halted. MPV worth 2 crores sold

(Also read: Lexus LM 350h bookings have been temporarily halted. MPV worth Rs 2 crore sold)

Lexus India has announced that it is temporarily halting bookings of the LM 350h luxury MPV in the country. The automaker revealed that it has seen tremendous demand for the new Lexus LM 350h and has had to halt bookings to fulfil existing orders amid ongoing supply challenges. Bookings have been halted from September 21, 2024 and the company said it is trying its best to resume bookings as soon as possible.

Find out about upcoming cars in India, electric vehicles, upcoming bikes in India and cutting-edge technology that is changing the automotive landscape.

First Publication Date: September 22, 2024, 08:29 AM IST

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Will a Tesla owner buy a Tesla again? Here’s what survey finds

Will a Tesla owner buy a Tesla again? Here’s what survey finds

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 12 Apr 2024, 07:00 AM

  • Tesla enjoys a massive following the world over and many of its offerings find a place in the list of top most-selling EVs in the world.
File photo of Tesla Model S electric vehicles. (REUTERS)

Even though the growth in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) is slowing down the world over, Tesla can perhaps rely on a majority of its existing buyers to once again buy a car from the brand. At least this is what 87 per cent of current Tesla owners in the US said in a survey conducted by Bloomberg Intelligence.

Tesla enjoys a massive cult following in markets where it has a presence. And while early adopters and affluent buyers are now making way for more gradual – and cautious – EV buyers, many of those who drive a Tesla appear happy with their ride. A brand loyalty of 87 per cent is impressive considering that Lexus finds itself second in the survey results with 68 per cent existing owners saying they would return to the Japanese brand. Toyota is third at 54 per cent.

The survey also found that 81 per cent of potential Tesla owners are those making their way in from a rival EV brand. The survey had 1,000 adult respondents who confirmed they had plans of either buying or leasing a new car within a year. The report observed that 42 per cent of those surveyed were willing to buy a fully-electric vehicle while 23 per cent were willing to purchase a hybrid. “Tesla, GM, and Stellantis’ slew of affordable EV models, set for debut by 2026, may tap more mass-market buyers,” said Steve Man, global lead director for auto & industrial market research at Bloomberg Intelligence and the lead author of the report. “Despite this, the market still has a long way to go to mature, with charging network inadequacy, range anxiety, and extended charging wait times topping the list of concerns for all car buyers.”

Tesla EVs like Model 3 and Model S are extremely popular in markets such as the US and China, and repeatedly find a place in the list of most-sold EVs in the world, as well as most-sold vehicles overall.

First Published Date: 12 Apr 2024, 07:00 AM IST


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Lexus LM 350h luxury MPV launched in India, prices start at ₹2 crore

Lexus LM 350h luxury MPV launched in India, prices start at ₹2 crore

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Lexus LM 350h luxury MPV launched in India

It’s noteworthy to mention that the Lexus LM 350h shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Vellfire that retails at ₹1.2 crore (ex-showroom). Both models are based on the GA-K modular platform but the Lexus looks a lot more exotic with its futuristic styling. The massive spindle grille takes centre stage, flanked by sharply styled LED headlamps and vertically stacked fog lamps. The rear sports a full-width LED taillight with a boxy design aimed to maximise cabin space.

Also Read : New-gen Lexus LM bookings cross triple digits ahead of launch

The Lexus LM 350h gets a 48-inch TV, 23 speakers, sensor-based climate control and an adaptive suspension

Speaking about the launch, Tanmay Bhattacharya, Executive Vice-President – Lexus India, said, “The debut of the all-new Lexus LM in India marks a pivotal moment for us, as we embark on a journey into the realm of ultra-luxury mobility. Upon announcing the commencement of its bookings last year, the new Lexus LM had become an instant hit in the country reiterating our belief that India is home to ultra HNIs who yearn for heightened indulgence & experiences. The majestic LM, with its exceptional comfort, innovative design, and unparalleled craftsmanship is poised to redefine the ultra-luxury mobility experience, meeting the expectations of our esteemed guests in India. We thank our guests for their patience as well as their faith in the brand and are confident that we will be able to begin deliveries of the majestic new LM by mid of this year.”

The LM name stands for ‘Luxury Mover’ and the four-seater configuration ensures the best is packed in the cabin. This includes a partition between the front and rear passengers. It also gets aircraft-style recliner seats, a 23-speaker surround sound system, pillow-style headrests, a refrigerator and a 48-inch television. Other features include fold-out tables, heated armrests, USB ports, wireless phone chargers, reading lights, vanity mirrors, and an umbrella holder.

Lexus LM 350h
The Lexus LM 350h is based on the GA-K modular platform shared with the Toyota Vellfire but gets futuristic styling, setting it apart

ower on the Lexus LM 350h comes from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine that develops 246 bhp and 239 Nm of peak torque, paired with an eCVT automatic transmission. The engine works with a nickel-metal hydride battery for higher efficiency. Power goes to all four wheels via the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

The Lexus LM also gets an adaptive suspension for a pliant ride, while there’s a new sensor-based climate control that will adjust the temperature according to the passenger’s body. Furthermore, the MPV gets noise-reduction tyres, active noise control, and a digital rearview mirror. On the safety front, the LM 350h gets the Lexus Safety System+ 3 ADAS suite bringing a host of active and passive safety features.

Lexus LM 350h
The Lexus LM 350h competes against a host of luxury SUVs at its price point

The Lexus LM 350h sits right on top of the MPV segment in India with its jaw-dropping price tag. The model does not have a direct rival at the moment, but it does compete with top-of-the-line luxury SUVs including the Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, Bentley Bentayga, and the like.

First Published Date: 15 Mar 2024, 18:36 PM IST


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Lexus LM 350h luxury MPV launched in India

New Lexus LS gets parallel parking, improved safety and more

New Lexus LS gets parallel parking, improved safety and more

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Lexus LS has been soldering on its fifth-generation model at a time when several of its competitors including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 have been adopting new-generation iterations to stay relevant. To stay in the fight, the Japanese luxury car manufacturer owned by Toyota has updated the Lexus LS sedan with a host of new features and technologies for the Japanese market. It is not clear yet, but Lexus may bring the updated LS to India as well.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 05 Oct 2023, 17:08 PM

The new Lexus LS sedan gets a 12.3-inch driver’s display.

While the exterior design of this car remains unchanged, Lexus has updated the LS flagship sedan with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that comes with new graphics. Additionally, the drive recorder of the luxury sedan now comes as a standard feature and captures footage at the front and rear using the integrated cameras. Also, the LS now comes compatible with an app that turns the user’s smartphone into a digital key allowing him or her to lock or unlock the doors or even start the car. Apart from that, the Lexus LS 500h now gets an external power supply attachment that could come in handy in case of emergencies.

Watch: Lexus LS 500H: Complete drive review

While these changes make the LS sedan technologically upgraded and feature-packed, on the mechanical front, the car has gained rear-wheel steering for the AWD variant. Earlier, the four-wheel steering was available only for the rear-wheel drive models. Lexus has also said that it will install a radiator support brace on select versions to ensure body rigidity and improve steering response.

The car manufacturer claims that the updated Lexus LS will come offering better comfort to the occupants thanks to the tweaked suspension at both axles. The rubber part that supports the exhaust pipe of the car now sits at a different angle to ensure reduced vibrations.

Among other updates, the car gets an upgraded advanced drive system with support for traffic congestion at speeds of up to 40 kmph. On the safety front, the sedan gets Lexus Safety System Plus, which prevents the driver from getting dangerously close to pedestrians, bicycles, or parked vehicles. To avoid any mishap, this technology automatically steers the car and applies brakes. Another highly interesting feature introduced to the car is parallel parking, which allows the owner of the LS 500h to park the car remotely using a dedicated app.

First Published Date: 05 Oct 2023, 17:08 PM IST



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Lexus looks to Tesla for learning about electric car manufacturing

Lexus looks to Tesla for learning about electric car manufacturing

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Lexus is benchmarking Tesla for developing its own next-generation electric cars, reported Automotive News. Lexus International President Takashi Watanabe has reportedly said that the Japanese luxury car brand owned by Toyota humbly looks at and learns from Tesla for its own electric cars, as the auto company aims to transform itself as a major EV player later in this decade.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 22 Sep 2023, 13:45 PM

Lexus plans to make its future electric cars using an altered production technique.

Lexus aims to launch a massive EV offensive with multiple electric cars scheduled to go on sale in 2026. However, the task is not easy considering the fact that there are already several players in both the mass-market segment and the luxury segment as well. Watanabe reportedly finds it a difficult mission to steer the brand through a massive EV overhaul.

Also Read : Lexus open to idea of developing an all-electric pick-up truck in future

Lexus is slated to preview its next-generation electric car that will launch in 2026 through a concept debuting at the Japan Mobility Show next month, claimed the report. The next-generation EV will be built on a modular architecture as the automaker has said. It will come with significantly altered production methods and a completely re-imagined software platform as well. “We have also prioritized vehicle design to embody the essence of Lexus,” he reportedly said while also adding that the auto company plans to make it easier to build and simply as much as possible. “One of our first steps will be modifying and rethinking our production methods,” he said.

With the altered production method, Lexus aims to drive down production costs by commoditizing the hardware as much as possible. With this strategy, it is reportedly aiming to compete with global EV leader Tesla and BYD. However, despite Tesla being its possible competitor, Watanabe didn’t shy away from admitting that Lexus has a lot to learn from the US electric car major.

Interestingly, Toyota at one point remained a key partner of Tesla. It would interesting to see if Lexus implements that learning into its own EV projects. The report claims the production technique is being developed by Toyota, from which Lexus will benefit. The production method will include giga-casting hat will greatly reduce the number of components. Also, the cars will reportedly drive themselves through assembly lines.

First Published Date: 22 Sep 2023, 13:45 PM IST



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