Toyota Kirloskar Motor Opens Bookings for the All-New Toyota Urban Cruiser Beginning August 22, 2020

 Highlights

* New compact SUV from Toyota to feature new powerful K-Series 1.5 litre four-cylinder Petrol Engine

* Available in both Manual & Automatic Transmission

* All Automatic Transmission  variants will be equipped with Advanced Li-ion Battery with ISG for enhanced fuel efficiency

* Distinct & dynamic bold grille, lending the compact SUV a very confident & energetic presence on the road

* Bold trapezoidal fog lamp design for a wide stance

* Spacious and alluring Dual-Tone dark brown premium interiors

* Dual Chamber LED Projector Headlamps with dual function LED DRL-cum-indicators and Electrochromic IRVM for a safer drive

* Rain Sensing Wipers and Cruise Control to add to amazing customer comfort and convenience

* Assurance of a delightful ownership experience through Toyota’s legendary sales and service propositions

* Booking amount announced at Rs. 11,000/-

* Aiding customer convenience, bookings can be placed both online (@ www.toyotabharat.com) as well as at the nearest Toyota dealership 

To aid customers plan their festive season car purchase, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced ‘bookings open’ for its much-awaited compact SUV, the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser, beginning 22nd August 2020. The Urban Cruiser which is the youngest urban SUV from Toyota in India, is built for today’s young achievers who have earned respect for their achievements & bold choices in life & who aspire to own a Toyota SUV at a young age.

The latest offering from Toyota is equipped with a new & powerful, yet fuel efficient ‘K-Series 1.5 litre four-cylinder Petrol Engine’, to deliver superior driving experience. The Urban Cruiser will be available in both Manual & Automatic Transmissions (AT) and all AT variants will be equipped with an advanced Li-Ion battery with an ISG- Integrated Starter Generator (Torque assist, regenerative braking & idle start stop).  

The exteriors of the car will deliver a very confident & energetic on-road presence with a Two Slat Wedge Cut Dynamic Grille with Chrome & a Trapezoidal Bold Fog Area. It will be further accompanied with Dual Chamber LED Projector Headlamps, with dual function LED DRL-cum–indicators and LED fog lamps. Customers will also have the option of 16-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels and an exciting choice of vibrant colours in dual-tone, including a unique brown colour.

In order to further enhance customer delight, the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser is bundled with the renowned Toyota experience through superior warranty of 3year/100K Kms & extended benefits like express service of EM60, warranty extension and other convenience services like WhatsApp communication.

Sharing his thoughts on the opening of bookings, Mr. Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Sales and Services, TKM, said, “We are very excited about our latest offering- the Urban Cruiser, as it has already started receiving a lot of attention & enquiries from interested customers. We understand that our customers would like to know more about the new vehicle from Toyota, so that they can make an informed decision about the vehicle of their choice, this festive season. Hence, we wanted to further aid our customers with more information about the car before opening our bookings.

Today, we have revealed few of the features which are bound to appeal the aspirations and expectations that the young & millennial aspire from a compact SUV in India. The Toyota Urban Cruiser will offer everything that the young customers look for and also extend to them the joy of owning a Toyota brand with a host of value added services with superior sales & service experience. We are confident that the Toyota Urban Cruiser will create a niche for itself with an ‘Urban Standout Appeal’ for those who love to ‘Travel in Style’. We are eagerly awaiting to welcome a new set of customers who dream to own a Toyota SUV early in life and experience our sales and after-sales services of global standards,” he concluded.

Customers can also look forward to alluring Dual-Tone Dark Brown premium interiors, ergonomically laid out wide and spacious cabin, Smart Entry with Engine Push Start/Stop Button and Auto AC. The Toyota Urban Cruiser will be loaded with high-end features such as Smart Playcast touchscreen audio with Android Auto/Apple Carplay and Smartphone-based Navigation, Rain Sensing Wipers, Cruise Control and Electrochromic Inside Rear View Mirror (IRVM), all combining to provide an exhilarating ride and great comfort.

Bookings for the Toyota Urban Cruiser are open from 22nd August, 2020 at a nominal amount of Rs. 11,000. Customers can make their bookings online on www.toyotabharat.com or also visit their nearest Toyota dealership. 

Renault Duster Becomes Powerful SUV in the Segment with Launch of All-New "1.3L Turbo Petrol Engine"

 Highlights 

* The all-new BSVI compliant 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine delivers maximum power and torque of 156PS @ 5500 rpm and 254 Nm @1600 rpm respectively, which is best-in-segment 

* Comes with 6-speed Manual Transmission and X-Tronic CVT gearshift with a 7 speed Manual mode 

* The 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine is available in 3 trims in MT - RXE, RXS and RXZ and 2 trims in CVT - RXS and RXZ  

* Renault will also offer the option of the existing 1.5L Petrol engine; DUSTER range starts at an attractive price of INR 8.59 lakhs 

* Builds on the DUSTER legacy of being a Bold, Versatile, Reliable offering and a ‘True SUV’ with all-round capability 

Renault India announced the launch of the 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine that will power one of the most successful SUVs in India, Renault DUSTER. With this, DUSTER becomes the most powerful SUV in its segment in India. The all new DUSTER with the 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine will be available in three variants with a 6-speed manual option at a starting price of INR 10.49 lakhs, while the X-Tronic CVT will be available in two variants with a starting price of INR 12.99 lakhs. Renault will also offer the option of the existing 1.5L Petrol engine and the Renault DUSTER range starts at INR 8.59 lakhs.  

The 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine is an advanced, high-power, turbo charged, BSVI compliant engine that offers best-in-class power and torque of 156PS @ 5500 rpm and 254 Nm @1600 rpm respectively. The modern engine comes with advanced technologies like Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) which provides high performance and efficiency, Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) for higher torque at lower rpm and reduced emissions. Together with enabling maximum power in the segment, DUSTER offers superior fuel efficiency of 16.5 kmpl in manual transmission and 16.42 kmpl in the CVT version.  

“The launch of Renault DUSTER equipped with the 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine marks a new chapter in the DUSTER journey in India. This is a world-class engine and powers our successful global SUVs and Crossovers like Kadjar and Arkana. DUSTER has achieved an iconic status in one of the most dynamic automotive markets. Over the years, adventure enthusiasts and numerous Indian families have established a strong bond with this True SUV. The bold and more powerful DUSTER will surely inspire more people to join the growing family of adventure seekers and explore new terrains and horizons, as well as enjoy the effortless driving experience,” said Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India Operations.  

DUSTER plays a pivotal role in Renault India’s product portfolio and has seen regular enhancements and progressions, catering to evolving customer needs. DUSTER won the ICOTY award in its year of launch, along with numerous other industry recognitions. DUSTER’s aggressive exteriors, elegant interiors and advanced equipment have proven its deftness at handling any challenge on Indian roads. There are also numerous DUSTER fan clubs across the country. The epic ‘Gang of DUSTERS’, which is an exclusive community of DUSTER owners with more than 1 lakh registered members, traverse across breath-taking landscapes in the Renault DUSTER and share unforgettable experiences together. To further ensure a continued customer association, Renault has announced a loyalty benefit scheme including an AMC package exclusively for existing Duster owners upgrading to the new 1.3L Duster. 

ALL NEW 1.3L TURBO PETROL ENGINE: THE MOST POWERFUL ENGINE IN THE SEGMENT  

The all-new 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine is a globally proven engine which comes with high levels of performance and efficiency enabled by its advanced technology. The Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system mated with a Turbocharger, helps to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, while enhancing engine performance with low end torque. Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is another function that enhances performance with higher low-end torque and positively impacts the fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions. 

The turbo petrol engine will be offered with options of either a 6-speed Manual Transmission, or a X-Tronic CVT gearshift with a 7 speed Manual mode.  

The Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission that offers a real time, accurate and continuous control of gear ratio in acceleration and deceleration. It aids pick up, smoothens change in gear ratio and helps in ensuring low cabin noise while cruising. Apart from the CVT option, customers can also select the 6- Speed Manual Transmission, which will appeal particularly to drive enthusiasts who prefer to enjoy a more immersive driving experience. The 6-Speed manual gearbox comes with high level of shift quality and good level of efficiency. The new powertrains are not only suited for city drive, but capable of safe and confident drives on highways and hilly roads with the help of the Electronic Stability Program and Hill start Assist features. 

RENAULT DUSTER: ICONIC AND BOLD 

Together with its global styling cues, the designing of the Renault DUSTER accounts for Indian conditions and consumers’ preferences. The iconic Renault DUSTER looks bolder with the Crimson Red Accents on the Front Grille, Tail Gate, Roof Rails & Fog lamp cover which complements the Turbo petrol engine inside. The bold look is further accentuated with the tri-winged full chrome grille, dual tone body colour front bumper which features muscular skid plates, signature projector headlamps with LED DRLs that sync perfectly with the dominating and broad hood.  The all new R17 Forza Diamond Cut alloy wheels enhance the commanding look of the iconic DUSTER.  

DUSTER offers a high ground clearance of 205 mm, along with high approach and departure angles to accommodate Indian road conditions and consumer preferences. The Kayak roof rails, body coloured ORVM, matt­e black tailgate embellisher, and Waterfall LED tail lamps further accentuate its dynamic stance.  

RENAULT DUSTER: SOPHISTICATION AND COMFORT ON THE INSIDE  

The unmatched driving experience of the DUSTER is enhanced by the sophisticated and comfortable interiors. The new Duster now comes with remote Pre-Cooling function which allows the customers to switch on the engine and start the air conditioning even before entering the car with the key fob. The Midnight black interiors give the cabin of the DUSTER a refreshed new look and feel. The premium blue glazed seats lend a classy touch while the contemporary styled Renault steering wheel with soft touch butt­ons along with comfort features like Cruise Control with speed limiter help make any adventure effortless. The dual tone centre fascia with soft touch dashboard and door trims further accentuate the stylish interiors. Additionally, the aesthetics are enhanced by the ice blue graphic instrument cluster with multi-information display, which always keeps the driver updated on critical driving parameters. 

The Renault DUSTER’s interiors merge imagination with practicality. The interiors deliver an engaging experience with the fully integrated 17.64 cm touchscreen MediaNAV Evolution that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition and EcoGuide – a system that monitors driving patterns and provides guidelines to improve efficiency. The DUSTER offers ARKAMYS tuned audio experience with 4 speakers and 2 front tweeters for enhanced sound output. The Renault DUSTER comes equipped with a fully automatic climate control which adjusts the air flow inside the cabin and ensures the most comfortable temperature. To further enhance the fuel efficiency and lower emissions and cost of ownership, Renault DUSTER comes with the Smart Start/Stop function which automatically switches off the engine when the car is stopped and re-starts on driver demand detection.  

RENAULT DUSTER: ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES 

The Renault DUSTER is compliant with front, side & pedestrian crash norms, stipulated by the Indian authorities. It is equipped with a host of active and passive safety features like Antilock-Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), driver and passenger airbags, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminder & speed alert. All these safety features are standard across all versions of the Renault DUSTER. Features such as Reverse Parking Camera, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill-Start Assist enhance the SUV capability of Duster. 

Renault DUSTER offers a range of 38 different categories of innovative accessories which enhances its SUV appeal and make the drive more comfortable and convenient for the passengers. 

Hero Motocorp Sets the Stage for Return of Caribbean Premier League T20 From Augut 18

 * Hero MotoCorp – Title Sponsor of Caribbean Premier League since 2015

* First mainstream Twenty20 cricket league to commence since Covid-19 lockdown

* Scheduled from Aug 18-Sep 10 in Trinidad and Tobago; To be broadcasted on Star Sports and Live Streamed on FanCode

The wait is over! Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer is set to bring the exciting cricketing action back with Hero Caribbean Premier League (Hero CPL), popularly known as the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’, starting from 18 August to 10 September 2020.

Marking the return of the electrifying Twenty20 format of the game in the ‘New Normal’, the tournament will be conducted in a bio-secure environment to meet the safety and social distancing protocols. In a first for a cricket premier league, the matches would be played in stadiums without any spectators, with the objective to maintain social distancing.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO of Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero MotoCorp has always believed in supporting and promoting sporting action across the world and we are glad to be leading the efforts towards the resumption of top sporting event in the Caribbean. The Hero CPL T20 marks the gradual return of live action sports after a gap of nearly four months. The Hero Caribbean Premier League is an exciting opportunity to highlight the cricketing Heroes from around the world.”

The Hero CPL will bring the best T20 cricketers in action from the Caribbean and from around the world. This includes the likes of Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Ross Taylor and Dwayne Bravo.

The Hero CPL T20 will witness participation from six popular teams –Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Jamaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Zouks.

The tournament will see 33 games played at two venues in Trinidad and Tobago.  Hero CPL 2019 runners-up – Guyana Amazon Warriors will take on Trinbago Knight Riders in the opening match, while the second game will be contested between Barbados Tridents and St Kitts and Nevis.

Hero CPL T20 will be broadcasted on Star Sports 1 and 1HD, Star Sports 2 and 2HD, Star Sports Hindi 1 and Hindi 1HD and will also be live streamed on FanCode. Matches will be held at 7.30 PM and 3.00 AM (following day) on weekday and 7.30 PM and 11.45 PM on weekends (IST) respectively.

First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.

Tata Motors Media Clarification on Jaguar Land Rover Stake Sale

Unconfirmed and unsubstantiated reports have been published by some media alleging that Tata Motors may sell stake in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). 

Tata Motors categorically denies and dismisses any such intent. Jaguar Land Rover is and remains a key pillar of Tata Motors and the wider Tata Group. 

We recently announced our results for Q1 and have indicated that we are maintaining solid liquidity despite the Covid-19 pandemic and expect to be cash positive from Q2 onwards.

Jaguar Land Rover business remains strong as it transitions to new electrified, autonomous and connected technologies to support its Destination Zero ambition.

Mahindra Unveils All-New Thar: The 4x4 Icon is Now a Contemporary, World-Class SUV

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a part of the $19.4 billion Mahindra Group, today unveiled the All-New Thar, the most eagerly awaited and legendary SUV, on the occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day. In its all-new avatar, the Thar is a quantum leap in terms of performance, everyday comfort & convenience, technology and safety, as it stays true to its core promise of unmatched off-roading capability and builds on its iconic design.

Unveiling the All-New Thar, Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD & CEO, M&M Ltd said, “Today, with the unveil of the All-New Thar, we rewrite history once again. The All-New Thar is firmly rooted in our rich automotive heritage and upholds the Mahindra DNA in its purest form. We are proud of our authentic SUV legacy that has been guarding the freedom of this nation by serving the armed forces since the 1950s, while simultaneously becoming the spirit of adventure and a lifestyle icon. The All-New Thar is a dynamic expression of fun, freedom and independence, and is geared up for its next adventure”.

The All-New Thar will not only attract die-hard Thar enthusiasts, but also appeal to all those people who have always dreamt of owning an iconic vehicle, with all the bells and whistles of a contemporary SUV. 

The All-New Thar has the following exciting features:

·         All-new BS-6 compliant Engine options: The 2.0 litre mStallion TGDi Petrol engine and the 2.2 litre mHawk Diesel engine

·         New Gearbox options: 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission & 6-speed manual transmission mated to an authentic manual shift-on-the-fly 4x4 transfer case

·         All-new Roof options: A Hard Top, a first-in-class Convertible Top and an optional Soft Top

·         All-new Seating options: 4 front-facing seats & 2+4 side-facing seats

·         All-new Technology Features: Drizzle resistant 17.8 cm touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, adventure statistics display and a whole lot more

·         All-new Comfort and Convenience Features: Sporty front seats, roof-mounted speakers and lots more

·         New Safety Features: ABS + EBD, Dual airbags, ESP with rollover mitigation, Hill-hold and hill descent control and a whole lot more

According to Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto & Farm Sectors, M&M Ltd., “The All-New Thar will enhance the appeal of a brand that is already a cult, to a wider set of consumers. It will target people who seek extraordinary journeys and wish to Explore the Impossible. The All-new Thar will be launched on 2nd October, 2020 which is also our Founders Day”

Veejay Nakra, CEO, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, “The Thar has represented the spirit of freedom, thrill and fun-to-drive character that few other vehicles can match. With the All-New Thar, we aim to protect this legacy with superior performance both on and off the tarmac, advanced technology features, excellent safety and everyday ride comfort, all adding to the unadulterated driving pleasure of a true-blue modern SUV.”

Ever since India became a free nation, ‘The Mahindra Classics’ have enabled Indians to explore new worlds and conquer even the most challenging terrains. For over seven decades now, The Mahindra Classics have shared a close bond with India’s story and the unveil of the All-New Thar on the momentous occasion of our country’s Independence Day is a significant milestone in taking this journey ahead.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson, the renowned poet said, “Do not go where the path may lead; Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” The All-New Thar allows you to do just that.

Designed and engineered in India and manufactured out of Mahindra’s Nashik Plant, the All-New Thar will be available in 6 exciting colours, Red Rage, Mystic Copper, Napoli Black, Aquamarine, Galaxy Grey and Rocky Beige.

Hyundai Motor India Nationwide Freedom Drive from August 14–21

 Hyundai Motor India Ltd., country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and largest exporter since inception, today announced the commencement of Nationwide Freedom Drive across all Hyundai workshops, with an objective to make customers mindful of Periodic Maintenance Schedule. Customers can avail special offers on Labour, Car Sanitization & Under body coating for their Hyundai cars from August 14 – 21, 2020.

Commenting on the Freedom Drive, Mr. Tarun Garg, Director – Sales, Marketing & Service, said, “Hyundai’s philosophy is to be the Lifetime Partner of its customers and Freedom drive is a step towards providing a delightful customer experience. This unique service initiative is aimed at educating customers about periodic maintenance with an intention to provide seamless service experience, enhancing customer’s peace of mind.” 

Customers’ offers and benefits for Freedom Drive at select Dealers include:

• Free 50-point check & hi-touch points sanitization

• Complete interior sanitization packages starting from ₹ 599

• Up to 20% discount on labour charges

• 15% discount on Underbody Coating

With over 1300 service outlets, HMIL is committed to provide the most comprehensive and qualitative service. Hyundai service facilities can also be experienced via 360° Digital & Contact-less Service. From online service booking through Hyundai Care App, Vehicle status update via WhatsApp, Pick & Drop from home/office and online payment facility, a touch free service experience is ensured for the customers, wherever they are and whenever they want to. Hyundai has endeavoured to establish service benchmarks in the industry with its leading service initiatives and No.1 rank in JD Power Customer Service Index study for 3 years consecutively.

Hyundai’s Hyundai Mobility Membership - First Smart Ownership & Lifestyle Experience

 Beyond Mobility Solutions

* First of its kind initiative to offer customers exclusive benefits for their car and non-car needs

* Partnered with country’s leading brands to create an ecosystem providing access to exclusive offers and benefits across several categories

* ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’ is based on 3 Strong Pillars: Core Car, Smart Mobility and Lifestyle

* Visit the ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’ microsite www.membership.hyundai.co.in to download the App.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and the largest exporter since inception, today launched ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’ - India’s First and Most Exclusive one stop solution to fulfil different needs of customers throughout their ownership journey. ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’ has been curated across categories to provide exclusive benefits and enhanced convenience for all our new customers.

Commenting on the launch of, ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’, Mr. S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Building on the strength of Hyundai’s ‘Future Ready’ Business Strategy, we have introduced an exclusive program ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’ for an unmatched ownership and lifestyle experience. Through these endeavours we at Hyundai aim to become the Lifetime Partner of our Valued Customers in Automotive and beyond. We will cater to the diverse needs of our customers and closely knit a long-lasting relation through this unique initiative.

He further added, “Beginning the journey with more than 20 distinct partners under one platform and no membership fee, ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’ will create value proposition further leading to enhanced customer convenience and satisfaction”. 

Hyundai has collaborated with reputed partners to form an ecosystem catering to the 3 Key Pillars of customer needs under the ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’.

Core Car- Care free Driving: ‘A one stop solution that caters to all your car needs’

Partners – Hyundai MOBIS, Shell and JK Tyre

Mobility- Always on the Move: ‘Smart Mobility options for all travel needs’

Partners – Revv, Zoomcar, Avis, Savaari and DriveU         

Lifestyle – Your Life Your Way: ‘Benefits to offer convenience for daily transactions’

Partners – Gaana, Zee5, Dineout, Sterling, 1Mg, Fitternity, Eazydiner, Chaayos, ,OYO, Portronics, Lenskart, Housejoy and Vedantu

As a pioneer in technology with innovation at its core, Hyundai has always sought to provide value added products and services to its customers. With the new ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’, HMIL will continue to build a strong connect with its Valued Customers and keep adding additional partners and benefits regularly to ensure a Happy Life for Hyundai Car Owners.

Jaguar Classic will Celebrate 60 Years of E-Type in 2021 with Anniversary Tribute Edition

 Anniversary Edition 

* In March 2021 Jaguar will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic E-type

* Jaguar Classic is creating six limited-edition matched pairs of restored 3.8 E-types

* E-type 60 Edition specification includes commemorative detailing and exclusive paint colours, paying tribute to two of the most famous examples: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’

* The E-type 60 Collection is available to order now. Customers interested in this unrepeatable opportunity should contact Jaguar Classic directly: www.jaguar.com/classic, sales@classic-jaguarlandrover.com

* For regular updates from Jaguar Classic, including the progress of the E-type 60 Collection, follow the new official @Jaguar.Classic account on Instagram

Jaguar Classic will create six matched pairs of E-types to celebrate the iconic sports car’s 60th anniversary in 2021: the E-type 60 Collection.

Each pair of E-type 60 Edition cars pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous Jaguar E-types of all: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’, which played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the car at its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1961.

An Opalescent Gunmetal Grey 3.8 l Fixed-Head Coupe registered ‘9600 HP’ was one of the first two E-types unveiled to specially-invited guests at the Parc des Eaux Vives. Driven ‘flat out’ to Switzerland from Coventry the night before the launch, public relations manager Bob Berry arrived with minutes to spare for demonstration drives.

With an outstanding reaction to the E-type resulting in overwhelming demand for drives with Berry, legendary Jaguar Test and Development Engineer Norman Dewis was told to ‘drop everything’ and drive a British Racing Green 3.8 l roadster registered ‘77 RW’ overnight from Coventry to Geneva.

Both cars were also used for media road tests, which proved the car’s sensational performance – including its 241.4km/h (150 mph) top speed – matched its jet aircraft-inspired lines honed in a wind tunnel by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer.

Every E-type 60 Edition built by the team at Jaguar’s Classic Works facility in Warwickshire will be an existing 1960s 3.8 l E-type fully-restored to exclusive 60th anniversary tribute specification.

Each E-type 60 Collection pair will include one Flat Out Grey ‘9600 HP’ coupe and one Drop Everything Green ‘77 RW’ roadster, with unique paint formulations exclusively reserved for these cars. Each E-type 60 Edition will feature a number of 60th anniversary commemorative design details created in conjunction with Jaguar Design Director Julian Thomson.

Synonymous with the revolutionary zeitgeist of the Swinging Sixties, E-types were owned by celebrities including Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Tony Curtis and Britt Ekland. And, thanks to the beauty of its sculptural forms, its functionality and its impact on design, an E-type became only the third car to join The Museum of Modern Art’s design collection in 1996.

Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic, said: “The Jaguar E-type is a genuine icon, as sensational today as the moment it was unveiled in 1961. It’s testament to the E-type’s advanced design and engineering that it can still be enjoyed and admired as passionately almost 60 years on.

“The E-type 60 Collection is a lasting tribute for E-type admirers, honouring the car’s legacy and the achievements of the team that created it – many of whom have descendants working for Jaguar Classic today, expertly restoring, maintaining and future-proofing enjoyment for generations to come.”

Jaguar Classic is the world’s number one source of genuine parts and owner services for the E-type – from health-checks and sympathetic upgrades to restoring expertly selected examples to ‘Reborn’ specification, meticulously returning them to as-new condition.

For more information on the full range of cars, services, parts and experiences offered by Jaguar Classic, visit: www.jaguar.com/classic

For regular updates from Jaguar Classic, including the progress of the E-type 60 Collection, follow the new official @Jaguar.Classic account on Instagram.

ŠKODA Auto India Partners with PPS Motors to Expand its Footprint in Karnataka

 Summary

* ŠKODA AUTO’s new state of the art dealership facility in Bengaluru: PPS Motors boasts 4,500 sq. ft. of a modern showroom and 18,000 sq. ft. of premium service space, 70 plus technicians and staff members, 10 mechanical stations and body shop bays, and service capacity of 5,500 plus ŠKODA AUTO vehicles per annum

* The new dealership facility is the third outlet of the Czech marque, in Bengaluru, and aims to enhance the overall purchase and ownership experience for the ŠKODA AUTO customers in the region

* Under the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, ŠKODA AUTO India will double its network penetration, and expand to 50 new cities, over the next three years

* ŠKODA AUTO celebrates 125 years of its glorious history and heritage the world over

With the inauguration of PPS Motors in Bengaluru, ŠKODA AUTO India aims to strengthen its position in Karnataka and push forward its campaign of establishing a strong foothold in the southern markets of our nation. The new state of the art dealership facility sports the new Corporate Identity and Design as a part of ŠKODA AUTO global redesigning process. The Czech auto manufacturer, under the purview of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, will have at least twice as many sales and service touchpoints, as it does today, by 2022.

PPS Motors is strategically located at 219/11, Ramana Maharishi Road, Palace Orchards, Sadashivanagar, Bellary Road and offers utmost ease and convenience across the region. The sales facility sprawls over an area of 4,500 square feet and accommodates at least four cars on display. A dedicated service workshop, located at 35, Kranthikavi Sarvagna Road, Sreerampuram, Okaluipuram, is spread across 18,000 square feet and houses ten mechanical stations and body shop bays. With 75 trained personnel, PPS Motors has a capacity to service 5,500 plus ŠKODA AUTO vehicles per annum.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new facility, Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India said, “To ensure preparedness for INDIA 2.0 launches, we at ŠKODA AUTO India are continually striving to expand our network reach, across the nation, so that not only more and more customers can experience our products but also enjoy easy access to our customer centric aftersales solutions. Bangalore is a key market for us in South India, and we are confident that our

partnership with PPS Motors will be pivotal for the brand and will further strengthen our foothold in Karnataka.”

Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Dealer Principal, PPS Motors Private Limited said, “We are delighted to partner with ŠKODA AUTO India and introduce a new dealership facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The modern architecture and streamlined business processes will provide the ideal backdrop for the presentation of ŠKODA AUTO products. With the global best practices and processes of Skoda Auto India and adapting them to suit our customers in the region we endeavour to create a lot of value for all our stake holder’s especially our customers to offer world service and customer care”

MODERN DEALERSHIP FACILITIES WITH STREAMLINED BUSINESS PROCESSES

With the highest priority given to functionality, clear orientation, and transparency, ŠKODA AUTO India has successfully rebranded its entire network of 83 sales and 58 service touchpoints across 69 cities across the nation. The Czech brand has invested over INR 1,200 million, along with its dealer partners, in the biggest rebranding campaign in its history in India.

In line with the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the corporate architecture, functional interiors, and rationalized business processes, aim to enhance the overall customer experience. The new dealership design architectural concept reflects ŠKODA AUTO’s philosophy expressed in the slogan: “Simply Clever with a human touch”.

The new architecture of the dealership facility is characterized by clear and simple shapes, a harmonious colour concept, modular design features, and a modern lighting concept. The new exteriors of the ŠKODA AUTO dealerships will be the brand’s powerful statement during both day and night - clear, transparent, modern, and open.

In addition to sustaining ŠKODA AUTO’s proven strengths, the company is placing an increasing emphasis on enhancing the emotional appeal of the brand. It is conveyed by the sophisticated and logical arrangement of all the key elements, business areas, customer zones, and the use of cutting edge technology.

The high quality materials, new design features, effective lighting solutions, architectural graphic elements, and warm wooden tones create an inviting atmosphere. Fresh hues, clarity, openness, and transparency - are the highlights of the new interiors of ŠKODA AUTO showrooms.

Hyundai CRETA Sets a New Benchmark Crosses 500 000 Sales in Domestic Market

 Summary 

* HMIL Leads the UV Segment with 4 Super Performer SUVs – All New CRETA, VENUE, TUCSON and KONA Electric Registering Sale of 34, 212 Units (April~July, 2020)   

* ALL New CRETA Leading the SUV segment in July 2020 with sales of 11,549units

* All New CRETA remains Best-selling SUV for three consecutive months (May,   June and July 2020) 

* All New CRETA receives a great response with more than 65 000 bookings since it’s  launch in March, 2020

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), country’s First Smart Mobility Solutions provider and the largest exporter since inception announced an impressive feat for Hyundai CRETA achieving the 500 000 domestic sale milestone.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr Tarun Garg, Director (Sales, Marketing & Service), Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “Hyundai CRETA has been the blockbuster model in the Indian Automobile industry ever since its launch in 2015. Redefining the SUV landscape in India, CRETA’s supremacy transpires from Hyundai’s technological prowess and innovation, outperforming the industry benchmarks in all aspects. With the  500 000 sales mark, the CRETA has set yet another benchmark in the industry, reaffirming a legacy of leadership in the SUV segment. At Hyundai Motor India, we are continuously strengthening our portfolio with the best-in-segment features and technologically advanced products to make our customers’ life a happy life.”

He further added, “HMIL has also contributed strongly in the UV Segment with 4 Super Performer SUVs – All New CRETA, VENUE, TUCSON and KONA Electric registering sale of 34 212 Units (April ~July, 2020) showcasing customer acceptance of SUVs in the Hyundai portfolio leading to higher brand affinity.”   

The All New CRETA has been the Best-selling  SUV for three consecutive months of May, June and July, 2020. Further, the all new CRETA has received over 65 000 bookings since launch in March 2020. The contribution of Diesel in the All New CRETA bookings continues to soar and is now at 60% indicating a strong demand for Hyundai’s advanced and globally proven Diesel BS6 Technology. 

Additionally, The Made-in-India, All new CRETA, has created waves across 88 countries and cemented its position in the global market as well.

Hyundai CRETA continues to be on top of experts’ mindshare and has championed India’s Most Respectable Awards and accolades to its credit.

All new CRETA is powered by new BS6 engines - 1.5 L MPi Petrol (6MT/ IVT), 1.5 L U2 CRDi Diesel (6MT/ 6AT) and Powerful 1.4 L Kappa Turbo GDi Petrol (7DCT). To enhance the Driving Experience, All New CRETA comes with 3 Drive modes (Eco, Comfort & Sport) and Traction Control Modes (Snow, Sand & Mud) that optimise the driving comfort across different terrains.

‘Atmanirbharta by Tata Motors’ - A Digital Campaign Vocalising the Need for Local

 

Tata Motors, India’s leading auto brand in association with WATConsult, the globally awarded hybrid digital agency from the house of Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) India, today announced the launch of ‘Atmanirbharta by Tata Motors’ – a digital campaign highlighting the existence of localisation in everything that we do. Designed and conceptualised by WATConsult, this campaign has been released ahead of the glorious occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day and emphasises on the meaning of ‘Atmanirbharta’ or self-reliance for individuals and the nation as a whole.

Solidifying the brand’s stance for the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, the campaign is headlined by a video, which begins with a very young boy named Rohan shown seated in the rear seat of a Tata Nexon, while his father is driving him across the town. The son inquisitively asks his father, “Atmanirbharta kya hoti hai?” i.e. “What does Atmanirbharta mean?”. By showing a range of occupations to his son, the father makes him understand that Atmanirbharta means being self-reliant in all aspects of life and that it applies to people from all walks of life – be it a toymaker, bangle vendor, scientist or an engineer from ISRO, who sequentially appear in the film. The video ends with the display of Tata Motors’ New Forever range near a hoisted Indian flag, exemplifying the Company’s ability to deliver best in class products that cater to the local needs & tastes while evolving with time and being ever popular with customers. 

Adding to the above, ‘Atmanirbharta by Tata Motors’ highlights that reaching the goal of being self-reliant is not an individualistic responsibility, but a collective one that falls on the shoulders of the entire country. 

Commenting on the launch of this campaign, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Head Marketing, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Business Unit said, “Tata Motors has always been known as an automotive brand that is a flag bearer for products that caters to the Indian customer. Our cars are manufactured locally and provide world class Design, Safety and Driving pleasure to all. We are proud to be at the forefront of the conversation of being ‘Vocal for Local’. This campaign is our tribute to all the people and the homegrown businesses in India who make our country what it is. I am glad that both Tata Motors and WATConsult took this opportunity to emphasise on this message, and thereby in our own small way, we want to encourage the nation to understand a few aspects of being ‘Atmanirbhar’. Through the ‘Atmanirbharta by Tata Motors’ campaign, we want to steer relevant conversation around the subject by sharing our perspective, while encouraging our customers and the country to work towards this overarching goal.”

Talking about the campaign, Ms. Heeru Dingra, CEO, WATConsult added, “We are happy to have extended our relations with Tata Motors to curate a concept on a topic that is so relevant in today’s time. The idea was to promote and appreciate the concept of ‘Atmanirbharta’, which is becoming a necessary trait and a motto for our nation. While the animation makes the video more endearing, the narrative seamlessly portrays the potential that India drives, in terms of talent, power and various other aspects, in today’s age. With this video we are confident that we will be able to help each one of us understand the importance of being self-dependent along with respecting all the workers from different strata of life who are in their own way making our nation self-reliant.”

This campaign’s concept takes an adaptive approach by using an animated video for the film as a substitution for a live action version, keeping into consideration the ongoing need for physical distancing. Initially launched in our national language - Hindi, this video will also be translated in English and multiple other regional languages to create a nationwide resonance. 

Click here to watch the full video - Atmanirbharta by Tata Motors

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches Sporty New Fortuner TRD Limited Edition

 Summary

* Specially designed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for India

* Sporty and rugged Fortuner looks underlined by R18 TRD alloy wheels

* Latest and novel features like 360-degree panoramic view monitor and auto-folding ORVMs for hygiene and ease of driving

* Premium exterior highlighted by the dual-tone roof

* Interiors made more stylish by the illuminated scuff plates

* A special å 4 badge to signify all-terrain capabilities (4x4 variant)

* Functional and intuitive accessories under Special Technology Package

* Attractive Pearl white color in dual tone

* Fortuner TRD Limited Edition variants available in 4x2 and 4x4 AT diesel.

Ex-showroom price (same across the country except Kerala)

The Fortuner needs no introduction and to celebrate the success of this icon, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today launched the Limited Edition of the Sporty New Fortuner TRD in the Indian market. TKM has leveraged the heritage of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to bring a sporty appeal to the Fortuner TRD. The Limited Edition is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 Automatic Transmission (diesel) variants in dual-tone stylish exterior, stunning dual-tone dashboard and rugged charcoal black R18 TRD alloy wheels. Bookings are open from today across the Toyota dealerships in the country.

A truck cake sitting on top of a car

Description automatically generatedIn addition to the standard superlative features, the new Sporty New Fortuner TRD offers a range of digital high-tech optional accessories under  Special Technology Package which includes state-of-the-art features like ‘Head up Display (HUD),Tyre Pressure monitor (TPMS), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), Wireless Smartphone Charger and Welcome door lamp which will further enhance comfort and style. Also, since personal safety a top priority another accessory which is first from Toyota in India is Air Ionizer.

Launched in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has been the most-loved SUV in the country for more than a decade now and continues to the unchallenged leader in its segment. Premium features, stylish and uber-cool interiors, best-in-class safety and powerful performance have been the hallmark of the Fortuner over the years endearing it to many generations of SUV enthusiasts in the country. 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Sales and Service, TKM, said, “Today, the customers demand more power, performance, safety, features and drive experience from vehicles. They are also seeking a freshness in the look and feel. With a customer-first approach and a dedicated passion for fulfilling their needs, we have introduced new products, variants and exclusive editions over the years. The Fortuner TRD Limited Edition is yet another effort to cater to the customer demands by offering more than what they seek through unparalleled and segment-leading features. An important accessory to the Fortuner TRD Limited Edition to ensure customer safety is the air ionizer owing to the concerns about the air we breathe in these challenging times. What’s more, the Fortuner TRD is truly exclusive and only limited units are being made available for SUV aficionados in the country.

We also would like to express our gratitude to the Fortuner fan base in India for giving the brand the cult status it - today, enjoys. We hope the Fortuner continues to excite and thrill more and more Indians.”

New Tough & Stylish Features

Dual Tone Roof

Rugged Charcoal Black R18 Alloy wheels

360 Panoramic View Monitor

Auto fold ORVM

Stunning Dual Tone Dashboard

Illuminated scuffle plate

Product Highlights

Reinforced power and toughness

Power-packed 2.8L, 2755 cm3 [cc] 4-cylinder diesel engine generating maximum torque of 450 Nm @ 1600 – 2400 rpm with maximum output of 130 Kw (177 PS) @ 3400 rpm.

Available with a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential & paddle shift.

Automatic Idling Stop/Start Function.

Tough frame structure that delivers exceptional torsional & bending rigidity even in the harshest environments.

Pitch & Bounce control.

Suspension enhances ride comfort, through straight-line stability, controllability, handle response & advanced damping technology.

Safety & Security features

VSC [Vehicle Stability Control] with BA [Brake Assist]

7 SRS Airbags

Impact-absorbing structure with pedestrian protection support

Front Seats: WIL Concept Seats [Whiplash Injury Lessening]

Child Restraint System: ISOFIX + Tether Anchor on 2nd Row

Front Row: Pretensioner + Force Limiter

Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

ABS with EBD

Speed Auto Lock with Emergency Unlock

Emergency Brake Signal

 

Exterior Features

Dusk Sensing Bi-Beam LED Projector Headlamps with LED DRLs

SMART Entry and Push Start/Stop

Illuminated Entry System - Puddle Lamps in ORVM

Chrome Plated Door Handles and Window Beltline

LED Rear Combination Lamps

LED Front Fog Lamp

Rear Fog Lamp

Fully Automatic Power Back Door with Height Adjust Memory and Jam Protection

Electrically Adjustable, Retractable Side Mirrors with Side Turn Indicators

Aero-Stabilising Fins on ORVM Base and Rear Combination Lamps

 

Comfort & Convenience

All Cabin wrapped in Soft Upholstery, Metallic Accents and Woodgrain-patterned Ornamentation

Cruise control

Eco and Power drive modes

Large TFT Multi-Information Display

Navigation Turn Display on MID

Optitron Cool-Blue Combimeter with Chrome Accents and Illumination Control

Audio, MID, Tel, Voice Recognition Switches on Steering Wheel

Tilt & Telescopic Steering Column

Automatic Climate Control [Dual A/C] with Auto Rear Cooler

Touch Screen Audio with Capacitive Switches [DVD, BT, USB, Aux-in, 6 Speakers, NAVI, Remote]

Power Back Door Access on SMART Key, Back Door and Driver Control

8-way Driver & Passenger Power Seat

2nd Row: 60:40 Split Fold, Slide, Recline & One-Touch Tumble

3rd Row: One-touch Easy Space-Up with Recline

Park Assist: Back Monitor and Rear Sensors

Hyundai Receives Over 1.2M Customers' Response to ‘Industry First’ Smart Mobility Service ‘Hyundai on Whatsapp’

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, India’s first smart mobility solutions provider and largest exporter since inception, today announced an overwhelming response to Industry First Transactional Chat Based Medium - Hyundai Service on WhatsApp with over 1.2 million customers. Launched in October 2019, Hyundai Service on WhatsApp was aimed to strengthen Hyundai’s 360° digital & contact-less service experience.

Commenting on the overwhelming response, Mr. Tarun Garg, Director (Sales, Service & Marketing), Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “Hyundai has always been at the forefront of widening its purview of services and providing a wholesome experience to our valued customers. The remarkable response to our Whatsapp Service with over 1.2million strong customer base is a testimony of Hyundai’s impeccable service support and we stand committed to provide ‘Peace of Mind’ to the evolving needs of the New Age Indians. I’m glad to inform that the continuous trust and support of our patrons for brand Hyundai has helped us rank No.1 in JD Power Customer Service Index for 3 years consecutively. We look forward to keep creating more and more Brilliant Moments in the lives of our customers and set new service-related benchmarks.”

Hyundai Service on WhatsApp is a communication platform which provides updates to customer during the entire vehicle service process. Prominent features like service reminders, service booking, in-service updates, invoice, online payment and feedback ensure a 360° Digital and contactless Service experience to customers. Additionally, customers can also chat directly with the trained agents to receive instant customized response.

With its strong network of over 1300 workshops PAN India, Hyundai has always been at the forefront in providing the best ownership experience to its customers through numerous initiatives like Hyundai Care App, Wonder Warranty, Door Step Advantage and much more.

Zoomcar, ETO Motors Partner to Announce a Platform of Services to Boost Shared EV Mobility

Zoomcar, India’s largest personal mobility platform, signed an agreement this week with Hyderabad based ETO Motors, a full-fledged electric mobility solutions & services company, to provide a diverse array of platform services for ETO’s electric, shared 3-wheeler business. As part of this agreement, Zoomcar will provide access to its state-of-the-art, proprietary tech stack which emphasizes security and maintenance of vehicles, thereby building a consumer base for electric vehicles and improving the overall customer experience. In the partnership, ETO Motors will own and operate electric three-wheelers for shared first-mile and last-mile passenger commute as well as goods movement within the cities. 

Zoomcar’s tie-up with ETO Motors entails the development of an innovative platform to address the vast opportunities across India in the first mile, last mile, and Intracity passengers as well as goods movement space using electric vehicles. The strategic partnership will help create the necessary competency and technology for building the future of the mobility market in India. 

Commenting on the latest development, Greg Moran, CEO & Co-Founder Zoomcar said, ‘’The mobility industry is going through a transformational phase globally due to the pandemic. At Zoomcar, we strive to be at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that can help shape this transformative shift. From the beginning, we set out to build a software solution that helps reduce accidents and improves asset longevity.  Through this partnership with ETO Motors, we aim to leverage our AI based platform to enable large fleet operators to better manage their assets through greater vehicle safety and lower total operating cost. We are delighted to partner with ETO Motors on the next phase of their growth journey in India’s rapidly expanding EV market.” 

Commenting on the development which will boost ETO Motors efforts to drive the sustainable EV revolution, Mr. Biju Mathew, CEO, ETO Motors said, “The coming together of both companies marks a significant beginning in boosting the shared EV mobility space. Zoomcar’s contribution will be in the form of its technology, including apps for customers and drivers combined with the experience of managing large scale mobility solutions.ETO will own and operate state of the art electric vehicles to deliver seamless mobility to customers. The next phase of collaboration between our respective companies with respect to the development of the co-branded digital platform will undoubtedly mark a significant step forward for the industry.” 

Zoomcar’s previously announced driver score tech stack is an AI powered algorithm with machine learning capabilities that rates the driver’s performance on a scale of 0-100.  The driver score tracks the condition of the vehicle, the driving style of the customer, and the real-time critical events impacting the vehicle health. The scoring system possesses capabilities to give real-time feedback to drivers in the advent of rash driving to help them adjust their behavior accordingly. The platform is agnostic to the vehicle type and the telematics device installed.  Moreover, the platform works for both traditional internal combustion vehicles as well as electric vehicles. 

This signing of the MoU for the co-branded platform is part of ETO Motors plan to introduce a fleet of smart electric vehicles and strengthen its clean mobility solution offering. The platform will focus on the deployment of electric vehicles in the three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and two-wheelers segment for first-mile, last-mile, intracity passenger, and goods movement across India. The platform will help in the discovery of the vehicle and will ensure a safe commute for the passengers. The smart vehicles can be geo-fenced and disabled remotely in case of any emergency. ETO has already introduced its smart vehicles for first and last-mile connectivity service in Noida Metro and is poised to expand its presence in the coming times. 

About Zoomcar 

Zoomcar holds the distinction of being India’s first personal mobility platform, with the introduction of car-sharing services in 2013 and today is the market leader in the self-drive space with over 10,000 cars in its fleet. With a strong focus on the mobile experience, Zoomcar allows users to rent cars by the hour, day, week, or month. Headquartered in Bangalore, Zoomcar is over 250 people strong and operates in 45+ cities across India. In 2018, Zoomcar introduced India’s first peer2peer based marketplace for cars with the launch of its shared subscription mobility model and currently commands over 90% market share in this space. 

About ETO Motors PVT Ltd. 

ETO-is a full-fledged electric mobility solutions and services company into large-scale deployment of multi-brand shared electric diverse fleet for cleaner cities that provides clean, safe, noise free public transportation for first mile, last mile and intracity operations. ETO-addresses issues of Clean shared Public Mobility Traffic Congestion Reduce co2 emissions Direct transfers Efficient use of capacity Public Parking Space. Cheaper Journey Price – 2W,3W, 4W, Bus, Cargo. 

All New CRETA Establishes Supremacy Records Over 55 000 Bookings

* All New CRETA dominates India’s SUV landscape - Becomes India’s Best-selling SUV for two consecutive months in May and June 2020

* Most enquired and searched car on Hyundai ‘Click to Buy’ with 30 % enquiries and 76% bookings 

* Diesel models constitute 60% of bookings, indicating strong customer sentiment for Hyundai’s advanced Diesel BS6 technology

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), country’s First Smart Mobility Solutions provider and the largest exporter since inception continues to receive overwhelming response for its recently launched All New CRETA – The Ultimate SUV that has now recorded more than 55 000 Bookings. 

Commenting on the achievement, Mr Tarun Garg, Director(Sales, Marketing & Service), Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “Ever since its launch in 2015, CRETA has been a benchmark in the industry, a household name that has represented distinction and success for over 4.85 lakh valued customers. With the launch of All New CRETA in March 2020, Hyundai has once again redefined SUV leadership in the segment and established its supremacy, recording over 55 000 Bookings and more than 20 000 Happy Customers in just 4 months. This achievement stands testament to All New CRETA’s superior looks, feature rich package and dominant performance that has won hearts across India, even during these trying times.”

All New CRETA established its leadership in the SUV segment by attaining highest sales in the month of May and June 2020. The contribution of Diesel in the All New CRETA bookings continues to increase and is now 60% of the total bookings received, indicating a strong demand for Hyundai’s advanced and globally proven Diesel BS6 Technology. The All New CRETA is also the most researched model on India’s First and Most Comprehensive end-to-end Car Buying Platform ‘Click to Buy’ with over 30% customers enquiring about All New CRETA.

A bestseller in its segment, All New CRETA has consistently been the most admired and preferred SUV in India, with customers opting for its ultimate features such as

-          Voice Enabled Smart Panoramic Sunroof

-          Drive Mode Select

-          Traction Control Modes

-          Bose Premium Sound System (8 Speakers),

-          Auto Healthy Air Purifier with Digital Display

-          Paddle Shifters

-           Ventilated Seats

Further, All New CRETA offers a thrilling drive, powered by Hyundai’s new 1.4 l Kappa Turbo GDi Petrol (BS6) engine with 7DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) gaining immense popularity among buyers. All New CRETA also offers customers complete peace of mind with WONDER Warranty Options - 3 Years/unlimited kms or 4 years/60 000 kms or 5 years/50 000 kms. 

Ather Energy Raises INR 84 Crores from Hero MotoCorp, As An Extension of its Series C Round

Ather Energy, India’s first intelligent electric scooter manufacturer, announced a fresh investment by Hero MotoCorp, as an extension of its Series C round that was led by Sachin Bansal. Hero MotoCorp has been a part of Ather’s growth story since 2016, when they first invested as a part of Series B. This round is a reinstatement of confidence by existing investors in Ather’s potential and success.

Ather is now entering an aggressive expansion phase on the back of its flagship product, the Ather 450X, and looking to scale to 20 cities by the end of 2021. The Ather 450X has piqued the interest of automobile and tech enthusiasts alike, and will soon be available in cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi and Mumbai, with deliveries beginning in October 2020. To meet the projected demand in the coming years, Ather is opening a new manufacturing facility in Hosur, which is designed to produce 100,000 units annually, and is scalable to half a million units.  Ather Energy will also set up Ather Grid fast charging points across the country over the next 5 years, making public charging easy and accessible to all electric vehicle owners.

In the past few weeks, Ather has been working on a slew of financing and ownership models, making electric vehicles more accessible for consumers everywhere. It introduced India's first personal lease program for scooters, with monthly payments as low as INR 2589, which makes the intelligent electric scooter accessible to the Indian two-wheeler market. It has also been a pioneer in the post sales experience innovation with subscription plans, Ather One, a one-stop daily usage solution that includes doorstep pick up and service, 24X7 roadside assistance, free charging at home and in public etc.

A unique aspect of the product line is the ability to add new features and functionality through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Ather has been rolling out OTA updates since September 2018, adding features like a dark theme, new ride modes, guide-me-home light, making them one of the fastest iteration cycles in the country.

Quote by Tarun Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, Ather Energy: “We are in a high growth phase of our journey, and while the last few months have been challenging, we have not altered our

expansion plans. Our geographic expansion and the roll-out schedule for the Ather 450X are on track, and we will be using these funds to invest in our facilities to meet the demand we have seen for the Ather 450X across the country. ”

Commenting on the investment, Rajat Bhargava, Head of Emerging Mobility Business Unit (EMBU), Global Business & Strategy, Hero MotoCorp, said “We are excited to see the growth of Ather Energy in the recent years. We see immense potential for them to expand their market even further, especially given the likely growth of electric vehicles (EV) in the near future. In addition to our efforts of developing a robust external eco-system for EVs, we are also aggressively working on our internal EV program. Our aim is to provide accessible electric mobility to customers across the globe. Sustainability and a clean, green environment remain central to our vision to be the future of mobility.”

Jaguar Land Rover Develops Contactless Touchscreen to Help Fight Bacteria and Viruses

Contactless Touchscreen

* Patented technology offers dual benefit of keeping drivers’ eyes on the road and reducing spread of bacteria and viruses in post COVID-19 world

* ‘Predictive touch’ uses artificial intelligence and sensors to control infotainment systems without needing to touch the screen

* Lab-tests and on-road trials reveal time and effort needed to use a touchscreen can be reduced by up to 50%

* Research is driving Jaguar Land Rover closer to its Destination Zero vision by making vehicles safer and the environment cleaner

New contactless touchscreen technology developed by Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge will help keep drivers’ eyes on the road and reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses in a post COVID-19 world.

The patented technology, known as ‛predictive touch’, uses artificial intelligence and sensors to predict a user’s intended target on the touchscreen – whether that’s satellite navigation, temperature controls or entertainment settings – without touching a button.

The pioneering system, developed with engineers at the University of Cambridge, is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero vision – a desire to make its vehicles safer and the environment cleaner and healthier.

In the ‘new normal’ once lockdowns around the world are lifted, a greater emphasis will be placed on safe, clean mobility where personal space and hygiene will carry premiums. Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are already designed to help improve passenger wellbeing, with innovations including a Driver Condition Monitor, engine noise cancellation and cabin air ionisation with PM 2.5 filtration to capture ultrafine particles and allergens. New technology like predictive touch is another step forward as we address the wider landscape of mobility, from how customers connect with mobility services, to the infrastructure required to enable fully integrated, autonomous vehicles in our cities, like Project Vector.

Lab-tests and on-road trials showed the predictive touch technology could reduce a driver’s touchscreen interaction effort and time by up to 50%, as well as limiting the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Uneven or poor road surfaces can often cause vibrations that make it difficult to select the correct button on a touchscreen. This means drivers must take their attention away from the road, increasing the risk of an accident.

The technology uses artificial intelligence to determine the item the user intends to select on the screen early in the pointing task, speeding up the interaction. A gesture tracker uses vision-based or radio frequency-based sensors, which are increasingly common in consumer electronics, to combine contextual information such as user profile, interface design and environmental conditions with data available from other sensors, such as an eye-gaze tracker, to infer the user’s intent in real time.

Lee Skrypchuk, Human Machine Interface Technical Specialist, at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “As countries around the world exit lockdown, we notice how many everyday consumer transactions are conducted using touchscreens: railway or cinema tickets, ATMs, airport check-ins and supermarket self-service checkouts, as well as many industrial and manufacturing applications. Predictive touch technology eliminates the need to touch an interactive display and could therefore reduce the risk of spreading bacteria or viruses on surfaces.

“The technology also offers us the chance to make vehicles safer by reducing the cognitive load on drivers and increasing the amount of time they can spend focused on the road ahead. This is a key part of our Destination Zero journey.”

This software-based solution for contactless interactions has reached high technology readiness levels and can be seamlessly integrated into existing touchscreens and interactive displays, so long as the correct sensory data is available to support the machine learning algorithm.

Professor Simon Godsill from Cambridge University’s Department of Engineering led the project. He said: “Touchscreens and other interactive displays are something most people use multiple times per day, but they can be difficult to use while in motion, whether that’s driving a car or changing the music on your phone while you’re running. We also know that certain pathogens can be transmitted via surfaces, so this technology could help reduce the risk for that type of transmission.”

Sam Bird To Join Panasonic Jaguar Racing for Formula E Season

Formula E

Leading Formula E driver Sam Bird joins the British team from season seven and the new world championship era of Formula E

Briton Sam Bird is the only driver to have won a race in each Formula E season

Multiple race winner Sam Bird joins Mitch Evans in one of the strongest driver line-ups in Formula E

Season seven starts in Santiago, Chile on 16 January 2021

23 July 2020, Whitley, UK: Briton Sam Bird has today been announced as the new Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver joining the race-winning team for season seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The 33-year-old has competed in every Formula E race since the ground-breaking series started in 2014, securing nine wins to date. Bird, who started his successful racing career in 2002, went on to forge a successful record of results in the sport’s junior categories before a number of key Formula 1 roles including testing duties for Williams and reserve driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas from 2011 to 2013. In recent years Bird has tasted success in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Ferrari and the G-Drive Racing squad. 

In FIA Formula E, Bird is the only driver to have won a race in each season and has an impressive record of nine wins, 18 podiums, five poles and five fastest laps in 63 starts. The Poole based driver will get his first taste of the new Jaguar I-TYPE after the current season concludes next month in Berlin. His first race for the team will be on 16 January 2021 in Santiago, Chile.

James Barclay, Panasonic Jaguar Racing Team Director:

“On behalf of the entire Panasonic Jaguar Racing Formula E team and everyone at Jaguar we would like to welcome Sam to the family. Since the start of Formula E Sam has demonstrated that he is one of the very best drivers in the championship and we believe that together we will form a great partnership. With Mitch and Sam we believe that we have arguably one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid. With extremely close competition it is clear that to be successful in Formula E you need two drivers who can be competing for podiums at every race. We now have two proven race winners that are capable of enabling us to challenge for both team and driver championship titles next season.”

Sam Bird:

“I am really looking forward to a new chapter in my Formula E career with Panasonic Jaguar Racing. I have watched Jaguar’s growth and progress in the series and am very proud to be driving for an iconic British brand with such a successful racing DNA and joining an incredible list of drivers that have raced for the brand. I am incredibly hungry for success and I believe that together with Mitch we can achieve great things for the team and ourselves. I want to thank Envision Virgin Racing for everything we have achieved together and wish them well for the future. After Berlin, I can’t wait to test the Jaguar I-TYPE and be in the best place possible for season seven and beyond.”

ABOUT PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING

Jaguar returned to racing in October 2016, becoming the first premium manufacturer to join the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E Championship street racing series. In 2019 the team won the Rome E-Prix – Jaguar’s first international motorsport victory since 1991.

Formula E is a real-world test bed for Jaguar to make fearless progress in the future of electrification.

As an official manufacturer team in Formula E, Panasonic Jaguar Racing designs its own powertrain, which includes the motor, transmission, inverter and rear suspension. To control costs the carbon fibre chassis and battery are common components and the same for all twelve teams. This allows the focus to be on developing electric vehicle powertrains which are efficient and lightweight which will improve the performance and range of future Jaguar Land Rover electric vehicles.

This is the second year teams will be racing with the futuristic Generation 2 racecars. Teams have two racecars, one per driver, which will be used for the full race distance.

Beyond its all-electric concept, Formula E is unique in the world of motorsport for its choice of venues. The championship takes place on temporary street circuits in the centre of the world’s major cities.

Hyundai Organizes ‘Lamp On Challenge’ – A Unique Social Media Contest from July 16-31, 2020

Summary 

* Digital contest to encourage customers to promote car maintenance and safety

* Driven through HMIL Social Media Networking Handles

* Contest winners to be gratified with exciting rewards

Hyundai Motor India Ltd., country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and largest exporter since inception has organized a unique contest- ‘Lamp On Challenge’ on their social media handles for customers. The contest is aimed at educating customers about the importance of brake lights and its key role to prevent accidents. The contest commenced on 16th July and will go on till 31st July, 2020. 

Commenting on this novel contest, Mr. Tarun Garg, Director – Sales, Marketing & Service, said, “As a responsible and caring brand, Hyundai has been at the forefront of spreading awareness about the importance of car maintenance and safety to educate and encourage behavioral change in the masses.  Endeavors such as these are pertinent to create a large impact by sensitizing people on similar issues. The ‘Lamp On Challenge’ is a digital contest aimed at being a true eye-opener for the masses”.

The contest entails a three-step process that Hyundai customers need to follow, wherein a picture has to be taken showing a car rear with brake lamps ON, while covering the number plate with a finger heart. This picture has to be posted on their personal social media accounts by tagging @HyundaiIndia along with two friends using both #Hyundai and #LampOn_India. Lucky 100 entries qualifying the above criteria will be gratified with exciting prizes.

Customers can avail Hyundai service facilities via 360 Digital & Contact-less Service. From online service booking through Hyundai Care App, Vehicle status update via WhatsApp, Pick and Drop from home/office and online payment facility, a touch free service experience is ensured for the customers, wherever they are and whenever they want to. With its strong network of 1310 workshops, Hyundai has always been at the forefront in providing the best ownership experience to their customers. Hyundai has been ranked No.1 by JD Power in Customer Service Index (CSI) study for 3 years in a row.

Castrol Lubricants to Now be Available at Jio-BP Retail Sites

Castrol India Limited, India’s leading automotive lubricants company, has announced that Castrol lubricants will now be available at Jio-bp retail outlets across the country. This new channel offers Castrol enhanced visibility and reach for its products and solutions.

Castrol lubricants will be supplied to the joint venture’s fuel retailing network of 1,400 sites, which is expected to grow to 5,500 sites within five years.

Earlier this month, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and bp completed the formation of their new pan-India fuels and mobility joint venture – Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML). RIL’s existing sites will be rebranded to Jio-bp in due course.

The decision to make Castrol lubricants available across the network was taken in 2019, when the joint venture was first announced.

“Castrol India is delighted to be a part of the Jio-bp network. We will offer a premium experience to our consumers, bringing innovative value-added solutions as together we look to transform the Indian mobility sector,” said Sandeep Sangwan, Managing Director, Castrol India Limited.

Harish C Mehta, CEO, Reliance BP Mobility Limited added “Jio-bp puts consumers at the center of its universe and will offer them differentiated products and services to set new benchmarks in mobility solutions. I am confident that Castrol’s cutting-edge lubricants, together with our fuels and convenience offers, will deliver best in class experience for Indian consumers visiting our outlets.” 

Castrol products will be available at the RBML retail network in the coming weeks.

About Castrol India: Castrol, is one of the world’s leading lubricant brands and has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers. Castrol India Limited is one of India’s leading lubricants company and has established itself as a pioneer and innovator in the Indian lubricants industry. Its iconic brands such as Castrol CRB, Castrol GTX, and in more recent times power brands like Castrol Activ, Castrol MAGNATEC and Castrol VECTON, are used by millions of consumers and customers across the country. The company also has a presence in select segments like High Performance Lubricants and metalworking fluids in industries as varied as automotive manufacturing to mining to machinery and wind & energy.

Castrol India has a large manufacturing and distribution network in India with three manufacturing plants and a distribution network of 350 distributors who sell to consumers and customers through over 100,000 retail outlets. Castrol sub-distributors also reach additional outlets in rural markets whilst Castrol India also directly services over 3,000 key institutional accounts.

Along with providing world class products and services, Castrol India is focused on safety, compliance and quality as its number one priority.