Mahindra’s Revolutionary iMAXX Telematics Connected Vehicle Tech Set To Transform Indian Vehicle Fleet Management

 * Mahindra’s iMAXX offers unprecedented predictability & control over the transporter’s fleet, leading to higher profits and a hassle-free ownership experience

* Featured as Standard Equipment in the BS6 compliant range of BLAZO X HCVs, FURIO ICVs & LCVs and CRUZIO Buses with free subscription package

* New Telematics platform deploys cutting-edge telemetry technology to provide powerful insights on vehicle health and performance

Mahindra Truck and Bus (MTB), a part of the USD 19.4 billion Mahindra Group, today announced the launch of its revolutionary connected vehicle technology, Mahindra iMAXX. This new Telematics platform is fitted into Mahindra’s BS6 emission norms compliant CV range, including the BLAZO X range of HCVs, FURIO range of ICVs & LCVs and CRUZIO range of buses. This new technology promises to further strengthen the value proposition of the MTB range for the company’s discerning customers.

The new Mahindra iMAXX technology, coupled with the tried & tested BS6 engines (mPOWER and MDI Tech) with FUELSMART technology and robust aggregates, retaining over 90% of the parts of the erstwhile BS4 vehicles, will help fleet owners and transporters transition to the BS6 ownership experience smoothly and efficiently. 

Speaking on the occasion, Jalaj Gupta, Business Head, Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “At Mahindra we are the pioneers in Connected Vehicle technology, which has become even more important in the new BS6 era, given the increase in electronics based vehicle controls.”

Mr. Gupta added, “The Mahindra iMAXX Telematics solution, is based on next generation telematics technology and is at the heart of our brand promise -HAR CHEEZ GUARANTEE KE SAATH, for our BS6 vehicles. It is an intelligent fleet telematics solution which deploys cutting-edge telemetry technology like Dual CAN (Controller Area Network), 4G and other leading digital technologies, including Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, to provide powerful insights on vehicle health and performance. This helps in maximizing returns for Fleet Owners.”

With the right telematics platform, like Mahindra iMAXX, enhanced fleet operations efficiency leads to higher asset productivity/ fleet utilization, lower costs of operations and higher fleet safety. Mahindra iMAXX, is an intelligent platform and a differentiated solution compared to other offerings in the market that focus mainly on location tracking based services and basic vehicle electronic data.

Today, Mahindra is seeing an unprecedented number of success stories from its BS4 fleet customers who are achieving upwards of 10% fuel economy improvements across their fleet.  In fact some customers are even achieving 100% asset productivity improvements in terms of kilometers driven per vehicle per day, thanks to the intelligent insights provided by the Mahindra iMAXX platform that was soft launched and co-created with customers in the earlier BS4 era.

Unique Benefits of Mahindra iMAXX Telematics Platform:

As against the regular telematics solutions that focus mainly on location tracking based services and basic vehicle performance analysis, the intelligent and revolutionary Mahindra iMAXX is in a different league due to the following:

Embedded Device Capability – The core capability of the Mahindra iMAXX embedded device is to absorb large scale, high frequency engine and allied system data securely, and transmit on a real-time basis over 4G airwaves for server processing. To put this in perspective, the amount of data transmitted through the Mahindra iMAXX device from the vehicle is on an average 600% higher than the previous generation telematics systems available in the market.

Digital Twin Platform – Once such a large amount of data comes into Mahindra iMAXX cloud servers, the machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence models put in place at the Mahindra iMAXX digital twin platform level helps provide accurate, reliable and predictive business and engineering insights. While most telematics solutions fetch and show vehicle data to customers without any further intelligence or analysis built-in, Mahindra iMAXX has the unique and unparalleled capability to add machine intelligence to normal data for enhanced credibility, efficacy and reliability – a First in Indian CV industry.

To appreciate the power and uniqueness of this solution, and how this technology powers our service guarantees for customers, consider this actual case that occurred on one of the customer’s vehicle during Lockdown 1.0. The artificial intelligence built into the system which monitors multiple correlated vehicle parameters was able to predict an engine cooling system issue, 33 hours prior to it actually occurring on the vehicle i.e. vehicle sending a high coolant temperature fault code through its ECU. With the predictive alert available at the right time to our NOW 24X7 helpline and Uptime monitoring team and to the customer, coupled with the agility and timely action of the customer support team, a possible major vehicle breakdown was averted and the driver continued on the trip after minor repairs provided by our mobile service van.

For more details on the features of Mahindra iMAXX, please click on:

https://www.mahindratruckandbus.com/imaxx.aspx

Tata Motors Delivers Electric SUV - Nexon EV to Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons & Tata Motors

On this auspicious Day of Ganesh Chaturthi, Tata Motors delivers India’s Own Electric SUV, the Tata Nexon EV  to Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons & Tata Motors. This development follows the recent landmark announcement of rolling out the 1000th Nexon EV.

In the image (L-R), Mr. Shailesh Chandra, President – Passenger Vehicle Business Unit hands over the electric SUV to Mr. N. Chandrasekaran and his wife Ms. Lalitha Chandrasekaran.

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. 

Tata Motors Rolls Out 1000th Nexon EV in the Electric Car Segment Across Indian Market

Tata Motors today announced a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) domain by rolling out the 1000th Nexon EV from its plant in Pune. This landmark has been achieved in just over 6-months after the commercial launch of the vehicle portraying the rapid growth in both interest and demand for EVs. Acknowledged as the most preferred electric car in India, the Tata Nexon EV is the best seller in its segment, helping Tata Motors post a market share of 62% in EVs in Q1FY21.

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Shailesh Chandra, President – Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “Acceptance of EVs is accelerating fast, and we are seeing growing interest in it from all parts of the country. The rollout of the 1000th Nexon EV in a short time span, despite the challenges of Covid-19, reflects the rising interest of personal segment buyers in EVs. Tata Motors will continue to innovate and develop comprehensive sustainable mobility solutions meeting global standards. EVs are the future and as the industry leader, we are committed to make them desirable and a mainstream choice for the customers.”

Tata Motors has consistently catered to the evolving needs of customers for electric cars with the introduction of best-selling in both the fleet (Tigor EV Electric Sedan, with a range of 140 km & 213 km) and personal segments (Nexon EV Electric SUV, with an anxiety-free range of 312 km on a single charge). Designed to offer thrilling, connected drive experience with zero emissions and at an attractive pricing, the Nexon EV has created a unique benchmark in its category. To popularise the access and use of Nexon EV in India, the company recently launched a novel EV Subscription model, ideal for customers preferring ‘usership’ over ownership in the rapidly growing era of shared economy. 

Further, to accelerate the adoption of EVs in India, Tata Motors also introduced a holistic e-mobility ecosystem “Tata uniEVerse” to closely leverage the strengths and experience of other Tata Group companies to create a viable EV environment. Powered by Tata uniEVerse, consumers will have access to a suite of e-mobility offerings including charging solutions, innovative retail experiences and easy financing options.

About Tata Motors

Tata Motors Limited (NYSE: TTM; BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks and buses. Part of the USD 110 billion Tata group, Tata Motors is India’s largest and the only OEM offering extensive range of integrated, smart and e-mobility solutions. It has operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa, and Indonesia through a strong global network of 134 subsidiaries, associate companies and joint ventures, including Jaguar Land Rover in the UK and Tata Daewoo in South Korea.

With a focus on engineering and tech enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and amongst the top four in the passenger vehicles market. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, the company’s innovation efforts are focused to develop pioneering technologies that are sustainable as well as suited to evolving aspirations of the market and the customers. Tata Motors strives to bring new products that fire the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state of the art design and R&D centres located in India, UK, US, Italy and South Korea. Internationally, Tata commercial and passenger vehicles are marketed in countries, spread across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, South America, Australia, CIS, and Russia.

Experience Driving Pleasure of the New Tata Nexon EV with Just a Monthly Subscription

 Key Highlights:

* Tata Nexon EV available at an all-inclusive fixed rental starting at only Rs. 41,900/- per month

* Select the tenure of your choice from 18, 24 or 36 months

* Available in 5 key cities during the inaugural launch – Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru

* Comprehensive insurance cover, instant roadside assistance and a hassle free end-to-end maintenance- all included

* End-to-end digital engagement to eliminate any common and shared touch points

Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer, today announced the launch of a first of its kind subscription model for electric vehicles (EV). Designed to make EVs more accessible to a rapidly growing base of future conscious citizens, Tata Motors is making available its flagship EV, the Tata Nexon at an all-inclusive fixed rental starting at just Rs. 41,900/- per month. Discerning customers can select the tenure of their subscription from a minimum period of 18 months to 24 and 36 months. Through a collaboration with Orix Auto Infrastructure Services Limited, amongst India's top leasing companies, this service is being offered in 5 major cities - Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, during the inaugural phase of the launch.

With no hassle of vehicle registration and road tax, the entire process of subscribing to the Tata Nexon EV has been made seamless via end-to-end digital engagement. Additional benefits include comprehensive insurance coverage, on call roadside assistance plus free maintenance with periodic servicing and doorstep delivery. Additionally, customers can have their own EV charger installed at their home or office, as convenient.

Announcing the launch of this unique EV subscription programme, Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors said, “EVs are the future, and as the leader of this fast growing segment, Tata Motors is committed to popularise their access and use in India. With this novel subscription model, we are making it more convenient for interested users of EVs to experience their myriad benefits. It is ideal for customers preferring ‘usership’ over ownership in the rapidly growing era of shared economy.”

The subscription model is customised and perfectly suited for corporates who prefer to lease, individuals with frequent inter-city job transfers, and expatriates who stay for a fixed tenure, among others. Further, the partnering with Orix Auto provides a comprehensive value proposition, inviting customers to easily experience the magic of EV. Post the tenure of their subscription, customers can either choose to extend it or just return the vehicle.

To know more about the Tata Motors EV Subscription Program, please visit https://evsubscription.tatamotors.com

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. 

Navnit Motors Hosts India’s Largest BMW Premium Selection Facility in Bengaluru

BMW Group India announced the opening of its new BMW Premium Selection (BPS) facility in Bengaluru. The largest BPS facility in India is hosted by Navnit Motors and will display a wide range of pre-owned BMW vehicles. The facility is located at No. 40/66, Sonnappana Halli Bethahalasoor Post, New Airport Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562157.

The facility is headed by Mr. Sharad Kachalia, Dealer Principal, Navnit Motors. Navnit Motors also represents BMW India with sales and service outlets in Bengaluru, Mangalore and Mumbai.

Mr. Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India said, “BMW Premium Selection offers an entry into the world of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ for our discerning consumers with complete peace of mind. Each pre-owned vehicle sold under the BMW Premium Selection promises to be a best pick in terms of value, quality and service in the used car market. There is a massive potential in the premium pre-owned car market in India and Bengaluru is one of the key markets for BMW India. With the launch of Navnit Motors - BMW Premium Selection, we are setting a new benchmark in the premium pre-owned car market and bringing JOY closer to our potential customers.”

Mr. Sharad Kachalia, Dealer Principal, Navnit Motors said, “It gives us great Joy to add another important dimension to our business with the launch of the largest BPS facility in India. Strategically located alongside our service workshop, we are certain that the facility will become a choice destination for prospects who want to join the world of BMW. With our deep understanding of the luxury automotive market as well as the pre-owned category in the region, we are confident to play a significant role in the growing success story of BMW in India.”

Since its launch in 2011, BMW Group India has established 24 BPS facilities across the country. BPS offers the finest range of pre-owned BMW vehicles that are carefully selected and comprehensively examined for quality. Every vehicle comes with a full, detailed history about servicing, maintenance and repairs.

The strategically located facility is spread across a total area of 7,500 sq. ft. with a 15 car display, sales lounge and customer lounge. With the industry-leading Virtual Product Presentation (VPP), customers can easily check current vehicle stock, obtain all information such as current mileage, retail price, car specifications and dealer contact data. Additionally, the user friendly interface offers visitors a broad range of search functionalities to select their favourite vehicle.

A range of individual and attractive financing options are available for BPS vehicles. A dedicated team of finance and insurance consultants offer personalised advice and provide suitable financing options as per customers’ needs and future plans. Customers can choose a trade-in offer for a fair exchange value, hassel free documentation and evaluation of vehicle at their doorsteps.

All cars selected under BMW Premium Selection are less than five years old and would have clocked under 100,000 kms. These vehicles come with upto 24 months warranty. BPS owners also have the option of taking BMW India Roadside Assistance which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

GM, Reva to jointly roll out more electric vehicles

The Indian arm of General Motors (GM) Thursday said it is partnering Bangalore-based electric car maker Reva to develop and produce electric vehicles for the Indian market.

According to General Motors India managing director Karl Slym, the initiative was "in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence".

"We are going to work closely with the central and state governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicles charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers," Slym said.

Describing electric vehicles as "a growth area around the global automotive industry", GM's president of international operations Nick Reilly said: "This cooperation with Reva in India will accelerate GM's progress to meet the emerging needs in many parts of the world."

Reilly said his company was pursuing several energy alternatives and advanced technology options to meet the changing needs of customers around the world.

"Electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation," he added.

The two companies have already started the feasibility study of GM's vehicle platforms to produce electric cars and are expected to announce the details shortly.

Reva had launched its electric car in 2001.

GM India, which has been unaffected by the bankruptcy proceedings of its parent in the US, is central to the company's global growth strategy.

Agencies