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Category: Auto & Electric Mobility

  • Maruti Suzuki Arena Automotive Retail Network With 82 Lakh Customers Turns 7

    Hyderabad: India’s largest automotive network, Maruti Suzuki Arena celebrated its seventh anniversary recently. Since its inception in 2017, Arena has spread the joy of mobility to over 11 lakh families annually, creating a community of over 82 lakh happy customers nationwide.

    Over the past seven years, Maruti Suzuki Arena has consistently served its customers with a modern, tech-enabled, and youthful experience. Furthermore, Arena’s popularity and customer trust are evidenced by its market leadership, with 5 out of the top 10 cars sold in India in FY23-24 (Wagon-R, Swift, Brezza, Dzire and Ertiga) belonging to the Arena channel.

    Speaking on the momentous occasion, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “As we celebrate seven years of Maruti Suzuki Arena, we are immensely grateful. This journey has been about more than just selling cars; it has been about transforming the entire car-buying experience. The scale of Arena’s impact is remarkable – with a vast network of over 3069 outlets across 2596 cities, Maruti Suzuki Arena is not only the largest but also the most accessible retail channel in India. I am particularly excited with the interest we have received from our young customers, who make up 49 per cent of Maruti Suzuki Arena’s volume#.”

    He further added, “Arena’s contribution to Maruti Suzuki remains strong. About 68 per cent of total sales from MSIL in FY23-24 were driven by the Arena portfolio of cars. As we move forward, we remain committed to deliver exceptional experiences for years to come.” The Arena channel boasts of an unmatched, seamless and connected car buying experience. In its effort to fulfil ever-evolving customer needs and offer them experiences at par with global benchmarks, the Arena channel has emerged as the definitive choice for Indian car buyers.

    Promoted as a destination where the young “Find their Match”, Maruti Suzuki Arena is positioned as a channel where customers not just buy cars, but also begin a cherished journey with their new automobile. Driven by a deep understanding of the dynamic, social, and trendy lifestyles of young Indian consumers, Maruti Suzuki Arena has successfully resonated with this demographic by offering a highly personalised car-buying experience. Leveraging innovative technologies such as Arenaverse and a wide range of Maruti Suzuki Genuine Accessories (MSGA), online car configurator, website chatbot and personalised car finance options from Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance (MSSF), it has become the go-to choice for modern car buyers. With a seamless online journey that covers everything from discovery and exploration to finance and purchase, customers can easily navigate their car-buying process and find the perfect vehicle to match their lifestyle.

    Complementing the retail experience, the Arena range of vehicles has been meticulously designed to captivate the hearts and minds of young, dynamic Indian consumers. Packed with the latest features and innovations, from the advanced Dual Jet Dual VVT engines to Suzuki Connect and S-CNG, Maruti Suzuki Arena vehicles epitomise the brand’s unwavering focus to meet its target audience’s evolving needs and aspirations. Arena, thus, enables you to “Find Your Match”, where every customer begins a cherished journey with their new automobile.

  • Classic Legends challenges Royal Enfield with the New Jawa 42 FJ

    Mahindra-backed Classic Legends has launched the Jawa 42 FJ, a neo-classic motorcycle designed to disrupt the market. Priced at Rs 1,99,142 (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the Jawa 42 FJ aims to strengthen Classic Legends’ presence in the competitive neo-classic segment.

    The Jawa 42 FJ, equipped with a 350 cc engine, stands out with a power output of 30 brake horsepower (bhp), surpassing its rivals—the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 at 20.2 bhp (priced at Rs 1,49,900) and the Honda H’ness CB350 (priced at Rs 2,09,838).

    Anupam Thareja, co-founder of Classic Legends, stated, “Our goal is not just to participate in the market but to create and dominate it. We are investing heavily to ensure our products stand out and meet the evolving needs of our customers.” Classic Legends has already invested Rs 350 crore out of the Rs 1,000 crore raised, with plans to enhance production and expand its distribution network.

    Classic Legends also plans to add 100 new service stations and dealers to improve customer service and accessibility before the festival season.

    Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO of Classic Legends, emphasized the performance and pricing advantages of the Jawa 42 FJ. “The Jawa 42 FJ offers a substantial 40 percent increase in power compared to competitors in the same price range,” Joshi said. “This is a clear demonstration of price-performance disruption. We’re not just participating in the market; we’re reshaping it.”

    The Jawa 42 FJ is the 10th model launched by Classic Legends, which continues to expand its portfolio to cater to a diverse customer base. The neo-classic segment, targeting younger riders, includes the Jawa 42, Jawa 42 FJ, and Yezdi Roadster.

    Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group and co-founder of Classic Legends, commented on the launch: “At their essence, brands are nothing but an aggregation of their stories. New brands tell new stories, and resurrected brands tell new stories as well. Earlier, the company built rugged, affordable, reliable bikes that became a craze in Europe. Now we are running a marathon. We may fall or slip, but we’ll rise and keep on running. We hope that all of you will stay the distance with us and cheer us on.”

    The Jawa 42 FJ features liquid cooling, a dual-channel anti-lock braking system, and spoke wheels—enhancements not found in its competitors. It is available in six variants, priced between Rs 1,99,142 and Rs 2,20,142.

    Classic Legends is confident that the Jawa 42 FJ will play a crucial role in capturing a significant market share in the neo-classic segment. While the company did not disclose specific sales projections, it is also focusing on expanding its international presence. BSA motorcycles are now available in 33 countries, and Jawa is making headway into Eastern Europe and other markets.

  • Here All About Specs, Pricing Compared

    Following the debut of the electric form of Curvv SUV last month, Tata Motors has officially unveiled the TATA Curvv ICE, a sleek and powerful compact SUV that is set to disrupt the Indian market.

    The petrol version is available at an introductory price of Rs 9.99 lakh, valid till October 31, 2024. The diesel option begins at Rs 11.49 lakhs. The DCA (Dual Clutch Automatic) model is also available at an introductory price of Rs 12.49 lakh. Deliveries for these models will begin on September 12, 2024.

    But how does it stack up against its rivals? We pit the Curvv ICE against the best compact SUVs of 2024, comparing specs, pricing, and features to help you make an informed decision.

    Best compact SUVs 2024: Tata Curvv vs rivals

    • Tata Curvv
    • Mahindra XUV300
    • Hyundai Exter
    • Maruti Suzuki Fronx
    • Kia Sonet
    • Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

    Tata Curvv ICE: Specifications Showdown

    The Curve ICE will be available in various trims and engine options listed below:

    Revotron Turbo Petrol: Smart MT at Rs 9.99 lakh, Pure + at Rs 10.99 lakh, Creative at Rs 12.19 lakh, Creative S at Rs 12.69 lakh, Creative + S at Rs 13.69 lakh, Accomplished S at Rs 14.69 lakh.

    Hyperion GDi MT: Creative at Rs 13.99 lakh, Creative S at Rs 14.99 lakh, Accomplished S at Rs 15.99 lakh, Accomplished + A at Rs 17.49 lakh.

    KryoJet Diesel MT: Smart at Rs 11.49 lakh, Pure + at Rs 12.49 lakh, Creative at Rs 13.69 lakh, Creative S at Rs 14.19 lakh, Creative + S at Rs 15.19 lakh, Accomplished S at Rs 16.19 lakh, Accomplished + A at Rs 17.69 lakh.

    However, the ICE version stands out with additional design elements such as front air vents, chrome accents, front sensors, and cameras. Despite these variances, both versions retain a coupe-like form, characterized by a sloping roofline, sleek flush door handles, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

    Curvv ICE fuel efficiency

    Under the hood, the Tata Curvv is available with three engine options, namely a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.2-litre GDi turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a DCT unit. The new GDi motor develops 123 bhp and 225 Nm of torque. Customers can choose from eight variants: Smart, Pure+, Pure+ S, Creative, Creative S, Creative+ S, Accomplished S, and Accomplished+ A.

    Commenting on the launch, Carwale says the Curvv ICE and EV share Tata Motors’ new ATLAS platform, resulting in a nearly identical design. Both versions feature a striking LED daytime running light (DRL) strip positioned above the front grille, with all lighting elements, including indicators, being LED.

    Thus, with the recent launch, the Tata Curvv ICE appears as a strong challenger in the compact SUV sector, providing an ideal balance of performance, features, and value. While rivals have their advantages, Curvv ICE’s whole package makes it an appealing option for 2024.

    Will it reign supreme, or will competitors raise their game? Only time will tell!

  • The 10 Most Revolutionary Cars in History

    Over the years, the automobile industry has undergone a revolution, witnessing the emergence of what we call as ‘rare cars’ today. From design, structure to configuration, cars have undergone significant transformation, thanks to technological advancements. However, if we go back in time and revisit classic cars, the list will leave you stunned. In fact, in the modern scenario as well, these cars continue to carry their timeless essence.

    Here’s a look at 10 classic cars of all time:

    1. Porsche 911: The introduction of the Porsche 911 in 1964 took the market by storm. While it has seen many changes over the years, its core design and rear-engine configuration have remained unchanged. Making a solid mark in the list of classic sports cars of all time, the Porsche 911 continues to impact the modern automotive world.
    2. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: A classic showpiece thriving on gullwing doors and sleek bodywork, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was a powerhouse of action and luxury. On the interiors, the car exhibited a fuel-injected 3.0-liter inline-six engine which made it one of the fastest production cars of its era. The amalgamation of elegance and performance further added to its popularity.
    3. Ford Model T : Launched in 1908, Ford Model T was one of the most iconic cars of all time. What made it special was the fact that it was the first automobile mass-produced on moving assembly lines with fully interchangeable parts. From 1908 through 1927, over 15 million models of this car were successfully sold out. The affordable nature of this vehicle led it to become the best-selling of its time.
    4. Volkswagen Beetle: When talking about classic cars, the Volkswagen Beetle or Bug is one name that definitely cannot be missed. Launched in 1938 by Ferdinand Porsche, the Beetle became an instant success, thanks to its unique design and class. It translated into a popular choice with over 21 million models successfully sold.
    5. Ferrari 250 GTO: Renowned as one of the most valuable classic cars globally, the Ferrari 250 GTO is celebrated for its remarkable features. Under the hood, it features an unparalleled design, a robust V12 engine, and a distinguished racing pedigree. Even though only 36 units of this car were launched between 1962 and 1964, it was enough to earn it the status of a legendary car.
    6. Aston Martin DB5: This elegant, luxurious four-wheeler gained popularity as James Bond’s car in the movie ‘Goldfinger.’ Beyond the aesthetics and innovative design, the car flaunts an unmatched interior and a robust 4.0-litre engine which makes it a powerful contender on the list of classic cars. In addition, its association with the James Bond movie further added to its name and fame.
    7. Ford Mustang: An affordable price combined with sporty performance, this first ‘pony car’ was a huge success in the market. Its innovative design and powerful engines contributed to its widespread popularity. In fact, today as well Mustang continues to uphold its legacy, embracing modernisation while keeping its traditional essence alive.
    8. Jaguar E-Type: Launched in 1961, Jaguar E-Type earned the title of ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ by Enzo Ferrari. The car featured a long hood, sleek lines, and advanced engineering, all of which enhanced its popularity as one of the most stunning cars ever created. In addition, a top speed of 150 mph combined with exquisite aesthetics and impressive performance made the E-Type no less than a masterpiece.
    9. Chevrolet Bel Air: Introduced in the 1950s, the Chevrolet Bel Air became an icon of style and elegance. Boasting an innovative design and vibrant colour options combined with a classy look, this car became well-known amongst car enthusiasts. Apart from that, Bel Air’s powerful V8 engine became its unique selling point, making it a strong competitor on the list of classic cars.
    10. Chevrolet Corvette: Known as the ‘America’s Sports Car’, Chevrolet Corvette is a true representation of power, style, and value. It has transformed through multiple generations, integrating advanced technology and innovative design. Becoming the top favourite among sports car enthusiasts, the car was nothing less than a significant hit of its time.

  • Ola Electric’s market share drops to 31% in August

    New Delhi: Bhavish Aggarwal-run Ola Electric clocked its lowest monthly sales this year, dropping 34 per cent sequentially to 27,506 units in August, as its market share nosedived further to 31 per cent.

    As per vehicle registration data available on the central government’s Vahan portal, Ola Electric had a market share of 31 per cent in India’s electric two-wheeler (2W) market in August as its closest rivals TVS and Bajaj Auto logged 20 per cent and 19 per cent market share, respectively.

    The company’s retail sales of 27,506 units are lowest in the calendar year to date, down by 34 per cent compared to 41,711 units it sold in July.

    According to VAHAN data, 88,451 electric two-wheelers were registered in August 2024, as against 62,767 units in the year-ago period — a growth of 41% year-on-year. Sequentially, however, the industry shrank 41.5 per cent.

    The surge in volumes of the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak models can be attributed to the newer, cheaper models introduced by the incumbents.

    The share of Ola Electric dropped again on Monday, and was hovering around Rs 114 apiece during intra-day trade.

    The company’s retail sales of 27,506 units are its lowest in the calendar year to date. While the August 2024 numbers are up 47 per cent YoY, these are down by 34 per cent compared to 41,711 units in July.

    Ola Electric’s shares have tumbled over 27 per cent from its record peak of Rs 157.53 a piece, leaving investors jittery amid profit booking and broader market volatility. Ola Electric’s stock made a muted market debut on August 9 but saw a strong buying after the listing. At present, the scrip has been under selling pressure after scaling lifetime high.

  • Škoda Auto India Launches All-New Slavia Monte Carlo

    Hyderabad: Škoda Auto India has launched the all-new Slavia Monte Carlo edition in India. Taking the sport theme further, the company also introduced an all-new Sportline range within the Kushaq and Slavia line up and announced a path-breaking offer for these cars upping the value and choice quotient for Indian customers.

    Commenting on the new introductions, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India said, “The Monte Carlo badge has a strong connect with customers, reflecting the spirit of sport and victory. I am happy to share that we launch the Slavia Monte Carlo today. This is part our strategy to grow the Škoda brand in India, which is one of the largest markets for us outside Europe. This special car will have a strong appeal with customers looking for unique, subtle and sporty aesthetics, projecting a discrete sense of style. It is homage to our 112 years in Rallye Monte Carlo, 129 years of rich heritage, and 24 years in India. We have also introduced two new trims – Slavia Sportline and Kushaq Sportline — reflecting our intent to keep the range evolving and contemporary, offering greater choice and value to customers. The Sportline is perfect for customers who seek the sporty aesthetics of the Monte Carlo at a more accessible price point. Together with the new Monte Carlo and Sportline offerings, we look forward to substantially growing the Škoda family in India.”

    The anniversary offer

    As the launch of this all-new range marks the 112th anniversary since the company’s debut at Rallye Monte Carlo, Škoda Auto India have lined up benefits for customers buying the sport-inspired Monte Carlo and Sportline range of the Kushaq and Slavia. The first 5,000 customers booking any of these four cars will receive benefits of ₹30,000. The offer is operational immediately and will be valid until September 6, 2024.

    Monte Carlo in the metal

    At the heart of this car beats the proven and tested 1.0 and 1.5 TSI engines. The 1.0 TSI is available with a six-speed manual and automatic. And the 1.5 TSI sends power to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG. The cars come exclusively in the Tornado Red and Candy White colours. Both these options come with a contrasting Deep Black roof as standard. The Window Garnish houses an all-black theme as do the ORVMs. The black treatment continues to the Radiator Grille Surround, the Garnish around the Fog Lamp, and over the Black R16 Alloy wheels.

    Continuing the subtle embellishments is the Monte Carlo badging on the front fenders and the Darkened Taillights. Sporty, black spoilers adorn the car’s front and side skirts and are also on lip of the boot at the rear. The rear also gets a Black Sporty Rear Diffuser and a Black Bumper Garnish. Rounding off the Monte Carlo highlights outside are the subtle and classy door handles finished in Dark Chrome and all the lettering in the exteriors of the Slavia Monte Carlo are in Black.

    Monte Carlo within

    Inside, the car wears the Monte Carlo Red Theme interior in the all-black sporty cabin. The Décor Frame, Air vents all adorn black. As do the Lower dashboard, the Centre Console Décor, and the Handbrake push button. The steering wheel and gear knob replace their chrome inserts for all black ones. The dark, sporty theme allaying Škoda Auto’s rally roots, continue in the rest of the interior with the and handles all taking on a dark demeanour.

    To lend the black interiors with dashes of sporty dynamism are subtle slashes of red across the interiors. The centre of the dash has a single red element continuing through the vents. The Monte Carlo Leatherette seats in Black are bordered by red elements. The two-spoke steering wheel also gets red stitching on them, and the black and red Monte Carlo Theme extends to the infotainment system and the driver’s virtual cockpit. However, the first visual homage before entering this sporty cabin is the Monte Carlo inscribed scuff plates by the front doors. And the driver will immediately notice the Sporty Alu Pedals in the footwell area as they stand out in this red and black Monte Carlo themed décor.

    The Sportline

    Škoda Auto India also expanded the Kushaq and Slavia range with the debut of the Sportline across the two best-selling Škoda cars. In a move that is the result of customer feedback, Škoda Auto India have now introduced the Sportline, which adds to the existing Classic, Signature, Monte Carlo, and Prestige variants of the Kushaq and Slavia furthering choice and value for customers.

    The enhancements

    The Sportline trim of both the Kushaq and the Slavia get the blacked-out design elements from the Monte Carlo like the taillights, aero kit and other details. The Slavia Sportline gets R16 Black alloy wheels and the Kushaq is shod with R17 Black alloys. The Sportline also gets LED Headlamps and DRLs in both the Kushaq and Slavia

    Features within

    The Sportline, like the rest of the Kushaq and Slavia line-up, comes standard with six airbags. In addition gets an electric sunroof, alloy foot pedals, a connectivity dongle, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming internal rear-view mirror among various other features.

    Enhanced choice and safety

    With the addition of the Sportline, the Kushaq and Slavia range further expands with both cars now available in the Classic, Signature, Sportline, Monte Carlo and Prestige variants. Every Škoda comes standard with a minimum of six airbags. Further, the Kushaq and the Slavia have a full 5-star rating for adult and child safety under Global NCAP. The Superb and the Kodiaq are rated the same under Euro NCAP. With the addition of the Slavia Monte Carlo and the Sportline trim across the Kushaq and Slavia, Škoda Auto India has further expanded its fleet of 5-star safe cars.

  • Tata Curvv ICE Arrives in India Today: Key Features Revealed

    Indian automotive giant Tata Motors has just unveiled its latest innovation, the Curvv EV, and is gearing up to announce the pricing for its internal combustion engine (ICE) variant on September 2, 2024.

    Variants

    The Curvv will be offered in four primary variants: Smart, Pure, Creative, and Accomplished, each with distinct features. This coupe SUV is available in six colour options: Gold Essence, Flame Red, Pristine White, Pure Grey, Daytona Grey, and Opera Blue.

    Features and specifications

    The Curvv is packed with first-in-class features, including a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, a generous 500-litre trunk, and a 12.3-inch Harman infotainment system, the largest in its segment for mid-size SUVs. It also boasts a 10.24-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer. Comprehensive LED lighting with Welcome and Goodbye animations and an illuminated four-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls add to its appeal.

    Also, the Curvv includes a Level 2 ADAS suite, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward and Rear Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and High Beam Assist. Additional safety features include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Door Open Alert.

    Engine options

    The Curvv will offer three engine choices: a cutting-edge 1.2-litre TGDI turbo petrol, a traditional 1.2-litre turbo petrol, and a robust 1.5-litre diesel engine, with the latter two models also available in the Nexon. The new 1.2-litre TGDI engine boasts 123 bhp and 225 Nm of torque, while the standard 1.2-litre petrol engine delivers 118 bhp and 170 Nm. The diesel engine produces 116 bhp and 260 Nm. Buyers can select between a 6-speed manual transmission or an advanced 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the latter being a novel feature for the diesel variant.

    Anticipated price

    As the second coupe SUV in this segment following the Citroen Basalt, the Curvv is anticipated to start at around Rs 11 lakh. It will compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate amongst others.

  • Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) Registers Total Sales of 63,175 units in August

    Mumbai, Sep 02: SUVs accounted for 66.8% of HMIL domestic sales in CY 2024. The company registered total sales of 63,175 units (Domestic: 49,525 units and Exports: 13,650 units) in August 2024. HMIL also achieved YTD (Jan-Aug 2024) total sales of 5,13,510 units, achieving a YOY growth of 2.06%.

    Commenting on HMIL sales, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, “SUVs, led by models like CRETA, VENUE and EXTER remain a key growth driver for HMIL in 2024 with 66.8% contribution to domestic sales. We are soon going to launch the bold new 6 and 7-seater SUV, Hyundai ALCAZAR and we are confident of strong festive season response to this new launch.

  • Toyota Kirloskar Motor Registers Steady Growth of 35% in August 2024

    Hyderabad: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) continues to demonstrate its robust performance, reporting a total sales of 30,879 units in August 2024. This marks a 35 per cent month-on-month growth compared to the previous year, further solidifying the brand’s strong presence in the Indian automobile industry. In August 2023, TKM had sold 22,910 units.

    In August 2024, TKM achieved 28,589 units in domestic sales, with exports reaching 2,290 units, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles both within India and internationally.

    Additionally, the performance from the first eight months of the Calendar Year (CY) continues to surpass expectations with a 45 per cent growth over the same period last year. From January-August 2024, the company sold 2,12,785 units while CY 2023 recorded sales of 1,47,192 units.

    Commenting on the strong sales performance, Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As we approach the festive season, demand for our products remain buoyant, and we are already witnessing increased consumer interest and higher footfall across all our dealerships. SUVs and MPVs continue to significantly contribute to our sales numbers, reflecting a growing preference for these segment vehicles. Interestingly, this trend is not limited to major urban centres but extends to tier 2 and tier 3 markets as well, demonstrating widespread customer acceptance for our offerings.

    As a response to the market needs, we reopened the bookings in August for the Innova Hycross ZX & ZX (O) models, available in both self-charging strong hybrid electric (SHEV) and gasoline variants. With streamlined production and an enhanced supply chain, we’ve successfully reduced the waiting period, allowing us to commence bookings for the top-end grades. Additionally, increased supply of Urban Cruiser Hyryder has also enabled us to meet the market demand leading to reduced waiting period.”