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Tag: mobility

  • India to shift to ‘smartphone era’ for cars embracing 5G, advanced AI in 2025: Report

    New Delhi: India is set to enter a transformative “smartphone era” for cars in 2025, with the introduction of vehicles featuring 5G M2M connectivity and advanced AI technologies, according to the latest findings from Techarc’s India Connected Consumer Report 2025.

    The report said the automotive sector will skip 4G and will enable connectivity using the latest 5G cellular technology. It observed that consumers are interested in spending money on improving the value proposition in terms of features, quality and experience rather than exploring too many smart devices. “22 per cent of the respondents shared about considering optimising their smart devices portfolio. Among the new set of categories, smart/connected cars is generating high interest among consumers. 55 per cent of the respondents said that they have come across news or information about smart/connected cars in recent times,” it said.

    Starting in 2025, passenger cars in India will be equipped with 5G M2M connectivity, on-device GenAI, and cloud connectivity, making advanced technologies accessible across various price segments, it added. In-vehicle computing and artificial intelligence (GenAI), along with cloud applications, will become essential components of cars, enabling real-time data processing to support drivers effectively. Most cars priced at Rs 20 lakh and above will feature these technologies as standard. The cumulative revenues from automotive chipset companies have already surpassed $1.5 billion, with companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek leading the market. Some of the familiar applications that consumers will be able to use while driving include communication apps for audio/video conferencing, OTT entertainment apps, music streaming, podcasts, online shopping, vehicle maintenance, and servicing. “With connectivity and the technologies it brings to the cars, the future of the automobile sector will be fundamentally determined by the auto-technologies that will influence the overall experience, performance, comfort, safety and entertainment available to the drivers as well as the passengers. “So far, such features were seen as luxury or high-end experiences. But starting 2025, many of these will become mainstream for cars in India,” Techarc AutoTech Analyst Sadat Ahanger said.

    With 22 automobile manufacturers producing nearly 5 million passenger vehicles annually in India, the country is poised to become a leader in the global 5G M2M market within the next few years, the report said. About 21 per cent of respondents said MG Motors is the leader in providing connected cars in India, followed closely by Kia Motors at 18 per cent and Tata Motors at 15 per cent, it added. Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki also ranked among the top-five brands in this category. The report draws insights from a survey of 4,500 “connected consumers” across metro and non-metro cities. The report defined a connected consumer as one owning at least 3 smart devices in addition to a smartphone.

  • Telangana New EV Policy will Come into Effect from November 18: Ponnam

    Hyderabad: Minister for Transport Ponnam Prabhakar has announced ‘Telangana Electric Vehicle & Energy Storage Policy 2020-2030’, which will come into effect from November 18

    aimed at encouraging the electric vehicles in the State.

    Disclosing the details of the new policy at a media conference at the Secretariat here on Sunday, the Minister said that all EV vehicles purchased and registered in Telangana would henceforth be exempted from registration fees.

    He said the new policy brought by GO 41 will be in effect until December 31, 2026 and there will be a 100 per cent exemption on registration fees for electric two-wheelers, autos, and transport buses.

    “It will save consumers up to Rs 1 lakh per year. The EV policy is being introduced with the aim of preventing Hyderabad from becoming a polluted city like Delhi,” Ponnam Prabhakar said.

    The Minister further stated that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has decided to replace 3,000 buses currently in Hyderabad with electric buses and soon, all EV RTC buses will be running in Hyderabad.

    According to the G.O, 100 percent exemption from road tax and registration fees in respect of Electric two wheelers will be provided. The same incentives will be provided to Electric 4-wheelers, commercial passenger vehicles such as taxi, tourist cabs etc., Electric 4-wheelers – private cars, electric three – seater Auto Rickshaws (GHMC- Non-GHMC Areas), Electric Light Goods Carriers Including Three wheeled Goods vehicles (GHMC- Non-GHMC Areas) and electric tractors.

  • Hyundai Promotes Global COO Munoz As New CEO

    Seoul: Hyundai Motor on Friday promoted Jose Munoz, the company’s global chief operating officer (COO), as its new CEO, appointing a foreign national to the top post for the first time since its foundation more than five decades ago.

    Hyundai Motor promotes global COO Munoz as CEO in major reshuffleMunoz has served as global COO of Hyundai Motor and the president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. Prior to joining Hyundai, Munoz served as chief performance officer for Nissan Motor and the chairman of Nissan China.

    The promotion of Munoz is seen as a strategic move aimed at strengthening Hyundai’s response in the United States following the reelection of former US President Donald Trump, reports Yonhap news agency. Munoz’s work as CEO will begin at the start of next year, according to the company.

  • Automobile Retail Sales Grow 12% In Festive Period: FADA

    New Delhi: Automobile retail sales in India rose 12 per cent year-on-year to 42,88,248 units in the 42-day-long festive period this year, dealer’s body FADA said on Friday.

    The overall automotive registrations in the festive period of the last year stood at 38,37,040 units. “We witnessed a remarkable surge in numbers since the beginning of Navratri, nearly hitting our forecasted target with 42.88 lakh vehicles registered during this period’s growth of 11.76 per cent over the last year’s 38.37 lakh units,” FADA president CS Vigneshwar said.

    Passenger vehicle retail increased by 7 per cent to 6,03,009 units in the festive period this year against 5,63,059 units in the same period last year. Passenger vehicles bounced back after a lull, spurred by pent-up demand and unprecedented discounts available in the market, Vigneshwar said.

    “While we celebrate these achievements, we acknowledge that we could have fully met or even exceeded our targets of 45 lakh units if not for the unseasonal heavy rains in South India, especially in Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu, and the Cyclone Dana that affected Odisha.” Passenger vehicle stock levels will reduce further. However, FADA advises caution as the complete picture of inventory will emerge by month-end, Vigneshwar said. Two-wheeler registrations increased 14 per cent year-on-year to 33,11,325 units in the 42-day period this year compared to 29,10,141 units last year. Two-wheeler sales were largely driven by strong rural demand, Vigneshwar noted. The festive period ranged this year from Navratri to 15 days post Dhanteras due to the time lag for vehicle registration, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said. During the period, commercial vehicle retails rose 1 per cent year-on-year to 1,28,738 units. Three-wheeler sales, on the other hand, increased 7 per cent to 1,59,960 units in the festive period this year. However, tractor sales declined 2 per cent year-on-year to 85,216 units from 86,640 units in the year-ago period.

  • Vecmocon secures $10 million as a part of its Series A • EVreporter

    Delhi-based EV component manufacturing start-up Vecmocon Technologies has secured $10 million as a part of its Series A funding round. Lead investors include Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF), Blume Ventures, and British International Investment (BII). With this investment, the company aims to focus on its R&D capabilities, expanding its reach in LCV and bus segments and broadening its geographical footprint.

    Earlier in October 2022, Vecmocon (short for Vector Motion Control) raised $5.2 million in pre-Series A from Tiger Global, Blume Ventures, and other angel investors. Vecmocon was incubated in 2016 at IIT Delhi by Peeyush Asati (CEO), Adarshkumar Balaraman (COO) and Shivam Wankhede (CTO). It provides solutions for electric vehicles, such as motor controllers, BMS, instrument clusters, and vehicle intelligence modules. Vecmonocon counts Exide, BGauss, and BatterySmart among its customers and claims to power more than 70,000 vehicles on Indian roads currently.

    Speaking on the development Mr. Peeyush Asati, CEO of Vecmocon Technologies, said, “This latest funding round will enable Vecmocon to further its R&D in high-voltage systems, energy storage system (ESS), develop Zonal ECU-compliant architectures, advance 5G automotive connectivity solutions and team expansion.”

    “While focused on building a 360-degree EV ecosystem in India, Vecmocon’s reach extends internationally, with customers in Sri Lanka, and ongoing exploration in Southeast Asia and African markets”, shared Mr. Asati while talking about Vecmocon’s global expansion plans.

    Mr. Devin Whatley, Managing Partner at EIF, stated, “We believe Vecmocon is well-positioned to ride the tailwinds of growing EV adoption in India and lead the EV intelligence movement in the country. In an increasingly crowded Indian EV market, it offers its customers a key competitive edge by enabling both quicker time to market as well as higher overall performance and safety.” 

    Mr. Chirantan Patnaik, Director at British International Investment sharing his excitement on the funding, said “We believe Vecmocon’s R&D DNA stands out and that the Company has the potential to be a critical supplier to EV OEMs and ecosystem players in India as well as other emerging markets.”

    Mr. Arpit Agarwal, Partner at Blume Ventures, added, “What continues to impress us about Vecmocon is their remarkable agility in responding to market needs. What stands out is how they’ve built a complete ecosystem – bringing together smart software, data insights, and financial solutions.”

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  • Mercedes-Benz India Jacks Up Prices

    New Delhi: German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz on Friday said it will hike prices of its vehicles in India by up to three per cent on its entire model range in the portfolio from January 1, 2025, citing a rise in input costs, inflationary pressures and higher operational expenses.Prices of Mercedes-Benz cars in India will be revised by Rs 2 lakh for the GLC to Rs 9 lakh for the top-end Mercedes-Maybach S 680 luxury limousine, Mercedes-Benz India said in a statement.

  • How Does The Golden Visa Portugal Will Increase Your Worldwide Mobility?

    business students

    Globally mobility is more crucial than ever in the linked world of today. Traveling freely and conveniently is a great advantage for business, education, or a higher quality of life as well as for travel itself. The Golden Visa program of Portugal offers one approach to improve your global mobility. In exchange for making eligible investments, this program gives foreign investors resident status in Portugal. This post will show how Portugal’s Golden Visa could increase your global mobility and create access to a universe of possibilities.

    Describe Portugal’s Golden Visa

    Launched in 2012 to draw international investment to golden visa portugal program is it gives those who make large Portugal investments a residency visa. Among other things, these investments can be in scientific research, real estate, or employment generation. The Golden Visa gives the holder the ability to live, work, and travel inside Portugal and the Schengen Area—26 European nations.

    Golden Visa advantages for international mobility

    The freedom of mobility the Golden Visa grants is one of its main benefits. You have free travel rights inside the Schengen Area as a Golden Visa holder, therefore eliminating the need for further visas. Businesspeople, students, and visitors who should travel to several European nations especially benefit from this.

    Residency and Citizenship Possibilities

    The Golden Visa also provides the opportunity for permanent residency and perhaps citizenship, therefore increasing world mobility. You could apply for permanent residency after five years of having a Golden Visa. You also qualify to seek Portuguese citizenship following six years of stay. This allows you to live, work, and study anywhere among the 27 EU members, therefore attesting to all the advantages of European Union citizenship.

    Strategic location of Portugal

    Portugal’s western frontier of Europe makes it an ideal base from which to explore the rest of Europe and maybe the Americas. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is a tourism and business center with first-rate aviation connections to major worldwide cities. Getting a Golden Visa entitles you to all the benefits of living in this prime location, including faster access to airports and transportation links, networking with international business leaders, and it will connect with the other aspects of life.

    Tax Returns

    For Golden Visa holders especially those who decide to live under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax system, Portugal additionally provides appealing tax incentives. For retirees, business owners, and investors notably, this government provides substantial tax exemptions for overseas income. Whether you live in Portugal or run a business abroad, a good tax system will enable you to maximize your resources.

    The Ease of Requesting the Golden Visa

    Given other residence schemes, the Golden Visa application process is rather simple. You do not have to spend a lot of time living in Portugal annually, and the application process can be completed via an approved representative. For people with worldwide interests, one key benefit is being able to keep your principal house in another nation while enjoying Portuguese residency.

    The golden visa portugal presents a special chance for anyone seeking to improve their worldwide mobility. The Golden Visa is a great tool for families, businesses, and investors since it offers entry to the Schengen Area, the potential of EU citizenship, and the advantages of living in a nation with an excellent quality of living. Portugal’s Golden Visa could be the secret to opening fresh prospects in the worldwide scene whether your search is for better tax alternatives, more travel freedom, or a better place to reside.


    Neel Achary

  • Hyundai Plans To Make India A Car Production Hub

    New Delhi: Hyundai Motor India (HMI), the country’s second largest carmaker, has drawn up ambitious expansion plans for making India a production hub that will also cater to the rising export demand for its vehicles in the emerging markets. HMI Managing Director Unsoo Kim said in a conference call that the car major would be expanding production to meet the growing demand in the domestic market as well as the export market in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and South Asia.

    “We are seeing the domestic volume is increasing and the export market is also increasing. And then, we have a very suitable product lineup for emerging markets,” Kim said. Kim said that a healthy mix of domestic and export volumes will enable the company to not only secure profitability but gain a natural hedge against market fluctuations.

    Hyundai Motor India has recently expanded its production capacity by acquiring a new plant in Pune to cater to the growing demand. The addition brings Hyundai’s overall manufacturing capacity in India to 1.1 million units. “We are developing our EV ecosystem in India. We are planning to launch four EV models, including the CRETA EV. And we are also localizing EV supply chains like the battery pack, driver train and the battery shell,” Kim said.

    Hyundai claims to have recorded a robust 30 per cent growth in registrations, further strengthening its market position. Inventory levels now stand at under four weeks. Hyundai is also poised to launch new models like the Alcazar facelift and the highly anticipated Creta EV to push sales and garner a bigger market share.

  • The ePlane company raises $14M to advance eVTOL development • EVreporter

    The ePlane Company has raised $14 million in a Series B funding round, co-led by Antares Ventures and Speciale Invest. This funding will support the company’s efforts to commercialize its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The company aims to introduce unmanned aerial vehicles for urban transportation by 2025.

    The raised capital will be allocated toward several key objectives, including the expansion of drone and cargo eVTOL commercialization, development and launch of manned aircraft in India, and pursuing regulatory certifications to expand internationally. Additionally, the company plans to enhance its aircraft prototyping and testing capabilities.

    Antares Ventures has invested in ePlane as part of its strategy to back deep-tech ventures that address urban mobility challenges in Asia’s markets. Michael Gryseels, Founder and Managing Partner at Antares Ventures, says “We’re excited to collaborate with Satya Chakravarthy, the ePlane team, and the other investors to accelerate their growth journey and shape the future of aerial mobility. This partnership is aligned with Antares’ mission to support visionary deep-tech founders with our relationship network and experience in scaling across Asia.”

    Also read: The ePlane Company raises $5M in Pre-Series A | Aims to build a flying taxi

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  • Which Compact Sedan Offers the Best Value for Money?

    Maruti Suzuki has made a big splash in the compact sedan segment with the new Dzire, which has earned a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.

    This makes the Dzire the safest sedan in its class and marks a significant milestone for Maruti Suzuki. But with rivals like the Hyundai Aura and Tata Tigor also in the mix, how does the Dzire measure up when it comes to value for money? Let’s take a closer look and see how it stacks up against its competitors.

    Maruti Dzire vs Hyundai Aura vs Tata Tigor: Price Comparison

    All three sedans — the Dzire, Aura, and Tigor — are equipped with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with the option of a 5-speed manual or AMT transmission.

    Each model also offers CNG variants. Notably, the Tata Tigor is the only sedan in India offering a CNG variant with an AMT option, priced between Rs 8.70 lakh and Rs 9.40 lakh (ex-showroom).

    In terms of pricing, the Tigor is the most affordable, starting at Rs 6 lakh, followed by the Hyundai Aura at Rs 6.49 lakh, and the Dzire, which starts at Rs 6.79 lakh (ex-showroom).

    However, the Dzire is available at introductory prices, valid until December 31, 2024. As the latest offering in the segment, the Dzire is the safest and most well-equipped sedan.

    The Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor are available in several variants with different prices.

    The Dzire’s base model, the LXi, is priced at Rs 6.79 lakh. The Hyundai Aura starts at Rs 6.49 lakh for the E variant, while the Tata Tigor’s XE variant is the most affordable at Rs 6 lakh.

    Engine Comparison

    All three sedans feature a 1.2-litre petrol engine, but there’s a key difference in their powertrains. The Dzire and Tigor come with 3-cylinder engines, while the Hyundai Aura is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine.

    Dzire: 80 bhp and 111.7 Nm of torque in petrol; 69 bhp and 101.8 Nm in CNG.

    Tigor: 85 bhp and 113 Nm of torque in petrol; 72.3 bhp and 95 Nm in CNG.

    Aura: 82 bhp and 113.8 Nm of torque in petrol; 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm in CNG.

    Additionally, the Tigor and Aura use a twin-cylinder CNG tank located beneath the boot floor, offering better space efficiency.

    The Dzire leads in safety with the highest ratings and a solid list of features.

    The Tigor stands out with more power, especially in the petrol variant.

    The Aura offers a balanced performance with its 4-cylinder engine and good features. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what you value more — safety, power, or features.