Tag: mobility

  • All-New Dzire set to Revolutionise the Sedan Segment; Pre-bookings begin

    Hyderabad: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, on Monday commenced bookings for its highly anticipated 4th Generation Dzire. India’s highest-selling compact sedan*, the All-New Dzire is set to revolutionise the segment with its progressive design, segment first features and unparalleled value proposition.

    Building on the remarkable legacy of the Dzire brand, this new generation model represents a significant leap forward in Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to offer exceptional vehicles to the Indian market.

    Commenting on the announcement, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The Dzire’s extraordinary journey since 2008 has made it India’s favourite sedan, winning the trust of over 27 lakh customers. With the All-New Dzire, we have crafted something that’s not just the best in its segment but goes beyond conventional expectations. Its modern design philosophy, superior comfort and cutting-edge technology represent the perfect synthesis of what customers love about Dzire and what they aspire for in a modern sedan. By combining advanced powertrain options with thoughtfully curated features, the new Dzire is poised to deliver an exceptional experience.”

    Customers can pre-book the new version at any ARENA showroom or by logging on to www.marutisuzuki.com/dzire with an initial payment of ₹ 11 000.

  • Honda Releases Teaser Image for the All-New 3rd Generation Honda Amaze

    Hyderabad: Honda Cars India Ltd, leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, on Monday released the teaser for the All-New 3rd Generation Honda Amaze, an innovative and stylish premium compact sedan designed for young buyers and modern families.

    Building on its successful legacy as India’s trusted and popular choice among entry sedans, the All-New Amaze combines bold design, cutting-edge technology, and Honda’s signature reliability to meet the lifestyle and aspirations of today’s dynamic generation.

    Since its debut in India in 2013 and subsequent launch of 2nd Generation in 2018, Honda Amaze has set a benchmark for premium styling among entry sedans winning hearts of Indian consumers, and is celebrated for its stylish appeal, comfort, performance, safety and unbeatable value making it the perfect car for those starting new journeys.

    Commenting on the teaser release, Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “The Honda Amaze has always been a special product for us and our customers in India. As a pioneer in premium styling for entry sedans, the Honda Amaze has always set the standard for design and sophistication in its segment. With the 3rd generation, we are excited to take this to the next level, offering our modern Indian customers an enhanced premium package like never before.”

    Stay tuned for more details.

  • Pre-Bookings Now Open for India’s Best-Selling Compact Sedan

    Maruti Suzuki has started pre-bookings for the new Dzire sedan. You can reserve the car for Rs. 11,000.

    The fourth-generation Dzire will launch in India on November 11, 2024.

    The overall shape of the car stays the same. However, it has a new front and rear design.

    The interior will also be updated. It will include a segment-first sunroof.

    The engine options will remain the same. There will be a petrol engine with manual and automatic transmissions. It is unclear if a CNG model will be available.

    The Dzire has changed many times since it started in 2008. It has been the best-selling compact sedan.

    The 2024 Dzire wants to keep this success.

    You can buy the car at Maruti’s Arena outlets or book it online on the official website.

  • India’s EV market sees festive season boost, reversing recent slump

    India’s electric vehicle (EV) market experienced a significant revival in October, thanks to the festive season, reversing a decline that had persisted for the previous two months.

    In October, EV registrations soared to 217,716 units, marking a 35 percent increase from September’s 160,237 units. This figure also sets a new record for the highest monthly sales to date.

    This surge surpassed March’s 213,063 units, which had been bolstered by the final days of the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme, highlighting the robust demand this year.

    According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Vahan portal, this is the second time in 2024 that monthly EV sales have exceeded 200,000 units, bringing the total EV registrations to over 1.6 million.

    Dominant Segments in the EV Market

    Electric two-wheelers led the market with 954,241 units sold, making up 59 percent of the total EV sales. Electric three-wheelers followed with 568,419 units, accounting for 35 percent. Electric cars lagged significantly with 83,802 units, while buses, trucks, and construction vehicles constituted the remaining 1 percent.

    Festival Deals Drive October Sales Frenzy

    October’s sales boom can be attributed to the festival season, which saw customers eager to purchase new vehicles. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offered significant discounts, and the central government’s PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, launched on October 1, provided further incentives. This Rs 10,900 crore scheme over two years aims to boost growth through subsidies across various EV categories.

    “The combination of incentives, festive spirit, and auspicious timing acted as the spark plug the EV market needed,” said Preetesh Singh, Specialist in CASE and Alternative Powertrains at NRI Consulting & Solutions.

    Electric Two-Wheelers Surge Ahead

    Electric two-wheelers saw a dramatic 50 percent increase in sales, reaching 139,097 units in October, up from 90,372 units in September. Electric three-wheeler sales also rose by 7 percent, with 67,170 units sold in October compared to 62,901 in September.

    Outlook and Challenges Ahead

    Sector experts remain optimistic about the future, crediting continued government support through incentives. However, they caution that the industry must enhance its products and services to sustain growing demand.

    In September, the leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer faced backlash due to thousands of customer complaints about service quality. The Central Consumer Protection Authority issued a notice following over 10,000 complaints, which could affect not only the company in question but the entire segment.

  • Mahindra Auto records highest ever SUV sales in Oct, overall auto growth up 20 pc

    Mumbai, Nov 1: Leading domestic automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd on Friday said that its overall auto sales for the month of October stood at 96,648 vehicles, including exports, which is a 20 per cent year-on-year growth.

    In the utility vehicles (SUV) segment, the automaker sold 54,504 vehicles in the domestic market, a growth of 25 per cent and overall, 55,571 vehicles, including exports.

    The domestic sales for commercial vehicles stood at 28,812, said the company.

    “We are excited to have clocked the highest-ever SUV sales of 54,504 vehicles in October, a growth of 25 per cent and highest ever total volume of 96,648, a growth of 20 per cent,” said Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd.

    In the commercial-vehicle space, including three-wheelers, sales rose 5 per cent year-on-year to 9,826 units as against 9,402 units last year, said the company.

    “The month began on a fantastic note with Thar ROXX garnering 1.7 lakh bookings in the first 60 mins and the positive momentum continued across the SUV portfolio through the festive season,” he added.

    In September, the automaker said its overall auto sales stood at 87,839 vehicles, including exports, which is a 16 per cent growth (year-on-year). In the month of September, the automaker exported 3,027 vehicles, a 25 per cent YoY growth from 2,419 vehicles last year.

    As private consumption rises across the country, there has been a surge in auto loans for car ownership as people from tier 2, 3 cities and beyond opt for longer-tenure financing options to afford latest vehicles. About 80 per cent of car purchases in the country are financed through bank loans or non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

  • Maruti Suzuki India clocks highest-ever exports in Oct, Tata Motors’ sales flat

    New Delhi/Mumbai, Nov 1: Maruti Suzuki India on Friday said it sold a total of 206,434 units in the month of October, which is its highest-ever monthly sales volume. The company also clocked highest-ever exports in the month.

    The country’s largest automaker had sold 199,217 units in the same month last year.

    However, in the passenger vehicle (PV) segment, Maruti Suzuki India witnessed a 5 per cent YoY sales decrease, selling 159,591 units in the domestic market last month, compared to 168,047 units in October 2023.

    In the April-October period this fiscal, Maruti Suzuki India sold 1,269,852 units in the current fiscal (FY25) compared to 1,249,302 units in the same period last fiscal (FY24).

    In October, the sales included domestic sales of 163,130 units and sales to other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of 10,136 units, according to the company.

    The company exported 33,168 units in October, a significant growth from 21,951 units in the year-ago month.

    Meanwhile, the sales of Tata Motors in the domestic and international market for October stood at 82,682 vehicles, compared to 82,954 units during October 2023, which is almost flat.

    The total commercial vehicle (CV) sale was 34,259 units and passenger vehicle sales were at 48,423 units.

    Domestic sale of MH&ICV in October, including trucks and buses, stood at 15,574 units, compared to 15,211 units in October 2023.

    Total sales for MH&ICV domestic and international business in October, including trucks and buses, stood at 16,274 units compared to 16,048 units in October 2023, the company said in a statement.

    In July-September period, Tata Motors registered sales of 2,15,034 vehicles in the domestic and international market (Q2 FY25), compared to 2,43,024 units during Q2 FY24 – a 13 per cent YoY decline.

    Total commercial vehicle sales were 84,281 units (down 19 per cent YoY) while passenger vehicle sales stood at 1,30,753 units, (down six per cent) in the quarter.

  • Jupiter Electric Mobility acquires assets of Log 9’s railway and e-truck battery divisions • EVreporter

    Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM), a subsidiary of Jupiter Wagons Limited (JWL) announced an acquisition of Bangalore-based Log9 Materials’ technology and business assets for its Railway Battery and Electric Truck Battery Divisions. JWL is a leading provider of mobility solutions encompassing rail, road, and marine transportation. JEM will also acquire Log9’s manufacturing facility in Devanahalli, Bangalore.

    The acquisition includes the engineering and production teams dedicated to railway and electric truck battery technologies, who will now become part of JEM’s workforce.

    This merger enhances JEM’s capabilities in the electric truck segment by enabling backward integration into battery production—an essential component of its electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs). For Jupiter Wagons Limited, JEM’s acquisition of Log9’s railway battery technology is an expansion of its Railways Product Landscape. By adding this battery division, JEM is positioned to support a range of applications in the Indian Railways segment.

    Notably, JEM and Log9 have already piloted battery products with Indian Railways, recently securing an order for Vande Bharat batteries in collaboration with Siemens.

    Mr. Vivek Lohia, Managing Director, JWL, stated, “This acquisition is more than a transaction; it’s an investment in JEM’s future. By integrating Log9’s technology and production capabilities into our portfolio, we’re able to expand our expertise in electric mobility and railways while reinforcing our dedication to sustainable and innovative energy solutions.”

    JEM is expected to launch its debut e-LCV ‘Tez’ in Dec 2024.

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  • Ola Electric Expands Service Network By 30%

    India’s biggest e-scooter maker Ola Electric has ramped up capacity at its service centres across the country by over 30 per cent to transform its service and elevate the after-sales experience of customers, sources said.

    The Softbank Group-backed firm, which commands nearly a third of the market share in India’s e-scooter market, has added more than 50 service centres and has hired over 500 service technicians across new and existing service centres to streamline operations and clear all backlogs. The company reportedly has also onboarded Ernst & Young for service transformation, strategy, and optimisation of overall service processes. The development comes in the backdrop of some centres reporting backlogs as demand outstripped their workforce.

    A senior company executive, who requested not to be named, said, “The company has added over 50 centres to its service network and has onboarded more than 500 service technicians across new and existing centres across the country”.

    “The company has silently been gathering all forces to overcome its service backlog. The company has already cleared around two-thirds of the service backlog and should be able to clear the remaining in the next couple of weeks,” added another senior official within the organisation, requesting anonymity.

    Ola was in the spotlight earlier this month following a public spat between its founder Bhavish Aggarwal, and standup comedian Kunal Kamra over the quality of service. Last week, HSBC Global Research maintained a ‘buy’ rating for Ola Electric shares, with a target price of Rs 110 apiece. The global research firm revisited Ola Electric’s service centres a month after an earlier inspection in September and noted substantial improvements in service centres.

  • Hyundai Motor unveils new hydrogen-based EV concept

    Seoul, Oct 31: Hyundai Motor on Thursday unveiled the concept of its upcoming passenger hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) named Initium that comes with an extended driving range and ample hydrogen fuel storage capacity.

    Initium is a concept by Hyundai that reflects the product and design direction of a passenger FCEV set for release in the first half of next year, Yonhap news agency reported.

    Named after the Latin word for beginning, Initium symbolises Hyundai’s role as a pioneer in the transition to a hydrogen-based society.

    At a media event in Goyang, north of Seoul, Hyundai Motor President and CEO Chang Jae-hoon highlighted that hydrogen is an energy source not only for future generations but one that is accessible and equitable to everyone.

    “Hyundai’s steadfast commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years stems from a strong belief in its value,” Chang said.

    According to Hyundai, the design of Initium incorporates an aesthetic highlighting the strength and resilience of steel while also underscoring the pure nature of hydrogen.

    The model also offers a spacious interior along with distinct features. It features an increased hydrogen tank capacity and integrates aerodynamic wheels, enabling a driving range of over 650 kilometres.

    Additionally, enhancements in the fuel cell system and battery allow a maximum motor output of 150 kilowatts. The model also includes expanded seat recline angles and rear door openings to ensure a roomy second row.

    Hyundai Motor plans to showcase Initium to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou motor show in China, both set to be held next month.

    Hyundai Motor made its first foray into the field of hydrogen in 1998 by establishing a dedicated hydrogen research organisation. In 2000, Hyundai introduced its first hydrogen vehicle in collaboration with US fuel cell company UTC Power.

    In 2013, Hyundai Motor became the first company to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, launching the Tucson ix Fuel Cell, and in 2018 introduced its dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model, the Nexo.

    Chang later said the adoption of hydrogen energy by the automotive industry was a “matter of time” and a “path we must take” despite growing business uncertainties surrounding electric and other eco-friendly vehicles as of late.

    “Hydrogen-based vehicles may not be profitable now, but they represent a milestone in realising a hydrogen society, making it a mission (of Hyundai Motor),” Chang told reporters.

    “Continuing to advance necessary technologies is crucial, and I believe we can secure global leadership.”

  • Hyundai Motor Offers 1st Look Of Upcoming Ioniq 9 Electric SUV

    Seoul: Hyundai Motor on Wednesday unveiled a teaser image of its upcoming all-electric Ioniq 9 sports utility vehicle, highlighting its massive-yet-sleek exterior design.

    The teaser for the three-row electric SUV presents the overall silhouette and the model’s elongated wheelbase. Hyundai said the Ioniq 9 draws inspiration from the sleek exteriors and cozy interiors of boats, reports Yonhap news agency.

    The Ioniq 9 symbolises the largest vehicle class in Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq lineup and the company’s inaugural venture into the realm of large electric SUV models.

    Hyundai plans to fully unveil the design and features of the Ioniq 9 at a global showcase event next month.

    Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor reached a major milestone of 100 million units in global cumulative production, an achievement accomplished in 57 years since the company’s foundation. The company said it delivered its 100 millionth and first vehicle, an Ioniq 5, directly to a customer.