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Tag: mobility

  • MG Motor India Unveils Windsor EV: TV Commercial Highlights

    MG Motor India has launched its new all-electric vehicle, the Windsor EV, priced at Rs 9.99 lakh.

    The vehicle is offered under a Battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, allowing customers to lease the battery and pay based on their usage.

    TV Commercial Highlights:

    Interior View:

    The commercial opens with a look through the Windsor EV’s panoramic sky roof. It showcases the interior’s luxurious features, including the 135-degree reclining Aero Lounge seats, which resemble a plush sofa. The cabin is lit with a 256-color LED ambient lighting system.

    Exterior Design:

    The ad highlights the Windsor EV’s striking front design, including a split headlight setup with sleek LED DRLs and a connecting LED bar.

    The front also features an illuminated MG logo and LED projector headlights. Additional design elements include a bejeweled air dam and a silver skid plate.

    Side Profile:

    The TVC displays the car’s side view, featuring a floating roofline with blacked-out pillars, chrome window trim, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The charging port is located on the front left fender.

    Interior Features:

    Inside, the Windsor EV boasts a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch digital instrument display, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. It also includes a 9-speaker Infinity audio system and a wireless charging pad.

    Battery as a Service Model:

    Cost: Rs 3.5 per kilometre, offering a more affordable option compared to traditional vehicles.

    Buyback: 60% buyback guarantee after 3 years.

    The Windsor EV combines advanced features with an innovative ownership model, making it a standout choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

  • Ford Perks Up India Plan

    A year of constant interactions and consistent pitches under the guidance of our CM Tamil Nadu MK Stalin today resulted in the return of Ford Motor Company to Tamil Nadu — TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries

    New Delhi: American auto major Ford Motor on Friday said it is preparing to utilise its Chennai manufacturing plant to roll out vehicles for exports and has intimated the same to the Tamil Nadu government. TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce, who is in the United States accompanying the Chief Minister MK Stalin to woo investors, said the efforts of the Chief Minister to reposition ‘Brand Tamil Nadu’ in its Numero Uno place have yielded rich dividends.

    The comments by Rajaa follows the decision by the US car maker Ford which earlier in the day said that it was preparing to utilise its Chennai manufacturing plant in Maraimalai Nagar to roll out vehicles for exports and has intimated its intention to the State government through a ‘Letter of Intent’.

  • Ford to Restart its Manufacturing Plant in India

    American multinational automobile manufacturer Ford Motor, which exited India three years ago, plans to restart its manufacturing plant located in Tamil Nadu.

    The company said that it had submitted a letter of intent to the state’s government.

    This announcement assumes significance as Tamil Nadu CM Stalin said that his government is in talks with Ford to restart manufacturing for expot the state for exports.

    Ford struggled with sales in India so it stopped manufacturing cars in India in 2021 and ceased exports in 2022.

    Further details related to manufacturing will be announced soon, Ford said in a statement.

    Ford’s manufacturing plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, used to produce cars and engines.

  • Ola Electric Customers Vent It Out On Social Media

    Mumbai, Sep 12: After the shocking Ola Electric showroom fire incident in Karnataka, the company’s social media platforms were flooded with complaints about its EV scooters, as several customers raised serious concerns about product quality and service.

    Ola Electric users had complaints ranging from faulty software, bad service quality and poor response from the company when raised.

    A social media user who tagged the company in his post said, “It’s been a month and my scooter is still in the service center. We bought it just 40 days ago, and it’s been there for 30 days. What kind of service is this? How are you resolving this issue?”

    Another social media user said in his X post, “From the last 15 days, slot is not available in Kolkata. Very bad service in Kolkata Zone”.

    On Tuesday, An aggrieved Ola Electric customer set a company’s showroom on fire after an argument with the staff over issues in his newly-purchased electric vehicle in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi city.

    The accused was identified as 26-year-old Mohammad Nadeem.

    After the incident, the company said in a statement, “We highly condemn such unlawful acts, and will take all necessary legal measures to ensure that appropriate and strict actions are taken in this matter and such incidents are not repeated.”

    Meanwhile, another aggrieved Ola Electric user said, “I have complained many times on calls on this platform but no response from Ola. I was informed that a technician will come last Friday. No-one came. No call or message or any info from Ola provides.”

    Another OLA EV user posted, “Ola s1 pro gen 2 software is not working.”

    One customer reported that the EV scooter’s screen suddenly turned off while it was fully charged.

    Ola Electric responded to such complaints on social media platform X. The company said, “We regret hearing about your experience. We’re connecting with you over the call to understand this better.”

    Ola Electric shares continue to slide as its stock lost more than 30 per cent from its recent all-time peak of Rs 157.40 apiece.

    The Bhavish Aggarwal-run company’s stock dropped 3 per cent to around Rs 110 per share. It was, however, still up 45 per cent from its initial public offering (IPO) price of Rs 76 apiece.

  • Maruti Suzuki launches New Swift S-CNG Variant

    Hyderabad: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) on Thursday launched the S-CNG variant of the Epic New Swift. It offers array of standard safety features such as six airbags, unmatched fuel-efficiency of 32.85 km/kg, Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP), and Hill Hold Assist. Further, equipped with a range of modern features, such as automatic climate control, rear AC vent, wireless charger, 60: 40 split rear seats, and a feature-loaded 17.78 cm (7-inch) Smart Play Pro infotainment system and Suzuki Connect, enhancing the overall driving experience.

    The newly launched Swift is being appreciated for its distinct design, underscored by its bold wraparound character line, which lends it a sporty identity in the premium hatchback segment. The Swift S-CNG continues to uphold this distinct sporty character. Complemented by the Z-series Dual VVT engine it emits low CO2 and delivers an impressive maximum torque of 101.8 Nm @ 2900 rpm for better city driving.

    Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The Swift brand has always been synonymous with spirited performance and iconic style. With the launch of the Epic New Swift S-CNG, we are not just expanding its rich legacy but taking it to new heights. Powered by our all-new Z-series engine, it delivers remarkable fuel-efficiency of 32.85 km/kg#, more than a 6 per cent improvement over its predecessor, without compromising the exhilarating drive that Swift enthusiasts love.”

    He further added, “Maruti Suzuki pioneered the production of CNG vehicles in India back in 2010. Since then, we have sold over 2 million S-CNG vehicles to date, contributing to a significant reduction of 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Our S-CNG technology has democratised green mobility solutions, and we are proud to offer the widest range of 14 S-CNG powered vehicles across all body styles. Last fiscal year, our CNG sales in the passenger vehicle category witnessed a 46.8 per cent growth compared to Financial Year 2022-23 and registered a CAGR of around 28 per cent since 2010.”

  • 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG Launched in India, Priced at ₹8.19 Lakh

    Maruti Suzuki, the top automaker in India, has introduced a new Swift CNG model, discontinuing the diesel version. The 2024 Swift CNG price starts at ₹8.19 lakh (ex-showroom). This model comes in VXi, VXi(O), and ZXi variants, boasting a fuel efficiency of 32.85 km/kg, making it the most efficient in its category.

    This move is in line with Maruti Suzuki’s plan to boost CNG vehicle sales and aims to sell six lakh CNG units by the end of the 2024–25 financial year. By phasing out diesel models, the company is prioritising CNG as a cleaner and more economical choice. The popular Swift is expected to contribute significantly to achieving these sales targets.

    Key features of the Swift CNG 2024 include:

    • Enhanced fuel efficiency of up to 32.85 km/kg
    • Advanced safety features such as six airbags, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist
    • 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Comfort features like LED headlamps, tail lights, auto AC, and OTA updates

  • Cabinet Approves ₹10,900 Crore EV Scheme and ₹3,435 Crore PM-eBus Sewa

    The Union Cabinet has given the green light to the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme.

    This initiative comes with a budget of ₹10,900 crore for a duration of two years, along with a Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) totaling ₹3,435.33 crore under the PM-eBus Sewa program.

    The PM E-Drive scheme will provide ₹3,679 crore in subsidies for e-two wheelers, e-three wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other EVs, supporting 2.479 million e-2Ws, 316,000 e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.

    The heavy industries ministry will manage the scheme through a dedicated portal. An additional ₹4,391 crore is allocated for public transport agencies to procure 14,028 e-buses.

    Demand aggregation will be handled by CESL in nine major cities.

    The scheme allocates ₹2,000 crore for the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for electric four-wheelers, 1,800 for electric buses, and 48,400 for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

    Additionally, ₹500 crore is designated for electric trucks, and ₹780 crore will be used to modernize EV testing agencies.

  • Cabinet approves PM-eBus Sewa PSM scheme for 38,000 e-buses • EVreporter

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the “PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme” to facilitate the procurement and operation of electric buses (e-buses) by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs). The scheme has an allocated budget of INR 3,435.33 crore and aims to support the deployment of over 38,000 e-buses between FY 2024-25 and FY 2028-29. It will ensure the operation of these buses for up to 12 years from the date of deployment.

    Currently, most buses operated by PTAs use diesel or CNG, which contribute to environmental challenges. In contrast, e-buses are seen as having lower operational costs. However, the higher upfront costs of e-buses and revenue constraints present challenges for PTAs in adopting them.

    Under the scheme, PTAs will procure e-buses through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, specifically using the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) approach, where Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)/operators will supply and manage the buses, while PTAs will make monthly payments. To address concerns about potential payment defaults, the scheme establishes a fund managed by CESL, the implementing agency, to ensure timely payments to OEMs/operators. In cases of payment defaults, the scheme allows CESL to cover the payments, which will be recouped later by PTAs, states, or Union Territories (UTs).

    The initiative is intended to encourage private sector involvement in the adoption of e-buses and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. The scheme will be available to PTAs in all states and UTs that choose to participate.

    Also read: 10,000 e-Buses to be deployed in 169 cities under PM-eBus Sewa

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  • PLI Auto Scheme Helps Create 30k Jobs: Centre

    New Delhi: The production-linked incentive (PLI) Auto scheme has helped generate more than 30,000 jobs till March this year, the government has said.

    The PLI Auto scheme attracted Rs 74,850 crore in proposed investments, with Rs 17,896 crore already invested, according to Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

    Speaking at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ (SIAM) event in the national capital, the minister said the government is committed to the growth of automobile and auto components and advanced cell chemistry sector.

    The ministry supported the domestic mobility industry in its move towards sustainable advanced technologies including electrification in line with current global practices with an outlay of Rs 2,938 crore,” said Kumaraswamy.

    The Centre has already approved 50 of the 74 applications it received from automakers for the PLI schemes in the EV sector, and remaining 24 applications are under review.

    Under the PLI scheme, automakers can receive a government grant of 13-15 per cent of the annual sales value of EVs, which helps increase the company’s sales and offsets the higher costs of investing in new technologies.

    Among other key initiatives of the ministry are PLI Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) scheme with an approved outlay of Rs 18,100 crore for 50 GWh, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) scheme with an outlay of Rs 778 crore and the SMEC initiative is aimed at attracting global EV investments with a minimum commitment of Rs 4,150 crore.

    The government will clear the third Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicle (FAME) scheme in two months to further promote EV adoption.

    The government is reportedly considering a proposal worth Rs 11,500 crore for FAME 3 with incentives over the two-year period. The scheme is likely to have incentives for electric buses, three-wheelers and two-wheelers.

  • Maruti Suzuki Eyes Higher Exports By 2030

    New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is looking at a significant increase in its overseas shipments by 2030, MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said on Tuesday. Speaking at the 64th annual session of industry body SIAM here, he noted that the automaker’s overseas shipments will witness ‘multiples of growth’ in coming years. “There is no reason why India should not target a big pie of global trade. As Maruti Suzuki, I can tell you we are not talking about percentage growth but in terms of multiples of growth. So, our exports from India today are three times of what we had four years ago. Not only that, our exports will be 3 times of today in about 6 years from today,” Takeuchi said.