Mahindra’s XUV700 will be India’s first vehicle to integrate Alexa

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August 12, 2021

Mahindra‘s XUV700 will be India’s first vehicle to integrate Alexa. Mahindra says that, by simply asking Alexa, XUV700 customers can control vehicle functions including windows and cabin temperature, play music, listen to audiobooks, get directions, check traffic, manage their smart home, find parking, and more. All of this stuff can be done while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Also read, MG Motor India introduces the concept of Car as a Platform (CAAP)

“Our vision is to bring Alexa to customers wherever they are – at home, at work, and on the go. We’re thrilled to work with the Mahindra Group and make Alexa a natural part of the in-car experience,” says Puneesh Kumar, Country Leader for Alexa, Amazon India. “Many customers have shared feedback that having Alexa around the home makes life more convenient and productive, and we can’t wait to hear about their experience with Alexa in the new XUV700.”

Furthermore, in addition to existing Alexa features – including the ability to control Alexa-enabled smart home devices from anywhere, as well as access to over 30,000 Alexa skills, XUV700 customers have access to unique benefits such as:

Offline access to Alexa: Drivers often loses connectivity while driving in dense urban areas, through tunnels, in remote areas, or in parking garages. The XUV700 offers offline functionality for commands including controlling the sunroof and windows, switching to a USB or Bluetooth-connected smartphone, and adjusting the climate setting, so customers can stay productive and entertained even when vehicle connectivity is intermittent or not available.
Remote vehicle control from home – When at home, XUV700 customers can use the custom Mahindra Skill for Alexa to manage vehicle information such as fuel level or tire pressure, and remotely give commands for locking or unlocking the car door, preparing the cabin temperature, and more. These custom voice-enabled features will be available across all Alexa supported devices such as Echo smart speakers, FireTV, and even the Alexa app on mobile phones.

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MG Motor India introduces the concept of Car as a Platform (CAAP)

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Madhav Banka

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August 11, 2021

MG Motor India introduces the concept of Car as a Platform (CAAP). With software at the heart of vehicle development, the carmaker says that they will be building an ecosystem of various in-car services and subscriptions in the areas of utility, entertainment, security, consumer payment and more. It will create various possibilities which will evolve with time, creating safer and smarter driving experiences.

Also read, Tata Tigor EV to launch soon; Will be powered by Ziptron Technology

The brand says that they are using services like Blockchain, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence amongst others to form the support system for CAAP. This will further enable the development and application of services and subscriptions to support the increasing trend of on-demand in-car needs for the convenience of the customers.

Over time, CAAP would enable customers to engage with third-party partners across different fields such as entertainment, insurance etc., to avail economic benefits and experience personalized engagement throughout their ownership period as per their choice, need and selection too.

They have also said to offer opportunities to developers to create applications, services and various subscription models. MG even introduced CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) recently which is doing a good job and now they expect CAAP to take it to a whole another level. They are building further on the overall stance of Auto-Tech.

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Tata Tigor EV to launch soon; Will be powered by Ziptron Technology

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Madhav Banka

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August 11, 2021

Tata Tigor EV to launch soon; Will be powered by Ziptron Technology. The brand, a few years ago, had also introduced the Tigor EV for government authorities and fleet buyers, and in 2019, it was also made available to private buyers too. However, there were reports of limited range and performance, so this time around the brand is promising to solve those concerns by rolling out a revamped Tigor EV with its Ziptron technology.

Also read, Tata Motors launches the XTA+ variants of Harrier and Safari

They have even shared a video on YouTube about the same. The link for the YouTube video can be found below-

While we don’t have a lot of info about the newer Tigor EV, it appears that it would have a few new exterior cues, such as electric blue hues for the wheels, projector headlights and LED DRLs integrated into the front bumper too. With these new changes, Tata seems to be distinguishing it from the fleet model. This time around there could also be more colour options to choose from too.

As for the powertrain, this would be powered by the Ziptron tech that was seen with Nexon EV too so that does give us some idea about the powertrain. It could come with a 300-volt permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, which is ahead of the 72-volt AC induction-type motor on the older Tigor EV in terms of performance. It is likely that the newer Nexon EV would have a larger 30.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, as they are claiming to have improved the range too. This new EV could launch in the upcoming weeks and the states including Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post Tata Tigor EV to launch soon; Will be powered by Ziptron Technology by dropping a comment down below.

Citroen C3 (CC21) India production to start from December

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Madhav Banka

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August 11, 2021

Citroen C3 (CC21) India production to start from December. This new model will also be sold in many emerging markets, including the South American region. There are multiple reports that tell us that it will be the replacement for the current-gen Citroen C3 crossover that’s sold abroad.

Also read, Tata Motors launches the XTA+ variants of Harrier and Safari

Furthermore, the new Citroen C3 is said to be entering the production sometime in late December this year. The CC21 will see a global debut on September 16, 2021. There are multiple reports according to which Citroen India will be aiming to produce around 33,000 units of the CC21 in a year, which translates to around 2,750 units in a month. It would be built at the Thiruvallur plant and the company had earlier announced that production capacity would be ramped up in phases to 1,00,000 units a year.

As far as dealerships go, the company currently sells just one product, the C5 Aircross SUV, via 10 outlets in India. While the number of dealerships is likely to increase closer to the market launch of the CC21, the model is also expected to be sold online, similar to the C5 Aircross. While we are not completely sure about the actual car, it could be based on the CMP modular platform that will underpin other vehicles, including a sub-four-meter SUV from sister-brand Jeep. It is expected come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. It could also be positioned at the lower end of the compact SUV market.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post Citroen C3 (CC21) India production to start from December by dropping a comment down below.

Tata Motors launches the XTA+ variants of Harrier and Safari

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Madhav Banka

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August 10, 2021

Tata Motors launches the XTA+ variants of Harrier and Safari. Tata has said that these new variants will come with 6-speed Automatic Transmission & a Panoramic Sunroof. They will be priced at INR. 19.14 lakhs for the Harrier XTA+, INR. 19.34 lakhs for the Harrier XTA+ Dark and INR. 20.08 lakhs for the Safari XTA+.

Also read, MG Motor launches 7-seater Gloster in India

Commenting on the introduction Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Head – Marketing, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said, “We are ecstatic at the response received by the Harrier and the Safari. The sheer love of our customers has helped us attain the pole position in the high SUV segment. Keeping our customer’s requirement as the top most priority and in line with our New Forever philosophy of continuously updating our portfolio with new products and features, we are delighted to introduce the latest variants – The Harrier XTA+ and The Safari XTA+. Equipped with two of the most demanded features, these XTA+ variants will come equipped with a 6 speed Automatic Transmission providing an effortless driving experience and a Panoramic Sunroof with functionalities like Global Close, Anti Pinch & Rain Sensing closure to name a few.”

The brand has also shared that the Harrier and Safari are collectively leading the High SUV segment with a 41.2% market share. According to them, the XTA+ variants will further add more dynamism to the entire offering, strengthening the portfolio in this fast-growing segment.

These new XTA+ variants are powered by the Kryotec 2.0 diesel engine and are equipped with features like the projector headlamps, dual function LED DRLS, R17 alloy wheels, floating island 7” touchscreen infotainment system with 8 Speakers, Android Auto & Apple Car Play connectivity, push button start, fully automatic temperature control, reverse parking camera, auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers and more. The newer Safari offers additional iRA connected car features, mood lighting, cruise control & tyre pressure monitoring system. They also offer Dual Front Airbags, an advanced ESP, fog lamps & reverse parking camera too.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post Tata Motors launches the XTA+ variants of Harrier and Safari by dropping a comment down below.

MG Motor launches 7-seater Gloster in India

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Madhav Banka

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August 10, 2021

MG Motor launches 7-seater Gloster in India. This is an addition to the range of India’s first Autonomous (Level 1) Premium SUV, the new version of MG Gloster Savvy Trim, MG says that it will strengthen the Gloster range and provide customers with the power to choose from a broader range of MG’s top-end SUVs. As for the pricing, it is priced at Rs 37.28 lakh for both the 7-seater and the 6-seater model too.

Also read, Hyundai announces the introduction of N Line range for India

Speaking about the launch Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motor India said, “We are introducing the Gloster Savvy with a 7-seater configuration in response to requests from our customers. With this addition to the existing Gloster Savvy with 6-seater configuration, we are offering our customers the power to choose a vehicle as per their needs and preferences.”

While for the car itself, the new Gloster Savvy comes in a seven-seater (2+3+2) configuration. It features multiple driving modes enabled with the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a BorgWarner Transfer case aiding its off-roading abilities. It also has the i-SMART technology, 64-color ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, driver seat massager, and several other exclusive features.

Furthermore, the seven-seater MG Gloster Savvy, like its six-seat counterpart, features a 2.0 Twin Turbo Diesel Engine generating 200 PS power and 480 Nm of peak torque.

MG also says that it comes with a unique, MY MG Shield ownership package, which has revolutionised and personalised the car ownership experience with flexible after-sales needs of customers. Users have a choice to customise additional services and maintenance packages from 200+ options, MY MG Shield’s standard 3-3-3 package includes a warranty of three years/100,000 kilometers, three years of roadside assistance and three labour-free periodic services too.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post MG Motor launches 7-seater Gloster in India by dropping a comment down below.

Hyundai announces the introduction of N Line range for India

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Madhav Banka

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August 9, 2021

Hyundai announces the introduction of N Line range for India. Hyundai will introduce the first N Line model for India in 2021. The brand says that with the introduction of N Line range for India, Hyundai continues to redefine mobility experiences with products that elevate customer aspirations.

Also read, Audi launches RS 5 Sportback in India

Commenting on the introduction, Mr. S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said,
“As the country’s leading smart mobility solutions provider, Hyundai has been redefining the mobility
landscape with products that take customer aspirations to new heights. The introduction of our N Line
range to India, will induce sporty experiences like never before, making every drive a fun experience
with products that personify excitement and athleticism. As an organization committed to India,
Hyundai has been introducing superior products and services for customers. We have surpassed
customer expectations and assumed leadership across various segments by winning the hearts and
minds of our most valued customers. With N Line, Hyundai Motor India will continue to challenge new
boundaries and introduce new cars that amplify the aspirations and personalities of new age
Millennial and Gen Z buyers.”

Hyundai N Line will further amplify these efforts with cars that evoke excitement too, the brand is said to be following, Motorsport Inspired Styling Cues, while making it accessible for all and also have an Everyday Excitement.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post Hyundai announces the introduction of N Line range for India by dropping a comment down below.

Mercedes Benz collaborates with DSEU to provide experiential learning for students

By

Madhav Banka

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August 9, 2021

Mercedes Benz collaborates with DSEU to provide experiential learning for students. The brand says that they are reinforced with their commitment towards society and its focus on skill development by signing an MoU with the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University to provide the one-year Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics course.

There were a lot of people present at this occasion that included, Mr. Shekhar Bhide, Vice President – Customer Services, Mercedes-Benz India, Mr. Ashish Salvi, General Manager – Customer Services – Digitization, New businesses & Training Mercedes-Benz India, Prof. (Dr.) Neharika Vohra, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, DSEU & Mr. Ashwani Kumar Kansal, Registrar of DSEU.

Also read, Audi launches RS 5 Sportback in India

Mr. Shekhar Bhide, Vice President – Customer Services, Mercedes-Benz India said “At Mercedes-Benz, we take pride in the diversity of our employees and capitalize on the different experiences, skills, and perspectives they have. Programs like Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics are important for imparting practical knowledge and skill development along with world-class training and understanding of cutting-edge technology on par with global industry standards.”

As for the program itself, The Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics program is an initiative by Mercedes-Benz India, which is propagated among students with the help of educational institutions. The Mechatronics training school at Mercedes-Benz India started in the year 2006. To address this requirement, the brand says that they will allow the dealership network to join hands to start the program and train students to address the requirements of Mercedes-Benz technology and innovation. Only 20 students will qualify to take the course per batch. They have also shared that since its inception, 660 students have successfully completed the program and have been placed not only within the Mercedes-Benz network but also the automobile industry too.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post Mercedes Benz collaborates with DSEU to provide experiential learning for students by dropping a comment down below.

Audi launches RS 5 Sportback in India

By

Madhav Banka

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August 9, 2021

Audi launches RS 5 Sportback in India. It is powered by a 2.9 L V6 twin-turbo TFSI engine that produces 450 hp of power and 600 Nm of torque. Audi has also revealed the pricing, and the Audi RS 5 Sportback is being brought to India via the CBU route and is priced at INR 1.04 Crore.

Also read, Tata Motors delivers 35 electric buses to BEST, as a part of the larger order of 340 e-buses

Commenting on the announcement Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, “We are thrilled to launch the sporty spearhead of the product line – the Audi RS 5 Sportback in India. The Audi RS 5 is coming to India as a Sportback, for the very first time and will be the perfect choice for customers who want the Audi RS DNA in addition to everyday practicality. The Audi RS 5 Sportback is a superlative all-rounder, which is built with just the right mix of aggressive styling, heart-pumping performance, and opulent luxury which will garner tremendous affinity with performance car customers and existing Audi customers in India.”

As for the exterior, the front of the Audi RS 5 Sportback is dominated by the new single-frame which encases the glossy black RS honeycomb grille which is specific for the RS models. There is a new Matrix LED headlamps with dynamic turn indicators and the headlight washer system keeps them clean. There is the Panoramic Glass Sunroof and the car available in the following colours: Nardo Gray, Turbo Blue, Tango Red, Mythos Black, Glacier White, Navarra Blue, Sonoma Green, Daytona Grey.

Moving to the inside, the interior now gets a Black and rock gray that take centre stage in the Alcantara/leather interiors of the Audi RS 5 Sportback, which are further enhanced with decorative aluminium inlays. The front Sports seats comes, with a Comfort centre armrest between them, have pneumatically adjustable lumbar support with massage function and the driver’s seat has a memory for the adjustment settings. Audi says that the driver and passengers are ensconced in the Audi RS 5 Sportback and the 180 W Audi sound system provides entertainment through its 10 speakers and Bluetooth interface.

Now for the powertrain, it comes with the 2.9L V6 TFSI engine propelling the Audi RS 5 Sportback churning out 450 hp with 600 Nm of torque. The driver can choose between 2 RS modes through the Multifunction Steering Wheel, which calibrates the power curve of the engine, shifting of the transmission and steering sensitivity.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post Audi launches RS 5 Sportback in India by dropping a comment down below.

Tata Motors delivers 35 electric buses to BEST, as a part of the larger order of 340 e-buses

By

Madhav Banka

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August 8, 2021

Tata Motors delivers 35 electric buses to BEST, as a part of the larger order of 340 e-buses. The 35-seater Tata Starbus electric AC buses were flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Uddhav Thackeray in the presence of dignitaries from the Maharashtra state government, BEST and Tata Motors, at an event at Mahim, Mumbai. The buses are procured by BEST under the government of India’s FAME II initiative, and the delivery is a part of the first ever Gross Cost Contract (GCC) by BEST.

Also read, John Abraham is the MotoGP’s new ambassador for India

Commenting on this Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Vice President, Product Line – Buses, Tata Motors said, “We are pleased to deliver the 12-metre Tata Starbus electric buses to BEST, as a part of the larger contract. Tata Motors has been at the forefront of technology innovation with green fuels and has been leading the electric mobility solutions in the country. The delivery of these buses will further fortify our partnership with BEST and help in environment-friendly mass mobility for the city of Mumbai. The unique ‘One Tata’ initiative will leverage the core proficiencies of various Tata Group companies to offer the best comfort, performance and low cost of operations. The buses are equipped with modern features that will enable ease of use and offer comfort and convenience with roomy interiors and ergonomic seats.”

As for the bus itself, they are 12-metre long, 35-seater Tata Starbus AC electric buses are equipped with features for the comfort of the driver and the passengers like: ‘Lift Mechanism’ that extends an automated ramp for easy ingress and egress of especially abled passengers, along with ergonomic seats, roomy interiors, utility provisions like charging ports and wide entry and exit passages. The full-electric buses come with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), telematics system, regenerative braking system, amongst other features for efficient and smooth operations.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this post Tata Motors delivers 35 electric buses to BEST, as a part of the larger order of 340 e-buses by dropping a comment down below.