Tag: Porsche

Pune Porsche accident: Accused’s father, owner and manager of bar arrested

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

The Pune Police has arrested the father of the 17-year-old boy involved in the fatal car accident that killed two people from Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, an official said on Tuesday.

Additionally, the police have arrested the bar owner and the bar manager who served liquor to the minor accused on the night of the accident, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar said.

A Porsche car, allegedly driven by the 17-year-old boy, had knocked down two motorbike riders in the Kalyani Nagar area in Pune on Sunday. The police have claimed that the minor accused was drunk at the time of the accident.

The boy’s father — a real estate developer — was detained from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and was being brought to Pune, the senior official said.

Earlier, the police registered a case against the teenager’s father under Sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act. A case was also registered against the owners and staff members of the bar for serving alcohol to an underage person.

The investigation in these cases has further been transferred to the crime branch.

Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act is related to “willful neglect of a child, or exposing a child to mental or physical illnesses,” while Section 77 deals with supplying a child with intoxicating liquor or drugs.

ALSO READ | Money laundering probe: ED raids premises of ex-DPIIT secretary Ramesh Abhishek

As per the FIR lodged in connection with the accident, the minor accused’s father gave him the car despite knowing that his son did not have a valid driving licence. Thus, he endangered the minor’s life and allowed him to party even though he knew that his son consumes liquor.

The incident took place at around 3:15 am on Sunday when a group of friends were returning on motorbikes after a party. The speeding Porsche hit one of the motorcycles at the Kalyani Nagar junction, wherein the two riders, identified as Anis Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa, died of their injuries.

Both of them were 24-year-old and IT professionals. They hailed from Madhya Pradesh. Multiple videos of the incident have gone viral on social media.

Subsequently, the minor accused was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board which granted him bail a few hours later. Further, he was directed to visit the Regional Transport Office and study traffic rules and later on submit a presentation to the Board within 15 days.

“The CCL (Child in Conflict with Law) will write an essay of 300 words on the topic of road accidents and their solutions,” read the official order.

On Monday, the police said that they would move a higher court to seek permission to try the teenager involved in the accident as an adult.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and other senior officials at the CP office in Pune about the car crash.

#WATCH | Pune car accident: Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis holds a meeting with Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and other senior officials at the CP office. pic.twitter.com/rVu1utPAJk

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2024

Earlier today, ANI shared visuals of the car involved in the accident. It is currently at Yerwada Police Station in Pune.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Visuals of the Porsche car and bike currently at Yerwada Police Station in Pune.

Two people were killed when a speeding Porsche car hit them from behind on 19th May. The accused has been granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board and his father was… https://t.co/HKj8uK4d9q pic.twitter.com/91SeqwfTeN

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2024

Victims’ families demand justice

Suresh Koshta, father of Ashwini Koshta, said action should be taken against the accused so that people get to learn a lesson from this.

“As per rules, action should be taken (against the accused) so that people learn a lesson from this… She completed her studies in Pune and got a job there,” he said.

Her brother Sampreet Koshta also sought action in the matter.

“She turned 24 in January. She was in Pune for the last 6 years…We received a call from her friend regarding this accident, action should be taken as per law,” he said.

#WATCH | Pune car accident case: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: Suresh Koshta, father of Ashwini Koshta, who was killed in the accident, says, “As per rules, action should be taken (against the accused) so that people learn a lesson from this… She completed her studies in Pune and… pic.twitter.com/6ZK9k0p6Vs

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2024

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has said that the Police Commissioner should be suspended in connection with this matter as he “tried to protect the accused.”

“The Police Commissioner should be suspended. He tried to protect the accused. A young couple was killed and the accused was granted bail within two hours. In the video, it can be seen that he was drunk, but his medical report was negative. Who is helping the accused? Who is this Police Commissioner? He should be removed or the people of Pune will come on the streets,” ANI quoted Raut as saying.

#WATCH | On the Pune car accident, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says “Police Commissioner should be suspended. He tried to protect the accused. A young couple was killed and the accused was granted bail within 2 hours. In the video, it can be seen that he was drunk, but his… pic.twitter.com/jiVZEq60ep

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2024

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Porsche Taycan’s evolution and Overdrive’s motorcycle face-off: A recap of automotive innovation

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Porsche Taycan’s entrance into the automotive realm has been nothing short of an electrifying saga. Four years ago, when it entered the automotive sector, it turned out to be an emblem for Porsche’s ambitious electrification plans. Now, there is a new one, and on the face of it, it does look like a midlife makeover, but a lot has changed under its skin.

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive innovation, Porsche Taycan has stood as a beacon of progress. From its inception, it has symbolised Porsche’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. What started as a bold venture has now transformed into a testament to the brand’s vision and adaptability.

Also Read | From Porsche Track Day to Tata Motors’ crash test, Overdrive explores automotive experiences across India

With each passing year, Porsche Taycan has not only refined its design but also enhanced its performance and efficiency. The latest iteration embodies the spirit of innovation that defines Porsche as a pioneer in the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, the middleweight super sport motorcycle segment has undergone significant transformations over the past decade. To gauge the extent of this evolution, Overdrive embarked on a compelling journey, pitting the 10-year-old Triumph Daytona against the hottest motorcycle in its segment today, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.

Also Read | Kawasaki launches 2024 Versys 650 model in India, priced at ₹7.77 lakh

Overdrive’s Rohit Paradkar has dissected the intricacies of both machines.

For more, watch the accompanying video

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

China’s Xiaomi to start first electric vehicle deliveries this month

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Xiaomi will this month start deliveries of its first electric vehicle (EV) in China, it said on Tuesday, venturing into the world’s largest auto market at a time of aggressive price competition.

The smartphone maker, China’s fifth-largest, said in a Weibo post that 59 of its stores in 29 cities nationwide will take orders for its new Speed Ultra 7 (SU7) sedan. A launch event is scheduled for March 28, when the new EV’s sticker tag is expected to be made public.

China’s EV sales climbed 18% in January-February, not far from the 21% growth seen for all of 2023. This year, market leader BYD led a round of deep price-cutting to try to woo consumers in the face of weaker domestic demand.

At the unveiling of the SU7 in December, Chief Executive Lei Jun said Xiaomi planned to become one of the world’s top five automakers. Lei said the SUV has “super electric motor” technology capable of delivering faster acceleration than Tesla’s and Porsche’s EVs.

Analysts say the car’s shared operating system with Xiaomi’s popular phones and other electronic devices will appeal to the company’s existing customers.

“Xiaomi’s cars are going from zero to one in a very different growth stage and facing very different user expectations compared to when Xiaomi’s smartphones went from zero to one 14 years ago,” Lei said in a Weibo post on Tuesday.

“Xiaomi’s cars need to be different, and the most important aspect is smart technology.” Xiaomi has been seeking to diversify beyond its core business to EVs as demand for smartphones is stagnant – a plan it first flagged in 2021. Its cars will be produced by a unit of state-owned automaker BAIC Group in a Beijing factory with an annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles.

The smartphone giant has pledged to invest $10 billion in autos over a decade and is one of the few new players in China’s EV market to gain approval from authorities who have been reluctant to add to a supply glut.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

From Porsche Track Day to Tata Motors’ crash test, Overdrive explores automotive experiences across India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

In a day filled with adrenaline-pumping experiences and insights into automotive safety, Overdrive delved into the heart of India’s automotive scene, covering iconic sportscars, crash testing facilities, and a celebration of automotive heritage.

At the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Overdrive’s Rohit Paradkar embarked on a thrilling journey, mastering some of the most iconic sportscars—from conquering the Slalom Course in the Porsche 911 Turbo S to drifting through the corners in the Cayman GT4RS—during the Porsche Track Day experience in India.

Also Read | Overdrive reviews Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe and Hero Xtreme 125R

Meanwhile, Tata Motors showcased its commitment to safety by offering a glimpse into its Pune crash test facility. Overdrive‘s Kranti Sambhav had the opportunity to witness firsthand the rigorous testing processes that go into ensuring Tata cars are among the safest on Indian roads. With safety becoming an increasingly crucial aspect for consumers, Tata Motors’ dedication to enhancing safety standards is commendable.

In another facet of automotive excellence, the Oberoi Group marked its 90th anniversary by celebrating its legacy of impeccable hospitality. As part of the celebration, the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance showcased a stunning array of vintage and classic cars, meticulously restored to their former glory.

Also Read | Will Mavrick 440 redefine Hero MotoCorp’s presence in premium motorcycle segment? Here’s an indepth review

From the thrill of high-performance driving at BIC to the assurance of safety testing at Tata Motors’ facility and the celebration of automotive heritage at the Oberoi Conconurs d’Elegance, Overdrive’s exploration encapsulated the diverse and vibrant landscape of India’s automotive industry.

For more, watch the accompanying video

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Porsche likely to drive around 80% sales in India from EVs by 2030

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

German luxury sports car maker Porsche AG expects around 80 percent of its sales in India to come from fully electrified vehicles by 2030 and is lining up three such new vehicles to be introduced here early next year, a senior company official said on Tuesday.

The company, which sells a range of luxury sports cars and SUVs priced between Rs 88 lakh and Rs 4.26 crore, is targeting GenZ customers, startup entrepreneurs and women as it seeks to strengthen brand presence in India, Porsche AG Executive Board Member for Sales and Marketing Detlev von Platen told PTI in an interview.

Porsche, however, has no plans in the short to medium term to locally assemble its vehicles in India, as it is focusing on establishing and strengthening the brand in India.

“We announced that we want to be net carbon neutral by 2030. So, coming from a car manufacturer, which is more sporty-oriented, it was interesting to hear (that). percent of our cars will be electrified, and by 2030, we expect close to 80 percent of our cars to be fully battery electrified,” he said.

When asked if the global targets were also applicable for India or if they could be different, he said around the company’s global markets the transition from ICE (internal combustion engine) to electromobility is happening at different speeds, with some regions faster and some moderate, but “in the big scheme for Porsche, it will also apply to India”.

He said the adoption of electric mobility in India has been encouraging, giving the company confidence to do well in the segment.

“We were very happy to see that the (all electric) Taycan, which was also introduced to India, became very successful…and accounts for more than 10 percent of our deliveries in India. We also see a good acceptance of the (EV) technology…and the Indian consumers are very keen on brand strengths of luxury brands,” he said.

In 2022, Porsche delivered 779 cars in India, a 64 percent growth year-on-year.

On Porsche’s future product pipeline for India, Platen said, “We launched our Taycan and the next is Macan, which is an important car for us in our product line and is expected to be in India in 2024. It will be a fully electric car. It will not be introduced later but it will be introduced as we are introducing the Macan to the world in the same period”.

Following Macan, he said, “We will have our first two-door sports car 718 fully electrified by the middle of this decade, and following the 718 is a Cayenne, which is very popular here in India, (it) will be completely a new model, which will also be electrified”.

Platen, however, said how fast electric mobility takes off in India would also depend on infrastructure developments in terms of charging systems and charging infrastructure.

Yet, the company is bullish about its future in India considering its target customer profile.

“We have roughly 4,000 customers in India, but we are also looking at young customers for the future, especially Gen Z. For us, creating this relationship, creating specific events, bringing our potential customers in contact with Porsche in a different way as a luxury experience is our focus,” he said.

Asked if the company is looking to tap start-up entrepreneurs, he said, “Absolutely. We are really looking at bringing Porsche in the context of the younger generation”.

Porsche already has a young customer base in India compared to the rest of the world, with an average age difference of more or less ten years, he said, adding in Europe, the average age of Porsche customers is 50 years whereas in India it is 40 years.

He further said, “We also see a strong development in reaching (out to) more female customers in India”.

The company is investing a lot to connect Porsche with Gen Z customers in the future in the way it does its events by creating a lot of experiences, inviting them to “specific personalised journeys”, Platen added.

On plans to locally assemble its vehicles in India, he said, “Porsche is more focused on value-oriented growth and not quantity growth. Therefore, it makes no sense to simply think about CKD at the moment for us in India. We are more focused on investing in the brand, creating specific, unique customer experiences… We are focusing more on the branding side, establishing, and strengthening the brand position of Porsche in India”.

However, in the long-term, he said, “I would never say never ever but as per our current midterm strategy (it) is not on the plan”.

Bullish on the country, Platen said, “We see a sustainable development of India. It is the fastest-growing (major) economy in the world. We have a strong belief and confidence that this is a sustainable development. When we look at all the investment willingness in India, when we see the higher level of integration, these are all indicators of sustainable development”.

ALSO READ: Overdrive | Mahindra’s electrifying concepts and Ather’s affordable EV scooter

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Porsche to keep only 911 as its combustion model, ditching the rest

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Porsche has a plan to gradually electrify its car lineup so that electric vehicles make up 80% of sales by 2030, and it aims to make its iconic 911 the only internal-combustion engine model left standing, a top executive said.

The German luxury automaker’s plans have been closely watched, including by environmentalists, because of its investment in e-fuels and push for the EU to allow sales of such vehicles after 2035.

Porsche, which had not previously outlined plans to ultimately have only one combustion-engine model, is seen as closely associated with e-fuels because of an investment in Chilean energy company HIF Global.

The automaker will electrify its compact SUV Macan, followed by the 718 sports car and then the best-selling Cayenne, Porsche e-fuels team leader Karl Dums said. The 911, accounting for 13% of sales in 2022, is the exception.

“Our strategy in the first place is switching to electric mobility and … we will produce the 911 as long as possible with a combustion engine,” Dums said.

Porsche’s EV plans and e-fuels investment are separate, he said.

Also Read: Good beginning for Triumph Motorcycle, will take 6 months to blossom: Bajaj Auto

E-fuel is made from captured carbon dioxide and renewably produced hydrogen – when it burns it re-emits CO2, which proponents say makes it carbon-neutral.

HIF Global’s e-fuel is more aimed at the aviation industry and heavy vehicles, as passenger cars will almost all go electric, Dums added.

Automotive and business experts said e-fuels will be used only in niche, high-end models. Major automakers will likely avoid new e-fuel models after 2035, having already committed $1.2 trillion to electrification.

By comparison, e-fuel startups – focused mostly on aviation fuel – have attracted less than $1 billion in investment, according to Pitchbook.

Like Porsche, Ferrari pushed for an EU e-fuels exemption – which has yet to be finalised – but still says 80% of its models will be electric or hybrid by 2030.

A host of smaller carmakers also want to sell luxury, high-performance e-fuel models to customers rich enough to afford the expensive fuel, which today can cost up to 10 pounds ($12.90) per litre.

Morgan Motor Co’s four-wheel cars are made by hand in Malvern, England, and little has changed externally on the cars, which sell for over $100,000, since the World Two era.

Owned by European private equity firm Investindustrial, Morgan made around 600 cars last year and is expanding into the U.S. market, said CEO Massimo Fumarola.

Morgan will launch an electric model later this decade, but many customers will want e-fuel-powered combustion-engine models long after 2035, Fumarola said.

Liverpool-based Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) makes customizable, single-seater race cars that cost an average of over 350,000 pounds. It makes one or two cars per month but is expanding into many new markets including Germany. BAC’s customers show no interest in EVs, Chairman Mike Flewitt said.

Also Read: India needs 4 lakh EV chargers a year to capture $190 billion worth market by 2030: CII report

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Overdrive | An in-depth review of Porsche Taycan Turbo S, 2023 BMW X1 and QJ Motor SRK 400

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

In this episode, Overdrive highlights the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, the 2023 BMW X1, and the QJ Motor SRK 400.

The Porsche Taycan Turbo S possesses both exceptional performance and an impressive range, which align perfectly with its prestigious reputation. By bestowing the “Turbo” badge on an electric vehicle, Porsche has effectively immortalized this revered term even in the context of an electrified future.

Also Read | Overdrive | A closer look at Mercedes AMG SL 55 Roadster, Hero Xtreme 160R & Range Rover SV

With the latest iteration of the BMW X1, the third generation, comes increased dimensions compared to its predecessor, offering a more spacious and luxurious interior. However, the question remains: does it deliver an equally impressive driving experience?

Discover a recently introduced motorcycle that has joined the 400cc segment in the Indian market and is highly appealing in terms of its appearance and features.

To explore more about these vehicles in detail, watch the accompanying video

Also Read | Overdrive: First Drive of the much awaited Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Porsche, Volkswagen partner with Mobileye on automated driving software

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Porsche will incorporate automated assistance and navigation functions from Mobileye’s so-called “SuperVision” technology platform in future models, Mobileye said on Tuesday.

The agreement is the technology provider’s second large signing for the platform with a major automotive group after China’s Geely.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which was previously going to use technology from Pittsburgh-based self-driving startup, Argo AI for self-driving shuttles and vans, will also partner with Mobileye, a spokesperson said.

Volkswagen pulled out of its planned investment in Argo AI last October and said at the time its commercial vehicles unit would seek a new partnership.

Together with Mobileye, the unit will seek to implement so-called “Level 4” autonomous driving – considered fully autonomous, though humans can still request control – in its ID. Buzz by 2025.

Also Read: Tesla to produce lithium for 1 million EVs from Texas refinery: Elon Musk

Porsche, by contrast, will implement Mobileye’s “SuperVision” system, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certain road types and enables the car to follow navigation routes chosen by the driver, change lanes and overtake slower vehicles ahead.

Israel-based Mobileye, which went public last October, already cooperates with Volkswagen’s software unit Cariad.

The news of the expanded collaboration comes a day after Cariad overhauled its leadership team and said it would broaden its partnership base, as the unit attempts to get back on track after years of delays and overspending.

Also Read: ADAS adoption in India up 50% in Q1 2023, EV market grows 48%: report

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow