Tag: sport utility vehicles (SUVs)

Hyundai and Kia set to launch first hybrid cars in India by 2026

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

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Hyundai Motor Group is likely to introduce its first hybrid cars in India by 2026. The group, according to media reports, is currently assessing a hybrid sport-utility vehicle (SUV) similar in size to its best-selling mid-sized Creta SUV for the Indian market.

The South Korean auto giant’s move suggests a strategic shift for the group, which includes Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp, as it seeks to expand its footprint in the third-largest automobile market in the world in terms of sales.

Hyundai Motor Group expressed its commitment to “a future of electrified mobility” and its intention to “optimize product strategies for each market,” revealed a Reuters report.

According to the report, Both Hyundai, India’s second-largest carmaker, and Kia aim to launch hybrid SUVs in 2026 or 2027. The report also confirmed that their electric vehicle (EV) plans for India are progressing as planned.

Also Read: Mahindra unveils XUV 3XO with Level 2 ADAS features, starting at ₹7.49 lakh

This pivot towards hybrids, which utilize a petrol powertrain and an electric motor, is driven by a surge in sales of this technology in India. This has prompted Hyundai to move away from its initial strategy that solely focused on battery electric vehicles.

Currently, Hyundai and Kia only sell petrol and diesel cars in India, along with imported EVs such as the IONIQ 5 and EV6. However, they are working towards launching their first India-made EVs in 2025.

Despite these plans, EV sales have been slow due to high prices and a lack of charging infrastructure. This has led the company to consider hybrids as an “interim strategy,” Reuters reported quoting a source.

Also Read: Greaves Electric Mobility’s first premium e-scooter, Ampere Nexus launched – check price, features and range

“Hyundai has the hybrid technology in other markets. It has now begun work on tailoring that technology for cars in India to make it mainstream,” the source said. This shift has been influenced by growing consumer demand and acceptance of hybrids in recent months.

When asked for a comment, a spokesperson for Hyundai declined to comment.

In 2023, total car sales in India exceeded 4 million, with EVs making up more than 2% of this figure. Hybrids, led by Toyota Motor, are close behind with a market share of 2%.

Hyundai is increasing its focus on India, where it plans a $3 billion initial public offering (IPO). This comes as the company scales back production in China following years of losses and after selling its two Russian plants.

During his second visit to India in less than a year, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung discussed mid- and long-term strategies for the country, including plans for EVs and hybrids. India is Hyundai’s third-largest revenue generator, following South Korea and the United States.

Also Read: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system gears up for China, intensifying global autonomous vehicle race

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

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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

Anand Mahindra to critics: ‘Your scepticism fuels our fire,’ responds by launching XUV 3XO amidst competition

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

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Business tycoon Anand Mahindra thanked a person on social media for his “scepticism” after he told the Mahindra Group Chairman that his cars “can’t compete with Japanese or Americans in their land”.

This came after Mahindra introduced its much-awaited Mahindra XUV 3XO in the Indian market on Monday.

Unveiling the first look of the compact SUV, Mahindra wrote on social media site X, “It’s here. Prices start at ₹7.49 lakh. The revolution begins. #MahindraXUV3XO”.

In the comment section, a person wrote, “Your cars can’t compete with Japanese or Americans in their land. Enjoy import substitution policies while they last. Mahindra will disappear as tariffs get reduced.”

Thank you for your skepticism.

It only fuels the fire in our bellies.

I was told exactly the same thing when I joined the company in 1991.

Global consultants advised us to exit the industry.

We were told the same thing when Toyota and other global giants in the UV space… https://t.co/oYMBO6HcWk

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 29, 2024

In reply, Mahindra noted that he was told the same thing when he first joined the group in 1991. He added that the company hoped to be around for the next 100 years, noting that every day is a fight for survival.

“Thank you for your scepticism. It only fuels the fire in our bellies. I was told the same thing when I joined the company in 1991. Global consultants advised us to exit the industry,” he wrote.

“We were told the same thing when Toyota and other global giants in the UV space entered India. But we’re still around. Every day is a fight for survival. And we relish it. We hope to be around for the next 100 years, still fighting—every single day—for your approval,” the 68-year-old added.

About XUV 3XO

On Monday, Mahindra launched the XUV 3XO, which is a facelift version of the XUV 300. The price starts from ₹7.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model, available in five trims, boasts a significantly revamped design, a new cabin, an array of added features and an updated automatic gearbox.

The company has substantially redesigned the XUV 3XO’s exterior, which features a new gloss black grille and LED headlights reminiscent of the XUV700.

The rear has been completely revamped and now has a connected LED tail lamp and bold ‘XUV 3XO’ badging. Meanwhile, its number plate housing has been relocated to the rear bumper.

The XUV 3XO is available in the Indian market in a total of 18 variants, with the top-end model — AX7 L variant — priced at ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Mahindra unveils XUV 3XO with Level 2 ADAS features, starting at ₹7.49 lakh

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

Mahindra unveils XUV 3XO with Level 2 ADAS features, starting at ₹7.49 lakh

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Mahindra has unveiled the XUV 3XO, a facelift of the 2024 XUV300, with prices starting from ₹7.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model, available in five trims, features a significantly revamped design, a new cabin, an array of added features and an updated automatic gearbox.

The XUV 3XO’s exterior has been substantially redesigned, with a new gloss black grille and LED headlights reminiscent of the XUV700. The rear has been completely revamped, now featuring connected LED tail lamps and bold ‘XUV 3XO’ badging. The number plate housing has been relocated to the rear bumper.

Veejay Nakra, President – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, in a company statement, said, “With the launch of the XUV 3XO, starting at an attractive price of ₹7.49 lakh, Mahindra is redefining what an SUV can be… From those upgrading from a hatchback to their first SUV to luxury seekers looking for high-end features at a competitive price, the XUV 3XO offers a unique blend of innovation, safety, comfort, and performance.”

Inside, the XUV 3XO boasts a new dashboard borrowed from the updated XUV400 EV, a large floating touchscreen infotainment system, sleek central AC vents and updated dual-zone climate control. The steering wheel retains its previous design but now features gloss black inserts.

The XUV 3XO comes with a host of new features, including a segment-first panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, connected car tech and a 7-speaker Harman / Kardon sound system. It also includes Level-2 ADAS, which offers lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

The vehicle continues to offer dual-zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and front and rear parking sensors, all carried over from the outgoing XUV300.

R Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Built on a durable, well-tested platform, it (XUV 3XO) is engineered to meet the highest global safety standards, including the B-NCAP. The XUV 3XO also meets the benchmarks established by our XUV700 – offering best-in-class forward visibility and the quietness of its gasoline variant is comparable to that of the gasoline.”

Under the bonnet, the XUV 3XO offers a choice of a 130PS 1.2-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol engine or a 117PS 1.5-litre diesel engine. The base 110PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine previously offered has been discontinued. A 6-speed manual is standard, with an optional 6-speed torque converter available for the T-GDI turbo-petrol engine. The diesel engine continues with its 6-speed AMT.

Here’s a look at the detailed specifications:

• The 1.2-litre Turbo-petrol engine delivers a power of 110PS and a torque of 200Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
• The 1.2-litre T-GDI Turbo-petrol engine delivers a power of 130PS and a torque of up to 250Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed torque converter.
• The 1.5-litre Diesel engine delivers a power of 117PS and a torque of 300Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed AMT.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO competes with the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet and Nissan Magnite.

Here’s the variant-specific price list:

*Variant also available in Diesel AutoSHIFT+ at an additional cost of ₹0.80 lakh

**Variant also available in TCMPFi AT at an additional cost of ₹1.50 lakh

***Variant also available in TGDi AT at an additional cost of ₹1.50 lakh

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

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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

Electric vehicle sales set to rise in 2024, affordability and infrastructure crucial: IEA

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

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Electric car sales will rise strongly in 2024 despite economic headwinds in some markets, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast on Tuesday, but affordability and charging infrastructure will be key to future growth.

Electric car sales will hit 17 million this year, compared to 14 million in 2023, with more than one in five cars sold globally set to be electric, undercutting oil demand for road transport.

Ten million of those vehicles are expected to be sold in China.

“Tight margins, volatile battery metal prices, high inflation, and the phase-out of purchase incentives in some countries have sparked concerns about the industry’s pace of growth, but global sales data remain strong,” the Paris-based energy watchdog said in its Global Electric Vehicle Outlook.

Sales in the first quarter of this year were up 25% on the same period last year. Though that rate is unchanged from the first quarter of 2023 versus the comparable period in 2022, it comes on top of a larger base of vehicles, the IEA said.

First quarter purchases were equivalent to total sales for the entire year of 2020, it noted.

Still, electric cars’ share of total purchases will vary widely by region, representing about one in nine vehicle purchases in the United States, one in four in Europe, but nearly half in China, the IEA forecast.

Take up in Europe is being held back by “a generally weak outlook for passenger car sales and the phase-out of subsidies in some countries”, it said.

Affordability compared to traditional vehicles remains key to the sector’s growth, it added, with prices again varying widely by region.

Internal combustion cars remain more affordable than their electric equivalents in Europe and the United States, while in China nearly two-thirds of electric cars sold last year were cheaper than their traditional equivalents.

“Electric cars are generally getting cheaper as battery prices drop, competition intensifies, and carmakers achieve economies of scale”, the IEA said, while noting that in some cases – adjusting for inflation – prices stagnated or even rose slightly between 2018 and 2022.

Meeting the growing demand with charging infrastructure will also pose a key challenge, the IEA added, with charging networks needing to grow six-fold by 2035.

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

Nissan Motor India recalls Magnite units for sensor retrofit

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

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

Citroen exports Made-In-India e-C3 EVs globally, a first for multinational carmakers

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

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French carmaker Citroen, on Thursday, announced that it has begun exporting its locally manufactured e-C3 electric vehicles (EVs) from India to international markets.

According to the company, this move, a first for a multinational car manufacturer in India, aligns with the country’s vision of producing sustainable EVs locally for the world and Citroen’s global ambitions of democratising electric mobility.

Aditya Jairaj, CEO & MD of Stellantis India, in a company statement, said, “India is not only a strategic market but also a major sourcing hub for vehicles, components, and mobility technologies within the Stellantis group. Commencing the export of the versatile ‘Made-In-India Citroen e-C3’ electric vehicle to international customers is a proud validation of our engineering and development capabilities.”

The first 500 units of the e-C3 were flagged off to Indonesia.

Lise Talbot Barré, Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai, said, “This ‘Make in India’ Citroen e-C3 symbolises the strength of the Indian-French industrial cooperation and our mutual commitment towards achieving cleaner mobility at the global scale.”

Citroen claims that its e-C3 offers a 320 km driving range on a single charge, along with 100% DC Fast Charge and 15 AMP Home Charging options. It is available in 13 exterior colour combinations and 47 customisation options.

In addition to the e-C3, Citroen also began exporting the C3 to ASEAN and African markets last year. The company plans to have more than 75 BEVs and reach global annual BEV sales of five million vehicles by 2030.

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