Mahindra launches the petrol-powered XUV500

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), India's leading SUV manufacturer today announced the introduction of a new petrol variant of its premium SUV, the XUV500. The petrol powered XUV500 will be available in a single variant with a 6-speed automatic transmission sourced from AISIN, Japan. Named as the 'GAT' variant, the XUV500 petrol automatic will be competitively priced at Rs.15.49 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi) and will be available in select cities with immediate effect.

Under the hood, the newly introduced XUV500 GAT variant will be powered by the indigenously developed 2.2-liter mHawk petrol engine that generates 140 HP (103 KW) power & 320 Nm torque. The XUV500 GAT variant is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission which has features like the creep function and manual mode option. The XUV500 portfolio will now have a petrol variant along with a wide range of diesel variants.

According to Veejay Ram Nakra, Chief of Sales & Marketing - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, "Since its launch, the XUV500 has been a trendsetter in the premium SUV segment with a great value proposition plus head-turning style and a plethora of hi-tech features. The introduction of the XUV500 G AT petrol variant will excite consumers who have been eagerly awaiting a petrol option. The GAT variant delivers impressive performance that has come to be synonymous with the XUV500."

KEY FEATURES OF THE XUV500 G AUTOMATIC VARIANT

• 7” (18 cm) touchscreen infotainment system

• Logo projection lamp on ORVMs

• Static bending headlamps

• ESP with rollover mitigation

• Android Auto

• Emergency Call

• Fully automatic temperature control (FATC)

• Dual airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Intelligent light sensing headlamps

• Smart rain sensing wipers

• Tyre-tronics

• Cruise Control

• Push button start 

• Passive keyless entry

• 8-way adjustable driver seat

Source: Mahindra

Honda Accord, Ridgeline, Pilot, Civic and HR-V Receive 2018 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy Awards

Five Honda models; the all-new Accord, Ridgeline, Pilot, Civic and HR-V, each took home top honors in their respective categories in the 2018 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy Awards. Honda's five category winners are as follows:

• Compact Pickup: Honda Ridgeline

• Midsize Crossover: Honda Pilot

• Compact Car: Honda Civic

• Subcompact Crossover: Honda HR-V

• Midsize Car: Honda Accord

Each year Consumer Guide Automotive editors select the best vehicles from 20 segments to receive Best Buy Awards, with vehicle price and value being major factors in their selection process. By prioritizing these key consideration points in the car-buying process, the Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Awards serve a practical purpose to everyday car shoppers. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Consumer Guide Automotive is one of the most trusted names in the automobile industry.

Source: Honda

Tata Motors rolls out its end of the year ‘Mega Offer Max Celebration campaign’

Take Home a Tata car at just Re 1 down payment 

with savings of up to INR 1 lakh

To celebrate the end of the year, Tata Motors has launched its ‘Mega Offer Max Celebration campaign’. As a part of this campaign, customers will get a once-in-lifetime opportunity to drive home a Tata car at a down payment of INR. 1 and enjoy savings of up to 1 lakh, depending on the model and variant.

Tata Motors has tied up with leading financiers and banks to offer up to 100% funding through attractive finance schemes on the passenger vehicles. This will be a great opportunity for customers to exchange their cars and enjoy the benefit of huge savings.

The saving offers include:

Models	Hexa	Tiago	Tigor	Zest	Storme
Ex-Showroom price, starts at	11.9 lakhs	3.27 lakhs	4.63 lakhs	5.31 lakhs	10.53 lakhs
Total December benefits up to (to vary depending on variants)	78000	26000	32000	68000	100000

According to Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Head- Marketing, Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, “Tata Motors continuously strives to understand customer needs and offers them a delightful experience. The customers gave an extremely encouraging response to all our cars during this festive season. We want to enhance this positive sentiment further through the end of the year Mega Offer Max Celebration campaign. This December, our customers can drive home a Tata Car at a down payment of INR. 1 through our attractive finance offers. At the same time, they will enjoy huge savings on our cars up to INR. 1 lakh (depending on the variant) through our insurance scheme at INR. 1 and exchange bonus.”

Source: TataMotors

Audi RS 3 Sedan Earns 2018 Car and Driver "10Best Car of the Year" Award

The all-new 2018 RS 3 has been named a 2018 Car and Driver 10Best Car of the Year recipient at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Car and Driver praised the RS 3 for its driving experience and stout, powerful body design.

“The ride is the only aspect of the RS 3 that is forgiving. The car’s structure is unyielding,” noted Car and Drive editors. “The body is so stout, if you hit a pothole, you feel bad for the pothole. If the RS3 were a professional boxer, it’d be nicknamed the Ingot from Ingolstadt.” 

The all-new RS 3 Sedan features an all-aluminum 2.5-liter TFSI® turbocharged five-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed S tronic® dual clutch transmission. Producing 354 lb-ft of torque, the distinct five-cylinder engine sound can be controlled by opening the flaps of the standard RS exhaust system. The RS 3 can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can achieve a top track speed of 155 mph, which increases to a top track speed of 174 mph with the optional Dynamic plus package.

The RS 3 has more aggressive and sport focused design elements than its A3 family counterparts. The signature Audi Singleframe® grille with three-dimensional honeycomb design and quattro® script brings its sports stature to the forefront, while the twin oval RS exhaust pipes and a rear diffuser in the aluminum-matte finish with vertical struts allude to motorsport-tuned performance.

The interior design includes strong attention to detail with driver-oriented, easy-to-operate controls and functions. To better support the driver, the S sports seats feature sharply contoured side bolsters while the standard acoustic windshield helps to reduce interior cabin noise. Standard RS-embossed S sport front seats in fine Nappa leather with contrast diamond stitching and four-way power lumbar adjustment ensure sporty driver comfort and style.

The all-new RS 3, while offering outstanding performance, also integrates benchmark technologies from the A3 model line including the available Audi virtual cockpit, Available Audi connect® features (supported by 4G LTE where available), MMI® touch® with handwriting-recognition technology and standard Audi smartphone interface, which provides Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto integration for compatible mobile devices.

To be eligible for Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars, vehicles must be new or significantly updated with a base price less than $80,000. Vehicles must also offer good value, excel at its given mission and deliver an overall enjoyable driving experience.

Source: Audi

Mahindra's Auto Sector Sells 38,570 vehicles during November 2017 - Registers a growth of 18%

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.) today announced its auto sales performance for November 2017 which stood at 38,570 vehicles, compared to 32,564 vehicles during November 2016.

The Passenger Vehicles segment (which includes UVs, Cars and Vans) sold 16,030 vehicles in November 2017, as against 13,198 vehicles during November 2016, a growth of 21%. The company’s domestic sales stood at 36,039 vehicles during November 2017, as against 29,869 vehicles during November 2016, registering a growth of 21%. In the Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles segment, M&M sold 792 vehicles for the month, a growth of 122%. Exports for November 2017 stood at 2,531 vehicles, a de-growth of 6%

Commenting on the monthly performance, Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, M&M Ltd. said, "We are happy to be in a positive growth phase for November 2017, which is usually a lean period post the festive season. Our passenger and small commercial vehicles growth for the month of November have been very encouraging at 21% and 29% respectively, while the MHCV segment continued to grow very well. We expect our growth momentum to continue on the back of some recent refresh launches as well as the positivity of our product portfolio."

Source: Mahindra

Tata Motors Domestic sales grows by 58% on the back of strong Commercial and Passenger Vehicles sales performance

Tata Motors Limited, a leading global Automobile manufacturer today announced strong sales numbers in November 2017 continuing its turnaround trend of the past few months. The Commercial and Passenger Vehicles sales performance in domestic market in November 2017 was at 52,464 units, a growth of 58%, over last year due to growing demand across segments, introduction of new products and strong customer initiatives.

Domestic – Commercial Vehicles: Tata Motors’ Commercial Vehicles sales in domestic market in November 2017 were at 35,307 units, a growth of 72% compared to 20,538 units in November 2016. The commercial sector has bounced back strongly after the initial disruption in the market, surrounding demonetization and the BS4 transition that largely affected the transport industry last year.  Consumption driven sectors have shown an uptick in sales, since July 2017 and continue even after the festival season. The increased demand for vehicles across segments and production ramp-up of the new range of BS4 vehicles has given a strong boost to the overall sales growth. The cumulative sales performance of commercial vehicles in domestic market, grew by 11.5%, over last year and continues to grow month on month.  

The M&HCV trucks segment was at 12,851 units, higher by a strong 88%, over last year led by the sustained increase in production as well as the strong customer acceptance of the superior range of Tata Motors’ BS4 vehicles. The sales growth was also driven by the success of Tata Motors’ innovative SCR technology, which has been well accepted by customers. Increased demand for the new tonnage vehicles, infrastructure development led by government funding and keen focus on customer requirements has helped reviving the M&HCV performance.

The I&LCV truck segment at 3,984 units grew by 76% over last year driven by the performance of new product introductions and continued demand.

The pickup segment sales grew by 53%, over last year at 4,685 units as the recently launched Xenon Yodha continued to gain acceptance and volumes across markets. The SCV sales at 10,265 units, witnessed a growth of 77%, over last year at the back of strong response to Mega XL range. The commercial passenger carrier segment (including buses) were at 3520 units, grew by 36.5% over last year.

Domestic – Passenger Vehicles: In November 2017, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles sales performance was at 17,157 units, growth of 35%, over last year. This was led by the strong growth momentum of new generation Tata cars. To meet the growing demand of its recently launched compact SUV, Tata Nexon, Tata Motors has ramped up its production and in November 2017, the company rolled out the 10,000th Nexon from its Ranjangaon facility. 

Cumulative sales growth of Passenger Vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal (April-Nov 2017) were at 115,049 units, a growth of 13% percentage, compared to 101,712 units, in the same period last fiscal. 

Exports: The company’s sales from exports was at 4,927 nos. in November 2017, a decline of 12%, due to drop in volumes in key Commercial Vehicles International Business markets such as Nepal and Sri Lanka. Market share for Commercial Vehicles International Business in all the key markets continue to remain strong and have grown during this fiscal year.

Source: Tata Motors

Maruti Suzuki sales November 2017

Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 154,600 units in November 2017, growing 14.1% over the same period of last fiscal. This includes 145,300 units in the domestic market and 9,300 units of exports. The Company had sold a total of 135,550 units in November 2016.

Source: Maruti Suzuki

TVS Motor Company posts 12% sales growth in November 2017

TVS Motor Company registered a sales growth of 12% increase from 224,971 units in November 2016 to 251,965 units in the month of November 2017.

Two-Wheeler

Total two-wheeler registered growth of 11.1% with sales increasing from 219,088 units in November 2016 to 243,323 units in November 2017. Domestic two-wheelers recorded growth of 6.1% with sales increasing from 191,499 units in November 2016 to 203,138 units in November 2017. Scooter sales of the Company grew by 7.2% from 73,135 units in November 2016 to 78,397 units in November 2017. Motorcycles sales grew by 37.3% with sales increasing from 67,896 units in November 2016 to 93,202 units in November 2017.

Exports

The Company's total exports grew by 43.8% from 32,829 units registered in the month of November 2016 to 47,207 units in November 2017. Two-wheeler exports grew by 45.7% increasing from 27,589 units in November 2016 to 40,185 units in November 2017.

Three-Wheeler

Three-wheeler of the Company grew by 46.9% increasing from 5,883 units in November 2016 to 8,642 units registered in November 2017.

Source: TVS

Honda Cars India Ltd. registers 47% growth in November 2017

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, registered monthly domestic sales of 11,819 units in November 2017 against 8,029 units in the corresponding month last year. 

The company has registered a cumulative growth of 19% selling 117,322 units during April- November period in 2017, against 98,451 units in the corresponding period of April – November in 2016. 

Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, President, and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “Last year HCIL sales in November were severely affected by demonetization. Although Nov volumes this year have shown improvement over last year, the market is still to recover fully from the GST related changes affecting consumers at large.” 

“On a cumulative basis, HCIL sales have grown by 19% backed by strong performance of our models across markets and it gives us confidence that we will have good growth in this fiscal year,” he added.

Source: Honda

Maruti Suzuki expands the Celerio family, adds bold, sporty and trendy CelerioX

Maruti Suzuki India today launched the bold, sporty and trendy CelerioX, which will excite the young, progressive and aspirational buyers.

CelerioX sports an aerodynamic design and features a newly designed X-theme based graphic around the grille in front. Protective cladding on side body and rear bumper and skid plate details on the rear, complete the aggressive look. Use of high gloss black accentuation on tastefully designed details like the grille, fog garnish, clads, roof garnish and interior accents makes an upfront style statement. The blacked out B-pillar is another trendy inclusion to the overall package.

With the all-new CelerioX, Maruti Suzuki is confident that this would give a big boost to the brand Celerio, a synonym of modern and progressive design and technology. Maruti Suzuki has sold over 300,000 units of Celerio in India so far.

Introducing CelerioX, Mr. R S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “Celerio has successfully carved a unique position for itself in the competitive compact car segment. With CelerioX, Maruti Suzuki aims to give this well-accepted model a bold, stylish and sporty makeover as per the changing preferences of young and social savvy consumers. We are confident that CelerioX will enhance the brand and bring in younger customers.”

CelerioX is designed for car enthusiasts who love to flaunt their individuality through their cars. Launched in 2014, brand Celerio was the first Indian car with the revolutionary Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology. The all-new CelerioX will also have the auto gear shift option in all its variants.

CelerioX comes with all new Paprika Orange as its signature color. The color is reminiscent of the youthful energy and symbolizes sportiness. The solid color married with matte and glossy black help define the character lines and bring out the product character sharply. The customers will get to choose more colours for CelerioX, which include: Arctic, Glistening Grey, Caffeine Brown and Torque Blue.

The new all-black interiors with white accents bring the sportier edge into the interior, perfectly complementing the exterior. The black seat trims are spiced with Orange accents to heighten the sporty character of the vehicle.

CelerioX comes with the standard driver-side airbag. It is also equipped with a driver side seat belt reminder, an important part of the safety package. This will encourage the use of seat belts. Passenger airbags and ABS are offered as an optional variant across all trims.

Source: Maruti Suzuki

Nissan to debut new crossover utility and interactive Star Wars: The Last Jedi-themed display at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES – Nissan is out in full force at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show with the debut of an all-new crossover utility vehicle and a fleet of Star Wars-inspired show vehicles.

The first new nameplate launched in the last eight years, the new crossover utility will join Nissan's best-selling Rogue and Rogue Sports CUVs in U.S. showrooms.

Additionally, Nissan is bringing Star Wars excitement to the show floor of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The fully immersive environment involves Star Wars-inspired show vehicles, a fleet of X-wing starfighter replicas and several interactive opportunities all in celebration of Nissan's collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd. for Star Wars: The Last Jedi in theaters Dec. 15.

Seven custom Star Wars-inspired show vehicles

Constructed not only as a way for Nissan to bring the Star Wars galaxy to some of its best-selling models, the seven custom show cars are also a way for the brand to express its true love of the movie franchise. The concepts – not available for purchase – are based on characters or vehicles found in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, each with its own signature twist. From the menacing TIE Silencer Nissan Maxima to the fully functioning BB-8 sitting inside Poe Dameron's Nissan Rogue-based X-wing, there is plenty to see and experience for Star Wars fans of all ages.

Fleet of X-wings

Fighting for The Resistance, a fleet of six X-wing starfighter replicas hovers over the Nissan stand on display for all to see. The X-wings are scale models designed to exacting film specifications and worthy members of the Resistance Starfleet. Information on the front lines, the unmistakable spacecraft can be seen from nearly anywhere in the galaxy, or the show floor.

Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay Virtual Reality Experience

A requisite stop for any fan of virtual reality is Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay Virtual Reality Experience, created by ILMxLAB. The experience puts users inside a virtual repair bay on General Leia's ship where they can interact with BB-8 and other brand-new droids created for this story. Anyone who misses this opportunity will have the chance to participate in the VR experience at select participating Nissan dealers across the country. 

Star Wars Digital Mirror Experience

Visitors to the Nissan show can jump right into the Star Wars universe by simply standing in front of what appears to be a typical mirror. However, upon approaching the display visitors transform into a digital character from Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

"See the Unseen" Augmented Reality Lobby Experience

As soon as auto show attendees walk through the convention center doors, they'll be greeted by Nissan and Star Wars excitement. Visitors will be invited to a scene inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi and can see the Nissan Maxima and Roguelike they've never seen before. Within the display space, Nissan leverages augmented reality technology with "See the Unseen" that will virtually transport the vehicles into another galaxy while exhibiting Nissan Intelligent Mobility features.

Star Wars character appearances on the show floor

R2-D2 and First Order Stormtroopers will greet fans during the following times:

Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. 

Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 10 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Source: Nissan

Hyundai Marks 5 Millionth Car Milestone With The ‘Next Gen VERNA’ for Domestic Market

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the number one car exporter since inception, today marked 5 Millionth Car Milestone with the rollout of the Super Performer brand - ‘The Next Gen VERNA’ for Domestic Market.

Commenting on the milestone Mr. Y K Koo, MD, and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “Hyundai has a remarkable journey in India by becoming the most loved and trusted brand by customers, partners, and experts. Today we are very happy to roll out the 5 Millionth car with the NextGen VERNA in the Indian market, the fastest in the Industry symbolizing Hyundai's long-term commitment to the Indian market. Hyundai’s Modern Premium Brand direction is a commitment to offer world-class and benchmark products meeting customers aspirations. We will continue this momentum with strong efforts towards customer delight through unique experiences to customers. We thank our valued customers and partners for their support and trust in Hyundai.”

Hyundai rolled out its 1st Millionth Car, Santro, in 2007 in just 8 years and 7 months post-commencement of commercial production in 1998 and continued the trend of setting benchmarks in the industry with its 3 Million Mark in less than 2 years and 8 months in July 2013 followed by next fastest 4 Million Mark in only 2 years and 4 months in Nov 2015. 

Hyundai has been expanding its product portfolio, foraying into new segments, strengthening the sales and service network with over 2,200 sales and service points including 422 rural outlets.

Models that significantly contributed to Hyundai’s successful journey in the past two decades include Hyundai Santro, new models Hyundai EON, Hyundai Verna, Hyundai CRETA, i10 GRAND, Hyundai Elite i20 & i20 ACTIVE, Hyundai XCENT, Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai ELANTRA.

Hyundai Motor India’s Domestic Million Milestones  

1 Million	April 2007	8 Years & 7 Months
2 Million	Nov 2010	3 Years & 7 Months
3 Million	July 2013	2 years & 8 Months
4 Million	Nov 2015	2 Years & 4 Months
5 Million	Nov 2017	2 Years

Source: Hyundai

Tata Nexon embarks on a Star Wars Adventure in India

Tata Motors today announced the Tata Nexon association with Disney India ahead of the theatrical release of its much awaited LucasFilm Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This exclusive tie-up promises to offer a unique adventure to fans of cars and Star Wars!

Through this first-of-its-kind campaign, Tata Motors has strategized to aggressively increase awareness of the Nexon in the country by joining forces with the Star Wars franchise.

Similar to the Star Wars franchise, Tata Motors has a long legacy of celebrating fan engagement and unparalleled brand experience over the decades. With its epic galactical adventures and space battles, Star Wars has been fueling the imagination of millions with path-breaking innovation in storytelling. The feature loaded Nexon with its LEVEL NEX Design, Performance, Technology and Comfort has fueled a similar level of excitement among auto enthusiasts.

According to Mr. Vivek Srivatsa – Head – Marketing, PVBU, Tata Motors "We are very excited to associate the Tata Nexon with the Star Wars brand which is a huge franchise globally. Nexon has been one of the most talked about recently, just like the ‘The Last Jedi’ has been for the movie buffs. Fueling the force within you, the Tata Nexon takes driving to LEVEL NEX which has resulted in a culmination of a radical shift in thinking about our products. Nexon promises to deliver an experience beyond the next level which will change the norms of what you can expect out of a car just like the Star Wars movies. We are sure that this association will definitely prove to be a real treat for fans of both the brands."

Customers will experience the best of both worlds at every level in this innovative campaign. Under this association, the two brands will collaborate across various platforms, from test drives to showrooms to the Nexon Skills Arena. It will offer an immersive and engaging experience that Star Wars fans would love and relate to the technologically-advanced Tata Nexon. Exciting Star Wars merchandise will also be available at the Nexon Skill Arenas.

The Nexon has empowered the customers with exciting new technology features to experience best-in-class driving on road. The Moroccan Blue and the Vermont Red colors of the Nexon – are symbolic of the light and dark side of the Force in the Star Wars galaxy. These unique colors depict a sense of empowerment and world’s best experience and driving the pleasure. With cool tech features like the Wristband Key, Floating Navigainment Touchscreen with Voice Control and the 8-Speaker Sound System, Nexon is sure to become a favorite amongst this target group. Also with the Superior 6-speed Transmission, drivers are in for a real-life demonstration of the force.

The Star Wars franchise witnesses huge fan following and the movie is expected to release on December 15th, 2017.

Source: Tata Motors

Tata Motors launches Hexa in Nepal

Tata Motors announces the foray of it's most awaited lifestyle SUV – Tata Hexa in the Nepal market. Commencing retail of the Hexa in Nepal, CEO & MD of Tata Motors, Guenter Butschek today handed over keys to the first batch of eleven customers on the momentous occasion of the launch. Available at a price of NPR 77.95 Lakhs, the Hexa will be available in the XT 4×4 variant across Nepal.

Commenting at the launch ceremony, Mr. Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, said – “At Tata Motors we have always been at the forefront of providing a rich and dynamic product experience to our customers through our product innovations and the new Tata Hexa reinforces this commitment. We understand that our customers in Nepal are aspiring for more stylish, lifestyle-oriented products and the Tata Hexa is an important step in catering to these emerging customer needs. We are confident that this complete package will be an instant hit in a highly popular but immensely competitive segment and will surely excite the new-age customers of Nepal."

The Hexa comes with a 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine with 156PS / 400Nm. Additionally, the XT 4×4 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hexa also features ‘Super Drive Modes’ that can be activated through a well-placed rotary knob, on the center console. The ‘Super Drive Modes’ allow the driver to seamlessly switch between the four different driving modes – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road, to provide the occupants with a choice of driving experience that is customisable to the terrain as well as to the mood of the driver.

Enhanced ride comfort & stability over different terrains is ensured by the new selectable driving modes, through a flawless combination of the vehicle’s Engine Management, new-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Torque on Demand (TOD). Additionally, the Instrument Cluster displays and the vehicle’s Ambient Lighting for the interior can be customized according to the user preference.

Packed with segment-leading features the Tata Hexa comes equipped with Projector Headlamps, 19-inch Alloy Wheels, LED Tail Lamps, 6 Airbags, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Automatic Headlamps and a 10-speaker JBL Audio System amongst others.

Source: Tata Motors

Mahindra and Uber Join Hands to Deploy Electric Vehicles in India

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., part of the US$ 19 billion Mahindra Group, today announced that it will collaborate with Uber, the global transportation technology company, to explore the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) on the Uber platform in several cities across India.

To begin with, the companies will deploy hundreds of electric vehicles in Delhi and Hyderabad. Mahindra's electric vehicles on the Uber platform will include the e2oPlus hatch and the eVerito sedan. As part of this collaboration, both the companies will also explore deployment of Mahindra electric vehicles to other cities. The joint deployment of electric vehicles will further reinforce the strong relationship between Mahindra and Uber. Over the years, there has been a strong deployment of Mahindra vehicles on Uber's platform and Mahindra is also a key financier for Uber's driver partner through Mahindra Finance.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, "Electric vehicle adoption is clearly gaining momentum in India. As the pioneers of electric vehicles in the country, we would like to be at the forefront, leading this change toward smart and sustainable mobility. Our collaboration with Uber is an important next step to help accelerate the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles on shared mobility platforms, and meet the nation's vision for EVs".

According to Mr. Madhu Kannan, Chief Business Officer, Uber India & Emerging Markets, "We are extremely excited about our collaboration with the Mahindra Group to deploy this electric vehicles pilot in India. Aligned with the government’s vision, we aim to build a more sustainable future of mobility, moving more people needing on-demand services with fewer, fuller, and more efficient vehicle trips. We see a key role for high-efficiency vehicle technologies, and therefore believe that this collaboration with Mahindra, the pioneers in the electric vehicles space, will be truly beneficial not just for Uber but for our driver partners, riders and the cities we operate in."

Through this collaboration, driver partners on the Uber app can avail of a package which will include Mahindra electric vehicles at competitive prices, attractive financing and insurance premiums as well as comprehensive maintenance packages from Mahindra and its associates. Further, to make this model sustainable, Mahindra and Uber will work closely with public and private players who are in the process of setting-up a common use charging ecosystem across multiple locations in the cities.

Mahindra will also support with driver education and training related to various aspects of electric vehicles. Going forward, electric vehicles will play a major role in reducing urban pollution plaguing several Indian cities and resulting in health hazards. With the increased penetration of EVs and eventual 100% transition, the country and its citizens stand to benefit tremendously.

All these initiatives align perfectly with Mahindra’s Rise philosophy of empowering people with the right products and services to enhance the quality of their lives and earnings.

Source: Mahindra

Hyundai Releases #BeTheBetterGuy - Road Safety Awareness Film

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the number one car exporter since inception, in association with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways today released Road Safety film aimed at creating a positive change in the society and inspire people to adhere to traffic rules. This film marks phase II of #BeTheBetterGuy road safety initiative by Hyundai since 2016 and draws attention to critical issues pertaining to road safety such as– Under Age Driving, Don’t Drink & Drive, Usage of Mobile Phone, Over Speeding & Violation of Traffic Signal.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. YK Koo, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “Hyundai is a responsible and caring brand globally. Through Safe Move – Road Safety Campaign; we want to spread the message of road safety and create strong awareness within communities for a positive Behavior Change. We want to make Safe Move – Road Safety Campaign a mass movement in India in association with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and contribute by Big Impact activities towards making Hyundai a Life Time Partner of its customers.”

Supported by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Safe Move - Road Safety awareness film is unique in nature as it highlights various situations in our day-to-day life highlighting actions which can prevent mishaps. The messages in this film revolve around creating innovative content, emphasizing on to ‘Be The Better Guy’ in an adverse situation. Safe Move is Hyundai Motor Group’s key CSR initiative across the globe. The film features Hyundai’s Corporate Brand Ambassador Mr. Shah Rukh Khan promoting road safety practices.

Phase II of ‘Safe Move – Road safety’ campaign will continue until the end of 2017. The initiative also has an offline road safety activity in association with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) at 150 Schools in 15 cities and 14 Malls in 6 cities. The campaign will also be promoted in prominent Cinema halls in top 20 cities.

Phase I of Road Safety Campaign #BeTheBetterGuy in 2016 was a big success clocking over 3.84 Million Views and has won prestigious awards on Road Safety campaign by eminent Indian media. Along with digital films, Hyundai also conducted on-ground Road Safety activities like the School Contact Program and Resident Contact Program, which covered over 90,000 Students in 142 schools and 23,000 Residents in 146 Resident Welfare Associations in 10 cities across India.


Source: Hyundai