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Nissan has officially unveiled the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano, showcasing its fourth-generation midsize crossover with a fresh, elegant design and a host of innovative features. Set to hit dealerships in the U.S. and Canada in early 2025, the new Murano promises to elevate driving comfort, connectivity, and safety.

A Striking New Look

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduces a refined design, incorporating Nissan’s “energetic elegance” theme. With its sleek, modern exterior, the Murano stands out thanks to full-width LED taillights, a bold front grille, and available 21-inch wheels. For those who want to make a bold statement, the Murano also offers two-tone paint options. Inside, luxury takes center stage, with soft-touch materials, finely detailed accents, and available 64-color ambient lighting to customize the cabin’s mood. The dual 12.3-inch high-definition displays add to the upscale experience, along with available massaging front seats for ultimate comfort.

Safety and Driver Confidence

The 2025 Nissan Murano with an extensive suite of safety technologies. Standard across all trims is the Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which provides automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. For longer journeys, drivers can rely on Pro-PILOT Assist and Pro-PILOT Assist 1.1, which help ease highway driving by offering semi-autonomous lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.

New camera-based features make their debut on the Murano, including the Invisible Hood View, a virtual “through-the-engine” view to aid in navigating tight spaces, and the 3D Around View® Monitor, offering a comprehensive virtual perspective when parking.

Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment

Today’s world, staying connected on the go is a priority, and the new Murano delivers with Google built-in, offering real-time Google Maps, apps, and voice controls directly from the vehicle’s 12.3-inch touchscreen display. To complement this connectivity, the available Bose® 10-speaker audio system ensures a rich, immersive sound experience throughout the cabin.

Smooth and Engaging Performance

The 2025 Nissan Murano is powered by a responsive 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable-Compression Turbo) engine, producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The enhanced powertrain, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, allows for a smoother, more engaging driving experience. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available for those seeking additional control in various driving conditions. The Murano comes equipped with frequency-sensitive dampers and electric power steering.

U.S. Manufacturing and Future Plans

Continuing the legacy of the outgoing Murano, the 2025 model will be built at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant. Pricing details will be announced closer to its release in early 2025. This debut marks the third all-new Nissan model introduced under The Arc Business Plan, following the Kicks and the Armada SUV, reaffirming Nissan’s commitment to innovation in the U.S. market. With cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and powerful performance, the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano is set to make waves in the competitive midsize crossover segment.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved a significant production milestone with its Manesar facility crossing the 1 crore (10 million) cumulative production mark. This makes Manesar the fastest among all Suzuki global manufacturing plants to reach this milestone, accomplishing it in just 18 years. The milestone vehicle to roll off the production line was the ever-popular compact SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

A Remarkable Achievement in Indian Manufacturing

Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, expressed his gratitude to the company’s customers and employees for their support in reaching this landmark. “As we get this important landmark, I thank our customers for trusting us. Along with our supply chain partners, we will continue to contribute to making the Indian automobile industry self-reliant and globally competitive.

Mr. Takeuchi also emphasized the broader significance of this achievement. He highlighted that this milestone reflects India’s growing manufacturing capabilities and Maruti Suzuki’s dedication to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company’s strong emphasis on local manufacturing and component sourcing has allowed it to build a robust domestic supply chain.

Manesar: A Hub of Excellence

The Manesar plant, spread over 600 acres, began its operations in October 2006. Over the years, it has become a key manufacturing hub for several of Maruti Suzuki’s popular models. The facility produces a wide range of vehicles, including the Brezza, Ertiga, XL6, Ciaz, Dzire, WagonR, S-Presso, and Celerio. These cars are not only sold in the domestic market but are also exported to various regions across the globe, including Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and other Asian countries.

The Manesar plant holds a special distinction, as it was also responsible for manufacturing the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the first passenger car to be exported to Japan, marking a significant achievement in the company’s global export strategy.

Supporting India’s Auto Manufacturing Growth

Maruti Suzuki has long been at the forefront of India’s automotive industry, with an overall production capacity of 2.35 million units per year across all its facilities. Since its inception, the company has manufactured over 3.11 crore (31.1 million) vehicles, making it a dominant force in both the domestic and international markets.

The Manesar facility’s achievement is a testament to India’s growing role as a hub for automobile manufacturing, with local expertise and advanced production capabilities. This milestone underscores Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and quality in car manufacturing.

Conclusion

As Maruti Suzuki continues to expand its production and technological capabilities, the Manesar plant’s 1 crore milestone symbolizes a bright future for India’s auto industry. The company remains dedicated to “Make in India” while contributing to the global automotive landscape by exporting high-quality vehicles to markets worldwide. Maruti Suzuki’s success story at the Manesar facility not only boosts its own legacy but also strengthens India’s position as a rising star in the global manufacturing sector.

Audi has launched the latest evolution of its popular plug-in hybrid model, the A3 Sportback TFSI e, featuring enhanced performance, improved battery capacity, and remarkable efficiency. This technological upgrade brings together exceptional driving dynamics, greater electric range, and modernized design to cater to the environmentally conscious yet performance-seeking driver.

Extended Electric Range and DC Fast Charging

With a new, more powerful high-voltage battery and a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh, the A3 Sportback TFSI e offers an electric range of up to 143 kilometers, a significant improvement over its predecessor. This extended range ensures that daily commuting and short trips can be handled purely on electric power, making it an even more practical plug-in hybrid for everyday use.

For the first time, the A3 Sportback TFSI e also supports DC fast charging, allowing drivers to charge up to 80% of the battery in less than 30 minutes at 50 kW DC charging stations. This makes long-distance travel more convenient, reducing downtime during charging stops.

New Turbo Petrol Engine and Electric Motor

At the heart of the new A3 Sportback TFSI e lies a completely revamped 1.5 TFSI evo2 engine, replacing the previous 1.4 TFSI. This new engine boasts cutting-edge features such as improved combustion chamber cooling, higher compression ratios (11.5:1), and a 350 bar injection pressure, all contributing to a more efficient, cleaner burn.

Working in tandem with the electric motor that produces 85 kW and 330 Nm of torque, this plug-in hybrid delivers a smooth and powerful performance. The 6-speed S tronic transmission has been strengthened to handle the increased output and ensures seamless transitions between electric and petrol power.

Two Performance Models: 40 TFSI e and 45 TFSI e

Audi offers the new A3 Sportback TFSI e in two variants. The A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e comes with 150 kW (204 PS) system output, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. Its top speed is 225 km/h.

For those seeking more power, the A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e ups the ante with a total system output of 200 kW (272 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. This more robust version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 237 km/h.

Both models feature an all-electric top speed of 140 km/h, offering a satisfying blend of electric and hybrid driving modes.

Intelligent Drive Management and Recuperation

The A3 Sportback TFSI e with intelligent drive management that optimizes efficiency by intelligently switching between electric and hybrid modes. In Auto Hybrid mode, the system maximizes fuel efficiency, while the driver can prioritize electric driving using the EV button.

An innovative recuperation system captures energy during braking, contributing to the overall efficiency of the vehicle. In fact, the electric motor alone can recuperate up to 43 kW during braking. Drivers can now use the steering wheel paddles to control the level of recuperation in EV mode, improving energy conservation.

Sporty Chassis and Enhanced Driving Dynamics

Audi’s engineers have fine-tuned the chassis of the A3 Sportback TFSI e for enhanced driving dynamics, with a focus on sportier performance in the 45 TFSI e variant. The hybrid’s rear-heavy weight distribution (55% front, 45% rear) thanks to the underfloor battery, along with slightly stiffer springs and sportier damping, ensures that the vehicle delivers high ride quality and impressive agility.

For a truly dynamic experience, the Audi drive select system and progressive steering are available as standard, offering adaptable performance based on driving conditions and preferences.

Sporty Design and Modern Features

The sporty nature of the A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is highlighted by its S-line exterior, which features an S-specific radiator grille, an S roof spoiler, and red brake calipers. Inside, black sports seats and aluminum-look accents provide a high-end, modern feel.

Standard equipment on both models includes 17-inch alloy wheels, stationary air conditioning, and an upgraded Audi virtual cockpit that displays real-time power usage, drive mode, and battery status. The plug-in hybrid is also equipped with MMI navigation and Audi’s 630,000 charging point network, ensuring hassle-free charging across Europe.

Pricing and Availability

The Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is available starting from €44,200, while the more powerful 45 TFSI e is priced from €47,700. Both models are available for order from October 2024, making this exciting new hybrid a great choice for those looking to combine power, efficiency, and sustainability in one sleek package.

With its longer electric range, more powerful engine, and intelligent hybrid system, the Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e is more efficient and thrilling than ever before, offering a modern, sustainable driving experience without compromising on performance.

A Limited edition of Urban Cruiser Taisor joins the celebration of the Indian festive season by Toyota Kirloskar Motor India. This special festival edition promises to deliver an enhanced sense of premium styling, complemented by a generous accessories package worth ₹20,160, available across all Toyota dealerships until 31st October 2024. The new offering aims to capture the festive spirit by adding elegance and style to Toyota’s well-loved compact SUV.

A Festive Limited Edition Packed with Style

The Limited Edition Urban Cruiser Taisor, available across all turbo variants, comes with a curated Toyota Genuine Accessories (TGA) package designed to elevate interior and exterior aesthetics. Key features include:

Front and rear under spoilers
Premium door sill guards
Chrome garnishes for the front grille
Body side molding for added protection
Premium door visors
All-weather 3D mats and a welcome door lamp

Celebrating with Customers

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President of Sales, Service, and Used Car Business at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, we strive to be a part of our customers’ celebrations. Our dedication to customer-centric experiences is reflected in the design of this festive edition. Following the recent introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Festive Edition, we are excited to bring something new and stylish with the Urban Cruiser Taisor Festive Edition. We believe this limited edition will bring great value to our customers.”

The Urban Cruiser Taisor: A Blend of Style and Performance

Since its launch in April 2024, the Urban Cruiser Taisor has quickly gained popularity among SUV enthusiasts across India. Inspired by Toyota’s rich SUV heritage, the Taisor boasts striking exteriors and a sleek aerodynamic design that exudes prestige. Its bold front grille and sophisticated styling make it an attractive option for customers looking for performance and aesthetic appeal.

Powered by a 1.0L Turbo engine, the Taisor delivers 100.06 PS @ 5500 rpm, offering an exciting driving experience. The turbo variants are available in 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, delivering segment-leading fuel efficiency—21.5 km/l for the manual variant and 20.0 km/l for the automatic.

Booking Details

Customers eager to get their hands on this limited edition can book the Urban Cruiser Taisor online at Toyota Bharat’s website or visit their nearest Toyota dealership. With only a limited number of units available, this festive edition is expected to drive strong demand among SUV lovers.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor: A Strong Foundation

As one of the leading automotive manufacturers in India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor continues to set the benchmark for quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Established in 1997, TKM operates two plants in Bidadi, with a combined production capacity of up to 3,42,000 units. The company’s flagship models, including the Innova HyCross, Innova Crysta, Fortuner, Camry Hybrid, and Urban Cruiser Hyryder, showcase Toyota’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

This festive season, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s exclusive Urban Cruiser Taisor Limited Edition promises to be the perfect companion for those looking to celebrate in style.

In celebration of the festive season, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has unveiled a special treat for its customers: the new Baleno Regal Edition. This exclusive edition of the popular premium hatchback, available across all variants of the New Age Baleno, including the automatic and CNG options, brings indulgent comfort and distinct styling. Designed to enhance both interior comfort and exterior aesthetics, the Regal Edition aims to offer a more personalized driving experience with a limited-period offering.

Elevating the Premium Hatchback Experience

The Baleno Regal Edition takes the widely adored New Age Baleno and adds a touch of luxury with exclusive accessory kits. This makes it an attractive option for customers seeking a technologically advanced yet stylish car. The introduction of this limited edition adds to the festive excitement, providing great value to customers.

Mr. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, shared his enthusiasm for the new edition: “The Baleno has always set benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment. With the new Baleno Regal Edition, we’ve crafted something special for our customers to enjoy during the festive season. With its enhanced design and thoughtful additions, we’re confident that the Baleno Regal Edition will bring festive cheer to our customers.”

Striking Exterior Design Elements

The Baleno Regal Edition enhances the car’s visual appeal with a series of stylish exterior upgrades. Among the notable features are:

Grille upper garnish
Front and rear underbody spoilers
Fog lamp garnish
Back door garnish
Body side moulding
Door visors
These design enhancements give the Baleno a unique identity, making it stand out. The bold accents on the exterior make the already aggressive and sleek design of the New Age Baleno even more striking.

Luxurious and Comfortable Interiors

Inside, the Baleno Regal Edition offers a refined experience with premium upgrades to enhance comfort. The special edition features:

Exclusive seat covers
Interior styling kit
Window curtains
All-weather 3D mats
These additions elevate the cabin’s ambiance, ensuring passengers enjoy a more comfortable and stylish journey.

Tech-Loaded Features for a High-End Experience

The New Age Baleno has always been known for its tech-forward features, and the Regal Edition is no exception. This premium hatchback comes packed with advanced technology that caters to modern driving needs. Some standout features include:

360 View Camera: For superior parking and maneuverability
Head-Up Display (HUD): Keeps essential driving information in the driver’s line of sight
LED Projector Headlamps: Paired with NEXTre LED DRLs for excellent visibility
Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror
Automatic Climate Control
Smart-Play Pro+ Infotainment System: With a 22.86 cm display for a connected driving experience

Safety Comes First

The Baleno Regal Edition also ensures the highest level of safety with Maruti Suzuki’s NEXA Safety Shield. This safety package includes:

6 Airbags for comprehensive protection
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Hill Hold Assist for enhanced control
ABS with EBD for improved braking performance

Offering over 40 smart features for added convenience and safety

Variant Wise Features

Conclusion

With its Baleno Regal Edition, Maruti Suzuki has successfully combined indulgent comfort, distinct styling, and cutting-edge technology into a single, festive offering. This special edition hatchback not only elevates the driving experience but also makes a bold statement on the road. As Maruti Suzuki continues to innovate, the Baleno Regal Edition stands out as a perfect blend of luxury and advanced tech, ensuring that it meets the discerning tastes of today’s customers.

This festive season, the Baleno Regal Edition is set to add extra excitement and joy to the celebrations of car enthusiasts across the country. Whether you’re drawn to its upgraded design or its tech-savvy features, this limited-period edition is the perfect addition to your festive cheer.

The Enyaq RS Race—an electrifying racing machine built on the foundation of the production Enyaq Coupé RS, but turbocharged with a host of racing modifications and sustainability innovations. This electric powerhouse is not just fast but also lighter, greener, and built for the future.

A Lighter, Faster, Greener Beast

The Enyaq RS Race sheds 316 kilograms compared to its production counterpart, thanks to cutting-edge bio-composite materials. Several components, including the bumpers, mudguards, and rear wing, are made from AmpliTex and Power Ribs, flax-fiber materials developed as an eco-friendly alternative to carbon fiber. These materials, sourced from Bcomp, offer the same lightweight strength as carbon fiber but with an 85% lower carbon footprint. It’s not just a race car; it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable auto manufacturing.

Lowering the car’s chassis by 70 mm and widening the rear bumper by 116 mm, the Enyaq RS Race has been sculpted for optimal aerodynamic performance. Inside, the car is fully equipped with race-ready features, including a safety frame, racing seats with six-point harnesses, and an array of additional high-performance elements designed for functionality and speed.

Racing Modifications for Precision and Power

Beneath its sleek exterior, the Enyaq RS Race packs serious race-ready hardware. Carbon-ceramic disc brakes with ten-piston calipers ensure superior stopping power, while a hydraulic handbrake borrowed from the Fabia RS Rally2 gives the car razor-sharp handling. The brake cooling system is brand new, and the car’s cooling system has been re-engineered to channel air differently, further enhancing its performance on the track.

Skoda didn’t stop at just the brakes. The steering system has been upgraded to a quick-ratio, linear setup controlled by a racing steering wheel for sharper responsiveness, replacing the progressive system found in the production version. Sitting on 20-inch wheels, the Enyaq RS Race is built to handle the most demanding racing conditions.

Powertrain: Speed Meets Efficiency

Although the powertrain remains similar to the production model, featuring two electric motors delivering a combined output of 250 kW (335 hp) and powered by an 82 kWh battery, the car’s reduced weight means it can rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. The top speed stays capped at 180 km/h, but thanks to a more dynamic, stripped-down design, the Enyaq RS Race delivers an exhilarating driving experience. For an added touch of drama, the car features an all-new racing sound signal, amplifying its adrenaline-fueled character.

Pioneering Bio-composite Materials

The Enyaq RS Race is Skoda’s testbed for integrating bio-composite materials into motorsport. Its use of flax fiber-based materials not only makes it more environmentally friendly but also showcases the possibility of using these components in future production models. The car’s roof, dashboard, door panels, and floor mats are all constructed from these innovative materials, proving that sustainability and high performance can coexist.

In addition, 3D printing played a significant role in prototyping the Enyaq RS Race. The process utilized bio-friendly and CO2-neutral materials, further enhancing the car’s green credentials.

Designed for the Future

According to Johannes Neft, Skoda’s board member for technical development, the Enyaq RS Race isn’t just a high-performance rally car—it’s a concept vehicle that tests innovative technologies for future use in production cars. “This project serves as a pilot for future innovations, especially in sustainable solutions like bio-composites. These materials could be the foundation for a new generation of greener, lighter cars,” Neft said.

Building on Racing Heritage

The Enyaq RS Race isn’t Skoda’s first foray into electric racing. It follows the Skoda RE-X1 special, developed in 2021 in collaboration with Kreisel Electric and Baumschlager Rallye & Racing. Lessons learned from Skoda Motorsport’s customer car, the Fabia RS Rally2, also feed into this latest electric rally machine.

Skoda’s investment in electric racing cars highlights its commitment to innovation, both in terms of performance and sustainability. The Enyaq RS Race is not only a demonstration of what can be achieved with electric vehicles today but also a blueprint for what lies ahead.

The Future of Electric Racing

The Enyaq RS Race marks a new chapter in electric motorsport, merging Skoda‘s racing pedigree with sustainability efforts. By incorporating lightweight, eco-friendly materials and advanced racing technologies, Skoda is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with electric vehicles. This electric coupé on steroids is not just a racing car; it’s a vision of the future, where high performance and sustainability go hand in hand.

Hyundai Motor Group and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Collaborate in Hydrogen Energy and Advanced Energy Systems.

In a landmark move toward advancing sustainable energy solutions, Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has forged a collaborative research agreement with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU). This three-year partnership is poised to focus on research in hydrogen energy and advanced energy systems, strengthening Singapore’s pursuit of carbon neutrality.

Pioneering Research for Carbon Neutrality

As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, this collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and NTU positions both entities as key players in the race to carbon neutrality. NTU, a globally recognized leader in research and innovation, will work alongside Hyundai Motor Group’s expertise in advanced energy technologies to create alternative energy solutions tailored to Singapore’s unique environment.

Hyun Sung Park, Vice President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), expressed the importance of this partnership: “Through this collaboration, we aim to accelerate our research in innovative technologies, enhancing the commercial viability of our sustainable mobility solutions.”

Hydrogen Energy: A Game Changer for Singapore

Singapore, as a resource-scarce city-state, faces distinct challenges in its journey toward carbon neutrality. With 95% of its power generation currently reliant on natural gas, alternative energy solutions are imperative. This partnership aims to leverage Hyundai’s cutting-edge hydrogen production technologies, including the Plastic-to-Hydrogen (P2H) and Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H) systems, to address this challenge. These innovative systems convert non-recyclable plastic and organic waste, such as food and sewage sludge, into hydrogen, offering sustainable alternatives for energy generation.

The research collaboration will study how these technologies can be adapted for Singapore, positioning the nation as a leader in hydrogen energy solutions.

Advanced Energy Systems for Urban Settings

In addition to hydrogen energy, Hyundai Motor Group and NTU will also focus on developing advanced energy systems that cater specifically to urban countries like Singapore. The modular design of these systems not only facilitates easy installation but also ensures high levels of safety, making them ideal for densely populated environments.

This initiative is expected to play a critical role in Singapore’s carbon neutrality ambitions, providing innovative, scalable solutions for urban energy challenges.

Tripartite Partnership: Hyundai, NTU, and A*STAR

Further underscoring their commitment to innovation, Hyundai Motor Group, NTU, and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) have also established a Corporate Lab Program. This tripartite research initiative will focus on advanced manufacturing technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and 3D printing.

The collaboration, announced at the Singapore-Korea Business Forum, signifies a major step forward in developing future mobility solutions, combining the strengths of industry leaders and academic experts to foster a forward-thinking ecosystem in Singapore.

Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry) of NTU, emphasized the importance of industry collaboration: “These research partnerships reflect how close collaboration with industry is vital in developing innovative and relevant solutions to address real-world issues, including the race to carbon neutrality.”

Accelerating Future Mobility

The partnership between Hyundai Motor Group, NTU, and A*STAR highlights HMGICS’s transformative role in reshaping manufacturing and customer experiences. With a shared vision of sustainability, the collaboration seeks to create cutting-edge mobility solutions that not only meet current demands but also contribute to a greener future.

Hyundai Motor Group remains committed to driving technological advancement and sustainability, with this partnership marking another milestone in its efforts to develop innovative solutions that can be deployed globally.

This groundbreaking agreement paves the way for a sustainable future in Singapore, demonstrating the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and government in addressing global challenges.