Anirban Das

Urban Cruiser Taisor to Debut as Toyota Starlet Cross in South Africa

The Urban Cruiser Taisor unveiled in India will indeed adopt the moniker Toyota Starlet Cross upon its launch in South Africa. Moreover, it appears that its arrival on local shores will be slightly earlier than initially anticipated.

According to the latest information available, the new Starlet Cross, a coupé-style crossover based on the Suzuki Fronx, is scheduled to make its debut in the Mzansi market as early as June 2024. It’s worth noting that the local lineup for the Starlet Cross is expected to comprise four derivatives upon launch, all powered by the ubiquitous 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Similar to its application in various other Suzuki and Toyota models, this K15B engine will deliver 77 kW and 138 Nm to the front axle through either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. As anticipated, this means that the atmospheric 1.2-liter and turbocharged 1.0-liter petrol engines offered in India will not be available in South Africa.

In South Africa, the XR variants will come with a bi-tone finish as an option. As for the standard specification, the XS grade is expected to boast features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, automatic air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen system, rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. Safety features for the XS are expected to include ABS with EBD, stability control, hill-ascent control, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX child-seat anchors.

Upgrading to the XR trim level is expected to add features such as silver side-sill garnish, additional airbags (bringing the total to six), an electro-chromatic interior mirror, a color instrument display, a 9-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, push-button start, wireless smartphone charging, an illuminated glovebox, and tilt-and-telescopic adjustment for the steering column.

The new Starlet Cross will be available in a choice of six exterior paint colors in South Africa, along with three bi-tone options exclusive to the XR grade. All SA-spec variants are expected to come with the “black and berry” fabric interior color theme used in India.

While local pricing for the new Starlet Cross has not been officially released, it is anticipated to be positioned at the entry point of Toyota’s local crossover lineup, below the Indian-manufactured Urban Cruiser. This would make it Toyota’s most affordable crossover in the local market. With its competitive pricing and anticipated features, the Starlet Cross has the potential to become another significant volume driver for Toyota SA Motors, following in the footsteps of the old Urban Cruiser.

Tata Motors sign an MOU with Shell India Market Pvt. Ltd for Charging Station across India

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM), renowned for spearheading India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution, has inked a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Shell India Markets Private Limited (SIMPL) to join forces in establishing public charging stations nationwide. Leveraging Shell’s extensive fuel station network and TPEM’s insights from over 1.4 lakh Tata EVs traversing Indian roads, the collaboration aims to install chargers at locations frequented by Tata EV owners, enhancing the charging experience.

This partnership between TPEM and Shell India Markets Private Limited (SIMPL) aims to enhance the EV ownership experience in India by exploring synergies to encourage more individuals to embrace electric vehicles. Additionally, the companies are contemplating the introduction of convenient payment systems and loyalty programs, adding substantial value for TPEM’s clientele.

TPEM holds a dominant position in India’s EV market, boasting a commanding 71% market share in electric passenger vehicles across its portfolio of four products. From inaugurating its first EV-exclusive store in Gurugram to collaborating with various charge point operators to expand India’s charging infrastructure, TPEM has been pivotal in fostering the EV ecosystem in the country.

Shell EV Recharge locations offer reliable and ultra-fast charging, boasting an impressive charger uptime of 98%-99%. These locations also provide convenient retail offerings, including fresh food and beverages, elevating the overall customer experience and convenience.

Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to expand the charging infrastructure crucial for mainstream EV adoption in India. Sanjay Varkey, Director of Shell India Markets Private Limited, emphasized Shell’s commitment to offering integrated EV charging solutions prioritizing convenience, safety, and sustainability.

Studies worldwide emphasize the importance of ubiquitous and convenient charging infrastructure in driving EV adoption. This collaboration between two industry leaders is poised to propel India’s EV growth into its next phase by facilitating widespread EV adoption through digital integration and customer-centric initiatives.

Jeep Wrangler facelift in 2024 ahead of launch in India; comes in new features, designs and power

Jeep is gearing up to launch the facelifted Wrangler in India on April’2024, bringing with it refreshed styling and enhanced features. This updated version introduced globally a year ago, promises a renewed aesthetic appeal and upgraded technology.

The exterior of the Wrangler facelift boasts a new all-black grille, featuring a sleeker design with narrower slots compared to its predecessor. Additionally, it offers a range of alloy wheel designs spanning 17 to 20 inches, with tire options extending up to 35 inches. Various roof configurations are available, including soft top, body-colored hard top, black hard top, and more.

Inside, the facelifted Wrangler showcases a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Jeep’s Uconnect 5 platform. This system integrates connected features such as the Trails Offroad guide, enriching the SUV’s off-road capabilities. Other interior highlights include redesigned AC vents and 12-way power-adjustable front seats.

Under the hood, the India-spec Wrangler is anticipated to retain its 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission and Jeep’s Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, this powertrain ensures robust performance on and off the road.

As for pricing, the Wrangler facelift is expected to continue offering two variants – Unlimited and Rubicon – with prices currently ranging from Rs 62.65 lakh to Rs 66.65 lakh. With its updated design and feature enhancements, the facelifted Wrangler aims to further solidify its position in the competitive SUV market segment.

Automobili Pininfarina Launch Twin Hypercars; Battista Anniversario and the Battista Reversario

Automobili Pininfarina has just revealed its latest masterpiece – the Battista Reversario, representing the epitome of automotive excellence. Inspired by the Battista Anniversario and the idea of equilibrium, this bespoke creation sets a new standard for luxury and craftsmanship. Representing the pinnacle of Automobili Pininfarina’s philosophy of bringing dream cars to life, the Battista Reversario exemplifies the brand’s commitment to crafting truly bespoke vehicles in collaboration with its clients.

Each meticulously hand-crafted vehicle that leaves Automobili Pininfarina’s Cambiano atelier is a unique reflection of the client’s personality. The Battista Reversario epitomizes this philosophy, showcasing the sophistication and personalization available to clients.

In collaboration with Automobili Pininfarina designers, the client has created a bespoke vehicle that is truly one-of-a-kind. Featuring a color scheme that is the inverse of the iconic design theme of the Anniversario, the Battista Reversario boasts a striking aesthetic. With the lower body finished in Bianco Sestriere gloss and the upper body in Grigio Antonelliano gloss, the Reversario exudes elegance and sophistication.

Continuing the theme from the Anniversario model, the Reversario features signature Iconica Blu pinstripes and bespoke inscriptions, including the vehicle’s unique ‘Reversario’ nameplate. Inside the cabin, the Pilota seats are adorned with white-on-white Alcantara quilting, complemented by accents in Iconica Blu.

The Battista Reversario also comes complete with an exclusive three-piece luggage set, reflecting the client’s lifestyle and preferences. Crafted from premium materials and finished with meticulous attention to detail, the luggage set represents luxury and sophistication.

Commenting on the Battista Reversario, the client expressed admiration for Automobili Pininfarina’s dedication and passion, emphasizing the perfection achieved by the brand. Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, described the Reversario as the ultimate expression of the brand’s philosophy, blending timeless design with modern technology.

Powered by a state-of-the-art powertrain, the Battista Reversario is the most powerful road-legal Italian car ever made. With its hypercar performance and luxurious cabin, the Reversario combines the best of both worlds, offering an unparalleled driving experience.

In summary, the Battista Reversario represents the epitome of automotive luxury and craftsmanship, showcasing Automobili Pininfarina’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Automobili Pininfarina, headquartered in Cambiano, Italy, operates with a commercial office in Munich, Germany, and boasts a team of seasoned automotive executives from luxury and premium car brands. Each vehicle from Automobili Pininfarina is meticulously designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Italy, aiming to create experiences for discerning taste makers worldwide. Embracing the PURA design philosophy, all Automobili Pininfarina vehicles seamlessly blend classic inspiration with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a timeless appeal.

Backed by a 100% investment from Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and supported by a trademark license agreement with Pininfarina S.p.A., Automobili Pininfarina leverages Pininfarina S.p.A.’s rich 94-year legacy in producing iconic cars, solidifying its position in the luxury automotive sector.

As for the Automobili Pininfarina Battista, it represents the pinnacle of Italian automotive engineering, boasting unparalleled power and performance. With a powertrain that outstrips any road-legal sports car featuring internal combustion engine technology, the Battista accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than two seconds, surpassing even current Formula 1 race cars. Generating an astonishing 1,900 horsepower and 2,340 Nm of torque, the Battista seamlessly combines extreme engineering with zero emissions technology.

Powered by a 120 kWh battery supplying energy to four electric motors—one at each wheel—the Battista achieves a combined WLTP range of up to 476 km (equivalent to 300 miles in U.S. combined EPA testing) on a single charge. Limited to just 150 hand-crafted examples, each Battista is meticulously produced at the atelier in Cambiano, Italy, ensuring exclusivity and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Hyundai Motor and Kia have embarked on a strategic collaboration with Exide Energy to localize electric vehicle battery production in India, marking a significant milestone in their endeavors toward sustainable mobility

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have solidified a strategic partnership with Exide Energy Solutions Ltd. for the localization of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in India, marking a significant milestone in their expansion plans within the Indian EV market.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place at Hyundai Motor Group’s Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea.
Among the notable individuals in attendance were Heui Won Yang, serving as President and Head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s R&D Division, Chang Hwan Kim, who holds the position of Head of Electrification Energy Solutions Tech Unit, Duk Gyo Jeong, overseeing the Electric Vehicle Parts Purchasing Sub-Division, and Dr. Mandar V Deo, who serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Exide Energy.

Hyundai Motor and Kia intend to localize EV battery production for the Indian market, with a specific focus on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells. This strategic move positions them as pioneers in utilizing locally manufactured batteries in their forthcoming EV models tailored for the Indian market.

Heui Won Yang, President and Head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s R&D Division, emphasized the importance of India’s vehicle electrification market, highlighting the government’s carbon neutrality goals. He stressed the significance of achieving cost competitiveness through localized battery production, citing it as a key factor in gaining a competitive advantage.

With its headquarters in Kolkata, Exide Industries Ltd. boasts an impressive legacy spanning more than 75 years, establishing itself as a prominent leader in the realm of lead-acid batteries within the market. Exide Energy Solutions Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Exide Industries Ltd., was established in 2022 to venture into the manufacturing of Lithium-Ion cells, modules, and packs, offering various chemistries and form factors.

This strategic collaboration marks the beginning of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s efforts to expand their exclusive battery development, production, supply, and partnerships in the Indian market. Recognizing India’s prominence in the global automotive industry and its rapid emergence as a critical player in EV production and sales, Hyundai Motor and Kia are strategically positioning themselves to lead the Indian automotive market by introducing EV models, and establishing themselves as frontrunners.

Mahindra unveils its new XUV 3XO, ahead of its global launch on April 29

Mahindra gears up with XUV 3XO for the grand reveal of its latest SUV, promising a blend of innovation and excellence that’s set to redefine the automotive landscape on April 29.

Brace yourself for the Mahindra 3XO, a vehicle designed to exceed the expectations of modern urban dwellers. Packed with thrilling performance, state-of-the-art technology, captivating design, and top-notch safety features, the XUV 3XO is engineered to elevate your driving experience to new heights.

What sets the 3XO apart is its triple dose of excitement, offering three times the thrill and exuberance of a standard SUV. From its dynamic performance to its striking design, every aspect of this XUV is crafted to deliver an unparalleled driving experience.

The latest teaser provides a glimpse of the SUV’s modernized design, showcasing its connected LED taillights, revamped headlights, and redesigned grille. Mahindra has also teased cabin enhancements, including updated upholstery and a reworked dashboard layout, promising a more refined and premium interior experience.

Dubbed as the SUV for those on the rise, the XUV 3XO caters to individuals who strive for excellence in every facet of their lives. With its segment-leading features and innovative design, the XUV 3XO is poised to set new standards in the automotive industry.

Manufactured at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art facility in Nashik, Maharashtra, the XUV 3XO represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and craftsmanship. Get ready to embark on a journey like never before with the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Prepare to be dazzled by the upcoming facelifted Mahindra XUV300, set to debut on April 29th with a fresh new look and a slew of exciting updates.

Anticipate the addition of new features such as a digital driver display, six airbags, and potentially advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), elevating the 3XO’s safety and convenience offerings.

Following its debut, the XUV 3XO is expected to hit the market shortly, with affordable prices. Keep an eye out for more updates as Mahindra prepares to unveil its latest masterpiece, ready to redefine the standards of the compact SUV segment.

Honda Cars India Ltd. enhances new safety features across all its variants

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has taken a significant step towards enhancing safety across its lineup by introducing upgraded safety features in models like Elevate, City, City e: HEV, and Amaze. These enhancements include the standard offering of six airbags, three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts, and seat belt reminders across all grades of City & Elevate. This move underscores HCIL’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of its customers, aligning with its global vision of achieving zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda vehicles worldwide by 2050.

In addition to the safety features, Honda Elevate & Honda City will also come with several feature additions aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience. Mr. Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd., emphasized the company’s dedication to safety, stating that Honda remains steadfast in exceeding safety benchmarks and delivering excellence and customer satisfaction.

The upgraded safety features include six airbags as a standard application across all grades of Elevate and City, along with seatbelt reminders for all five occupants. Furthermore, the Honda Amaze will feature enhanced safety with seatbelt reminders for all five occupants as well.

HCIL’s commitment to safety is further emphasized by its strong association with advanced design and technology, along with established qualities of durability, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Through initiatives like Honda Auto Terrace, the company aims to provide a one-stop solution for buying and selling pre-owned cars, ensuring quality and peace of mind for customers across the country.

Honda Elevate now boasts a suite of enhanced features, including the standard application of six airbags across all grades, a feature newly introduced in SV, V, and VX variants. Additionally, three-point emergency locking retractor seatbelts, along with adjustable head restraints for all five seats, are now standard across all grades, with the rear center 3-point seatbelt and head restraint newly introduced in all variants.

Moreover, a seat belt reminder for all five seats has been integrated across grades, with a newly introduced rear seat belt reminder in all models. To enhance convenience, driver, and assistant sun-visor vanity mirrors with lids are now standard across all grades, a feature newly introduced in SV, V, and VX variants. The inclusion of a Digital Analogue Integrated Meter with a 17.7cm (7inch) HD Full Colour TFT MID is another notable addition across grades, newly introduced in SV and V variants. Furthermore, an enhancement of the front AC vents knob, along with the fan and temperature control knob with silver paint, is now available in V, VX, and ZX variants.

In the case of the Honda Amaze, a seat belt reminder for all five seats is now standard across all grades, with a newly introduced rear seat belt reminder in all models. For the Honda City e: HEV, a seat belt reminder for all five seats has been integrated, ensuring enhanced safety. In the Honda City lineup, the standard application of six airbags across grades has been introduced, with this feature newly added in SV and V variants.

Additionally, a seat belt reminder for all five seats is now standard across all grades, with a newly introduced rear seat belt reminder in all models. In terms of technology, a 10.6 cm (4.2 inch) Color TFT Meter Display is newly introduced in SV grade, while an 8-speaker premium surround sound system is now available in VX grade. Moreover, a rear sunshade has been newly introduced in VX grade.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor 2023 data, YoY achievement in sales and production

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has achieved unprecedented success in both fiscal year performance and monthly wholesales, reaching new heights with 2,63,512 units sold in the FY23-24, showcasing a remarkable 48% growth compared to the previous fiscal year’s 1,77,683 units. March 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge for TKM, with sales soaring by an impressive 25%, as the company successfully moved 27,180 units, a significant leap from the 21,783 units sold in March 2023. Domestic sales contributed significantly with 25,119 units, while exports accounted for 2,061 units during the same month.

Reflecting on this outstanding growth trajectory, Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled to conclude both our fiscal year and March 2024 wholesales on a record-breaking note. With a customer-centric approach, we have consistently anticipated and met the diverse needs of our customers, offering a wide range of quality products and services. Moving forward, we remain committed to enhancing our customer touchpoints and delivering delightful ownership experiences.”

TKM attributes its growth to its robust product portfolio and value-added services, including enhanced digitalization and financial tie-ups, which have resonated well with customers across segments. Models such as the Innova Crysta, Fortuner, Legender, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and others have been significant contributors to TKM’s sales success, along with strategic investments in expanding production capacity and technological transformation.

Looking ahead, TKM is poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities in both metro and non-metro markets, leveraging its strong market acceptance and commitment to innovation.