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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.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has introduced the Grand Vitara Dominion Limited Edition, adding a bold new dimension to the popular mid-size SUV. Available in Alpha, Zeta, and Delta variants, and across both petrol and CNG fuel types, the Dominion Edition brings distinctive style, enhanced comfort, and a touch of exclusivity. Launched during the festive season, the Grand Vitara Dominion Edition also comes with exciting offers, further enhancing its appeal with complimentary accessory kits for a personalized touch.

Distinctive Styling and Premium Comfort

The Grand Vitara Dominion Edition is designed to stand out with a range of carefully curated styling upgrades. The exterior of the SUV is enhanced with bold elements like side steps, rear skid plates, body side moldings, and door visors. Additionally, a premium car care kit ensures the vehicle’s standout looks are maintained in top condition.

Inside, the Dominion Edition continues to impress with its premium dual-tone seat covers, all-weather 3D mats, and a sophisticated interior styling kit. These features, combined with enhanced comfort elements, offer a luxurious cabin experience, catering to customers looking for a more refined and exclusive in-car environment.

A Statement from Maruti Suzuki

Commenting on the launch of the Grand Vitara Dominion Limited Edition, Mr. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, The Grand Vitara has set a new benchmark in the mid-size SUV segment, and the Dominion Edition enhances this achievement by offering tailored options that reflect our customers’ evolving tastes. With its distinctive design, added comfort features, and a more luxurious interior, it addresses the growing demand for vehicles that offer both standout aesthetics and a premium in-cabin experience,” said Banerjee.

He also emphasized the Grand Vitara’s remarkable market performance, highlighting its record-breaking sales milestone. “Thanks to its striking design, well-equipped cabin, and diverse powertrain choices, the Grand Vitara has resonated with buyers, becoming the fastest mid-size SUV to surpass the 2 lakh sales mark. We are confident the Dominion Edition will continue to build on this success, offering our customers an enhanced driving experience and reinforcing our leadership in the segment.

Grand Vitara Dominion Edition Complimentary Package

Exclusive Accessory Kits and Offers

The Grand Vitara Dominion Edition offers customers a unique opportunity for personalization through its complimentary accessory kits. These kits enhance both the exterior and interior of the vehicle, allowing customers to enjoy a more customized driving experience. The special edition model is set to retail in October 2024, making it a limited-time offer for those seeking exclusivity.

Engaging Performance and Versatility

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has won over customers with its engaging performance and commanding road presence. Offering a range of powertrain options, including the Strong Hybrid, it caters to a wide variety of driving preferences. The SUV also features the renowned Suzuki ALLGRIP SELECT technology, which allows drivers to venture off-road with ease and confidence, opening up new possibilities for adventure.

Conclusion

The Grand Vitara Dominion Limited Edition delivers a compelling combination of style, performance, and exclusivity. With its festive offers and premium upgrades, this limited-edition model is set to further strengthen Maruti Suzuki’s foothold in the mid-size SUV segment, offering customers a chance to experience the perfect blend of dominance and refinement.

The IONIQ 5 SUV, further solidifies Hyundai’s position in the electric vehicle (EV) space and Waymo’s leadership in autonomous technology. In an exciting development for the future of autonomous driving, Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo have entered into a multi-year strategic partnership. This collaboration, announced on October 4, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the automotive and tech industries, as both companies aim to offer a safe, sustainable, and convenient autonomous driving experience. The first phase of this partnership will see Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving technology integrated into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV.

Waymo Driver Technology Meets the IONIQ 5

Integrating Waymo’s fully autonomous technology, the Waymo Driver, into the IONIQ 5 will set a new standard for self-driving EVs. Waymo plans to add these IONIQ 5 vehicles to its Waymo One fleet over time, offering a cutting-edge transportation experience to riders. Hyundai will assemble these vehicles at its state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility, the Hyundai Motor Group Meta-plant America (HMGMA) in Georgia; before they are fitted with Waymo’s advanced autonomous driving systems.

This partnership is expected to yield a significant fleet of Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5s over multiple years, supporting the expansion of the Waymo One ride-hailing service. Initial road testing of these vehicles is set to begin in late 2025, with full deployment to Waymo One riders anticipated shortly thereafter.

Strategic Partnership to Drive Autonomous Innovation

This collaboration aligns with both companies’ visions to enhance transportation’s safety, efficiency, and convenience through advanced technology. As Waymo continues its mission to become the world’s most trusted autonomous driver, Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability and EV innovation makes it the perfect partner.

Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “This collaboration with Waymo marks the first step in our broader goal of offering vehicles capable of implementing SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology. We are thrilled to have Waymo as our first partner in this journey.”

The Autonomous-Ready IONIQ 5: Built for the Future

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has already earned accolades for its design, performance, and sustainability, and now it will be outfitted with modifications to support autonomous driving. These modifications include redundant hardware systems and power doors to ensure the vehicle is ready for the rigors of autonomous operation. The IONIQ 5’s 800-volt architecture allows it to charge quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring that it can handle long driving shifts on a single charge.

In addition to its technical advancements, the IONIQ 5’s spacious interior, ample legroom, and generous cargo space will offer Waymo One riders a comfortable and luxurious travel experience. The vehicle’s combination of performance and rider comfort makes it an ideal platform for autonomous mobility.

A Broader Vision for the Future

As the Hyundai-Waymo partnership progresses, both companies are actively exploring additional opportunities for collaboration. This partnership is just the beginning, and the potential for further innovation in autonomous driving, EV development, and smart mobility solutions is immense. Hyundai’s commitment to its autonomous vehicle foundry business, designed to supply the global market with advanced autonomous-ready vehicles, will play a crucial role in this evolution.

This partnership between Hyundai and Waymo is expected to not only accelerate the adoption of autonomous driving technology but also reshape the landscape of mobility solutions worldwide.

Conclusion

The Hyundai and Waymo partnership represents a transformative leap toward the future of autonomous driving and sustainable transportation. With Hyundai’s award-winning IONIQ 5 and Waymo’s leading-edge autonomous technology, this collaboration is poised to bring safer, more efficient, and more convenient mobility solutions to a wider audience. The first phase of this partnership, focused on integrating Waymo Driver technology into the IONIQ 5, sets the stage for further advancements in autonomous driving and electric vehicle innovation, promising a bright future for both companies and their customers

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading SUV manufacturers, has unveiled the exclusive CAMO edition of its best-selling model, the Tata Punch. This limited-edition release showcases a striking new Seaweed Green color, paired with a contrasting white roof and bold R16 charcoal grey alloy wheels. The premium upholstery features a unique CAMO-themed pattern, creating an adventurous and stylish feel.

Segment-First Features for an Elevated Experience

The Tata Punch CAMO edition introduces several first-in-segment features, enhancing both convenience and comfort. A standout addition is the 10.25-inch infotainment system, equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Complementing this, the CAMO edition also includes comfort-tech upgrades such as:

• Wireless charger
• Rear AC vents
• Fast C-type USB charger
• Grand center console with armrest

These features ensure the Punch CAMO offers an exceptional blend of rugged capability and urban luxury.

Pricing and Availability

The Tata Punch CAMO edition is available at an attractive starting price of INR 8,44,900 (ex-showroom New Delhi). Customers can book this special edition directly through the Tata Motors website, making it a perfect addition to the festive season celebrations.

Strong Market Performance and Customer Appeal

Since its launch in October 2021, the Tata Punch has earned widespread acclaim for its design, performance, and safety features. As Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., explained, “The Punch has become a favorite across segments, thanks to its versatile and engaging package. The CAMO edition aims to further capitalize on its popularity, giving customers another reason to celebrate during this festive season.”

The Punch stands as India’s safest sub-compact SUV, having earned a prestigious 5-star rating under the 2021 GNCAP safety norms. With 187 mm ground clearance, a commanding driving position, and the ability to conquer varied terrains, it offers a reliable and thrilling driving experience for both city and off-road adventures.

A Milestone Achievement in Sales

The Tata Punch has quickly become one of the company’s most successful models, achieving 1 lakh sales within 10 months and surpassing 4 lakh sales in just 34 months. Available with multiple powertrains, including petrol, dual-cylinder CNG, and electric variants, the Punch caters to a wide range of customer preferences, solidifying its position as a top performer in the Indian automotive market.

Conclusion

With the launch of the CAMO edition, Tata Motors reaffirms its commitment to offering innovative, stylish, and feature-rich vehicles that meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. The Tata Punch CAMO combines style, functionality, and adventure, making it an exciting addition to Tata’s lineup.