GM, Fiat Chrysler To Resume Normal Operations After Utility Strain

General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Thursday they plan to resume normal operations after they were forced to cancel shifts at plants in Michigan over concerns about the state's natural gas supply.

The cancellations came after CMS Energy Corp made an emergency appeal to users late on Wednesday to conserve natural gas following a fire at a compressor station and extremely cold weather.

Fiat Chrysler said it would resume normal operations on Friday after it canceled two shifts at its Warren Truck and Sterling Heights Assembly plants on Thursday.

GM said late Wednesday it was suspending operations at 13 Michigan plants and its Warren Tech Center due to the CMS request. It resumed limited operations at five engine, transmission and stamping plants on Thursday afternoon.

GM said late on Thursday it would resume operations on Friday at all manufacturing facilities and some critical labs, testing and other limited locations.

GM said employees at three locations including the Tech Center will work from Friday and added it expects normal operations to resume in full over the weekend.

Ford Motor Co said it had also taken steps to reduce energy use at its four Michigan plants supplied by CMS.

CMS, the parent company of Consumers Energy, took the unusual step of issuing an urgent appeal to 1.8 million Michigan customers on Wednesday asking them to lower their thermostats to ease the burden on the system due to the fire and record cold weather.

The company said Thursday that consumers could resume normal usage at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

CMS Chief Executive Patricia Poppe said earlier on Thursday about 79 large users in Michigan including major automakers, other manufacturers and two universities had curtailed their natural gas usage. Along with individual consumers, usage had fallen by about 10 percent over anticipated demand, she said at a news conference on Thursday.

Michigan State University said it cut hot water to some buildings and reduced temperatures in some buildings.

The White House National Security Council weighed in on Twitter on Thursday urging people in Michigan to listen to state and local authorities "tonight and tomorrow re natural gas use in the coming days."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2ScbGmD

Kerala Sets EV RoadMap; Targets 1 Million Electric Vehicles By 2022

The government of India has made it very clear, that electric vehicles are the future and its one way of curbing pollution too. While Indian manufacturers get ready to make the switch from BS 4 to BS 6, it looks like the future of electric vehicles is still a long way away. But the Kerala government doesn't think that. In a major boost to the electric vehicle market, the state government announced that it has set a target of having 1 million EVs by 2022. It will do so by putting in place a Rs. 12 crore e-mobility fund.

In his Budget Speech on Thursday, January 31, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac said that by 2019-20, Kerala RTC buses will be replaced by electric buses. The complete switch to electric buses will start from Thiruvananthapuram, whose State Road Transport Corporation has decided to make a complete switch during the next fiscal. The state also said it will give tax exemption and subsidy to electric autorickshaws.

In a tweet, the Kerala Finance Minister said, "Kerala will lead the way towards a better future by switching to electric vehicles. KSRTC will replace its existing fleet of buses with electric ones, which is profitable as well.Thiruvananthapuram will be the first city in India to have an all electric public transport system."

Kerala will lead the way towards a better future by switching to electric vehicles. KSRTC will replace its existing fleet of buses with electric ones, which is profitable as well.Thiruvananthapuram will be the first city in India to have an all electric public transport system. pic.twitter.com/Ewcz18YBVn

— Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) January 31, 2019

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is also all set to launch 10 zero-emission air-conditioned battery electric vehicles on the Thiruvananthapuram- Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram route from February 1 which will definitely boost the EV target set by the state.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2GgChID

Car Sales January 2019: Maruti Suzuki Sales Stay Flat, Grows By 0.2 Per Cent

The first month of 2019 has gone by and in Maruti Suzuki's case, the sales have stayed flat. The company sold a total of 139,440 units of passenger cars in India in January 2019 as compared to 139,189 units sold in January 2018, registering a growth of a scant 0.2 per cent. Utility vehicles and vans were the highest performing segment for Maruti Suzuki as it sold 22,430 units of UVs in January 2019 as compared to 20,693 units in January 2018, recording a growth of 8.4 per cent. Van sales saw a growth of 23.6 per cent with 15,145 units sold in January 2019 as compared to 12,250 units sold in the same month last year.

Also Read: 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R First Drive Review

(The Vans segment has done really well for Maruti Suzuki in January 2019)

 

Maruti Suzuki has just one light commercial vehicle (LCV) which is the Super Carry and the company sold 2,710 units in January 2019 as compared to 1,411 units sold in January 2018, registering a growth of 92.1 per cent. Also, Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 151,721 units in January 2019. This includes 142,150 units in domestic market and 9,571 units of exports. The total domestic sales grew by 1.1 per cent including the passenger vehicles and LCVs while the exports registered a decrease of 11 per cent. In January 2018, the total sales were 140,660 units and the total exports were 10,751 units.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki 2019 Wagon R Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 4.19 Lakh

The latest launch from the company was the new-generation Maruti Suzuki Wagon R whose prices start at Rs. 4.19 lakh and go up to Rs. 5.69 lakh for the top-spec variant. Not only does the new Wagon R is built from the ground up but also gets a bunch of features and revised styling as well.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2G2QfyF

Car Sales January 2018: Maruti Suzuki Sales Stay Flat, Grows By 0.2 Per Cent

The first month of 2019 has gone by and in Maruti Suzuki's case, the sales have stayed flat. The company sold a total of 139,440 units of passenger cars in India in January 2019 as compared to 139,189 units sold in January 2018, registering a growth of a scant 0.2 per cent. Utility vehicles and vans were the highest performing segment for Maruti Suzuki as it sold 22,430 units of UVs in January 2019 as compared to 20,693 units in January 2018, recording a growth of 8.4 per cent. Van sales saw a growth of 23.6 per cent with 15,145 units sold in January 2019 as compared to 12,250 units sold in the same month last year.

Also Read: 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R First Drive Review

(The Vans segment has done really well for Maruti Suzuki in January 2019)

 

Maruti Suzuki has just one light commercial vehicle (LCV) which is the Super Carry and the company sold 2,710 units in January 2019 as compared to 1,411 units sold in January 2018, registering a growth of 92.1 per cent. Also, Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 151,721 units in January 2019. This includes 142,150 units in domestic market and 9,571 units of exports. The total domestic sales grew by 1.1 per cent including the passenger vehicles and LCVs while the exports registered a decrease of 11 per cent. In January 2018, the total sales were 140,660 units and the total exports were 10,751 units.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki 2019 Wagon R Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 4.19 Lakh

The latest launch from the company was the new-generation Maruti Suzuki Wagon R whose prices start at Rs. 4.19 lakh and go up to Rs. 5.69 lakh for the top-spec variant. Not only does the new Wagon R is built from the ground up but also gets a bunch of features and revised styling as well.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2HLrUyV

Skoda Superb Facelift Spied

The current-generation Skoda Superb has been sticking around for almost three years now. Following the lifecycle of any model it's nearing the facelift time and the Czech carmaker is well aware of that. A barely camouflaged test-mule of the facelifted Skoda Superb has been spied going under cold weather testing. Since it's a mild refresh, there isn't expected to be any major change in the profile of the Superb. In fact, they are so subtle that it will require even a car regular to take a close look.

The Skoda Superb Facelift looks exactly the same from the side.

For starters, headlights have been redesigned and they have been upgraded to ful-LED Matrix units (like the one seen on the Audi A6 Matrix) from xenon units. Since the test-mule has been wearing a body coloured camouflage, changes in the design are even more apparent. For instance, the front bumper has been tweaked and bottom skirts are wider now. Other than these, only the taillamps graphics have been revised at the rear and everything else remain the same. The story by large remains the same even on the inside as there hasn't been any significant change worth mentioning. The Skoda Superb already gets the latest infotainment system and can be upgraded to a 9-2-inch touchscreen unit with touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.

Taillamps have a different graphic at the rear.

The Skoda Superb is built on Volkswagen group's MQB Platform and is likely to continue with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit which is mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Image Source: Motor1

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2GiCCL7

2019 Mahindra Alturas G4 review, road test

Mahindra broke the Rs 10 lakh price ceiling with the Scorpio, the Rs 20 lakh ceiling with the XUV500, and now, its research indicates that Indian car buyers are willing to pay Rs 30 lakh for a luxury SUV wearing a Mahindra badge. It takes a strong product to break these psychological price barriers and perceptions, and to breach the Rs 30 lakh mark and get the job done, the carmaker borrowed the second-generation G4 Rexton from its Korean subsidiary, SsangYong, and renamed it the Alturas G4. ‘Alturas’ was the name given because it connotes height, so can Mahindra’s new flagship take the brand to new heights?

To make a great first impression, Mahindra has loaded the Alturas G4 to the brim with premium kit and launched it at aggressive price tags of Rs 26.95 lakh (4x2 AT) and Rs 29.95 lakh (4x4 AT), making the latter a whole Rs 3 lakh cheaper than the top variants of its two core rivals – the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. So we put it through an exhaustive test to find out if pricing is the only aspect it’s got going in its favour or if it is truly a well-rounded, premium SUV capable of grabbing a sizable share in the segment. 

Mahindra has kept it simple with just two variants – a 4x2 AT and 4x4 AT. Both variants get features including Nappa leather seats, LED DRLs, projector headlamps, LED tail-lamps, 18-inch alloys, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, third-row air-con blower, tyre pressure monitor, cruise control, touchscreen, ESP, hill-start assist and hill-descent control. Our pick of the range, however, is the 4x4 AT variant. Apart from the four-wheel-drive hardware, the additional Rs 3 lakh gets you kit like a 360-degree camera, nine airbags, driver-side seat memory, a 7.0-inch coloured instrument cluster, Xenon headlamps, LED fog lamps, sunroof, ambient lighting, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

 

The 8.0-inch touchscreen has a nice display, but the system is a bit slow to respond. The interface isn’t very user-friendly, but the presence of physical shortcut buttons below the screen helps. While satellite navigation is missing, maps can be used via either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The international version gets a 10-speaker Infinity audio setup, which didn’t make it to the Indian version. We’re happy to report though, that in terms of sound quality, the six-speaker setup is very good with a crisp and clear sound output.

The Mahindra Alturas G4 is an impressive SUV that punches above its weight. It may not have the badge value of its rivals but as a product, it offers far more. Firstly, its towering dimensions and tough-looking design give owners the street cred they want. Then, the interiors take things several notches above its rivals; the first and middle row are really comfy and it gets a laundry list of features like cooled seats, a 360-degree camera, nine airbags, many of which are segment-best. Also hugely impressive is the best-in-class level of refinement, and when it comes to performance, the Alturas is no slouch. Where the SUV does fall behind is dynamics; it doesn’t feel as much of a driver’s car as the Ford Endeavour and it can’t match the Fortuner for off-road prowess.

However, as a car to live with every day, it does a great job. It’s a good highway cruiser and in town, too, it’s not as intimidating to drive as the Endeavour or the Fortuner, to which the Alturas is a credible alternative priced at Rs 26.95-29.95 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Alturas is fantastic value for money and a good way of keeping Mahindra loyalists within the brand. 

from Autocar India - Car Reviews http://bit.ly/2TnX8gN

Exclusive: Renault To Introduce Apple CarPlay And Android Auto Across Its Product Range Soon

There's been an upgrading trend in the Indian automotive market and with the rising competition even the entry-level models are becoming more upmarket. That's thanks to the demand from customers. For instance, Maruti Suzuki recently launched the 2019 WagonR which gets the new Smartplay infotainment system and Hyundai had launched the 2018 Santro last year with a new infotainment system and both the models are equipped with smartphone connectivity options. Now, carandbike can exclusively confirm that Renault too will soon introduce smartphone connectivity options- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across its product range in India, starting with the Renault Kwid.

The French carmaker wasn't offering smartphone connectivity options in any of its product on sale in India as of now but sources have confirmed that all 2019 Renault models will get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as in their top-end variants of models. Moreover, according to our dealer sources, the deliveries of these models are likely to begin from Feb 12, 2019 in the metropolitan cities and about 10 to 15 days later in tier two cities.

All 2019 Renault models will come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Renault Kwid was the first entry-level hatchback which was offered with a touchscreen infotainment system, however, it didn't have the smartphone connectivity options at the start and the 7-inch touchscreen unit was only offered with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity options. Addition of smartphone connectivity options could give Renault a much needed shot in the arm as well specially to more expensive models like the Captur which on which these connectivity options are must-haves in this digital age. The Renault Captur also lost the Hyundai Creta in our comparison review missing these smart features was one of many reasons. At present, the top-end variants of all Renault models in India- Kwid, Duster, Captur and Lodgy come equipped with the touchscreen infotainment system.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Gdmx9f

Budget 2019: SIAM Welcomes Government's Cut On Import Duty For Electric Vehicle Components

The Society For Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has welcomed the central government's move to lower the import duty on CKD and SKD of electric vehicle components. The notification issued by the government earlier this week stated that the parts and components for electric vehicles imported in the country will be lowered by 10 to 15 per cent. Previously, the vehicle parts and components imported for assembly in India attracted an import duty of 15 to 30 per cent. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has created a separate category for parts and components for electric vehicles. The CBIC has also removed customs duty exemption to battery packs for electric vehicles and also doubled the duty on battery packs for mobile phones. While the import duties were lowered on EV components, the government did not allow to import fully built electric vehicles at a concessional rate, a move that has also been appreciated by SIAM, as a way to promote the Make-in-India initiative.

The notification also removed any ambiguity around the definitions of CKD and SKD for electric vehicles across segments. The notification states that fully built EVs will still attract 60 per cent/100 per cent duty for passenger vehicles, 50 per cent for two-wheelers and 25 per cent for trucks and buses, as they are for conventional vehicles, as suggested by SIAM. Furthermore, import duty on battery cell has been raised from zero to 5 per cent under the new notification. SIAM states that with no cell manufacturing in the country at present, the local battery pack with imported cells will become more expensive. Thereby making electric vehicles more expensive to own. That said, the move is expected to encourage cell manufacturing in the country and contribute to the electric vehicle infrastructure development.

SIAM also suggests that the import duty on battery cells with an expiry date be reduced back to zero, to enable local battery manufacturers to come with a solution. SIAM also stated that certain additional components need to be imported at concessional rates in a bid to kick-start assembly operations for electric vehicles. The move will help in creating supply and demand for EVs, at least until the industry achieves a minimum viable scale. The concessions can be revoked once the industry higher scale of operations.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2S1I8IM

More Powerful Yamaha FZ, Hero Germany R&D Centre, Isuzu D-Serve Scheme

The top automotive news of the day - Hero Motocorp opens R&D Centre in Germany. Yamaha plans to launch a more powerful FZ soon. Finally, Isuzu Extends D-Serve Scheme For D-MAX Regular Cab Till March 2019.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2Bn5nD9

Mitsubishi Teases Engelberg Concept Ahead of 2019 Geneva Motor Show Debut

Mitsubishi is bringing in a new concept SUV at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The company says that the new creation which it calls the Engelberg Tourer will bring more SUV, more EV, more technology and more style. The concept tourer is named after the beautiful; rugged Alpine town with a history of sporting success. Details are scarce but the company says it's electrified. What we also see here is the Dynamic Shield grille rolling out across the Mitsubishi range. We don't however, know yet, if it is a plug-in hybrid or a pure electric car.

While we've seen Mitsubishi's electrified drivetrain vehicles before, the Engelberg too gets an electric blue interpretation of the company's Dynamic Shield grille. There are roof-mounted spotlights as well and there's a lot of muscle that we can see on the car which might indicate that it's an off-roading vehicle.

Given the fact that the third generation Outlander has been around since 2012, it is time to bring in a new gen model to the line up. The Engelberg could very well preview the next generation of the Outlander. From what we can see in this teaser image, the concept gets large air intakes in front and the prominent wheel arches add the muscle to the car. Beefed up wheel arches have always been part of the company's design elements for brawny SUVs. Overall, the front fascia of the Engelberg concept does remind us of the e-Evolution concept which the company showcased at the 2017 Tokyo auto show.

We wait to know more about the SUV and can't wait to see in the flesh at the 2019 Geneva Motor show.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2WvTTWF

Tata Motors To Supply Tigor EVs To Capgemini India

Tata Motors has announced its new partnership with consulting, technology and digital transformation company Capgemini for the supply of Tigor electric vehicles. The Tata Tigor EVs will be used for internal transportation at Capgemini campuses across three major cities - Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The automaker has tied up with mobility solution company Karthik Travels, to manage to smooth induction of the Tigor EVs in the tech company's transport ecosystem. The first batch of the Tigor EVs were handed over to Capgemini officials by the Tata team at the company's Bengaluru campus.

Commenting on the deployment of Tigor EVs, Tata Motors - President – Electric Mobility Business and Corporate Strategy, Shailesh Chandra said, "We are delighted to partner with Capgemini on their thoughtful initiative of promoting zero-emission vehicles for the employee mobility needs. The Tigor EV, recently awarded as the ‘Electric Car of the Year' by Assocham India', will join Capgemini's existing fleet of cars. Tata Motors will continue to work towards bringing aspirational e-mobility solutions for the customers, leading the drive towards faster adoption of electric vehicles in the country. "

The Tata Tigor EVs will co-exist with Capgemini's existing fleet of transport vehicles within the campus. It's not clear though as to how many Tigor EVs have been supplied to the tech giant. The move though is expected to help reduce the carbon footprint for the company, while also decreasing the fuel bills.

While Tata Motors has not revealed the specifications on the Tigor EVs, the electric car is said to offer a range of 80-100 km on a single charge, which makes it an apt choice for driving within an enclosed campus. The automaker has already been supplying the Tigor EVs to the government-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), as the central government aims to replace its entire fleet with electric cars by 2030.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2WwQKpG

Auto Trends - Online Research Goes Big

There has been a perceptive change in how the average car buyer conducts his study before the final purchase. Almost 90 per cent of new car buyers look to sources of income which are available online. Google along with Kantar, a market research firm, have documented this exact phenomenon. Take a look.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2B98HSc

Koenigsegg And NEVS Enter Into A Strategic Partnership To Develop New Cars

Swedish car makers NEVS AB and Koenigsegg AB have entered a strategic partnership which will see them develop parallel vehicle models in slightly higher volumes with emphasis on electrification, as well as strengthening growth opportunities in the hyper car segment. NEVS will make an investment of 150 million Euros, thereby taking a 20 percent minority stake in Koenigsegg's parent company.

Additionally, the parties are forming a joint venture to expand into new market segments where NEVS AB is contributing $150 million in starting capital for a 65 percent stake and Koenigsegg obtains 35 percent by contributing primarily with intellectual property, technology licenses, and product design.

Through the additional joint venture NEVS and Koenigsegg are partnering up to develop a product for new and untapped segments. Through NEVS production facilities in Trollhattan, Koenigsegg will access additional capabilities as well as benefiting from the extensive automotive knowledge in the region, whilst maintaining their centre of excellence in Angelholm.

Alongside NEVS capacity for production in Trollhattan and China, NEVS through its majority owner Evergrande, has a wide distribution platform and channels through ownership in one of China's largest car retailers. Last week, Evergrande announced the acquisition of 58.07 percent in automobile battery maker Shanghai CENAT New Energy Co Ltd, a $156 million deal.

Christian von Koenigsegg, Founder and CEO of Koenigsegg, said, "Koenigsegg is breaking new ground, capitalising on our unique technology, performance track record and market position to explore and develop new products. This partnership will create the best conditions for Koenigsegg to accelerate growth in the hyper car market, as well as enabling us to break ground into an untapped market segment together with NEVS. We very much look forward to working together with NEVS to develop products that ensure a sustainable future"

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2D063Or

2019 Bajaj Pulsar 180F Details Leaked; Launch Soon

Bajaj Auto has been updating its Pulsar range since late last year with cosmetic tweaks and the mandatory addition of ABS. The latest model to join the line-up is the 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 180F as per the leaked images, which is the new semi-faired motorcycle from the manufacturer. The source suggests that the new Pulsar 180F is priced at Rs. 86,500 (ex-showroom), which makes it about Rs. 2500 more expensive than the naked version. As most of you will recognise it, the Pulsar 180F is essentially the Pulsar 180 with the Pulsar 220F bodykit. The update brings more value to the Pulsar 180, further differentiating it from the Pulsar 150 that recently received the update of twin-disc brakes along with new colour options and the entry-level Classic variant. Bajaj though is yet to officially announce the new model, but we expect the launch in the coming weeks.

The Bajaj Pulsar 180 streetfighter will most likely be discontinued in the coming weeks

Mechanical details haven't been revealed for the 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 180F but expect the same 180 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 2-valve engine that is currently tuned for 17 bhp and 14 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Expect a marginal increase in the kerb weight of the motorcycle thanks to the additional fairing. The steel exhaust though has been given a miss on the 180F. It needs to be seen though if Bajaj will offer projector headlamps like the 220F on the 180F as well.

Given how popular the Pulsar 220F has been for Bajaj for over a decade, the bike maker wants to offer a similar package at a similar price tag. The Pulsar 220F will move north of Rs. 1 lakh mark in terms of pricing with the addition of ABS for 2019, and the Pulsar 180F becomes the new entry-level faired offering from the manufacturer. The 2019 Pulsar 180F is likely to see an on-road price Rs. 1 lakh, making it a competitively priced choice for those looking at a faired Bajaj bike. It will still be competitive in pricing over rivals like the Suzuki Gixxer SF in the segment, and will come equipped with a single-channel ABS unit as well as standard.

Source: Thrustzone.com

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2G0qoYc

Tata’s New Premium Hatchback Launch Details Revealed

Tata Motors has kick started the year with the launch of the new Harrier SUV and the company has already said that there's more coming this year. Tata Motors confirmed that the next launch from the company's stable is going to be a premium hatchback based on the 45X concept. The hatchback, codenamed X451 will make its way to the Indian market very soon and yes, sooner than we might have expected. Mayank Pareek, President, Tata Motors spoke to carandbike on the sidelines of the Harrier review and said, "Our next launch will be the X451 which we have showcased even at the Auto Expo and we had promised that both the Harrier and the X451 will be launched this year. Now we've launched the Harrier and in another 6 months we'll launch the new model. "

The X451 will be the first model to use the company's all-new Advanced Modular Platform

The company, then, is looking at June or July 2019 for the launch of the new premium hatchback. Internally codenamed X451, Tata's upcoming premium hatchback will take on a host of established models including the Maruti Baleno, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and the likes in the segment. The X451 will be the first model to use the company's all-new Advanced Modular Platform (AMP), which is expected to underpin a host of models from the automaker in the future. Engine options are likely to remain the the 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel from the Nexon.

Also Read: Tata's Premium Hatchback Spotted Testing In India

We've already spotted the car testing in and around the plant and we saw the rear portion from the C-pillar looks like it has been sourced from the Indica. Having said that, seeing the current design language of Tata's latest models - the Tiago, Tigor, and the Nexon, it's clear that visually, the upcoming premium hatchback will be a lot more stylish and of course packed with features.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2G96vxj

Indian-Origin Tesla CFO Leaves As Automaker Promises Profits And Cheaper Cars

Tesla Inc's Indian-origin chief financial officer will leave the company as the automaker on Wednesday promised cheaper Model 3 sedans, the launch of Chinese production this year and profits in every quarter in 2019. The departure of Deepak Ahuja as well as missing Wall Street profit targets for the end of 2018, sent Tesla shares down nearly 6 percent after hours. Zach Kirkhorn, Tesla's vice president of finance, will replace Ahuja, who is about 56 years old.

Chief Executive Elon Musk touted strong demand for the Model 3, as the company begins to ship the car to Europe and Asia from its Fremont, California factory. But he acknowledged it was paramount to cut costs to lower the price of the vehicle for a wider customer base.

"We have to be relentless about costs in order to make affordable cars and not go bankrupt," said Musk on a conference call with analysts. While the company expressed optimism that it could post a profit in the first quarter despite fewer deliveries of its flagship S and X vehicles, Tesla warned of challenges such as logistics and global deliveries of its new Model 3.

Tesla said plans to lower the price of the Model 3 were contingent on quickly building its factory in China. It hopes to produce 500,000 vehicles a year there by the last quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of 2020, a goal it originally expected to meet in 2018.

To start, the Shanghai factory will build 3,000 Model 3s per week, while production at Tesla's Fremont plant will rise to 7,000 Model 3s per week by year's end, the company estimated.

"Bottom line is we need the Shanghai factory to achieve that 10,000 rate and have the cars be affordable," Musk told analysts. "The demand for Model 3 is insanely high. The inhibitor is affordability."

Musk announced a 7 percent workforce reduction earlier this month, saying it was crucial to cut costs to roll out a lower-priced, yet still profitable, Model 3.

The cheapest today is priced at $44,000. Musk gave a "rough guess" that Tesla would begin building its originally promised $35,000 version around the middle of this year.

Roth Capital Partners analyst Craig Irwin called Tesla's results "somewhat weak, but largely as expected."

"We think people have been too bullish about Tesla showing earnings power, and sustained positive cash from operations," he said.

MORE CASH
Investors have wondered whether Tesla, which has never posted an annual profit, will seek more capital to fund a planned Model Y SUV, the building of factories in China and Europe, and the expansion of Tesla's existing Nevada battery plant, the Gigafactory.

Tesla said it ended the quarter with $4.3 billion in cash and said it could pay a $920 million convertible bond maturing in March.

"Tesla has a fantastic brand, and by all accounts a fantastic product, but we're worried it's also fantastically expensive," said Nicholas Hyett, Equity Analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "2019 could prove a make-or-break year."

The winding down of a U.S. tax subsidy this year will make all Tesla cars more expensive and could hurt sales.

Tesla said it expected lower S and X deliveries in the first quarter, given a "pull-forward in demand" in 2018 for those vehicles when the full subsidy was still available. Tesla recognizes revenue once a vehicle is delivered.

In the fourth quarter, customer deposits decreased by $113 million from the prior quarter to $793 million. Tesla said it was working through its Model 3 backlog without clarifying further.

Asked about Model 3 reservations, Ahuja said that number was "not relevant." Tesla last disclosed in May that net Model 3 reservations - accounting for new orders and cancellations - exceeded 450,000.

The company made a net profit of $139.5 million in the three months ended Dec. 31, compared with a $311.5 million in the third quarter, when it benefited from regulatory credits. (bit.ly/2Uv6szO)

Excluding items, Tesla earned $1.93 per share, missing expectations of $2.20 per share, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Tesla's total revenue rose 5.9 percent to $7.23 billion, beating the analyst average estimate of $7.08 billion.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2BexO5Q

More Powerful Yamaha FZ V3.0 Set To Arrive In 2020

The 2019 Yamaha FZ V3.0 ABS was launched last week and the motorcycle gets a host of upgrades for the new generation version. The changes are cosmetic yet substantial and bring a refreshed look to the 150 cc offering. However, a lot of Yamaha enthusiasts including us were disappointed with the engine not receiving any major upgrades. The FZ is already one of the lesser powered options in its segment and a power update was expected with version 3.0. While it's been a no show this year, Yamaha is indeed working on a more powerful version of the FZ that will be hitting the showrooms sometime next year.

Sources close to the company have conveyed to carandbike that the more powerful version of the FZ is indeed on the way and will arrive with the comprehensively updated BS6 engine next year. At present, the bike maker is in the process of developing the new motor that will not only meet the stringent emission norms but also have improved power and torque output. In its current setup, the FZ uses a 149 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine tuned for 13 bhp at 8000 rpm and 12.8 Nm of peak torqueavailable at 6000 rpm. The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.

The focus for Yamaha is to develop the new BS6 engine ahead of the deadline of April 2020, which is when all vehicles - two and four wheeled will have to upgrade to the new emission regulations. This has been posing a major challenge for the manufacturers who have been busy upgrading the engines to meet the upcoming norms. It won't be a surprise then to see the second half of 2019 to go a little lean with respect to new launches. Not just the 150 cc FZ, but Yamaha's complete range will undergo the BS6 transition in 2020.

So why bring the Yamaha FZ V3.0 ABS in 2019? The move can be seen as a stop-gap measure to keep the model relevant amidst increasing competition, beyond the mandatory inclusion of ABS. The company has already tasted massive success with new Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 that was introduced last year and nearly doubled in production with its slew of upgrades over the predecessor. The company is anticipating a similar demand for the FZ V3.0 as well that does get comprehensive upgrades barring major changes to the engine. The FZ has always been a strong seller for Yamaha India and the changes will be appreciated by its followers.

With respect to changes, the 2019 Yamaha FZ V3.0 gets a re-sculpted fuel tank with tank shrouds, revised sub-frame to accommodate the single-piece seat, new LED headlight, LCD instrument console and new exhaust muffler. The handlebar has also been raised for a more comfortable riding stance while the single-piece seat is intended to offer better comfort for the pillion. The 149 cc fuel-injected engine has been tweaked for improved torque at low revs for more immediate response. The 2019 Yamaha FZ V3.0 is priced at Rs. 95,000 and is available in two colours, while the 2019 FZ-S V3.0 is priced at Rs. 97,000 (all prices, ex-showroon Delhi) and is available in three colour options.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2sZsb7f

Volkswagen Aims To Open E-Vehicle Platform To Competitors

Volkswagen is in advanced talks with competitors over opening its modular MEB platform for the mass production of electric vehicles to rivals, German paper Tagesspiegel on Wednesday cited the VW brand's strategy chief as saying.

Volkswagen wants its modular car platform to become "a standard not only for the VW group", Michael Jost told the paper.

Volkswagen in January said that it was in constructive talks to share the MEB platform with Ford, with which it entered into a wide-ranging partnership.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2SiBb5B

Bosch To Invest Four Billion Euros In Autonomous Cars Development

German auto supplier Robert Bosch announced a push into parking, recharging and maintenance services for electric and self-driving vehicles as it posted flat annual operating profit on Wednesday. Bosch said it was in talks to expand a research alliance on autonomous vehicles and planned to invest 4 billion euros ($4.6 billion) to develop self-driving cars by 2022. Bosch has 4,000 engineers working on autonomous vehicles technology and is working with Daimler to develop self-driving cars. "We always said we are open for others to become partners, and there are talks," Chief Executive Volkmar Denner said.

The Stuttgart-based supplier said 2018 sales rose 1.5 percent to 77.9 billion euros thanks to a 2.3 percent increase in sales from its automotive division which accounted for 47 billion in sales. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) reached 5.3 billion euros, the unlisted company said. In 2019, Bosch hopes to continue to secure its high level of earnings, the company said. Sales of driver assistance systems would generate 2 billion euros in sales this year, Bosch said, adding that it had let go of 600 staff working on diesel engines after a slump in demand.

Bosch said the market potential for on-demand ride-hailing using self-driving robotaxis was huge, citing Roland Berger analyst estimates for a market worth $160 billion by 2035. "Bosch will offer bot technology and services for this form of mobility," the company said. Bosch plans to expand into reservations, payment and parking, recharging, maintenance and infotainment, pitting it against other carmakers which are expanding into pay-per-minute mobility services. The auto supplier has been on an expansion push in electromobility, buying 30 electromobility projects worth several billion euros. By 2025, Bosch aims to increase its sales in the area to 5 billion euros, the supplier said.

Bosch has already entered strategic partnerships with start-up carmakers including China's NIO and Byton and Germany's Streetscooter. Denner said Bosch was selling its packaging technology division and expected to complete a sale in the third quarter.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Ggw1kl

Volkswagen To Reveal Fully Electric Dune Buggy At The Geneva Motor Show

Volkswagen is bringing a legend back to life! Come the 2019 Geneva Motor show, the Wolfsburg-based company will reveal the first fully electric version of a new dune buggy. The car takes cues from American dune buggies and the concept vehicle is based on the modular electric drive matrix, which also showcases the versatility of the platform. The concept of the fully electric buggy is based on the vehicles that were created in the 1960s in California. Back then, the Beetle chassis served as the basis for these buggies; now, the MEB is proving to be just as flexible. True to the original vehicles, this reinterpretation of a dune buggy has no fixed roof or conventional doors, while the large wheels and off-road tires and open side sills dominate the overall look.

The electric buggy is based on the MEB platform

Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer at Volkswagen said, "A buggy is more than a car. It is vibrancy and energy on four wheels. These attributes are embodied by the new e-buggy, which demonstrates how a modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic can look and, more than anything else, the emotional bond that electric mobility can create."

The new MEB concept vehicle shows that this fully electric platform can be used for more than just large-scale series production models. Like the Beetle chassis of yesteryear, the MEB has the potential to facilitate the development of low-volume niche vehicles.

The fully electric concept buggy, will be shown for the first time at the 89th International Geneva Motor Show which starts in the first week of March

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2G072Cb

2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Review

The latest from Maruti Suzuki is a new 3rd generation Wagon R. It moves to a larger platform for the first time - and as a result is now an India specific Wagon R too. It also adds a larger 1.2 litre engine to the existing 1.0. Both engines have an AMT option. We test the manual and automatic in this comprehensive review. And also introduce you to Maruti's new Smartplay Studio touchscreen interface that debuts on this car.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2TnpqrP

Hero MotoCorp Sets Up New R&D Centre In Germany

World's largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, Hero MotoCorp has set up its new research and development (R&D) centre - Hero Tech Center Germany GmbH. The new facility is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hero MotoCorp and is located in Stephanskirchen near Munich. The new German R&D centre will be working on collaboration with Hero's Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Hero Tech Center Germany will be under the direct supervision of Dr. Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Hero MotoCorp and will be the epicentre for the company's motorsport activities.

Speaking on the new R&D Centre, Hero MotoCorp - Chairman, Dr. Pawan Munjal said, "Setting up of the Hero Tech Center Germany GmbH is a realisation of our aspiration to build an R&D eco-system that is spread across global geographies. Ever since Hero began its solo journey in 2011, we have had a clear and focused plan to enhance and strengthen our technological know-how and product development capabilities. We set up the Center of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur in 2016 and since then, this facility has been designing and developing a range of new mobility solutions for customers across the globe. The Hero Tech Center in Germany will be a source of modern technologies with a focus on the global customer base, thereby further strengthening our R&D capabilities. The Tech Center will also enable us to easily tap into the huge pool of resources readily available across Europe and merge them with our ongoing operations at the CIT."

Hero's new German R&D centre joins the manufacturer's other global design and technological facilities located in Italy, Spain and Thailand. The company also has manufacturing facilities located in South America, apart from the ones in india. The new facility will help Hero further strengthen its R&D capabilities with a focus on the global customer base.

The new German R&D facility will be working with the Jaipur centre to work on new vehicle concepts and future technologies. Furthermore, with the team's motorsport activities spread across the globe, the new centre will further facilitate rally participation activities including new product development for the team, the company said in a statement.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2t4t5zv

Tata Motors To Supply 255 Electric Buses In 6 Cities Across India

Tata Motors has recently received a sizeable order of 255 electric buses, which the company will be supplying to State Transport Undertakings (STUs) of six cities across India. A total of 10 Indian cities had floated tenders for electric buses, in line with the Government's aim to promote the electrification of public transport. The company says that it has bagged orders from STU's of Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Jammu, Assam and Jaipur. In fact, Tata Motors has already commenced with the delivery of the first lot of electric buses to West Bengal Transport Corporation & Lucknow City Transport Services Ltd.

Also Read: Tata Motors Electric Bus Pilot Run Commenced In Chandigarh

Commenting on this recent development, Rohit Srivastava, Product Line Head - Passenger Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said, "We strongly believe that the electrification of public transportation is the key enabler for sustainable mobility. In an effort to promote electrification of public transport by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, 10 cities had floated tenders for E-buses. We have bagged orders of 255 Electric Buses from 6 STU's out of the total 10, namely Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Jammu, Assam and Jaipur, (about 62 per cent of the share of business)."

The electric city bus that the company will be supplying to these cities will be the Tata Starbus EV Hero. While we still await complete technical details about the bus from the company, Tata has revealed that the e-Bus will come with a Lithium-ion battery, and will have a range of 150 km on a full charge. The buses will be manufactured at the company plant in Dharwad, Karnataka. The company has also confirmed that the electric buses will be supplied as per the delivery schedule of the STUs of the aforementioned cities.

Talking about ever increasing applications for electric vehicles and e-mobility solutions, Srivastava said, "The shift to EV technology is opening up a number of opportunities for the economy. In line with that, we have recently created an electric mobility vertical to deliver on our aspiration of providing innovative and competitive e-mobility solutions. We are optimistic about the future of electric vehicles and aim to play a leading role in the electric mobility evolution in the country."

Also Read: Delhi Starts Trials Of Olectra-BYD eBuzz K9 Electric Bus To Combat Pollution

The STUs of the aforementioned cities that will be getting Tata's electric buses will include - West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC), Lucknow City Transport Services Ltd. (LCTSL), Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC), Atal Indore City Transport Service Limited (AICTSL), Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) & Jaipur City Transport Service Limited (JCTSL).

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2G8XuEp

MG Hector Sunroof, Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, Kamiq compact SUV

The top automotive stories of the day - Here's a carandbike exclusive where we give you details about the MG Hector getting the largest sunroof in the segment. The price of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS is out and we have the details. Finally, Skoda has revealed the sketches of the all-new Kamiq compact SUV

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2FYV5gl

India-Spec Yamaha MT-15 Specifications Leaked

The next big launch from Yamaha India is the much anticipated Yamaha MT-15 naked street bike. Essentially the naked version of the YFZ-R15, a camouflaged test mule of the upcoming MT-15 has already been spotted in India, and now we have come across some specifications details about the motorcycle as well. According to the leaked certification document, the soon-to-be-launched Yamaha MT-15 also gets the ABS suffix in the name, confirming the availability of ABS right at the time of the launch. This is ideal considering the new safety norms that mandates ABS for all bikes from 125 cc and above, kicks in from April 2019.

The document also confirms that that bike will be powered by the same 155.1 cc single-cylinder SOHC, liquid-cooled engine, which is the same motor that powers the R15. The engine is tuned to churn out a maximum of 19 bhp, while the peak torque is expected to be around 14.7 Nm, same as the R15. The motor will come mated to a 6-speed gearbox, with slipper clutch.

Yamaha MT-15 will come with ABS as standard and get the R15's 155 cc engine

The leaked document also gives us details about the dimensions of the new Yamaha MT-15. Compared to the R15, the new Yamaha MT-15 is longer at 2020 mm, wider at 800 mm, and comes with a longer wheelbase of 1335 mm, however, the MT-15 is shorter than the R15 at 1070 mm. While we do not have the curb weight of the motorcycle here, the bike's GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is 288 kg, which is the total weight of the vehicle with fuel, oil, an average-size rider and pillion combined, used for this certification.

As for features and equipment that we expect to see on the Yamaha MT-15, the bike is likely to come with VVA or variable valve timing, an LCD instrument console, a 3-point LED headlamp and LED taillamp among others. Also, unlike the global-spec model which gets upside down forks, the model spotted in India came with regular telescopic front forks, while the rear will get a monoshock suspension setup. Also, the MT-15 will feature the same 282 mm disc up front and a 220 mm unit at the rear.

In terms of design, based on the global-spec MT-15 and the spy shots, the India-spec model will come with the typically aggressive design with an exposed frame, a chiselled fuel tank and sharp lines, matte treatment for panels, and alloy wheels, together offering the bike a streetfighter look.

Source

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2GaHPEs

Indian Motorcycle Trademarks 'Renegade' Name For New Motorcycle In The US

Polaris-owned Indian Motorcycle has registered a new bike name 'Indian Renegade' in the US. The new name joins the 'Raven' moniker that was recently registered by the biker maker with the US Patents and Trademark office as 'Motorcycles and structural parts therefor'. It's not clear at the moment which Indian motorcycles will be using the new names. That said, it's rumoured that the Raven name will be used on a motorcycle based on the FTR 1200.

Also Read: Indian Motorcycle Files For A New Bike Based On FTR 1200

Meanwhile, the name Renegade is already being used by another US-based bike maker UM Motorcycles for its range of small-capacity of cruisers. This does make it interesting as to how the company will differentiate its upcoming motorcycle name from the former. That said, the company has registered the full-name 'Indian Renegade', which could be a way to get around trademark issues, if any, for the name.

Details are scarce about what the Indian Renegade could be. However, if the Indian FTR 1200 is anything to go by, the bike maker could be diversifying its range into other segments beyond just cruisers. However, an official confirmation from the company is awaited on the new motorcycle names.

With respect to the Indian Raven, the new motorcycle could share its underpinnings with the FTR 1200. The latter uses a 1203 cc V-Twin engine and takes inspiration from the company's FTR 750 flat-track race bike. It needs to be seen if Indian is planning an all-black version of the FTR or something beyond for the new offering. It will be too early to comment on the launch timelines for the Renegade and the Raven, but we expect to learn more about them in the coming months.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2TmlOqf

2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Review

The third generation Maruti Suzuki Wagon R recently went on sale and we have finally driven the all-new offering. The 2019 Wagon R improves on a host of levels over the predecessor with a bigger engine, roomier cabin and updated design in place....

from NDTV CarAndBike - Photos http://bit.ly/2B9GOcH

Auto Trends - Online Research Goes Big

There has been a perceptive change in how the average car buyer conducts his study before the final purchase. Almost 90 per cent of new car buyers look to sources of income which are available online. Google along with Kantar, a market research firm, have documented this exact phenomenon. Take a look.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2B98HSc

Volkswagen Surpasses Toyota And Nissan In Global Sales In 2018

Toyota Motor Corp. sold 10.59 million vehicles globally last year, fewer than the 10.83 million delivered by German rival Volkswagen AG, the Japanese automaker said Wednesday.

Separately, the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance reported that its combined global sales stood at 10.76 million vehicles, up 1.4 percent from the previous year.

Nissan Motor Co.'s global sales totaled 5.65 million vehicles last year, while Renault SA of France, which owns 43 percent of Nissan, recorded global sales of 3.9 million vehicles. Nissan owns 34 percent of smaller Japanese rival Mitsubishi Motors Corp., which sold 1.2 million vehicles last year.

The numbers released Wednesday underscore intense competition among the automakers.

U.S. automaker General Motors Co. was the No. 1 selling automaker for more than seven decades before losing the title to Toyota in 2008. Its sales have shrunk in recent years, and the Detroit-based automaker is no longer really a contender in what is turning out to be a three-way race.

Nissan, Japan's second biggest automaker, has been rocked by the arrest in November of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was dispatched by Renault in 1999 and led Nissan for two decades.

The allegations against Ghosn center around financial misconduct, such as underreporting compensation from Nissan and having Nissan shoulder investment losses. Ghosn has said he is innocent.

Toyota's vehicle sales last year rose 2 percent from 2017; while Nissan's fell nearly 3 percent. Mitsubishi's jumped 18 percent year-on-year, and Renault's sales climbed 3 percent.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2ScMRaa

2019 Bajaj Dominar Spotted In New Green Paint Scheme Inside Factory

The 2019 Bajaj Dominar is one of the more awaited models for the new year and the bike maker will be introducing a comprehensive set of upgrades on the all-new models. While a lot of the changes will be mechanical, the 2019 Dominar could get the new paint options as well. The motorcycle was recently seen in the shade of bright green while rolling out of the assembly line. It's not confirmed though if the colour will be available in India, the Dominar is already offered in the green shade in markets like Russia and this could be the export version being produced. If Bajaj Auto does intend to offer this shade in India, it will certainly be a stand out colour over the standard options.

The spy image also reveals the black coloured alloy wheels with silver spoke highlights on the 2019 Bajaj Dominar; replacing the gold coloured ones that were introduced on the 2018 version. In fact, Bajaj Auto's new TVC gives you glimpse of the 2019 Dominar albeit in the red shade.

Also Read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 Details Revealed

The green colour scheme on the 2019 Dominar is likely to be restricted for exports

Beyond the colour changes, there's plenty new with the Bajaj flagship. The 2019 Dominar will get a reworked split-style instrument console packing in more information than the older version. The motorcycle will get the new Upside-Down (USD) forks at the front replacing the telescopic units, while the exhaust design has been revised and gets a dual-muffler setup. Other upgrades include the repositioned front disc brake, revised design for the crash guards and brake reservoir, and a longer rear fender. The overall design remains the same and so does the all-LED headlamp.

Another major upgrade on the 2019 Bajaj Dominar is expected to be with the 373 cc single-cylinder engine. The motor is rumoured to make more power from the current 34 bhp and 35 Nm of peak torque, while the 6-speed transmission with the slipper clutch will continue to be on offer. The motor is also expected to boast of better refinement than the current version.

The 2019 Bajaj Dominar features in the latest Bajaj Auto TVC

While Bajaj Auto is yet to announce the launch details on the 2019 Dominar, the model is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and is likely to command a premium of Rs. 15,000-20,000 over the current model. Bajaj is likely to offer the bike in only the ABS variant this time, keeping up with the upcoming regulations. The Bajaj Dominar ABS is presently priced at Rs. 1.63 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Spy Image Source: Facebook.com

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2HS458T

Low Volume Models Will Not Shift To BS-VI: Mahindra & Mahindra

With the Bharat Stage 6 emission norms set to become mandatory from April 1, 2020, automakers have already started working towards this goal, and leading utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra is one of them. Currently, the vehicles sold in India comply to the BS-IV emission norms, and as stated by several manufacturers, this long leap to BS 6 will involve quite a large investment. Addressing this very scenario, on the sidelines of the launch of the company's new intermediate truck Furio, Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, said that a small number of low volume models will not see the shift to BS 6.

Talking about the passenger vehicles that will not switch over to BS-VI, Goenka said, "We are deciding right now. We will have to take a call on some very small volume vehicles, because the development cost is quite significant, for BS 6, for each model. Unless there is a certain minimum volume that we see, it will not pay to go to BS 6. So, the team is taking a call, and there are few low volume products that we'll not take to BS 6, but all the high volume products will."

Pawan Goenka said, the company is still deciding on the models that will not switch over to BS 6

As for the company's plan to begin the production of BS 6 vehicles, Pawan Goenka said, "We will start making BS 6 vehicles sometime in January (2020), and make both BS 4 and BS 6 vehicles for some time. We'll probably stop production of BS 4 vehicles by the end of February 2020."

Right now, some of the lowest performers in the company's product line-up include - the Mahindra NuvoSport, Verito, Verito Vibe, and the Xylo. In fact, Mahindra hasn't sold a single unit of the NuvoSport in the last 3 months, while the collective average monthly sales of the Verito and Vibe haven't crossed the 200 units mark. While the carmaker did not mention any names, these could very well be some of the candidates that might see the end of the road as BS 6 emission norms kick in from April 2020.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2CSNxYo

MG Motor India Ropes In Adobe To Create Digital Solutions Platform

MG Motor India has appointed tech giant Adobe to chart out its entire customer journey from initial expression of interest to purchase. With a focus on digital media for MG, the mandate encompasses a gamut of Adobe Experience Cloud products, making MG among the first automobile brands in India to adopt the entire suite of Adobe's digital marketing products. The Adobe Experience Cloud platform will be responsible for delivering a differentiated customer experience - right from managing the Adobe Cloud Experience interface with customers via the revamped MG Motor India website, to managing the entire step-by-step digital interface with customers around its launch. This will work towards creating a seamless experience for the launch of the MG Hector in Q2 2019.

Also Read: MG Motor To Kick Start Dealership Operations With 45 Outlets

The MG Hector will go on sale around the period of June-July 2019 in India

Also Read: Upcoming MG Hector Compact SUV To Sport Segment's Largest Panoramic Sunroof

As part of its digital strategy, Adobe will help MG India build and consolidate its experience onto a common platform, including its brand website, dealer websites, and digital screens. With the implementation of Adobe Analytics, MG India will leverage insights derived from digital interactions between the brand and its customers across these channels, to further deliver personalised customer experiences. Additionally, the brand's recently revamped website has moved from WordPress to the Adobe Experience Cloud keeping in mind enhanced customer experience and personalized content as the core.

Also Read: MG Motor To Launch Electric SUV In India By 2020

The MG Hector pays homage to the Royal Hector biplane that served in the Royal Air Force in the 1930s

Also Read: 5 Things You Need To Know About the MG Hector

Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India "With the car buying decisions of customers increasingly being influenced by digital media, it is imperative to provide a seamless yet not in-the-face customer experience at all instances during digital customer interaction. With Adobe on board, we can facilitate an experiential customer journey and map and monitor the entire digital customer journey, right from interest generation to the final purchase. This deep access to customer insights will allow us to engage prospective customers with experiences that are personalised, relevant, and compelling, starting with the current pre-launch phase,"

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2FXdMB4

Skoda Kamiq Compact SUV Revealed In Sketches

Skoda has revealed the sketches of the all-new Kamiq compact SUV which is set to debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. The Skoda Kamiq will be an urban SUV which is primarily aimed at the European markets and is expected to make its way to our market sometime in 2020. It will be rivaling the likes of the Hyundai Creta in India which has been the top-runner of the compact SUV segment for quite some time. The Skoda Kamiq is built on the MQB-AO platform which will also underpin all Skoda and Volkswagen models in India which will measure less than 4.5 metres.

The Skoda Kamiq also gets elements like the front spoiler and rear diffuser which add some sporty appeal.

In essence, the Skoda Kamiq looks more of a scaled-down version of the Skoda Kodiaq housing similar design elements. For instance, the face sports the same wide and upright grille with chrome surrounds and it even gets similar long sculpt on the centre of the hood. On the side, there is a single character line which starts right after the LED DRL and runs the length of the car merging into the taillamps. Speaking of the LED DRLs, the treatment looks familiar, like the one we have recently seen on the Tata Harrier. Skoda calls it two-part design with the headlamp cluster being positioned lower on the bumper, right underneath the DRL which also doubles as dynamic turn indicators. The rear of the Kamiq too looks sculpted and the steeply raked rear windscreen along with the C-Shaped taillamps which are the major takeaways here. Moreover, the Kamiq will also get a large rear diffuser and front spoiler finished in faux-silver which will add a dash of SUV appeal.

Globally, the Skoda Kamiq will be available with a range of drivetrains including three petrol engine options and two diesel options. At present, we don't have any word on the drivetrains which will be offered in the Indian market. However, we expect the 1.5-litre petrol motor and the 1.5-litre diesel engine to be a part of the India line-up as they are also likely to be seen on the upcoming Skoda Scala sedan.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2GadhTk

MG Motor Partners With Myles; New MG Hector To Be Offered On Subscription Basis

MG Motor India has recently entered into a partnership with ride sharing and car subscription company Myles, to offer next-generation mobility solutions to customers. MG says that this partnership will allow the company to leverage the existing network of Myles across 21 cities, once the company launches its first model - the MG Hector in Q2 2019. This will be in addition to MG's own network of 110 sales and service touchpoints at the start of sales. Furthermore, under this tie-up, the company will also be offering the new MG Hector SUV on a subscription basis.

Also Read: 5 Things You Need To Know About the MG Hector

The MG Hector will go on sale around the period of June-July 2019 in India

Going into the details about the tie-up with Myles, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, "This will help to cater to the evolving requirements of the new age customers. The partnership will enable customers to experience our upcoming SUV - MG Hector on a subscription basis, book test drives of the car and avail courtesy car benefit through the Myles platform. We plan to extend the Myles subscription model for our second vehicle as well - a pure EV that will be launched by the end of this year."

Also Read: MG Motor To Launch Electric SUV In India By 2020

Sharing his views on the partnership, Sakshi Vij, Founder & CEO, Myles said, "Our partnership with MG Motor will enable our customers to experience their first SUV; MG HECTOR and future MG cars through our platform." Both MG Motor and Myles believe that the value of their new partnership will be over Rs. 250 crores in the first phase.

Also Read: MG Motor To Kick Start Dealership Operations With 45 Outlets

The new MG Hector will come with the largest sunroof in the segment

As for the upcoming MG Hector, the SUV will be the largest in this class, with a length of 4655 mm, a width of 1835 mm and a height of 1760 mm. Similarly, the new Hector will also be stylish and feature packed with smart LED DRLs, 360-degree camera, a largest-in-segment panoramic sunroof. The SUV will also get a premium cabin, equipped with power adjustable seats, cruise control and even an electronic parking brake.

Under the hood, the new MG Hector will come with the option of both, petrol and diesel powertrains - 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine and the Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre oil burner engine respectively. Transmission options could include both manual and automatic option.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2WtYVD5

Exclusive: Upcoming MG Hector Compact SUV To Sport Segment's Largest Panoramic Sunroof

We have some exclusive information on the upcoming MG Hector compact SUV. We always had the indication that it is not quite as compact as the big rivals in this space, with the largest dimensions of the lot. But that it will also be positioned as more premium is now definite, and highlighted by an exclusive look at its big design USP. According to exclusive information with our Editor, the MG Hector will feature a massive dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof. We have since further gleaned its actual dimensions and can tell you that this will be the biggest panoramic sunroof in the segment. The sunroof is 1460 mm X 832 mm, and that makes it larger than the Jeep Compass' 1278 mm X 877 mm. It's also an all-electric operation for the sunroof system, which is the pop-up and slide kind. This allows for the larger glass expanse, and also a bigger aperture when the roof is popped open all the way.

Also Read: MG Motor To Kick Start Dealership Operations With 45 Outlets

#Exclusive info on the upcoming MG #Hector. Will have the segment's biggest panoramic electric sunroof. Indicates a premium package. Will be pop-up and slide kind - making it BIIIG! More details coming. SVP #SUV pic.twitter.com/VP1bT4ik3m

— the ‘car and bike guy'. yes that one (@sidpatankar) January 30, 2019

We already know the MG Hector will be the largest in this class, with a length of 4655 mm, a width of 1835 mm and a height of 1760 mm. This puts it as we have always said - right in the heart of the premium compact SUV space that is straddled by the top spec Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks on the one end and the Jeep Compass or Hyundai Tucson at the other. But it also makes it a prime rival for the newly launched Tata Harrier that is fast turning into a hit for the Indian carmaker. The MG Hector also has other stylish elements like daytime running lights or DRLs to give it an upmarket and contemporary feel. And it will sport a 360 camera, and other premium features like power adjustable seats, cruise control and even an electronic parking brake.

Also Read: MG Christens Its First SUV In India - Hector

 

We've already seen the sleek looking LED indicators on the Hector along with the large grille up front. 

Also Read: 5 Things You Need To Know About the MG Hector

The Hector will be available in diesel and petrol variants. The 2.0 diesel is being sourced from FCA India and so yes will be the same 2.0 litre motor that goes into the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier. The petrol will be a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine. We expect automatic to be on offer as an option as well.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2WqPF2w

Kia Production, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mahindra Furio

The top automotive stories - Kia Motors has kick started trial production at its plant in Anantapura and we tell you more about it. Land Rover has launched the Discovery Sport Landmark edition in India and finally, Mahindra has launched the Furio truck in the country.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Videos http://bit.ly/2BbiqqU

Isuzu Extends D-Serve Scheme For D-MAX Regular Cab Till March 2019

Isuzu Motors India today announced its decision to extend the company's 'D-Serve' scheme for D-Max Regular Cab models till March 31, 2019. The company introduced the D-Serve warranty scheme in September 2018 and it offers customers 3 years / 100,000 km warranty, free periodic maintenance package (inclusive of certain wear & tear items) at no additional cost. This excludes accidental damage related repairs.

Isuzu India says that it has received an encouraging response from the customers, prompting the company to extended the scheme. Furthermore, the company claims the scheme offered significant value in terms of 'low cost of ownership' of the vehicle at no additional cost. Existing Isuzu D-Max pickup truck owners can visit their nearest ISUZU authorized dealer outlet for more details on the scheme.

Isuzu's D-Max range in India includes the regular D-Max cab and D-Max S-Cab, both of which cater to the commercial market. The pickup is powered by a 78 bhp turbocharged diesel engine, which comes paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox with overdrive for better drivability and efficiency.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2G7AHJ5

Volvo To Start Test Self-Driving Cars On Swedish Roads

Volvo self-driving prototypes are back on the road and this time the Swedish carmaker will be testing them on its home turf. As informed by Veoneer with whom Volvo has partnered to develop self-driving vehicles, the joint venture (JV) has been permitted by the Swedish government to conduct the tests on country highways. Veoneer also informed that it will be testing the Zenuity software for Level 4 autonomous driving (the second highest level) in the Volvo cars and have appointed trained drivers for this purpose.
 
The drivers will test the software with their hands off the steering wheel and will not exceed the speed limit of 90 kmph. The JV is trying hard to keep up with rivals such as Waymo who won the first approval last year to conduct tests of autonomous vehicles without drivers on the public roads of California. However, getting permission has been a challenge for Volvo after the fatal accident that involved a self-driving Volvo XC90 SUV which was being tested by Uber using its own software. After the incident, Volvo was only allowed to test the self-driving vehicles with a trained driver with one hand required being on the steering wheel. It wasn't even allowed to speed over 60 kmph.
 
Nishant Batra, Chief Technology Officer, Veoneer said, "The approval to do real-life tests was essential for gathering important data and test functions. It is a strong proof-point for the progress of Zenuity's self-driving capabilities." Moreover, Thomas Jonsson, a Veoneer spokesman said that it was too early to say when Zenuity could potentially test without a safety driver.
 
The Zenuity software was developed by Volvo and Veoneer in 2017 and is expected to have its first driver assistance products available for sale this year with autonomous driving technologies joining in shortly.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2FVlPhN

2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Facelift Is Priced At Rs. 8.76 Lakh In India

The 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift went on sale in India this week, but the carmaker did not reveal details about its performance-oriented version, the Beleno RS. However, now we have got confirmation that the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Facelift has been priced in India at Rs. 8.76 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Like the standard version, the Baleno RS has also received several visual updates, while the engine and transmission option remains unchanged. The car continues to share its features with the top-spec Alpha variant, featuring all the bells and whistles.

Visually, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS gets a larger grille, but comes with a different honeycomb pattern, unlike the 3D effect on the regular Baleno facelift. The chrome slat and the headlamp design remain identical, however, the bumper is all new, featuring bolder lines, a larger central airdam, and new foglamps. The updated Baleno RS also retains its silver bumper lip and side skirts from the pre-facelift model, while among the new bits, the car now gets the new precision cut alloy wheels introduced with the facelifted Baleno.

The 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Facelift also get the new Smartplay Studio infotainment system

The cabin of the updates Baleno RS hasn't been revealed it, however, similar to the pre-facelift models, the interior will be similar to the regular Baleno's design but expect an all-black treatment. On the features front, the new Baleno RS will come with remote keyless entry with start-stop ignition button, electrically operable ORVMs, auto climate control, follow me home/lead me to vehicle headlamps, and more. The Baleno RS also gets the new SmartPlay Studio infotainment system that was introduced with the new-gen Wagon R. The system can connect with three smartphones simultaneously and is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation among others.

Powering the 2019 Baleno RS facelift is the same 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that makes close to 100 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque. The motor continues to come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, with no automatic transmission on offer.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2Wswm96

KIA SP2i Compact SUV Launch Details Revealed

As Kia Motors India commenced trial production at its new Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh, the automaker also showcased the near production-spec SP2i compact SUV. The all-new offering will be the South Korean car maker's first product in India and is all set to be launched in the second half of 2019. In fact, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister  N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed that production of the SP2i will commence in the second half of the year, while carandbike has confirmed that the launch is around the festive season. The SP2i is the internal name of the compact SUV while the production name will be revealed later this year.

Also Read: Kia Motors Hands Over Soul EV To Andhra Pradesh Government

With respect to the launch timeline, the Kia SP2i will be revealed in its production avatar around April-May this year, which is also when we will see the automaker will reveal the name of the SUV. The company will hold a contest for the name of the car and the one with the most votes will be the production name of the SP2i. The name 'KIA Trazor' was last seen to be one of the forerunners for the SP2i. The company is expected to commence bookings by August this year, while the official launch and deliveries are likely to be close to Diwali.

The Kia SP2i will go under production in the second half of this calendar year.

Also Read: Kia Motors Commences Trial Production Run In India

The Kia SP2i will be a Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass rival sharing its underpinnings with the former. The model will also be positioned at a premium over the Creta, so you can expect a better equipment list as well. Details on the power figures and engines will be available closer to launch but expect both petrol and diesel options, along with manual and automatic transmissions too. The camouflaged version revealed little about the SP2i but we did get a glimpse of the bold gloss black finished grille quite similar to the concept and the projector lens headlamps replacing the all-LED lights from the concept. The SP2i looks visibly large but will be a five-seater offering.

Also Read: KIA Motors To Launch A New Vehicle Every Six Months For Three Years

The Kia SP2i compact SUV will be the first car to be produced at the Kia Anantapur plant, which will be followed by 4 to 5 new launches spread over the next two and a half years. Electric vehicles are also in the pipeline for Kia in India and the current facility is capable of producing the same as well without any changes.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2FUnLqF

Kia Motors Hands Over Soul EV To Andhra Pradesh Government

In a bid to contribute to the Indian government's electric mobility initiative, Kia Motors India handed over the Soul EV to the Andhra Pradesh government at the automaker's trial production ceremony at the new Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. The new Kia Soul EV joins the Niro EVs that were handed over to the state government previously in a bid to develop the local infrastructure for electric vehicles.

The Kia Soul EV now comes with a more powerful motor and a range of 450 km on a single charge

The Kia Soul EV is based on the Soul hatchback that is on sale in several developed markets. The power figures are nearly double than that of the older version on sale on the model and Kia estimates a driving range of 450 km for the Soul EV. Kia has now fitted the Soul EV with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion polymer 64kWh battery. The new electric motor produces 198 bhp and 395 Nm of peak torque.

Also Read: Kia Commences Trial Production Run In India 

The handover of the Soul EV is part of Kia's ACE strategy that includes producing autonomous, connected and electric cars. The automaker plans to offer 16 electric vehicles in India by 2025.

The Kia Soul EV produces 198 bhp

Meanwhile, Kia India will commence operations in the country with the SP2i SUV that is set to be launched later this year. The trial production for the new SUV commenced at the Anantapur plant today, which has a capacity of 300,000 units annually. The new plant will also produce a host and sedan for India in the coming years and is capable of manufacturing electric vehicles. The Kia SP2i will take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and the Nissan Kicks.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2CTKn6P

Mahindra Furio Range Of Intermediate Trucks Launched In India, Prices Start At Rs. 17.45 Lakh

Mahindra Truck and Bus today officially launched the new Furio range of intermediate commercial vehicles (ICVs) in India. The new truck range was unveiled in India last year in July 2018, and today the company has officially commenced with its sale in the Indian market. Priced at Rs. 17.45 lakh for the Furio 12 tonne and Rs. 18.10 Lakh for the Furio 14 tonne (all prices ex-showroom, Pune), the new Mahindra Furio range has been designed by Mahindra-owned Italian design house Pininfarina, and previously, the company had claimed that it has invested about Rs. 600 crore in the development of this new range of intermediate trucks.

The development of the new Mahindra Furio range has been underway since 2014 and has been designed and developed by 500 engineers, and close to 180 suppliers have been involved. The Furio range is manufactured at the company's plant in Chakan, near Pune, Maharashtra. The new Furio trucks are positioned below the Blazo range from Mahindra and take on the offerings from Eicher and Tata Motors.

The company claims that the trucks also offer safe, ergonomic, and comfortable cabins, which has been designed by Pininfarina.

The new Mahindra Furio trucks are powered by the company's new mDi Tech diesel engine that churns out 138 bhp at 2400 rpm and 500 Nm of peak torque. The engine also comes with Mahindra's FuelSmart technology to optimise fuel consumption and comes with multi-mode switches depending on the load conditions. Furthermore, the new engine has been designed to be lightweight, and have low friction in a bid to achieve higher fuel efficiency. Mahindra says the engine will offer high torque at low rpm leading to a higher performance in both inter-city and intra-city traffic conditions. Though this engine adheres to BS4 norms now, Mahindra says it will be upgraded according to BS6 requirements before the norms kick in.

Mahindra claims that the Furio range of ICVs have been tested for over 17 lakh km, putting them through rigorous highway durability trials undertaken across the ghats, other treacherous road conditions, cities and state highways (single and double lane roads), and high and low-speed applications. Over 1,000 such performance tests were carried out. Furthermore, the structural durability validation was accomplished for the equivalent of 10 years of vehicle service life, involving all 4 platforms. Further endurance tests such as sea level to high altitude trials and sub-zero to high ambient temperature trials were also undertaken.

The company claims that the trucks also offer safe, ergonomic, and comfortable cabins, which has been designed by Pininfarina. It offers better comfort with sleeping berths, 60 per cent less noise and 40 per cent vibrations. Moreover, it also has got some segment first equipment like fog lamps and cornering lamps and Mahindra is also offering 5 years or 5,00,000 km warranty and 5 years or 5,00,000 km AMC maintenance guarantee on the Furio range.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2B8yIRj

Kia Motors India Start Trial Production Of New Compact SUV At Anantapur Plant

Kia Motors India has rolled out the production version SUV based on the SP Concept from its Anantapur facility as part of the trial production. The company commenced trial production of the SP Concept SUV that was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo which will be going on sale later this year in India. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu launched the trials along with Kia Motors' Managing Director K Shim in the presence of South Korea Ambassador to India, Shin Bongkil. The South Korean car maker commenced construction of its plant Anantapur in the last quarter of 2017 and the plan to commence trial production has run ahead of schedule. 

The new Anantapur plant will be Kia's 15th manufacturing facility worldwide. 

Kia signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government back in April 2017 for the new manufacturing facility that is spread across 213 hectares in Penukonda. The plant has seen an investment of $1.1 billion (around Rs. 7050 crore) as part of the first phase of investment, out of the total $2 billion announced for the Indian market. The second phase of that investment will be realised by 2021.

Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director, Kia Motor says that he is confident that the SP Concept will do well in India

The facility has a capacity of producing 3 lakh cars annually including electric vehicles, which can be further increased to four lakh vehicles per annum. The automaker is currently employing 3000 personnel directly at the plant, while the indirect employment adds up to 7000 personnel.

Kia Motors' facility is spread across 213 hectares in Penukonda

The Kia plant in Anantapur is also surrounded by component supplier facilities that makes it possible for the company to increase localisation on its vehicles right from the start. This will help the automaker achieve higher economies of scale and competitively price its products. Exports are also in the pipeline from this plant.

The first product to be rolled out from the new plant is the production version of the SP Concept that made it to trial production. The upcoming compact SUV is all set to be revealed around April or May this year, while the launch is slated before the festive season.

Kia Motors is the second largest automaker in home market South Korea and produces over three million cars every year globally. The new Anantapur plant will be its 15th manufacturing facility worldwide.

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2TjXMMt

Lotus Teams Up With Williams Advanced Engineering To Develop Nex-Gen Powertrains

Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering have announced a strategic technical partnership in which the companies will share research and development into advanced propulsion technologies.  Lotus Engineering has extensive and proven expertise in the integration and application of new technologies - for Lotus Cars and many global engineering clients, and has been known for lightweight structures and advanced materials.

Williams Advanced Engineering has acclaimed experience across the automotive sector and beyond, which will continue alongside this partnership. This expertise includes advanced propulsion systems and applying knowledge derived from the pinnacle of battery technology during the inaugural four seasons of Formula E into electric vehicles.

Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars said, "Our new technology partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering is part of a strategy to expand our knowledge and capability in the rapidly changing automotive landscape. Applying advanced propulsion powertrains can provide numerous exciting solutions across multiple vehicle sectors. Our combined and complementary experiences make this a very compelling match of engineering talent, technical ability and pioneering British spirit."

The partnership could see the birth of a new hypercar too but that has not yet been confirmed by either of the companies and so we wait to find out more about this partnership.

Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering said, "Williams Advanced Engineering takes great pride in delivering innovation for our customers at a rapid pace of development, born from our Formula One heritage. We will be further developing next-generation powertrains in this partnership with Lotus."

from NDTV CarAndBike - Latest News http://bit.ly/2DDDKXG