The folks over at Bugatti are a focused lot while their primary intent being, well, you guessed it right, make the fastest production cars in the world. You might think that the Chiron was outrageous in its approach because it packed a monster of an engine and was capable of hitting some seriously unbelievable speeds, wait till you come across the Divo. While Bugatti Chiron’s focus is being the fastest car in the world and comes out as a grand tourer, the Divo is an ultimate corner carver built with just one purpose, decimate the corners while carrying earth-shattering speeds. Bugatti has said that they are all set to start delivering the $6 million hypercar.

Also read: The ‘Holy Trinity’ Of Bugatti Hypercars Comes Together For A Photoshoot In Dubai

Built on the foundation of Chiron, the Divo is even more exclusive with just 40 units being made. We can’t own one, ever, because all the units of Divo will be owned by current Chiron owners. Not like we had a chance of owning it! So a person who has both is going to be the fastest man on the straights and when it comes to the twisties, he might as well switch to Divo to completely destroy the competition.

It uses the same 1,479bhp quad-turbo W16 engine under the hood but uses a different bodywork. The Divo is lighter, stiffer and more focused on turning in right. It is being fine-tuned by the engineers at Bugatti for the past two years and they have been testing it for more than 5,000km of testing at speeds of up to its limited top speed of 236mph.

So what are the changes it has over the Chiron? It has shelved off 35 kg of extra weight and has stiffer suspension setup as compared to Chiron. It also has more camber and a “more front-oriented setup”. Lars Fischer, company’s Head of Chassis Testing and Application, says “It’s entirely different to drive than the Chiron. This is particularly evident when driving on roads with plenty of bends. With even more precise steering and greater downforce, the Divo drives through corners even faster and more predictably.”

The team found ways to suck 77 pounds out of the car compared to the Chiron, added just over 1,000 pounds of downforce to make the car stick to the ground and engineered greater cooling capacity for the car. All the hard work shows in the lap timings too as Divo managed to be a full 8 seconds faster than the Chiron’s around Nardo’s 6.2km handling circuit.

Bugatti somehow manages to outshine themselves every time. They already had Chiron for the straights and now they have Divo in their portfolio which will go like a bat out of hell while exiting a corner. Oh and did we tell you? All the 40 units of Divo are already sold out!

Xpeng Motors is going head-to-head with Tesla in China. They recently unveiled their P7 electric sedan which is going to directly rival the American carmaker’s Model 3. Xpeng’s P7 boasts of a longer range and cheaper price. By unveiling the P7 sedan, the battle between both the giants is heated up even further because a few days back, Tesla claimed that an ex-engineer stole confidential information before joining the Chinese company. They even asked a US judge to interfere in the matter to force Xpeng to disclose its autonomous-driving source code to which Xpeng retaliated by saying that Tesla is bullying and trying to disrupt a young competitor.

Also read: The Tata Nexon Has A Chinese Doppelganger

If we keep the above-mentioned feud aside for a while and focus on the P7 electric sedan, it actually has the capability to rival Tesla’s Model 3. It’s Guangzhou-based carmaker’s second vehicle and boasts of some interesting numbers. It has a maximum range of 706 kilometers (440 miles) per charge and cost 254,900 yuan ($36,000/ ₹27.43 lakh). They will start delivering the vehicles in September. Now if we compare the specs of P7 Sedan with soon to be launched Tesla Model 3’s longer-range version, the latter is going to cost 344,050 yuan and will have a range of 650 kilometers. The specs make it pretty clear now that the P7 sedan has a longer range while costing less too. They are also sticking their neck out and saying that P7’s features too will allow it to challenge Tesla.

Tesla entered the Chinese market earlier this year and went on to become an instant hit because China is the world’s largest EV market and Tesla has a strong grip over electric vehicle infrastructure. Apart from long-range, P7 also has technology backing it. It is the first production model in any market worldwide powered by NVIDIA’s DRIVE AGX Xavier system-on-a-chip, delivering 30 TROPS (trillions of operations per second) performance while consuming only 30 watts of power.

It also features fast charging which enables it to charge from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes and 120km range in 10 minutes; with China’s first remote-controlled concealed charging plug.

The joint venture between Toyota Kirloskar Motors(TKM) and Maruti Suzuki India Limited(MSIL) to introduce rebadged products from each other in the upper and lower segments of the market is old news now. Maruti Suzuki is a strong player in the affordable segment while premium Toyota models are popular higher up the price ladder. The Suzuki-Toyota alliance’s first product was the Toyota Glanza. It is basically a Maruti Baleno with Toyota badges. With the Etios range discontinued altogether in the BS6 era, the Glanza hatchback has become the most affordable product for the Japanese carmaker.

Now, Toyota is about to launch its second Maruti Suzuki-based product in India in the coming months. Part of its technical and product sharing joint venture with Maruti, the new car will be based on the Vitara Brezza and is likely to be called ‘Urban Cruiser’ as the Japanese carmaker has recently trademarked this name. The genesis of the name, one can assume, lies in Toyota’s Land Cruiser heritage, its most popular SUV till date. While the Cruiser name will represent the SUV character of the new product, the Urban moniker suggests the compact dimensions and practical nature for urban usage.

Also READ: The Xpeng P7 Is The Tesla Model 3’s Chinese Rival

Going by the Glanza premium hatchback, the Toyota Urban Cruiser may come with minor exterior changes like a new grille and replacement of Suzuki badge with that of Toyota which will differentiate it from its Maruti-Suzuki counterpart. However, the possibility of the Brezza getting minor cosmetic tweaks and extra features are not bleak since the Toyota Glanza has been criticised often for not being any different than the Baleno hatchback.

The overall upright stance, pillars and roofline of traditional SUVs found in the Vitara Brezza will indeed be retained. The Urban Cruiser will be based on the facelifted Vitara Brezza, which was introduced at the 2020 Auto Expo in February. The interior will also replicate the Vitara Brezza and thus the latest touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside cloud-based functions will be available. Since the Vitara Brezza sits on the Global C platform unlike the latest crop of lightweight Heartect based Maruti Suzuki vehicles, the Urban Cruiser will be high on safety as well.

It is likely to be powered by the same 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine which powers the Vitara Brezza in its BS6 form. This power plant generates 104 bhp of maximum power and 138Nm of peak torque. It is likely to be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed Torque Converter automatic transmission just as the Vitara Brezza.

Once launched, the Urban Cruiser will face strong rivalry from its Maruti Suzuki sibling, as well as some other strong names on the market. This includes the Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and even the upcoming Kia Sonet. Nissan India and Renault India are also working on a sub-4 metre compact SUV which are slated to launch later this year.

The Covid-19 pandemic has proven to be a big dampener for all enthusiasts. Almost the entire world at the moment is essentially locked indoors. However, there is something that might cheer aficionados. DTE Systems Germany is offering a new product, PowerControl RX, which provides significant performance gains for sports and super sports cars.

Consider the BMW i8, the 374 hp hybrid sports car with an acceleration of 420 lb-ft gets the pilot‘s adrenaline going already in standard configuration: From 0 to 100 kmph within 4.6 sec – that’s bundled force by itself for all hybrid fans. With the PowerControl RX engine optimization, DTE illustrates what Henry Ford already said back then: “Everything can always be done better than it is being done.”

Also READ: The Yamaha Bolt Cruiser- An Alternative To Our Love For Harleys?

High-class Tuning for Exclusive Sports Cars

Exceeding the i8 performance again was “quite a challenge“, according to DTE Managing Director Dr Michael Krecek. The most powerful tuning system PowerControl RX from DTE Systems supports all advanced engine technologies, including bi-turbo systems and hybrids. High-performance engines such as Porsche, AMG, Audi RS, BMW M and BMW i8 receive an additional performance boost with PowerControl RX. This amounts to +41 hp and +49 lb-ft for the BMW i8. Up to nine channels are controlled in a MultiMap and the PowerControl RX includes a comprehensive guarantee.

Improved Performance with Reduced Consumption

Despite increased performance, fuel consumption is reduced by up to 15 % with PowerControl RX. The greatest saving potential is given in the increased torque. Definitely another reason why PowerControl RX is not only attractive for i8 drivers, but for hybrid drivers overall.

The Hybrid on a New Level

The PowerControl technology from DTE Systems clearly shows that increased performance and hybrid vehicles go well together. Even the strongest i8 is brought to another level with this tuner and grants tingles and addiction. The tuned hybrid doesn’t pale by comparison even with larger sports cars, such as the Porsche 992. PowerControl RX is available in the DTE Systems online shop or through certified resellers.

A day after commencing bookings, Mahindra has launched the BS6 version of its most popular SUV, the Scorpio. Bookings have begun with a token amount of Rs 5000. Interested customers can book the SUV by simply visiting the official website. The 2020 Scorpio is now available at a starting price of Rs 11.98 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and in this switch towards BSVI norms, the Scorpio has gotten dearer by Rs. 60,000. A day before, the Indian SUV manufacturer also launched the BS6 version of its flagship SUV – Alturas G4 in India.

As mentioned earlier, the Scorpio will now retail in just 4 variants, namely S5, S7, S9, and S11. The homegrown UV specialists have discontinued three trims in the Scorpio namely the S3, S7 and S11 all-wheel-drive. The 2020 Scorpio will be powered by a single 2.2-litre  mHawk diesel engine in the higher state of tune. The turbocharged oil burner will produce a peak power output of 140 HP and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. The transmission duties on this mill will be performed by a 6-speed MT. Earlier, the Scorpio was offered with 2 other engine options as well.

There was a 2.5L m2DICR engine that belted out 75 HP/200 Nm at its max. output. It came mated to a 5-speed manual and was only offered in the now discontinued S3 trim.  The other engine option was a 2.2L mHawk unit that developed 120 HP/280 Nm. This motor came mated to a 5-speed MT and was offered in the S5 and S7 variants, which now comes with the powerful iteration of this engine. In order to comply with BS6 norms, the 2.2 mHawk engine has been given a selective catalytic reduction system with a dedicated urea tank, along with a diesel particulate filter (similar to the system seen on the 1.5-litre diesel unit in the XUV300).

Also READ: Mahindra Launches Alturas In BS6 Avatar, Prices Start At Rs 28.69 lakh

On the exterior front, the 2020 Mahindra Scorpio BS6 comes with an imposing front grille with chrome inserts, projector headlamps with LED eyebrows, stylish fog lamps, 17-inch muscular alloy wheels, ORVMs with side turn indicators, redesigned tailgate with chrome applique, sleek red lens LED tail lights and much more. The BS6 Scorpio SUV is offered in four exterior shades – Pearl White, Napoli Black, Molten Red and Dsat Silver. 

Inside the cabin, the SUV sports plush faux leather interiors with dark fabric insert enhancing the overall appeal of the interiors. Some of the key features included in the updated Mahindra Scorpio BS6 version are a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, GPS navigation, reverse parking camera, reverse parking assist, electric adjustable ORVMs, automatic AC, and keyless entry and go. The safety features list comprises dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, a speed warning system and reversing sensors.

The Mahindra Scorpio doesn’t have any direct rivals as of now since the Tata Safari has been discontinued. However, Mahindra is already working on the next-gen Scorpio, which is expected to be launched sometime next year.

Variant-wise pricing:

Looks a lot like the Thunderbird X but the bike you see in pictures is the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350. An Instagram page named Automobili Infinito has leaked official photos of the new motorcycle. The images suggest the new motorcycle will retain the same name. To be precise, it’s called the Meteor 350 Fireball and the bike is said to go on sale at a price of Rs. 1.68 lakh, ex-showroom. Once launched, it will replace the Thunderbird 350 which has managed to find a lot of owners since it was first introduced.

Also read: This Custom Royal Enfield Will Make You Go Weak In Your Knees!

Images that have been leaked seem to be from Royal Enfield’s online configurator. Which means that the bike is going to be offered with a bunch of accessories for people to customize the Meteor 350 according to their taste. One of the images shows a tinted flyscreen which is inspired by the one which is being offered as an accessory with the Interceptor 650.

Visually speaking, the overall design takes cues from the Thunderbird X which came out as a funkier version of the standard Thunderbird. The Meteor will carry forward the same attributes with minor design changes including a new tail lamp design which now takes a circular shape while RE has also included a brand-new circular all-new LED daytime running light in a ring form. The all-black alloy wheels can be seen with slick pinstripes which match the colour of the fuel tank.

We can also make out from the images that it will come with a newly designed off-set instrument cluster, details of which haven’t been revealed yet but we can expect RE to include some additional features over the outgoing model. Engine details aren’t out yet either but reports suggest that it will be an all-new motor which will depart from the tappet-valve system that the current motor uses and will incorporate a SOHC. To make it comply with the BS6 emission norms, the Meteor will make use of fuel-injection. What is also new is the frame, which unlike the single downtube architecture of the Thunderbird X, is a twin-cradle design which will improve stability and handling.

What could also be offered with the all-new engine is a new 6-speed gearbox. This new Royal Enfield will most likely be a product for both domestic and international markets, aimed at beginners and young riders who will appreciate Royal Enfield’s colourful shift from tradition and old school. Expect RE to officially launch the Meteor 350 in the coming few months and we’ll be back with more details when that happens.

One of the first movers in the C-SUV space, the BS6 Mahindra XUV500 has been introduced for 2020. The XUV500 now retails at a starting price of INR 13.19 lakh (ex-showroom), for the entry-level W5 trim. With this update, the W3 trim has been discontinued and also, the AWD variant is not available anymore. However, there is no change in terms of features and specifications, compared to the SUV’s BS4 version. The BS6-compliant Mahindra XUV500 will be available in seven variants – W5, W7, W9, W11 (O), W7 AT, W9 AT and W11 (O) AT.

In terms of pricing, the W7 asks for Rs. 14,49,999, the W9 asks Rs. 16,19,999, and the W11 (O) can be had for Rs. 17,69,999 (all prices are ex-showroom). The 2.2-litre mHawk engine is now BS6 compliant and cranks out 153 hp at 3,750 rpm and a healthy 360 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,800 rpm. The motor is paired with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox with as many ratios.

Also Read: BS6 Mahindra Scorpio Launched, Prices Start At Rs 11.98 Lakh

Changes will be limited to minor feature updates, while visually, the SUV has retained its existing styling elements. The single electric sunroof with anti-pinch will be offered on W9 and W11 variants only. Also, side and curtain airbags along with a powered driver’s seat are only offered on the top-spec trim. The touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, where the former is only offered with the W11 trim, the latter is available on all trim levels except the entry-level W5.

Other than that, the XUV500 gets premium upholstery with tan leather seats and other features include automatic climate control, ESP with rollover mitigation, rear parking camera and more. In terms of safety, the XUV500 offers a maximum of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard. Another feature is the Emergency call (E-call) which connects one to emergency services in case the vehicle meets with an accident. An all-new version of the XUV500 is in the works and given the current situation, could make its debut sometime next year. For now, this Mahindra is up against the Tata Harrier, the MG Hector and some trim levels of the Jeep Compass.

China’s electric vehicle industry is booming as homegrown manufacturers continue to harness the abundance of ingredients. The latest one to join the slew is the Xiaomi Himo T1 electric bike. Xiaomi is well known for producing smartphones and many of us are also familiar with their foray in other avenues which includes air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, fitness bands, headphones, TVs, etc.

Also read: The Xpeng P7 Is The Tesla Model 3’s Chinese Rival

For being one of China’s leading companies, Xiaomi’s entry in the electric vehicle territory is no surprise. They recently launched their Hima T1 electric bike in China at CNY 2,999 (approximately ₹32,000). With this latest launch, they have managed to hit the papers not just at home turf but across the World. It offers a range of 120 km on a single charge and uses a 14,000mAh battery with a voltage of 48V rated at 14 Ah which gives it a range of 60 kilometres while a 28 Ah option doubles the range. These numbers might not break the Internet but they place Hima T1 at par with the electric scooters that we have here. The Hima T1 can clock a top speed of 25 km/h which is also the speed limit for electric bikes in China.

The overall design comes out as rather minimalistic and some might argue that it’s an electric moped and not an electric bike. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks up front and dual coil-over rear setup. Xiaomi has also included a hydraulic disc brake at the front and the Hima comes fitted with a digital instrumental cluster that displays battery charge level, riding mode and the speed. Xiaomi has denied the possibility of launching the Hima T1 in other countries as of now but going by the strategies implemented by the Chinese giant in recent times, it won’t come as a surprise that they introduce this electric moped in other countries as well.

The Nissan Kicks will soon be introduced with a brand new engine in order to conform to the new BS6 norms. Like many others, going forward, the Kicks will only be offered with a petrol engine, paired with a manual as well as a CVT automatic gearbox. The exciting part though is that the Kicks will boast of the most powerful engine in its class and for automatic variants, will make use of Nissan’s widely-acclaimed X-Tronic CVT.

The new motor is the HR13 DDT 1.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol engine which promises to deliver 156 PS power and 254 Nm torque. It makes use of cylinder coating technology, which is borrowed from the Nissan GT-R’s engine. This technology boosts the efficiency of the engine and offers higher fuel efficiency and performance. In addition, the X-Tronic CVT system will offer an eight-step ‘M’ mode which offers more control to the driver. The next-generation Nissan X-Tronic CVT offers 40% less friction which contributes to higher fuel economy and acceleration response.

Also Read: Watch The Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo Fly Around A Track Flapping Its 800 hp Wings

In terms of appearance and features, we expect the Kicks to carry on unchanged. As it is now up against competition which is loaded to the brim with features, the Kicks will continue to offer things like the ‘Nissan Connect’ feature which allows the car to be geo-fenced and sends speed alert and curfew alert in addition to offering ‘Locate My Car’ and ‘Share My Car Location’ functionalities. Additionally, keyless entry and push-stop-start via intelligent Key, and ‘Lead Me to Car’ will add to the connected convenience. We expect prices for the updated Kicks to be announced in the coming days and like most other carmakers, Nissan India too will fortify its online presence to deal with the ongoing situation.

Nissan India is also readying a new compact SUV which is yet to be named and should be launched this year. Rivalling the likes of the Nexon, Brezza and the Venue, this new Nissan will be an all-new model which will gain from the brand’s global SUV heritage and technology and will be positioned as a feature-rich, premium offering. Since Nissan India is promising that this new compact SUV will be loaded, expect things like a crips infotainment screen and connected car features to be a part of the package.

Manufacturers are slowly strolling away from the limitations surrounding the lockdown as they have set out on the virtual path regarding launching and announcing new products. The premium motorcycle segment has been a part of it as we have witnessed manufacturers like Triumph and Harley-Davidson launching new products despite the lockdown. Now, Italian Marque Ducati has also geared up to introduce the much-awaited Panigale V2 in the Indian market.

Also read: Ducati Gears Up To Resume Production

They recently posted a teaser image of Panigale V2’s tank marking its arrival in India. Ducati showcased the Panigale V2 for the first at the EICMA 2019 and announced that it will serve as a replacement for the Panigale 959.

In terms of styling, it is pretty evident that it draws heavy inspiration from its bigger sibling, the Panigale V4. The front fairing, single-sided swingarm are all inspired by the bigger Panigale. It even borrows the same electronics suite and includes a reworked traction control system which is claimed to be better than the one which came with Panigale 959. The comprehensive electronics package includes MU-assisted traction control, called the Ducati Traction Control EVO 2, wheelie control, and cornering ABS. As we have witnessed in the past, Ducati doesn’t shy away from using quality components and the same philosophy is applied in the case of Panigale V2 as well. It gets a bi-directional up/down quick-shifter as well as engine braking control. The new Panigale V2 features Showa Big Piston Forks up front, with a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear, and a steering damper.

Braking is handled by Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers and Brembo master cylinders with twin 320 mm discs on the front wheel. It draws power from a 955 cc Super-quaddro L-twin engine which makes 155 bhp at 10,750 rpm and has a peak torque output of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. Couple it with a light-weight of just 153  kg and you have an explosive performer between your thighs. As far as the official launch is concerned, Ducati could launch it even before the lockdown is lifted, by holding a virtual launch event. It will command a slightly more premium sticker price than the model it replaces. Expect it to cost somewhere around ₹16.50 lakh to ₹17 lakh (ex-showroom).

The scare of COVID-19 infections has been rising thick and fast. The number of infected people is rising exponentially. Some experts have suggested that India is marching towards community spreading. Between all this, many auto companies are coming forward to help the society in order to get themselves prepared. Many manufacturers have joined hands with medical technology companies in order to boost the production of ventilators. MG Motor is the latest to join the list.

MG Motor India has joined hands with Vadodara-based MAX Ventilator, a part of A.B. Industries in order to increase ventilator production. Founded in 1995, A.B. Industries has been manufacturing ventilators for the past 25 years. Max Ventilator is among the top 25 ventilator brands in the world and caters primarily to private hospitals.

This collaboration is focussed on assisting the overall production of ventilators by addressing specific areas of the supply chain, IT system and manufacturing processes. The production capacity would be increased five times to 300 ventilators per month in Phase I which should be completed within the next eight weeks. In Phase II, the production capacity can be enhanced to up to 1,000 ventilators per month, depending upon the demand, especially from the government hospitals to help meet the shortage of life-saving medical devices in the country.

Speaking on the association, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, “At MG, we are committed to supporting our country’s fight against the Covid-19 crisis. We understand that ventilators are the most critical requirement at this time, and we would do our best to enhance ventilator production. The collaboration comes as a result of aligned core values of both organisations and is designed to work towards the common goal of serving the communities around where our operations are based”

Earlier, the country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) had joined hands with AgVA Healthcare to boost the production of ventilators so as to reduce the deficit in the medical industry.

Also READ: Maruti Suzuki To Assist AgVa Healthcare Scale Up The Production Of Ventilators

Ashok Patel, MD of A.B. Industries – MAX Ventilator, said, “In such times of need, it is an admirable thing for all those capable to come forward and help in some way. As a manufacturing company of respiratory ventilators, this collaboration with MG Motor will help us to scale up the production with our teams working together hand in hand. Collaborations like these will guarantee that we meet the requirements to treat the rising COVID-19 cases in India.”

On the business front, MG Motor is slated to launch the three-row version of the Hector, Hector Plus, around the middle of the year. MG Motor’s next launch will be the Gloster, a full-size SUV. While the Hector Plus will rival the likes of Tata Gravitas and Mahindra XUV500, the Gloster will take on the likes of Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.

E-commerce platform Flipkart has partnered with app-based ride-hailing cab operator Meru to deliver grocery & essential items as people stay indoors supporting social distancing during the ongoing lockdown. This partnership will help deliver the goods to Flipkart customers at their doorstep across Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad through a safe & sanitized supply chain.

In line with the government guidelines, Meru is providing its Ozone Sanitized fleet to help Flipkart with their deliveries. The dispatch hubs have been installed with ‘Ozone Air Purifier’, encouraging all driver-partners to sanitize their cabs, thus maintaining high standards of hygiene. Meru driver-partners will undergo Flipkart’s training module for a better understanding of its processes for safe and timely delivery of the grocery items, while Meru is educating and updating its driver-partners on various preventive measures like using alcohol-based sanitizers and wearing face masks to curb the spread of the virus.

Also Read: E-Rickshaw Driver Creates Compartments For Social Distancing, Garners Praise from Anand Mahindra

This partnership is a continuation of Flipkart’s efforts to create innovative models of collaboration to serve citizens during this unprecedented crisis. It also supports the government’s efforts to keep Indians at home to contain the spread of COVID-19. The synergies between both organisations will ensure that essential supply chains are functional while supporting driver-partners with income opportunities. Commenting on the collaboration, Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO, Flipkart Group, said, “Flipkart Group is committed to customers as India fights this unprecedented battle. This partnership with Meru is a result of our teams exploring new, innovative ways to drive value for our ecosystem of sellers, brands, partners, and customers to ensure the safe and swift availability of grocery & essential goods. We have a very secure & safe supply chain where we follow SOPs diligently. We stand by the nation in this fight against COVID-19 as we prioritize the wellbeing and safety of all including our customers & employees.”

Speaking on this partnership, Neeraj Gupta, Founder and CEO at Meru Mobility Tech Pvt. Ltd. said, “This is a unique initiative which we are undertaking with Flipkart which will benefit consumers immensely. Meru will use its fleet to ensure the timely and safe delivery of essentials to Flipkart’s large customer base in a hassle-free manner. This service will also offer our driver-partners an additional earning opportunity during this challenging time.”

Besides all that’s tragic, many positives have also emerged out of the unusual situation we are in. One of those is the coming together of humanity in our fight against an unknown, invisible enemy. Strangely enough, the virus has allowed the good inside us to take charge, come forward and lend a helping hand. Like many others, employees of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, Ashok Leyland, contributed a sum of INR 41,00,000 [Rupees Forty One Lakhs] to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund [PM CARES Fund]. The contributions were collectively made by employees of Ashok Leyland and their family, to support the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Staying true to the brand promise of ‘Aapki Jeet. Hamari Jeet’, Ashok Leyland has been actively working with the Government at every step and supporting their initiatives, during this testing time. The initiatives are:

• Deployed 10 Ashok Leyland vehicles, along with drivers, for emergency use by the Tamilnadu Health Department
• Provided masks, disposable gloves, liquid handwash, sanitizers and bodysuits for healthcare personnel of the Government
• Provided health and sanitation workers of the Government with disinfectants, protective chemical guard suit and chemical protection goggles
• Through the Power Solutions Business, the company ensured continuous power supply through gensets at Government hospitals even during the lockdown: 250 KVA Genset at Tiruvallur GH Hospital, 62.5 KVA Genset at Madurai Medical College, 250 KVA Genset at Chrompet Government Hospital
• Every day, more than 10,000 meals are provided from the plants’ kitchens, across the country, to police personnel, doctors and healthcare support staff
• Employees and dealerships have been providing food and rations at various locations across the country, especially to stranded truck drivers and migrant labourers
• Breakdown calls have also been attended, round the clock, from truck drivers carrying essential services

Also Read: Apollo Tyres And Ashok Leyland Team Up To Provide Healthcare To Trucking Community

As a responsible organization, Ashok Leyland remains committed to support the State and Central Government in overcoming this pandemic and emerge as a strong nation. Commenting on the contribution, Mr Balachandar NV, President – HR, Communications, & CSR, Ashok Leyland, said, “As the nation stands in solidarity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we are constantly engaged in various initiatives to support the Government in the best possible way. The contribution by our employees and their families reiterates our commitment to corporate India’s response to COVID-19. Furthermore, we really appreciate the Governments’ effort, both in the Centre and State, which have led the fight from the front.”

The recent health crisis has brought out a lot of good in many individuals and organizations who are determined to do something for a good cause. Samhita Social Ventures is one such sector consulting firm that aims to impact the lives of over 1 million people affected by the COVID-19 crisis. It has set up two coalitions – India Workers Alliance and India Protectors Alliance – which bring together companies from various industries in India with effective partners in the social sector to help vulnerable sections of the society. Between the two alliances, Samhita hopes to benefit over 1 million people.

Also read: Ola And Uber Launch Medical Assitance Services

The India Workers Alliance aims to help gig economy professionals, construction labourers, truck drivers, daily wage earners and other blue-collar workers while the India Protectors Alliance works with the people who are at the front lines of the fight against the virus including healthcare workers, policemen and sanitation workers. Samhita has partnered with leading corporates including Mahindra Logistics, Uber, IDFC FIRST Bank, Crompton Greaves, Brihati Foundation (by Claris) and Blowhorn to mobilize resources that will aid those who are most affected.

Priya Naik, Founder and CEO, Samhita Social Ventures said “At Samhita, we believe in solving wicked problems through the power of collaboration. We have adopted the same approach in addressing the current COVID-19 situation – forge partnerships across samaj-sarkar-bazaar to help those most impacted by the pandemic. We understand that the pandemic has also gravely impacted companies and stressed their cash and fund flows. But now is the time to pool all available resources and help those who form the backbone of your industry, your ecosystem and your economy. It is time to not just help your own workforce but also support those who work across your value chain. Be a part of a bigger coalition – whether existing alliances or a new one that you choose to champion in your industry.”

The India Workers Alliance will undertake direct benefit transfers to blue-collar workers who have been most affected by the crisis. Further, it will help facilitate access to eligible government schemes and affordable insurance or security products so that the workers and their families are secured from the effects of this pandemic situation. This Alliance will work in partnership with Super Money and Haqdarshak to ensure that the benefits reach the targeted people and there are rigorous monitoring and reporting of the benefits derived from the solutions.

The India Protectors’ Alliance aims to support some of the people who are fighting on the frontline of the war against COVID-19 – healthcare practitioners and sanitation workers. This Alliance will provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), training and capacity building to the healthcare personnel and aim to provide access to innovative financial and insurance products.

We all know that Jeep has been working on the facelifted version of the Compass that is likely to be launched later this year. With the facelifted version, Jeep will also introduce a seven-seater version of the Compass in the Indian market. What could be called the ‘Grand Compass’, it is already a popular name in the International markets. While the launch of both the vehicles is still quite some time away, details of the SUVs Brazilian version are out, which will in all probability be the spec we get.

The 7-seater Jeep Compass is likely to be based on the facelifted version of the vehicle which will be introduced in Brazil in 2021, along with the 5-seater Compass facelift. Both versions are likely to receive a similar front fascia with updated headlights and bumper. The Jeep Grand Compass will be longer and look different starting from the C-Pillar. It will get an additional glass area which will be helpful for the last row passengers. 

Also READ: BS6 Nissan Kicks To Be Powered By Most Powerful Petrol Engine In Its Class

Design elements such as S-shaped trim, taillamps and rear bumper are likely to be carried over from the updated Compass. The Jeep Grand Compass is reported to offer a luggage space of 700-litres with third and second seats folded. With the third row of seats in position, the SUV will offer a boot capacity of around 110-litres. The rear design of the Grand Compass will remain identical to the regular version of the car with a boxy appearance, while the rear number plate mounting will remain on the tailgate.

The cabin, of course, will get a 3-row layout with a new interior, leather upholstery, and an updated infotainment system among others. A panoramic sunroof could also be on the cards, considering how a lot of the other automakers in this space are offering one. Jeep will offer the latest and the all-new U-Connect infotainment system that is filled with new connected-car features.

The new 7-seater Jeep Grand Compass is likely to be powered by the same 2.0-litre diesel engine which is sourced from its parent company, Fiat. However, instead of one which feeds the 5-seater’s internal’s the Grand Compass’ engine will be fed by twin turbochargers and will be tuned to produce about 200 hp of power. The transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic unit. Details about the exact launch time frame are not known but it is likely to be launched towards the end of next year. In India, the Jeep Grand Compass will be up against cars like Ford Endeavour, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Skoda Kodiaq, Mahindra Alturas G4 and Toyota Fortuner. Prices will most likely start in the INR 30 lakh range.

Had the world not been hit by a pandemic, two top-spec sedans, the BMW M8 and the 840i Gran Coupe would have been launched in India by now. Given the current situation, it is quite likely that like most other car and bike launches these days, the M8 and the 840i Gran Coupe will be introduced virtually in the coming days. However, we now have price and variant details of these brand new BMWs which have already made their way to dealerships as some of them were booked a few weeks ago.

Bringing back the trend of long bonnets with monster motors working underneath to spin the rear wheels, both, the M8 and the 840i are a part of the top-of-the-range 8 Series nameplate which makes a return after more than two decades. Elsewhere, the 8 Series is available in 2-door coupe, convertible and 4-door Gran Coupe forms. For now, the M8 Coupe and the 4-door Gran Coupe have made its way to India, where the latter will be available in the 840i guise. It is powered by a 3.0-litre, inline-6, turbocharged engine which cranks out 340 bhp and 500 Nm, all of which goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic. The sporty grand tourer can hit a speed of 100 kmph from a standstill in 5.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 kmph.

The India-spec BMW 840i Gran Coupe will be offered with at least two confirmed BMW individual colour options which will cost extra – Dravit Grey and Blue Ridge Mountain. Where the former will be offered in Ivory White interiors as standard, the latter will offer a mixture of cognac and black for the leather upholstery. Both cars will be offered with Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’ dark interior trim finishers. The Dravit Grey car will be offered with 18″ V-Spoke Style alloy wheels as standard and the options list will include, soft-close function for the doors, electric roller sunblinds for the rear glass area, 4-zone air-conditioning and Apple CarPlay. On the other hand, painted in Blue Ridge Mountain, the Gran Coupe will also offer 19″ optional alloys. This new BMW will ask for about INR 1.20 crore (ex-showroom) in standard form, where prices will go up from there according to the options ticked.

On the other hand, the M8 (Not the Competition) will go on sale in 2-door coupe form, powered by a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8. Although the same motor also powers the M850i xDrive Coupe and Gran Coupe which we won’t get, it cranks out more horses for the M8, where output numbers read 591 hp and a massive 750 Nm, paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission sourced from ZF. Equipped with BMW’s xDrive, power is sent to all four wheels, but for the M8, the system has the ability to decouple the front axle, making the coupe a rear-wheel driven machine. The M8 can go from 0 – 100 kmph in 3.3 seconds and from 0 – 200 kmph in 10.8 seconds. Top speed is capped to 250 kmph but can be raised to 305 kmph with the optional M Driver’s package.

The M8 will ask for about INR 2.25 crore (ex-showroom), where the Aventurine Red II Metallic paint job will be offered as an option. Inside, the cabin will be draped in Merino leather as standard and bits on the dash will be finished in piano black. 20-inch Star-spoke alloy wheels will be offered as an option. Other optional bits include an M Carbon engine cover, an M Sport exhaust system, BMW Driving Assistant Pro, ventilation for the front seats and the M Driver’s package.

In the latest turn of events, Mr Pankaj Dubey, the Country Head and Managing Director at Polaris India Pvt. Limited has resigned. He was the first employee of the organization and an industry veteran. He also spearheaded the launch of Polaris ATVs, snow scooters and also played a vital role in bringing the Indian Motorcycle brand in our country. He was very indulgent in all the matters concerning Indian Motorcycle and Polaris brand in India.

Also read: Polaris Launches Its First-Ever Road-Legal Machine In India – The Sportsman 570 Tractor

Not only Indian Motorcycle, but he has also been associated with many automobile companies prior to that. He was the National Sales Head at Yamaha Motor India and played an important role in the introduction of the Yamaha R15, FZ, SZ, Fazer, R1, FZ1, etc during his tenure. He also worked with Hero Motors and LML before joining Polaris Industries in India. He is also a renowned TedX speaker and has delivered many memorable speeches at institutes like FMS Delhi and IIM Kashipur.

According to reports, he wants to take a break from corporate life and wants to spend some quality time with his family. He has also hinted that he will be playing a new role in another auto firm soon, once the lockdown is lifted.  More information regarding the same will be revealed by him in due course. Mr Dubey was also the CEO and Director of the Eicher Polaris joint venture, which launched the innovative Multix utility vehicle. The Eicher Polaris business was shut down in 2018. April 30th, 2020, will mark his last day with Polaris industries. We should be able to hear soon about Mr Dubey’s next destination for which we’d like to wish him all the very best!

The Covid-19 pandemic has left many business houses and their dealer partners wanting in these trying circumstances especially in the automotive sector. With sales numbers coming down virtually to zero and thus resulting in no profits, dealers are finding it hard to manage their human resources as there is a shortage of working capital. However, amidst these grim situations, some manufacturers do step up for their partners.

Okinawa- Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturing company with a focus on ‘Make in India’ has increased dealer margins to 11 percent per sale. Okinawa has announced an increase of dealer margin from 8 % to 11 % per sale. The brand intends to enable its dealer network to make more profits, while everyone sails through these difficult times together. The hike is effective from 27th April until further notice. Okinawa currently has a sales network of over 350 dealerships across the country.

The hike in dealer margins is expected to add up to Rs 2000 per vehicle in a dealer’s kitty. All in all, this will lead to handsome profits for the dealers. For example, if a dealer is selling 100 vehicles in a month, he will end up making an additional profit of over Rs 2,00,000. 

Also READ: Pankaj Dubey Resigns From Polaris India

Announcing this development Mr. Jeetender Sharma –Founder & MD, Okinawa affirmed “We understand that the country is going through difficult times. In this hour, everyone holds a responsibility to do their bit to make it easier for as many people, as possible. Our dealer partners are the true brand ambassador and Okinawa always stood by them. Strengthening this commitment, Okinawa today has announced a hike in dealers’ margins. We expect this to get some respite for the dealers, as the majority of the industries are going through the slowdown.”

A press release stated that Okinawa is committed to contributing to all the possible ways during this unfortunate scenario. The release further adds that the company urges its customers to follow all the advisories and be supportive, as everybody together sails through these hard times.

The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy has been regarded as one of the most iconic 4×4 vehicles for good reasons. Its lightweight, yet, robust chassis, a peppy petrol engine and good off-road dynamics made it a go-to choice for enthusiasts and our armed forces as well. The Gypsy’s abilities to deal with tough terrains have established it as an accomplished rally companion too. The reason why we have witnessed so many tuned Gypsies in national rally events. It has also found a place among the favorites of many customization houses. In one such completed customization project, the Gypsy has been transformed into a huge snow vehicle.

Also read: Meet The World’s Fastest Suzuki Jimny!

We have also seen umpteen Gypsies clawing their way out of mud and sand but gliding over huge chunks of snow is something else entirely. If you take a good look at the image, the snowmobile is comprised of a Gypsy riding on top of tank tracks. All four wheels have been equipped with separate tank tracks to ensure improved performance when negotiating heavy snow. They are designed in such a way that even if one portion of this modified Gypsy gets stuck, which is likely to happen, the other part will get it out of the tricky situation. It also has a huge surface area, all thanks to the wide tank-tracks. It might have slowed it down considerably given the weight of the tracks but its ability to make way through deep snow is commendable.

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy is no longer available and in its BS4 avatar, was powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine belting out 80 hp of max power and 103 nm of torque. This peppy engine came mated to a 5-Speed transmission. The Gypsy that we have here was based on second generation Jimny that was sold in several international markets. We might not have this icon on sale currently but reports suggest that Maruti might introduce the 4th generation Jimny soon. A compact off-roader, the Jimny was showcased recently at the 2020 Auto Expo. Although rumours suggest the we might get a 5-door version which will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 104 bhp and 138 Nm. Transmission options will include 5-speed MT and a 4-speed AT.

BMW launched a digital retail and service platform in India called BMW Contactless Experience, earlier this month. Now, BMW Group India has announced a special after sales service initiative exclusively for doctors who own a BMW or MINI car or a BMW Motorrad bike and have been selflessly working round the clock to fight the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. As a gesture of appreciation, BMW Group India, along with its dealer partners, will offer complementary engine oil service at its dealership service centres across the country.

Mr. Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India, said, “Earlier this month, BMW Group India pledged its contribution to fighting COVID-19 through its various CSR initiatives and by providing critical care equipment and services for medical facilities in Delhi NCR and Chennai.”

Also READ: EXCLUSIVE: BMW M8 And 840i Gran Coupe Prices And Variant Details Leaked

He further added that since doctors have been tirelessly working every day to ensure public health and safety, the German automaker will provide a complimentary engine oil service as a small gesture of appreciation from them and their dealer partners, for the selfless service of our patrons from the medical fraternity. In relation to that, he further stated that it is a joy for them and their dealer partners to take care of their BMW, MINI cars and BMW Motorrad bikes of their customers during this unprecedented time.

Doctors registered with Indian Medical Association, hospitals and clinics owning a BMW or MINI or a BMW Motorrad vehicle can register themselves at www.bmw-contactless.in to avail the service. Vehicles with engine oil service due as per Condition Based Service (CBS) will be eligible to avail the complimentary service within 90 days post the lockdown period. Existing BMW or MINI Service Inclusive package or warranty extension holders will be offered free sanitisation of the car in lieu of engine oil service. Further information on the terms and conditions can be availed by contacting the nearest BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad service centres.

Apart from doctors and other healthcare professionals, even normal BMW consumers can avail the services of ‘BMW Contactless Experience’. The platform easily lets customers seek out their desired BMW product, book the model, make payments, etc., amidst these challenging times. India’s nationwide lockdown protocols have shut down all automotive dealerships and online sales platforms seem to be the way forward.