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    in Electric Cars

    Mercedes EQG Synchronized 360° Tank Turns At Vegas Strip – Theatrics Or Practical?

    Mercedes EQG G-Turn360° tank turn capabilities have been displayed earlier by other cars also such as BYD YangWang U8 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 prototypeMercedes has showcased the 360° tank turn feature of its new Electric G-Class in multiple videos posted earlier. The company has chosen to call this feature the ‘G’ turn. Taking it a step further, 4 EQG prototypes can be seen performing synchronized 360° tank turns at the Las Vegas Strip. The spectacular show highlights the superior technological prowess of electric cars in comparison to ICE vehicles.Mercedes EQG G turns – Practical usesWhile the synchronized show at the Las Vegas Strip was an impressive publicity stunt, the 360° tank turn can find practical uses. For example, it can come in handy during off-roading when the user needs to manoeuvre the vehicle to the right or left. Dodging a big boulder or other such obstacles can be possible with the G-turn feature.One may not need to use the full 360° turn. Instead, even a slight move to the left or right can be useful while negotiating challenging off-road tracks. In other uses, the 360° tank turn can find applications while negotiating tight urban spaces. Or driving through single-lane streets or accidentally reaching a dead-end.And of course, the G turn seems like a great way to have some fun with friends and family. With the synchronized G-turn option, the possibilities are limitless for individuals and organizations alike. Something similar can already be seen with Tesla’s synchronized light shows. The EQG can perhaps add more dynamism to such shows with its 360° tank turn capabilities.[embedded content]EQG 360° spin – How it works?Although the Mercedes-Benz’s G turn looks effortless, a high level of precision engineering, AI and sensors are required to make it possible. The EQG does it automatically, without requiring any significant inputs from the driver.It works by transferring forward and reverse power to diagonally opposite wheels. This allows the vehicle to rotate on its axis. The wheels don’t turn left or right during this process. As the 360° tank turn puts significant stress on the vehicle, the chassis and suspension need to be strong to support such features.G-turn will be available with production modelIn the past, some other cars have also shown capabilities to perform a 360° tank turn. In 2019, the Rivian R1T pickup was shown making tank turns. However, the feature was not offered with the production model. This is unlikely to be the case with production EQG or the baby G-Class, as the company is promoting the 360° tank turn in a big way. It has already received wide appreciation from enthusiasts.Mercedes EQG G-Turn Aerial ViewMercedes EQG utilizes an independent front suspension, in combination with a rigid rear axle. A body-on-frame chassis has been used, specially developed for EVs. To protect the drivetrain components, the EQG utilizes carbon-kevlar underbody panels. The SUV has 4 electric motors that generate a combined output of around 600 to 670 hp. More

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    BMW’s iDrive 9 Lets You Play Video Games with a PlayStation Controller

    BMW’s new iDrive 9 infotainment system is adding more third-party apps, including video games that can be played with traditional Bluetooth controllers.The automaker also showed off its developmental remote-controlled valet parking at this year’s CES.BMW previewed other potential future technology too, including augmented-reality glasses.Most people who have played video games on a console in the past 25 years have done so with a full-size controller. Later this year, they’ll be able to do the same in new BMW models with the iDrive 9 infotainment system. We had the opportunity to test that experience at this year’s CES, where BMW had live demonstrations of the soon-to-be-available feature as well as developmental tech that someday might become reality.In-Car Video GamesIt’s currently possible to play video games in several new BMW models with the AirConsole app that was introduced earlier this year. It lets people download games and use their smartphone as a controller—only when the car isn’t moving, of course. Before the end of 2024, BMWs with iDrive 9 will be able to play other video games with full-size controllers, including Bluetooth-enabled PlayStation and Xbox gamepads.We had the chance to play Beach Buggy Racing 2 using a PlayStation 5 controller. While we only spent a few minutes playing during the demo, it was immediately clear that it was just as fun factor as playing on a normal device. The new BMW X1 we were in also had the benefit of an excellent audio system that made the sound experience extra enjoyable. The game can even be played in split-screen mode with a second controller.BMWBMW says the in-car gaming will be available through its ConnectedDrive Store along with a slew of other new third-party apps that are made possible by the Android-based software that’s baked into iDrive 9. Access requires paying for the BMW Digital Premium option, though. New models that aren’t initially available with the controller connection will be able to add it via an over-the-air update.Remote-Controlled Valet ParkingMuch stranger than playing a video game in a car is remotely controlling a real-life car using a driving simulator. That’s what we did at BMW’s outdoor exhibit at CES where we piloted an electric iX SUV through a parking lot course while seated about 100 feet away. BMWFacing a multiplex of screens and seated in a racing chair, we grabbed the steering wheel and placed our feet on the pedals. A video feed from the forward-facing camera was our primary view, but it didn’t provide a sense of spatial awareness. A secondary screen to our right showed an overhead view that helped us navigate between the cones and the gates that served as checkpoints.We’re not strangers to driving simulators, but remotely driving the iX with one was a much different experience due to the delays between our inputs and the actual acceleration and braking. Getting the EV SUV to go required flattening the accelerator pedal and waiting a few seconds before the vehicle started to move. Even then, its top speed was limited to 15 mph, which is also the posted speed limit for most parking lots and parking garages.Just like a production model, our iX RC car is able to park itself in certain situations. BMW—which developed the remote-controlled valet with the help of Valeo, a mobility-focused tech company—said the idea is for drivers to leave their vehicle at a designated dropoff spot and then for it to automatically search for an open spot and return to the pickup point when summoned. Of course, the Level 4 automated parking system can also be remotely controlled in the way that we experienced. Someday, this technology could be used for events big and small as well as by logistics companies.AR In a CarWhile we didn’t have time to experience them, BMW also held live demonstrations of its augmented-reality glasses. Called “XREAL Air 2,” the AR lenses are designed to provide the driver and passengers with information that’s supplementary to the vehicle’s standard displays.BMWThe demonstration is described as a trip through Las Vegas where navigation, hazard information, points of interest, and entertainment content are shown via the AR glasses. BMW believes this technology will become more common in the coming years, and it has been following the development as far back as 2008. In 2015, the company previewed an augmented-reality system with the Mini Augmented Vision project. More recently, this author drove a real-life BMW M2 around a racetrack wearing a virtual-reality headset. Clearly, BMW is invested in this tech, which suggests it might be closer to reality than fantasy.The Future of BMWEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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    Hertz Wants to Sell 20,000 EVs amid Low Rental Demand, High Repair Prices

    Just over two years after announcing plans to purchase 100,000 Teslas and another 65,000 electric cars from Polestar for its rental fleets, Hertz is planning to sell off 20,000 of its EVs, according to a federal regulatory filing posted Thursday. The rental company noted the high cost of collision repairs and lower demand from consumers as the primary drivers for the EV divestment. Hertz, in turn, plans to use some of the income from those sales to purchase more new gas-powered vehicles. The electric-car rental demand issue may have less to do with the cars themselves and more to do with the unique traits of EVs. An average renter is looking for a car that will get them around over the course of a trip rather than a compelling experience in that car. For those customers, the complexities of an EV may prove to be more of a frustration than a charm. Smart ShoppersRenting a Tesla Model 3, for instance, comes with all the frustrations of the screen-heavy Tesla user interface without any of the time to get used to those adjustments that a buyer would have. Charging is an even bigger issue: Not only do consumers without EV experience who rent a Polestar 2 or a Tesla Model 3 have to figure out how to charge a car while on the road, they also have to figure out two completely different charging ecosystems depending on which car they get. Even though Hertz plans to offload much of its electric fleet, the company says it “will continue to execute its strategy around EV mobility and offer customers a wide selection of vehicles,” according to the filing. Hertz says it will grow its charging infrastructure, work closer with electric car manufacturers to lower parts and labor costs, and continue to help educate customers about EVs.Hertz currently lists 548 Tesla Model 3s and zero Polestar models on its direct sales website. The most affordable Teslas are currently selling for just over $20,000, but screenshots shared by Electrek on Wednesday suggest that other Model 3s have previously been listed for as low as $17,700 before a potential tax credit for used EVs. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Tata Punch EV Reach Dealerships – Interior Similar To Nexon EV

    Tata Punch EV Reach DealershipsAs opposed to ICE Punch, Tata Punch EV has an overhauled interior that shares most components with pricier Nexon EVWithin Tata Motors’ SUV lineup, Punch is the smallest offering and has created a special segment of its own below Nexon sub 4m SUV. With 5 Star crash safety rating from GNCAP, rugged looks and a well-packaged features list, Punch soon became popular in India. Now, Tata is launching an electric version of Punch to expand its EV portfolio.Tata Punch EV Reach DealershipsIf Nexon is the highest-selling vehicle (of any segment) in India, Punch is 3rd highest-selling vehicle with 13,787 units sold in December 2023. In comparison, Tiago and Tigor garner much lower sales numbers. Electrifying Punch would unlock a new horizon of expanding the brand’s reach to target demographic.Considering growing SUV craze in India, Punch EV could very well be India’s best-selling EV upon launch too, sidelining Tiago EV. The potential that Punch EV packs is very high and pricing is likely to play a big role in establishing this effect. The company has revealed exterior design elements of Punch EV ahead of launch.For the first time, Punch EV interiors have been spotted of units that have been arriving at Tata’s EV-specific dealerships. There is a massive departure in interiors from what the company is offering with ICE model. The overall look and feel of Punch EV is a big leap in terms of aesthetics, appeal and technology.Punch EV new 10.2-inch instrument screenWe say this because there are a lot of parts sharing with its bigger and more expensive brother, Nexon EV, which was recently launched. The Punch EV spotted at dealership seems to be top-spec Empowered+ trim and hence it gets the same 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster that Tata offers with Nexon, Nexon EV, Harrier and Safari.Interior overhaulOther than that, Punch EV should get the same 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with Arcade.ev app suite from Tata. Punch EV gets Tata’s new 2-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo similar to Nexon EV. There should be a new centre console with touch and toggle design HVAC controls as well.These are a major uplift when compared to the interiors of Punch ICE with a small 7-inch head unit and other shared parts with Tiago and Tigor. Punch EV gets rear disc brakes too, something that Harrier doesn’t get as standard even today. Tata is offering standard Punch EV and Punch EV LR (Long Range) with battery choices and an electrifying performance.Punch EVEven the sunroof is optional and not standard, which is much appreciated. Other choices include either a 3.3 kW AC charger or the faster 7.2 kW AC charger. The car sits on a dedicated Acti.ev electric vehicle platform that allows for a front trunk as well, which is the first on any Tata EV before. Charging port is in the front too, which is so much convenient than side ports.Image – Chotharamparmar More

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    Maruti To Launch Entry-Level EV In 3 Years – Tiago EV Rival

    Suzuki eWX ConceptUnlike some OEMs that have initially relied on ICE to EV conversions, Maruti will start its EV journey with a born-electric platformAlthough late in the EV game, Maruti Suzuki had mega plans for this segment. More than 10,000 crore investment has been earmarked for localization of EVs. The first product will be eVX compact electric SUV, expected to be launched in late 2024. Later in 2026-2027, Maruti will target the entry-level EV space, currently dominated by Tata Tiago EV.Maruti small EV detailsA few years back, Maruti was working on an ICE to EV conversion project in the form of Wagon R EV. That project was scrapped due to cost and technical aspects. Maruti is now developing a born-electric EV architecture (codenamed K-EV) that will be used for its compact electric vehicles.Suzuki eWX ConceptIt is different from the eVX that will spawn the Creta EV rivalling compact EV. Both these platforms will be used to develop multiple new EVs. Having two platforms will help add more variety and fulfil cost, efficiency and performance requirements.Similar to the strategy followed by Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki will also focus on achieving a high level of localization. Suzuki has tie-ups with Denso and Toshiba for manufacturing battery packs. For the upcoming eVX, Suzuki will be sourcing the blade cells from BYD. However, the battery supplier for K-EV small EV could be a different entity.Suzuki eWX ConceptMaruti targeting half a million EV sales by FY31Maruti has plans to ramp up its EV operations at a fast pace. By the end of this decade, Maruti is looking to add at least 6 new electric cars. By FY2031, Maruti EV sales will comprise around 15% of its overall sales. That’s around half a million units per annum. Maruti’s EV portfolio will have a wide range of options including hatchbacks, SUVs and MPVs. All EVs will be born electric and there won’t be any ICE to EV conversions.To achieve a high level of localization, Suzuki has committed an investment of more than Rs 10,000 crore. The funds will be used for localization of cells as well as for production. Maruti EVs will compete with Tata EVs across both pricing and features.As of now, Tata dominates with a market share of more than 70%. Entry-level Tiago EV is a key contributor, averaging sales of around 1,000 to 1,500 units per month. Tata will also launch Punch EV, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the company’s EV sales.EV prices to match ICE-car prices in coming yearsAs of now, electric vehicles are sold at a premium. In the case of ICE Tiago and its EV version, the price difference is around 35%. Such price gaps are expected to reduce in future, as production volumes increase and battery prices fall. It will allow a faster transition from ICE to EVs. It will still be a long journey, as EV share in overall PV sales in 2023 was just around 2 percent.Source More

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    Punch EV Off-Roading Capabilities, Dual-Display Revealed – Launch Soon

    Tata Punch EV off-roading teaserTo be positioned above the Tiago EV, Tata Punch.ev will rival the likes of Citroen eC3 and upcoming Hyundai Exter EVTata’s early foray into the EV segment with products like Nexon EV has turned out to be a spectacular success. The company currently commands more than 70% market share in EV space. With new products like Punch EV and upcoming Harrier EV, Safari EV and Curvv EV, Tata will be looking to maintain its dominance.Punch.ev off-roading capabilities revealedA recent Instagram post uploaded by Tata reveals the off-roading capabilities of Punch.ev. The mind generally perceives electric cars as relatively fragile in comparison to their ICE counterparts. However, as revealed in the video, Punch.ev is seen conquering a wide variety of extreme off-road tracks. Punch.ev easily drives across the uneven track test, articulation test and mud and gravel dirt track. Punch EV also aces the water crossing test, dispelling any doubts that people may have about the safety of electric cars.[embedded content]Unlike other Tata electric cars like Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Nexon EV that are largely ICE to EV conversion projects, Punch EV is based on an entirely new pure EV architecture named ‘acti.ev’. Many of the off-roading capabilities that Punch EV has could be made possible with this new EV platform. Acti.ev is designed with focus on performance, technology, modularity and space efficiency.It uses an orthogonal, high density battery pack for optimal space utilization and performance. The battery pack cells have been tested in compliance with advanced global standards. The acti.ev platform can support various body styles, offering a range of 300 to 600 km. All three propulsion options, FWD, RWD and AWD, can be accommodated. The platform supports up to 150 kW fast charging. Users will be able to add around 100 km in just 10 minutes.Tata Punch EV interiors – Dual screen setupPunch EV will be available in Standard and Long Range versions. But the exact range is yet to be revealed. As Punch has a pure EV architecture, its range could be higher than its siblings and rival offerings.Punch EV new interior details revealedPunch EV’s equipment list has several components borrowed from Nexon EV. For example, dual 10.25-inch displays will be available with the Empowered+ variant. The Empowered variant will have a single 10.25-inch infotainment and a 7-inch digital instrument console.The dashboard has been refreshed and there’s a new touch sensitive AC control panel. Just like Nexon EV, Punch EV also gets the new 2-spoke steering wheel with backlit Tata logo. Other details revealed include new dual-tone upholstery. It is likely that Punch EV will have more interior theme options based on the variant.Tata Punch EV interiors – new themePunch.ev is expected to be launched by the end of this month. Initial offer price could be around Rs 12 lakh. In comparison, Citroen eC3 starts at Rs 11.61 lakh. It will be interesting to see how Hyundai responds with the Exter EV that is scheduled for launch later this year. More

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    in Bike

    2W Retail Sales December 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Ola, Ather

    Suzuki Gixxer SF2W reported a 27.56% YoY and 9.45% growth in CY2023 with sales boosted by new model launches and increased sales of electric scootersFederation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has released sales data for December 2023 wherein YoY sales growth was seen across all segments to a total of 19,90,915 units. The 2W segment was particularly noteworthy with a 27.56 percent YoY growth to 14,49,693 units in December 2023, up from 11,36,465 units sold in December 2022.2W Retail Sales December 2023It was, however, a MoM decline of 35.49 percent when compared to 22,47,366 units sold during the festive month of November 2023. Taking into account sales during the calendar year 2023, 2W sales were up 9.45 percent to 1,70,61,112 units from 1,55,88,352 units sold during the January-December 2022 period.Hero MotoCorp, the leading two-wheeler maker, topped sales charts once again in December 2023 to command a market share of 31.98 percent. Sales in the past month stood at 4,63,593 units, up from 3,30,666 units sold in December 2022. It was, however, a significant MoM decline over 8,02,234 units sold in November 2023.At No. 2 was Honda with 3,44,139 units sold in the past month, up from 2,94,477 units sold in December 2022. This was a volume growth of 49,662 units to command a 23.74 percent market share. New model launches in the past year have stood it in good stead with the Honda Activa H-Smart and Shine 100 finding much demand in the country along with Honda SP160 and Dio 125 which also went on sale last year.2W Retail Sales December 2023TVS Motor sales grew to 2,32,695 units in December 2023, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 1,76,605 units sold in December 2022. TVS currently commands a 16.05 percent market share and is planning to launch the new TVS Apache RR 200, a new faired bike in 2024.Hero steals the show like clockworkPosting significant YoY sales growth was also Bajaj Auto Limited with 1,82,030 units sold in December 2023. This was up from 1,26,157 units sold in December 2022. The newest addition to the company lineup is the 2024 Chetak electric scooter. It is being offered in two variants of Premium and Urbane and priced at Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.15 lakh respectively, ex-sh.An upswing in retail sales was also reported by Suzuki Motorcycle India, retail sales grew to 66,262 units in December 2023 from 53,214 units sold in December 2022. Models such as the Burgman Street 125, Gixxer 155 and the 250 series played a major role in boosting company sales.Royal Enfield sales dipped to 55,103 units in December 2023 from 56,557 units sold in December 2022. The company currently commands a 3.80 percent market share, down from 4.98 percent held in December 2022. Retail sales surged for India Yamaha Motors to 48,192 units in December 2023 from 39,965 units sold in December 2022.Electric 2W Retail Sales December 2023In the electric two-wheeler segment, it was Ola Electric that marked outstanding growth to 30,263 units in December 2023, up from 17,372 units sold in December 2022. Ola Electric sales grew to 30,263 units in the past month from 17,372 units sold in December 2022 to command a 2.09 percent market share. It was the Ola S1 X+ that contributed highly to these sales.In December 2023, as a part of the ‘December to Remember’ program, Ola Electric introduced reduced pricing of the Ola S1 X+ by Rs 20,000. The original price of Rs 1,09,999 has now been reduced to Rs 89,999 (ex-showroom). Ather Energy, another electric two-wheeler maker has, however, posted lower YoY sales. Sales dipped to 6,493 units in the past month from 7,695 units sold in December 2022, bringing down market share to 0.45 percent from 0.68 percent YoY.Piaggio sales improved to 2,984 units from 2,764 units YoY while Greaves Electric has seen a significant surge in sales to 2,975 units in December 2023 from just 171 units sold in December 2022. Classic Legends also posted lower sales to 2,481 units last month from 2,720 units sold in December 2022 while there were other electric two wheeler makers who have seen sales dip to 12,483 units in the past month from 28,102 units sold in December 2022. More

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    Hero Mavrick 440 New Teaser Reveals Headlight Design – More Spy Shots

    Hero Mavrick 440 new teaserUpon launch, Hero Mavrick 440 will rival Royal Enfield bikes like Classic 350 and Hunter 350 as well as Triumph Speed 400In partnership with Harley-Davidson, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp is making its entry in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment. Hero will start its journey in this space with Mavrick 440, which is scheduled to debut on 23rd January. Ahead of the launch, a recently spotted test mule has revealed finer details about the bike.Hero Mavrick 440 – Key featuresMavrick 440 will be sharing the new 440cc platform, as seen with Harley X440. However, Mavrick has a completely different profile. While X440 has a quirky persona, Hero Mavrick is easily relatable to a classic roadster. But with features like tank shrouds, it appears that Hero too is looking to introduce some level of design innovation. It remains to be seen if this approach will help attract enthusiasts.Hero Mavrick 440 New Spy ShotsSome of the key highlights of Mavrick 440 include all-LED lighting, round headlamp and rear-view mirrors, chunky fuel tank, wide handlebar, single-piece seat and standard grab rail. While Harley X440 has USD forks at front, this particular test mule of Mavrick 440 is equipped with conventional telescopic forks. The exhaust is also different, although the positioning is the same for both bikes.Mavrick gets new alloy wheels in comparison to that of X440. But it is worth mentioning that the bike would look a lot better with wire spoke wheels. It is possible that this feature could be offered as an option. X440 already has the option of spoke and cast wheels. Spy shots are credited to Rj Biker Jpr, who has also managed to capture the exhaust note of new Hero Mavrick 440.Hero Mavrick 440 New Spy ShotsTo keep costs down, Hero Mavrick could borrow the circular 3.5-inch TFT display from X440. It displays a range of information such as gear indicator, speedometer, side stand alert, ABS alert and low fuel indication. Onboard X440, users can also connect their smartphone via Bluetooth to access calls, text, music and turn-by-turn navigation.Hero Mavrick 440 new teaserHero Mavrick 440 – Specs, performanceBraking setup for Mavrick could include 320 mm front and 240 mm rear disk brakes. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. At rear, the bike has twin shocks, similar to the ones in use with X440. Powering Hero Mavrick will be the 440cc, single cylinder, air-oil cooled engine. It churns out 27 bhp of peak power and 38 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.[embedded content]Hero Mavrick 440 – Any worries for Royal Enfield?To make it an irresistible deal, Hero could offer the Mavrick 440 at around Rs 2 lakh. Although Hero has capabilities to launch Mavrick at an affordable price point, it is unlikely to have any major impact on Royal Enfield sales. Mavrick will create its own customer base, instead of eroding the market share of popular RE bikes such as Classic 350 and Hunter 350. Something similar is expected with other rivals such as Triumph Speed 400.Mavrick 440 is a new journey for Hero MotoCorp. The 440cc platform will spawn multiple new bikes in the future. It includes Xpulse 440 and Xtreme 440, which can help strengthen Hero’s presence in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment. More