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    Tesla Plays Hardball, May Prompt Reduction In Import Duty Ahead Of Launch

    Image for illustration onlyWhile the 100% import duty for cars encourages local manufacturing, newer policies may adopt a more flexible approach towards EV importsLast year, India had emerged as the world’s third largest auto market, after China and the US. The Indian automotive space has huge unlocked potential, especially in the EV segment. Tesla is looking at opportunities in India, but has strongly opposed the high import duty taxation regime.Possibility of reduced 15% import duty for EVsTalks between Tesla and the government have been going on for several months. While the company is willing to invest around USD 2 billion in India, it wants concessions on the import duty. The current tax structure of 100% import duty for cars valued over USD 40,000 (approx. Rs 33 lakh) is way too high, according to Tesla. For cars below USD 40,000, the import duty is 60%.File photo from 2023. Elon Musk and Narendra ModiTesla wants to use the CBU route, at least for the initial period. Tesla has been negotiating that import duty be reduced to 15%. While the government has also taken a tough stand, it appears that a more flexible import policy for EVs could be announced soon. As per ET Auto report, the new policy will allow reduced import duty on the condition that the OEM commits investments for setting up local manufacturing.To safeguard its interest, the government is likely to ask for bank guarantees from the OEM. The relaxation in import duty will be valid for a period of 2-3 years. If the OEM fails to provide investment for local manufacturing after the relaxation period, the government will have the option to encash the bank guarantees. The exact amount of bank guarantees is yet to be finalized. Bank guarantees will ensure that only OEMs that are serious about long-term presence in India get the benefits of reduced import duties.Other global brands can also benefitWhile Tesla may be credited for nudging policymakers to adopt a more flexible approach, other leading global automotive brands can also benefit. A recent example is Ford that seems to be planning a re-entry in India. Ford had recently trademarked Mustang Mach-E electric compact crossover SUV in India. Just like Tesla, Ford may also benefit from the new taxation policy being drafted for EV imports.Bad news for local OEMs?As the full details of the new EV import policy is not available, it is difficult to determine the impact on homegrown automakers. The new policy is likely to have adequate provisions to ensure that locally manufactured EVs continue to offer more value to consumers. The Indian auto industry will be looking at a level-playing field and not a system that provides an unfair advantage to carmakers like Tesla.Companies like Mahindra and Tata Motors have made massive investments to boost their EV business. The new EV policy should incentivize local manufacturing, which will bring investments, create jobs and increase technical know-how. More clarity will emerge when one gets to read the details of the upcoming EV import policy.Source More

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    Tata Punch EV Gearbox Stuck – Replacement Offered Also Has Fault, Claims Owner

    Tata Punch EV owner sharesTata Punch EV owner claims that his brand new EV was faulty and so was the replacement EVTata Motors recently launched their newest EV in the form of Punch EV. Delivery has also started. Tata Motors, which has been at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle revolution, introduced the Punch EV as part of its born-electric Acti.ev platform.Punch EV owner shares Quality Control ConcernsRanjit Mehta, a resident of Gurugram, shared his unfortunate experience just three days after taking delivery of the Punch EV. Mehta claims that within a few hours of taking possession of his brand-new Tata Punch EV on January 31, 2024, he started noticing issues related to the brakes.Tata Punch EV owner sharesWhat caught more attention, however, was the malfunctioning gearbox. In a video shared on social media the same day, Mehta demonstrated that the gear dial of his Tata Punch EV refused to respond. Even more alarming was the revelation that the motor continued to accelerate even when the brake pedal was fully pressed. Faced with these critical issues, Mehta promptly took his vehicle to the Autovikas Tata EV dealership.Adding another layer to the predicament, Mehta claimed that his Tata Punch EV had not undergone the essential Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) before reaching him. The significance of PDI lies in its ability to identify and rectify potential issues before the customer takes possession of the vehicle. Mehta even provided an audio recording where the dealership acknowledged the omission of the PDI process.Tata Punch EV owner sharesReplacement Saga UnfoldsAs a response to Mehta’s grievances, Tata Motors agreed to replace his faulty vehicle under warranty. However, this apparent solution led to an unexpected twist. The replacement vehicle provided by Tata Motors also exhibited the same motor issue that Mehta had encountered with his originally purchased faulty Punch EV. This shocking turn of events only amplified Mehta’s frustration.Tata Punch EV owner sharesAdding to the woes, Mehta claimed that he was presented with an additional charge for the replacement vehicle, despite the issues being evident from day one and the car being well within the warranty period. This left Mehta perplexed and frustrated, prompting him to voice his concerns on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).Tata Motors’ ResponseIn response to Mehta’s concerns raised on the X platform, Tata Motors issued a statement, saying, “Hello Ranjit, please allow us some time to get this checked with our team, and we’ll get back to you soon with an update. We value your cooperation in the meantime.” While this response indicates a willingness to address the issues, it leaves the owner and potential buyers in a state of uncertainty regarding the root cause of the problems and the steps Tata Motors intends to take to resolve them.Experiencing major issues with my new Tata Punch EV gear selector failure in traffic,and electric motor engaging despite brake applied. Safety concerns are a top priority! Dropped it off at Autovikas Tata EV showroom. @TataMotors,urgent replacement or refund needed! #TataPunchEV pic.twitter.com/ntHN0WtNe9— Ranjit Mehta (@ranjitmehta20) January 31, 2024With Tata Motors being a key player in the electric vehicle segment, instances of technical glitches and quality control lapses can dent the trust of potential buyers. This comes at a time when the Indian government is actively promoting electric mobility, and the success of electric vehicles depends heavily on customer confidence in the technology and the manufacturers.Source More

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    Ford Mustang EV Trademarked In India On 12th Feb 2024 – Launch Soon?

    Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaAt the time of announcing its India exit plan in 2021, Ford had mentioned that some of its global electric SUVs could be launched in IndiaIn yet another development that signals Ford’s potential re-entry, the company has registered the Mustang Mach-E trademark in India. The trademark journal was done this week on 12th Feb 2024. Earlier, Ford had cancelled its Chennai plant sale deal with JSW and filed a patent for Endeavour SUV. Some job openings were also posted online. Till date, Ford has neither denied nor officially accepted its India re-entry plans.Ford Mustang Mach-E – A CBU importRegarding its re-entry into the highly competitive Indian automotive space, Ford appears to be keeping its cards close to the chest. The trademark filing for Mustang Mach-E compact Crossover electric SUV is strong evidence for Ford’s potential re-entry in India. Assuming Mustang Mach-E is launched here, it is likely to be imported as a CBU. This is in line with the company’s earlier statements issued at the time of exiting the Indian market.Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaAs it will be a CBU import, Mustang Mach-E will be largely the same as sold across international markets. Assembly for the crossover electric SUV is done in Mexico and China. At a later date, it is possible that Ford may consider the CKD route for Mustang Mach-E in India. This will help achieve a competitive price point for the Indian market.With the CBU route, Mustang Mach-E will be available at a starting price of around Rs 70 lakh. In the US, prices start at $42,995 (Approx. Rs 35.72 lakh). At this price point, it will take on the likes of Kia EV6, Volvo XC40 Recharge, BMW i4, BMW iX1, etc. India has huge EV potential and leading EV players like Tesla are looking at local manufacturing. It is possible that Ford may eventually consider India as a manufacturing hub for both domestic and export markets. Such developments may take time, as Ford may not want a repeat of its earlier experiences in India.Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaFord had to shut India operations, as part of its global business restructuring plan. In the period before its exit, sales volumes were below expectations and the company wasn’t able to achieve its targeted return on investment.Ford Mustang Mach-E – specs, performanceIn the US, a total of four variants of Mustang Mach-E are available for sale. Both RWD and eAWD variants as well as standard range and extended range variants are offered. The base Mustang Mach-E Select variant has 70 kWh usable battery capacity. The RWD variant churns out 266 hp and 430 Nm, whereas the eAWD has higher torque of 580 Nm.EPA-estimated range is 250 miles (402 km) with the RWD and 224 miles (360 km) with the eAWD variant. With the extended range variant, the range increases to 314 miles (505 km) with RWD and 277 miles (446 km) with eAWD variant. Top speed is electronically limited to 115 mph (185 km/h).Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaTop-spec Mustang Mach-E GT variant is available at a starting price of $59,995 (approx. Rs 49.86 lakh). The extended range version has a 91-kWh battery pack. GT eAWD variant generates 480 hp and 813 Nm. There’s a GT Performance Edition as well that churns out 860 Nm. Range of the Mustang Mach-E GT eAWD model is 270 miles (435 km). 0 to 60 mph (~ 0 to 100 km/h) can be achieved in 3.8 seconds. More

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    2024 Tata Nexon Electric and Tiago Electric – New vs Old Prices of all variants

    Image – JayarajNexon EV’s Fearless LR, Fearless + LR and Fearless + S LR variants get the highest price reduction of Rs. 1.2 lakh each (ex-sh)India’s highest-selling electric car maker, Tata Motors, has lowered price tag of two of its best-selling EVs – Nexon EV and Tiago EV. While every manufacturer including Tata Motors is racking up ex-showroom prices, it is refreshing to see car prices go down every once in a while. These lowered prices are for EVs only and is not applicable to their ICE counterparts.Tata Nexon EV And Tiago EVNexon EV and Tiago EV are the foundation vehicles on which TPEM (Tata Passenger Electric Mobility) has built its empire. When we say empire, we mean the 70%+ market share that Tata Motors enjoys in Indian electric car space. Maximum price reduction that Tata is offering with Nexon EV and Tiago EV is Rs. 1.2 lakh (ex-sh).Chief Commercial Officer at TPEM, Mr Vivek Srivatsa, mentioned that there has been a reduction in input costs revolving around batteries and the company is passing on the benefits to their customers. This move was materialised after Mahindra and MG slashed prices off their offerings like XUV400 and Comet respectively.2024 Tata Tiago Electric Variant-Wise Price Reduction ListedThis is Tata’s most affordable electric car. Not only that, it is the most affordable 5-door electric car in India too. Before this price revision, Tiago EV prices used to start from Rs. 8.69 lakh (ex-sh) for base XE MR (Medium Range). XE MR now costs Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-sh) with Rs. 70,000 off accounting for an 8.06% price reduction.Tiago EV revised pricesXT MR gets Rs. 35,000 discount and costs Rs. 8.99 lakh post price revision. The LR variants (Long Range) now start from Rs. 9.99 lakh for XT LR which received Rs. 30,000 off. XZ+ LR and XZ+ Tech Lux LR get the least reduction at Rs. 20,000 each. Tiago EV’s price range now extends till 11.39 lakh. All prices ex-sh.2024 Tata Nexon Electric Variant-Wise Price Reduction ListedStarting with Creative+ MR variant (Medium Range) of Nexon EV, pricing used to be Rs. 14.79 lakh, which is brought down to Rs. 14.49 lakh with a Rs. 25,000 reduction. Fearless MR, Fearless+ MR and Fearless+ S MR all get the same Rs. 20,000 price reduction. Empowered MR variant gets Rs. 35,000 decrease accounting for a 1.96% reduction. All prices ex-sh.Nexon EV revised pricesSpeaking of LR variants (Long Range), Fearless LR, Fearless + LR and Fearless + S LR all get the same Rs. 1.2 lakh price cuts accounting for a 6.25% to 6.6% reduction in ex-sh prices. In effect, these variants receive the most price benefits among all other Nexon EV variants. The top-spec Empowered + LR variant gets Rs. 70,000 off. This way, Tata Nexon EV prices now range between Rs. 14.49 lakh and Rs. 19.29 lakh instead of Rs. 14.74 lakh and Rs. 19.99 lakh (all prices ex-sh). More

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    Tata Nexon EV, Tiago EV Price Cut By Up To Rs 1.2 Lakh – No Benefit For Existing Owners

    Tata Nexon EV price cutTata Motors has announced a price reduction for Nexon EV as well as Tiago EV – Passes on battery price reduction benefits to customersIn a major move to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to Indian customers, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM), a subsidiary of Tata Motors and a pioneer in India’s EV revolution, has announced substantial price cuts for two of their best-selling electric models, the Nexon EV and Tiago EV. These new prices are valid on new purchase, and not for existing owners.Tata Nexon EV New Prices, Tiago EV New Prices – Feb 2024Nexon EV is set to receive a price reduction of up to Rs. 1.2 lakh, making it even more appealing to potential buyers. Similarly, the Tiago EV will see a significant price drop of up to Rs. 70,000, with the base model now starting at an attractive Rs. 7.99 lakh. This news comes after Mahindra reduced prices of their XUV400 electric and MG Motor reduced prices of their Comet EV and ZS EV.Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at TPEM, highlighted the rationale behind the price reduction, stating, “Battery costs constitute a substantial part of the overall cost of an EV. With battery cell prices having softened in the recent past and considering their potential reduction in the foreseeable future, we have chosen to proactively pass on the resulting benefits directly to customers.”The reduction in prices is expected to further propel the growth of the EV market in India, where TPEM already holds a dominant position with over 70% market share. Notably, the inaugural prices of the recently launched Punch EV will remain unchanged, as they already incorporate a reduction in battery prices anticipated in the coming years.EV Market Surge: TPEM Commands Over 70% Market ShareEVs have shown remarkable growth momentum in recent years, substantially outperforming the overall passenger vehicle industry. In CY2023, the EV segment witnessed an impressive 90% growth, in stark contrast to the 8% growth recorded by the traditional passenger vehicle industry. This growth momentum has continued into CY2024, with EV sales registering an outstanding 100% year-on-year growth in January 2024.Mr. Srivatsa emphasized the company’s commitment to accelerating the mainstream adoption of EVs by making them more accessible nationwide. “While EVs have grown rapidly over the last few years, our mission is to accelerate the mainstream adoption of EVs by making them more accessible nationwide. Our portfolio already offers a wide choice of body styles, range, and price points for our smart, feature-rich EVs,” he added.With these significant price reductions, Tata Motors aims to attract a larger pool of customers to the EV market. The Nexon EV and Tiago EV, already popular choices among consumers, are expected to become even more compelling propositions at their new, accessible price points.Germany Reports Decline In EV SalesElsewhere, electric vehicle sales are reportedly slowing down. Germany witnessed a substantial 55% decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales in January 2024, shedding light on upheavals within the broader automotive sector. In line with global trends, Germany had previously offered tax incentives for citizens purchasing electric vehicles. However, the government abruptly terminated the incentive program in December 2023, leading to a significant downturn in EV sales.In comparison to December 2023, the sales of new electric vehicles witnessed a sharp decline of 54.9%, while plug-in hybrid sales were down by 19.6% in the initial month of 2024. Conversely, the market for vehicles powered by internal combustion engines experienced a positive trajectory, with gas vehicles increasing by 9.1% and diesel vehicles by 9.5%.Despite the modest rebound in internal combustion engine vehicle sales, it failed to counterbalance the overall contraction of the automotive market, which contracted by 11.7% compared to December 2023, as reported by Auto Business Insight. While the sudden termination of tax incentives undoubtedly exacerbated the decline in EV sales, it is not the sole factor contributing to the overall decrease. More

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    BYD Dolphin EV Trademarked In India – 4.3m Length, 427 Kms Range, 5 Star NCAP

    BYD Dolphin EV trademarked in IndiaBYD currently sells the Atto 3 and E6 electric MPV in India – They have plans to launch more EVs this yearIf there is an electric car manufacturer that is currently leading the industry on a global scale, it has to be BYD. This Chinese auto juggernaut has been active in the Indian market with two vehicles on sale – E6 and Atto 3. However, the key to success in the Indian market has always been cost effectiveness. BYD offers a range of electric cars, from entry level EVs to luxury EVs. They have plans to launch new EVs in India.BYD Dolphin Name Trademarked In IndiaBYD has recently trademarked Dolphin name in India, hinting at possible launch. Dolphin is a very important product for BYD and falls under BYD’s Ocean lineup. BYD’s new logo debuted with the launch of Dolphin and it signifies the car’s role in penetrating key markets like Australasia (Australia, New Zealand), Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, Japan and its home turf, China.BYD Dolphin EV does 0-100 kmph in 7s. Range 427 kms.The same effect can be seen in India, which is a price sensitive market. Currently, the most affordable BYD vehicle in India is its E6 MPV and prices start from around Rs. 29 lakhs, while Atto 3 eSUV price starts from around Rs. 34 lakh. BYD is keen on making it big in India as this Asian subcontinent has shown steady growth in the automotive sector.BYD has also trademarked Seagull in India and the company is likely to launch Seal sedan as well. All three vehicles (Seagull, Dolphin and Seal) fall under BYD’s Ocean lineup. In India, Dolphin will be positioned below Atto 3 and will be positioned against the likes of MG ZS EV and upcoming Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, Citroen eC3 Aircross and others.BYD Dolphin InteriorsDolphin measures 4,290 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, 1,570 mm in height and has a wheelbase stretching 2,700 mm long. There is a 345L boot space, which can be expanded to 1,310L with 60:40 split rear seats. Design is fairly conservative and will not split opinions at all. Rear connected tail lights with Build Your Dream (BYD) lettering gets interesting LED signatures.BYD Dolphin InteriorsTech and feature loaded – 5 Star EURO NCAPCharging port opening is at the front-right side, which is not very convenient for end-users. Given that cars are more of gadgets on wheels these days, BYD Dolphin will surely impress target audience with its tech-savvy interiors. The multi-layered dashboard is dominated by a massive 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment screen.There is a key card with this vehicle that allows keyless entry and start, PM2.5 air filter, a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, electronic parking brake, leatherette upholstery, panoramic glass roof, powered and ventilated front seats, TPMS, 360-degree camera, ADAS suite, attractive interior trim colour options and more. Safety rating of BYD Dolphin EV is 5 star Euro NCAP.BYD Dolphin EV gets 5 star EURO NCAP safety ratingThere is a 44.9 kWh battery and 60.48 kWh battery options. Dolphin gets a single motor FWD layout with power between 94 and 201 bhp along with torque between 180 and 310 Nm. In Malaysia, BYD Dolphin is imported from China and is devoid of any taxes. Prices start from RM 99,990 which translates to Rs. 17.4 lakh in India. With import duties, expect prices to start in the region of Rs 25 lakhs.BYD Dolphin EV – Tech Specs, Battery Range, Dimensions, etcBYD Dolphin EV – Variants and features listBYD Dolphin EV – Variants and features list, coloursBYD Dolphin EV – Blade batteryBYD Dolphin EV – Electric Motor More

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    Hyundai’s New Electric Pickup Name Patent Leaks – Launch In 2025-26

    Hyundai’s New Electric Pickup – Render by SRK DesignsWhile Hyundai is yet to make an official statement, a trademark registration reveals the name of the upcoming dual-cab electric UTEHyundai is among the carmakers that are busy ramping up their EV portfolio. The company has announced investments worth $85 billion for EVs and plans to achieve global EV sales of 1.6 million units by 2030. Hyundai will be launching multiple new EVs in coming years, one of which will be Ioniq T10 dual-cab UTE.Hyundai Ioniq T10 trademarked filedAs per a trademark filing in Australia, the new brand name Ioniq T10 has been registered under Class 12. The status of the trademark name is listed as ‘Accepted: Awaiting advertisement’. It reveals that the Ioniq T10 name is almost ready to be used. However, Hyundai is yet to make an official announcement regarding the upcoming dual-cab electric UTE. It will take a couple of years before Ioniq T10 reaches production stage.Hyundai Ioniq T10 – What to expect?The number 10 indicates that the upcoming dual-cab UTE will be the top model in Hyundai’s Ioniq electric vehicle line-up. The ‘T’ apparently refers to ‘truck’, which is a commonly used term for a UTE in the United States. Being the top model in Ioniq range, Hyundai Ioniq T10 will be significantly larger than other Ioniq cars.In Australia, Hyundai currently offers the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6. The company does not have a UTE in its portfolio, neither ICE nor EV models. So, Ioniq T10 will be the first dual-cab electric UTE that Hyundai will launch in the Australian market.Hyundai IONIQ T10 pickup name patent leaksHyundai has also registered the Ioniq T7 name. It is likely to be a smaller UTE that can work as a replacement to the Santa Cruz in the US. Talking about Ioniq T10, it will compete with other upcoming dual-cab electric UTEs in Australia. UTEs are hugely popular in Australia, but this space is currently dominated by ICE models. Some popular options include Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50.In terms of size, Hyundai Ioniq T10 is expected to be larger than most of the popular dual-cab UTEs available for sale in Australia. Dimensions of Ioniq T10 are expected to be close to that of a Ford F-150. It will be larger than the Ford Ranger.Kia to launch a diesel dual-cab UTEWhile Hyundai is working on an electric dual-cab UTE, sibling Kia has announced that it is developing a new diesel-powered dual-cab UTE. It could be launched as Tasman, sometime in 2025. Kia’s dual-cab diesel UTE will utilize a different platform in comparison to that of Hyundai Ioniq T10. It will compete with the likes of Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.At a later stage, Kia Tasman will be equipped with a fully electric powertrain. It will be available in Australia and select emerging markets. In North America, Kia will simply use a rebadged version of the Hyundai Ioniq T10. More

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    Skoda India Event On 27th Feb – New Era of Skoda Auto India Begins (EVs, New SUVs Incoming)

    Skoda India event on 27th Feb 2024Strong auto sector growth in India has prompted OEMs to boost investments towards portfolio and capacity expansionSkoda-Volkswagen’s India 2.0 project has turned out to be a success with popular products such as Kushaq/Taigun and Slavia/Virtus. As the Indian auto market is showing high growth potential, Skoda and Volkswagen will step-up focus on portfolio expansion. Upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars, part of India 2.5 roadmap, will include both EVs and ICE models.New Era of ŠkodaSkoda Auto India, which also includes Volkswagen India brand under its umbrella, has scheduled an event on 27th Feb 2024. Not much has been revealed. The invite reads, “As we step into the ‘New Era of Škoda’, we cordially invite you to join us for an important brand announcement.” This announcement has sparked speculation and excitement within the automotive community as enthusiasts eagerly await what could potentially be a groundbreaking revelation.Skoda Auto India event on 27th Feb 2024The event promises to mark a pivotal moment in Skoda’s journey in India. The brand has consistently been associated with innovation, performance, and cutting-edge technology, making it a formidable player in the competitive automotive market. With the cryptic invitation, Skoda has left the media and enthusiasts alike speculating about the nature of the announcement and the possible innovations that might be unveiled.The phrase “New Era of Škoda” suggests a transformative shift, indicating that the brand may be ready to redefine its identity in the Indian market. With EVs in focus, it is likely that Skoda is preparing to launch new gen EVs in India. Both Skoda and Volkswagen have been testing their EVs on Indian roads for quite some time. Skoda is likely to launch Enyaq iV in the coming months, while Volkswagen could launch the ID.4 GTX.Skoda Enyaq iV electric spied in India. Image – Sarthak ShewaleSkoda Enyaq iV specs, rangeSkoda Enyaq iV all-electric SUV utilizes Volkswagen’s MEB born-electric platform. This platform is also in use with other models such as Volkswagen ID 4 and Audi Q4 e-tron crossovers. Enyaq iV will be a 5-seat SUV, with length and width of 4,648 mm and 1,877 mm, respectively. In comparison, Skoda Kodiaq is only slightly longer at 4,699 mm. Enyaq test mules have been spotted on road tests in India. It appears that different models are being tested, with varying power outputs.Volkswagen ID.4 GTX spied in India. Image – VinayakMost commonly spotted model is the Enyaq iV 80x, which is equipped with a 77-kWh battery. It supports DC fast charging of up to 125 kW. This is the highest configuration available with the Enyaq. With one motor each on the front and rear axle, Enyaq gets AWD capability. Total output is 265 hp. Enyaq iV 80x can achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. As per WLTP standards, Enyaq iV 80x has a range of 513 km. Volkswagen also has plans to launch new EVs in India. Test mules of ID.4 SUV have been spotted multiple times. The SUV has the same platform as the Enyaq. However, ID 4 SUV launch plans are yet to be confirmed. An official announcement can be made later this year.Skoda new sub-4-meter SUVIn the ICE segment, Skoda is working on a new sub-4-meter compact SUV that will rival the likes of Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. To keep prices in check, Skoda will be targeting high localization of around 90 percent. A number of parts such as infotainment and instrumentation, electrical components, suspension, seats, etc. are expected to be borrowed from other Skoda cars such as Kushaq. Production is expected to commence in January 2025.2025 Skoda Sub 4m SUV RenderPowertrain options for Skoda’s upcoming sub-4-meter SUV could include the existing 1.0-litre TSI and the 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engines. As only the 1.0-litre engine will qualify for tax benefits, it is likely that the larger 1.5-litre unit could only be available with top-spec variants. In addition to the domestic market, Skoda’s new sub-4-meter compact SUV will also be targeted at overseas markets such as Mexico and Africa.As the countdown to February 27 begins, all eyes are on Skoda India. The automotive community eagerly awaits the unveiling of the ‘New Era of Skoda,’ anticipating a landmark moment that could redefine the brand’s trajectory in the Indian market. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage and analysis as Skoda takes the stage, revealing what promises to be a groundbreaking chapter in its storied history. More