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    BYD’s Make In India Plans Dashed – Government Says ‘No’

    BYD Sealion 7Indian government has raised concerns about China’s non-market economy and potential links of Chinese companies to the PLA
    Last month in March, it was reported that BYD will start local manufacturing in India in Hyderabad. The plan was to set up a new manufacturing facility that will have annual production capacity of 6 lakh units by 2032. However, a recent statement by Piyush Goel, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, reveals that BYD’s expansion plan in India is essentially scrapped for now.
    BYD India Manufacturing Plant
    Border issues and China’s ambitions in the Indian Ocean and India’s neighbouring countries have prompted government officials to take a cautious approach. While both countries are working to strengthen relations, it may take a long time to settle all the issues and build confidence. These sentiments were echoed by Goyal during his recent interview with Bloomberg Television.
    Replying to a query about BYD, Piyush Goyal said that India has to look into its strategic interests. It implies that there will be strict scrutiny in terms of who could be allowed to invest. Goyal clearly said “no” in terms of BYD’s plans to expand its presence in India.
    This follows the earlier decision in July 2023 when BYD’s $1 billion (Rs 8,200 crore) investment proposal was rejected by the Indian government. The investment plan comprised building a new production plant in collaboration with Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructures.
    BYD eMAX 7
    Road ahead for BYD in India
    Till things improve, BYD is likely to continue using the CBU route to sell its all-electric cars in India. Starting with the Atto 3, BYD has introduced new models at regular intervals. BYD’s India portfolio includes the Seal sedan, Sealion 7 SUV and BYD eMAX 7 MPV. Even with the CBU route, BYD has posted an impressive annual growth of 90.32%. Sales have zoomed to 3,401 units in FY25, as compared to 1,787 units in FY24.
    In March, the carmaker registered a YoY growth of 175%. Sales have increased from 144 units in March 2024 to 396 units in March 2025. This has been made possible with the introduction of newer models and expansion of the dealer network. Going forward, BYD will be aiming to further add new dealerships and target Tier-II cities as well.
    Hurdles for Chinese carmakers
    Due to geopolitical issues between the two countries, Chinese carmakers have faced resistance in terms of investment and local expansion. Earlier, Great Wall Motor’s (GMW) plan to enter India was halted due to regulatory policies that called for strict scrutiny of Chinese investments.
    BYD Seal EV
    GMW had planned an investment of $1 billion and was looking to acquire General Motors’ Talegaon plant in Maharashtra. However, due to border conflicts and policy changes, GMW exited from India in 2022. As for the General Motors’ plant, it was acquired by Hyundai. China being a non-market economy, policy makers in India have raised concerns about the Chinese government’s influence over China-based businesses.
    Lack of transparency in business ownership in China is another concern. Factors like government-sponsored subsidies and loan write-offs for China-based businesses can create unfair competition in overseas markets such as India. These apprehensions have prompted policy makers in India to limit Chinese investment.
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    BYD Sealion 7 Scores 5 Star Safety Rating – Euro NCAP Crash Tests

    BYD Sealion 7 Scores 5 Star SafetyIn an important development for electric vehicle safety standards, the new BYD Sealion 7 has achieved impressive results in Euro NCAP crash tests. The all-electric SUV, tested in its ‘Comfort’ variant (LHD), received an overall strong safety rating, setting a new benchmark among large electric SUVs. BYD Sealion 7 was launched in India in Feb 2025, for a starting price of Rs 48.9 lakh, ex-sh.
    Outstanding Safety Performance
    The BYD Sealion 7 scored:
    – 87% for Adult Occupant Protection– 93% for Child Occupant Protection– 76% for Vulnerable Road Users– 79% for Safety Assist Systems
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    These scores place the Sealion 7 among the top contenders in its class for comprehensive occupant and pedestrian safety.
    Adult Occupant Protection: Strong and Stable
    During frontal offset crash tests, the Sealion 7’s passenger compartment remained stable. It showed excellent protection for critical body areas such as knees and femurs, for both driver and front passenger. In the full-width rigid barrier test, protection for rear seat passengers’ chests was rated as ‘weak’, but otherwise the car demonstrated good safety performance across all other critical areas.
    BYD Sealion 7 Scores 5 Star Safety
    In side barrier and pole impact tests, the SUV scored maximum points, offering good protection to all critical body areas. Whiplash protection for front and rear seats was also rated as good.
    Child Safety: Top Marks
    The Sealion 7 impressed in child occupant safety, scoring 93%. In both frontal and side crash tests, the SUV provided good protection for 6- and 10-year-old child dummies. The car is equipped with ISOFIX mounts and a ‘child presence detection’ system that alerts if a child is left unattended.
    Vulnerable Road Users: Room for Improvement
    In terms of pedestrian and cyclist safety, the BYD Sealion 7 scored 76%. While the car’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system performed well in detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, some areas like head protection near the windshield pillars and cyclist dooring prevention were rated as marginal.
    Safety Assistance Systems: Well Equipped
    The Sealion 7 features a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including:
    – Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection– Lane keep assist and emergency lane keeping– Speed limit recognition and intelligent speed assistance– Direct driver monitoring system for fatigue and distraction detection
    All seating positions are equipped with seatbelt reminders, and the Sealion 7 includes an advanced eCall system and multi-collision braking system as standard.
    The BYD Sealion 7’s crash test results highlight the brand’s strong commitment to safety in the rapidly growing electric SUV segment. With high scores across adult and child occupant protection, and well-rounded safety assistance features, the Sealion 7 makes a compelling case for customers seeking a safe, feature-rich electric SUV in 2025. More

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    Mahindra Delivers 3,000 Electric Origin SUVs – XEV 9e and BE 6 Waiting Period Up To 6 Months

    Mahindra Electric SUVs – DeliveryMahindra has achieved a significant milestone in its electric journey by delivering over 3,000 units of its all-electric Origin SUVs—XEV 9e and BE 6 — since deliveries commenced on March 20, 2025. The announcement marks a strong start for Mahindra’s next-generation EV lineup, reinforcing growing customer trust and enthusiasm for electric mobility.
    Record EV Deliveries In Record Time
    Both the XEV 9e and BE 6 have received an overwhelming response in the market, with the majority of customers opting for the top-spec Pack Three variant. Current booking data reveals a 59% preference for the XEV 9e and 41% for the BE 6. Given the high demand, waiting periods now extend up to six months in select regions. To address this, Mahindra is scaling up deliveries across the country to reduce wait times and ensure a smooth ownership experience.
    Mahindra Delivers 3000 Electric Origin SUVs
    In a customer-centric move, Mahindra has introduced a new ‘Default’ drive mode specially designed for first-time EV adopters. This mode replicates the driving characteristics of internal combustion vehicles, making the transition to electric smoother, more natural, and immediately comfortable for new owners.
    Additionally, each Origin SUV delivery is accompanied by curated video guides that walk customers through EV best practices—ranging from efficient charging techniques to optimizing driving range and understanding the vehicle’s advanced connected features. These resources aim to empower customers to get the most out of their electric SUVs right from day one.
    Mahindra India Design Studio
    Mahindra recently inaugurated its all-new Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai, marking a bold leap forward in its design capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility doubles the size of the previous studio and is equipped with cutting-edge design technologies, blending digital tools with traditional craftsmanship. Serving as a key creative hub for both domestic and global markets, MIDS will closely collaborate with Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) in the UK.
    With a growing product portfolio across Auto, Farm, and Last Mile Mobility, the new design studio is set to shape Mahindra’s next-generation vehicles—including the new electric Origin SUVs, XEV 9e and BE 6, which stand out with their futuristic, globally competitive design language that redefines the perception of Indian cars. More

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    Cheaper Bajaj Electric Rickshaw Spied In Jammu Ahead Of Launch

    Cheaper Bajaj Electric Rickshaw Spied by Jayant KerniBajaj Auto is gearing up to introduce a new, more affordable electric rickshaw aimed at countering the wave of low-cost, unbranded, and imported electric three-wheelers currently dominating the market. After filing a design patent for this new EV in March 2025, the first camouflaged test mule has now been spied on public roads near Jammu, suggesting that launch preparations are gaining momentum.
    Bajaj’s Answer to Low-Cost E-Rickshaws
    Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Jayant Kerni for sharing the exclusive spy shots. The heavily camouflaged prototype closely resembles the patent images seen earlier, confirming Bajaj’s focus on a simple, spacious, and cost-effective design. The rickshaw carries a boxy silhouette, optimizing interior space for passengers — a smart move to appeal to operators looking to maximize trip revenues.
    Cheaper Bajaj Electric Rickshaw Spied
    Up front, the prototype sports basic circular headlights and a large windscreen, prioritizing visibility. On the inside, the flat seats and minimalistic cabin highlight Bajaj’s focus on practicality and ease of production, keeping costs in check. Despite the cost-cutting, it’s expected that Bajaj will maintain its high standards of build quality, battery reliability, and safety – key concerns with many of the cheaper, unbranded rivals.
    Bajaj Patents New Electric 3 Wheeler
    Focus on Affordability, Safety, and Reliability
    Unlike many Chinese-imported kits flooding the segment, Bajaj’s upcoming rickshaw will likely be equipped with a better-tested battery pack, promising longer range, faster charging, and an overall longer life cycle. It is expected to offer benefits like roadside assistance, warranties for both vehicle and battery, and easier access to service networks — advantages that many unbranded options cannot match.
    Cheaper Bajaj Electric Rickshaw Spied
    While specific technical details remain under wraps, the new affordable Bajaj electric rickshaw could borrow lessons from the recently launched Bajaj GOGO electric rickshaw, which boasts a best-in-class 251 km range. Similar strengths could make Bajaj’s upcoming product an attractive option for fleet operators and individual owners alike.
    Cheaper Bajaj Electric Rickshaw Spied
    Launch Timeline
    Bajaj’s entry in the lower-cost electric rickshaw segment will surely heat up competition and offer buyers a trusted alternative to the existing unorganized market. An official announcement regarding its launch could follow soon, given that road testing has already begun. Stay tuned for more updates as Bajaj’s budget electric three-wheeler inches closer to production!
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    Tata EV Discounts April 2025 Up To Rs 1.5 Lakh – Punch, Nexon, Curvv, Tiago

    New Tata Curvv EV – Voyager AamirFor the month of April 2025, Tata Motors is offering discounts of up to Rs 1.5 lakh on its ICE portfolio which we covered in a recent post. In this post, we will take a look at the discounts Tata Motors is offering on its electric car portfolio. The max ceiling is up to Rs 1.5 lakh consisting of multiple benefits and some of them can’t be clubbed together.
    The company’s consumer offer consists of Green Bonus along with Exchange or Scrappage bonus. On top of it, consumers can benefit Additional Scrappage or Exchange bonus, additional Green Bonus and lastly, we have Loyalty Bonus on existing Tata customers of both ICE and electric vehicles. Let’s take a closer look.

    Tata EV Discounts April 2025 – MY24 Consumer Offer
    Nexon EV
    For the month of April 2025, Tata is offering Nexon EV with attractive benefits. For MY24 Nexon EV, consumer offer goes till Rs 40,000, additional scrappage or exchange bonus of Rs 30,000 and loyalty bonus of up to Rs 50,000 for Tata EV owners and Rs 20,000 for Tata ICE owners. However, Nexon doesn’t get additional consumer offer on MY24 model.
    There is no consumer offer on MY25 Nexon, but Tata is giving additional scrappage or exchange offer of up to Rs 30,000.

    Tata EV Discounts April 2025 – MY24 Additional Consumer Offer
    Punch EV
    Tata’s rockstar in the electric lineup, Punch EV, has been bestowed with discounts of up to Rs 70,000 on MY24 models. Additional intervention consumer offer on MY24 Punch is Rs 20,000 and additional scrappage or exchange offer is Rs 30,000. There’s no loyalty bonus on Punch.
    Where MY25 versions of Punch are concerned, Punch EV gets up to Rs 40,000 consumer offer along with Rs 10,000 additional scrappage or exchange bonus.
    Tata EV Discounts April 2025 – MY24 Additional Scrappage or Exchange Offer
    Tiago EV
    The highest discounts within Tata’s electric vehicle lineup can be seen offered on Tiago EV. In particular, the MY24 version which gets a consumer offer of up to Rs 85,000, additional consumer bonus of up to Rs 15,000 and additional scrappage or exchange offer of up to Rs 30,000. Where MY25 Tiago EV is concerned, consumer offer is Rs 40,000 and additional scrappage or exchange offer is Rs 10,000.
    Tata EV Discounts April 2025 – MY25 Consumer Offer
    Curvv EV
    Just like Punch EV, Tata is also offering Curvv EV with Rs 70,000 consumer offer on MY24 versions. Unlike Punch EV, MY24 Curvv EV gets this on all variants. There’s no additional consumer offer with Curvv EV, but Tata is giving additional scrappage or exchange discounts of Rs 30,000 along with loyalty bonus of up to Rs 50,000.
    Tata EV Discounts April 2025 – MY25 Additional Scrappage or Exchange Offer
    MY25 Curvv EV do not get any consumer offer and additional consumer offers. However, Tata is offering additional scrappage or exchange offer on MY25 Curvv EV of up to Rs 30,000.
    Tata EV Discounts April 2025 – Loyalty Offer
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    Hyundai Insteroid Concept Revealed – Inster EV On Steroids

    Hyundai Insteroid Concept RevealedA gamified version of the popular Inster EV, the Insteroid concept boasts a radical design and specialized equipment
    Over the years, we have seen numerous crazy car customizations. However, most of these are the creations of professional custom car builders. Carmakers also create exciting concepts, but truly whacky designs are not the norm. Only on some occasions do we see carmakers running wild with their concept ideas.
    A relevant example is this Insteroid concept, created by Hyundai Motor’s European design team. It is designed to fit right into a Cyberpunk world with one of the wildest designs we have seen from Hyundai. Let’s explore the details of this fascinating concept car.
    Hyundai Insteroid Concept
    Hyundai Insteroid – Gaming-inspired concept car
    It’s easy to guess that the name Insteroid comes from the combo of Inster + Steroid. The teaser video has the same theme, where Inster EV is shown transforming into the Insteroid concept car. In line with the gaming theme, the entire transformation of Inster EV is presented as a ‘glitch’.
    It essentially conveys the message that the idea for Insteroid concept may have come from sources far more accomplished than human creativity and imagination. In the practical realm of human understanding, the Insteroid concept is of course the work of human minds. Crafted by Hyundai Motor’s European design team, the Insteroid concept is as radical as it gets.
    Hyundai Insteroid Concept
    This subcompact EV concept has gamified styling and features across exteriors and interiors. Some of the key features include a wide-body design, big wheels for racing and an extra-large wing spoiler at the rear. Air flaps are integrated into the wheel arches to achieve advanced aerodynamics.
    Gamified interiors
    Inside, the gamification of the cabin and cockpit is more intense. Some of the key features include a completely stripped-down look and feel, a roll cage, bucket seats and a specialized steering wheel. Sitting inside the Insteroid concept could be one of the best possible experiences of a 3D gaming environment.
    Hyundai Insteroid Concept
    Another interesting aspect is that all the control elements are fully adjustable. It includes everything from the buttons to the instrument cluster. Customization options with the Insteroid concept are quite similar to options available with video games. It also gives the feel of a garage-built track machine.
    For a more immersive experience, the Insteroid concept has been equipped with a unique sound signature. There are various gaming-inspired features such as Message Grid and Beat House sound system. The Boost icon can be seen in multiple places, which enhances the gaming experience. Another notable feature is the Drift Mode, which unlocks more thrilling driving experiences.
    Hyundai Insteroid Concept
    Hyundai Insteroid – When is it launching?
    While enthusiasts will surely be interested in driving the Insteroid, this concept is unfortunately not meant for production. Hyundai has clearly mentioned that Insteroid is all about pushing the boundaries of automotive design and challenging human creativity. It is not designed for the assembly line.
    However, enthusiasts can always access the Inster EV, popular for its sporty profile and peppy performance. Hyundai Inster EV is available in multiple markets including its home market South Korea, Japan and Europe. It is expected that Hyundai will introduce the Inster EV in India around June 2026. It could be offered here at a starting price of around Rs 12 lakh. More

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    New Hyundai Ioniq 6, Ioniq 6 N Line Revealed, Ioniq 6 N Teased

    New Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Line
    Affirming its sustainable mobility goals, Hyundai has just revealed 2nd Gen Nexo Hydrogen car. However, we also get to see the new Ioniq 6 electric sedan, which has been updated with a more modern design language which looks a lot sleeker now. Hyundai has teased a high-performance Ioniq 6 N for the first time. Let’s take a closer look.
    New Hyundai Ioniq 6 Revealed
    When Ioniq 6 debuted in June 2022, it grabbed a lot of eyeballs as it had a mix and match of multiple other vehicles. It had a front profile inspired by Porsche Taycan EV. From the side, it looked a lot like Merc’s CLA Class with its sloping coupe roofline. From the rear, Ioniq 6 packed Porsche 911’s iconic Ducktail spoiler as well.
    New Hyundai Ioniq 6, Ioniq N Line & Ioniq 6 N
    With the new Ioniq 6, Hyundai has carried over the predecessor’s side profile and silhouette. That said, front and rear designs have been considerably overhauled to lend a sleeker and modern appeal with a lot of aggression. With these design tweaks, Hyundai has completely transformed the look of this vehicle.
    Hyundai has revealed the new Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 6 N Line side by side. However, Hyundai also teased Ioniq 6 N for the first time, which will pack an 800V architecture and a lot of performance like Ioniq 5 N. This will be the most performance-oriented Ioniq 6 version ever launched and will sit on top of N Line version.
    2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Line
    Front fascia has undergone the most transformation. Bonnet creases got a lot sharper and bulge a lot more than before. Headlight is now a split design where horizontal DRL strip is on top and actual headlight is in below in the bumper. N Line versions get sportier bumpers at both ends. Rear profile has ditched the double Ducktail spoiler for a simpler one.
    New Ioniq 6 Interior
    Sporty N version!
    Only the new Ioniq 6 N will get dual spoilers where upper unit is a lot more aggressive than it was in its predecessor. Alloy wheel designs are new where N Line and N versions get much sportier designs. All versions of New Ioniq 6 get LED connected tail light signature with Pixel effect design.
    2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Rear
    On the inside, Hyundai has made a few tweaks seen with a new steering wheel, modern USB Type-C ports and a few more. Powertrain details are not revealed yet and is likely to carry slightly larger battery packs than it did before. The most exciting part of this update is Ioniq 6 N, which is likely to pack Ioniq 5 N’s 800V powertrain with around 640 bhp of peak power from its dual motor setup.

    Also read – Hyundai Ioniq 4 teased? More

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    New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric Car Debuts With 700 Km Range

    New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric carHydrogen as a vehicular fuel, is much debated on as it is greener to the environment and allows for lightning quick recharges (in EV standards). While it is yet to be mainstream, more OEMs have been exploring the Hydrogen route. Hyundai is one of those companies and has just revealed its 2nd Gen Nexo based on Initium Concept revealed last year.
    Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric Car
    One look at the 2nd Gen Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric car, it feels familiar and rings certain bells. That’s because it is based on Hyundai Initium Concept showcased last year in October 2024. It is a complete departure from the 1st Gen Nexo and its curvaceous design language and is now a lot quirkier.
    New Hyundai Nexo (Above) VS Hyundai Initium Concept (Below)
    When compared to the Initium Concept, anyone would be hard pressed to draw differences on the new Nexo. That’s because the production version of Nexo look almost identical to Initium Concept. Except for the toned down alloy wheels, roof carrier and quad-pixel LED headlight and tail light, production-spec Nexo and Initium Concept are virtually identical.
    The ‘Art of Steel’ design language used on new Hyundai Nexo reminds me of Pontiac Aztec, which is hailed as one of the worst car designs of all time. However, on Hyundai Nexo, this silhouette looks kinda nice and futuristic owing to the overall coolness factor and rugged SUV appeal, something Aztec didn’t have.
    New 2nd Gen Hyundai Nexo
    The double dash LED DRL signature along with quad-pixel LED lighting signatures at the front, rugged front and rear bumpers, large alloy wheels, flush door handles, sorta-triangular rear quarter glass, roof rails, rear view cameras, SUV profile, circular wheel arch claddings, tough side body claddings and other exterior elements make a surprisingly cohesive design.
    Hyrogen FTW?
    On the inside, things are a lot more conventional as the overall dashboard layout is inspired by that of Santa Fe and Palisade. There are two 12.3-inch displays (infotainment and instrumentation), two displays to show rear view camera feed, there is a digital IRVM, a 12-inch HUD and lastly Hyundai and Kia’s slim pill-shaped climate control screen.
    New 2nd Gen Hyundai Nexo
    There’s a twin-deck centre console and is attached to the dashboard. Gear selector is mounted on steering column and looks like the same unit as we saw in Creta Electric. Steering wheel gets quad dots logo which reads ‘H’ in Morse Code. Also notable is the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
    Powering this vehicle, we have a 2.64 kWh battery pack which sends juice to a single 201 bhp electric motor promising 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds. Continuously replenishing this battery is a 147 bhp Hydrogen fuel cell stack. New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric car gets larger Hydrogen tank (6.69 kg) as opposed to the 6.33 kg tank and promises a max range of 700 km in one filling. Speaking of, Hydrogen filling hardly takes 5 minutes when compared to EV recharging.
    New 2nd Gen Hyundai Nexo More