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      Tata Nexon Electric Discount Offer To Celebrate 1st Anniversary

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      Tata Nexon Electric
      An exchange bonus of Rs.15,000 is being offered on the purchasing the Nexon EV

      Tata Motors has announced their discount offers for January 2021. These are across product range and in the form of cash discounts, exchange benefits and corporate discounts. The Tata Tiago and Tigor can be had at a cash discount of Rs.1,000 and corporate benefit of Rs.3,000 while exchange bonus is at Rs.10,000 and Rs.15,000 respectively.
      Buyers of the Tata Nexon petrol variant do not receive any cash discount or exchange benefit but corporate buyer receive a Rs.3,000 discount. The diesel variant is being offered at an exchange bonus of Rs.15,000 and corporate discount of Rs.3,000. The Tata Harrier gets the highest discounts at cash discount and exchange bonus at Rs.25,000 and Rs.40,000 respectively.
      Discount on the Tata Nexon EV
      The Tata Nexon EV, which completes its 1st anniversary, is at a special discount at company dealerships with an exchange discount of up to Rs.15,000. The Nexon EV also receives 8 years/1,60,000 km battery and motor warranty.
      It is priced from Rs.13.99 lakhs onwards and has emerged as the best-selling electric car in India in 2020. Sales in the past year stood at 2,529 units making the Nexon EV a leader in its segment. The MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV were at second and third position with sales of 1,142 units and 223 units respectively.
      Tata Nexon Electric Discount Offer
      Not only is the Tata Nexon EV the most sold electric car in India but it is also the most affordable electric SUV in the country. The Nexon EV was launched on 28th January 2020 and celebrates its first anniversary in the next week.
      Tata Nexon EV is presented in variants of XM, XZ, and XZ+ Lux and priced from Rs.13.99-16.25 lakhs. This makes it the cheapest electric SUV in India and another major attraction is the fact that the company also offers the Nexon EV at a subscription plan of Rs.29,500 for a 36 month tenure.
      Tata Nexon EV- Power and Performance
      The Tata Nexon EV boasts of a long list of features. It receives a semi digital instrument panel, 7 inch touchscreen system, automatic AC and a dedicated Nexon EV app called ZConnect which offers a total of 35 connectivity features that include charging station locator, driving behaviour analytics, vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, etc.
      Tata Nexon EV is powered by a 30.2kWh battery and a 3 phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor that offers 127 hp power and 245 Nm torque. It claims to deliver range of 312 kms per charge and is capable of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Charging is via a standard 15A power output which can charge the Nexon from 20 to 100 percent in 8 hours or from 0 to 80 percent in 1 hour via a fast DC charger. More

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      Renault Kiger LED DRLs Teased – New Electric Car Prototype Unveiled

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      2021 Renault Kiger SUV – Teaser
      Along with teasing the upcoming Kiger small SUV in production spec form, Renault has also revealed their new electric car prototype

      With global debut set for 28th Jan 2021, the new Renault Kiger has now been officially teased in production ready form. From the teaser image, it is clear that the production ready Kiger carries the LED DRL and projector headlamps from the concept which was revealed back in November.
      Kiger Debut
      With compact and subcompact SUVs being highly popular in the Indian markets, automakers are heralding in various models in this segment. Kiger will be based on the same platform as the Magnite, which has met huge sales success in India.
      The Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite will be produced at the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s production base in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. The Kiger will enter the sub 4 meter segment wherein it will take on the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, etc in terms of competition.
      Renault 5 Electric Car
      Renault has unveiled its upcoming retro-styled electric car called ‘5’. Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car gives a look into the future small EV from Renault, which is set to go on sale by the middle of this decade. The car takes its design and styling cues from the R5 hatchback which was in production from 1972 to 1996. It is among the fourteen new models which are expected to hit showrooms by 2025.
      Renault 5 Prototype carries numerous references to the original model including the R5 Turbo versions and cult classic Supercinq albeit in a modern touch
      Seven of these fourteen models are going to be fully electric vehicles. The new concept blends with its namesake’s boxy proportions with a modern and contemporary design which includes high-tech displays, LED lighting signatures and sculpted side surfaces expected out of a modern car.
      Exterior Design Highlights
      Upfront, the B-segment concept car features LED headlight clusters flanked by the French brand’s diamond-shaped emblem with no radiator grille. It gets a clean front bumper which features thin square-shaped LED DRLs and ‘RENAULT’ in bold lettering.
      The bonnet air intake is neatly hidden with a charging hatch on the company’s logo on the front nose. The small impression of the French flag on its rearview mirrors shows its nationalistic pride.
      Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
      At rear, the LED taillights feature aero flaps with an illuminated reflector strip running around the roof lining to the A-pillars which seem to pay tribute to Renault 5 models of the 1980s. Side profile’s centre of attraction are the large alloy wheels wrapped in Continental tyres.
      Overall, the concept’s design looks very clean and simple yet feels a modernised version of the original R5 with references such as boxy wheel arches, flat sides and a tilted C-pillar. There is also a nod to the original ‘5’ with impressions on its wheels, rear logo and side grid.
      Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
      Other Details
      Details are very sparse at the moment with the automaker yet to reveal its expected specifications or even its interior images. All we know is that it will be based on a modular EV architecture that has been developed by Renault and its alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dubbed as CMF-EV, this platform will underpin most small and medium-sized cars from the alliance brands, for instance, the upcoming Nissan Ariya crossover.
      While no definite timeline has been set for its production to commence, new Renault 5 Concept could replace the highly successful Zoe EV as the brand’s compact electric hatchback. The carmaker has also announced that its performance range of cars which will carry the nametag of Alpine, will be an all-electric range of cars and the 5 Prototype could very well be part of this lineup. More

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      MG To Launch New Electric Car Under Rs 20 L – Working On Battery Tech For 500 kms Range

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      MG Marvel at Delhi Auto Expo. Image for reference.
      MG Motor is currently chalking out plans to develop a battery assembly facility in India

      With growing advancement in electric vehicle (EV) technology in India, automobile manufacturers are racing towards development of cost-effective and economical electric mobility. At this point in time, such options are very limited in the Indian market, especially in the passenger vehicle segment.
      With Nexon EV being the most economical of the limited options, it has unsurprisingly led the sales volume chart in EV segment. However, manufacturers are looking to build more affordable models in the coming future with improved accessibility. Recently, MG Motor has revealed their plans to introduce an EV that would cost less than Rs 20 lakh.
      This development has been confirmed by Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India, in an interaction with Economic Times. He further informed that this new electric car will be coming out sometime next year and the company has started working on building a battery assembly facility in the country which could bring down the cost of batteries.
      New Battery Assembly Facility in India
      Currently, details of this facility are being worked on which will provide batteries for the upcoming EV. As per an initial estimate, it will require an investment of around Rs 4,000 crore. This new facility will also help MG develop a much improved battery technology that can deliver a single-charge range of around 500 km.
      Existing MG ZS Electric
      This new technology is expected to feature in production-spec electric cars in 18 months. Furthermore, it has been reported that this technology is currently being evaluated under various climate conditions and terrains.
      As per directives and guidelines set by the government of India, electric mobility seems to be future of the automotive industry in the country. This fact was acknowledged by Chaba during the interaction.
      This development comes at a time when Tesla Inc. has just announced its entry in India with its headquarter set up in Bangalore. As per reports, the Karnataka Government has allotted few acres of land to the American company in Tumkur, on the outskirts of Bengaluru to set up a R&D facility.
      New MG Electric Car
      MG Motor currently has only one electric car offering in the form of ZS EV which registered sales for 1,142 units in 2020. This accounts for 25 percent of total electric vehicles sold in India last year. The company intends to double this volume to around 2,500 units in 2021. Chaba further added that MG has received over 200 bookings for the electric crossover in December 2020. ZS EV is locally assembled in India with components brought in as CKD units.
      ZS EV is powered by a 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired to an electric motor which produces an output of 143 PS and 353 Nm of peak torque. It offers a claimed range of 340 km at a single charge. Its current prices start at Rs. 20.88 lakh for the base trim and go up to Rs. 23.58 lakh for the fully loaded trim (both prices are ex-showroom).
      It is not clear what this new sub Rs 20 lakh car from MG will be. It could be a new variant of the ZS electric itself, which is already on sale in India. With advanced battery tech, higher localization it is quite possible MG manages to increase the range of their ZS EV, and at the same time reduce its cost.
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      Sony Electric Car Starts Public Road Testing – 1 Year After Its Reveal

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      Sony Electric Car
      Vision-S electric car features a technology that alters the temperature of the cabin depending on the driver’s behaviour

      Electric vehicles are the new normals in the automotive world. Every now and then we hear about a new electric car being developed and tested around some corner of the world. But when we hear a name like Sony being attached to a car, everyone sits up to take notice of it.
      Yes, Sony indeed has been developing an electric car which the world came to know about a year ago when it was unveiled at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 as Vision-S electric car concept. A new video from the Japanese tech giant shows that a prototype of the car has taken to the roads for testing.
      The video shows a prototype of the EV wearing a camouflage-style wrap and a number plate being tested on the snowy roads of Austria with alpine woods covered in snow. The company has its engineering center in Graz, Austria.
      After its maiden appearance at CES in January 2020, the prototype moved to Tokyo in July 2020 for advancing its sensing and audio technologies. Though testing on public roads has already begun, the EV does not go on sale anytime soon.
      [embedded content]
      Specs- No lag in performance surely
      Information about the Vision-S electric car has been scarce. The specs announced on the concept car included a dual-motor with an all-wheel-drive setup generating an output of 536 bhp, 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds and a claimed top speed of 240 kmph. At the time of its unveiling, Sony admitted that the Vision-S concept was developed as a means to showcase the company’s in-car entertainment and autonomous driving systems.
      Features and Technologies galore on Sony Vision-S
      As expected, the tech giant has packed the prototype with high-end technologies including camera sensors and more. Speaking of technologies, Sony has equipped the Vision-S prototype with 40 sensors both inside as well as outside instead of the originally intended 33 claimed at ACE last year in order to enhance its autonomous driving capabilities. These sensors include Solid State LiDAR for day and object detection and night-time vision and CMOs image sensors which help in object detection, colour identification and road sensing.
      Elaborating further on the technology part, the most eye-grabbing moment is a large widescreen encompassing the entire dashboard. The cabin also features cameras which continuously monitor driver and passenger facial expressions, gestures, and lip reading.
      Sony Electric Car Dashboard
      Another highlight is 360 Reality Audio which offers an immersive audio experience. The infotainment system also offers a 5G connectivity which also allows one to play your favourite game on PlaySation.
      Currently, the prototype has been equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving technology with features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic lane changing and a self-parking system. However, with improvement in technology in the coming future, Sony intends the final production car to be equipped with Level 4 ability which means full self-driving capabilities.
      Other details
      Some of its technology on board seemed to have been developed in association with its partners including Blackberry, Bosch, Magna Steyr, Nvidia and others. In terms of dimension, the Vision-S prototype measures 4,895 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,450 mm in height. It offers a wheelbase of 3000 mm and stands at a ground clearance of 120 mm (up to 135mm). If and when this car actually hits the road, it will be nothing less than a spectacle. More

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      Tata Nexon EV Becomes No 1 Selling Electric Car In India For 2020

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      New Tata Nexon Electric
      Tata Nexon EV is the best selling electric car in India

      As Tata Motors gets set to celebrate 1 year of the launch of the Nexon electric compact SUV in India, the company has announced sales of 2600+ units for the year 2020. It may be remembered that while the Nexon EV was launched on 28th January, 2020, sales only took off from March after which the lockdown was immediately announced.
      This ‘Made in India’ electric car then slowly saw its sales increasing from May 2020 with sales at 78 units. It noted a significant increase each month thereafter to 1,253 units between the months of October to December 2020, thus taking total to 2,602 units. December proved to be the best month of sales with 418 units sold. The Nexon EV is the best selling electric car in India.
      Tata Motors had also introduced a Subscription Plan for the Nexon in August 2020. The company further brought down monthly subscription rates in September and December, thus making the Nexon more appealing to a new segment of customers.
      The subscription plan is currently on offer in Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad. The plans now begin from Rs.29,500 per month and offered only on the mid spec XZ+ variant.
      Electric Car Sales 2020. MS = Market Share
      Sales of Other Electric Cars
      In terms of rivals, Nexon has no real rival in the price segment it is offered. In terms of sales, electric vehicles such as the Mahindra eVerito and Hyundai Kona electric are no match. It is only the MG ZS EV that offers some competition to the Nexon with sales at 1,243 units sold from Feb to Dec 2020.
      The Kona EV has seen sales of around 200 units with buyers wary after hearing of issues of fire risk and breakdowns. Tata Nexon will soon meet with some challenges with the new Mahindra eKUV300 poised for launch later this year. The Mahindra eKUV300 will come in at around Rs 9 lakhs with a FAME II subsidy.
      Sales of the Nexon EV were also boosted following orders received from EESL for 150 units of the Nexon EV and 100 units of the Hyundai Kona EV. EESL stated their preference for the XZ+ variant of the Tata Nexon at Rs.14.86 lakhs and the entry level Premium variant of the Kona EV priced at Rs.21.36 lakhs, ex-sh. Current market price of these two are Rs 15.25 lakhs and Rs 23.75 lakhs. Kona MY2020 is being offered with Rs 1.5 lakh discount.
      A refreshed Tata Tigor EV is also doing the test rounds ahead of launch. The Tigor EV is expected to launch sometime in mid-2021 while later this year and the Tata Altroz EV is also set for launch with prices lower than that of the Nexon which could boost EV sales for the company. More

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      Hyundai Kona Electric Rs 1.5 Lakh Discount Jan 2021 – Grand i10 NIOS, Santro, Elantra

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      Hyundai Kona Electric MY2020 Gets Rs 1.5 Lakh Discount
      Hyundai currently offers as many as eleven products in the Indian market including Venue, Creta, Grand i10 Nios, i20 and Verna

      Hyundai Motors India Ltd. (HMIL) is offering heavy discounts at the start of a new year. Under the company’s New Year offers, several of its models are being offered with attractive benefits. This even includes its electric crossover Kona Electric.
      This is the first time that the South Korean automaker is offering its EV with a sizeable benefit ever since it was launched in India back in 2019. Hyundai is offering a cash discount of a whopping Rs 1.5 lakh. The EV is currently retailed at a starting price of Rs 23.75 lakh and goes up to Rs 23.94 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).
      It is to be noted that the discount is only valid on 2020 model year and not on the 2021 model year. White colour Kona EV 2020 MY is offered with Rs 50k discount, while any other colour comes with a flat Rs 1.5 lakh cash discount.
      Benefits on Santro, Grand i10 Nios
      Hyundai’s entry-level model Santro is also being offered with attractive benefits. It is being offered with an exchange bonus of Rs 15,000 across its range. While the base model is being offered with a cash discount of Rs 10,000, higher Magna, Sports and Asta trims are being offered with a discount of Rs 20,000. Similarly, Grand i10 Nios is offered with an exchange bonus of Rs 10,000 across its range except for diesel-powered variants.
      Hyundai India Discounts – Jan 2021
      The 1.2-litre petrol and CNG variants of Grand i10 are offered with a cash discount of Rs 5000 whereas the turbo petrol variant is being offered with a healthy discount of Rs 25,000. Its sedan sibling Aura is offered with an exchange bonus of Rs 15,000 across the range.
      Its naturally aspirated petrol and diesel-powered variants are offered with an additional cash discount of Rs 10,000 whereas the turbo petrol-powered variant is offered with a cash discount of Rs 30,000.
      Recent Price Hike
      The manufacturer, however, is not offering any sort of benefits for models such as the new generation i20, Venue, Verna, Creta and Tucson. The company recently hiked prices for all its offerings in India. The price hike ranged from Rs. 7,521 to Rs. 32,880 and took effect from the first day of 2021.
      Upcoming Models
      Among new launches, the latest addition to Hyundai’s lineup was the third generation i20 which was launched in November 2020. The premium hatchback competes with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo. The brand has also lined up a few more launches in the coming future which includes a seven-seater version of Creta and a Tata HBX rivalling subcompact UV codenamed AX1. More

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      New Electric Rickshaw With Headrest For Driver And Passengers – Spied In Chennai

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      Image – Agastine
      A lot of non-OEM entities are interested in participating in e-mobility and this new electric rickshaw could be such an example

      The electric mobility is steadily taking shape in India, starting with urban scooters and auto rickshaws. Mahindra’s Treo electric rickshaw demonstrated the high potential of electric 3-wheelers in the country by becoming the first such product to cross 5,000-unit sales mark in a short period of time. It is only natural that other OEMs scrambling to get their own zero emission passenger three-wheeler ready for the market.
      Mysterious new electric rickshaw spotted testing in Chennai
      Automotive enthusiast from Chennai, Agastine has spotted this heavily disguised three wheeler prototype testing on Old Mahabalipuram Road. He reports that it was an electric vehicle and it reached speeds of up to 75 kmph. He also added that the vehicle displayed impressive acceleration characteristics.
      While our first guess was Mahindra since the automaker has its R&D HQ in the city, a quick look into our archives of spy shots revealed that the OEM’s prototypes usually carry TN-19 temporary license plates. Moreover, Mahindra’s electric prototypes are based out of its Bangalore division which specializes in e-mobility.
      So, which brand does this electric auto rickshaw prototype belong to? As of now, our guess is as good as yours. The birth of electric mobility has made it easier for cash rich non-OEM entities to diversify into vehicle manufacturing with early mover’s advantage.
      New Electric Rickshaw
      This prototype could very well belong to a new brand which has its roots either in auto component manufacturing or in a sector that has an indirect link to the automotive industry.
      Recently, Ola Electric division has been in the news for announcing plans to invest Rs 2,500 crore in Tamil Nadu, for setting up world’s largest electric scooter manufacturing plant. In a related news, patent images of an Ola electric rickshaw was also leaked a few days ago.
      Salient features
      Looking at the spyshot, the first thing that catches our attention is the head rests for driver and three passengers. The headrests, the LED taillights and the fact that the vehicle is capable of doing high speeds indicate that this auto rickshaw is aiming to be positioned at the higher end of the price sensitive segment.
      New Electric Rickshaw
      For reference, the Mahindra Treo is powered by an 8 kW electric motor which is capable of propelling it to a top-speed of 55 kmph. We estimate the mysterious electric rickshaw prototype to be at least twice as powerful, based on the observer’s report.
      The vehicle appears to be taller than an average passenger 3-wheeler and is equipped with a sturdy protection bar at the rear, possibly to prevent any serious damage to the powertrain. If you happen to know any information about this electric auto rickshaw, please get in touch with us. More

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      Mercedes S Class Electric Car’s Full Dashboard Curved Display Unveiled

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      Mercedes Benz Hyperscreen
      Mercedes EQS electric limousine will be the first production vehicle to receive MBUX Hyperscreen

      For the electric version of new S-Class, Mercedes has come up with a new-age dashboard made entirely of a curved display screen that spans across the width of the cabin. Called the MBUX Hyperscreen, the new piece of technology incorporates three screens into one. This could redefine automotive dashboards in the foreseeable future.
      Mercedes MBUX Hyperscreen
      The MBUX Hyperscreen incorporates three displays – the instrument panel, infotainment system, and an entertainment screen for the front passenger. The central and front passenger displays benefit from OLED technology for better picture quality and pack in haptic feedback.
      As you can imagine, fabricating such a sophisticated plastic panel loaded with multiple elements requires a special process. The curved unit is moulded in three dimensions using a special three-layer coating which Mercedes calls as the ‘Silver Shadow’. The company claims that the process renders the display unit a high quality surface impression while reducing reflection and making cleaning easier.
      With the help of ambient lighting, the MBUX Hyperscreen gives an optical illusion of floating. Provisions for the AC vents on given on both sides of the single-piece panel.
      Mercedes Benz Hyperscreen
      Based on an evolution of the current Mercedes S Class’ operating system, the Hyperscreen’s software architecture is claimed to be radically easy to operate and ‘extremely eager’ learn. Thanks to the AI, the system adopts a zero-layer menu system which displays relevant information at required time based on user preferences thereby avoiding the need to scroll through several items or use voice command.
      Features
      According to data collected by Mercedes from the earlier generation of the MBUX system, the most commonly used features include navigation, media and telephone which are integrated into the central display. The AI offers as many as twenty additional features as and when the user requires them. Examples include seat ventilation, massage, location-based suspension ride height increase.
      The passenger side of the screen also can support up to 7 custom profiles with the AI improving the overall experience. This display is subjected to country-specific safety regulations. When not entertaining the front passenger, that part of the screen turns into an animated display of stars to enhance the overall ambiance.
      [embedded content]
      The Mercedes MBUX Hyperscreen will be an optional extra in the eagerly anticipated EQS electric luxury limousine which is slated to be launched later this year. The same piece of equipment is expected to be offered by the upcoming EQS SUV as well. Knowing Mercedes, the Hyperscreen will eventually make its journey down the product portfolio.
      Mercedes has been a trend setter when it comes to interior design and technology. We won’t be surprised to see similar dashboard features from other OEMs in the coming years. More