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      Bajaj Biggest Pulsar Ever Launch By March 31st? Is It A Rebadged Dominar 400?

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      Image for reference onlyCurrently Dominar sales are nowhere close to Pulsar’s and rebadging Dominar 400 as Pulsar 400 could prove a strategic moveThe 300cc to 500cc single cylinder motorcycle segment has seen a lot of action in the recent past. This is currently a hot segment that will yield good profitability for OEMs. Hopping on this train is Bajaj, with its “Biggest Pulsar ever” launch in the pipeline. Bajaj Auto CEO has hinted about the bike’s launch.Bajaj Biggest Pulsar Ever Launch Sooner Than LaterEver since its launch, Pulsar has been the staple premium commuter in Indian market. Pulsar line has irked the fancy of both commuters and thrill seekers alike for its capability of appealing to both audiences. Fast forwarding to 2024, Bajaj is currently struggling to make a mark with its newer and larger Pulsar models.Hence necessitating re-launch of Pulsar 220. Bajaj’s newest Pulsar 250 platform has seen mixed reception from Indian buyers too. On the brighter side of things, larger Pulsars still have a lot of pull and demand when compared to its flagship Dominar lineup. Bajaj Auto CEO, Rajiv Bajaj has confirmed the launch of “biggest Pulsar ever” soon.But how soon? According to what Mr Bajaj had mentioned, the company is launching 6 new Pulsars by the end of this FY. We can count four Pulsars already launched in the form of 2024 versions of updated Pulsar N150, Pulsar N160, Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar NS200. There are two more remaining and one of them is “biggest Pulsar ever”.2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200As per the hinted timeline a couple of months ago, Bajaj biggest Pulsar ever could launch by the end of this month. FY 2023-2024 ends on March 31st, with two Puslars short of launching. One Pulsar launch might be new and updated 2024 N250 with USD front forks and a new fully digital instrument cluster, which has already been spotted in testing.Is it a rebadged Dominar 400?Biggest Pulsar ever may be a Pulsar NS or a Pulsar RS with a larger engine. But which engine? Is it the same 250cc engine as Pulsar N250 and Pulsar F250? Is it KTM’s older 373cc engine used in Dominar 400? Or is it KTM’s newer 399cc engine that made its debut with 2024 390 Duke and recently launched with Husqvarna Svartpilen 401?Or is it the same 398cc engine that is found on Triumph’s new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X? Bizarrely, Bajaj could even discontinue Dominar lineup and absorb Dominar 400 and Dominar 250 under Pulsar brand too. Mahindra did something similar with its TUV lineup and brought it under the more popular Bolero brand, which worked wonders for TUV.New Bajaj Pulsar N150 and N160 top variantsFueling our speculation, there are no spy shots spotted or reported of Bajaj biggest Pulsar ever. If Bajaj can use Dominar name on Pulsars, it can use Pulsar name on Dominar. So, Dominar 400 as Pulsar 400 might be a reality. Time is ticking for Bajaj, if the company would have to stick with Rajiv Bajaj’s indicated timeline of launching two more Pulsars by the end of FY 2023-2024. More

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      Mahindra XUV.e9 Triple-Screen Dashboard Spotted In Action

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      Mahindra XUV.e9 triple screen spiedAs opposed to the current dual-screen layout on XUV700, Mahindra XUV.e9 triple-screen dashboard will give front passenger their own screenMany car makers these days claim to be India’s largest SUV makers. But if there is one brand synonymous with SUVs, it has to be Mahindra. Taking that perception further, Mahindra is making big moves and investing heavily in electric mobility solutions. XUV.e9 is one of those SUVs and testing for the same continues.Mahindra XUV.e9 Triple-Screen DashboardThe company’s SUV portfolio is very diesel heavy and the majority of its SUVs are based on old-school ladder frame chassis. However, Mahindra is expanding its portfolio with monocoque vehicles and XUV700 is the most premium vehicle among these. This vehicle is spawning an electric sibling soon, in the form of XUV.e8.Mahindra XUV.e9 triple screen spiedAlso, XUV.e8 is further spawning a Coupe version which is XUV.e9. In essence, XUV.e9 is the coupe version of XUV.e8, which in turn, is an electric version of XUV700 ICE vehicle already on sale in India and Australasia. Director of movie Inception, Christopher Nolan, would be impressed with Mahindra’s upcoming portfolio, for sure.Mahindra is employing a triple-screen dashboard layout with XUV.e8 and XUV.e9. Which could prove to be among their primary strengths. With the recently spotted XUV.e9 test mule, we can see all three of these horizontal displays lit up and in action. One might wonder why an extra screen for the front passenger.Mahindra XUV.e9 rear LED tail lightLike Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders would say, because Mahindra can. If they can, they will. The dashboard is now dominated by this slab of black glass that houses three horizontal displays side-by-side. Only the central infotainment and left-end passenger display are touchscreens.Mahindra XUV.e9 FrontSpecs & featuresWith the XUV.e8 prototype demonstrated in UK, we can see that Mahindra is still sticking to traditional knobs and buttons for crucial functions like climate controls, and hazard lights, along with proper stalks on steering wheel for headlights and wiper controls. The same could carry over with XUV.e9 as well.Other notable changes include a 2-spoke steering wheel, a slightly redesigned centre console and more. Design and styling are primary highlights of XUV.e9 coupe SUV. Stylish profile, and large swanky wheels grab attention. Recently spotted XUV.e9 test mule exudes massive road presence with a wide body, connecting LED tail lights, prominent front LED signature and more.Where powertrains are concerned, the Mahindra XUV.e9 will be positioned on the brand’s new born electric INGLO platform with export aspirations. Battery capacity will be between 60 kWh to 80 kWh and there will be single-motor and dual-motor AWD options as well. More

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      Ather CEO Shares What To Expect From Community Day – Rizta, Updates And More

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      New Ather 450X. Image – Anubhav ChauhanThe main highlight for Ather Community Day on 6th April is the reveal of upcoming Ather Rizta family electric scooterBengaluru-based Indian electric mobility startup, Ather Energy, is among the leading electric scooter manufacturers of this country. Apart from the new Ather Rizta family scooter, the company is excited to introduce and announce a bunch of new stuff on Ather Community Day on April 6th 2024. Here’s what to expect.Ather Community Day 2024 – 6th AprilCurrently selling premium, thrill-driven and cutting-edge electric scooters, Ather is stepping into the realm of conventional, with the launch of Rizta family scooter. This will be Ather’s most affordable scooter on sale in India yet, catering to a diverse audience. Also, a family scooter is larger and a lot more accommodating and practical than 450S and 450X.Ather Rizta Electric Scooter SpiedAther demonstrated Rizta’s practicality time and time again by showing its large seat and comparing it with best-selling family scooter in India, Honda Activa. The company has even put up Sabse Bada Seat Billboard in select cities as part of its marketing. Ather will unveil Rizta scooter at its Community Day event on April 6th.Apart from Rizta, Ather is set to unveil a lot more. Taking to social media platforms, Ather Energy CEO Tarun Mehta and Co-Founder Swapnil Jain revealed a brief glimpse of what to expect from Ather Community Day scheduled on 6th of April 2024. Despite the main highlight being Rizta scooter, there are more to expect.[embedded content]CEO and Co-Founder Reveal What To Expect From Ather Community DayFor starters, Ather’s ACDC event (Ather Community Day) will take place on 6th of April, 2024 in Bengaluru city, Karnataka. Ather CEO, Tarun Mehta, promised a substantially larger Ather Community Day event for 2024 when compared to last year’s. This year, there are a lot of reveals slated to be revealed on the stage. He further revealed more key information about the upcoming Rizta family scooter that will be showcased on the stage. The bigger seat will also bring bigger under-seat storage as well. USB charging will be seen on this Rizta scooter too.Co-founder Swapnil Jain joined Mehta and mentioned Ather will reveal a new accessory on 6th April. A smart accessory, at that. This “secret Ather accessory” is coined for the first time for any Ather vehicle and the company is hush-hush about finer details of this new smart accessory. One can win this upcoming accessory for free too, apparently.Spilling more about Ather’s newest 450 Apex electric scooter, Tarun Mehta revealed that the company’s flagship scooter has been reaching dealerships. This is where one can see and try 450 Apex in person. Or even win one. “Seriously, no joke” said Ather CEO. Company is promising the roll-out of AtherStack 6, which is touted as their biggest OTA update yet.Ather promises cool new features like messaging support on right from scooter’s dashboard along with a new mobile application. Company also announced an Oscar for EV and will honour the winner of Ather Unlocked 2nd Edition. More details will be revealed in a month’s time from now, at the ACDC event. More

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      BYD Seal Bookings Cross 200 In 1 Day – Pricing Vs Camry, A4, C Class, 3 Series

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      BYD Seal EV ProfileWhere pricing is concerned, BYD’s top-spec Performance trim with 82.5 kWh battery, dual motor AWD, 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds is well-priced tooWhat a killer price strategy! That’s what I exclaimed after looking at BYD Seal’s prices on the screen from the launch event held in Delhi. At a starting price of Rs. 41 lakh, BYD Seal sedan is a very tempting proposition. Thanks to this aggressive pricing, BYD India has recorded over 200 bookings in just 1 day of launch.Mr. Sanjay Gopalakrishnan, Senior Vice President of Electric Passenger Vehicle Business, BYD India said: “We are overwhelmed by the incredible response from customers in India. This demonstrates the growing appetite for luxurious and high-performance electric vehicles in India. We are committed to meeting the increasing demand for electric mobility and providing our customers with an unparalleled driving experience through our innovative and cutting-edge technologies in the BYD SEAL. With our range of MPV, SUV and Sedan, today we aim to provide customers complete access to our portfolio here in India.”BYD Seal EV bookings in 1 dayBYD Seal Pricing Vs Rival SedansSedans are a dying breed in the greater sense of things in the automotive market. But in 2024, there are fortunately still sedans around for buyers to opt for the classic three-box shaped saloon vehicles. BYD is the latest entrant in this segment and is fully electric. It primarily targets other sedans like Audi A4, BMW 3-Series Granlimousine, Toyota Camry and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Where pricing is concerned, BYD Seal costs between Rs. 41 lakh and Rs. 53 lakh (ex-sh) and undercuts every single one of its rivals. Interestingly, none of these rivals are fully electric like Seal is.If you were wondering if Seal is manufactured or assembled in India to strike this pricing, nope. BYD is bringing Seal via the CBU route. Pitting BYD Seal against rivals on paper, we can see that it holds the most value-for-money proposition. We have compared specs of Seal’s top-spec Performance trim that retails for Rs. 53 lakh, which undercuts all German rivals and we have only included petrol variants for this comparo.BYD Seal VS Rivals – DimensionsThe 82.5 kWh battery with dual motor AWD layout and 3.8s 0-100 km/h at just Rs. 53 lakh is an insane proposition. Performance-wise, BMW stands second after BYD. Both Toyota Camry and Audi A4 are FWD, while Merc and BMW are at least RWD. Top-speed is highest with the 3 Series, which was expected considering the performance-oriented ethos of BMW.Wheels are largest with BYD Seal at 19-inchers, while it is the smallest with C-Class and A4 at 17-inchers. Dimensionally, Camry is longest, 3 Series Granlimousine is widest and BYD Seal is tallest. A4 has the highest ground clearance and BMW has longest wheelbase. Where boot space is concerned, Seal is the only one with a front trunk, but Camry boasts the highest cargo volume.Emotional factorBYD Seal packs a neo-futuristic appeal on the inside with a rotatable touchscreen infotainment screen. Materials are high quality too with good fit and overall finish along with material choices. Seal’s coupe-like sloping roofline lends a stylish profile too. This far up the comparison, it almost looks like BYD Seal is a clear winner. Or it is, on paper. However, a car is not just numbers on a sheet and there is an emotional factor involved.BYD Seal VS Rivals – SpecsThe rival offerings come from manufacturers with cult following and have a massive pull among customers. The badge value is pretty high when compared to that of BYD’s. Every one of these rivals holds their own emotional connection with buyers. If we take the C-Class, it is a baby S-Class with Merc’s legendary status and brand value.BMW 3 Series Granlimousine has a wheelbase advantage and is touted as the most fun-to-drive offering in this bunch. Audi A4 is the most understated and professional-looking with sharp creases and typical Audi styling. Camry comes from Toyota, a brand regarded to run forever with a no-nonsense appeal. In India, Camry is a VIP mobile too, with rear electrically reclining seats, rear central touchscreen with music controls, rear ventilated seats and many more creature comforts. At the end of the day, customer reception is more important. More

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      2024 Yamaha Vino 50cc Scooter Launched – Starts At 214k Yen (Rs 1.18 Lakh)

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      2024 Yamaha Vino 50cc Scooter2024 model of Yamaha Vino 50cc scooter focuses primarily on visual updates that include three new colour optionsIn its home market Japan, Yamaha has introduced the 2024 version of the Vino 50cc compact scooter. The cute looking two-wheeler is preferred for its retro styling, lightweight profile and high fuel efficiency. While three new colour options are available, mechanicals remain the same as earlier.2024 Yamaha Vino – New coloursThree new colour options have been introduced – Fighting Red, Puko Blue and Matte Jeans Blue Metallic. The one that really stands out is the Matte Blue shade. It has contrasting Cyan and Gray graphics on the front and side panels. Chrome finishing on the turn indicators, circular rear-view mirrors, grab rail and tail lamp housing further enhances the scooter’s charming profile.2024 Yamaha Vino 50cc ScooterVino’s new red colour comes in glossy finish. It has black and silver graphics on the front and side panels. The floorboard area, glovebox and the seat are done entirely in black. The third new colour option of Puco Blue is the most sober.However, the colour palette is much wider. There’s a vibrant mix of light blue, ivory white, black and brown. Front and side panels have graphics in brown shade. The Puco Blue appears to best complement the retro profile of the scooter.2024 Yamaha Vino 50cc ScooterColour options that have been retained from the outgoing model include Mahogany Brown Metallic, Harvest Beige and Graphite Black. Three colour options available with the 2023 model have been removed – Pearl Shining Yellow, Matte Armored Green Metallic and Bonnie Blue. There are now a total of six colour options available with 2024 Yamaha Vino 50cc scooter. Apart from the three new colours and three discontinued shades, there aren’t any major visual updates to the scooter.2024 Yamaha Vino 50cc Scooter2024 Yamaha Vino – Features, performanceYamaha Vino scooter comes with a comprehensive range of utility features. At the front, there’s a dedicated space for a 500 ml plastic bottle. In the centre, there’s a hook for hanging various items. On the left side, there’s a glove box with a 12v accessory socket. The under-seat storage is around 20 litres, which can accommodate a half face helmet and some other small items.Vino comes with a retro-styled semi-digital instrument console. It displays information such as fuel gauge, speedometer, clock and engine oil change interval. Other key highlights include an engine idling stop system that helps save fuel. Vino has rear wheel lock, key cylinder with shutter, combi-brake system and easily operable centre stand.2024 Yamaha Vino 50cc ScooterPowering the scooter is a 49cc, single cylinder, SOHC engine that generates 4.5 PS of max power and 4.1 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a V-belt type continuously variable speed transmission. As per WMTC standards, fuel efficiency is rated at 58.4km/L. The scooter has 10-inch wheels with drum brakes at both ends. Fuel tank capacity is 4.5 litres. Weighing just 81 kg and with seat height of 720 mm, Yamaha Vino seems appropriate for shorter riders. More

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      China’s Xpeng Starts Testing Flying Car Ahead Of Launch – First Spy Shots

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      Flying car testing startsAt least 3 flying cars are being developed by Xpeng AeroHT, an affiliate of China-based Xpeng MotorsWhile many flying car projects are underway, a mass scale commercial availability could take years. At the forefront of flying car tech are companies like Xpeng Motors, one of the leading electric vehicle manufacturers in China. Flying car products under development include a land aircraft carrier modular flying car and a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft named X2. A third product with both car and VTOL functionality is also being developed.Xpeng modular flying car spottedBeing developed by Xpeng AeroHT, the Land Aircraft Carrier modular flying car utilizes a two-part design. There’s a land module in the form of a large van and an VTOL air module that facilitates low-altitude flights. The air module fits snugly inside the land module.Flying car testing startsThe modular flying car will allow users to enjoy the best of both worlds, terrestrial as well as aerial. While the flying car will be great for travel and tourism, it can also be deployed for emergency services and rescue missions. The possibilities are virtually limitless.Xpeng modular flying car capabilitiesAccording to Xpeng AeroHT, the modular flying car is currently under the preparation stage for mass production. The land module can accommodate 4-5 passengers, which makes it suitable for family needs. It has significant off-road potential with 6×6 all-wheel drive and independent rear wheel steering. Where the land module can’t go, the air module takes over. Both standard and long-range land modules will be available. The latter will have capability to charge the air module multiple times.Flying car testing startsThe VTOL air module is fully-electric and designed for low-altitude flight. Both manual and automatic drive modes are available. The flying module has foldable rotors that allow it to easily fit inside the land module. With four legs instead of wheels, the air module feels like a compact traditional helicopter. It can also be described as a large sized drone. The air module has space for two passengers. With its compact design, the flying range will be limited. However, with the charging option inbuilt in the land module, the range limitation can be overcome.Flying car testing startsXpeng modular flying car launch, challengesAt the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2024, Xpeng had stated that the land Aircraft Carrier modular flying car will be available for pre-order in Q4, 2024. Deliveries are planned to commence from Q4, 2025. However, mass scale adoption can take several years. Pricing could be a factor, as the flying car will not be available at affordable rates.As per an earlier launch plan, Xpeng was considering a price tag of 1 million Yuan (approx. Rs 1.15 crore). At this price point, the flying car will be accessible to a niche audience. Airspace regulations could be another challenge for flying cars. Also, dealing with a flying machine requires specialized skills. Even when equipped with advanced safety features, a flying machine can pose challenges for first time users. More

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      2024 Yamaha R25 Gets New Colour Update – Priced From RM 23k (Rs 4.04 L)

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      2024 Yamaha R25As the quarter-litre segment gains popularity in India, Yamaha can think about introducing R25 here in the near futureWith their sporty styling and powerful performance, Yamaha’s YZF-R lineup is among the preferred options for enthusiasts. Yamaha has introduced updates at regular intervals, in line with evolving consumer preferences. In Malaysia, Yamaha has launched the 2024 YZF-R25 model with a new colour option.Yamaha R25 2024 model – New Glacier White colourLast year, Yamaha introduced the Midnight Star Purple colour for Yamaha YZF-R25 in Malaysia. This has now been discontinued and replaced with a new Glacier White shade. The new white shade has been applied on the headlamp cowl, front fender, side fairing and fuel tank.2024 Yamaha R25The new colour theme also gets contrasting graphics in Cyan shade. The wheels also get the Cyan treatment. The White-Cyan combo looks quite pretty. It easily gets one’s attention, without coming across as overly loud or ostentatious.It is to note that the Yamaha Racing Blue colour scheme has been retained for the 2024 R25 model. Yamaha R25 new Glacier White shade is vastly different from the discontinued Purple colour. As the earlier 2 colour options were both quite intense, Yamaha has balanced the colour choices with the 2024 model of R25. Folks who like to flaunt their rides can go with the Yamaha Racing Blue colour. For relatively sober tastes and preferences, the Glacier White colour will be most appropriate.2024 Yamaha R25Yamaha R25 2024 model – What else is new?Apart from the new Glacier White colour shade, there aren’t any other major changes to the 2024 model of Yamaha R25. Powering the bike is a 249cc, two-cylinder, 8-valve DOHC engine that churns out 35.5 hp of max power and 22.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike utilizes a diamond frame, with USD front forks and a preload adjustable monoshock suspension at rear.2024 Yamaha R25R25 has 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres. Both wheels have disc brakes with ABS. Seat height of 758 mm is appropriate for agile handling. The bike weighs 160 kg and has ground clearance of 160 mm. Tech features include a rectangular LCD instrument screen. It displays a range of information such as fuel gauge, gear position, clock, average fuel economy and real-time fuel consumption.Yamaha R-lineup in IndiaIn India, Yamaha’s R-range currently has the R15 and R3. Globally, there are other popular bikes in this lineup such as the flagship R1, R7 and R125. Overall styling of R25 is similar to that of R15 V4 sold in India.2024 Yamaha R25The Glacier White colour option for R25 in Malaysia is somewhat similar to that of Intensity White colour option available with R15 V4 in India. However, the latter has golden USD forks and red coloured alloy wheels. There are differences in the design of the side fairing as well. More

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      MG Strengthens EV Portfolio – New ZS EV Variant, Fast Charging For Comet

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      MG Strengthens EV PortfolioMG Comet EV is currently India’s most affordable electric car on sale and the new added fast charging capability betters end user experienceIn a rather strategic move, MG Motor India has solidified its presence in Indian electric car industry. MG has introduced a new trim level with its flagship electric car, ZS EV. Along with that, MG has made fast charging available with Comet EV, further extending its electric vehicle expertise to offer value-added propositions to customers.MG Strengthens EV PortfolioOn a mission to consolidate its position as an automaker in India, MG Motor is on a quest to update its portfolio. The company will launch facelifted version of Gloster by the end of this year. Just yesterday, MG Motor updated variant lineup of its debutant vehicle, Hector, by launching Shine Pro and Select Pro trims with trending features.The 2024 MG Astor launched earlier this year brought new features and revised variant lineup and slashed pricing. Now, Astor’s electric sibling, ZS EV, gets revised variant lineup too. The new added variant is called Excite Pro and it is positioned above base Executive trim and below Exclusive Plus trim.The variant lineup now starts from Executive, Excite Pro, Exclusive Plus and top-spec Essence. Price for newly launched Excite Pro trim with ZS EV is Rs. 19.98 lakh (ex-sh). Base price for ZS EV is Rs. 18.98 lakh and goes till Rs. 24.98 lakh for top-spec Essence trim.2023 MG ZS EV with Level 2 ADAS – LaunchedPrimary highlights with ZS EV include plush interiors, 75+ connected car features, 50.3 kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 468 km on a single charge, digital key locking, ADAS Level 2 among other features. MG’s primary marketing gig with the newly launched Excite Pro trim level is that it is the cheapest electric car under Rs. 20 lakh (ex-sh) with a panoramic sunroof.Comet gets Fast Charging with select trimsShifting gaze from MG’s flagship EV to the most affordable, Comet EV has been made available with fast charging capability, which was sorely missing before this update. MG Motor India is offering fast charging capability only with select trims – Excite FC and Exclusive FC. In Comet EV’s trim hierarchy, Excite and Executive are the upper-end trim levels.Price for Excite FC is Rs. 8.23 lakh (ex-sh) and Exclusive FC is Rs. 9.13 lakh (ex-sh). The highlight features with these trims are electronic parking brake, rear disc brake, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, Creep mode, electrically foldable ORVMs, integrated indicators in DRLs, body-coloured ORVM, fast AC charging among others.2024 MG CometStatement from MG Motor India“MG is committed to continuously innovating and offering exciting products to customers at attractive value propositions. After taking customer feedback, using market insights and industry analysis, we have introduced the new variants of our EVs- MG ZS and Comet.Along with our products, we significantly emphasize on building EV awareness and establishing a robust EV ecosystem to make EV usage more convenient and accessible”, said Gaurav Gupta, Deputy Managing Director, MG Motor India. More