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      in Bike

      Yamaha Launched New Colours With FZ, FZ-X And R15 – Bolder Than Before

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      Yamaha Launched New ColoursNone of these new colourways from Yamaha on FZ, FZ-X and R15 vehicles bear any mechanical changes than what was on beforeIn India, Yamaha is expanding its portfolio to include new motorcycles. We saw this with recent launch of YZF-R3 and MT-03. These are the first multi-cylinder motorcycles in Yamaha’s Indian lineup after a long time. Now, the company is offering new colours with its premium motorcycles to keep the lineup fresh for CY 2024.Yamaha Launched New ColoursTeam Blue had recently teased new colours on social media handles. Initial speculations pointed towards new colours for Yamaha’s scooters as the company often sits outside of top ten best-selling scooters list. Come 9th January, the new colours are actually for the brand’s FZ street bikes, FX-X neo-retro and R15 faired motorcycle.New added colours are very diverse with each motorcycle. The company intends to expand sales envelope with new colours and strengthen its position against rivals like Hero, Bajaj and TVS. Yamaha has launched three new colours with FZ-S FI Version 4.0 Deluxe and YZF-R15, two new colours with FZ-X and one new colour with FZ-S FI Version 3.0 and FZ FI.New colours with FZ V42024 FZ Version 4.0 DLX, 2024 FZ-S Version 3.0 and 2024 FZ FIWhenever Yamaha launches a new vehicle, it likes to keep the old model around to have a wider portfolio. That’s exactly the case with FZ lineup in India. With 2024 FZ-S FI Version 3.0, Yamaha has added Matte Grey priced at Rs. 1,21,700 (ex-sh) and with 2024 FZ-S FI, Yamaha has introduced Matte Cyan priced at Rs. 1,16,500 (ex-sh).New colours with FZ V3There are no new colours added with FZ-S FI Version 4.0. However, FZ-S FI Version 4.0 DLX gets three new colours in the form of Racing Blue, Matte Black and Majesty Red. All of these get the same price, which is Rs. 1,29,700 (ex-sh).FZ-X Matte Titan2024 FZ-XColour additions with FZ range might seem slightly confusing with the naming scheme for many. That is not the case with FZ-X, though. With FZ-X, Yamaha has added Matte Titan colour shade priced at Rs. 1,37,200 (ex-sh). That’s not all. There is a new Chrome colour that is uber cool and complements FZ-X’s overall neo-retro theme.Upcoming FZ-X ChromeThe asking price for FZ-X Chrome is slightly higher owing to meticulous labour and time needed for a Chrome finish. It costs Rs. 1,37,200 (ex-sh) and it will be available on sale with February 2024, while Matte Titan can be had now.Yamaha R15 new colours2024 YZF-R15R15 is Yamaha’s prized possession and was the company’s flagship for a very long time. There is an M version of R15 too, that packs additional kit like gold-finished USD front telescopic forks, a quick-shifter, a fancier TFT instrument screen and more. That model doesn’t get any new colours as part of this update.It is the standard R15 that gets three new colours in the form of Vivid Magenta Metallic and Racing Blue priced at Rs. 1,87,000 (ex-sh) along with Metallic Red priced at Rs. 1,82,000 (ex-sh). Vivid Magenta Metallic is vivid, like the name suggests with strong pink accents on grey base coat. Customer reception for this colour would be interesting. More

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      RE Himalayan 450 Raid Will Offer More Off-road-worthy Kit – Launch In 2027

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      RE Himalayan 450 Raid RenderAs Himalayan 450 Raid will focus on off-road tracks, it will get a unique set of features and equipmentWhile the all-new Himalayan 450 comes across as a capable ADV bike, there seems to be more wiggle room in terms of extreme off-roading capabilities. As a solution, Royal Enfield is developing an off-road-focused version of the Himalayan 450. To be called the RE Himalayan 450 Raid, the bike will cater to aspiring enthusiasts as well as professionals.RE Himalayan 450 Raid – New equipmentOff-road tracks can vary significantly, which may require the user to adjust the suspension. The changes may also be needed based on the user’s weight and riding preferences. Himalayan 450 Raid will be suitably placed, as it will have fully adjustable front and rear suspension. The existing model has 43MM USD front forks and a monoshock rear suspension.Both front and rear wheels have 200 mm of travel. With the adjustable suspension, users should also be able to get a higher ground clearance. The current model already offers a sizable 230 mm of ground clearance. In comparison, KTM 390 Adventure has 200 mm of ground clearance.Some off-road environments may necessitate a higher ground clearance, which is where the Himalayan 450 Raid can deliver better results. Royal Enfield may also be looking to reduce the kerb weight of Himalayan 450 Raid. It can be achieved with the use of rally-ready components. The existing Himalayan 450 has a kerb weight of 196 kg.Himalayan RaidHimalayan 450 Raid will be getting most of the off-road focused equipment as standard. It includes the engine and rally sump guards and knuckle guards. As of now, Hero MotoCorp is acing the extreme off-road-worthy equipment territory with Pro variant for Xpulse 200. Royal Enfield will soon follow Hero’s footsteps.Himalayan 450 Raid performanceAnother key upgrade will be tubeless spoke wheels. These will be offered as standard with Himalayan 450 Raid. Royal Enfield already uses the tubeless spoke wheels for the standard model, but only for export markets. It is currently not offered in India, as it needs approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards. This process may take some time. Tubeless spoke wheels are preferred, as they offer the best of both worlds.Powering the bike will be the 452cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that generates 40.02 PS of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Himalayan 450 Raid will be getting a new exhaust, which can help boost performance with better airflow. A lightweight profile can also help increase power to weight ratio.Himalayan Raid RenderHimalayan 450 Raid launch in 2027It is believed that Himalayan 450 Raid will be launched in 2026. However, recent reports indicate that the launch has been delayed by a few months. As a result, there’s a high probability that Himalayan 450 Raid will be launched in early 2027.With the updated equipment and features, Himalayan 450 Raid will be priced higher in comparison to the standard model. The existing model is available in the price range of Rs 2.85 lakh to Rs 2.98 lakh. Himalayan 450 Raid could be offered at a price of around Rs 3.5 lakh. This will closely match the pricing of next-gen KTM 390 Adventure.Source More

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      in Motor News

      2025 VW Golf GTI Will Have More Tech, New Looks, Sadly No Manual

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      VW revealed a camouflaged version of the updated Golf GTI hatchback.We spotted different headlights and taillights, plus a larger screen inside.We expect this to arrive in the U.S. for the 2025 model year. Sadly, there will be no manual transmission offered, as VW confirmed 2024 would be the last year for the three-pedal GTI.An updated version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is coming soon, as indicated by this camouflaged prototype revealed as part of CES 2024. Several changes are coming to the hot hatchback for the 2025 model year, including revised headlights and taillights and a significantly larger touchscreen infotainment system inside that offers updated software that uses a ChatGPT-powered voice assistant.One change we’re not so pleased about is the discontinuation of the six-speed manual transmission. VW already confirmed that the 2024 Golf GTI 380 special edition would commemorate the last year of production for the stick-shift versions of the Golf GTI and Golf R. That means the 2025 GTI will likely only offer the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four; perhaps VW will offer a bit more horsepower than the current GTI’s 241-hp output to soften the blow a bit.While the eye-catching camouflage on this prototype obscures the new front and rear-end designs, we think the updated GTI will look a bit more modern than before. That carries on inside, as it features a significantly larger touchscreen; it looks like the 15.0-inch screen found in the new ID.7, which would offer many more pixels than the current GTI’s optional 10.0-inch screen. We also spotted new steering-wheel controls that do away with the frustrating touch-capacitive sliders in favor of real buttons, which is a nice upgrade.We’re expecting similar changes to come to the more powerful Golf R hot hatchback as well. These two variants are the only Golf models sold in the U.S. since VW dropped the standard Golf hatchbacks from its North American lineup when the Mk 8 model first arrived here for the 2022 model year. Look for more information to come on the 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R models within the next few months.More on the GolfDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

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      Royal Enfield Classic 650 Spotted? Or Is This Bullet 650?

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      Royal Enfield Classic 650Whether this is Royal Enfield Bullet 650 or Classic 650, it will get the same 648cc parallel-twin motor from other 650cc bikes in the company’s portfolioRoyal Enfield currently has around 15 motorcycles pending in the pipeline. These include 350cc motorcycles, 450cc motorcycles and 650cc motorcycles. Out of these, there are test mule sightings for around four motorcycles. These are Classic 350 Bobber, 450cc 390 Duke rival, Shotgun 650 and more recently, Classic 650.Royal Enfield Classic 650 spotted – Spy shots surfaceA recent report covers a new 650cc test mule. Looking at it, we can’t help but wonder whether this is the Bullet 650 that we all crave. Bullet brand recently got a slight re-design as seen with new Bullet 350. This new 650cc motorcycle is either a Classic 650 or is very well the real deal, which is a Bullet 650.We say Royal Enfield Bullet 650 is the real deal because it is an absolute timeless legend. This motorcycle has stood the test of time and still has a huge draw in Indian audience. The word Bullet is legitimately more popular than its maker Royal Enfield in India. Such is its popularity. Making a 650cc version of this design seems to be a strategic move.This motorcycle bears uncanny semblance with Bullet 350 and bears an overall similar silhouette. Making the bump to 650cc class, Royal Enfield seems to be giving it slightly upmarket elements. A retro headlight cap seen with Classic 350 and split seat design and wire-spoke wheels are notable elements.Royal Enfield Classic 650 profileAs opposed to Super Meteor 650, there are less premium bits on this test mule. For example, front suspension is RSU telescopic units like Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 and not USD telescopic units such as Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650. The latter’s blacked-out engine bay and exhaust are absent with the recently seen test mule as well.Is this Classic 650 or Bullet 650?There is a very high probability of this being a Classic 650 as well. For starters, Classic 350 is the highest-selling 350cc motorcycle in India and is slowly becoming a default for retro classic motorcycles. Bringing this vibe into 650cc portfolio will establish familiarity and might become the go-to motorcycle for existing Classic 350 owners while upgrading.Semblance with Classic 350 design is evident too. Both Classic and Bullet lines used to get a 500cc engine and is not on sale anymore. This test mule will be the logical replacement for those.Royal Enfield Classic 650 SpottedThe next highest-selling middle-weight motorcycle?If it bears either Classic 650 or Bullet 650 name, yeah. We can see this motorcycle quickly climbing up the sales charts to surpass Super Meteor 650 and even the OG 650cc Twins Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The retro charm this motorcycle radiates, is unshakable and will probably invoke more nostalgia than Interceptor 650.Regardless, this motorcycle will feature the same 648cc parallel-twin engine that generates 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque. A 6-speed gearbox, RSU telescopic front forks, twin shock absorbers at the rear, wire-spoke wheels, chrome ORVMs, chrome exhaust are notable highlights.Source More

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      Honda Vithalapur Plant Drives Expansion with 3rd Assembly Line

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      Honda two wheeler’s 3rd Assembly Line at its Gujarat plantHonda Vithalapur Plant’s 3rd Assembly Line Boosts EfficiencyHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) propels its growth trajectory with the inauguration of the innovative 3rd Assembly Line at the Vithalapur plant in Gujarat. This state-of-the-art facility signifies a colossal leap forward. And augments annual production capacity by an impressive 6.5 lakh units.At the core of this expansion are key models such as the ever-popular Activa and Dio, alongside their 125cc variants. This strategic move at the Gujarat plant holds particular significance. Especially in the global engine production arena. This comes about through dedicated focus on the 250cc and above engine category to meet global market needs.Honda Empowers Female Workforce in Gujarat’s Manufacturing LandscapeHonda is unwaveringly committed to the development and empowerment of its female workforce. This proactive approach aligns with the company’s vision for accelerated and robust growth within the two-wheeler manufacturing sector. While also setting an exemplary standard for the industry.Sustainability takes centre stage at the Vithalapur facility. A remarkable 75 percent of the electrical power utilized is sourced from renewables, underscoring Honda’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices. The facility actively engages in rainwater harvesting. And contributes to zero liquid discharge and zero waste to landfill, solidifying its commitment to eco-conscious operations.Wheels of Change: Honda’s Visionary Road to Carbon Neutrality by 2030 in GujaratBeyond operational excellence, Honda integrates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives seamlessly. These initiatives span healthcare, education, road safety, and gender equality, reflecting the company’s holistic commitment to societal welfare and empowerment.Looking towards the future, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India sets a visionary goal. Achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, with a specific focus on the Gujarat plant. This commitment resonates with the global call for sustainable practices and dovetails harmoniously with manufacturing excellence. In the process, cementing the plant’s role in this transformative journey.Scooter Revolution: Powers the Scooterisation Movement from the frontThe 3rd Assembly Line at the Vithalapur plant is not merely an expansion in capacity. It marks a significant stride towards a sustainable and efficient future. Honda’s dedication to innovation and environmental consciousness positions it at the vanguard of the two-wheeler manufacturing industry.With this accelerated expansion and steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, HMSI solidifies its position as a global leader. Alongside it underscores the transformative impact of the Vithalapur facility in shaping the future of the automotive industry. The significance of this expansion extends beyond quantitative measures. And etches a qualitative shift towards a greener, more inclusive, and technologically advanced future. More

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      QJ Motor Slashed Price By Up To Rs. 40K – SRC 250, SRC 500, SRV 300

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      QJ Motor slashed priceWith QJ Motor slashed price, SRC 250 is cheaper by Rs. 30,000 along with SRC 500 and SRV 300 both shedding up to Rs. 40,000 from the original price tagPrice revision for low-selling motorcycles seems to be a mantra that many 2W manufacturers are employing in India. We recently saw Honda use this strategy twice with CB300F and CB300R. Now, Chinese 2W Juggernaut, QJ Motor, is employing a similar strategy. The company slashed prices of select motorcycles under SRC and SRV lineup.QJ Motor Slashed Price By Up To Rs. 40KFor starters, QJ SRC 250 used to cost Rs. 2.1 lakh, SRC 500 Rs. 2.69 lakh and SRV 300 Rs. 3.49 lakh (all prices ex-sh). This is a welcome strategy as QJ Motors is a new brand for Indian market with less recall among enthusiasts, unlike QJ’s subsidiary Benelli. The price revision accounts for up to Rs. 40,000 (ex-sh).QJ Motors SRC 250SRC 250Where product positioning is concerned, SRC 250 is a retro classic motorcycle packing a twin-cylinder engine. Yes, a twin-cylinder engine. Up until now, it was priced at Rs. 2.1 lakh, which was already a steal. The new pricing is even more attractive at Rs. 1.79 lakh (ex-sh). Which is down by Rs. 31,000 (ex-sh).For around Rs. 1.8 lakh, one can’t even buy a Royal Enfield Classic 350’s base variant that only has a single-cylinder engine. SRC 250 has twice the number of engine components as that of a single-cylinder engine. This engine makes 17 bhp and 17 Nm, which are less than that of any Royal Enfield. Colours include Silver, Black and Red.QJ Motors SRC 500SRC 500Unlike SRC 250 which was a twinner, SRC 500 is a single-cylinder motorcycle that rivals the likes of Harley-Davidson X440, Royal Enfield Classic 350 and others. This 480cc single-cylinder engine packs 25.15 bhp and 36 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual. This is purely an air-cooled engine too, unlike SRC 250 which had active air cooling with a large radiator.Where pricing is concerned, SRC 500 used to cost between Rs. 2.69 lakh and Rs. 2.79 lakh, depending upon colours opted. Now, QJ Motors has reduced prices to Rs. 2.39 lakh (ex-sh), which is down by Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 40,000 when compared to earlier prices. There doesn’t seem to be price disparity between colours anymore.QJ Motors SRV 300SRV 300This is QJ’s only V-Twin motorcycle on sale in India and is vastly similar to Keeway Benda V302C, which falls under QJ umbrella as well. SRV 300 used to cost between Rs. 3.49 lakh and Rs. 3.59 lakh (ex-sh), depending on colours. Just like SRC 500, there is no price difference with colours anymore.The new price is Rs. 3.19 lakh, which is Rs. 40,000 less than the pricier colour option of MY2023. Funny enough, Keeway Benda V302C, which is vastly the same bike, costs around 4.3 lakh (ex-sh). Extra cost for a belt-drive, negligible design changes and a slightly larger fuel tank don’t make any sense.QJ Motor SRV 300 is powered by a 296cc V-Twin motor that generates 29.88 bhp and 26 Nm, mated to a 6-speed transmission and chain drive. The weight is only 164 kg, which is commendable and SRV 300 is now the most affordable V-twin engine-equipped bike in India. Rs. 1,000 cheaper than Keeway K-Light 250V. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Punch EV Features Detailed – Which Variants Get What?

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      Tata Punch EVAs of now, Tata Motors has not revealed expected features list of Smart+ trim among new Punch EV features detailedTata Passenger Electric Mobility is expected to launch a new superstar in the form of Punch EV (sold as Punch.ev). The company’s current darling for sales charts is Tiago EV, which is India’s most affordable 5-door EV. Punch EV, however, has all the qualities to be TPEM’s new best-seller. Let’s check variant-wise features.New Punch EV Features DetailedBookings for Punch EV have commenced and a glitch in Tata’s system has revealed price quotations to booked customers too. So, Punch EV cost is likely to be well under Rs. 17 lakh (ex-sh), while price for Nexon EV’s top-spec variants go till Rs. 20 lakh (ex-sh). The company has only revealed a few key features with trim levels ahead of launch.Speaking of, Tata Punch EV will be sold in 5 trim levels – Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+. These trims will further spawn variants with LR (Long Range) and regular along with a sunroof and 7.2 kW charger being popular variable attributes. It is to be noted that Smart and Smart+ trims are not bundled with LR models.Buyers choosing Punch EV LR model get Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+ trim levels to choose from. While regular Punch EV buyers get all five trims, or Personna, as Tata calls them. Smart and Smart+ only get Pristine White shade. From Adventure onwards, Seaweed DT, Daytona Grey DT and Fearless Red DT are added.New Punch EV features detailedEmpowered and Empowered+ get an additional Empowered Oxide DT shade. Base Smart trim gets LED headlights, DRLs, multi-mode regen, ESC and 6 airbags. Upgrading to Adventure trim adds cruise control, LED fog lights with cornering function, a 7-inch touchscreen by Harman, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and an optional sunroof.Adventure LR model gets additional features like an electronic parking brake and jeweled control knob. We wish Tata had given alloy wheels with Adventure trim, but that isn’t the case.What is offered with top-spec variantsSpeaking of alloy wheels, Empowered trim offers it. These are 16 inches in size and get a diamond-cut finish. Other than that, Empowered also get a built-in air purifier, auto folding ORVM, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen by Harman, SOS function and an optional sunroof.Kudos to Tata Motors for offering a sunroof as an option even with top-spec Empowered+ trim. We would encourage more automakers to follow a similar approach. Lastly, we have Empowered+ trim that adds leatherette seats, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, ventilated front seats ( a Godsend), Arcade.ev app suite, wireless phone charger and a larger 10.2-inch instrument screen.Tata has not yet revealed the features list of Smart+ trim. The launch could happen by the end of this month. Although, a definite date is not yet announced. More

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      Hyundai To Invest Rs 6,180 Cr In Tamil Nadu – EV Battery And Car Manufacturing

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      Hyundai India at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024Hyundai commitment towards a sustainability and a green future sees the company earmark an additional Rs 6,180 crores investment in Tamil NaduTamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 held on January 7 and 8, at Chennai Trade Centre has wooed investors from various segments and from across the globe. It was at this meet that Hyundai Motors, a leading automaker in India, has announced investment to the tune of Rs 6,180 crores in Tamil Nadu and an MoU to this effect was also signed between Hyundai Motor India and Guidance Tamil Nadu.Hyundai Signs MoU of Rs 6,180 Crore Investment in Tamil NaduThe MoU was signed between Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited and Mr. V Arun Roy, IAS., Secretary to Government, Industries Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. Thiru M K Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, and Dr. T R B Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce were present at the signing.Hyundai India signs an MoU to establish a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub,’ at IIT – Madras with an investment of Rs. 180 croreAlong with this investment and signing of MoU, Hyundai also signed another MoU with IIT Madras to set up a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub’. The auto maker also showcased its fuel cell electric vehicles at the NEXO and ADAS Experience Zone at the show.Out of this investment of Rs 6,180 crores in Tamil Nadu, Hyundai Motors has set apart Rs 180 crores towards a Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub along with IIT Madras. This is in addition to Rs 20,000 crore investment which will be spread over 10 years in the development of electric vehicles, setting up of charging infrastructure and generating employment and developing skill in the region.Hyundai has been specially concentrating on investments in Tamil Nadu over the past 27 years. With this new investment, the company continues to show their support towards the state, both in terms of socio economic development and self-reliance. Hyundai continues to pay special attention to project the state of Tamil Nadu in terms of the hydrogen technology ecosystem in its aim towards achieving a milestone of becoming a $1 trillion economy.Hyundai Showcase Fuel Cell Electric VehiclesHyundai Motor and Kia are set to incorporate advanced PEM technology into next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars. Apart from passenger vehicles, the company is also actively expanding its fuel cell business to include commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications, power generation, etc.Hyundai recently showcased its Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) NEXO and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Engagement Zone at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. NEXO is the company’s initiative towards a cleaner and greener environment with hydrogen fuel cell engine generating electricity. It combines oxygen with compressed hydrogen to emit only water. Visitors to the show were also shown Hyundai SmartSense (Level 2 ADAS) technology which has been integrated and demonstrated using an immersed experience with Gaming. More