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    Aston Martin DBX 707 Set to Race F1 Medics to Accident Scenes

    The Aston Martin DBX 707 is the official medical car of the 2023 Formula 1 season.The 707-hp SUV is fitted with myriad emergency gear as well as FIA-approved racing seats and harnesses. The ’23 F1 World Championship season starts this weekend on Sunday, March 5, where the medic-equipped DBX 707 will debut too.Not a single Formula 1 driver wants to get into an accident this upcoming 2023 season. However, when crashes inevitably happen, medical responders will be raced to the scene in a 707-hp SUV—the Aston Martin DBX 707, to be exact.The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) today announced that it has named the DBX 707 as the official medical car of the ’23 F1 season, which will kick off with the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend on Sunday, March 5.This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.What it takes to be the Official Medical Car of Formula 1 | Aston Martin DBX707Watch onYouTube IconYouTube IconPainted Aston Martin Racing Green and fitted with emergency lights on top, the medic version of the DBX 707 features myriad safety gear and other equipment needed to respond to an accident. As one expects, that list includes fire extinguishers and a defibrillator, but its passengers can also hear race control communications and access biometric data from the drivers. This helps medical responders assess the accident before they arrive. To ensure that the emergency personnel get to racetrack crash sites as quickly and as safely as possible, Aston’s high-powered SUV is driven by a professional driver. All passengers are also strapped in place by a set of FIA-approved racing seats with six-point harnesses.Photog Max EareyDuring the past two F1 seasons, the FIA has used the regular 542-hp DBX as the official medical car. However, it’s much less powerful than the 707 variant, which is also enhanced with track-ready hardware such as carbon-ceramic brakes and a nine-speed automatic transmission with a wet-clutch pack. In our testing, the DBX 707 hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and ripped through the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds and 119 mph. Not too shabby for a 5128-pound SUV. And in the hands of a pro hotshoe, the official FIA version will make sure that when F1 drivers are in danger they get the medical attention they need ASAP.Extra DBX 707 ReadingThis content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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    USPS Orders 9250 Ford E-Transit Vans In Push Toward EVs

    The Postal Service announced it has ordered 9250 Ford E-Transit vans.The order is part of an electrification initiative announced in December.The USPS is also having 14,000 charging stations installed at post offices and related facilities.The renewal of the Postal Service’s extensive fleet of mail trucks has been mired in controversy. Today’s familiar mail trucks, Grumman LLVs, are old, rickety, (and on occasion combustible), gas-guzzlers. The process of soliciting designs and bids for a new-generation delivery vehicle has been long and drawn out, dating back to 2015. The eventual winner, Oshkosh’s New Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV), has been criticized not for its dorky looks but because the gas-powered NGDV is nearly as fuel-thirsty as the old Grummans. The EPA requested that the Postal Service reconsider, but the USPS basically told the EPA to pound sand.Related StoriesPerhaps in a move to blunt some of that criticism, the Postal Service also back in December announced it would be putting some 66,000 EVs into its fleet. We now have the first specifics of that EV effort, with the word coming that the Ford E-Transit van will be suiting up for mail duty. The E-Transit features a 266-hp electric motor, rear-wheel drive, and a 126-mile range. The Postal Service has ordered 9250 of the Fords and points out that they’re built in Kansas City, Missouri. They’re scheduled to be deployed in December.In order to recharge those vans, the USPS has also ordered 14,000 charging stations to be located at its various facilities, with the equipment coming from three unnamed suppliers. None of this means the Postal Service is turning its back on gas-powered vehicles, however. In fact, the USPS also announced it was purchasing a similar number (9250) of gas-engine vehicles, this time from Stellantis. Those vehicles were not identified, but it’s a fair bet that they’re Ram ProMaster vans. Or, maybe, they’re Hellcat-powered Chargers and Challengers—that might not please the EPA, but it could really speed up mail delivery.Deputy Editor, Reviews and FeaturesJoe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days, and he got his first subscription to Car and Driver at age 11. Joe started his career at Automobile Magazine under David E. Davis Jr., and his work has also appeared on websites including Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar. More

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    Kia Shows Off EV9 Silhouette in New Teaser

    Kia released two teaser images and two videos of the upcoming EV9 SUV.The images leave plenty to the imagination and don’t give away much more than a glimpse of the front lighting scheme and a darkened silhouette. Despite being quite brief, the videos show off much more of the SUV and give a look at a playful animation of the headlights waking up, as well as a rear shot of the taillights. Like every other automaker, Kia is preparing for a future filled with electric vehicles. Next up in Kia’s battery-powered lineup is the EV9 electric SUV, and the manufacturer has just released two new teaser images and two new teaser videos ahead of the model’s debut later this month. play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playMore on the Kia EV9The images leave a lot to the imagination, but confirm what previous spy shots lead us to believe. One video displays what looks to be a playful startup sequence from the headlights, with the numerous pixelated lights coming to life before the taller LEDs on the outside edge of the fascia light up. The other video shows door handles flattened against the body of the car, likely to aid in aero to boost EV range. KiaKia confirmed it will reveal more of the interior and exterior of the car in the coming weeks, with final production info for the car coming out by the end of the month. Kia claims 300 miles of driving range for the EV9 and says the SUV will also be able to charge on 350-kilowatt fast-charging stations. We don’t quite know yet what size battery pack(s) will be offered, but the EV9 will utilize the brand’s E-GMP platform, which also underpins the current EV6. play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playA survey sent to current Telluride owners appears to hold some clues as to the EV9 specs. It suggested that pricing for the base version might start around $56,000, with higher trims coming in closer to $75,000. It also suggested range for the EV9 will be between 220 and 290 miles, while powertrain output will go from 200 horses in the base model to 400 ponies in the top trim. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    1993 VW Corrado SLC Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    This 1993 Volkswagen Corrado SLC has amassed only 47,000 miles over its 30-year life.When it was new, the spunky VW coupe produced 178 horsepower from the 2.8-liter narrow-angle VR6. The seller notes a plethora of presale work done to the car, which is up for auction until Monday, March 6. Car and DriverThe Volkswagen Corrado SLC is a car that simply exudes character. The sharp angles and somewhat unconventional sillhouette lend to its presence on the road. In Car and Driver’s 1993 road test, Frank Markus asked readers to “Think BMW hatchback. Think reliable Alfa GTV6. Don’t think buzzy overpriced VW with boost lag.”Sure, it’s six years older than I am, and compared to modern standards it’s not winning any stoplight drag races—we managed 60 mph in 6.4 seconds back when the Corrado SLC was new. But viewing any 30-year-old car through that lens is a recipe for sadness. Get those rose-tinted glasses on and let the waves of nostalgia wash over you. The naturally aspirated 2.8-liter V-6 develops 178 horsepower at 5800 rpm, and it hums and pops as it spurs you through back road after back road. The engine in this particular SLC is equipped with a Neuspeed P-Flo intake, and according to the seller, the oil was changed and the spark plugs and ignition wires were replaced in December 2022.Bring a TrailerSLC stands for “Sports Luxury Coupe,” and comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a vehicle carrying such an important name. The automatic rear spoiler activates when crossing a speed threshold, see? Sporty. Remember automatic seat belts? The SLC has those. That’s luxury settled. How many doors can you count? I see the correct amount for a coupe. Plus, with only 47,000 miles logged, this SLC is in great shape. The interior in particular has aged with a grace not always found on a car this old. The five-spoke 15-inch Speedline wheels are mounted with new 205/50 Yokohama Advan Fleva tires. Like most 30-year-olds, the SLC has garnered a few visual blemishes over its life. Evidence of paintwork is visible on the passenger-side panels, the sunroof doesn’t work, and there is a crack in the left-side fog light. Those blemishes help to tell the story of a car that was first registered in Michigan and later spent time in Colorado, Arizona, Florida, and California before it was acquired by the selling dealer in Washington. Bring a TrailerWe loved the Corrado so much in 1993 that we invited it, along with four other hot coupes, on a head-to-head comparison test. A high price and abrupt oversteer kept the SLC from winning outright, but the torquey VR6 engine and playful steering feel left a feeling of appreciation towards Wolfsburg that had been missing previously. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    Honda 2W Sales Feb 2023 Declines 21% – New Motorcycle Launch Soon

    Honda is getting ready to launch a new 100cc motorcycle this month – Likely to help boost sales significantlyImage – Being TechnozzHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) figures for February 2023 are lackluster. Sales fell both on YoY and MoM basis to a total of 247,175 units. This was a 20.93 percent YoY de-growth over 3,12,621 units sold in Feb 2022 and  2,96,363 units sold in Jan 2023.Honda 2W Sales Feb 2023Honda 2W sales in Feb 2023 dipped both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Of the total 2,47,175 units sold in Feb 2023, domestic sales accounted for 2,27,064 units, a 20.52 percent YoY de-growth from 2,85,677 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 58,613 units and a 91.86 percent share.Honda 2W Sales Feb 2023Exports also fell YoY by 25.36 percent from 26,944 units shipped in Feb 2022 to 20,111 units in the past month. Volume de-growth was at 6,833 units with an 8.14 percent share.MoM sales on the other hand saw total sales in the red, down 16.60 percent from 2,96,363 units sold in Jan 2023. This was a volume de-growth of 49,188 units. Domestic sales dipped 18.36 percent from 2,78,143 units sold in Jan 2023 while exports ended on a more positive note, up 10.38 percent when compared to 18,220 units shipped in Jan 2023.Honda is now getting ready to launch a new 100cc motorcycle, teaser of the same has already been released. It will be a direct rival to Hero Splendor, the No 1 selling motorcycle in the world. Likely to be called Honda Shine 100, launch will take place on 15th March. This new motorcycle could help boost HMSI sales to a great extent, and has the potential to make Honda as the No 1 two wheeler brand in India.HMSI RDE Compliant ModelsHonda has expanded its Premium Motorcycle Business Network with new BigWing outlets in three new locations at Kannur (Kerala), Raghunath Ganj (West Bengal) and Patna (Bihar). The company has also undertaken several safety initiatives in view of the 10th anniversary of its Traffic Training Park in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The two wheeler maker also celebrated the 4th anniversary of Children’s Road Safety and Traffic Park in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and 2nd anniversary of Safety Driving Education Centre (SDEC) in Guwahati.The company launched its new Activa with Smart Key in January 2023, its first OBD2-compliant two wheeler in India. HMSI also gears up to update all its other models to comply with these new and stringent emission norms that will be made mandatory by 1st April 2023. The new Activa with Smart Key is priced at Rs 80,000 and is being offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Smart variants. Honda Smart Key, trademarked as H-Smart, is similar to what one sees on cars. It enables features like Smart Find, Smart Unlock and Smart Start. It also gets Mapped Smart ECU, which connects the ECU and Smart Key as an added security device.Honda Activa Smart draws its power via a 109.51 cc motor offering 7.85 hp power and 8.84 Nm torque, mated to an automatic transmission. Suspension and braking is via telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable spring loaded hydraulic at the rear along with 130 mm drum brakes at the front and rear. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Sales Feb 2023 – Splendor, Passion, Destini, Maestro

    Hero MotoCorp sales increased both in terms of YoY and MoM and across domestic sales and exports in February 2023New Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp has reported a YoY growth of 10.11 percent in February 2023. Sales (domestic + exports) stood at 3,94,460 units in the past month, up from 3,58,254 units sold in Feb 2022. Even as the company reported a 15.34 percent growth in domestic sales to 3,82,317 units in Feb 2023 from 3,31,462 units sold in Feb 2022, exports dipped significantly. The company’s exports which had stood at 26,792 units in Feb 2022 fell 54.68 percent to 12,143 units in the past month.Hero Motorcycle sales increased 9.87 percent in Feb 2023 to 3,71,854 units from 3,38,454 units sold in Feb 2022 while Scooter sales which had stood at 19,800 units in Feb 2022 improved by 14.17 percent to 22,606 units in the past month. Top selling motorcycles from Hero MotoCorp include Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, Xpulse, Xtreme, etc. In the scooter department, Hero has Maestro, Destini as well as the new Xoom and Vida electric scooter.Hero MotoCorp Sales Feb 2023On a MoM basis, Hero MotoCorp sales improved by 10.59 percent from 3,56,690 units sold in Jan 2023. Domestic sales were higher by 9.41 percent from 3,49,437 units, while exports surged 67.42 percent from 7,252 units shipped in Feb 2023. MoM sales improved in the case of motorcycles by 11.54 percent but dipped 1.93 percent for scooters.Motorcycle sales in Jan 2023 had stood at 3,33,638 units relating to a 38,216 unit volume growth and 93.54 percent share. Scooter sales on the other hand had been at 23,052 units in Jan 2023 relating to a 446 unit MoM volume de-growth.Hero MotoCorp Sales Feb 2023Hero MotoCorp YTD SalesOn a year to date basis, Hero MotoCorp sales improved by 7.01 percent. Total sales (domestic + exports) which had stood at 44,93,996 units in FY 2022 improved to 48,09,204 units in FY 2023 period. There was growth seen in the case of domestic sales by 10.06 percent to 46,53,063 units in FY 2023 from 42,27,762 units sold in FY 2022.Exports on the other hand dipped 41.35 percent to 1,56,141 units in FY 2023 from 2,66,234 units shipped in FY 2022. This was a 1,10,093 unit volume de-growth with exports commanding a 3.25 percent share as against domestic share of 96.75 percent.YTD growth was seen both in the case of motorcycles and scooters by 6.45 percent and 15.07 percent to 44,73,260 units and 3,35,944 units respectively. There had been 42,02,044 units sold in domestic markets in FY 2022 relating to a volume growth of 2,71,216 units and 93.01 percent share. Exports stood at 2,91,925 units in FY 2022 with a 43,992 unit volume growth and share percentage of 6.99.New Hero Scooters Increase SalesThe new Xoom 110cc scooter has played a major part in sales in the past month. The Xoom that rivals the Honda Dio in its segment is presented in three variants and is available from Rs 68,599 onwards.Hero MotoCorp has commenced sales of its electric scooter under Vida brand in cities of Delhi, Bengaluru and Jaipur. Plans are afoot to introduce the e-scooter in other cities as well in the next fiscal. Hero MotoCorp VIDA V1 electric scooter is offered in two variants Pro and Plus. More

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    2023 Chetak Premium Edition Launch Price Rs 1.52 L – 3 Colours

    Bajaj Auto Ltd Progresses Key Initiatives for 2W EV Business with 2023 Chetak Premium Edition Launch2023 Chetak Premium EditionBajaj Auto Ltd is making strides in the electric vehicle (EV) business. Reliant on several key initiatives aimed at scaling and improving quality. One of the latest developments is the launch of 2023 Chetak Premium Edition in three new colours – Matte Coarse Grey, Matte Caribbean Blue, and Satin Black. Base variant of Chetak is priced from Rs 1.22 lakh. All prices are ex-sh, Bangalore.2023 Chetak Premium Edition boasts an all-metal body, with premium materials used for detailing. The large new all-colour LCD display console provides vehicle information. Dual-toned seat, body-coloured rear view mirrors, grab rail and pillion footrest castings are in satin black finish. Adding to the e-scooter’s sleek appearance. Headlamp casing, blinkers, and central trims are in charcoal black finish for added sophistication.Improved Cost Efficiency and Availability – Scaled upto 10k Chetak e-scooters per monthBajaj Auto Ltd is also focused on cost efficiency to improve customer accessibility. And has undertaken supply chain restructuring and development programmes with key vendors. Bajaj Auto Ltd is now able to produce 10,000+ units of Chetak per month, while keeping final product costs in check. It’s inevitable that Chetak’s per month sales volume is now set to peak.Bookings for 2023 Chetak Premium Edition are open, with deliveries scheduled for April 2023 onward. Chetak dealership network spans 60+ cities. Planned dealership network expansion is at about 100 stores in 85 cities by March 2023 end. Additionally, there are 40+ stores that serve as exclusive Experience Centres, while Chetak dealerships also double up as exclusive service centres.2023 Chetak Premium EditionPartnership with Yulu for Last-Mile Urban MobilityBajaj Auto Ltd is also making strides in the last-mile micro-mobility sector. A partnership with Yulu resulted in 2 products – Miracle GR and DeX GR. Designed and manufactured by Bajaj Auto Ltd, they are the newest e-scooters in last-mile urban mobility.Overall, the robust work done on the EV supply chain has been crucial in enabling Bajaj Auto to scale up. This helped meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. And initiate manufacturing for Yulu. With a strengthened supply chain and drive efficiencies, Bajaj can continue to innovate and grow. And all along, pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.Bajaj Auto Ltd is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the EV industryOverall, the electric vehicle (EV) industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. This has resulted in numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the EV supply chain. Including raw material sourcing and component manufacturing, to vehicle assembly and distribution.2023 Chetak Premium EditionAs a result of this robust work, Bajaj has now commenced its EV business scale-up phase. This progress, along with a secure outlook for the industry, has enabled 2W EV companies to expand their networks and ensure availability of products across different segments and price pointsFurthermore, the significant efficiencies achieved in the EV supply chain enables manufacturers to streamline their processes and reduce costs. Which means more competitive pricing for consumers. This positions Bajaj Auto Ltd well to harness the opportunity unfolding for EVs and continue to drive growth in the coming years. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2023 – Classic, Hunter, Meteor, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield domestic sales increased by 23.59 percent YoY while exports improved by 1.18 percent in Feb 2023New Royal Enfield 650cc Black EditionRoyal Enfield sales in February 2023 improved both in terms of domestic sales and exports. The company which sells models such as the Hunter, Bullet, Classic and Meteor in the sub 350 cc segment as well as Himalayan, Scram 411, Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 and Super Meteor 650 saw total sales (domestic + exports) at 71,544 units in Feb 2023. This was a 20.93 percent YoY growth over 59,160 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales dipped by 4.28 percent from 74,746 units sold in Jan 2023.Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has contributed heavily to these sales. Launched in August 2022, sales have hit the 1 lakh unit sales milestone in 6 months making it the 2nd best-selling bike in the company portfolio after Classic 350. The company has also added some features and new colour options to the 650 Twins. 2023 Royal Enfield Continental GT and Interceptor are expected to launch soon.Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2023Of the total 71,544 units sold in the past month, domestic sales stood at 64,436 units, up 23.59 percent YoY when compared to 52,135 units sold in Feb 2022. On a MoM basis, domestic sales fell by 4.82 percent when compared to 67,702 units sold in Jan 2023.Exports on the other hand, improved by 1.18 percent to 7,108 units in Feb 2023 from 7,025 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM exports also grew marginally by 0.91 percent from 7,044 units shipped in Jan 2023.Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2023Majority sales came in from the company bikes in the sub 350cc segment. Sales stood at 64,810 units in Feb 2023, up 30.97 percent YoY from 49,484 units sold in Feb 2022 commanding a 90.59 percent share. MoM sales dipped 4.95 percent from 68,183 units sold in Jan 2023 relating to a 3,373 unit volume de-growth while share had stood at 91.22 percent.Bikes of more than 350cc configuration suffered a YoY de-growth of 30.41 percent to 6,734 units in the past month from 9,676 units sold in Feb 2022. It was however a MoM growth of 2.61 percent from 6,563 units sold in Jan 2023. The RE Himalayan 450 has been spied undergoing test in Ladakh. It is expected to make its debut at the EICMA Show later this year with launch set for some time in November 2023.RE Year-to-Date Sales and ExportsOn a year to date (YTD) basis, Royal Enfield has seen outstanding growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Total sales in the April-Feb 2023 period stood at 7,62,660 units, up 42.66 percent from 5,34,591 units sold in the same period of 2022. This was a volume growth of 2,28,069 units.Domestic sales improved by 45.85 percent to 6,74,956 units in FY2023 from 4,62,759 units sold in FY 2022. Exports also increased by 22.10 percent to 87,704 units in FY2023 from 71,832 units sold in the same period last year. Bikes in the sub 350cc segment contributed 6,73,582 units to total sales, up 49.50 percent when compared to 4,50,569 units sold in FY 2022 with an 88.32 percent share. The larger capacity bikes saw sales of 89,078 units in FY 2023. This was a 6.02 percent growth from 84,022 units sold in FY 2022 relating to a 5,056 unit volume growth and an 11.68 percent share. More