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      in Electric Cars

      Vinfast India Plant To Open By June 2025

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      VF 7 from VinfastLeading Vietnamese electric car manufacturer, Vinfast, has been eyeing Indian car market for some time. The company is building its dedicated facility at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, India. This facility will start operations by June 2025, as revealed by CEO Pham Nhat Vuong. Let’s take a closer look.
      Vinfast Accelerates India Operations
      As part of its latest strategies, Vinfast is shifting focus away from North American market and its associated uncertainties. Till the dust settles down in North America by the ongoing trade war, Vinfast is spearheading into major Asian markets like Indonesia and Philippines. In that regard, Vinfast is set to open its plant in India by June 2025 and in Indonesia by October 2025.
      Owing to high logistics fees, Vinfast is deterring its advances in markets like USA, Canada and the European Union. The company is currently investing around USD 4 billion (Rs 34,233 Cr) in their manufacturing facility in North Carolina, USA. However, the advancements in US market have been delayed by up to three years to 2028.
      The company is waiting for the right time and right signals to continue onwards with North Carolina plant. In the meantime, operations in India, Indonesia and Philippines have been sharpened and the company hopes to open its Thoothukudi plant by July 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony took place in February 2024.
      VF 6 from Vinfast
      This is a USD 2 billion (Rs 17,112 Cr) project and the company has pledged USD 500 million (Rs 4,277 Cr) for the first five years of this project. This facility is touted to have an annual production capacity of 1,50,000 cars. The plant in Indonesia is said to go operational in October 2025 and it will have an annual production capacity of 2,00,000 units.
      What to expect?
      For Indian market, Vinfast will commence its operations by launching premium vehicles like VF 6 and VF 7. There will be more electric vehicles from Vinfast in India down the line. Vinfast VF e34 has been spied multiple times and smaller vehicles like VF 3 have been trademarked in India as well.
      Recently, two Vinfast VF 7 electric vehicles were spied on in Pune city without any camouflage. These were spotted on the back of flatbed pickup trucks, which could indicate that they’re heading towards ARAI facility for homologation procedures. Launch of VF 6 and VF 7 is likely to happen soon.
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      in Bike

      Hero Launched New Bikes, Scooters In Sri Lanka With 500 Touchpoints

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      Hero Hunk 160R 4V Launched In Sri LankaWorld’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, has been India’s largest 2W manufacturer for a long time. The company also has a robust international business across multiple continents. Expanding its presence in South Asia, Hero has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka with the launch of new bikes and scooters.
      Hero Launched New Bikes
      Bolstering its presence in Sri Lanka and expanding its portfolio in the island nation, Hero MotoCorp has just launched multiple new motorcycles and scooters. These include Xoom 110 scooter along with Hunk 160R 4V, Xtreme 125R and HF Deluxe motorcycles, expanding its lineup in the country.
      Hero Xoom 110cc Scooter
      Hero MotoCorp has been operating in Sri Lanka since 2012. The company has a long-standing strategic partnership with Abans Auto, among the major distributors in Sri Lanka. Hero is strengthening its presence with the launch of newer and competent products that is aimed to boost the company’s appeal in the country.
      The company has improved its sales and service network with its distributor partner, Abans Auto. Hero MotoCorp will be operating around 500 touchpoints across Sri Lanka by May 2025. This will ensure significantly improved accessibility for a wider reach for sales. Also, the service quotient will be more accessible for buyers too.
      New Hero Xtreme 125R Launch
      New Products
      Hero MotoCorp has priced Xoom 110 scooter from LKR 6,99,900 (Rs 1.98 lakh), HF Deluxe from LKR 5,77,900 (Rs 1.64 lakh), Hunk 160R 4V from LKR 9,09,900 (Rs 2.57 lakh) and Xtreme 125R is priced at LKR 7,76,900 (Rs 2.2 lakh). Both Xoom 110 scooter and HF Deluxe commuter motorcycle are available immediately in Sri Lanka.
      That is not the case with Hunk 160R 4V and Xtreme 125R as the pre-bookings for these two street bikes are not open yet. Pre-Bookings are slated to open soon. It has to be noted that Hunk 160R 4V launched in Sri Lanka is a rabadged Xtreme 160R 4V on sale in India with USD forks and other equipment.
      Hero HF Deluxe Launched
      Statement from Hero MotoCorp
      Speaking on the development, Mr. Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice President, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Sri Lanka has held a position of strategic importance in our global plans. Our partnership with Abans Auto has not only established Hero as a trusted brand, but also helped us build deep-rooted confidence in the market.
      Our new line-up of cutting-edge motorcycles and feature-rich scooters bring together performance, style, and technology, delivering a world-class riding and ownership experience. With the launch of these new products and a robust sales and service ecosystem, we are confident of rapidly growing our presence and deepening our engagement with customers in Sri Lanka.” More

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      2025 Yezdi Adventure Launch On 15th May – New Design, Colours

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      Yezdi Adventure (Current model for reference)Last year, Yezdi Adventure received extensive mechanical updates including a recently reworked Alpha2 engine and switchable ABS modes
      In the fast-growing adventure-tourer segment, the Yezdi Adventure has emerged as one of the popular options. The bike is preferred for its robust performance, well-rounded features and accessible price point. To make it even better, Yezdi will introduce some more updates to the bike to be launched on May 15th, 2025.
      2025 Yezdi Adventure Launch – What to expect?
      Since the bike has already received significant performance-oriented updates last year, the focus this time around could be on visual enhancements. Some new colour options could be introduced. The bike can also benefit from sporty graphics, as seen with rival offerings. As of now, graphics and stickering are largely missing. Some may prefer this minimalist approach, but a significant percentage of users would also want a livelier profile for their bike.
      Existing Yezdi Adventure has ‘Est. 69’ lettering on the tank brace and Yezdi logo on the fuel tank. Side panels get the ‘adventure’ badging. In comparison, rivals like Hero Xpulse 210, KTM 250 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 have a more dynamic look and feel. A lot more vibrant and captivating colours and graphics have been used. Colour options for Yezdi Adventure don’t seem to align with the bike’s proven capabilities in performance.
      As of now, there are two Matte (Tornado Black, Magnite Maroon) and two Gloss (Wolf Grey, Glacier White) colour options available with Yezdi Adventure. None of these seem to match the intensity and perkiness of shades available with rival adventure bikes. Yezdi Adventure can probably deliver better results if some exciting, fun colourways are introduced.
      2024 Yezdi Adventure In Action
      Performance, specs
      Mechanicals will remain largely unchanged since the bike was already updated extensively in 2024. Power is derived from a 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that generates 29.60 PS and 29.80 Nm of torque. It is mated to a constant mesh, 6-speed gearbox.
      The bike utilizes a double cradle frame with 41 mm telescopic front forks and rear mono shock absorber with linkage and 7-step adjustable preload. Front and rear have 21-inch and 17-inch wheels, wrapped in 90/90 and 130/80 tyres, respectively. Both ends have disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.
      Pricing
      As affordable pricing is one of the key USPs, updated Yezdi Adventure may continue with the existing prices. Or, the prices could be increased only slightly. Prices vary based on the colour selected. The Tornado Black and Magnite Maroon are available at Rs 2.10 lakh and Rs 2.13 lakh, respectively. Gloss colours, Wolf Grey and Glacier White are offered at a starting price of Rs 2.16 lakh and Rs 2.20 lakh, respectively.
      2024 Yezdi Adventure
      In comparison, Hero Xpulse 210 starts at Rs 1.86 lakh. KTM 250 Adventure is available at a starting price of Rs 2.60 lakh. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has plentiful colour choices, with prices of these variants in the range of Rs 2.85 lakh to Rs 2.98 lakh. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Two New Electric Cars Spied In India – Changan E07, Deepal S07

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      Two New Electric Cars Spied In India – Changan E07 and Deepal S07India’s electric car industry has been on the rise with more OEMs trying their luck today, than ever before. There are multiple new OEMs entering this lucrative segment. Recently, two new electric cars were spied in Murshidabad in West Bengal on the back of a transit truck. Are these SUVs here for a potential launch in India or something else? Let’s take a closer look.
      Two New Electric Cars Spied In India
      Automotive enthusiast Touhidur Rahaman spotted two new electric cars in Murshidabad in West Bengal recently. These electric cars were strapped on top of a transit truck and were being transported to someplace. Close inspection reveals that these electric vehicles are from the major Chinese automotive brand Changan Automobile.
      Two New Electric Cars Spied In India – Changan E07
      One of the notable state-owned car manufacturers, Changan Automobile, operates in many major markets. It has spawned multiple sub-brands like Changan UNI, Changan NEVO, Changan LCV, Deepal and Avatr. The units spotted in India can be identified as Changan NEVO E07 and Deepal S07.
      It has to be noted that Changan or any of its brands do not currently operate in India. Changan had set up office in India and had launch intentions too. Hence the sighting of these vehicles in India is rather interesting. There is a good probability that Changan is not testing these electric cars for a potential launch in India, which has emerged as a major automotive market in the world.
      Two New Electric Cars Spied In India – Deepal S07
      However, Changan does operate in Nepal, which is a landlocked nation surrounded by the mighty Himalayan mountain range. There is a good probability that Changan supplies automobiles to Nepal by road through West Bengal and Bihar states in India.
      Changan E07 and Deepal S07
      Of the two new electric cars spied in India, Changan NEVO E07 is by far the most interesting. It is a crossover between an SUV and a pickup truck and it offers a concealed flat bed at the back. In profile, it looks like an elongated coupe SUV and it has an electrically retractable trunk cover. It reminds us of Audi Activesphere Concept which was never launched.
      Deepal S07
      Load bearing capacity is around 300kg, which is decent for a vehicle that is not a hardcore pickup truck. Changan E07 is offered in both EREV and BEV powertrain options. In EREV version, we can see a 1.5L engine that acts as a range extender mated to a 39.05 kWh battery pack. BEV version has up to 90 kWh battery with 701 km range and up to 590 bhp and 3.69s 0-100 km/h sprint.
      Changan E07
      Deepal S07, on the other hand, is a more conventional SUV that is capable of advanced ADAS features powered by Huawei. It is also offered in EREV and BEV versions. Deepal S07 EREV has a similar powertrain as Changan NEVO E07 and BEV version has up to 80 kWh battery that is rated at up to 628 km. Both these models are not likely to launch in India. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Lexus ES Debuts – Pure EV, Hybrid Powertrains, 685 km Range

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      New Lexus ES DebutsLexus, the luxury counterpart of Toyota, has just unveiled its new ES executive sedan at the ongoing 2025 Shanghai Motor Show. There is a major departure in its design language as it looks much sharper. For the first time, Lexus is offering ES in both Hybrid and pure electric powertrain options. Let’s take a closer look.
      New Lexus ES Debuts
      First thing anyone would notice on the new Lexus ES is its missing “spindle grill” which used to be a signature design element from Lexus. We can see that Toyota’s BZ3 sedan has had some influence on new ES’ design. Some might draw relevance to LF-ZC concept too. For the first time, Lexus is being offered in Hybrid and EV formats and both feature slightly unique fascia.
      2025 Lexus ES Electric
      Lexus ES electric gets a closed-off grill, while the Hybrid model gets a small air intake. LED headlights are found lower in the bumper while the LED DRLs are on top, reminding us of Nike’s logo. Charging port is in the front left quarter panel and wheel sizes go till 21-inches. Door handles are motorised and there are striking cuts and creases that look rather nice.
      2025 Lexus ES Hybrid
      Rear gets connected LED tail lights for the first time with LEXUS lettering. The cuts on rear bumper also flow into the boot, which is a nice touch. New Lexus ES has grown larger in dimensions, measuring 5,140 mm in length, 1,920 mm in length, 1,555 – 1,560 mm in height (Hybrid and Electric) and has a 2,950 mm long wheelbase.
      2025 Lexus ES
      Specs & Features
      This is a 165 mm increase in length, 55 mm in width, up to 115 mm in height and 80 mm in wheelbase. This increase in dimensions reflects its effect on the inside which promises more space with a 1st Class experience for both front and rear occupants. Especially for the rear seat occupants where owners are likely to spend all their time.
      2025 Lexus ES Interiors
      New Lexus ES gets an all-new interior with dual tone theme Brown and Black theme. Dashboard is all new and is dominated by a 14-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment screen. There’s a 12.3-inch instrument cluster too. Mark Levinson music system, panoramic glass roof with electrochromic function, rear seats with ottoman, and improved noise reduction are some of the notable elements of new ES.
      2025 Lexus ES Interiors
      Hybrid model is offered in two versions – 300h and 350h. New Lexus ES 300h gets a 2.0L (197 bhp) and a 2.5L (201 bhp) naturally aspirated Petrol Hybrid powertrain options. 350h, on the other hand, gets only the larger 2.5L Hybrid engine option, but with a 247 bhp tune. Both versions are mated to an eCVT and an optional AWD system.
      2025 Lexus Electric Powertrain
      Battery capacity for new Lexus ES Electric is not known yet. It will be offered in 350e and 550e versions. 350e packs 224 bhp FWD config offering up to 685 km range and 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.9s, while 550e packs 343 bhp AWD config with up to 610 km range and 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9s. Both versions may get the same 77 kWh battery from Lexus RZ.
      2025 Lexus ES More

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      Oben Protect 8/80 Battery Protection Plan Launch Price Rs 10k

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      Oben Protect 8/80 Battery Protection PlanOne of India’s leading electric motorcycle manufacturers, Oben Electric, has just launched a new battery protection plan. Called Protect 8/80, it is touted to be the most affordable battery protection plan offered in India. This is aimed at raising the bar in consumer trust and product assurance within India’s electric motorcycle segment.
      Oben Protect 8/80
      At a price tag of Rs 9,999, Oben Protect 8/80 battery protection plan emerges as the most affordable plan of its kind in India. As part of its customer-first innovation, Oben Electric will start offering Protect 8/80 battery protection plan from 1st of May 2025. The company is making the Protect 8/80 plan accessible to both new and existing users.
      Oben Battery Protection Plan
      Under this battery protection plan, Oben Electric is offering an extended battery warranty till 8 years or 80,000 km, whichever is early. In the commuter electric motorcycle segment, Oben’s innovative Protect 8/80 plan is the first of its kind. This way, Oben aims to stand out from the competition and offer unique value propositions to buyers.
      Protect 8/80 for Oben Rorr EZ offers complete coverage for battery performance covering all battery-related concerns. These include repairs and replacements, ensuring customers have peace of mind for years to come. Oben is also promising that the performance (top speed and acceleration) will stay consistent across the warranty period.
      Oben Rorr EZ
      These assurances address some of the concerns EV users have regarding long-term viability and consistency in performance and operations. Plans like Protect 8/80 will also help when buyers want to sell their electric motorcycle for some reason. Both the 3.4 kWh and 4.4 kWh variants of Oben Rorr EZ and both existing and new customers are eligible to purchase Protect 8/80 battery protection plan.
      Oben Rorr EZ continues to be a popular electric commuter motorcycle with an IDC range of 175 km on a single charge. It can accelerate from 0-40 km/h in 3.3 seconds. Top speed is 95 km/h, which is nice. Prices for Oben Rorr EZ start from Rs 89,999 (Ex-sh). Protect 8/80 battery protection plan is available across all 36 of Oben authorised dealerships across the country.
      Oben Rorr EZ Electric Motorcycle
      Statement from Oben Electric
      Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO of Oben Electric, said, “With the Rorr EZ, we’ve redefined the commuter electric motorcycle experience. The introduction of this new battery protect plan reflects our unwavering confidence in our technology and our commitment to ensuring long-term customer satisfaction. It’s our way of ensuring riders, whether new or future owners, experience dependable performance and complete peace of mind every single day.” More

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      Tata Nexon EV 45 kWh Scores 5 Star Safety Rating – Bharat NCAP

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      Tata Nexon EV crash test – Bharat NCAP 2024Nexon EV is one of the landmark vehicles sold in India and is attributed to making EVs an attractive proposition rather than a drab solution. Nexon EV is also held in high regard where vehicular safety is concerned as it scored 5 Star ratings in Bharat NCAP testing. Now, the 5 Star crash safety rating is also extended to its 45 kWh battery variants. Let’s take a closer look.
      Tata Nexon EV 45kWh Scored 5 Star
      At the time when Indian automotive market was not all that familiar with the importance of crashworthiness, Tata Nexon broke the waters and emerged as the country’s first vehicle to score a 5 Star crash rating. Continuing the streak, the latest Nexon still has an impeccable 5 Star crash rating.
      Tata Nexon EV crash test – Bharat NCAP 2024
      Its electric counterpart, Nexon EV, has maintained its 5 Star crash safety rating too. However, these were reserved for the 30 kWh and 40.5 kWh battery pack versions. After the launch of Curvv EV, Tata Motors expanded Nexon EV portfolio to include 45 kWh version, which is now crash-tested by Bharat NCAP.
      Nexon EV 45 kWh version scored 29.86 / 32 points in adult occupant protection tests and 44.95 / 49 points in child occupant protection tests. Bharat NCAP tested Empowered+ LR variant which came equipped with 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts and seatbelt reminders for all seats, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), TPMS and 360-degree camera as standard.
      Nexon EV 45kWh Scored 5 Star
      Bharat NCAP assessment
      In the adult occupant protection tests, Tata Nexon EV 45 kWh variant scored 14.26 / 16 points in the frontal offset deformable barrier test. In side deformable barrier test, it scored 15.6 / 16 points. Where child occupant protection is concerned, this vehicle garnered 23.95 / 24 points in dynamic score, 12 / 12 points in child restraint systems installation score and 9 / 13 points in vehicle assessment score.
      In the Indian automotive market, Tata Nexon EV directly rivals Mahindra XUV400, which is set to get a major update. Nexon EV continues to be powered by a 30 kWh battery pack and 45 kWh battery pack options. The 40.5 kWh battery pack variants have been discontinued after 45 kWh battery pack was launched.

      Nexon EV Analysis In May 2024 – 30kWh and 40kWh

      With Bharat NCAP assessing the crash safety performance of 45 kWh version of Nexon EV, all of the variants are now 5 star crash rated. This aligns with Tata’s vision of offering sound and safe vehicles to the masses with good crash ratings. More

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      in Electric Cars

      MG Cyber X Electric SUV Concept Debuts – 4.3m Long (Tata Sierra EV Rival?)

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      MG Cyber X SUVMG Motor has pulled the covers off the Cyber X SUV concept at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, previewing what could become the brand’s second product under its futuristic Cyber series after the Cyberster EV roadster. Designed with a youthful audience in mind, the Cyber X stands out with its bold, boxy proportions, pop-up headlights, and a distinct matte-black paint job – a strong nod to retro-futurism in electric mobility.
      Built for the Bold
      Measuring around 4.3 meters in length, the Cyber X positions itself as a compact electric SUV, similar in size to the Land Rover Defender 90. But unlike traditional off-roaders, the Cyber X is envisioned more as a “city adventure toy”, prioritizing urban appeal and digital-first experiences over hardcore off-roading.
      MG Cyber X SUV
      Built on a fully electric platform developed by MG’s parent company SAIC Motor, the Cyber X showcases a cell-to-body battery layout for improved efficiency and space. While MG has not disclosed powertrain or range specs yet, this concept marks a fresh direction in their design and electrification journey.
      Jozef Kaban, SAIC’s global design chief, said the Cyber X is a statement of design diversity within the MG brand, intentionally contrasting the sleek Cyberster roadster. He added that the Cyber X is about “giving families an emotional car” and appealing to drivers who don’t want to compromise style for practicality.
      MG Cyber X SUV
      Compact But Capable
      Design highlights include a high-mounted LED light bar, a wide, expressive grille, and a floating roof effect created by smoked A- and B-pillars. The pop-up headlamps, reminiscent of classic Ferraris and ’90s icons, are a deliberate throwback to restore character in modern car design. Other elements like dual-tone alloy wheels and privacy glass enhance its urban explorer persona.
      MG Cyber X SUV
      Inside details remain under wraps, but MG confirmed collaboration with smartphone brand Oppo for cockpit and connectivity tech. The Cyber X is expected to feature a high level of digital integration, aligning with the tech-savvy ethos of the Cyber series.
      Production Plans Yet to be Confirmed
      Though still in concept stage, MG hinted that the Cyber X could transition to production quickly due to China’s fast development cycles. It would join MG’s growing global EV portfolio, which is set to include eight new models by 2026, including sedans and SUVs.
      MG Cyber X SUV
      If launched in India, the MG Cyber X could go head-to-head with the upcoming Tata Sierra EV. Both models fall in the 4.3 to 4.4 meter size range and carry a retro-futuristic design approach, making them natural rivals in the lifestyle electric SUV segment. With MG already having a strong presence in India’s EV market, the Cyber X could become a compelling offering for those seeking an EV that blends bold design, modern tech, and family practicality. More