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      in Motor News

      The Millionth Toyota Tacoma Is Heading to Auction

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      Since it first arrived on U.S. shores in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has remained one of the most popular small trucks on offer. Designed to better fit the tastes of North American buyers than the Toyota Pickup that it replaced, the Taco has managed to capture a truly dedicated fan base over the years. The truck is so well loved that on October 4, 2019, the one-millionth Toyota Tacoma rolled off the assembly line in San Antonio, Texas. Thanks to a little help from Mecum Auctions, one lucky truck fan will have the chance to take this historically significant pickup home with them. The millionth Tacoma is slated to cross the auction block during Mecum’s Monterey 2021 event, which takes place between August 12 and 14. Carrying Lot #R285, this Army Green TRD Pro model will come with a letter from Toyota verifying its production number. That should help to solidify its value, as will the fact that this thing is nearly factory fresh.

      Only 158 miles have been put on the truck’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately for the purists, however, that engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission in this case. Regardless of the gearbox, this TRD Pro model does come equipped with a ton of off-road-ready hardware. The TRD Pro package includes TRD-tuned Fox internal bypass shocks, 16-inch TRD alloy wheels, underbody skid plates, a more aggressive front facia, and a set of Rigid Industries LED fog lights. That all should help to ensure this Toyota Tacoma is ready for some off-pavement action, although this particular example will likely never find its way onto the trails. If you are a Toyota truck enthusiast, this is your opportunity to own a piece of the automaker’s American history. Expect to have to pay up for that opportunity, as we wouldn’t be surprised to see Toyota want in on the action. Mecum appears to believe the interest in this truck will be quite strong as well, as it has been given star status for the Monterey auction. Whether or not that makes this a six-figure Tacoma will have to be seen.

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      in Electric Cars

      Audi E-Tron Electric SUV Booking Opens In India At Rs 5 Lakh

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      Audi eTron
      Upon its arrival in India, Audi e-Tron will compete against other luxury electric SUVs such as Mercedes Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace
      After a long and arduous wait, Audi will launch its fully electric SUV e-Tron in India on July 22, 2021. Bookings for the upcoming EV have officially opened from today, at a token amount of Rs 5 lakh.
      Two differed body styles
      e-Tron is Audi’s first brand of fully electric cars and the company will be launching three variants of the car in the country which will incorporate two body styles. It will be available in 50, 55 and 55 Sportback variants with the first two being SUVs and the last one being a Coupe-style SUV.
      Audi was expected to launch e-Tron much earlier but plans got deferred mainly due to outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. Like most modern EVs, Aufi will utilise a skateboard architecture. All variants will be equipped with two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, one at each axle thus offering Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. e-Tron will be brought to India as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU).
      Exterior Design
      Speaking of its design, e-Tron flaunts a massive octagonal single-frame grille with vertical struts upfront. It is flanked by Matrix LED headlights on both sides featuring four horizontal struts that form e-tron-specific signatures in LED DRLs.
      Audi eTron
      At rear, the SUV sports wraparound LED taillights connected to each other across the tailgate by a strip of LED light. In addition, the slats in the large diffuser is an attraction since it does not get an exhaust tailpipe.
      Other exterior highlights include glossy black claddings, diamond-cut alloy wheels and e-Tron logo on brake calipers and charging flap which truly stand out in its orange colour. The only difference between SUV and Sportback style is that the latter gets a coupe-like sloping roofline as opposed to a conventional roofline in the former.
      Specs
      In terms of specs, e-Tron 50 forms the entry-level variant with slightly lower specs whereas e-Tron 55 and e-Tron 55 Sportback share the same specifications slightly higher than the base variant. e-Tron 50 features a 71kWh battery pack which is paired to a dual-motor setup and cranks out 308 bhp and 540 Nm of peak torque. e-Tron 55 gets a larger 95kWh battery pack powering the same dual motor setup.
      This powertrain pumps out 355 bhp and 561 Nm of peak torque. These figures could be boosted up to 403 bhp and 664 Nm for a short instance. The base variant is offered with a claimed single-charge range of 341 km and a top-speed capped at 190kmph. The top-spec variant is offered with a range of up to 441km on a single charge and a top speed limited to 200kmph. Prices of e-Tron SUV is likely to start around Rs 1.0 crore and go up to Rs 1.30 crore for the top-spec 55 Sportback. More

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      in Bike

      Suzuki Sales, Exports Breakup May 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder, Hayabusa

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      Image – Throttle98Suzuki Burgman and Gixxer were the most exported two wheelers from the company for May 2021
      Two wheeler sales in general for May 21 crashed. The ongoing pandemic, lockdowns announced across various states, closure of plants and dealerships and the fear factor among buyers along with low disposable incomes have led to this grim situation.
      However, there is a silver lining as lockdowns have been lifted in many states, the ongoing vaccine drive which boosts confidence of buyers and there are predictions of favourable monsoons, all of which could account for increased two wheeler sales in the months ahead. The only cause of concern remains the possibility of a third wave which could once again throw plans off track.
      Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has released their sales report for May 2021. It may be seen from the attached table that MoM sales dipped both in domestic and global markets. Total sales (domestic and exports) in May 21 stood at 19,201 units as against 77,839 units sold in April 21.
      Suzuki Domestic Sales
      Taking into account domestic sales, which stood at 12,513 units in May 21, down 80.41 percent over 63,879 units sold in April 21, it may be seen that the Suzuki Access commanded followed by the Burgman. Of the Access, the company sold 9,706 units in the past month, down 81.78 percent over 53,285 units sold in April 21. The Access scooter commands a 77.57 percent share in the company lineup.
      Suzuki Sales May 2021
      At No. 2 was the Burgman with 2,745 units sold last month down 66.34 percent over 8,154 units sold in April 21. The Burgman maxi scooter is not as much a success locally as it is for export market. In India, the company is working on Suzuki Burgman electric scooter that will come in to rival the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450X.
      MoM de-growth was also seen in the case of Suzuki Gixxer, Intruder, V-Strom sales in May 21. Gixxer and Gixxer 250 sales dipped 99.43 percent and 84.96 percent respectively while the V-Strom sales were down 100 percent MoM from 21 units sold in April 21 to 0 units in the past month. Newly launched Hayabusa registered sales of 11 units in May 2021.
      Suzuki Exports May 21
      The company has reported MoM de-growth across every model for May 21. The Gixxer motorcycle and Burgman scooter were the two most exported model in the company lineup at 3,524 units and 2,060 units respectively as against 6,142 units and 6,602 units exported in April 21. Other bikes in the list include Hayate (480 units), Intruder (40 units) and Access (12 units) while there was not a single unit of the Lets exported in the past month.
      Suzuki Exports May 2021
      Even as Suzuki plans to ramp up exports too developed markets such as Japan and New Zealand, the company is also keep to increase shipments to other global markets which have recovered from the pandemic. Suzuki currently focuses on markets of Latin America, Japan, South East Asia and neighbouring countries of Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Kia Seltos Based Electric SUV Spied Testing For The First Time

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      Kia Seltos Based Electric SUV
      Kia hasn’t yet revealed its plans for battery-powered vehicles in India
      While Kia has a long list of models in its global portfolio, the utility vehicles are the ones on which we should be focussed since the Korean carmaker had earlier confirmed that it will concentrate only on UVs- SUVs, crossovers and MPVs for the Indian market. The brand has chalked out a plan for future battery-powered vehicles, most of which belong to the UV segment.
      The company currently has only one electric UV in its international lineup in the form of the flagship EV6 while another entry-level electric SUV named Niro EV has already been revealed. Kia is reportedly planning to bridge this gap by introducing its third electric SUV slotted in between them.
      More Details
      This upcoming SUV is likely to be based on Seltos and test mules of the electric crossover have already been spotted somewhere in South Korea. This upcoming electric car is expected to wear the nameplate of either EV4 or EV5 (most probably the former). It will measure about 4.3 metre in length which is similar to Seltos thus placing it in the compact C-segment category for the Indian market.
      There are no confirmed details regarding the specs of the upcoming electric SUV as of now but we can expect it to be offered with options of single- and dual-motor configurations along with multiple battery sizes and power outputs up to 239kW.
      Kia Seltos Based Electric SUV
      The EV shown in the spy shots is seen wearing heavily wrapped camouflage with an upright stance, a sporty rear bash plate and a rising window line. The real-world images are in line with a shadowy teaser released earlier this year, depicting a small electric SUV with compact dimensions and a boxy silhouette.
      Future Kia electric models
      Kia has promised to launch as many as eleven new EVs by 2027 and this could be one of them. Out of these eleven, seven models will be based on E-GMP architecture while out of these seven models four of them will be SUVs or people carriers. Further details on the upcoming electric SUV are expected to surface online in the coming few months.
      Reports also speculate that the upcoming EV4 (or EV5) might even launch before Niro EV in 2022 as the latter’s launch has been pushed to 2023 according to local Korean publications.
      The South Korean brand will also launch a couple of hybrid models in 2022. The upcoming EV spotted in these images is very unlikely to launch in India in the near future. If Kia were to introduce an EV in the near future in India it will most likely be in the subcompact segment which would serve as an entry-level vehicle. Niro EV thus fits the picture better for the Indian market.
      IMAGE SOURCE More

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      in Bike

      Hero Electric Scooters Photon And NYX Get Price Cut Of Up To Rs 28k

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      Hero Electric Photon Scooter Price CutHero Electric has slashed prices of all its high-speed electric scooter models thanks to the revised policies under FAME II guidelines
      Hero Electric is the latest EV brand to slash its prices post implementation of the revised FAME II policy by the Government of India. The revised policies were introduced recently which offered a 50 percent subsidy on electric two-wheelers with incentives now capped at 40 percent of the cost of vehicles instead of 20 percent as per the earlier norms.
      The company has introduced a price cut across its e-scooter lineup in the range of 12 to 33 percent with maximum benefits offered to Nyx electric scooter. Other models to have availed the new benefits include Photon HX and Optima. Price cuts are in the range of Rs 8,491 and Rs 27,979.
      Updated Prices
      Post the latest revision of prices, Photon HX is now offered at a price of Rs. 71,449 as opposed to the previous price of Rs 79,940. NYX E5 (single battery) scooter is now available at Rs 61,000 in comparison to Rs 68,640 offered earlier.
      Similarly, Nyx ER (double battery) and Nyx HX (triple battery) are now priced at Rs 62,954 and Rs 85,136 respectively. Both models were previously available at Rs 83,940 and Rs 1,13,115 respectively.
      Hero Electric Scooters
      The company’s entry-level e-scooter model- Optima HX (single battery) is now offered at a price of Rs 53,600 in comparison to Rs 61,640 priced earlier. The more powerful ER (double battery) variant is now offered at Rs 58,980 as opposed to Rs 78,640 with a price cut of 33 percent. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. The revised prices are applicable with immediate effect.
      Nyx HX, Photon HX specs
      The flagship model of the range- Nyx HX is the most powerful e-scooter by Hero Electric and is powered by lithium-ion battery packs which are claimed to deliver a range between 82km and 210km on a single charge. The e-scooter has been specifically developed for last-mile and B2B purposes with a claimed top speed of 42kmph.
      The second most premium model in the lineup is Photon HX with a top speed of 45kmph and a single-charge range of 108kmph. Since both these e-scooters, along with the Optima range, qualify as high-speed EVs and hence, they are eligible for the latest benefits under FAME II policy and also require registration.
      Other than these, Hero Electric also offers six low-speed electric scooters in the form of optima LX (VRLA), Optima LX, Nyx LX, Flash LX, Flash LX (VRLA) and Atria LX, all offering a claimed top speed of 25kmph. More EV brands are expected to announce the reduced prices soon with implementation of the revised FAME II policies. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Motors To Launch 10 New EVs By 2025 – Electric Altroz And HBX Planned

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      Image for reference
      Green plates will be much easier to spot on the streets in the coming years
      As the automotive industry begins its transition to an all-electric ecosystem, carmakers are working proactively to utilize available opportunities in the best possible manner. Tata Motors is one such company that has outlined an aggressive strategy to strengthen its presence in EV space. The company enjoys the first-mover advantage in EV segment and already has the top selling Nexon EV in its portfolio. That’s a solid base to further build its electric portfolio.
      10 EVs by 2025
      While many automakers are still focused on fossil fuel cars, Tata Motors has decided to lead the charge in EV space. In its 76th annual report, the company’s chairman N Chandrasekaran has stated that 10 new BEV vehicles will be included in the Group’s portfolio by 2025.
      Tata Motors will also be working on developing charging infrastructure across the country. This will help promote greater acceptability of EVs among customers. Another area of focus is sourcing battery packs. For this, the company has started searching for the right partners in India and Europe.
      In FY2021, more than 4k units of Nexon EV were sold. That’s around 2% of the company’s overall sales. The company believes that share of EVs in its portfolio will increase exponentially in the coming years. The company has plans to launch Altroz EV, HBX EV, etc.
      Tata Altroz Electric at Auto Expo 2020
      Tata Motors will also be focusing on future disruptions in the EV space such as autonomous, connected and shared mobility. For that, an automotive software and engineering vertical could be set up within the company.
      JLR to become fully electric by 2036
      Internationally, the shift to electric will be led by Jaguar Land Rover. JLR has plans to achieve a fully electric portfolio by 2036. Jaguar will achieve that target much earlier by 2025. In case of JLR, 60% of the company’s sales are expected to come from BEVs by 2030. Tata Group will be working to develop sustainable business models that will help achieve these ambitious EV goals.
      Tata Motors believes that the company could emerge as one of the world leaders in sustainable mobility. It has a global presence across 150 countries. It employs more than 750,000 people and has a customer base in excess of 650 million. The company has the resources and intelligence to become a leader in EV space.
      Pointing out to immediate challenges, Chandrasekaran said that some delays could be expected due to on-going Covid-19 pandemic. Global shortage of semiconductors could also hold back production. However, the company is hopeful that things will become much better by next year and beyond. More

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      in Motor News

      Tesla Recalls 285,000 Cars in China over Cruise-Control Problem

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      Tesla will recall 285,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China over a problem with cruise-control operation.The recall involves mainly around 211,000 Model 3 sedans built in Tesla’s Shanghai facility plus more than 35,000 imported Model 3s. Some 39,000 Model Y crossovers, also built in China, are included in the recall as well.Tesla owners will receive a free software update to correct the issue, which appears to be limited to China at the moment.On Saturday, Tesla initiated a recall of more than 285,000 cars in China over safety concerns about the Model 3 and Model Y cruise control system. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said that in certain models the cruise control can be mistakenly switched on when drivers attempt to change gears or if they brush the gear selector by accident, which has the potential of causing the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly. The recall consists of 249,855 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built at Tesla’s Shanghai factory, as well as 35,665 Model 3s that were imported. Tesla issued a statement on its official account on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media site, apologizing for “any inconvenience this may cause to our car owners” and promising to “strictly follow national regulations and keep improving our safety protection.” Chinese Tesla owners affected by the recall will receive a free software update, which they can either have installed over the air or in person. Tesla has faced other challenges in China in recent months. Five different Chinese regulatory agencies have raised doubts over the quality of Model 3s constructed in the Shanghai factory, and April brought negative press after a protestor mounted the roof of a Tesla at the automaker’s booth at the Shanghai Auto Expo, accusing the company of installing defective brakes.

      Some of these factors likely contributed to Tesla’s dismal April sales in the country, with only 11,671 cars sold in China, a huge decline from 35,478 units in March. Although sales rebounded in May to 21,936 vehicles, this is still substantially down versus March. EV sales in general in China are through the roof, up 177 percent over last year (versus a 1 percent increase for passenger cars as a whole), and domestic Chinese EV makers including Nio and Xpeng are seemingly gaining ground on Tesla, with the American company losing 4 percent of its EV market share in April. The recall does not appear to affect Tesla in the United States at the moment, even though 35,665 of the affected Model 3s were imported to China, although it is not clear where they were built. We will update this story if the recall expands to U.S.-market Teslas.

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      in Motor News

      Get Ready to See 2021 Ford Broncos on the Road

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      2021 Ford Bronco reservation holders have started receiving their new off-road SUVs after production began this month. The Bronco is available in two- and four-door models with either a hard or soft top and removable doors and roofs. Pricing starts at $29,995 for the two-door Bronco and $34,695 for the four-door model. Those placing future orders will likely have to wait until next year to take delivery. Ford started building the 2021 Bronco earlier this month, and those who reserved them have finally started taking delivery according to posts on the Bronco6g forum. These orders are for the more than 190,000 reservations, and those who want to place future orders will likely have to wait until next year. We recently drove the new off-road SUV, and you can read our review here.

      Bronco6g.com

      These photos from the forum show a four-door hardtop Badlands model finished in Race Red equipped with the optional off-road-focused Sasquatch package that adds 35-inch all-terrain rubber. A four-door Badlands model starts at $46,085. It was delivered to a customer near Traverse City, Michigan, who shared the order tracker—similar to a Domino’s Pizza order—for this particular Bronco. Other new owners posted a four-door Black Diamond model with the Sasquatch package and a First Edition model to the forum.

      Bronco6g.com

      Bronco6g.com

      Six trim levels are available on the new Bronco, including base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and Badlands. The two-door configuration comes only with a hardtop, while the four-door model is available with a soft top or a hardtop. You can take the doors and roof off just like a Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator. A 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, though a seven-speed manual is available. The available 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 can only be equipped with the automatic.

      We’re excited to start seeing new Broncos on the road, and we’ll run the SUV through our instrumented testing when we get our hands on one. The two-door Bronco starts at at $29,995 and the four-door model starts at $34,695.
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