Internal-combustion-engine vehicles could account for just 23% of global sales by 2035, down from 77% in 2023, according to Parth Jindal, who said JSW MG Motor India is preparing for the shift through a flexible platform capable of supporting multiple new-energy powertrains.
Speaking at the presentation of the Hector Tomahawk launch, Jindal said new-energy vehicles could account for more than 75% of global sales by 2035. The transition, however, would not be driven by a single technology.
“The world is moving towards new energy, but there is no single route to get there,” he said.
What Is JSW MG's ADAPT Platform?
JSW MG describes ADAPT as India’s first multi-new-energy-vehicle platform. The architecture can support battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, range-extended electric vehicles and hybrids, allowing the company to deploy different powertrains as customer preferences and market conditions evolve.
Global EV Adoption vs India's EV Penetration Rate
According to figures cited by Jindal, the share of new-energy vehicles in global sales increased from 16% to 24% over the past two years. Battery-electric vehicles increased their share from 11% to 16%, while plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles grew from 5% to 8%.
India is also seeing faster EV adoption. Jindal said penetration had risen from 4% last year to more than 8% in the latest month. The government has set a target of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030, partly to reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil.
JSW MG's Trailblazers, Pragmatists and Traditionalists Strategy
JSW MG believes Indian customers will move away from conventional engines at different speeds. The company has identified three broad consumer groups: early adopters, whom it calls “trailblazers”; practical buyers, described as “pragmatists”; and “traditionalists”, who remain more comfortable with established technologies.
“One solution cannot address the needs of every Indian customer,” Jindal said.
JSW-SAIC Joint Venture and MG's New-Energy Sales Growth
The ADAPT architecture forms part of the new-energy strategy outlined when JSW Group and SAIC Motor formed their joint venture two years ago. The companies had set out to build a leading new-energy vehicle business and bring global technologies to Indian customers at affordable prices.
Jindal said new-energy vehicles now account for more than 75% of JSW MG’s sales. The Windsor has led its expansion in the electric vehicle market, while the MG Select channel has taken the company into the premium EV segment with the M9 and Cyberster.
MG Hector Tomahawk: First SUV on the ADAPT Platform
Having presented the ADAPT architecture last month, JSW MG is now moving to its first product based on the platform.
The new model extends the Hector nameplate, which helped MG establish its presence in India. Jindal said the Hector entered the market as India’s first internet SUV and introduced advanced driver-assistance technology and one of the largest infotainment screens in its segment.
Why Is It Called 'Tomahawk'? MG's Aviation-Inspired Naming
Before revealing the Tomahawk name, Jindal linked the model to MG’s British legacy and its use of names inspired by aviation. He said the inspiration came from an aircraft associated with toughness, long range, space and performance.
(With inputs from Mugdha Mishra and Ketan Thakkar)