Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

BKT Extends Big Bash League Partnership Until 2028-29 Season

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:06:54

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has extended its partnership with Cricket Australia for another three years, continuing as the naming rights partner for the Golden Cap awards in the Big Bash League (BBL) until the end of the 2028-29 season. The renewal takes the partnership beyond 10 years, making it one of the league's longest-running commercial associations.

BKT's Big Bash League Association Crosses 10 Years

BKT has been an official partner of the Big Bash League since 2018. Under the renewed agreement, the company will continue its association with the BBL's Golden Bat and Golden Arm awards while supporting fan engagement initiatives linked to the tournament.

Australian Market Focus and India Expansion Underpin Renewal

The company said the extension reflects its continued focus on the Australian market, where cricket remains one of the country's most followed sports. Australia is a strategic market for BKT, which manufactures off-highway tyres and recently announced its entry into India's two-wheeler, passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

"The extension of the partnership with the BBL has continued to evolve since 2018, bringing us to achieve significant milestones together. Australia remains a strategic market for BKT, and cricket is one of the country's most popular and passionately followed sports," said Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, BKT.

According to Cricket Australia, the partnership will continue to support the Golden Bat and Golden Arm awards across the men's and women's Big Bash competitions, as well as fan engagement initiatives such as BKT Big Bash Tipping.

India-UK FTA: DGFT Imposes Use-It-or-Lose-It Rule on Automotive Import Quotas

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:13:17

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has operationalised the automotive import provisions of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), paving the way for concessional-duty imports of up to 20,000 UK-built internal combustion engine passenger cars in the first year under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) mechanism. The notification also lays down the procedures governing quota allocation, eligibility, customs documentation and utilisation for eligible vehicle imports from the United Kingdom.

The first-year quota covers 20,000 internal combustion engine passenger cars, including 10,000 vehicles above 3,000 cc petrol or 2,500 cc diesel, 5,000 vehicles between 1,500 cc and 3,000 cc petrol (or up to 2,500 cc diesel), and 5,000 vehicles up to 1,500 cc. Separate tariff rate quota schedules have also been notified for ICE goods vehicles, while a dedicated TRQ regime for electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered passenger cars will come into effect from the sixth year of the agreement. The notification also prescribes phased annual quota schedules and corresponding concessional customs duty rates over the duration of the pact.

The framework is expected to provide a preferential import route for eligible UK-built premium and luxury vehicles while retaining quantitative limits through annual quotas rather than permitting unrestricted concessional-duty imports. Manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, MINI, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, McLaren and Lotus could be among those eligible to benefit, subject to meeting the origin and eligibility conditions prescribed under the notification.

The public notice establishes the operational framework for administering tariff rate quotas covering completely built-up (CBU) passenger cars and goods vehicles imported from the United Kingdom. It specifies eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, quota allocation methodology, customs procedures and utilisation conditions that importers must comply with to avail themselves of the concessional tariff benefits under the agreement.

Only original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), or dealers and channel partners authorised by UK vehicle manufacturers, will be eligible to apply for TRQ allocations. Applicants must furnish a pre-purchase agreement issued by the OEM specifying the quantity of vehicles proposed to be imported, while every consignment must be supported by a valid UK Certificate of Origin. The eligibility conditions effectively prevent unauthorised traders from independently accessing the concessional-duty quota. Importers have also been asked to endeavour to pass on the benefit of the concessional customs duty to the final buyer or consumer.

Where the total quantity sought by eligible applicants remains within the annual quota, applicants will receive the quantity requested. However, if applications exceed the notified limit, allocations will be made on a pro-rata basis in proportion to the quantities specified in the respective pre-purchase agreements. DGFT will electronically issue TRQ certificates and monitor cumulative utilisation, with authorisations ceasing once the annual quota has been exhausted.

The notification also introduces a mechanism aimed at improving utilisation of the quota. Importers that fail to utilise a significant portion of their allotted quota during a TRQ year could see such under-utilisation taken into account while determining allocations for the following year. The DGFT has also retained the flexibility to review the allocation methodology after two years based on utilisation trends, signalling that the framework may be refined to improve the effective utilisation of the concessional import quotas.

TRQ authorisations will remain valid for 12 months from the date of issue or until the end of the relevant calendar year, whichever is earlier. The notification, which takes immediate effect, completes the procedural framework required to operationalise the automotive market access commitments under the India-UK CETA, enabling eligible UK-built vehicles to be imported into India under concessional tariff quotas, subject to the prescribed conditions.

Xiaomi EV Expands Line-up With SkyNomad Large-Space SUV Series

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:31:10

Xiaomi EV has unveiled the SkyNomad, its second vehicle series, expanding its electric vehicle portfolio beyond the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV. The new model range is positioned as an intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV and is designed around flexible interior usage rather than outright performance.

According to the company, the SkyNomad series has been developed to cater to buyers who use a single vehicle for multiple purposes, including daily commuting, family travel and working from the vehicle. Xiaomi says the cabin has been designed to function as an adaptable living space, with the interior capable of switching between passenger, cargo, workspace and lounge configurations.

The SUV is underpinned by Xiaomi's newly developed Kunlun Architecture, which enables a flat-floor layout and a long-track seating system intended to maximise interior flexibility. The platform also integrates the company's artificial intelligence capabilities, connected device ecosystem and smart manufacturing technologies to support the vehicle's adaptive interior functions.

Xiaomi said the concept behind the SkyNomad project emerged in early 2023 as changing consumer usage patterns increasingly prioritised cabin versatility over traditional measures such as seating capacity or interior comfort. The company noted that vehicles are increasingly being used as mobile workspaces, family activity areas and temporary living spaces in addition to transportation.

The SkyNomad series is aimed at professionals and families looking for a single vehicle capable of fulfilling multiple roles throughout the day. Xiaomi said the product has undergone three-and-a-half years of development and will initially be launched in mainland China. Pricing, technical specifications and launch timelines have not yet been disclosed.

"Our answer was to let intelligence define the space, to build a living interior that moves with you," said Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Xiaomi, in a Weibo post describing the development of the SkyNomad.

Ferrari Reveals Energy Management System for Hypersail Ocean Racing Yacht

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:51:31

Ferrari has unveiled the energy management concept for its Hypersail project, outlining the technology that will power what it describes as the world's first fully foiling monohull designed for offshore racing with complete energy autonomy.

The 100-foot yacht has been developed with a fully electric onboard energy architecture that eliminates reliance on conventional combustion-powered systems. Instead, it combines solar and wind energy harvesting with power generated by the crew to operate sailing systems and flight-control functions during long-distance ocean racing.

According to Ferrari, the energy management system was developed by the Hypersail technical team in Maranello with a focus on integrating multiple onboard systems while maximising efficiency. Renewable energy harvested from solar panels and wind turbines is supplemented by electricity generated by the crew through a new Winch-by-Wire system.

The Winch-by-Wire technology replaces conventional mechanical and hydraulic winch systems by converting the crew's physical effort directly into electrical energy. Rather than transmitting force mechanically, the electricity generated is distributed across the yacht to power sail adjustments and hydraulic systems. Ferrari says the technology allows crew members to maintain a more consistent operating cadence while handling loads of up to nine tonnes. The electric motors used in the system are derived from those employed in the active suspension systems of the Ferrari Purosangue and F80.

"Hypersail is the first foiling monohull for ocean racing to achieve complete energy autonomy. Thanks to an electrical system that ensures the ideal balance between efficiency and performance, alongside innovative solutions such as Winch-by-Wire, all on-board adjustments are powered entirely by energy generated while underway," said Marco Guglielmo Ribigini, Technical Team Leader of Ferrari Hypersail.

Below deck, the yacht uses an electronic control system with four voltage levels ranging from 12V to 800V. Ferrari has also developed an active Flight Controller that manages hydraulic flow for foil arms, the canting keel and control surfaces through separate operating modes for slower structural adjustments and rapid flight-control movements.

Energy is stored in twin 800V battery packs, which distribute power according to operational requirements. Renewable energy generation is supported by approximately 100 square metres of walkable solar panels integrated into the deck and topsides, while removable wind turbines mounted at the stern supplement power generation depending on sailing conditions. Ferrari said the placement of these systems was optimised to maximise energy output while limiting aerodynamic drag and additional weight.

Primus Partners Expands GCC Services with Gurugram Hub, Launches Centre for Linde-Wiemann

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:40:14

Primus Partners has expanded its Global Capability Centre (GCC) business with the launch of a new Global Capability Hub in Gurugram, marking its entry into end-to-end GCC build-and-operate services. The company has also established its first technology-focused GCC under the new model for Germany-based Tier-1 automotive supplier Linde-Wiemann.

The Gurugram-based centre will support Linde-Wiemann's global operations across enterprise resource planning (ERP), technology, business intelligence, finance, and sales and supply chain functions. According to the company, the centre is expected to expand over time into engineering, design, digital and other specialised capabilities.

The announcement comes as Haryana seeks to attract a larger share of India's GCC investments following the introduction of its Global Capability Centres Policy, 2026. The state currently hosts more than 270 GCCs, including centres operated by several Fortune 200 companies.

Primus Partners said it has observed increasing interest from multinational companies evaluating Haryana, particularly Gurugram, as a location for new GCC investments. The firm added that companies are increasingly seeking partners that can support the full GCC lifecycle, including strategy, establishment, operations and long-term capability development.

"Our engagement with Linde-Wiemann is an important milestone in that journey and reflects the growing confidence global enterprises have in Haryana as a strategic destination for future-ready Global Capability Centres," said Nilaya Varma, Global CEO, Primus Partners.

The company says Gurugram's established automotive and manufacturing ecosystem, engineering talent pool, proximity to the National Capital Region, and policy support have driven growing interest from global enterprises considering the region for future GCC operations.

Ferrari Revives Manual Gear Shifting With Limited-Run 12Cilindri Manuale

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:09:47

Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-production derivative of the 12Cilindri that introduces a newly developed by-wire manual control system aimed at recreating the experience of a traditional manual gearbox while retaining the underlying eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Production will be capped at 1,499 units globally.

The model combines Ferrari's naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine with what the company calls its Manuale by-wire system. Instead of a conventional manual transmission, the setup integrates a physical gear lever and clutch-by-wire pedal with the existing dual-clutch gearbox, allowing drivers to shift manually while also offering a fully automatic driving mode.

Ferrari says the system has been engineered in-house at Maranello and is designed to replicate the tactile feel and mechanical feedback associated with traditional manual gearboxes through electronically controlled hardware. The gear selector employs dedicated kinematic mechanisms to simulate shift resistance and engagement, while the clutch pedal digitally controls the transmission's clutch pack to recreate the load characteristics of a conventional clutch.

The cabin has also been redesigned to reflect the manual driving experience. It features a new centre console with an open-gate-inspired shift pattern, a round aluminium gear knob displaying the selected gear and driving mode, and a three-pedal layout. Ferrari has also removed the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, making the gear lever and clutch the primary interface for changing gears.

Power continues to come from Ferrari's naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 830hp at 9,250rpm and 678Nm of torque at 7,250rpm. The engine revs to 9,500rpm, while claimed performance figures include a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 340kph.

Ferrari says the Manuale by-wire system has been calibrated to reproduce familiar manual driving characteristics, including heel-and-toe downshifts and the possibility of stalling the engine if the clutch is not operated correctly. Drivers can also switch between manual and automatic modes depending on driving conditions.

The 12Cilindri Manuale will be offered exclusively through Ferrari's Tailor Made personalisation programme. Along with bespoke exterior finishes and interior trims, the special edition receives unique forged wheels, laser-etched badging, a revised front splitter and rear wing detailing inspired by the Ferrari 365 GTB4, and aluminium door sills bearing the model's logo.

The production run of 1,499 cars references the 1,499cc displacement of Ferrari's first V12 engine introduced in 1947, according to the company. Ferrari will also include its standard seven-year Genuine Maintenance programme with the model, covering scheduled servicing across its global dealer network.

BAM Opens Hydrogen Pipeline Test Facility to Support Germany’s Network Expansion

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:41:51

The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has inaugurated a new living laboratory for hydrogen networks at its Test Site for Technical Safety near Baruth/Mark in Brandenburg. The facility houses the ModuH2Pipe modular test platform, designed to evaluate materials, components and operational processes for hydrogen pipeline networks under real-world operating conditions.

The facility comes as Germany advances plans to develop a hydrogen core network exceeding 9,000km by 2032, much of which will be created by repurposing existing natural gas pipelines. The national network is also expected to form part of the wider European Hydrogen Backbone, a planned cross-border hydrogen pipeline system projected to extend to around 50,000km by 2040.

The ModuH2Pipe platform enables testing of hydrogen infrastructure under varying operating scenarios, including repeated pressure cycles between 10 bar and 85 bar to simulate system start-up and shutdown. The facility can also introduce contaminants into the system to assess material ageing, potential damage mechanisms and the performance of pipeline components.

In addition to material testing, the platform will be used to validate manufacturing, welding and repair processes. BAM said non-destructive inspection techniques will also be assessed under operational conditions, with the findings supporting the development of digital diagnostic tools for service life estimation and maintenance planning.

The platform is also designed to conduct safety-related testing by exposing pipelines, valves and other components to pressures of up to 900 bar, allowing researchers to analyse failure scenarios and evaluate protective measures for hydrogen transport systems.

"The test platform is intended to become a driver of innovation for the hydrogen economy. Here, companies, grid operators and research institutions can test new materials, components, monitoring procedures, as well as maintenance and repair concepts under real-world conditions," said Dr Kai Holtappels, spokesperson for the H2Safety@BAM Hydrogen Competence Centre.

The project received EUR 3.8 million in funding from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) under the federal government's economic stimulus and crisis management programme.

Valeo Appoints Jean-Luc Terrasse As CEO Of Light Division

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:58:05

Valeo has appointed Jean-Luc Terrasse as Chief Executive Officer of its Light Division and Group Executive Vice President, effective July 1, 2026. In his new role, Terrasse will report directly to CEO Christophe Périllat and become a member of the company's Executive Committee.

Terrasse succeeds Maurizio Martinelli, who is retiring after 26 years with the company. Valeo said the leadership transition comes as its Light Division continues to play a central role in the company's ELEVATE 2028 strategic plan, with a focus on profitable growth and lighting technologies for future mobility.

Terrasse brings more than 30 years of international industrial experience, having held senior leadership positions across Europe and South America. During his career at Valeo, which began in 1989, he has worked across multiple business units including Engine Management Systems, Body Electronics and Special Lighting Products, with responsibilities spanning operations, industrial management, product development and commercial leadership.

In addition to his tenure at Valeo, Terrasse has held roles at Alstom Grid, Johnson Controls Automotive and Safran. He most recently served as Vice President of Valeo's Wiper Systems product group, a position he assumed in January 2016. He holds an engineering degree from Centrale Lyon ENISE.

Commenting on the appointment, Christophe Périllat, CEO of Valeo, said, "Jean-Luc has extensive knowledge of the market and a deep knowledge of Valeo's culture and industrial excellence."

TVS Motor Launches Callisto 110 Scooter In Indonesia

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:56:18

TVS Motor Company has launched the new Callisto 110 scooter in Indonesia, marking an expansion of its presence in one of Southeast Asia's largest two-wheeler markets. The model has been introduced in Jakarta and targets the country's 110cc automatic scooter segment, which accounts for around half of total two-wheeler sales, according to the Asosiasi Industri Sepeda Motor Indonesia (AISI).

Speaking on the launch, Peyman Kargar, President, International Business, TVS Motor Company, said Indonesia remains a key market for the company and that the Callisto 110 has been developed under the 'Built for Real' philosophy to cater to the mobility requirements and lifestyle needs of Indonesian consumers.

The Callisto 110 is powered by a new engine equipped with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and features a stop-go system that the company says can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10% by automatically switching off the engine during brief halts.

The scooter is equipped with a 33-litre under-seat storage compartment capable of accommodating two half-face helmets, front fuel filling, an all-in-one lock system with a USB charging port, a long seat, adjustable rear suspension and Body Balance Technology. Safety features include an Emergency Brake Signal that activates during sudden braking above 50 km/h, along with an auto-off turn signal system.

TVS is offering the Callisto 110 in four colour options—Mint Green, Moon Silver, Solid White and Peach Perfect. The scooter is priced at IDR 20.9 million (on-road Jakarta), while the first 150 customers will be eligible for a launch price of IDR 19.9 million. Sales through the company's dealer network in Indonesia commenced on July 2.

Indonesia is one of TVS Motor's key international markets, with the company operating a manufacturing facility in Karawang, West Java, serving both domestic demand and exports to countries across Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America.

India-UK Trade Pact To Eliminate Tariffs On Auto Components From July 15

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:14:35

India and the United Kingdom will bring into force the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 15, 2026, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations and creating new opportunities for Indian exporters, service providers and professionals.

The agreement, concluded after 14 rounds of negotiations, is designed to expand trade and investment flows between the two countries through tariff reductions, broader market access for services, and provisions to facilitate professional mobility. Alongside CETA, the Agreement on Social Security, also known as the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), will also take effect from the same date.

Tariff-Free Access for Auto Components
For the automotive sector, one of the key provisions is the elimination of UK tariffs on Indian engineering goods and auto components. Tariffs of up to 18 per cent on these products will be reduced to zero, improving the competitiveness of Indian component manufacturers in the UK market and potentially strengthening their participation in global automotive supply chains.

India's auto component industry has steadily expanded its export footprint in recent years, with manufacturers increasingly supplying parts to global vehicle makers and Tier-1 suppliers. The removal of tariff barriers could provide an additional boost to exports to the UK and support efforts to diversify overseas markets.

Services and Engineering Mobility Provisions
Beyond goods trade, the agreement includes commitments across 137 services sub-sectors and establishes mobility pathways for business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals and investors. These provisions could benefit Indian engineering and technology professionals working with UK-based automotive companies on areas such as vehicle development, software, connected-car technologies and mobility solutions.

Five-Year Social Security Exemption
The accompanying social security agreement is expected to support cross-border collaboration further. Under the arrangement, Indian professionals and their employers on temporary assignments in the UK will be exempt from making dual social security contributions. The exemption period has been extended from three years to five years.

According to the government, more than 75,000 Indian professionals and over 900 companies are expected to benefit from the revised framework. For automotive manufacturers, engineering service providers and component suppliers with employees deployed overseas, the extended exemption period could help lower assignment-related costs and improve workforce mobility.

With the agreement set to become operational next month, Indian automotive suppliers and engineering firms are expected to assess the opportunities arising from improved market access and a more streamlined framework for professional movement between the two countries.

China Releases Automotive Standards Plan, Seeks Greater Say in UN Vehicle Regulations

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:25:46

China has unveiled its latest work plan on automotive standardisation on Tuesday, setting technical requirements for electric vehicles, AI vehicles and automotive semiconductor chips, the South China Morning Post reported.

The plan calls for completing a standards blueprint for the automobile industry during the 15th five-year plan period, which runs through 2030. Among its priorities are testing and security requirements for AI models in automated driving systems, as well as guidelines for large automotive models and end-to-end AI systems that carmakers are increasingly deploying in advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving applications.

The ministry also pledged to accelerate work on standards for automotive chips. The plan covers battery safety, charging systems and solid-state battery technology, which the industry worldwide is developing as a successor to current lithium-ion technology.

The work plan also sets out China's approach to international automotive rule-making. The ministry said it would deepen participation in United Nations automotive regulations covering autonomous driving, electric vehicle safety and battery durability, promote new international standards, and work toward establishing an international automotive science and technology organisation. It is also committed to supporting Chinese automakers in meeting regulatory requirements in overseas markets.

China is the world's largest producer and exporter of electric vehicles, accounting for 60% of global EV sales. The country has been deepening its engagement with multilateral automotive standards bodies in recent years, and the new plan broadens that effort to cover AI and semiconductor standards.

The development is relevant to India's automobile sector, which is building out its own standards to push for electric vehicles and connected vehicle technologies. Should Beijing's proposed frameworks gain adoption through the United Nations system, they would shape the regulatory landscape that Indian automakers and component suppliers navigate in global markets.

Hyundai Motor Group Signs Hong Kong Hydrogen Ecosystem Pact, Targets APAC Expansion

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:40:37

Hyundai Motor Group has signed a multi-party agreement with companies from Korea, Hong Kong, mainland China and France to develop a hydrogen ecosystem in Hong Kong, as the company expands its hydrogen business footprint across the Asia-Pacific region.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was announced during the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026 in Hong Kong and follows an intergovernmental agreement between Korea and Hong Kong on hydrogen policy cooperation.

Under the project, Hyundai plans to introduce a waste-to-hydrogen (W2H) model that will use landfill gas to produce low-carbon hydrogen locally. The initiative also includes the development of hydrogen refuelling stations and the deployment of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, including airport shuttles and tour buses.

The automaker said Hong Kong’s dependence on imported energy and its limited renewable energy generation capacity make hydrogen a potential alternative fuel source under the city’s Climate Action Plan 2050.

The project will involve 10 companies across the hydrogen value chain. Hyundai Motor Company will lead the overall execution, while Hyundai Engineering & Construction and JEA ENG will support hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure development. Other partners include The Hong Kong and China Gas Company, Veolia Hong Kong Holding, Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment and Chun Wo Bus Services.

Hyundai said fuel cell systems for the commercial vehicles will be supplied through HTWO Guangzhou, the group’s overseas fuel-cell production facility in China.

“This MoU was signed as Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s proactive hydrogen policies and driving the acceleration of its hydrogen ecosystem,” said Seung Kyu Shin, executive vice president and head of energy and hydrogen policy at Hyundai Motor Group.

The company said the first phase of the project will focus on establishing waste-to-hydrogen facilities and initial hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, with the broader hydrogen ecosystem targeted to become operational by the end of 2030. Site confirmation is expected by 2027, after which facility design work will begin.

Renesas Completes Irida Labs Acquisition To Expand Edge Vision AI Portfolio

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 08 May 2026 09:24:07

Renesas Electronics Corporation has completed the acquisition of Greece-based AI software company Irida Labs, strengthening its embedded processing and edge AI software capabilities for machine vision and intelligent camera applications.

The acquisition is aimed at expanding Renesas’ offerings in edge-based AI systems, particularly in applications such as industrial automation, robotics, smart cities, healthcare, agriculture and IoT deployments. The company said Irida Labs’ software and development tools will also be integrated into Renesas 365, its recently launched cloud-based electronics system development platform.

According to the company, the move comes as demand grows for AI-enabled systems that process visual data locally on devices rather than relying on cloud-based computing. Renesas said developers continue to face challenges related to power-efficient processing, AI model deployment, latency and data security in edge AI environments.

Irida Labs develops embedded software for AI-powered visual perception systems, including its PerCV.ai platform. Renesas said combining this software stack with its RA microcontrollers and RZ microprocessors would allow it to offer more integrated Vision AI systems with lower power consumption and reduced development complexity.

Gaurang Shah, Vice President and General Manager of Renesas’ Embedded Processing Product Group, said, “With Irida Labs’ Vision AI tools, software and highly competent AI engineers now part of Renesas, our solution brings together AI perception, embedded processing, development tools and system integration to significantly reduce the learning curve for developers.”

Vassilis Tsagaris, CEO and Co-Founder of Irida Labs, added that the acquisition would combine the company’s edge Vision AI expertise with Renesas’ hardware portfolio and ecosystem to support wider deployment of edge AI systems globally.

Renesas said bringing the technology in-house would enable faster delivery of integrated solutions and expand the capabilities of the Renesas 365 platform over time.

ABB E-mobility Unveils OM X-series Megawatt Charging Platform for Heavy-duty Applications

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 06 May 2026 08:59:28

ABB E-mobility has introduced the OM X-Series, a distributed charging platform aimed at high-duty-cycle and megawatt-scale charging applications such as transit depots, logistics hubs and highway charging corridors.

The new system is designed to scale from 800kW to more than 10MW across over 100 charging points, replacing isolated charging clusters with a coordinated site-level architecture. The launch follows the company’s A-Series high-power chargers introduced in 2024 and the OM M-Series split charging system launched in April 2026.

According to ABB E-mobility, the X-Series has been developed for applications where chargers operate under sustained load conditions for extended periods. The system incorporates an end-to-end liquid-cooled power path, including a power cabinet with an integrated cooling unit, liquid-cooled power modules and liquid-cooled charging cables.

The company said the liquid-cooled silicon carbide modules deliver conversion efficiency of more than 98 percent under continuous operating conditions. The architecture also includes built-in redundancy intended to maintain operational continuity during planned or unplanned interruptions.

The charging platform is based around a site-level DC bus architecture that allows cabinets and storage assets to share power dynamically depending on demand. Battery energy storage can be connected directly to the DC bus, which ABB says improves round-trip efficiency by more than five percentage points compared to AC-coupled systems while also supporting peak shaving and demand management functions.

The initial configuration of the X-Series comprises two 800kW cabinets connected through a DC bus and supports up to 24 charging outputs. ABB E-mobility said the platform has been designed to scale to multi-megawatt deployments without requiring major civil rework.

The company also stated that the OM M-Series and X-Series use a common dispenser portfolio, allowing operators to expand from M-Series installations to X-Series configurations as charging demand increases.

“Charging is moving toward mission profiles where systems must operate under sustained load for years, not just peak moments,” said Michael Halbherr, chief executive officer of ABB E-mobility. “At that level of utilization, thermal stability and energy efficiency are not specifications; they are the economics.”

Borgwarner Secures Three E-motor Programmes Across China and South Korea

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:14:18

BorgWarner has secured three electric motor (eMotor) business awards across China and South Korea, expanding its presence in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and hybrid vehicle segments, according to a company statement.

The programmes, awarded by Asian OEMs, are scheduled to enter production in phases between June 2026 and September 2027. The contracts include a stator assembly supply agreement in South Korea, alongside two separate eMotor applications in China.

In South Korea, the company will supply a stator assembly for an electric B-segment SUV programme. This award follows earlier supply of hairpin eMotor technology to the same customer for a multi-purpose vehicle platform. Production for the new programme is expected to begin in September 2027.

In China, BorgWarner has secured business for its S-winding technology integrated into a P2 eMotor for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platforms. The system is designed for applications paired with 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, supporting hybrid drivetrain integration with an emphasis on packaging efficiency and power density. Production is expected to commence in February 2027.

The company has also been awarded a contract to supply a generator motor for a three-speed hybrid transmission system in China. This unit uses ultra-short hairpin winding technology aimed at improving efficiency and enabling compact packaging. The programme is scheduled to begin production in June 2026 and will cater to both domestic Chinese applications and export-oriented hybrid vehicle programmes.

Tvs Motor Company Reports 7% Sales Growth in April 2026

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 02 May 2026 11:40:41

TVS Motor Company reported total sales of 473,970 units in April 2026, registering a 7% increase compared to 443,716 units in April 2025.

The company indicated that while customer retail remained steady across domestic and international markets, dispatch volumes were affected by production constraints. These were attributed to supply chain challenges, including workforce availability, shortages of raw materials and consumables among tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers, and limited container availability for exports. The company stated that corrective measures have been implemented, with production expected to improve from May 2026.

Total two-wheeler sales for TVS Motor Company grew 6% year-on-year to 455,333 units in April 2026, compared to 430,150 units in April 2025. Within this, domestic two-wheeler volumes rose 8% to 348,545 units. Motorcycles saw a decline to 200,039 units from 220,347 units a year earlier, while scooters continued to drive growth, increasing 24% to 211,158 units.

Electric vehicle sales recorded a 36% year-on-year increase, reaching 37,771 units in April 2026, up from 27,684 units in the same month last year, indicating continued momentum in the segment.

In international markets, overall volumes rose 3% to 120,008 units from 116,700 units in April 2025. Two-wheeler exports remained largely stable at 106,788 units, compared to 106,503 units in the corresponding period last year.

Three-wheeler sales saw the highest growth among segments, increasing 37% year-on-year to 18,637 units, up from 13,566 units in April 2025.

Indonesia Postpones 105,000-Vehicle Import Plan From India, Bloomberg Reports

Arunima Pal — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:14:50

Indonesia has temporarily postponed a plan to import more than 100,000 vehicles from India under a state-backed rural development programme, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Citing statements from senior officials, Bloomberg reported that the Indonesian government is reassessing the proposed import of 105,000 pickup trucks and vans for the Merah Putih Village Cooperative programme, amid concerns about the potential impact on domestic industry.

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said he agreed with a proposal from Deputy Speaker of Parliament Sufmi Dasco Ahmad to delay the import plan. The decision comes while President Prabowo Subianto is on an overseas working visit. According to Bloomberg, Purbaya indicated that the President has a clear position on the matter and is keen to prioritise domestic industrial development.

The planned imports were to be executed by state-owned PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara. Earlier this month, India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) disclosed on its website that it would supply 35,000 units of its Scorpio pickup to Indonesia as part of the programme.

Subsequently, Agrinas Pangan Nusantara President Director Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota confirmed to local media that the company intended to import a total of 105,000 vehicles from Indian manufacturers. The plan included 35,000 units of 4x4 pickup trucks from M&M, an additional 35,000 units of 4x4 pickups, and 35,000 six-wheel trucks from Tata Motors, Bloomberg reported.

However, Joao said the company is prepared to comply with Parliament’s request to defer the imports. He added that any vehicles already shipped to Indonesia would remain idle pending formal government direction on their deployment or distribution, according to Bloomberg.

Mahindra Sells Half-a-Million SUVs in Jan-Oct; Set to Surpass 600,000 in CY2025

Ajit Dalvi — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:59:00

Mahindra & Mahindra, which registered its highest-ever monthly wholesales of 71,624 SUVs in October 2025, has driven past the half-a-million mark in the first 10 months of the current calendar year. Between January and December 2025, M&M has dispatched 518,321 units (up 18% YoY) to its dealers across India, marking strong 18% YoY growth (January-October 2024: 440,814 units).

Having already achieved 98% of its CY2024 sales and 67% of its FY2025 dispatches, M&M is well set to set hit the 600,000 milestone for the first time in both CY2025 and FY2026.

M&M, which sold over half-a-million SUVs (528,460 units) for the first time in a calendar year in CY2024 and also in FY2025 (551,487 units) is now headed towards breaking both these records. After the first 10 months of CY2025, the company needs to sell just 10,140 SUVs more to drive past the CY2024 total. And for FY2026, total wholesales for the first seven months at 369,194 units (up 17% YoY) are already 67% of the FY2025 total, with another five months to be counted in the current fiscal year.

Given the current strong sales momentum, particularly after the GST 2.0-driven price reductions and two months left to go this year, expect M&M to register record wholesales of around 620,000 SUVs (up 17% YoY) in CY2025.

While the Scorpio twins account for the largest share of M&M sales, the Thar Roxx and the two Born Electric SUVs have turned out to be the growth accelerators in the first seven months of FY2026.

SCORPIO, THAR COMMAND 47% SHARE OF M&M SALES IN APRIL-OCTOBER

New models, which prove successful in the market, always make a mark both within their own stable as well as in the overall segment. That’s just what the Thar Roxx and the two Born Electric SUVs (BE 6 and XEV 9e) have done for M&M.

A deep dive into model-wise wholesales numbers for the company’s SUVs reveals that though the Scorpio twins (Classic and N) sold 102,514 units with 6% YoY growth, their share of total SUV sales of 369,194 units in the first seven months of FY2026 has reduced to 27.76% from 30.81% a year ago (see data table above).

The Thar brand, comprising the 3-door Thar and 5-door Thar Roxx, has moved up three ranks in M&M’s model line-up to take No. 2 position in the current fiscal. With combined sales of 71,351 units (up 67% YoY), the Thar’s share of M&M’s sales has jumped to 19% from 13% in the year-ago period. Between the two models, the Thar Roxx with an estimated share of over 65% accounts for the bulk of the Thar brand’s sales. October 3 saw the launch of the new face-lifted 3-door Thar, which has a number of cosmetic changes inside and out.

October also saw the launch of the new Bolero and Bolero Neo – factory dispatches of 14,343 Bolero SUVs last month are likely to be the highest monthly wholesales for this indefatigable SUV. The last time when Bolero sales had crossed the 10,000 mark was in February 2024 (10,113 units) and March 2024 (10,347 units). Cumulative seven-month Bolero sales of 57,512 units (up 2%) give it a 15% share of M&M SUV dispatches, albeit this is down from the 18% they had a year ago.

The XUV 3XO compact SUV, with 56,637 units (down 9% YoY)), is ranked model No. 4 for the company with a share of 15% versus nearly 20% a year ago.

Flagship model XUV700 is next with 51,357 units (down 5% YoY) which results in its share of M&M sales reducing to 14% from 17% a year ago.

M&M has received a growth accelerator in the form the two new zero-emission SUV launched early this year. While the BE 6 and XEV 9e’s 10-month calendar-year sales of 36,104 units in India translate into a 7% share of the 518,321 M&M SUVs sold, their share of the first seven months of FY2026 improves to 8% of the 369,194 SUVs M&M has dispatched to its showrooms across the country. In October, these two Born Electric SUVs clocked best-ever monthly sales of 4,842 units and contributed 7% to M&M’s record SUV sales of 71,624 units last month.

ALSO READ: India’s UV Market Records Strong October: 10,218 SUVs and MPVs Sold Daily

Hero MotoCorp Enters Spanish Market, Expands Presence to 50 Countries

Arunima Pal — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:58:49

Hero MotoCorp has officially entered the Spanish market through a distribution partnership with Noria Motos, part of the ONEX Group. This marks the company’s presence in its 50th international market, strengthening its footprint in Europe following its earlier expansion into Italy.

Under the partnership, Noria Motos will offer Hero’s models through over 30 sales and service outlets in major Spanish cities, with plans to expand to 50 locations by 2026 and complete the full network by 2028. Hero MotoCorp’s authorized dealers will provide after-sales service and technical support across these locations.

The initial lineup includes the Hunk 440 and Xpulse 200 family of motorcycles. The Hunk 440, compliant with Euro 5+ standards, targets city commuting and highway use, with 27 BHP of power and 36 Nm torque, dual-channel ABS, USD forks, a fully digital display, and wide tyres. Pricing starts at €3,488. The Xpulse 200 series, including the Xpulse 200 4V and Xpulse 200 4V Pro, combines urban commuting with off-road capabilities. The 4V Pro delivers 18.9 BHP and 17.35 Nm of torque, with multiple ABS modes, touring-ready features, and digital instrumentation. Prices range from €2,592 to €2,792.

Hero MotoCorp will offer a standard three-year warranty, extendable to five years as part of a special launch offer.

Headquartered in New Delhi, Hero MotoCorp has operated for over 24 years, serving more than 125 million customers globally. The company has eight manufacturing facilities, two R&D centres, and strategic partnerships with Harley-Davidson, Zero Motorcycles, Ather Energy, and Euler Motors. Its electric mobility arm, VIDA, focuses on sustainable transport solutions.

BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme EV Hits 496 kph to Become World’s Fastest Production Car

Ajit Dalvi — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:41:28

Yangwang, the luxury sub-brand of Chinese EV maker BYD, has set a new global production-car top-speed record of 496.22 kph (308.4 mph) at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany.

The feat was achieved with Yangwang’s latest U9 Xtreme hypercar on 14 September 2025, surpassing its previous EV benchmark and the 490.484 kph (304.48 mph) maximum of the quickest petrol-powered model to become the world’s fastest car overall. This modern milestone in engineering sets a new standard in electric mobility, combining unrivalled power and speed with zero emissions.

Originally known as the U9 Track/Special Edition, and now officially confirmed as the Yangwang U9 Xtreme in production guise—or U9X for short—the fastest car on the planet takes the existing technical architecture of the U9 currently on sale in China and builds on it with a number of key evolutions.

These include, but are not limited to: an upgraded powertrain with 1200V ultra-high-voltage electrics (compared with 800V), a lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a remarkable discharge rate of 30C, four ultra-high-speed motors that operate at up to 30,000 rpm and produce a total of more than 3000 PS, track-level semi-slick tyres, and revised DiSus-X suspension with specific tuning to cope with the increased stresses of circuit driving.

Commenting on the world record, BYD executive vice-president Stella Li said:
“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in the research and development division. Yangwang is a brand that does not recognise the impossible. I extend my gratitude to the whole team, and my thanks to the driver, Marc Basseng, for his skill and technical input. It’s terrific that the fastest production car in the world is now electric.”

The driver for the U9X’s record-breaking run was Marc Basseng, a German track specialist with a long history in sports-car racing and endurance motorsport. He said:
“This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance. Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”

The U9 Xtreme is now being made available to customers, with a limited series production run of no more than 30 units. Its name is derived from the English word Extreme, meaning “limit” and “ultimate,” with added emphasis on the “X,” which represents the unknown.