Altigreen Inaugurates New Retail Experience Centre In Pune, India

Akron Relives History After Unveiling Rubber Worker Statue

Altigreen, a commercial electric vehicle maker, inaugurated its latest retail experience centre in Hadapsar, Pune on Friday. This is the company’s eighth retail dealership in India in a span of two months. As per the company, the experience centre will allow EV enthusiasts to access Altigreen’s range of electric cargo vehicles. Additionally, the commercial electric vehicle maker claims that its electric 3W offering, neEV recently achieved the feat of completing a 150+ kilometre intercity drive, between two places in Karnataka – Mysore Palace and Bangalore Palace – on a single charge, in about six hours.

For the partnership, Altigreen opted to go with Jubilant MotorWorks, a dealer partner for Audi and MG Motor. The Altigreen-Jubilant MotorWorks showroom in Pune was launched at the hands of Rashmi Urdhwareshe, President at SAEINDIA and Former Director, ARAI.

Speaking on Jubilant Motorworks’ partnership with Altigreen, Amit Jain, CEO, Jubilant Motorworks, said, “It’s a momentous occasion for us to partner with Altigreen in chiselling the future of mobility in the country. We are aligned with the recent e-mobility trends and already see a massive potential driven by the nation’s agenda of electrification. We are extremely happy to be able to introduce eco-friendly mobility and a sustainable future into our business fabric. We introduce the full range of Altigreen’s premium quality vehicles for the first time in Pune at Jubilant Motorworks’ facility in Hadapsar.”

“We were one of the early movers during the onset of EVs in India,” Jain further cited and continued, “The adaptability today is something we saw coming. Altigreen has a value system we believe in, and we create deep and long-lasting relationships.”

According to Altigreen, every element of the dealership has been designed to lend a welcoming feel, especially to all those walking in, including autorickshaw drivers, small business owners and people from all walks of life. The company intends to ensure that the dealership reflects Altigreen’s ethos of respect and empathy, and its endeavour to gain the trust of consumers through transparent dialogue.

At the inauguration, Dr Amitabh Saran, Founder and CEO, Altigreen, said, “With the launch of this new retail experience centre in Pune, we are steadily building a strong nationwide network to cater to the rising demand for commercial EVs in the country. For now, Maharashtra is the only state where we now have two retail experience centres. As a homegrown company, we take great pride in delivering Made-in-India products. We are investing significantly to strengthen our production and R&D capabilities while developing a robust pan India distribution network to offer the best and cleanest last-mile transportation. We are happy to continue our partnership with Jubilant Motorworks, now in Pune as well, and deliver world-class products in multiple vehicle categories.”

Sharing his views more in depth, Dr Saran asserted, “Whenever we do any of our dealerships, it’s not just about the vehicle, but giving respect to the customers / auto drivers as well – which we all usually tend to give only if there’s a strike. When we started looking at this space, we thought that it must be something that can compete with what’s on the roads. In a country like India, where diesel vehicles, ICEs, etc. have been doing a fabulous job, the EVs have to be at least as good as them. The idea is to ensure that no matter in what capacity we are doing this, there should be a pride of ownership.”

Urdhwareshe, who was the chief guest at the event, put across her thoughts, too, in terms of EVs and Altigreen’s journey. She averred that EVs is a different segment and serves a very important purpose in addressing the transportation needs of the urban, rural areas and more.

“I have seen the struggle they have been through, finally arriving at a product that is fit to rock the market,” she went on to say and continued, “I can see that the product is really clean in nature. I am also very happy that Altigreen decided to position in the three-wheeler segment. Moreover, for the three-wheeler segment, the cost of ownership holds the most significance.”

Highlighting her thoughts on the Altigreen-Jubilant MotorWorks partnership, she expounded, “Having three-wheelers and their commitment to green mobility is very unique. Jubilant MotorWorks and Altigreen have excellent commitment to it.” She further addressed the audience saying that she would like to appeal to them to share their experiences with the transport authorities, so that it will encourage other users to shift to electric mobility. 

While at the inauguration, several customers were also invited up on the dais, who were given keys to Altigreen’s electric three-wheeler.

Vinfast Launches All-New VF MPV 7 For Indian Customers

Vinfast Launches All-New VF MPV 7 For Indian Customers

VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has launched the all-new VF MPV 7 specifically for Indian buyers. Priced at INR 2,449,000 ex-showroom, this premium electric seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle is engineered to deliver the space and adaptability that Indian families prioritise. The launch represents VinFast’s third product debut in the country within a single year, highlighting the company’s determination to strengthen its presence in India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.

Understanding that space is the top concern for multi-generational Indian households, the VF MPV 7 features a theatre style seating arrangement that ensures genuine comfort even in the third row. With a wheelbase measuring 2,840 mm, the vehicle comfortably accommodates seven passengers. Storage capacity reaches up to 1,240 litres, allowing ample room for luggage, daily necessities and various family lifestyle needs, making the vehicle practical for both routine commutes and longer journeys.

Powering the VF MPV 7 is a 60.13 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers an ARAI-certified range of 517 km on a full charge. Fast charging capability can replenish the battery from 10 to 70 percent in just 30 minutes. The front wheel drive system produces 150 kW and 280 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds. The exterior is finished with all-LED lighting, giving the vehicle a genuinely premium look inside and out.

A comprehensive ownership package accompanies the VF MPV 7, featuring three years of free maintenance, a 10-year battery warranty, a 7-year vehicle warranty, a 5-year suspension warranty, a 7-year paint warranty and 7-years of roadside assistance. This package offers best in segment assurance for customers. The VF MPV 7 joins the VF 6 and VF 7 in VinFast India’s expanding lineup. All models are locally assembled at the company’s factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, following a production philosophy of building vehicles in India for India.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “The all-new VF MPV 7 is VinFast’s third product for India and is most suited for customers with large families. It is designed to offer generous space for every member of the family, comfort that makes even the longest journeys feel effortless and intelligent features that elevate every single drive. With the VF MPV 7, we are entering a new segment, but more importantly, we are expanding our commitment to India.”

Nissan Unveils All-Electric JUKE At Vision Event

Nissan Unveils All-Electric JUKE At Vision Event

Nissan has introduced the all-electric version of its JUKE model during its Vision event held at its global headquarters in Japan, signalling a decisive move forward in the brand’s electrification push across Europe.

This first ever battery-powered JUKE brings the model’s signature agility and bold personality into the zero-emission era, reinterpreting a favourite compact crossover for European roads. Since its original debut in 2010, the JUKE has won over 1.5 million customers in Europe by challenging conventional design norms. The new EV retains that distinctive character while supporting Nissan’s broader commitment to offer an electrified powertrain for every type of buyer.

The all-electric JUKE will join an expanding European EV family that includes the new MICRA, the third generation LEAF, the Ariya crossover, the Townstar light commercial vehicle and a future A segment EV. It will also share with the LEAF the ability to use Vehicle to Grid technology, helping integrate EVs into the wider energy system. Alongside these models, Nissan continues to offer e‑POWER hybrid technology for an EV like driving experience without plugging in, with hybrids such as the Qashqai e‑POWER and JUKE HEV remaining key options for customers.

Production of the all new all electric JUKE will take place at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in UK, reinforcing that site’s importance to the company’s global EV strategy. The first trial production phase for the JUKE will begin in the coming weeks. This effort is backed by Nissan’s design, engineering and development network across UK, Spain and Germany, highlighting long-term investment in Europe as both a manufacturing and innovation hub. The new JUKE EV is scheduled for launch in spring 2027.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairman, Nissan AMIEO, said, “Europe is central to Nissan’s electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future. With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region. Together, this next generation of vehicles will accelerate our transition to zero-emission mobility.”

Clíodhna Lyons, Region Vice President, Product, Brand & Marketing Strategy, Nissan AMIEO, said, “JUKE has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age. As our first fully electric JUKE, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range.”

Jakson Group Reports INR 90 Billion Revenue For FY2026, Enters E-3-Wheeler Segment

Jakson

Jakson Group, a leading diesel genset manufacturer, has announced an expansion of its energy solutions range following a financial year where revenue exceeded INR 90 billion (GBP 850 million).

The Group has expanded its presence across five new categories – Genset Xtra, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Solar Kits, Mobile Light Towers and electric three-wheelers. This move is intended to broaden the company's presence across power generation, storage and sustainable transport.

The entry into electric mobility follows a partnership with a Bengaluru-based firm to develop research-backed three-wheelers. This adds a transport component to Jakson’s existing operations in solar power, green molecules and infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction (EPC).

Established in 1947, the group operates six manufacturing facilities and maintains a workforce of 3,500 employees serving approximately 100,000 customers.

Jakson Group is positioning itself as an integrated provider for the energy transition, moving from its origins in diesel generator manufacturing toward a diversified portfolio that includes alternative fuels and civil EPC services. With 12 international offices, the group is looking to align its domestic manufacturing scale with global energy requirements.

Sameer Gupta, Chairman, Jakson, said, “At Jakson, our mission has always been to power progress through innovation. With FY26 revenue of over INR 90 billion, Jakson today has both the scale and the responsibility to shape future-ready energy solutions. This portfolio expansion reflects our commitment to building an integrated energy ecosystem that is reliable, responsible and aligned with the evolving needs of customers in India and global markets.”

Sundeep Gupta, Vice-Chairman, Jakson, added, “The market today is looking for energy solutions that are efficient, dependable and future-ready. With this expanded portfolio, Jakson is strengthening its position as a diversified player serving evolving customer needs across sectors.”

Lloyds Metals And Energy Completes World-First Electric Conversion Of Liebherr Excavator

LMEL

Lloyds Metals and Energy (LMEL) has completed the diesel-to-electric conversion of a Liebherr R996 excavator, marking the first time a mining machine in this category has been retrofitted for fully electric operations.

The project was executed by the company's internal engineering and technology teams and involved a redesign of the vehicle's power architecture and control systems. The shift to electric power is intended to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions associated with the machine's operation while reducing reliance on diesel fuel.

The engineering process included the development of proprietary digital monitoring and safety solutions to manage the high-power requirements of the heavy-duty excavator. By sourcing and engineering major subsystems within India, the project serves as a demonstration of domestic capability in advanced heavy engineering and sustainable industrial innovation.

LMEL expects the conversion to improve operational performance through the use of real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

Established in 1977, LMEL operates iron ore mines in Maharashtra and is expanding its integrated steel operations. The company currently produces 0.7 MTPA of direct reduced iron (DRI) and has commissioned a 4 MTPA pellet plant, with long-term plans to increase iron ore dispatch capacity to 26 MTPA. Its sustainability strategy includes the deployment of electric vehicle fleets and the construction of slurry pipelines to lower transport-related emissions.

B Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals and Energy, said, “This landmark achievement, is not just about electrifying a machine – it is about reimagining the future of mining. At LMEL, we believe that responsible mining and sustainability must go hand in hand. This achievement demonstrates India’s capability to deliver world-class, zero-emission solutions in even the most complex and heavy-duty environments. We are proud to contribute to a future where mining is both productive and environmentally responsible.”