Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the ‘Inster’, a new sub-compact electric vehicle at the Busan International Mobility Show 2024. 

Exterior

Built on the ‘Casper’, a Korea-specific, petrol sub-compact SUV introduced in 2021, the Inster’s design gets an extended body and wheelbase. With the expanded dimensions, the Inster is positioned between traditional A-segment sub-compact city cars and larger B-segment compact models.

The exterior design is characterised by smooth, rounded edges, bulged fenders, a circuit board-style bumper and a skid plate at the front and rear.

The Inster’s gets LED daytime running light signature and pixel-graphic turn signals, tail lamp and bumpers. LED projection headlamps and a two-tone exterior with a blacked-out roof are also offered on some variants. The Inster gets 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, 15-inch alloy wheels or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on the variant.

Exterior colour choices include Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte and Unbleached Ivory, as well as several new paint-jobs, such as Sienna Orange Metallic, Aero Silver Matte, Dusk Blue Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl. Some exterior colour choices will be available in two-tone combinations with a contrasting black roof. The paint of the Inster, Hyundai claims, is sustainable featuring black high-gloss recycled paint, which replaces the carbon black pigment traditionally used in black paint with a colouring made from recycled waste tires.

Interior

On the inside, the Inster features a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a wireless charging dock as a part of the centre console. The pixel theme is repeated inside, also featuring customisable upper door trim garnishes for owners to further personalise the vehicle.

The Inster’s front row seating provides walk-through access and all seats can be folded flat – including the driver’s seat – for increased flexibility. A front bench seat option and heated front seats and steering wheel are also available. The second-row seats are slidable, can recline and also split 50-50. 

Interior trim choices include Black, and Khaki Brown and Newtro Beige two-tone with full cloth trim. According to Hyundai, the interior of the Inster also uses sustainable materials like recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane are used inside.

Hyundai says that the Inster will launch first in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific in due course. Most equipment and technologies will come fitted as standard with extra convenience and design features available as options. The exact specifications is set to be confirmed closer to the launch. Hyundai has also planned an additional variant in the future called ‘Inster Cross’ featuring a more rugged, outdoor-focused design.

"With Inster, we've taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience," said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice-President and Head of the Hyundai Design Center. "Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximises its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With Inster we're redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV," added Simon.

Performance and Range

The Inster EV is equipped with a 42 kWh battery as standard, and is also available with a long-range 49 kWh battery as an option. Both models are powered by a single motor that delivers 71.1 kW (97 PS) in the base variant and 84.5 kW (115 PS) in the long-range model. Both versions offer 147 Nm of torque.

With a claimed range of 355km on a single charge for the long-range model, the Inster requires an estimated energy consumption of 15.3 kWh/100 km. (Both figures are for the 15-inch wheels) The standard range model gets a claimed range of more than 300km.

The sub-compact EV can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions when using a 120 kW DC high-power charging station. It also comes equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger as standard, while a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available.

External and internal Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality provides power for external devices (110V/220V), allowing bi-directional charging without requiring additional equipment. This enables customers to freely use or charge devices such as electric bicycles, scooters and camping equipment.

Specifications and Features

*Specifications are based on European-model Hyundai Inster. Features, technology and claimed figures may differ depending on the market.

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BYD has made its debut in the top 100 of the Fortune Global 500, securing the 91st position in the 2025 ranking announced on 29 July. This marks a significant leap from its 143rd place in 2024 and represents its fourth consecutive year on the prestigious list since 2022.

The company achieved robust growth across its four core industries in 2024, generating annual revenue of RMB 777.1 billion (around USD 107.1 billion), a 29 percent increase year-on-year. BYD also set a new benchmark in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales, delivering 4.27 million units – a 41 percent surge compared to the previous year – solidifying its position as the global NEV sales leader for the third straight year.

Central to BYD’s success is its dedication to technological innovation, guided by a ‘Technology-based, Innovation-oriented’ philosophy. In 2024, the company invested RMB 54.2 billion (approximately USD 7.47 billion) in R&D, a 36 percent annual rise that exceeded its net profit. Remarkably, BYD has outpaced its annual net profit with R&D spending in 13 of the past 14 years, leading to breakthroughs like the Blade Battery, DiSus Intelligent Body Control System and Megawatt Flash Charging.

Expanding its global footprint, BYD accelerated overseas growth in 2025, with passenger vehicles and pickup trucks surpassing 470,000 units in overseas sales during the first half of the year. Key milestones include launching its European headquarters in Hungary, producing its first vehicle in Brazil and delivering its 90,000th NEV in Thailand. Today, BYD operates in 112 countries and regions, offering sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.

With its rising Fortune ranking underscoring its innovation and global strategy, BYD remains committed to advancing sustainable development and its mission to ‘Cool the Earth by 1°C’ through cutting-edge technology and expanded international presence.

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Automobili Lamborghini has reported strong financial and operational performance for the first half of 2025, demonstrating stability despite global economic challenges. The Italian automaker generated EUR 1.62 billion in revenue, matching previous year figures, while operating profit reached EUR 431 million – a slight decline attributed to unfavourable currency fluctuations. The company delivered 5,681 vehicles during this period, setting a new first-half record with a two percent year-over-year increase.

Maintaining robust profitability at 26.6 percent, Lamborghini continues its sustainable growth trajectory while renewing its entire product lineup. Regional deliveries were led by EMEA with 2,708 units, followed by the Americas (1,732) and APAC (1,241).

The brand's success reflects the execution of its Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, particularly its transition to a fully hybridised lineup. Key models driving this momentum include the Revuelto, Lamborghini's first High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV), featuring a groundbreaking 1,015 HP hybrid powertrain combining a V12 engine with three electric motors. Equally impactful is the Urus SE plug-in hybrid Super SUV, delivering 800 HP with enhanced efficiency and technology.

Later this year, Lamborghini will expand its electrified range with the Temerario, a new V8 HPEV super sports car that recently completed dynamic testing in Estoril. Scheduled for deliveries in early 2026, this model reinforces the brand's commitment to performance-oriented electrification, marking another milestone in its ongoing transformation.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “The results from the first six months of 2025 are solid despite global economic and political instability, confirming that the decision to hybridise the entire range was the right one. The success of the Revuelto and Urus SE demonstrates that our vision is shared by our customers, and we now look forward to the market launch of the Temerario, which will complete the first fully hybrid range in the segment.”

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “In the current macroeconomic and geopolitical context, the financial and business performance of the first half of 2025 demonstrates the resilience we have built over the years, and confirms once again the brand’s positioning among the leading players in the luxury sector.”

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in partnership with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), convened a roundtable conference titled ‘Gas se Gati, Bharat ki Pragati’ at the India Habitat Centre, focusing on the role of gas-based fuels in promoting cleaner mobility across India.

Held under SIAM’s ‘Gas Mobility’ initiative, the event brought together government officials, industry leaders and technical experts to discuss the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as alternative fuels for urban and long-distance transport.

In his opening address, Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “Globally, India is the largest user of gas fuels in mobility. We began with CNG cars and now have the largest gas-based bus and three-wheeler fleet. The launch of the world’s first CNG two-wheeler last year marked another key milestone.”

Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, highlighted the role of the auto industry in achieving carbon neutrality by 2047. He noted that the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme supports gas-powered vehicles and localisation of their components.

Additional Secretary from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Sudeep Jain, emphasised the potential of CBG from agricultural waste, stating that converting 10 percent of oil imports to CBG could significantly impact rural development, pollution control and energy self-sufficiency.

Maruti Suzuki’s Rahul Bharti acknowledged the government’s role in expanding CNG infrastructure, with nearly 10,000 stations targeted by 2025. He cited improvements in CNG fuel efficiency and job creation, adding that CBG and LNG also offer promising solutions for the transport sector.

The Commission for Air Quality Management’s Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee called gas-based transport a necessity, not a choice, especially for pollution control in Delhi-NCR. He pointed to efforts such as phasing out older vehicles and reducing stubble burning.

Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, said India’s energy transition in transport is well underway and gas fuels are an effective transitional option, supported by existing infrastructure.

The thematic session, chaired by Ved Prakash Mishra of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, reiterated gas’s relevance until full electrification is achieved. Academic and policy experts, including IIT Kanpur’s Prof Mukesh Sharma and MNRE’s Dr Gaurav Mishra, shared data on emissions reduction and the role of bioenergy.

Presentations covered city gas expansion, vehicle technology innovations, and infrastructure challenges, featuring speakers from Bajaj Auto, Mahanagar Gas and the Association of CGD Entities.

A panel discussion on CBG and LNG adoption, moderated by ICF’s Gurpreet Singh Chugh, included input from NITI Aayog, GAIL Gas, Indraprastha Gas, VE Commercial Vehicles and Tata Motors. Speakers discussed scalability, infrastructure needs, and the role of gas in supporting India’s net-zero goals by 2070.

The event concluded with remarks by Ashish Chutani, Chairman, SIAM Gas-Based Mobility Group and Head – Government & Policy Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India.

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Pune-headquartered Kinetic India, a legacy name in the scooter segment, has re-entered the two-wheeler segment with the Kinetic DX EV through its EV-focused subsidiary, Kinetic Watts and Volts (KWV).

The DX range, comprising the DX and DX+, is a fully made-in-India electric scooter line designed in collaboration with Italian designers and equipped with a range of segment-first features. The e-scooters are priced at INR 111,499 for the DX and INR 117,499 for the DX+ (ex-showroom, Pune). The DX+ will be offered in Red, Blue, White, Silver, and Black, while the DX is available in Silver and Black. Bookings are open online at INR 1,000.

Both models feature a strong metal body, a spacious floorboard and the largest-in-segment 37-litre under-seat storage. They are powered by a 2.6 kWh LFP battery developed by Range-X, offering a claimed IDC range of 116 km (on the DX+). The battery promises a lifespan of over 2,500 cycles – up to four times more than standard NMC batteries – and supports a 60V system with K-Coast regenerative braking. The electric motor delivers a claimed top speed of up to 90 kmph and includes three ride modes: Range, Power and Turbo.

The DX EV range features keyless start (Easy Key), a patented retractable charging cable on the DX+ (Easy Charge), and one-touch pillion footrest deployment (Easy Flip). Both variants come with reverse and hill-hold assist, front telescopic and adjustable rear suspension, a 220mm front disc brake, and a 130mm rear drum brake with combi-braking.

The DX+ variant adds app connectivity and Telekinetic features such as real-time ride statistics, vehicle tracking, Geo-fencing and voice alerts. It also includes a Bluetooth-enabled Kinetic Assist switch, in-built speaker for music and voice navigation. Bookings are limited to 35,000 units, with deliveries starting September 2025.

Kinetic Watts & Volts has received INR 720 million in capital from Kinetic Engineering and its promoters, who have also pledged an additional INR 1.7 billion to scale the DX platform.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman, Kinetic India, said, “The legendary Kinetic DX set so many firsts back in the ’90s, that it earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions. Reviving this icon was about more than just launching a scooter, it was about bringing back the reliability, innovation, and robustness that defined Kinetic for decades, giving it a future-ready soul. With the new DX, we’ve introduced multiple segment-first features that we’re confident, will make it a favourite in the new era of electric mobility. This marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Kinetic and for the evolution of electric mobility in India."

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