Mercedes-Benz rolls out the EQS 580 4MATIC

Ev Trend Dominates Tyre Development

Mercedes-Benz launched its luxury electric vehicle, the EQS 580 4MATIC, on Friday. The vehicle was launched at the hands of the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Nitin Gadkari, at the Mercedes-Benz India plant in Chakan, Pune. India is the first market outside Germany to manufacture the EQS 580 4MATIC, claims Mercedes-Benz.

The luxury carmaker also states that the EQS 580 4MATIC is the company’s first ever locally manufactured EV in India and the 14th ‘Made-in-India’ Mercedes-Benz model. The local manufacturing underlines Mercedes-Benz India’s global competencies accomplished in flexible production at its manufacturing facility that now produces series, Maybach, AMG and luxury EVs, under one roof.

The EQS 580 4MATIC is launched at a price of INR 15.5 million (all India ex-showroom), according to Mercedes-Benz. The car comes with a vehicle warranty at three years and a battery warranty of eight years/unlimited kms. As per Mercedes, the Service Ease Maintenance package price starts as low as INR 0.1 million. Plus, there will be priority delivery for Mercedes-Benz customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The EQS 580 4MATIC is our first locally manufactured EV in India and will play a pivotal role in driving our ambitious EV plans for the market. It is a perfect blend of technology, luxury and safety, pioneering numerous tech features for our customers. India is the first country outside Germany to manufacture the EQS 580 4MATIC, and this unique distinction underpins Mercedes-Benz India’s deep customer commitment and long term vision for developing the luxury EV market here.”

He further added, “The manufacturing of EQS 580 4MATIC in India is a key milestone and a strong testament to our state-of-the-art manufacturing prowess and our commitment to the vision of ‘Make-in-India’. It reiterates our relentless focus on developing the local market, creating value for customers and introducing future-ready products, combining the best of luxury, technology and safety. The ‘Made-in-India’ EQS sets a very high benchmark in the entire Indian automotive market, and combines luxury and technology like no other modern EV in the market.”

Sharing his thoughts, Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations at Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The roll-out of the EQS in India as the first market outside Germany is a very proud moment for our plant, and confirms our commitment towards ‘Make-in-India’. It highlights our manufacturing prowess and global competence in handling complex assembly processes for a sophisticated and technologically-advanced product like the EQS.”

Kulkarni further went on, “Today, we achieve a rare distinction in flexible production, as we manufacture series cars, Maybach performance AMGs, and now luxury EVs, all under a single roof. This feat is only possible with the gradual transition of our plant into electrification, smart manufacturing processes and upskilling the workforce towards a transformative future. It has been a great journey to reach a historic moment of a ‘Green plant running on 100 percent green energy and manufacturing green product’. This truly underlines our commitment towards sustainability. With the EQS 580, we have opened avenues for the best of technologies, sustainability and luxury, for our discerning customers to be ‘Made-in-India.’”

Product highlights
According to Mercedes Benz, the EQS 580 4MATIC comes with a drag coefficient from 0.20. This contributes to the luxury saloon being India’s longest-range EV, with an 857 kilometre range (ARAI certified). Additionally, it offers a high-power density of the lithium-ion battery, with a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh, and is equipped with a 400 volt battery, manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology, as per the luxury carmaker.

Safety features
This latest product also puts significant focus on safety, with a EURO NCAP rating of five stars, states Mercedes Benz. Besides, it comes equipped with nine airbags for customer safety. Moreover, Mercedes claims that like all other Mercedes, the EQS features a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems.

Other features
According to the luxury automotive brand, the car also includes rear-axle steering with a 10-degree steering angle adjustment, HEPA Filter, dynamic select and predictive route planning, among other features. The sustainability in the EQS is enhanced through recycled and renewable raw materials as well as the usage of recycled steel.

To further encourage EV adoption, Mercedes-Benz India states that it will set up the largest ‘ultra-fast charging network’ by a luxury carmaker, covering 80 percent of India, by the end of 2022.

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.”