Horse Powertrain Unveils Lightest Hybrid-First V6 Engine Ahead Of Beijing Auto Show 2026
- By MT Bureau
- April 23, 2026
Horse Powertrain has introduced the HORSE W30, marking the company’s first production-ready V6 engine, ahead of its official display at the Beijing Auto Show 2026. Known for low-emission powertrain systems, the manufacturer has now applied its expertise in three- and four-cylinder engines to the V6 category for the first time.
The newly developed 3.0-litre engine is positioned as the lightest V6 on the market, weighing only 160 kilogrammes, which is approximately 10 kilogrammes less than its closest competitor. Designed with a hybrid-first approach, the HORSE W30 delivers outstanding fuel economy and efficiency. Its two cylinder rows are offset at a 90-degree angle to lower the centre of gravity, improving installation ease and catalyst layout. The engine can be configured either transversely or longitudinally, allowing broad vehicle compatibility.
Performance specifications include an output range of 350 to 400 kilowatts and torque between 600 and 700 Nm, with a maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. Integrated exhaust manifolds and turbochargers mounted directly on the cylinder heads help maximise efficiency. Intended for both mild- and full-hybrid vehicles, the first models featuring the HORSE W30 are expected on roads by 2028.

To showcase the engine’s hybrid-first mindset, Horse Powertrain will also present the new HORSE 4LDHT four-speed hybrid transmission at the Beijing show. Weighing 199 kilogrammes, the transmission is designed for a P1 plus P3 mounting configuration. The P1 motor, which supports the crankshaft and charges the battery, can output between 250 and 300 kilowatts, while the P3 motor for driving support can deliver between 350 and 450 kilowatts.
Horse Powertrain will display the systems at the Beijing Auto Show 2026 in Hall A1, Booth A111. A press conference on its strategic vision and hero products is scheduled for 24 April 2026 at 11:40 AM China Standard Time.
Matias Giannini, Chief Executive Officer, Horse Powertrain, said, “At Horse Powertrain, we believe we can offer automakers unprecedented economies of scale and innovation by consolidating the powertrain production and development pipeline that traditionally would have been replicated by many individual OEMs, allowing everyone in the industry to benefit from best-in-class technologies. The HORSE W30 is clear proof of this concept – bringing our mindset and expertise to a new category, we’ve developed the lightest V6 that was designed from the outset to support hybrid vehicles.”
Fortune Zhao, Chief Technology Officer, Horse Powertrain, said, “The HORSE W30 showcases Horse Powertrain’s technological versatility and represents our first venture into the V6 engine category. Leveraging expertise from our wide portfolio of hybrid-first engines, the HORSE W30 is lighter and more compact than any other V6 currently on the market, all while delivering superior performance. As well as embodying our engineering sophistication, it also highlights our flexibility in providing world-class hybrid solutions to every market.”
Honda India Foundation Begins Construction Of Road Safety Centre In Gujarat
- By MT Bureau
- July 10, 2026
The Honda India Foundation (HIF) has held a ground-breaking ceremony for a Road Safety Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Viramgam, Gujarat.
The centre is designed to provide road safety education through training and simulation-based learning. It is scheduled to open in 2027 and is expected to provide safety programmes for 5,000 people each year.
The CoE will feature a Road Safety Education & Awareness Wing equipped with training tools for students, youth groups and local communities. Additionally, it will include an Accident Research & Data Analytics Unit to examine traffic patterns, identify risk locations and assist with safety audits.
Vinay Dhingra, Trustee, Honda India Foundation, said, “Road safety requires a combination of awareness, training and data-driven insights. Through this Centre of Excellence, we aim to create a practical platform that supports safer road behaviour, promotes road safety education and contributes to more informed safety interventions. This initiative reflects Honda India Foundation's continued commitment to strengthening road safety awareness and fostering safer road-use practices at the community level.”
Gyanender Singh Malik, Director General of Police, Gujarat State, said, “We appreciate Honda India Foundation’s support in setting up this Road Safety Centre of Excellence in Gujarat. The Centre will help strengthen structured road safety education and support data-led interventions for safer roads. Such collaborations add value to the state’s efforts towards improving road safety awareness and reducing road accident risks.”
- Renault India
- Renault Group
- Jean-Philippe Salar
- Renault Design Centre India
- Julien Sabatier
- Dacia
- LADA
- Mobilize
- Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India
Jean-Philippe Salar To Head Renault Design Centre India As The New Design Director
- By Nilesh Wadhwa
- July 10, 2026
French automotive major Renault India has further deepened its India commitment with strengthening of its design team in the country.
The company has roped in Jean-Philippe Salar as the new Design Director at Renault Design Centre India. He succeeds Julien Sabatier, who is set to take on the role of Head of Design Factory India and UI Management.
Sabatier led the Design Studio for the last three years and, on his part, was instrumental in setting up Renault’s Design Studio in India as part of the French automakers ‘renault. rethink’ strategy. He delivered over 10 projects for Renault for both India and Europe market and played a key role in the introduction of the new Duster SUV in India.
In his new role, he will focus on developing and industrialising future projects and implementing UI (User Interface) functions in India.
Salar is a Renault Group veteran having started his journey with the French automotive brand in 1996, and has extensive design experience across brands such as Renault, Dacia, LADA and Mobilize.
The design centre is part of the company’s ‘design in India’ and ‘make in India’ strategy. It functions as a hub of excellence, particularly due to its proximity to Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI).
MG Unveils Future Roadmap, New Plug-in Hybrid System At Tech Day 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 09, 2026
China’s SAIC Motor-owned British marquee brand MG has unveiled its technology roadmap centred on its next-generation Plug-in Hybrid+ systems, SolidCore battery integration and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at MG Tech Day at its UK headquarters in London.
The automaker unveiled its new Plug-in Hybrid+ system, which features 1.1-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines. The company states that it achieves thermal efficiencies exceeding 42 percent. The powertrain incorporates a hybrid transmission with two technologies: Power Split and Motor Decoupling. The latter isolates the generator during electric driving to improve energy efficiency.
The first model to feature this system will be the MG ZS Plug-in Hybrid+, scheduled for launch in 2027.
MG also confirmed the introduction of its SolidCore battery across future Plug-in Hybrid+ models. This semi-solid-state technology is designed to provide consistent power delivery and range stability across various temperatures and driving conditions. The battery will debut in three upcoming B, C and D-segment SUVs.
Furthermore, MG is refining its driving assistance technologies using data collected from over 1.2 million kilometres of driving across 24 European countries.
The One Touch iAD system for parking is production-ready, supporting scenarios such as kerbside parking, reverse paths of up to 100 metres and exit manoeuvres in tight spaces.
A highway assistance system capable of managing motorway entry, exit and lane changes is scheduled for a late 2027 debut in a new MG SUV. Urban NOA capabilities are planned for 2028.
Lastly, the company is conducting Level 4 Robotaxi trials across Europe, the Middle East and China to support long-term mobility research.
MG company stated that these developments reflect a focus on ‘making advanced technology more accessible, useful and relevant for everyday drivers.’
Peugeot Partners Strate School Of Design To Support Future Mobility Designers
- By MT Bureau
- July 09, 2026
Stellantis-owned Peugeot and the Strate School of Design have formed a partnership to focus on design and innovation within the automotive sector. Through this collaboration, students will work on projects related to mobility, user experience and technology under the guidance of Peugeot design experts and Strate faculty.
The initiative aims to provide Peugeot with access to student designers while offering students experience in the automotive industry. The projects are intended to act as a laboratory for mobility solutions.
Matthias Hossann, Design Director, Peugeot, said, "This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing academia and industry closer together, in order to foster innovative solutions to the challenges of sustainable mobility. It also enables us to engage with and support young design talents from the earliest stages of their educational journey."
Mike Levy, Head of the Transportation and Mobility Design Department, Strate School of Design, said, "This collaboration provides our students with an exceptional opportunity to confront the realities and ambitions of an industry undergoing profound transformation. By working alongside an internationally renowned automotive design team celebrated for its boldness, they gain first-hand experience of its methodologies, expertise, and high standards. In return, it offers PEUGEOT valuable insight into how this new generation of designers envisions its design practice, its perception of the brand, its relationship with mobility, and the future narratives that shape it."
The partnership is intended to combine academic and industrial perspectives to develop designers for future mobility and vehicle projects.

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