Automotive Transformation Group (ATG) has been launched as the new entity and brand name of the recent merger between leading automotive suppliers Autofutura and GForces.

Created to revolutionise the entire vehicle sales process, the new group offers the industry’s first market-ready, global and scalable solution for consistent, automated vehicle cycle management optimisation. It will enable billions of pounds in online sales and efficiencies across the global automotive industry.

In an industry first, by integrating the data, products, services and technology across its portfolio, the company will connect car makers, financiers, dealers and consumers in the most efficient way possible, simplifying the customer journey and improving customer retention.

The commercial gains on offer are vast. Based on the 77 million new cars sold across the globe in 2020, with a value of USD 2.5 trillion, a one percent shift in e-commerce sales would equate to USD 25 billion in revenue. Additionally, the forecast for Europe in 2025 alone is EUR 357 billion.

The new group, led by CEO Christian Erlandson, already handles one transaction every 3.5 minutes (USD 4.25 billion annually) and has a depth of experience and operational scale in the industry. From its three UK offices, including its headquarters, and offices in Australia, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Vietnam and the USA, the company serves more than 20 car manufacturers in over 10,000 locations across 96 countries.

Commercially, ATG’s two brands, Autofutura and GForces, will continue to successfully manage their customers independently. However, the Group will naturally be offering the full breadth of its combined product and service portfolio to all of its current and future customers.

David Riemenschneider, Chairman, ATG, said, “The Automotive market, which is one of the largest in the world, has lagged other sectors in terms of the speed of transition to online sales, but that is changing rapidly. Until now, the cost and complexity of integrating each element of an online and offline experience into a brand-consistent omnichannel one has prevented it from being delivered at scale. The Automotive Transformation Group aims to change that. By joining up the dots, we will enable car manufacturers, financiers and retailers to unlock the huge potential and efficiencies in today’s sales process and overall value chain. And now is the time to act.”

Christian Erlandson, CEO, ATG, added, “Since we announced the merger between Autofutura and GForces, we have been engaged in strategic discussions with some of the biggest players in the industry. This demonstrates just how dynamic the automotive industry is and how fast it is shifting towards digitalisation. We offer something truly unique. By connecting vehicles and consumers, serving the right offer, at the right time, to the right customer and then facilitating the seamless transition from one vehicle to another, we are streamlining the customer journey, right from the first transaction.” (MT)

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has further revealed the technology and safety features of the upcoming all-new Hyundai Venue c-SUV. The vehicle will feature a dual 62.5cm – 12.3-inch + 12.3-inch curved panoramic display and Hyundai’s ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) system, which is accelerated by Nvidia.

The new Venue also offers safety features with a strong body structure and Hyundai SmartSense ADAS Level 2, which includes 16 advanced driver assistance features. Overall, the vehicle is equipped with more than 65 safety features, with 33 standard across all variants.

The Venue will debut Hyundai’s ccNC system, which features an immersive 31.24 cm 12.3 ccNC Navigation system and a Bose premium sound 8-speaker system. The system includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, quick control and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

The infotainment system is complemented by a 31.24 cm 12.3 full digital display cluster, which displays information such as the tyre pressure monitoring system TPMS highline, drive mode select, ADAS status and turn-by-turn navigation.

In a move towards Software-Defined Vehicles SDVs, the Venue offers OTA access for 20 Controllers, eliminating the need for dealership visits for software updates.

The Venue's body structure is built with a 71 percent expansive application of hot stamping, ultra-high strength steel, advanced high-strength steel and high-strength steel, ensuring crash protection.

The Hyundai SmartSense ADAS Level 2 technology includes intelligent features such as: Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (Car, Pedestrian & Cycle), Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (Rear).

Standard safety features include 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), all 4-disc brakes and 3-point seatbelts with a reminder for all seats.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we are committed to democratising advanced global technologies for our customers in India. The all-new Hyundai Venue equipped with Hyundai ccNC system accelerated by Nvidia, immersive digital experiences and Hyundai SmartSense ADAS Level 2, represent our bold step towards introducing Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) in India. With the all-new Hyundai Venue, we continue our endeavour to make premium and intelligent mobility experiences accessible to a wider set of customers, reflecting Hyundai’s strong belief in ‘Progress for Humanity’. We are confident that with an upgraded design, cutting-edge features and class-leading safety, the all-new Hyundai Venue will redefine customer convenience and set new benchmarks in the compact SUV segment.”

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JSW MG Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has delivered the MG M9 Presidential Limousine to music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan.

The MG M9, which is the flagship luxury model from MG Select, is designed for sophistication, featuring Presidential Seats with 16-way adjustment, eight massage modes, heating and ventilation. The interior includes a yacht-style dual sunroof, ambient lighting and Cognac brown leather. An intelligent armrest and storage enhance convenience.

The limousine prioritises safety, built with ultra-high strength steel and equipped with 7 airbags and Level 2 ADAS. It has secured 5-star EURO NCAP and ANCAP ratings.

It is powered by a 90-kWh NMC battery, 548km claimed range, 245 PS of power and 350 NM of torque. It can be charged from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

The MG M9 also features a 13-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer and amplifier. The vehicle is available for booking and experience across 14 MG Select Experience Centres in 13 key cities.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has opened bookings for the all-new Hyundai Venue compact sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Customers can reserve the vehicle with an initial booking amount of INR 25,000 at dealerships across India.

Hyundai Motor India unveiled the new vehicle with a film featuring brand ambassador Deepika Padukone. The company is positioning the C-SUV as a model of urban mobility, focusing on style and technology.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The Hyundai Venue has been one of the most loved SUVs in India, with over 700,000 customers choosing it for its perfect blend of design, technology and performance. With the all-new Hyundai Venue, we are taking this success story even further, redefining bold design and modern premium-ness while integrating advanced technology that resonates with the aspirations of today’s new-age customers. The all-new Hyundai Venue truly embodies our vision of ‘Tech up Go beyond,’ offering a driving experience that’s both dynamic and deeply connected to our customers’ evolving lifestyles.”

The new Venue is both taller and wider than the existing model. Exterior design includes Twin horn LED DRLs, Quad beam LED headlamps and a dark chrome radiator grille.

Inside, the cabin features a Dual 62.5 cm (12.3-inch + 12.3-inch) curved panoramic display for infotainment and cluster information. It also features a dual-tone interior (dark navy and dove grey), a D-cut steering wheel and a coffee-table centre console with ambient lighting.

The car has a long wheelbase (2520mm) and offers 2-step reclining rear seats, rear window sunshades and rear AC vents for comfort.

The all-new VENUE will be offered with three engine choices:

Kappa 1.2 l MPi petrol

Kappa 1.0 l Turbo GDi petrol

U2 1.5 l CRDi Diesel

Transmission options include Manual, Automatic and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The vehicle will use the new variant nomenclature ‘HX,’ which stands for ‘Hyundai Experience.’ The company is set to launch the Venue on 4 November 2025.

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Chinese automaker Chery showcased what it claims is the world’s first ‘7-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV’ concept at the 2025 Chery Brand Night. The SUV was unveiled by Zheng Songzhi, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery International Marketing Centre.

The automaker states that the vehicle reflects Chery’s commitment to user co-creation, offering a ‘one vehicle, multiple configurations’ design intended to redefine versatility for families.

Songzhi stated that the concept was developed following over a year of user research in countries including Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand. This research identified nine high-frequency family scenarios – from daily commuting to camping and long-distance travel – and concluded that no existing vehicle model meets all these varied demands.

User insights from representatives in Malaysia, Indonesia and Mexico, who shared their need for comfort, work-life balance and space, became the foundation of the concept. He noted that user needs are the core driver behind Chery's shift from a ‘function-oriented’ to a ‘scenario-oriented’ strategy.

In response to demands for versatility and space, Chery introduced the ‘6=1’ concept. By flexibly reconfiguring seats and detaching the rear hatch, the single vehicle transforms into six distinct interior and exterior layouts, intended to cover 99 percent of family mobility scenarios.

Large 7-Seat SUV Mode: With a body length of 4.9 metres and an interior height of 1,284 mm, it offers true comfort for family passengers.

Double-Cab Pickup Mode: It transforms instantly through a quick-release structure, providing 600-litre of cargo space for items like surfboards and construction materials.

Camper Mode: It supports an ecosystem of accessories, including awnings and roof tents, alongside off-road capability.

Songzhi announced that Chery will introduce additional transformable modes and accessory kits.

Chery is launching a collaboration model that spans the entire product development cycle. Before mass production, Chery will invite users worldwide to participate in co-creation, influencing features, powertrain tuning and model naming.

Since February 2024, a 20-member product team has conducted research across international markets, gathering over 1,350 user samples and more than 40,000 topic inputs.

Songzhi, stated, "Driven by the genuine needs of our users, we have not only redefined the form of the SUV but will also collaborate with them to co-create and co-define its future.”

The new vehicle is scheduled to reach consumers in the third quarter of 2026.

Image credit: Paultan.org

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