BMW India has launched the first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé that is manufactured at its plant in Chennai. The car is available in a diesel variant at all BMW India dealerships from today.

The car is available in two diesel design variants. The ex-showroom price of 220d Sport Line is INR 39,30,000 while 220d M Sport is INR 41,40,000.

Blending the comfort of a sedan and the sportiness of a coupé the new car, despite its sporty appearance, has a roomy interior and the driver-focused cockpit with exquisite materials. Adding to the sense of space is the standard large panorama glass sunroof. The large 430 litres luggage compartment can be expanded by folding down the 40/20/40 split rear seat backrest. The rear seat can be folded down completely to create more space. The illuminated trim, a segment-first, retains normal appearance in daylight but functions as decorative lighting elements with a space-shaping effect in the dark. Ambient Lighting with six dimmable designs creates an atmosphere for every mood. In addition it comes with Parking Assist with Reverse Assist, Illuminated Interior Trim, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Gesture Control, Wireless Charging and BMW Virtual Assistant among others.

Hauled by TwinPower Turbo diesel engine helps the coupe offer spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW 220d produces an output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km / hr in just 7.5 seconds. The 2 Series Gran Coupé is available in four exciting colours - Alpine White (non-metallic) and in following metallic paintworks – Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red and Storm Bay. Sport Line is exclusively available in Seaside Blue colour also. The M Sport variant is available in two additional exclusive colours - Misano Blue and Snapper Rocks. The choice of upholstery combinations includes Sensatec Oyster | Black and Sensatec Black | Black.

The Sport Line celebrates the gust of adrenaline with sporty style and self-confidence. M Sport bestows a masculine character with distinguished’M’ design elements evoking the racing spirit.Mated with eight-speed steptronic sport automatic transmission the car performs smooth, almost imperceptible gearshifts. It comes with steering wheel paddle shifters and cruise control with braking function. Using Launch Control, ambitious drivers can achieve maximum acceleration with optimised traction from a standstill. Using the Driving Experience Control switch, the driver is able to choose between different driving modes to suit the driving conditions - ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport.

BMW India Financial Services offers exclusive financial packages with low monthly payments starting INR 39,300, assured buy-back value of INR 22.79 lakh and flexible end of term options, customers enjoy a hassle-free ownership experience.

Besides, it comes with service packages cover - Condition Based Service (CBS) and maintenance work with plans ranging from three yrs / 40,000 kms to 10 yrs / 2,00,000 kms. Additionally, the packages can be extended during the run time by just paying a differential amount. The regular service cost for petrol cars starts at less than INR 1 per km and diesel cars starts at less than INR 1.5 per km. Repair Inclusive extends warranty benefits from third year of operation to maximum sixth year, after the completion of the standard two-year warranty period. (MT)

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Renault India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the French Renault Group, has announced the official ARAI-certified fuel efficiency for the new Duster Turbo TCe 100. The upcoming midsize SUV achieves a certified fuel economy of 19.41 kmpl, aiming to offer a balance of everyday performance and low fuel consumption.

The TCe 100 powertrain has been developed exclusively for the Duster line and features specific tuning to optimise thermal efficiency and power delivery. The SUV is built on Renault's all-new RGMP platform. The engine and drivetrain are comprehensively engineered to align with this advanced architecture's structural dynamics.

The turbocharged petrol engine produces a peak power output of 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, calibrated to deliver responsive performance and a smooth driving experience across varied road conditions.

Dr V. Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering at Renault Group India, said, “The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency reflects Renault’s focus on practical engineering and customer value. The Turbo TCe 100 engine uses turbocharging and efficient combustion to deliver responsive performance with strong fuel economy. With the 6‑speed manual transmission, the powertrain provides a balanced and efficient driving experience.”

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of the ‘Hyundai Innovation Challenge 2026’. The initiative invites applications from high-potential startups to collaborate on developing next-generation mobility and automobile technologies.

The program is curated and supported in partnership with ZER01NE, Hyundai Motor Group’s global open innovation platform. The challenge is structured as a 6-month innovation initiative designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial concepts and commercial validation. Hyundai Motor India is seeking cutting-edge software and hardware solutions across several core technology pillars – electrification & alternative energy systems; new mobility models & connectivity frameworks; Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS); Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven automotive tools and next-generation integrated vehicle technologies.

While the application platform outlines 15 specific focus areas, the automaker encourages startups to submit any disruptive ideas that demonstrate strong potential for high-impact mobility solutions, even if they fall outside the listed criteria.

The program will run on a structured evaluation pipeline managed by LINK Innovation, a global startup consulting and accelerator platform. Startups can submit their entries through the designated LINK Innovation website until the end of June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the open timeline, judged against a set of preliminary technical and operational parameters. Shortlisted startups will undergo a rigorous review focusing specifically on their technology and product readiness levels. Shortlisted candidates will progress to a final pitch round hosted before HMIL's top management.

The selected startups for the final cohort will gain access to Hyundai's industrial capabilities to transform theoretical concepts into market-ready products. They will get opportunities to co-create future mobility solutions alongside Hyundai Motor India, backed by dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) grants. Hands-on technical guidance and expert mentorship from engineering specialists. Access to Hyundai’s robust commercial ecosystem and customer base to unlock market exposure. Long-term avenues for potential corporate investments and enduring strategic business partnerships.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai Motor India, we strongly believe that the future of mobility will be shaped by collaboration, innovation and bold thinking. The Hyundai Innovation Challenge, curated in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group's ZER01NE team, is designed to bring together some of the brightest minds and most promising startups to co-create solutions that redefine mobility."

“Given India’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and its growing influence on global innovation, the Hyundai Innovation Challenge is poised to bring new tech innovations to the world of mobility. At HMIL, we see startups as partners and co-creators of a smarter, more sustainable future," said Garg.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has released the initial exterior sketches of its upcoming flagship electric vehicle, the Skoda Peaq. The seven-seater SUV marks a new design direction for the brand, utilising clean surfaces, structured details and signature electric vehicle styling cues.

The world premiere of the new flagship SUV is scheduled to take place in Monnetier-Mornex, France, at 18:25 on 23 June 2026.

The exterior of the Peaq represents a consistent application of Skoda's new ‘Modern Solid’ design framework. The aesthetic balances rugged proportions with minimalist, aerodynamic elements tailored for the electric era.

The front features slender, T-shaped headlights and a gloss-black ‘Tech-Deck Face’. A connecting element runs between the assemblies to form a frame-like loop motif, which contrasts against a pronounced, volcano-shaped lower bumper.

The side profile is dominated by a high shoulder line and wide D-pillars to emphasise a wide, stable stance. The sketches also reveal flush door handles seamlessly integrated into the structured body panels to optimise aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, the Skoda Peaq echoes the front design language with matching T-shaped taillights and a unified connecting element, establishing a cohesive loop motif that serves as a distinct visual signature.

Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design, Skoda Auto, said, “In designing the exterior of the Skoda Peaq, we consistently applied the Modern Solid design language, combining clean lines, balanced proportions and distinctive elements. Precisely sculpted surfaces and clearly structured details create a confident, timeless presence, while signature features such as the T-shaped headlights and Tech-Deck Face express Skoda’s identity in a new electric era.”

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Honda India Foundation (HIF) has inaugurated a new Driving Practice Zone (DPZ) in Mahendragarh, marking the first facility of its kind in the state of Haryana. The community infrastructure project is designed to provide aspiring drivers with a safe, structured environment to practice driving skills and undergo essential road safety training. The facility will be fully accessible and open to the general public free of cost.

The project targets a prominent infrastructure gap common in Tier II and Tier III towns, where a lack of formal, dedicated driving enclosures often compels learners to practice on public roads, escalating safety risks for themselves and other commuters.

The newly opened Driving Practice Zone incorporates both practical and academic training spaces to build comprehensive driver competency before individuals transition to public roads –

• Dedicated Practice Tracks: Specially engineered tracks to help learner drivers systematically build vehicle control, operational confidence, and manoeuvring skills.
• Theoretical Classroom: A dedicated indoor learning space utilised for theoretical instructional sessions, focused on enhancing traffic rule compliance and general road awareness.

Vinay Dhingra, Trustee of the Honda India Foundation, said, “Road safety begins with access to the right training environment. Through this Driving Practice Zone, we aim to provide learner drivers with a safe, structured space to build driving skills, improve awareness and develop responsible road behaviour before they begin driving on public roads. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to making road safety training more accessible at the community level.”

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