Meta Materials Circular Markets (MMCM) organised a conference at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 18 December 2023. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, unveiled the DigiELV online platform as well as the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator. 
MMCM's Automotive Circularity Orchestrator addresses global environmental concerns by helping collaboration for eco-friendly alternatives. It connects consumers, manufacturers and recyclers to promote sustainability and facilitates seamless data as well as material exchanges. 
The DigiELV online platform – authorised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) – aids lawful trading of Certificate of Deposit (CD) for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). It ensures transparency and rewards sustainable efforts of ELV owners. In the beta phase, the DigiELV platform facilitated trading of more than 800 certificates in the past three months.
Besides the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator and DigiELV, the MMCM also introduced a public educational series on benefits of vehicle scrapping during the programme. The series was shown at the conference to those present and turned out to be quite engaging in the booklet form. It included cartoon stories for kids to encourage parents to take a sustainable action on their vehicles in terms of their scrappage at the end of their life. 
Organised in collaboration with the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) and the Policy Times Chamber of Commerce (PTCC), the conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss not just about the DigiELV or the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator but also about the ELV Policy, certificate of deposits, CD Trading, lawful ELV scrapping, need for material traceability and carbon emission reduction through vehicle scrappage waste recycle/circular economy. The launch edition made efforts to spread awareness about vehicle modernisation programme, CD trading on DigiELV and the role of the Auto Circularity Orchestrator in environmental sustainability. 
"The launch of platforms like DigiELV and Automotive Circularity Orchestrator aligns with our commitment to reducing pollution and moving towards sustainable mobility,” said Gadkari 
Gadkari emphasised on moving ahead with the 3E concept, which stands for ecology, environment and economics. He mentioned that the scrappage policy will reduce environmental pollution by approximately 20-25 percent. 
Nitin Chitkara, CEO, MMCM, averred, "Around eight percent of India's total GHG emissions come from the transport sector, and in Delhi it exceeds 30 percent. The 2021 Vehicle Scrappage Policy is a crucial step toward systematically phasing out unfit cars and promoting technologically advanced vehicles to reduce pollution. Our solutions, DigiELV and the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator, aim to revolutionise the automotive industry by promoting sustainability and addressing the pressing issue of automotive pollution.” 
There was no standard scrapping facility available. After the introduction of this, cars would be scrapped properly. Consumers in-turn will benefit by receiving a certificate recognised by the government which they can use to avail a discount on road tax as well as registration fees when buying a new car, he added.

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Kia India has announced a significant change to its leadership team, naming Sunhack Park as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as Chief Business Officer (CBO).

As the new CSO, Park will head Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, improving operational efficiency and expanding the brand’s market reach. He brings over 28 years of international automotive experience, having held key leadership positions at Kia Headquarters in South Korea, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and India.

Cho, in his role as CBO, will be responsible for crafting business strategies, overseeing production planning and export logistics, leading cross-functional teams and forging strategic alliances to ensure operational excellence. He has over 32 years of leadership experience from global roles in Australia, the UK and Europe.

Sunhack Park, said, “I am privileged to take on the role as Chief Sales Officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and strengthening our dealer and partner ecosystem.”

Joonsu Cho, said, “I am honored to assume the role of Chief Business Officer. Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

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RattanIndia Enterprises-owned Revolt Motors, a leading electric motorcycle brand, is strengthening its leadership team and has appointed Raghava Rao as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO).

Rao, a seasoned industry leader, comes with over two decades of diverse experience across the automotive sector, spanning two-wheelers, tractors, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

Prior to joining Revolt Motors, he has held senior leadership positions at Kinetic Engineering, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Piaggio Vehicles and TI Clean Mobility (Montra Electric).

Roy Kurian Joins Revolt Motors As President

Rao has expertise in channel sales, customer support, customer experience and market insights, with a proven track record of driving business growth and customer success.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises, said, “We are delighted to welcome Raghava Rao to the Revolt family. His deep expertise in the automotive industry and proven leadership across multiple business functions will play a crucial role in accelerating our growth journey and further strengthening Revolt’s position as India’s No.1 electric motorcycle brand.”

Rao is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (General Management Program), holds a B.Tech degree from BITS Pilani, and a PGCSM from XLRI Jamshedpur.

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the new Thar with prices starting at INR 999,000. The vehicle incorporates design changes, comfort features and technology integration, engineered for urban travel and weekend adventures.

The popular SUV has gone home to over 300,000 customers, now features a new exterior, which includes a front grille, a dual-tone front bumper and R18 alloy wheels. The interior includes a black theme dashboard and a new steering wheel. It is available in six colour options, including two new additions: Tango Red and Battleship Grey.

For comfort and convenience, the Thar features rear AC vents for second-row passengers, a sliding armrest and a dead pedal (automatic transmission models). Door-mounted power windows, a rear-view camera and an internally operated fuel lid are included. The vehicle also has a rear wash & wiper and an A-Pillar entry assist handle.

The Thar is equipped with a 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other tech includes Type-C USB ports and Adventure Stats Gen II, which provides off-road data such as a racing tab, altimeter, outside temperature and pressure, trip meter and steering direction.

Mahindra offers a range of engine options paired with transmissions – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic – in RWD as well as 4X4 configurations.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Over the years, Thar has become more than just an SUV – it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle that resonates deeply with our customers. At Mahindra, we are committed to listening to our customers and evolving with their needs, which is why the New Thar reflects both their feedback and our dedication to provide the best to our customers. By blending new design elements, smart technology, enhanced comfort and convenience features, the new Thar offers an unparalleled driving experience that empowers our customers to explore limitless possibilities in both urban and off-road settings.”

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new Aircross X SUV, the latest addition to its premium X-Series portfolio, with an introductory price starting at INR 829,000. The launch, the company said, is a key step in the brand’s Citroen 2.0 ‘Shift Into the New’ strategy, positioning the SUV as a feature-rich, spacious option for Indian customers.

The new Aircross X elevates its segment with significant interior and technology upgrades. The cabin features an enriched design with a leatherette-wrapped instrument panel, chic gold accents and a bezel-less 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a 7-inch digital cluster. Comfort is enhanced with ventilated leatherette seats, diffused ambient lighting and the brand’s signature Advanced Comfort Suspension.

A standout feature is the introduction of CARA, billed as India’s first multilingual, intuitive in-car companion. CARA can communicate in 52 languages, control essential vehicle functions and prioritise safety with voice SOS and crash alerts. Driving convenience is further improved with Proxi-Sense Passive Entry, Cruise Control and a HALO 360deg Camera with Satellite View.

Emphasising the model’s safety credentials, the launch follows the recent 5-star Adult protection rating awarded to the Aircross 5S variant in the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP).

The New Aircross X is available in 5- and 7-seater configurations with options for both ICE and CNG engines. Bookings are now open across all Citroen dealerships and online.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The new Aircross X is an SUV designed around the real needs of Indian families – space, comfort, safety and smart innovation. With the debut of CARA, we’re making everyday mobility more intuitive and personal. What makes the New Aircross X unique is that it blends the practicality of a family SUV with the premium feel of our X-Series design. It is a versatile SUV that’s aspirational, yet accessible.”

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