To help keep drivers’ eyes on the road and reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses in a post COVID-19 world, Jaguar Land Rover develops new contactless touchscreen technology along with the University of Cambridge. This is part of the vehicle maker’s Destination Zero vision – a desire to make its vehicles safer and the environment cleaner and healthier.

The patented technology, known as ‛predictive touch,’ uses artificial intelligence and sensors to predict a user’s intended target on the touchscreen – whether that’s satellite navigation, temperature controls or entertainment settings – without touching a button.

Lab-tests and on-road trials showed the predictive touch technology could reduce a driver’s touchscreen interaction effort and time by up to 50 percent, as well as limiting the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Uneven or poor road surfaces can often cause vibrations that make it difficult to select the correct button on a touchscreen. This means drivers must take their attention away from the road, increasing the risk of an accident.

The technology uses artificial intelligence to determine the item the user intends to select on the screen early in the pointing task, speeding up the interaction. A gesture tracker uses vision-based or radio frequency-based sensors, which are increasingly common in consumer electronics, to combine contextual information such as user profile, interface design and environmental conditions with data available from other sensors, such as an eye-gaze tracker, to infer the user’s intent in real time.

Lee Skrypchuk, Human Machine Interface Technical Specialist, at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “As countries around the world exit lockdown, we notice how many everyday consumer transactions are conducted using touchscreens: railway or cinema tickets, ATMs, airport check-ins and supermarket self-service checkouts, as well as many industrial and manufacturing applications. Predictive touch technology eliminates the need to touch an interactive display and could therefore reduce the risk of spreading bacteria or viruses on surfaces.

“The technology also offers us the chance to make vehicles safer by reducing the cognitive load on drivers and increasing the amount of time they can spend focused on the road ahead. This is a key part of our Destination Zero journey.” (MT)

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Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has added new trim and six-seater configurations for the Carens Clavis across multiple existing variants.

The Carens Clavis lineup now grows to eight trims with the addition of the new HTX(O) trim, priced at INR 1.92 million (ex-showroom). Positioned just above the HTX variant, the HTX(O) trim is exclusively available with the Smartstream G1.5 Turbo-GDi petrol engine and 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (7DCT).

The trim gets new premium features, such as – BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 Speakers. Drive Mode Select (Eco/Normal/Sport) (7DCT), Smart Key Remote Engine Start (7DCT), Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold (7DCT).

Furthermore, Kia has also introduced a six-seater configuration in the following trims:

• HTK+ (G1.5T 7DCT & D1.5 6AT)
• HTK+(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)
• HTX(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)

Atul Sood, Senior VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “Reinforcing our commitment to elevating the overall brand experience, we are happy to strengthen the Carens Clavis lineup and make every variant a compelling choice. Our customers inspire every innovation we make. And hence, with the lineup expansion we have not just introduced a new HTX(O) trim but also addressed their desire on adding the 6-seater variant options. With these additions, we wish more consumers enjoy the power of choice without compromising on their needs.”

The entire Carens Clavis lineup continues to offer high levels of safety and convenience, featuring Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features, Six Airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Kia Connect as part of its core offering.

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Jeep India has introduced the Compass Track Edition, a limited-run special edition SUV based on the well-appointed Compass Model S trim. This new variant aims to offer customers an elevated and distinctive expression of style while maintaining the brand's core focus on capability and adventure. The prices of the Compass Track Edition start at INR 2.67 million for MT, INR 2.86 million for Track AT and INR 3.05 million for Track AT 4x4 variant.

Externally, the model features a signature hood decal, Piano Black detailing on the grille and badges and the exclusive Track Edition insignia. The look is completed by striking 18-inch diamond-cut Tech Grey alloy wheels and contrasting Spruce Beige highlights, giving the SUV a differentiated road presence.

The interior boasts luxurious upgrades, including all-new Tupelo Leatherette Seats with Spruce Beige contrast stitching, Dark Espresso Smoke Chrome finishes and a Cortina leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Compass Track Edition is powered by the proven 2.0L MultiJet II Turbo Diesel engine, which delivers 170 HP and 350 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed Manual Transmission or a 9-speed Automatic Transmission, with options for both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.

The special edition also includes an extensive safety suite with over 50 standard and available safety features, such as four-channel ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control and all-speed traction control.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “With the Compass Track Edition, we’re offering our customers an even more elevated SUV experience that reflects their individuality. Every detail has been carefully designed to create a sense of exclusivity, while staying rooted in Jeep’s DNA of capability, performance and adventure.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has unveiled the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition SUV.

The company said that the Fortuner now comes with ‘refreshed styling and premium enhancements’ to deliver a sportier and more dynamic aesthetic. The launch builds on the success of the 2024 Leader Edition.

The Fortuner gets a new grille design with front and rear bumper spoilers, chrome garnish and a distinctive hood emblem. It comes with glossy black alloy wheels and dual-tone roof in black.

On the inside, the cabin features black and maroon dual-tone seats and door trims, along with convenience additions such as auto-folding mirrors and illuminated scuff plates. Safety is bolstered by the inclusion of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The SUV is driven by Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 201bhp and 500 Nm of torque. It is available in 4x2 Automatic and Manual Transmission variants. The colour options include Attitude Black, Super White, Pearl White and Silver.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, our customers’ evolving lifestyle preferences inspire us to continually refresh and enhance our offerings. We are grateful for the strong acceptance and overwhelming response to the 2024 Fortuner Leader Edition, which has further strengthened the SUV’s legacy as an icon on Indian roads. Encouraged by this trust, we are delighted to introduce the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition, an offering for those seeking a sportier, more dynamic SUV. We are confident that this refreshed edition will further delight our customers and reinforce Fortuner’s position as the benchmark in the premium SUV segment.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is offering comprehensive finance solutions for the new edition, including up to 8-year funding plans and extended warranty options.

Since its Indian debut 15 years ago, the Fortuner has sold over 300,000 units, establishing itself as a benchmark in the premium SUV segment.

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Stellantis N.V. is reorganising its top executive structure with several key appointments and role adjustments, effective immediately, as it prepares to unveil an updated corporate strategy in 2026. The changes aim to sharpen the company's regional focus and promote both internal and external talent.

Key Appointments and Regional Shifts

• Emanuele Cappellano is now the Head of Enlarged Europe and European Brands, in addition to his current role leading Stellantis Pro One (the commercial vehicles business unit).
• Jean-Philippe Imparato will shift his focus to full-time CEO roles at Maserati and Stellantis & You, reporting to Cappellano.
• Herlander Zola has been appointed Head of the South America region, succeeding Cappellano.
• Samir Cherfan joins the Stellantis Leadership Team (SLT) while maintaining his position as Head of Middle East & Africa and Micromobility.
• Grégoire Olivier is now the Head of the China and Asia-Pacific region and an SLT member. The company noted that this and Cherfan's appointment sharpen the regional focus for the Middle East & Africa and Asia-Pacific organisations.
• Francesco Ciancia will rejoin Stellantis from Mercedes-Benz on 1^st November as Global Head of Manufacturing.
• Ralph Gilles joins the SLT as Global Head of Design.

Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis, said, "With these new appointments we are promoting exceptional talent from inside and out to leadership roles as we prepare our business for future success. We are also sharpening our regional focus by allocating specific responsibility for our Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa organisations at the SLT level.”

On the other hand, the company also announced some executive departures:

• Arnaud Deboeuf will leave the company to pursue other opportunities.
• Philippe de Rovira, formerly Head of the joint Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, is leaving to pursue new career endeavours, a move made public in July.

“We are delighted we will continue to benefit from Jean-Philippe’s expertise in his new role. Our thanks go to Arnaud and Philippe for their contributions over the years and we wish them the best in their future endeavours,” added Filosa.

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