Lamborghini to Say Goodbye to Pure Combustion Cars This Year

MESNAC to setup tyre mould factories in Vietnam and Cambodia

Lamborghini has announced that 2022 would be the last year to sell models based on pure combustion engines. The Italian supercar brand, which will electrify its lineup by 2024, will launch its first plug-in hybrid model in 2023. 

"It will be the last time that we only offer combustion engines,” Stephan Winkelmann, CEO, Lamborghini, was quoted as saying in a report. The company, which allocated around $1.7 billion for its shift to plug-in hybrids, has plans to launch four new products this year. 

Winkelmann said Lamborghini has plans to unveil a full-electric model in the second half of the decade. The sports-car maker registered an increase of 13 percent in its worldwide sales at 8,405 vehicles last year. Its sales in Europe surged 12 percent. (MT)

Range Rover Unveils New High-Performance Sport SV Carbon

Range Rover Sport SV Carbon

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a new addition to its high-performance SUV lineup, the Range Rover Sport SV Carbon. The new model, which will debut on 13 August at Monterey Car Week, joins the existing Range Rover Sport SV and SV Black models, offering an even stronger focus on lightweight materials and performance aesthetics.

The Range Rover Sport SV Carbon features extensive use of carbon fibre, including a standard Forged Carbon Exterior Pack with detailing around the Active Quad Exhausts. Customers can also opt for a Twill Carbon finish and an exposed carbon fibre bonnet. The vehicle sits on lightweight 23-inch forged alloy wheels, with optional ultra-lightweight 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheels also available. For stopping power, customers can choose optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes with a variety of calliper colour choices.

Inside, the carbon fibre theme continues with Forged Carbon detailing on the seatbacks and dashboard. The interior offers a choice of four colour themes in either perforated Windsor Leather or a leather-free Ultrafabrics material. Extended Moonlight Chrome detailing and illuminated SV treadplates complete the interior design.

Under the hood, the SV Carbon features a carbon fibre engine cover over a 4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8 mild hybrid petrol engine. The engine produces 635 horsepower and 800Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to reach a top speed of 180 mph (290 kmph). The vehicle also includes advanced features like the 6D Dynamics Suspension and Body and Soul Seat (BASS) technology, which provides a multi-dimensional audio experience.

Ryan Miller, Product and Services Marketing Director for Range Rover, said, "Following the introduction of the previously limited Range Rover Sport SV Edition ONE and Edition TWO, clients now have more choice when it comes to specifying their ultimate luxury performance SUV. Last month we announced the Range Rover Sport SV Black, offering a stealthy, dipped-in-black aesthetic, while the new Range Rover Sport SV Carbon is an assertive interpretation of our luxury performance SUV. Offered alongside Range Rover Sport SV and SV Black, it completes the new line-up showcasing the best of Range Rover’s sophisticated carbon fibre materials, for the ultimate expression of lightweight performance."

Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition Launched At INR 830,000

Nissan Magnite KURO Special Edition

Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has launched the new Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition at prices starting INR 830,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The compact SUV now features suave interior black theme and Japanese-inspired design cues.  

The Magnite Kuro Special Edition, available with turbo-petrol and naturally aspirated petrol engines features a ‘Kuro’ badge on the left fender, Piano Black front grille, black skid plates, gloss black roof rails, R16 diamond-cut alloy wheels and black door handles. Standard equipment includes black LED headlamps with turn indicators. The interior has a dark theme with piano black finishes, and the model adds a wireless charger as standard and a dash cam as an accessory.

In addition, a new metallic grey colour option has been launched for the Tekna, Tekna+ and N Connecta variants.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The New Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition embodies bold design and refined craftsmanship, thoughtfully created in response to strong customer demand for a distinctive, premium and feature-packed offering. The previous edition of the Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition received an overwhelming response from customers for its striking all-black aesthetic and unique identity.”

“The New Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition elevates the Magnite’s SUV presence while staying true to Nissan’s core promise of exceptional value, advanced innovation and uncompromised safety. The recent 5-star GNCAP is testimony to our commitment to safety and deliver world class products from India under our ‘One Car, One World’ strategy. To celebrate this achievement, we are also introducing a brand-new colour – Metallic Grey to the Magnite line-up.”

Citroen India Partners HDFC Bank For Retail And Dealer Finance Solutions

L-R: Akhilesh Kumar Roy, Business Head – Auto Loans, Inventory Finance and Two-Wheeler Loans, HDFC Bank and Shishir Mishra, Business Head & Director – Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Business, Stellantis India.

European automaker Citroen India has partnered with HDFC Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, for retail and dealer finance solutions.

This move, the company shared further strengthens the Stellantis–HDFC alliance, making HDFC Bank the exclusive preferred financier for all Stellantis brands in India, including Jeep, Maserati and now Citroen.

A standout feature for Citroen customers would be access to HDFC Xpress Car Loan, an industry-leading solution offering 30-minute disbursals through a 100 percent digital interface.

HDFC Bank shared that auto loans have been one of the significant contributors to its retail assets segment with around INR 14,800 billion in its auto loan books.

Shishir Mishra, Business Head & Director – Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Business, Stellantis India, said, “Financing plays a pivotal role in the car buying journey. New-age customers are increasingly seeking smart, flexible financing solutions that align with their lifestyles and convenience. They value speed, transparency, and convenience in their car-buying journey, making innovative finance options a key decision driver. At Citroen, we believe in making mobility more accessible and seamless for our customers and partners. This partnership with HDFC Bank not only strengthens our financing ecosystem but also reaffirms our commitment to delivering holistic, convenient and trusted experiences across all touchpoints.”

Arvind Vohra, Group Head – Retail Assets, HDFC Bank, said, “We are pleased to partner with Citroen for offering a simplified auto-financing journey. HDFC Bank’s vast geographical footprint, consumer centric banking products and robust credit intelligence capabilities will unlock a speedier and convenient auto ownership journey.”

Toyota Innova Completes Two Decades In India

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has marked 20 years of the Innova SUV in India, with cumulative sales of over 1.2 million units across the Innova, Innova Crysta and Innova HyCross models.

Launched in 2005, the Innova set a new benchmark in the MPV segment with its combination of ride comfort, spacious interiors, durable build and advanced safety features. The Innova Crysta followed in 2016 with a new design, more powerful engines and premium features, while the 2022 Innova HyCross introduced self-charging hybrid technology, delivering 186 PS of combined output and segment-leading fuel efficiency. The HyCross has sold 100,000 units in India since its launch.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President – Sales, Service and Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Toyota Innova has built a deep emotional bond with customers over the last two decades – trusted as a dependable companion for families, loved by all for its comfort and reliability and chosen time and again across generations. Whether for daily commutes or memorable road trips, the Innova has remained a part of countless personal journeys. Beyond its emotional connect, the Innova stands strong as a product benchmark – offering spacious interiors, robust build quality and smooth drivability, making it one of the most trusted and loved MPVs in India.”

Toyota attributed the Innova’s sustained popularity to its comfort, practicality, and adaptability, supported by customer-focused enhancements and the company’s after-sales ecosystem, T CARE, which offers services from quick delivery to value-added protection and transparent maintenance.