Mahindra Drives In ‘Driven By Purpose’ Mobility Solutions
- By 0
- April 05, 2020
As the pioneer of electric mobility in India, the company displayed one of the widest ranges of EVs and related technology solutions, to demonstrate its commitment to be driven by purpose for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
The company turned the spotlight on its range of EVs and solutions: Funster, ATOM and e-XUV300, e-KUV100, and e-Alfa Mini (Cart Version).
Funster: ‘Play-for-fun’ is the core experience that personifies Funster, which has been conceived as a sports electric vehicle. It enables seamless acceleration, available at the press of the throttle. With its dual electric motors and full-time AWD system, the vehicle offers a class-leading output of 230 kW with a top speed of 200 kmph, clocking 0 to 100 kmph in 5 seconds. Funster is equipped with a high-end 59.1 kWh battery pack, enabling an impressive range of 520 km on a single charge. The techy front end, floating tail lamps, sports-shoe inspired wheel arches and advanced interiors express an active sporty lifestyle as the new norm.
ATOM: Designed to appeal to the emerging new India and transform the face of last mile connectivity, ATOM is a combination of clean, comfortable and smart mobility. Powered by Mahindra’s latest electric drive system, the vehicle has a spacious interior and a monocoque body that offers a safe enclosure for occupants. It also comes equipped with a state of the art 4G connectivity system and aims to revolutionize the way Indians travel.
e-XUV300: An aspirational electric SUV developed as a perfect mobility solution for the environment-conscious customers and the ideal vehicle for those who desire thrilling performance. The vehicle is powered by a powerful motor that gives instant acceleration and at the same time the refinement and quiet drive of an EV. The large battery capacity ensures long range avoiding range anxiety. It has a futuristic design with new features, smart and premium interiors with blue highlights to accentuate the new character of this SUV. Most importantly, the vehicle has been built on a platform that has 5-star safety rating from GNCAP.
e-KUV100: This EV provides the benefits of driving an SUV combined with the unique advantages of an electric vehicle. The vehicle is ideally suited for daily city commutes to schools, offices, malls, etc. It offers peak power output of 40kW, torque of 120 Nm and a range of 147 kms, ensuring that daily commuting is easily covered. Fast charging can extend the range by 80 percent within 60 minutes. Its silent drive, coupled with an automatic transmission, offers a relaxing, fatigue free driving experience in chaotic city traffic. In addition to smartphone connectivity, onboard computers will allow for remote diagnostics, cabin pre-cooling, remote door lock/unlock, location tracking, monitoring of driving pattern and giving updates on the battery status.
The company showcased 2 variants of the Treo - the Lithium-ion battery electric 3-wheeler. The new Treo 3-wheeler features more than 20 new and improved EV components made in-house by Mahindra Electric. It also features an additional range extender that will increase the range by 60-70 km, along with a concept solar roof that can increase the range by another 26 km.
From the modular electric 3-wheeler platform comes another heavy-duty small electric commercial vehicle named Mahindra Treo Zor. This new model will feature best-in-class performance that will be ideal for a range of applications, from vegetable vendors, to e-commerce players. With a best-in-segment storage area, the cargo box of the Treo Zor can be accessed from all three-sides, enhancing its usability and convenience.
e-Alfa Mini (Cart Version): This battery-operated 3-wheeler represents an ideal solution for last-mile delivery. Built on e-Alfa Mini passenger vehicle platform, it boasts of a real-world range of 75-80 km with full load and an optional swappable battery pack. e-Alfa Cargo is just the beginning of the EV offerings for commercial applications from Mahindra.
Mahindra Electric unveiled its design-ready Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture 350 (MESMA 350) which is a 350 volt powertrain that has been built from the ground up by the company. MESMA 350 supports motor sizes ranging from 60 kW to 280 kW, dual motor concepts and battery sizes up to 80 kWh. With this new platform, it is gearing up for the greater adoption of EVs that will help bring economies of scale, reduce cost and enable smaller variants/ models to be made in India.
Engines
In the BS-VI range the company displayed mStallion, its range of advanced BSVI-ready turbo gasoline direct injection, TGDi engines. Developed at the state-of-the-art Mahindra Research Valley, the mStallion range of gasoline engines have been designed, engineered, developed and tested to deliver thrilling performance across varied driving and traffic conditions. The mStallion range of engine is future- ready with state-of-the-art technology, which in current form is BSVI stage 1 and stage 2 compliant. This in turn is equivalent to Euro 6 C norms and is fully protected to meet Euro 6 D norms.
The mStallion engines have been built indigenously with support from such experts as Bosch, AVL, and Continental among others. The engines are powered by the TGDi technology and boast of best-in-class performance with the highest torque density. They deliver better fuel efficiency along with significant improvements in Noise-Vibration-Harshness parameters. Besides, they deliver excellent low-end torque and provide power-packed performance.
The company also showcased its new division CERO (Mahindra MSTC Recycling Pvt. Ltd.), India's first organised vehicle recycler. CERO stands for a world of zero waste and zero pollution through automobile recycling and reuse.
Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “As Mahindra enters its 75th year, our theme of Driven by Purpose will be the pillar on which we develop sustainable mobility solutions for the future. Our focus will not only be on growing our clean business unit through our electric mobility business but also to provide cleaner engines as we approach the implementation of BS-VI norms.”
Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “What gives us a sense of pride today is the display of our new M Stallion BSVI range of gasoline engines, which are truly world class with the highest level of technology. It is fitting that we choose to display these engines at an important industry event like the Auto Expo. I am particularly proud of our new range of BSVI trucks which have had minimal changes and offer a hassle free ownership experience. The launch of our CRUZIO range of buses is another significant step toward making us a full range player in the CV segment.”
Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric, said, “The products displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo clearly demonstrated Mahindra’s commitment to develop and manufacture EV technology in India. They also showcased our strength across a range of EV platforms in both the mass and personal mobility segments. The design-ready MESMA 350 volt powertrain will be made in India for the world.” (MT)
Hyundai Motor Group Announces Executive Appointments For 2026
- By MT Bureau
- December 19, 2025
South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Group has announced executive appointments effective from 1st January 2026. The changes focus on the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDV) and the development of manufacturing technology.
In total, 219 executives have been promoted across the Group, comprising four Presidents, 14 Executive Vice Presidents, 25 Senior Vice-Presidents and 176 Vice Presidents. Approximately 30 percent of these promotions are within R&D and technology sectors.
Manfred Harrer has been promoted to President and Head of the R&D Division. Since joining in 2024, Harrer has managed vehicle development. His new role focuses on SDV competitiveness and development projects.
Juncheul Jung is promoted to President. Jung currently manages the Manufacturing Solutions and Procurement Divisions. His remit involves the Group's Software-Defined Factory (SDF) approach and the integration of robotics into production systems.
Yeong Il Choi becomes Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production. Choi also takes the role of Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for production facilities in South Korea.
The company also announced revamping leadership positions in its regional business, where it has appointed Seung Kyu Yoon as President of Kia North America Operations, Bo-Ryong Lee as President and CEO of Hyundai Steel Operations, Gang Hyun Seo as Head of Corporate Planning, Affiliate Business Optimisation, Sungwon Jee as Executive Vice-President, Hyundai Brand Marketing and Yongseok Shin as Executive Vice-President of HMG Business Intelligence Institute.
Hyundai Motor Group has internalised technologies including the 'Pleos Connect' infotainment system and 'Atria AI' for autonomous driving. Appointments in engineering include Jeonghun Seo in Battery Engineering and Duckhwan Kim in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Engineering.
Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair, continues to oversee the direction for mobility, hydrogen energy and robotics. Within the financial sector, Chang Hyun Cho (Hyundai Card) and Si Woo Jeon (Hyundai Commercial) have been promoted to Executive Vice-President.
"The appointments are intended to strengthen organisational resilience and expand the leadership pipeline across functions. In addition, the appointments reflect the Group’s commitment to turning global uncertainties into opportunities for renewal and growth. It will continue to advance bold leadership transformation and secure strong competitiveness in the SDV era," the company said.
Maruti Suzuki India’s WagonR Surpasses 3.5 Million Units Production Milestone
- By MT Bureau
- December 18, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India has attained a production milestone of 3.5 million units for the popular hatchback the WagonR.
The model, which spans three generations, was first launched in India in December 1999 and is currently manufactured at the company's facilities in Gurgaon and Manesar, Haryana.
The WagonR joins the Alto and Swift as models within the Maruti Suzuki portfolio to reach this volume. Globally, the Suzuki WagonR was first introduced in Japan in September 1993 and is now sold in over 75 countries. In August 2025, the model reached 100 million units in cumulative global sales.
The current WagonR is built on the fifth-generation Heartect platform. Standard safety features include six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
On the inside, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth and voice command functionality.
The vehicle has been the highest-selling car in India for the previous four financial years.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This achievement is not just a production milestone, but reflects the enduring love and confidence that generations of customers have shown towards brand WagonR. It is rare for a vehicle to receive such acceptance even after 25 years since its launch. The WagonR kept evolving with the introduction of new technology and features over time, while retaining its original DNA. The WagonR has been highly appreciated for aspects like its iconic tall-boy design, spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, which aptly reflect our customers’ needs and expectations. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and remain committed to providing ‘Joy of Mobility’ for generations to come.”
Nissan’s New 7-Seater MPV For India To Be Called Gravite, Launch In January 2026
- By MT Bureau
- December 18, 2025
Nissan Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has announced that its upcoming seven-seater B-MPV will be named Gravite. The vehicle is scheduled for launch in January 2026 and is the first in a series of products for the Indian market.
The Gravite was announced in July 2024 as the second model in the company's current release plan. The timeline for upcoming vehicle launches includes: Gravite (B-MPV) 7-seater early 2026, Tekton SUV mid-2026 and the 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027.
The new Gravite’s design incorporates a C-shaped front grille and horizontal proportions. It is the only vehicle in its segment to feature hood branding and rear-door badging. The rear design utilises a C-shaped interlock theme.
Inside, the vehicle contains modular seating to accommodate passengers and cargo, alongside storage innovations.
Nissan is also expanding its dealership network in India.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), said, “India continues to be a strong contributor to AMIEO’s performance, and Nissan Motor India plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Over FY25, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our portfolio, and delivered on every promise made under our 2024 product offensive. The upcoming line-up—shaped by global insights yet deeply attuned to the needs of Indian customers—reflects our commitment to this dynamic market. With new models developed in and for India, and exports to several international markets, India remains both a growth driver and a strategic hub for Nissan Alliance. The reveal of the Gravite demonstrates our continued momentum and reinforces our confidence in the road ahead.”
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The all-new Gravite is a testament to Nissan Motor India’s renewed focus on the evolving Indian market. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, it is designed to be the perfect companion for the diverse needs of our customers. As the second model in our all-new product line-up, the Gravite marks a pivotal step in our transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the aspirations of Indian consumers.”
- Maruti Suzuki India
- Swivel Seat
- United Nations
- TRUEAssist Technology
- NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore
- Hisashi Takeuchi
- Naina Padaki
Maruti Suzuki Launches WagonR Swivel Seat For Inclusive Mobility
- By MT Bureau
- December 17, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India has introduced a swivel seat option for the popular WagonR hatchback. The feature is designed to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities by providing easier access to the vehicle.
The initiative aligns with the Suzuki Group slogan 'By Your Side' and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 regarding the reduction of inequality.
The solution was developed in collaboration with TRUEAssist Technology, a Bengaluru-based startup, under Maruti Suzuki’s incubation programme with NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore.
The swivel seat is available as a retrofitment kit at Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships. It can be installed in new WagonR models or retrofitted into existing vehicles. The project will initially launch at 200 dealerships across 11 cities, with plans to scale based on customer response.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Swivel seat will make daily travel more convenient for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. WagonR is among the top 10 selling models* in India and is ideal to offer this accessibility feature to a wider audience. This initiative reflects our vision of inclusive mobility and reinforces our commitment to customer-focused solutions that empower people with dignity, independence, and confidence in their everyday journeys. It fully aligns with our motto to deliver ‘Joy of Mobility’ to as many people as possible.”
Naina Padaki, Founder of TRUEAssist Technology, stated, “We are truly pleased to collaborate with India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, to bring our assistive mobility solution to a wider audience. Working with the R&D engineers of Maruti Suzuki has been a delightful experience, and it is inspiring how deeply they think of the customers in every aspect. By integrating our innovation into a model loved by the masses, we can ensure that inclusive mobility becomes a mainstream reality and reaches more families across India.”
The WagonR swivel seat kit has been tested by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The installation does not require modifications to the car’s structure or core functions. The swivel seat is supplied with a three-year warranty.

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