Mahindra Drives In ‘Driven By Purpose’ Mobility Solutions

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  • April 05, 2020
Mahindra Drives In ‘Driven By Purpose’ Mobility Solutions

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).

Vinod Sahay, Rajan Wadhera and Dr Pawan Goenka

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.

Atom

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-XUV 300
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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.

mStallion

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)

 

Honda Cars India Intros Honda City Sedan At INR 1.19 Million, Debuts ZR-V Hybrid SUV As CBU

Honda Cars India

Japanese automaker Honda Cars India (HCIL) has launched the new Honda City sedan and marked the Indian debut of its global hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) – the ZR-V e:HEV.

The introduction of the ZR-V e:HEV expands Honda's hybrid vehicle options in India as a completely built unit (CBU), as the company's flagship SUV in the country.

The new Honda City features updates to its front and rear exterior panels, extending its overall length to 4,594 mm. It introduces a 25.6 cm touchscreen display, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance features. The sedan offers two powertrain options: a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 121 PS paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed CVT, and a hybrid system producing 126 PS with a fuel economy rating of 27.26 km/l. Ex-showroom prices in Delhi range from INR 1.19 million for the petrol manual base variant to INR 2.09 million for the hybrid version.

The ZR-V e:HEV SUV features a 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine combined with a dual-motor hybrid system, generating a maximum output of 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque. The system shifts between electric, hybrid and engine drive modes while delivering a fuel efficiency rating of 22.79 kmpl.

The SUV measures 4,567 mm in length with a 2,655 mm wheelbase and offers up to 1,313 litres of cargo volume when the rear seats are folded flat. Standard features include an eight-airbag system, a 12-speaker Bose audio setup, a 22.8 cm touchscreen and a hands-free power tailgate.

Both models are sold with a three-year unlimited-kilometre standard warranty. The hybrid variants of the City and ZR-V include an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty on the lithium-ion battery package alongside a five-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty covering the hybrid components.

Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO, Honda Cars India, said, "Today's event marks the beginning of HCIL's New Phase of accelerated growth in the market. India is among the top 3 focus markets to realise Honda's future growth which will be driven by a strong pipeline of new products and our efforts to achieve cost competitiveness. This year is a landmark year for us with 6 strategic launches that will sharpen our competitive edge and reinforce our brand position in the market. The launch of the new Honda City and the India premiere of our globally acclaimed Honda ZR-V represent Honda's commitment to bringing sporty, premium and technologically advanced products to Indian customers. We look forward to an exciting year ahead with several new model introductions planned as part of Honda's continued growth strategy for the Indian market."

Pre-bookings for the vehicle have commenced at dealerships across India, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in July 2026. The updated Honda City is available immediately for sales and deliveries.

Citroen To Reinvent 2 CV Nameplate As An Electric Model

Ctiroen 2 CV

Stellantis-owned Citroen has confirmed the addition of a new model to its vehicle lineup, inspired by its historic 2 CV model. The vehicle is being introduced as part of the FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan outlined by parent company Stellantis.

Citroen intends to position the vehicle within the electric vehicle category, focusing on a design that prioritises accessibility, weight reduction and practicality to meet modern urban traffic regulations. It has announced that it will disclose further technical and product details at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026.

Xavier Chardon, Chief Executive Officer, Citroen, said, “Reinventing the 2 CV of tomorrow is a huge challenge and responsibility. The original 2 CV was never created to become an icon. It became one because it gave people freedom. The new 2 CV will carry that same spirit forward – not through nostalgia, but by reinventing its simplicity and accessibility for today’s world. Electric. Essential. Affordable. Human. Just like the original once democratised mobility, the new 2 CV will re-enchant electric mobility for a new generation through a highly desirable model. The return of the 2 CV is not simply the return of a legendary name. It is the return of a bold and optimistic idea of progress. A profoundly Citroen idea.”

Development and manufacturing processes for the vehicle are centred at the facility in Poissy, France. Until the production phase of the new model commences, the brand continues to address entry-level electric vehicle demand through its existing e-C3 model variant.

File photo

Mercedes-Benz India Launches Limited-Series GLE And GLS Night Editions

Mercedes-Benz India Launches Limited-Series GLE And GLS Night Editions

Mercedes-Benz India has introduced the GLE and GLS Night Editions, two exclusive limited-series models that bring a distinct visual identity and specially curated interiors to the brand’s best-selling luxury SUV range. These editions are part of a global limited run and will be available in restricted volumes, reinforcing their exclusivity and appeal to collectors. The configurations offered are not replicated on any standard variant.

Responding to rising customer demand for personalisation, the Night Editions feature darkened exterior styling with two colour choices: Obsidian Black and Alpine Grey. The Alpine Grey finish is reserved exclusively for this series, providing a more distinctive offering. Inside, both models elevate the cabin with black Nappa leather upholstance and Anthracite open-pore oak wood trim, details unavailable on standard versions. A head-up display comes as standard equipment across both vehicles.

The GLE Night Edition adds AIRMATIC suspension as an extra refinement, distinguishing its ride quality further from the standard GLE. The GLE has long been a consistent performer in Mercedes-Benz India’s core luxury SUV segment, and this new variant builds on that foundation with a sport-influenced black-centric exterior. Meanwhile, the GLS Night Edition applies the same design language to the flagship luxury SUV, which remains the highest-selling model in its segment. The black exterior styling gains greater visual authority on the larger GLS platform, while the premium interior upgrades extend the cabin’s luxurious character.

Pricing for the Night Edition GLS 450 stands at INR 14,100,000 ex-showroom all-India, while the GLS 450d is priced at INR 14,300,000. The GLE 300d Night Edition is available at INR 10,500,000, and the GLE 450 Night Edition at INR 11,400,000, both ex-showroom all-India.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Continuous product innovation for customers through new products, their facelifts and exclusive editions has been core to Mercedes-Benz’s successful product strategy in India, consistently elevating the brand’s desirability. GLE and GLS are undisputed segment leaders in the luxury SUV category in India, elevating India into Mercedes-Benz’s top global markets for these SUVs. The introduction of the ‘Night Edition’ with bespoke design, curated interiors, exclusive appointments and a sharper focus on personalisation makes the SUVs highly exclusive and unmatched in appeal. As our discerning customers increasingly seek vehicles that reflect their individuality, the GLE and GLS ‘Night Edition’ sets a new standard in differentiated luxury, reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in top-end luxury SUV space.”

Stellantis Unveils STLA One Global Modular Vehicle Architecture

Stellantis STLA One

European automotive major Stellantis has introduced STLA One, a new modular vehicle architecture designed to consolidate five existing platforms into a single, scalable system.

Scheduled for launch in 2027, the platform aims to support the company’s vehicle segments (B, C and D) and is projected to underpin more than 30 models, with production targets exceeding 2 million units annually by 2035.

The platform is claimed to be engineered to deliver a 20 percent improvement in cost efficiency through design modularity, increased component reuse and strategic battery technology choices.

STLA One is central to the company’s broader strategy, which aims for 50 percent of total volume to be produced on three global platforms by 2030. It is the first Stellantis architecture slated to integrate the full suite of the company's ‘STLA’ technology stack, including STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and steer-by-wire systems.

It is designed with common interfaces to reduce complexity and speed up development times across different vehicle segments. The architecture is engineered to be ‘dedicated per energy by design,’ ensuring efficiency for various powertrain types (including electric and hybrid variants).

The platform will support Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology to improve affordability and reduce dependency on critical raw materials. It will also feature cell-to-body integration to reduce weight and complexity and will be 800-volt capable to support faster charging.

While the STLA One announcement represents a new modular approach for the B, C and D segments, it joins the broader family of Stellantis global platforms, which previously included the STLA Small, STLA Medium, STLA Large and STLA Frame architectures. The company’s overall strategy continues to focus on consolidating its diverse portfolio into fewer, more efficient and highly flexible platforms.