One year after the car and sports plans were unveiled, Maserati returned to Spa-Francorchamps for round 3 of the Fanatec GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli. 

During the qualifying round held on 29 June 2024, three Maserati GT2s achieved a magnificent one-two in Race 1. The victor was LP Racing's number 1 car, driven by Leonardo Gorini and Carlo Tamburini. He finished ahead of teammate Philippe Prette, the winner in the Am class. 

In the same class, the third Maserati, the TFT Racing team's number 24 driven by Alexandre Leroy, crossed the finish line in second (fifth overall). In Race 2, the Belgian took the bottom step of the podium for the class.

At the end of qualifying for Race 1, the Maseratis took the top three places with Leroy taking his first pole position of the season. At the start, the number 24 picked up on the advantage to maintain the lead in the race but was forced to give way to the number 1 Maserati GT2 with Gorini at the wheel, who made his way to the front of the pack after a few laps. 

Passing the baton to Tamburini, the latter then made a mistake at Les Combes, giving his teammate Philippe Prette the opportunity to catch up significantly, although he kept the lead. Tamburini was the first to the chequered flag, with Prette finishing 2.8 seconds behind, confirming the Maserati one-two and his third win of the year in the Am class. Leroy remained in the battle for the overall podium all throughout, but then dropped to fifth to take second in the Am class.

In the second 50-minute race held on Saturday morning, Prette was forced to pit in the early laps due to a puncture, compromising the rest of the race. After a good start, Tamburini found himself in fourth, but after about 20 minutes he slipped to eighth after contact with an opponent. At the end of the mandatory pit window, Gorini – who took over from Tamburini – began to make up for falling behind but was unfortunately forced to pit again due to a puncture; he ended up finishing tenth. Leroy, with a steady pace throughout the race, finished sixth overall and third in the Am class.

The next event, round 4 of the Fanatec GT2 European Series – powered by Pirelli – is scheduled to take place in Hockenheim, Germany, from 19 to 21 July 2024.

Giovanni Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse, said, “Our winning streak with Maserati GT2 continues: I couldn't have hoped for anything better this weekend at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, despite a bit of bad luck in Race 2. Once again, taking the first and second places in Race 1 demonstrates that we have developed an outstanding car for motorsport customers, professional racing teams and gentleman drivers. Maserati's racing vocation, recently celebrated with the two MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda special editions for the 20^th anniversary of the MC12's debut, both in GT1 and Stradale versions, is the common thread that binds all our cars. Starting from the MC20, via the Maserati GT2 to the MCXtrema, our brand reiterates its intent to develop cutting-edge technologies and to meet customers’ requirements, both on the road and on the track. We can’t wait to line up on the grid for the next round of the 2024 Fanatec GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli at Hockenheim”. 

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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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