Polestar, the electric performance car brand jointly owned by Volvo Car Group and Zhejiang Geely Holding, launched Polestar 1 in 2017. It was positioned as a low-volume Electric Performance Hybrid GT with 609 hp, 1,000 Nm and an electric-only range of 124 km (WLTP) – the longest of any hybrid car in the world. In 2019, the Polestar 2 was revealed as the company’s first full electric, higher volume premium car. In the future, Polestar 3 will join the portfolio as a fully electric performance SUV.

Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar, said, “Safety is of paramount importance for Polestar. We are directly linked to Volvo Cars and with that comes their famous reputation for outstanding safety technology. So of course, Polestar cars are designed to be amongst the safest in the world and we are really proud of that.”

Protecting the battery pack in the event of a collision is crucial. Enclosed in an aluminium case for both protection and rigidity, the battery pack is fully housed within the floor structure of the CMA platform. This approach not only reduces the risk of damage and stiffens the body structure, but also protects occupants by keeping the battery intact in the event of a collision. The entire package has also been tuned to cancel certain vibrational frequencies, acting as a damper to reduce so called Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

In the event of a crash, the battery pack is automatically disconnected from the rest of the vehicle to ensure there is no live connection. Protecting the battery pack during a collision is key. Polestar 2 features the ‘SPOC block’ (Severe Partial Offset Crash) – a deflective solid aluminium block housed on the bottom edge of the front firewall on either side of the car, designed to minimise intrusion of the wheel and other objects into the cabin and towards the battery pack during partially offset frontal collisions. Increasing protection in the absence of an internal combustion engine, Polestar 2 also features a new Front Lower Load Path (FLLP) that protects occupants and the battery pack from more direct frontal impacts, for example with a pole.

To improve safety at slow speeds, Polestar 2 features unique and specially developed external sounds as part of its acoustic warning system. Designed to be recognisable, non-intrusive and natural-sounding, the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) has been engineered according to very specific parameters, with a pending patent.

“We deliberately did not want Polestar 2 to sound like a robot or symphonic spaceship. We wanted very natural, subtle sounds that simply let pedestrians know the car is moving. At the same time, we wanted Polestar 2 to sound slightly unique and become identifiable as a Polestar, while remaining relatively simple,” Ingenlath said.

Sound engineers have paid specific attention to the positioning of the external speakers to ensure the way the sound is radiated from the vehicle both complies with legal requirements and ensures a comfortable experience for both pedestrians and vehicle occupants.

Polestar 2 also features inner-side airbags fitted to the front seats. These new airbags, which are standard fitment in all markets, add an extra layer of protection for the inner limbs of the front occupants who are now individually protected from both sides, as well as from the front.

The safety arsenal of Polestar 2 expands beyond crashworthiness and audio warnings. All available safety systems and assistance features are fitted as standard in the launch edition, giving customers absolute peace of mind that they will be driving one of the most advanced cars on the road.

Polestar 2 debuts a new generation of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology, which will make its way into other products from the Volvo Car Group as well. Pilot Assist is an advanced driver assistance system which provides acceleration, braking and steering assistance up to 130 km/h.  (MT)

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has attained another milestone with its WagonR hatchback continuing to be the best-selling passenger vehicle for the fourth year in a row.

With 198,451 units sold in FY2025, the WagonR alone consisted 11 percent of the total passenger vehicle sales for Maruti Suzuki India. Till date, the WagonR has gone home to over 3.37 million customers.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “WagonR’s sustained leadership in the Indian automotive market underscores strong customer trust and an unmatched value proposition over 25 years. Our focus on innovation and customer-centricity has ensured that the WagonR remains a top choice for Indian families. In fact, 1 in every 4 WagonR customers returns to repurchase India’s highest-selling car, a reflection of its widespread appeal and the confidence our customers place in the brand.”

“Hatchbacks are an integral pillar of India's automobile industry. The WagonR's consistent leadership, securing its position as the highest-selling vehicle for four consecutive years, underscores the significance of this segment in driving long-term industry growth. Looking ahead, this segment will continue to be a cornerstone in spreading the joy of mobility to every Indian household," he added.

The WagonR is available with K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine in 1.2-litre and 1.0-litre engine options in both manual and Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmissions.

With a wide range of powertrain and variant options, the WagonR continues to offer a unique appeal in its segment, giving customers greater choice to suit their requirements perfectly. With cumulative sales exceeding 33,73,884 units, WagonR has been the go-to choice for those seeking the joy of mobility.

Maruti Suzuki India Achieves Record-Breaking Sales In FY 2024-25

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has introduced a new ‘Wired to Wireless Adapter’ for the Hyundai Alcazar SUV.

The adapter will enable seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto access for Alcazar (Prestige, Platinum and Signature variant) customers, which will allow them to effortlessly use their phone applications on the infotainment system without using a cable.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai Motor India, our focus is to empower customers by providing best-in-class technology that elevates their driving experience. The introduction of our ‘Wired to Wireless Adapter’ is a significant step in meeting the expectations of today’s tech-savvy customers, who expect seamless connectivity throughout their journeys. We believe this innovation will enhance the in-car entertainment experience of our customers."

Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has announced its wholesales for FY2025. 

The company sold a total of 126,151 units, a marginal growth of 1.59 percent YoY, as compared to 124,173 units sold in FY 2024.

Of this, domestic sales came at 65,925 units, down 23.8 percent YoY, while exports at 60,226 units, grew by 60 percent YoY.

At present, the company’s product portfolio for India includes the Honda Amaze sedan, Honda Elevate SUV and Honda City sedan. The company’s sales performance can be attributed to the fact that, Honda Cars India currently lacks a wider SUV portfolio, which has been primarily the sales driver for most automakers in the country.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “HCIL sales performance in FY2024-25 has been in line with the ongoing tough business environment. While on domestic front, the industry faced challenges in creating fresh demand from the market which was also reflected in HCIL domestic sales, we recorded our highest ever export volumes led by strong export business of Elevate to Japan. The recent launch of all-new Amaze has been well received from the market strengthening our position in the family sedan segment.”

“While demand creation may still present challenge in the new fiscal year, we remain optimistic and believe our commitment to customer satisfaction will enable us to navigate the market effectively and continue driving positive results," he added.

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for FY2025 with 762,052 units sold, a marginal decline of 2 percent YoY.

This includes 598,666 units sold in domestic market, down 2.61 percent YoY and 163,386 units exported, a flat growth as against 163,155 units for the same period last year.

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Solidifying our position further in India, HMIL continued its rein as the second largest passenger vehicle OEM in FY2024-25, thanks to the unparalleled trust of our customers on brand Hyundai."

"Our versatile SUV line-up grew stronger this financial year with the launch of the Hyundai Creta Electric - our first indigenous EV and also the bold new Hyundai Alcazar. India’s favourite SUV, the new Hyundai Creta continues to build on its popularity, by becoming India’s No.1 SUV with sales of 52,898 units in Jan-March quarter of FY2024-25. HMIL further set industry benchmarks by surpassing the milestone of 2.5 million SUV sales and 1.5 million Creta sales since inception (domestic + exports)," he added.