Renault has showcased the new Megane eVision concept electric car. It foreshadows the latest in the line of electric vehicles from Groupe Renault and is based on the entirely new modular CMF-EV (Common Module Family - Electric Vehicle) platform. 

According to the designers from the Alliance (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi), this hatchback car features one of the thinnest batteries on the market and a new ultra-compact powertrain offering more roominess. This marks a new era in Renault for electric vehicles that would feature connected services, improved electric ecosystem for more efficient energy transition. This also marks an important step towards the development of smart charging to support the stability of the electrical grid and help users reduce their costs. 

Experts at Renault have revealed that the car’s connectivity allows charging to be triggered at the right time to avoid overloading the grid and promote the use of renewable energy. V2G (vehicle-to-grid) is another technology currently in development that allows any parked car that is charging to transfer part of the electricity from its battery to the grid. Megane eVision comes with a 60 kWh battery and a DC charger support for upto 130 kW. The engine itself is one of the most powerful in the Renault range across all energy sources with 160 kW (217 hp) of power and 300 Nm of torque. Renault claims that it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in less than eight seconds.

Renault’s future all-electric vehicles will be built on the new modular CMF-EV platform designed by the French and Japanese engineers at Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. According to the latest updates, the platform will have a smaller engine compartment in comparison to the internal-combustion or mixed electric/internal-combustion engine vehicles. The platform will support low saloons and larger SUVs. The platform is also modular in terms of length, to adjust the battery even more to the type of car and driving range required. With extended wheelbase, sophisticated frame and low center of gravity due to the floor-mounted battery, the vehicle will have enhanced responsiveness, performance and aesthetic value. 

Similar to what was observed in the ‘MORPHOZ’ concept, the Megane eVision features large aerodynamic wheels in the shape of propeller blades. The wheels and part of the 245/40 ZR 20 tyres are covered by 21-inch trims finished with aerodynamic flaps, while shaded decorative lines recalls those of the lower grills. 

The graphic finish of the ‘E’ at the end of ‘Mégane’ in the first part of the car’s name is different from the other letters. This symbolic feature of electric engines and the ‘E-TECH’ label boasts the same bold gold colour as the roof and black parallel lines like those found on the 1972 Renault logo designed by Victor Vasarely.

Part of Renault’s Livingtech technological ecosystem, the ‘Livinglights’ lighting technology in the car highlights the car’s identity and accentuates the interior features as well. The vehicle could be remotely customised through FOTA (Firmware Over-the-Air) technology. This update also includes the ‘Livingscreen’ display and infotainment system in the concept car.

Megane eVision and the CMF-EV platform combined carries 300 patent-pending innovations that range from the engine, charging system, battery, thermal management, architecture and acoustics. One such innovation revealed by Groupe Renault is the ERS (Energy Recovery System) that captures the heat of the engine and the battery to heat the passenger compartment without using the battery, ensuring that the car’s driving range is not impacted by the cold.

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In a clear signal of its strategic intent to diversify and future-proof its business, Maruti Suzuki India’s Board of Directors have agreed to amend its Memorandum of Association (MoA) to enable expansion into a wide array of new-age mobility, sustainability and technology-driven segments.

The amendments go beyond just manufacturing and selling passenger vehicles, and now includes buses, vans, lorries, motorcycles, scooters and other motor-powered vehicles, as well as amphibious vehicles and those capable of travel on land, sea, air or any combination thereof. The scope also covers the production and sale of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), along with all associated components, accessories and technologies.

Additionally, the company may establish and operate facilities for testing, training and data processing to support its manufacturing and technology-driven activities.

The amended charter outlines a significantly broadened scope, allowing the company to manufacture and deal in a comprehensive range of vehicles – from traditional automobiles to drones, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and amphibious vehicles. This move opens up potential entry into emerging sectors such as aerial mobility and defence-grade UAV systems.

A key focus area is the electric mobility ecosystem. Maruti Suzuki India plans to develop and operate EV charging and battery swapping infrastructure, as well as engage in trading and distribution of alternative fuels such as compressed biogas and hydrogen. This aligns with India's push towards decarbonisation and adoption of cleaner transport.

On the sustainability front, Maruti Suzuki India aims to build capabilities in recycling and repurposing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and industrial scrap, including metals, plastics and e-waste. It also plans to trade in carbon credits and renewable energy certificates, suggesting a move to integrate environmental instruments into its business model.

The amendments also allow Maruti Suzuki India to offer consultancy and R&D services in vehicle engineering, testing and certification, while supporting clients and regulators with testing grounds and infrastructure. Additionally, it can now provide supply chain, logistics and IT services – potentially transforming into a full-spectrum mobility and services enterprise.

With this expansive update to its foundational objectives, Maruti Suzuki India is preparing to transition from a conventional automotive business into a multifaceted mobility and sustainability-focused organisation, capitalising on upcoming opportunities in electrification, circular economy and next-gen transport.

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Continental's Automotive group sector will officially debut as the new, independent company Aumovio at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich this September. The newly formed technology and electronics firm, which consolidates Continental's automotive expertise into a more agile structure, will showcase its innovations from 9 September to 12 September.

Under the leadership of CEO Philipp von Hirschheydt, Aumovio will present its technologies in four themed areas: safe, inspiring, connected and autonomous. The company's goal is to shape the future of mobility by focusing on key technologies.

Highlights from Aumovio's exhibition will include:

Green Electric Caliper: An energy-saving brake module designed for electric vehicles, which is lighter than conventional calipers and doesn't require hydraulic fluid. It is designed to increase a vehicle's range, lower costs and minimise carbon emissions.

Next-Generation Corner Module: A compact chassis unit that integrates the engine, brake system, steering, and suspension. This system's ‘by-wire’ architecture and 150-degree wheel-specific steering are optimised for software-defined vehicles, offering greater manoeuvrability and design freedom.

Xelve System: A scalable, modular hardware and software system for assisted and automated driving (Level 2 to Level 4). The system is customisable for a wide range of vehicles and includes functions for automated parking and AI-supported driving.

Road to Cloud Platform: An integrated platform that provides a complete infrastructure for manufacturers to develop and operate software-defined vehicles, including standardized operating systems, over-the-air updates and cybersecurity.

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JSW Motors, the new business vertical of the JSW Group, has inked a strategic partnership with KPIT Technologies, which it shared aims to redefine future mobility in India.

The partnership will leverage KPIT’s expertise in software and systems development to strengthen JSW Motors’ vision to disrupt the domestic automotive market through innovation and global collaboration.

For the unversed, JSW Motors is investing USD 3 billion over the next five years to develop and manufacture electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in India. The company’s first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) is set to debut on the Indian roads in the second half of FY2026. It is also establishing a manufacturing hub spread across 630 acres in Bidkin, Maharashtra.

Kishor Patil, CEO & MD, KPIT Technologies, said, “KPIT is proud to partner with JSW Motors in their ambitious journey to transform India’s automotive landscape.  Our experience across global vehicle programs and SDV positions us uniquely to contribute to JSW’s vision. This partnership reflects our strategic focus on the Indian market and our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that enhances customer experiences and accelerates clean mobility. The partnership will include KPIT bringing advanced competencies in electric propulsion systems, battery innovation, and SDV architectures that enables continuous feature upgrades and superior consumer experiences.”

Ranjan Nayak, CEO of JSW Motors, said, “We plan to build world-class automotive products in India by integrating the best of technologies from across the globe. KPIT’s expertise in software and systems development is a cornerstone of our strategy to deliver best-in-class, technologically-advanced, high-performance, and sustainable vehicles. Together, we aim to energise the Indian auto ecosystem and set new benchmarks for innovation and customer satisfaction. Leveraging its global best practices and technical capabilities, KPIT will set-up a dedicated center of excellence for JSW Motors.”

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Suzuki R&D Center India (SRDI), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has won the Grand Prize in the ‘Sustainability & Go Green efforts’ category at the recently held Innovatopia Awards in New Delhi in July 2025. The event was organised by the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI).

The company was recognised for its proposal to use Suzuki’s Versatile micro e-Mobility Platform concept to address operational and environmental challenges in India’s airport cargo sector. The idea focused on improving the efficiency and automation of cargo transport at airports while reducing CO2 emissions by replacing diesel-powered tow tractors.

Suzuki’s micro e-mobility platform, originally developed using motorised wheelchair technology, is used as a base for various robotic applications. The company is exploring its use across sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and home delivery and in this case, for air cargo operations.

Keku Gazder, Board Member of ACFI, said, "SRDI's recognition at the ‘Innovatopia Awards’ for ‘Sustainability and Go Green efforts’ is a testament to the power of cross-sector innovation. As the only non-air cargo company honoured at the ACFI Conclave 2025, their work reflects a shared commitment to a greener future. "

Masahiro Ikuma, Managing Director, SRDI, said, "Suzuki aims for an infrastructure mobility closely connected with people’s lives, and is working to solve social issues in India through diverse mobility solutions. By utilising the versatile micro e-Mobility Platform concept, we aim to deepen our partnership with the air cargo industry and address emerging social challenges through innovative solutions in India."

Suzuki and SRDI plan to continue studying ways to implement the proposal.

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