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Renault India Begins Exports of New-Gen Duster

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Renault India has officially kicked off exports of the all-new Duster, marking a major step in its global rollout strategy. The first batch—750 units—has been shipped from Chennai to South Africa, with more international markets set to follow soon. This move highlights India’s growing importance in Renault’s global ecosystem. No longer just a domestic play, the Chennai facility is steadily evolving into a key export hub for the French automaker. The new-generation Duster is expected to play a crucial role in this expansion. Known for its rugged appeal and strong road presence, the SUV now carries the responsibility of representing Renault in multiple global markets. The export milestone also aligns with Renault Group’s broader ‘futuREady’ strategy. The plan focuses on strengthening India’s role across manufacturing, engineering, and exports—essentially turning it into a strategic backbone for future growth. from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/7bR...

Pony.ai Robotaxis Go Public in Singapore

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Autonomous mobility just took a big step forward in Singapore. Pony.ai, in partnership with ComfortDelGro, has officially opened its robotaxi service to the public in Punggol, moving beyond its earlier invite-only pilot phase. From 22 June 2026, users can book driverless rides directly through the Zig app, making the experience as simple as hailing a regular cab. The service operates across key points in Punggol, connecting residential neighborhoods with major hubs like Punggol Coast Mall, Punggol Coast MRT station, One Punggol, Oasis Terrace, and Punggol Plaza. The rollout marks a significant milestone for Pony.ai as it accelerates its global ambitions. While the company has already built a strong presence in China, Singapore now becomes a crucial part of its international expansion strategy. The vehicles themselves are clearly branded and designed to offer a seamless, tech-forward commuting experience. Short routes. Controlled environments. Real-world data. This ...

GAC Unveils Hong Kong Action 2.0, Showcases Two New Models

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GAC Group has taken a big step forward in its global expansion strategy, unveiling its Hong Kong Action 2.0 plan at the 2026 Hong Kong International Auto Expo. Alongside the announcement, the brand also showcased two new models—the E9 Premium and the Aion UT Elite. The updated strategy focuses on strengthening GAC’s footprint in one of the world’s most EV-ready markets. Hong Kong already sees high adoption of new energy vehicles, making it a crucial testing ground for innovation and growth. GAC claims it has rapidly evolved from a newcomer to a strong player in just a year, now holding an 11 percent cumulative market share. Under the Action 2.0 roadmap, the company plans to expand its service network while improving product localisation. The E9 Premium, for instance, has been fine-tuned for local conditions with updates to ride comfort and cabin experience. Infrastructure is also a key focus. GAC aims to build 22 charging stations equipped with 88 fast chargers, wh...

Force Motors Rolls Out 200,000th Mercedes-Benz Engine in India

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Force Motors has achieved a major milestone, rolling out the 200,000th Mercedes-Benz engine from the Chakan facility in Pune. The landmark underscores its long-standing manufacturing partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which dates back to 1997. Over the years, this collaboration has grown into a full-scale operation, with Force Motors producing engines and axles for all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs manufactured in India. The 200,000th unit—a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder M256 engine—has been fitted into a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. The achievement reflects decades of trust, precision engineering and consistent quality between the two brands. It also highlights India’s growing role in global automotive manufacturing, with Force Motors delivering German-engineered standards from its local facility. Senior leadership from both companies, including Force Motors Managing Director Prasan Firodia and members of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG board, marked the occasion. Beyond the numbers,...

DPF Explained: What Every Modern Diesel Owner Should Know

If you drive a diesel car or SUV bought in the last few years, your vehicle carries a part that older diesels never had: a diesel particulate filter, or DPF. Since the BS6 emission norms came into force, almost every new diesel sold in India runs one. Yet most owners only hear the term when a warning light appears on the dash and the service advisor starts talking about an expensive job. This guide explains what the DPF actually does, why it sometimes causes trouble, and how to keep yours healthy. What a DPF Is and Why It Exists Diesel engines, by their nature, produce soot. That black smoke older diesels used to puff out is made of tiny carbon particles, and breathing those particles is bad for human health. Tighter emission rules around the world set hard limits on how much of this particulate matter a vehicle can release. The DPF is the answer engineers came up with. It is a honeycomb-shaped filter sitting in the exhaust system, downstream of the engine. As exhau...

Volvo EX90, EX60 Get Plug & Charge in the US

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Volvo Cars has rolled out Plug & Charge functionality for its EX90 electric SUV in the United States, with the feature set to arrive on the upcoming EX60 when deliveries begin in 2026. The system allows drivers to simply plug in their vehicle at a compatible public charger and begin charging instantly—no apps, cards or authentication steps required. Payment and verification are handled automatically between the vehicle and the charging network, streamlining the entire experience. Drivers can locate supported charging stations via the built-in Google Automotive system or the Volvo Cars app. Volvo claims access to over 35,000 charging points across the US, including Tesla Superchargers and IONNA network locations, with more partners expected to join over time. For EX90 owners, the feature is already live, although it requires the 2025 model year vehicles equipped with the Nvidia Orin core computing platform. from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/...

New Nissan Kicks Debuts in Japan with e-POWER AWD Tech

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Nissan has launched the all-new Kicks in Japan, bringing its latest hybrid tech and all-wheel-drive capability to the compact SUV segment. Sales begin on June 18, with prices starting at around JP¥3.0 million (approx. US$18,900). At the heart of the new Kicks is Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER system, making its debut in the Japanese market. The setup features a new 5-in-1 integrated unit combining the motor, inverter, generator and related components into a lighter, more compact module. It works alongside a 1.4-litre petrol engine that acts solely as a power generator, delivering improved efficiency and quieter operation. For the first time, the Kicks also gets Nissan’s e-4ORCE electric all-wheel control system, enhancing traction and stability across varying driving conditions. The design takes inspiration from an American football helmet, evident in its bold front grille and distinctive lighting signature. Inside, the cabin gets a modern upgrade with dual 12....