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Mercedes-Benz Boosts Production of S-Class, Maybach and EQS

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Mercedes-Benz has ramped up production of its flagship models—the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS—at its Sindelfingen plant in Germany, all within a span of just three months. What makes this move significant is that all three models, despite having different powertrains—hybrid and fully electric—are built on a single flexible production line at Factory 56. This highlights Mercedes-Benz’s push towards manufacturing efficiency and adaptability. Opened in 2020, Factory 56 is one of the brand’s most advanced facilities. It replaces traditional assembly lines with over 400 automated guided vehicles (AGVs) operating across two production lines. The entire setup is integrated into Mercedes-Benz’s MO360 digital ecosystem, alongside its MB.OS software and AI-driven production tools. ALSO READ: Mercedes Reveals Electric C-Class Cabin Ahead of Global Debut The plant also follows a local-for-local sourcing strategy. Key components for t...

Volkswagen Group Expands Pune R&D Hub with New Baner Facility

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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited has expanded its research and development footprint with a new wing at its Technology Centre Pune (TCP) in Baner, reinforcing its commitment to local engineering and innovation. Spread across 33,000 sq. ft., the new facility will focus on advanced vehicle development, platform engineering, software solutions and sustainable mobility. Located within Pune city limits, it complements the Group’s existing Chakan-based operations, taking the total R&D workforce to over 450 engineers working on both domestic and global projects. The expansion aligns with the brand’s ‘Make in India, for India and the world’ strategy, enabling faster response to Indian market demands while supporting export programmes. ALSO READ: Volkswagen ID. Polo Revealed as Affordable Electric Hatch As part of the global Volkswagen Group R&D network, the Pune centre plays a crucial role as the “Voice of India,” contributing to product development t...

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Gets 349cc Engine, Price Cut to ₹1.80 Lakh

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Bajaj Auto has launched the updated Pulsar NS400Z, now powered by a 349cc engine producing 40.6 PS. The move brings down costs while retaining the bike’s performance-focused character. Priced at ₹1.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new NS400Z benefits from a lower 18% GST slab, making it significantly more accessible. Bajaj claims total savings of up to ₹24,500 when factoring in reduced ex-showroom price, insurance and registration costs. Despite the shift, performance remains a strong suit. The liquid-cooled engine delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 247 PS per tonne, keeping the NS400Z firmly in the high-performance bracket. ALSO READ: Bajaj Dominar 400 Now at ₹2.03 Lakh with 350cc Engine On the features front, the motorcycle continues to stand out in its segment. It comes equipped with four ride modes, a quickshifter, traction control, dual-channel ABS, radial tyres and a Bluetooth-enabled digital console. from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/oU5Kr1J via IFTTT

Volkswagen ID. Polo Revealed as Affordable Electric Hatch

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Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new ID. Polo, an entry-level electric hatchback set to hit European roads this summer with a starting price of €24,995 in Germany. Built in Wolfsburg, the ID. Polo marks the debut of Volkswagen’s new Pure Positive design language and sits on the updated MEB+ platform. The EV will be offered with three power outputs—85 kW, 99 kW and 155 kW—paired with two battery options. Lower variants use a 37 kWh LFP battery, delivering up to 329 km of range, while the top-spec model gets a 52 kWh NMC pack with a claimed WLTP range of up to 454 km. Fast charging allows a 10–80% top-up in around 24 minutes. ALSO READ: Volkswagen ID.3 Neo Debuts with 630km Range and New Tech In terms of size, the ID. Polo measures 4,053 mm in length with a 2,600 mm wheelbase, offering improved practicality with 441 litres of boot space—about 25% more than the ICE Polo. Inside, the hatch comes loaded with a 10-inch Digital Cockpit, a 13-inch infotainment system and one-pedal dr...

2026 Renault Triber Launched in India with More Features

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Renault India has introduced the updated 2026 Triber, focusing on improved features, comfort and better value across its lineup. Prices range between ₹5.80 lakh and ₹8.00 lakh (ex-showroom), keeping it firmly positioned as an affordable family MPV. The biggest highlight of the update is the addition of new features to the entry and mid variants, making the Triber’s practicality and usability more accessible to a wider audience. Inside, the cabin gets a refreshed dual-tone dashboard along with a floating 20.32 cm touchscreen, enhancing the overall in-cabin experience. Practicality remains a strong suit. The second-row seats can now fold completely, unlocking up to 1,065 litres of boot space—making it even more versatile for family use and long trips. Under the hood, the Triber continues with its 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual across all variants, along with an automatic option offered on the top-spec trim. ...

2026 Mazda2 Hybrid Updated with More Features and New Colours

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Mazda has refreshed the Mazda2 Hybrid for 2026 in Europe, bringing in added safety tech, more standard features and new colour options. The biggest update is the inclusion of driver monitoring as standard across the range. The entry-level Prime-Line variant now feels better equipped too, offering heated front seats, a height-adjustable passenger seat, rear power windows, an auto-dimming IRVM and an upgraded audio system. Cosmetic tweaks include body-coloured mirror caps on lower trims, while higher-spec Homura variants retain black detailing for a sportier look. The range also gains three new shades: Charcoal Grey, Sky Grey and Fern Green. Move up the lineup, and the Exclusive-Line now gets full LED lighting, while the Homura and Homura Plus trims add gloss black interior accents for a more premium cabin feel. Under the hood, the Mazda2 Hybrid continues with its 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 116 PS. This self-charging hybrid setup doe...

Nexteer Begins Production of Steer-by-Wire System for a Chinese EV

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Nexteer Automotive has kicked off series production of its first steer-by-wire (SbW) system, now fitted to a passenger vehicle from an undisclosed Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer. This marks a significant step, as the system is part of what Nexteer claims to be the world’s first production passenger vehicle with a fully drive-by-wire chassis—eliminating traditional mechanical connections for steering, braking, and throttle. Steer-by-wire replaces the physical link between the steering wheel and front wheels with electronic signals and actuators, removing the need for a steering column altogether. This technology is seen as a key enabler for next-generation intelligent platforms and higher levels of autonomous driving. Nexteer’s system meets the highest safety standards, achieving ASIL D certification under ISO 26262, validated by Germany’s DAkkS accreditation body. The setup uses dual controllers, dual power supplies, and redundant communication and actuation paths, e...