Posts

Hyundai Diverts Ships as Closed Strait of Hormuz Disrupts Trade

Image
Hyundai has begun rerouting its shipments around the Cape of Good Hope to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that is adding 10–15 days to transit times between South Korea and Europe. The longer route is a significant shift, especially since Europe relies heavily on Korean-built vehicles—accounting for over 80% of combined Hyundai and Kia sales in 2025. To reduce dependency, the automaker is now evaluating sourcing more components locally in Europe, a move that could also align with stricter regional localisation norms expected in the future. For now, Hyundai is managing the impact using built-up inventory buffers, a strategy shaped by lessons from the COVID-19-era supply chain disruptions. Unlike earlier years, supply decisions are now being reviewed on a weekly basis instead of annually. Interestingly, despite potential fuel price spikes, Hyundai is not accelerating its EV push. In fact, its upcoming U.S. facility in Georgia—initially planned as a dedicated EV p...
Post a Comment
Read more

BMW iX3 LWB India Launch Confirmed for 2027

Image
BMW has confirmed that the long-wheelbase version of the iX3 will be launched in India in 2027, bringing added space and next-gen EV tech to the luxury segment. Built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform, the iX3 LWB features a wheelbase stretched by 108 mm over the standard model, translating to improved rear seat comfort—something Indian buyers will appreciate. In terms of design, the SUV stays close to the global iX3, sporting a vertical kidney grille, sharp LED headlamps with claw-like DRLs, and sleek L-shaped LED tail lamps. Inside, the cabin gets a futuristic upgrade with a large 17.9-inch touchscreen, a full-width digital driver display, and a new four-spoke steering wheel. ALSO READ: BMW i3 Neue Klasse Production to Begin in Munich Later This Year Under the skin, the iX3 LWB is expected to pack a 108.7 kWh battery paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. Combined output is likely to stand at 463 bhp and 645 Nm, with a claimed range of up to 800 km on a single char...
Post a Comment
Read more

Europe’s First Robotaxi Service Launched in Croatia

Image
Pony.ai has launched Europe’s first paid robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, marking a major step forward for autonomous mobility on the continent. The service began operations on 8 April through a three-way partnership with Verne and Uber. The pilot currently covers around 90 square kilometres across central Zagreb, including the airport, using BAIC Arcfox Alpha T5 models equipped with Pony.ai’s latest autonomous driving system. Under the collaboration, Pony.ai provides the self-driving technology, Verne manages fleet ownership and local operations, while Uber will soon enable bookings directly through its app—bringing robotaxis into a familiar ecosystem for users. As expected, safety operators remain onboard during the initial rollout, with fully driverless operation planned in the future, subject to regulatory approvals. Interestingly, Croatia has beaten larger European markets to the punch. This is largely due to Verne’s early groundwork and the strong local presence of the R...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mitsubishi Xforce Launched in Malaysia, Bookings Cross 2,000

Image
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has officially launched the Xforce , with sales set to begin on 8 April 2026. The SUV has already seen strong demand, with pre-orders crossing 2,000 units since bookings opened in February. The Xforce is locally assembled at the Pekan plant in Pahang by HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) , reinforcing Mitsubishi’s localisation strategy in the region. Positioned alongside the Xpander, the Xforce serves as a key model for the Malaysian market. This five-seater compact SUV first debuted in Indonesia in late 2023 and has since expanded into multiple ASEAN markets, along with regions like Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. ALSO READ: Mitsubishi Plans Hybrid Production in Philippines by 2028 Designed as a global strategic product, the Xforce focuses on offering a spacious cabin within a compact footprint. Mitsubishi aims to strike a balance between everyday urban usability and the bold stance expected from an SUV. from Indian Autos Blog...
Post a Comment
Read more

BMW i7 to Get Next-Gen Battery Tech via Rimac Partnership

Image
BMW Group has joined hands with Rimac Technology to develop a new high-voltage battery for the all-electric BMW i7 , set to debut at Auto China 2026 on 22 April. The new battery combines BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive tech (Gen6) with its proven Gen5 module design, aiming to deliver improved range and faster charging for the flagship electric sedan. At its core is a new 4695 cylindrical lithium-ion cell, offering around 20 percent higher energy density compared to the previous prismatic units. This leap in energy density is expected to significantly extend the i7’s driving range, while also boosting charging speeds for reduced downtime—two key areas of focus in the premium EV space. ALSO READ: BMW i3 Neue Klasse Production to Begin in Munich Later This Year Production of the battery will take place at Rimac’s facility in Croatia, before being shipped to BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany, the global production hub for the 7 Series lineup. Rimac Technology, known for its exp...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kia EV3 Is the Budget EV That Doesn’t Feel Like One

Image
Kia has unveiled the all-new EV3 at the New York International Auto Show , positioning it as the most accessible entry point into its growing EV lineup. The compact electric SUV is set to go on sale in the US by late 2026, with five trims on offer—Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line and GT. Built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP platform, the EV3 offers two battery options. The base Light variant gets a 58.3 kWh pack with an estimated range of around 220 miles, while higher trims feature a larger 81.4 kWh battery delivering up to 320 miles. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes roughly 30 minutes, depending on the battery. The EV3 also comes equipped with a native NACS charging port and Plug and Charge capability for added convenience. Buyers can opt for all-wheel drive on select trims, while it comes standard on the sportier GT-Line and GT versions. ALSO READ: Kia EV2 Makes Global Debut as Brand’s New Entry-Level Electric SUV Adding to its practicality, the EV3 supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)...
Post a Comment
Read more

VinFast VF MPV 7 Bookings Open in India Ahead of Launch

Image
VinFast has officially opened bookings for its all-electric VF MPV 7 in India, marking its third model in the market. Customers can reserve the seven-seater MPV with a booking amount of ₹21,000 via the brand’s website or across 50 authorised dealerships nationwide. The official launch and price reveal are scheduled for 15 April 2026. The VF MPV 7 is positioned as a spacious family EV, measuring 4,740 mm in length with a 2,840 mm wheelbase, promising ample cabin room across all three rows. It is powered by a 60.13 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of over 500 km on a single charge. Fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to juice up from 10 to 70 percent in around 30 minutes. This new MPV joins the VinFast VF 6 and VinFast VF 7 , which were launched in India in September 2025, as part of VinFast’s expanding EV lineup. To support its growth, VinFast is rapidly scaling up its retail and after-sales network, while also partnering with financial institutions to make o...
Post a Comment
Read more