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Mini Highlights Advanced Safety Tech Across Lineup

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Mini has outlined the active and passive safety technologies across its current range, reinforcing its strong safety credentials backed by multiple five-star Euro NCAP ratings. All current Mini models come equipped with an extensive sensor suite, including up to 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and five radar systems. These underpin a wide array of driver assistance features designed to enhance everyday safety. Standard active safety tech includes lane departure warning with steering intervention, front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with braking function, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and exit warning. A key highlight is the Pre-Crash system, which uses sensor data and vehicle dynamics to anticipate potential collisions. It can take preventive measures such as closing windows and sunroof, and adjusting seat positions to reduce injury risk. Models like the Mini Cooper, Mini Aceman and Mini Countrym...

Ather Rizta Crosses 3 Lakh Sales in Just Two Years

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Ather Energy has announced that its family-focused electric scooter, the Rizta, has surpassed the 3 lakh sales milestone within two years of launch, underlining its strong acceptance in the growing EV space. Launched in April 2024 as Ather’s first family-oriented offering, the Rizta has quickly emerged as the brand’s highest-selling model. Notably, it crossed the 2 lakh mark in December 2025 and added another 1 lakh units in just five months, reflecting accelerating demand. The Rizta has also helped Ather expand beyond its traditional southern stronghold. Markets like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have seen the brand’s market share grow fourfold, while northern states such as Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have recorded over threefold growth. Today, the Rizta contributes the bulk of Ather’s volumes in these regions. Designed with practicality in mind, the scooter caters largely to family buyers, who make up nearly 70% of its cus...

Toyota to Set Up New Maharashtra Plant, SUV Production from 2029

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Toyota has announced plans to build a new vehicle assembly plant in Maharashtra, India, with operations slated to begin in the first half of 2029. The facility will be operated by Toyota Kirloskar Motor and located in the Bidkin Industrial Area. It will have an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles and is expected to generate around 2,800 jobs. Toyota confirmed that the plant will manufacture a new SUV, although specific details about the model remain under wraps. The facility will handle core production processes, including stamping, welding, painting and final assembly. The investment is aimed at strengthening Toyota’s manufacturing footprint in India, enabling the company to respond more flexibly to rising demand and evolving market dynamics. In addition to catering to domestic buyers, the new plant will also support exports to nearby markets. This new facility will complement Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s existing operations in Karnataka, further expandin...

BMW M2, M3, M4 Gets New Engine Tech Supporting Euro 7 Compliance

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BMW M is set to debut a new pre-chamber ignition system, dubbed BMW M Ignite, across its inline six-cylinder petrol engines, bringing motorsport-derived tech to its road cars. The system will first roll out on the BMW M3 and BMW M4 from July 2026, followed by the BMW M2 in August. At the heart of this innovation is a small pre-chamber integrated into the cylinder head. Equipped with its own spark plug and ignition coil, it works alongside the conventional spark plug. While the standard spark handles low and mid-range conditions, the pre-chamber takes over under higher loads, igniting the air-fuel mixture and firing it into the main chamber at near sonic speeds for faster, more uniform combustion. This results in improved combustion efficiency, lower exhaust temperatures and reduced knocking—key benefits for both performance and durability. BMW has also paired the system with a higher compression ratio and turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry. The gai...

Porsche Shuts Three Units to Refocus on Core Sports Cars

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Porsche AG is restructuring its operations, announcing plans to shut down three subsidiaries as it sharpens focus on its core sports car business. The move will impact over 500 employees globally. The affected entities include battery specialist Cellforce Group, e-mobility venture Porsche eBike Performance, and software developer Cetitec. This decision follows Porsche’s earlier move to divest its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and the Rimac Group, signalling a broader strategic reset. Cellforce, based in Kirchentellinsfurt, was established to develop high-performance battery cells. However, Porsche now believes the project lacks long-term viability under its flexible, technology-agnostic powertrain approach. Around 50 employees are expected to be affected. Porsche eBike Performance, which focused on electric bicycle drive systems, will cease operations at its Ottobrunn and Zagreb facilities due to shifting market dynamics. This closure will impact approximately 360 empl...

Tata Nexon Pure+ PS Launched at ₹9.59 Lakh with Panoramic Sunroof

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Tata Motors is celebrating the milestone of 1 million Nexon sales with the introduction of a new value-packed variant—the Nexon Pure+ PS, priced at ₹9.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). What sets this variant apart is the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, making the Nexon the only SUV in India under the ₹10 lakh mark to offer this premium feature. It’s a move that further strengthens the Nexon’s appeal in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. The Pure+ PS trim also comes well-equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 6-speaker Harman audio system. Other highlights include automatic LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers (front and rear), cruise control, a rearview camera and electrically adjustable, auto-folding ORVMs. Under the hood, buyers can choose from multiple powertrain options. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is available with a 5-speed manual or AMT, while the 1.5-litre diese...

Lexus TZ Revealed as Brand’s First Three-Row Electric SUV

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Lexus has unveiled the all-new TZ, its first three-row battery electric SUV, built around a “Driving Lounge” concept that prioritises comfort and refinement across all rows. Underpinned by a dedicated EV platform, the TZ measures 5,100 mm in length with a 3,050 mm wheelbase, offering generous cabin space. Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 300 kW, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 5.4 seconds. The SUV is equipped with a 95.82 kWh battery, delivering a claimed range of up to 620 km (WLTC), 530 km (WLTP), and around 300 miles (EPA). Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 35 minutes. Inside, Lexus focuses heavily on craftsmanship and sustainability. The cabin features forged bamboo sourced from Japan’s Shikoku region, paired with recycled aluminium elements—part of the brand’s push towards circular design practices. The TZ also benefits from Lexus’s Aji-migaki refinement philosophy, which enhances ride comfort, noise in...