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ZF LIFETEC has unveiled a groundbreaking two-stage side airbag designed to enhance passenger protection by increasing the crumple zone in the passenger compartment just before an unavoidable crash. The Pre-Crash Dual Stage Side Airbag (Dual Stage SAB) activates its first stage 200 milliseconds before impact, pushing occupants a few centimeters away from the expected collision point. This extra space allows the second stage of the airbag to deploy more effectively during the crash. Also read: Airbags Made from 100% Recycled Polyester Side collisions, accounting for about a quarter of all accidents in Europe, are a leading cause of severe injuries due to the limited crumple zone. ZF LIFETEC’s innovative system aims to mitigate this risk by utilizing the vehicle's existing signal acquisition system to detect imminent collisions and trigger the first stage of the airbag, creating a critical 60-millimeter buffer. This system uses two inflators to manage the airbag’s stages. The fi

MINI India has announced pre-launch bookings for the new MINI Cooper S and the all-electric MINI Countryman, set to launch on July 24, 2024. The fifth-generation MINI Cooper S continues the brand’s tradition with its classic 3-door design, perfect for urban driving enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the new all-electric MINI Countryman offers more space, comfort, and safety, featuring innovative technologies for a locally emission-free driving experience. Customers can reserve their new MINI Cooper S or electric MINI Countryman at any of the nine authorized MINI dealerships across India, including locations in Delhi NCR, Pune, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Also read: New Generation MINI Cooper Rolls Off Production Line at MINI's Oxford Plant Additionally, bookings can be made online at shop.mini.in, where customers can explore the car’s exterior and interior, view detailed descriptions of new features, and access a gallery of images. The online

The mechanics and technology of vehicles are constantly seeing innovations to transform the automotive industry. That said, the industry is changing in more ways than one, as the care and maintenance of vehicles are also seeing shifts. Whether you’re a car owner or a professional car cleaner, evolving car cleaning products are making it so much easier to maintain the aesthetics and functionality of vehicles. Discover some of the top cleaning products that are influencing the automotive market below. Traffic Film Remover TFR car cleaner  works to remove the more damaging dirt that gathers on a vehicle’s bodywork, including oil, grime, grease, salt, rubber, dust, and other contaminants. These contaminants are otherwise known as “traffic film”, as this is the film that accumulates on your car when driving. TFR is chemically designed to break down grime that gathers on car surfaces, making it more powerful than just any old cleaner. With the help of TFR, you can remove contaminants that

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has been honored as the Best US-Built SUV by American Cars and Racing, a recognition of its innovation, appeal, value, and overall excellence. This prestigious award, announced on 'Fox & Friends,' highlights the standout features of vehicles assembled in the U.S. for the 2024 model year. American Cars and Racing's editorial team evaluated vehicles across five categories: Car, Truck, SUV, Luxury Vehicle, and Sports Car. Among the more than a dozen contenders in the U.S.-Built SUV category, the Hyundai Santa Fe, produced in Montgomery, AL, emerged as the winner. Also read: Ioniq 5: First Model to Roll Out from Hyundai's New Metaplant The Santa Fe, developed under the 'Open For More' concept, boasts a longer wheelbase for a spacious and stylish interior. It features a wide liftgate for easy loading and scenic enjoyment, a Relaxation Comfort driver’s seat with a deployable leg rest, a UV-C sterilization compartment, dual wireless ch

Bajaj Auto Ltd and Triumph Motorcycles are celebrating a remarkable milestone: over 50,000 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X bikes sold in more than 50 countries within their first year. Manufactured at Bajaj Auto's state-of-the-art Chakan plant in Pune, these models have quickly gained global popularity. A Year of Global Success Launched on June 27, 2023, in London, the India-produced Triumph 400cc motorcycles received an overwhelming response, garnering 10,000 bookings within the first ten days of their July 2023 launch in India. Combining unmatched performance, agile handling, and iconic British style, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X have become favorites among motorcycle enthusiasts and have earned praise from critics and customers alike. Anniversary Celebration Offer To mark this milestone, Triumph is offering a special anniversary discount of Rs. 10,000 on the ex-showroom prices of the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. This offer is valid until July 31, 2024, across

PEUGEOT introduces the E-308 E Style special series, offering the E-308's impressive electric performance—156 bhp and up to 416 km range—at an accessible starting price of €37,230 (after the environmental incentive). This move underscores PEUGEOT's commitment to leading the mainstream EV market in Europe. PEUGEOT E-308 variants Allure: The E-308 E Style makes electric mobility more accessible than ever. Emotion: Experience the joy of 100% electric driving with a high-performance powertrain. Excellence: Enjoy peace of mind with the PEUGEOT Allure Care warranty, covering 8 years or 160,000 km. PEUGEOT's goal is clear: to become the leading mainstream electric vehicle manufacturer in Europe. To achieve this, PEUGEOT offers a wide range of affordable electric cars. The new E-308 E Style, like all PEUGEOT electric models, comes with the comprehensive PEUGEOT Allure Care warranty. This warranty covers the entire vehicle, including the electric motor, charger, transmission

BMW has officially commenced the production of the new BMW M5 at the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing, marking the debut of the seventh-generation high-performance sedan. The latest BMW M5 stands out as the first to feature an electrified drivetrain. The M HYBRID system combines a V8 engine with an electric drive, generating a remarkable 727 hp and enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. With an 18.6 kWh high-voltage battery, it boasts an electric range of 67 to 69 kilometers (WLTP), a leading range in its class. Also read: First Unit of New BMW 1 Series Rolls Off BMW's Leipzig Plant Production at Dingolfing involves a unique "under one roof" approach. The chassis is crafted at the Dingolfing component plant, while the high-voltage battery is assembled next door at the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production. The carbon-fiber roof is supplied by a nearby plant in Landshut. The body shop at Dingolfing has been specially modified to accom

Honda has relaunched its MyHonda+ app, expanding its coverage to include all current hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. Starting July 1, 2024, owners of models such as the Jazz e:HEV, Civic e:HEV, HR-V e:HEV, e:Ny1, ZR-V e:HEV and the latest-generation CR-V e:HEV and e:PHEV can access a suite of advanced features. The app offers a virtual dashboard, remote vehicle operation, location finder, and geo-fencing. Most models, excluding the Jazz, will also feature Honda’s Digital Key, enabling owners to use their smartphone as a key and share vehicle access with up to five additional drivers. Also read: New 2025 Honda Civic Gains Powerful Hybrid Trims, Sportier Styling and Improved Tech Key functionalities of the MyHonda+ app include sending points of interest to the sat-nav, creating favorite routes, and using a smartphone camera for vehicle pairing. The app now updates vehicle status more promptly once the ignition is turned off. For all-electric and plug-in hybrid models

The first fourth-generation BMW 1 Series, a BMW 120 in Alpine White, has rolled off the production line at BMW Group Plant Leipzig. Manufactured exclusively at this plant in Saxony, the premium compact vehicle can be produced at a rate of up to 500 units per day. Combined with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and MINI Countryman, the daily output from Plant Leipzig can reach up to 1,300 vehicles. The new BMW 1 Series is set for market launch in October 2024. This new model marks a significant chapter in BMW's nearly 20-year history in the compact segment. Production of the BMW 1 Series began at Plant Leipzig in 2007, and over 1.3 million units have been produced since. As of June 2024, almost 443,000 third-generation BMW 1 Series vehicles have been delivered to customers. Also read: BMW Pioneers Combined Level 2 and Level 3 ADAS in New 7 Series The new BMW 1 Series features a dynamic design, a revised drive portfolio, and improved chassis technology, ma

Toyota is set to challenge Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, starting next year in China. The Japanese automaker plans to launch the Bozhi 3X electric SUV in 2025, developed through a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). This model will feature advanced autonomous driving capabilities, promising high-end Level 2 functionality comparable to Tesla ’s FSD. GAC Toyota claims the autonomous system will offer sophisticated driving assistance on highways, in urban areas, and during parking. Technology partner Momenta Global, known for its work with Mercedes-Benz, is collaborating with Toyota to develop this system. Also read: Toyota's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hilux Project Enters Demonstration Phase Additionally, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is collaborating with Toyota on in-vehicle operating software with autonomous driving features for a new electric sedan debuting in China in 2025. Toyota's multi-pathway strategy includes internal combusti