motornews

Kia Corporation has taken the wraps off the futuristic Vision Meta Turismo at Milan Design Week, marking its global debut after an initial reveal in Korea last year during the brand’s 80th anniversary celebrations. Currently on display at the Salone dei Tessuti until April 26, the concept showcases Kia’s evolving design direction. It blends the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy with a sleek grand-tourer silhouette inspired by 1960s long-distance cruisers. Aviation-inspired details stand out, including canard-style front lighting housings and a cab-forward stance. Inside, the Vision Meta Turismo pushes boundaries with a dual-layout cabin. The driver’s seat is tailored for performance-focused driving, while the passenger seat can rotate 180 degrees when stationary, allowing face-to-face interaction with rear occupants. The steering wheel doubles as a high-tech control hub, inspired by gaming controllers. It offers three distinct modes—Speedster for performance driving with an au...

Volvo Cars has officially kicked off production of the all-electric EX60 at its Torslanda plant near Gothenburg, with customer deliveries set to begin in early summer. The EX60 marks a significant milestone as Volvo’s first fully electric model to be entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Sweden. Order books for the United States and Asia are expected to open later this spring. To meet rising demand, Volvo will keep its Torslanda facility operational for an additional week this summer—an unprecedented move for the plant. ALSO READ: Volvo Wins AJAC Award for Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt Tech On the performance front, the EX60 boasts a claimed WLTP range of up to 810 km and supports ultra-fast charging, capable of going from 10 to 80 percent in just 16 minutes using a 400 kW charger. Pricing is expected to align with the Volvo XC60, making it a competitive offering in the premium mid-size EV space. To support production, Volvo has invested approximately SEK 10 billion...

Bentley Motors has officially confirmed that its first fully electric vehicle will be unveiled later this year, marking a major step in the brand’s electrification journey. The announcement came alongside Bentley’s latest Sustainability Report, which highlights that the company achieved its lowest fleet CO₂ emissions to date in 2025, while continuing carbon-neutral operations at its Crewe facility. As part of its updated Beyond100+ strategy, Bentley is adopting a more flexible approach to electrification. The brand will continue offering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) models alongside upcoming battery electric vehicles (BEVs), while staying committed to its long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. ALSO READ: Bentley Supersports Makes Regional Debut in Dubai Beyond vehicle electrification, Bentley is also investing in emerging sustainability solutions such as direct air capture, sustainable aviation fuel logistics, and eFuels. The com...

KTM has widened its popular 390 lineup in India with the introduction of new 350cc variants of the 390 Duke and 390 Adventure, making these performance-focused machines more accessible to a broader audience. The move leverages India’s lower 18% GST bracket for sub-400cc motorcycles, helping KTM bring down entry prices while retaining the core DNA of its ‘Ready to Race’ philosophy. Despite the smaller engine classification, both bikes continue to deliver strong performance figures, producing 41.5 PS and 33.5 Nm. KTM has retained the same chassis setup, wheelbase, ground clearance, and rider ergonomics, ensuring that the riding experience remains unchanged. In terms of pricing, the 350cc variant of the 390 Duke is priced at ₹2.77 lakh, while the 390 Adventure 350 comes in at ₹2.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Meanwhile, the existing 399cc models—including the Duke R and multiple Adventure trims—remain unchanged in the lineup. from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/FSwMeLm via IFTTT...

Volkswagen of America has hit a major milestone, rolling out the one-millionth unit of the Atlas family from its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. The achievement marks nearly a decade of local production for the Atlas and its coupe-styled sibling, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Production of the Atlas began in 2016, with the Cross Sport joining the line-up in 2019. Today, the duo ranks among Volkswagen’s best-selling models in the US, with over 100,000 units sold in 2025 alone. In fact, nearly one in three Volkswagen vehicles sold in the country is an Atlas or Cross Sport, with the production mix standing at roughly 74% Atlas and 26% Cross Sport. The Chattanooga facility, which employs close to 4,000 workers, plays a crucial role in Volkswagen’s North American strategy. The brand also exports the Atlas to select global markets, reinforcing its broader appeal. ALSO READ: Volkswagen ID.3 Neo Debuts with 630km Range and New Tech Alongside the milestone, Volkswagen confirmed that...

Suzuki has refreshed the Avenis lineup with a new colour option for its Special Edition, adding a sharper visual edge to the sporty scooter. The latest update introduces a striking dual-tone finish—Pearl Glacier White paired with Metallic Oort Gray. This new shade enhances the Avenis’ aggressive styling while retaining its familiar sporty design elements and feature-loaded package. Mechanically unchanged, the Avenis continues to be powered by a 124.3cc, all-aluminium, single-cylinder engine with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology. It’s tuned to strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical yet fun urban commuter. ALSO READ: Suzuki Burgman Street EX Gets New Pearl Grace White Colour The scooter’s sporty appeal is further highlighted by LED headlamps and tail lamps, edgy graphics, and split grab rails. On the tech front, it gets a Bluetooth-enabled digital LCD instrument cluster with Suzuki Ride Connect. Practicality remains a strong suit...

Tesla has quietly expanded its robotaxi operations to Dallas and Houston, marking the first time the service has moved beyond Austin. In a significant step forward, the robotaxi service in both cities is operating—at least partially—without safety drivers. This makes Tesla the first automaker to run unsupervised autonomous ride services across multiple cities in Texas, pushing the boundaries of real-world autonomous mobility deployment. ALSO READ: Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Prices, Adds New AWD Entry Variant While Tesla hasn’t revealed fleet size targets or rollout scale for either market, the expansion signals growing confidence in its self-driving technology under live conditions. Source from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/KG9Q0Ei via IFTTT

Ford has issued a massive recall impacting approximately 1.4 million units of the Ford F-150 in the United States, following an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The issue stems from degraded electrical connections between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module. Over time, exposure to heat and vibration can cause this degradation, potentially leading to unexpected downshifts into second gear without any driver input—a serious safety concern, especially at higher speeds. ALSO READ: Ford Mustang Mach-E Updated in Europe, GT California Special Leads the Charge The recall specifically affects 2015 to 2017 model year F-150 trucks equipped with the 6R80 transmission. To resolve the issue, Ford will deploy a software update for the powertrain control module, aimed at preventing unintended gear changes. Source from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/rP5SDUY via IFTTT

Hyundai has unveiled the all-new Ioniq 3, a compact EV tailored for the European market and built at its İzmit facility in Türkiye. With its aerodynamic “Aero Hatch” design, the Ioniq 3 targets an impressive drag coefficient of 0.263, while offering a claimed WLTP range of up to 496km for the Long Range version. A Standard Range variant delivers up to 344km. Underpinned by Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture, the Ioniq 3 uses a 400-volt system and supports rapid charging. DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes around 29 minutes, while AC charging is supported up to 22 kW. Buyers can choose between 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh battery packs, paired with a front-mounted motor producing up to 147 hp. Inside, the Ioniq 3 follows a “Furnished Space” philosophy, offering a flat-floor layout, a generous 441-litre boot, and an additional underfloor “Megabox” for extra storage. It also introduces Pleos Connect—Hyundai’s new infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS—featuring Digital Key 2, P...

Renault Duster is back in the spotlight and this time, it’s leading with safety. Renault Group has confirmed that the all-new Duster has secured a full 5-star rating under the Bharat NCAP, marking a major milestone for the SUV’s India return. The Duster delivered an impressive score of 30.49 out of 32 in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 out of 49 in Child Occupant Protection. These results were achieved across multiple variants, including Turbo 160 MT and DCT trims, with the 5-star rating applicable across the entire lineup—no compromises between variants. Built on Renault’s RGMP platform, the new Duster has been engineered from the ground up to meet stringent safety benchmarks. Its reinforced structure ensures consistent crash protection, aligning with the brand’s global “Human First” philosophy. ALSO READ: 2026 Renault Duster Turbo TCe 160 Delivers Up to 18.45 km/l Fuel Efficiency On the feature front, the Duster comes equipped with 35 standard safety features. These includ...

Pony.ai has started trials of a fully driverless robotaxi in Dubai , marking a major milestone in its global expansion plans. The company aims to launch commercial, fare-based services later in 2026, with a fleet expected to scale into the hundreds. These trials are part of Pony.ai’s collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which granted approval for public-road autonomous testing back in September 2025. The shift to fully driverless operations comes after months of real-world validation, bringing the service closer to public rollout. Dubai’s broader vision is equally ambitious, targeting 25% of all city trips to be handled by autonomous mobility by 2030 as part of its smart city roadmap. Globally, Pony.ai is scaling aggressively. The company plans to deploy over 3,000 robotaxis across more than 20 cities by 2026, with international markets expected to account for nearly half of its operations. from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/6ovT4eW via IFTTT

Kia India has introduced the updated Syros MY26, expanding the lineup with new trims—HTE, HTE(O), HTK+(O), and HTX(O). Prices now start at ₹8.39 lakh (ex-showroom), making the car more accessible while adding more features across the range. The MY26 update focuses on better value and wider choice, including the addition of diesel-automatic variants from the HTK+ trim onwards. Kia has also reshuffled features across variants, ensuring premium elements are now available at more price points. On the design front, the Syros gets a sportier and more rugged look. Updates include a redesigned front and rear bumper with body-coloured inserts, glossy black skid plates, LED fog lamps, and a refreshed rear profile with a new high-mounted stop lamp. The side profile now features black roof rails and ORVMs, while higher trims get new 17-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels with neon brake calipers. New colour options like Magma Red and Ivory Silver further enhance its road presence. ALSO READ: Ki...

Mercedes-Benz has previewed the interior of its upcoming all-electric C-Class, just days before its global debut on 20 April 2026 via a livestream from South Korea. The headline feature is the stunning pillar-to-pillar MBUX Hyperscreen, packing around 10 million pixels for a truly immersive digital experience. Buyers can also opt for a smaller MBUX Superscreen setup. The cabin itself promises more space than any previous C-Class, pushing comfort and tech further into luxury territory. Front seats have been completely reworked, offering electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support, ventilation, massage functions, and even 4D sound integration—bringing a more premium, lounge-like feel to the compact executive sedan. ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz EQS Updated with 926 km Range, Steer-by-Wire Tech Efficiency and comfort go hand in hand with a new multi-source heat pump, which Mercedes claims heats the cabin nearly twice as fast as combustion models while using roughly half the energy. ...

BMW Group has introduced a new credit card-linked Plug & Charge feature for its all-electric BMW and MINI models, simplifying public charging without the need for apps, RFID cards, or dedicated charging contracts. The service went live on 16 March 2026 across Germany and Austria, covering over 1,400 DC fast-charging points, with more markets and operators set to join through the year. Activation is done via the My BMW or MINI app, where users can link a stored credit card. Once enabled, the vehicle automatically authenticates itself at compatible charging stations as soon as the cable is plugged in, instantly initiating the charging session. ALSO READ: BMW iX3 LWB India Launch Confirmed for 2027 Billing is handled directly through the linked credit card at the operator’s current pay-as-you-go rate. Pricing is displayed both in the vehicle and within the app, ensuring transparency at the point of use. This system is particularly useful for users without long-term chargin...

Audi has strengthened its China strategy by signing a new agreement with SAIC Motor , focusing on next-gen electric vehicles and advanced digital tech. At the heart of this collaboration is a new AUDI Innovation & Technology Center in Shanghai, led by Audi AG. The facility will focus on developing China-specific intelligent electrification and connected vehicle tech, including AI-powered smart cabins and advanced driver assistance systems tailored for premium buyers. The partnership also includes four new models based on the next-generation Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP). These will expand the China-exclusive AUDI lineup, which operates under the joint venture established in 2024. ALSO READ: Audi SQ8 Launched in India: The Perfect Balance Between Q8 and RS Q8 The upcoming models will build on the recently introduced AUDI E5 Sportback (2025) and the E7X SUV, set to debut at the Beijing Auto China 2026 show. A third model is already planned for 2027, highlighting Audi’s ...

Nissan has scored big on safety, with the 2026 Sentra earning the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The redesigned compact sedan secured ‘Good’ ratings across all major crash tests, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side impact. Safety is further reinforced with 10 standard airbags across all variants. A major upgrade comes in the form of an all-new advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). The 2026 Sentra features a next-gen front camera with 4K-level resolution and a wider field of view, working alongside front radar to enhance hazard detection. The system now also adds detection for bicyclists and motorcyclists, improving real-world safety. ALSO READ: Nissan NX8 SUV Debuts with 1450 km Range and 6-Min Fast Charging Lighting has also seen a significant improvement. All variants now come equipped with standard LED projector headlights, replacing the older halogen and reflector units. These of...

Stellantis has entered a five-year strategic partnership with Microsoft to accelerate the use of AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies across its global operations. The collaboration will focus on over 100 AI-driven initiatives, covering everything from customer support and product development to manufacturing processes. Key use cases include AI-powered validation, predictive maintenance, and faster rollout of digital services—aimed at improving efficiency and reducing downtime. A major highlight is the creation of an AI-driven global cyber defence centre. This system will monitor and protect Stellantis’ IT infrastructure, connected vehicles, manufacturing plants, and digital platforms, enabling quicker threat detection and stronger data security for customers. On the infrastructure front, Stellantis plans to leverage Microsoft Azure to modernise its systems, targeting a 60% reduction in its data centre footprint by 2029. This move is expected to enhance scalability, improve re...

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the ID.3 Neo, a thoroughly updated version of its electric hatchback, with pre-sales kicking off on 16 April 2026 across Germany and Europe. The Neo adopts Volkswagen’s new “Pure Positive” design language, bringing a cleaner and more modern exterior, while the cabin gets a noticeable upgrade with better materials and a reworked layout. Powertrain efficiency has also improved, with the top-spec version delivering up to 630km of WLTP range. Buyers can choose from three trims and three powertrain options, with outputs ranging from 125kW to 170kW. Battery options include 50kWh, 58kWh and 79kWh packs. The largest battery supports DC fast charging at up to 183kW, while the smaller units max out at 105kW. ALSO READ: Volkswagen Begins Production of ID.Unyx 08 Electric SUV in China Inside, the ID.3 Neo features a new Innovision infotainment system with a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Volkswagen has also added redesi...

Polestar has given the Polestar 3 a major tech overhaul, upgrading it to an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture. The result is significantly faster charging, with peak DC speeds now hitting 350kW and a 10–80% top-up possible in just 22 minutes. This isn’t a simple update. The shift to 800V involves a complete rework of key components, including new batteries, motors, inverters, and wiring systems. The higher voltage setup reduces energy losses, lowers heat stress, and cuts down on heavy cabling—making the system more efficient overall. A standout addition is Breathe Charge, an intelligent battery software developed by Breathe Battery Technologies and integrated into the Volvo Cars SPA2 platform. This system constantly monitors battery conditions in real time and dynamically adjusts charging speeds to strike the perfect balance between performance and long-term battery health. In real-world terms, Polestar claims that a quick 10-minute charge can deliver up to 38% more rang...

Volvo Trucks has revealed its next wave of electric heavy-duty trucks, headlined by the FH Aero Electric with an impressive 700km range. Alongside it, the updated FH, FM and FMX Electric models promise up to 470km per charge, with market rollouts set to begin from 2026. The FH Aero Electric stands out with a new e-axle setup that integrates dual motors and a six-speed gearbox directly into the rear axle. This clever packaging frees up space for larger battery packs, enabling the extended range. It also supports megawatt charging (MCS) at up to 700kW, allowing a 20–80% top-up in around 50 minutes—perfectly timed with mandatory rest breaks in Europe. The truck can handle a gross combination weight of 48 tonnes and a payload of up to 28 tonnes. Meanwhile, the next-gen FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks get a new dual-motor drivetrain paired with an eight-speed purpose-built gearbox, delivering up to 540kW. A key highlight is the integrated gearbox power take-off, enabling the truck to ope...