MG has introduced its latest model, the all-new MGS9 PHEV, marking the brand's entry into the seven-seat SUV market. This plug-in hybrid vehicle aims to blend spacious family practicality with efficient operating costs. Pricing for the new model starts at GBP 34,205 (approximately USD 45,956) and reaches up to GBP 36,945 (approximately USD 49,606) for top-tier versions.

The vehicle’s interior is designed for adaptability, featuring three rows of seating. When the rearmost seats are not required, they can be folded to unlock over 1,000 litres of cargo capacity, accommodating luggage, sports equipment or everyday family needs. Even when all seven seats are in use, the MGS9 retains a practical 332 litres of boot space.

Power is supplied by a familiar plug-in hybrid system, previously seen in the award-winning MG HS. It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a substantial 24.7 kWh battery. This setup provides an electric-only driving range of up to 62 miles (approximately 99.78 km), a figure that should comfortably cover the average daily commute or routine school and shopping trips.

In keeping with the brand's reputation for value, the MGS9 comes generously equipped. Features include leather-style upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and tri-zone climate control. Adding to passenger comfort, the front seats are also ventilated and offer a massage function. Safety has been thoroughly addressed, with the model already securing a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating. This achievement is supported by its robust high-strength steel construction and a comprehensive suite of up to 16 advanced driver assistance systems. The vehicle is currently available for ordering, with full specifications due to be released later this month as initial deliveries reach UK showrooms.

David Allison, Director of Product and Planning, MG UK, said, "The launch of the MGS9 PHEV represents a significant milestone for MG, marking our entry into the 7-seat SUV segment and further strengthening our position in the large SUV market. As a vehicle that is both longer and taller than the MG HS, the all-new MGS9 PHEV delivers enhanced presence and versatility, offering the flexibility of a third row to meet the evolving needs of modern families and lifestyle-driven customers. Combining an excellent electric range and strong efficiency with an elevated level of specification and refinement, the all-new MGS9 PHEV continues MG’s commitment to delivering accessible innovation and exceptional value within a highly competitive 7-seat SUV segment.”

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Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar has published the full carbon footprint of the Polestar 5, reinforcing its commitment to climate transparency within the automotive sector. Since 2020, the manufacturer has provided comprehensive Life Cycle Assessments for all its models, with the Polestar 5 being the latest addition to this publicly available data. The company emphasises that scrutinising emissions from materials and production is essential for actively reducing the overall climate impact of vehicle manufacturing.

As the first original equipment manufacturer to disclose the carbon footprint for its entire lineup, Polestar offers consumers clear insight into the environmental cost of their vehicles. The Polestar 5 records a cradle-to-gate footprint of 23.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which encompasses emissions from raw material extraction through to the point of customer delivery.

A significant focus for emission reduction lies in material sourcing. Aluminium, a notably carbon-intensive component, has been targeted for improvement. In the Polestar 5, a portion of the aluminium is recycled, and the vast majority is sourced from smelters utilising renewable electricity. This strategic shift avoids substantial emissions compared to conventional methods.

Renewable energy extends beyond material supply to the production facilities themselves. The plants responsible for assembling the Polestar 5, along with those manufacturing its battery cells and related components, are powered by renewable electricity, thereby lowering the overall manufacturing emissions.

Further environmental gains are achieved through innovative interior materials. Natural fibre composites, developed with Bcomp, incorporate a flax-based fabric that reduces reliance on fossil-based substances and offers weight savings over traditional composites. Recycled content is prevalent throughout, including carpets made from reclaimed fishing nets and textiles from recycled PET. The design also facilitates future recycling, exemplified by the front luggage compartment’s mono-material PET construction. For those selecting leather, a chrome-free, ethically sourced option is available.

The Polestar 5 demonstrates that sustainability can coexist with high performance. The four-door grand tourer delivers substantial power and torque, achieves an estimated driving range up to 678 km (WLTP) and benefits from an 800-volt architecture enabling rapid DC charging (from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes).

Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability, Polestar, said, “You cannot reduce what you don’t measure. Making the carbon footprint of a car visible helps focus the industry on where emissions occur, particularly in materials and manufacturing. That transparency is essential if we want to scale the low-carbon materials, renewable energy and circular solutions needed to reduce the climate impact of cars.”

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Pune-based Kinetic Engineering (KEL) has announced an infusion of INR 400 million from its promoter group. The capital, raised through the conversion of warrants, increases promoter shareholding to 65 percent, up from 49 percent four years ago.

The funds are intended to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and support expansion across its electric vehicle (EV) and automotive component businesses. KEL is currently increasing its presence in battery systems, precision engineering and components for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

A portion of the capital will support Kinetic Watts and Volts, a subsidiary in which KEL holds an 80 percent stake. This subsidiary recently launched the electric version of the Kinetic DX e-scooter.

The company plans to appoint over 150 dealers this year to take the DX EV national, following initial operations in Pune, Mumbai, Vadodara, Surat, Indore, and Delhi NCR.

Kinetic Engineering is also expanding its capacity for traditional automotive programmes and precision engineering solutions. The investment is intended to allow for technological upgrades and innovation as the industry shifts toward electric mobility.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Kinetic Engineering, said, “It is highly exciting time for us at Kinetic. The response to the scooter, Kinetic DX, launched by the subsidiary company is phenomenal. We are expanding nationwide and plan to appoint over 150 dealers this year. Meanwhile Kinetic Engineering’s component business is showing great potential and new orders. We will be using these funds for expansion of both projects as required and planned. This additional investment reflects the promoter group’s continued confidence in Kinetic Engineering and our long-term strategy. The automotive industry is undergoing a profound shift towards electric mobility, and we are building the capabilities needed to participate meaningfully in this transition. Strengthening the company’s capital base allows us to accelerate investments in technology, manufacturing, and innovation as we prepare for the next phase of growth.”

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Ather Energy has introduced a series of financial benefits for its electric scooter range, applicable to the Rizta and 450 Series models. The offers are available until 31 March 2026, coinciding with the scheduled discontinuation of the PM E-Drive subsidy.

Total benefits of up to INR 20,000 are available at Ather Experience Centres across India. This package includes a credit card discount of INR 10,000, a cash discount of INR 6,500 and an extended components warranty valued at INR 3,500.

Following the application of these offers, the Rizta S is priced at INR 104,758 (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and the 450S is priced at INR 113,100 (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Customers purchasing vehicles before the month-end deadline also remain eligible for the INR 5,000 cash subsidy provided under the PM E-Drive Scheme. The central government scheme is currently set to expire on 31 March 2026.

The initiative covers Ather’s full electric scooter portfolio, including its connected technology systems. The Rizta represents the company's entry into the family scooter segment, while the 450 Series focuses on performance.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Simple Energy has expanded its presence in Eastern India with the opening of its first retail outlet in Siliguri in partnership with CTA Connect.

The new Simple Store spread across 2,400 sqft, functions as a 3S facility, providing sales, service and spares in a single location. It will act as a hub for the brand in the region, which serves as a gateway to Northeast India.

The Siliguri store showcases the second-generation models of the Simple One series, which are designed for long-distance commuting with high-capacity battery integration.

The available models include:

• Simple One Gen 2 (5 kWh): Delivers an IDC range of 265 km. Priced from INR 177,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).
• Simple OneS Gen 2: Delivers an IDC range of 191 km. Priced at INR 149,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).

With this launch, Simple Energy now operates 63 outlets across India, including locations in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. The company has confirmed plans to open further stores in Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar in the coming months as part of its national network ramp-up.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, stated, “The launch of our first Simple Store in Siliguri marks an important step in strengthening Simple Energy’s presence in eastern India. As a key gateway to the Northeast, the city presents strong potential for electric mobility. With our 3S setup, we are bringing the Simple Energy experience closer to customers - from discovering our products to seamless after-sales support. We are excited to introduce our long-range, high-performance scooters to riders in Siliguri and remain committed to accelerating the transition to electric mobility across the region.”

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