A good 15m long, the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF 2542 has two-axles at the rear and one at the front. Its name suggests it to be German. It is therefore perhaps that a European influence is evident from the smooth surfaces and well-defined lines of the G-Python’s exterior design. The standards of fit and finish are good. A sense of sleek and muscular build apparent from the vehicle’s exterior design, the G-Python, according to Kukreja, draws inspiration from the python’s prowess and size. He drew attention to the fine curves and added, “Look carefully at the headlamps; they will remind you of the eyes of a python. They shine like diamonds”. Reflecting luxury, style and an ability to stand out, the sleek and sweeping headlamps of the G-Python coach body work make an interesting part of the facia. The facia in turn has a large windshield with a black theme patch at its bottom. The pasted windows and tall sides of the G-Python nicely complement the facia design, highlighting a good sense of proportion in the process. Like a fully grown python – a reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) can reach over 6.25m in length and is termed as the longest snake in the world – the G-Python luxury coach design does appear long and attractive on the Mercedes-Benz multi-axle chassis. 
 

Finer detailing
Powering the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF 2542 is a 388 hp, six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 470 Euro VI 10.7-litre diesel engine situated transversely at the rear. It is so located that it feeds power to one of the two rear axles. Its access is governed by an engine lid at the rear. When viewed from a three-fourth angle, the rear accommodates the engine compartment access lid nicely in a large black patch. Replicating the colour theme of the facia (there is a similar albeit smaller black patch under the windshield), the large rear patch of black cleverly hides the enormity of the coach structure. It is no doubt tall and fairly enormous when viewed against a car or a van! On either side of the black patch are sleek and stylish LED tail lamps. “True to our penchant for aerodynamic styling and discreet elegance, the G-Python coach design is based on a modular concept,” said Kukreja. “As much as the exterior, there’s much attention that has gone in the designing and building of the interior too,” he added. Containing diffused lighting, a warm shade of blue and white, the interior exudes a touch of luxury and elegance, much the same way the exterior does. 
 

Employing CR tubes and fire retardant FRP material in its construction, the interior of the G-Python coach design offers good space between each seat row. The seats of the reclining variety are designed and positioned to offer maximum comfort and leg room for passengers. This makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Cabin isolation is brought up to speed with much use of insulation material. “There’s been a good deal of innovation that has gone into the noise isolation of the cabin,” averred Kukreja. With maximum luggage compartment space, easy to operate functions and a long list of optional features like heating, AC, LED screens, mobile-laptop charger, metallic paint, infotainment system, pantry and chemical toilet etc., the G-Python, when it comes to features, offers almost all the bells and whistles. “From the very inception of the design, we made sure that we could accommodate each and every feature that a coach operator could ask for,” Kukreja remarked. “The colour combination and graphics is optional.” 
 

Stating that the attention to European standards has ensured superior built quality, Kukreja said, “From the safety point of view, we have made every effort to exceed the regulatory requirements.” The G-Python coach design employs a laminated glass windshield. The pasted windows on the sides are of the toughened variety. The emergency door has been situated at the rear. Conforming to the bus code, the G-Python seeks proximity to a European integral coach design. It is capable of seating 53 passengers. Available in ‘semi-sleeper’ guise as well, there are no plans to introduce a ‘sleeper’ version as of now. “We may offer a ‘sleeper’ version in the future,” said Kukreja.  
 

An eye for quality 
Built with close attention to quality at Guru Ram Dass Body Builders’ Sonipat facility in Haryana, the G-Python coach body design flaunts a super strong reinforced structure that is crash resistant. It is backed by a pan-India after sales support. Offering ease of maintenance and service through easy accessibility to key aggregates and parts, the luxury coach body design is subject to regular updating, according to Kukreja. “This is in line with our philosophy to keep improving a design and incorporate new developments in bus/coach body design and development,” he added. Explaining that his company’s modern plant at Sonipat has state-of-the-art paint booth, shearing and press brake machines, an R&D centre, shower booth and an FRP moulding facility among others, Kukreja said, “The build quality of the G-Python is in line with the company’s quality management system and regulatory requirements.”  

Stressing on a robust quality control mechanism in place at GRD’s Sonipat plant to ensure thorough inspection of every material that is procured and every weld joint that is carried out on the structure, Kukreja expressed, “Trained professionals use calibrated measuring instruments and various other machines as part of the quality management system.” “There’s a ‘Red Table Area’ in the Sonipat plant where the selected and reject material are segregated,” he added. Explaining that the G-Python will complement the existing G-Dolfino bus body design, Kukreja averred, “They are more or less parallel offerings.” “The G-Dolfino was launched in 2019 and the G-Python was launched in June 2021,” he said. Asked if the G-Python coach body design would fit a 12m long front-engine bus chassis like the BharatBenz 1624, and Kukreja was quick to answer, “Modifications in the floor structure should make it possible.” Whether it would be done at once? Kukreja is not in favour it seems. “We will take a call on whether we want to offer the G-Python luxury coach body design on any other chassis than a rear engine multi-axle one,” he announced. “For the 12m long front-engine BharatBenz 1624, we have yet another fine design in the form of the G-Dolfino,” he concluded. The G-Dolfino, it should not take long to understand, is inspired by a Dolphin!
 

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In a collaboration that fuses past and present motorsport excellence, Caterham and its Surrey-based retail partner HWM have unveiled the Seven HWM Edition. This limited-edition model pays tribute to the celebrated 1951 HWM-Alta Grand Prix car, a machine that helped define an era for British racing.

The Seven HWM Edition is limited to just 19 units for the UK market, each priced from GBP 57,990. Every example features a distinctive HWM Green exterior, a colour meticulously matched to the original 1951 racer. Design cues drawn directly from its predecessor include bespoke side panel louvres, a unique nosecone grille and suspension components finished in Retro Grey. Additional touches such as a custom HWM nosecone badge and a central chrome fuel filler cap reinforce the connection.

Inside, the hand-turned aluminium SuperSprint dashboard continues the tribute, equipped with classic SMITHS chrome instrumentation, a solid metal cut-off switch and a polished wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel. The cabin is completed with optional leather or composite seats bearing the HWM logo, while chrome accents on the gear knob and handbrake add refinement.

Mechanically, the car is rooted in the Seven 420, powered by a 210 bhp 2.0-litre Duratec engine. With a power-to-weight ratio of 375 bhp per tonne, it delivers exhilarating performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. A numbered dashboard plaque, indicating its exclusivity, is fitted to each of the 19 cars.

HWM, originally established in 1938 as Hersham and Walton Motors, built its reputation as the first British team to claim a Grand Prix victory after the war. Yet it was the 1951 HWM-Alta that truly solidified its place in history, securing numerous international podium finishes with a roster of drivers that included the legendary Sir Stirling Moss. Now primarily a luxury sports car specialist, HWM became an official Caterham retailer for the South East in 2023, making this partnership a natural extension of its longstanding connection to performance engineering.

Trevor Steel, Senior Vice President of Operations & CFO, Caterham Cars, said, “It’s been a real privilege to work with HWM on this special limited edition. Drawing inspiration from the legendary HWM-Alta racer, this car pays tribute to Walton-on-Thames’ rich racing heritage while celebrating the lightweight, driver-focused ethos that defines what Caterham is today. Bringing together two iconically British brands with deep roots in motorsport made this project especially meaningful. It reflects a shared commitment to engineering purity, performance and craftsmanship – values that have shaped both our histories and continue to drive us forward. We’re proud to honour that with a car created for true enthusiasts.”

Guy Jenner, CEO, HWM, said, “We are immensely proud to celebrate HWM’s remarkable history as a works team and grand prix car constructor. This project has given us a unique opportunity to tell the story of how a small outfit from Walton-on-Thames took on the greatest teams in European grand prix racing during one of motor racing’s most inspiring eras. Our sincere thanks go to Caterham for being such an enthusiastic and committed partner. Each of the 19 hand-built cars showcases exquisite detailing, with an outstanding sense of quality and craftsmanship.”

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Amazon Pay has announced the expansion of its vehicle insurance sector, establishing partnerships with HDFC ERGO, ACKO and ICICI Lombard. The service provides insurance coverage for 280 million vehicle owners across India, including 250 million two-wheeler and 30 million car owners.

The platform allows users to purchase policies through the Amazon app. The system is designed to reduce common friction points by eliminating the requirement for physical inspections of two-wheelers and removing sales calls during the procurement process.

Policies are issued digitally and made available on the customer's orders page. The service includes access to cashless claims processing at a network of more than 9,000 garages nationwide. This network extends beyond metropolitan areas to include Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities such as Coimbatore, Gwalior and Jhansi.

Amazon Pay insurance offers 100 percent digital onboarding/issuance with minimal documentation. Payments via Amazon Pay with associated cashback options and ability to compare premiums from multiple insurers. Amazon Prime users also get specific discounts by insurers.

The expansion aims to address insurance penetration in India, where data indicates that 70 percent of registered two-wheelers remain uninsured. By partnering with established insurers, Amazon Pay intends to provide a financial safety net for road users in regions where access to such services has previously been limited.

Vikas Bansal, CEO, Amazon Pay India, said, “Amazon Pay strives to innovate for every Indian, simplifying lives and fulfilling aspirations by solving for their payment and financial needs. Our latest expansion of the vehicle insurance portfolio is a direct reflection of that commitment. With more than 70 percent of India's registered two-wheelers uninsured, we are focused on driving deeper insurance penetration into tier 2 and tier 3 cities where access has been limited by partnering with India's most trusted insurers to bring a comprehensive cashless garage network, we are not just offering a service – we are providing a critical safety net for millions of road users and helping to build a more financially secure society.”

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Recreatives Industries, the company behind the iconic MAX 6x6 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles, has announced a new partnership aimed at broadening its market reach. The manufacturer has signed a national representation agreement with TRL Outdoors LLC, known for Muddog Amphibious Vehicles. This collaboration is designed to accelerate the growth of the MAX dealer network while reinforcing the brand's ongoing push into utility, industrial and commercial sectors.

As per the agreement, TRL Outdoors will represent the full range of MAX vehicles across the entire country. The move is intended to strengthen nationwide coverage and foster a more structured and sustainable expansion of the dealer base. The representatives bring significant industry experience to the table, having previously worked with manufacturers of high-end industrial amphibious vehicles, whose prices often started well above USD 100,000. This background positions them to effectively introduce the more cost-effective MAX platforms to a market accustomed to substantially higher-priced equipment.

The agreement includes a framework of quarterly performance goals focused on integrating new dealers, increasing market share and enhancing brand visibility. This structured approach is intended to ensure growth is both disciplined and sustainable. With the upcoming availability of models like the MAX 4 and Buffalo, the company is confident that TRL Outdoors will be instrumental in penetrating new sectors. The core strategy hinges on offering capable amphibious performance at a price point significantly lower than many established industrial alternatives. This partnership represents a key step in the company's broader plan to solidify its dealer network and secure long-term, measured growth.

Andrew Lapp, CEO, Recreatives Industries, said, “This agreement aligns with our strategy of expanding deliberately and building a high-quality dealer network. TRL Outdoors has firsthand experience selling premium amphibious vehicles into demanding commercial environments. Their understanding of dealer development, combined with MAX’s proven designs and compelling value proposition, positions us well as we expand into new regions and applications.”

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Annick Jourdenais, Managing Director at LKQ SYNETIQ, marked International Women’s Day by rejoining the Automotive 30% Club (Auto30Club) as a Patron Gold member. A longstanding advocate for the organisation’s objectives, her renewed affiliation arrives at a critical juncture as the automotive industry contends with the challenges of electrification and sustainability. Her involvement underscores the critical need for greater female representation in senior leadership roles.

Jourdenais emphasises that the profound transformation occurring within the sector requires innovative thinking and collaborative leadership to build future-ready businesses. Central to this vision is enhancing diversity at the highest levels. At LKQ SYNETIQ, a joint venture focused on circular economy principles, the mission involves responsibly processing end-of-life vehicles and promoting recycled original equipment parts to reshape the automotive lifecycle. Success in this area depends on cohesive strategy among insurers, repairer and supply chain partners, as well as teams enriched by diverse viewpoints.

The company’s long-term strategy is built on developing capability, strengthening operational excellence and fostering a culture that encourages both challenge and innovation. Jourdenais views diversity not as an isolated objective but as integral to improving decision-making, building resilience and ensuring sustainable growth. Beyond her operational duties, her role on the European Women’s Network Steerco allows her to actively support career progression and representation across the business.

While acknowledging the positive momentum across the industry, she stresses that genuine advancement demands persistent effort and collective responsibility. Having first championed the business’s membership during her tenure as CFO at LKQ UK & Ireland, continuing this dedication in her current position holds significant personal meaning. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow Patrons to help cultivate an automotive sector that is both innovative and truly reflective of the diverse talent within it.

Jourdenais said, “The automotive sector is at a defining point. As we respond to electrification, resource pressures and rising sustainability expectations, we have an opportunity to redesign not only how vehicles are built and repaired but how our industry is led. Diverse leadership is fundamental to delivering that long-term transformation. I’m proud to re-join the Automotive 30% Club as a Patron at such a pivotal time for our sector. The scale of change underway across automotive demands bold thinking, collaborative leadership and a commitment to building organisations that are fit for the future. Increasing representation at senior levels is central to that ambition.”

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