The prestigious ‘Heritage Motoring Pioneer Trophy’ for Outstanding Contributions was presented to Yohan Poonawalla, a billionaire industrialist and renowned car collector, at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d'Elegance Gurugram 2025 in recognition of his contributions to the preservation of India's automotive legacy and its global prominence. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Cabinet Minister of Culture & Tourism, presented the award.

A prominent figure in advancing India's automotive heritage internationally, Poonawalla is renowned for his ‘Yohan Poonawalla Collection’, which consists of some of the rarest and most historically significant cars in the world. His position as the world's foremost automobile collector and ambassador is further cemented by his most recent accolade at this prestigious event.

Poonawalla's love of vintage automobiles has brought him several honours, such as the Historic Motoring Awards UK's ‘Classic Car Ambassador of the Year Award 2023’ and his inclusion as the first and only Indian to be listed among the ‘Top 100 Classic Collectors of the World’. Additionally, during the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) Annual Vintage Car Fiesta, Amruta Fadnavis presented him with the Vintage & Classic Car Vanguard of India Legacy Excellence Award. He also received the ‘Hero of the Rally’ title earlier this year in the Mille Miglia UAE, when he drove his renowned Popemobile on behalf of India. In addition to his impeccable collection, Poonawalla has improved India's standing in the world of classic motoring by competing in prestigious international events like the Salon Privé, Concours of Elegance Hampton Court, Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, Valletta Concours, RREC and the renowned Mille Miglia UAE Rally three times in a row.

Poonawalla said, "It is a privilege to receive this award at the prestigious 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance, an event that celebrates automotive history and craftsmanship. My passion for classic cars has always been driven by the desire to preserve and showcase India’s rich motoring heritage on a global stage. This recognition is not just for me but also for keeping India’s Vintage & Classic car heritage & legacy alive.”

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European auto major Stellantis and British luxury brand Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaborative opportunities in the United States.

The partnership intends to create synergies in product and technology development by utilising the complementary strengths of both organisations.

The companies aim to leverage this collaboration to create value and support their long-term growth objectives within the US market.

Antonio Filosa, Chief Executive Officer, Stellantis, said, “By working with partners to explore synergies in areas such as product and technology development, we can create meaningful benefits for both sides while remaining focused on delivering the products and experiences our customers love.”

PB Balaji, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, added, “As we continue to evolve JLR for the future, collaboration will play an important role in unlocking new opportunities. Working with Stellantis allows us to explore complementary capabilities in product and technology development that support our long‑term growth plans for the US market.”

Any potential transactions resulting from these discussions remain subject to standard closing conditions, including the execution of definitive agreements.

Stellantis, Dongfeng Group Ink MoU For Europe-Based Joint Venture

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Group has received recognition at the 2026 Red Dot Award: Product Design for both its mobile robot platform and its new employee ID card case. The Red Dot Award is a competition honouring designs across product, brand and concept categories.

The Robotics LAB’s MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid) platform was named a winner for its integration of engineering and design. MobED follows the ‘Refined Edge’ philosophy, intended to help robots integrate into human environments. The platform features Drive and Lift (DnL) technology and an eccentric wheel mechanism to maintain stability on uneven surfaces and inclines. It is designed for use in logistics, delivery, and inspection.

Minwoo Park, President and Head of AVP Division of Hyundai Motor Group, said: “The question was never whether the technology works, but whether it works for people — in the real world, at scale. With MobED’s Red Dot recognition, we have demonstrated exactly that. This is Physical AI in practice, and we will continue to push the boundaries of what it can achieve.”

On the other hand, Hyundai Motor Company also received a Red Dot Award for its new employee ID card case. This item is designed for versatility and personal expression, featuring MagSafe capability for magnetic attachment and a modular reel holder. The design allows the detachment of the neck strap so the case can be affixed to smartphones or paired with other accessories.

The case is available in white and clear blue and features replaceable modules to help prevent damage and reduce the need for full replacements. This design also received the iF Design Award. The product is sold through the Hyundai Collection, the official merchandise store of the company.

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Roppen Transportation Services (Rapido) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation (MahaIT), the nodal agency for digital governance in Maharashtra. The partnership aims to support citizen awareness, digital inclusion and mobility ecosystems within the state.

The collaboration will utilise Rapido’s technology and network to assist the adoption of digital governance initiatives such as Aaple Sarkar, MahaID and MahaSaarthi.

Subhash Shelake, spokesperson for MahaIT, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Rapido to explore how technology platforms and large on-ground mobility networks can support Maharashtra’s larger digital governance and citizen outreach objectives. An important aspect of the MoU includes digitally verifiable onboarding and background verification process including, integration with MahaID, for Rapido Captains to ensure trust, transparency and passenger safety in the state. We also see strong potential in enabling Rapido Captains to act as grassroots digital information ambassadors helping drive greater awareness and adoption of public digital services among citizens across Maharashtra.”

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder, Rapido, said, “At Rapido, we have always believed that mobility platforms can play a larger role in enabling trust, safety and citizen awareness at scale. Through this collaboration with MahaIT, we aim to leverage our digital ecosystem and extensive captain network to support public digital initiatives while continuing to strengthen safer and more trusted mobility experiences for citizens across Maharashtra.”

Under the framework, Rapido will share government-approved awareness messaging via its in-app communication channels to improve reach for public digital services. Additionally, the organisations plan to explore a MAHA-Rapido Fellowship Programme to focus on digital inclusion and capacity-building in Tier 3 and Tier 4 markets in the state.

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra Group has announced the appointment of Purnima Lamba as its new Chief Brand Officer, effective 1 September 2026.

In this role, Lamba will shape and steward the corporate brand and communications strategy for the Group. She will lead the development and execution of a brand narrative aligned with the values, vision and business ambitions of the organisation.

Her responsibilities include overseeing brand consistency across business verticals, ensuring alignment with the identity of the Group and driving initiatives that enhance brand salience across traditional and digital ecosystems.

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, “We are pleased to welcome Purnima Lamba as Chief Brand Officer. Her global experience, strategic thinking, bold creativity and deep consumer insight make her an ideal leader to further strengthen the Mahindra brand. As we continue to build a compelling brand narrative aligned with our values, vision and business ambitions, Purnima’s ability to elevate brands, inspire teams and translate insights into impact will be invaluable. I wish her the very best in this key leadership role.”

Lamba joins the Group after a career spanning 25 years at Unilever, where she held leadership roles across India, the UK and the Netherlands. She has experience in building tech-enabled beauty experiences and digital media models.

She holds a BSc and MSc in Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her background includes work across various beauty brands.

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