Conceived as pure electric mobility, the new car will redefine the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The newly developed, precise and minimalist design of the BMW iX is representative of a trailblazing generation of cars poised to redefine the driving experience, the feeling of space inside and the relationship between vehicles and those on board.

The BMW iX is created to provide quality of life and wellbeing for drivers and passengers. The vehicle harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity to deliver a mobility experience which puts people more than ever at its heart. The clear and minimalist design of the car’s exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants. In contrast, the interior design offers those on-board innovative options for using the time during a journey enjoying relaxation, safety, security, and a new form of luxury in the process.

The concept and design of the BMW iX are rooted in an all-embracing approach to sustainability. It is reflected in the areas such as optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight design and extensive use of natural and recycled materials that help to create a cutting-edge sense of luxury and comprehensive feeling of wellbeing on board.

The car comes with the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology – which encompasses the two electric motors, power electronics, charging technology and the high-voltage battery which guarantees exceptional efficiency and long-range. The power unit is manufactured using sustainable materials without the use of critical raw materials like rare earth elements, and by the most recent calculations will develop maximum output of more than 370 kW. This unit will be enough to power the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5.0 seconds. At the same time, the vehicle’s apparent aim is to post an exceptionally low combined electric power consumption figure for its segment of less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometres (62 miles) in the WLTP test cycle.

The BMW iX comes with a new charging technology that enables DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. This technology allows the vehicle to be charged from 10 to 80 percent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. Ten minutes charge can feed enough energy into the battery to increase the car’s range by more than 120 kilometers (75 miles). On a standard Wallbox at 11 kW, the high-voltage battery can be charged from 0 to 100 percent in less than eleven hours. The batteries in the car are designed as a part of a long-term resource cycle, making it exceptionally easy to recycle. Besides, the power used to produce the cells, and the high voltage battery comes exclusively from renewable sources contributing to an eco-friendly future.

The new technology toolkit making its debut in the car has computing power in the areas of automated driving and digital services, 20 times more than the previous models. As a result, around double the amount of data from vehicle sensors can be processed than was previously possible.

Talking about the technology and the computing power of the car, Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG said, “We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX”. The iX has more computing power and more robust sensor technology that will help in new and improved automated driving and parking functions and using the high-performing fifth-generation electric drive system.

The kidney grille at the front has been completely blanked off and converted into an intelligence panel. The camera technology, radar function and other sensors are integrated seamlessly into the grill behind a transparent surface. The grill has reinvented itself as an innovative and multifunctional high-tech interface for the advanced driver assistance systems which paves the way for automated driving. Developed and produced at BMW’s LuTZ lightweight design and technology centre the kidney grille presents a technological showcase for intelligent mobility. Also, the material used to make the intelligence panel on the kidney grille is self-healing.

Like the kidney grille, all the technologies are subtly located on the car. For example, an array of sensors and cameras are discreetly placed around the vehicle to help with automated driving. The filler neck for the windscreen washer fluid is concealed under the BMW logo on the bonnet. The rear-view camera has been integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate. Technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.

The exterior design of the car features the slimmest headlight units ever on a series-production model from the carmaker. The flush-fitted door handles, the frameless side windows, the tailgate – which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear and the likewise extremely slim rear lights carry forward the minimalistic theme.

On the inside the newly developed seats with integral head restraints and a vast electrochromic panoramic glass roof that imbibes the feeling of spaciousness and gives the cabin a luxurious lounge-like ambience. The all-new architecture of the car adds to the straightforward functionality that revolves around the needs and emotions of the driver and the passengers. The missing central tunnel adds to the open, airy feel while allowing extra legroom.

The interior involves shy technology, which makes previously visible functions hidden and creating stylish elegance. The technology represents the panels wherein the controls on the central console of the car are placed. It only becomes visible when it is needed making it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complicated. The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in several features, including speakers integrated out of sight, intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the discreet recessing of the Head-Up Display’s projector into the instrument panel, so it is almost invisible.

The BMW iX is expected to hit the market in late 2021, showcasing the best of vehicle maker to come in the future. The company plans to launch 20 plus fully electric cars shortly, and the use of sustainable material to build cars show its concern towards a greener and better tomorrow. (MT)

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Automotive major Stellantis has announced the formation of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council, a forum intended to increase collaboration between the carmaker and its supply chain. The council brings together senior Stellantis leadership and 26 supplier partners representing various automotive technologies and commodities.

The council will convene for three sessions during 2026, with each meeting lasting 1.5 days. The initiative includes participation from major European supplier associations, ANFIA and FIEV, to provide a collective voice for the regional supply base.

The Council's primary functions include:

• Operational Efficiency: Identifying bottlenecks and improvement opportunities across the value chain.
• Strategic Workstreams: Establishing joint Stellantis-supplier groups focused on production planning, cost competitiveness and operational excellence.
• Innovation Readiness: Accelerating the deployment of new technologies and ensuring launch readiness for future vehicle programmes.
• Regulatory Alignment: Addressing European Union regulatory requirements and geopolitical instability.

The council is designed to modernise supplier partnerships amid technological shifts and market volatility. By co-leading workstreams, Stellantis and its partners aim to align performance expectations and enhance the resilience of the European manufacturing and R&D platforms.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO, Stellantis Europe, said, “The launch of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council represents an important milestone in our journey to strengthen the region’s industrial performance. Today, more than ever, our success depends on deep collaboration with our supplier partners. By creating a shared forum where we openly discuss challenges and opportunities, we are building the foundation for faster execution, stronger competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Europe.”

Stephane Dubs, SVP of Purchasing and Supplier Quality for Stellantis Europe, added, “Our suppliers are essential contributors to Stellantis’ transformation. This new Council allows us to work side-by-side, with transparency and respect, to co-create solutions that benefit both sides. Together, we will address the critical issues shaping our industry—whether in quality, launch readiness, cost competitiveness, innovation, or supply chain resilience—and turn them into strategic advantages for our entire ecosystem.”

Jean-Louis Pech, President, FIEV, commented, “FIEV welcomes the opportunity to join Stellantis Supplier Advisory Council, which represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationship and enrich the dialogue with suppliers. This participation will enable us to represent, with ANFIA, the collective voice of suppliers and actively contribute to the Council’s work.”

Marco Stella, President, ANFIA Components Group and Vice-President of ANFIA, stated, “Now more than ever, it is essential to invest in a fruitful partnership between Stellantis and the supply chain ecosystem, caught between European market weakness, geopolitical instability and fierceful competition, also to face united and together EU regulatory challenges and support EU manufacturing and R&D platforms.”

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Spinny, an Indian full-stack used car platform, has announced that it recorded a threefold increase in vehicle deliveries on Gudi Padwa compared to standard operating days. The surge indicates a trend of consumers aligning automotive purchases with festive milestones.

The festive period saw a 50 percent increase in footfall across Spinny Car Hubs in the days leading up to the holiday. Its data suggests that 86 percent of customers experienced a standard delivery process despite the heightened activity.

Regional demand was concentrated in western and southern India:

• Maharashtra: Pune and Mumbai recorded over six times their average daily delivery volumes, with each city serving more than 100 customers in a single day.
• Geographic Contribution: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka collectively accounted for 70 percent of total deliveries on the day.

In terms of demand trends, Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki India were the most preferred auto brands, while Hyundai Grand i10 was the most purchased vehicle. White remained the most popular exterior colour across all markets. It saw 53 percent of buyers utilised credit solutions to fund their purchases, reflecting a shift towards structured ownership.

Hanish Yadav, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, “Gudi Padwa holds deep cultural significance as a time of renewal and new beginnings. We are witnessing more customers align their car-buying journeys with such meaningful occasions. The strong surge in deliveries and increased engagement across our hubs reflects both evolving consumer intent and the trust placed in Spinny. Our focus remains on ensuring a transparent, reliable, and high-quality experience - regardless of demand cycles.”

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Renault India has officially released the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures for the newly launched Duster, which is now powered by the Turbo TCe 160 engine. This latest iteration of the SUV delivers a fuel economy rating of 18.45 kmpl when paired with the DCT automatic gearbox, while the version equipped with the six-speed manual transmission achieves a rating of 17.75 kmpl.

Developed specifically to suit Indian driving conditions, the vehicle combines robust performance with what Renault describes as best-in-class ride and handling characteristics. At the heart of the Duster is a turbo-petrol unit that generates 163 PS of power along with 280 Nm of torque, securing its position as the most powerful engine in its category.

Through intelligent engineering and a carefully optimised powertrain, Renault has managed to create a compelling balance that merges high output with segment-leading fuel efficiency, ensuring drivers do not have to compromise between spirited performance and economical running.

Dr V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, Renault Group India, said, “The ARAI-certified figures highlight the strength of our technology and our commitment to delivering superior all-round value. New Renault Duster’s Turbo 160 engine integrates advanced solutions such as low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection to optimise combustion and efficiency. Paired with Renault’s latest DCT automatic transmission, which ensures fast and seamless gear shifts, the powertrain delivers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency while remaining strong and responsive on the road.”

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South Korean automotive major Hyundai Motor Company has named Bradley J. Arnold as Chief Designer and Head of Hyundai Design North America (HDNA) in Irvine, California.

He will oversee vehicle and concept design for the North American market, focusing on the company’s design-led strategy.

Arnold rejoined Hyundai in 2016 and has held various leadership roles within the California studio. Since 2021, he led the exterior design team, contributing to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. His previous experience includes:

• Hyundai (2008–2011): Contributions to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe exterior and Hyundai Curb Concept interior.
• General Motors Design (2011–2016): Work on the Cadillac Elmiraj Concept, Chevrolet Tru 140S, and mobility concepts.
• Academic: Graduate of and former instructor at the ArtCenter College of Design.

In 2025, Arnold served as interim design head at HDNA, where he managed the development of production and concept vehicles. He directed the global XRT off-road strategy within 'The Sandbox,' a design hub at the California studio.

Under his guidance, this facility has produced the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO, the CRATER Concept, and upcoming XRT models scheduled for production.

Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer, Hyundai Motor Group, said, “Design is the clearest expression of our ambition as a brand. Brad brings clarity, courage, and a strong connection to North American customers. His leadership will be instrumental as Hyundai Design North America shapes vehicles that are both emotionally engaging and globally relevant.”

SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, commented, “With more than 18 years of experience working with highly respected global automotive brands, Brad brings an exceptional level of creative leadership and vision. We are excited to have him lead Hyundai Design North America and build on the strong momentum of our vehicle design direction.”

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