Droom Launches AI-powered Platform MyDroom On Eve of 10-Year Anniversary

Droom

Droom, a leading automobile marketplace has marked its 10-year anniversary by launching MyDroom, which it says is an AI-powered platform that aims to transform the future of vehicle ownership.

The company states that MyDroom is a one-stop destination for vehicle owners that will provide solutions ranging from predictive maintenance and real-time tracking to personalised recommendations. It will not only help users stay ahead of maintenance schedules but also integrate various services like repairs, roadside assistance, and even car washes into a single platform—making vehicle ownership smarter and more efficient than ever before.

Founded in 2014 by Sandeep Aggarwal, (Founder & CEO) Droom claims it has empowered over 2.5 million customers. The 10-year anniversary milestone celebration was attended by Naveen Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel and Power, who was the Guest of Honor and its investor and brand ambassador, Badshah. The event was also attended by over 150 tech entrepreneurs in India.

Till date, Droom has sold over 580,000 vehicles worth a staggering USD 7.3 billion, the company has facilitated more than 4.5 million listings and served a vast network of 23,000 dealers across 1,176 cities. It currently has over 16 million monthly active users and 16.2 million app downloads.

“Our country’s growing pool of educated and skilled men and women driving the social and economic change. The majority of our population comprises youth who are aspiring for opportunities. And for us to provide these opportunities, we need to grow and for growth, we need to cooperate, collaborate and co-exist with our neighbours. He praised every entrepreneur for their hard work and contribution to make India what it is. In continuation he said with the right efforts Haryana will be a developed state in next 10 years and Gurugram will be the developed city of the state in next 5 years,” said Jindal.

Badshah added, “I’ve been a part of Droom’s journey as an investor and ambassador, and it’s been inspiring to see how they continue to innovate and push boundaries. MyDroom is a groundbreaking platform that perfectly aligns with my passion for technology and forward-thinking solutions. I’m excited to see how this will transform the way we manage and experience vehicles.”

Sandeep Aggarwal stated, "The past decade has been an extraordinary journey of innovation, disruption, and growth. We are deeply grateful to our team, customers, and partners for their trust and support. MyDroom marks the next chapter in our story — one that places vehicle owners at the forefront and harnesses AI to deliver a truly personalised, seamless experience. We are excited to lead the industry into the next decade and beyond. Sandeep expressed his gratitude to Naveen Jindal and Baadshah for their presence, highlighting the valuable insights and vision they shared with the esteemed audience."

Renault Unveils New Generation Duster In India, Hybrid Variant Launch In Diwali 2026

Renault Duster

Renault India has revealed the new generation Duster in Chennai, marking the return of the nameplate to the Indian market. The vehicle is the first product launched under the Renault International Game Plan 2027, a strategy positioning India as a hub for the company's operations outside Europe.

The SUV is built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), with 90 percent of its components designed specifically for the Indian market. The vehicle features a 2,657 mm wheelbase and 212 mm of ground clearance, with approach and departure angles of 26.9deg and 34.7deg respectively.

The Duster introduces three engine options, including a hybrid variant for the first time in India. The Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 pairs a 1.8L engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, designed to operate in electric mode for a claimed up to 80 percent of city driving.

Two petrol options are also available: the Turbo TCe 160, producing 163 PS and 280 Nm of torque and the Turbo TCe 100. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a wet clutch.

The cabin features a driver-centric layout with a 10.1-inch OpenR Link multimedia system. This system incorporates Google built-in, providing native access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. A second 10.25-inch TFT display serves as the instrument cluster, capable of replicating navigation data.

Additional interior features include:

  • Ventilated and electric front seats.
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning with a PM2.5 air quality filter.
  • Panoramic sunroof and electric tailgate.
  • 17 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand, said, “As part of the Renault International Game Plan 2027, we are making India a key pillar of our growth outside Europe. We now have a strong ecosystem in Chennai, bringing together design, engineering, manufacturing, and local operations at the highest level - making India one of the most complete and powerful hubs in Renault’s global network. The new Renault Duster is the first step in Renault’s renewal in India.”

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, added, “With the new Renault Group Modular Platform, Renault brings an advanced hybrid technology and top-tier safety engineering. With Renault Forever program, we also offer our customers a significantly improved ownership experience. New Renault Duster is the start of a renewed product cycle and for an exciting trajectory for Renault in India. Renault is back.”

The vehicle comes with an industry first 7-year or 150,000 km warranty under the Renault Forever programme. Pre-bookings are open via the 'R Pass', with official pricing expected in mid-March 2026. Deliveries for petrol variants will commence in April 2026, while the Strong Hybrid version is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026.

Leapmotor Showcases Electric And Hybrid Models At Brussels Motor Show

Leapmotor - BO3X

Stellantis-owned electric vehicle brand Leapmotor recently showcased its new range of product offerings at the Brussels Motor Show.

The OEM utilised the platform to display its latest vehicle technologies and models as part of an expansion strategy within the European market. The lineup featured both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) equipped with range extenders.

The event saw the European debut of the B03X, a model designed to showcase the brand's approach to electric technology. Additionally, Leapmotor provided the first public viewing of the B05 interior, highlighting a design philosophy focused on digital integration and materials.

Leapmotor launched the B10 Hybrid EV, which employs a range extender system. Unlike conventional hybrids where the internal combustion engine frequently powers the wheels directly, this architecture uses the electric motor as the sole source of propulsion. The engine serves as a generator to produce electricity for the battery when required and is never mechanically connected to the drivetrain.

This configuration is intended to provide the torque and noise levels of a pure electric vehicle while addressing infrastructure limitations and range anxiety. The system manages energy automatically, allowing for long-distance travel without a reliance on fast-charging stations. Leapmotor positions this solution as a practical transition for regions with varying levels of electrification readiness.

In a standard HEV, the engine drives the wheels, with the electric motor acting in a supporting role. Conversely, Leapmotor's system maintains a consistent electric driving experience because the engine does not provide mechanical drive.

By removing the mechanical complexity of traditional hybrid drivetrains that switch between multiple modes, the company claims a more refined operation. The range extender is designed to operate only in ideal conditions to optimise efficiency and reduce noise.

Toyoda Gosei Supplies Airbags To Chinese Automaker For First Time

Toyoda - LS9

Japanese automotive component supplier Toyoda Gosei Co, has announced that its curtain airbag has been adopted for the LS9, a luxury battery electric vehicle (BEV) from the Chinese brand IM Motors.

This marks the first instance of a Chinese manufacturer utilising an airbag system produced by the Japanese company.

The curtain airbag is designed to deploy across windows during side collisions to reduce head impacts. The unit developed for the LS9 is 15 percent smaller in volume compared to previous versions. Despite the reduced size, the component meets the safety criteria of the Chinese New Car Assessment Programme (C-NCAP).

To meet the development timelines required by Chinese manufacturers, Toyoda Gosei used Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) technology during the design phase. This allowed the company to simulate performance and refine the product without the need for extensive physical prototyping.

The company is expanding its development capacity in China to compete with emerging manufacturers and the growth of the electric vehicle sector. By providing safety systems that meet regional requirements, Toyoda Gosei intends to increase its presence within the Chinese automotive market.

Mahindra Launches Thar Roxx Star EDN At INR 1.68 Million

Thar Roxx Star EDN

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced the Thar Roxx Star EDN at prices starting INR 1.68 million for the diesel variant (manual transmission), INR 1.78 million for the petrol variant (automatic transmission) and INR 1.83 million for the diesel automatic.

This marks the expansion of the Thar Roxx range, which now features updated design elements on the interior and exterior.

The new variant incorporates a piano black front grille and matching R19 alloy wheels to update the appearance. The model introduces a Citrine Yellow colour option alongside existing shades of Tango Red, Everest White and Stealth Black.

The interior features black leatherette seats with suede accents. Standard cabin features include ventilated front seats, a sliding armrest and a 26.03-cm HD touchscreen infotainment system. The technology suite comprises a digital instrument cluster, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and Adrenox connected car features with Alexa integration. For safety, the vehicle is equipped with six airbags, a surround-view camera, and parking sensors at the front and rear.

The Thar Roxx Star EDN retains the engine options from the standard range, featuring the G20 TGDi mStallion petrol engine and the D22 mHawk diesel engine. The petrol unit produces 130 kW and 380 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine delivers 128.6 kW and 400 Nm. These variants are available with a rear-wheel-drive system and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

The SUV is built on the M_GLYDE body-on-frame platform and includes selectable terrain modes for snow, sand, and mud. It also features a brake locking differential to assist in various driving conditions.