Understanding the need for speed, adrenaline rush and comfort, BMW has slotted the new ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’, the M340i, between the 3 Series range and the upcoming track-focused M3. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “We are excited to launch the first-ever BMW M340i xDrive, the quickest car to be locally produced in India - a completely novel high-performance product that the Indian auto enthusiasts have been waiting for eagerly. It is a unique car because it has the thrilling soul of the BMW 3 Series, the amplified power of M and the driving dynamics of BMW xDrive. With the addition of the BMW M340i xDrive, the BMW 3 Series offers the most powerful and diverse range giving our customers the valuable ‘Power of Choice’.” He further said, “This car also marks an important milestone of local production of high-performance BMW cars from the house of ‘M’.”

BMW’s M range is divided into three categories. First is M Sport which is standard BMW models that are souped-up with a cosmetic kit, then is the M Performance like the M340i, which balances high-performance and comfort with M Sport mechanical upgrades, and finally, there is M which not only offers mindboggling power output but also offers sportscar like handling due to rigid chassis set up.

At a quick glance, one may mistake the M340i for a standard 3 Series, but take a closer look, and you notice a dark grey paint finish on the trademark kidney grille, the outside rearview mirrors and on the bumper near the fog lamps. The front grille also comes with metal accents. The sleek-looking adaptive LED headlamps boast state-of-the-art laser light for better illumination. Its sporty nature comes with a body-coloured rear spoiler, pronounced L-shaped LED taillights and grey finish dual exhaust tips. Like the 330i, the M Performance sedan also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, but one can upgrade to 19-inch wheels as well.

Interior

Open the door, and you’re welcomed with the M340i specific door sill. The cabin, as expected, is fully loaded with features like the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with gesture controls and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. It also comes standard with a Head-up Display, reflecting the speed and turn-by-turn navigation directions on the windshield. The cabin being predominantly black with metal inserts on the dashboard, and the centre console comes with Alcantara upholstery with contrasting blue stitching. To make the cockpit more special, the M340i comes with some M goodies like M Sport leather steering, seat belts and an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument panel. To ensure that the cabin is a happy place to be, the new sedan boasts 16 speakers Harmon Kardon music system.

Powertrain

Now, coming to the matters of the heart and under the hood is the massive 3-litre turbocharged straight line six-cylinder petrol engine which pumps out 382bhp at 5,800rpm and 500Nm at 1,800-5,000rpm. So, the question arises, why does BMW claim that the M340i is the fastest locally assembled vehicle? That’s because it does from standstill to 100 kilometres in just 4.4 seconds. The motor is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission from ZF. As the gearbox’s settings are performance-oriented, it has shorter throws than a standard automatic so that it can hit the redline in the rev meter effortlessly and offers quicker downshifts. To make the driving experience more involving, it also comes with steering wheel paddle-shifters and even manual mode.

The M340i comes with multiple driving modes like Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, which changes the suspension set up, engine characteristics like its response, and even the steering wheel’s weight.

Unlike typical rear-wheel-drive BMW sedans, the M340i xDrive is an all-wheel-drive sedan that provides additional traction and keeps the vehicle planted on the tarmac. The M Sport rear differential ensures that the sedan carves out corners with full confidence and negates any understeer or oversteer thanks to the increased rigidity level. There isn’t any additional body roll weighing in either as the weight distribution of the car 50:50 front and rear. Another reason for agile handling characteristics is that the M Sport suspension is rigid by 20 percent and sits 10mm lower than standard 3. With so much power and precise handling, it’s also equipped with the M Sport brakes that are ideal for the city and the race track.

The M340i xDrive will take on the likes of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class A350 and the upcoming Audi S5. (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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