Speaking to this correspondent, Ganesh Mani S, Director – Production, HMIL, said, to have the first-mover advantage in the industry, carmakers are constantly looking for newer technologies and innovations. The Indian auto industry is at the cusp of a new era with updated regulation norms for emission and recall. This brings more relevance to have fool-proof quality testing processes in place. “Towards fulfilling this objective, we at Hyundai Motor India have a Quality Assurance ‘Testing, Inspection, and Certification’ (TIC) process to ensure that every car we make is 100 percent defect-free. The ‘TIC’ process has a two-pronged strategy. First, we test the condition of the respective part before assembling at the vendor’s end and next we test the condition of the assembled vehicle as per the required standards at our end.” 

It may be recalled that both its R&D Centres in Namyang, South Korea and in Hyderabad, India work in tandem to design and develop any new model. They also conduct all the region specific tests before they sign-off the car for manufacturing. “At the production stage, we conduct several standard tests including the wheel alignment, head-light aimer, roll and brake and much more. We test the ride handling capabilities of our cars first at our internal tracks in our Sriperumbudur facility which simulates 17 types of Indian road conditions, and later also conduct a Vehicle Durability Test across India. At the Certification level, we also use government authorised test agency (Global Automotive Research Centre) tracks to conduct standardized tests,” he said.

Talking on the challenges faced in testing vehicles in the assembly line, he said, the digital revolution has created a great impact offering practically unlimited possibilities for a pleasant and safe driving experience. Today the cars are smarter and more connected than ever. This means an exponential increase in the number of tests and its duration at the assembling stage. “To offer best quality cars for our customers, we need to reach the desired quality targets and address defects related issues during assembling while successfully implementing the essential TIC solutions. This will help minimise the human error, if any. Solutions such as limiting the opportunity to insert the product on the wrong fixture (through appropriate mechanical constraints) and partially automating the activation of the correct test program (based on barcode readers) using in-line systems goes a long way. Along with maximum performance, the testing equipment should also be engineered to optimize system ergonomics with respect to operator comfort. This coupled with the precepts of lean production which will allow more flexibility in the mixing of various models. It is also necessary to guarantee high test results throughout to comply with the increasing production cycle-times. So, these testing machines should have the basic data analytics tool with summarized output screen, which could be used as an input for improving the process and design. This idea can also be extended to monitor the performance of the testing machine as well to proactively do the maintenance activities. Going forward, we will work towards minimising human intervention as much as possible and improve the process to do more self-learning and proactively suggest feedback & countermeasures,” he said.

Be it for the domestic or export markets, any OEM has to address three aspects to make cars with top-most quality. Firstly, at the design stage it is necessary to achieve the best performance and quality for the vehicle at optimal cost while keeping other factors in check. Hyundai ensures that all the learnings from previous models are implied in upcoming models. Secondly, during production it ensures that the vehicle meets all the required country-specific test standards and feature options for all its variants. Finally it understands the customer’s pulse and needs.    

“At HMI we transform metal into excellence with hand-crafted engineering and at 100 percent precision. To make the perfect cars we follow a 3-stage systematic tightening confirmation process which captures over 200,000 quality data points related to tightening, every day. We have linked this information with ‘Sign-off Gate’ to prevent the ‘not ok’ car roll out from the final assembly line. Our vehicle final inspection method is digitally enabled for assembled part specification/ type verification; we use a Hyundai Integrated Dialogistic System which is loaded with pre-set information on quality confirmations for 350+ variants. Such high degree of customization helps us to meet the growing customer requirement and enables desired results in the manufacturing process,” he said.

Beyond BS-VI

The move to make BS-VI compliant vehicles is not just important for cleaner air but it will also enable carmakers and Government agencies to record data on Real Driving Emissions (RDE). After the roll-out of BS-VI complaint vehicles there will be enough captured data available with the concerned authorities and regulators to be able to reduce the gap between type-approval vehicle emissions results and the actual ones on roads. Hyundai has global experience in the area of RDE vehicle development and this is a huge technical advantage to help develop vehicles for the Indian market. “We have done some amount of testing specific to the Indian road conditions. Before the Government’s regulations are set in motion, we too will be prepared to take up this challenge by upgrading our technical and analytical capabilities in all the required areas,” he said.

Nowadays, all cars come loaded with different kinds of infotainment, safety and communication systems. For instance, the recently launched Creta has 50 plus India-specific connected features which is 30 percent more than any other cars manufactured by the company. All these are absolutely important to ensure all these electronic devices work smoothly for the customer to enjoy a great drive. HMI has a multi-layered assurance process designed and developed by its in-house teams with specific performance indicators. ‘Hyundai Automatic Diagnostic System’ is another tool it uses to inspect the proper functioning of over 60 checkpoints in the electrical system and connected car features in all its cars.

Besides, it also has an integrated in-line testing facility installed in the assembly process line to check and approve the performance of all electronic systems fitted in all the cars at the sign-off gate. Also it ensures that the same​​ level of standards are maintained at the vendors end too. This makes the quality assurance process more robust & mistake proof, Ganesh Mani added.  (MT)

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German luxury automotive brand BMW India has introduced the updated BMW 7 Series range, offering petrol and battery-electric powertrains across the lineup at prices starting at INR 19.5 million (ex-showroom).

The launch includes the BMW i7 M70 xDrive performance model, alongside the local production launch of the electric i7 at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.

With local assembly of the i7 in Chennai, India becomes the second country after Germany to produce the electric model locally. The performance-focused i7 M70 xDrive will be imported into the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) with deliveries across the 7 Series portfolio scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Furthermore, the company also introduced actor Ranveer Singh as the Brand Voice for BMW India at the launch.

Pricing for the petrol-powered 740 M Sport and all-electric i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport starts at INR 19.5 million, while the flagship i7 M70 xDrive is positioned at INR 26.5 million (all ex-showroom).

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, said: "The new BMW 7 Series is more than our flagship sedan - it is our ultimate statement of modern luxury. It moves the leaders, changemakers and visionaries who are shaping tomorrow. Every detail has been crafted around one idea: those who have reached the pinnacle deserve an experience to match. The new 7 Series sets a benchmark, whether you choose to take the wheel or be driven. It is the new face of the BMW Luxury Class, while offering an early glimpse into technologies that will shape the Neue Klasse era. And with our Power of Choice philosophy, customers can choose from dynamic combustion engines to advanced electric mobility. Because true luxury is not about limiting choices - it is about expanding them. With the new 7, luxury doesn’t end with the drive; it begins there."

"The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the most powerful 7 Series ever created - where M performance meets first-class luxury, without compromise. It brings together exhilarating electric performance and the refinement expected from the pinnacle of the BMW portfolio. This is a car for someone who wants the thrill of taking the wheel and, equally, the luxury of being driven. Few cars can make the driver’s seat and the rear seat equally desirable. The i7 M70 does. It represents our belief that sustainability and performance are not competing choices. The future of luxury can be electric, exhilarating and extraordinary - all at once," added Brar.

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Kia India has opened pre-bookings for the Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid models across its authorised dealer network, expanding the company’s multi-powertrain portfolio in the Indian market.

The additions follow their display at Kia Inspiration Day and introduce alternative fuel options to the manufacturer's multi-purpose vehicle segment. The pricing for all three models is set to be announced at a later date.

Both the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are based on the G1.5 six-speed manual transmission platform and feature a factory-fitted CNG system with a 60-litre tank capacity. Technical modifications include engine calibration for CNG fuel, revised suspension setups, 16-inch wheels and 16-inch disc brakes. The driver interface incorporates a fuel change switch alongside a 4.2-inch colour TFT display with CNG distance-to-empty logic. Structural changes to the third-row seat-back frame have also been implemented to adjust the recline angle.

The CNG range will include Premium (O) trim for the Carens, while the Carens Clavis will be sold in HTE and HTE (O) trims for retail buyers.

For commercial and business-to-business fleet operations, Kia India has designated the M-Drive trim for the Carens CNG and the HTM trim for the Carens Clavis CNG.

The Carnival Limousine Hybrid introduces an electrified powertrain to the upper tier of the range, powered by a G1.6T HEV engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is offered in the Limousine+ trim, which features 18-inch dual-tone aero alloy wheels, active air flaps and a virtual engine sound system. Interior equipment includes an air purifier with air quality index display, seat-back tables with integrated wireless charging, ambient lighting and leatherette door trims.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Lounge Edition variant across its Creta, Alcazar and Creta Electric SUVs. The special edition trim updates interior cabin equipment, rear seat entertainment and exterior trim styling across the three vehicle lines.

The primary update across all Lounge Edition models is an integrated 29.46 cm rear seat entertainment system featuring streaming platform compatibility, interactive gaming, an app store and smartphone mirroring, operating alongside an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

On the inside, it features silver interior accents, white ambient lighting, revised seat patterns and branded headrest cushions. Exterior changes feature black trim on the skid plates, side sills, roof rails, rear spoiler and side mirrors, paired with black alloy wheels and a golden bronze paint option.

The Creta Lounge Edition, built on the King trim level, is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an intelligent variable transmission or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox, with prices starting at INR 1.92 million ex-showroom.

The Alcazar Lounge Edition is offered in a five-seat layout based on the Signature variant, powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic transmission and equipped with a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, priced from INR 2.18 million. The Creta Electric Lounge Edition, based on the Long Range Excellence trim, adds a dashcam and rear wireless charging pad, with prices starting at INR 2.43 million.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy and Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai, we continuously strive to create products and experiences that resonate with the evolving aspirations of our customers. Customers today seek experiences that go beyond mobility, and the new Lounge Edition has been designed with this evolving aspiration in mind. From lounge-inspired interiors, engaging digital entertainment and on-the-go gaming experiences powered by rear seat entertainment, to distinctive styling enhancements, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to transform every journey into a more comfortable, connected and rewarding experience. The Lounge Edition reflects Hyundai's commitment to delivering meaningful innovations and greater value across our SUV portfolio, and we are confident it will appeal to customers seeking a unique blend of luxury, comfort, entertainment and exclusivity in their everyday journeys."

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German automotive luxury brand Audi has unveiled the A2 e-tron electric compact model, which marks its most compact green offering, with prices starting EUR 38,200 in Germany.

Developed in Germany and produced at the manufacturer’s Ingolstadt facility, the EV has an energy consumption rating of 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle.

The company will open bookings on 10 September, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in December.

The A2 e-tron is offered in four power outputs ranging from 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the base specification to 240 kW and 545 Nm in the top variant, paired with rear-wheel drive and permanently excited synchronous motors. Depending on the output, battery capacities are available in 52 kWh, 61 kWh, or 84 kWh gross options, achieving a maximum driving range of up to 646 kilometres under WLTP conditions.

The chassis design incorporates a drag coefficient of 0.24, utilising active cooling air intakes, aero wheels and wheel-arch gap reducers. Bidirectional charging capabilities support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external device powering and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) energy transfer via compatible wall boxes.

On the inside, it features a curved MMI panoramic display housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with artificial intelligence assistant integration. Storage incorporates the Fidlock magnetic attachment system as standard equipment, alongside an optional 1.6-square-metre panoramic glass roof.

Audi states that around 300 components across the vehicle are constructed using recycled materials, including post-consumer plastics, aluminium and steel.

The EV assembly utilises 250 existing industrial robots and 1,200 reallocated production components at the Ingolstadt plant, using fixed-sequence manufacturing methods. Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, evasive assist, attention assist and parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Gernot Dollner, Chief Executive Officer, Audi, said, “The A2 e-tron is more than a new model: It represents Audi’s renewal. It shows how we are rethinking premium for Europe: using resources more intelligently without compromising on quality, technology, or customer experience. Developed for the needs of our European customers and built in Ingolstadt, it demonstrates our ambition to shape the future of premium mobility.”

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