Hyundai Motors has revealed the all-new KONA N 'hot SUV' that combines performance with versatility. This will be the first SUV to join the N line-up.

The KONA N comes equipped with a four-cylinder 2.0l T-GDI engine that produces 275 hp and 392 Nm of power. The flat power engine combined with the sporty design of the SUV and various motorsport-inspired features like 19-inch forged alloy wheels and sports seat offers an all-around dynamic driving experience.

KONA N is the second N-model in Europe to offer the N DCT, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that provides a sporty, high-performance character to the SUV. The N DCT features three high-performance functions to heighten the sporty character of the SUV: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift, N Track Sense Shift.

In addition, the hot SUV also comes equipped with technology like Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD), various Electronic Stability Control (ESC) modes, multi-mode Traction Control and N Grin Control System that contribute to its everyday sports car character.

On the exterior, the KONA N features body-coloured design elements with N-exclusive red accents. The iconic shark-nose front end of the KONA is complemented by large air inlets that help cool the powerful engine under the hood. The front splitter has been extended by 10mm to improve the aerodynamic balance of the car. A new front grille design and an aggressive light signature add a powerful presence to the KONA N.

The car sits visually lower when viewed from the side, while the dark satin grey alloys and red callipers accentuate the sporty character of the SUV. Adding to this, the double wing roof spoiler with the large diffuser at the rear maintains the car's aerodynamic balance. The triangular brake light, red accents and large exhaust mufflers emphasise the performance spirit of the vehicle.

The interior of the KONA N is finished in high-quality Alcantara materials along with an N-branded handbrake that features non-slip perforated leather and a thicker grip area for a more secure braking performance. The N-exclusive sports steering and paddle shifters feature a design optimised for the perfect grip and button layout necessary for dynamic driving.

In terms of safety, the KONA N comes equipped with:

•          Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) – sounds a warning and applies differential braking to prevent the vehicle from colliding into another car in the adjacent lane

•          Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) – sounds a warning and applies the brakes to prevent a rear-end collision when the car is backing up, and another vehicle comes from the side, for example, when exiting a parking space

•          Smart Cruise Control (SCC) – maintains vehicle speed and following distance

•          Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) – if the car is stopped, the vehicle ahead of it starts moving, and the driver does not react quickly enough, this system sounds an alert to direct the driver's attention back to the road gently

•          Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) – automatically keeps the car centred in the lane, corrects course if the vehicle reaches the lane markings by using a front-view camera

•          Lane Following Assist (LFA) – automatically adjusts the steering wheel to keep the vehicle centred in its lane

•          Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) – recognises road signs and displays the speed limit and no-passing signs in real-time in both the AVN and cluster

•          Safe Exit Warning (SEW) – works to prevent an accident when the car is parked and a passenger attempts to open the door while another vehicle is approaching from the rear side. A warning light also appears on the cluster to alert the driver of the potential danger

•          Rear Seat Alert (RSA) – automatically alerts the driver if someone or something is in the back seat if they attempt to leave the vehicle

•          Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection (FCA) – sounds an alarm and, if necessary, applies the brakes if a collision becomes imminent. Using radar and a camera, the system has been updated to better detect pedestrians and cyclists, in addition to other vehicles

•          High Beam Assist (HBA) – detects both oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead in the same lane and adjusts to low-beam lights as appropriate

•          Driver Attention Warning (DAW) – continuously monitors and analyses driving patterns through data inputs to detect fatigue or distraction. The driver is alerted with an audible warning and pop-up message to suggest when it is time to take a break

•          eCall – allows passengers to contact emergency services at the press of a button; also, automatically alerts first responders if the vehicle's airbags are deployed (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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