Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., has launched its new SUV ‘Scorpio-N’ – starting at INR 11.99 lakh. The company said in a statement that the Scorpio-N is designed, engineered and built to disrupt the SUV segment with its class-leading attributes, features and capabilities, to be acknowledged as the #BigDaddyOfSUVs. 

The company said the Scorpio-N is completely new ground-up, with no carryover components of the existing Scorpio. This allows the new SUV to elevate existing segment benchmarks across all critical parameters: performance, capabilities, technology, sophistication, ride and handling, NVH, interiors and appearance. Designed at Pininfarina, Italy, and Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS), Mumbai and engineered by the teams at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) near Chennai and Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) in USA, and manufactured at the state-of-the-art world-class facility at Chakan, Pune, the Scorpio-N is truly a global product, the release pointed out. 

The company said the development and engineering of the Scorpio-N is the outcome of an overall investment of INR 1,600 crore which includes setting up a highly automated manufacturing line. 

Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, “The All-New Scorpio-N has been designed, engineered and built to be a game-changer. With its unmissable design, sophisticated ride and handling, thrilling performance, advanced technology, reassuring safety and of course, its terrain-conquering abilities, the All-New Scorpio-N takes forward the unbeatable Mahindra legacy of building authentic, desirable and tough yet sophisticated SUVs. The All-New Scorpio-N disrupts existing product category hierarchies and will be a force to reckon with across multiple SUV segments. It is a global product, being unveiled simultaneously in South Africa and Nepal, alongside the India launch, and will be followed by launches in other international markets in the near future.” 

R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M Ltd. said, “We started the development of the All-New Scorpio-N on a clean slate with no carry over from the existing Scorpio, which gave us the opportunity to not just raise existing benchmarks but set new category standards. We set out with the objective of delighting customers with a contemporary SUV boasting high levels of engineering, technology, dynamics, sophistication and refinement, and I believe we have succeeded in full measure. The All-New Scorpio-N’s third-generation body-on-frame platform has been engineered to ensure every drive is safe, comfortable and exciting, while delivering authentic SUV attributes. Combined with AdrenoX intelligence, the All-New Scorpio-N is an intuitive, immersive and enjoyable SUV to drive and own.” 

The company said the Scorpio-N would be available for test drives starting 5 July 2022 in 30 cities and in the rest of the country by 15 July 2022. Details of the test drives can be seen on the website https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpio-N. Bookings for Scorpio-N will open online and simultaneously at Mahindra dealerships 30 July 2022, 11.00 am onwards, it said. The ‘Add to cart’ feature for the Scorpio-N will be available online and at dealerships from 5 July 2022. Bookings will be done on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and will also form the basis of delivery dates, depending on the variant chosen by the customer, the release said. After customers have selected their choice of variant and colour to finalise their booking with payment confirmation, Mahindra will provide a two-week window to amend their choice of variant and colour – in case they wish to. Details of the booking process are available on the website https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpio-N. The deliveries of the Scorpio-N will begin during the forthcoming festive season, it said.  

M&M said it is simultaneously unveiling the Scorpio-N in South Africa and Nepal, alongside the India launch. Mahindra said it is committed to introduce the Scorpio-N in Australia and New Zealand and will announce the details shortly. It said the Scorpio-N would be the first brand from the house of M&M to be globally unveiled (across focused international markets), aligning with Mahindra’s strategy to strengthen its global footprint. 

The company said the Scorpio-N is engineered for those looking for a new-age authentic SUV. Built on its new third-generation body-on-frame platform, the Scorpio-N boasts of structural rigidity, off-road capability and exemplary on-road manners. The Scorpio-N is powered by a TGDi mStallion (Petrol) engine with 149.14 kW (200 PS) of power and 380 Nm of torque, and mHawk (Diesel) engine with 128.6kW (175PS) of power and 400 Nm torque, offered in both 6-speed Manual and Automatic Transmissions, and 4X4 as option. 

The signature wheel arches have been made even more muscular taking inspiration from the sinewy silhouette of a swimmer. A metallic Scorpio tail element is seamlessly integrated into the beltline, swinging all the way to the top of the window, giving the Scorpio-N more of a sting. The Scorpio-N will be available in five body colour options: Deep Forest, Napoli Black, Everest White, Red Rage, Dazzling Silver, Royal Gold, and Grand Canyon. 

It greets passengers with top notch craftmanship – rich coffee-black leatherette upholstery, command seating position, centre console encased in robust metal finished dual rails, advanced infotainment system and more, taking the premium-ness to the next level. The interiors of the Scorpio-N are designed and fettled to offer a highly sophisticated sensation, delighting the driver and passengers alike, it claimed. 

It uses the most sophisticated technologies available to offer benchmark driving dynamics. The latest generation body-on-frame structure has been optimised to offer remarkable levels of dynamic competencies and assured handling capabilities. Additionally, the penta-link rear suspension features the segment-first watts link mechanism to offer confident ride and handling attributes. The Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology, in combination with the Scorpio-N’s advanced shock absorbers featuring MTV-CL technology, is devised to offer a smooth, comfortable ride experience. The steering setup is remarkably smooth and responsive for a vehicle in its category, and All Four Disc brakes ensure exhilarating yet safe drive. 

The company said the Scorpio-N is designed to rule all terrains with the 4XPLOR, the intelligent terrain management technology. The Scorpio-N also gets three drive modes: Zip, Zap and Zoom. Zip for smooth riding especially through traffic, Zap for true Mahindra SUV performance and, Zoom to amp it up for a more engaging and exhilarating ride-quality. 

Powered by AdrenoX intelligence for an immersive and intuitive driving experience, it is laden with 70+ connect apps, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, and built-in Alexa functionality enabling hands-free access to entertainment, information and vehicle controls. 

Alexa voice assistant supports in-vehicle controls even in offline mode. With the Scorpio-N, Mahindra introduces the the what3words integrated with Alexa. 

AdrenoX also brings an Immersive Audio Experience by adopting 3D Immersive Sound System by Sony. Mahindra has partnered with Amazon Alexa, what3words, Qualcomm, Visteon, Blackberry QNX, Bosch, Sony and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deliver the connected SUV experience.  

The company claimed the vehicle has the lowest CO2 emission in its segment. Moreover, several sustainable technologies have been adopted in metallurgy and component optimisation such as latest generation dip paint (CG 800 CED coating) and low RRC tyres to lower CO2 emission, and LEDs for reducing the overall energy consumption by 10 per cent. (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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