Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Concept CLA Class, a new electric iteration of the CLA, alongside the latest Gelandwagen and a Mercedes-Maybach ultra-luxury SUV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. Positioned as the electric successor to the CLA, the Concept CLA Class is the first model to feature the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). It debuts the brand’s latest operating system, alongside fresh design and technological updates.

The Concept CLA Class previews the latest electric-drive technology from Mercedes-Benz, drawn directly from the Vision EQXX concept. With a claimed range exceeding 750 km and an energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km, it has been dubbed the "one-litre car for the electric age" in reference to hyper-efficient internal combustion vehicles. The 800V electric architecture supports 250 kW DC fast charging, enabling the vehicle to recharge up to 400 km in just 15 minutes. Two battery variants are available: silicon-oxide anode for higher-spec models and lithium-iron phosphate for entry-level variants. Powering the vehicle is a 235 bhp permanently excited synchronous motor coupled with a 2-speed transmission. Weighing only 110 kg, the powertrain delivers an impressive 93% energy efficiency during long-distance driving.

Built on the MMA platform, the Concept CLA Class is designed primarily for electric drivetrains but also accommodates combustion engines. The vehicle is rear-wheel-drive by default, though the modular platform can be configured for all-wheel-drive. The concept also includes bi-directional charging, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and vehicle-to-appliance (V2A) functions, underscoring its potential for smart energy integration.

Inside, the MBUX Superscreen delivers a full-width digital dashboard powered by the new MB.OS operating system. It integrates Google Maps and other embedded apps for a seamless user experience. Notable interior features include digitally visualised AC vents with floating effects and physical control interfaces, dynamic ambient lighting in blue and violet, and sustainable nappa leather upholstery in silver and crystal white. The cabin is also designed with advanced Level 3 Lidar-based autonomous driving capabilities, with over-the-air updates enabling future upgrades to higher levels of autonomy.

A standout safety feature is the Child Presence Detection (CPD) system, which uses cameras and sensors to detect breathing patterns. If a child is left unattended, the system triggers air conditioning, sounds the horn, and issues alerts to mitigate risks in hot weather.

Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the Concept CLA Class in India in 2025. The production model will closely resemble the concept and will offer Indian buyers a preview of the future of luxury electric mobility. Pricing details are yet to be announced.

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Renault India has commenced customer deliveries of the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160, with the initial key handover taking place at its newly inaugurated new'R store in HITEC City, Hyderabad.

The delivery of the first unit was completed by Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Renault Group India, to T Krishna Gopal, Chief Executive Officer of Eduzi Academy.

The new'R store in HITEC City covers 7,000 square feet with space to display eight vehicles, making it Renault’s largest showroom facility in Hyderabad and its 30th upgraded new'R store nationwide.

The facility is operated in partnership with the VVC Group, which manages three Renault showrooms and two service workshops in the region.

Renault India plans to transition all 73 of its showrooms across 24 major Indian cities to the new'R format by July 2027, with 30 locations converted to date. The Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 was launched in India on 17 October 2026, at a starting price of ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Renault Group India, said, "During our planning phase, we set ourselves an ambitious target: to bring the Duster Hybrid to customers in less than a year, in time for the festive season. We are proud to have delivered on that promise, and we begin handing over the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 to our customers around Diwali. The strong response since launch reflects growing acceptance of hybrid technology in India. Our commitment, however, goes beyond the product. Hyderabad is an important market for us, and with the new'R store we are building a best-in-class buying and ownership journey, so that every customer enjoys the same standard of experience at the showroom and in service as they do behind the wheel."

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Maruti Suzuki India has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Telangana, to set up 12 Automated Driving Test Tracks across six locations under its corporate social responsibility initiative. The tracks will be established at Ibrahimpatnam, Karimnagar, Kondapur, Medchal, Nagole and Uppal.

The facilities will evaluate applicants for two-wheeler, light motor vehicle and heavy motor vehicle driving licences, with heavy motor vehicle testing available at the Nagole and Karimnagar locations.

The tracks will feature high-definition cameras, RFID sensors, analytics software and an integrated IT system to automate testing in accordance with Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

With this agreement, Maruti Suzuki India's operational network of automated test tracks expands to 98 locations across nine states and two union territories. The company has also established eight Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research and 19 Road Safety Knowledge Centres in collaboration with state governments, evaluating over 5.5 million individuals.

K Ilambarithi, Transport Commissioner for the Government, Telangana, said, "Road safety remains a key priority for Telangana. Through technology, stronger enforcement, and improved driver testing, we are working to build safer roads. We welcome car market leader Maruti Suzuki’s partnership in establishing 12 Automated Driving Test Tracks across 6 locations in the state. These tracks will make driving tests more transparent and efficient, while ensuring that only competent and qualified applicants are awarded driving licenses."

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer of Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India, said, "Driver skill is key to ensuring road safety. ADTTs bring fairness and transparency, to the licensing process by eliminating human bias. ADTTs will ensure rigorous driver evaluation and promote disciplined driving practices, vital to enhance road safety. Our partnership with the Government of Telangana to deploy Automated Driving Test Tracks is an important step in this direction. We are pleased to contribute to Telangana’s road-safety journey and look forward to deepening this collaboration in the future."

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the introduction of the Innova Crysta LIMO Edition, a brand offering created for commercial fleet mobility operators. The new model is available exclusively in the GX-SLF grade across 7-seater and 8-seater seating configurations.

The Innova Crysta LIMO is powered by Toyota's 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with a manual transmission, delivering a certified fuel efficiency of up to 15 kmpl. It features captain seats, multi-row air-conditioning, touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity and safety equipment including up to seven airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist Control and Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

Standard ownership terms include a warranty of three years or 100,000 km, with extension options available up to five years or 220,000 km. Ex-showroom pricing remains unchanged, starting at INR 1.99 million for the seven-seater variant and eight-seater layout.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales, Service and Used Car Business at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "For over two decades, the Innova has earned the trust of customers by consistently delivering on reliability, comfort and confidence of ownership making it a preferred mobility across generations. Professional mobility customers have also been an integral part of this journey. With the Innova Crysta LIMO, we are building on this strong legacy with a distinct identity while continuing to deliver the quality and dependability they expect from brand Toyota."

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the introduction of a Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) program for customers owning vehicles equipped with Bluelink connected-car technology.

The initiative allows eligible vehicle owners to access potential savings on the own-damage portion of their insurance premiums based on recorded driving behaviour.

The program evaluates vehicle usage and driving metrics captured over a three-month period through the Bluelink platform, assessing parameters such as rapid acceleration, rapid deceleration, rapid braking, speed management and engine idling duration.

Drivers with an insurance renewal due within 90 days and a driving score of 70 or above out of 100 may qualify for savings of up to 15 percent on own-damage premiums, subject to the underwriting criteria of participating insurance partners.

Hyundai India Insurance Broking acts as the intermediary facilitating consent-based score sharing between vehicle owners and insurance companies. The initial phase of the program includes Cholamandalam MS General Insurance, Go Digit General Insurance and ICICI Lombard General Insurance as participating partners. Customers can track their driving score and view eligibility directly within the Hyundai Bluelink mobile application.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor India, said, "Hyundai Motor India’s connected car ecosystem continues to witness strong growth, with over 0.8 million connected cars already on Indian roads, a target of 1 million cumulative connected car sales by 2027 and an ambition to reach 2 million connected car sales by 2030 through its Bluelink platform. Leveraging this expanding connected-car ecosystem, the Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) program extends the value of connected mobility beyond convenience and safety by rewarding responsible driving with personalised insurance benefits. In certain cases, customers may save up to 15 percent (basis insurers underwriting rules) on the own-damage component of their insurance premium, making vehicle ownership safer, smarter and more rewarding."

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