By T Murrali

MG Motors, owned by SAIC (formerly Shanghai Auto Industrial Corporation), has launched its pure Electric Vehicle (EV) MG ZS in the international market to recreate a ‘new hot spot’ for its global strategy. This strategy is based on the success of its first new energy vehicle MG 6 that has won good market feedback and reputation. As part of its plan to target those who would like to have all the benefits of a zero emission vehicle without compromising on style MG Motors India has unveiled MG ZS EV, its global SUV.

Under the guidance of SAIC Group’s new four-fold strategies of ‘electrification, intelligent networking, sharing, and internationalization,’ MG has been leading the trend in the field of fuel vehicles, and its new energy vehicles to attract young people. Equipped with the world-class ‘Net Green’ power and SAIC’s leading system of electric drive, battery, and electric control, MG ZS pure electric vehicle boasts of a constant velocity range of up to 428km. 

Moreover, the latest generation of ‘intelligent interconnection’ system and the exclusive colour of new energy will provide a better and trendier choice for the global market where the demand for pure electric vehicles is increasing. The new EV uses MG’s new kansei (emotional) design to make its shape more modern; it has also introduced the exclusive colour of new energy, making it more attractive. The vehicle is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, luggage rack and other configurations.

Not compromising on aesthetics the vehicle has an appreciable build quality that can thrill with its performance and is powered by i-Smart. Assembled at its plant in Halol, Gujarat, the new electric SUV is 4,314 mm long, 1,809 mm wide and stands 1,620 mm tall while the wheelbase is 2,579 mm. It is touted to be the first pure electric internet SUV with a clean, efficient and fast powertrain.

“As an enabler and catalyst for India’s EV revolution, MG Motor India is creating a strong, end-to-end electric vehicle ecosystem in association with leading players in the sustainable energy domain. A truly global and best-in-class EV SUV, the ZS EV has already registered significant success in more than 10 international markets such as the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. It has also been extensively tested for India-specific requirements. We hope that it will recreate its success in India, thanks to the strong EV ecosystem that we are putting in place. We will evaluate opportunities to further expand this ecosystem to more markets across India, based on customer response,” Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India, said.

The Collaborators

Understanding the importance of leveraging expertise of global majors to offer cost competitive solution to customers, MG Motors has collaborated with world leaders such as CATL, UAES, Bosch, Infineon, Exicom, Umicore and Fortum.  

The China-based battery and technology company CATL, specializes in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries for EVs, energy storage systems, and battery management systems. UAES is the power electronics solutions provider, and Bosch and Infineon offer software and other support. Exicom helps in second-life use of batteries, and Umicore ensures safe and sustainable recycling of end-of-life batteries.

The collaboration with Fortum India is to set up a 50 kW DC fast charging infrastructure. It has installed such fast public charging stations for EVs across MG’s showrooms in Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Over the next 5 years Fortum plans to have one charging facility every 5 km in major metro cities and every 25 km on the highways.

Exterior And Interior

Inspired by the majestic London Eye, true to its British genes, the headlamps give the MG ZS EV a powerful persona, the kind which makes the EV stand out in the crowd. It complements the aesthetics of the grille, which connotes the magnetic fields between celestial bodies, and brings out the glam quotient. The deep concave grille is supplemented with enough chrome to get the bling on.

The tail lights depict the plough, also called the big dipper. They are inspired by the seven brightest stars of the constellation, Ursa Major, which is the largest northern constellation and third largest constellation in the sky. The side design depicts the phantom that flies through the corners. The panoramic sky roof covers 90 percent of the roof bringing in natural light. It’s like having the sky as a companion on every journey.

In the interior, the ZS comes with an updated version of the Hector’s infotainment system dubbed, iSmart EV 2.0. It has an embedded SIM card for internet connectivity and also has the ability to connect to an external home Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot. The iSmart EV 2.0 features real-time maps with charging station locator from TomTom, music from Gaana app and weather by Accuweather. The updated system also gets a new graphic interface and improved hardware over the Hector’s iSmart system. 

The system offers over 60 connected car features including Range alerts, Battery status, Eco-friendly updates, Remote vehicle control (for AC on/off, door lock/unlock, light flashing and honking) E-Call (self-initiated emergency call sends a message and location to the 24/7 pulse hub if airbags are deployed), I-Call (get a call from the MG pulse hub for general assistance or road side assistance at the touch of the i-Call button), Geofencing, Navigation, Smart Drive (driver analytics-harsh braking, running idle, routes taken etc. to improve driving skills) and Security Alert (get alerts on the app in case of abnormal door opening, over speed etc.)

The vehicle has a CO2 saver feature which displays the amount of carbon-dioxide the owners save in real-time. MG ZS air-conditioning unit comes fitted with particulate matter 2.5 air filters to provide fresh and healthy air inside the cabin, thus maintaining healthy Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). It can bring bad air quality level of up to 300 AQI down to regular levels in just 35 minutes.

The vehicle is equipped with 3D surround effect, which enhances the driving experience with audible navigation assistance and provides close-to-ear experience.  

The MG ZS EV gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It is equipped with a visually delightful screen that gives all the information at a single glance and allows the driver to manage complete vehicle settings with just a touch. MG ZS can get new software over the air.

Safety

As safety is key, the MG ZS comes with European Standards such as European E-MARK, European REACH (environmental standards in the car) and European E-NCAP (safety standard design). In terms of safety the vehicle has 6 airbags, which include dual front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags that work together with the seatbelts. It is adequately armoured to save the lives of the occupants.

The EV has auto headlamps to mitigate heavy overcast skies or an enclosure, such as a parking garage. In the case of cruise control, it doesn’t let the driver lose control over the speed. Instead it lets the driver to set a speed limit, and it will handle the throttle accordingly.

The SUV is equipped with an electric parking brake to ensure it is held safely when brakes are suddenly pressed. The electronic gear shift knob gives a complete sense of control over gear shifts. The reverse parking-assist system helps the driver to sense when objects are in the vehicle’s blind spot, thus help prevent accidents which may be caused due to difficulty in reverse parking. The hill descent control system helps the user enjoy the mountains as much as the highways. It prevents rollback on a slope when the brake is released and switched to the accelerator pedal. Besides, it had TPMS to get real-time information about the tyre pressure through a pictogram display. Heated OVRM is part of the standard equipment to clear the fog and ice on the side view mirror, thereby ensuring visibility at all times.

The Battery

The ultra-high density 44.5 kWh battery makes the vehicle to zip 0-100 kmph in 8.5 seconds. It helps deliver maximum power of 142.7 PS, maximum torque of 353 Nm. The liquid-cooled NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery from CATL, gives the car a travel range of 340 km on a full charge. It comes with a kinetic energy reverse system, which stores the extra generated power for later use.

The battery of ZS complies with IP67 and UL 2580 - standards for safety that cover waterproof, dustproof, collision monitoring, electromagnetic shielding, insulation monitoring, high voltage interlock, overload protection, short circuit, intrusion, smoke, soaks, fire and fall.

Charging System

The MG ZS EV is equipped with CCS Type-2 European standard connector and is able to rapid charge from public chargers and also comes equipped with an AC slow charger. The lithium-ion battery can be charged through four options. AC Fast Charger that is provided and installed by MG Motor India at home or office, free of cost. With this 80 percent of charging is done in 6-8 hours. The portable charger that comes with every car can be plugged into any 15A socket. The batteries can be charged up to 80 percent n 16-18 hours. DC superfast chargers that are available at MG dealerships 24x7 can charge the batteries up to 80 percent within 50 minutes. Besides, the vehicle maker is also planning to set up AC Fast Chargers at MG dealerships along key routes in satellite cities. In an emergency, road side assistance for mobile charging support is offered 24x7. The MG logo in the vehicle glows to indicate that the SUV is getting charged. Glowing stops, once the charging is complete.

MG ZS EV comes with three driving modes: Sport, for accelerated driving and a thrilling drive experience; Normal, for balanced range and driving performance; and Eco, for efficient driving to maximize range. (MT)

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German luxury automotive brand Audi Group has concluded the 2025 fiscal year with a revenue of EUR 65.5 billion, an increase from EUR 64.5 billion in 2024. The company reported an operating profit of EUR 3.4 billion and a net cash flow of EUR 3.4 billion, despite facing geopolitical challenges and industrial competition.

The group's operating margin for 2025 stood at 5.1 percent, down from 6.0 percent the previous year. Financial results were impacted by EUR 1.2 billion in US tariffs and additional expenses related to CO2 compliance provisions. The rescheduling of a shared electric platform for the D-segment also affected the margin.

Brand Group Performance (Deliveries):

• Audi: 1,623,551 cars (down from 1,671,218 in 2024).
• Lamborghini: 10,747 vehicles (up from 10,687).
• Bentley: 10,131 cars (down from 10,643).
• Ducati: 50,895 motorcycles (down from 54,495).

Profit after tax increased to EUR 4.6 billion, supported by a financial result of EUR 2.2 billion, which included EUR 504 million from operations in China.

Audi reported a 36 percent increase in fully electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries, totalling 223,032 units. The Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A6 e-tron accounted for approximately 84,000 and 37,000 units respectively.

In China, the company launched the AUDI E5 Sportback under its new China-exclusive sister brand, AUDI. For 2026, the company plans to introduce the Audi A2 e-tron as an entry-level electric model and the Audi Q9 as a flagship SUV.

For fiscal 2026 the Audi Group has announced that it aims to increase its revenue upto EUR 68 billion, attain operating margin of 6-8 percent and net cash flow of EUR 3 billion to EUR 4 billion.

The 2026 season also marks Audi's debut in Formula 1 with the Audi Revolut F1 Team, following the season opener in Australia on 8 March 2026.

Gernot Dollner, CEO, Audi, said, “Geopolitical uncertainties and global competitive pressure kept the automotive industry on its toes again last year. In times like these, Audi has the right answers and takes bold decisions. In 2025, we introduced the first model from AUDI, our China-exclusive sister brand, and previewed a rigorously clean new design. We will continue to push our renewal forward in 2026, launching key new models, focusing on strong partnerships, and entering Formula 1 for the first time. In this way, we’ll accelerate our push in global competition.”

Jurgen Rittersberger, CFO, Audi, said, “Audi delivered a resilient performance under difficult conditions in 2025. The US tariffs in particular had a significant impact on us. Our results are bolstered by the robust development of delivery figures at the end of the year, the high level of cost discipline, and the consistent implementation of the performance program. At the same time, the pressure on margins and efficiency remains high. This year, we will again pursue our long-term financial goals with full commitment. The key is to seize all operational and financial opportunities to make Audi more efficient, competitive, and profitable. Lasting success demands time, discipline and resilience.”

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Kia India has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) edition of the Carens Clavis EV, its first electric vehicle manufactured in India. The update adds a six-seater configuration featuring second-row captain seats and expands the range with GT-Line and X-Line trims for the Extended Range variant.

The Carens Clavis EV continues to be offered with two battery options, both supported by a motor delivering 255 Nm of torque:

• 51.4 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 490 km (MIDC Full).
• 42 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 404 km (MIDC Full).

The vehicle supports fast charging, capable of reaching 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in 39 minutes. Kia’s K-Charge platform provides owners access to over 15,000 charging points nationwide, with more than 100 dealerships equipped with DC fast chargers.

The new GT-Line (GTX and GTX+) trims feature sportier styling, including lime brake callipers, metal pedals and a new alloy wheel design. The X-Line variant introduces a rugged aesthetic with an exclusive Dark Gun Metal exterior colour.

The interior update focuses on passenger space, offering the six-seater layout across select trims, including HTX, GTX and X-Line. Top spec models now come with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 26.62 cm dual panoramic display and digital key technology.

The MY26 model includes 18 safety features as standard, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). The vehicle also incorporates over 85 connected car features and battery heater technology for thermal management.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “The Carens Clavis EV was developed to make electric mobility practical and relevant for everyday use. As more customers transition to EVs, their expectations are evolving beyond technology to include greater comfort, flexible seating and distinctive design. The MY26 reflects this feedback with new trims and a 6-seater configuration that enhances comfort and versatility while retaining the practicality Indian customers value.”

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Chinese automotive major BYD India has inaugurated its 48th showroom in India, located in Moti Nagar, Delhi. Launched in partnership with PPS Motors, the 9,000 sqft facility is the largest BYD outlet in the country and the sixth for the brand within the Delhi NCR region.

With this opening, BYD India’s national network extends to 48 showrooms across 40 cities, managed by 18 dealer partners. PPS Motors now operates six of these showrooms and four service workshops across three Indian states.

The Moti Nagar facility is designed to display seven vehicles simultaneously, allowing customers to interface with the brand's technology and design. The current India portfolio includes BYD Sealion 7 SUV, BYD Seal sedan, BYD Atto 3 SUV and BYD eMax 7 MPV.

Delhi NCR remains a primary market for electric vehicle adoption in India. Globally, BYD has recorded sales of over 15 million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) as of 31 January 2026. The company was ranked 91st in the 2025 Fortune Global 500, with a brand value of USD 14.4 billion.

Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business, BYD India, said, “The inauguration of our 48th showroom in India and sixth showroom in Delhi NCR with PPS BYD in Moti Nagar represents another important milestone in strengthening BYD India’s retail footprint. Delhi NCR continues to be one of the most dynamic EV markets in the country, supported by increasing consumer awareness and adoption of sustainable mobility solutions. Together with our valued partner PPS Motors, we look forward to bringing BYD’s advanced electric vehicles closer to customers in the region and contributing to India’s transition towards cleaner transportation.”

Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, commented, “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with BYD through the inauguration of India’s largest showroom marking an important milestone in our strategic expansion in Northern India. Being the largest spread sales and after-sales partners of BYD with 10 touch points in India, this reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable electric mobility solutions. Backed by BYD’s technologically advanced products, customer-centric approach coupled with our deep understanding of the customer needs we endeavour to provide a premium and seamless ownership experience for our customers in the Delhi region.”

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German automotive luxury brand BMW Group India has introduced the new BMW M2 CS as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit. The high-performance special edition is based on the second-generation M2 and is available in limited quantities at an ex-showroom price of INR 16.6 million.

The vehicle is equipped with an upgraded 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line engine, a unit shared with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO racing car. It delivers 390 kW (530 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. Power is managed via a standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, sending drive to the rear wheels.

In terms of performance, the BMW M2 can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 302 kmph (M Driver’s Package included as standard). It clocked a lap time of 7:25.5 minutes (recorded 11 April 2025) at Nurburgring, surpassing the previous compact car record by eight seconds.

The BMW M2’s chassis has been lowered by eight millimetres compared to the standard model, featuring bespoke tuning for springs, dampers, and control systems. The exterior incorporates extensive carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, including the roof, bonnet, mirror caps and rear diffuser.

It features a ‘ducktail’ spoiler and a unique kidney grille design. Standard equipment includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged M light-alloy wheels in Matt Gold Bronze, fitted with track tyres. Braking is handled by an M Compound system with red calipers, while carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

The cabin is fitted with M Carbon Bucket Seats and an Alcantara steering wheel. Lightweight materials extend to a carbon-fibre centre console and door trim panels with illuminated ‘CS’ logos.

The digital features include BMW Operating System 8.5 with ‘QuickSelect’ menu structure; BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Head-Up Display; Harman Kardon surround sound system and M Drive Professional, featuring a drift analyser and laptimer.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW M2 CS is optimised for the ultimate thrill. By bringing this global track icon to Indian shores, we are catering to a growing community of enthusiasts who demand an uncompromising, pure-blooded driving experience. And while the M2 CS is born for the racetrack, it’s ready to take you wherever you need to go. It stands as a definitive driver’s machine - a bridge between peak adrenaline and the open road, offering our Indian customers a level of exclusivity and precision that only a 'CS' badge can deliver.”

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