Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that building on the success of its A Behavioural Change Demonstration (ABCD) initiative, it is now expanding the program to an additional 400 government schools in Raichur district for FY2024-25 and FY2025-26.

This program has already been successfully implemented in 100 schools over the past two years, positively impacting more than 26,000 students. The initiative will now benefit over 68,000 students in this next phase.

The program’s expansion officially commenced today with a one-day orientation session for the headmasters of the participating schools, held at the Krishi Vigyana Kendra (KVK) in Raichur. The orientation was inaugurated by Nitish K, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Raichur, who was the Chief Guest at the occasion. This session was aimed at equipping the headmasters with tools and strategies to effectively deliver the program’s hygiene and sanitation curriculum.

As part of the program, TKM will actively promote essential hygiene practices among students through a series of training sessions that focus on handwashing, sanitation practices, water conservation, waste management, and personal hygiene.

Additionally, the program will provide sanitary pads to 24,000 adolescent girls till March 2026. This initiative aims to ensure effective menstrual hygiene management and support young women in their health and well-being, empowering them to take charge of their menstrual health and advocate for their needs. Through this project, essential sanitation supplies, including buckets, mugs, cleaning agents, handwashing soap, and mopping items will be provided to support hygiene maintenance.

Beyond hygiene education, the program aims to strengthen school cabinets and School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), empower students to advocate for better sanitation, and encourage families to build household toilets where needed. Community engagement will also play a pivotal role, with awareness campaigns, video demonstrations, and annual quiz and drawing competitions to reinforce the lessons learned in schools.

Nitish K said, “Education today is not just about academic excellence but about nurturing responsible, aware citizens who understand the importance of health and hygiene. The ABCD program by Toyota Kirloskar Motor is a shining example of how private enterprises can meaningfully contribute to community well-being. By teaching essential sanitation and hygiene practices to young minds, the program creates a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities. It’s heartening to see Toyota's commitment to expanding this initiative further into Raichur, reaching thousands of students and families. We look forward to the transformative outcomes this program will bring.”

Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice-President, Corporate Affairs & Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that true progress is driven by collective responsibility, and our ABCD program stands as a testament to this. The success of our first phase has encouraged us to scale up our efforts and reach an additional 400 schools in Raichur. We remain deeply committed to supporting the Swachh Bharat mission by promoting hygiene education and sustainable practices. Through this expanded initiative, we aim to not only improve sanitation in schools but also foster a culture of awareness and positive change across the community.”

Launched in 2015, the ABCD program begin its focus in Karnataka, especially in the Ramanagara district. By 2019, the initiative had reached 1,004 schools, benefiting 58,000 students and positively impacting 430,000 community members. Following its revitalisation in August 2023, the program continues to align with the national ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ mission, contributing to India’s ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene.

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Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has launched the self-charging hybrid ES 350h executive sedan, introducing the eighth-generation iteration of its core model line at prices starting INR 6.61 million for the Exquisite variant, going up to INR 7.18 million for the Luxury variant (ex-showroom).

Manufactured in India, the ES 350h shares its underlying platform with the battery-electric ES 500e and gets an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, an integrated power control unit eAxle and a lithium-ion battery pack. The IC-engine generates 139 kW at 6,000 rpm and 237 Nm of torque between 3,600 and 5,000 rpm, while the electric motor produces 119.1 kW. It achieves a claimed certified fuel efficiency rating of 25.22 kilometres per litre.

The ES 350h measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. On the outside, it gets daytime running lamps (DRL) integrated into turn indicators and rear lighting positioned on the outer body edges.

On the inside, the cabin features a 14.0-inch touchscreen multimedia interface and hidden switches built directly into the interior surfaces. Active safety features are provided through the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which includes pre-collision detection, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist and emergency braking systems.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said,"Today marks a significant milestone for Lexus in India as we launch the All-New ES 350h. Building on the immense success of its predecessors, this launch reflects our long-term commitment and continued efforts to deliver vehicles of world-class quality tailored to the needs of our guests in India. Manufactured in India, the All-New ES 350h embodies our multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobility, seamlessly blending advanced technology, exceptional ride quality, and luxury. Renowned for its Takumi craftsmanship and inspired by the spirit of Omotenashi hospitality, it offers an elevated experience defined by comfort, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. As the lifestyles and landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering vehicles that inspire confidence, enrich lifestyles, and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are confident that the All-New ES 350h will set new benchmarks in its segment, further strengthen the Lexus brand in India, and exceed the expectations of our guests."

The ES 350h comes with an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty for both the car and its hybrid battery pack.

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Stellantis India completed the delivery of 125 Citroen and Jeep vehicles to customers across Kerala to coincide with the Onam festival. The handover involved models from both brand portfolios across the company's regional dealership network.

The deliveries encompassed Citroen models including the Basalt, Aircross, C3 and e-C3, alongside Jeep vehicles including the Compass, Meridian and Wrangler.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "Onam is a festival that celebrates togetherness, prosperity and new beginnings, making it a particularly meaningful occasion for customers taking delivery of their new vehicles. We are delighted to celebrate this festive season with 125 Citroen and Jeep customers across Kerala as they begin a new chapter in their mobility journey. The overwhelming response reflects the trust customers place in our brands and our commitment to delivering products that resonate with diverse customer aspirations. Whether it is the adventurous spirit of Jeep or the comfort-centric philosophy of Citroën, both brands are united by a common focus on creating memorable ownership experiences."

The initiative was executed in partnership with local dealer networks across the state, incorporating specific delivery handovers for individual buyers during the holiday period. The volume of handovers reflects ongoing demand across both product lines, which target different vehicle market segments ranging from urban commuters to off-road users.

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JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the Hector Tomahawk, the first vehicle built on its Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology (ADAPT) platform, with prices starting at INR 1.39 million plus INR 4.90 per km Battery Rental for the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model.

The platform serves as the company's multi-new energy vehicle system in India, supporting both electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains.

The Hector Tomahawk EV features a 69.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor delivering 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, yielding a certified range of 517 kilometres. The PHEV variant combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a dedicated hybrid transmission and a 20.5 kWh battery pack, offering a pure-electric range of over 115 kilometres and a combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometres. It also incorporates vehicle-to-home energy transfer capabilities.

The SUV measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,770 mm in height, with a 2,810 mm wheelbase and 230 mm of ground clearance at the battery. On the inside, it gets the largest in its segment, a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, an 8.8-inch multi-information display, a panoramic glass roof, Level 2 assistance systems and standard six airbags across all variants.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV can be had for INR 2.17 million plus INR 3.20 rupees per kilometre battery rental.

For customers looking for an outright purchase, the Hector Tomahawk can be purchased for INR 1.94 million for the EV model and INR 2.56 million for the PHEV model. The deliveries will begin in September 2026 for the EV variant, while PHEV deliveries are scheduled to commence in November 2026.

Parth Jindal, Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "The Hector Tomahawk represents a significant milestone in our journey toward building a sustainable mobility ecosystem in India. We remain focused on bringing the world's-best available technologies and environmentally responsible solutions to Indian consumers, while supporting the country's transition to cleaner transportation. The introduction of the Hector Tomahawk EV and the Hector Tomahawk PHEV, India's first plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)^, reflects our commitment to offering a diverse portfolio of new-age mobility solutions that address evolving customer needs and driving patterns.”

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "The future of mobility will not be defined by a single technology solution but by providing customers the freedom to choose the pathway that best suits their needs. We recently introduced India's First Multi New Energy Vehicle Platform – ADAPT as the foundation for our next generation of products. Today, the Hector Tomahawk becomes the first SUV to bring that vision to life. By offering both EV and Plug-in Hybrid technologies, we are democratising sustainable mobility while addressing the diverse requirements of Indian consumers. The Hector Tomahawk combines intelligent technology, advanced safety, premium comfort and electrified performance, reaffirming our commitment to developing future-ready products for a rapidly evolving automotive landscape."

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German luxury brand BMW Group-owned MINI India has launched Mod My MINI, a vehicle customisation programme for Cooper and Countryman models. The initiative enables owners to alter both new and existing vehicles through factory-supported upgrades.

The programme provides options to modify components, including the roof, mirror caps, spoilers and brake calipers. Customers can select from a catalogue featuring over 100 paint shades, thematic decals and original accessories, yielding up to 2.5 million potential configurations.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “MINI has never been just a mode of transport; it is a declaration of personal style. We firmly believe that no two MINIs on the road should look the same, which is why the 'Mod My MINI' programme puts the design canvas directly into the hands of our owners. True luxury is defined by the freedom to choose, and by offering this unprecedented tier of factory-backed customisation, we ensure that every driver can define their vehicle's identity entirely on their own terms. Ultimately, small changes drive a big personality, making your driving experience as completely unmatched as your fingerprint.”

Decals applied through the programme carry a 24-month warranty from the installation date. The service is available across MINI India’s 17 sales touchpoints in 16 cities, with vehicle servicing integrated into the broader BMW Group India network spanning 51 locations.

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