McLaren Automotive has announced that it is all set to introduce its all-new flexible, lightweight vehicle architecture that will underpin its next generation of electrified supercars. The new architecture, designed specifically to accommodate new hybrid powertrains, has been entirely engineered, developed and produced in-house in the UK at McLaren’s £50m state-of-the-art McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in the Sheffield region.
The new flexible vehicle architecture utilises innovative, world-first processes and techniques to strip out excess mass, reduce overall vehicle weight, while also further improving safety attributes. It will underpin the next generation of McLaren hybrid models as the supercar company enters its second decade of series vehicle production.
The first new McLaren hybrid supercar to be based on the all-new architecture will launch in 2021. “The new ground-breaking vehicle architecture is every bit as revolutionary as the MonoCell chassis we introduced with the company’s first car, the 12C, when we first embarked on making production vehicles a decade ago. “This new, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre chassis boasts greater structural integrity and higher levels of quality than ever before with our new MCTC facility quickly becoming recognised as a global centre of excellence in composite materials science and manufacturing.
“Our advanced expertise in light weight composites processes and manufacturing combined with our experience in cutting-edge battery technology and high-performance hybrid propulsion systems means we are ideally placed to deliver to customers levels of electrified high-performance motoring that until now have simply been unattainable,” said, Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive.
Flewitt said the new architecture would enable McLaren to transition to 100 per cent electrified supercars. “For us, light-weighting and electrification go hand-in-hand to achieve better performance as well as more efficient vehicles,” he said. (MT)
Kia India Partners ASDC For Promoting Skill Training
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025
Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country, has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with ASDC (Automotive Skill Development Council) to promote automotive skill training in the country.
The partnership will promote a 30-day training model module combining classroom-based theoretical learning and practical on-the-job experience. The course includes 15 days of foundational training at ASDC-certified training centers covering core automotive concepts and dealership functions. In addition, it will also feature Kia-specific process to familiarise candidates with brand standards, systems and product knowledge. The curriculum will provide students with 15 days of experiential learning at authorised Kia dealerships under expert supervision.
Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “This collaboration with ASDC represents a pivotal step in Kia India’s commitment to shaping a future-ready ecosystem, one that is anchored in skilled human capital and elevated customer experience. By creating a robust talent pool through structured training and certification, we are not only empowering India’s youth with meaningful employment but also reinforcing our dealer network with professionals who embody Kia’s values of quality, care, and innovation. Ultimately, this initiative will translate into a more seamless, informed, and rewarding journey for every Kia customer across the country.”
The co-developed learning model aims to provide candidates with the technical know-how and workplace readiness to be effective from day one. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will undergo an evaluation at the ASDC centre, get certificate jointly awarded by Kia India and ASDC, and eligible for the direct recruitment by Kia dealerships into Sales and Service roles.
Refex eVeelz Is Now Refex Mobility, Anirudh Arun Appointed CEO
- By Nilesh Wadhwa
- August 11, 2025
Chennai-based electric mobility solutions provider Refex eVeelz has been rebranded as Refex Mobility, along with the appointment of Anirudh Arun as its new CEO and Ankit Grover as Chief Business Officer.
The company currently has over 1,400 electric vehicle plying across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Its focus remains on employee transportation, airport transfers and long-term rentals. Interestingly, the company claims to have grown its fleet from a modest 400 cars in FY2024 to over 1,400 at present.
In terms of finances, the company had a turnover of INR 370 million last year, and reported a net loss of about INR 260 million. But now the company is working on streamlining its operations, expanding deeper into the geographies it serves and further make inroads with new customers.
“Mobility is more than just getting from point A to B – it’s about trust, dignity and dependability. Our vision at Refex is to build a fleet and service culture where customers, drivers, and partners all experience that trust every single day,” said Arun.
The rebranding exercise also sees a new visual language compromising of new redesigned logo, a modern app icon and new vehicle decals.
While at present, Refex Mobility only has a fleet of electrified vehicles, it may also look at other alternative sustainable fuel mix to provide cleaner transportation solutions.
Mahindra Logistics Expands Alyte Ride-Hailing Service For B2C Customers
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025
Mahindra Logistics, one of India’s largest integrated logistics and mobility solutions providers, has launched ‘Alyte’, which it said is a premium and tech-enabled B2C mobility service.
Alyte will provide airport-to-city, in-city travel and outstation rides starting with Delhi-NCR region, with planned expansions across Noida International Airport, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other key metropolitan cities.
The company shared that while Alyte has been providing Enterprise solutions for corporate customers, it now will expand its offerings to the B2C (business to consumer) and airport travel service.
It offers assured rides, transparent surge-free pricing, zero cancellations and a premium in-ride experience delivered by well-trained chauffeurs. The service is supported by a 24x7 customer support – with no bots – and live GPS tracking to enhance safety.
Alyte rides can be booked through the newly launched company’s mobile app. To begin with there are two ride options being offered – Prive and Select.
Under Alyte Prive customers will get premium electric vehicles, while Alyte Select features sedans and SUVs.
Hemant Sikka, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Logistics, said, “India’s mobility ecosystem stands at an inflection point – demanding new standards in safety, comfort, reliability, and service excellence. With Alyte, we are building on a trusted legacy to reimagine urban and airport mobility through a premium, tech-enabled platform that shapes the future of people mobility”.
Ola Electric To Unveil India Inside Vision On 15th August
- By MT Bureau
- August 06, 2025
Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ola Electric is set to host its annual event ‘Sankalp’ on 15 August, at its Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.
At the event, the company shared that it will unveil its ‘India Inside’ vision across products and technologies. This year, Ola Electric has made its event public inside the Gigafactory, which will be live-streamed on its official channels with more details to be announced soon.
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