Toyota has accelerated its ‘Green Wave Project’ commemorating this year’s environment month. It is aimed at enhancing its nature conservation activity in the community with the company distributing saplings to its employees, under its sixth challenge that is termed as ‘Establishing a Future Society in Harmony with Nature’ and looks to contribute to the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. 

While the eco campaign continues to drive active community involvement to promote greenery, through employee engagement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has successfully distributed over 7000 saplings to its employees, marking significant progress towards its 8,000-sapling target set under its plantation activity. 

With TKM employees encouraged to plant and nurture the distributed saplings within their neighbourhoods and submit periodic reports on plant growth, the it is noteworthy to mention about Toyota’s tree plantation activities that are strongly driven by adopting a unique concept namely the ‘Miyawaki Method of Afforestation’ since 2009, and TKM was the first corporate in India to implement such plantation methodology. TKM’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and ecological restoration is yielding remarkable results, as evidenced by the numerous advantages of the Miyawaki approach. A comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with experts from Bangalore University revealed that the Miyawaki method excels in carbon sequestration, capturing an impressive 30.86 tonnes of carbon per acre.

By doing so, TKM not only restored native habitats but also created self-sustaining ecosystem that contribute to a healthier planet. Under the guidance of Late Dr Akira Miyawaki himself, TKM initiated its maiden Miyawaki plantation drive, way back in 2009, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards conservation of greenery and eco-consciousness. Since that momentous day, TKM's plantation drives have continued to evolve and expanded to 112 acres of green cover within the factory premises, out of which 32 acres of afforestation has been developed using Miyawaki method. Today, Toyota’s manufacturing facility, located in Bidadi (on the outskirts of Bengaluru) proudly boasts more than 328,000 trees of over 790 native species planted within its premises. The results have been truly awe-inspiring with a remarkable increase in biodiversity observed over the years. 

From a mere 181 plant species, the count has surged to an impressive 790, while the number of faunal species has risen from 76 to 284. The vibrant ecosystem now encompasses 88 bird varieties, 38 butterfly species, 107 insects, 17 reptiles, 8 mammals, and 6 amphibians, reflecting the successful development of a thriving native forest ecosystem.

In addition, TKM has created an experiential environmental learning centre ‘Ecozone’ (spread across 25 acres with 17 theme parks and home to 65,000 trees with 650 native species) for children, teachers, community members and other stakeholders, within its manufacturing facility aimed at creating the environment leaders and change champions for the future, to usher in desired behavioural change in the communities. This green zone depicts the creation of dense forest within the plant facility using the ‘Miyawaki Concept’ of plantation. The forests are dominantly planted with species of 4 major forest types such as Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, Semi-evergreen and Evergreen Forest, covering 21 different sub-concepts such as Pollination meadows, herbal garden, plants for spices etc. So far, more than 42,000+ students & other stakeholders have been covered through ecozone initiative.

B Padmanabha, Executive Vice President and Director of Manufacturing - Toyota Kirloskar Motor, averred, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we recognise that environmental and social sustainability are just as crucial as economic progression. Guided by Toyota’s Global Environmental Challenge 2050 (six challenges announced in 2015), our sustainability efforts are far reaching that go beyond product zero emissions. While the first three challenges seek to achieve zero carbon emissions covering the entire life cycle of our products, across manufacturing operations as well as our value chain, the last three challenges focus to achieve water conservation, establishing recycled based society and living in harmony with nature.”

“We believe that a sustainable future is built through collective action and community involvement, as exemplified by one of our eco initiatives - Green Wave Program that covers afforestation (plantation drives, distribution of saplings), sharing best practices (e.g. Miyawaki plantation methodology), creating awareness on nature conservation and imbibing good eco behaviour (Toyota Ecozone – Experiential Eco Learning). Together with our employees and other stakeholders, we aim to catalyse positive change in the community to safeguard the environment to the future,” he added. 

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced that its popular SUV the Creta has surpassed 200,000 units sales in CY2025.

This figure represents the highest annual sales volume for the vehicle since its introduction. This translates to an average of 550 units sold per day, maintaining the model's position in the mid-size SUV segment with a market share exceeding 34 percent.

Marking a decade on Indian roads, the SUV achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 9 percent between 2016 and 2025. Hyundai Motor India stated that its internal data reveals a shift in buyer demographics, with first-time buyers increasing from 13 percent in 2020 to 32 percent in 2025. Product trends within the range show that variants equipped with a sunroof accounted for over 70 percent of sales in 2025, while diesel powertrains maintained a 44 percent share of total volume.

At present, the Creta can be had with a 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engines, as well as an electric (EV) variant. Transmission choices include manual, IVT, automatic and DCT. The model remains the highest-selling mid-size SUV in the country on a cumulative basis for the period between 2020 and 2025.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO designate, Hyundai Motor India, said “Hyundai Creta journey in India is nothing short of extraordinary and achieving highest-ever annual sales of more than 2 lakhs units is a proud and defining moment for all of us at Hyundai. It is also the highest selling SUV of our country on a cumulative basis from 2020-2025. Infact, over the past 10 years of its journey in India, Creta’s customer base has grown manifold, transforming it from a capable SUV into a trusted companion for every journey. The brand’s momentum also reflects in the rise of first-time buyers - from 13 percent in 2020 to an impressive 32 percent in 2025. Aspirations of Creta customers have also evolved over the years, with sunroof-equipped variants contributing more than 70 percent of Creta’s sales in 2025. In addition, the diesel powertrain contributes a strong 44 percent share to Creta sales. We are deeply grateful to our customers and dealer partners for making Creta a symbol of Hyundai’s trust, innovation and commitment.”

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MapmyIndia Mappls has expanded its Mappls App by integrating multimodal public transport routes. The update allows users to access information for metro, rail and bus services within the application.

The feature enables the 40 million users of the platform to view stations, stops and interchange options. The service is currently available in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, among others. The update is live on iOS and web platforms, with an Android release scheduled to follow.

The public transport data joins existing app features such as turn-by-turn navigation, traffic updates and safety alerts. By combining private and public transport data, the company aims to assist in journey planning and support mass transit adoption to manage urban congestion.

As an indigenous platform, MapmyIndia aligns its mapping data with government guidelines regarding international borders and sensitive establishments. The government sector currently accounts for 20 percent of the company's gross revenue.

Rakesh Verma, Co-Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, MapmyIndia Mappls, said, “The launch of multimodal public transport routes on the Mappls App is a direct outcome of listening to our users. We want the Mappls App to be more inclusive and accessible for every citizen. We are pleased to begin rolling out this feature across select cities and will continue expanding coverage to make public transport more convenient for millions of Indians. As a fully indigenous platform built in India for India, Mappls remains committed to supporting sustainable urban mobility by seamlessly integrating public transport into everyday navigation.”

The company plans to expand the coverage of this feature to additional cities to further integrate public transport into its navigation ecosystem.

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Israel-headquartered REE Automotive has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cascadia Motion, a subsidiary of BorgWarner Inc., to develop and manufacture a next-generation electric drive unit (EDU).

The partnership focuses on integrating Cascadia Motion’s iM-125 motor and inverter with REEcorner technology. The resulting EDU is intended for global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) electrification programmes, providing a modular solution for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

The proposed EDU is designed to support ASIL-D functional safety standards and features a zonal architecture. This system uses centralised control units to replace legacy domain systems, reducing wiring and enabling over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Technical Specifications (at Gearbox Output):

• Motor Type: Permanent Magnet
• Peak Torque (30s): 3000 Nm
• Peak Power: 100 kW
• Gear Ratio: 19.17
• Weight: 54 kg
• Cooling: Water-Glycol

REE plans to grant Cascadia Motion access to its existing assembly lines, tooling and supplier networks to facilitate production. The companies also intend to evaluate market demand for complete SDV solutions, including standalone REEcorner units and chassis control software.

The collaboration occurs as industry research suggests the global EDU market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9 percent between 2025 and 2035. The move is aimed at helping OEMs reduce development cycles for electric vehicles through ready-to-integrate hardware.

Joseph McHenry, General Manager, BorgWarner Portland, said, “Integrating Cascadia Motion’s iM 125 drive unit with REEcorner technology bolsters our portfolio of off-the-shelf electric drive solutions, providing our customers with even more flexibility in their electrification programs. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, ready-to-integrate drive units that help OEMs reduce development time and streamline vehicle launch.”

Daniel Barel, CEO and Co-Founder, REE Automotive, said, “We believe that this MoU with Cascadia Motions represents a natural progression of our three-year collaboration and reinforces our mission to accelerate the industry’s transition to software-defined, by-wire mobility. We believe this collaboration positions us to meet global demand at scale while laying the groundwork for next-generation, fully by-wire solutions.”

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Bengaluru-based electric powertrain start-up Entuple E-Mobility has raised INR 130 million in a funding round led by Varanium Capital, which also participation from existing investors Blue Ashva Capital, alongside high-net-worth individuals and family offices, including Mohit Oswal, founder of Roop Automotives.

The start-up operates a 25,000 sqft manufacturing plant in Bengaluru, where it produces hub and mid-motor powertrains for two- and three-wheelers. Entuple develops its motors, controllers and firmware in-house without external licensing.

The funding will be used to advance the company's technology stack and expand into new vehicle segments. Key areas of focus include:

• High-Voltage Systems: Development of motors for four-wheelers, buses and trucks.
• Power Electronics: Research and development into new-generation intelligent motor controllers.
• Commercial Vehicles: Engineering powertrains specifically for the heavy-duty commercial segment.

By deepening its indigenous technology, Entuple aims to provide powertrain solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India and international markets.

Rakesh Mishra, Founder and CEO, Entuple E-Mobility, said, “This round enables us to double down on high-voltage powertrain platforms for four-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles while continuing to strengthen our core IP in motors, power electronics, and controls. We are excited to partner with Varanium Capital and our existing investors as we scale from proven 2W/3W solutions to becoming a key technology enabler for the next generation of EV programs in India and beyond.”

Satya Bansal, Founder & CEO, Blue Ashva Capital, said, “We reinforce our confidence by further participating in the current fund raise. In a market often relying on assembled solutions, Entuple differentiates itself by engineering superior technology fully designed and developed in India. This is one of the best design and engineering teams in the motor and controller space in the country, which was largely dominated by imported or assembled components in India so far.”

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