In this episode of Auto Shorts, we bring you Indian Automotive Industry News.
* MG to launch the updated ZS EV soon.
* Renault India crosses the 8 Lakhs sales milestone in India.
* Kia announces the pricing for their latest launch, the Carens
* Renault Kiger receives a 4-Star Safety Rating from Global NCAP.
* Skoda-VW India exports locally manufactured VW T-Cross to Mexico
Check out the latest Indian Automotive Industry News this week!
Kia Carens Pricing Announced
Kia had blown away everyone’s mind by offering premium, first-in-segment comfort and safety features in their MPV, the Carens. But with such features, everyone had anticipated it to be priced between Rs 12-20 Lakhs (ex-showroom). Kia once again blows our mind with the aggressive and competitive pricing of the Carens. The brand has launched the Carens at an unbelievable price of Rs 8.99 Lakhs for the base variant and Rs 16.99 Lakhs for the top-end variant. Such pricing places the Carens in direct competition with the Suzuki Ertiga, Nexa XL6, Mahindra Marazzo & the Hyundai Alcazar.
What earlier seemed to be an unfair comparison between the Ertiga and the Carens, because of the expected price difference. Well, this move by Kia is definitely a knockout jab at the competition.
The Carens have already received 19,000 bookings and the brand is prepared to commence deliveries right after the launch, trying to minimize the disappointing waiting period.
Highlights:
Price – Rs 8.99-16.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Kia receives 19,000 bookings for Carens
Renault India Sells 8 Lakh Cars in India
2022 marks Renault’s 10th year in India, while this milestone itself is a reason to celebrate, they have announced that they now have a family of 8 Lakh happy customers in India. Back in 2012, the brand had started its journey in India with the brand’s best selling SUV, the Duster. Ahead of its time, with the monocoque chassis and powerful turbocharged engines, it garnered sales pretty quickly in India. Since then Renault has focused on bringing more affordable and mass selling cars like the Kwid & Triber. And this decision was a game-changer for Renault India, as the Kwid alone constitutes half the sales figure, as it had recently crossed the 4 lakh sales figure in India.
Renault has also been using their production facility in India to export vehicles for its global market. Currently, Renault has a widespread presence in India with more than 530 touchpoints for sales and service.
Highlights:
- Renault India Celebrates its 10th Year of Business in India
- Renault Sells 8 Lakh Cars in India
- Renault Came to India in 2012
- Bestsellers- Renault Duster & Kwid
- 530+ Dealerships & Service Centers Across India
Skoda-VW India Exports VW T-Cross to Global Markets
As a part of the brand’s strategy of India 2.0, Skoda–VW has begun exporting the vehicles built on MQB-AO IN platform. The brand will be exporting vehicles designed and manufactured in India, at their production facility in Chakan, Pune. 1232 units of the T-Cross have already been exported to Mexico, in the first phase of their export strategy. The brand exports vehicles to 61 countries across South America, Central America, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean Region & South East Asia.
Highlights:
- Skoda-VW To Export Vehicles Built on MQB A0 IN Platform
- 1232 units of VW T-Cross Exported To Mexico
- Skoda-VW India Exports Vehicles To 61 Countries
Updated MG ZS EV To Launch Soon
Since the launch of the Astor, the ZS EV had been missing out on a lot of new features that were being offered on the Astor, but not in the EV.
MG had earlier announced that they will be bringing an updated version of the ZS EV soon. The Brand has now announced that they will be launching the updated EV soon and have shared a few images, highlighting the changes to be expected in the EV. Overall, the front fascia receives a heavy update with redesigned bumpers, grille, new charging socket slots, new 17’’ alloy wheels, LED headlamps & DRLs. The rear end too gets noticeable changes, like a new LED tail lamp design. The Interior of the ZS EV too receives heavy updates as it now features a 10.1’’ HD infotainment system, first in segment Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, rear AC vents, cupholders in the armrest, centre headrest and a wide sunroof.
The brand has not hinted about its pricing yet, but we do not expect it to increase significantly than the ongoing model, as they do have to be competitive with Hyundai’s Kona EV.
Highlights:
- Redesigned Grille & Bumper
- New Charging Socket Slot
- LED Headlamps & DRLs
- 17” Alloy Wheels
- 10.1” Touch Infotainment System
- Rear AC Vents & Sunroof
Renault Kiger Receives 4-Star Safety Rating from Global NCAP
Renault India gets another reason to celebrate its success apart from celebrating its first decade in India. The Kiger receives a 4-Star safety rating from the Global NCAP. The Kiger comes equipped with four airbags, seat belts and pre-tensioners. It also comes along with ABS-EBD, rear parking sensors and Isofix mounts for the rear seats.
Highlights:
- Safety Features-
- Four Airbags, ABS-EBD, Rear Parking Camera
- Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners
- Isofix Mounts
