Nissan Plans To Restart Output At UK's Biggest Car Factory In June

Nissan will restart phased production in early June at its northern English Sunderland factory, Britain's biggest car plant, as the sector tries to resume operations amid the coronavirus outbreak.

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Car Sales April 2020: MG Motor India Registers Zero Sales Amidst COVID-19 Lockdown

There is no doubt that the Coronavirus has hit the Indian auto industry hard. For the first time ever, MG Motor India has registered no domestic sales for a month. The reason is the Coronavirus...

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Amazon Says Coronavirus Expenses Hit Q1 Earnings, Q2 May Be Worse

Amazon.com on Thursday said it could post its first quarterly loss in five years even as revenue surges because it is spending at least $4 billion in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including...

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Counterpoint: Smartphone sales in Q1 2020 decline 13% on a global scale

Counterpoint Research posted its analysis of the global smartphone market for Q1 2020, and the numbers do not look good at all. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shipments fell 13% on a yearly basis, with the total being under 300 million - a number that was last reported in 2014. There were only two major companies that did not suffer a yearly decline in shipments - Xiaomi and Realme. All the others saw a decrease, but the overall picture remained the same - Samsung and Huawei are top sellers, Apple is comfortably third, and then plenty of China-based companies are in a battle for the last...

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Wall Street Sidesteps Elon Musk's Lockdown Rant As Tesla Numbers Improve

Wall Street brokerages gave a resounding thumbs-up to Tesla Inc's first-quarter numbers on Thursday, lauding the electric carmaker's improved gross margins and sending its shares 8% higher in trading...

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Wonder Woman Spin-Off to Come Before Wonder Woman 3, Patty Jenkins Hints

Patty Jenkins has revealed more of her thoughts on a Wonder Woman spin-off centred on the Amazons of Themyscira - that's the race of warrior women to whom Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) belongs - and...

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JioMeet Is Jio's Video Conferencing App to Take on Zoom, Google Meet

Jio parent Reliance Industries Limited revealed its plans to launch the JioMeet platform while announcing its quarterly earnings for the fourth quarter on Thursday evening.

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SpaceX, Blue Origin Win NASA Contract to Build Astronaut Moon Lander

NASA on Thursday selected space firms SpaceX, Blue Origin and Dynetics to build lunar landing systems that can carry astronauts to the moon by 2024, the White House's accelerated deadline under the...

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Android 10-based One UI 2 update delayed in India due to COVID-19

Samsung has announced that the rollout of Android 10-based One UI 2 update for its Galaxy devices in India has been delayed. The delay has been caused due to the nation-wide lockdown in India imposed by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19. This information comes from Samsung through its Members app, and it's a bit vague since the company says "we're experiencing a slight delay" without revealing how much the update schedule is affected and when the rollout will commence. However, Samsung might resume its full operations and begin the rollout of One UI 2 update in...

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Apple Sees iPhone Revenues Fall, as Services and Wearables Help It Grow

Apple on Thursday reported profit slipped as it boosted revenue from services and wearables in a pandemic-cobbled start to the year for the iPhone maker.

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Maruti Suzuki reports zero sales in April 2020

With the entire country in lockdown mode - effectively rendering all manufacturing plants and dealerships shuttered - the first big impact on the automobile industry has been announced.

Passenger vehicle market leader Maruti Suzuki has announced that it had “zero sales in the domestic market - including sales to OEM (which means no Balenos went to Toyota) - in April 2020. This was because, in compliance with the Government orders, all production facilities were closed.”

The company adds that "following resumption of port operations, the first export shipment of 632 units was undertaken from the Mundra port, ensuring that all guidelines for safety were followed.”

Also see:

New car, bike warranty extensions due to COVID-19 - A complete list

How India's automakers have joined the fight against Coronavirus

How coronavirus has hit the global auto industry: a timeline

Maruti Suzuki Dzire facelift vs Rivals - Price and Spec Comparison video

 

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Coronavirus Lockdown: Maruti Suzuki Registers Zero Domestic Sales In April 2020; 632 Vehicles Export

As we are already aware that the nation has been under a lockdown for the entire month and all operations were closed in April which has resulted in Maruti Suzuki posting zero sales.

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Coronavirus: Ferrari Driver Charles Leclerc Turns Red Cross Volunteer

The Ferrari driver helped in distribution of meals and transporting medical equipment in Monte Carlo.

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Looking Back: The 'Bobby' Rajdoot Owes Its Success To Rishi Kapoor

The Rajdoot GTS 175 gained cult status after it shared screen space with Rishi Kapoor in the film, Bobby.

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Kinetic Group Introduces Fogging & Spraying Electric Vehicles To Disinfect Localities

Pune's Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, has introduced a range a new electric vehicles to help disinfect indoor and outdoor areas for a germ-free environment. The company has...

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HTC Vive announces Vive Sync for holding VR meetings, available for free in Beta

With COVID-19 pushing many industries to continue to conduct business online through tele-conferencing platforms, there's a new demand for presentation and business tools online. HTC is announcing a new presentation tool for its VR platform: the Vive. The platform is called Vive Sync, and it lets people conduct presentations in a virtual 3D space. The first aspect of the VR platform that's different from video conferencing is the use of personalized avatars. These avatars are full body and can convey body language in a presentation. Creating your avatar starts with a selfie....

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Meru Cabs partners with Flipkart to deliver groceries and essentials Cabs partners with Flipkart to deliver groceries and essentials

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, and Mahindra-owned Meru - the app-based ride-hailing cab operator - have partnered to provide people access to grocery and essential items during the ongoing lockdown. The doorstep delivery service is only available to Flipkart customers across the Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad regions.

The companies say this partnership is a continuation of Flipkart’s efforts to create innovative models of collaboration to serve citizens during this unprecedented crisis. It also supports the government’s efforts to keep citizens at home to contain the spread of Covid-19. The synergies between both organisations will ensure that essential supply chains are functional while supporting driver-partners with income opportunities.

Commenting on the initiative Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO, Flipkart Group said, “Flipkart Group is committed to customers as India fights this unprecedented battle. This partnership with Meru is a result of our teams exploring new, innovative ways to drive value for our ecosystem of sellers, brands, partners, and customers to ensure the safe and swift availability of grocery and essential goods. We have a very secure and safe supply chain where we follow SOPs diligently. We stand by the nation in this fight against Covid-19 as we prioritise the wellbeing and safety of all including our customers and employees.”

Neeraj Gupta, founder and CEO, Meru Mobility Tech said, “This is a unique initiative which we are undertaking with Flipkart which will benefit consumers immensely. Meru will use its fleet to ensure the timely and safe delivery of essentials to Flipkart’s large customer base in a hassle-free manner. This service will also offer our driver-partners an additional earning opportunity during this challenging time.”

Meru says that the initiative is in line with the government guidelines, and it is providing its Ozone Sanitised fleet to help Flipkart with their deliveries. The dispatch hubs have been installed with Ozone Air Purifier, encouraging all driver-partners to sanitise their cabs, thus maintaining high standards of hygiene. Meru driver-partners will undergo Flipkart’s training module for a better understanding of its processes for safe and timely delivery of the grocery items, while Meru is educating and updating its driver-partners on various preventive measures like using alcohol-based sanitizers and wearing face masks to curb the spread of the virus.

Also see:

How coronavirus has hit the global auto industry: a timeline

Mahindra Logistics’ Alyte to offer free emergency ride service

Mahindra to acquire 55 percent stake in Meru Cabs

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Black Shark 3 and 3 Pro gaming phones land in Europe on May 8

Xiaomi's gaming-oriented sub-brand Black Shark launched its latest devices in China in March, and now it's finally ready to bring them to Europe. Both the Black Shark 3 and the Black Shark 3 Pro will go on sale in Europe on May 8. Prices haven't been unveiled yet, but given Black Shark's past antics, expect them to be very competitive for the innards you are getting. And those innards are indeed nothing to scoff at. Black Shark 3 (left) and Black Shark 3 Pro (right) The Black Shark 3 has a 6.67" 1080x2400 AMOLED touchscreen with 90Hz refresh rate, the Snapdragon 865 SoC at the...

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Production-spec Nissan Ariya previewed in new patent

Nissan's first EV SUV is edging closer to reality, with patent images revealing the Ariya SUV’s planned production bodywork.

The new shots, posted online, show the 4.6m-long family SUV features a design very closely aligned with that of the Ariya concept car that was revealed at last year’s Tokyo motor show. 

While the overall shape is clearly retained, a few detail changes can be spotted. The bumper shape - particularly the lower portion - has been altered, with a towing eye cover visible and LED lights also added to the intakes at the front edges.

The side view seems to be more or less identical, bar a charging port mounted higher in the wing, a shark-fin aerial on the roof and alterations to the roof spoiler. The side mirrors aren’t incorporated in the patent shots, suggesting Nissan might be looking to swap traditional ORVMS for cameras, just like on the Honda E and Audi e-tron.

At the rear, more significant alterations are visible. It looks like the rear window has been reduced in terms of visible area, while a rear wiper has been brought in. The backlit Nissan logo seen on the concept also appears to have been ditched, although the full-width LED tail-light design should be retained. The bumper shape has also been altered for production. 

With no interior images, we can only go by the minimalist design of the concept’s cabin for reference. Expect it to feature the long-awaited generation shift of Nissan interiors and infotainment alongside the new X-Trail seven-seat SUV, which is due to be revealed later this year. 

The production version of the Ariya - it’s not expected for at least another year - will use a new Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance modular architecture that offers increased flexibility with the motor and battery pack size.

There's still no indication of the powertrain beyond Nissan calling it a “high performance, 100 percent electric drive system” with dual motors for four-wheel drive. 

Although it is too early to tell whether the all-electric SUV will be brought to the Indian market, Nissan is looking to reinvent itself in India. This will be done with the introduction of new products like the upcoming Nissan Magnite compact SUV, which is expected to be launched later this year and use Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-A+ platform. Nissan is even evaluating the Patrol SUV for our market as a brand-builder. 

IMAGE SOURCE

Also see:

Nissan Ariya Concept image gallery

Nissan not keen on large vertical touchscreens in cars

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Made-for-India Suzuki e-scooter patent image leaked

About a year ago, we broke the news that Suzuki was developing a cost-effective electric scooter for our market that is expected to be launched sometime next year. Patent images of an e-scooter have now emerged and we believe this could be the very model that’s headed to a Suzuki showroom near you.

A close inspection of the leaked patent image reveals that Suzuki is indeed trying to develop an e-scooter that won't require customers to break the bank. Take the design of the frame, for instance. The use of tubular and square-section steel as well as a simple frame layout suggests that Suzuki is keeping a watch on input costs, both in terms of materials and manufacturing processes. 

What is also visible is the placement of the battery and the frame-mounted electric motor right underneath it. This motor will power the rear wheel via a typical belt drive system. This is another way to remain cost-effective and shows Suzuki's approach in comparison to the Bajaj Chetak (which has a swing arm-mounted unit) and TVS’ iQube, which has a hub-mounted motor.

The Suzuki scooter's lithium-ion battery pack appears to be removable, which will make it convenient for people to haul up to their home or office and charge using a regular wall socket. It also gives the Suzuki a slight advantage over the Chetak and iQube as neither feature removable batteries. The only downside is that battery packs are heavy and it's not entirely practical to carry it up a flight of stairs. Besides the removable battery, there will be a charging socket in the scooter for those looking to simply connect a cable and charge the scooter while it's parked. 

While we don't have any details about the size of the battery or the performance specs of the electric motor, we expect Suzuki to come up with a package that'll handle daily commutes with ease. Don't expect lighting quick performance but something in the range of what a 110cc or 125cc scooter offers.

The use of a telescopic fork and conventional wheels shows that Suzuki is trying to keep design and engineering costs as low as possible as well. This should translate to a competitive price tag. We expect Suzuki will not exceed the Rs 1 lakh mark. 

Also, there is no clarity if Suzuki will offer any frills like a colour TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, mobile apps and OTA (Over the Air) updates. These features are present on scooters such as the Ather 450X and TVS iQube, but in keeping with the low-cost target, Suzuki is likely to drop such features off the list.

The patent image also suggests that the ergonomics should be like what we've seen on its petrol-powered scooters. The floorboard is low while the seat and handlebar height suggests a conventional riding position.

The other interesting bit that remains to be seen will be the scooter's styling. On one hand, we've seen Bajaj come up with the elegant Chetak while TVS has chosen a simple yet effective design for the iQube. Will Suzuki stick to its conservative styling roots or will come up with something radically different? Only time will tell.

The new Suzuki electric scooter also represents a mainstream overseas manufacturer's foray into the Indian e-scooter market. The timing couldn't be more apt as the country is warming up to the idea of electric mobility. And the sales and service advantage that Suzuki or even Bajaj and TVS have for that matter, will help instill customer confidence.

While we expect the scooter to go on sale sometime next year, the COVID-19 pandemic could push this timeline further. 

IMAGE SOURCE

Also see:

Upcoming Suzuki e-scooter to be designed specifically for India 

Suzuki sales dip in March 2020

Electric two-wheeler sales up by 20.6 percent in FY2020

 

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Rolls-Royce to resume production from May 4

Rolls-Royce will resume car making at its Goodwood factory on May 4, making it the first manufacturer to restart production in Britain after the coronavirus shutdown.

The BMW Group-owned firm will resume work on its luxury vehicles with 1,000 employees on site, initially working a single daily shift instead of the usual two-shift system. As with other plants that have reopened around the world, elaborate virus-protection measures will be put in place to protect workers. The plant has been shut since March 23.

Staff will wear masks and other protective clothing, with social distancing rules also put in place. Goodwood’s build rate is expected to be about 50 percent of normal, and although the company has said annual production for 2020 will be “a long way below” recent levels, it added that it is continuing to receive a healthy flow of orders, particularly from regions like China, where the virus is either declining or running at a low level.

The firm has made no predictions about a date for a full-scale resumption of production. That will depend on government advice and the company’s own experience over the next few weeks.

Notably, as production will resume on May 4, it coincides with Rolls-Royce’s 117th ‘birthday’. It was on that date when car builder Henry Royce and dealer Charles Rolls first met. That led to a partnership between the two, with Rolls-Royce Limited then officially founded in March 1906.

Aston Martin is due to resume production at its St Athan plant on May 5, with Bentley starting up its Crewe factory on May 11 (Monday). Jaguar Land Rover will also resume limited production at its Solihull and Wolverhampton plants on the 11th.

Back in India, Rolls-Royce offers an extensive line-up of its ultra-premium products, including the world’s most expensive SUV – the Cullinan Black Badge – that was launched earlier this year at an ex-showroom price of Rs 8.20 crore.

Also see:

How coronavirus has hit the global auto industry: a timeline

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Intel unveils 10th generation Comet Lake desktop processors

Intel has taken the wraps off its 10th generation lineup of desktop CPUs. Codenamed 'Comet Lake', these new parts are still technically based on the 14nm 'Skylake' process from a few years ago but with multiple refinements. First, let's get one thing out of the way. Intel today announced 32 new models in its 10th generation lineup, starting with the Celeron chips at the bottom all the way up to the i9 10900K. We are not going to discuss all of them but just a select few. Having said that, as you can probably see from the part list below, most of the chips are just variations of...

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India’s most fuel-efficient BS6 diesel cars

10. Ford EcoSport        21.7kpl

 

Ford is one of the few carmakers that has opted to continue with small-capacity diesel engines in the BS6 era and its 100hp/215Nm, 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit is an excellent example of a small diesel done right. Not only does it deliver a high number of smiles per hour (our long-term report confirmed that the EcoSport delivers on that promise), it also delivers more than decent fuel-economy in the relatively heavy EcoSport compact SUV, with an ARAI rating of 21.7kpl. The EcoSport just makes the top 10 list by out-performing the Hyundai Creta by a 0.3kpl margin.

Ford EcoSport diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	100hp
Torque	215Nm
Manual gearbox	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	-
ARAI mileage (MT)	21.7kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	-
Price range	Rs 8.54-11.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

9. Tata Nexon         22.4kpl

 

With Tata’s smallest diesel engine – the frugal 70hp, 1.05-litre three-cylinder unit – having been discontinued, the brand’s 1.5-litre diesel mill is now its smallest offering. In the Tata Nexon, this engine makes 110hp and 260Nm of torque, delivering an ARAI-rated mileage of 22.4kpl when mated to the 6-speed manual. Interestingly, this is 0.9kpl more than its BS4 counterpart. Expect the Nexon diesel-AMT to have a similar rating.

Tata Nexon diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	110hp
Torque	260Nm
Manual gearbox	6-speed
Automatic gearbox	6-speed AMT
ARAI mileage (MT)	22.4kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	-
Price range	Rs 8.45-12.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

8. Hyundai Venue          23.3kpl 

 

In BS6 form, Hyundai’s compact SUV has a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that has a fixed-geometry turbocharger. This means its output is 15hp/10Nm lower (at 100hp and 240Nm of torque) than the variable-geometry version in the Hyundai Creta, but it is also more frugal, with an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 23.3kpl. Compared to the BS4-spec Venue diesel, the new 1.5-litre unit posts a 0.4kpl lower figure than the now-discontinued 90hp, 1.4-litre diesel engine. As Venue diesel prices range between Rs 8.10-11.40 lakh, the Hyundai is the most affordable and most efficient diesel compact SUV available in India.

Hyundai Venue diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	100hp
Torque	240Nm
Manual gearbox	6-speed
Automatic gearbox	-
ARAI mileage (MT)	23.3kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	-
Price range	Rs 8.10-11.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

7. Ford Freestyle          23.8kpl

 

The same 100hp, 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual combination in the EcoSport can go 23.8km on a litre of diesel in the lighter Freestyle cross-hatch. Of the two engine options available – the other is a 96hp, 1.2-litre petrol mill – it is the diesel unit that is far better suited to the Freestyle’s fun-to-drive nature. The Freestyle is the only BS6 diesel cross-hatch in its class; neither the Maruti Suzuki Ignis nor the Mahindra KUV100 NXT have that option.

Ford Freestyle diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	100hp
Torque	215Nm
Manual gearbox	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	-
ARAI mileage (MT)	23.8kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	-
Price range	Rs 7.34-8.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

6. Ford Figo & Aspire          24.4kpl

 

In the Figo hatchback and Aspire compact sedan, Ford’s excellent 1.5-litre diesel goes even further on a litre of diesel. Despite the approximate 15kg difference in kerb weights, both models have an identical ARAI rating of 24.4kpl, which could be due to the different gearing on the 5-speed manual. The Ford Figo diesel is an arch-rival to the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, while the Ford Aspire diesel directly takes on the Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze.

 

Ford Figo and Aspire diesel technical specifications
	Figo	Aspire
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	100hp	100hp
Torque	215Nm	215Nm
Manual gearbox	5-speed	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	-	-
ARAI mileage (MT)	24.4kpl	24.4kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	-	-
Price range	Rs 6.86-7.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 7.49-8.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

5. Honda Amaze          24.7kpl

 

Speaking of the Amaze, Honda’s compact sedan is powered by a 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine that is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT-automatic gearbox. The diesel-manual version is rated at 24.7kpl, giving the compact sedan a spot on the top 5. The Amaze diesel-CVT has an ARAI rating of 21kpl, and lower output figures of 20hp/40Nm too. The Honda Amaze diesel is the second-most efficient compact sedan by a margin of 0.3kpl.

Honda Amaze diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	100hp(80hp)
Torque	200Nm(160Nm)
Manual gearbox	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	CVT
ARAI mileage (MT)	24.7kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	21kpl
Price range	Rs 7.34-8.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

4. Hyundai Verna           25kpl

 

Until the next-gen Honda City goes on sale, the Hyundai Verna will be the only diesel midsize sedan available. Recently updated with a new 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine which is shared with the Creta, the Verna sure has appeal for buyers with lots of driving. The Verna diesel-manual delivers 25kpl while the smooth auto is good for 21.3kpl.

Hyundai Verna diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	115hp
Torque	250Nm
Manual gearbox	6-speed
Automatic gearbox	6-speed torque convertor
ARAI mileage (MT)	25kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	21.3kpl
Price range	Rs 10.66-15.10 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

3. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios          25.1kpl

 

Hyundai’s 1.2-litre U2 CRDi unit is the smallest diesel engine currently available in India. In the Grand i10 Nios, this three-cylinder unit makes 75hp and comes with the 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options. The petrol-manual Nios has a fuel-efficiency figure of 25.1kpl, earning it a space on the podium. While the Nios diesel-AMT’s ARAI figure is yet unknown, one can expect it to be close to the manual’s. The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios diesel is the most frugal diesel hatchback in its class, though it misses out on the title of most fuel-efficient hatchback by 0.01kpl.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	75hp
Torque	190Nm
Manual gearbox	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	5-speed AMT
ARAI mileage (MT)	25.1kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	-
Price range	Rs 6.75-8.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

2. Tata Altroz           25.11kpl

 

Tata’s all-new premium hatchback is the most efficient diesel hatchback currently available in India, with an ARAI-rated economy of 25.11kpl. Available in a single engine-gearbox version, the Altroz diesel uses a 90hp version of Tata Motor’s 1.5-litre Revotorq engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Until the BS6 Honda Jazz diesel arrives, the Tata Altroz is the only diesel-powered premium hatchback in the market.

Tata Altroz diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	90hp
Torque	200Nm
Manual gearbox	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	-
ARAI mileage (MT)	25.11kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	-
Price range	Rs 6.99-9.34 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

1. Hyundai Aura          25.40kpl

 

Hyundai’s 1.2-litre diesel engine also does duty in the Aura compact sedan and it’s at its most frugal here. Interestingly, the Hyundai Aura diesel-AMT has an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 25.40kpl, stretching each litre of diesel the farthest, which makes it the most fuel-efficient diesel car in India right now. The diesel-manual also impresses with its 25.35kpl figure.

Hyundai Aura diesel technical specifications
Engine	1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Power	75hp
Torque	190Nm
Manual gearbox	5-speed
Automatic gearbox	5-speed AMT
ARAI mileage (MT)	25.35kpl
ARAI mileage (AT)	25.40kpl
Price range	Rs 7.74-9.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Also see:

India's most fuel-efficient BS6 petrol cars

World’s fastest production cars

Top 5 bestselling motorcycles above Rs 2 lakh in FY2020

10 safest cars in India as rated by Global NCAP

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Coronavirus Lockdown: Meru Cabs And Flipkart Join Hands To Deliver Essentials

Meru will help deliver essential goods to Flipkart customers in Ozone sanitised cabs across Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad through safe & sanitised supply chain.

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Lyft To Lay Off 982 Workers, Cut Salaries Due To Virus Outbreak

The ride-hailing business has suffered a near-total collapse as large parts of the United States remain shut to combat the spread of the virus.

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Coronavirus Lockdown: Nagaland Government Imposes COVID-19 Cess On Fuel Prices

Nagaland government has announced that it will charge a cess of Rs. 5 per litre on diesel and Rs. 6 per litre on petrol from motorists today onwards.

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Coronavirus: Jagaur Land Rover India Extends Warranty, Service Schedule

The company has extended the schedules for warranty, extended warranty and free service by upto 2 months on its cars.

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SsangYong Rexton (Alturas G4) Facelift Spotted Testing In South Korea

A test mule of the SsangYong Rexton facelift was recently spotted in South Korea. The SUV is sold in India as the Mahindra Alturas G4, and it indicates India too will get the updated model, soon after...

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Volkswagen, Daimler Urge Germany To Boost Car Demand As Profits Plunge

Volkswagen and Daimler on Wednesday urged the German government to help boost demand for cars as the coronavirus pandemic hammered first-quarter profits and forced both carmakers to drop their...

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Tesla's Elon Musk Calling Coronavirus Lockdowns 'Fascist' Overshadows Profitable Quarter

His remarks overshadowed an otherwise successful quarter that took many investors by surprise as automaker peers were hit by a slump in consumer demand and forced factory shutdowns.

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Twitter Opens Up Data of COVID-19 Tweets for Researchers to Study

Twitter will grant researchers and software developers access to a real-time data stream of tens of millions of daily public tweets about COVID-19, which they can use to study the spread of the...

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Microsoft Sees Teams, Xbox Usage Rise Thanks Remote Work and Lockdowns

Microsoft on Wednesday beat Wall Street sales and profit expectations, powered by sharp demand for its Teams chat and online meeting app and Xbox gaming services as the world shifted to working and...

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Nokia 1 Plus is now receiving the update to Android 10 (Go Edition)

HMD Global, maker of Nokia branded smartphones, has been on a software update roll recently, sending out Android 10 to devices right and left. The company hasn't forgotten its cheapest and lowest-end smartphones either. Case in point: today it's started rolling out an update to Android 10 (Go Edition) for the Nokia 1 Plus. This phone doesn't have enough oomph in its specs to run the full version of Android, so it launched with the cut-down version called Go Edition. Initially on Pie since its release in February of last year, it's now ready to make the jump to double digits. HMD...

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Tesla Retail Investors Appear Unfazed By Coronavirus Impact: Report

When Tesla Inc reports first-quarter results after the bell on Wednesday, many individual shareholders will not be looking for details on the subject that drives most conversations: the effect of the...

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Facebook Reports 'Signs of Stability' in Ad Spending After Coronavirus Drop

Facebook beat analysts' estimates for quarterly revenue on Wednesday and said it has seen "signs of stability" for sales in April after a plunge in March, in yet another signal that tech giants may...

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Toyota RAV4-based Suzuki SUV likely to be christened ACross

The first model to be supplied by Toyota to Suzuki in Europe under their overarching global alliance is slated to break cover in the coming months. As part of the collaboration to synergise operations by sharing products and technologies, Suzuki will add a Toyota RAV4-based electrified SUV to its European line-up. The model, expected to be unveiled in late 2020, will likely be christened the ACross. This will be closely followed by a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports-based Suzuki model that will debut in the following months.   

The Suzuki ACross will essentially be a badge-engineered version of the fifth-gen RAV4 hybrid that is currently on sale in Europe. It will be the largest SUV in Suzuki’s global line-up and as such, will be positioned above the Vitara. Though the model will be mechanically similar to the Toyota SUV and will be built on the same TNGA-K (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, it is expected to receive mild design tweaks outside and in. However, there will be no alterations in the hybrid running gear. In the RAV4, the electrified powertrain combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor capable of pushing out 65hp/121Nm. Combined output is pegged at 218hp/221Nm for the front-wheel drive version and 222hp/221Nm for the all-wheel drive model, with transmission duties being handled by a sole automatic gearbox. 

As with the RAV4, the Suzuki ACross will rival other like-sized SUVs in the European market including the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq and Citroen C5 Aircross. 

The next offering that Suzuki is set to add to its European portfolio is a version of the hybrid Corolla Touring Sports. Even the second product to come out of the two Japanese brands’ collaboration will follow the same formula, with most of the mechanical bits and running gear being carried over as is - the major differentiators will be the exterior and interior design. In the Toyota wagon, the hybrid powertrain either comes with a 1.8-litre petrol engine or a more powerful 2.0-litre mill, both mated to an e-motor at the front. Total system output is rated at 122hp/142Nm in the former, with the larger capacity powertrain pushing out a combined 180hp/190Nm. A CVT automatic transmission is offered as standard. 

The collaboration, which was detailed in early 2019, is aimed at leveraging Toyota’s strength in electrification and Suzuki’s expertise in compact vehicles. Consequently, it will also see Toyota adopt new engines developed by its Japanese counterpart in the European market in the coming months. 

Back home, the partnership has already materialised with Toyota introducing the Glanza, a badge-engineered version of Maruti Suzuki’s Baleno premium hatchback. The automaker is now gearing up to launch the Vitara Brezza-based Urban Cruiser compact SUV in our market in August this year. 

Also see:

Toyota RAV4-based Corolla Cross SUV takes shape

Exclusive! Toyota's Brezza could be named Urban Cruiser 

Toyota RAV4 SUV: All you need to know

Toyota-Suzuki formalise global alliance

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Samsung Galaxy M01, Meizu 17 and 17 Pro all leak through Google Play Console

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy M01 was certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance last month, and now it's one step closer to launch, as it's been spotted in the Google Play Console. As usual, the listing gives us some of the phone's specs. So, the M01 has a screen with 720x1520 resolution, 3GB of RAM, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset at the helm. The phone runs Android 10. The small image attached to the spec listing looks incredibly similar to the Galaxy A01, and could thus be a rebranding of that model for some specific markets. We'll have to wait until its official unveiling to be sure,...

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iOS 13.5 beta is out with COVID-19 exposure notification API, easier unlocking when wearing a mask

Earlier this month Apple released the first public beta of the upcoming iOS 13.4.5, and today the company has made the third beta available for testing by people who enrolled their devices into the Apple Beta program. Here's the thing, though. It isn't called iOS 13.4.5 anymore, from this point on it shall be known as iOS 13.5. That's because this version includes a beta iteration of the new exposure notification API, which should aid health authorities track the spread of COVID-19. This means developers can now start writing apps that take advantage of this API. There's a...

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Google Pixel 4a may finally become available on May 22

The Pixel 4a has been leaking like crazy over many weeks, but so far Google has not made it official for whatever reason. In the meantime, Apple has introduced its mid-range contender for this year - the new iPhone SE - so now all eyes are on Google for the moment when it will decide to finally make its move. According to a new rumor out of Germany, the Pixel 4a may go on sale in the country on May 22. The information reportedly is from Vodafone, one of the carriers over there. The Pixel 4a could be priced at €399 in the Eurozone, which would be slightly less than the iPhone SE. In the US...

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2020 Volkswagen Polo GT TSI explained

Besides everything else going on this year in the Indian auto industry, one thing that 2020 will be remembered for is the number of cars arriving that promise affordable performance. One of the few cars that pioneered this segment in India was Volkswagen’s Polo GT line. While its peers like the Fiat Abarth Punto and Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS have been discontinued, the Volkswagen Polo GT is available in the BS6 era, albeit in petrol-only form. 

The 2020 Polo GT shares its 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with the Polo Highline Plus and even the BS6 Vento. This means the BS6 Polo GT TSI is 5hp more powerful than its BS4 counterpart, which had a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 105hp and 175Nm of torque. 

Unlike the BS4 Polo GT TSI - which had a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission only - the BS6 model only gets a 6-speed manual as standard. This means the new Polo GT might not be as quick as its predecessor, but the higher level of driver involvement may make it more fun-to-drive. With an ARAI-rated 18.24kpl, the BS6 Polo GT TSI is also more efficient than the BS4 model, which had a mileage of 17.21kpl.

Priced at Rs 9.60 lakh, the BS6 Polo GT costs a whopping Rs 1.57 lakh more than the manual gearbox-equipped Polo Highline Plus. It costs about Rs 47,000 more than even the Polo Highline Plus AT - the one that's equipped with the new 6-speed torque convertor automatic unit.

For the premium, the Polo GT gets all the features and safety kit available on the Highline Plus, but adds a larger rear spoiler, blacked-out outside rearview mirrors, a black contrast roof, GT badges on the grille and tailgate, and a decal on the C-pillar. The interior of the VW Polo GT is near-identical to the Highline Plus, but we expect silver scuff plates on the door sill (with GT embossing) to be on offer.

In all, the premium you’ll pay for the VW Polo GT over the Highline Plus may not seem worth it, but only when we see the cars in the flesh (and drive them) will we know for sure. Stay tuned.

Prices, ex-showroom, pan-India

Also see:

Volkswagen launches online car buying service in India

Volkswagen, Skoda plants abroad resume production

Gurpratap Boparai, MD, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India interview video

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Redmi Note 9, Mi Note 10 Lite Expected to Launch Today: Watch Live Stream

Xiaomi is all set to host its global launch event today, wherein it is expected to unveil the Redmi Note 9 and the Mi Note 10 Lite phones. The two phones have leaked on multiple occasions in the past,...

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Imint and Motorola collaborate on video stabilization solutions for Moto Edge+

Imint and Motorola have announced a new partnership, and the Motorola Edge+ is the first smartphone to benefit from the announcement. The Motorola Edge+ comes with four Imint Intelligence Vidhance features: Active OIS, Horizon Correction, Dynamic Blur Reduction, and Field of View Correction. Active OIS is the Vidhance solution that uses both OIS and EIS (which uses the smartphone's internal sensors) to correct unwanted movement in video - which Imint claims can even stabilize in low-light conditions. Horizon Correction sounds quite interesting. It will automatically correct...

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BMW iX3 EV SUV images leaked

Images of BMW's all-electric iX3 SUV have leaked online, and are allegedly official shots from the brand. The leaked images show the Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC rival's exterior with no body cladding for the first time.

We can see the X3's trademark kidney grille has been blanked out for production, as is often the case with EVs that no longer require air cooling to the same extent. Vertical intakes at each edge of the front bumper seem to be brake cooling ducts, while blue backlighting appears to feature around the grille and down the sills.

The unusual aero-focused wheel design is adopted from the iX3 concept, although the car's overall look has been toned down a little with the EV now more closely linked to the standard X3. Blue detailing also features at the rear, with two panels acting as styling inserts in place of the usual twin exhaust outlets.

We have yet to see shots of the interior, but it's safe to assume that - bar some new functions in the instruments and infotainment to show EV-specific information and buttons for the extra drive modes - it will remain largely identical to that of the standard X3.

Details of the production iX3's powertrain are not yet forthcoming. When the 2018 iX3 concept was first shown the plan was to offer a battery capacity of over 70kWh, a range of around 400km and an electric motor rated at 274hp (an output that could in theory be doubled with a dual-motor set-up on top models).

There is no official reveal date for the iX3 and it is likely to have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is still expected that the model will be revealed and go on sale in international markets before the end of 2020.

There is no news regarding BMW’s plans to bring the iX3 to our market yet, though the brand has a number of models that are slated to launch over the course of this year. The line-up of new acrs including the 8 Series Gran Coupe, M8, 2 Series Gran Coupe, the X2 and X6 SUVs, and a number of M performance cars. The German luxury carmaker has also recently launched an online retail and service platform in our market called BMW Contactless Experience. 

IMAGE SOURCE

Also see:

How coronavirus has hit the global auto industry: a timeline

Why BMW and Mercedes-Benz were nearly level on sales in Q1 2020

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Upcoming vivo G1 appears in renders, looks identical to S6 5G

An upcoming vivo handset dubbed the G1 5G has appeared in the wild and we have a set of renders and preliminary specs thanks to noted Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station. The phone is largely identical to the vivo S6 5G which was launched earlier this month. vivo G1 details (machine translated from Chinese) We have a 6.44-inch FHD+ OLED display with a waterdrop notch for the 32MP selfie cam. The back features a circular cutout for the quad cameras. The main shooter comes in at 48MP, there's also an 8MP ultrawide snapper and two 2MP modules - one for macro shots and another for depth...

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Most affordable BS6 scooters in India

The transition we’ve made to BS6 emission norms has significantly increased prices of almost every affordable two-wheeler in India. This price hike doesn’t come as a surprise as manufacturers are forced to use more expensive fueling systems - like fuel injection or an electronically controlled carburetor - to meet what is one of the strictest emission norms in the world. 

What this also means is that some of the most affordable scooters in India are no longer as cost efficient as they used to be. Further, customers now have a smaller range to choose from as many companies have discontinued unpopular models to save on the investment required to make the switch BS6.

Without further ado, these are the five most affordable BS6 scooters that are available in India as of end-April 2020:

5) Hero Destini 125 - Rs 64,310 onwards

The competitive priced Hero Destini 125 is the only 125cc scooter that’s made this list. The Destini is even more affordable than Honda’s 110cc Activa 6G, which is quite impressive. We rode this scooter in BS4-spec back when it was launched in 2018 and considered it good value then. This remains true even after the transition to BS6 norms. What we also like is that the BS6 Destini makes 0.2hp and 0.2Nm more than the BS4 version, taking total output to 9hp and 10.4Nm of torque.

4) TVS Jupiter - Rs 61,449 onwards

The TVS Jupiter has been one of our favourite 110cc scooters since its launch in 2013. Despite the price hike, the base variant of the Jupiter still holds a competitive price tag. In BS6 form, the scooter makes 7.4hp, which is 0.5hp less while peak torque remains the same at 8.4Nm. TVS also claims that the BS6 Jupiter now delivers 15 percent better fuel efficiency. Find out how the Jupiter’s specifications compare to those of its direct rival, the Honda Activa 6G here.

3) Honda Dio -  Rs 59,990 onwards

The Honda Dio was completely reworked when the company made the switch to BS6. Almost everything is new, including the 7.8hp/8.8Nm, 110cc engine borrowed from the Activa 6G. The scooter also has a new frame that runs a telescopic fork and a larger 12-inch front wheel. Honda has also redone the styling and added many new features like a fully-digital instrument cluster, silent-start system and an external fuel filler cap.

2) Hero Pleasure Plus - Rs 54,800 onwards

Just last year, one of Hero’s most popular scooters got a much-needed overhaul after 14 years. The update was quite thorough and included everything from its design to its mechanicals. The upgrades required to meet BS6 norms haven’t brought any output changes - it continues to produce 8.1hp and 8.7Nm. The Hero Pleasure Plus is the most affordable 110cc scooter in India.

1) TVS Scooty Pep Plus - Rs 51,754 onwards

Despite a price hike of around Rs 6,500, the TVS Scooty Pep Plus continues to be the most affordable scooter in India. The lightweight offering is targeted at beginners and its power figures reflect that. It’s tiny fuel-injected 87.8cc engine makes 5.4hp and 6.5Nm of torque. Fun fact - this is now the smallest fuel-injected engine in the entire personal two-wheeler industry. The Scooty Pep Plus is also the lightest in this list with a kerb weight of just 93kg.

With prices having risen considerably and given the current situation with COVID-19, would you be interested in buying an affordable form of personal transport like one of these scooters? Let us know in the comments section.

Also see:

Top 10 bestselling scooters in FY2020

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LG Velvet live images leak

LG has gone back to its merry old ways this year for the launch of the Velvet, which means it's already pre-announced the device a bunch of times. The final official unveiling is scheduled for May 7, while the release should come on May 15, and in the meantime, a few blurry live images of the handset have been leaked out of Korea. LG Velvet live images We can glance at the Aurora White and Aurora Grey color versions, as well as the insides - since the enterprising soul in possession of these units has decided to take off the back glass and show us the wireless charging coil...

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Realme PaySa App to 'Soon' Enable UPI-Based Payments

Realme PaySa, the financial services platform developed by Realme, has been teased to receive Unified Payments Interface (UPI) based payments support.

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Netflix, T-Series Reportedly in Talks to Skip Theatres for Streaming

Netflix is reportedly in final talks with T-Series over a multi-film deal that would bring the latter's upcoming movies - stuck in limbo with theatres shut due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic...

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US Authorities Warn Zoom May be Vulnerable to Foreign Spying: Report

Zoom has grown exponentially over the past few months and this has raised concerns regarding user privacy and security, along with foreign surveillance.

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Harley-Davidson Profits Slide Amidst COVID-19 Lockdown

The American motorcycle manufacturer's net income fell from $128 million in the first quarter of 2019 to $70 million this year.

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Samsung Galaxy A20 Getting Android 10 Update With One UI 2.0: Report

Samsung Galaxy A20 is said to have started receiving the Android 10 update with One UI 2.0 on top. The smartphone was launched in March last year as Samsung's budget offering.

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YouTube Expands Fact-Check Features During COVID-19 Pandemic

YouTube, the video service of Alphabet's Google, said on Tuesday it would start showing text and links from third-party fact-checkers to US viewers, part of efforts to curb misinformation on the site...

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Mi Note 10 Lite Set to Launch on April 30, Xiaomi Reveals

Mi Note 10 Lite will be launched as a part of the Redmi Note 9 series launch event on April 30, Xiaomi has revealed. The company is hosting a global launch event wherein it is expected to introduce...

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OnePlus Z Tipped to Launch in July

OnePlus Z smartphone has been in the news for some time. It is hinted that OnePlus Z is essentially the rumoured OnePlus 8 Lite that was tipped to be a part of the OnePlus 8 series.

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Oscars Allows Streaming Movies to Qualify Due to Coronavirus Disruptions

Movies that skip the big screen will be allowed to contend for Oscars this year, the Academy said Tuesday in a significant rule change forced by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Samsung Sees Coronavirus Hit Smartphone, TV Sales, Forecasts Q2 Decline

Samsung Electronics said on Wednesday it expected profit to decline in the current quarter due to a coronavirus-related slump in sales of smartphones and TVs, although the chip business would remain...

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Realme X50m 5G is now on sale

Realme launched the X50m 5G last week and today it went on sale in China. The company has even lowered the price by CNY100 for the first three days, so until Friday the new phone costs CNY1,999 (€260/$282). The Realme X50m 5G borrowed the Realme 6's back design and camera lineup and the front of the Realme X50 5G. It brings a 6.57" LCD, a 48MP main camera and 4,200 mAh battery with 30W fast charging. Currently, the phone is selling on the Realme China website and at select retailers across the country. Thanks to the initial promo, you can get it in Blue or White for CNY1,999...

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Ford Expects $5 Billion Loss In Current Quarter As Coronavirus Hits Demand

Ford Motor Co said on Tuesday its second-quarter loss would more than double to over $5 billion from $2 billion in the first quarter due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but added it had...

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OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus 8 Are Now Listed for Pre-Bookings in India

OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8 pre-bookings have been kicked off in India. The pre-bookings are live through Amazon, with the sale date for both OnePlus 8 phones scheduled for May 11.

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Google Ad Sales Steady After Coronavirus Drop, Warns of Difficult Q2

A drop in Google ad sales steadied in April and some consumers returned to using the search engine for shopping in addition to finding novel coronavirus information, parent Alphabet said on Tuesday.

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Porsche 911 Gets Mildly Updated For Model Year 2021

On the inside, the 2021 Porsche 911 will get a retro-looking leather package which will remind you of the original 911 Turbo.

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Delhi: Ola's Free Ambulance Service To Aid Non-Coronavirus Patients

Ola's emergency mobility will provide free transportation for medical trips for non-Coronavirus cases through its network of vehicles.

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Coronavirus: Government Issues Cleanliness Guidelines For Essential Goods Vehicles

An animation video illustration of Dos and Don't for drivers as they handle increasing movements of goods across the country has been released.

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Daimler Has Sold Over One Lakh BharatBenz Trucks In India So Far

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has announced achieving a new milestone by selling one lakh BharatBenz medium and heavy-duty trucks in the country.

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Coronavirus Pandemic: Jaguar Land Rover Scales Up Production Of Face Shields For NHS In The UK

Jaguar Land Rover has announced that it is scaling up production of face shields or protective visors that are being used by healthcare and essential service workers in the UK, in the wake of the...

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861 Bajaj Dominar 250 units sold in March

Bajaj has managed to sell 861 units of its latest offering, the entry-level Dominar 250 in the month of March. The figure is really impressive when you consider that the bike was officially launched on March 11 and the country went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 25. That said, dealers began accepting bookings weeks before its actual launch.

While the number does look promising, one should bear in mind that these are wholesale numbers, as in they indicate the number of units sold to dealers across India. Dealers usually buy what they expect to sell and based on confirmed bookings. In comparison, Bajaj only managed to sell only 280 units of its flagship offering, the Dominar 400 during the same period.

At Rs 1.60 lakh, the Dominar 250 is around Rs 30,000 cheaper than the Dominar 400. It borrows its elder sibling’s styling but borrows mechanicals from the KTM 250 Duke. Powering it is a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that makes 27hp at 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, compared to the 30hp/24Nm of the KTM. Despite its more relaxed, touring-focused intentions, Bajaj hasn’t skimped on giving the bike features, and has included slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS.

Husqvarna’s maiden products, the Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 also use the same engine, but they cost slightly more at Rs 1.80 lakh. If you want to how many of them the bike maker sold in the month of March, head here.

Also see:

Bajaj Dominar 250: 5 things to know

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AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S20 can be had for just $300

If you've been eyeing the Samsung Galaxy S20 but didn't want to shell out top dollar for the privilege of owning one, AT&T's new deal might be right up your alley. From now and up until April 30, only at AT&T's online store, you can grab an S20 for just $10 per month on the carrier's installment plan. You need to pick the 30-month option, which means you'll be paying a total of $300 for the device that usually goes for $999. That's a solid deal, but there are, unsurprisingly, caveats to keep in mind. First off, when you make the purchase you need to pay tax on the full amount, as...

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Skoda Octavia RS 245 sold out in India

If you had your heart set on a Skoda Octavia RS 245, there’s some bad news. All 200 units of the RS 245 for India have been spoken for and Skoda has closed order books for the car. However, all is not lost for buyers keen on getting one. With a few orders having been withdrawn since the original allocation, a few units are still available with select dealers across the country.

The limited-run Skoda Octavia RS 245 has turned out to be quite the coveted buy. And that’s despite being a full Rs 10 lakh dearer than the Octavia RS from 2017. Brought into India as a completely built-unit - hence subject to full duties - the Octavia RS 245 was priced at Rs 35.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings for the Octavia RS 245 had opened on March 1, 2020 exclusively via Skoda’s India website.

During a #LiveWithAutocar session on Instagram, Zac Hollis, Director – Sales, Service and Marketing at Skoda Auto India said response to the car had been “fantastic” and confirmed that deliveries will begin after the current lockdown ends. “I am really looking forward to delivering the car, and I am hoping that when this whole lockdown finishes I can even hand over some of the cars to the customers myself,” he said.

The Octavia RS 245 serves as the swansong for the outgoing gen Octavia in India. And what a swansong it is. The highlight is the engine - a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that puts out 245hp and 370Nm of torque. It’s paired to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox that propels it to 100kph from a standstill in a claimed time of 6.6sec. The top-speed has been limited to 250kph.

Apart from the engine, the Octavia RS also gets an updated suspension setup along with 18-inch alloy wheels and a new body kit to differentiate it from the now-discontinued regular model. Being a Euro-spec model, it also rides 15mm lower than the standard Octavia that was on sale in India. On the inside, it features Alcantara sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit system and nine airbags.

Skoda recently revealed the fourth-generation Octavia RS, which now features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 1.4-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that, along with a 116hp electric motor, makes a combined system output of 245hp and 400Nm of torque. However, there’s still no word as of now if this latest version of Octavia will make it to India or not.

Also see:

COVID-19 impact: New Skoda Octavia India launch likely to be pushed to 2021

2020 Skoda Octavia RS image gallery

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Top 10 bestselling scooters in FY2020

Not too long ago, the scooters segment was a shining star in the two-wheeler industry, keeping pace with the 20 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth with the SUV segment, the shining star of the passenger vehicle market. But 18 months ago, the tide turned, the economy moved into slow lane and scooters began bearing the brunt of dwindling demand even as SUVs continued to prove to be the strong buffer for the much-buffeted PV segment.

FY2020, a year which Indian manufacturers would like to forget in a hurry, was an out-and-out sales speed breaker, with overall industry numbers down 18 percent YoY. Two-wheeler sales too were down by 17.76 percent, at 1,74,17,616 units, comprising scooters (55,66,036 / -16.94 percent), motorcycles (1,12,14,640 / -17.53 percent) and mopeds (6,36,940 / -27.64 percent).

Interestingly, despite the overall 18 percent decline in numbers for the two-wheeler segment in FY2020, the sales equation between scooters and motorcycles remained the same as in FY2019: 32 percent scooters and 64 percent motorcycles, something manufacturers would do well to note.

The top 10 scooters list sees the first four slots held by the same models as in FY2019, albeit with differing numbers. The shakeout has happened in the bottom six. To know more, read on.

No. 1 - Honda Activa:  25,91,059 units, down 13.87 percent 

Selling nearly 2.6 million units in a single year is no mean feat and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has done just that. At 25,91,059 units, it constitutes sales of 7,098 Activas every single day! But the fact of the matter is that Activa sales are down 13.87 percent YoY (FY2019: 30,08,334). In FY2020, Activa sales accounted for 82 percent of HMSI total scooter sales of 31,47,919 units, which gives it a scooter market share of 56.56 percent (+1.64 percent).

HMSI would have surely liked to do better but blame the decline in FY2020 on adverse market conditions, the shift to pricier BS6 models and, of course, the lockdown. Nonetheless, the Activa remains unsurpassable at the top of the top 10 bestsellers list and will remain so in the foreseeable future. The yawning gap to No. 2 is simply too much to be filled in a hurry. That's because the No. 2 bestselling scooter in India is 19,95,514 units or nearly 2 million units away!

Click here to read our review on the Activa 6G and here to find the one on the BS6 Activa 125.

No. 2 - TVS Jupiter: 5,95,545 units, down 25 percent 

The Jupiter, the flagship scooter for the Chennai-based manufacturer, manages to hold onto its No. 2 position by a small margin, as the hard-charging Suzuki Access, India's No. 1 selling 125cc scooter, was just 24,647 units down. In FY2019, the gap between the two rivals was 2,49,294 units! So, if TVS doesn't recharge Jupiter's sales strategy, there could be a new No. 2 in FY2021. The BS6 TVS Jupiter Classic is priced at Rs 67,911 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Launched in 2013, the Jupiter remains the bestselling TVS scooter and crossed the million-unit sales mark 30 months after launch. It has a customer base of over 3 million customers.  

No. 3 - Suzuki Access 125: 5,70,898 units, up 6 percent

From the looks of it, a 6 percent year-on-year growth for the Suzuki Access 125 is not much but compare this performance to the red ink splattered on all other scooter sales and the real growth story of the Suzuki scooter comes to the fore. This machine has helped Suzuki Motorcycle India ride high because, despite the multiplicity of growth-impacting issues, this is one two-wheeler firmly bucking the slowdown. The Access, India's bestselling 125cc model, has single-handedly given Suzuki a new charge in the market.

In FY2020, the Access 125 sold 5,70,898 units, which marks 5.89 percent YoY growth (FY2019: 5,39,123). This growth would have been more if not for the poor lockdown month that March was. Nonetheless, the Access 125, which accounted for 88.18 percent of Suzuki's total scooter sales of 6,47,383 units, has given the company a smart jump in scooter market share to 11.63 percent (up by 2.45 percent YoY).

Other than Suzuki, all the six other manufacturers have shown negative sales. In terms of market share, Suzuki has gone ahead of Hero MotoCorp (7.23 percent) and is now third in the pecking order, after leader HMSI (56.56 percent) and TVS Motor Co (18.30 percent)

No. 4 - Honda Dio: 4,39,799 units, down 1.44 percent

Taking fourth place on the top 10 scooters chart is the Honda Dio with 4,39,799 units, down 1.44 percent YoY (FY2019: 4,46,264). Compared to the Activa 'family scooter', Honda has always targeted the younger scooter rider with its 110cc Dio, and the BS6 model launched in early February scores high with its new styling. The new Dio is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model, partly because it sits on a new chassis that debuted on the Activa 125 and 6G.

The 2020 BS6 Honda Dio is available in two variants – Standard (Rs 59,990) and the Deluxe (Rs 63,340). The Standard misses out on the LED headlight and uses a halogen-bulb powered unit instead, it gets an analogue gauge instead of the aforementioned digital console and it also uses black-coloured wheels, instead of the gold-coloured ones seen on the Deluxe. These prices mean the Dio sees a hike of around Rs 7,000 over the BS4 model. The scooter has no direct competitor, as most other sporty-looking scooters are 125cc offerings. That said, TVS’ BS6 Jupiter Classic is priced at Rs 67,911, making this quite a bit more affordable.

No. 5 - TVS Ntorq: 2,65,012 units, up 24.39 percent 

Zero to nearly 5,00,000 units in just 26 months? Yes, that's what the TVS Ntorq has achieved. Till end-March 2020, this 125cc scooter has notched total sales of 4,97,860 units, 2,140 units shy of the half-a-million mark. And, in FY2020 moved up one rank to fifth place from sixth in FY2019.

In FY2020, the Ntorq sold a total of 2,65,012 units, up 24.39 percent YoY and accounted for 26 percent of TVS Motor Co's total scooter sales of 10,18,424 units in FY2020. The Jupiter, the No. 2 scooter in India, accounted for 58.47 percent.

No. 6 - Yamaha Fascino: 1,66,491 units, down 17.67 percent 

The Yamaha Fascino does not have a very good story to tell about its performance in FY2020. Its sales of 1,66,491 units are down 17.67 percent (FY2019: 2,02,227). It, however, moves up from FY2019's seventh position to sixth in FY2020, but that's because the others have fared worse.

In December 2019, Yamaha became India's latest manufacturer to enter the fast-growing 125cc space and discontinued all its 110cc models with the emissions upgrade to BS6.

The Yamaha Fascino is powered by a new 125cc, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine that produces 8.2hp at 6,500rpm and 9.7Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. These figures are pretty much in the same ballpark as the Activa 125 BS6 but are considerably lower than the 125cc scooters from TVS, Suzuki and Aprilia. 

No. 7 - Hero Pleasure: 1,55,329 units, down 5.58 percent 

At No. 7 is the Hero Pleasure with 1,55,329 units, down 5.58 percent on year-ago sales of 1,64,515 units, but up two positions from FY2019. 

In May 2019, the Pleasure scooter received a rather significant update. Dubbed the Hero Pleasure Plus, the scooter was priced at Rs 47,300 for a sheet metal wheel variant and Rs 49,300 for an alloy wheel variant (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). The redesigned scooter is now powered by the larger 110.9cc motor, which is also seen on the Duet and Maestro Edge siblings and develops 8.1hp and 8.7Nm of torque.

In terms of competition, the Pleasure Plus will take on scooters like the Yamaha Fascino (Rs 55,623) and the Honda Dio (Rs 52,938).

No. 8 - Hero Destini 125: 1,13,944 units

Hero MotoCorp launched the Destini 125 in mid-2018, its first attempt in the 125cc scooter space and also the most affordable in its class. However, the Destini 125 has pulled in much lesser numbers than Hero would have liked.

On February 17, Hero MotoCorp launched the BS6-compliant Destini 125 at Rs 64,310 (LX variant) and Rs 66,800 (VX). This is an increase of around Rs 7,000 over the corresponding BS4 variants. The base LX variant misses out on dual-texture seats, alloy wheels and chrome garnishes on the apron. Features like a mobile charger and a boot lamp are standard on the VX, while it’s optional on the base LX variant.

For 2020, the Hero Destini uses a fuel-injection system instead of a carburettor. However, unlike other scooters, the BS6 Destini has seen an increase in power and torque when compared to the BS4-compliant version. 

No. 9 - Yamaha Ray: 1,07,485 units

The second Yamaha scooter in the top 10 list, the Ray, turned BS6-compliant in early February, with the rollout of the BS6-compliant Ray ZR 125 and Ray ZR 125 Street Rally scooters. The Ray ZR 125 is available in two variants – drum (Rs 66,730) and disc (Rs 69,730), while the Ray ZR 125 Street Rally is only available with a disc brake at Rs 70,730.

Compared to the drum-brake variant of the BS4 110cc Ray ZR, the new 125cc model costs Rs 11,849 more. This increase is justifiable, considering just how big an update the new model is. 

The outgoing Yamaha Ray ZR and its variants are powered by a 113cc, single-cylinder, carburetted engine that produces peak output figures of 7.2hp and 8.1Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the new Ray ZR 125s are powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder unit that is fuel-injected and BS6-compliant.

We took the new Ray ZR125 on a short ride and you can click here to read about it.

No. 10 - Hero Maestro: 94,533 units, down 65 percent YoY

Closing the Top 10 scooter chart for FY2020 is the Hero Maestro with 94,533 units, which is a massive 65 percent down on year-ago sales of 2,72,432.

On February 17 this year, in a bid to recharge sales and also move into BS6 territory, Hero MotoCorp launched the BS6-compliant Maestro Edge 125 in three variants – Rs 67,950 (alloy wheel with drum brake), Rs 70,150 (alloy wheel with disc brake) and Rs. 70,650 (alloy wheel with disc brake and a unique colour option). This is an increase of around Rs 8,000 over the carburetted models.

The Maestro Edge 125 shares its engine with Hero’s only other 125cc scooter, the Destini 125. The new BS6-compliant version makes 9hp at 7,000rpm and 10.4Nm of torque at 5,500rpm from the 125cc, fuel-injected engine, identical to the figures of the BS6-compliant Destini 125.

With a starting price of Rs 67,950, the new Maestro Edge 125 is more expensive than the BS6-compliant base versions of the TVS Ntorq 125 (Rs 65,975), Suzuki Access 125 (Rs 64,800), Yamaha Ray ZR 125 (Rs 66,730) and the Honda Activa 125 (Rs 67,490). Will the Maestro be in FY2021's Top 10 bestsellers list? Watch this space.

Also see:

Top 5 bestselling motorcycles between Rs 1.5-2 lakh in FY2020

Top 5 bestselling motorcycles above Rs 2 lakh in FY2020

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