Force Motors Produces 2,00,000th Mercedes-Benz Engine At Chakan Facility

Force Motors has achieved a significant manufacturing milestone with the production of its 2,00,000th Mercedes-Benz engine at its Chakan plant near Pune. The achievement highlights the long-standing industrial partnership between the Indian automaker and the German luxury car brand.

The landmark engine is an M256 six-cylinder petrol unit, which has been fitted to a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. The milestone underscores the scale of localised manufacturing operations that support Mercedes-Benz’s presence in India.

Force Motors has been associated with Mercedes-Benz for nearly three decades, having started engine manufacturing for the brand in 1997. Over the years, the partnership has expanded beyond powertrains, with Force Motors also producing axles for Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles assembled in India.

The Chakan facility was established to meet Mercedes-Benz’s global manufacturing and quality standards. The plant plays a key role in supplying components and engines for vehicles produced for the Indian market.

Commenting on the achievement, Force Motors Managing Director Prasan Firodia said the milestone reflects the strength of the collaboration between the two companies and the consistent focus on manufacturing quality and engineering precision over the years.

The production of 200,000 engines also reflects the growing importance of India as a manufacturing base for global automotive brands. As localisation levels continue to increase, partnerships between domestic suppliers and international manufacturers are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting production and supply chain requirements.

With nearly 30 years of collaboration behind them, Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz continue to strengthen their manufacturing relationship through local production of critical automotive components and powertrains.

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New Renault Duster Export Begins From India, First Shipment To South Africa

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First batch of 750 India-made Dusters have left Chennai for South Africa as Renault adds an export role to its RGMP-based SUV

Renault India has started exports of the all-new Duster as the first batch of 750 units have been sent from Chennai to South Africa. The shipment begins the export programme for the new SUV with more international markets set to join in the coming months. The new Duster is manufactured at Renault India’s Oragadam plant near Chennai.

The facility has an annual production capacity of 4,80,000 units and already supports Renault’s domestic operations. The company also has close to 638 sales and service touchpoints in India including more than 200 Workshop on Wheels locations. The export dispatch fits into Renault’s long term plans for India as it wants its local operation to take a larger role in manufacturing, engineering and exports over the next few years.

The all-new Duster is the first Renault model in India to use the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP). The architecture has been developed to support different powertrain types and will also underpin future Renault products. The SUV has secured a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating across variants and powertrains giving it a base to rely on for domestic sales as well as export markets.

The Indian-spec Duster is offered with two turbocharged petrol engine options. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo TCe 100 engine kicks out 100 hp and 166 Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.3-litre four-cylinder Turbo TCe 160 engine develops 163 PS and 280 Nm with six-speed manual and six-speed wet-clutch DCT options.

Renault also lists a strong-hybrid E-Tech 160 powertrain for the Duster. The setup uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 1.4 kWh battery pack, an eight-speed auto and two electric motors. The Duster measures over 4.3 metres in length and offers a ground clearance of 212 mm. Prices in India start at Rs. 10.49 lakh and go up to Rs. 18.69 lakh (ex-showroom) based on variant and powertrain choices.

The South Africa shipment gives Renault India a new export line at a time when the company is preparing additional products for the domestic market as a new three-row SUV based on the Duster and a localised A-segment EV are under development. The French auto major has also set a target of generating €2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030.

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Maruti Suzuki Launches Pre-Paid Maintenance Plans

Maruti Suzuki has expanded its after-sales service portfolio with the introduction of pre-paid maintenance packages designed for both private and commercial vehicle customers. The new offering aims to provide greater cost predictability and convenience for owners throughout their vehicle ownership journey.

Called the Smart Maintenance Plan (SMP), the program can be purchased either at the time of buying a new vehicle or later through the company’s authorised service network. The plans are available to existing customers as well, allowing a broader section of vehicle owners to benefit from the initiative.

The maintenance packages come with several service options tailored to different customer requirements. These include labour-only coverage, combined parts and labour packages, maintenance plans for commercial vehicles, customer-requested service work and coverage for consumables such as engine oil and coolant.

Maruti Suzuki has also introduced an optional wear-and-tear protection component under selected plans. This additional coverage extends to parts that typically require replacement during regular vehicle usage, including clutch and brake components.

According to the company, customers opting for the pre-paid plans can receive a 10% reduction in labour charges, along with additional savings on eligible parts and consumables. Another key feature of the program is protection from future increases in service costs for items covered under the selected package.

The Smart Maintenance Plan is available across multiple tenure and mileage combinations. For private vehicle owners, coverage options range from 2 years or 20,000 km to as much as 10 years or 100,000 km. Commercial vehicle customers can choose plans extending up to 10 years or 160,000 km.

The launch reflects a growing trend among automakers to offer structured maintenance programs that help customers manage long-term vehicle ownership costs while encouraging regular servicing through authorised workshops.

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India-UK FTA Could Put More Made-In-India EVs On British Roads

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Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra And Tata Motors could plan to export locally built EVs to the United Kingdom courtesy of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement

The quota window under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement could give Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors an export opportunity for electric cars built in India. The agreement creates a duty-free allowance for cleaner passenger vehicles including electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered models once the automotive provisions become active from the sixth year.

The structure begins at 17,600 vehicles in the sixth year and rises in stages to 88,000 units annually from the fifteenth year onwards. The quota applies only to passenger vehicles priced up to £80,000 while models above that level are excluded from the concession. The price categories are split into vehicles below £20,000, £20,000 to £40,000, and £40,000 to £80,000.

The lower two price categories will receive equal quota allocation under the pact. The highest price band will get a smaller share keeping the main focus on mass-market and mid-range vehicles. These points in the arrangement could suit Indian manufacturers because several export-ready models from the country sit in lower price brackets.

The agreement is scheduled to come into force on July 15. The duty-free vehicle quota will not begin immediately but the sixth-year start gives carmakers time to prepare products, homologation, shipping plans, retail partnerships and aftersales operations. The UK also gives Indian companies a right-hand-drive market where several packaging and cockpit requirements are already familiar.

The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara has already built export stimulus for the company in Europe. Maruti Suzuki has shipped around 36,000 units of the e Vitara to Europe within nine months of launch and the UK is being viewed as one of the notable markets in that plan. Mahindra is taking an evaluation-led approach before committing to the UK as it could create new prospects for EVs manufactured in India.

The company plans to study the UK case as part of a calibrated overseas expansion before deciding how to enter the market. Tata Motors’ position links the pact to sustainable mobility exports. The company said the quota-based system gives Indian-built EVs a structured entry into the United Kingdom while also protecting competitiveness in the domestic industry.

Tata already sells one of the larger EV portfolios in India which gives the company a base to assess export-ready models. The India-UK trade pact is also connected to the target of raising two-way commerce between the two countries to $100 billion by the end of this decade. The automotive quota will be only one part of that trade plan but it gives local PV makers an opening to examine the UK’s EV market.

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Tata Sierra EV Dual-Motor AWD Confirmed Via New Teaser

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Tata Sierra EV will feature two battery packs and possibly bi-directional charging too; AWD variant to help offer an expansive range

The Tata Sierra EV has been teased again ahead of its June 30 launch and the latest video confirms a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant for the electric SUV. The confirmation comes through a close-up shot of the “QWD Dual Motor” badge showing that the revived Sierra nameplate, now in electric form, will be sold in an expansive range.

The teaser places the Sierra EV in a desert setting where the SUV is shown moving across loose sand. The setting clearly points towards the added traction available from the dual-motor layout. The rear view also shows a full-width LED tail lamp, wide tailgate, blacked-out rear glass, roof spoiler, central Tata logo, and “Sierra.ev” lettering placed below it.

The wheel close-up reveals a dual-tone aero-style alloy design paired to Michelin tyres. The SUV also gets thick cladding around the lower body and squared wheel arches helping it retain the upright stance associated with the Sierra identity. The motion shots show a tall glasshouse, roof rails, a strong shoulder line and a relatively flat rear section.

The earlier front teaser had already revealed the face of the Sierra EV. The upper fascia gets a full-width LED daytime running light, while the main headlamp units sit lower on the bumper. The sealed front panel replaces a conventional grille, and vertical lamp housings are positioned on the outer edges. The clamshell bonnet has also been carried over, linking the EV visually to the petrol and diesel Sierra.

The battery details are yet to be announced by Tata Motors. Reports point towards two battery packs and the 65 kWh and 75 kWh units from the Harrier EV are being seen as possible options for the Sierra EV. The claimed driving range is expected to go past 500 km on a full charge while DC fast charging and bi-directional charging are also said to be part of the package.

The cabin is expected to use the same basic layout as the petrol and diesel Sierra. The equipment list could consist of a triple-screen dashboard, JBL audio, Dolby Atmos support, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, connected vehicle functions, electric parking brake, powered tailgate, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and Level 2 ADAS.

The Sierra EV will be positioned below the Harrier EV but above Tata’s smaller electric SUVs. Rivals will comprise the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, Kia Carens Clavis EV, MG ZS EV, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella.

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Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition Launched At Rs. 3.99 Lakh

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Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition gets added flyscreen, revised ergonomics, recalibrated suspension, upgraded seat, adjustable brake lever, new liveries, etc

Aprilia has announced the prices of the Tuono 457 Special Edition in India as it costs Rs. 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom Maharashtra). It helps the expand the lineup with new features and two heritage-linked paint schemes to the twin-cylinder naked motorcycle. The special version is offered in Mamba Black and Puma Grey and pre-bookings have opened at select Aprilia dealerships across the country.

The new edition takes visual inspiration from the 2006 Aprilia Tuono 1000R. The updated livery uses sharper decals, a revised Aprilia logo and darker body tones to separate it from the standard Tuono 457. The compact flyscreen sits close to the headlamp and uses a smoked finish – adding a more aggressive face while offering extra wind protection at higher speeds.

The rider triangle has been revised through a taller handlebar and an updated saddle. The raised bar gives a more upright seating position and thereby reducing pressure on the wrists, shoulders and lower back during city use and longer rides according to the brand. The seat uses a high-resilience foam core which reduces vibration transfer from the road and engine.

The suspension setup has also been recalibrated for Indian road conditions. The initial stroke is softer to deal better with potholes and speed breakers while compression damping has been revised for varying surfaces. The preload adjustability at both ends gives riders room to alter the setup according to usage and load.

The adjustable brake lever is another key addition on the Special Edition. The lever span can be altered according to hand size – helping the rider apply braking force more progressively. The setup should improve reach, reduce wrist fatigue and offer better control during traffic riding or sudden braking situations. Besides these, no other changes have been made.

Power comes from the same 457 cc parallel-twin engine used on the regular Tuono 457. The liquid-cooled motor produces 47.6 hp and 43.5 Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission. The engine is paired to Aprilia electronic systems such as ride-by-wire throttle and multi-level traction control while the lightweight aluminium chassis is a key part of the motorcycle.

The equipment package comprises a TFT digital instrument cluster, full-LED lighting, an immobiliser and three-level adjustable LED illumination. The dashboard receives data through the CAN line and also works as part of the self-diagnosis system. The cluster retains lap-timing support and can store data from the previous 40 laps.

The Tuono 457 Special Edition also gets a four-year or 48,000 km warranty whichever comes earlier. The official accessory list covers a passenger seat cover, USB socket, helmet cable lock, tyre pressure monitoring system, outdoor vehicle cover, electronic anti-theft system, fork sliders, shorter mudguard, quickshifter up/down and sintered front brake pads.

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5 New Compact SUVs Worth Waiting For In India – Mahindra To Renault

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From Mahindra to Skoda, both domestic and global brands planning to launch new compact SUVs within one and a half years

While mid-size SUVs have been stealing the headlines for nearly a year, in the coming months, the attention will turn to the compact SUV segment. Over the next 12 to 18 months, at least five new compact SUVs will be coming to Indian showrooms. In the third quarter of this year, Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch the facelifted version of the Brezza.

The new Brezza should feature exterior changes such as redesigned bumpers, revised headlamp graphics, a new radiator grille and lower air intake grille, and new 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior changes will likely include a redesigned dashboard, a larger, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, and a virtual instrument cluster.

Maruti Suzuki will likely take this opportunity to introduce a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that develops 99 hp and 147.6 Nm of torque, as well as an underbody CNG fuel tank that improves the boot space in the CNG variant.

Also Read: These 5 New Maruti Suzuki Cars Hitting Showrooms Very Soon In India

Image Source: carindianews/instagram

In September, Skoda will launch a Sportline trim of the Kylaq, targeting customers looking for sportier styling. The Kylaq Sportline will be identified by its special exterior styling, which could include gloss black radiator grille, ORVMs, and 16-inch alloy wheels, darkened headlamps and tail lamps, and gloss black garnishes. The interior will likely be fully black, while mechanical changes are unlikely.

In early 2027, Mahindra will introduce the production version of the Vision.S concept. The new model will debut the company’s NU_IQ platform and likely slot between the XUV 3XO and Thar. It will have a boxy exterior and high ground clearance, creating the impression of a proper SUV. The interior would also have some SUV-like design cues, but focus more on comfort, space, and connectivity than a typical 4×4 like the Thar. It will likely be offered with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine.

Also Read: Mahindra Vision S (Mini Scorpio N) Spied Testing Again In Production Form

Sometime in the second quarter of the year, Kia will likely launch the next-gen Sonet. Spy shots suggest the redesigned model will have a more contemporary design with elements such as split headlamps, a sleeker greenhouse, and slimmer taillights.

The same goes for the interior, where these images indicate a triple-display setup comprising a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The next-gen Sonet will likely be wider and have a longer wheelbase for improved space, but its engines and transmissions are expected to be shared with the current model. A hybrid variant is planned, but it won’t go on sale until 2028 or 2029.

Image Source: Yash Suthar/X

In the third quarter, Renault will likely introduce the production version of the Bridger concept. Featuring a rugged exterior and a contemporary interior, the Renault Bridger will combine the robust presence of a body-on-frame SUV with the refinement of a monocoque one, just like the Mahindra Vision.S concept’s production version.

This model is expected to be among the most spacious SUVs in its segment and also have an impressive ground clearance. Renault will likely offer it with an all-new 1.2-litre petrol engine in turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions and introduce hybrid and pure electric variants in a phased manner.

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