Currently, the maker of the Hector and Comet EV is wholly owned by Shanghai-based SAIC Motors
MG had previously announced its plans to sell its majority stake to Indian investors with the aim of localizing the company.
Companies such as Mahindra, Hinduja, Reliance, and Jindal Steel have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring MG Motor India.
Any of these companies could potentially acquire a majority stake, resulting in MG becoming an India-owned company.
Due to the ongoing tensions between India and China, MG faced sanctions on fundraising activities.
MG has also announced its plans to introduce 4-5 new cars in India within the next five years.
MG recently revealed its plans to gradually transfer ownership to Indian stakeholders over the next two to four years. As a result, several Indian companies have shown interest in acquiring the carmaker, which intends to launch 4-5 new cars in the next five years. Currently, MG Motor India is wholly owned by SAIC Motor, a Shanghai-based company.
Who Could Become The New Majority Owner Of MG Motor India?
Carmakers like Mahindra and Mahindra, Hinduja (promoter of Ashok Leyland), Reliance, and JSW Group are reportedly interested in acquiring a majority stake in MG Motor India. Reports suggest that any of these companies could acquire a 45-48% stake in the company, with additional percentage going to dealers and Indian employees.
How Will It Change Things For MG?
With the infusion of Indian equity over the next few years, SAIC will become a minority stakeholder, holding around 49% or less. This would transform MG Motor India into a genuinely Indian company, removing its association as a ‘Chinese brand’.
Due to ongoing tensions between India and China, MG Motor India was unable to raise funds from its parent company, SAIC. Sanctions on these fundraising activities have also hindered the carmaker’s expansion plans. However, this move will allow MG to attract investments from Indian companies and facilitate brand growth while meeting the demand.
Currently, MG has five models in its lineup – Comet EV, Astor, Hector, ZS EV, and Gloster. If and when this move gets confirmed, we can expect many new models being launched in the country, perhaps more than just the planned 4-5 over the next five years.
Italian motorcycle helmet manufacturer Airoh has a wide range of helmets for all types of motorcycling. In addition to adventure and touring helmets, Airoh also offers street and sporty helmets. Their latest addition is the Matryx sporty full-face helmet.
The Airoh Matryx helmet is marketed as the best street helmet from the Italian company. It is designed for both road and track use. The helmet comes in two options: the HPC composite fiber shell and the Full Carbon 3K carbon fiber shell. Both options provide excellent protection, but the Full Carbon shell is lighter, weighing only 1,450 grams compared to 1,550 grams for the HPC model.
The helmet is equipped with the Airoh Sliding Net (ASN) system, which reduces the impact forces on the head during collisions. It also features the AEFR (Airoh Emergency Fast Remove) system, making it quick and easy to remove the cheek pads in an emergency. The Matryx helmet has a double-D ring closure system, making it suitable for track use. It has received the ECE R22.06 certification for its innovative safety features.
The Airoh Matryx helmet is designed for optimal performance and aerodynamic efficiency. It is wind tunnel-tested to reduce drag and improve stability at high speeds. The helmet also provides excellent sound insulation, reducing wind noise for a better riding experience.
When riding, especially at high speeds, ventilation is crucial. The Matryx helmet has a comprehensive ventilation system with front intakes and forehead vents to ensure proper airflow and keep the rider’s head cool. It also has rear heat extractors that efficiently remove hot air, contributing to temperature regulation and keeping the head cool even during intense rides.
The Airoh Matryx helmet features a large visor that provides a wide field of vision, improving the rider’s awareness on the road. The visor can be easily removed and replaced without the need for tools. It also comes with a Pinlock 120XLT anti-fog visor for clear vision in unfavorable weather conditions. The helmet has a drop-down sun visor that can be quickly and easily used to protect the eyes from bright sunlight during long rides or on sunny days.
Airoh offers the Matryx helmet in a wide range of designs and colors to suit different preferences. The carbon fiber variant costs 499.99 Euros ($544), while the HPC shell versions cost 359.99 Euros ($391). Prices may vary depending on the specific color chosen. It is recommended to contact a local retailer for exact pricing and availability.
Motorcycles are not just means of transportation, they have also become lifestyle icons. Premium motorcycle brands have collaborated with renowned fashion brands. Vespa partnered with Christian Dior and Ducati with Bulgari, to name a few.
The latest collaboration is between Can-Am and The Shoe Surgeon, a popular sneaker label based in downtown Los Angeles. This collaboration is significant because both Can-Am and The Shoe Surgeon are experts in their respective fields – Can-Am in producing unique three-wheelers like the Can-Am Ryker, and The Shoe Surgeon in creating custom footwear for celebrities like Lebron James and Justin Bieber.
The Can-Am x Shoe Surgeon collaboration is not just about creating stylish three-wheelers and sneakers. It also aims to raise funds against bullying, promoting the theme of inclusivity which Can-Am and its parent company, BRP, have always emphasized. This collaboration could be their biggest initiative yet.
The limited model range consists of three themes, with each theme featuring a custom Can-Am Ryker and a matching pair of high-cut, motorcycle-style sneakers. The first theme focuses on inclusivity, showcasing a variety of leathers in different textures and colors. The Heritage Theme celebrates Can-Am’s 50th anniversary with a sleek and elegant design, featuring textured and exotic materials, and an all-black livery with striking red elements. The Love Theme gives the Ryker a unique appearance with a pink quilted finish on the bodywork, resembling down jackets, and futuristic blacked-out wheel covers.
Last month, we got to test the 2024 KTM 450XCF-W at a media intro in Ohio at the site of the John Penton GNCC. It was just enough to get us excited about the bike and we couldn’t wait to get it to California where we could get more time on it. Last year, this was a bike that very few people seemed to understand. It was a closed-course competition bike that many riders mistook for a green-sticker compliant machine–in other words, people just assumed it was plugged up and overly lean. It wasn’t. It was an extremely capable off-road bike with a six-speed gearbox and excellent power delivery–most definitely not plugged up and overly lean. For 2024 it’s back with the same general personality, but updated with a new chassis, new suspension and a mostly new motor. To clarify, there is a green sticker version of this bike in the KTM line. That one is called the 500XWF.
In stock form, the 450XCF-W is better suited for trail riding than any four-stroke in KTM’s line.
The 450XCF-W takes the 450SX-F motocross platform introduced last year and gives it the off-road treatment as far as suspension, power delivery and equipment. To be fair, the frame is unlike anything else because it uses PDS rear suspension without linkage. The shock is similar to the one on the new motocross bike, but with different internals and, of course, it connects directly to the swingarm–which is new. This year, the PDS rear end uses a straight-rate spring. Up front, there’s an entirely new fork. It’s a coil-spring version of the Xact air fork from the motocross line. No more Xplor fork. The motor has its own mapping with two options on the handlebar switch as well as traction control. And then there’s that six-speed gearbox, which is something that desert riders have been wanting for a long time. As far as equipment goes, the big news is an LED headlight that actually produces decent candle power for riding at night. Racing at night will still require something bigger. The bike also comes with a radiator fan.
The price for the 2023 KTM 450XCF-W is $11,999.
Now that we’ve ridden the bike at home, we’re even more impressed. The suspension is nothing short of excellent. The previous version of the bike (which we already loved) needed substantial fork work for anything except low-speed rock crawling. It was too soft in stock form, and the Xplor fork didn’t respond well to modification. The new fork is still good in rocks, but it doesn’t dive and misbehave in whoops. It’s stiffer than the old fork, so it may give away a little compliance in first gear, but it’s well-suited for anything faster. The PDS rear suspension is great too. There are still a number of hard-core linkage fans who resist the PDS concept, but we believe this bike will convert many of them.
Pete Murray finds a little piece of Erzberg in California.
As far as power goes, the 450XCF-W runs sort of like a heavily modified 500EXC. Dual-sport riders have to speed thousands to get this kind of power out of the 500. It doesn’t have the top-end of the motocross bike, but it’s smooth, torquey and easy to use. Plus, it doesn’t overheat.
This is the most versatile off-road bike in KTM’s entire line. If you’re a trail rider you can leave it stock and be happy. If you’re a dual-sport rider, you might have to figure out registration, but it’s reasonably quiet and has the six-speed gearbox. If you’re a racer, you might have to go mining for a little more power, but again, the six-speed will make it worthwhile and the suspension will be easy to work with. We will be putting a bunch of miles on this bike in upcoming months, so look for a test in the September, 2023 print edition of Dirt Bike.
DUCATI’S FIRST DIRT BIKE
We’ve been hearing rumors that Ducati is in the process of building a motocross bike. This isn’t it, but it’s clearly something new and dirty from the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. The Powerstage RR Limited edition is a high-end electric mountain bike. The special livery designed by Aldo Drudi in collaboration with the Ducati Design Center and inspired by the Desmosedici GP23 (with which the official riders race) in a limited edition of 230 numbered units. It has a full carbon frame with a combination of modern geometrical solutions and high-quality components, such as the new Shimano EP801 drive unit, Öhlins suspension, SRAM GX AXS 12-speed shifter and Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels (29″ front, 27.5″ rear) with carbon rims.
The Powerstage RR Limited Edition can already be ordered from the Ducati network and online at www.ducati.com at a suggested retail price of $11,990 USD (Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices. Prices exclude dealer setup, taxes, freight, title and licensing and are subject to change).
KICKSTART KENNY AT HIGH POINT
BROADCAST TEAM Play by Play: Jason Weigandt Analyst: Ricky Carmichael Reporter: Jason Thomas HOW TO WATCH Saturday, June 17 Pro Motocross Championship: Race Day Live Peacock @ 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET Pro Motocross Championship: High Point National [LIVE] Peacock @ 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET Monday, June 19 Pro Motocross Championship: High Point National Replay CNBC, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App 11 p.m. PT [Sunday] / 2 a.m. ET
VINTAGE SEATS
If you have vintage bikes, you know that seats are very difficult to get right. MotoSeat has a full line of vintage dirt bike seat covers and seat foam. You can design your seat on line here.
CHAD REED JOINS WORLD SUPERCROSS
With less than a month until the 2023 FIM World Supercross season kicks off with the British Grand Prix in Birmingham, WSX is set to announce that Australian supercross legend, Chad Reed will join the team as a “supercross advisor” and broadcast commentator for the upcoming six-race season. One of the most successful supercross riders of all time and the record holder for competing in most ‘main events,’ Reed has expansive supercross experience and knowledge that he will be bringing to the series and its fans in an advisor role on the broadcast team. Additionally, Reed will host exclusive content on WSX.TV.
Solid-state batteries are a huge leap in technology, and the auto industry is embracing it wholeheartedly. GM, Volkswagen, and many others are investing substantial amounts in SSB technologies over the next decade. SSBs are lighter, safer, charge faster, and have a longer life span than traditional lithium-ion batteries. So, why isn’t every manufacturer using them? Solid-state Batteries are still a relatively new technology. Creating and manufacturing them on a large scale has presented its own set of challenges. The cost of these batteries is much greater, and while electric vehicle price tags are some of the highest in the auto world, these batteries just aren’t really feasible at this time. The scarcity of a reliable candidate for a solid electrolyte also plays a role. If solid-state batteries are going to rule the auto industry one day, these challenges must be addressed. Let’s look at some of these pros and cons in detail.
With such an immense upside, It’s hard to imagine the emergence of solid-state batteries as anything except positive, but as the great Mark Frost once said “there can be no light without darkness”. The process to make a solid-state battery is complex. Because the battery uses no liquid electrolyte to transfer energy from cathode to anode, or vice versa, there has to be a solid electrolyte to take its place. Materials for this kind of technology are scarce and very expensive. On top of that, there is no standardized material that is used in the manufacturing process, and no standardized process in which they are made. This makes them extremely hard to mass produce. Some estimates put Solid State batteries at three-four times the price of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Those costs can add when you are talking about a vehicle that already can cost as much as $200,000 for a top-of-the-line model. Are the savings worth the added mileage and faster charging? That is for consumers to decide, and presumably, they will get their chance. Many major automakers including GM, Toyota, and Mercedes have all invested heavily in solid-state battery technology, in hopes of increasing range and charging capabilities.
Lithium-ion batteries have created some pretty memorable explosions over the years. These are often espoused early and often by EV skeptics, and for good reason. We all remember the Galaxy Note 7 recall. If you don’t, open up a new tab and browse YouTube for a few minutes, it’s worth it. And, phones exploding in your pocket is just the tip of the iceberg. More recently, a fire in the Bronx required the attention of 200 firefighters after an electric scooter battery exploded in an apartment building. This is only one example of the over 200 fires from lithium batteries last year in New York alone, and that’s a small battery by electric vehicle standards. What happens if the Chevy E-Crate, with its six-foot-long, 1,000-pound battery is made or installed wrong? A recall, like the one for the Chevy Bolt, could be devastating to the company, and more importantly, to the auto enthusiast who just wanted to revive their old K-10. The possibility of solid-state batteries solving this massive problem, I think most people would agree, is worth exploring. There is a reason that most pacemakers use solid-state batteries. If these batteries can be manufactured at scale, grandpa can rest easy knowing his heart and his car aren’t going to give out unexpectedly.
New Technology Works Great In A Lab, But What About The Real World?
Mercedes
A 2023 Mercedes Ecitaro on a road
Earlier in this article, I cited NASA and its SABERS battery. There has been a tremendous amount of success in a lab setting. Toyota itself currently holds over 1,600 patents relating to solid-state battery technology, again for success in the lab. But how does that translate into a roadworthy vehicle, and does it at all? The answer is a solid, maybe. Currently, most automakers plan to release solid-state battery electric vehicles toward the end of the decade or later. That leaves a lot of time for speculation and bold claims, without needing anything concrete to back them up. However, a Chinese company named Baoya plans to release one later this year. The Baoya FB77 has aims of being the first production vehicle with a solid-state battery, in the sedan market. So far, the only contender for the crown is Mercedes, which produces an electric bus in Germany, that contains a solid-state battery. The challenge to overcome is the heat. The battery used in this bus operates at around 175 degrees. That’s not going to cut it on a summer day in Florida. That may be the biggest challenge for all EVs using solid-state batteries. So far all the claims and projections have mentioned that the batteries are lighter and denser, and that distinction will allow them to take up less space. But if there is extra cooling needed, we may be trading battery space for cooling space.
a cutaway shot of a lithium ion battery next to a solid state battery.
It’s almost common knowledge at this point that electric vehicles are expected to last longer than a traditional internal combustion vehicle. Currently, it is required by the government that EVs carry a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles. California went a step further and made it 10 years or 150,000 miles. That doesn’t appear to have stopped any of the automakers from moving forward to an all-electric future, so the claims have some weight behind them. Taking into account that all EVs are currently lithium-ion batteries, what does that say about what we can expect from solid-state batteries? Batteries with a solid electrolyte are purported to be 2-3 times denser than lithium ions, and some tests have shown that they can last twice as long or better. As I stated previously, we are still in the lab stage of the new technology, but if these tests translate into the real world, then the future of electric vehicles is looking very bright.
Electric vehicles have come a long way since their inception, evolving from being an ecological statement in the car niche to becoming a feasible personal mobility option. While Tesla’s efforts have been crucial to the current state of electric mobility, other automakers, such as General Motors with its GM EV1, have also played a significant role. Despite its short lifespan, the GM EV1 had a significant impact on today’s electric mobility scene. Introduced in 1996, this “plug-in” car was a two-seater electric vehicle with a futuristic design aimed at reducing pollution and promoting renewable energy sources like electricity. It boasted upgraded technology that allowed for a 140-mile range on a single charge, setting new global standards in vehicle engineering.
Unfortunately, the GM EV1 was discontinued in the late 1990s due to high production costs and lack of consumer interest. However, its accomplishments continue to hold relevance in EV history, as it touched on several key themes. The EV1 spurred research and development efforts in electric vehicles, exploring how technology can improve performance efficiency and how market forces can strengthen sustainability in electric mobility. As new technologies shape our lifestyles, there is much to learn from the influence of the GM EV1 on automotive electric mobility and charging infrastructure standards, despite its premature discontinuation.
In the early 1990s, General Motors, being a dominant car manufacturer, recognized the growing concerns surrounding climate change and made significant progress towards innovation. In 1990, they debuted the Impact, a two-seater sportster at the LA Auto Show. This was the predecessor of the EV1 and marked the initial efforts across the industry to limit harmful emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Drawing inspiration from legacy models like the SunRaycer, GM’s team leveraged their technical and design expertise to develop a highly influential electric vehicle that would shape the EV industry.
Following the success of the Impact, a group of talented GM engineers and designers embarked on an ambitious adventure with sustainability as their driving force. They aimed to develop an electric vehicle that was ecologically benign, efficient, and ahead of its time. In 1994, GM launched the PrEView program, lending 50 hand-built Impact electric cars to drivers for one to two weeks in exchange for valuable feedback used for further development of the EV1. The original Impact vehicles were eventually destroyed, but their design served as the foundation for the GM EV1. Notably, this was General Motors’ first car branded with their company nameplate instead of a subsidiary marque.
The concept of electric cars has been around since the 1830s, but General Motors became the first to introduce a consumer-ready electric car in 1996, 14 years before the Nissan Leaf. The GM EV1, as it was officially called, was the result of years of research and development. It featured innovative elements such as regenerative braking and a robust powertrain system for long-lasting performance and extended range capabilities. The launch of the GM EV1 marked a significant milestone for General Motors and propelled the advancement of electric vehicles by delivering an impressive range of up to 140 miles per charge cycle. Its range, efficiency, and performance set new standards and inspired other automakers to invest in electric vehicle research and development. The EV1’s cutting-edge technology and futuristic design also sparked interest among consumers and the industry, providing insights into the potential breakthroughs in electric mobility.
The EV1’s Legacy Paved Way For A Lot Of Technologies
GM
Photo of GM EV10’s interior
The GM EV1, despite its short existence, left a lasting legacy in the electric vehicle industry. It challenged preconceived notions about electric vehicles and showcased that they could offer more than just eco-friendly transportation. The EV1 demonstrated impressive performance and futuristic design, breaking barriers and revealing the immense potential of electric mobility. By capturing public attention and generating interest, the EV1 played a crucial role in shifting perceptions and driving the wider acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles. Its technological advancements also set a precedent for subsequent electric vehicle models, driving innovation in battery technology, powertrain efficiency, and regenerative braking. The knowledge gained from developing the EV1’s components propelled the EV industry forward, leading to further breakthroughs in electric vehicle performance and range. The influence of the EV1 extended beyond General Motors, inspiring other automakers to invest in EV research and development, fostering competition, and promoting continuous improvement.
The story of the EV1 also offers valuable lessons for the EV industry. Its discontinuation highlighted the importance of cultivating consumer demand, investing in charging infrastructure, and addressing concerns related to cost and range anxiety. These lessons have guided the industry in making electric vehicles more accessible, convenient, and economically viable. Today, we see the impact of these lessons as EVs gain widespread popularity and automakers strive to create a sustainable transportation future. Thus, the legacy of the EV1 serves as an inspiration for a new generation of electric vehicles from established automakers and startups, symbolizing the pioneering spirit, innovation, and dedication that continue to drive the EV industry forward. The EV1’s influence can be observed in the diverse and rapidly expanding range of electric vehicles today, as well as the ongoing efforts to improve charging infrastructure and battery technology in the pursuit of a sustainable transportation future.
Although General Motors is not entirely abandoning internal combustion, their early commitment to environmentally friendly transportation made significant progress with the introduction of the iconic GM EV1 nearly thirty years ago. This initiative propelled the electro-mobility aspect of the automobile industry toward discovering innovative measures for more environmentally friendly vehicles worldwide. Despite its premature termination, the GM EV1 taught valuable lessons that continue to impact the way corporations view green technologies today. As we move towards a more sustainable future, we must acknowledge the trailblazing contributions of vehicles like the GM EV1, which have sparked innovation and propelled the industry forward.
Editor’s note: Our European colleagues at Motor1 and InsideEVs Italy have all the fun! They teamed up with several brands, including Hot Wheels, to create this very cool car that brings out the kid in all of us. Here’s the story of the Tesla Model 3 Hot Wheels.
If you are an enthusiast of any automotive genre, you likely played with Hot Wheels as a kid. Hell, you might play with Hot Wheels as an adult, and we’re totally on board with that. In fact, we’re so on board that we teamed up with Hot Wheels and other companies to create a car we can actually drive. Behold the Tesla Model 3 Hot Wheels, coming to you in 1:1 scale.
This is the brainchild of our Italian editions for Motor1 and InsideEVs, and it certainly looks like a proper Hot Wheels car. It comes to life with a body wrap using a satin anodized blue base for the background – a proper Hot Wheels shade. Of course there’s a proper Hot Wheels logo along the sides, emblazoned in the classic red flag that spans a majority of the side. The wrap also features lightning bolts and the number 3, reflective of this being an electric Tesla Model 3. Why a Tesla you ask? Because small-scale Hot Wheels cars are silent, just like this large-scale version.
The customization doesn’t stop there. The Tesla Model 3 Hot Wheels rides on 19-inch OZ Racing Superturismo Aero-E wheels. These are specifically designed for high-performance electric cars, and they wear Goodyear F1 tires. And to give the Model 3 a bit more visual punch, it wears a modest carbon-fiber body kit including a spoiler and diffuser at the rear, and a splitter at the front. It’s a special kit that provides additional downforce without compromising the Model 3’s range.
The Grand Tour has released an extended clip from the upcoming Eurocrash special, which shows Richard Hammond crashing once again. Hammond was racing a Soviet-era open-wheel race car when a part fell off, causing the engine to blow up. Fortunately, he only suffered a hurt leg and was otherwise fine. The episode is set to premiere on June 16.
In the clip, Hammond starts off strong by quickly overtaking some cars ahead of him. He engages in a fierce battle with a bright blue car.
The Volkswagen Bus holds a significant place in the history of the company. It gained immense popularity and became an iconic vehicle for millions of people. In a new video, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ vintage division in Germany takes us on a journey through the model’s legacy. The video showcases some of the noteworthy models produced by the company.
One of the most fascinating VW Bulli variants featured in the video is a special 1968 T1 Kombi. This particular vehicle was equipped with half-tracks, making it truly unique. When it arrived at the facility, it was disassembled and came in three or four separate boxes containing individual parts. In the late 1960s and 1970s, the bus underwent a conversion that added two extra axles, with tracks wrapped around the rear two. This transformed the bus into a formidable off-road monster, primarily used in mountainous regions of Austria. It’s important to note that only the rear axle is powered, while the front two axles are used for steering.
Motor1.com regularly shares spy shots of upcoming vehicles, often on a daily basis. If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, here is a list of all the vehicles that have been spotted in the past week.
According to Audi’s new naming system, the A4 will now be known as the A5. These spy shots capture the production-ready version of the A5 Sportback variant.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
