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Featured

Tata Nexon continues to lead the sub-4m SUV sales in June 2023, ahead of Maruti Brezza


Hyundai Venue surpasses Maruti Brezza to become the second best-selling subcompact SUV

Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and Hyundai Venue

In June, the sub-4m SUV segment in India saw a 4.5% decline in month-on-month (MoM) sales. Despite this, three sub-4m SUVs crossed the 10,000 unit sales mark last month. The Tata Nexon continues to dominate the segment in terms of volume, but let’s take a closer look at the model-wise sales numbers for June 2023.

Sub-compact SUVs
 

June 2023

May 2023

MoM Growth

Market share current(%)

Market share (% last year)

YoY mkt share (%)

Average sales (6 months)

Tata Nexon

13827

14423

-4.13

25.97

29.79

-3.82

14288

Hyundai Venue

11606

10213

13.63

21.8

21.51

0.29

9930

Maruti Brezza

10578

13398

-21.04

19.87

9.18

10.69

13801

Kia Sonet

7722

8251

-6.41

14.5

15.54

-1.04

8590

Mahindra XUV300

5094

5125

-0.6

9.57

9.91

-0.34

4894

Nissan Magnite

2552

2618

-2.52

4.79

6.94

-2.15

2584

Renault Kiger

1844

1713

7.64

3.46

7.11

-3.65

1582

Total

53223

55741

-4.51

        

Key Takeaways

Tata Nexon

  • Tata Nexon remains the leader in sales, with nearly 14,000 units sold in June 2023 despite a 4% MoM drop. It’s important to note that these numbers include the sales of Nexon EV Max and Nexon EV Prime. Tata is currently working on the Nexon facelift for 2024, as spy shots have surfaced online.

Hyundai Venue

  • With a MoM growth of over 13%, Hyundai Venue has climbed to the second spot in the sales chart for subcompact SUVs in June. Hyundai sold over 11,500 units of the Venue and currently holds over a fifth of the segment’s market share.

Maruti Brezza

  • Maruti Brezza experienced the highest MoM decline of over 21% and dropped to the third position in the sales chart. Although it still managed to cross the 10,000 unit sales mark, its sales in June 2023 were over 3,000 units lower compared to its average sales over the last six months.

Kia Sonet Diesel

  • The Kia Sonet continues to hold the fourth position in the monthly sales tally for the segment, with over 7,500 units sold last month. It experienced a MoM decline of nearly 6.5%.

Mahindra XUV300

Nissan Magnite

Renault Kiger

  • The Renault Kiger remains the lowest-selling subcompact SUV in June 2023, despite a MoM growth of over 7.5%. It did not exceed 2,000 units in sales last month.

Read More on: Nexon AMT

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group strengthens key personnel positions

In fall 2022, the Volkswagen Group laid the foundation for the fundamental transformation of Volkswagen to become a leader in digital and fully electric mobility with its 10-point plan. One focus of Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume is on strengthening the brands by means of attractive vehicles, quality and design. In order to consistently pursue this goal, Volkswagen Group is continuing to strengthen the brands, also in terms of personnel. As part of this, there will be personnel changes at CARIAD SE, Bentley Motors Ltd, Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Group Components from September 1, 2023.

Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Human Resources and Truck & Bus: “We will further expand the competitiveness of our Group and accelerate the transformation. We are now also continuing to lay the groundwork for this in terms of personnel. The appointed colleagues will further strengthen customer orientation, entrepreneurship and team spirit in the brands. Their experience and excellent know-how will be both their tool and their compass.”

Personnel changes as of September 1, 2023

CARIAD SE
Dr. André Stoffels, First Vice President (Finance) FAW-VW Automotive will be the new Chief Financial Officer of CARIAD SE. He succeeds Dr. Thomas Sedran, who will take on other responsibilities within the Group. Following the appointment of Peter Bosch as the new CARIAD CEO as of June 1, 2023, this is now the next step in the realignment of the Volkswagen Software subsidiary.

Bentley Motors Ltd.
Peter Bosch will be succeeded as Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors Ltd. by Andreas Lehe, the current Head of Strategic Planning for the business division Production & Logistics of AUDI AG.

Volkswagen AG
Simon Bracco, Head of Corporate Quality at AUDI AG, will take over as Head of Group Quality at Volkswagen AG on September 1. He succeeds Michael Neumayer, who is retiring.
Dr. Stefan Weckbach, currently Head of the Mission X series at Porsche AG, will take over as Head of Group Strategy, Group Product Strategy and General Secretariat of Volkswagen AG on September 1, 2023. He will succeed Dr. Gernot Döllner, who will become the new CEO of AUDI AG on the same date.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Group Components
Dr. Astrid Fontaine’s successor as Member of the Board for Human Resources at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be Wolfgang Fueter, the current Chief Human Resources Officer of Volkswagen Group Components. Dr. Astrid Fontaine will take up new responsibilities in Human Resources at Volkswagen Group. As of September 1, Wolfgang Fueter will be succeeded as Chief Human Resources Officer of Volkswagen Group Components by Dr. Anika Stappenbeck, who will transfer from Skoda Auto a.s.


Dr. Anika Stappenbeck

Dr. Anika Stappenbeck began her career in 2010 at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg in Technical Development. In 2012, the graduate industrial engineer moved to Technical Development at FAW-VW Automotive in Changchun, China. In 2015, Dr. Anika Stappenbeck returned to Wolfsburg and took on various and, from 2018, leading functions in Group Human Resources Top Management. In 2021, Dr. Anika Stappenbeck moved to Skoda Auto a.s. to take over as Head of Management Care and Employer Branding. On September 1, she will become Member of the Board for Human Resources at Volkswagen Group Components in Wolfsburg.

Technology

Yak-28: A Versatile Turbojet Aircraft Of The Cold War

The Yak-28 was a highly adaptable aircraft that played a significant role for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It had various versions, each serving different purposes. NATO codenames classified the Brewer variant as a bomber, Maestro as a trainer, and Firebar as an interceptor. Despite its introduction in 1960, the Yak-28 never engaged in combat. Nonetheless, the Soviet Union continued to develop and produce more models of this aircraft.

Let’s delve into the different versions of the Yak-28. For instance, the Brewer variant had five subcategories, labeled as Brewer-A to Brewer-E. Each subsequent version introduced new features. In 1986, it was estimated that there were around 30 Brewer-E in active service, a decline from the estimated 150 Brewer-D. This indicates that the newer versions did not entirely replace their predecessors. On the other hand, the Firebar variant was specifically designed for combat and was equipped with two air-to-air missiles per aircraft, flying in pairs.

Presently, the Yak-28 is no longer in active service. However, its legacy continues to be recognized. For example, the bomber variant of the Yak-28 can be found as a playable aircraft in the free-to-play video game “War Thunder.” This game offers a wide range of Cold War era vehicles, including ships, planes, and tanks.

Featured

Everything You Need To Know About The New Kia Seltos Ahead Of Its Debut Tomorrow


With the facelift, the Seltos will become a more premium offering by getting a panoramic sunroof and ADAS

2023 Kia Seltos

  • Kia introduced the “Seltos” nameplate in India back in mid-2019.

  • Exterior updates include a bigger grille and connected LED taillights.

  • Inside, it will get a redesigned dashboard and climate control panel.

  • Additional features will include dual-zone climate control and digital driver’s display.

  • To be offered with three 1.5-litre engine options; each with its own automatic option.

  • Kia could price the SUV from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

The facelifted Kia Seltos is set to break cover tomorrow and various details have already surfaced. It is the first major midlife update for the Kia SUV since its launch in mid-2019, giving it significant design and feature upgrades. Here’s everything to bring you up to speed right ahead of its showcase:

A Fresh Look

2023 Kia Seltos teased

With the update, a majority of the differences have happened to the exterior of the SUV. The Seltos will now feature a bigger and newly designed grille, flanked by tweaked LED headlights and LED DRLs. It also gets a redone front bumper while housing the same tri-piece LED fog lamps in each corner. Its side and rear changes are easier to spot as well and include new alloy wheels, connected LED taillights and a slightly tweaked boot design.

Back On Top (in terms of features)

The facelifted Seltos will also get a refreshed and a more premium cabin. Kia will offer it with a redesigned interior and a new dashboard layout, refreshed AC vents and a more premium climate control panel, and even new seat upholstery design.

2023 Kia Seltos digital driver display teased

The facelifted SUV will feature integrated dual 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation), a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control. Other features on board the new Seltos will be wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, connected car tech, and cruise control.

With the facelift, the carmaker will be upping the safety net of the compact SUV by introducing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The SUV’s safety kit will also comprise of electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat anchorages, a 360-degree camera, and six airbags.

Also Read: April-June 2023 Recap: All The Major Auto Events That Happened This Past Quarter

A Buffet Of Engine-gearbox Options

Specification

1.5-litre N.A. Petrol

1.5-litre Turbo-petrol

1.5-litre Diesel

Power

115PS

160PS

116PS

Torque

144Nm

253Nm

250Nm

Transmission

6-speed MT/ CVT

6-speed iMT/ 7-speed DCT

6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT

India Launch And Competition

2023 Kia Seltos rear teased

Kia might reveal the prices of the updated Seltos soon after taking its covers off. We expect the facelifted SUV to be priced from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The refreshed Seltos will continue to compete against the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate.

Also Read: Don’t Slip Up: Common Car Care Mistakes to Avoid This Monsoon

Read More on : Kia Seltos diesel

Featured

Everything You Need To Know About The New Kia Seltos Ahead Of Its Debut Tomorrow


With the facelift, the Seltos will become a more premium offering by getting a panoramic sunroof and ADAS

2023 Kia Seltos

  • Kia introduced the “Seltos” nameplate in India back in mid-2019.

  • Exterior updates include a bigger grille and connected LED taillights.

  • Inside, it will get a redesigned dashboard and climate control panel.

  • Additional features will include dual-zone climate control and digital driver’s display.

  • To be offered with three 1.5-litre engine options; each with its own automatic option.

  • Kia could price the SUV from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

The facelifted Kia Seltos is set to break cover tomorrow and various details have already surfaced. It is the first major midlife update for the Kia SUV since its launch in mid-2019, giving it significant design and feature upgrades. Here’s everything to bring you up to speed right ahead of its showcase:

A Fresh Look

2023 Kia Seltos teased

With the update, a majority of the differences have happened to the exterior of the SUV. The Seltos will now feature a bigger and newly designed grille, flanked by tweaked LED headlights and LED DRLs. It also gets a redone front bumper while housing the same tri-piece LED fog lamps in each corner. Its side and rear changes are easier to spot as well and include new alloy wheels, connected LED taillights and a slightly tweaked boot design.

Back On Top (in terms of features)

The facelifted Seltos will also get a refreshed and a more premium cabin. Kia will offer it with a redesigned interior and a new dashboard layout, refreshed AC vents and a more premium climate control panel, and even new seat upholstery design.

2023 Kia Seltos digital driver display teased

The facelifted SUV will feature integrated dual 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation), a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control. Other features on board the new Seltos will be wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, connected car tech, and cruise control.

With the facelift, the carmaker will be upping the safety net of the compact SUV by introducing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The SUV’s safety kit will also comprise of electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat anchorages, a 360-degree camera, and six airbags.

Also Read: April-June 2023 Recap: All The Major Auto Events That Happened This Past Quarter

A Buffet Of Engine-gearbox Options

Specification

1.5-litre N.A. Petrol

1.5-litre Turbo-petrol

1.5-litre Diesel

Power

115PS

160PS

116PS

Torque

144Nm

253Nm

250Nm

Transmission

6-speed MT/ CVT

6-speed iMT/ 7-speed DCT

6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT

India Launch And Competition

2023 Kia Seltos rear teased

Kia might reveal the prices of the updated Seltos soon after taking its covers off. We expect the facelifted SUV to be priced from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The refreshed Seltos will continue to compete against the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate.

Also Read: Don’t Slip Up: Common Car Care Mistakes to Avoid This Monsoon

Read More on : Kia Seltos diesel

News

Why Pagani Won’t Release an Electric Hypercar Anytime Soon

Since its establishment in the early 90s, Pagani Automobili has become one of the leading hypercar manufacturers globally. Known for its combination of stunning body designs and exceptional performance, Pagani cars are more than just vehicles; they are moving pieces of art. Despite the recent shift towards electric vehicles in the auto industry, Pagani has not produced an all-electric model. This raises questions about why a brand at the forefront of the hypercar market hasn’t embraced the electric revolution like other manufacturers such as Rimac and Lotus.

The Hype Around Electric Hypercars

The rise of electric vehicles has introduced exciting new technology to the automotive industry. Electric cars now offer performance capabilities that surpass those of traditional gas-powered vehicles. Companies like Rimac, Pininfarina, and Lotus are leading the way in the development of electric hypercars that outperform their ICE counterparts. These hypercars utilize quad motors, one for each wheel, which allows for instant acceleration and impressive torque. With over 1,900 horsepower, these electric hypercars achieve record-breaking acceleration that internal combustion engine (ICE) models cannot match. Battery technology advancements have played a significant role in enabling the development of these electric hypercars.

In addition to performance, electric batteries now offer a significantly increased range without sacrificing power and speed. Hypercars like the Pininfarina Battista and the Rimac Nevera offer electric ranges above 200 miles while exceeding top speeds of 215 mph. The improvement in battery technology has contributed to the feasibility of electric hypercars and their acceptance in the market.

Pagani’s Hesitations In The EV World

Pagani prides itself on prioritizing the driver’s personal experience and craftsmanship in their vehicles. With a production rate of approximately 50 cars per year, each Pagani car is meticulously crafted with attention to detail. One of Pagani’s core values is to maintain a lightweight design, which poses a significant challenge in the development of an all-electric hypercar. Electric batteries are heavy, with some weighing as much as 3,000 pounds. This weight does not align with Pagani’s philosophy of producing lightweight supercars.

According to Christopher Pagani, the son of the founder Horacio, the current technology does not offer a lightweight electric battery. Therefore, Pagani remains committed to their gas-powered vehicles until better technology becomes available. Additionally, the brand’s customers are not inclined towards electric vehicles. They continue to request lightweight supercars that offer both artistic appeal and exceptional performance. While an electric Pagani hypercar project is in progress, it will take several years before it becomes a reality with the existing technology.

Electric Pagani In The Coming Future

Although the possibility of an electric Pagani in the near future is low, the brand has not ruled out the idea entirely. Pagani initiated research in 2018 to develop lighter electric batteries, aiming to release an electric model by 2024. However, the founder, Horacio Pagani, recently announced that they are pausing EV research to fully focus on producing their V-12 supercars. After four years of exploration, they concluded that the current electric technology would require a battery weighing 1,322 pounds, already more than half the weight of the Huayra R. The brand wants to stay true to its philosophy and satisfy its fans’ desire for lightweight hypercars that provide an unparalleled driving experience.

Despite the current limitations, Pagani acknowledges that trends can change over time. The extension of the deadline for supercar makers to switch to zero-emission vehicles from 2029 to 2035 provides Pagani with more time to develop the necessary technology for an electric model that aligns with their philosophy. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, it will be fascinating to see how Pagani adapts in the coming decade as the world continues to embrace sustainability.

Volkswagen

Lars Korinth appointed Head of Investor Relations in the Volkswagen Group

Lars Korinth has been announced as the new Head of Investor Relations in the Volkswagen Group, starting in autumn 2023. He will be taking over from Julian Krell, who will be leaving the company on June 30, 2023, by his own request. Korinth is already familiar with the company, as he previously worked as a Senior Investor Relations Manager at Volkswagen and most recently as the Head of Investor Relations at TRATON SE. In his new role, Korinth will be reporting to Rolf Woller, the Head of Group Treasury and Investor Relations.

Rolf Woller, the Head of Treasury and Investor Relations, commented on the appointment, stating, “The Volkswagen Group is currently undergoing a critical phase of transformation. In 2023, our main focus is on implementing our strategic goals. With his extensive knowledge of different industrial sectors, including the energy industry and banking sector, Lars Korinth, a former equity analyst, brings valuable expertise. I believe he will work closely with the team to create significant momentum.” Lars Korinth will be succeeding Julian Krell as the Head of Investor Relations at the Volkswagen Group, while Rolf Woller will temporarily assume the additional role until Korinth takes over.

Lars Korinth has a degree in banking business administration and has previously held various roles as an equity analyst and Investor Relations Manager. During his time at Volkswagen, he served as the Senior Investor Relations Manager for four years. He also led the Investor Relations department at Henkel, a consumer and industrial goods group, for over four years until early 2022. Most recently, Korinth served as the Head of Investor Relations at TRATON SE, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, which is a prominent global truck manufacturer known for its brands Scania, MAN, Navistar, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus.

News

History of the Volkswagen Golf – picture special

The Volkswagen Golf has become a benchmark in the world of hatchbacks. It has continuously evolved over the years, making it one of the most capable and versatile cars on the market. Despite all the changes, it still retains its original character.

The first generation of the Golf, known as the Mk1, was introduced in 1974. At that time, the hatchback genre was still in its early stages. The Golf played a significant role in shaping the hatchback market into what it is today.

Now, 46 years later, we have reached the eighth-generation model. Let’s take a look at how Volkswagen transformed a humble hatchback into an iconic car.

Vw 53

The Golf was designed as a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the Beetle. Its sleek lines were created by renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Golf’s instant success can be seen in the fact that one million units had already been produced by October 1976.

While the Golf started as a practical family car, a group of passionate VW engineers turned it into a performance car. This led to the creation of the Golf GTI in the late 1970s, igniting the hot hatch trend that continues today.

VW’s in-house design team updated Giugiaro’s design for the longer and wider Mk2 Golf, which debuted in 1983. It sold an impressive 6.3 million units before being replaced by the all-new Mk3 in 1991.

The Mk3 Golf won the 1992 European Car of the Year award, succeeding the Mk2 Golf which lost to the Peugeot 205 and Fiat Uno. The more luxurious and expensive Mk4 was introduced in 1997, featuring a softer and rounder design. It was followed by the larger and faster Mk5 in 2003, which received subtle updates for the Mk6 in 2008.

In addition to the standard hatchback, there have also been estate and convertible versions of the Golf. The Golf Cabriolet, with its distinctive basket-handle rollover bar (later removed in the Mk6 Cabrio), was originally produced by Karmann on a dedicated assembly line.

Motorsport

Localization, The New Mantra Of The Auto Industry

Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed the increasing connection of global economies through globalization. This has led to trade agreements and increased migration, which has in turn encouraged closer integration among the world’s economies. The automotive industry has been one of the major beneficiaries of this trend.

However, along with the benefits, new challenges are emerging that are undoing the progress made so far. As China becomes a real competitor to Western dominance, we are heading towards an inevitable confrontation between these two blocs. Among the achievements of globalization, trade is perhaps the most exposed to this new reality, and it has already started to impact the new cars we see on the roads.

One World, One Product?

Motor1 Numbers Localization

We are starting to see an increase in cars specifically designed for certain markets, as opposed to a global standard. Just like before the 1990s, different regions and markets are becoming more independent in terms of product and supply chain. In fact, localization is being favored to source locally and produce locally manufactured cars.

For instance, Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by sales volume, used to be a good example of global autos. The Corolla and RAV4, manufactured in different locations, were virtually identical in all regions. They were the best examples of successful global cars. However, we are now witnessing the introduction of new localized products that are not available everywhere.

Take Toyota’s Yaris as an example. Apart from the Yaris models available in Europe and Asia, Toyota has recently introduced the new Yaris Cross for emerging markets, which is much larger than the one available in Europe. The brand also rebadges select Suzuki cars for its lineup in India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Motor1 Numbers Localization

Citroën’s C-Cubed plan is another example of growing localization. It is a strategy that involves the development, production, and sale of cars designed for emerging markets, specifically for India and South America. This has led to the introduction of a different Citroën C3 and recently, the Citroën C3 Aircross. These cars use different platforms from their European counterparts and are cheaper to produce.

Hyundai is also adopting more localized approaches. The small crossover Exter, also known as the Hyundai Casper, will soon be launched in India. Brazil has its own version of the i20 with the HB20. In both cases, localization is the response to the changing income conditions of consumers. This can also be seen with the Fiat Panda for Europe and the Mobi for South America.

The South American Case

Due to income gaps, regulations, or simply differences in taste between markets, there are many other cases of localization. The most famous example is the Toyota Tacoma for North America and its counterpart, the Hilux, for the rest of the world.

Nissan still sells the fourth generation of the Micra in Latin America, where it is called the March, while the latest-generation model is available in Europe. A similar case can be seen with the Renault Captur; the first generation is still popular in the Latin American B-SUV segment, while the latest model is available in Europe. Suzuki offers two different Altos depending on whether you are in India or Japan. The Volkswagen Tiguan, available in Europe and China, has been replaced by the cheaper Taos in most Latin American markets.

Motor1 Numbers Localization

The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.

News, Technology

Squarespace to Acquire Google Domains Assets from Alphabet

Squarespace has announced its plan to purchase the assets of Google Domains, making it the new marketplace for almost 10 million domains previously associated with Google’s short-lived venture. To address concerns about domain renewal, Squarespace guarantees that it will honor the existing renewal prices for Google Domains customers for at least 12 months after the transaction is complete.

Both companies claim that the process of transferring domains will be smooth, although this is usually not the case. It is uncertain whether Squarespace will increase prices or promote its website-building services after the 12-month period of honoring renewal rates.

Nevertheless, this acquisition presents a significant business opportunity for Squarespace. According to the company’s announcement, it will be the exclusive domain marketplace for individuals seeking a domain with a minimum three-year subscription to Google Workspace. Squarespace, known for its website-building platform, also offers domain name registration services. For current Google Domains customers, no immediate action is required. Squarespace allows users to transfer their website to its platform and move their custom domain from one site to another, as long as it is hosted on Squarespace servers.