The Maruti Suzuki Swift reclaimed its top position as the best-selling car in July 2023. The company sold nearly 18,000 units of this midsize hatchback.
The Maruti Baleno came in second place, trailing the Swift by just over 1,000 units.
The Maruti Brezza was the first SUV on the list, with over 16,500 units sold. Its year-on-year figure increased by 70 percent.
The Maruti Ertiga and Hyundai Creta followed the Brezza with sales numbers between 14,000 and 14,500 units, completing the top five.
The only sedan on the list, the Maruti Dzire, sold nearly 13,400 units, with a slight increase in month-on-month sales but a small decline compared to the same month last year.
A newcomer to the list, the Maruti Fronx, sold over 13,000 units and surpassed the popular Maruti Wagon R and Tata Nexon.
The Maruti Wagon R, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Eeco had sales numbers ranging from 12,000 to 13,000 units. Among these three, the Maruti Wagon R had the highest year-on-year decline of 43 percent.
Porsche, the featured marque at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, recently shared a collection of 68 photos from the event. These pictures highlight some of the incredible cars from the German brand that were present, as part of Porsche’s ongoing 75th-anniversary celebration.
+++ Landmark vehicle is fully-electric BMW iX1 in Alpine White +++ Plant Director Carsten Regent: “BMW Group in Regensburg builds highly attractive electric vehicles for the premium compact class – BMW iX1 is very popular with customers around the world”
Regensburg. The BMW Group’s Regensburg location celebrated a significant production milestone as the one-millionth BMW X1 rolled off the assembly line. The milestone vehicle is a BMW iX1 electric vehicle (EV) in Alpine White. The BMW X1 is BMW’s smallest Sports Activity Vehicle and the first fully-electric model produced at the Regensburg location in November 2022.
“The BMW iX1 is proof that we can build highly attractive electric vehicles for the premium compact class at our plant in Regensburg. This is a very popular car with customers around the world,” says Plant Director Carsten Regent. “We have the flexibility to produce different types of drivetrain for the BMW X1 on a single production line – models with a combustion engine, plug-in hybrid systems, as well as a pure electric drivetrain, to meet different market requirements worldwide.”
The pure electric BMW iX1 xDrive30* from Regensburg topped this year’s readers’ choice for “Best Cars 2023” by the trade journal auto, motor und sport, securing best-in-class in the compact SUV segment. From the end of this year, the Regensburg plant will also produce the fully-electric BMW iX2 for the high-volume compact class.
The BMW Group will invest over 350 million euros in vehicle production in Regensburg by the end of the year, creating permanent jobs for around 500 new employees. The plant is currently operating at full capacity and plans to add an additional night shift and transition to three-shift operation in November. Up to 1,000 units of the BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, and BMW X2 models are produced daily at Plant Regensburg.
BMW Group Plant Regensburg recently became the first plant worldwide in the automotive industry to use an end-to-end digitalized and automated process for inspecting, processing, and marking painted vehicle surfaces, utilizing AI-controlled robots. The entire plant was digitally measured in 3D as part of a pilot project in 2022, enabling efficient planning of future plant structures and production facilities.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Saskia Graser
BMW Group Corporate and Governmental Affairs Acting head of Communications Regensburg and Wackersdorf Cell phone: +49 151 6040 3232 Email: Saskia.Graser@bmw.de Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com Email: presse@bmw.de
BMW Group Plants Regensburg and Wackersdorf The BMW Group vehicle plant in Regensburg has been in operation since 1986 and is one of more than 30 BMW Group production locations worldwide. The plant manufactures up to 1,000 vehicles daily, including different drivetrain options, and is supported by the nearby electric component production facility. The BMW Group cockpit production and parts supply for overseas plants are based at BMW Innovation Park Wackersdorf, which also houses other companies. The two locations employ approximately 9,000 employees, including over 300 apprentices.
www.bmwgroup-werke.com/regensburg/de.html
BMW iX1 xDrive30: Power consumption combined (WLTP): 18.1-16.8 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; NEDC data: –
BMW X1 xDrive30e: Fuel consumption combined: 1.0-0.7-litre/100 km; power consumption combined: 16.9 kWh-14.7 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 23-16 g/km (WLTP); NEDC data: –
BMW X1 xDrive23i: Fuel consumption combined: 7.2-6.5 litre/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 163-146 g/km (WLTP); NEDC data: –
In Season 11 of “Shark Tank,” Boho Camper Vans made an appearance and partnered with Barbara Corcoran. They were offered $150,000 in cash and a $150,000 line of credit in exchange for a 10% stake in their company. Initially, the two friends were seeking $300,000 for the same equity, and they received offers from O’Leary, Oza, and Greiner before ultimately accepting Corcoran’s offer, which met their desired terms.
O’Leary proposed a $300,000 loan with a 9% interest rate in exchange for 7% equity. Oza offered $300,000 for a 25% stake in the company. Greiner presented $300,000 for 20% equity, but Sodeemann and Ellenson asked her to lower her equity to 15% without changing the investment amount. When Greiner turned down their counteroffer, the pair decided to go with Corcoran.
“Barbara was the perfect fit for us because she understood our aversion to debt and provided a solution to pay it off quickly,” Ellenson explained after reaching a deal with Corcoran.
In the May 1974 issue of Dirt Bike, an interesting motorcycle was featured – the prototype Aquavarna amphibious dirt bike. Although no other references to this bike have been found, here is the story of the 1974 Aquavarna 450 as written by staffer George Wegner.
The Aquavarna was featured in the May 1974 issue of Dirt Bike. No other references have been found.
Someone in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has developed a groundbreaking waterproofing technique. This dedicated individual, Peter “Gills” Dill, has combined his love for dirt biking and scuba diving to create an innovative amphibious motorcycle. His invention, the Aquavarna 450, caught the attention of Dirt Bike magazine, and they decided to put it to the test as the “MASTER TESTERS”.
The inventor with his Aquavarna amphibian.
The test session took place at Lake Michigan, where the Aquavarna amazed the testers. Equipped with a scuba regulator connected to the rider and a modified Husky air box, the bike could be ridden completely submerged. The waterproofing technique used by Dill remains a secret, but it is suspected to involve Elmer’s Glue, malted milk balls, and WD-40.
During the test, the bike achieved a top speed of 14 knots underwater, offering a unique and exhilarating riding experience. The traction was impressive, allowing the rider to maneuver through underwater obstacles effortlessly. Even crashes were enjoyable, as the rider would simply settle to the bottom.
After the successful test, the Dirt Bike team discussed potential improvements for the Aquavarna, including adding fins or rudders for better cornering stability. Gills, the inventor, was invited to join the team as a “Special Underwater Consultant and Test Editor”. The article concludes with a mention of a future cycle park opening off the coast of Delaware, where enthusiasts can explore underwater biking.
The list featured the same cars in the top five rankings as seen in May 2023, with a slight shuffling in their order
The list of best-selling cars for June 2023 is now out. From the 15 models mentioned below, 10 witnessed sales over 10,000 units. However, a majority of them experienced a decline when their year-on-year (YoY) figures are considered.
One of the usual table-toppers, the Maruti Wagon R, witnessed total sales of close to 17,500 units. While its month-on-month (MoM) number went up, its YoY figure plummeted by 9 percent.
The Maruti Swift stood second for another consecutive month, this time with cumulative sales of nearly 16,000 units.
Taking the final spot on the podium was the Hyundai Creta, therefore the best selling SUV of June 2023. With almost 14,450 units sold, it surpassed the Maruti Baleno by 300-odd units whose sales stood just over 14,000.
The Tata Nexon moved neither up nor down on the sales chart compared to its May 2023’s ranking (read fifth spot), although it did record a drop in sales by around 600 units. Do note that these figures also include sales of the Nexon EV Prime and Max.
Following Tata’s sub-4m SUV were the Hyundai Venue and Maruti Alto, both with sales falling in the 11,000- to 12,000-unit range. Both enjoyed MoM growth. The Hyundai SUV’s sales also includes the numbers of the Hyundai Venue N Line.
While the Tata Punch’s YoY sales went up by approximately 600 units, its MoM number saw a marginal drop of 100-odd units.
The Maruti Brezza’s YoY sales shot up by a whopping 140 percent to breach the 10,500 sales mark, but dropped in MoM figures. The YoY spike is likely down to the drop in the production of the previous model while leading into the introduction of the more premium and loaded second-gen model of the SUV in June 2022.
With up to 10,500 units dispatched of the Maruti Grand Vitara in June 2023, it was the last car on this list whose sales went beyond the 10,000-unit mark, and not far behind its more affordable sibling.
Next up were the Maruti Eeco and Maruti Dzire, with the two having a difference of barely 30-odd units in their June sales. The sub-4m sedan was also the worst affected model on the list in terms of YoY numbers.
The bottom three spots on this list were taken by the Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Scorpio and Maruti Ertiga, respectively, with their sales in the 8,000- to 9,000-unit territory. The Scorpio’s numbers are inclusive of figures for both the Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Mahindra Scorpio N.
+++ 100 days until the first tee shot at the 44th Ryder Cup in Rome +++ Worldwide Partner BMW facilitates exclusive live broadcasts in the car for their customers +++ World premiere on the BMW Theatre Screen and the BMW Curved Display in the BMW 7 Series ++ Offering available in many other BMW models +++
Munich. It is exactly 100 days until the first tee shot at the Ryder Cup in Rome (ITA) on Friday 29th September, in the prestigious team competition between the best golfers of hosts Europe and those of the United States. Customers of Worldwide Partner BMW who own a BMW 7 Series will now have the opportunity to follow every stroke and decision live. The Ryder Cup in-car app enables passengers in the second row to enjoy this sporting highlight on the BMW Theatre Screen. The live broadcasts and other on-demand content can also be accessed on the BMW Curved Display in the front row when the car is stationary. The free offer will be available in many markets around the globe* and also in many other BMW models**.
“The Ryder Cup is associated with unique emotions and great prestige – there is no other golfing event like it,” says Stefan Ponikva, Vice President BMW Brand Communication and Brand Experience. “The same is true of BMW vehicles, particularly the BMW 7 Series. The exclusive opportunity to combine sheer driving pleasure with the emotions of the Ryder Cup combines all this with the BMW Group’s aspiration to rethink the digital experience both inside and outside the car and to create innovative worlds of experience.”
Established in 1927, the biennial competition pits 12 of the top professional golfers from the United States and Europe against each other in a head-to-head match play competition and has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events, captivating an audience of millions around the globe.
“We want to bring the excitement of golf’s greatest team contest to as many people as possible and this new agreement will help us do just that, giving BMW drivers around the globe the chance to stay up to date with all the action in Rome, wherever they are,” said European team Captain Luke Donald during a press conference held at Golfclub München Eichenried today to mark the 100-day milestone. The iconic DP World Tour tournament, the BMW International Open, is being held there for the 34th time this week.
The BMW Theatre Screen transforms the rear of the new BMW 7 Series into an exclusive private cinema. The large 31.3-inch display offers first-class entertainment with Amazon Fire TV built-in, with the addition of the Ryder Cup in September and October. Since April 2023, Bundesliga content can also be streamed via the BMW Bundesliga In-Car App, which is in the Fire TV app store. Thanks to the on-board 5G-enabled antenna system, customers benefit from the best-possible streaming speeds.
For safety reasons, the BMW Curved Display is unable to play premium sport content while driving. However, streaming is possible for rear-seat passengers while the vehicle is on the move.
* All global markets excluding the UK, Ireland, North America and Mexico.
** Ex factory: BMW 7 Series, BMW iX, BMW i4 produced after 07/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M produced after 08/23. Other BMW models from the mid-range and luxury segments will follow in stages. Updating to BMW Operating System 8.5 via Remote Software Upgrade will be offered in the future for the following vehicles: BMW 7 Series produced after 07/22; BMW iX produced after 03/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M produced after 04/23.
BMW i7 xDrive60. Power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 19,6 – 18,4 kWh/100 km, Electric range: 591 – 625 km (367 – 388 miles) in WLTP cycle
• Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 wins overall in the Tow Car Awards 2023
• Volvo V90 Cross Country named Best Car for Towing in the 2023 Auto Trader New Car Awards
Volvo has achieved a remarkable double win with the V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 being named the overall winner in the 2023 Tow Car Awards, and the V90 Cross Country winning the Best Car for Towing category in the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023. Both honors were announced today, showcasing Volvo’s commitment to delivering cars with exceptional towing capabilities, even within its new range of electrified models.
The Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 is the first plug-in hybrid model to be crowned the overall winner in the Tow Car Awards. It also won the category for cars in the ‘1900kg+: Up to £60,000’ class.
The judging panel consisted of experts from What Car?, Practical Caravan, and the Camping and Caravanning Club, who rigorously tested the contenders on the track. Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, commented: “With more power and a larger battery than before, the Volvo V60 Recharge offers an excellent all-electric range and tremendous performance while towing.” He also praised the car’s stability, spaciousness, and ease of towing, concluding that “it’s hard to find fault with the Volvo as a tow car.”
The mid-sized Volvo estate has a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg. Its power and torque, derived from the petrol-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain, are key to its strong and responsive towing performance. The 253hp 2.0-liter engine generates a maximum torque of 350Nm, working in conjunction with a 145hp electric motor with 309Nm. Its performance is supported by an 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for an electric-only range of up to 55 miles when not towing.
The V90 Cross Country’s success follows the achievement of the Volvo XC40 compact SUV in the same Auto Trader awards category last year. This year, the V90 emerged as the winner based on survey responses from over 220,000 UK car owners who rated their vehicles across various consumer-focused lifestyle categories. The Cross Country version of the stylish estate car is specifically designed for outdoor exploration, featuring all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, and the ability to tow braked trailers up to 2,400kg. Additionally, it offers up to 1,517 liters of interior space.
Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, said: “The gorgeous Volvo V90 Cross Country is an enticing package, offering a premium, spacious interior, great tech, a sublime drive, and that all-important towing capability. Owners particularly commented on its distinctive Swedish styling, which sets it apart from other mainstream manufacturers.”
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, stated: “Creating cars that are perfectly suited to towing is part of our heritage, and it is a legacy that we are proud to continue into the new era of electrified mobility. As these awards demonstrate, success is not only about raw power but also about creating a complete package that encompasses our signature qualities of stylish design, exceptional safety, practicality, and comprehensive connectivity and convenience features.”
For more information on the Volvo V60 and V90, and to use the online configurator, please visit www.volvcars.co.uk
Note to editors
• Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real‐world range may vary.
Introducing Honda ELEVATE: The Ultimate SUV for Adventure Seekers.
Honda ELEVATE: Unveiling Honda’s Latest Global SUV in India
Elevate: Blending Style, Functionality, and Adventure
Bold and Masculine Exterior Design of the Elevate
Interior Design: Progressive, Protective, and Spacious
The Elevated Driving Experience: Dynamic Concept and Superior Handling
Powertrain: Efficient Performance for Spirited Driving
Safety First: Advanced Safety Features of the Elevate
Comfort and Convenience: Utilities for an Outgoing Lifestyle
Honda Elevate SUV – All Details.
Honda ELEVATE: Unveiling Honda’s Latest Global SUV in India
Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), the leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has unveiled Honda’s latest global SUV, the Honda ELEVATE, during a World Premiere event. With its scheduled launch during the festive season this year, India takes pride in being the first country to manufacture and sell this all-new model worldwide. As the initial introduction focuses on the domestic market, India also aims to establish itself as an essential export hub, catering to the robust global demand for SUVs.
Elevate: Blending Style, Functionality, and Adventure
Developed under the grand concept of ‘Urban Freestyler,’ the Honda ELEVATE is designed to appeal to customers with active lifestyles and a global mindset. Combining cutting-edge aesthetics with functionality, this SUV delivers a visually stunning, incredibly versatile, comfortable, and fun-to-drive experience both within and beyond the city limits.
Bold and Masculine Exterior Design of the Elevate
The ELEVATE is a mid-size SUV that boasts a bold and masculine exterior design. It features a striking front face, characterized by sharp lines and a unique rear design, exuding a strong road presence. The front fascia showcases Honda’s signature grille, accompanied by sleek LED headlights. The side profile accentuates its sporty character, while the rear boasts a distinctive tailgate design and LED taillights.
Interior Design: Progressive, Protective, and Spacious
The concept behind the interior design of the ELEVATE revolves around being progressive and protective. It reflects an aspiring mindset, providing comfort, functionality, and a safer cabin environment. The interior color, material, and finish coordination strike a beautiful contrast between luxurious brown and black, ensuring a clutter-free and comfortable ambiance that complements the SUV’s strong character.
Spacious cabin with top-class wheelbase, headroom, knee room, and legroom
Ample cargo space of 458L
Stylish meter with premium feel and customizable operations
Floating type 10.25-inch LCD touch-screen display audio with smart connectivity options
Excellent front visibility with a high nose, smooth hood design, and 220mm ground clearance
The Elevated Driving Experience: Dynamic Concept and Superior Handling
Aligned with the global direction of “Enjoy the Drive,” the all-new ELEVATE offers a comfort-balanced target performance that adapts to various road environments and regional characteristics. Tested and evaluated on diverse terrains, this SUV ensures it delivers on customer expectations and provides an engaging and agile driving experience.
Class-leading 220mm ground clearance for safe and comfortable driving on Indian roads
Smooth and connected body structure with enhanced rigidity for confident driving dynamics
Suspension setup with reduced friction for superior handling stability and ride comfort
Powertrain: Efficient Performance for Spirited Driving
At the heart of the ELEVATE lies a superior 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine with VTC, delivering high fuel efficiency, low emissions, and spirited
driving performance. With an output of 89 kW (121PS) of power and 145 Nm of torque, this advanced engine ensures a responsive driving experience. Mated with either an advanced 6-speed Manual Transmission or a 7-speed CVT, the powertrain offers smooth gear changes, responsive acceleration, and high fuel economy, aligning with Honda’s vision of enjoyable and eco-friendly driving.
Safety First: Advanced Safety Features of the Elevate
The all-new ELEVATE prioritizes safety and incorporates Honda’s global standard of safety features. With advanced active and passive safety technologies, this SUV ensures the utmost protection for occupants and other road users.
Six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
Vehicle Stability Assist with Agile Handling Assist
Hill Start Assist and Honda Lane Watch™ camera
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Adaptive Cruise Control
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Lead Car Departure Notification system and Auto High-Beam
Honda SENSING: Advanced Driver Assistance System safety technology
Comfort and Convenience: Utilities for an Outgoing Lifestyle
To cater to the needs of drivers and passengers with active lifestyles, the ELEVATE offers a range of comfort and convenience features.
Electric Sunroof with One-Touch operation & Pinch Guard
Rear shelf and cup holders for convenience
Spacious second-row seat with a 60/40 Split and Foldable design
Wireless phone charger and walk-away auto locking
Power outlets and air conditioner vents for both front and rear passengers
Storage options including cupholders, under-seat storage, and wallet storage space
Honda Connect for safety, convenience, and peace of mind
With its distinctive design, superior performance, advanced safety features, and comfort amenities, the Honda ELEVATE sets a new standard for SUVs in India. As Honda’s commitment to the Indian market strengthens, the ELEVATE becomes the brand’s strong third pillar of business alongside the City and Amaze. In line with Honda’s global vision of carbon neutrality, the company plans to introduce its first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) based on this SUV within the next three years in India. Honda is dedicated to providing an exceptional driving experience while prioritizing environmental sustainability and safety.
As part of Honda’s commitment to sustainable mobility, the company plans to introduce an electrified version of the ELEVATE in the near future. Building upon its success as a petrol-powered SUV, the electric variant will offer zero-emission driving while retaining the ELEVATE’s dynamic performance and adventurous spirit.
Honda’s focus on environmental responsibility extends beyond the vehicle itself. The company is actively working on expanding its charging infrastructure network across India to provide convenient and accessible charging solutions for electric vehicle owners. This initiative aims to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to a greener future.
In addition to its environmental initiatives, Honda is also dedicated to enhancing the overall ownership experience for ELEVATE customers. With a robust nationwide service network and customer-centric programs, Honda aims to provide reliable service and ensure customer satisfaction throughout the ownership journey.
As the Honda ELEVATE hits the Indian market, adventure seekers and SUV enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling driving experience, advanced safety features, and a design that blends style and functionality. Whether navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path, the ELEVATE is poised to redefine the SUV segment and deliver an exhilarating and memorable driving experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Honda ELEVATE as it prepares to launch in India and captivate the hearts of adventure-seeking drivers nationwide.
Volkswagen is organizing its first “International Health.Care.Run.” in 11 countries around the world, involving employees from 21 locations. The run aims to support a charitable cause, with the company making a donation for every kilometer run. The event began in mid-May at the plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, and will conclude in late June in Anchieta, Brazil. The runs will take place on company premises, providing employees with the unique opportunity to jog through the plant and past their own workplaces.
Dr. Lars Nachbar, Head of Volkswagen Group Health Care and Occupational Safety, expressed delight in organizing a shared sporting experience for employees worldwide after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizing team expects around 20,000 participants globally. The length of the run varies at each location, with employees in Wolfsburg, for example, being able to choose between a 3,300-meter and a 5,800-meter lap.
Christian Vollmer, Volkswagen brand Board of Management member for Production and an avid athlete, is the patron of the international run. Vollmer emphasized that sport connects people and provides an opportunity to unwind from work. He encouraged colleagues worldwide to participate, hoping to make a substantial donation collectively. Volkswagen will calculate the donation based on the total number of kilometers run by employees during the Health.Care.Run.
The funds raised will support the “a chance to play” project, which benefits disadvantaged children and young people near Volkswagen plants. The project focuses on preventing violence and providing learning and educational opportunities. The initiative has been carried out for over 20 years in collaboration between the Group Works Council and the international children’s charity Terre des hommes, adhering to internationally recognized standards.
The International Health.Care.Run. schedule includes various locations such as Zwickau and Bratislava in May, Kassel in June, and other locations worldwide throughout the month. The Wolfsburg and Braunschweig runs are scheduled for June 17. The event will conclude on June 28 in Anchieta, Brazil. Volkswagen hopes that the run will not only promote employee well-being but also contribute to a meaningful cause.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
