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WORLD SUPERCROSS IS BACK!

After the successful first round of the 2023 World Supercross Championship, the program faced some challenges. Round two was postponed and relocated, and there were rumors of lost sponsors. But now, SX Global has made a comeback with a press release announcing a new ownership and leadership group. They promise to provide more information soon. Here’s what they said:

After weeks of speculation, SX Global has confirmed the sale of its business to a new investment group. This group is led by experienced sports investors Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori, along with SX Global’s CEO Adam Bailey. Together, they will form the new ownership and leadership group. The trio is committed to driving the FIM World Supercross Championship forward and ensuring its long-term success.

Louis-Dreyfus is a highly successful French businessman. In 2022, at the age of 23, he became the youngest Chairman in English football history by purchasing a controlling stake in Championship club Sunderland A.F.C.

Sartori is a successful Uruguayan businessman, senator, and co-owner of Sunderland A.F.C., alongside Louis-Dreyfus. He is also a Board Member and Vice President of the top French football club, AS Monaco FC.

Both Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori are highly accomplished individuals who share a passion for sports and a desire to help grow supercross globally.

Together with Bailey, one of the original founders of SX Global, this powerful trio is dedicated to keeping the WSX series strong and focused on the championship’s long-term sustainability and growth. They are supported by the expertise and backing of the new investor group.

More information and announcements regarding the FIM World Supercross Championship will be released soon.

Featured

Car News That Mattered This Week (Aug 21-25): Bharat NCAP Arrives, Updates On Upcoming Launches, Recalls And More

India now has its own automotive safety assessment program, and we have also launch dates for the Honda Elevate and Tata Nexon facelift

During the past week, India joined the global family of NCAPs with the Bharat NCAP, and we also received updates on upcoming product unveils and launches from Tata, Toyota, Honda, and Volvo. Also,  some intriguing new spy shots of upcoming cars surfaced on the internet. Here are the major 4-wheeler headlines of the week.

Bharat NCAP Is Here

The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari, has inaugurated India’s own automotive safety testing and rating agency, the Bharat NCAP (new car assessment program). We have also detailed some of the future plans of the Bharat NCAP, and also compared its safety parameters with those of the Global NCAP.

Mahindra Recalled XUV700 and XUV400EV

Mahindra XUV700 and XUV400 EV

Mahindra has issued a big recall of XUV700 and XUV400 EV, over a lakh units combined. With the XUV700, units produced over the course of two years are suspected to have the issue. To learn more about why these vehicles have been recalled, head here.

Honda Elevate Launch Date Confirmed

Honda Elevate

Prices for the Honda Elevate SUV will be announced early next month. The Elevate marks Honda’s first all-new product launch in India in a span of almost seven years. For more details on the new Honda SUV, click here.

2023 Tata Nexon Launch Date Revealed

Tata Nexon 2023

We have seen many spy pictures of the Tata Nexon facelift on the internet. Now, we finally have the confirmed launch date for this upcoming subcompact SUV. The updated Nexon will feature comprehensive changes inside and out. For more information, you can visit this link.

Toyota Rumion May Be Launched Soon

Toyota Rumion

Toyota has recently unveiled the Maruti Ertiga-based MPV, the Rumion, in India. All details except the prices are already out, and the Toyota MPV could be entering the market soon. Some of our dealer sources have also revealed that the bookings will start at the price announcement.

Volvo C40 Recharge Launch Timeline

Volvo C40 Recharge

The Volvo C40 Recharge is the Swedish brand’s second all-electric model in India. Its bookings will open alongside the price announcement in September, followed by the commencement of deliveries soon after. Though it has much in common with the XC40 Recharge, it offers a higher driving range. 

New Flex-fuel Prototype From Toyota

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota will unveil the first flex-fuel prototype of the Camry Hybrid by the end of this month. The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari, will be the chief guest at this unveiling event.

New Lexus LM Bookings Open

2023 Lexus LM

The second-generation Lexus LM is based on the recently launched new-generation Toyota Vellfire. Lexus has now opened its order books for the luxury MPV in India. It will be offered in both mild-hybrid and strong hybrid powertrain options.

Spy shots This Week

2023 Tata Nexon Rear Spied

This week’s sneaky sightings include two models from Tata and one from Kia. The Nexon facelift’s rear end was spied during its commercial shoot, while the electric version of the Punch was seen for the first time being charged. We also got another look at the Kia Sonet facelift, this time in a different variant.

Image Source

Read More on : Mahindra XUV700 on road price

Featured

Bharat New Car Assessment Program Is Finally Here!


The Indian government will put the new Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) into action on October 1, 2023

India has introduced the Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program), its own institution for conducting crash tests of cars sold in the country. The purpose is to assign safety ratings to these cars. The initiative was announced by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Need Of Bharat NCAP

The Bharat NCAP aligns with internationally recognized crash-testing agencies like the Global NCAP, Euro NCAP, Australian NCAP, and Latin NCAP.

Mahindra Scorpio N Global NCAP

Conducting crash tests locally will reduce the expenses for carmakers, who would otherwise have to send their cars to global players for testing. It was revealed during the Bharat NCAP presentation that international testing costs around Rs 2.5 crore, whereas opting for the Bharat NCAP could bring the cost down to Rs 60 lakh. The crash-test ratings provided by Bharat NCAP will specifically cater to the India-spec models, helping Indian consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.

The need for enhanced safety measures is driven by the high number of road accident fatalities in India each year. Additionally, as part of India’s long-term plan to become a developed nation, higher motor speeds are expected. Therefore, vehicles need to meet safety standards to ensure the well-being of passengers. Moreover, high-performing models that meet stringent safety tests can have expanded export potential in global markets.

Also See: Here Is A Closer Look At The Production-ready Mahindra BE.05 Under Wraps

What Tests Will Be Conducted?

The Bharat NCAP will conduct various crash tests similar to Global NCAP and other established authorities. These tests include frontal offset, side impact, and side pole impact tests.

Kia Carens crash-tested

The frontal offset test will be conducted at 64kmph, while the side impact and side pole impact tests will be performed at 50kmph and 29kmph, respectively. The test score will take into account the structural integrity of the vehicle as well as the safety assist technologies available.

The details of the tests and the expected performance standards are specified in the AIS-197, which will determine the final score assigned to a car by Bharat NCAP.

Rating System

Global NCAP To Start Crash Tests In India By End Of 2023

All tested cars will receive ratings for adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP) based on the following parameters:

AOP

COP

Star rating

Score

Star rating

Score

5 stars

27

5 stars

41

4 stars

22

4 stars

35

3 stars

16

3 stars

27

2 stars

10

2 stars

18

1 star

4

1 star

9

Only cars that score three stars or higher will be subjected to the pole side impact test.

What Cars Will Be Tested?

The Bharat NCAP will conduct crash tests voluntarily. Any vehicle falling under the M1 category (capable of seating up to eight occupants in addition to the driver) and weighing less than 3.5 tonnes or 3500kg will be eligible for testing.

It’ll Be Harder To Get A 5-Star GNCAP Crash Test Rating From July 2022

The base variant of popular models (defined as cars that have sold 30,000 units in the previous calendar year) with basic safety equipment will be tested. However, carmakers can request the Bharat NCAP to test an updated version if they intend to replace the selected model with a newer one soon.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) can also recommend models falling under the Bharat NCAP’s protocols based on market feedback and analysis. Additionally, if deemed necessary for public safety, the Government of India can request the authority to select a specific variant for assessment.

Also Read: 6 Electric Cars That Have Made 2023 Greener So Far

Bharat NCAP To Be In Action Soon

The Indian crash-testing authority will begin operations on October 1, 2023.

Motorsport

Tailor Made Ferrari Roma Receives French Tricolor Motif in Red, White, and Blue

While every Ferrari is unique in its own way, the Tailor Made program by the automaker caters to customers seeking something truly distinctive. In this case, a buyer has opted for a Tour-de-France-inspired paint scheme for their Roma coupe.

With an exterior predominantly adorned in a light blue hue, reminiscent of the French national racing color, Bleu de France, the Roma captures attention by sporting dark blue, white, and red stripes that gracefully extend over the hood, roof, and rear deck. This striking color combination draws inspiration from the French flag. To further emphasize its Ferrari identity, the iconic prancing horse logo is proudly positioned on the front fender, while the number “4” elegantly sits below it. The wheels feature five pairs of spokes, and behind them, the yellow brake calipers make their presence known.


ToyotaUk

Advancing STEM Education: Toyota Invests Up To $6.7 Million In Alabama Schools

Hands-On STEM Program, New Teacher Center Creates Opportunities for Huntsville Students

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (August 10, 2023) – The Toyota USA Foundation has announced grants of up to $6.7 million to prepare students in Huntsville City Schools for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This initiative is part of Toyota’s Driving Possibilities program and will be rolled out over five years in select schools.

“Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while building sustainable programs in the communities where our Toyota team members live and work,” said Tellis Bethel, Toyota’s Group Vice President of Social Innovation. “By providing $2.9 million in the first year and more in the years to come, we look forward to expanding Driving Possibilities in the Huntsville area.”

Driving Possibilities focuses on PreK-12 education and complements existing programs across the country. The initiative aims to address educational gaps for students through innovative, hands-on STEM programming while meeting the essential needs of students and families.

“The Driving Possibilities framework takes a holistic approach to addressing education gaps,” said Jason Puckett, President of Toyota Alabama. “Our mission is to collaborate with local schools, community partners, and other businesses to help students reach their full potential. The success of our students will determine the future of our community.”

“Toyota understands the importance of training and preparing our students for high-tech, 21st-century jobs when they graduate,” said Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. “Alabama consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders in economic development and industrial recruitment, and thanks to generous corporate partners like Toyota, we have the tools to maintain that top ranking for years to come.”

This announcement supports a new industrial tech program at the recently announced Huntsville City Schools Career Tech Center, providing a direct pathway into high-demand manufacturing careers. Driving Possibilities is also funding new teacher coaches, training, and mentorship at select schools in partnership with the New Teacher Center.

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation launched Driving Possibilities, a $110 million national career readiness and community engagement initiative aimed at preparing youth for future careers. This program brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With efforts spanning from PreK-12 education, it is the largest and most comprehensive initiative in Toyota’s history. Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), and Toyota Financial Services (TFS) fund this initiative.

Huntsville, Alabama, is the fifth site to launch Driving Possibilities programming, building on over 60 years of active support for Toyota communities across the U.S. and leveraging the successful model in West Dallas.

Toyota USA Foundation

The Toyota USA Foundation is a charitable endowment created to support education programs that serve students from PreK to 12th grade and their teachers in the United States, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For more information about the Toyota USA Foundation, visit www.toyotaeffect.com/impact.

Technology

How the MRAP Was Designed to Withstand Massive Explosions

In 2006, the MRAP Joint Program Office was created by the Marine Corps Systems Command, bringing together the U.S. Marines, Army, Navy, and special operations units to expedite the deployment of MRAPs. The Department of Defense joined the mission a year later.

The previous Humvees had flat bottoms, similar to regular commercial vehicles, making them highly vulnerable to explosives. When an IED was detonated under a Humvee, the blast would directly impact the flat underside that lay parallel to the ground, receiving the full force of the explosion.

To counter this threat, MRAPs were designed with a V-shaped armor-plated hull, strategically engineered to deflect explosions upward and away from the vehicle. Military experts claim that this unique design provides up to 10 times more protection. MRAPs also feature a raised chassis that helps reduce fragmentation, blast overpressure, and the force of an IED explosion. Moreover, these vehicles can be equipped with additional layers of armor to defend against RPG rounds.

There are four categories of MRAPs: I, II, III, and M-ATV. Category I is the smallest and is employed in urban combat scenarios and for casualty evacuation. Category II is utilized for convoys and transporting troops, whereas Category III specializes in mine and IED detection. The MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) is the most agile among them and was specifically designed for extreme conditions.

According to Aeroweb, a total of seven different vehicle designs have been procured from five different contractors, namely BAE Systems, Force Protection Industries (FPI), General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), NAVISTAR Defense, and Oshkosh Corporation.

BMW

URBAN-X supports urban tech startups in the second year of the global MINI Impact Program.

New York. The URBAN-X startup platform, supported by MINI, is expanding its MINI Impact Program in its second year to promote new ideas on sustainability. URBAN-X by MINI aims to support transformative climate technologies and find innovative solutions to tackle the toughest challenges faced by cities. Startups from Brazil, Mexico, India, South Africa, Portugal, France, and Germany are invited to participate in this year’s Call for Applications starting in August. The first startup to be confirmed comes from Spain: Gravity Wave, which collects and recycles plastic waste from the oceans to create street furniture.

In the next phase, URBAN-X and MINI will select startups to take part in the four-week program. During this time, teams will work remotely for three weeks and then spend one week in person collaborating with URBAN-X experts in New York. The entrepreneurs will receive customized support according to the stage and needs of their startup. For startups at the idea stage, the focus will be on customer discovery, developing a business roadmap, and perfecting the pitch for their solutions. For companies at the seed stage, the product and pitch will be reviewed, a strategy for entering the US market will be formulated, and the supply chain will be assessed.

Ideas for combating climate change.

URBAN-X has already supported over 100 startups in the past seven years by helping them develop innovative and scalable solutions. As the urgency to combat climate change increases, URBAN-X expanded its platform last year with the MINI Impact Program, leveraging MINI’s global distribution network to maximize impact in the face of growing climate challenges in cities worldwide.

To further engage and activate local networks, the MINI Impact Program 2023 is collaborating with local partners such as the architecture accelerator FAIRE Paris in France, the innovation lab Urban Innovation in Germany, and the global urban tech platform Utopia outside of Europe.

Applications for the program will open in the first week of August at https://142-urban-x.webflow.io/programs/mini-impact-program.

About URBAN-X

URBAN-X is a platform created by MINI in 2016 for founders who want to reimagine city life. It partners with startups to develop innovative technology solutions for a sustainable future. Unlike traditional startup programs, URBAN-X offers tailored support to early-stage entrepreneurs, accelerating their growth and helping them build successful businesses as the next generation of climate- and city-focused innovators. URBAN-X provides world-class engineering and design resources, investment capital from their venture partner JVP, access to a global network of investors, policymakers, corporate strategists, and customers, as well as premier educational content for founders worldwide. You can find URBAN-X on Twitter & Instagram at @urbanxtech or visit their website at https://urban-x.com/.

Featured

Jeep Introduces Adventure Assured Program With Lower EMI


The program includes the assured buyback value with maintenance and repair costs

Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian

  • Jeep has partnered with ALD Automotive and LeasePlan to offer the Adventure Assured Program in India.
  • Customers can get an assured buyback value of up to 55 percent for a three- or four-year term, and for running of up to 20,000km per year.
  • The program also includes benefits such as extended warranty, 24X7 roadside assistance and insurance coverage.
  • The Adventure Assured program will first be rolled out in major cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

Jeep has introduced the Adventure Assured program in partnership with ALD Automotive and LeasePlan to provide a new ownership experience for potential buyers of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian SUVs in India. Under this program, customers can enjoy a guaranteed buyback value and a 27 percent lower Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) compared to standard financing. The program also includes extended warranty, maintenance and repairs, roadside assistance, and comprehensive insurance for the first year. The buyback value is up to 55 percent of the vehicle’s ex-showroom cost, and the program is available for a three- or four-year term with a limit of 20,000km per year. The Adventure Assured program will initially be launched in major cities and may be expanded to other cities in the future. Note that this program is not available for the more premium Jeep models like Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.

Jeep Meridian

Jeep India has launched the Adventure Assured program in collaboration with ALD Automotive and LeasePlan. This program offers an affordable EMI of INR 39,999 per month and includes the on-road vehicle cost, extended warranty, roadside assistance, insurance for the first year, and maintenance and repairs. The program is available for all variants of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian. Mr. Aditya Jairaj, Head of Jeep India Operation and Deputy Managing Director, Stellantis India, mentioned that this program reflects Jeep’s commitment to providing an attractive proposition for adventure enthusiasts. Mr. Suvajit Karmakar, Country Managing Director India & Asia Sub-Regional Director of ALD Automotive | LeasePlan, expressed excitement about collaborating with Jeep to offer exceptional services to Indian customers. The Adventure Assured program aims to make owning an authentic Jeep SUV more accessible and will be initially available in major cities, with the possibility of expansion depending on demand.

Jeep Compass Interior

The Adventure Assured program offered by Jeep Financial Services (JFS) in collaboration with ALD Automotive | LeasePlan provides an all-inclusive EMI package with assured buyback, maintenance and repairs at a 27% lower EMI compared to standard financing. The program begins at an affordable monthly EMI of INR 39,999 and includes the on-road vehicle cost, extended warranty, roadside assistance, insurance for the first year, and maintenance and repairs. This program is available for all variants of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian. It aims to provide a worry-free ownership experience for adventure enthusiasts, with ALD guaranteeing a buyback of up to 55% of the vehicle’s ex-showroom cost for a three- or four-year term and up to 20,000km per year. Furthermore, the Adventure Assured program covers annual maintenance, routine services, inspections, and all repairs outside the comprehensive warranty. It also offers 24×7 roadside assistance and comprehensive insurance coverage for the first year. Jeep’s Adventure Assured program is set to revolutionize ownership benefits and peace of mind for customers, and it will initially be available in major cities, with potential expansion in the future.

Jeep Meridian

For more information about the Adventure Assured program and to book a test drive, please visit www.jeep.com or contact your nearest Jeep dealership.

Motorsport

Alpine Introduces New A110 Liveries for Bespoke Program

Alpine’s Atelier customization program now offers three new liveries for the A110. These designs pay homage to the company’s rich heritage and include the French Signature, Racing Heritage, and US Racing 2023 liveries.

The French Signature livery is elegantly understated, featuring a thin tri-color line that runs from the hood to the roof in the blue, white, and red colors of the French flag. This design represents the car’s origins. The stripe also incorporates unique triangular accent “snowflakes” that are emblematic of Alpine’s involvement in Formula 1 and endurance racing. Additionally, it shares space on the roof with Alpine’s iconic A arrow logo.


Featured

Ferrari Shows Off A Gradient-Exterior Tailor Made SF90 Spider

Ferrari’s Tailor Made program expands the horizons of what a Ferrari can look like to include unprecedented configurations, allowing Ferrari clients to personalize their cars and execute creative visions in a unique way, creating cars that fit seamlessly into carefully-curated collections, and exuding the personalities and stories of their owners. The results of the Tailor Made program are some incredible specs, and a new Ferrari SF90 Spider created through Tailor Made and posted by Ferrari on Instagram shows the potential that it has.

The exterior is finished in an incredible two-tone spec, with Blu Corsa at the front blending into Canna di Fucile at the back. In addition, the number 45 on the doors serves as a suggestion of the Ferrari SF90 Spider’s racing readiness. Inside, the car features Baby Blue leather upholstery on the seats, as well as on the steering wheel grips, bringing the bright hue from the front of the exterior to the interior as well. The vivid color is a sharp contrast to the glossy carbon fiber that decorates much of the interior, completing yet another stunning SF90 Spider spec that shows why Ferrari’s Tailor Made program is the source of some of the most aspirational supercar configurations out there.

View All Ferrari SF90 Spiders For Sale