The Mazda CX-50, known for its ruggedness and adventurous nature compared to its sibling, the CX-5, is now in its second year in the North American market. The 2024 CX-50 introduces suspension upgrades and new standard or optional features across the lineup. However, these improvements come with a higher price compared to the 2023 model year.
The starting price for the most affordable CX-50 is now $31,675 (including $1,375 destination fee), which is significantly more expensive than the base 2023 CX-50 with a price of $28,025. It’s worth mentioning that the CX-50 2.5 S is no longer the base model. Instead, the CX-50 2.5 S Select, which comes with more equipment, takes that position. Nonetheless, the 2024 model starts at $2,250 more than its predecessor, which had a starting price of $29,425. The complete pricing for the 2024 CX-50 is listed below.
Hyundai Venue surpasses Maruti Brezza to become the second best-selling subcompact SUV
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 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.
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 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.
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%.
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.
You may not even realize it, but the 2010s were not that long ago. One second you’re watching the Chicago Cubs win the World Series and break their 71-year curse, “Gangnam Style” was the biggest song in the world, and everyone suddenly became an activist after using #KONY2012 on their social media. Next thing you know, you’re buying baby formula, teaching yourself how to balance a checkbook, thanking whoever it was that invented the air fryer, and debating on whether you should deactivate all your social media accounts and enjoy life.
We have all gone through significant changes in a short amount of time, and the motorcycle industry is no different. These days motorcycles are outfitted with technology that is downright futuristic, and it keeps getting more and more advanced every day. But the 2010s were also great for the motorcycling world too. It was a decade for when the standard for what makes a sport bike great was raised to a new level. Bikes saw new designs, bigger engines, more torque, more power, and best of all… more fun. So let’s take a cruise down memory lane and check out some of the sport bikes that made the 2010s a great decade to start your motorcycling journey.
While the 2010s were a big decade for motorcycles in general, the one class that really took this time to stand out are superbikes. One in particular that managed to stand out from the crowd was the release of the Ducati Panigale V4 in 2018. Up until this point, Ducati had been in the habit of pushing out capable-yet-clunky Panigale V-twins that many customers were growing weary of. Seeing room for improvement, the motorcycle manufacturer replaced it with a new brand-defining model with new standards of performance, power, torque, and control. The Panigale V4 based its frame off that of a MotoGP and was available in for trims: the standard V4, the performance-focused S, the even more performance-focused Speciale, and the top-shelf V4R. This V4’s approach to power was direct and instant, as it could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 3.2 seconds, 100mph in 5.63 seconds, and 150mph in 9.85 seconds. With a top speed recorded at 191.3mph, the Panigale V4 served as the new face of Ducati by attracting customers ranging from casual weekend riders to full-blown competitive racers.
What happens if you take the Ducati Panigale and strip it down? You get the Ducati Streetfighter. By doing away with the additional fairings and bringing a set of higher handlebars, Ducati’s Streetfighter line is about as “naked” as these bikes can get. By bringing some of the style of its V4 brethren, the Streetfighter is powered by a V2 engine that brings all the fun and speed one can expect from a Ducati, but at a more affordable price point. Also, thanks to its easy-to-handle nature, this motorcycle is often viewed as a decent entry-level model for someone looking to enter the Ducati world without feeling overpowered by the bike. While the model we are referring to comes equipped with the V2 engine, multiple versions of the Streetfighter are available with V4 engines.
If there was a motorcycle that understood the assignment of “perfect timing”, it would be the BMW S 1000 RR. This superbike was launched by the German auto manufacturer in 2010, and it also happened to be their first attempt entering the superbike world. But considering that BMW has some of the greatest engineering minds on the planet, it seemed rather appropriate that the S 1000 RR set the bar high for the decade in terms of power, performance, and handling. Outfitted with ABS, traction control, four selectable ride modes, and the option to add a quickshifter, this bike first started out as a limited-edition model with only 1,000 available units for sale. But considering the positive response it had from customers, as well as hungry buyers, BMW quickly brought this bike back into the factory for mass-production.
Munich. BMW Group has launched a pop-up gallery in Tokyo called FREUDE by BMW – THE GARDEN. This innovative project aims to provide a luxurious brand experience in the heart of the city. Located in Omotesando, a district known for its exclusive cultural and shopping experiences, the gallery features a private cinema, a pop-up shop, and a café. It also serves as the stage for the first public unveiling of the new BMW i5 M60 xDrive in Japan.
During the nine-week-long event, visitors can also test drive the fully electric BMW i7 luxury sedan, as well as the BMW XM and BMW iX. This initiative demonstrates BMW’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating new luxury experiences that blend art, technology, and sustainability.
The pop-up gallery, designed under the direction of David Fischer, founder of Highsnobiety, offers a unique experience that combines cars, fashion, and culture. It also features the premiere of the new BMW Films production “The Calm,” a spy thriller set inside the BMW i7.
The pop-up shop at FREUDE by BMW – THE GARDEN offers a curated selection from the BMW Lifestyle collection, allowing visitors to experience the diverse character of the BMW brand from a lifestyle perspective. Collaborations with local brand partners, such as the Tsutaya Bookstore, further enhance the range of products available.
FREUDE by BMW – THE GARDEN is part of a series of luxury brand experiences planned by BMW in Tokyo. The gallery is open from July 14th to September 17th in Omotesando Crossing Park.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive:
Electric power consumption, combined: 20.6 – 18.2 kWh/100 km, Electric range in WLTP cycle: 455 – 516 km
BMW i7 M70 xDrive:
Electric power consumption combined: 23.8 – 20.8 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle; data according to NEDC: –
BMW XM:
Petrol consumption, combined: 1.9 – 1.5 litres/100 km [148.7 – 188.3 mpg imp]; electric power consumption, combined: 33.6 – 32.5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions, combined: 43 – 35 g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures for the NEDC cycle: –
The BMW Group had a strong second quarter in 2023, delivering a total of 88,289 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles, which is more than double the BEV sales from the same period last year (+117.5%). This indicates significant growth and shows the wide appeal of electric vehicles to customers worldwide.
The company’s success in sales, particularly with fully-electric vehicles, is attributed to having the right products available at the right time. The BMW Group plans to continue the rapid expansion of its electric vehicle offerings in the second half of the year. With a diverse range of vehicles, including highly efficient combustion engines and fully-electric models, the BMW Group aims to address the various needs of customers globally.
In the second quarter, the BMW Group delivered a total of 626,726 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles, representing a year-on-year growth of +11.3%. For the first half of the year, BMW Group sales reached 1,214,864 units, an increase of +4.7%.
The BMW brand continued to lead the global premium segment in the second quarter, with a delivery of 553,369 vehicles worldwide (+11.5% YoY). The brand’s fully-electric vehicles also performed exceptionally well, with deliveries more than doubling from the same period in 2022 (+150.7%). Notable models contributing to this success include the fully-electric BMW i7, the new BMW X7, the BMW 4 Series, and the BMW i4. The BMW X5 also experienced strong demand, following the expansion of its production capacity.
The BMW Group received positive feedback on the new BMW 5 Series range and the upcoming fully-electric BMW i5. The company plans to launch the BMW i5, a fully-electric business sedan, in October 2023, providing a fully-electric option in each of its core vehicle segments. Additionally, the new BMW 5 Series will introduce a partially automated driving system called the Highway Assistant, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel at speeds up to 130 km/h.
The MINI brand achieved significant sales growth in the second quarter, delivering 71,816 vehicles (+10.2% YoY). Its fully-electric vehicles also saw an increase of +8.8% in sales. The MINI Cooper SE remains the brand’s most popular model, and the MINI lineup now includes the fully-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reported sales of 3,181 cars in the first half of 2023, with demand remaining strong. The fully-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre super coupé has exceeded expectations, with an order book extending to the end of 2024. Rolls-Royce plans to offer only fully-electric vehicles by 2030, and the first client deliveries of the Rolls-Royce Spectre are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023.
In the motorcycle segment, BMW Motorrad delivered 64,936 motorcycles in the second quarter of 2023 (+8.0% YoY). This continued the strong customer demand seen in the first quarter, with the successful market launch of new models like the Power Roadster M 1000 R.
BMW Group sales were strong in various regions. In China, the company sold 197,807 BMW and MINI vehicles (+16.2% YoY) in the second quarter. The US saw an increase of +13.7% with 95,533 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered. In Europe, sales reached 232,706 units (+9.0% YoY), and in Germany, 76,962 BMW and MINI vehicles were registered.
Overall, the BMW Group’s automotive sales in the second quarter of 2023 reached 626,726 units (+11.3% YoY), with double-digit growth in various segments. The company’s commitment to electromobility and its diverse product offerings have contributed to its continued success.
The reported delivery figures are provisional and subject to change until the quarterly statement is published.
This is the second recall for the Kia Carens since its launch
Kia is recalling the Carens MPV due to a potential bug in the digital instrument cluster.
The bug may cause the instrument cluster to go blank upon starting the vehicle.
Affected Carens owners may receive a complimentary software update to fix the issue.
Kia will directly contact owners of the affected vehicles.
Kia has issued a recall for certain units of the Kia Carens to inspect and fix a possible problem with the instrument cluster.
According to Kia, there might be an issue with the digitized driver’s display in certain Carens units during the booting process, causing the cluster to go blank. Kia will contact owners of the affected vehicles to arrange an inspection at their respective dealerships. The necessary fix will be provided through a complimentary software update.
Previous Recall
In October 2022, the Carens was also recalled due to a potential error in the airbag control module (ACU). This issue was also resolved through a free software update.
The Kia Carens is a three-row MPV available in 6- and 7-seater configurations. It comes with a range of features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digitized instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT MID, cruise control, and electric one-touch tumble-folding second-row seats. Other highlights include ambient lighting in 64 colors, ventilated front seats, and a single-pane sunroof.
When it comes to safety, the Carens is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as standard.
Following the MY2023 update, the Kia Carens is available with three engine options: a 1.5-liter petrol (115PS/144Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual, a new 1.5-liter turbo-petrol (160PS/253Nm) coupled with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic, and a 1.5-liter diesel (115PS/250Nm) that can be paired with an iMT gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Price & Rivals
The Kia Carens has a price range of Rs 10.45 lakh to Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom pan India). It is positioned as a premium alternative to the Maruti Ertiga and XL6, and can also be seen as an affordable alternative to the Toyota Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta, and the upcoming Maruti Invicto.
Between April and June of this year, a total of 43 completely new passenger vehicles were introduced. These figures only include new generations or models launched during that period, excluding facelifts or major restylings, and disregarding the specific date of the vehicle’s presentation.
Half Are Chinese
Nearly half of the new reveals in the second quarter came from China, with a total of 19 presentations. This is an increase of two cars compared to the first quarter. It comes as no surprise, considering the numerous brands in the Chinese car market, that the country has a significantly higher number of new car introductions compared to other countries.
Following China, Germany had the second highest number of new car unveilings in Q2 2023, with five. Sweden followed with two. Overall, Europe presented a total of nine new cars: Renault Rafale (France), Smart #3, Volkswagen ID.7, Mercedes E-Class sedan and wagon, BMW 5 Series (Germany), Cupra Tavascan (Spain), and Polestar 4 and Volvo EX30 (Sweden).
India presented four new cars, while Japan presented five. The United States had only two cars, namely the Lincoln Nautilus and Toyota Tacoma. Mexico also launched two cars: the Chevrolet Aveo sedan and hatchback. Finally, Indonesia and Brazil each revealed one model, namely the Toyota Yaris Cross for Southeast Asian markets and the Ram Rampage.
Toyota Reveals Seven
As the world’s largest automobile manufacturer, Toyota is one of the busiest in terms of product presentations. In Q2 2023, they unveiled a total of seven new models. Toyota continues to renew and expand its range in order to maintain its position as the global sales leader.
During this period, Toyota introduced the fourth-generation Tacoma for the North American market and the Yaris Cross for emerging markets. Lexus, Toyota’s premium division, also revealed new models. They unveiled the second generation of the LM, a luxury minivan for Asian and European markets, the Lexus LBX for Europe and select Asian markets, the Lexus TX for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, the third generation of the Lexus GX mainly for North America and the Middle East, and finally the fourth generation of the Alphard for Asian markets.
General Motors followed Toyota with five new introductions, three for China and two for Mexico. Geely, a Chinese automaker with multiple brands, presented four new models, including the Geely Boyue, Lynk & Co 08, Polestar 4, and Volvo EX30. Great Wall Motors also introduced a new car.
SUVs Are More Than Half
The dominance of SUVs in the automotive industry is confirmed by the high number of new SUV models. According to global coverage (excluding LCVs and Iran), 61 percent of the new production vehicles introduced in Q2 2023 were SUVs. This percentage is even higher than the global market share of SUVs in passenger vehicle sales.
Out of the new production vehicles, 25 were SUVs, with 13 coming from China, four from Europe, three from India, three from Japan, and one each from Indonesia and the United States. Sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, MPVs, pickups, and sports cars accounted for the remaining new vehicle introductions.
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
Skoda is preparing for the release of the next-generation Superb, scheduled for the second half of 2023, by conducting hot-weather testing in Southern Europe. Although the model is still heavily camouflaged, spy photos show a few design details, with shots of the wagon variant currently available.
Notable features that can be observed include boxy headlights that have running lamps located at the lower section, and the traditional vertical slats of the Skoda grille. Additionally, the front bumper possesses air curtains on its outer ends and a slim, horizontal bar that divides the central inlet.
The liftback variant will also be launched alongside the wagon, although images of this are yet to be released.
German Manuel Lettenbichler won his second Red Bull Erzbergrodeo in a row on Sunday, making him the seventh person in 27 editions of the race to become a multiple winner. The 25-year-old trailed Great Britain’s Billy Bolt for much of the race, before a decisive pass in the latter stages sealed victory with Canadian Trystan Hart third for the second successive year. Here is all you need to know:
Manuel Lettenbichler racing through the prologue course at Erzberg rodeo on 10th June, 2023 // Sam Strauss / Red Bull Content Pool
– Reigning FIM Hard Enduro world champion Lettenbichler overcame 500 competitors and a mountain referred to as the ‘Iron Giant’ to win Austria’s iconic race in two hours and 31 minutes. Once in the lead, Lettenbichler put on a masterclass to beat his closest challenger Bolt by 11 minutes. Of 500 starters, 16 managed to finish the course containing 27 checkpoints across varied terrain within the four-hour race time limit.
– Held in the Austrian mining town of Eisenerz and first launched in 1995, the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo is the most revered race in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. It takes place around the gravity defying Erzberg mountain, a functioning mine producing more than three million tons of iron ore per year. At each edition of the race, a mix of professionals and amateurs take part.
– Lettenbichler paced himself early in the race, trailing eventual third-place finisher Hart before taking the lead. Soon after he conceded first to a hard-charging Bolt, who had crashed at the beginning of the race and was on a mission to try and win the famed event for the first time.
– After one hour and 17 minutes chasing Bolt, Lettenbichler snatched the lead back at checkpoint 22 of 27. From there he rode off into the distance to not only win the race for a second time, but also secure wins at the first two stops of the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
– Lettenbichler said: “I’m speechless that I had such a big gap at the end. I don’t really believe it. I had a really good start and then Billy caught and passed me, and I tried to stay with him, but I couldn’t. He pulled a gap, so I tried to save some energy. When I could see him again, I decided to push and I would say he was pretty tired. Then I just rode a really good line to pass him. This race is such a crazy motorbike festival and everyone in the world just comes and wants to do this challenge and finish this race. It’s super unique. It feels amazing to win a second time in a row.”
– Despite seeing victory dissipate before his eyes, Briton Bolt managed to record his best finish at Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, despite a litany of drama which only became apparent after the race.
– Bolt, 25, said: “That was my worst ever start and then the next 10 minutes was a blur, and I knew I needed to pass as many people as possible before the course got technical. I bent the front disc on my bike in the crash. I also dented my exhaust pretty badly. I’ve had a fair bit of drama, all self-induced. When Mani passed me, I thought I would struggle to keep up with him. I didn’t take it easy, I just made sure I could get home in second. But all things considered, I am very, very happy.”
– Hart, who has two podiums in three attempts, said: “Back-to-back podiums, lots of people would be happy but, to be honest, I’m not super happy. I put myself in a really good position, I was leading, which I didn’t really expect and then I just got tight and made a lot of mistakes in the first hour. To get the holeshot and then make a lot of mistakes like that is kind of heartbreaking. I was right where I needed to be with Billy and Mani, and then kind of threw it all away.”
– Red Bull Erzbergrodeo marked round two of the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, however, only a small portion were elite professionals chasing the title, the rest being amateurs. The prologue narrowed 1,300 entrants to 500 qualifiers for the start of Sunday’s main race, and the predictably brutal course was mastered by just 16 riders.
– The best placed local was Austrian Michael Walkner, cousin of 2018 Dakar Rally champion Matthias Walkner, who finished seventh. Compatriot Marcel Hirscher – a multiple times gold medallist at the Olympics and World Championships in Alpine Skiing made his second start. The skier turned motorcycle racer managed to make it to checkpoint 19, an improvement on 2022 when his race ended at checkpoint 17.
Participants at Erzberg rodeo on 11th June, 2023 // Sam Strauss / Red Bull Content Pool
– The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship now moves to Romania for Red Bull Romaniacs from July 25-29.
2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo finishers 1. Manuel Lettenbichler (Germany) 2:31:15 2. Billy Bolt (Great Britain) 2:42:15 3. Trystan Hart (Canada) 2:57:09 4. Jonny Walker (Great Britain) 2:59:30 5. Wade Young (South Africa) 3:04:21 6. Graham Jarvis (Great Britain) 3:13:55 7. Michael Walkner (Austria) 3:22:18 8. Alfredo Gomez (Spain) 3:24:30 9. Teodor Kabakchiev (Bulgaria) 3:25:00 10. Cody Webb (USA) 3:29:09 11. Matthew Green (South Africa) 3:31:45 12. Sonny Goggia (Italy) 3:49:21 13. Dominik Olszowy (Poland) 3:51:59 14. Jack Price (Great Britain) 3:52:08 15. Mitch Brightmore (Great Britain) 3:58:39 16. Will Hoare (Great Britain) 3:59:13
In the second Endurance Cup race of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS (GTWC), BMW M works drivers Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly of ROWE Racing claimed third place at the 1000km race of Paul Ricard. This is the team’s second podium finish in the series, maintaining their lead in the standings. However, they had to settle for third place after final stint driver Yelloly lacked the required pace to defend the lead position.
The BMW Junior Team finished in sixth place, while Valentino Rossi, Maxime Martin, and Augusto Farfus finished eighth for the BMW M Team WRT after a strong chasing performance.
Despite starting from 11th on the grid, the #98 car came in fourth but was later classified third when a five-second penalty was imposed on the Audi that finished ahead of them. Similarly, the #46 BMW M4 GT3 moved up 12 positions from 20th to eighth in an impressive performance.
The #32 BMW M4 GT3 from the BMW M Team WRT, which started in ninth place, was not able to finish the race due to technical issues. The #30 BMW M4 GT3 of the WRT team and the #35 BMW M4 GT3 from Walkenhorst Motorsport also did not finish the race.
ROWE Racing’s Philipp Eng was pleased with the team’s performance, saying that they had made significant improvements to the car after finishing practice sessions quite far off the lead on Friday. Max Hesse of ROWE Racing also expressed satisfaction with the team’s competitiveness in the race.
Valentino Rossi of the BMW M Team WRT acknowledged that they wanted more from the race but were satisfied with an 8th place finish from 20th on the grid.
Meanwhile, Charles Weerts of the BMW M Team WRT expressed disappointment over their DNF status resulting from a slight collision with a teammate. The team will now focus on the next race in Spa.
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