New Delhi, (IANS) Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Tata Motors Ltd on Wednesday announced the rollout of its 10th lakh vehicle from its Lucknow plant.
The rollout also marked three‑and‑a‑half decades of operations in Uttar Pradesh, the company said in a release.
In his reaction, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said: "The rollout of 10 lakh trucks and buses from Tata Motors’ Lucknow facility is a moment of pride for the entire state. It is a recognition of the state’s capabilities and immense potential, as well as of its talented people."
"Our vision is to transform Uttar Pradesh into a one‑trillion‑dollar economy, with industry and entrepreneurs playing a pivotal role in this journey. The state offers a conducive ecosystem for scalable businesses, supported by a vast consumer market, a young, skilled workforce, and seamless connectivity," he said.
Tata Motors’ success in Uttar Pradesh reflects the strength of this ecosystem and reinforces the state's commitment to fostering responsible industrial growth, creating jobs, building skills and advancing sustainable socio‑economic development, he added.
The milestone vehicle was a zero-emission electric bus, and it highlighted the shared commitment of Uttar Pradesh and Tata Motors to green mobility, aligned with the state’s net-zero 2070 vision and the company’s net-zero target of 2045, the company said.
On this occasion, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said that the production of Tata Motors' 10th lakh commercial vehicle from its Lucknow facility reflects the strength of its longstanding partnership with Uttar Pradesh.
"Over more than three decades, this collaboration has demonstrated how industry, government and communities can come together to drive industrial excellence, create livelihoods and build capabilities at scale," he added.
"As India’s commercial vehicle industry is undergoing rapid transformation towards cleaner, smarter and more efficient mobility solutions, this milestone underscores Tata Motors’ leadership in shaping the future of mobility," he said, as per the release.
The Lucknow facility, established in 1992 and spread over about 600 acres, has an annual capacity of over one lakh vehicles and supports over 8,000 livelihoods.
It builds industry‑relevant skills through flagship training programmes, and operates as a water‑positive facility powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, the auto manufacturer said.It manufactures a comprehensive range of cargo and passenger commercial vehicles across multiple powertrains, including next-generation zero-emission electric buses and trucks, as well as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Tata Motors hits 10 lakh commercial vehicle milestone at Lucknow plant | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
As politicians warn Australians not to resort to panic buying, finding constructive ways to reduce your petrol costs and cut carbon emissions has become increasingly appealing.
The strikes on Iran have seen prices of Brent crude – the global oil benchmark – trade around US$104 (A$150) per barrel, up from roughly US$68 (A$96) a few weeks earlier. There is no clear end in sight for the current crisis.
The good news is buying and owning an electric car is becoming much easier as more models arrive in Australia and charging networks expand. But there are still a few things worth considering before making the switch.
What should you look for when choosing an EV?
Choosing an electric vehicle is not very different from choosing any other car. Size, price and safety features still matter.
But there are a few additional things worth checking.
The first is driving range, which is how far the vehicle can travel on a full battery. Most new EVs sold in Australia offer between 300 and 500 kilometres of range, which is more than enough for typical daily driving.
It is also worth looking at charging capability. Some vehicles can accept faster charging speeds than others, meaning they can recharge more quickly when using high-power public chargers. This can make a difference on long trips.
Finally, check the battery warranty. Most manufacturers offer warranties of eight years or around 160,000km, providing reassurance about long-term battery performance.
For most buyers, the key is simply choosing a vehicle that suits their everyday driving needs.
How To Buy The Right Electric Car.
Check how much you drive
An important question to ask when choosing an electric vehicle is: how far do you usually drive each day?
Most Australians drive far less than they think. Car passenger kilometres per person have reduced from a peak of 13,184 in 2004 to 10,238 in 2024–25.
That’s roughly 28km per day, meaning many drivers could go several days between charges with today’s EVs. Most new models now sold in Australia have a real-world driving range of 300–500km on a full battery.
In practice, many EV owners simply plug their car in at home overnight once or twice a week.
Most EV drivers charge at home a few times a week. Fast chargers are used on longer trips. Zaptech/Unsplash
Do you need to install a charger at home?
Many people assume installing a home charger is essential, but that is not always the case.
Electric vehicles can be charged from a standard household power point. This is the slowest method, but it can still add 10–15km of range per hour of charging. At that rate, a 12-hour overnight charge could give you up to 180km.
Many owners choose to install a dedicated wall charger instead. These typically cost A$1,000–2,000 plus installation. These charge much faster, allowing most vehicles to fully recharge overnight.
Fast chargers are useful, but usually not for everyday charging. Public fast chargers are designed mainly for longer trips.
These high-power chargers can add 150–300km of driving range per hour, depending on the vehicle and type of charger.
They are very convenient for highway travel but usually cost more than charging at home. Public fast charging can range from around 50 to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is still cheaper than petrol, but the savings are smaller than charging at home.
Many EV owners only use public chargers occasionally, not every day.
EV drivers in Australia will come across three different charger speeds. Here’s how they work.
How much should you charge the battery?
Another common question is whether EV batteries should always be charged to 100%.
For everyday driving, many manufacturers recommend keeping the battery between 20% and 80% most of the time. This helps maximise long-term battery health.
A fully charged battery is generally under more stress. However, charging to 100% shortly before a long trip is fine. Modern EV battery management systems are designed to protect the battery automatically.
In practice, drivers quickly develop simple routines, often charging overnight a few times per week.
How much could you save on fuel?
One of the main reasons drivers consider switching to an EV is the potential saving on running costs.
Electric cars are typically cheaper to run because electricity costs less than petrol and electric motors are far more energy efficient than combustion engines.
Home charging is also the cheapest way to run an EV. Electricity for overnight charging typically costs 20–30c per kilowatt-hour, which can translate to around $3–5 per 100km of driving.
By comparison, fuel-efficient petrol cars typically consume 6–8 litres per 100km and cost $14–18 to drive that distance at current fuel prices.
That difference can add up quickly over a year. Online tools, such as our public EV payback calculator, allow drivers to compare different vehicles and test how savings change depending on electricity prices, fuel costs and driving distance.
What if you live in an apartment or unit?
Charging can be more complicated for people living in apartments or units, but options are expanding quickly.
Many new residential developments now include shared EV charging infrastructure in car parks. Some apartment owners are also installing chargers in their individual parking spaces where building rules allow it.
Workplace charging is another growing option. Many employers are beginning to install chargers for staff vehicles, allowing drivers to top up their battery during the day.
Public charging networks are expanding across Australian cities. While these chargers typically cost more than home electricity, they provide an important option for drivers without dedicated parking or charging access at home.
As EV adoption increases, improving charging access for apartment residents is becoming a major focus for building managers and policymakers.
Where next?
The decision to switch to an electric vehicle has never been more straightforward. Ranges are longer, models are more affordable, charging networks are expanding and running costs are lower than ever.
As petrol prices remind Australians of their exposure to global oil markets, the case for making the switch gets stronger.
For most drivers, the question is no longer whether an EV could work for them – it is simply a matter of when.
As we head for a fifth consecutive year of rising road deaths and what could be the worst year for pedestrian fatalities in nearly two decades, it’s time to look more closely at what this means.
But what’s less discussed is whether driving one also changes how we drive – if larger vehicles make us feel safer inside them, do they also make us take more risks behind the wheel?
With no domestic car manufacturing, Australia imports vehicles shaped by global production trends, many of which trickle down from United States policies that reward larger vehicles.
Two subtle US policy features explain why.
First, the “SUV loophole”: under US law, most SUVs are classified as light trucks, meaning they’re subject to less stringent fuel-efficiency and crash-safety standards than passenger cars.
Second, under US fuel economy rules, fuel-efficiency targets are adjusted based on the size of the vehicle’s “footprint” — the area between its wheels. In practice, this means larger vehicles are allowed to consume more fuel while still meeting the target.
Marketing has played a significant role too: in 2023, car makers invested about A$125 million in SUV and 4×4 advertising in Australia – a 29% increase from the previous year.
The dangers of bigger vehicles
There’s a physical mismatch between large and small vehicles that usually transfers the danger from the occupants of the bigger car to everyone else.
While the risks of being hit by a large SUV or ute might seem self-evident, the question is how much greater those risks are.
Research provides a clear answer.
Car-to-car collisions:
Collisions between large SUVs and smaller cars show occupants of a smaller vehicle face about 30% higher risk of dying or sustaining serious injury.
A 500kg increase in vehicle weight is linked to a 70% higher fatality risk for occupants of the lighter car.
For every fatal accident avoided inside a large vehicle, there are around 4.3 additional deaths among other road users.
Car-to-pedestrian and cyclist collisions:
Pedestrians struck by SUVs are about 25% more likely to sustain serious injuries and 40–45% more likely to die than those hit by smaller cars.
For children, the outcomes are far worse: they are up to eight times more likely to die when hit by an SUV than by a small car.
Each 10cm increase in front-end height raises the fatality risk for pedestrians by roughly 20%.
Israel: an analysis of 1.5 million speeding citations found drivers received about a quarter more speeding tickets when vehicle mass was 10% heavier
Austria:roadside observations of 48,000 vehicles showed SUV drivers more frequently drove without seatbelts, used phones and ran red lights. Women SUV drivers showed violation rates similar to men, breaking the usual pattern of higher female caution in traffic studies
New Zealand: field data found SUV drivers 1.5 times more likely to drive one-handed, a behaviour linked to lower perceived risk and reduced vigilance
Taxes and size-dependant registration fees could potentially offset some of the extra costs of heavier vehicles on roads surfaces, congestion and emissions, or regulate demand.
Two measures would make a tangible difference:
Licence testing by vehicle class
Many drivers obtain their licence in a small sedan but can legally drive a two-tonne ute the next day. Yet, larger vehicles demand different manoeuvring skills, longer braking distances and greater spatial awareness.
Requiring a practical test in a vehicle of comparable size to what the driver intends to drive (or a streamlined license upgrade for an experienced driver when upsizing) would acknowledge that added responsibility.
The reform would also carry a symbolic message: driving a heavier vehicle comes with greater responsibility.
Penalties scaled to impact potential
A ute or SUV travelling 10kmh over the limit carries greater kinetic energy and longer stopping distance than a small sedan.
A tiered approach – where fines or demerit points scale with vehicle mass – would better reflect the disproportionate risk that bigger cars pose.
If Australia is serious about reducing road trauma, these are the kinds of targeted, evidence-based adjustments that should be considered.
Seoul, (IANS): The head of South Korea's automotive giant Hyundai Motor Group has visited three key overseas markets -- China, the United States and India -- at the start of the new year as part of the group's global expansion strategy, the company said on Wednesday.
Executive Chair Euisun Chung's visits were aimed at exploring business opportunities in major economies that are expected to underpin the group's future growth, while also seeking partnerships with leading global companies, the group said in a press release.
During his visit to India, Chung toured three production facilities -- Hyundai Motor's Chennai and Pune plants and Kia's Anantapur plant -- to review production operations and sales strategies.
Hyundai Motor Group ranks second in the Indian automotive market with a market share of about 20 percent. The three plants have a combined annual output capacity of 1.5 million vehicles.
The group aims to develop India into a "strategic export hub" following the listing of Hyundai Motor India on the Indian stock market in 2024 in what was the largest initial public offering (IPO) in the country's history.
"Hyundai has been able to grow over the past three decades thanks to the support of the Indian people," Chung was quoted as saying. "We must pursue a home-brand strategy for the next 30 years so that Hyundai can become a truly national company in India."
During his 10-day trip through Tuesday, Chung attended the Korea-China Business Forum held in conjunction with President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to China, and the world's largest IT and electronics exhibition, CES 2026, in Las Vegas, and toured the group's production facilities in India, reports Yonhap news agency.
In Beijing, Chung exchanged views with Zeng Yuqun, chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), the world's largest battery maker, on cooperation in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector. He also met with Hou Qijun, chairman of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (Sinopec), to discuss potential collaboration in hydrogen-related businesses.
To boost sales in China, Hyundai Motor Co. launched its first China-dedicated EV model, the Elexio, in October and plans to expand its EV lineup in the world's largest automobile market to six models by 2030. Its smaller affiliate, Kia Corp., plans to strengthen its Chinese EV lineup by introducing at least one new model each year through 2027, following the launch of the EV6 in 2023.
At CES 2026, Chung held meetings with executives from global big-tech companies, including Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang and Qualcomm Inc. Chief Operating Officer (COO) Akash Palkhiwala.The group unveiled its artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics strategy at the exhibition, with the presentation of Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by its U.S. subsidiary Boston Dynamics, drawing significant attention. Hyundai Motor aims to develop India into a ‘strategic export hub’ | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
The Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka has successfully hosted a historic gathering of 640 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as officially verified and certified by international auditors BDO partners, establishing a new benchmark for the largest gathering of Mercedes-Benz cars in the world in one location.
This achievement surpasses the current Guinness-listed record of 479 vehicles, previously set by Mercedes-Benz Ecuador in Quito, Ecuador, on 16 October 2021.
The record-breaking event took place on 8 February 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Mercedes-Benz owners from across the country united to celebrate the brand’s legacy, engineering excellence, and the strong camaraderie within the Sri Lankan Mercedes-Benz community.
Executive Committee of the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka said: “We are immensely proud of this momentous accomplishment. This event reflects the passion, dedication, and unity of our members and the wider Mercedes-Benz family in Sri Lanka. The certification by BDO partners underscores the credibility and precision with which the event was organised and conducted.”
The club extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants, partners, our main sponsors Dimo the exclusive agent for Mercedes Benz vehicles in Sri Lanka, and volunteers whose contributions made this extraordinary milestone possible.
Founded in 1990 the club celebrates its 35th year in preserving the heritage, innovation, and passion behind the Mercedes-Benz brand, the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka brings together enthusiasts and owners from across the nation. Through events, exhibitions, and community initiatives, the club fosters connection, knowledge-sharing, and appreciation for one of the world’s most iconic automotive marques.
New Delhi, (IANS): Mercedes-Benz India on Tuesday announced that it has achieved a major global milestone by becoming the first market outside the United States to start local production of the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach GLS.
The move highlights India’s growing importance for the German luxury carmaker and underlines the company’s strong confidence in the country’s appetite for top-end luxury vehicles.
According to Mercedes-Benz India, local manufacturing of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will not only strengthen its top-end portfolio but also help the brand respond better to rising demand while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Indian market.
“The decision to start the local production of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s deep commitment to the Indian customers, offering the pinnacle of luxury SUV, ‘Made in India’,” Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said.
“Local production will further enhance the vehicle’s appeal, reiterating our world-class manufacturing prowess and agility, catering to most demanding customer wishes for such exclusive top-end vehicles,” Iyer added.
In its 2025 sales performance highlights, the German luxury carmaker announced it has sold 19,007 units in India during CY 2025, slightly lower than the 19,565 units sold in 2024.
Despite the marginal dip in volumes, the company recorded its best-ever year in terms of revenue.
According to the company, the Top-End Vehicles portfolio, which includes the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach models and AMG cars, showed strong resilience and grew 11 per cent year-on-year.
This segment accounted for 25 per cent of total sales, reflecting rising demand for ultra-luxury vehicles in India.
The high-performance AMG portfolio performed particularly well, registering a sharp 34 per cent growth, as Indian customers continued to show strong interest in performance-oriented luxury cars.
Mercedes-Benz India’s electric vehicle business also maintained its growth momentum in 2025.
The company’s battery electric vehicle portfolio grew 12 per cent year-on-year and accounted for 20 per cent of all top-end Mercedes-Benz cars sold in the country.
Notably, 70 per cent of the electric vehicles sold during the year belonged to the top-end segment, priced between Rs 1.25 crore and Rs 3.1 crore.
Tokyo, (IANS): As the adoption of electric vechicles enters top gear globally amid rising petrol-diesel prices, Japanese auto-maker Nissan on Monday said it will invest $17.6 billion (2 trillion Yen) in developing new EVs and battery technology over the next five years.
Unveiling the 'Nissan Ambition 2030' plan, the company announced it will launch 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs, aiming for 50 per cent electrification mix, by fiscal year 2030.
"We will drive the new age of electrification, advance technologies to reduce carbon footprint and pursue new business opportunities. We want to transform Nissan to become a sustainable company that is truly needed by customers and society," said Makoto Uchida, Nissan CEO.
Over the next 10 years, Nissan aims to deliver exciting, electrified vehicles and technological innovations while expanding its operations globally.
The vision supports Nissan's goal to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products by fiscal year 2050.
With the introduction of 20 new EV and e-POWER equipped models in the next five years, Nissan intends to increase its electrification sales mix across major markets by fiscal year 2026, including Europe by more than 75 per cent of sales, Japan by more than 55 per cent of sales, China by more than 40 per cent of sales and the US by 40 per cent of EV sales in fiscal year 2030.
"With our new ambition, we continue to take the lead in accelerating the natural shift to EVs by creating customer pull through an attractive proposition by driving excitement, enabling adoption and creating a cleaner world," said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.
Representing the next stage of Nissan's electrified future, the company also unveiled three new concept cars that offer enhanced experiences through sophisticated technology packaging.
Nissan aims to launch EV with its proprietary all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) by fiscal year 2028 and ready a pilot plant in Yokohama as early as fiscal year 2024.
With the introduction of breakthrough ASSB, Nissan will be able to expand its EV offerings across segments and offer more dynamic performance.
"By reducing charging time to one-third, ASSBs will make EVs more efficient and accessible. Further, Nissan expects ASSB to bring the cost of battery packs down to $75 per kWh by fiscal year 2028 and aims to bring it further down to $65 per kWh to achieve cost parity between EV and gasoline vehicles in the future," the company announced.
Nissan intends to increase its global battery production capacity to 52 GWh by fiscal year 2026, and 130 GWh by fiscal year 2030.
New Delhi, (IANS): India’s electric two-wheeler market saw a major shift in 2025, with last year’s leader Ola Electric losing a large part of its market share, while traditional auto companies strengthened their position.
Ola Electric’s market share dropped sharply to 16.1 per cent in 2025 from 36.7 per cent in 2024.
Despite overall demand for electric two-wheelers improving, the company sold 1,96,767 vehicles during the year, according to data from the government-run Vahan portal.
The sharp fall highlights the growing challenges Ola Electric faced through the year. Ola Electric’s troubles were also linked to operational issues, including customer complaints related to service delays and inconsistent deliveries.
Meanwhile, Bhavish Aggarwal-run electric two-wheeler maker reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 418 crore in second quarter of the current financial year (Q2 FY26).
The revenue from operations of the firm also followed suit and dropped nearly 43 per cent year-on-year to Rs 690 crore in Q2, compared to Rs 1,214 crore in Q2 FY25.
In an earlier exchange filing, the firm said that “For the Auto segment, we expect lower volumes than the Q1 guidance as we continue to focus on margin and cash discipline in a hyper competitive market.
The stock of Ola Electric is also not performing well. Around 1:40 p.m., the company’s shares were down 3.34 per cent at Rs 34.97. Over the past five days, the stock had gained 1.36 per cent.
However, it was down 13.77 per cent over the last one month and had delivered a negative return of nearly 19 per cent in the past six months.
On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the shares were lower by 59.44 per cent, according to official data.
At the same time, established manufacturers with strong dealer networks and better after-sales support gained ground.
One of the REM trains – credit, Reece Martin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Cheap, efficient, new and exciting, Montreal’s new automated light rail transit system which recently opened is a major accomplishment for a country routinely criticized for its public transport.
Trains on the network are fully automated and driverless, and the stations are completely enclosed and climate controlled, built with light-colored, locally-sourced timber and glass.
Innovations from train systems around the world have been incorporated into the REM network design. Like in Japan, the train cars feature heated seats. Like in China, safety doors mounted on the platforms reduce injuries from not minding the gap. Like in Europe, the trains draw power from overhead wires.
However, the nature of Montreal’s climate has seen its designers adopt distinctly Quebecoise features, including gas-powered track heaters to prevent the switches from freezing solid, and reinforced arms meant to smash icy buildup along the overhead wires.
But more than the actual construction and design of the train, it was the planning and execution of its construction that make the REM really stand out among what Grescoe described as a sorry state of transportation among major Canadian cities.
Costing CAD$170 million per kilometer to build, REM is about 21.5-times cheaper than New York’s long-overdue Second Avenue Subway, 4-times cheaper than Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown light rail, and around 6-times cheaper than light rail systems being built in San Francisco and Los Angeles. REM is 5-times cheaper than a mere 5-station long extension of Montreal’s existing Blue Line underground.
The REM network, with the announced (solid line) and hinted (dotted line) route of the Taschereau REM added – credit CC 4.0.
CDPQ and CDP were financing the project with what in effect is Quebec’s social security system; cost overruns and failure, therefore, would be taken out of people’s retirement accounts. That might seem diabolical, but if the state is financing the project with tax money, public choice economics demonstrates that this introduces moral hazard into the financing equation—too many people have too few incentives to keep costs down.
CDPQ began the cost savings by utilizing infrastructure such as bridges, existing rights of way, and highways to lay track along. This included the Champlain Bridge over the Saint Lawrence River, which was built some years ago with an empty central corridor for future transit options. It also built through the Mont-Royal Tunnel, and covered other corridors with elevated viaducts.
This lack of tunneling, bridge-building, and eminent domaining-away properties in the path of the railway line has meant that costs stayed down—to be expected, as it was in CDPQ’s interest from the start.
CDPQ holds a 78% equity stake in the REM and will reap revenue from the service, paid out at the rate of 75 cents per kilometer per passenger, for 99 years. It was an investment by the pension plan for the future pensioners, and CDP expects to make 9% return-on-investment over the project’s life, which isn’t bad.Most pensions funds around the world own some amount of US 30-year Treasury Bills, which at current rates garner 4.82%. Autonomous Montreal Metro Completed with Massive Cost Savings–Sets Example for Canada
Maruti Suzuki's green push, unveils concept FUTURO-e, Greater Noida: A view of the BMW pavilion surrounded by visitors at the Auto Expo 2018 in Greater Noida on February 12, 2018. (IANS File Photo)
NEW DELHI, (IANS): Maruti Suzuki on Wednesday unveiled its concept electric vehicle 'FUTURO-e' at the Auto Expo 2020 here.
The concept model is an SUV coupe and a company statement said that the "futuristic electric coupe-style concept vehicle will bring a fresh global design perspective to the Indian landscape".
Speaking at the global premier of FUTURO-e, Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said: "The key highlight of the 15th edition of the Auto Expo is our resolve to bring greener technologies for mass adoption." Other major attractions of Maruti Suzuki at the expo would include an all new Vitara Brezza and a new IGNIS.
Vitara Brezza that debuted in Auto Expo 2016 will get a new look and the much awaited petrol BS6 engine in Auto Expo 2020.
"Redefining the premium compact SUV segment, the new IGNIS will be presented in an upgraded SUV-like smart design with enhanced toughness," the statement said.
The new IGNIS will come with a stylish new exterior design, state-of-the-art technology and a spacious cabin, it added.
New Delhi, (IANS): In a landmark achievement, the Jimny 5-door SUV has surpassed a cumulative export of 1 lakh units from India, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said on Thursday.
Jimny 5-door export journey began in 2023, shortly after the SUV made its debut in India. The SUV, manufactured exclusively in India, has been shipped across more than 100 countries, including Japan, Mexico, and Australia.
"Jimny 5-door’s entry in Japan in January 2025, under the name 'Jimny Nomade', sparked off an overwhelming response with orders crossing the 50,000 mark within days of introduction. This reflects Jimny’s strong resonance in one of the world’s most evolved and quality-conscious automobile markets," the company said.
According to Maruti Suzuki, the Jimny 5-door is built for performance, combining a ladder-frame chassis with Suzuki’s proven ALLGRIP PRO (4WD), offering superior off-road dynamics and stability.
Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, it embodies a balance of durability, simplicity and dependable performance, traits that appeal to both rugged terrain drivers and global customers attuned to quality and functionality.
“The Jimny has over half a century of heritage globally. Jimny 5-door crossing 1 lakh export mark is a proud achievement for Maruti Suzuki. We are deeply thankful to customers around the world for their trust in this acclaimed SUV," Maruti Suzuki India Limited Managing Director and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, said.
Jimny’s strong off-road DNA, reliable performance and uncompromising quality have earned admiration in over 100 countries, he added.
The Jimny, along with 16 other models exported by Maruti Suzuki, stands as a shining example of ‘Make in India for the World’.
The year-on-year rise in the company’s exports reflects the love and confidence of customers in our products and highlights India’s rise as a hub for world-class automobile manufacturing, Takeuchi said.
This achievement reinforces Maruti Suzuki’s robust and sustained export growth trajectory.
The White House recently announced it has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, and following significantly delayed checked bags, or failures to provide extra services when purchased.
“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them—without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”
The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the circumstances in which airlines must provide prompt refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund, which differed from airline to airline, making it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights.
Under the new rules, which will start going into effect within six months, passengers are entitled to a refund for:
Canceled or significantly changed flights:
Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or changes that result in less accessible or accommodating situations to a person with a disability.
Significantly delayed baggage return:
Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.
Extra services not provided:
Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.
The DOT’s (U.S. Department of Transportation) final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.
Refunds are required to be:
Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.
Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
In Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.
In the full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.
The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.
Happily, during 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.
However, in the event that an airline causes a significant delay or cancellation, thanks to pressure from the Biden-era DOT, all 10 major U.S. airlines now guarantee free rebooking and meals—and nine guarantee hotel accommodations. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to. Find the details displayed on a new web domain that links to DOT: flightrights.gov.
Getting rid of hidden fees
A second rule will require airlines and ticket agents to tell consumers upfront what fees they charge for checked bags, a carry-on bag, for changing a reservation, or cancelling a reservation. This ensures that consumers can avoid surprise fees when they purchase tickets from airlines or ticket agents, including both brick-and-mortar travel agencies or online travel agencies.
The rule will help consumers avoid unneeded or unexpected charges that can increase quickly and add significant cost to what may, at first, look like a cheap ticket.
Airlines must inform consumers that seats are guaranteed: To help consumers avoid unneeded ‘seat selection fees’, airlines and ticket agents must tell consumers that seats are guaranteed and that they are not required to pay extra. The new rule also prohibits airlines from advertising a promotional discount off a low base fare that does not include all mandatory carrier-imposed fees. LEARN all the details from DOT, here.There are different implementation periods in these final rules ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. New Rule Requires US Airlines to Give Automatic Refunds for Canceled or Delayed Flights and Late Baggage
New Delhi, (IANS): VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, on Thursday announced an investment of Rs 544 crore (about 576 million Swedish Krona) to set up a new factory for the production and final assembly of Volvo Group’s advanced 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) systems.
The greenfield facility will come up at the Vikram Udyogpuri Integrated Industrial Township near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
This new plant marks another milestone in the 18-year-long successful partnership between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, strengthening India’s position as a key manufacturing hub for the global automotive industry.
Sofia Frandberg, Chairperson of VE Commercial Vehicles and Senior Leader at Volvo Group, said that the new investment reflects the growing trust and synergy between the two partners.
“This investment represents another win-win collaboration with the Volvo Group and leverages the strong technical and industrial capabilities we have built over the past 18 years,” she said.
Siddhartha Lal, Chairman of Eicher Motors, said the initiative further strengthens the joint venture’s technological foundation.
“Since its inception in 2008, our partnership has consistently delivered advanced programmes. This new AMT project is built on trust and capability and marks another important step towards our vision of becoming a leading commercial vehicle player in India and other emerging markets,” he said.
Jens Holtinger, Executive Vice President of Group Trucks Technology and Volvo Group CTO, said the new AMT facility demonstrates the Volvo Group’s commitment to efficient and collaborative global manufacturing.
“VECV has become a core part of Volvo Group’s supply chain over the years, and this investment marks a new chapter in our successful relationship,” he said.
Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director and CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles, highlighted the transformative impact of the AMT technology on the Indian commercial vehicle industry.
“As the market moves towards higher-capacity vehicles, Eicher truck customers and drivers will benefit from Volvo Group’s world-class AMT technology, which enhances fuel efficiency, reduces driver fatigue, and improves productivity,” he said.
“It is the closest all of us passengers ever want to come to a plane crash,”
a Qantas flight QF1889’s passenger said after the plane suddenly descended about 20,000 feet on Monday September 22, and diverted back to Darwin.
The Embraer 190’s crew received a pressurisation warning, followed the procedures, and landed normally – but in the cabin, that rapid drop felt anything but normal.
The truth is, in-flight technical problems such as this one are part of flying. Pilots train extensively for them. Checklists contain detailed instructions on how to deal with each issue. Aircraft are built with layers of redundancy, and warning systems alert pilots to problems. It is because of these safety systems that the vast majority of flights that experience technical issues end with a safe arrival rather than tragic headlines.
Here are four scary-sounding failures you might hear about (or even experience) and how they are actually dealt with in the air.
1. Air-conditioning and pressurisation hiccups
What it is
At cruising altitudes (normally around 36,000 feet), aeroplane cabins are kept at a comfortable “cabin altitude” of 8,000 feet using air from the engines that is cooled through the air conditioner.
This artificial air pressure allows us to survive while the atmosphere outside the plane is highly hostile to human life, with temperatures around -55°C and no breathable air. However, if the system misbehaves or the cabin altitude starts to rise for whatever reason, crews treat it as a potential pressurisation problem and initiate the preventive procedures immediately.
What you might feel/see
A quick, controlled descent (it can feel dramatic), ears popping, and sometimes oxygen masks – these typically drop automatically only if the cabin altitude exceeds roughly 14,000 feet. Similar to QF1889, a rapid descent without masks being deployed is the most common outcome.
What pilots do
As soon as they notice a problem with the cabin pressurisation, the pilots put on their own oxygen masks, declare an emergency, and follow the emergency descent checklist, bringing the aircraft as quickly as possible to about 10,000 feet. This is usually followed by a diversion or return to the departure airport.
2. Most feared: engine failures
What it is
Twin-engine airliners are certified to fly safely on one engine. Yet, one-engine failures are treated seriously and thoroughly rehearsed in flight simulators at least annually.
Dual failures, however, are exceptionally rare. The 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson”, for example, was a once-in-a-generation bird strike event that led to both engines stopping. The plane safely landed on the Hudson River in New York with no casualties.
US Airways Flight 1549 after crashing into the Hudson River, January 15 2009. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
What you might feel/see
A loud bang, vibration, sparks coming out of the engine, smell of burning or a sudden quietening. This may result in a turn-back and an emergency services welcome. Recent headlines on engine failures – from a 737 in Sydney to a multiple bird-strike-related return in the United States ended with safe landings.
What pilots do
After being alerted by the warning system, pilots identify the affected engine and follow the checklist. The checklist typically requires them to shut down the problematic engine, descent to an appropriate altitude and divert if in cruise, or return to the departure airport if after takeoff.
Even when an engine failure damages other systems, crews are trained to manage cascades of warnings – as Qantas A380 flight QF32’s crew did in 2010, returning safely to Singapore.
3. Hydraulic trouble and flight controls
What it is
The many aeroplane flight controls move because of multiple hydraulic or electric systems. If one system misbehaves – for example the left wing aileron, which is used to turn the aircraft, won’t move – redundancy keeps the aeroplane flyable because the right wing aileron will still work.
Crews use specific checklists and adjust speeds, distances and landing configurations to ensure a safe return to the ground.
Ailerons are the hinged parts you can see at the end of the aeroplane wing. Stephan Hinni/Unsplash
What you might feel/see
A longer hold while the crew troubleshoots, a return to the departure airport or a faster-than-normal landing. In July, a regional Qantas flight to Melbourne made an emergency landing at Mildura after a hydraulics issue.
What pilots do
After the warning system’s detection, pilots run through a checklist, decide on the landing configuration, request the longest suitable runway and emergency services just in case.
All these resources are available because lessons learned from extreme events – such as United 232’s 1989 loss of all hydraulic systems – were brought into the design of modern aeroplanes and training programs.
4. Landing gear and brake system drama
What it is
Airliners have retractable landing gears that remain inside a compartment for most of the flight. Those are the wheels that come out of the aeroplane belly before landing. Assembled in the wheels are the brakes. They aim to reduce the aircraft speed after touchdown, like in a car.
With so many moving parts, sometimes the landing gear doesn’t extend or retract properly, or the braking system loses some effectiveness, such as the loss of a hydraulic system.
What you might feel/see
A precautionary return, cabin preparation for potential forced landing, or “brace for impact” instruction from the cabin crew right before landing can happen.
While scary, these are preventive measures if something doesn’t go as planned. Earlier this year, a Qantas flight returned to Brisbane after experiencing a problem with its landing gear; passengers were told to keep “heads down” while the aircraft landed safely.
What pilots do
They’ll use long checklists and eventually contact maintenance engineers to troubleshoot the problem. There are also redundancies available to lower the landing gear and to deploy the brakes.
In extreme cases, they may be required to land at the longest runway available (in case of brake problems) or land on the belly (if the landing gear can’t be lowered).
The big picture
Most in-flight failures trigger a chain of defences aimed at keeping the flight safe. Checklists, extensive training and decades of expertise are backed by multiple redundancies and robust design. And these flights typically end like QF1889 did: safely on the ground, with passengers a little shaken.
A dramatic descent or an urgent landing doesn’t mean disaster. It usually means the safety system (aircraft + crew + checklist + training + redundancy) is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.
New Delhi, (IANS): Mahindra and Mahindra on Friday launched the new 'Thar 2025' starting at Rs 9.99 Lakh (ex-showroom), with new design elements, advanced comfort features and smart technology integration for better urban commute.
"This Iconic SUV is engineered to redefine urban commuting and elevate rugged weekend adventures," the automobile manufacturer said in a statement.
The ‘Thar’ brand has garnered a dedicated community of over 3 lakh passionate owners.
More than just an SUV, it represents a lifestyle statement, inspiring to embrace adventure and exploration with unmatched capability and a timeless design, the company said.
The new model is equipped with a 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with Type-c USB ports, providing seamless integration of your smartphone's functionalities.
The tyre direction monitoring system gives real-time information on tyre orientation, enhancing safety.
"For adventure enthusiasts, the adventure stats gen II feature offers valuable off-road data such as racing tab, altimeter, outside temperature and pressure, trip meter and steering direction, adding an extra dimension to your journey and ensuring a smart and connected driving experience," Mahindra and Mahindra said.
Additionally, the company offers a range of engine options to suit diverse driving preferences paired with multiple transmissions -- 6-speed manual transmission, 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, in RWD as well as 4X4 configurations.
“Over the years, Thar has become more than just an SUV — it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle that resonates deeply with our customers. At Mahindra, we are committed to listening to our customers and evolving with their needs, which is why the New Thar reflects both their feedback and our dedication to provide the best to our customers," said Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
By blending new design elements, smart technology, enhanced comfort and convenience features, the New Thar offers an unparalleled driving experience that empowers our customers to explore limitless possibilities in both urban and off-road settings, he added.
The new model has features rear AC vents, ensuring passengers in the second row enjoy a comfortable drive, while the sliding armrest and dead pedal (AT) offer additional comfort for the driver.Door-mounted power windows and a rear-view camera provide ease of driving, and the internally operated fuel lid ensures hassle-free refuelling, the company said. Mahindra and Mahindra launches new Thar 2025, price starts at Rs 9.99 lakh | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
New Delhi, (IANS): India’s aviation industry remains resilient despite operational challenges as domestic passenger traffic increased 0.3 per cent in August (year-on-year), a report said on Friday.
Credit rating agency ICRA gave a stable outlook for the sector, driven by expectations of a modest 4 to 6 per cent growth in domestic air passenger traffic in FY2026, the report said.
Analysts indicated that reduced ATF costs and strong yields will help airlines in managing short-term challenges, despite ongoing supply-chain and engine failure issues.
For August 2025, domestic air passenger traffic stood at 131.7 lakh against 131.3 lakh in August 2024, implying a 0.3 per cent YoY increase, the report said. On a sequential basis, domestic air passenger traffic in August 2025 was higher by 4.5 per cent.
For the five months of FY2026, domestic air passenger traffic was 677.5 lakh, reflecting a YoY growth of 2.2 per cent, the report noted.
In FY2025, domestic traffic reached approximately 1,653.8 lakh, marking a 7.6 per cent increase. Further, international passenger traffic for Indian carriers rose by 14.1 per cent to 338.6 lakh.
ICRA revised international passenger traffic growth expectations to 13–15 per cent for this fiscal, from an earlier 15–20 per cent, citing cross‑border tensions and travel hesitancy following the recent air accident tragedy. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices in September 2025 were lower by around 1.4 per cent on a sequential basis.
Engine failures and supply-chain disruptions have grounded a significant portion of fleets, increasing costs through wet leases and maintenance.
New Delhi, September 3 (IANS): India’s automobile industry showed 2.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in retail sales in August, with robust performance in the two-wheeler segment, a report said on Wednesday.
Two-wheeler manufacturers increased sales by 2.1 per cent primarily through exports and festive-season inventory buildup on the part of dealers, a report from Choice Institutional Equities said.
Passenger vehicle sales improved marginally by 0.8 per cent, led by a healthy demand for the SUV segment. The three-wheeler sales declined by 2.3 per cent YoY as consumers moved towards electric vehicles.
Eicher Motors reported a 54.8 per cent increase in two-wheeler sales year-on-year, while TVS Motor saw a 30.1 per cent rise, driven by strong demand for premium motorcycles.
Hero MotoCorp increased by 8.1 per cent due to rural recovery, while Bajaj Auto saw a 5.0 per cent rise, supported by a 28.6 per cent surge.
The PV segment sales in the domestic market slowed as dealers kept lean inventories in anticipation of GST rate changes. The segment also saw increased CNG penetration, the report said.
Mahindra & Mahindra reported a 9 per cent year-over-year decline in domestic dispatches. Maruti Suzuki saw a 0.6 per cent drop but was supported by strong exports.
Commercial vehicle sales increased by 8.0 per cent, while tractor sales rose by 29.7 per cent due to rural demand. CV inventory, led by Ashok Leyland, showed a decline, easing dealer pressure after a subdued year, the report noted.
New Delhi, (IANS): India’s auto sector saw two big launches on Wednesday as Maruti Suzuki introduced its all-new SUV, the Victoris, while Tata Motors unveiled the LPT 812, a new truck in the intermediate, light and medium commercial vehicles (ILMCV) category.
Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris, pitched as an SUV that has “Got it all”, is aimed at young Indian buyers who seek technology, comfort, safety, and performance in one package.
The SUV comes with multiple powertrain options including Strong Hybrid with EV mode, ALLGRIP Select (4x4), the 1.5 litre K15C petrol engine with Smart Hybrid, and S-CNG with a segment-first underbody fuel tank design.
The Victoris also packs several new-age features such as a 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X infotainment system with built-in apps and Alexa Auto voice assistant, a premium 8-speaker Infinity sound system with Dolby Atmos, smart powered tailgate with gesture control, and 64-colour ambient lighting.
On the safety front, it offers Level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags, and a 360-degree HD camera with 11 views. Bookings for the SUV have opened at Rs 11,000.
On the same day, Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, launched the all-new Tata LPT 812 truck.
Positioned as a category-defining product in the ILMCV segment, the vehicle is India’s first 4-tyre truck with a 5-tonne rated payload.
Built on Tata’s proven LPT platform, it offers the ruggedness of a 6-tyre truck with the efficiency and agility of a 4-tyre model.
Powered by the 4SPCR diesel engine, the LPT 812 delivers 125hp and 360Nm torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
It promises superior fuel efficiency, smooth gearshifts with a booster-assisted clutch, and lower maintenance costs.
Safety features include full S-Cam air brakes and heavy-duty radial tyres, while comfort is enhanced with parabolic front suspension, tilt-and-telescopic power steering, and factory-fitted air-conditioning.Backed by a 3-year/3 lakh km warranty and supported by Tata Motors’ 3,200-plus service touchpoints, the LPT 812 is targeted at fleet owners looking for reliability, lower total cost of ownership, and long-term value. Maruti Suzuki rolls out premium SUV Victoris, Tata Motors unveils LPT 812 truck | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
By Hanson Lu
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