The Tayron is a sizeable 5-seater, measuring 4,792 mm in length with a 2,789 mm wheelbase. It offers an impressive 885 litres of boot space, which can be expanded to 2,090 litres with the rear seats folded—making it a practical choice for long trips.

On the outside, the Life trim gets connected LED headlamps and tail-lamps, 18-inch ‘Bologna’ alloy wheels, and illuminated VW badges. Subtle touches like projection lighting from the ORVMs and lit door handle recesses add a premium feel.

Step inside, and the cabin is loaded with tech. A 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay takes centre stage, alongside a 10.24-inch digital instrument cluster. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also gets paddle shifters for a more engaging drive.

Comfort features include 3-zone climate control, 12-way adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a flexible second row with sliding and recline functions.

Powering the Tayron is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 201 bhp and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Safety is well covered too, with Level 2 ADAS, nine airbags, ESC, hill assist systems, and more. The Tayron Life is available in multiple colour options, catering to a wide range of preferences.

The achievement highlights Renault’s aggressive push into electrification. Since 2021, the company has invested €13 billion in EV manufacturing across France, with another €13 billion planned under its futuREady strategy.

At the centre of this expansion is the Electricity hub, spread across Douai and Maubeuge. In just five years, it has evolved into one of Europe’s key EV production bases. The recently introduced Renault 5 E-Tech electric has played a major role here, crossing 100,000 units by the end of 2025. Production is expected to exceed 200,000 units soon.

Interestingly, the facility’s scope now goes beyond Renault-branded cars. It also supports production for Alpine, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, with Ford models set to join the line-up in the future. This multi-brand approach is helping Renault scale operations while attracting global manufacturing opportunities.

The group’s French operations currently employ around 39,000 people directly, with an additional 35,000 jobs supported through its supplier network. Expansion of the Electricity hub has also created 700 new permanent roles between 2022 and 2025, with more hiring planned in the coming years.

At its core is the familiar 149cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, now engineered to run on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E85. This flexibility aligns with India’s growing focus on alternative fuels, while retaining the performance and reliability the FZ series is known for. The engine produces 8.6 kW of power and 12.8 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 5-speed gearbox.

Visually, the FZ Blue Flex stays true to its sporty roots. It features a full-LED projector headlamp with integrated position lights, a muscular fuel tank with aerodynamic touches, and a compact exhaust. A single-piece seat and sharp LED tail lamp round off its modern design.

The bike rides on telescopic front forks and a rear swingarm setup, offering stable and predictable handling. Safety is taken care of by ABS, ensuring confident braking across varied riding conditions.

The FZ Blue Flex will be offered in a Metallic Black shade and will be available through select Blue Square dealerships across key states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

Operating in the demanding Boké region, these trucks run around the clock, transporting bauxite from mines to port facilities. The conditions are tough, and the workload is relentless—each vehicle covers more than 190,000 km annually. Combined, the fleet has clocked over 66 million kilometres, underlining the scale of operations.

Keeping this massive fleet running smoothly is no small task. Over 150 in-house mechanics work in rotating shifts, supported by a dedicated spare parts inventory managed in coordination with Renault Trucks. This ensures high uptime despite the harsh terrain and heavy-duty usage.

Technology plays a key role as well. Monthly analysis of telematics data helps optimise fuel efficiency and operational cycles. Insights gathered from real-world usage have even influenced Renault Trucks’ product development, with certain upgrades first tested in Guinea before being applied globally.

Training remains a core focus. Regular programmes for drivers and mechanics are complemented by specialist visits that emphasise eco-driving and safety practices.

This long-term partnership highlights a shift in the commercial vehicle industry. Beyond just selling trucks, manufacturers are now deeply involved in fleet operations—offering integrated support, ensuring uptime, and continuously improving performance in some of the world’s toughest environments.

The Vietnamese automaker is working closely with AI specialist Autobrains to bring this vision to life. The partnership focuses on two parallel goals—upgrading ADAS features on current production models, and building a future-ready concept known as the Robo-Car.

At the heart of the Robo-Car system is a camera-based approach. It uses seven production-grade cameras paired with a compact, high-performance computing unit capable of handling around 20 trillion operations per second. Interestingly, VinFast is skipping expensive hardware like LiDAR and high-definition maps. Instead, it relies on Autobrains’ Agentic AI and Air-to-Road localisation, which blends real-time camera input with satellite data to understand surroundings.

VinFast’s current EV lineup already offers Level 2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, automatic emergency braking, and intelligent speed assist. The new architecture aims to build on this foundation while keeping costs in check for wider scalability.

Testing of the Robo-Car platform is currently taking place in controlled zones in Hanoi, with plans to expand trials to larger cities and eventually global markets.

Rather than chasing headline-grabbing autonomy claims, VinFast’s approach is methodical. Each step is being validated through real-world testing, ensuring safety and reliability before broader deployment.

To earn this top distinction, vehicles must perform strongly across a series of rigorous tests. These include moderate overlap front, small overlap front, and side crash evaluations, all of which require a ‘Good’ rating. In addition, cars must offer effective headlights across all variants and score well in pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention tests, with these safety systems fitted as standard.

Among the winners, both the Audi A6 and Mazda CX-5 are all-new for 2026. The CX-5, in particular, marks a significant improvement, addressing shortcomings seen in the previous model’s crash prevention performance. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, evaluated separately due to structural differences, also secured the top rating, while the BMW X1 qualified after completing additional crash testing.

Not all models fared as well. The Cadillac CT5, tested in the same batch, received poor ratings in key crash categories, including moderate overlap front and side impacts, along with a weak showing in crash prevention. Other vehicles, such as the Lexus IS and Nissan Kicks, had incomplete or limited test results in this round.

With safety standards becoming increasingly stringent, the latest IIHS results highlight which models are setting the benchmark—and which still have ground to cover.

The SUV will be offered in both rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor configurations. The single-motor variant is expected to deliver a WLTP range of up to 630 km, while the dual-motor setup pushes output to an impressive 544 hp. Both versions benefit from a retuned chassis, ensuring the driving experience remains sharp despite the added versatility.

Under the skin, the SUV shares the same 400V electrical architecture as the standard Polestar 4. Production will take place at the company’s facility in Busan, South Korea, reinforcing its global manufacturing footprint.

Rather than introducing an entirely new model, Polestar has chosen to expand the appeal of its best-selling product. The SUV variant focuses on increased practicality, offering more storage space and everyday usability compared to the sleeker coupé design.

This strategy allows the brand to maximise an already successful platform while catering to a broader audience. Buyers looking for a balance between performance and utility now have a more flexible option within the Polestar 4 lineup—without the need for an all-new nameplate.

Inside, the CX-6e leans heavily on tech. A massive 26-inch dual split touchscreen dominates the dashboard, complemented by a head-up display that projects key information like speed, navigation, and safety alerts onto the windscreen. The system supports voice commands in nine languages and even gesture control, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Audio is equally impressive, with a 23-speaker sound system that includes headrest-mounted speakers for front occupants. This allows for private calls and navigation prompts without disturbing passengers in the rear. Speaking of the back seat, occupants get their own touchscreen to control climate settings, the sunshade, and even adjust the front passenger seat.

Mazda has equipped the CX-6e with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features as standard. These include smart braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Safety is further enhanced with child presence detection and nine airbags.

Two companion mobile apps add convenience, enabling Bluetooth key sharing for up to three users and seamless access to public charging networks across Europe. Details on right-hand-drive versions are expected to be announced at a later stage.

The collaboration, which began in 2019, has steadily expanded across multiple European markets. It now spans Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Spain, reflecting the growing demand for reliable emergency response vehicles.

At the centre of this agreement is the MAN TGE van, which serves as the base platform for ambulance and rescue vehicle conversions. Once delivered, specialised bodybuilders in each country handle the transformation into fully equipped emergency units tailored to local requirements.

MAN’s strong presence in this segment is particularly evident in Spain, where MAN Truck & Bus Iberia recorded sales of over 335 ambulance units in 2025 alone. This success has been supported by close cooperation with four domestic body manufacturers, ensuring faster turnaround times and market-specific customisation.

At its core is an aggressive tread pattern with increased depth and a high void ratio. This setup allows the tyre to dig into loose surfaces like sand and gravel while maintaining grip across changing terrain. Reinforced tread blocks and deeper biting edges improve stability, especially on uneven surfaces.

On regular roads, the CrossContact A/T2 adapts to deliver better control. Its tread design helps reduce wheel slip on both wet and dry asphalt, making it suitable for everyday use as well. Continental has also strengthened the sidewalls and off-shoulder areas to better resist cuts and impacts, while the rigid tread layout lowers the risk of punctures.

The tyre uses a specialised compound tailored for 4x4 applications, ensuring it remains flexible even in colder conditions. Additionally, self-cleaning tread elements help prevent mud and debris build-up during off-road runs.

The CrossContact A/T2 will initially be available in nine sizes, catering to 15 to 17-inch rims. With this launch, Continental is clearly targeting drivers who want one tyre that can do it all—whether it’s city roads, highways, or the occasional off-road adventure.

The electric offering is expected to be the upcoming Syros EV. Likely built on the K1 platform, this compact electric SUV could be offered with two battery pack options—42 kWh and 49 kWh. Claimed range figures are expected to sit around 300 km and 355 km respectively, making it a practical urban and semi-urban EV option.

Alongside it, Kia is also preparing a new flagship SUV for India, believed to be based on the global Sorento. This model is expected to arrive with a hybrid powertrain, potentially featuring a new 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid setup tailored for Indian conditions.

Positioned at the top of Kia’s lineup, the hybrid SUV will go up against established rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron R-Line, and Toyota Fortuner. It’s likely to focus on a mix of performance, efficiency, and premium features to carve its space in the segment.

While the teaser keeps things vague, it clearly signals Kia’s intent to strengthen its electrified portfolio in India. With both EV and hybrid options on the horizon, the brand seems ready to cater to a wider range of buyers looking to make the shift toward cleaner mobility.

Interestingly, the YZF-R2 is said to be designed and developed in India, highlighting Yamaha’s growing focus on the local market. Production will take place at the brand’s Chennai facility, with the bike also earmarked for export to global markets.

Under the fairing, the R2 is expected to feature a new single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. While exact specifications are yet to be confirmed, it should offer a noticeable bump in performance over the R15’s 155cc motor, which produces 18 BHP and 14.2 Nm. This added punch could make the R2 a more serious option for enthusiasts stepping up from smaller displacement bikes.

On the features front, Yamaha is likely to pack in a modern electronics suite. Expect a TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, along with riding modes, cruise control, dual-channel ABS, and a bi-directional quickshifter—features typically seen on higher-capacity machines.

If priced competitively, the YZF-R2 could hit the sweet spot for riders looking for a sharper, more powerful supersport without jumping into the bigger, more expensive categories. All eyes now turn to August 27 for the official reveal.

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Spread across 800 acres, the plant represents an investment of around ₹35,000 crore. It begins operations with an annual production capacity of 5 lakh units, but the long-term vision is far bigger. Once fully scaled, the Kharkhoda facility is expected to produce up to 10 lakh vehicles annually, making it one of the largest car manufacturing plants in the world.

This new site plays a crucial role in Maruti Suzuki’s ambition to reach a total production capacity of four million units. It is also expected to generate over 21,000 jobs, boosting the local economy significantly.

Built on Suzuki’s ‘Smart Factory’ philosophy, the facility integrates advanced manufacturing practices aligned with Industry 5.0. Collaborative robots work alongside human operators, improving efficiency while maintaining flexibility on the production line.

Sustainability is another key focus. The plant runs entirely on renewable energy, supported by a 20 MW solar setup that will expand to 70 MW by 2030. It also incorporates green energy procurement, a biogas plant, and battery storage systems. Additionally, the facility follows a zero liquid discharge policy, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The move marks a shift away from the traditional importer-led model, as MG continues to bring key markets under direct control. Switzerland now joins a growing list of European regions where the brand is managing operations independently, allowing tighter oversight of retail networks and customer experience.

With this transition, MG gains direct control over dealer partnerships, pricing strategies, and aftersales standards in the country. The aim is clear—deliver a more consistent and premium ownership experience while strengthening brand presence.

MG’s momentum in Europe has been building steadily. Earlier this year, the company celebrated delivering its one millionth vehicle in the region. Today, it operates across 34 markets with over 1,300 dealer partners. The brand’s European comeback began in 2011 with its re-entry through the UK, led by the MG6 sedan.

Beyond market expansion, MG is also investing in technology and development. The company has established a European Engineering Centre and introduced new innovations like SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technologies as part of its broader regional strategy.

Supporting the team behind the scenes was the Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck, handling race logistics with zero tailpipe emissions. Already in operation across five European countries, the 175-strong fleet has collectively clocked over 21.8 million kilometres, underlining its real-world viability.

Inside the pit lane, Hyundai introduced its X-ble Shoulder wearable robots. Designed by the Group’s Robotics Lab, these assistive devices reduce shoulder strain by up to 60 percent and cut muscle load significantly, helping crew members manage tyres and heavy equipment more efficiently during intense race conditions.

Adding a futuristic twist to the paddock was the Genesis Box Buggy Concept, making its global debut as a VIP shuttle. Built on Hyundai Mobis’ advanced e-Corner platform, the compact EV features independent steer-by-wire at each wheel. The result? It can move sideways and even spin 360 degrees on the spot—perfect for tight spaces.

This facelift is being described as the most extensive update the company has undertaken, with the same tech suite set to expand across nearly 40 models by the end of 2027. At the heart of it lies a new centralised electronics and software architecture, designed to streamline vehicle systems and improve overall performance.

Leading the charge is the all-electric i7 60 xDrive, now equipped with sixth-generation battery cells. It delivers a claimed WLTP range of up to 727 km, while a 10 to 80 percent charge can be completed in roughly 28 minutes. Inside, the BMW Panoramic iDrive takes centre stage, paired with the new Symbiotic Drive system that integrates driver assistance features more seamlessly than before.

BMW has also pushed boundaries in manufacturing. A newly developed dual-finish paint technique combines matte and high-gloss surfaces on a single body—something the brand claims is an industry first after over two years of development.

Each unit takes over 4,500 minutes to build, with nearly half of that involving manual craftsmanship. Customers can choose from more than 500 exterior colours and around 700 interior combinations, underlining the luxury sedan’s bespoke appeal.

Built for heavy-duty applications, these trucks promise a payload advantage of up to four tonnes over conventional setups. But the real highlight is the air suspension system at the rear, which not only improves ride quality but is also maintenance-free. Reduced vibration levels and better tyre life further add to the efficiency equation, making them more cost-effective for long-haul operators.

The range includes the AVTR 4525 (8x2), AVTR 4625 (10x2), and AVTR 4925 (10x2), each offered in both cowl and cabin configurations. Multiple loading span options ensure flexibility across different freight requirements, from bulk cargo to long-distance logistics.

Ashok Leyland has also equipped the trucks with intelligent vehicle acceleration control (iVAC) and automatic traction control (ATC) as standard. These systems help optimise performance while enhancing safety, especially under varying load and road conditions.

The idea is simple—use real-world data collected from vehicles instead of relying solely on manual inspections. With modern cars acting as rolling sensors, authorities can get a clearer and more frequent picture of road conditions at a much larger scale.

In Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, the data is being used to build a comprehensive digital traffic sign registry. This open-source system is expected to cover all types of road signs, reducing the need for on-site surveys while improving traffic management accuracy.

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services has been selected as an innovation partner for the second phase of the Dutch Road Monitor (ROMO) programme. Running from 2026 to 2029, the initiative will monitor around 130,000 km of roads in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and its National Road Traffic Data Portal.