“The road to clean mobility isn’t just electric—it’s electrifying,” quipped the Minister, showcasing the government’s roadmap of schemes like PM e-Drive and FAME-II, which aim to turn India from an internal combustion culture to an e-motion nation.

Malhotra, who could give a TED Talk titled From Highways to High Voltage, highlighted that India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, is on track to become a global EV powerhouse. “Our logistics parks are no longer just about roads and rails—they’re about renewable energy, EV charging bays, and emissions so low, even Mother Nature might blush,” he said, clearly in pole position on the sustainability circuit.

He went on to emphasize that electric mobility isn’t just about switching fuels—it’s about securing the nation’s climate goals, economic future, and energy independence. “This isn’t just a transition; it’s a revolution. And yes, it’s going to be locally sourced and globally admired,” he declared, nudging stakeholders toward serious R&D, local manufacturing, and circular solutions like battery reuse and recycling—aka, the full chakravyuh of clean tech.

The Minister didn’t miss the opportunity to plug the big picture, stating that India is revving toward its 500GW renewable energy target by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070, a vision laid out by PM Narendra Modi that’s ambitious enough to make even Elon Musk nod in approval.

As the event kicked off among battery buffs, policy pundits, and EV evangelists, one thing was crystal clear: India’s electric future isn’t just coming—it’s charging toward us at full wattage. And if today’s session was anything to go by, Harsh Malhotra might just be the new poster boy for clean volts and visionary vaults.

Buckle up, India. The future is electric. And it just got a high-voltage blessing.

The post MoS Harsh Malhotra Supercharges India’s EV Ambitions at Energy Storage Week 2025 appeared first on NamasteCar.

But wait, there’s more torque in the tale.

While most of us are still figuring out how to spell “hyper-personalisation,” Mercedes has already delivered it—wrapped in Nappa leather, topped with a three-pointed star, and, if you’re lucky, electrified. The top-end luxury and BEV segments are firing on all cylinders (and battery packs), with the EQS Maybach, G 580 with EQ tech, and AMG rockets leading the charge. If luxury were a playlist, Mercedes is running the Top 40.

GLS Goes Beast Mode with AMG Line

Just when you thought the road presence of the GLS couldn’t be any more… present, Mercedes dropped the GLS AMG Line—a luxury SUV that’s clearly been eating its protein. Priced at ₹1.4 crore (GLS 450) and ₹1.43 crore (GLS 450d), this hulking charmer now features AMG design cues that shout “move over” louder than a Delhi traffic cop with a megaphone.

With over 16,000 GLS SUVs already prowling Indian roads, the new AMG Line edition gets meaner styling, 21-inch wheels, blacked-out Night Package accessories, and floor mats so classy, your shoes might need to RSVP.

Inside? Think “boardroom meets Batmobile”—with AMG pedals, a multifunction Nappa leather steering wheel, and a braking system that could probably stop time (or at least your speeding ticket).

Top-End Takes Top Spot

The biggest brag of the quarter? Mercedes’ Top-End Luxury segment grew by 20%, thanks to insatiable demand for the S-Class, EQS SUV, AMG G 63, and the stealthily savage EQS Maybach Night Series. In fact, if you’re looking to get your hands on one, you’ll need to wait—just like the rest of us mortals. Current waiting periods stretch up to 6 months, presumably giving customers enough time to pick a monogram font for their headrests.

Meanwhile, in the Core segment, the C-Class, E-Class LWB, GLC, and GLE SUVs continued to rake in love—and EMIs. The E-Class LWB, in particular, remains India’s highest-selling luxury sedan. (Fun fact: If you line up all the E-Class LWB cars sold, you’d probably still be stuck in Gurgaon traffic.)

Electrifying Growth: BEVs Surge 157%

Mercedes’ battery-powered dreams are now a serious reality. The brand saw a whopping 157% growth in BEV sales, with electric models contributing 8% to overall volume. Customers are increasingly choosing volts over V8s—though in Mercedes’ case, you can have both (because why not).

As Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, rightly put it: “We’re not just selling cars, we’re delivering desire on wheels.” And clearly, customers are responding with gusto—and chequebooks.

FY 25-26 has just begun, and Mercedes-Benz India is already in launch mode. So whether you’re eyeing a G 580 that hums or a GLS that growls, rest assured—the star is rising. And it’s doing it in style.

The post Mercedes-Benz India Hits Top Gear with Record Sales and a Meaner GLS AMG Line at INR 1.4 Crore appeared first on NamasteCar.

Mazda Motor Corporation has officially lifted the curtain on the all-new Mazda CX-5, bringing fresh energy, new tech, and a generous dose of “emotional daily comfort” to Europe. Unveiled on July 10, 2025, the beloved crossover SUV has entered its third generation and is determined to turn every grocery run into a “Soul of Motion” moment.

Originally launched in 2012 as the pioneer of Mazda’s Kodo design language and Skyactiv technology, the CX-5 has since sold over 4.5 million units across 100+ countries — which, in SUV years, is the equivalent of achieving rockstar status and aging like a fine sake.

New Generation, Same Old Soul (but smoother, quieter, smarter)

The development philosophy for the new CX-5 is what Mazda calls “New Generation Emotional Daily Comfort”, which roughly translates to: “It hugs corners, your kids, and your coffee cup with equal grace.”

Yes, the Soul of Motion design gets sharper, the Jinba-Ittai driving experience gets tighter, and the interior? Oh, it’s more elegant than your living room (unless your living room has ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a Human-Machine Interface that knows your playlist better than you do).

From Daycare Drops to Autobahn Zips: A CX-5 for Every Mood

Whether it’s leisure, errands, or rescuing friends stranded without Bluetooth, the new CX-5 is here to elevate the mundane. Mazda’s latest ADAS tech keeps things safe, the updated HMI keeps things intuitive, and the new connected apps might just keep your kids quiet in the backseat — though no guarantees there.

Europe Gets It First (Lucky!), the World Follows in 2026

European customers can expect the new CX-5 to land in showrooms by end-2025, with global rollouts planned for 2026. Meanwhile, the rest of the world will look on in envy as drivers in Berlin, Bordeaux, and Bologna begin bonding with their CX-5s in that uniquely Mazda way — part driver, part dancer, part tech-savvy therapist.

Mazda didn’t just redesign an SUV — they reimagined your daily routine with poise, passion, and a sprinkle of “do I really need to get out of the car?”

Because in the all-new CX-5, even traffic jams feel like a lifestyle choice.

The post All-New Mazda CX-5 Arrives in Europe to Rekindle Your Daily Drive with Soul, Sass, and Smart Tech appeared first on NamasteCar.

Rayong, Thailand — What do you get when you mix Chinese innovation, Thai hospitality, 90,000 electric vehicles, and a car named SEAL 5? You get BYD’s electrifying one-year anniversary party in Rayong—where clean mobility met cultural diplomacy and rolled right off the production line.

In a celebration that was part award ceremony, part automotive TED Talk, and part “Thai-Chinese friendship fest,” BYD Auto (Thailand) Co., Ltd. hosted the grand “90,000th New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Delivery and First Anniversary Ceremony” at its glistening Rayong Factory.

Dignitaries flocked to the event like it was the season finale of an EV reality show. Gracing the occasion were Narit Therdsteerasukdi from the Board of Investment, Dr. Sumet Tangprasert from IEAT, and Rayong’s very own Deputy Governor Kalchai Thepaworachai. Of course, the man of the moment—Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD—was also in the house, likely calculating how many more NEVs Thailand can handle before it runs out of parking spaces.

The Milestone Machine Rolls On

BYD officially delivered its 90,000th NEV in Thailand, a shiny Denza D9, to none other than Ms. Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand. The gesture wasn’t just about horsepower—it was about heart. The delivery was described as a symbol of Thai-Chinese cultural synergy, though we suspect Ms. Lamsam was equally thrilled about the D9’s VIP lounge-like rear seats.

If that wasn’t enough to spark applause, BYD also rolled out the first-ever Thailand-assembled BYD SEAL 5—a sleek, electrified stunner that’s now ready to charm the streets of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond. Think of it as a love letter on wheels, from Rayong to the rest of Southeast Asia.

EV-angelism, With a Local Flavor

As Dr. Somruedee Tanphairoj, speaking on behalf of the Thai Prime Minister, put it—BYD’s plant isn’t just a factory, it’s a national blueprint for EV success. “Exemplary success,” she called it. And with over 6,100 local employees (90% of the plant’s workforce), BYD is putting its money—and motors—where its mouth is.

Liu Xueliang, BYD’s Asia-Pacific GM, struck a harmonious note too. “In just three years, we’ve combined tech, service, social contribution, and culture. BYD isn’t just making cars; we’re charging up communities,” he said. That includes everything from disaster relief using the ATTO 3 to hosting inter-cultural EV tea parties (we made that last part up—but it wouldn’t surprise us).

Thailand: BYD’s Green Springboard

With full-process localized production humming along at 150,000 units per year, the Rayong factory is no longer just an assembly plant—it’s a global strategy hub with fast-charging ambition. BYD’s “globalization + localization” master plan is hitting top gear, and Thailand is the lucky launchpad.

And with the SEAL 5 now in the mix, BYD’s EV lineup in Thailand ranges from everyday eco-runners to premium people-movers. Whether you’re commuting in the city or chasing waterfalls in Chiang Rai, BYD wants to plug you in—and keep you smiling.

The Road Ahead: Electrified, Localized, and Slightly Celebritized

From its humble first delivery to a star-studded milestone, BYD Thailand has shown that electric mobility doesn’t have to be clinical or corporate—it can be fun, friendly, and culturally fluent.

So what’s next for the Chinese EV juggernaut in the Land of Smiles? More models, more milestones, and perhaps another Denza for a local cricket captain.

Because in Thailand, BYD isn’t just Building Your Dreams—it’s also building bridges, one kilowatt at a time.

The post BYD Hits Thai Note: 90,000 EVs, One Big Family, and a SEAL of Approval appeared first on NamasteCar.

Bentley Motors has shifted gears for a smoother, smarter, and far more Indian ride. In a move that blends British elegance with German efficiency and Indian execution, Bentley has officially partnered with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) to drive its operations in India under a new division called Bentley India.

Effective 1 July 2025, Bentley’s sales, marketing, and aftersales will be powered by SAVWIPL, headquartered at Chakan, Pune — a location more accustomed to turbocharged hatchbacks than hand-stitched leather interiors and wood veneers sourced from 200-year-old trees. But times are changing, and apparently, so are postal codes for luxury.

Spearheading this ultra-luxury crusade will be Abbey Thomas, appointed Brand Director, Bentley India — a man now tasked with ensuring that India’s billionaires don’t have to look abroad for their Bentaygas and Flying Spurs. The brand’s new retail push will begin with dealership appointments in Bengaluru and Mumbai, followed shortly by New Delhi — because where else does one park a Bentley if not at Lutyens’?

“India is one of the world’s most dynamic economies,” said Richard Leopold, Regional Director, EMEA at Bentley Motors. “And also one of the few places where your neighbour might own a private jet, a palace, and still haggle over toll fees. We’re thrilled to deepen our footprint in such an eclectic market.”

For more than two decades, Bentley has charmed India’s automotive aristocracy. But now, Bentley India under SAVWIPL aims to make that relationship official — with a showroom, a chai, and possibly, a customer who asks if the massage seats can do “shirodhara.”

With this new structure, Bentley becomes more accessible (to those who’ve never checked their account balance) and more focused on the Indian customer who demands both opulence and on-time delivery.

The post Bentley Parks in India’s Fast Lane—Now Handled by SAVWIPL, Not Just Valets appeared first on NamasteCar.

Chennai: In a move that’s part science, part sustainability, and 100% futuristic, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), IIT Madras, and Guidance Tamil Nadu have officially revealed the architectural design of the upcoming Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre—a hydrogen R&D temple disguised as a tech lab, coming soon to the Discovery Satellite Campus of IIT Madras at Thaiyur.

Announced with ministerial pomp and scientific precision, this 65,000 sq. ft. facility is not just a hydrogen hub—it’s a think tank, a testbed, and a talent factory rolled into one. The ₹180 crore initiative includes a generous ₹100 crore from Hyundai and its CSR wing Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF). In case you’re wondering: yes, it’s green, clean, and smells like the future (if hydrogen had a smell, that is).

Presiding over the unveiling, T.R.B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce, got right to the point:
“What Hyundai and IIT Madras are creating isn’t just a research centre—it’s a launchpad for India’s hydrogen ambitions.”

Hyundai’s top brass echoed the excitement. Unsoo Kim, MD of HMIL, declared:
“Hydrogen isn’t just a fuel—it’s a mission. And we’re proud to co-pilot India’s journey towards a hydrogen-powered future, right from the southern powerhouse of Tamil Nadu.”

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, brought in the academic muscle, stating,
“This Centre will accelerate India’s race to Net Zero and make Atmanirbhar Bharat a reality in the hydrogen domain.”

The HTWO Innovation Centre (yes, pronounced “H-two”) isn’t just about pretty renderings and ribbon cuttings. Once operational by 2026, it’ll boast:

• High-tech computational labs
• Digital twins of hydrogen infrastructure (the Matrix, but for fuel cells)
• Customized test rigs and fabrication zones
• Containerised pilot demonstrators ready to scale up faster than an engineering student before exams

Set firmly within India’s broader ambitions of energy independence by 2047 and Net Zero by 2070, the centre aims to build not just prototypes but a full-blown hydrogen ecosystem—a bold bet on the smallest element solving some of the world’s biggest problems.

Also in attendance were dignitaries from Korea, top scientists from CSIR-NCL, key faculty from IIT Madras, and industry stakeholders—all united by a single molecule with zero carbon and infinite possibilities.

So, whether it’s fueling a car, powering a grid, or making India the next hydrogen powerhouse—HTWO is now officially HT-Wow.

The post Hydrogen Goes to IIT: Hyundai and Madras IIT Join Forces to Cook Up Green Fuel Magic in a ₹180 Cr Lab of the Future appeared first on NamasteCar.

In a high-octane session that was part TED Talk, part townhall, and entirely forward-looking, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, declared that “Building roads is no longer a contractor’s job—it’s a scientist’s mission.”

Speaking at a knowledge exchange forum with IIT Delhi, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Delhi, and industry partners, Tamta laid down an audacious roadmap for the nation’s infrastructure future, one that includes innovation labs, PiFi-powered buses, and corridors that think smarter than your phone.

“We’re not just building roads—we’re building national arteries of growth that must flow with safety, sustainability, and smart thinking,” Tamta said, with the kind of conviction usually reserved for space missions and cricket finals.

From Reactive to Proactive – And Then Some

Citing the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047, the Minister emphasized the shift from traditional road construction to proactive, innovation-led planning. “A road project is not just an engineering contract—it’s a nation-building tool,” he remarked, before highlighting how context-sensitive, localised designs can solve chronic issues like:

• Land acquisition logjams
• Urban traffic migraines
• The ‘last-mile connectivity’ that feels like a marathon
• Budget overruns that would make even Bollywood jealous

Enter: PiFi, CoEs, and Indianised Design Thinking

Among the futuristic concepts discussed was “PiFi” – Private Internet Fidelity – a no-app, no-URL public mobility system that even your great-grandfather could use. Think of it as Uber meets jugaad.

The Minister also urged academic institutions to develop multi-directional traffic models, hotspot-based safety frameworks, and door-to-door low-cost transit systems—turning India’s road network into something that could double as a civil engineering thesis or a Netflix docuseries.

Not Copying the West, But Driving Eastward with Confidence

Making a strong case for indigenised infrastructure, Tamta quipped,

“India’s roads shouldn’t look like someone copy-pasted them from Europe. We have our own geometry, monsoon, mindset—and occasionally, buffaloes in the fast lane. Let’s design for that.”

Centres of Excellence: Where Brains Meet Bitumen

Tamta backed the creation of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across academic and industry bodies as incubators for infrastructure innovation, where designs compete before DPRs are even inked. In other words: before we pour concrete, let’s pour ideas.

He lauded IIT Delhi and SPA Delhi as trailblazers and invited India’s entire research ecosystem to jump in the driver’s seat of this national mission.

The post India’s Roads Are Getting a Degree: Ajay Tamta Pitches PhD-Level Innovation for Highway Development! appeared first on NamasteCar.

Riding high on the waves of a promising Kharif season and growing farmer optimism, Sonalika—India’s No. 1 tractor export brand—has cultivated yet another milestone that’s as strong as its heavy-duty machines. From Punjab’s Hoshiarpur to every corner of India’s farmlands, Sonalika’s 20-120 HP tractors are doing more heavy lifting than a gym during New Year’s resolution week.

While other brands were checking the rain forecast, Sonalika was already sowing success. With a state-of-the-art facility that rolls out a new tractor every 2 minutes, and a 400+ strong league of engineering wizards who could probably design a plough for Mars, the brand is clearly on a mission: help farmers thrive, one torque-filled beast at a time.

Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Limited, said it best:

“Our heavy-duty tractors are not just machines—they’re a promise. A promise of progress, powered by the belief of ‘Dum Aage Badhne Ka’. This Q1 record, backed by strong June sales and an optimistic agri-climate, is a tribute to our farmers’ trust and our team’s technological tenacity.”

What’s driving the boom?
Strong monsoon + early Kharif sowing
Cutting-edge robotic assembly lines
Feedback-fueled innovation
An export footprint that’s as global as Bhangra on Instagram

As the countryside gears up for a fertile FY’26, Sonalika isn’t just riding into the future—it’s turbocharging it on tractor tyres.

The post Sonalika Zooms into FY’26 with Record-Breaking Q1 Sales of 43,603 Tractors! appeared first on NamasteCar.

The company clocked total sales of 2,10,415 units across domestic and international markets in Q1 FY26 — a downshift of 8.5% from 2,29,891 units in the same quarter last year. While the Commercial Vehicle (CV) division sold 85,606 units (a modest 6% drop YoY), the Passenger Vehicle (PV) segment registered 1,24,809 units, skidding by 10% compared to last year.

But don’t mistake the dip for a stall — Tata Motors has been busy under the hood.

Commercial Vehicles: A Mixed Terrain

Tata’s Medium, Heavy and Intermediate Commercial Vehicles (MH&ICVs) clocked 37,370 units in Q1 FY26, down from 40,349 a year ago. Domestic sales in June 2025 stood at 12,871 units, with international sales revving up impressively to support the balance sheet.

Girish Wagh, Executive Director at Tata Motors, noted,

“Q1 FY26 began on a subdued note for the CV industry. However, our international business delivered a robust 67.9% growth, and June saw a sequential uptick. With growing infrastructure focus, repo rate cuts, and monsoon forecasts in our favour, we’re optimistic about the road ahead.”

In what can only be described as Ace up their sleeve, Tata launched India’s most affordable mini-truck – the Ace Pro – now available in petrol, bi-fuel, and electric avatars. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of last-mile delivery.

Also turning heads (and hopefully air vents), Tata Motors introduced air-conditioned cabins across its light to heavy truck portfolio — finally answering the age-old question: “Can trucks be chill too?”

Passenger Vehicles: A Short Coffee Break

With PV sales dropping 10%, it seems customers temporarily hit snooze on showroom visits. But with Tata’s EV portfolio still sparking interest and the festive season ahead, there’s potential for a quick recharge.

Looking Ahead: From Sales Charts to Weather Charts

With rain gods expected to cooperate, a likely repo rate cut, and Tata’s aggressive international expansion (hello, Egypt!), the automaker seems poised to shift back into a higher gear.

So while Q1 FY26 might have tested the clutch, Tata Motors appears ready to turbocharge Q2 with new products, new markets, and a focus on customer-first innovations.

Because when the going gets tough, the Tata gets innovative.

Domestic Sales Performance:

Commercial Vehicles:

The post Tata Motors Shifts Gears in Q1 FY26 – Sales Dip, But Strategy Stays in the Fast Lane appeared first on NamasteCar.

With this, SAVWIPL isn’t just parking another luxury car in its garage — it’s rolling out the red carpet, embroidered with fine British wool, stitched with German precision, and now… conveniently serviced in India.

Enter Bentley India, a bespoke new entity established to handle everything from sales and marketing to after-sales and probably even monogrammed champagne flutes. Abbey Thomas has been appointed Brand Director — and no, he won’t be selling you Bentleys from a cricket stadium, but with his deep knowledge of Indian consumer aspirations, he might just convince you that a Bentayga is more essential than an apartment.

India’s Billionaire Drive-Through Just Got Better

Three new dealerships are ready to roll out the green carpet — first in Bengaluru and Mumbai, with New Delhi to follow. And these aren’t your average car showrooms. Think of them as luxury lounges where you don’t buy a car — you commission your chariot. Prefer your dashboard veneered in rare eucalyptus with diamond-stitched seats and a fridge for your Dom Pérignon? Consider it done.

Management Speaks — With Velvet Gloves

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, declared, “Welcoming Bentley into the SAVWIPL family is a proud milestone… from the precision of German engineering to the timeless elegance and unmatched performance of British craftsmanship.” Translation: your garage can now go from Polo to Porsche to palace on wheels — all under one roof.

Jan Bures, Executive Director, chimed in with equal flair, calling it a “proud moment” and promising the country’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) an experience as polished as a Bentley Flying Spur’s hood ornament.

Bentley: Now With Local Address Proof

While Bentley has long flirted with India’s elite, this strategic integration brings it fully into the SAVWIPL ecosystem — meaning better service, stronger focus, and hopefully, less waiting for your handcrafted V8 to be flown in from Crewe when the horn stops working.

The move also signifies SAVWIPL’s growing dominance in the Indian luxury space — already managing Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, and Porsche. With Bentley now in the family, the Group officially covers every segment from sensible sedans to sinful supercars.

Conclusion: The Maharaja Is Back, and He Drives a Bentley

In a country where weddings involve elephants and helicopters, it’s only fitting that luxury cars now come with both royal bloodlines and dealership proximity. With Bentley India now operational, the only thing more opulent than owning a Bentley… is choosing the right embroidery for its seats.

And if you need us, we’ll be test-driving a Continental GT in our sherwanis.

The post Bentley Goes Desi: India Debut Comes with a Trio of Opulent Showrooms appeared first on NamasteCar.