Automobile
Tesla to set up showrooms in these three cities of India: Read here
Tesla is eyeing India with as much anticipation as India is eyeing Tesla. The electric mobility ecosystem in the country, while gathering pace in a gradual manner, remains in a nascent stage but it could all change once Tesla touches down on Indian shores. Tesla is the world’s largest EV maker and has quite a lead over rivals which include traditional automakers. Having already registered in the country, Tesla is now looking at a market that promises a wide playing field with limited competition.
Reuters recently reported that Tesla is looking out for a showroom space in the country and has reportedly hired an executive to lead its lobbying and business efforts. The same report also highlights that Tesla is scouting for large commercial properties in three Indian cities – New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. These three cities, therefore, could be the first cities in India to welcome a Tesla showroom.
A possible challenge could be that while Tesla may look at properties that are each around 20,000-30,000 square feet, the typical car showroom – even in bigger metropolitan cities – are far smaller. But there is nothing typical in how Tesla is known to go about its business and its India plans could be as radical as its plans elsewhere.
What could, possibly, also help Tesla’s cause in India is an affordable car that sits even lower than the Model 3 which is, at present, the most affordable EV. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already stated that there are plans to roll out an even more affordable model in the times to come and this could be tailor-made for emerging markets. The pace of development in infrastructure support, however, remains to be seen as EVs are likely to be restricted to major cities in the forseeable future.
Automobile
Improved version of Hyundai Creta launched in Indian market: Check it out here
Hyundai India launched the much-awaited Creta Knight Edition in the country at a starting price of Rs 13.51 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India). This new variant is available in both petrol and diesel engine options and can be had either with a manual or an automatic transmission unit. To read more about the Creta Knight Edition, click here. In addition to this, the company has also introduced a model-year update for the Hyundai Creta with new feature additions.
The 2022 Hyundai Creta is now available in a new Denim Blue colour option and the Highline TPMS is now standard across all variants. The SX (O) trim now also gets a glossy black centre console. Furthermore, the company will offer the iMT option on the 1.5-litre petrol ‘S’ variant to further expand choices for the customers. The new S+ variant powered by a 1.4-litre T-GDi petrol engine with 7DCT now gets an additional set of features, such as –
– Smart panoramic sunroof
– 16-inch black alloy wheels
– Smartphone wireless charger
– Rear Disc Brakes
– Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
– Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
– Hill start assist control (HAC)
– Paddle shifters
– Metal pedals
– Electric and auto-folding ORVMs
– Power window auto up/down
Mechanically, the SUV continues to be powered by the existing petrol and diesel engine options.