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Tag: passenger vehicle

  • BYD enters Japan’s kei car segment with affordable Raco electric mini car AutoguideIndia

    BYD enters Japan’s kei car segment with affordable Raco electric mini car AutoguideIndia

    Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has expanded its presence in Japan with the launch of the Raco, its first electric mini car designed for the country’s highly competitive kei car segment. The move is an important step in BYD’s strategy to strengthen its position in Japan after entering the passenger vehicle market in 2023.

    Priced at 1.95 million yen before taxes and government subsidies, the Raiko is positioned as one of the most affordable electric mini cars in Japan. Although the vehicle is eligible for lower government subsidies than the Nissan Sakura, resulting in a slightly higher effective purchase price after incentives, BYD believes its competitive pricing and feature-rich package will appeal to Japanese buyers.

    The company has set an ambitious target of securing 10,000 orders for the Raiko by the end of 2026, reflecting its confidence in the model’s ability to improve its foothold in the Japanese market.

    Speaking at the launch, BYD Auto Japan President Atsuki Tofukuji said the sales target was driven by the company’s determination to establish a strong presence in the country rather than detailed market projections. He said annual sales at this level could be sustainable if each dealership consistently generated about one order per day.

    The Raco offers a driving range of up to 320 km on a full charge and becomes the first electric kei car to feature sliding rear doors, a practical feature that is highly valued by Japanese consumers for urban mobility and ease of access.

    Industry analysts see the launch as a strategic move to increase BYD’s brand recognition in Japan’s kei car segment, which accounts for about a third of the country’s passenger vehicle sales and has traditionally been dominated by domestic manufacturers such as Honda, Suzuki and Nissan.

    According to Tang Jin, senior researcher at Mizuho Bank, Raiko’s price reflects BYD’s serious commitment to compete in Japan. However, he added that the company may need to introduce promotional campaigns or additional features if demand is lower than expected.

    By the end of 2025, BYD had sold more than 7,400 passenger vehicles in Japan since market entry in early 2023. Raco’s launch highlights the growing ambitions of Chinese automakers as they expand into overseas markets and step up competition with established Japanese brands, even in one of the country’s most fiercely contested auto sectors.

  • Hyundai CRETA Electric gets battery-as-a-service option.

    Hyundai CRETA Electric gets battery-as-a-service option.

    Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has introduced Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model for Hyundai CRETA Electric, enabling customers to purchase the electric SUV at a starting ex-showroom price of ₹10.99 lakh. Under the new ownership option, customers can opt for the battery subscription plan with EMIs starting at ₹3.9 per kilometre, significantly reducing the initial purchase cost.

    The launch of the BaaS model is another step in Hyundai’s strategy to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in India by making EV ownership more affordable and addressing one of the key barriers for buyers – high initial acquisition cost.

    With the introduction of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model, Hyundai Motor India has further enhanced the ownership experience of Hyundai Creta Electric with an integrated side footstep, providing ease of entry and exit for customers and enhancing its premium SUV stance. Based on customer feedback and market demand, the company will offer a 7.4 kW wall box charger in the HC variant of the line-up, enabling a customer-friendly home charging solution.

    Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said: “At HMIL, we believe the future of mobility should be accessible, intelligent and customer centric. The launch of Battery-as-a-Service for Hyundai Creta Electric is a transformational step towards democratizing electric mobility in India. By significantly reducing the initial acquisition cost and offering flexible battery rental plans, we are helping more customers enjoy Hyundai’s reliable technology “Enabling safety and innovation in EVs with confidence.”

    Building on the strong heritage of the Creta brand and Hyundai’s proven battery management system, the Hyundai Creta Electric combines Hyundai’s proven SUV DNA with advanced electric mobility technologies, connected features, comfort and safety.

    The Hyundai CRETA Electric offers an ARAI-certified driving range of up to 510 km and is available with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery packs. It supports DC fast charging (10-80% in 39 minutes) and includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 ADAS, i-Pedal single-pedal driving, digital key, active air flaps (AAF), an integrated side footstep and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds for the long-range variant. The electric SUV comes with an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, further adding peace of mind for buyers.

    Hyundai CRETA Electric has proven its real-life usage in numerous tests and record performances, including the Hyundai Test Driven by 100 campaign, where 100 creators tested the CRETA Electric and evaluated it across 10 states, 26 cities and 200+ destinations, covering a distance of 15,000 km. The evaluation, which lasted over 100 days, tested the car in various terrains and climates, generating strong digital traction with 526M views, 35M likes and extensive audience engagement.

    Hyundai Creta Electric achieved a national milestone by entering the India Book of Records for “maximum distance covered by an electric car in 24 hours” by covering a distance of 1,326.5 km. During the same race, it also set the fastest 1,000 km benchmark by completing the distance in just 18 hours and 31 minutes.

  • Tata Motors launches Next Gen Tiago and Tiago.EV with advanced design, technology and value AutoguideIndia

    Tata Motors launches Next Gen Tiago and Tiago.EV with advanced design, technology and value AutoguideIndia

    Tata Motors has unveiled the next gen Tiago and Tiago.EV, offering significant upgrades aimed at redefining the hatchback segment with improved design, advanced technology and a stronger value proposition.

    Building on a legacy of over 700,000 customers, the new Tiago range is available with petrol, iCNG and electric powertrain options, meeting a wide range of urban mobility needs.

    The next gen Tiago is priced at ₹4.69 lakh, while the price for the fully owned Tiago.ev starts at ₹6.99 lakh. Tata Motors is also offering Tiago.ev under its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model at ₹4.69 lakh and battery rental cost at ₹2.6 per kilometre, making electric mobility more accessible and cost-effective for customers.

    The updated hatchback combines modern styling, practical features, connected technology and everyday utility under an integrated design philosophy that focuses on providing aspirational yet value-driven mobility solutions.

    Launching the Next Gen Tiago and Tiago.EV, Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited, said: “Hatchbacks remain the gateway to personal mobility for millions of Indian families and yet, for too long, this segment received less attention from the industry when it actually deserved much more. The Next Gen Tiago fulfills this need by offering significantly more.

    Built on a decade of trust earned from over seven lakh customers, the Next Gen Tiago is not an evolution but a complete reinvention with substantially updated exteriors, a significantly more premium interior feel, advanced connected technology including 360° Surround View System with Blind View Monitor and a robust safety package that treats safety as a necessity and not a luxury. This makes features and experiences once reserved for upper class, premium cars easily accessible to the hatchback owner. This is the true meaning of democratization of aspiration in practice.

    The Next Gen Tiago.EV takes this further by fundamentally changing the financial logic of EV ownership. With the industry’s first lifetime battery HV warranty, superior fast charging that covers 100 kilometers in just 18 minutes and running cost savings that recover the value of the vehicle within four to five years, the Tiago.EV is the first EV in India that is not only emotionally engaging but also financially smart. In the sub-₹12 lakh segment where EV penetration is less than 2%, it is truly the ownership proposition that will move the needle.

    Three different powertrains – petrol, ICNG and EV – two different customer journeys, and a unified conviction: modern design, advanced technology and genuine safety are not privileges reserved for higher segments. Every Indian family deserves more. And with Next Gen Tiago, we are delivering on that promise – one home at a time.”

    The Next Gen Tiago range has been developed around five core pillars – WOW Looks, WOW Tech, WOW Choice, WOW Economics and WOW Safety, which aims to redefine expectations in the hatchback segment.

    The Tiago petrol and iCNG variants feature a bolder and more modern design with edgy styling, while the Tiago.ev adopts a futuristic and digitally inspired appearance that is tailored to evolve urban mobility trends.

    On the technology front, both models offer connected features, digital interfaces and convenience-centric appliances. Built on the

    Tata Motors is also highlighting the strong ownership economics of Tiago.ev, with low operating costs and flexible ownership model, which aims to make EV adoption more accessible and financially practical for urban customers.

    The Next Gen Tiago lineup offers multiple powertrain and transmission options, including petrol, ICNG and electric variants along with MT, AMT and multiple battery pack options, allowing customers to select the configuration that best suits their driving needs.

    Safety remains a key focus across the entire range. The Tiago petrol and iCNG models offer segment-first features like 360-degree surround view system and blind view display, while the Tiago.ev is equipped with six airbags and electronic stability system as standard.

    Together, the ICE and electric versions of the Next Gen Tiago reflect Tata Motors’ strategy to provide safe, smart, practical and accessible mobility solutions to a wide range of Indian customers.

  • BYD India opens new showroom in Worli, Mumbai.

    BYD India opens new showroom in Worli, Mumbai.

    BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD, the world’s leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has inaugurated its second passenger vehicle showroom in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This luxurious showroom is managed by Landmark BYD and is strategically located in Worli, South Mumbai.

    The showroom was inaugurated by Mr. Sanjay Thakkar, President, Group Landmark and Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicle (EPV) Business at BYD India in the presence of senior executives from BYD India, Landmark BYD and customers.

    The landmark BYD showroom, located in the premium locality of Worli in Maharashtra, offers exclusive access to BYD’s innovative electric vehicles along with top-notch services to discerning consumers in the state. Spread over an impressive 1,800 square feet, the showroom features a sophisticated customer lounge and a state-of-the-art display floor.

    Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicle (EPV) Business at BYD India, said, “We are delighted to announce the opening of our second passenger car dealership in Mumbai with Landmark BYD. This state-of-the-art dealership reflects our commitment to provide a seamless and convenient experience to our customers. Located in the premium Worli district, this showroom will help us reach a wider target audience in Maharashtra. We believe electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and we are committed to making them accessible to everyone. The opening of this dealership also reflects our commitment towards a zero-pollution environment for the future generation.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Thakkar, Landmark BYD said, “With the opening of our fourth showroom in India and second at a premium location in Mumbai, we are confident that we will be able to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles ” In the area. Our partnership with BYD India is playing a vital role in driving the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions in India. We are excited to take this partnership to the next level with the launch of our new showroom in Mumbai. We look forward to serving our customers better.”

    BYD India aims to expand its dealer network across India. BYD will continue to leverage technological innovations for a better life, promote the sustainable development of society and implement its “Cool the Earth to 1°C” initiative.