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ZF develops smart seatbelt technology; debut in 2025

According to media reports, ZF has developed a prototype of a new seatbelt technology, which aims to further improve in-car passive safety. The new seatbelt technology is expected to enter service in a European car sometime in 2025. ZF claims that the newly developed seatbelt comes with a multi-stage load limiter (MSLL) wherein the system responds by taking into account the size and weight of the wearer, rather than continuing the current one-size-fits-all approach. The new tech is aimed at managing the effect of the seatbelt on the human body more sympathetically during the course of a crash. It also helps the system meet the tougher safety requirements - 'Vision 2030', set by Euro NCAP back in late 2022. The report further mentions that although seatbelts currently come with pre-tensioners and have done so for the last two decades, there is no way for them to take into account the size and weight of the passengers they are trying to protect. The MSLL system can vary the restraining forces during different stages of the crash based on the size, weight and shape of the occupant. It also takes into account 'out of position' scenarios to ensure they are effective every time. The tech will also make use of interior cameras to detect the movement of the occupants. Also, sensors in the seatbelt itself will measure how far it has been pulled to estimate the circumference of the person's body - further detecting their size and weight. In addition to this, the MSLL system is linked to the external radar and camera to know from which direction an impact is coming, allowing it to better adapt its response and protect the occupant. Source: Autocar UK

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 6:59 pm

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE launched at Rs 10.30 lakh

Suzuki Motorcycles India has launched the V-Strom 800DE adventure bike at Rs 10.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The V-Strom 800DE is an off-road-oriented touring bike. It features raised handlebars, an adjustable windscreen and a prominent beak. The bike is equipped with a 5-inch digital instrument console with night and day modes, a USB port, vertically stacked LED headlights, position light, taillight and turn signals. The V-Strom 800DE is based on a new steel frame suspended by a Showa inverted telescopic fork at the front with 220 mm of wheel travel and a Showa mono-shock rear suspension. The bike rides on wire-spoke wheels with 21 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear. It has a ground clearance of 220 mm. V-Strom 800DE is powered by a new 776cc parallel-twin engine that makes 83 BHP and 78 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The brake setup consists of dual 310 mm discs up front and a 260 mm disc at the rear. The V-Strom 800DE comes with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS). It includes the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, Suzuki Traction Control System with a gravel mode, ride-by-wire electronic throttle system, a bi-directional quickshifter with ON/OFF settings, ABS with two settings, Suzuki Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist. The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE will compete with the Honda XL750 Transalp, Triumph Tiger 900 and the BMW F 850 GS.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 6:55 pm

Want to replace my dad's 10-year-old Vespa: electric or petrol scooter?

BHPian GrandTourer recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The question is exactly what's in the title. Which scooter to go for, for my 70 yo father - an electric or conventional ICE scooter? A bit of background: My father is a general physician and goes to his clinic in Madh Island from Yari Road daily via a short ferry ride (two-wheelers go on it). He's currently using a 2014 Vespa VX 125 and refuses to give up on it. However, I fear that the Vespa is on its last legs and might break down anytime without warning. Also, since it's a 10 yo vehicle, maintenance costs are increasing consistently just to keep it running in good condition. I think I kind of convinced Dad on an electric scooter (got a reluctant nod - which is as good as a yes), but then when I checked with Ather, they don't have a single dealership in Mumbai. The closest one is in Vashi and they (obviously) don't have doorstep test drives available in Versova. Also, after reading all the horror stories about Ola, I don't want to go that route. So here I'm back with the possibility of getting an ICE scooter. Before I get down to the requirements and shortlist, here are a few things that are a strict NO-GO:I'm not looking for a car, as Dad's daily commute involves a ferry hop. I understand that he'd be more comfortable in a car at his age, but that's not an option as the commute by road is easily 1.5-2 hrs via MaladHe cannot ride a motorcycle anymore, so let's not suggest that (had an accident a long time ago)He's a sedate rider who hardly ever crosses 50 km/h, so fancy powerful scooters are not something we're looking for (Although I'd have loved an Aerox, but it's not for him)Now coming to requirements:Dad is around 5 ft 8 in, and on the heavier side, so needs a scooter that will accommodate him comfortablyIdeally open to Electric (read Ather), but as mentioned earlier, there are no dealerships in Mumbai anymore, as well as no service centres. If there is a good chance of Ather opening in the city, I might consider the 450S or XIf ICE, looking for a fuel-efficient scooter. But considering he's coming from a 10yo Vespa, anything would be more fuel-efficientShouldn't be too heavy for Dad to manoeuvre and put it on the main standThe daily commute is around 5km, with occasional runs within the suburbsLooking for something practical since it will also be used for daily errands. So a large boot and flat footboard are welcomeI had shortlisted a few scooters but would love your opinion on it based on the above writeup:Ather 450s: Loved both 450s and 450x, but since the commute is low and power is not high on the priority list for Dad, 450s made more sense (until I found out about the dealership situation)Suzuki Burgman: It's quite a comfortable scooter and looks different as well. Tried and tested the 125cc engine, connected phone (although won't be used much), front disc, and 21L storage are all great. Apart from that weight might be a concernSuzuki Access: Better alternative to the oh-so-common Activa, and much of the same features as Burgman, but in a more conventional stylingHonda Activa: Oh so common!Ather Rizzta: Should I wait for it? Is the pricing going to be astronomical for it?Any other I missed? Here's what BHPian aargee had to say on the matter:Yes, a very pertinent point: If your average running distance is

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 6:53 pm

Auto And Financials Top Picks For Next Fiscal, Say Analysts

Benchmark equity indices pared some gains in the final hour of the session, but still managed to close the last week of the financial year over 1% higher.

Bloomberg Quint 28 Mar 2024 6:03 pm

My Honda Amaze review: Key observations after 2 months of ownership

BHPian JDMBOI recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Odometer - 1152 KM Mileage - It stayed around 11 KMPL (usually driven in the city) but after crossing 1000 KM it has gone up. The best I have seen in the cluster is 14.2 KMPL. It's going to go up after the first service. Headlight- (OSRAM 12V bulb) Its performance is okay for the city, if you do highway run at night you definitely need an upgrade. (ours is a mid-variant with halogen bulb (reflectors) and no fog light, the top variant comes with LED projectors & LED fog lights) Light on boot is neither a reflector nor a light, just there for aesthetic purposes. I am thinking of pasting the red reflector tape in a small stripe like the tail light design. NVH level - On a well-paved road almost none. Poor road surface (crack lines) then it's a whole different story, it's too loud.Only 2 months and the clutch spring is making noise (needs lubrication)Noise from the dashboard (driver side) (randomly comes and goes)Engine noise - No sound enters the cabin at low rpm and idling but around 3K RPM (in 1st and second gear) engine and gearbox noise starts to come inside.Vibrations - No vibrations transfer to the steering wheel and the gear knob does not shake.Fit and finish - Overall I would rate it 7/10.Panel gaps of doors and trunk area are uniform. Lacks (at corners) where the bonnet meets the lip and poor around the headlight. I am not satisfied at all with the glove box quality. It has panel gaps and I hate the lock mechanism, it feels cheap. This is what I do to close it softly - Pull the lever, close the glove box and then release the lever. The tabs provided to hold the glove box are not proper tabs that you press to access the filter. they made a small cut so that you can flex the plastic to access the filter. The glove box has a coin holder though. Ride quality - It's comfortable (175/65/R14 Bridgestone tyres) but when there is an undulation on the road the ride becomes bumpy at the rear (by bumpy I mean you feel the suspension compression and rebound) maybe it's because of small size tyre or soft suspension setup at back. If you are doing good speed you may lose confidence. With those small-size tyres, you have to slow down ( almost completely stop) for speed breakers. In future, going to upsize the tyre to top variant specifications. Gearbox - NOT A FAN. If you are standing still and driving at slow speed it is butter smooth, no complaints at all. It's the second (sometimes first too) ruining the experience and even questioning myself did I make a wrong choice? if you have read my initial thoughts you may remember I mentioned the problem of slotting second gear well, I am still facing the issue. At low speed it ain't a problem it is smooth, it happens when you are shifting from third to second (around 20 KMPH) that the stupid gearbox won't go into second or need a hard push, leaving me in the middle of the road at slow speed with people honking from behind. Recently, faced the issue a few days ago trying to slot 2 coming from 3 gear (this time the road was empty I used the momentum to pull over) when the car stopped I tried slotting second with no luck tried the first no luck but 3, 4, 5 were smooth. Somehow I managed to engage first and kept going. Intimated the sales guy many times about the problem at first he said you are not depressing the clutch fully. He even test-drove the car on showroom premises (at one point I engaged gears for him and it was smooth) but I took some notes about this issue and found out it doesn't happen at low speed it happens when you downshift from third to second but after repeated complaining he agreed and told me to forward the address so that he and service guy will come to check. (so nice of him, he always helps me) but I refused as the car was not at home and told him that I would bring the car later on myself. I finally went to the showroom and he drove the car agreed to my theory and said it needed lubrication plus tried avoiding shifting to second gear around 20KMPH (shift below 20KMPH). He also mentioned that he has seen this problem in the new Honda Elevate (their test-drive vehicle) and our Amaze. plus a bonus for you he also mentioned a new Amaze coming in July. Gear throws - 1,3,5 are okay but 2,4 and Reverse are longer. Rev match - It's a struggle, you have to press the accelerator more than usual to gain around 1.5-2K rpm now it's getting easy as it crosses 1K KM. (The engine is now rev happy) Steering - Feels good to hold, neither thin nor thick (I have big hands) it has okay weight. There is a slight play where it doesn't respond to movements at high speed but the car is nimble. AC - Can't complain it is simply the best. Infotainment- The infotainment unit works flawlessly and connects to Bluetooth in no time and I don't miss the touchscreen at all. Love physical buttons. I don't think I have used a touchscreen on our Kushaq at all while driving. Can't comment on Bluetooth call functionality & call quality it offers. I don't use my phone at all while driving if I have to answer a call I pull over and use my mobile rather than a car mic and speakers) Brakes - Hit or miss. Sometimes I am okay and sometimes I'm not. Need improvement. Seats- The seats are comfortable but they don't hug you though (front seats) & The driver seat has height adjustment. Stability - Haven't gone above 85 KMPH but it is stable that bumpy feel over the undulating road is a problem at high speed. (big size tyres may solve the problem) Surface rust - Surface rust has been there on the axle rods in a brand new car (saw it during PDI) cost-cutting by Honda. Just paint them, Honda. Visibility -Side view mirrors are huge and offer good visibility, no issue at all. Speakers - Need improvement. As more and more time I spend with it the more I am getting used to it and the built-in equalizer helps a lot. Parking sensors - Boy oh Boy! They are sensitive (not complaining) its better safe than sorry. Footrest - The plastic footrest was not pasted properly I accidentally hit it while placing the mat and had to glue it again in its position. Wiper spray - Pathetic spray only covers the lower bottom part. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 6:02 pm

Hero MotoCorp patents new electric scooter for B2B segment

Hero MotoCorp has filed a design patent for a new electric scooter. The new model will cater to the needs of B2B and B2C customers and is expected to rival the Kinetic E-Luna. The new Hero e-scooter has a simple, utilitarian design. It has a trapezoidal frame with a flat seat and is equipped with luggage carriers at the front and rear. The e-scooter has a telescopic fork at the front and is likely to be fitted with dual shock absorbers at the rear. It rides on alloy wheels and is equipped with a front disc brake. Recently, Hero MotoCorp filed another patent for a new family e-scooter. It is likely to be based on the same platform as the Vida V1 but could be offered at a lower price point.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 5:31 pm

Test drove the Creta N-Line: 5 observations compared to Creta & Seltos

BHPian Col Mehta recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Test drove the Creta N line and here are a few observations -Ride comfort and suspension: Not as plush as the regular Creta and there is an underlying firmness in low speeds and undulations. But it's not uncomfortable or unsettling. High-speed stability has become better though (we didn't drive too fast, but at 70 plus, the car didn't disappoint). We found it similar to the FL Seltos, however, the regular Creta remains the segment best when it comes to riding comfort in city driving conditions.Steering: First thing first - the N steering wheel looks and feels superb. I had reservations initially, but you really have to experience it in person. Coming to functionality, it's heavier than the regular Creta, but thankfully not too heavy in normal mode. The sport mode makes it very heavy which will make things too cumbersome during parking and low speeds - this mode is best suited for highway/high-speed runs. Overall, the steering is well-calibrated and functions as expected.Performance: Very similar to the FL Seltos. Still find it laggy in lower gears and can be a little jerky in city traffic when the gearbox is jumping between 1st and 2nd gear. There is a good punch in the mid-range which is enjoyable. Couldn't test the high-speed performance for now, but you can sense that the car has plenty of power to offer. Just wish the low-speed drivability was similar to the NA IVT, which is just butter smooth.Exterior: One word - GORGEOUS in the shadow grey color! Just get rid of the red accents and you are sorted. Well, that's my opinion, some might not agree, just like most in our family who are fine with them. The car looks bigger than the regular Creta, thanks to the redesigned front grill and the added spoiler. The Seltos was always the best-looking car in the segment, but not anymore IMHO.Interior: The all-black interior theme is not my type. It makes the cabin feel claustrophobic. Some perceive it as premium though, which is fine - personal choice. This is where the Seltos X line excels with its sage green interior which looks so much better than the Seltos GT line and the Creta N line. Interestingly though, the N line interior doesn't feel as cramped as the Seltos GT line. Most likely because of bigger windows and a better sense of cabin space in the Creta, which has always been its USP over the Seltos and it continues with the N line as well.While I'm not entirely happy with the overall interior quality (that cheap center console and ancient-looking HVAC) and with the black interior which does feel claustrophobic, we are overall happy with the car and seriously considering it over the regular Creta and the Seltos GT line. The other strong contender is the Seltos X line but don't really want the headaches of maintaining the matte paint. I think I will happily get the X line if it comes with color options other than matte. Kia is missing a great trick by not offering more options in the X line, which is bewildering and frustrating. In case it's going to be the Creta N line, it will have to be in the shadow grey paintwork! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 5:00 pm

Happy with how Volvo helped resolve my XC40's airbag issue: Experience

BHPian gismosin recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This is a long overdue post, so remember the annoying SRS airbag warning, first time I sent it to Volvo they did a software update and sent it back and the error came back in a few days. So, I sent the car back again. This time they ran comprehensive diagnostics, and the conclusion was, that the driver-side curtain airbag was throwing a failure. It was reportedly receiving less voltage of power than it required, which meant it might not deploy when needed and had to be changed. I was quoted Rs. 77,000/- for the replacement. But I pointed out that I had an extended warranty and the workshop technician said, The warranty does not cover airbags. Now that's where the back and forth began, I opened my extended warranty document, and the picture below was the only mention of airbags. There was nothing that specifically stated it was not covered, while I understand a deployed airbag not being covered, this was a purely faulty one. I asked to speak to the manager and went the next day to the Volvo service centre and had a meeting with the GM of service, a fantastic gentleman with a lot of experience in the automotive industry, he listened to my issue patiently and why I thought it should be covered. After our discussion we agreed on an action plan, they will first contact the warranty team to explain the issue in detail and if they still don't cover it, they will give it to me in writing with the reason why and we will take it from there. I left the car in the workshop. They had to open the side frame record everything including all diagnostics and then send it over to the Volvo team to take a look. A couple of days later the technician informed me that the part would be replaced under warranty as it was at fault, they placed the order for it and would take a month or so to be imported from Sweden. Finally, in December the replacement airbag arrived and was promptly replaced. Lessons from this experience:Do not delay when an issue starts occurring, I ignored the random SRS message until it became a constant occurrence, it is better to have it on record as soon as the issue happens.Extended warranty is a must on cars. Most cars today have a zillion sensors and electrical components, remember, the more the components, the higher the points of failures. Especially on expensive cars, the cost of components quickly adds up.Do not take the first response at face value, talk, discuss, or ask to speak to someone in authority but always be pleasant. I had more work done with pleasant conversations than shouting or losing one's cool.Ask for things in writing, and make the dealer/service centre always double-check.Do your homework, and be ready with your documentation, I waving my handy extended warranty document which did not explicitly state airbags were not covered.Also, credit goes to the Volvo service centre and their General Manager, they listened, understood and were willing to give it a go for the benefit of the customer, which is more than what most car companies do today. I have stated this earlier; machines break down but the way they are dealt with and fixed countsfor now Volvo is doing a great job in this regard. On a side note, it's a little sad to see the XC 40 petrol being discontinued to make way for the electric one. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 4:30 pm

Tamil Nadu auto drivers pipe AC has internets attention

Tamil Nadu auto drivers pipe AC has internets attention

India Today 28 Mar 2024 4:25 pm

Sensex climbs 655 pts, Nifty ends above 22,300; capital goods, auto stocks top gainers

Nifty rose 203 points to 22,326 and Sensex ended 655 points higher at 73,651 on the last trading day of FY24.

Business Today 28 Mar 2024 4:04 pm

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200: Pros & Cons after Delhi-Mumbai E-way drive

BHPian karan1977 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I own the GLA 200 (Petrol) 2024. Got it this January and have driven it from Mumbai to Delhi and back and then to Pune and back. After 4000+kms. running here are my observations: Pros:Refined engineSmooth gear shiftsPaddle shifters make the driving funBeautiful interiorsPlenty of storage space in the front, the front centre armrest is super spaciousThe air conditioning is good (although I am yet to drive it in 40-degree + temperatures)Blind spot assist is a good feature360-degree camera is really usefulGood music systemThe multimedia interface is smooth and easy to useAuto parking is fun to use although it sometimes does not detect an empty slotVery good suspension, it's soft but not too soft making the ride comfortableCons:Missing rear window blindsMissing rear centre armrestMissing ventilated seatsOpening the tailgate with your foot gesture does not work most of the time, or maybe I am not getting the hang of itADAS auto braking is scary. I have had the car brake on its own for no reason whatsoever. Somehow it falsely detects something in front and slams the brakes. This has happened twice on Mumbai roads. Fortunately, there was no one behind me, or else I would have been rear-ended. So now I have to disable the Auto Brake Assist feature every time I start the car.The front seats are not comfortable for long drives. My wife and I drove for 14 hours on the first day and 8 hours on the 2nd dayMercedes Navigation is not as dependable as Google MapsThe seat kinetics feature is gimmicky, I don't think it made my long drive more comfortableThe rear camera pops out every time the car slows down or the vehicle behind comes close. And it is noisy! On the first day, I thought there was some loose item in the boot. Mercedes should have kept it simple and just provided a fixed camera in the rearThe air conditioning automatically changes over to take in air from the outside every 15 minutes or so. So you have to press the internal air circulation button every time you smell smoke or stinkBefore I give the mileage figures I would like to point out that my wife and I drive the car sedately. We don't rev the engine high and prefer smooth and gentle acceleration. And we keep the air conditioning on all the time. Mileage:Mumbai rush hour traffic - 4 kmpMumbai nonrush hour traffic, avg speed 40 kmph - 10 kmplMumbai Delhi Expressway (NE 4), constant speed 120 kmph, RPM 2000 - 16.5 KMPLNational Highways, average speed 60 kmph - 18 kmplMumbai Delhi Expressway (NE 4), constant speed 90 kmph, RPM 1400 - 20 kmplMumbai Delhi Expressway observationsIncomplete. Starts from Sohna near Gurgaon and goes to Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. Thereafter you need to take the state and national highways to Bhanpura interchange near Jhalawar in Rajasthan. This goes all the way to the MP - Gujarat border. The Gujarat state highway that starts from the Gujarat border is terrible and full of potholes. But after some time you get on to the national highway and can go all the way to Vadodara. From Vadodara, you again get on to NE 4 (Mumbai Delhi Expressway) and travel to Bharuch. Surprisingly this 120 km stretch is the only portion of the expressway open in Gujarat.There are very few food malls open on the entire expressway. Most of it is still being constructedI did not see any operational gas stations on the expressway. So please ensure that you have plenty of gas before you get on the expresswayI spotted just one electric vehicle charging station (Sohna to Dausa stretch)The road is smooth but not level for most of the journey. So you will experience smooth gradual climbs and descentsThere is hardly any trafficI have seen idiots stop their vehicles in the extreme left lane and walk across to the extreme right lane just to take cuttings of the beautiful bogeanvilla plants!There was an opening in the fence on the left and I saw a farmer bring his buffalos to cross the expressway. This was in Madhya Pradesh if I am not mistakenWhile going to Delhi I took the Nashik - Indore highway and short of Indore I turned left and reached Ratlam from where I took the expresswayOn my way back I came via Gujarat. Out of the two routes, I liked the Nashik route better because the state highways in Gujarat were terrible and the traffic from Bharuch to Surat was bad. Both being industrial towns, the highways are full of trucks and there is massive air pollution because of the industries. Final conclusions I am happy with the car, it's beautiful to look at and drive. No regrets about buying it. Trip from Noida to Mumbai via GujaratDistance - 1440 kmsHome-to-home mileage - 16.1 kmpl23 hours travelling time91 litres of petrol (Rs 9500)One-way toll around 1800 Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 4:00 pm

Ford's 'Blue Oval' badges are subjected to torture tests

According to reports, American car giant Ford, subjects its 'Blue Oval' badge to torture tests to ensure its durability. The Ford badges are tested individually and while installed on the vehicle. The torture tests include a wide range of situations and conditions to ensure they are durable across different markets. Tests with the badge on the vehicle include enduring 300 miles of chipped-stone roads, a powerful wind tunnel and 60 car washes. Ford engineers even pelt the door seals, badges, headlights & adhesives with 1,700 psi pressure washers from a foot away. Further to this, engineers at Ford are said to have even created an acid bath which simulates 10 years of corrosion. Other tests include a brutal freezing process to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Apart from this, Ford attaches and reattaches the badge over and over and makes it sustain streams of high-pressure water. Reports state that the badge is made using polymethyl methacrylate and a transparent thermoplastic; it measures 244 mm in width. Ford uses either blue colour (for production vehicles) or black colour (for special vehicles) on the badges. Source: TheDrive

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 3:55 pm

Cybersecurity innovation: HackersEra's solutions shield India's automotive sector

Cybersecurity innovation HackersEras solutions shield Indias automotive sector

India Today 28 Mar 2024 3:12 pm

Toyota cars to cost 1% more from April 1, 2024

Toyota has announced that it plans to increase the prices of its models by 1% from April 1, 2024. According to the company, the latest price hike can be attributed to rising input costs and operational expenditures. The exact quantum of the price hike for every model will be clear in the coming days.Official statement:Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced that the company is planning to increase the prices of certain grades of its specific models effective April 01, 2024. With an anticipated 1% increase, the move is attributed to escalating input costs and operational expenditures.Toyota currently offers a range of models, from hatchbacks and sedans to MPVs and SUVs. The line-up includes the Glanza, Rumion, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, Hilux, Fortuner, Camry, Vellfire and the Land Cruiser 300.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 3:06 pm

World Car Awards: Kia EV9 secures two titles at 2024 New York Motor Show

The 2024 Kia EV9 triumphed at the World Car Awards, securing both World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles

Zee Biz 28 Mar 2024 2:30 pm

Google Update: This setting of Google Messages is amazing, messages get automatically deleted after the work is done...

Do you know that one of the reasons for filling up the phone's storage is the many messages present in the device? Yes, if you also forget to delete the message after finishing the work, then it can become the reason for the storage getting full after some time. Messages will be automatically deleted Deleting all messages at once can result in important information being deleted. This is the reason why hardly any smartphone user likes to go for the option of deleting messages at once. But what if some messages get automatically deleted after the work on your phone is over? Useful settings are available in Google Messages Yes, Android users get a special kind of setting in Google Messages. With this setting, messages containing OTP are deleted. However, the good thing is that if you enable this setting, OTPs are deleted only after a fixed time. In Google Messages, messages containing OTP are deleted only after 24 hours. Unless the OTP expires. That means you won't have to worry about missing the useful OTP. How to enable the OTP delete setting in Google Messages First of all, you have to open Google Messages app. Now you have to click on the profile image visible on the top right corner. Now you have to tap on Messages Settings. Now you have to tap on Message Organization. Now the toggle next to Auto Delete OTPs After 24 hrs option will have to be turned on. PC Social media

Kalam Times 28 Mar 2024 2:17 pm

'India not for beginners': Chennai auto driver ingeniously installs 'pipe' as DIY fan for summer relief

A video showcasing an auto-rickshaw equipped with a unique pipe system to beat the summer heat has captivated social media.

DNA India 28 Mar 2024 2:07 pm

Why I changed the gearbox & differential fluids in my X1 at 40,000 km

BHPian Chethan_BG recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Update: Even though the recommended maintenance schedule does not ask us to change the transmission / drive train fluids, I believe that changing all fluids once in 5 years / 70k Kms does wonders in enhancing the life of the mechanicals in any vehicle. I had done this for the Jetta earlier and now I went ahead with the same exercise for the X1 too. I wanted to thoroughly check things post service, before updating the thread. Hence the delay! Details are as follows: Angular-gearbox Fluid Replacement Old oil was drained and fresh oil was filled. Drained oil was completely burnt / smelly and the volume was hardly 50% of the total capacity, which confirmed that replacing the oil was actually necessary. Rear axle differential fluid replacement Condition of this oil was the worst. It was very dark and smelly. Separate fluid reservoir for the AWD clutch system within the rear axle unit - fluid replacement Same process was carried out here too. Old oil had almost evaporated! Transmission fluid replacement A little debris in the old oil helps lock gears and therefore, completely flushing out the transmission fluid is not required. Old oil was just drained through the drain plug and the new oil was filled. This will not drain the oil from the torque converter which is not necessary as it is a common sump. Radiator coolant was replaced during EGR recall. And therefore this was not required. Saved some money!AC Compressor fluid replacementAC compressor fluid was replaced by drawing the oil out through the normal refrigerant filling process.Rear light housing on the driver side was replaced as it had a crack.Rodent repeller was purchased from Amazon and installed as a precautionary measure.BSI was extended to 10 years / 1,00,000 Kms as from my experience I found it to be of value.Oil change service was carried out as it was due. Engine oil, Oil filter, Air filter and AC filter were changed as per schedule under BSI.Ceramic coat - Yearly maintenance was carried out at Ultimate Detailerz. Excellent work as usual. Service from KUN Exclusive is been excellent as usual. I could feel a major change in the performance. Car is much smoother now! Continue reading BHPian Chethan_BG's report for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 2:05 pm

Tata Motors, Maruti, Bajaj Auto, Hero Moto: Auto stock that analysts like ahead of March sales data

Auto shares: Motilal Oswal prefers Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) among auto OEMs as the brokerage feels new launches may continue to help the company drive market share gains in PVs.

Business Today 28 Mar 2024 1:49 pm

McLaren Group now owned by Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund

According to reports, McLaren Group now has a new owner in the form of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company - the country's sovereign wealth fund. As per reports, the Bahrain company has expanded its ownership stake in the McLaren group from 60% to 100%. Paul Walsh, Executive Chairman of McLaren Group, stated that the takeover will further enable us to focus on delivering our long-term business plan. Apart from this, there are very few details as to how the takeover would affect McLaren Automotive and its Formula 1 team. Reports state that the Automotive division of the British marque will now get the financial support required to fund its future models and electrify its lineup. With the takeover, McLaren could also finally introduce its new hypercar, which the company is already said to be fine-tuning. The upcoming McLaren hypercar is said to be powered by a V8 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid unit, producing a total power output of over 1000 BHP. It is expected to feature gullwing doors, an all-new carbon-fibre chassis and 3D-printed suspension components. Source: Car&Driver

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 1:48 pm

Mahindra Thar 5-door to be unveiled on August 15

Mahindra has lined up yet another big launch this Independence Day. The carmaker is all set to unveil the Thar 5-door on August 15. The Thar 5-door shares its underpinnings with the 3-door version. Reports suggest that it could use the 'Thar Armada' nametag at launch. The overall exterior design will be similar but with a few tweaks to make it stand out. Spy images suggest that the 5-door Thar will feature a redesigned front fascia with circular LED headlamps and revised tail lamp clusters. Inside, the Thar 5-door is expected to get a larger touchscreen infotainment system, heavily bolstered front seats with a large centre armrest and a single-pane sunroof. The Thar 5-door will be offered with the same engine options as the 3-door version. These include a 2.2-litre diesel producing 130 BHP and 300 Nm and a 2.0-litre petrol that makes 150 BHP and 300-320 Nm. Both engines are likely to be offered with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 1:34 pm

City commute on my new BMW G 310 GS: Few things that I noticed

BHPian BudgetFailure recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Got the delivery today. The delivery experience at BMW Motorrad Kormamgla (operated by JSP) was seamless. The bike was ready at the showroom when I reached. I was able to get hold of the bike within 20 mins. Few things I noticed based on my 50km city commute.It would take some time to get used to a tourer-type bike in which the headlight doesn't move.Bike gives a very nice commanding positionThe levers are extremely smooth and can be easily operated with one/two fingers.Engine heat sink fan switches on very frequently and the hot air hits the ankle side a lot (nothing to worry about though)Headlight throw is good but the intensity could have been better (I had upgraded my NS headlamps thus the complaint), would eventually get aux lampsSuspension is simply at another level, glad I went ahead with this bike.Need to learn to handle the weight of the bike well in traffic.Parking the bike for me gets a bit tricky at times due to the seat height, but is manageableSide stand is weird, and requires slight slanting of the bike in the opposite direction.Looking forward to numerous trips on this in the coming years. One question, I will have to leave the bike unused for 10-12 days after two weeks, any precautions I should take? I intend to take the bike for 1000km/1 month service next month. One important thing I forgot to mention, I managed to stall the bike 3 times. Still getting accustomed to the throttle response and gear ratios. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 1:32 pm

2024 Yamaha Track Day Experience at MMRT on a YZF R15M

BHPian R15M_Rider recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It finally happened! The place which most of us would've experienced in Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport, was at last experienced for real. The environment where riding as a necessity to most becomes an art or even poetry. 23rd March 2024 will indeed remain special in my books as the first day, I got to experience the track and it definitely won't be the last! Before going into the this, I do want to mention that, I didn't take much photographs, in fact hardly any. Thanks to my introvert nature and in anyway on the race track, it's only about you and the machine and nothing else. I will try my best to express in words to the best of my ability. Booking amount for 23rd Mar 24, Saturday(beginner) is Rs 2000/- and for 24th Mar 24, Sunday(Expert). Both me and my brother's slot was booked around 10.30 in the morning on Saturday. MMRT is around 40 km from my place and thanks to metro rail works and traffic it took around one and a half hours to reach. The usual and expected entry procedure was there with requirements of you Driving License, RC for verification. They gave us a checklist which we need to follow through the day and a food coupon to be used at the stall near the circuit. Quite a few R15s already ready! The Checklist Given Checking In for complimentary oil change Both of our bikes were given a complimentary engine oil change with the RS4GP racing oil (exclusive for R and MT series). This retails about Rs 1500/.- so that itself makes up most of the cost of registration. Will further update on the performance of this oil later on. As expected, as per regulations, our bike's headlights, indicators, DRLs, tail-lights and the front visor were covered with tape to prevent glass to shatter and cause hinderance and safety hazard to other riders I think if we crash. Next up was of course the theory/briefing session. Since there was already a batch occupying an ongoing session, we were put into the next batch. We spent some time in the customer lounge, where they had setup tables and chairs for visitors and riders. There was a display area with the MT15, R15 V4, R15M, Aerox, R3 and MT03, with the R3 and MT03 gaining the most attention. Actually, there were quite a few R3 riders too, I spotted at least 2-3, with the newly launched R3, so I guess, even with Yamaha's absurd pricing, the fan following is still really strong. R3 is also gradually becoming my dream bike too and myself as a Yamaha fan, happy to see there are people who enjoy these machines. If the upgrade ever happens, it would be this A trio of Aerox Around 5-10 mins later, next batch was let in along with me and my brother. The briefing was in general about the the ethics about track days, how it is not a race and everyone needs to be responsible. Basically, red flag being the important one which signals end of session and all riders must slow down. Basically we need to follow the marshal who will lead the batch at all times, with no overtaking and maintain consistent pace in the process. With the briefing session done, it was time for us to gear up! Riding gear which comes under FMSCI certification are only allowed on track. We were given Yamaha race suits, gloves, boots and helmets. Since it was our first time wearing this, it was a bit weird but eventually we got into gear and headed to the track. There was a session which hadn't concluded yet so we had to wait beside our bikes which were prepped up and ready with all the taping and fresh racing oil added. The sun was beating down with a vengeance, typical summer day with high humidity in Chennai prompting us to constantly drink a lot of water. Even in the briefing session, it was highly recommended that we need to be as hydrated as possible considering the weather conditions before we go for a spin. Briefing Session Gearing Up! Finally, it was time. With all the heavy gear, especially the boots, initially the feel was really weird, 1 of the bikers almost lost balance while sitting idle on the bike! Thankfully nothing of that sort happened on the track. I was 4th or 5th from the front that is from the marshal. Eventually one by one we started joining the track from the pitlane. This is it. The start of a dream. The true home of the R15. First few corners, I was on a much defensive pace, even got overtaken by a couple of fellow riders. With the first lap nearly complete, I gained confidence and started to push it. Damn! That feel. Its very difficult to describe. I was starting the kneel down in extreme angles, even I was never in my wildest dreams thought I would be cornering so early like this! I even scraped my boot at one point, thankfully kept the balance! Kneeling down on corners, moving my body and clinging onto the bike and controlling the throttle. From one corner to another, left to right, I don't know if its me or the bike but I felt, I am actually feeling good about this! I didn't sense any discomfort. Maybe its the adrenaline, even the bike too, but I personally felt, this is something, I might be actually good at! The R15 though, this experience, just made me fall in love with the bike so much that, I can never ever see myself riding anything else. The spec sheet that everyone is so obsessed with, its absolutely obliterated on the track. It was like telepathy, if I picture how I want to tackle this corner in my mind, I can execute it exactly! Its magic, extremely hard to describe in words. The Deltabox frame shines here. The way I shift from left to right corner as I shift my body weight accordingly, the bike so beautifully responds. There is one quote from Shumi in Motorinc where he describes the feel of riding the R15 as a warm hug of a sports bike. Those words turn into reality on the track. The quick shifter was simply a blessing on the track. My favorite part was the last corner before the main straight, clinging on with the kneel down, holding 6-7k RPM at the long and addicting 3rd gear and then as you exit, crouching behind the visor, gripping your thighs with the tank and start gunning it. 7K, 8K, 9K, 10,11,12K RPM, the engine screams followed by the blip of the quick shifter. as I enter the 4th and eventually 5th gear. I hit a max of around 110-115 kph on the straight in the 4-5 laps we did. One thing which I felt good about is, even though I did make mistakes, I never went off the track, considering its my first time. 2 guys in front of me made a mistake on a very technical and long corner after the main straight which caused them to go off onto the grass and made me gain 2-3 places and I eventually finished 1st behind the marshal. It felt truly like an experience of a lifetime. We did 4-5 laps and finally the red flag was shown signaling the end of the session. About the RS4GP engine oil, I personally felt it to be the best match the R15. It had Motul (Rs 2500) in my R15 at my last service with an FNG, but I felt this was just as good and even better too. I mean its obvious in some ways, since its Yamaha's own oil designed for their bikes. The engine response was amazing and the difference was clearly felt. I also bought one from the apparels stall near the track Yamaha had setup with a 10% discount along with a chain cleaner. I would definitely recommend to other R15/MT-15 owners for sure. Finally, we returned the gears, changed back. We had our free snacks as lunch, and took some rest. Eventually we checked out the R3 and MT-03 on display. Having sat out it definitely felt a lot less weight than I was expecting, coming from the R15. As I said earlier, after the track day, I am thoroughly spoilt and can't see anything beyond Yamaha whenever I upgrade! Its going to be extremely difficult though. As I said, too much attached to my R15M. We were asked to fill a feedback form for the event and our given our welcome kit (Monster energy T shirt and a sticker. My only feedback was, to have this track day more than once a year at MMRT or anywhere else. Currently it happens I think only once a year at each location. Takeaway is this, Yamaha does get a lot of flak for their pricing and how they in general treat the Indian market, how they price their products. To this, I agree for the following points:Yamaha can definitely do so much more, they need to start treat the Indian market same as elsewhere. Their engineering is unmatched, but their sales strategy is far from it.Reliability is amazing, but ASS isn't upto the mark or at least inconsistent in my experience.FZX and their scooters apart from the Aerox, definitely don't scream Yamaha. Some of the lineup just feels out of place and definitely can do with updates.But, apart from the above three points, when it comes to their true products as per me at least that is the YZF R and MT series, forget the spec sheet. They are absolute marvels of engineering. Don't mind the cc. Don't mind the power figures. To an extent, even forgive the pricing and just ride it. Should the opportunity arise, do not miss taking it to the track. Every single penny you spent on your motorcycle will be realized in those 20 mins over 4-5 laps. Trust me! Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 12:08 pm

Scoop! Skoda Superb to be relaunched in India on April 3

Skoda is bringing back the Superb to India. As per the latest update, the brand's flagship sedan is likely to be launched on April 3, 2024. The B8 generation Superb will be reintroduced in India, however, this time, it will be imported via the CBU route. A leaked internal document suggests that Skoda plans to bring 100 units of the Superb. It could be priced at around Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom). Skoda is expected to offer a single top-spec 'L&K' variant of the Superb in India. The L&K trim will come equipped with Adaptive Auto LED headlamps and LED fog lamps with a cornering function. The India-spec Superb might come with 17-inch Stratos alloys. Inside, the car will feature a Columbus infotainment system with Wired Smart Link, ventilated 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, a massage function for the driver's seat, wireless charging, a Canton sound system with 11 speakers, 3-zone automatic climate control and a digital instrument cluster. The Superb will also get Dynamic Chassis Control, Electronic Differential Lock, Active tyre pressure monitoring, Electronic Differential Lock, Park Assist with a 360-degree camera with Emergency Braking Assist and 9 airbags. The 2024 Superb will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 188 BHP @ 4,200-6,000 rpm and 320 Nm @ 1,450-4,200 rpm. The engine will be paired with a 7-speed DSG. The Skoda Superb is likely to get three colour options: Rosso Brunello, Water World Green and Magic Black. Thanks toBHPian ICECutletfor sharing this information with other enthusiasts!

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 11:57 am

Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec Sports launched at Rs 79,738

Hero MotoCorp has launched a new variant of the Pleasure Plus called the 'Xtec Sports'. It is positioned between the 'Xtec Connected' and 'Xtec' trims and is priced at Rs 79,738 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Pleasure Plus Xtec Sports comes in a striking colour scheme of Abrax Orange Blue and a #18 graphic on the side panels. It has body-coloured mirrors, a grab rail and 10-inch black alloy wheels with orange pinstripes. The scooter is equipped with a semi-digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and an LED headlamp. Powering the Xtec Sports variant is the same 110.9cc single-cylinder engine. It produces 8 BHP and 8.7 Nm and is paired with a CVT. The Pleasure Plus features a bottom link front suspension and a single shock absorber at the rear. The brake setup consists of drums at both ends supported by a combined braking system.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 11:48 am

Mahindra Autos latest ad urges women to never give up the drivers seat

In celebration of Womens History Month in March, weve seen a range of campaigns, spanning from preachy undertones to discount-heavy approaches. Amongst them, Mahindra Autos #WomenWithDrive has been one such campaign that has celebrated women in their natural element. Their newly launched ad film simply aims at representing more women behind the wheel, driving SUVs. In a light, breezy ad film, Mahindra showcases women and girls in the drivers seat and intends to actively normalise the image of women driving creating a world where this is not just accepted but celebrated. This exposure not only encourages women but also influences little girls, who can grow up in an environment where women driving is seen as a natural and empowering choice. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mahindra Automotive (@mahindra_auto) The film shows little girls imitating adults, honking the car, telling people to get out of their lane, and later acting themselves as they express their love for being in the drivers seat. A young girl sketches a car onto the fogged-up window, symbolising her aspiration to one day own a car herself. The light-hearted background score further brings in a dreamy feel to the film. The lyrics go For your dreams to be true, you gotta chase them urging all the women drivers to not wash their hopes away thereby continuing their passion for driving. The song ends on a motivating note and goes, If you want to have your way, live your way. With this, the film aims to end the notion that women should feel intimidated behind the wheel or be held back due to any societal judgments or internal fears. Instead, they want women to experience the versatility these vehicles offer so they can drive around in their own car. However, for many women, driving comes to a halt for several reasons. Some find the idea of driving around in a large SUV daunting due to deep-seated conditioning, while others lose confidence after minor accidents. Among the most common reasons, many women confess to feeling anxious or unsure while driving, leading them to step back from the driver's seat. Societal norms and stereotypes about women's driving capabilities also contribute to this decision. So, to question these internal and external hurdles that sometimes lead to a break on driving, Mahindra urges women to never give up the drivers seat with its ad film. Explaining the idea behind the campaign, Neha Anand , VP and Head - Global Brand & Marketing Communications, Mahindra Automotive, said, For this years Womens Day, we decided to explore the curiosity, innocence and playfulness that kids demonstrate - traits that may get suppressed as girls grow up. This years film, meant to tug at your heartstrings, is also a call to women to never let go of the drivers seat. Keep driving, keep inspiring. To encourage this on-ground, Mahindra Auto also conducted an experiential drive where women from diverse backgrounds including doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs, connected with like-minded individuals, fostering a supportive community in the process. Participants also got to experience flagship Mahindra SUVs in action, further encouraging women to explore this category of cars.

Feed Burner 28 Mar 2024 11:45 am

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index advances 0.65% in an upbeat market

The Nifty Auto index was trading 0.65 per cent up at 21282.75.

The Economic Times 28 Mar 2024 11:10 am

Painted my 2023 Verna's alloy wheels gloss back and I love the results

BHPian Ruchir031 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Been a little over 2 months since my black panther came home and I have loved every bit of it! Absolutely no complaints with the car, CVT transmission, handling, ride and the controversial design, I have loved it all, except, the alloys! Diamond cut isn't my thing. I like the design, it looks good, but the silver and diamond cut just ughh, I love the all-black alloys that come in the turbo model so the itch began to have it on mine. I searched through various forums and on YouTube on alloy painting but didn't find much when it comes to painting 'diamond cut' alloys, the design and way it is made with the stainless steel finish makes it difficult to have paint stay over it, it'll very easily peel off. Also, not everyone wants to paint diamond-cut alloys because Indians love chrome finish so didn't find much on the Internet (except those spray can paints which probably would start looking horrible within a month or so). The next option but an expensive one would be to swap the alloys with the Hyundai genuine ones but that was way out of budget, aftermarket alloys were not even considered. At a point, I decided to give up on the thought and just live with the diamond-cut alloys. One morning out of the blue, I decided to visit my trusted FNG once to see what he had to say about it, only took 5 minutes of him describing all the work that needed to be done & cost involved, and I was convinced painting it all black and gave it a go-ahead and I am so glad I did. Washing and degreasing of alloys and tyres. Sanding down the alloy multiple times to make the finish rough. (this process took 2-3 hours!) Masking the tyres. Applying primer and hardener. (This ensures paint sticks to the surface and won't peel/chip) Base coat primer. Final coat of glossy black paint. The outcome is just marvellous, looks even better when compared to the Hyundai genuine ones, super happy with the results and love how the black car is complimented by all-black wheels. Also got the front calliper painted polo red. It is now not possible to tell this isn't the turbo cause I have all the emblems removed and unless one sees the interior, it will surely be mistaken for a turbo. Will also upload how it looks on the car once it's all washed and shiny. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 11:05 am

Ending my year-long search for yellow aftermarket fog lamps for my Thar

BHPian Nair.V8 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. My year-long search for a suitable OEM replacement 'yellow' fog lamp ended recently after I discovered this Indian auto light manufacturer, called Vaishnu. The company has over 50 years of experience in the automotive lighting & electrical component industry; they offer a wide variety of lights & wiring harnesses for motorcycles & few 4-wheelers. After seeing quite a few positive reviews online, I decided to take a plunge and try their universal 3-inch fog lamp. The product details (as mentioned on their website) are as follows:MODEL: 3 Inch Round Fog lampsINCLUSIONS: 2 Units of Matt Black Fog Lights + H8/ H16 Wiring Harness with SwitchFITMENT: H8/ H11WATTAGE/ PAIR: 70 Watts (35 Watts Per light)RAW LUMENS: 9200 Lm/ Set (4600 Lm/ Light)POWER CONSUMPTION: 5.3 Amps (+-5%)/ Pair1 LUX DISTANCE: 350 MetresIP RATING: IP67LED SOURCE: Bridgelux USAOPERATING LIFE: 50,000 Hrs | OPERATING TEMPERATURES: -40 Degrees C ~ +80 Degrees CWARRANTY: 1 YearHOUSING COLOR: Matt BlackGLASS: YellowCOLOR TEMPERATURE: 3300kI went for their combo kit that includes these lights & H8/H16 wiring harness. The order was placed directly on their website. The shipment arrived at my location in Mumbai in 3 days. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 10:33 am

Fundamental Radar: Six factors make Gabriel India a good bet in auto component space

Fundamental Radar: Six factors make Gabriel India a good bet in auto component space

The Economic Times 28 Mar 2024 10:00 am

2023 Kia Seltos replaces my decade old Celerio: 8 pros & 8 cons

BHPian Black_Panther recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I've been meaning to write this review for quite a few days now and finally got an opportunity to compile my buying experience, drive experience, likes-dislikes, additional jobs that I got done on the car etc. Buying experience May 2023 I was scouting the market for a decent car as my Celerio was beginning to show its age (its about 10 yrs old, but still running and I would love to keep it as a beater car). My budget was hovering around 15 L and wanted to get a bang for the buck product. Online reasearch has begun with cars like Baleno, Nexon, i20, Honda City, Seltos, Verna, Rapid, XUV 700 etc - covering the whole spectrum. Each car had something going for it, but I couldn't convince myself to buy something which I was not sure of on a high level. Have checked out Toyota Hyryder which a friend of mine bought, liked it and was in my final list of cars alogn with XUV 700. With the news of impending facelift of Seltos, thought to wait and watch. I may sound a bit dumb when I say that I didn't do any test official drives of other cars - but have driven Baleno, Hyryder, XUV 700, Nexon and City. I had my reasons for not bringing most of the compact SUV cars into contention. I very much liked the looks and features of the first gen Seltos and luckily the facelift didn't disappoint (I went to the extent of being a bit nervous about the FL just before the launch wondering how would it look, if it will be at par with the then model or if Kia would screw up the design with FL like other brands have done earlier etc.) Before the launch, I had my eyes set on GT line and was almost ready to go for it after the price announcement. But I was put off after seeing the all black interiors and also that it didn't have a HUD now (it was my fav from first gen). The next best option was X line, of which I was never a fan owing to its maintenance and the lack of colour options. Of course the looks of it can sweep anyone off their feet - was always a gorgeous looking car to my eyes right from first gen. Now I was in a dilemma whether to pick GT line and forever sulk on what Kia did or risk it and go for X line. Frankly I didn't consider any other variants as I wanted it to be feature rich but also partially due to the weird design of the brochure which was confusing as hell and I didn't want to break my head to understand that (learnt that HTX+ was indeed a VFM product ticking most of the boxes that one would need). Had to put this decision of buying a car on the back burner for a while as I had to address a few other pressing issues of life. Nov 2023 Fast forward 4 months, I was again at it and finally heart winning over mind, decided to go for X line Petrol. Took the test drives (of GT line) about three times from two different dealers and liked the drive, look and feel - thereafter got the all important green signal from wife and booked the X line. Waiting period of 2 months was totally fine with me as I specifically wanted a 2024 make. From the very first interaction, I was firm that I will not take the dealers insurance unless they match with what I get online and also that accessories should be completely optional. There was some resistance from the dealer, but I didn't budge - at the end they agreed to the terms. My SA was in constant touch during late Dec and first half of Jan 2024. One day he rang me up and tells me the the car has been allotted and being shipped the next day and is expected to be at the stock yard in about 2 days. I was really excited and couldn't wait for the vehicle to arrive. More so because it was supposed to be a surprise for my kids and parents, I kept this news of a new car under the wraps for 2 months, was a very difficult 2 months of my life indeed. On the day of the PDI, I called my SA to confirm the time - and he utters something which dampened all the excitement. He tells me that the vehicle shipped was of a 2023 make. A huge disappointment. How can that happen? He clearly told me that the vehicle was allotted to me, now suddenly what is this 2023 make stuff all about? All kinds of questions were running in my head. After a few minutes I could understand that he was forced to lie to me, probably because they prioritised the delivery to someone else for reasons best known to them. He told me that he can get another vehicle in 2 weeks time and I was in no mood to believe him. In a couple of hours he calls me and offers 2023 for a discount of 1.3 L. Was lucrative, but I said I will take it if he can better that discount still. He tried, but couldn't get the discount number further more. Now he throws a date of 3 days from now for another car, which I didn't believe. I quickly called up other dealers to enquire about 2024 make X lines and voila, the other dealers had them ready in the stockyard. I told them about insurance and accessories. One of them rejected the proposal, the other one agreed. On the same evening, went to their stockyard, did the PDI (crushed my fingers in testing the anti pinch functionality) and was fairly satisfied. Paid the booking amount and told them a delivery date. The D-Day Finished the payment process a day in advance and informed them the accessories that I would need and was asked to come around 11 AM for the delivery. My entire family along with my brother's family reached the showroom and saw that it was all prettied up and ready for the unveil. The sales team gave a few goodies like mugs, chocolate box and explained about all the documentation and the features of the car. Had a very smooth experience and had finished the entire process in about an hour and had the Kia Connect activated in about 2 hours. Driving Experience Soon after we took the delivery the first thing I did was to disable to FCW feature. And later on the same day we drove to 'Statue of Equality' (about 90 km from my place) taking the Outer Ring Road. I must say that I was awestruck by the vehicles smoothness and power. I could test all the ADAS functionalities during the drive and was pleasantly surprised by the impeccability of SCC - this is a must have feature especially while driving on highways. The drive was very relaxing (not that I relaxed ) as the car was taking care of the slight manoeuvring. Switched on the navigation and thought that its detailing is better than Google maps (ofcourse the destination points might not always be searchable as in Google, but does the job by and large). The HUD was displaying the key information including the ADAS warnings, music stations, speed limits etc. (but lacks a few essential metrics like RPM, which gear, current mileage etc which I saw in Baleno). High speed stability is good and the system throwing all kinds of audible warnings at you - you'll be forced to stay attentive. So far have completed about 800 km and have postponed the first service by a week for a few pending works that I plan to do. LikesEngine, love the power available at your disposal.Feature richLooks with fit and finish.Auto hold is truly godsend and works well in tandem with ISGIn-built navigation (which I am yet to upgrade to a newer version)Ventilated seatsInterior color combination, the color of seats looks awesome (but what's with the name sage green? I havent seen an iota of green on those)Panaromic sunroof (loved by kids, I am aware of the perils of standing through the opening and have never let them stand while driving)Dislikes (and nitpicking)Headlights, not up to the mark. I might upgrade to projectors (saw something on Instagram, quoting 55k)The suspension may be a little stiff to my liking (Baleno is relatively smooth), but have to reduce the tire pressure and check. Have never been in any seat other than the driving seat since the day I bought and though I didn't hear any complaint of discomfort from my family members - could feel that the ride could be a bit bumpy for them at the back.Not value for money, should have included few more essential features like memory function of electrically adjustable driver seat, request sensor on passenger side, cooled glove box etc (ofcourse there is no end to what one can wish, everyone wants more )The unit should have had wireless connectivity. Hearing news that we would get that in the upcoming upgrades, which never come. Have resigned to the fact that it wont happen now, as it is a hardware limitation.The HUD display position can only be adjusted via the screen and not by any physical buttons.KIA should find a way to be able to get the Google maps location URLs open in their in-built navigation (because not all locations are searchable and people share the location links via WhatsApp/SMS etc.)Didn't really like the bulky connected tail lamp design and the blacked out tiger nose grill (you'll see in the following pics what I did to satisfy myself)The tiny square area of the screen to show updates like weather, sports etc - the feedback to Kia is to increase the font size of the text (of the sports tab), its barely visible unless you peel your eyes. There is also lot of unused screen space on the bottom half of the square.For all those struggling with speaker grill reflection on the windshield - I have accidentally discovered a workaround - use polarized sunglasses. Additional jobsPPF and Ceramic coating - got it done last week with Kavaca brand PPF (7 years warranty) by Ceramic Pro and costed me Rs 1.5 L. Also, got the front grill and the tail lamp wrapped as I didn't entirely liked the stock look.Getting all the 4 brake calipers painted by the service center. Will be done prior to the 1st service and have been quoted 8500+GST Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 28 Mar 2024 9:04 am

Xiaomi set for plunge into EVs at a tricky time for China autos

The world#39;s third largest smartphone vendor has only said so far that its car will be priced below 500,000 yuan ($69,170.64). Models it unveiled in over 70 stores across China on Monday have drawn comparisons to Porsche#39;s Taycan and Panamera sports car models.

Money Control 28 Mar 2024 6:21 am

Sensex raises 526 pts, Nifty ends above 22,100 on buying in banking, auto shares

MUMBAI, Mar 27 : Benchmark Sensex climbed 526 points while Nifty closed above the 22,100 level on Wednesday following buying in banking, auto and oil shares after positive macro data. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 526.01 points or 0.73 per cent to settle at 72,996.31 with 18 of its stocks advancing and 12 closing lower. During the day, it jumped 668.43 points or 0.92 per cent to 73,138.73. The broader Nifty of NSE rebounded by 118.95 points or 0.54 per [] The post Sensex raises 526 pts, Nifty ends above 22,100 on buying in banking, auto shares appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 28 Mar 2024 5:58 am

Aqaras Apple Home Key Smart Lock U100 secures your home with Door Status Sensing and Auto Lock at nearly 40% off

Aqara makes one of the most intelligent and versatile smart home locks on the market, and 9to5 readers can now score a deep deal on its intelligent Smart Lock U100. Constantly updated with new features via OTA updates, the Aqara Smart Lock U100 features just about every unlock option out there, including Apple Home Key action, alongside complete integration with the rest of your smart home, the ability to learn the habits of its users, and an attractive design that works with a wide range of home decor. Head below for more details on your key to a smarter and safer home as well as todays sizable price drop on the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Aqara Smart Lock U100 $144 (Reg. $230) Using code USU10095 at checkout more

9To5Toys 28 Mar 2024 5:46 am

Automakers face 'daunting' task to meet 2032 EV rules, industry says

Automakers face 'daunting' task to meet 2032 EV rules, industry says Automakers face daunting government regulations to sell half of new vehicles by 2030 as electric or plug-in hybrids despite a U.S. decision to soften the final rules over its initial, tougher proposal, a top industry official said on Wednesday. Under all compliance scenarios, automakers will need to sell at least 50% plug-in and EVs by 2030 to meet regulatory targets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Under the initial proposal, they were projected to need to sell 60% EVs by 2030 and 68% by 2032. John Bozzella, who heads the Alliance for Automotive Innovation trade group, said the revised rules represent very ambitious and daunting targets. There's no sugarcoating that. After heavy lobbying by the automakers that called the EPA's initial April 2023 proposal either reasonable nor achievable, the 2027-2032 EPA vehicle emissions rules dramatically soften yearly requirements, dropping its U.S. electric vehicle adoption target from 67% by 2032 to as little as 35%. Bozzella had urged the Biden administration to make changes. I said, 'You need to slow the pace of the rules.' And they did, Bozzella said. Why? Because they saw what was happening in the market: a choppy EV retail environment along with inadequate public charging stations and not yet mature EV supply chains. The EPA rule cuts vehicle emissions by 49% by 2032 compared with 56% under the initial proposal. Pablo Di Si, head of Volkswagen's North American business, called the 2032 requirements extremely tough. He said the automaker will not change one product launch as a result of the softer rules, which will ot change the end game for the U.S. and for VW, and will continue with EV rollout plans. Hyundai Global Chief Operating Officer Jose Munoz said on Wednesday that the EPA revised standards are a little bit less demanding but is still challenging. The company is spending $12.6 billion to ramp up EV and battery production. Toyota Motor called the initial EPA proposal extreme and outside historical norms. Jack Hollis, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, said the company does not plan to change its product portfolio depending on who wins the White House in November. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, strongly supports electric and hybrid vehicles as part of an effort to fight climate change. His main opponent, Republican former President Donald Trump, has criticized Biden's backing of EVs, saying they will destroy the U.S. auto industry and destroy jobs. It just changes literally the regulations and the timelines to get to where we're going to end up going anyway, Hollis said at an auto show forum.

devdiscourse 28 Mar 2024 5:03 am

Two held after feud with auto driver

The Times of India 28 Mar 2024 4:26 am

Woman assaults auto driver for rash driving

The Times of India 28 Mar 2024 4:24 am

India Inc warms up to the idea of product recalls as pharma, auto industries lead the charge

In FY23, 30 companies undertook voluntary product recalls, while 16 were forced to recall their products, shows data sourced from Prime Database. Product recall information forms part of the business responsibility and sustainability reporting (BRSR) framework that is mandatory disclosure for the top 1,000 listed companies from FY23. Since many companies have not disclosed data for FY22, a YoY comparison is not tenable.

The Economic Times 28 Mar 2024 12:10 am

Being HIV-positive will no longer automatically disqualify police candidates in Tennessee city

A Tennessee city has agreed to update its civil service policies so that having HIV will no longer automatically disqualify someone from serving as a police officer or first responder

ABC News 27 Mar 2024 11:52 pm

US pricing announced for the Polestar 4 EV; starts at $54,900

The midsize SUV will have up to 300 miles of rangebut no rear windshield.

Ars Technica 27 Mar 2024 11:12 pm

Huma learns auto rickshaw driving for ad shoot

Huma Qureshi is set to portray the role of a female auto rickshaw driver in her upcoming film directed by Vipul Mehta. The film, which is yet-untitled, will showcase the true story of an auto rickshaw driver - a woman characterized by her iron will and visionary spirit. This project aims to pay homage to the courage and resilience exhibited by ordinary women who accomplish extraordinary feats.

The Times of India 27 Mar 2024 9:11 pm

These 4 auto stocks hit fresh 52-week highs; rallied up to 10% in a month

The 52-week high metric is valuable for evaluating a stock's current worth and predicting possible price changes in the future.

The Economic Times 27 Mar 2024 8:13 pm

Effects of EV transition on jobs in the auto industry

BHPian svsantosh recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I want this thread to discuss an important human-centric topic of Jobs that will be impacted if we move to an EV-centric industry. I feel the below jobs will be culled or scaled down forever and can change the course of the job industry forever. Just like the steam engines died (trains, buses, cars, home heating, etc), Carpentry, pottery hand weaving and so many other jobs have died or been curtailed severely in the last century, and these jobs also will be phased out. Do feel free to add or debate what else will be the impact.Drivetrain100s of engine parts sub-contracted to vendors assembled at engine maker - Vs - a simpler motor driven by tech and assembled in-house. I estimate it would need 50% fewer people overall to make a motor (1 casing, rotor, winding and gears) instead of a complicated engine. Same case applicable to gearboxes - electric motors can eliminate the need for a complicated transmission, so many jobs are in question here.Starter motor/AlternatorThere are some Giant employer names in India that are well-known starter and alternator manufacturers, TVS is one, and BOSCH is another, what about those 1000s of jobs there?Suspension/Brakes/HVACIn the current EV Scenario, these industries look safe but there may be advancements made. Regenerative braking can eliminate the need for better brakes someday so watch out. Thankfully with a warmer earth, HVAC is still needed and EVs do need some tech to cool down their internals.Radiator/heat exchangeThere is a sure need for a radiator concept in an EV to keep the battery and motor cool but I am not sure if any jobs will be lost.Spares/Ancillary units/Engine oil/lubricants/filters/MechanicsThis will be a significant sector that will see millions of job losses, there are 100s of lubricant brands in the world, OEM and fake spare industries, 1st grade copy and fake part manufacturers who somehow provide jobs and run the economy, those will be at stake. Air filters, oil filters, engine spares, clutch replacements, etc all gone forever. All after-sales service centers around the world - organized and unorganized, what will happen to them?Gujri/Scrap/recylcersEvery major town and every city has a suburb with 100s of streets and 1 or 2 highways full of used spares - engines, gearboxes, body parts like hood, boot, seats, etc - what will happen to them?After-market tuners/Performance Spares/AccessoriesEven a Swift can be modded with a louder FFE exhaust and a K&N air filter, what about those industries? Audio refitters, there are various jobs related to both manufacturing of a Pioneer or Sony or Alpine HU and a Sub, Amp, their related wiring etc - I don't think a Tesla or a BYD (for that matter even today's cars don't need an AFM audio anymore) will need these industries. I can imagine a Tesla having a 10,000 Rs seat cover done in JC road safely covering the airbags but still there are some jobs to surely vanish in this industry. A product as simple as a Pom-Pom Bosch horn cannot be added to an EV without facing major warranty issues. Minda, Roots, Super - there are so many companies making such a simple 1st-mod-on-a-car in India - louder horns.Additives/Non OEM performance add onsLiqui moly, Bardhal, 3M, and 1000s more companies have additives for fuel and oil, what about them?BearingsSurely companies like SKF/FAG/Techspin will have lesser business if engines and gearboxes are eliminated, they are giants in the job sector. There is no need for a journal bearing surely in EV I hope.Casting/FoundriesYes, an EV drive train still needs a cast outer block and a forged shaft or a few but there are far fewer cast/forged parts inside a motor compared to an ICE engine.The FactoryI have checked out EV factories like Ather or Ola (being a native of Hosur, TN) they really don't need a lot of employees to put together an EV product as compared to the cumbersome assembly of an ICE car/bike. Yes, there are jobs created but it takes far fewer people to assemble an EV compared to a conventional car or bike.The BatteryI really do not have an estimate of how many jobs are created in the manufacture of EV batteries, can anyone discuss that topic? From mining to logistics to processing and assembly of a Battery Pack.Oil/Petroleum/Refining/Distribution/PumpsThis is the hottest topic of all, can anyone even begin to estimate the number of jobs in the oil industry, it is simply massive and they make or break nations, geo-politics, and differentiate developed or conflict nations. From oil exploration to drilling and mining to shipping and storage to refining and distribution to petrol pumps - it is simply mind-boggling. I cannot understand how EVs are going to replace this industry and where are humans going to find alternative energy to replace oil. Unless we find a Lithium deposit below earth similar to the Middle-East oil story from the 1970s - hoping the volume of Lithium deposits is the size of 3-4 states combined in India - I simply do not see how a 5 trillion $ industry can be closed down in 5-10 years. Unless someone invents a nuclear-powered car that can run on a spoonful of U235 for 25 years at a stretch Here's what BHPian SmartCat had to say about the matter:There will always be a balance between sales of ICE & electric vehicles. From an economic point of view, if demand for EVs is such that demand for oil starts trending downwards, then the price of oil will fall too. Petrol/diesel prices slowly trending downwards from Rs. 100 per litre to Rs. 20 per litre. What is likely to happen to ICE vehicle demand then? But hypothetically, let's assume that we have widespread adoption of EVs: Jobs will be lost in some industries and jobs will be gained in others. Since the process of transport electrification is likely to be slow, there will be enough time for the job market to adjust. Remember that charging infrastructure needs to be setup all over the country in public places and also at individual homes if we are talking about serious electrification of transport in India. That should make up for any job deficit in assembly or component manufacturing. Even at the macro level, job losses in the oil industry should be covered by job gains in lithium mining or power generation or R&D. Known lithium reserves are low only because people have recently started looking for it. Lithium is not exactly rare like Gold. Also, lithium can be recycled or an alternative to lithium can be 'discovered' over the course of time.Here's what BHPian sukarsan had to say about the matter:Quite often there is a tendency to think EVs will replace ICE. There will always be a dynamic equilibrium. Today the market is split between Petrol/Diesel/CNG/Electric. Flex fuel and H2 will be a part of this mix in the coming years. Coming to pass car industry, I guess the current split for new car sales is ballpark 40(P)/30(D)/20(CNG)/10(EV) (best guess in my experience). This (90% ICE and 10% EV split) will eventually be a different ratio, due to market forces and ICE will always have a lead. In conclusion, for ICE, growth will taper down gradually and I don't expect any new investment or recruitment into the ICE ecosystem. There will be job losses as such. This however will be limited to the pass car market. It will be ICE as usual for trucks, tractors, gensets and allied industries. However, there are countries which have made a pledge for 100% electrification. Based on these pledges, these companies started negotiating with their unions and have been preparing for fewer people employed in assembly lines for years now. (Mainly German companies). In my personal opinion, I think this is a strategic move. The companies will have the leverage over the unions and these targets are always pushed forward as per the convenience of the automakers. Side Note: The phrase 'Dynamic Equilibrium' was used by my colleague for the blending of ethanol in Petrol in Brazil. The blend ratio is based on many things like demand for sugar, petrol, election cycle, global politics, war etc. I found the term to be very apt and have found it quite useful in explaining past and future trends to my friends and colleagues.Here's what BHPian Ravi Parwan had to say about the matter:One of the prime reasons you see so many fewer people in an EV factory compared to an ICE factory is that with time most processes move towards automation and reduction of manual effort. Compare today's newspaper printers to their state 20-30 years ago. Then you go to a neighborhood printer and you find the same tech being used where a person manually snatches/replaces the paper between every pass of the machine. My point is that for many of these industry players, the cost of modernization is not justified for the scale of operations. Hence what we see as representative of the ICE industry is maybe 40-50-year-old technology while new capacity coming up will mostly be using maybe 10-20-year-old technology. This in my opinion is why we feel that the EV industry employs fewer people. Going forward, I agree that there will be an equilibrium in place. Jobs will be reduced in some industries while being generated in other industries.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 6:50 pm

Honda Transalp XL750 accessories: Must haves & optional extras

BHPian the_90s_car_guy recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I wanted to share my thoughts on some of the accessories available for the Transalp in the market. Feel free to add your input below so other buyers can also benefit from it. First, Let's remember that the Transalp has some design choices that necessitate purchasing certain accessories. I'll list them in order of importance.Must have accessories:Sump guard/ Skid/ Bash plate: Reason: The Transalp's exhaust pipes and oil sump are located lower than you would expect in an offroad-focused ADV like this and are, therefore, most vulnerable to hitting hard rocks and scrapping tall bumps.Centre/ Main stand: Reason: This is a no-brainer. The 210-kg Transalp oddly has tubed tyres that will be rather exhausting to fix without a main stand in case of a puncture. Additional benefits include easier chain maintenance (cleaning and lubing) and rear disc cleaning after a monsoon ride.Crash guards: Reason: I feel that it's incorrect to insist that only riders who take their bikes on offroad trails need crash protection bars. I've seen several riders accidentally drop their bikes while parking or while making a tight U-turn. These soft falls also damage body parts and panels.Aux Lights: Reason: The throw from the stock headlamp provided on the Transalp is best described as sub-par. While testing the bike, I felt the low beam was above average but the high beam was actually poor. There are some scooters I know that offer a better throw! You'd probably need a hybrid setup (flood + spot) to complement the main DRL, erm, I mean, the headlamp.Optional Accessories:Here are some accessories that I think are optional and user-dependent.Hand Guard/ Lever Protector: Protects the brake and clutch levers during a fall. Protects the fingers and levers from a side swipe in traffic or while riding along narrow trails).Side-stand extender/enlarger: Increases the surface contact area of the side stand and distributes the vehicle's load along a larger surface. It is very useful when parking a vehicle on soft or slushy ground. (SW-Motech's extender is cheaper than the HB one)Rally footpegs: Rally footpegs are wide enough for better balance (while standing) and riding long distances, while the grip keeps your feet in the right position without slipping (because of mud). It's probably useful only if you hit the wet trails more.Taller windscreen / Wind deflector: Largely useful for taller riders who are 6 feet or more IMO. I'm about 5'10 and found very little buffetting on my helmet while riding the Transalp. There's a GIVI tall screen or a PUIG Wind deflector to choose from.Fender Extender: I noticed that the Transalp's radiator comes with its own built-in mesh for basic protection, and the optional aluminium grill is probably only needed for hardcore off-road riders. For those who would mostly tour like me, a front fender extension like the one below can keep much of the small stones and muck away from the radiator. Pyramid Extenda is the only local option I could find.Additional points to consider:For crash protection, one can either buy a sump guard + engine guard + tank guard from GIVI or Hepco Becker or buy just the SW-Motech sump guard + engine guard.The SW-Motech sump guard is much bigger and wider and acts as a lower engine guard. This in effect means a tank guard on the top alone is enough to protect the upper body and mount your Aux lights.Most of the items I've mentioned are available in India via Bikenbiker or SW-Motech's India distributor - Big Bad Bikes. Some are out of stock and may need to be pre-ordered.Honda's own OEM accessories (also listed on their website) are quite expensive. I've included the pricing of some of the components below. There is also no clarity on whether they will be available along with the bike or a long waiting time is to be expected. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 6:35 pm

Renault and Nissan confirm four new SUVs for India

Renault and Nissan have confirmed four new SUVs for the Indian market. The carmaker plans to introduce two midsize SUVs, which include the new Renault Duster and its Nissan version. Both models will also spawn their respective 7-seater derivatives. Renault-Nissan has released a teaser showing the upcoming SUVs in their concept form. Both models will be based on the localized version of the CMF-B platform. The Renault version looks quite similar to the European-spec Duster. The aggressive-looking front end features a rectangular grille flanked by slim headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The Nissan version adopts a completely different design with L-shaped LED DRLs connected by an LED light bar and a chrome strip running across the front end. Renault and Nissan haven't revealed the exact launch timeline for the upcoming models. However, we can expect the Renault Duster to arrive by late 2025, followed by Nissan's 5-seater SUV and subsequently the 7-seater iterations.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 6:15 pm

Citroen C3 hatchback will be launched with automatic gearbox, many new features will also be included

Citroen enthusiasts, rejoice! The highly anticipated launch of the Citroen C3 hatchback is on the horizon, and it's arriving with a host of thrilling enhancements. Among the highlights, the introduction of an automatic gearbox is set to revolutionize the driving experience for fans of this beloved model. But that's not all brace yourselves for a slew of additional features designed to elevate comfort, convenience, and performance to new heights. Automatic Transmission: Redefining Convenience Gone are the days of manual gear shifting the Citroen C3 hatchback is stepping into the future with the inclusion of an automatic gearbox. This innovative feature promises to simplify driving, especially in urban environments where stop-and-go traffic can be a frequent challenge. With seamless gear changes and effortless maneuverability, navigating city streets has never been smoother. Enhanced Driving Dynamics The integration of the automatic transmission is more than just a convenience upgrade; it's a testament to Citroen's commitment to enhancing driving dynamics. By optimizing gear shifts and responsiveness, the C3 hatchback delivers an engaging driving experience that caters to both enthusiasts and everyday commuters alike. Whether zipping through busy streets or cruising on the open road, expect nothing short of exceptional performance. Effortless Adaptability One of the key advantages of an automatic gearbox is its adaptability to various driving conditions. From congested urban roads to winding country lanes, the Citroen C3 effortlessly adjusts to the demands of the environment, ensuring a stress-free journey for occupants. Say goodbye to the hassle of clutch control and hello to effortless driving pleasure. Innovative Features for Unparalleled Comfort Beyond the introduction of automatic transmission, the Citroen C3 hatchback raises the bar with an array of innovative features designed to enhance comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers. Advanced Infotainment System Stay connected and entertained on the go with the C3's cutting-edge infotainment system. Boasting seamless smartphone integration, intuitive controls, and crisp display quality, accessing your favorite apps, music, and navigation services has never been easier. Whether embarking on a road trip or tackling the daily commute, enjoy a personalized entertainment experience at your fingertips. Premium Interior Amenities Step inside the Citroen C3 and indulge in luxury with its premium interior amenities. From plush upholstery to refined finishes, every detail is crafted to exude elegance and sophistication. With ample legroom, ergonomic seating, and customizable features, every journey promises a first-class experience for occupants. Intelligent Safety Technologies Safety is paramount, and the Citroen C3 prioritizes the well-being of its passengers with a suite of intelligent safety technologies. From advanced driver assistance systems to proactive collision mitigation features, peace of mind comes standard with every drive. Whether navigating busy city streets or embarking on long-distance travels, rest assured knowing that you're protected by cutting-edge safety innovations. Unveiling the Future of Citroen Driving Experience With the launch of the Citroen C3 hatchback equipped with automatic gearbox and an array of innovative features, the future of driving experience is here. Combining convenience, performance, and luxury in one stylish package, this next-generation model is poised to set new standards in the automotive industry. Get ready to embark on a journey like never before with the Citroen C3 where every drive is an adventure. Alia Bhatt to Host Inaugural 'Hope Gala' in London: A Night of Charity and Glamour Taapsee Pannu Ties the Knot with Mathias Boe in Intimate Udaipur Wedding Look different from the crowd on Holi, try celebrity inspired looks

News Track 27 Mar 2024 5:39 pm

6 points of note during my V-Strom 250 SX's 4th service after 12,000 km

BHPian mobilecentric recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Just had my 4th service done, just regular service no specific issues. The bike has now completed 12K. Have been using the bike only for office commutes, had plans to take it places but it did not work out. All services are done in Kiran Suzuki workshop, Thane. It's been regular service every time so not much to comment on the service centre, just that I get to see big bikes like Busas, Katana and VStorms there as a bonus. So the 12K's so far have been smooth sailing. Points to note:As everyone already knows, front brake pads don't last much, but how much ever they last it's good breaking, so I don't even complain and just get them replaced on every service.Since the beginning, I complained that my horn did not sound good, later even my pass switch would behave erratically. So during the second service, I got the switches checked, the mechanic cleaned it up and the horn and pass switch have been working well so far since then.My chain started making noise at 11k, went to a local mechanic and he tightened it a bit as it was very loose. In my 4th service, the mechanic said that the chain setting is to the max now and if it becomes loose again I will have to get the chain and sprocket replaced.For every service they used Ecstar oil but in this 4th service they suggested Motul 7100, I said ok, don't feel any difference (yet).The only add-on to the stock bike is a Givi top box which I use to store my helmet and backpack/lunchbox.Have checked my VIN on the Suzuki website for the camshaft issue and nothing comes up for my bike even though the manufacturing of my bike falls in the same period as mentioned. Forgot to confirm this with the service centre.Overall, pretty happy with the bike so far, even my wife has no complaints as a pillion on our everyday commute. I just wish I could take her (the bike and wife) out on some long tour someday. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 5:30 pm

Citroen C3 hatchback to get a 6-speed automatic option

Earlier this year, Citroen launched the C3 Aircross Automatic. The SUV comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The same could now be offered in the C3 hatchback. According to media reports, Citroen might launch the C3 automatic by June this year. The 6-speed automatic gearbox will be paired with the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. This unit makes 109 BHP and 190 Nm. The C3 Automatic will take on the likes of the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. Both cars get automated manual transmissions (AMT) instead of a proper automatic. Reports suggest that Citroen also plans to introduce new features in the C3. The car will get an automatic climate control system and a foldable key. The Citroen C3 is also available with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which produces 81 BHP and 115 Nm. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Source: Autocar India

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 5:29 pm

Unveiling Legal Autonomy: The Intersection of Copyright Ownership and Licensing Powers under Sections 30 and 33(1) of the Copyright Act, 1957

In a recent legal battle that unfolded in the Bombay High Court, the nuanced relationship between Sections 30 and 33(1) of the Copyright Act, 1957 came under intense scrutiny. The cases at hand...

Legal Service India 27 Mar 2024 5:29 pm

Citroen Basalt SUV coupe unveiled ahead of India launch

Citroen has revealed the Basalt Vision concept. This is the final model in the brand's C-Cubed program, which will go on sale in India in the second half of 2024. The Citroen Basalt SUV coupe shares its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross. Essentially a coupe version of the Aircross, it also shares several design features, including the front fascia with its split headlamp setup and dual LED DRLs. The Basalt gets gloss black cladding around the wheel arches that give it a square-ish look. The cladding continues along the door sills and the rear bumper. The SUV has a coupe-like roof line with a steeply raked rear windshield and square-ish wraparound tail lights. Citroen hasn't revealed the interior of the Basalt SUV coupe concept yet. However, we can expect it to be similar to the C3 Aircross. Under the bonnet, the Basalt could use the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 5:24 pm

Getting rid of tar marks on car body using Tar & Bugs removal spray

BHPian ramnaresh_2000 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I have started noticing tar marks on my Compass lately. Very tiny black dot marks on all 4 doors. It was not bothering me until the last few months, they were more and more marks. No matter how much shampoo I used, they were not going away. I bought this Tar and Bugs removal spray on Amazon after doing some research. It cost me some 450 bucks. The results were good, I wouldn't say it worked 100%, but it was able to remove 80-85% of the Tar marks. Maybe regular usage will give better results. I followed the below steps after reading the instructions on the can.Wiped all doors clean with a damp microfiber clothLet it dry for few minutesSprayed generous amount of spray on all 4 doorsLet it sit for 40-60 secondsWiped off the sprayRepeat again on places where the tar is still stuckHappy with the overall results. Tar Marks on the doors, I am using a 3-year-old smartphone, not sure if it captured the details properly. Sprayed generously Work in progress, you can see the Tar melting gradually Final results Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 5:00 pm

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index advances 0.51%

The Nifty Auto index closed 0.51 per cent up at 21146.2.

The Economic Times 27 Mar 2024 4:45 pm

Five semi-automatic firearms with 24 live bullets seized in Bhubaneswar, 2 held

Bhubaneswar: The Special Crime Unit of the Commissionerate Police conducted a successful operation resulting in the recovery of a significant cache of illegal weapons and live ammunitions. Acting on credible intelligence, the unit executed a coordinated raid on three different locations such as Hansapal on NH-16, Sarkantara and Tamando on dt 26.3.24 from 2 PM [] The post Five semi-automatic firearms with 24 live bullets seized in Bhubaneswar, 2 held appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Pragativadi 27 Mar 2024 4:31 pm

Tata Altroz Racer could be launched in India soon

The Tata Altroz Racer, a sporty version of the Altroz hatchback, was unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo. Latest reports suggest that the car might be launched in the coming weeks. The Altroz Racer will be positioned at the top of the Altroz line-up and take on the Hyundai i20 N Line. It is expected to feature a few sporty bits on the exterior, including a dual-tone colour scheme with racing stripes, a revised front grille and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Altroz Racer could get a larger touchscreen infotainment system and might also be equipped with features like ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera and a sunroof. The Altroz Racer is expected to use a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon. It produces 118 BHP and 170 Nm and is likely to be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Source:Autocar India

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 4:19 pm

Government To Stay Proactive With PM E-Bus Sewa Scheme Despite Election, Says JBM Auto MD

The government has so far tendered for 2,000 buses to the industry, of which the company has secured orders for 1,390 buses, he said

Bloomberg Quint 27 Mar 2024 4:11 pm

Maruti Gypsy owner checks out the Jimny:Why I prefer the manual over AT

BHPian shankar.balan recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Dad and I went to the local Nexa in the Gypsy today. The Gypsy still turns heads there is no doubt about that. And we took another muddy dusty sandy test drive in the Manual Jimny. Nexa had two- both in the same Kinetic Yellow colour but one was AT and one was MT. The Manual Jimny is superb. We went onto some large patches of the area being cleared for some giant future construction. It looks like a mining site at the moment and offers any Jeepy thing a solid workout. The best thing is despite the kind of ruts and soft sand and loose concrete jelly surfaces, the Jimny did everything in 2H. It is only because I wanted to, that I engaged 4H for a short time and did a couple of light, dry skids on that soft sand. It is a modern Gypsy with all the essential creature comforts. It eats up everything one throws at it, variegated ruts, corrugated roads, mud, slidey soft sand, potholes on tarmac, concrete jelly-laid tracks, and so on. It has that excellent narrow body that can squeeze through typical city traffic and get you somewhere real quick. And in my opinion, the manual transmission is far superior to the AT. It is much more responsive and you can control things much better. Old school. But that rifle bolt click of the Gypsy is missing.It is a softer and mushier gearbox in the Jimny as compared with the Gypsy. Having just stepped off the Thar ownership bandwagon after 3 full years, I reiterate that had they launched the Jimny at the time they launched the Thar, I would have chosen the Jimny like a shot. It is a far better engineered and superior vehicle and suits my 'want' state admirably much better than the Thar ever could. Honestly. If the Maruti folks had even indicated straight that they would give us the Jimny in late 2021, I would have definitely waited rather than spent all that money on the Thar. (Ok I did enjoy the Thar for sure, but the Jimny just makes my heart very much happier.) If the Maruti people had an ounce of sense, they should have launched a limited number of just 3000 3-door Jimnys in India just around the time of the end of Covid. And the reaction and reception to the Jimny, by the Indian public would have been totally different than it is now. They could have always followed up when ready with the 5-door Jimny. Yes, in my case, it is just a matter of time - The Gypsy will yield space to the Jimny at the appropriate juncture in my life. Of course, one cannot under-estimate the superb utilitarianism and functionality and 'lightness' of the Gypsy, but the Jimny is much more liveable on day to day basis for me, in my alter-ego avatar - that of an ageing, (past 50), hat-wearing, jeep-driving, wannabe Indiana Jones/ John Wayne although in truth I am only a normal working middle-class urban-dweller, with a penchant for hill trips. My choice would be the Manual Alpha. And after some time I would buy the Zeta Steel wheels and sell off the Alloys. I would be hard-pressed to choose between the Grey, White, and Blue shades.But then hey, one can always do a wrap job later! (Another thing, I am seeing several Jimnys in the Second Hand Market. It may actually be more sensible to consider one of those.) The Sarjapur Nexa folks were kind enough today at my special request, to position both their test drive Jimnys next to my Gypsy so that I could take some more photos of Grandpa and his Twin Grandsons Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 4:00 pm

This Video of Auto Overturning After Being Hit by Water Balloons Is Old

This video has been available online since March 2022 and is from Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat.

The Quint 27 Mar 2024 3:02 pm

New cars are less reliable than cars from 2010, says new study

According to a new study, newer cars purchased in the last couple of years have twice as many problems compared to vehicles back in 2010. It is said that these quality issues could get worse in the next few years before they start to get better. The study states that the rise in problems could be attributed to the pandemic, which resulted in cascading supply chain issues. However, another key reason for the declining quality issues is the introduction of a large number of new technologies installed in the latest cars, increasing the problematic factors that further influence the deteriorating results of the quality tests conducted. The study also analyses the Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) released by J.D.Power every year. The IQS scores and ranks vehicles based on the number of problems experienced per 100 new vehicles during the first 3 months of ownership. The VDS, on the other hand, ranks vehicles according to the problems faced during the first three years of ownership. Based on JD Power's IQS and VDS, the study states that the number of problems in cars have doubled between 2010 and 2021. The study states that the worst averages seen were models with up to five quality issues per vehicle. The analysis of the two JD Power studies also showed that over the 12 years of ownership, 43% of the problems occurred in the first three months, with the remaining 57% of problems spread across the next 33 months. The study also confirmed the reliability of Lexus and Toyota models. It reported that over the 12 years between 2010 and 2021, Lexus models were at least 10% more reliable than any other nameplate. Toyota is also in the mix, alongside brands like Porsche and Buick for the top spot. Land Rover averaged the highest problems per car in 2021 compared to its cars in 2010. Following it were Chrysler, Volvo and Jeep, respectively. Source: NewAtlas

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 2:48 pm

Xiaomi EV owners can add physical buttons below touchscreen

According to reports, tech giant Xiaomi, which recently entered the EV car market with its all-new SU7, is offering a satisfactory solution to both lovers and haters of touchscreen in cars. As per reports, the Xiaomi SU7, as standard, offers a touch-only interface. However, customers of the electric car can also purchase a row of hard keys and switches, which can be installed below the SU7's touchscreen infotainment display. Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, had earlier stated that the SU7's central screen is modular. The screen will come with magnetic attachment points on all four sides. Initially, the car will be offered with a row of piano keys and a volume knob, which Xiaomi calls a 'docking unit', mounted at the bottom edge of the screen. However, Xiaomi's CEO also hinted that the company could introduce other add-on features in the near future. This add-on row of physical buttons offers customers the best of both worlds, increasing comfort and functionality. Source: InsideEVs

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 2:32 pm

Land Rover set to introduce New Defender Octa, the off-road luxury SUV

Land Rover teases its upcoming powerhouse, the Defender Octa, set to redefine off-road luxury. This high-performance SUV offers a twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from BMW, delivering a staggering 618hp and 800Nm of torque, propelling it from 0 to 100kph in just 3.8 seconds. Equipped with the advanced '6D Dynamic' suspension system and Brembo brakes, the Octa promises unrivaled on-road refinement and off-road capability. With leaked images showcasing its exclusive branding and formidable features, anticipation builds for its imminent debut.

Zee Biz 27 Mar 2024 2:32 pm

Maruti Suzuki First Indian Automaker To Cross Rs 4 Lakh Crore In Market Cap

The stock rose as much as 3.85% during the day on the NSE.

Bloomberg Quint 27 Mar 2024 2:24 pm

Comfortable multi-cylinder motorcycle under 10 lakh for a 40-yr-old

BHPian StepUP! recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello there! I am seeking this community's advice/help in deciding on my next bike. Before that, just a bit of background - My current ride is, rather was, a Versys 650. 5 years old, odo stands at 20000kms. Before this, I had a CBR250R. While CBR was a good bike, my wrists always hurt due to the sporty riding position. No matter how much I tried to correct my posture. I was in my late twenties then. I went for Versys in my early thirties, it being an ADV has great suspension comfortable for long rides. It has enough grunt to keep up with superbikes, the engine is typical Japanese, low-speed high gears very much doable. Mild off-roading is a breeze. However, after riding it for 4 years, I have overgrown it. With its advantages, I think it has its own flaws:I never felt connected to the bike, I sit on the bike and not in the bike. While it dismisses bad roads with aplomb, on the highway or taking corners, it feels usually boring. Don't get me wrong it has a superb chassis to lean in corners but this being a high CG bike, after you lean in, to get back in line, that nervousness is always there. Of course, attributed to my limited skills as well.Always top heavyHeavy 230+ kgs weight with high CG becomes scary to manage in traffic and tricky situations like when you have to stop on a slope or while coming to halt, your leg is on a slippery surface or in a ditch. For reference I am 5'9 and with riding shoes, I have to tip toe. I could never flat feet when in the saddle.Lacks character. Engine note is meh.With a heavy heart, I let it go. Versys took me to so many places and a lot of beautiful memories are associated with it. Rode her to many forts, lakes, dams, and ghats around Pune. But I am convinced it's the right decision. I was not riding it much for many months.What I want in my next bike:Budget max 10 lakhs OTRNot too much downgrade in terms of powerShouldn't be top-heavy, lesser the weight, the better.Comfortable to ride. I am 40 now and don't want to strain my back, wrists.Twin or more cylinders, no single-cylinder bikes.Open to pre-owned route.Reasonable ASS and maintenance.No Japanese.No cruisers.No KTMsAm I asking too much? My rides are weekend breakfast rides and sometimes to work which is 40kms to and fro.Only 2 bikes come to my mind:Aprilia RS457 (actually it's RS660 but it's out of budget)Street TriplePlease suggest if the above are the right choices, and if there are more bikes to consider fitting my requirements. PS - I haven't taken any test rides yet but soon will do. Thank you! Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say about the matter:Candidly, yes. I'd encourage you to think through this list and perhaps break it up into the 'non-negotiable' conditions and the 'good to have' ones. That might help you broaden your options list a bit more. Should not be too much of a downgrade: That rules out the 457. As does perhaps the unknown on maintenance. From the above shortlist of two, a sparingly used Street Triple R would suit your requirements quite well. You could also consider the Trident 660 perhaps. Again a nice enough motorcycle in its own right but the Street Triple will just be much nicer if you can snare a good one. If you are open to classics you could also consider the classics range from Triumph. They're heavier than the above two but not top-heavy. You'll again need to go slightly used to make it fit in 10 lakh. I can't think of much else from your listed requirements, which applied strictly rule out most other options.Here's what BHPian Cyborg had to say about the matter:Aprilia RS457 may run into issues during servicing and spares because they don't have market penetration for the foreseeable future. Street Triple while being a huge upgrade to your Versys power wise will also be a huge downgrade comfort-wise. The rider triangle is decently committed and could get cramped which will not suit you either. I have owned this bike hence speaking from ownership experience. I would suggest a brand new Kawasaki Ninja 500 (forget your no Japanese clause) which has just been launched and will fit in your budget. It will not be too much of a downgrade power-wise because it's much lighter than the Versys 650 (~170 kgs versus ~230 kgs) and power delivery should be more direct. It should be comfortable to ride and own with Kawasaki service which should be better than Triumph and surely Aprilia. Take a test ride with an open mind and see if it floats your boat. All the best.Here's what BHPian Sudarshan42 had to say about the matter:How about the Triumph Trident 660 or any of the other 660 triples (Tiger, Daytona) from Triumph? I know service is a hit or miss, but this will be the ideal upgrade given your constraints. If not that, also consider the Honda Transalp or the CBR650R. The latter is a bit long in the tooth now, but given that it's a Honda inline 4, should be a decent upgrade. Another wild card can be the Z900, provided your no Japanese caveat is flexible.Here's what BHPian shabih had to say about the matter:Since the CBR250R used to put a strain on your wrist, I think the Aprillia and Striple will do the same. You may want to consider Triumph Bonneville or Street Twin. In the used market these two will come in between 5 to 7 lakhs. The classics offer you a no-fuss pure riding pleasure, a thumpy torquey engine, extremely healthy weight distribution that wouldn't feel top heavy at all and you can easily flat foot them. I own a Street Twin and I am very happy with what it delivers.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 2:05 pm

SBI, Bajaj Auto among 25 stocks eligible for T+0 settlement, says BSE

SBI Bajaj Auto among stocks eligible for T settlement says BSE

India Today 27 Mar 2024 1:39 pm

T+0 settlement scrip list released, Bajaj Auto, SBI, 3 Tata Group stocks part of the list

Stock exchanges will introduce the beta version of T+0 or same-day trade settlement in the 25 scrips in the cash segment from Thursday.

The Economic Times 27 Mar 2024 1:24 pm

Indian Motor Insurance - Favorable Auto Sales Mix Driving Premium Growth: Motilal Oswal

Rising share of utility vehicles, CNG, automatics, EVs and top-end models

Bloomberg Quint 27 Mar 2024 12:56 pm

Kia Expands Seltos Lineup With Two New Automatic Variants: Check Details

The latest additions to the Seltos lineup are both part of the HTK+ trim, offering customers more options in terms of automatic transmission choices.

Zee News 27 Mar 2024 12:53 pm

Picked Hyundai Exter AMT as my first car: 500 km ownership experience

BHPian TheMbaCarGuy recently shared this with other enthusiasts.Purchase and Initial Experience of Exter SX AMT - 500 kms ownershipI was in the market to buy my first car - preferably an automatic. I had a budget of 10 lakh for the purchase with some wiggle room. Majority of the driving is supposed to happen in the city, with a once-a-month weekend trip (~500 kms). Key options considered were:Baleno - While overall the car is really great (sales numbers speak) - the front windscreen rake seemed slightly too much as I am used to driving my father's Kia Sonet. At its minimum, the distance between the touch screen and IRVM must be ~7 inches. Plus generally low on features.Swift - Smaller feeling owing to all black interiors and plus a facelift is expected.Dzire - Had owned and driven one as a family car, not so feature-rich.Honda Amaze - rear seating was cramped with the roof being steeply sloping (me and my wife both are 5'10'' with wide built.i10 - Felt small and low on headroom and sense of spacei20 - Close second in choice, but rupee-to-rupee value comparison against Exter took it downExter - Finally chosen owing to reasons explained belowI had always loved tall boy designs, loved Wagon R / Santro / Yeti, so Exter felt nice to be in. Hyundai's great sales / customer service made the choice easier.ExteriorWell, the car looks slightly awkward with tall boxy proportions, relatively narrow track and skinny tyres. While I did not find any mini / micro / nano SUV bits; the flared wheel arches, upright C pillar and squared front and rear substantiate the look. The longish rear window and convex bulge on the roof - make the car look bigger and more established. Front H DRLs and low-set headlamps do the job well and after looking at the new Creta - the design language seems to be more clear. Rear looks are basic, with some piano black elements making it somewhat interesting. Overall the car has a great road presence and doesn't feel small or insignificant.InteriorThe cabin is very well laid out. The dashboard is picked up from i10 / Aura. Overall fit-finish is really good quality, gaps are consistent and acceptable. Most of the plastic is hard, but nothing is low quality. Door panels have all plastic components - no fabric inserts anywhere, nor the buttons are illuminated. Overall glass area is really good, and the light-coloured headliner improves space perception. The headroom is tremendous, 6 footers sitting in both the front and rear seat will be well catered. Rear roof is scooped from the inside giving an outrageous amount of headroom. Seats are very well padded and provide good support; both rear and front seats. The 8 infotainment display is functional and does a good job. Rear AC vents are well-performing. The cabin comes with 4 charging sockets (2x USB A + 2x USB C) and a wireless charging pad.DriveAdjustable seat and steering (rake) give a great view of the road. Edges of the bonnet are visible, thus making city driving a breeze. Steering and speedo cluster is well laid. All digital for speedo and tacho are very well readable. MID gives all important information such as TPMS, economy, trip computers and general menu to control the screen colours and behaviour. The steering is light in urban setup and weighs up well on highways. The paddle shifters are handy in overtake situations, but not essential. Well though the shifters don't really shift till it's reasonably good time (speed+throttle+load). While cornering the body roll is well within control. Suspension is softly sprung and irons most of the bumps and potholes. At highway speeds (90+) there is no floating feel or oscillations. The engine likes to stay calm and composed and absolutely hates any sporty or spirited inputs. If you put your foot down doing say 50 kmph in 5th gear - there is a whole 1-second lag, the car will drop 2 or 3 gears and will try to respond. Is it sporty or exciting, no - will get the job done in the city or on the highway - absolutely yes. In the first 500 Kms drive - fuel efficiency is around 13-14 KMPL - slightly lower than expected.ClosingThe car is a great choice for the first vehicle with city driving focus and occasional outings. Car is great for 4 pax and gives all the features needed with sweeteners like a sunroof. 6 Airbags, ABS/EBD/ESC are peace of mind items, with G-NCAP and B-NCAP yet to be tested. Boot space is good but has a slightly higher loading lip. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 12:45 pm

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE teased ahead of launch

Suzuki Motorcycles India has released a teaser of its upcoming adventure bike, the V-Strom 800DE. The bike was recently showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo. The V-Strom 800DE is an off-road-oriented touring bike. It comes with raised handlebars, a short windscreen and a prominent beak. The bike is equipped with a 5-inch digital instrument console, riding modes, a bi-directional quick-shifter and switchable dual-channel ABS. V-Strom 800DE is powered by a new 776cc parallel-twin engine that makes 83 BHP and 78 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike features adjustable suspension and rides on 21-inch wire-spoke wheels. The brake setup consists of dual 310 mm discs up front and a 260 mm disc at the rear. The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE will compete with the Honda XL750 Transalp, Triumph Tiger 900 and the BMW F 850 GS.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 12:38 pm

Force Gurkha 5-door teased ahead of launch

Force Motors has released a teaser of the Gurkha 5-door. Reports suggest that the SUV is likely to go on sale by mid-2024. The teaser image provides a glimpse of the upcoming Gurkha 5-door. It shows the side profile of the SUV finished in a Metallic Green exterior colour. The SUV can also be seen equipped with a snorkel, a roof rack, alloy wheels and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Besides the longer wheelbase, the Gurkha 5-door is also expected to get a few cosmetic tweaks. Spy images have revealed a redesigned grille and square headlamps. While the interior is likely to be similar to the Gurkha 3-door, it could get a few new features. The 5-door version could also offer three rows of seats with a bench seat in the second row. Under the bonnet, the Gurkha 5-door is expected to get the same 2.6-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine. This unit puts out 91 BHP and 250 Nm and will be paired with a 4-wheel drive system. The Force Gurkha 5-door will compete with the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 12:21 pm

EVs will be cheaper than ICE cars by 2027, but cost more to repair

According to a media report, EV production will reach cost parity with ICE-powered cars in as little as 3 years, however, the average cost of repair is going up at an alarming rate. Reports claim that EVs could become cheaper to make than their ICE-powered counterparts by 2027. However, the average cost of repair is said to be increasing and could go up by 30% within the same time frame. The increasing repair costs could further cause a hike in insurance premiums, which could lead to some insurers flat-out denying coverage for certain EV models. Reports state that in the current situation, EVs are known to have greater up-front prices and lower ownership costs - making a case for EV purchasing. However, once EVs reach price parity with ICE cars, the formula could invert - resulting in cheaper upfront payments for EVs but more expensive in the long run. The report also takes Hertz, as an example of how it bought a fleet of Tesla Model 3s expecting to save money on fuel and maintenance, only to be hit with high insurance premiums and the possibility of its EV fleet being written off due to expensive repairs. It also stated how trivial damage that would be simple & cheap to fix in an ICE car could lead to long wait times due to the complexity of the EV drivetrains and its charging systems. Source: Jalopnik

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 11:44 am

Why I'm holding onto my Hycross booking, despite losing trust in Toyota

BHPian CEF_Beasts recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The latest issue on the Hycross, the media car's fuel gauge stopped working and showed the tank as full even though it had reached the E mark and they ran out of fuel. The hybrid battery and down-slope from Lonavla came to the media person's help. Honestly, the issues with HyCross to date are giving a very bad vibe about the longevity of this car. I'll mention the various issues (QC, Mechanical & Electrical) that I have seen or heard till now:Cases on brand new cars where the Hybrid system malfunctioned.ORVM Camera malfunctioned and stopped working - Replaced under warranty.Fuel Gauge stopped working on a 13k km run Press Car.The fuel gauge and DTE show conflicting values when the car is parked on a slight incline. Fuel Gauge rushes to the F mark when the car is parked on an incline.Rattles and Creaks from different places of the car, are heard by many.Frequent wireless AA / AC disconnections.A few cases where the Touchscreen system stopped responding completely.The brake pad broke inside the caliper, an extremely rare case but yes it happened.Bug inside the taillightThe most pathetic reflector-based LED headlights, worse than a candle, on a 30-40 Lakh car.Excessive engine noise and NVH on a brand new car, the issue was pin-pointed on a failed Hydraulic Engine Mount - Replaced FOC.Rats and Dogs love the car and create havoc, chewing through wires.Poor and pathetic quality of plastics used throughout the cabin.Being a massive Toyota Fan for the last 2 decades for their QDR principles and building bulletproof vehicles, this car has single-handedly destroyed my trust in the brand Toyota. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that people are not raising a hue and cry about it even now! For a Toyota car and a ground-up one built on their platform (TNGA-C), these are some serious issues. I've booked a Hycross and trust me day-by-day I'm losing my faith in this car. Every day a new issue is popping up on the forum / social media. My current decade-old Fortuner has been bulletproof so far, apart from the already-known fuel gauge issue. Either Toyota can't handle the latest technology going into their new-gen cars or the people building this particular car on the assembly line are incompetent, especially the ones where the extra shift has come into the picture to increase production. It's quite clear that this being a SE-Asia-specific car they made mumbo-jumbo of parts available from their global parts bin and built this cheap copy of the Highlander/Kluger for developing markets in a hurry. One should indeed wait at least a year or two till a new car has settled down in the market and all issues have been ironed out. This was something that held for Mahindras and Tatas, but Toyota entering the same league is not something I would imagine. There is a big reason I still suggest the current-gen Fortuner to anyone and everyone in the 50 Lakh budget, even though it is over-priced for what it offers! Bulletproof-ness and Reliability are priceless and are far more important than features / a god-damn sunroof, which everyone so desperately wants. Next-Gen Fortuner buyers B-E-W-A-R-E, the new-gen 2025/26 Fortuner is going to be jam-packed with features. Even the new 3.4L Twin-Turbo Petrol in the First of Tundras was not spared, with its Turbo failing on multiple vehicles. The only respite being parts were/are being made available with the necessary changes incorporated quickly. There are only TWO reasons I'm still holding onto my booking:The space and comfort on offer, (can't find any other MPV/SUV with as much space as the HyCross in the current market scenario), andThe Hybrid powertrain which will make my garage future-proof.My dealership's high-handedness in the post-booking stage is a story for another time, mind you this is the same dealership from which I have purchased two cars in the past 2 decades, this being the third one. All in all, I'm losing faith in Toyota India. Well, I'm just a dot in their long order book, who they wouldn't mind losing. At this point, I'm just happy that my dealership has quoted me a 12-18 month estimated delivery time so that at least some issues can be eliminated. But Toyota being Toyota, extremely slow at what they do, I'm sure they won't do it till the facelift is out. In my books, this car is a massive blow to the reputation that the household brand name 'INNOVA' had built and is known for in India. PS: Fellow HyCross owners please add the other issues which I may have missed in the above list. PPS: The day writing emails to Toyota India started getting re-directed by them to dealerships was the day when this mess started. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 11:33 am

Tata Nexon gets 5 new AMT variants priced from Rs 10 lakh

Tata Motors has silently introduced five new variants of the Nexon equipped with an automated manual transmission (AMT). The new AMT variants are priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The Tata Nexon Petrol AMT is now available in Smart+, Pure and Pure S trims, while the Nexon Diesel AMT gets Pure and Pure S variants. Earlier, the AMT option was available only on the more expensive trims (Creative and above). The Nexon is offered with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 118 BHP and 170 Nm. Customers can choose from four transmission options: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT and 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 83 BHP and 260 Nm. It is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT.Tata Nexon ex-showroom prices:Petrol Smart+ - Rs 10 lakhPetrol Pure - Rs 10.50 lakhPetrol Pure S - Rs 11 lakhDiesel Pure - Rs 11.80 lakhDiesel Pure S - Rs 12.30 lakh

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 11:08 am

Man held for killing auto driver over drunken brawl in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: A 55-year-old man from Konanakunte has been arrested on charges of killing an autorickshaw driver whom he had met in a bar on Saturday night. The accused has been identified as Munikrishna, a resident of Raghuvanahalli, and the victim Gopi (55) hailed from Harihara. Munikrishna had allegedly killed Gopi by hitting him in his car, which has been seized. The Thalagattapura traffic police had first registered the case as it looked like an accident case. However, footage of over 20 CCTV cameras gave a twist to the case and the police found that the accused had intentionally hit the victim over a fight while consuming alcohol. Gopi and his friend Umapathy from Malur had gone to a bar on Vajarahalli 100 Feet Road. The duo met Munikrishna in the bar. After the bar was closed, all three went in Munikrishnas car to drink. While drinking, Gopi and Umapathy started fighting over a trivial row and the two started scolding Munikrishna after he told them not to fight. Munikrishna asked the two to get out of his car. Gopi is alleged to have tried hitting the accused with his footwear. Frustrated, Munikrishna killed Gopi by hitting him in his car. Umapathy returned home and reportedly attempted suicide by consuming poison as he feared that he too might land in trouble. He was immediately rushed to hospital by his family. Since the identity of the victim was not known, we started going through the CCTV camera footage and realised that it was not a case of accident. Based on the cars registration number, the accused has been arrested, said the police.

The New Indian Express 27 Mar 2024 11:05 am

Had almost finalised the Creta but ended up buying the Seltos facelift

BHPian ShaanS recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Enter Kia into the mix... I casually mentioned to my wife, after having almost finalized the Creta, that the only brand we haven't looked at yet has been Kia, and with it being a sister to Hyundai the mechanicals and electronics should be the same, and we landed up at the nearest Kia showroom, almost at closing time. But to the credit of the sales advisor, he spent time with us, and set up a test drive for the next morning.Seltos Turbo Petrol 1.5 DCT GTXA little less polished in terms of the engine and transmission response times as compared to the VW / Skoda twins (especially when shifting from D2 to D3), which wasn't as pronounced in the Sport mode. All the ADAS bells and whistles made it so that there's a lot to look at and do while driving. In the ~7 odd Km TD track (a mix of longish flat stretches, inclines, potholed roads, sharp turns etc. that I chalked out with my home as the start and end point,) the 360 camera / blind view monitors made their presence known. Overall, it felt that it was a lot more bang for the buck when compared to the VW / Skoda twins, as well as the Creta. But the price was a bit too high for our wallet coming in at 24+ Lakhs on road, and the SA categorically said, no year-end discounts either.SonetA close friend has the pre-facelift turbo with IMT, and he vouched for the car being great. We didn't test drive, but since the facelift had already launched, we didn't want to wait for the deliveries to start, especially given that my car's exchange value would depreciate further with the turn of the year. Further, with the Sonet being a cousin to the Venue, and the rear also being more suitable for 4 rather than 5 (based on what we saw in the showroom), it didn't really spark a lot of interest for us. The Seltos GTX did seem a well-rounded package (especially with claims of reinforced chassis points in the facelift), and I kept toggling between the variants page on the Kia website, my bank accounts and my monthly expenses spreadsheet in trying to figure out what's really different, and whether I could afford the additional 4 lakhs, from the initial budget that I'd set. I realized that the HTX IVT was essentially the same as the pre-facelift Creta SX (O) minus the Bose speakers, and the e-parking brake. Just for the heck of it, I spoke to another dealer (JSP KIA Hosur Road Bangalore) who said they could arrange for a TD of the facelifted HTX IVT. I test drove the car, and inside, it felt like a more premium package than the Creta. Plus, the lighter interiors as compared to the GTX really opened up the cabin. I didn't feel that the lack of Bose speakers or the e-parking brake were deal breakers. Icing on the cake was that the other dealer had a Pewter Olive (which was the colour that my wife picked) HTX IVT in stock, which had been delivered to them a couple of days back, and were willing to provide ~60K in discounts via a mix of insurance, accessories, corporate, year-end etc. discounts, leading to almost a 1 Lakh difference in what was quoted for the Creta vs the Seltos. With that, we paid the booking amount and scheduled the PDI for the next day itself. Later that night, I spent a lot of time tossing and turning, comparing in my mind the differences between the 2 GTXs (S and +) and the HTX IVT, and it kept boiling down to which variant would we as a family want to live with over a long duration (8 - 10 years horizon, that's the time it'll take for EV tech to really mature in my opinion, and for range anxiety to be a thing of the past.) I visited the dealer again in the morning and had a very long chat with them. What I liked about that experience was that they never tried to push me against (or towards) one variant or another, and happily bounced off ideas, and compared the pros and cons of each of the variants with me. This is what finally swayed the decision for me: First, ADAS as a tech is great, and it's at a degree of maturity as well, but in my opinion, our driving conditions aren't suited for it yet. Second, the Turbo engine is a great performer, but I honestly don't need that much power on tap, especially in the city, and my highway drives are also going to be mostly sedate. The 1.5 NA should serve all my needs. I'm happy to report that this has been true in all of the driving I've done so far. Third, the elephant in the room, the DCT. While Hyundai / KIA DCT failures don't pop as much as VW / Skoda do, the tech is still the same, and the dealer did end up mentioning, that they do deal with issues on DCTs quite often, so it's not unheard of. This gets further compounded as the majority of my drive is in bumper-to-bumper slow-moving traffic, which is what brings out the worst in DCTs/DSGs. I simply didn't want to live with that anxiety hanging over my head. With that, the dust finally settled, and the head won over the heart! We got the financials rolling. There was a hiccup in between where the bank official generated a sanction letter with the incorrect type of rate of interest, which I caught before it was too late, so we lost a day in between and then 3 more due to the long Christmas weekend. In between all of this, we were also looking to get in a quick year-end trip, and the initial plan was to take delivery on the 26th and proceed with our trip on the 27th, but with the delays, we ended up doing the trip in the Celerio itself. We finally took delivery on the 31st of December and bid farewell to the Celerio alongside. Attaching some pics of the delivery below. Almost ready for delivery Next to its X-Line sibling Next to a grey GT-Line The mandatory poses with the car! The car cost me a total 20.72 Lakhs on road (as against 21.30 Lakhs initially quoted). In terms of accessories, I went for the standard accessory package, which included a fair bit of chrome, which I didn't initially like, but after seeing the overall outcome, I don't mind it anymore. I didn't take the My Convenience package, but I do have the option of buying it now, but I'm seriously wondering if it's actually worth it. Anyone who's got it, please share your experience, and the value associated with it. I did, however, take the Extended Warranty for the 4th and 5th year with a maximum of 120,000 kms covered. Post delivery, I got in touch with Ojas from Esperto Car Care (thanks to reviews elsewhere on the forum), and scheduled a ceramic coating. I went for their 3-year package, and Ojas also added PPF along the ORVMs, door edges, and a few other spots for added protection. He took ~2 days to return the car back to me, and shared regular updates during the process. As mentioned earlier, I've gotten the 1st service done as well, and it was a fairly straightforward experience. JSP Hosur road took ~2 hours to run through their checklist and also do a 3M underbody coat (which was complimentary, as negotiated during the sale.) In terms of accessories, I don't think I need anything major at this point, other than a screen guard for the console & mid, a steering cover, and maybe side steps (after having lived with the car for about a month, I think our parents will need the added convenience when they visit.) Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 11:03 am

Stock market update: Nifty Auto index advances 0.91% in an upbeat market

The Nifty Auto index was trading 0.91 per cent up at 21228.75.

The Economic Times 27 Mar 2024 10:39 am

How do I change the e-sim network provider on my XUV700 & MG ZS EV?

BHPian Smartomotive recently shared this with other enthusiasts. The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a Vi network, while the MG ZS EV comes with a Jio network, both built-in. Unfortunately, both networks have extremely poor coverage in many of the areas on the outskirts of the city, causing issues with tracking the vehicle and utilizing the built-in features. I reached out to the service centres to explore the possibility of changing the network, but both informed me that it couldn't be done. I'm curious why there aren't any legal regulations that would allow us to switch providers. Similar to mobile number portability, there should be a provision for this. How can manufacturers enforce these networks on us, especially when they're not functioning well? If not porting, there should at least be an option to choose the network at the time of purchase from the manufacturer. How are others addressing this issue, or is it not widespread enough to warrant further action? To partially resolve the problem, I installed an aftermarket GPS tracker that uses Airtel, and it works reliably. However, I would have preferred to use the manufacturer's apps, which offer additional features. Unfortunately, due to poor network coverage, these features don't work well in many areas when the vehicles are on the outskirts. Here's what BHPian PreludeSH had to say on the matter:Don't think it will be a physical SIM card. Will be eSIM with no facility for us to reprogram. Maybe we should ask Mr Gadkari to legislate and allow us to use any SIM we wantHere's what BHPian staraphd had to say on the matter:Phones with eSIM have the option of porting exactly like physical SIM. Going by this logic, you should be able to port in your vehicles. Did the vehicle manufacturers provide you with a mobile number corresponding to the eSIM?Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 10:33 am

My Indian traffic court experience: Why it was worth a visit

BHPian handsofsteel recently shared this with other enthusiasts. I have been riding/driving for over 26 years now without a single traffic infringement/parking violation. I'm not the kind who wilfully jumps a signal or violates a stop line. However, we are all humans and an inadvertent violation is always possible. I was stopped one day this last Dec on my Activa for not having a HSRP in the front (rear has it). For the record, it's a 2014 manufactured scooter which does not have an arrangement for fitment of a plate of any kind. The only thing possible in the front is a sticker. Once stopped, the cops refused to listen to reason & also discovered that my PUC was out of date by 3 days (I normally get my PUC done for 6 months, on this occasion, wife got it for 3 months only and did not notice). I was asked to pay 20000/-. To cut a long story short, they asked me for a UPI payment of 20000/-, cash payment of 3000/-(there were 3 cops) or gave the option of going to court and taking a chance there. After a prolonged remonstration with them ending with the proverbial (one I'm not proud of) janta-hai-main-kaun-hoon, I was let off with a warning. This exchange and the unreasonable demands for a fine disturbed me a lot. Last week I got an SMS challan for jumping a red light (on a Sunday afternoon at 1400h). The fine was 5000/-. There was no accompanying photograph or evidence and the only option given was to contest the fine. I was disturbed with this and contacted a few lawyer friends. All of them asked me to just pay and keep moving. Other friends asked me to ignore this and worry about it only at the time of sale of the vehicle. However, the fastidious me was uncomfortable with this. Delhi traffic police website also had no record of the challan. After much thought, I decided to bite the proverbial bullet and contest the fine. I got an online summons from the traffic court at Saket regarding the date (no court number or time indicated). I reached the court at 0945h on the designated date. Hardly anyone there was aware of the court number dealing with traffic cases. Asking a few lawyers, I was able to find the court in question and reach by 1000h. I was really surprised to see that the courts were more like the typical Hollywood style (nicely done up with tasteful panelling, furniture, glass separators and air conditioning). Access was through escalators. The entire premises were reminiscent of a first world country rather than the Jolly LLB type of courts that I was expecting. The court clerk told me that the Hon judge would be available only in the afternoon at 1400h. Upon being requested, he too trawled through his database and was unable to come up with any supporting/incriminating photograph against my offence. When I asked him how do I proceed hereafter, considering that nobody had any evidence, he asked me to wait a while (approx. 2 weeks) for the databases to be updated and then approach the court again. We exchanged numbers and he promised to call me once the system was updated from the traffic police side. He was kind enough to tell me that I needn't have bothered with a visit and could've logged in through Webex. Being a working day, I came back to my office. I got a call from my lawyer friend and explained the situation. He advised me to not to go by the word of the clerk and instead attend the Webex in the afternoon and personally inform the judge of the circumstances (thereby honouring the summons). In the afternoon, I attended the Webex wherein the judge was very considerate, directed someone off camera to send me the incriminating photo (on WhatsApp) and requested me to re-log in after receiving the photo. The photograph in question, hitherto untraceable, was received within 2 minutes. It showed me squarely in the middle of traffic, stuck behind and adjacent to DTC buses (blinded to the traffic lights by both the buses). Upon logging in again, I was asked by the judge if I wanted to contest. I told her of my prior record and pleaded guilty. She waived off the fine, passed down an admonition and moved on to the next case. What I realised after this exercise - 1. The traffic court judges are very considerate. Almost everybody was being let off with an admonition. One guy had 7 violations, he was asked to pay Rs. 1000/- against the fine of 20,000/- against one offence and given 6 admonitions. 2. The entire thing was very convenient and streamlined. It took me more time to type this post than I probably did in the court. 3. The next time I'm stopped by a cop for something that I consider unjustified, I'm definitely not going to argue with him and am going to ask him to send the matter to court. Here's what BHPian GTX+ had to say on the matter:When I recently exchanged my Honda with the Kia dealer, his colleague came back saying there were couple of challans pending, which I need to pay before the exchange formalities are completed. Now, I had checked the parivahan site, UP traffic police & Delhi traffic police and there was no pending challan, which I showed them as well. After some internal check, the dealer came back with the screenshot of the challan and that is when I realised that there are 2 separate websites for Delhi Traffic police and the 2 pending challans were issued by DP and they appeared in one of the 2 sites. Yours may be a similar case. P.S. Try searching here with the details which you may haveHere's what BHPian raptor_diwan had to say on the matter:This seems clean and simple! I wish consumer complaints about products were addressed just as quick. Asking questions to vendors and customers upfront and resolving issues on a daily basis would be more efficient, rather than waiting 3-4 years for justice.Here's what BHPian silverado had to say on the matter:People speak rudely and more often than not argue with the cops. Its always good to address them as sir and speak in polite manner. On most occasions when i have made a mistake, i have accepted my mistake and requested them to let me off this time with a warning. 7 out of 10 times this has worked for me. Regarding going to court, Yes if you know you are on the right side and have some kind of evidence to prove it, its worth going to courts.Here's what BHPian URWELCOME had to say on the matter:Since the topic of court and traffic fine came up...I would like to share my experience of paying fine in the court. This was in 1999 or 1998 in Mysore.. when I was a student. I didn't had my vehicle insurance and was caught during routine traffic police checks. I did not have money (300 rs) and the police promptly took my licence and asked to pay fine in court and come to police station and collect your licence. Since there was only one court I went the next day, there were few traffic offence cases like mine and most of the cases were related to a recent raids done by police on lodges running prostitution. I was made to stand along with them and when my name was called hesitantly went bowed to the judged and accepted 300 rs fine. The entire time in court I was so worried, hoping no known person would see me. Additionally I paid 30-50 for the person who called my name and instructed me to bow to the judge...another 50/ for the person who gave the receipt. Finally got my license back and ended up paying more than the fine amount.Here's what BHPian Annarocks had to say on the matter: My friend, you must be really lucky! You are the Chosen One. I've had a few experiences with these folks, and each encounter ends with me cursing them in my mind for hours afterward. It's just one of those things us regular folks have to deal with, especially when we are rushing to work or out with the family. A few years back, I got pulled over by the traffic cops. They were hiding out in their usual spot, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting drivers, spots where they are most likely to pick up speed beyond the prescribed limit. But that wasn't why they stopped me. It was because a part of my brand-new car's temporary registration sticker at the front had torn off. The sticker at the rear was alright. It was only the third day with my new car, and I was still waiting on the official number from the dealer which was expected that day. While starting the drive that day, I did not think much about it, perhaps due to the excitement of driving the new car! They dragged me over to their mobile court van parked under a tree. The judge there was no less than a drama queen on TV, yelling at everyone like they're in a courtroom showdown. I tried to explain, but all I got was a warning that I could end up behind bars for six months. So, I bit my tongue and paid the fine, not wanting to argue with Captain Power Trip any longer. My helpful SA from the dealer arrived at the mobile court with the number plate, but I had paid the fine by then. Funny thing is, years later during my passport renewal, I got a police verification call saying that the fine was unpaid and the passport verification will be on hold till it is clear. This event happened 13 years ago. I got passport renewed twice after this incident. Even the jurisdiction of the court got changed in between those years . So finding the fine paid receipt was another challenge. I again remembered those officials' family members from the other day. I did not want to pay these guys again. I might sound stupid to some but I spent extra money just to get the old payment proof from the court, than what I would have spent had I repaid it. That now makes me a part of the first group in the POLL given above. It taught me a valuable lesson though - always keep receipts from these guys, save them like a lottery ticket that you have won. I won't even get into the other examples for now as I remembered the Judge's face now and my BP has spiked! I am going to do my anulom vilom now. But I must say that in all these years of driving in Kerala, I have not encountered a single incident of cops asking for unofficial settlements of the fine whereas I had recent experiences of these in Mumbai and Uttarakhand. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information. Image Source

Team-BHP 27 Mar 2024 9:42 am

JDA to install 13 more automated traffic signals

The Times of India 27 Mar 2024 5:04 am

UPDATE 3-GM, Ford will reroute Baltimore shipments after bridge collapse

UPDATE 3-GM, Ford will reroute Baltimore shipments after bridge collapse U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford will reroute affected shipments after a bridge collapse in the U.S. shuttered the Port of Baltimore, but the companies said on Tuesday the impact will be minimal. We expect the situation to have minimal impact to our operations. We are working to re-route any vehicle shipments to other ports, GM said in a statement. The Port of Baltimore is the busiest U.S. port for car shipments, handling at least 750,000 vehicles in 2023, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration. Motor vehicles and parts accounted for 42% of all Baltimore port imports. Ford Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said the bridge collapse, which happened after a container ship smashed into the four-lane bridge early on Tuesday, will force the automaker to divert parts to other ports and impact its supply chain. It's going to have an impact, Lawler told Bloomberg News. We'll have to divert parts to other ports... It will probably lengthen the supply chain a bit. Ford told Reuters in a separate statement where workarounds are necessary in the short term, our team has already secured shipping alternatives. Industry officials said it was too early to say what impact the accident will have on the auto sector. But there will certainly be a disruption, said John Bozzella, CEO of the auto trade group Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Baltimore is the No. 1 automobile port in the U.S., and were in touch with federal officials to help them understand the scale of automotive operations there. Rescuers have pulled out two survivors, one of whom remains hospitalized, and were searching for more in the Patapsco River after huge spans of the 1.6-mile (2.57 km) Francis Scott Key Bridge crumpled into the water. Breakwave Advisors managing partner John Kartsonas, a shipping analyst and investor, said Baltimore is a significant port for imports of consumer goods, cars and other imports. There are a lot of other areas that can pick up the slack like the New York Harbor and all the way down to Savannah, Georgia, he said in an email. It will take a while for the situation to resolve and to begin operating normally again, so definitely there will be delays in deliveries of goods. Other transportation companies reported no major impact. While Baltimore is not a primary port for our North American operations, there will be some impact, primarily on vehicle exports, Toyota said in a statement. At this time, we do not anticipate a significant disruption, but we are evaluating the situation closely to determine the longer term impact and countermeasures. Volkswagen Group of America said it was not impacted because its Baltimore facility is located on the easterly sea board of the bridge collapse, while Nissan said it did not expect significant impact at this time. BMW said the car docks are located on the ocean side of the harbor, so there was no major impact expected as the bridge collapse will not affect ships. It added that land-side truck traffic would be rerouted. Mercedes said the incident has had no impact on vehicle exports or the company's Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plant's parts supply, and it was monitoring the situation. It said it uses ports in Baltimore, as well as in Georgia and South Carolina, for vehicle imports. Volvo Group, which makes trucks, construction equipment and engines, said it was looking over its inventory in its U.S. production facilities to see if and when there could be a disturbance in worst-case scenarios, adding it currently expected no huge impact.

devdiscourse 27 Mar 2024 12:32 am

Beyond TeslaTeslar, Teslast: India to reduce EV import duty for Tesla, other global automakers

India has agreed to reduce import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) for companies like Tesla, clearing the way for the automaker to enter the Indian market. The reduced duty, from 70-100% to 15%, applies to all global companies, not just Tesla, and is tied to a minimum investment of $500 million. While some argue against such concessions, noting that previous entrants faced no such benefits, the move could open the door for Tesla to compete in India's growing EV market, which is currently dominated by more affordable options.

The Economic Times 26 Mar 2024 11:03 pm

Automated signages at black spots on Chennai-Bengaluru highway to prevent accidents

Such automated signatures also help us to be on alert, says a motorist

The Hindu 26 Mar 2024 6:59 pm

Chinese EV makers challenging market leaders at auto show in Bangkok

Chinese EV makers shine at Bangkok Motor Show with BYD leading sales. Thailand's growing EV market attracts global brands like Tesla and XPeng, with plans for EV assembly and expansion into Southeast Asia.

The Economic Times 26 Mar 2024 6:52 pm

Viam looks beyond robotics with its no-code automation platform

Since the last time we spoke, Viam didnt pivot exactly, according to founder and CEO Eliot Horowitz its more of a rebrand. Roughly six months ago, the Manhattan-based startup made a concerted effort to broaden its focus. The no-code development platform previously focused its outreach on robotics firms. Its a large and rapidly expanding [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

TechCrunch 26 Mar 2024 6:30 pm

Thoras.ai automates resource allocation for Kubernetes workloads

When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Thoras.AI founders Nilo Rahmani and Jennifer Rahmani werent even a twinkle in their parents eyes, but their parents were forced to flee along with their older siblings. Eventually they ended up immigrating to the U.S. and settling in northern Virginia, where they gave birth to twin girls, [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

TechCrunch 26 Mar 2024 6:30 pm

9 souls on board a Tata Safari on a road trip to Ajanta-Ellora Caves

BHPian darklord recently shared this with other enthusiasts. After the successful long-range road trip of last year, it was more or less fixed that we would be doing a similar trip this year as well. After permutations and combinations of leaves and driving and school vacations across two states, we fixed our destination as Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The Gujarat trip of the previous year involved hectic driving and applying the lesson learned, the driving and destinations were kept as low as possible. Looking at GMaps and reading through our travelogues sections, we finalized our plans and made hotel bookings accordingly. The travelers were dad, mom, me, wife, kid, sister, BIL, niece, and nephew; so six adults, one child, and two toddlers. This required a few pieces of luggage to be tied on the roof to make space available for all. Even then, adults would have to take turns sitting on the jump seat as it was uncomfortable sitting there for long distances. The rough plan was thus: On day 1, me, mom, wife, and kid would drive to Bangalore and stay at my sister's home. Dad had already reached my sister's home a few days earlier to run a few errands. We would rest there on day 2 and start from Bangalore with the full complement and drive till Vijayapura (Bijapur) on day 3. On day 4, we would drive till Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and stay there for two days and explore Ajanta and Bibi Ka Maqbara on day 5 and Ellora on day 6 and then drive back till Vijayapura and stay there. On day 7, we would drive till Bangalore, rest on day 8, and return home on day 9. We also hoped to squeeze in Gol Gumbaz on any one of our two stays in Vijayapura. Hotels were booked accordingly through Makemytrip and we counted the days down impatiently. With the planning done, I set about getting the Safari serviced as it was running at the 1,65,000+ km mark and 16th year and was at the precise interval for the periodic service. I took it to an FNG and got the filters and oil changed as well as checked and topped up the GB and diff oils: A/C required a top up of gas and that was attended to as well. All paperwork was in order and did not require any special attention. On the day before the trip, got the Safari a nice wash and cleanup: Day 1:Attingal to Bangalore via Thenmala-Rajapalayam-Madurai-Salem0 km to 682 km.This part is a familiar and easiest part for us as we have done this drive to and from Bangalore dozens and dozens of times. We started at about 4 in the evening after the kid had come back from school, the Christmas vacation had officially commenced. Me, mom, wife, and kid started the drive after our prayers. The odo read 165345 and the trip meter read 0: We filled diesel for Rs. 1000, just enough to get us to TN borders as Kerala had (has) the highest diesel rate of all the states we drove through. The excellent road after Madathara: A jaywalker near Thenmala: We took a break at Thenmala for tea and resumed driving. We had to go through Tenkasi town as the bypass from Ilanji was closed. Stopped for diesel at Chintamani: Dinner break was had at Sivagiri. After Rajapalayam, the widening of the NH-744 stretch till Tirumangalam was going on. There were a lot of diversions and rough surfaces. This considerably slowed us down. We finally hit the four-lane of NH-44 at around 12 p.m. Took another break at Kodai Road toll plaza: We resumed our journey but encountered foggy conditions: Next fuel stop was at Namakkal. This pump offered a discount: Rs. 21 worth of diesel extra on purchase of 2500 worth of diesel: The fog continued throughout the rest of our drive: Hosur in the morning: We reached home at around 7: Continue reading about darklord's road trip for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Team-BHP 26 Mar 2024 6:00 pm

Vehicle retail sales up by 13% in February 2024

According to the data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), vehicle retail sales grew by 13.07% in February 2024 compared to the same month last year. Overall sales for the month of February 2024 stood at 20,29,541 units, compared to 17,94,866 units in February 2023. Tractor sales increased by 11%, from 69,034 units in February 2023 to 76,626 units last month. Two-wheeler sales went up by 13.25% to 14,39,523 units from 12,71,073 units in February 2023. Three-wheeler sales were up by 23.88% in February 2024. 94,918 units were sold, compared to 76,619 units in February 2023. Passenger vehicle sales went up by 12.36% compared to the previous year. 3,30,107 units were sold last month, compared to 2,93,803 units in February 2023. Commercial vehicle sales also increased by 4.78%. 88,367 units were sold in February 2024, compared to 84,337 units in the previous year. Team-BHP's detailed analysis of theFebruary 2024 sales figures.

Team-BHP 26 Mar 2024 5:39 pm

Mumbai Airport's new Terminal 2 Arrivals section; My experience

BHPian MadinMumbai recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Today I got to experience the world-class infrastructure we are building. For a change, I wasn't travelling but instead was there to pick up an octogenarian, who was arriving at the shiny Terminal 2. Typically, when I travel, I alight at the drop-off and walk into the airport and it is smooth. On my return, there's the Uber/Prepaid taxi battle (which is offputting in its way, I guess) but nothing prepares you for the experience Adaniji has curated if you choose to pick anyone from the airport. Firstly, there is no pick-up point. You have to park (and of course PAY) if you are picking up anyone from this airport. The parking is crowded and badly managed but one can survive it if one is in a good mood. I was not, but that's only partly the airport management's fault. Others, like the metro construction and general road maintenance, have to share some of the blame. The senior citizen I had to pick up was told to wait by the Starbucks in case I got late owing to traffic. Of course, I got late. There was a jam to beat all the jams to get into the airport parking. The jam started outside the Leela, which is more than a kilometre away from the parking. Anyway, Starbucks is a comfortable enough place to wait, so no complaints on that score. Secondly, Once I parked, I was on the P5 level. And the person I was receiving was on P6. No biggie, I thought. A small flight of stairs would take me up, and I was right. But, before I could reach the stairs, I had to navigate my way through parked motorcycles. Parked tight, with the precision of a MAHDA bricklayer, these motorbikes left no way to squeeze through. Anyway, I channelled my inner gymnast and vaulted over three rows of scooters to get to the stairs, which, as I had thought, took me up to P6 in a matter of 10 odd stairs. Chalo's lesson learnt. Will alight from a different side. I met the octogenarian and was glad to see that she was carrying a light suitcase. As luck would have it, there was a flight of stairs right next to the Starbucks where she was. This being a different flight of stairs, from the one I had taken previously, I assumed it would lead to a different experience. We walked down the 10-odd stairs to get to P5 where my car was parked. But, instead of finding a clear path to the car parking, we were once again confronted by motorbikes parked tightly in a grid. We were completely boxed in. This situation was far worse than the stairs at the other end, because, this was also the path for incoming motorcycles. How the hell does one get an 80-something-year-old person to vault over 3 rows of bikes? We decided that the bikers were coming into the parking so there must be a way out on that side to get out and started walking in that direction. Now, we were stuck amongst incoming bikers, most of whom (not all though) were considerate and didn't honk or rev up threateningly. All in all, it was harrowing and with great difficulty we managed to get past the sea of bikes to reach our car. One had to wonder at the genius at work here. How can you create a parking with no access to the stairs? What happens in the case of a fire? If I remember right this Airport was touted as one of the world's best when it was made recently. What happened? Did the 'ED aided' corporate takeover result in some leakage of good sense? On the way out I decided to chat with the parking supervisor. For my complaints I got a toothy smile and made up the name of a manager (Rajesh Yadav) to whom I could, if I wished, complain. There was no number where this manager could be reached though. Here's what BHPian reverse_gear had to say on the matter:Mumbai T2 is absolutely one of the worst airports to get out of. If you are travelling alone (without much baggage), you can figure your way out after a few visits. But pick-up is an eternal nightmare. It has always been bad and continues to deteriorate on an ongoing basis. The road through the bus and auto stand at T2 has been dug up for repairs for over 3 years! How does it take so long to fix a 300 m section of road? Escalators at the exit don't go to all floors, they seem to be randomly arranged. Some of the staircases are unusable (as you have discovered). They have big counters and booths for payment of parking fees, but they are rarely manned or functional and the car lines to exit parking can be horrendous. And inside the parking lot, it is complete chaos, in so many different ways. Even getting an Ola/Uber is an absolute pain, having to dodge between pillars, trolleys and randomly parked vehicles just to locate your vehicle (after it has negotiated the 10-minute wait in queue to get into the parking lot). After having been there hundreds of times, I am mentally prepared for the worst whenever I have to go there. But, sorry, this is no way to manage an airport. Forget being world-class, in my humble opinion, it is a modern disgrace to our city.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Team-BHP 26 Mar 2024 5:30 pm