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JSW Group and Skoda-VW manufacturing joint venture MoU expected within 2 months

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JSW Group and Skoda-VW manufacturing joint venture MoU expected within 2 months

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India and the JSW Group are in the final stages of discussions for a manufacturing joint venture, we have learned. The two companies are likely to sign a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) within the next two months. The proposed venture is currently being discussed as a 51:49 joint venture, with the JSW Group expected to hold the majority stake.

Emails seeking comments were sent to Skoda Auto Volkswagen India and the JSW Group on Tuesday, but neither company responded till the time of publishing. Autocar Professional, our sister publication, understands senior global executives from Skoda Auto and Volkswagen are expected to visit India in the second fortnight of August. The proposed alliance with the JSW Group is expected to be among the key subjects on the agenda as the two sides work towards signing the non-binding MoU.

Equity infusion could fund EV development

The proposed partnership comes as Skoda Auto Volkswagen India prepares its next round of investments in electrification and localisation. The equity infusion from the JSW Group is expected to fund the development and localisation of electric vehicles and support future product programmes.

A large part of the investment is expected to go towards vehicles based on the India Main Platform (IMP), Volkswagen Group’s EV architecture for India. The IMP is derived from the China Main Platform (CMP), allowing the group to use an existing EV architecture and adapt it to Indian regulations, the local supplier base and localisation requirements.

The platform is expected to underpin multiple electric SUVs for the Skoda and Volkswagen brands over the next few years. Higher localisation will be key to bringing down costs and reducing dependence on imports. The scope of discussions goes beyond manufacturing. We understand that the sales and marketing operations across the group’s brands are also part of the talks. A few years ago, the sales organisations of Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini were integrated with the manufacturing business under Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. This has also brought the premium brands within the scope of the discussions.

JSW’s broader automotive strategy

For the JSW Group, the proposed venture is part of a broader effort to build an integrated automotive business across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, batteries, manufacturing and exports. Unlike JSW MG Motor India, the proposed Skoda Auto Volkswagen venture will have no Chinese participation, allowing the group to further de-risk its automotive business from China-linked partnerships. We understand the alliance will also help diversify JSW Group’s passenger vehicle operations while creating a Make in India manufacturing base serving both domestic and export markets by leveraging Volkswagen Group’s global production and distribution network. The proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is also expected to strengthen the business case for exports from India to Europe over the longer term, making exports an important part of the proposed alliance.

The partnership also fits into the group’s wider automotive plans. JSW already has its joint venture with MG, has set up JSW Motors as a separate passenger vehicle business for products outside the MG alliance, operates JSW Greentech for buses and commercial vehicles, and is investing in cell manufacturing and localisation. The group is looking to connect these businesses with its existing strengths in steel, paints and energy, creating greater vertical integration across its automotive operations.

Localisation of some models being studied

We understand the alliance will also look to leverage manufacturing assets across the JSW Group wherever feasible. This includes the JSW Motors facility at Sambhaji Nagar, formerly Aurangabad, where higher localisation of products such as the Skoda Kodiaq and select Audi models is being evaluated. The aim is to improve localisation levels while making better use of the group’s existing manufacturing footprint.

The alliance is also evaluating the localisation of the next-generation Kodiaq platform. If approved, it could underpin a locally manufactured three-row SUV positioned in the Mahindra XUV 7XO segment. Localising the platform would allow Skoda Auto Volkswagen to compete in one of the country’s largest SUV segments with significantly higher local content.

Following the signing of the non-binding MoU, the two sides are expected to finalise the equity structure, including the shareholding pattern, before moving towards definitive agreements and the required approvals. The discussions are currently centred on a 51:49 joint venture, with the JSW Group expected to hold the majority stake.

With inputs from Ketan Thakkar.

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Autocar India August 2026 Issue

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Our August 2026 issue has all the exclusive details of Audi India’s most ambitious product offensive in over a decade, with six all-new locally assembled models planned over the next 18 months. We also get behind the wheel of Jaguar’s camouflaged Type 01 prototype and drive the Range Rover Sport EV at Goodwood. Closer to home, we find out if the Tata Sierra EV lives up to its billing as the best Tata on sale, while the Nissan Tekton is put through a 700km-plus real-world test from Chandigarh to Leh. We also break down India’s new most popular fuel in our CNG special, with five models tested back-to-back. On two wheels, the new Norton Atlas is ridden in Iceland, while a special Ducati takes on some of Maharashtra’s tricky trails . All this while a Skoda Kylaq sets off on an epic 19,351km drive from Pune to Prague.

Audi’s Big Comeback: Cover Story

Audi was once India’s bestselling luxury brand. Today, it is a shadow of that. Now, with six all-new locally assembled models planned by end-2027, the four rings are back on the offensive. We have all the details, and speak to Audi India head Balbir Singh Dhillon and Audi AG chairman Gernot Döllner about the upcoming cars.

Jaguar Type 01: Drive

Jaguar has walked away from 90 years of combustion heritage, cancelled every existing model and started again with a blank sheet of paper. The Type 01 is the result – a five-metre all-electric grand tourer with a 1,000hp three-motor setup, 600km of range and a starting price north of Rs 3 crore. We drive a camouflaged prototype at JLR’s Gaydon test track to find out if the boldest bet in the car industry’s history has legs.

Range Rover Sport EV: Drive

Under its familiar skin sits an 800V architecture, two Land Rover-developed 326hp motors and a 118.5kWh battery validated over 60,000 hours of testing. The electric Range Rover Sport arrives in India around March 2027 and could set a new luxury benchmark for the brand. We drive a prototype at Goodwood to find out if it lives up to that promise.

Tata Sierra EV: First Drive

The best Tata in years gets the brand’s smoothest powertrain yet. The Sierra EV comes in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive forms, with the AWD variant making a class-leading 306hp and bringing the first AWD option in this segment. We drive all variants, including a proper off-road test, to see if it lives up to the hype.

Honda ZR-V: Drive

Honda’s first hybrid SUV in India arrives as a full import from Japan, packing a 184hp strong-hybrid powertrain and a claimed 22.8kpl. We get a brief first taste at the Buddh International Circuit to find out if it delivers on its promise.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+: First Drive

The new E 53 pairs a 3.0-litre straight-six with a 28.6kWh battery for 585hp and up to 100km of electric range. It is a PHEV AMG that also does daily commutes without a drop of fuel. But has electrification enhanced the AMG experience, or diluted it?

CNG Special: Features

CNG now accounts for nearly 20 percent of India’s passenger car market. We explain everything you need to know about the fuel – what it is, how it works and whether an aftermarket conversion makes sense. We also road test five CNG models: the Tata Tiago iCNG, Maruti Wagon R S-CNG, Hyundai Aura CNG, Maruti Brezza Turbo (petrol) and Maruti Victoris S-CNG.

Tata Nexon: Petrol vs Diesel vs Electric vs CNG

The Nexon is one of the few cars in India offered with four distinct powertrain options. We test every variant – turbo-petrol, diesel, CNG and electric – with real-world performance and efficiency figures to find the sweet spot of the range. The result might just surprise you.

Skoda Kylaq: Pune to Prague, Part 1

A made-in-India Skoda Kylaq sets off on a near-20,000km adventure from its birthplace at Skoda’s Chakan plant to Skoda Auto’s headquarters in Prague. Part 1 covers India, Nepal, Tibet and China – including a detour to Mount Everest Base Camp.

Norton Atlas: Ride

TVS’s second Norton – and the brand’s most important – debuts in Iceland. The Atlas is a 585cc parallel-twin adventure tourer with 70hp, a full electronics suite and 19-inch front wheel. We ride 200km of sweeping mountain roads and gravel trails to find out if it can justify the hype and, crucially, a competitive price tag.

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak: First Ride

The most focused Multistrada money can buy blurs the line between a practical ADV and an out-and-out sport bike. With Öhlins semi-active suspension, a single-sided swingarm and a race-mode, it promises to be two bikes in one. We find out if the price premium is worth it.

Suzuki E-Access: Road Test

Suzuki’s first electric scooter carries a big name and an even bigger price tag. It gets some things right, but in a segment that rewards value, performance and range, does the Access badge alone justify the Rs 1.92 lakh asking price?

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BMW reportedly puts its upcoming G-Class, Defender rival on ice

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bmw x5 off-road

BMW’s luxury off-roader project, codenamed G74, has reportedly failed to receive final internal approval and is on hold due to changing global market conditions. The rugged luxury SUV was purported to be BMW’s rival to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender, but it’s now uncertain whether it will ever reach production.

Market pressures prompt BMW to re-evaluate product portfolio

Fifth-gen BMW X5. Image used for representation only.

According to recent media reports, one of the reasons behind the G74 project’s halt is concern over the size of the luxury off-roader segment relative to the investment required to develop a dedicated model. BMW is also adopting a more disciplined approach to its model portfolio in light of increasing competition in markets like China, as well as tariffs, trade barriers, currency fluctuations, tightening emissions regulations in Europe, and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

Speaking after the company’s second-quarter financial results, CEO Milan Nedeljković said BMW is re-evaluating which technologies, model variants, and powertrains it will need in the coming years instead of assuming existing development programmes remain viable. “In all these areas, we are taking significant steps and increasing the pace. For example, we are once again reviewing which technologies, model variants and drivetrains we will need in the future. In addition, we are looking at where new partnerships could make economic and technological sense,” he noted.

Fifth-gen BMW X5. Image used for representation only.

Nedeljković highlighted the rapid deterioration of market conditions in China as a key concern for the portfolio review. He said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into Europe, Latin America, and other global markets, creating additional competitive pressure. Although Nedeljković did not mention the G74 directly, insiders claim the off-road SUV has already become one of the first casualties of BMW’s ongoing product review.

The G74 was reportedly targeting a 2029 launch, and sources say BMW can still approve or cancel projects up to around 18 months before production begins. BMW has not officially confirmed the cancellation of the G74 yet, and since the project is currently on hold rather than permanently scrapped, there remains scope for it to return if market conditions improve.

Everything we know about the BMW G74 off-road SUV

Fifth-gen BMW X5 design document. Image used for representation only.

While BMW never officially confirmed the existence of the G74 project, reports over the past few years suggested the carmaker was developing a purpose-built off-road SUV to rival the G-Class and Defender. In reference to the luxury off-roader segment, a senior BMW manager told Autocar UK in 2025: “We’re aware of the market potential [of such a vehicle]. It’s more than just discussions. We have been planning this for a while. It will definitely need an internal combustion engine.” Earlier this year, BMW M boss Frank van Meel even added to the speculation by stating he ‘wouldn’t say no’ to an off-road SUV fettled by the performance division.

The G74 project was expected to be underpinned by a heavily-modified derivative of the existing CLAR platform, which also underpins the fifth-gen BMW X5. This would have allowed the G74 to be offered with multiple powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid and fully electric, and the SUV’s production was ostensibly planned for BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

Fifth-gen BMW X5 design document. Image used for representation only.

Reports suggest the BMW G74 was designed with a 7-seat layout in mind, while the exterior featured a rugged iteration of the Neue Klasse design language and a bootlid-mounted spare wheel. The SUV was even mooted to be christened the X8, and serve as a spiritual successor to the BMW XM, which is expected to be discontinued in 2028.

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EXPLAINER: गलवान के 6 साल बाद फिर खुलेगा नाथू ला दर्रा, भारत-चीन की कूटनीति में क्यों बेहद खास है ‘सिल्क रूट’ की यह खिड़की?

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India China Nathu La Trade Explainer: भारत और चीन के रिश्तों का मिजाज समझना हो, तो हिमालय की 14,000 फीट की ऊंचाई पर जमे बर्फ से ढके नाथू ला दर्रे की ओर रुख करना काफी होगा। गलवान घाटी के खूनी संघर्ष और कोविड-19 की मार के चलते पिछले 6 वर्षों से ठप पड़ा सीमा व्यापार 1 अगस्त 2026 से एक बार फिर पटरी पर लौटने जा रहा है।

अगस्त 2025 में दोनों देशों के बीच सिक्किम के नाथू ला, हिमाचल के शिपकी ला और उत्तराखंड के लिपुलेख दर्रे से व्यापार बहाली पर सहमति बनी थी। उसी कड़ी में अब नाथू ला के कपाट भी फिर से खोले जा रहे हैं।

सालाना कई अरब डॉलर के भारत-चीन व्यापार के समुद्री कारोबार के आगे नाथू ला से होने वाली खरीद-फरोख्त भले ही ऊंट के मुंह में जीरा लगे, लेकिन भू-राजनीतिक बिसात पर इसका रणनीतिक और कूटनीतिक वजन कहीं ज्यादा है। आइए आपको बताते हैं कि आखिर क्यों नाथू ला सिर्फ एक ट्रेड रूट नहीं, बल्कि दोनों देशों के रिश्तों का असली थर्मामीटर है?

जब डाक के थैलों से बची रही रिश्तों की सांस

ऐतिहासिक सिल्क रूट की एक अहम कड़ी रहा नाथू ला प्राचीन काल से ही तिब्बत की चुम्बी घाटी को सिक्किम के गंगटोक, कालिम्पोंग और कोलकाता के बंदरगाहों से जोड़ता आया है। 20वीं सदी की शुरुआत में भारत-चीन के कुल जमीनी व्यापार का करीब 80 फीसदी हिस्सा इसी दर्रे के जरिए गुजरता था। 1962 के युद्ध ने इस सदियों पुरानी व्यापारिक डोर को एक झटके में काट दिया और नाथू ला अगले 44 सालों के लिए पूरी तरह सील हो गया।

वैसे युद्ध के बाद भले ही व्यापार और बंदूकें खामोश हो गईं, पर कूटनीतिक धागा नहीं टूटा। हर गुरुवार की सुबह 14,000 फीट की बर्फीली हवाओं के बीच एक भारतीय डाकिया कटीले तारों तक जाता और चीनी डाकिये से डाक का थैला बदलता। बिना एक-दूसरे की बोली समझे, महज 3 मिनट में अंजाम दी जाने वाली यह मूक रस्म दशकों तक दोनों देशों के बीच संपर्क का अकेला जीवित जरिया बनी रही।

2006 का री-ओपनिंग मॉडल: नई सदी में पुराने जमाने का सौदा

साल 2003 में पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी की ऐतिहासिक बीजिंग यात्रा के बाद बनी सहमति के आधार पर 6 जुलाई 2006 को नाथू ला को व्यापार के लिए दोबारा खोला गया। उसकी तस्वीरें भले ही भव्य थीं, लेकिन जिस व्यापार की इजाजत दी गई, वह गुजरे जमाने की याद दिलाता था:

चीन की ओर से भारत आने वाली चीजें (15 प्रोडक्ट्स): याक की पूंछ, बकरी-भेड़ की खाल, कच्चा रेशम, ऊन, बोरेक्स, नमक और घोड़े।

भारत से जाने वाला सामान (29 प्रोडक्ट्स): चावल, आटा, चाय, तंबाकू, कंबल और तांबे के बर्तन।

दौर बदल चुका था, लेकिन सामान की लिस्ट 19वीं सदी वाली ही रही। नतीजतन, नाथू ला कभी कोई बड़ा आर्थिक कॉरिडोर नहीं बन सका और सीमित दायरे में ही सिमटकर रह गया।

अरबों डॉलर के कारोबार के आगे कितना बड़ा है नाथू ला?

अगर आप आंकड़ों के चश्मे से देखेंगे, तो नाथू ला का व्यापार दोनों देशों की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए शून्य नजर आएगा:

2016 (पीक टाइम): कुल व्यापार रिकॉर्ड ₹82.68 करोड़ तक पहुंचा।

2017 (डोकलाम विवाद): तनातनी का असर सीधा दिखा और व्यापार सिमटकर महज ₹8.86 करोड़ रह गया।

2019 (आखिरी सीजन): महामारी से ठीक पहले यहां ₹43.51 करोड़ की आवाजाही दर्ज हुई।

व्यापारिक घाटे की कड़वी हकीकत

वित्त वर्ष 2025-26 में भारत का चीन के साथ कुल माल व्यापार $151.1 अरब रहा, जिसमें भारत का व्यापार घाटा $100 अरब के पार चला गया। ऐसे में नाथू ला के कुछ करोड़ का कारोबार इस विशाल खाई को नहीं पाट सकता। हां, सिक्किम के उन 600 से अधिक स्थानीय लाइसेंसधारी व्यापारियों और ट्रांसपोर्टरों के लिए यह रोजी-रोटी का मुख्य जरिया जरूर है, जिनका सामान 2020 में अचानक सीमा बंद होने से वहीं फंसा रह गया था।

बॉडर ट्रेड से परे क्यों यह ‘डिप्लोमैटिक इंडिकेटर’ है?

कूटनीतिक विश्लेषकों की मानें तो नाथू ला में माल का आना-जाना उतना मायने नहीं रखता, जितना कि गेट का खुलना और बंद होना। नाथू ला का हालिया इतिहास बताता है कि जब-जब दिल्ली और बीजिंग की दूरी घटी है, यह गेट खुला है और जब भी सरहद पर गोलियों या डंडों की गूंज हुई, ताला सबसे पहले इसी दरवाजे पर लगा।

2020 के गलवान हादसे के बाद रिश्ते सबसे गहरे अविश्वास के दौर में पहुंच गए थे। अब सीधी उड़ानों, वीजा, मानसरोवर यात्रा और नाथू ला व्यापार की एक साथ बहाली इस बात का साफ इशारा है कि दोनों मुल्क अब तनाव को नियंत्रण में रखकर रिश्तों को ‘न्यू नॉर्मल’ की तरफ ले जाना चाहते हैं।

1 अगस्त से नाथू ला का खुल जाना न तो रातों-रात सीमा विवाद सुलझाएगा और न ही चीनी सामान की निर्भरता को खत्म करेगा। लेकिन, वैश्विक भू-राजनीति के इस दौर में यह बहाली दर्शाती है कि दोनों परमाणु संपन्न पड़ोसी संवाद और सह अस्तित्व की टेबल पर बने रहने के इच्छुक हैं। इस बर्फीले दर्रे पर व्यापार की आहट, कूटनीति के मोर्चे पर एक पॉजिटिव संकेत है।

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India-bound BMW X5 and iX5 LWB unveiled

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BMW iX5L rear quarter static

BMW has taken the wraps off the long-wheelbase Neue Klasse X5 and iX5 for China. Apart from a longer wheelbase, these versions sport revised lighting signatures, bumpers and badging over their standard counterparts. Previously, we had exclusively reported that the X5 and iX5 will arrive in India in long-wheelbase guise, with these being the very models to arrive here. 

  1. LWB X5 and iX5 get revised lighting and rear bumpers over regular versions. 
  2. Exclusively gets an 8K entertainment screen for rear passengers. 

BMW X5 and iX5 LWB: What’s new?

Gets a longer wheelbase along with exclusive cosmetic updates

Compared to their standard versions, the LWB X5 and iX5 get a 130mm longer wheelbase. Consequently, the overall length of both SUVs is increased to 5,125mm. The front-end receives a new diagonal design for the LED DRL signatures, while customers also have the option to revert to the regular version’s ‘double-X’ signature. There are additional DRL strips connecting the headlamps and the illuminated kidney grille. But at the back, the X5 LWB and iX5 LWB swap bumper designs with their standard counterparts. To differentiate from regular versions, LWB variants come with an ‘L’ badge on the tailgate.

BMW X5 and iX5 LWB interior details 

Exclusively gets an 8K rear entertainment screen

LWB versions of the X5 and iX5 come with an exclusive ‘BMW Theatre Screen’ for rear passengers with 8K streaming, gaming and smartphone connectivity with video call functionality. Meanwhile, the dashboard-width ‘BMW Panoramic iDrive’ display, rhomboidal infotainment screen and the optional ‘BMW Passenger Screen’ have been retained. Customers can opt for either a brown or white cabin theme, depending on the variant chosen.

BMW X5 and iX5 LWB powertrains 

Likely to get the same powertrains as their regular versions

The BMW X5 and iX5 LWB are expected to retain the powertrains from their respective standard versions. While exact specifications haven’t been revealed, the X5 is expected to offer a 400hp, 580Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, and a 313hp, 670Nm diesel engine. There’s also a PHEV powertrain that pairs the 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to an electric motor to produce a combined power output of up to 612hp and 800Nm. BMW says that the iX5 LWB gets a CLTC-certified range of over 1000km, and is likely to use the brand’s largest 141kWh battery pack that utilises an 800V architecture. It could utilise the standard iX5’s dual motor setup that churns out 578hp and 805Nm. Air suspension is standard on both SUVs.

BMW X5 and iX5 LWB launch timeline

Both SUVs to arrive in 2027

Apart from China, India too is slated to get the LWB versions of the new BMW X5 in 2027. Whether it brings the all-electric iX5 is yet to be seen. It will add to the list of long-wheelbase BMW models for India in 2027 alongside the smaller X3 and iX3 SUVs. The X5 and iX5 will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7. 

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बिना कदम थकाए जन्नत का करें दीदार, जहां हिमालय पर गाड़ी से पहुंच सकते हैं आप!

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अगर आप पहाड़ों (mountain) की खूबसूरती का आनंद लेना चाहते हैं, लेकिन लंबी ट्रेकिंग (trekking) और मुश्किल रास्तों से बचना चाहते हैं, तो हिमालय गांव (Himalayan village) आपके लिए बेहतरीन ऑप्शन हो सकते हैं। यहां आप सड़क मार्ग से आसानी से पहुंचकर ऊंचे पहाड़, ठंडी हवा, शांत माहौल और अनछुई प्राकृतिक खूबसूरती का भरपूर आनंद ले सकते हैं:

Zuluk village (जुलुक गांव का शांत और खूबसूरत नजारा)

Full view of Zuluk Village from top of Silk Route Sikkim 21616058 Stock Photo at Vecteezy

सिक्किम (Sikkim) का जुलुक गांव समुद्र तल से करीब 9,400 फीट की ऊंचाई पर है। भारत-चीन (India-China) बॉर्डर के पास बसे इस गांव तक सड़क मार्ग से पहुंचा जा सकता है। यहां की घुमावदार सड़कें, बादलों से घिरी पहाड़ियां और शांत वातावरण इसे ऑफबीट ट्रैवल (offbeat travel) पसंद करने वालों के लिए खास बनाते हैं।

Silk Route (सिल्क रूट का यूनिक एक्सपीरियंस)

Kalimpong to Zuluk Cycling adventure with cycling in India

जुलुक (Zuluk) सिर्फ प्राकृतिक सुंदरता के लिए ही नहीं, बल्कि ऐतिहासिक ओल्ड सिल्क रूट (Old Silk Route) का हिस्सा होने के कारण भी मशहूर है। यहां आने वाले टूरिस्ट शानदार व्यू पॉइंट्स (viewpoint) के साथ-साथ इस ऐट्रेड रुट की झलक भी देख सकते हैं। भीड़भाड़ से दूर सुकून भरी छुट्टियां (holiday) बिताने के लिए यह शानदार जगह है।

Nako Village (नाको गांव में मिलेगा हिमालय का अलग रूप)

Nako Village, Himachal Pradesh Stock Image - Image of autumn, background: 202877089

हिमाचल प्रदेश (Himachal Pradesh) के किन्नौर जिले में नाको गांव लगभग 12,000 फीट की ऊंचाई पर बसा है। स्पीति घाटी के नजदीक यह गांव अपनी बौद्ध संस्कृति, शांत माहौल और खूबसूरत पहाड़ी नजारों के लिए जाना जाता है। यहां पहुंचते ही बदलता प्राकृतिक दृश्य ट्रैवलर को अलग ही एक्सपीरियंस देता है।

adventure and tranquility (एडवेंचर और सुकून का परफेक्ट कॉम्बिनेशन)

Nako Lake reflection in Kinnaur, Himachal

नाको (Nako) की खासियत इसकी अनछुई प्राकृतिक खूबसूरती और शांत वातावरण है। यहां भूरे पहाड़, साफ आसमान, ठंडी हवा और लोकल कल्चर मिलकर ऐसा एक्सपीरियंस देते हैं, जो शहर की भागदौड़ से पूरी तरह अलग होता है। अगर आप ऑफबीट ट्रिप (offbeat trip), नेचर और फोटोग्राफी (photography) के शौकीन हैं, तो जुलुक और नाको दोनों गांव आपकी ट्रैवल लिस्ट (travel list) में जरूर होने चाहिए।
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JSW could acquire majority stake in Volkswagen’s India business

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JSW and VW

JSW Group is in advanced talks to acquire a stake in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, with the proposed deal potentially giving the Sajjan Jindal-led conglomerate a majority holding in Volkswagen AG’s India business, according to a Bloomberg report.

  1. Terms of the deal are yet to be finalised
  2. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India held 2.34 percent market share in FY2026
  3. JSW already owns 35 percent of JSW MG Motor India

The report says the proposed investment would bring fresh capital into Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, which oversees the group’s Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, alongside luxury and super-luxury marques like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley brands in the country. Both sides are aiming to reach an agreement in the coming weeks, although the terms are not settled and a transaction may not follow, the report said.

Volkswagen declines to comment

A Volkswagen spokesperson did not confirm the discussions, saying only that the company regularly evaluates opportunities to support its strategy in India’s passenger vehicle market. Bloomberg added that the terms of the proposed transaction are still being negotiated and may change before any agreement is reached.

What the deal could mean

If completed, the deal would mark JSW Group’s second major investment in India’s passenger vehicle industry after acquiring a 35 percent stake in MG Motor India from SAIC in 2023. The joint venture, JSW MG Motor India, began operations in 2024.

For Volkswagen, the investment could strengthen its position in India, where Skoda Auto Volkswagen India accounted for 2.34 percent of passenger vehicle sales in FY2026, according to FADA data. By comparison, Kia India held a 5.94 percent share, while JSW MG Motor India accounted for 1.40 percent. The additional investment could also support the group’s future product and business plans in the country.

India remains a focus market for Volkswagen 

India has become an increasingly important market for Volkswagen as it reshapes its global operations. According to the Bloomberg report, the company is looking to strengthen its presence outside Europe following its withdrawal from Russia and its planned exit from China.

With inputs from Dhruv Dhaka

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JSW could acquire majority stake in Volkswagen’s India business

Posted on by admin
JSW and Skoda VW

JSW Group is in advanced talks to acquire a stake in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, with the proposed deal potentially giving the Sajjan Jindal-led conglomerate a majority holding in Volkswagen AG’s India business, according to a Bloomberg report.

  1. Terms of the deal are yet to be finalised
  2. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India held 2.34 percent market share in FY2026
  3. JSW already owns 35 percent of JSW MG Motor India

The report says the proposed investment would bring fresh capital into Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, which oversees the group’s Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, alongside luxury and super-luxury marques like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley brands in the country. Both sides are aiming to reach an agreement in the coming weeks, although the terms are not settled and a transaction may not follow, the report said.

Volkswagen declines to comment

A Volkswagen spokesperson did not confirm the discussions, saying only that the company regularly evaluates opportunities to support its strategy in India’s passenger vehicle market. Bloomberg added that the terms of the proposed transaction are still being negotiated and may change before any agreement is reached.

What the deal could mean

If completed, the deal would mark JSW Group’s second major investment in India’s passenger vehicle industry after acquiring a 35 percent stake in MG Motor India from SAIC in 2023. The joint venture, JSW MG Motor India, began operations in 2024.

For Volkswagen, the investment could strengthen its position in India, where Skoda Auto Volkswagen India accounted for 2.34 percent of passenger vehicle sales in FY2026, according to FADA data. By comparison, Kia India held a 5.94 percent share, while JSW MG Motor India accounted for 1.40 percent. The additional investment could also support the group’s future product and business plans in the country.

India remains a focus market for Volkswagen 

India has become an increasingly important market for Volkswagen as it reshapes its global operations. According to the Bloomberg report, the company is looking to strengthen its presence outside Europe following its withdrawal from Russia and its planned exit from China.

With inputs from Dhruv Dhaka

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Next-gen BMW M3 likely to retain manual gearbox

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Next-gen BMW M3 manual gearbox

In welcome news for enthusiasts, BMW has indicated that the next-gen ICE-powered M3 will continue to offer a manual gearbox. BMW M chief executive officer Frank van Meel stated in a recent interview that the performance division intends to keep the three-pedal option alive “as long as possible” despite tightening regulations and dwindling supplier support.

Manuals offer a way better mechanical connection, says BMW M boss

M2 manual sees particularly strong demand in the automatic-dominated US market

BMW M3 Handschalter manual gear lever. Image used for representative purposes only.

Speaking to Autocar UK, van Meel noted that manual transmissions remain an important part of BMW M’s identity because of the driver engagement they provide. “We want to have this mechanical connection, shifting by yourself. It’s an emotional thing; it’s not just an engineering thing, and it’s still there,” van Meel said.

He pointed to the BMW M2 as proof that demand for manual gearboxes remains strong. In the US – a market where automatic cars vastly outsell manual ones – M2 sales are split roughly 50:50 between the performance coupe’s 6-speed manual and the 8-speed automatic variants. In May 2026, BMW even introduced a limited-run M3 CS Handschalter edition with a 6-speed manual only for the US and Canada.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. Image used for representative purposes only.

However, van Meel acknowledged that offering manual gearboxes is becoming increasingly difficult. “The supplier base is getting smaller, and with all the driver-assist systems, it is getting more difficult to disconnect the drivetrain,” he said, before adding that BMW still intends “to keep the manual as long as possible”.

S58 turbo straight-six to live on in next-gen M3

No PHEV setup as BMW upgraded the S58 for Euro 7 compliance

Unlike the new Audi RS5, which uses a V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain in the interest of meeting emission norms, the next-gen ICE M3 will continue using its predecessor’s 3.0-litre ‘S58’ turbo-petrol inline-six engine with no major electric assistance.

Euro 7-compliant BMW S58 engine.

BMW recently upgraded the S58 engine to comply with upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, introducing pre-chamber combustion (wherein the air-fuel mixture is ignited right before it enters the cylinder) and new variable-geometry turbochargers. The changes are touted to improve combustion efficiency, reduce emissions and maintain performance without sacrificing the engine’s character.

Enhanced aural experience, but no difference in engine output

According to BMW, the Euro 7-compliant S58 even has throatier induction and exhaust sounds at high revs. However, engine output will remain unchanged from that of the current M3, which churns out 530hp and 650Nm. The BMW M boss added that the automaker is confident it can preserve the engine’s performance despite stricter emissions requirements, although cooling remains one of the biggest engineering challenges.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. Image used for representative purposes only.

“If you go on track, of course, temperature is an issue. We improved cooling to counteract; the challenge with the big engines and the big coolers is that they need to be even stronger,” van Meel remarked. Therefore, expect the front end of the new ICE-powered M3 to sport a large open grille with a big intercooler behind it.

ICE and electric M3s to co-exist in similar price ranges

BMW wants to offer buyers the choice between petrol and electric

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. Image used for representative purposes only.

BMW will sell both ICE and EV versions of the next-generation M3 simultaneously. While the two models will share similar styling inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse M Concept, they will be underpinned by different platforms and use entirely different powertrains.

According to van Meel, BMW wants customers to decide whether they prefer petrol or electric performance rather than forcing either on them: “There might be customers who say ‘I want to have a combustion engine because I like the sound… or I cannot charge.’ That’s fully okay.”

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. Image used for representative purposes only.

BMW M sales boss Sylvia Neubauer separately told Autocar UK that the ICE and electric M3 will be priced in the “same ballpark” and confirmed that the carmaker will continue offering combustion-powered M cars for enthusiasts who are not ready to switch to electric.

BMW M3 Touring estate to see another generation

Neubauer also confirmed that there will be a Touring estate version of the next-gen M3, as the current one is among BMW M’s strongest-performing models, especially in China. Expect the next-gen M3 Touring to have mechanicals similar to its sedan counterpart.