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Volvo India holds back on PHEVs amid high taxes, uncertain demand

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Volvo India holds back on PHEVs amid high taxes, uncertain demand
Volvo India holds back on PHEVs amid high taxes, uncertain demand

Volvo is currently not considering plug-in-hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in its India portfolio anytime soon, as it sees the current tax structure and uncertain customer interest as hurdles to their introduction. “The regulations are not conducive to plug-in hybrids,” Jyoti Malhotra, MD of Volvo Car India, told our sister publication Autocar Professional on the sidelines of the recent EX90 launch. He also added that Volvo’s India plans remain focused on mild hybrids and EVs for now. 

  1. GST on PHEVs is 40 percent, making them less competitive than BEVs with 5 percent GST
  2. Volvo’s India strategy focuses on mild hybrids and BEVs for the foreseeable future
  3. PHEVs could be introduced if customer demand, economics support their future viability

India’s tax structure makes PHEVs less competitive

In India, PHEVs attract a 40 percent GST rate (plus applicable cesses bringing total taxes even higher, up to 43 percent). In contrast, pure battery EVs (BEVs) face a 5 percent GST rate and no compensation cess. 

Malhotra said current tax treatment favours BEVs and makes PHEVs less competitive. PHEVs combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric drivetrain comprising an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that can be charged externally. This dual-powertrain setup adds to the vehicle’s cost. The higher tax burden further affects the final price, making PHEVs less competitive against conventional ICE models and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). 

Higher costs, customer willingness to pay remain key hurdles

Beyond taxation, customer willingness to pay remains a key factor in Volvo’s assessment. Malhotra said PHEVs would be more expensive than conventional ICE vehicles because they combine two powertrains and face a higher tax burden. “Are our customers ready to pay that cost is something we are watching very closely,” he added.

He also believes incentives under the third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms, slated to go into effect from April 2027, would not by themselves change the commercial case or the final purchase price. “I don’t think CAFE will bring much change to that. It is basically the tax structure,” he said.

Volvo’s India strategy remains focused on EVs, mild hybrids

Malhotra maintained that Volvo’s broader direction remained towards battery electric vehicles, even as the company adjusted the pace of its transition to reflect conditions in individual markets. “Our end goal is still the same, globally as well as in India, that we want to become an electric car company,” he said.

In India, Volvo offers mild-hybrid SUVs alongside BEVs, with electric cars accounting for nearly one in four vehicles it sells. The BEV portfolio includes EX30, EC40 and EX90 models, while the ICE models include the XC60 and XC90 SUVs, which come in a mild-hybrid avatar. Internationally, though, Volvo offers the XC60 and XC90 as PHEVs as well.

Malhotra said that mix also left the company well placed on CAFE compliance, allowing its powertrain decisions to be guided by market demand. Plug-in hybrids remain an option if customer demand and the economics support their introduction. “It’s not that we will bring it, but we can bring it if all things fall in place,” he added.

With inputs from Mugdha Mishra and Dipan Sur

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River Mobility expands to Nepal

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River Mobility expands to Nepal
An indoor render of the River Indie.

River Mobility has entered Nepal in partnership with Vishal Group opening its first international retail and service outlet in Kathmandu. Its flagship electric scooter, the Indie, is priced at NPR 3.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Kathmandu).

  1. Partnered with Vishal Group to open first international store
  2. Will retail flagship Indie electric scooter
  3. Nepal is the first market River enters outside India

River Mobility International Expansion  

Plans to expand its network across Nepal

Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer River Mobility has opened its first international store in Nepal. The retail and service outlet in Naxal, Kathmandu, was made possible through a partnership with regional conglomerate Vishal Group. Through this outlet, the brand will retail its flagship electric scooter the Indie, along with accessories and merchandise. To provide after-sales services and customer support, a dedicated service centre has also been established.

Beyond Kathmandu, River plans to expand its footprint to key cities across Nepal to broaden customer access and after-sales reach. The River Indie is priced at NPR 3.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Kathmandu), equivalent to approximately Rs 2.30 lakh, making it roughly Rs 73,000 more expensive than its Indian price tag (Rs 1.57 lakh ex-showroom, Bengaluru). Test rides and bookings are available at the new outlet.

River currently operates over 90 stores across India, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi-NCR, with plans to increase its domestic retail network to more than 400 stores by March 2028, covering existing and new markets.

With inputs from Eshisha Java and Suraj Sreekumar. NPR-to-INR conversions are based on exchange rates at the time of writing.

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Honda to scale two-wheeler production to 80 lakh units by 2028 and expand export

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Honda to scale two-wheeler production to 80 lakh units by 2028 and expand export
Aerial image of Honda factory

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is significantly scaling up its manufacturing capacity in India, with company President and CEO Tsutsumu Otani confirming plans to increase output across its four Indian plants from the current 62.5 lakh units per year to 80 lakh units by 2028.

  1. HMSI to expand production capacity from 62.5 lakh to 80 lakh units annually by 2028
  2. CB350 already being exported to Europe; CB500 being evaluated as the next export model
  3. Africa, Central America and South America identified as key future export markets

HMSI production and export plans

The expansion is expected to create over 2,000 jobs

Otani said the expansion over the next 18-24 months is aimed at serving both domestic demand and a growing export business. “With the eight-million-unit capacity planned in 2028, we will be well equipped to handle customer demand for ICE or EV products,” he said. The company’s current production is already running at full capacity.

On the export front, HMSI has begun shipping India-made models to Europe, starting with the CB350, for which Otani said the “sales situation is also very good”. The CB500 is being evaluated as the next potential export model, although he described these plans as being at an early stage.

Beyond Europe, Otani highlighted Africa, Central America and South America as important future markets, with Africa singled out as particularly significant. “India’s geographical proximity can provide an advantage in serving the African market, especially if one were to factor in transportation costs,” he said.

To support its export ambitions, HMSI is also looking to deepen localisation. Otani acknowledged that several components currently undergo final assembly in India but rely on parts imported from Thailand, Japan and Europe. “We intend to accelerate localisation and manufacture more in India as our next step,” he said, adding that resource circulation and the recycling of steel and aluminium remain areas the company is working through, given India’s limited domestic supplies of these materials.

Source: ET Auto

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Tata, Stellantis formalise pact for Sierra-based Jeep SUV

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Tata, Stellantis formalise pact for Sierra-based Jeep SUV
Tata Sierra-based Jeep SUV

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) and Stellantis have signed a formal agreement to expand their partnership into product technology, platforms and vehicle architecture, formalising plans for a new Jeep SUV based on the Tata Sierra’s ARGOS platform, according to people in the know. Internally codenamed J1J, the Jeep SUV will get both internal combustion engine and electric versions and it is likely to use the same powertrains as the Sierra, say people in the know.

Sierra-based Jeep SUV: platform and production plans 

ARGOS stands for All-Terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable. It is TMPV’s modular, multi-energy vehicle architecture, designed to accommodate different vehicle dimensions and powertrain applications, which can open up more opportunities for Stellantis in the future.

While Tata Motors is producing the Sierra at its Sanand factory in Gujarat, production of the Jeep model is likely to take place at the Fiat India Automobiles Ltd (FIAL) joint venture facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra. The manufacturing operations are expected to be adapted for the programme over the next 18 months, added a person in the know.

The programme forms part of Stellantis’ wider ambition to sell 100,000 locally produced vehicles globally in 2028 across its Tata and Dongfeng partnership programmes combined, as outlined at its May 2026 Investor Day. The target covers several products. The company is likely to launch the first vehicle in the first half of 2028, say sources.

A dedicated team for the project is currently based out of Pune and will look at adapting the vehicle architecture, including a left-hand-drive version for overseas markets. A range-extender electric vehicle application is also being explored on the platform, although no production decision for the REEV has been finalised, according to people familiar with the engineering work.

An email sent to Tata Motors and Stellantis seeking comment remained unanswered at the time of publication.

The formal agreement builds on a relationship spanning more than two decades. Having collaborated on manufacturing, powertrains and the supply chain, the partners are now extending their cooperation into vehicle development.

Sierra-based Jeep SUV: Different body and cabin

Stellantis is benchmarking its own Jeep Renegade and Compass products for the J1J model development, according to company sources. Its eventual name and final production design are being firmed up.

This clearly indicates that the Jeep will have a different upper body, or top hat, exterior styling and cabin. Changes will extend to the seating package, interior features and equipment. These will distinguish it from the Sierra, while allowing the companies to share the underlying architecture and components.

Much of the platform is expected to be retained, with structural modifications and reinforcements, where required, to accommodate the Jeep body and meet crash and overseas regulatory requirements. Details of Jeep-specific suspension tuning and off-road hardware could not immediately be established. A 4×4 variant is also likely as Jeep’s brand guidelines insist on giving its customers a 4×4 option for all its models. Whilst the electric version of the Sierra already comes with 4×4, the ARGOS platform has been packaged and developed to accommodate a 4×4 ICE drive train as well. In fact, the Jeep partnership could accelerate the launch of a Sierra 4×4 to coincide with launch of the next-gen Jeep SUV. 

Tata Motors sister company Tata Technologies is understood to be involved in engineering execution at Stellantis. The work includes the Jeep-specific body and interior package, left-hand-drive adaptation and changes needed to meet overseas regulations.

According to people familiar with the programme, TMPV will retain ownership of the architecture and license it to Stellantis. Existing Sierra suppliers are expected to support Jeep where components can be shared, with separate sourcing and tooling for model-specific parts.

India development, global markets

Stellantis had disclosed its intention to develop a Tata-based Jeep at its May 21, 2026 Investor Day. Grégoire Olivier, its Asia Pacific chief operating officer, said Tata Motors would provide a competitive platform for a new Jeep vehicle to be developed and assembled in India through the existing joint venture for global markets. 

Olivier had also outlined exports to more than 50 countries across the wider portfolio, including the Dongfeng programmes, the Tata-based Jeep and the existing Citroën Smart Car programme in India. The markets allocated specifically to J1J have not been established.

For Stellantis, Tata’s architecture and supplier base offer a way to reduce development expenditure while adding a new Jeep product. For TMPV, the arrangement could generate licensing revenue and spread platform costs across additional vehicles. Common components could also bring suppliers higher volumes.

The alliance is a much-needed segue for the Jeep brand which has been in India for close to a decade but has been relegated to the fringes of the Indian market with a lack of product action. A licensed modular architecture with the potential for multiple powertrains, 4×4 capability and different wheelbases will open opportunities for more products in a quicker time interval. 

The programme would extend the Ranjangaon venture from manufacturing cooperation to producing a Jeep on Tata’s vehicle architecture. The left-hand-drive version would widen its overseas reach, giving the plant access to demand beyond India and other right-hand-drive markets.

With inputs from Ketan Thakkar 

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Honda 0 Alpha EV spied testing ahead of expected debut by end-2026

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Honda 0 Alpha EV spied testing ahead of expected debut by end-2026
Honda 0 Alpha SUV spied

Following the Elevate facelift, Honda’s next launch for India will be the all-new 0 Alpha electric SUV – the brand’s first all-electric vehicle for our market. Honda is expected to reveal the official name later this year and also perhaps showcase the production-spec model before it goes on sale by early 2027. Ahead of its launch, a heavily camouflaged prototype of 0 Alpha SUV has recently been spied testing on our roads. 

  • India-built model planned for global markets, including Japan
  • To be manufactured at the Tapukara plant in Rajasthan
  • No technical details available as of yet 

Honda 0 Alpha SUV spied: what to expect?

The Honda 0 Alpha was first preview by a concept about exactly a year ago at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. And looking at these camouflaged spy shots, the radical shape doesn’t seem to have changed at all. It looks nothing like any existing Honda, with the characteristic design element being the near-vertical rear end with a thick C-pillar area, almost reminiscent of an MPV. It gets a large rear windscreen that’ll likely be wrapped around by an LED light bar, while the lower section gets a protruding bumper and is expected to feature a diffuser like element. 

Image Credit: Ferrarirules86 via X.

At the debut of the concept, Honda had said the design was already near production-ready, so much of the details, including the lighting signatures and the glass panels could be seen on the final model. The front ‘grille’ area is expected to sport an illuminated Honda logo and a charging port, framed on the side and above by the headlights.

A previous sighting of a camouflaged test mule has also given us a look at the interior of the upcoming electric SUV. The most prominent element in the cabin is a massive central infotainment touchscreen mounted atop the dashboard. To its right sits a much smaller digital driver’s display, ahead of which there’s a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddleshifters for regeneration. The 0 Alpha’s interior incorporates an array of buttons on the centre console, seemingly for functions such as climate control and ventilated seats.

Image Credit: pxrtth.gpt via Instagram 

The Honda 0 Alpha SUV is expected to have a wheelbase of about 2700-2800mm, with the priority being maximising interior space. The upright rear tailgate also hints at good luggage space and interior room.

Honda 0 Alpha technical details 

Technical details on the 0 Alpha are quite scarce at the moment, but the brand has previously confirmed that it will be offered with two battery pack options. Both will be LFP batteries, likely ranging in the size of 65kWh-75kWh units. At launch, the Honda 0 Alpha SUV is expected to use a single-motor, front-wheel-drive layout. 

The upcoming electric SUV will be manufactured in India, with Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan expected to serve as the production base. It’s expected to go on sale by early 2027, with India and Japan among the initial markets. The 0 Alpha will rival electric midsize SUVs such as the Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Sierra EV, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella.

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What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

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What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow
What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

The Volvo ES90 will be launched in India tomorrow, marking a comeback for a Volvo sedan in the country after the S90’s discontinuation in 2024. Upon launch, it will serve as the manufacturer’s flagship EV alongside the EX90 SUV, which will also be launched alongside the ES90 sedan. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Volvo ES90 ahead of its launch tomorrow. 

1. What is the expected price of the Volvo ES90?

Prices are expected to be in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom)

The Volvo ES90 will arrive in India as a completely built unit (CBU) import. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom) in the country. 

2. What powertrain option will the India-spec Volvo ES90 get?

Gets two battery pack options and choices between RWD and AWD internationally

The Volvo ES90 is built on the manufacturer’s 800-volt SPA2 architecture shared with the EX90 eSUV. Internationally, the ES90 is offered with either a 92kWh or a 106kWh battery. The smaller battery has a claimed WLTP range of 664km and is paired with a rear-axle-mounted (RWD) electric motor that produces 333hp and 480Nm. It has a claimed 0-100kph time of 6.6 seconds and has a 180kph capped top speed. It supports up to 350kW DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 10-80 percent in 22 minutes. 

The larger 106kWh battery has a claimed WLTP range of 702km, and is offered with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup producing either 456hp and 670Nm, or 680hp and 870Nm, with claimed 0-100kph sprint times of 5.4 seconds and 4 seconds, respectively, depending on the chosen trim. 180kph capped top speed, 350kW DC fast-charging capability, and 22-minute 10-80 percent charging time are the same as the smaller battery version. 

Volvo is yet to reveal which powertrain option will be offered with the India-spec ES90 sedan. 

3. What are the design highlights of the Volvo ES90?

Gets LED lights all around, with a rather simple and elegant design

The Volvo ES90 features a blanked-off body-coloured grille with a Volvo logo in the centre, flanked by LED headlights with segmented Thor’s hammer LED DRLs on both ends. The bumper has air inlets in the centre to cool the internals and features vertically stacked LED fog lamps similar to those on the EX90. A LiDAR sensor was previously mounted on the edge of the roof, but is no longer offered on Volvo’s MY2026 models in international markets, following the termination of Volvo’s contract with its supplier, Luminar, after the latter filed for bankruptcy. 

In profile, it offers wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 22 inches, all with aerodynamic inserts. It gets a gloss black section on the lower portion of the doors, along with black outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and a blacked-out roof, which add contrast. It gets sleek pull-type door handles. Interestingly, the ES90 has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, making it Volvo’s most aerodynamic production car yet. 

At the rear, it features C-shaped wraparound LED taillights and LED stop lights on both sides of the rear windscreen, similar to the EX90. The rear bumper features a gloss black portion that gives a nice contrast to the otherwise simple design.

4. What features will the Volvo ES90 offer?

Features two free-standing screens, 4-zone AC, and up to 25 speakers

Inside, the Volvo ES90 has a clean design and is filled to the brim with modern-day features. These include a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented, free-standing infotainment touchscreen, a 9-inch digital driver’s display, a 13.2-inch coloured head-up display (HUD), and a 14-speaker Bose sound system, which can be upgraded to a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio setup. Other features include a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, a 4-zone climate control and a digital key. The front seats are powered, heated, ventilated and offer a massage function with powered lumbar support. The rear seats are electrically reclinable, have powered side bolsters, and are offered with heating and ventilation functions. 

Most of these features are expected to be a part of the India-spec Volvo ES90. 

5. Which cars will the Volvo ES90 rival in India

Will be a more affordable alternative to full-size BMW and Mercedes-Benz electric sedans

The Volvo ES90 will be a more reasonably priced alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan (Rs 1.30 crore) and the BMW i7 (Rs 1.95 crore).  

Prices are ex-showroom, India. 

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What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

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What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow
What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

The Volvo ES90 will be launched in India tomorrow, marking a comeback for a Volvo sedan in the country after the S90’s discontinuation in 2024. Upon launch, it will serve as the manufacturer’s flagship EV alongside the EX90 SUV, which will also be launched alongside the ES90 sedan. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Volvo ES90 ahead of its launch tomorrow. 

1. What is the expected price of the Volvo ES90?

Prices are expected to be in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom)

The Volvo ES90 will arrive in India as a completely built unit (CBU) import. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom) in the country. 

2. What powertrain option will the India-spec Volvo ES90 get?

Gets two battery pack options and choices between RWD and AWD internationally

The Volvo ES90 is built on the manufacturer’s 800-volt SPA2 architecture shared with the EX90 eSUV. Internationally, the ES90 is offered with either a 92kWh or a 106kWh battery. The smaller battery has a claimed WLTP range of 664km and is paired with a rear-axle-mounted (RWD) electric motor that produces 333hp and 480Nm. It has a claimed 0-100kph time of 6.6 seconds and has a 180kph capped top speed. It supports up to 350kW DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 10-80 percent in 22 minutes. 

The larger 106kWh battery has a claimed WLTP range of 702km, and is offered with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup producing either 456hp and 670Nm, or 680hp and 870Nm, with claimed 0-100kph sprint times of 5.4 seconds and 4 seconds, respectively, depending on the chosen trim. 180kph capped top speed, 350kW DC fast-charging capability, and 22-minute 10-80 percent charging time are the same as the smaller battery version. 

Volvo is yet to reveal which powertrain option will be offered with the India-spec ES90 sedan. 

3. What are the design highlights of the Volvo ES90?

Gets LED lights all around, with a rather simple and elegant design

The Volvo ES90 features a blanked-off body-coloured grille with a Volvo logo in the centre, flanked by LED headlights with segmented Thor’s hammer LED DRLs on both ends. The bumper has air inlets in the centre to cool the internals and features vertically stacked LED fog lamps similar to those on the EX90. A LiDAR sensor was previously mounted on the edge of the roof, but is no longer offered on Volvo’s MY2026 models in international markets, following the termination of Volvo’s contract with its supplier, Luminar, after the latter filed for bankruptcy. 

In profile, it offers wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 22 inches, all with aerodynamic inserts. It gets a gloss black section on the lower portion of the doors, along with black outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and a blacked-out roof, which add contrast. It gets sleek pull-type door handles. Interestingly, the ES90 has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, making it Volvo’s most aerodynamic production car yet. 

At the rear, it features C-shaped wraparound LED taillights and LED stop lights on both sides of the rear windscreen, similar to the EX90. The rear bumper features a gloss black portion that gives a nice contrast to the otherwise simple design.

4. What features will the Volvo ES90 offer?

Features two free-standing screens, 4-zone AC, and up to 25 speakers

Inside, the Volvo ES90 has a clean design and is filled to the brim with modern-day features. These include a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented, free-standing infotainment touchscreen, a 9-inch digital driver’s display, a 13.2-inch coloured head-up display (HUD), and a 14-speaker Bose sound system, which can be upgraded to a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio setup. Other features include a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, a 4-zone climate control and a digital key. The front seats are powered, heated, ventilated and offer a massage function with powered lumbar support. The rear seats are electrically reclinable, have powered side bolsters, and are offered with heating and ventilation functions. 

Most of these features are expected to be a part of the India-spec Volvo ES90. 

5. Which cars will the Volvo ES90 rival in India

Will be a more affordable alternative to full-size BMW and Mercedes-Benz electric sedans

The Volvo ES90 will be a more reasonably priced alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan (Rs 1.30 crore) and the BMW i7 (Rs 1.95 crore).  

Prices are ex-showroom, India. 

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Starlink Row In India: कमल हासन से लेकर कुणाल कपूर तक, भारत में स्टारलिंक विवाद पर बोले एक्टर्स

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Starlink Row In India: कमल हासन के बाद बॉलीवुड एक्टर कुणाल कपूर ने SpaceX के फाउंडर और CEO एलन मस्क के उस दावे पर प्रतिक्रिया दी है, जिसमें उन्होंने कहा था कि भारत में कुछ ताकतवर लोगों (ओलिगार्क्स) ने मार्केट पर अपना कब्जा बनाए रखने के लिए उनकी सैटेलाइट इंटरनेट सर्विस, स्टारलिंक (Starlink) को “ब्लॉक” कर दिया है। कुणाल ने एलन की सोच को “औपनिवेशिक मानसिकता” (colonial mindset) बताया और टेक अरबपतियों की “मसीहा बनने की भावना” (saviour complex) की ओर इशारा किया।

कुणाल ने एलन मस्क की ‘औपनिवेशिक मानसिकता’ पर सवाल उठाए

कुणाल ने लिखा- “इस वीक एलन मस्क की बातों को सुनकर लगा कि वह पश्चिमी टेक अरबपतियों का मसीहा बनने की कोशिश में लगे हैं। वे आपके देश में आकर आपको भविष्य बेचते हैं। अगर आप उनका स्वागत करते हैं तो आप एक ऐसे देश माने जाते हैं जो तरक्की चाहता है। अगर आप उन्हें इंतजार करवाते हैं तो अचानक आपके लोग पीड़ित बन जाते हैं, जिन्हें किसी ‘चुने हुए व्यक्ति’ द्वारा उनके अपने ही संस्थानों से बचाने की जरूरत होती है।”

कुणाल ने अतीत की उन घटनाओं का जिक्र किया जब देशों ने एलन की मदद लेने से इनकार किया था। उन्होंने नकारात्मक प्रतिक्रिया दी थी। एक्टर ने 2018 में थाईलैंड में हुए बचाव अभियान का जिक्र किया, जब वाइल्ड बोअर्स सॉकर टीम के 11 से 16 साल की उम्र के 12 सदस्यों और उनके 25 साल के असिस्टेंट कोच को थाम लुआंग गुफा परिसर से बचाया गया था। बचाव दल ने उस मिनी-सबमरीन का इस्तेमाल नहीं किया जो एलन ने ऑपरेशन के लिए दी थी, जिससे वे नाराज हो गए थे।

उन्होंने अगस्त 2024 में ब्राजील के सुप्रीम कोर्ट द्वारा X (पहले ट्विटर) को देश भर में सस्पेंड करने का भी जिक्र किया, क्योंकि यह प्लेटफॉर्म कोर्ट के आदेशों का पालन करने में विफल रहा था। कुणाल ने लिखा, “यह एक पैटर्न है। जब थाई बचाव दल ने फंसे हुए लड़कों के लिए मस्क द्वारा भेजी गई मिनी-सबमरीन का इस्तेमाल नहीं किया और गोताखोर वर्नोन अनस्वर्थ ने इस विचार को अव्यावहारिक बताया, तो मस्क ने उन पर ‘पेडो गाइ’ (बच्चों का शोषण करने वाला व्यक्ति) होने का आरोप लगाया।

जब ब्राजील के सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने X को अपने फैसलों का पालन करने का आदेश दिया, तो मस्क ने जज को ‘तानाशाह’ कहा। स्क्रिप्ट शायद ही कभी बदलती है। बस देश बदलता है। औपनिवेशिक मानसिकता का मतलब हमेशा किसी देश पर राज करना नहीं होता। कभी-कभी यह सोच होती है कि आप वहां एक मसीहा बनकर आए हैं और अगर देश तुरंत आपको ऐसा नहीं मानता, तो जरूर देश में ही कुछ गड़बड़ है।”

एलन मस्क ने क्या कहा था?

एलन ने भारत में स्टारलिंक की संभावनाओं के बारे में कई ट्वीट किए हैं, जिनमें अंबानी परिवार का भी जिक्र किया गया है। उन्होंने लिखा, “स्टारलिंक के पास 165 से ज्यादा देशों में लाइसेंस है और इसने भारत सरकार के हर नियम और जरूरत को पूरा करने में पांच साल बिताए हैं, तो फिर अभी तक लाइसेंस क्यों नहीं मिला? क्या अंबानी ही भारत के असली बॉस हैं?”

क्या बोले कमल हासन

टेक अरबपति की चौंकाने वाली बातों के तुरंत बाद एक्टर और नेता कमल हासन ने उन पर सवाल उठाते हुए कहा, “किसी भी अरबपति को देश की पॉलिसी तय नहीं करनी चाहिए – चाहे वह भारत हो या अमेरिका।” शुक्रवार को हासन ने मस्क की पहली पोस्ट को री-शेयर किया और स्टारलिंक-भारत विवाद पर अपनी राय रखी। एक्टर ने कहा कि, “भारत जानता है कि हमारे नेटवर्क और स्पेक्ट्रम रणनीतिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर हैं न कि सिर्फ कमर्शियल एसेट्स। भारत की राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा से जुड़ी सुरक्षा व्यवस्थाओं पर कोई समझौता नहीं किया जा सकता।”

एक कड़े बयान में हासन ने कहा कि भारत को भारतीय और ग्लोबल, दोनों तरह के प्रोवाइडर्स का स्वागत करना चाहिए, जो भी दूर-दराज के इलाकों के लिए सबसे प्रैक्टिकल और किफायती ‘लास्ट-माइल सॉल्यूशन’ दे सके।

भारत के संचार मंत्रालय ने इस सुझाव को खारिज कर दिया कि देश का रेगुलेटरी फ्रेमवर्क भेदभावपूर्ण है। गुरुवार को जारी एक बयान में मंत्रालय ने कहा, “सोशल मीडिया पर सैटेलाइट कम्युनिकेशन सेवाओं के लिए भारत के रेगुलेटरी फ्रेमवर्क की निष्पक्षता के बारे में एक पोस्ट शेयर किया जा रहा है, जिसमें यह सुझाव दिया गया है कि इसे भेदभावपूर्ण तरीके से लागू किया जा रहा है। सरकार ने सैटेलाइट कम्युनिकेशन सेवाओं सहित सभी टेलीकम्युनिकेशन सेवाओं के लिए एक निष्पक्ष और भेदभाव-रहित ऑथराइजेशन फ्रेमवर्क लागू किया है।”

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Volkswagen ID. Tiguan revealed with up to 600km range

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Volkswagen ID. Tiguan revealed with up to 600km range
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan front quarter static

Volkswagen has revealed the ID. Tiguan for the European market. Slated to launch in 2027, the ID. Tiguan is a successor to the ID. 4 and ID. 5, says Volkswagen. The eSUV will be offered with 58kWh and 77kWh battery packs in RWD and AWD layouts. The ID. Tiguan will continue to sell alongside the ICE-powered Tiguan in global markets. 

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Exterior

The ID. Tiguan is underpinned by the MEB+ platform and gets the brand’s ‘Pure Positive’ design language. Additionally, the brand says it has given the ID. Tiguan a more SUV-like design as opposed to the crossover-esque look of the ID. 4 and 5. LED headlamps, connected LED DRLs, and an illuminated logo are encased in a black trim. 

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan. Interior and features

All-black theme, triple screen setup and powered, ventilated front seats 

Inside, the ID. Tiguan gets an all-black theme with silver accents. Flanking the layered dashboard is a triple-screen setup, which is surrounded partly by silver trim. You get physical buttons for HVAC controls, and the high-set centre console comes with cubbyholes. There’s also a two-spoke steering wheel with a plethora of physical buttons, and behind it is a digital driver’s display with themes displaying dials from older VW models.

The Tiguan will be sold in four trim levels, namely, Trend, Life, Style, and R-Line. Niceties include a 15-inch infotainment system, 10-inch digital driver’s display, 12-inch passenger screen, an ADAS suite, powered front seats with memory, massage, and ventilation functions, Harmon Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, connected car tech, ambient lighting, and V2L functionality.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan powertrains

Up to 299hp, RWD and AWD options 

The ID. Tiguan will be offered with 58kWh and 77kWh battery packs. The former is paired solely with a rear-mounted motor producing 190hp. The larger 78kWh battery pack is available in RWD and AWD layouts, producing 286hp and 299hp, respectively. The carmaker forecasts a WLTP range of up to 600km. Additionally, Volkswagen claims a towing capacity of up to 2 tonnes depending on the battery pack chosen. However, charging speed support and time details remain under wraps. 

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VinFast takes first step toward entering Indian two-wheeler market

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VinFast takes first step toward entering Indian two-wheeler market
An outdoor image showing large group of people standing together in front of the Vinfast headquarter

VinFast entered the Indian market in 2025, with activities spanning from the distribution, manufacturing and assembly of electric cars. Following this, the brand also showed some e-scooters at Auto Expo and then subsequently patented designs of some of them in our market, all hinting at plans to enter the huge Indian two-wheeler market. The signing of these letters of intent (LOIs) and partnering with numerous electric two-wheeler dealers now marks a new phase in the brand’s expansion in the Indian market.

  1. Partnered with 50+ electric two-wheeler dealers across 15 states
  2. Plans to establish showrooms across 34 cities
  3. Line-up likely to feature the recently patented Viper and Rasad e-scooters

Retail network expansion details   

Over 50 showrooms panned 15 states

Vinfast and its dealer partners will work together to establish 50+ electric two-wheeler showrooms across 34 cities in 15 states and territories. The locations that the company is targeting to establish a presence in first include Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha. Through these partnerships VinFast plans to bring its electric scooter line-up to the country, though it hasn’t shared any timelines so far. Initial line-up expected to feature the Viper and Rasad electric scooters, following design patents filed in India earlier this year.

These selected cities and regions have large two-wheeler markets, providing significant room for the brand’s expansion. VinFast says in fiscal year 2025-2026 there were 21.41 million two-wheelers registered, of which electric vehicles accounted for only 6.54 percent. When VinFast does officially launch some of its models in our country, it will have to ward off stiff competition from both established legacy players as well as mould-breaking start-ups like Bajaj, TVS, Hero, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ather and River.