Renault Rolls Out One-Millionth Car From Its India Plant

One million! That’s how many cars Renault India has produced to date. The model that introduced the seventh digit in the production counter was a red Kiger. It comes off the manufacturing line at Renault India’s Chennai plant, which can produce up to 480,000 vehicles annually. All three models that Renault presently produces and sells in India – Triber, Kiger and Kwid – are also exported to 14 countries across SAARC, Asia Pacific, Indian Oceanic Region, South Africa and East Africa. Furthermore, the French brand has committed an investment of INR 5,300 crore (53 billion) in India to support the development of six products.

GM survey claims over two-thirds of vehicle owners are considering a future EV purchase

A survey commissioned by General Motors Africa & Middle East and conducted by Morning Consult explored the state of consumer interest in EVs in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia regions. The survey found that 95% of UAE and 93% of KSA respondents were aware of all-electric vehicles. This heightened awareness has also translated into strong purchase consideration, with a majority in both countries (63% in Saudi Arabia and 70% in UAE) strongly considering a future EV purchase. Looking more closely into EV pricing in the UAE, 73% of consumers see EVs as having worthwhile cost savings versus gasoline-powered vehicles. On the aspect of awareness of charging infrastructure, over one-third (38%) of respondents were aware of the location of at least one convenient charging station in the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, two out of five respondents (40%) claimed awareness of a charging station. This favourable outlook towards EVs aligns with global EV revenue projections, anticipated to grow from around $10 billion in 2023 to approximately $90 billion annually by 2030. 

Bugatti bestows a three-car show to pay homage to the centenary 24 hours of Le Mans

This year marks the centenary of 24 hours of Le Mans, one of the most famous motorsport events in the world. And hypercar maker Bugatti showcased its lightest-ever track-focussed hypercar, the Bolide, to the public for the first time to commemorate it. The Bugatti Bolide completed a lap of the 24-hour Le Man’s circuit with Andy Wallace, Le Man’s winner in 1988, behind the wheel of the track-only hyper sports car. Two more Bugattis were exhibited during the historic celebrations – an iconic Bugatti Type 50S put up on display and a blue Bugatti EB110S “Le Mans” that took to the track. Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, added: “There is no better way to celebrate 100 years of Le Mans than by premiering a Bugatti feat that is simply unlike anything we have ever done before. Bugatti and the 24 Hours of Le Mans have a deep and long-standing connection – we were there for the very first race 100 years ago. I speak on behalf of Bugatti when I say that we are incredibly proud to have created another historic and unique moment at Le Mans; a moment that will be cherished forever.”

A Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 takes over the lead in the new Transforms: Rise of the Beast film

Still deciding between Autobots or Decepticons or maybe intrigued by the Maximals? Chances are you’re aware of the recent update to the Transformers sci-fi franchise carrying a new lead called Mirage that transforms into the legendary Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (964) while in its in-car form. “The 911 Carrera RS 3.8 is perfect not just because the film plays in 1994, but also because of the character traits of ‘Mirage’,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Marketing Communications at Porsche AG. “He’s a tough character with a good heart and a bit of a rebellious streak now and again.” Porsche only ever built 55 units of the Carrera RS 3.8, making it an exceptionally rare historical car. No original model was used in filming to avoid the risk of damage. Instead, five picture cars were built to execute specific stunts, one built to travel backwards at higher speeds and another for stunt sequences. The new Transformers: Rise of the Beasts film will come to cinemas worldwide in early June.

A unique hybrid Defender 110 gets unveiled to showcase Rugby World Cup Trophy

Defender, now a standalone brand under the new JLR parent firm structure, is a worldwide Rugby World Cup France 2023 partner and the official vehicle partner for the tournament. And now, with less than 100 days to go, the iconic off-roading brand has revealed the Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car. A unique electric hybrid Defender 110 was created with a bespoke illuminated trophy cabinet featuring sufficient lighting that ensures the Webb Ellis Cup is always visible. The specially modified electric hybrid Defender was developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division in Coventry, England and will travel around France on a Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour to display the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup.

This Bespoke Rolls Royce Ghost Extended is the brand’s Private Office Dubai’s first commission

Rolls Royce’s Private Office serves as an extension of The Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, where customers are offered exclusive product previews and detailed commission consultations. Only eleven months ago, Rolls Royce opened the doors of the Private Office Dubai, its first-ever extension outside the UK, and this two-tone Ghost Extended in Sunrise Sparkle and White Sands Bespoke exterior colours is the first commission from the same. The coachline gets painted in Mocassin, and the same along with Grace White, gets splashed across the interiors. Bringing Goodwood to the Middle East, the Private Office is a space which provides a unique experience; it’s where our clients can bring their ideas to life and explore the marque’s Home and people in real-time via seamless technology. The success of this concept is clear to see as the Private Office’s first commission is revealed: a mesmerizing Ghost Extended work of art,” said César Habib, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.