Ministers take tough stance on road safety
On Saturday, along with Roads & Buildings and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Red-dy, he laid the foundation stone for an Automated Testing Station building at Dandampalli near Nalgonda, with a cost of Rs 8 crore.
Ponnam emphasised that accidents often occur due to reckless driving or lack of vehicle fitness, and that automated testing stations (ATS) will help reduce such incidents.
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United News of India
34 minutes ago
- United News of India
Mahindra launches new series starting at Rs 8.94 lakh
Bengaluru, July 26 (UNI) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India's leading SUV manufacturer, today launched the new XUV 3XO REVX series starting at Rs 8.94 lakh (ex-showroom), expanding its portfolio in the compact SUV segment. The launch comes as the XUV 3XO celebrates a significant milestone, having surpassed one lakh unit sales in under a year, making it Mahindra's fastest-selling SUV to date. Speaking to reporters at the unveiling event, Baneswar Banerjee, Vice President and National Head – Sales, Automotive Sector, said the REVX series is designed to capture specific unmet demands in the under-Rs 10 lakh compact SUV space. 'With the success of the XUV 3XO, we identified two clear opportunities—first, the sub-Rs 9 lakh category, where youth and first-time SUV buyers aspire for premium design and features. And second, at the higher end of the spectrum, where customers demand a more feature-rich, safety-packed vehicle that also reflects their lifestyle and personal expression.' The REVX M variant, priced at Rs 8.94 lakh, is powered by a 1.2L mStallion TCMPFi engine producing 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque. It offers full-width LED DRLs, leatherette seats, a 26.03 cm infotainment screen, and six airbags among 35 standard safety features. The REVX M(O), priced at Rs 9.44 lakh, includes all these plus a single-pane sunroof. The top-tier REVX A variant, starting at Rs 11.79 lakh, features the more powerful 1.2L TGDi engine, producing 96 kW and 230 Nm, and includes twin HD displays, a panoramic sunroof, Alexa-enabled Adrenox Connect, and wireless smartphone integration. In response to a question on why Mahindra opted to launch petrol-only versions despite historically strong demand for diesel, Banerjee explained that market trends have shifted. 'Around 62% of compact SUV sales today are petrol. CNG and electric are growing, but diesel demand has declined, except in specific zones like South and Southeast India, where diesel still contributes nearly 35–40%,' he said. 'It's not that we can't bring a diesel variant. The platform allows it, and we have the capability. But we wanted to first go after the broader market opportunity where petrol demand is dominant.' Addressing another key question on market positioning against rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Brezza, Banerjee emphasized Mahindra's differentiated approach. 'We don't comment on competitors, but our offering is a true-blue SUV, not a crossover. We have best-in-class width, segment-leading cabin space, high ground clearance, and strong approach and departure angles. From performance and safety to handling and stance, the XUV 3XO with the REVX series brings a distinct personality.' When asked about Mahindra's new branding line—'Different is in'—a senior official from the product marketing team clarified the philosophy behind it. 'Today's youth want to belong, but they also want to stand out. 'Different is in' celebrates that tension—they want to fit in with peers, yet be unique. This product is designed for that duality, offering bold design and top-end features at an accessible price point.' The brand aims to capture the imagination of younger buyers who are drawn to technology, design, and identity. Asked whether high-end features are truly usable on India's imperfect roads. In response, Banerjee highlighted Mahindra's close collaboration with Indian road standards and design parameters. 'We build our vehicles for Indian conditions, not just city roads but semi-urban and rural zones too. Ride quality, suspension tuning, and underbody protection are all tuned to ensure safety and comfort in real-world Indian driving environments,' they said. When asked about sales targets, Banerjee declined to comment on exact volume forecasts but noted that Mahindra has already invested in production capacity to support the anticipated demand. 'We talk about capacity, not numbers. We've invested in our plants to handle the scale required for sustained growth, not just for one year but for multiple cycles ahead,' he said. The XUV 3XO REVX series will be available in five color options—Galaxy Grey, Tango Red, Nebula Blue, Everest White, and Stealth Black. Mahindra expects the REVX to boost incremental volumes in both entry-level and upper-mid segments by appealing to value-conscious but style-forward consumers. With this launch, Mahindra signals a clear intent to dominate the compact SUV space by offering a product that blends performance, affordability, design, and innovation—tailored to the aspirations of the modern Indian buyer. UNI BDN RN
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
From Kia Carens Clavis To MG Hector, Here's List Of Top Affordable 7-Seater Cars In 2025
Last Updated: In this article, we have created a list, mentioning the top Affordable 7-seater Cars that are not just spacious but are practical and comfortable. We live in a country where families usually are big and the road trips are bigger. To accommodate all in a one car, a 7-seater becomes a popular choice among customers. Whether it is about weekend getaways, long adventure trips, family drives, or school runs, Indian buyers are constantly on the lookout for spacious yet practical models without making a hole in the pocket. If you are someone who is looking for an affordable seven-seater, and are confused about the choices. Do not worry, we got you covered. In this article, we have created a list, mentioning the top Affordable 7-seater Cars that are not just spacious but are practical and comfortable. Kia Carens Clavis The list has been topped by the newly launched Kia Carens ClavisCarens, which has been released at the starting price of Rs 11.50 lakh, while the top model goes up to Rs 19.50 lakh (all ex-showroom). It is one of the most affordable MPVs in the Indian market. The model can be purchased under the price bracket of Rs 6.3 lakh-9.17 lakh (all ex-showroom). Under the hood, the company offers the car with a 1-litre petrol engine that churns out a maximum output of 72hp. Citroen Aircross It is one of the reputated offerings from the French carmaker. It starts at Rs 12.50 lakh, while the top model goes up to Rs 14.60 lakh (all ex-showroom). It is best known for its comfort and spacious cabin. It is available in both 1.2-litre petrol and .2-litre turbo petrol engine that churn out a maximum power of 82hp and 110hp respectively. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
Exide outlines growth strategy with dual focus on lead-acid, lithium-ion batteries
Synopsis Exide Industries is strategically focusing on both its lead-acid battery business and lithium-ion segment to lead energy storage. Commercial production at its lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility is expected to commence this fiscal year. The company invested significantly in its lithium-ion business and transitioned to a 'One-Exide' operating model, reporting double-digit growth in most business segments. TIL Creatives AI generated image for representation purposes. Exide Industries on Saturday said it is strategically poised to lead the future of energy storage through a dual-pronged focus on its conventional lead-acid battery business and the next-generation lithium-ion at the company's 78th Annual General Meeting, Exide Industries chairman Sridhar Gorthi said, "Despite the macroeconomic headwinds and a slowdown in capex across sectors, your company has demonstrated resilience and reaffirmed the commitment to new horizons of innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth." He said that commercial production at the company's lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility under its wholly owned subsidiary Exide Energy Solutions Ltd (EESL) is expected to commence during the current financial year."Exide stands fully prepared for the future," Gorthi said, as he cited policy tailwinds such as the PLI scheme and lower import duties that are accelerating EV adoption and battery storage Director and CEO Avik Roy, in his address, described FY25 as a year of "resilience and strategic progress", during which the company transitioned to a "One-Exide" operating model with B2B, B2C, and international verticals. "This shift reflects our commitment to agility, accountability, and strategic clarity," Roy said, adding that "Approximately 70 per cent of our business segments delivered double-digit growth." He highlighted that Exide invested Rs 1,000 crore in FY25 in the lithium-ion business and infused another Rs 400 crore in FY26, taking the total equity investment in EESL to Rs 3,702 crore. "These investments reflect our long-term commitment to building a robust and scalable lithium-ion ecosystem in India," Roy operational highlights, the four-wheeler aftermarket grew in double digits, while the two-wheeler battery segment, after a sluggish start, rebounded strongly in Q4. The solar business also posted consistent double-digit flagged that traction and standby battery exports were subdued due to weak demand in Europe and the GCC, and telecom battery sales were impacted by a shift to lithium-ion. However, he stressed that Exide is adapting quickly to these trends."We are providing both lead-acid and lithium-ion solutions through Exide Energy Solutions," he continued focus on R&D and digital transformation was another major theme. "We are boosting our factory efficiency, quality, and forecasting accuracy through Industry 4.0 tools and AI-based systems," Roy also pointed to the rollout of new technologies like punched grid batteries and CONCAST technology for better product sustainability, he said more than 75 per cent of the company's lead requirements were met through recycled inputs, and over 20 per cent of electricity consumption came from renewable sources. "Sustainability is embedded in our operations from green energy adoption and eco-friendly products to expanded recycling capacity and green logistics," Roy added. Looking ahead, the chairman said, "Our investments in lithium-ion technology, alongside the continued strength of our lead-acid battery business, position us well to meet evolving energy demands." The company had posted a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 1,077 crore for FY 2024-25, up from Rs 1,053 crore a year ago.
