Thursday, April 9, 2026

Suzuki Launches ‘e EVERY’ Electric Mini Commercial Van in Japan with 257 km Range

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Suzuki Motor Corporation has launched its all-new mini-commercial battery electric vehicle (BEV) van ‘e EVERY’ in Japan, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion in the electric commercial vehicle segment.

The e EVERY has been jointly developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corporation. The electric van is designed to deliver quiet and powerful EV performance while maintaining the practicality of a compact commercial vehicle for daily business operations.

The vehicle is powered by a 36.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that offers a driving range of up to 257 km on a single charge, based on the Worldwide-harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). Suzuki said the range is suitable for everyday commercial use, particularly for urban logistics and local businesses.

The e EVERY features an integrated eAxle system, combining the motor, inverter, and transaxle to provide strong torque that exceeds that of a turbocharged mini vehicle. The battery is mounted under the floor, lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity and improving ride stability and comfort.

Designed for practicality, the electric van offers a spacious cargo area with a maximum load capacity of 350 kg. Inside the cabin, it features a 7-inch TFT colour LCD display, along with multiple storage options including an overhead shelf and a centre console tray to improve convenience during work operations.

Safety features include the “Smart Assist” preventive safety system, along with Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), side-view lamps, and LED headlamps to enhance visibility and safety during night driving. The van can also be equipped with a digital rearview mirror to improve rear visibility when carrying cargo.

Another notable feature is the vehicle’s vehicle-to-load capability, allowing it to supply electricity during emergencies such as power outages, making it useful for local communities during disasters.

The e EVERY will be offered in two variants – a two-seater and a four-seater – and will be available in three body colours, with the two-seater version offered in two colour options.

The model will be supplied on an OEM basis by Daihatsu, reflecting the ongoing collaboration among Japanese automakers to accelerate electric vehicle development and expand electrified mobility solutions.

Ford SUV Sales Surge in February 2026 as Bronco, Explorer and Expedition Hit 26-Year High

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Ford Motor Company reported strong demand for its large SUVs in February 2026, with models such as the Ford Bronco, Ford Explorer, and Ford Expedition driving the company’s best combined sales performance for these vehicles in 26 years.

The automaker sold 149,962 vehicles in February, even as overall industry sales declined by around 3 percent during the month. However, the company said its total sales were down 5.5 percent year-on-year, largely due to the discontinuation of several models including the Ford Escape, Ford Edge, and the Lincoln Corsair.

According to the company, strong demand across several segments—especially large SUVs, off-road vehicles and entry-level pickup trims—helped offset the impact of the discontinued models.

Strong Performance from Trucks and Entry-Level Models

Sales of the Ford Maverick totaled 10,387 units, marking a 1.1 percent increase for the month, while entry-level Maverick XL trims saw a 16.4 percent rise in demand.

The Ford Ranger recorded significant growth, with 5,776 units sold, representing a 29.9 percent increase compared with the previous year. Demand for the Ranger XL variant surged 48.5 percent, while the Ranger Raptor posted a 57.1 percent increase in sales.

Meanwhile, the Ford F‑Series continued its dominance in the U.S. market with 49,682 trucks sold in February. Sales for the first two months of 2026 reached 97,663 units, keeping the F-Series ahead of competitors by more than 16,000 units.

Large SUVs Deliver Record Growth

Ford’s large SUV lineup delivered some of the most notable gains during the month. Combined sales of the Bronco, Explorer, and Expedition reached 38,204 units, reflecting a 30.4 percent increase and marking the strongest start for the trio since 2000.

The Bronco recorded a record February with 12,553 units sold, up 27.6 percent year-on-year, while year-to-date sales climbed 23.7 percent to 23,367 units. The Ford Bronco Sport also posted a record month with 11,273 units sold, contributing to strong performance across the Bronco lineup.

Combined, the Bronco family reached 23,826 units in February, a 19.9 percent increase, while year-to-date sales rose to 45,281 vehicles.

The Explorer, described as America’s best-selling three-row SUV, sold 20,100 units in February, representing a 33.4 percent increase compared with the previous year. Sales of the Expedition also grew 26.5 percent to 5,551 units.

Lincoln Brand Sees Growth

Ford’s luxury division Lincoln Motor Company also recorded positive results. The brand sold 7,578 vehicles in February, marking a 12.2 percent increase.

Sales of the Lincoln Aviator jumped 50.1 percent with 2,037 units sold, making it the model’s best February on record. Meanwhile, the Lincoln Navigator posted 1,310 sales, representing a 31.8 percent increase and its strongest February performance in five years.

Ford said the strong performance across SUVs, trucks and off-road vehicles highlights the brand’s appeal to a broad customer base, ranging from entry-level buyers to premium luxury SUV customers.

Honda Cars India Reports Sales of 7,212 Units in February 2026 as Amaze Drives Demand

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Representational image. Credit: Canva

Honda Cars India Ltd. reported total sales of 7,212 units in February 2026, supported by steady domestic demand and export shipments, the company said in a statement.

The automaker recorded 5,629 units in domestic sales and 1,583 units in exports during the month. The company’s domestic performance remained largely stable compared to February 2025, when it sold 5,616 units in India, while exports declined from 4,707 units in the same period last year.

According to the company, demand during the month was led by popular models such as the Honda Amaze, which continued to attract buyers seeking a practical sedan with strong safety features. Other models including the Honda City and the Honda Elevate also contributed to steady sales volumes.

Commenting on the sales performance, Kunal Behl said the company maintained its sales momentum through February, supported by the popularity of the Amaze and promotional campaigns across its model lineup.

“We maintained our sales momentum through February, driven by strong popularity of Honda Amaze as a practical sedan with outclass safety. Honda City and Elevate also recorded steady volumes with exciting promotions during the month,” Behl said.

He added that the company remains optimistic about market performance as the automotive industry approaches the final month of the financial year.

India’s Passenger Vehicle Market Stays Resilient in December 2025 as SUV Demand Remains Strong

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India’s passenger vehicle (PV) market maintained stable demand in December 2025, with registrations reaching 378,736 units, according to the latest Retail Market Pulse report released by JATO Dynamics.

The report noted that while volumes moderated sequentially after the festive season, the overall market continued to demonstrate a positive year-on-year trajectory. The decline from 520,300 registrations in January 2026 to 415,300 units reflected a typical seasonal correction following a strong start to the year.

Commenting on the trend, Ravi Bhatia said the slowdown was expected after the festive peak and did not indicate weakening demand. He noted that interest in sport utility vehicles (SUVs) remained strong and that demand was increasingly expanding beyond metro cities.

Recent policy developments have also supported consumer sentiment. The government’s rationalisation and reduction of GST on select automotive categories has slightly improved vehicle affordability, particularly in price-sensitive segments. At the same time, the Reserve Bank of India Consumer Confidence Survey indicates gradual improvement in urban consumer sentiment and stable outlook in rural markets, providing a supportive environment for discretionary purchases such as passenger vehicles.

Among manufacturers, Maruti Suzuki retained its leadership position in the market, supported by its extensive portfolio across entry-level and compact vehicle segments. Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra continued to strengthen their market positions, driven largely by strong demand for SUVs and new product launches.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor India maintained stable performance, while Toyota Motor Corporation benefited from growing consumer interest in hybrid vehicles. Volkswagen Group also recorded one of the strongest growth performances during the period, supported by recent model introductions.

In terms of popular models, the Tata Nexon remained among the top-selling vehicles in the market, followed by the Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Other strong performers included the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

SUVs continued to dominate India’s PV market, accounting for more than half of total vehicle registrations. Hatchbacks remained important in value-driven segments, while sedans and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) maintained steady but niche demand.

In terms of powertrain preferences, petrol and diesel vehicles still accounted for the majority of registrations. However, hybrid and electric vehicles are gradually expanding their share, particularly in urban markets.

Geographically, demand growth was more pronounced in urban and rural areas compared with metro cities. Among major urban markets, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune recorded the highest vehicle registrations. At the state level, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu led the market in overall registrations.

The report also highlighted that vehicles from Japanese manufacturers accounted for the largest share of registrations in India, followed by Indian and Korean automakers.

Looking ahead, analysts expect India’s passenger vehicle market to remain stable in early 2026, supported by moderate economic tailwinds, continued SUV demand, and the launch of new vehicle models. According to JATO Dynamics, growth is gradually becoming more balanced across regions and segments, contributing to a more resilient automotive market structure.

SAIC Motor Sales Rise 6.8% in Jan–Feb 2026, NEV and Overseas Growth Drive Momentum

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Representational image. Credit: Canva

Chinese automaker SAIC Motor reported a 6.8 percent year-on-year increase in vehicle sales during the first two months of 2026, with total deliveries reaching nearly 600,000 units.

According to the company’s latest sales data released on March 4, SAIC Motor recorded wholesale sales of about 269,000 vehicles in February. Combined sales for January and February stood at around 597,000 units, reflecting steady growth and reinforcing the company’s strong market presence.

The growth was largely driven by the strong performance of SAIC Motor’s self-owned brands. Sales from these brands reached 401,000 units during the two-month period, marking a 14 percent increase year-on-year and accounting for 67.2 percent of the group’s total sales. Within this segment, SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle recorded sales of 139,000 units, surging 44.8 percent compared with the same period last year. Commercial vehicle brand Maxus delivered 33,000 vehicles, while SAIC-GM-Wuling contributed 206,000 units, maintaining stable growth momentum.

The company also reported steady growth in its new energy vehicle (NEV) segment. SAIC Motor sold around 157,000 NEVs in January and February, registering a 6.4 percent year-on-year increase. Premium EV brand IM Motors posted a strong 69.4 percent sales surge during the period, with cumulative deliveries of the IM LS6 surpassing the milestone of 100,000 units.

Meanwhile, SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle sold 50,000 NEVs during the two months, reflecting a significant 334.7 percent year-on-year jump. The MG4 also continued its strong performance, recording monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units for five consecutive months. NEV sales from SAIC-GM reached about 9,000 units, growing over 216 percent year-on-year, while SAIC-GM-Wuling delivered approximately 70,000 electric vehicles.

Overseas markets emerged as another major growth driver for the automaker. SAIC Motor reported a 48.9 percent year-on-year surge in international sales, with 204,000 vehicles sold overseas in the first two months of 2026. The MG brand maintained its position as the best-selling Chinese car brand in Europe for the 11th consecutive year, with 49,000 units sold in the region during January and February.

Looking ahead, SAIC Motor plans to accelerate new model launches in the first half of 2026. The upcoming lineup will include models such as the ROEWE i6, IM LS9 Hyper, IM LS8, SAIC Volkswagen ID.ERA 9X, and SAIC Audi E7X, among others. The company expects this expanded product portfolio to strengthen its market presence and support future growth.

SAIC Motor said its continued focus on innovation, new energy mobility, and global expansion is expected to further enhance its competitiveness and drive the next phase of development.

Renault Blends Art and Electric Mobility with ‘Pop Art Car’ Exhibition on Champs-Élysées

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Renault has launched the “Pop Art Car” exhibition at the Champs-Élysées, bringing together pop culture, contemporary art and the automobile in a unique showcase.

Developed in collaboration with the Renault Fund for Art and Culture, the exhibition explores the relationship between Pop Art, Urban Art and automobiles, presenting vehicles not only as mobility solutions but also as creative canvases and cultural icons.

Speaking about the initiative, Arnaud Belloni said the exhibition highlights Renault’s longstanding connection with popular culture. “Renault has always belonged to the street, to people and to the images that define our era. The exhibition shows how design, innovation and creativity feed one another,” he noted.

Catherine Gros added that cars have long inspired artists because they represent both everyday life and emotional symbolism. The exhibition, she said, presents art and automobiles together to offer a fresh perspective on modern popular culture.

The showcase features works from both historic and contemporary artists, including Invader, whose 2008 mosaic artwork “Pole Position”—inspired by Formula 1 and video game culture—is being displayed publicly for the first time. Other artists featured include Victor Vasarely, Erró, Jean Faucheur, D*Face, Lee Quinones, and John ‘Crash’ Matos.

Alongside artworks, the exhibition highlights several innovative Renault show cars that merge design and electric mobility. These include the Suite N°4 concept by designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the electric reinterpretation of the Renault 5 by Pierre Gonalons, and the Twingo redesign by Sabine Marcelis. Sculptural art pieces created from Renault vehicles by British artist Dan Rawlings are also part of the display.

Another highlight is the R17 Electric Restomod designed with Ora Ïto, blending retro styling with futuristic electric technology. Visitors can also see the Renault 5 Turbo 3E show car, an electric performance concept featuring dual electric motors delivering 280 kW (380 hp) and 700 Nm of torque.

The exhibition also features the Filante Record 2025, an experimental electric vehicle built as a laboratory for efficiency. Equipped with an 87 kWh battery, the demonstrator set an efficiency benchmark by covering 1,008 km in under 10 hours with energy consumption of 7.8 kWh/100 km.

To engage visitors, Renault has planned a series of events during the exhibition period, including a live artistic performance by artist Joshua Vides, panel discussions with designers and artists, DJ sets, and guided tours exploring how Renault’s industrial history inspires contemporary creativity.

Through the Pop Art Car exhibition, Renault aims to reinforce the Carwalk’s position as a cultural venue where automotive innovation, art and urban culture intersect, offering visitors an immersive experience of both design and electric mobility.

ZELO Electric Unveils Limited-Edition Knight+ ‘Rani’ Scooter in Baby Pink to Celebrate Women’s Day

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ZELO Electric has launched a limited-edition version of its electric scooter, the Knight+ Rani Edition, to mark International Women’s Day. The special edition scooter comes in an exclusive baby pink colourway and will be limited to just 999 units across India.

Designed as a tribute to confidence, individuality and modern urban mobility, the Rani Edition combines a pastel pink body tone with contrasting white panels and subtle design detailing to create a distinctive visual identity. Despite its unique styling, the scooter retains the same specifications and feature set as the flagship Knight+ platform and is priced at ₹69,990 (ex-showroom).

Commenting on the launch, Aditya Baheti, Co-founder of ZELO Electric, said the edition celebrates the women who drive everyday progress in the country. “We’ve always believed that the freedom to move changes everything. The Rani Edition is our celebration of the women who move this country every single day,” he said.

Co-founder Mukund Baheti added that the inspiration behind the colour theme was rooted in the cultural significance of the word “Rani” in India, symbolising strength and individuality. He said the product reflects an Indian identity while celebrating riders who make confident choices in their daily lives.

The company noted that the launch aligns with its broader goal of encouraging greater participation of women in two-wheeler mobility, while keeping the product accessible to all riders.

The Knight+ platform, introduced in August 2025, helped establish ZELO Electric in the competitive electric two-wheeler market by offering premium features at an affordable price. The scooter is powered by a 1.8 kWh portable LFP battery that delivers a claimed range of 100 km, paired with a 1.5 kW motor and a top speed of 55 km/h.

The model also offers several segment-first features, including Hill Hold Control for easier uphill starts, Cruise Control for a smoother riding experience on longer routes, Follow-Me-Home headlamps that illuminate the rider’s path briefly after parking, a USB charging port, and a removable battery for convenient charging.

Bookings for the ZELO Knight+ Rani Edition are now open across the company’s authorised dealer network in India. With production limited to 999 units, the company has encouraged interested buyers to secure their bookings early.

VinFast Expands Indonesia Footprint with Six New E-Scooter Dealer Partnerships

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VinFast has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six electric scooter dealers in Indonesia, marking a significant step in expanding its distribution network in one of the world’s largest scooter markets. The partnerships aim to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility and strengthen the company’s green transport ecosystem in the country.

The agreements were signed with PT. IB Motor, PT. Sentrik, PT. Axara Marani, PT. Sukses Sejati Indonesia, PT. Tangguh Inti Motor, and PT. Kiki Motor Persada, all of which have strong experience in regional distribution and share VinFast’s vision for sustainable transportation.

Under the collaboration, VinFast and its partners will establish showrooms in key high-potential regions including Jabodetabek, West Java, East Java, and Bali. These areas, characterized by dense populations and rising urban mobility demand, are considered strategic locations for accelerating the electrification of two-wheel transport.

The showrooms will follow VinFast’s global standards and will initially distribute battery-swap electric scooter models such as the VinFast Flazz, VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper. The company plans to gradually introduce additional models tailored to local infrastructure and consumer usage habits.

Indonesia remains one of the largest scooter markets globally, with annual sales reaching millions of units. As the government pushes for a green energy transition, the e-scooter segment is expected to witness rapid growth in the coming years.

Beyond product distribution, VinFast is also developing a broader ecosystem to support electric mobility. The company is working with V-Green to deploy battery-swapping stations, which are currently being piloted in the Jabodetabek area. Once VinFast e-scooters officially launch, customers will be able to use these stations for fast and convenient battery swaps.

Commenting on the expansion, Vo Thi Cam Tu said that partnering with Indonesian dealers highlights the company’s determination to rapidly establish a strong distribution and service network in the market. She added that VinFast is building a comprehensive ecosystem covering sales, after-sales services, and battery-swap infrastructure to support long-term growth.

VinFast has been strengthening its presence in Indonesia over the past two years by introducing a range of electric vehicles, including SUVs and commercial transport models, and launching operations at its manufacturing plant in Subang. The company is also expanding charging infrastructure and collaborating with financial institutions to support EV adoption.

In 2026, VinFast plans to expand its electric scooter presence across five key international markets: Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, reinforcing its global strategy to promote sustainable mobility.

VinFast Signs Deal to Supply 20,000 Electric Vehicles for Transport Services in Indonesia

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Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Indonesian transportation solution providers to supply 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2028, marking a major step in expanding its green mobility ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

Under the agreements, PT Satu Kosong Tujuh and PT Sembilan Benua Abadi will deploy VinFast electric vehicles for commercial transportation services across Indonesia. PT Sembilan Benua Abadi plans to purchase 10,000 EVs by the end of 2027, while PT Satu Kosong Tujuh aims to acquire 10,000 units by the end of 2028.

The vehicles supplied under the agreement will include the VinFast Nerio Green and the VinFast Limo Green, both designed specifically for commercial mobility services under VinFast’s Green vehicle lineup.

The Nerio Green, derived from the VinFast VF e34, features a modern urban design, spacious cabin, and advanced technology aimed at urban transportation services. Meanwhile, the Limo Green is a newly introduced electric MPV designed for high-intensity passenger transport, offering a three-row configuration and a driving range of up to 450 km on a full charge using a durable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

VinFast said the deployment of electric fleets will help improve operational efficiency for transportation partners while reducing emissions and promoting environmentally friendly mobility solutions among Indonesian consumers. The initiative is also expected to increase public exposure to electric vehicles, encouraging broader EV adoption across the country.

Nirzam Pahmi, President Director of PT Satu Kosong Tujuh, said the company sees strong potential in VinFast’s vision for building an inclusive and accessible electric mobility ecosystem. The agreement aligns with its long-term goal of transitioning to fully electric transportation.

Similarly, Wempy Suciadi, CEO of PT Sembilan Benua Abadi, highlighted the product quality and sustainability focus of VinFast’s electric models, noting that the Nerio Green and Limo Green meet the evolving needs of consumers during the shift toward greener transportation.

Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, said the partnerships with local transportation companies will help accelerate EV adoption in Indonesia. He added that working with experienced local partners will allow the company to expand its market presence and bring modern mobility solutions closer to consumers.

VinFast has been rapidly expanding its presence in Indonesia over the past two years. The company currently offers a diverse EV lineup in the market, including VinFast VF 3, VinFast VF 5, VinFast VF 6, VinFast VF 7, and the VinFast MPV 7, along with its Green series models.

The company has also begun operations at its manufacturing facility in Subang, reinforcing its long-term investment in the Indonesian market. In addition, VinFast is expanding its ecosystem through dealership and after-sales service networks, charging infrastructure development in partnership with V‑Green, and financing collaborations with local banks.

With these initiatives, VinFast aims to accelerate Indonesia’s transition toward sustainable transportation while strengthening its position in the rapidly growing Southeast Asian EV market.

Volkswagen Group Crosses 4 Million EV Deliveries, Strengthens Global Electrification Push

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The Volkswagen Group has reached a major milestone in its electrification journey, delivering four million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) globally. The achievement highlights the company’s rapid expansion in the electric mobility segment and reinforces its position among the top five EV manufacturers worldwide in 2025, while maintaining a leading position in Europe’s EV market.

According to the company, Volkswagen Group holds a 27 percent market share in Europe, making it the clear leader in the region’s battery-electric vehicle segment. The milestone reflects the growing demand for electric mobility and the company’s strategy of expanding its EV portfolio across multiple brands and vehicle segments.

The group began its EV journey in 2013 with the launch of the Volkswagen e-up!, followed by the e-Golf in 2014. A major turning point came in 2019, when the company launched its cross-brand electric product offensive based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform. Since then, approximately three million vehicles based on the MEB architecture have been delivered worldwide.

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said the milestone demonstrates the company’s ambition to become a global automotive technology leader. “Delivering four million all-electric vehicles marks another milestone in our electrification strategy. It took us nearly ten years to reach the first million EVs, but the fourth million was delivered in just one year,” he said, adding that new electric models and advanced technologies will further accelerate growth.

Over the past two years, Volkswagen Group has renewed its product lineup by launching around 60 new models, nearly one-third of which are fully electric. Currently, the company offers more than 30 all-electric passenger vehicles, ranging from compact cars to luxury SUVs. The portfolio also includes electric trucks and buses produced by its commercial vehicle brands.

The company plans to expand its EV range further in 2026, with more than 20 new models expected to be launched, about half of them fully electric. Among these will be the Electric Urban Car Family, a new range of affordable electric vehicles designed for the entry-level segment in Europe.

Volkswagen’s global EV production network spans more than 20 locations across Europe, China, the United States, and Brazil. Europe remains the largest production hub, accounting for around 77 percent of the four million EVs produced so far, with major manufacturing facilities in Germany, Slovakia, and other European countries.

China, the world’s largest EV market, accounts for around 20 percent of the group’s EV production, while about three percent of vehicles have been manufactured in the United States. The company recently began producing electric commercial vehicles in Brazil as well.

In terms of sales distribution, Europe, China, and the United States together account for about 95 percent of Volkswagen’s EV deliveries. Europe leads with 68 percent of deliveries, followed by China at 20 percent and the US at eight percent.

The majority of the group’s EV sales come from its volume segment brands, which account for around 72 percent of total deliveries. The Volkswagen passenger car brand alone contributes nearly two million units, followed by Škoda, SEAT/CUPRA, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Premium brand Audi has delivered around 870,000 electric vehicles, while Porsche has handed over about 250,000 EVs to customers worldwide.

Compact vehicles and SUV-style models have emerged as the most popular among customers. The compact class represents around 70 percent of deliveries, while SUV and crossover body styles account for more than half of total EV sales.

Among Volkswagen Group’s most popular electric models are the ID.4 and ID.5, which lead deliveries with over 900,000 units, followed by the ID.3, Audi Q4 e-tron, Škoda Enyaq, and Audi e-tron/Q8 e-tron. Other popular models include the Porsche Taycan, CUPRA Born, Volkswagen e-Golf, ID. Buzz, and the ID.7.

The milestone underscores Volkswagen Group’s continued investment in electric mobility as it expands its global EV lineup and production capacity to meet rising demand for sustainable transportation.