Indonesia's aggressive approach to developing its electric vehicle (EV) industry and boost local manufacturing. The country is sitting on vast reserves of nickel, a critical element for EV batteries. It's an asset the Indonesian government aims to leverage as it establishes a domestic EV supply chain. Despite the attractive local assets, there's been little following from U.S. and European companies, who previously showed an interest in setting up production facilities in the nation.
China and South Korea, on the other hand, are actively investing in Indonesia's EV market. Chinese companies have made a particular mark on the country's nickel production, which has seen a dramatic growth from 345,000 metric tons in 2017 to a staggering 1.6 million metric tons in 2022. They have pioneered new methods of refining, such as the high-pressure acid leach (HPAL), solidifying China's position in the EV industry.
However, the absence of U.S. and European companies in the country's EV industry is not without consequences. Without a presence in Indonesia, these regions could struggle to achieve their ambitious green revolutions and diverse supply chains. In fact, without access to Indonesia's vast nickel reserves, the U.S. might find it challenging to reach its target of 50% electrification by 2030. Some contributing factors to their lack of participation include Indonesia's thicket of regulations, vested interests, environmental concerns, and the Biden administration's new Inflation Reduction Act, which encourages domestic production and reduces reliance on Chinese companies.
Looking beyond the EV industry, we see a landscape in the Asia-Pacific region marked by fluctuating potential crises, robust diplomatic relations, and intensive economic growth. The persistent upsurge of corruption in Malaysia, the complicated relationship between China and Russia regarding the Arctic alliance, and the implications of Indonesia's recent election results for its ruling PDI-P party exemplify this diversity of issues.
In India's is also trying hard to increasing the local EV manufacturing. Meanwhile, in Africa, the China-built Addis-Djibouti railway is gaining momentum, and exploration is underway into the broader political economy of the cold war 2.0.
From the global impact of China-Latin America Space Cooperation to the Bank of Japan's precarious journey through a year of living dangerously, the Asia-Pacific region continues to be an area of significant geopolitical interest, promising both opportunities and challenges. As the world watches, policies continue to evolve, partnerships are solidified or altered, and the region asserts its strategic significance in global affairs.
MG Motor India has officially opened bookings for its ultra-luxurious all-electric limousine, the MG M9, under its premium channel MG SELECT. At a booking amount of ₹51,000, customers can pre-reserve this new-age luxury vehicle via the official MG SELECT website
Presidential Comfort and Opulence
Dubbed as the ‘Presidential Limousine’, c is engineered to offer first-class comfort and advanced features. Highlights include Presidential Seats with 16-way adjustment, 8 massage modes, ventilation, and heating. Enhancing cabin ambiance is a 64-colour ambient lighting system, 12-speaker premium sound setup, and a dual yacht-style panoramic sunroof. Customers can opt for pure black or cognac brown interiors, further elevating the sense of indulgence
Performance, Range & Dimensions
MG M9 is offered in a fully electric format and comes equipped with a 90kWh lithium battery, paired with a front-wheel-drive motor producing 245 hp and 350 Nm. It offers a WLTP-certified range of 430 km. With support for fast charging, the battery can go from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The limousine is built on a substantial footprint, measuring 5,270 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,840 mm in height, with a long 3,200 mm wheelbase, ensuring ample space across all three rows. The M9 will be available in 6- and 7-seater configurations
Safety and Tech Highlights
Loaded with advanced features, the MG M9 gets Level 2 ADAS, 7 airbags, 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, parking sensors, fold-out ottoman seats, rear entertainment screens, and 3-zone climate control. A floating central console and a panoramic rear sunroof complete the premium interior experience.
Showcased earlier at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, the MG M9 will be sold exclusively via MG SELECT Premium outlets. Deliveries are expected to begin in coming weeks. Once launched, it will take on the likes of Kia EV9, Toyota Vellfire, and Lexus LM. Price estimates suggest a range of ₹65-70 lakh (ex-showroom).
MG Motor has launched the Windsor Pro, an electric MPV targeting both commercial and personal mobility solutions in India. Priced competitively from ₹12.49 lakh to ₹17.49 lakh, the Windsor Pro offers flexible battery ownership models, including a Battery-as-a-Service (BAAS) option, marking a smart pivot towards affordability in the EV segment.
MG Windsor Pro: Key Highlights
The Windsor Pro supports MG's broader vision for green mobility in India. By introducing BAAS, MG aims to make EVs more accessible to fleet operators and businesses by minimizing initial investment costs.
Moreover, MG is strengthening its EV ecosystem by offering aftersales support, battery subscription plans, and fast-charging networks to ensure smooth adoption of the Windsor Pro across various market segments.
Insight
The Windsor Pro is a strategic addition to MG’s EV lineup in India, directly targeting the emerging demand for electric commercial vehicles. With an aggressive pricing model and practical utility, it positions itself as a strong contender in the entry-level electric van category. This move not only promotes MG’s sustainability goals but also supports India’s EV adoption roadmap under the FAME-II scheme.
The upcoming Jeep Compass EV has been spotted in leaked images ahead of its anticipated global debut next week. These images provide a glimpse into the design and features of Jeep's first fully electric Compass, which is built on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform, shared with models like the Citroën C5 Aircross.
Exterior Design Highlights
The Compass EV showcases a refreshed front end inspired by the Jeep Avenger, featuring vertical LED headlights and a sealed grille. At the rear, 'X-shaped' LED taillights are connected by an LED strip with an illuminated Jeep logo. The overall profile maintains the muscular and boxy aesthetic characteristic of the Compass lineup.
Interior Features
Inside, the Compass EV adopts a minimalist design with dual-tone upholstery and the signature 'X' motif on the backrests. The cabin includes a central display and a streamlined center console, aiming for a modern and user-friendly interface.
Expected Powertrain and Range
While official specifications are yet to be confirmed, the Compass EV is expected to offer two battery options: a 73 kWh pack with an estimated range of 519 km, and a 97 kWh pack offering up to 679 km on a single charge. The higher-end variant is likely to feature a dual-motor setup for enhanced performance.
Production and Market Availability
The second-generation Compass, including its electric variant, will be manufactured at Stellantis' Melfi plant in Italy, with production also planned in Brazil. However, reports suggest that the new Compass may not be launched in India due to concerns about market viability, although no official statement has been made by Stellantis.
Stay tuned to CarTopNews for the latest updates on the Jeep Compass EV and other automotive news.
Jeep India has introduced the Wrangler Willys '41 Edition, a limited-run model priced at ₹73.16 lakh (ex-showroom). This special edition pays homage to the brand's military heritage, drawing inspiration from the original 1941 Willys MB. Only 30 units of this exclusive variant will be available in the country.
Distinctive Design and Features
Based on the top-spec Wrangler Rubicon, the Willys '41 Edition stands out with its unique '41 Green' paint shade, reminiscent of the military green used on the original Willys Jeep. A prominent '1941' hood decal marks the year the Willys MB commenced mass production. Additionally, this edition can be opted in standard Wrangler colors like white, black, red, and grey.
Enhancing its rugged appeal, the Willys '41 Edition comes equipped with:
Powered side steps
Front and rear dashcams
All-weather floor mats
Interior grab handles
For those seeking additional adventure-ready features, an optional accessory package priced at ₹4.56 lakh offers a Sunrider rooftop, side ladder, and roof carrier.
Performance and Powertrain
Mechanically, the Willys '41 Edition remains unchanged from the standard Rubicon variant. It is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivering 270hp and 400Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and features a full-time 4x4 system, ensuring exceptional off-road capabilities.
A Tribute to Jeep's Legacy
The Willys '41 Edition is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it embodies Jeep's storied history. The original Willys MB, developed in 1941, played a pivotal role during World War II and laid the foundation for Jeep's rugged off-road vehicles. This special edition celebrates that legacy while offering modern comforts and features for today's enthusiasts.
Stay tuned to CarTopNews for more updates on the latest automotive launches and industry news.
Tata Motors is set to launch the refreshed Altroz on May 22, 2025, with a comprehensive interior overhaul that draws inspiration from its SUV siblings, the Nexon and Curvv. The facelifted Altroz promises a blend of modern design, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features, aiming to elevate the premium hatchback experience.
Interior Upgrades: A Fusion of Style and Technology
The upcoming Altroz facelift showcases significant interior enhancements:
Building upon the existing feature set, the Altroz facelift introduces notable additions:
The Altroz facelift is expected to continue with the existing range of powertrains:
Upon its launch, the updated Altroz will continue to compete with rivals like the Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Toyota Glanza. With the introduction of advanced features and safety enhancements, the Altroz facelift aims to strengthen its position in the premium hatchback segmentStay tuned to CarTopNews for the latest updates on the Tata Altroz facelift and other automotive news.
Lamborghini is strategically navigating the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, prioritizing excellence over haste. In a recent interview with Autocar India, Francesco Scardaoni, Lamborghini's Asia Pacific Region Director, emphasized the brand's commitment to delivering a superior EV experience:
“The idea was never to be the first ones, but to be the best one when it comes to EVs."
Anticipated Launch Timeline
Lamborghini's first fully electric vehicle is projected to debut by the end of the decade. This timeline aligns with the company's electrification strategy, "Direzione Cor Tauri," which focuses on introducing EVs when market readiness and technological maturity converge.
First EV Model: A 2+2 Grand Tourer
The inaugural Lamborghini EV will be a 2+2 grand tourer, offering a blend of performance and practicality. This model aims to cater to enthusiasts seeking Lamborghini's signature driving dynamics in an electric format.
Current Focus on Hybridization
While the EV is in development, Lamborghini continues to invest in hybrid technology. The recent launch of the Temerario, a plug-in hybrid supercar, exemplifies this commitment. Scardaoni notes that hybridization enhances performance without compromising driving pleasure:
“For us, hybridization has no drawbacks; it means adding features and capabilities to the car—more power, more drivability and agility, and less emissions.”
The Temerario's advanced torque vectoring system, utilizing dual electric motors on the front axle, delivers precise handling and a natural driving feel.
Indian Market Outlook
Lamborghini's hybrid models have garnered significant interest in India. The Revuelto, another hybrid offering, has been sold out for over two years, indicating strong demand. Scardaoni anticipates continued growth in the Indian market, building on the record 113 vehicles delivered in 2024.
Stay tuned to CarTopNews for the latest updates on Lamborghini's electrification journey and other automotive innovations.
In a compelling testament to the long-term benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), a Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner from South Korea has reported substantial savings in fuel and maintenance costs after covering an impressive 660,000 kilometers. This real-world example underscores the economic and environmental advantages of transitioning to electric mobility.
Remarkable Battery Longevity
Lee Young-Heum, a dedicated salesman, accumulated approximately 580,000 kilometers in just under three years, averaging around 586 kilometers daily. Despite this extensive usage, the Ioniq 5's original battery pack maintained a health status of 87.7%, showcasing the durability of Hyundai's EV technology. Notably, a significant portion of charging was conducted at fast-charging stations, challenging the common perception that such practices rapidly degrade battery health.
Recognizing the exceptional performance, Hyundai-Kia Research Institute proactively replaced the vehicle's battery and electric motor at no cost to Mr. Lee. This initiative aimed to analyze the components' wear and gather data to further enhance EV technology.
Substantial Economic Benefits
Beyond environmental considerations, the financial implications are noteworthy. Over 660,000 kilometers, Mr. Lee's charging expenses totaled approximately ₹30.36 lakh. In contrast, operating a comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, such as the 1.6-liter turbocharged Hyundai Tucson, would have incurred fuel costs around ₹48.56 lakh for the same distance. This translates to a significant saving of ₹18.2 lakh in fuel alone.
Maintenance costs further highlight the EV's advantages. An ICE vehicle covering this distance would typically require:
Stay informed with CarTopNews for the latest developments in electric mobility and automotive innovations.
Volkswagen is set to electrify the Indian automotive scene with the launch of the iconic Golf GTI, marking its debut in the country. Pre-bookings for this performance hatchback commence on May 5, 2025, exclusively through Volkswagen India's official website. With only 250 units available in the initial batch, enthusiasts are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their piece of automotive history.
** Performance and Powertrain**
At the heart of the Golf GTI lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering an impressive 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque. This power is channeled to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. An electronically controlled front-axle differential lock ensures enhanced traction and cornering prowess.
** Design and Features**
The Golf GTI's exterior exudes sportiness, featuring:
The Golf GTI will be available in four striking colours:
As a Completely Built Unit (CBU) import, the Golf GTI is expected to be priced around ₹52 lakh (ex-showroom). Deliveries are slated to begin in June 2025 through select Volkswagen dealerships across India.
Competition
In the Indian market, the Golf GTI will primarily compete with the Mini Cooper S, which offers a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 204 hp and 300 Nm of torque. However, the Golf GTI's higher power output and practical five-door configuration give it a distinct advantageStay tuned to CarTopNews for the latest updates on the Volkswagen Golf GTI and other exciting automotive launches.
