Xiaomi, a known consumer electronics giant, has ventured into the automotive industry, launching its first electric vehicle (EV), SU7, in China. The EV is offered in three variants and is available in 29 cities across China, with deliveries planned to begin at the end of April. An entry into this sector signifies a noteworthy phase in Xiaomi's business evolution.
The premier event of the SU7 EV was graced by multiple significant personalities, including CEO of Xiaomi, Lei Jun, along with the leaders of rival firms such as Xpeng, Nio, and Li Auto. The presence of Chris Bangle, a previous Chief of Design at the BMW Group, in the current auto design consultant role for Xiaomi, also added weight to the event. The design and development team for the Xiaomi SU7 EV also included veteran industry executives like Li Tianyuan from BMW and James Qiu from Mercedes-Benz.
Boasting a length of 4,997 mm, a width of 1,963 mm and a height of 1,455 mm, the Xiaomi SU7 EV stands out for its impressive road appearance. The vehicle dwarfs the Tesla Model 3 across all dimensions, offering a larger wheelbase and significantly more storage space.
Customers can select from the Standard, Pro, and Max Performance editions of the Xiaomi SU7 EV. The Standard version includes a 73.6 kWh BYD’s LFP Blade battery and an RWD format, enabling a maximum power of 295 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. This variant is priced modestly at 215,900 yuan (Rs 24.92 lakh).
The Pro model of the Xiaomi SU7 offers a higher range at 830 km and comes equipped with a 94.3 kWh CATL Shenxing battery while maintaining the same specifications as the Standard model. It is available for 245,900 yuan (around Rs 28.38 lakh).
The top-end Max Performance variant features a dual-motor setup, delivering an output of 663 hp and 838 Nm with a 101 kWh CATL Qilin (NMC) battery. It offers a range of 800 km and a top speed of 265 km/H. The price for this model stands at 299,900 yuan (around Rs 34.61 lakh).
Given the competitive features and its pricing advantage over Tesla Model 3 by approximately 4,100 USD, the Xiaomi SU7 EV garnered an overwhelming response. Within just 27 minutes, the booking count crossed a remarkable 50,000 units. Consequently, the vehicle's launch has already been labeled as a blockbuster success. In China, it's poised to compete against other popular models, including BYD Seal, BYD Han, Xpeng P7i, Deepal SL03, and Nio ET5.
In China's EV market, the SU7 is expected to be a key challenger to Tesla's Model 3, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for Xiaomi and the Chinese automotive industry.
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Nissan's best-selling Magnite has received a facelift, retaining its starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh. The updated model boasts subtle design changes, new features, and the same powerful engine options.
The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift offers a refreshed design, enhanced features, and powerful engine options, making it a compelling choice in the sub-4m SUV segment.
KTM has officially launched the 2024 200 Duke in India, priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This updated model demands a premium of Rs 4,000 over its predecessor.
The 2024 KTM 200 Duke Bike is priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), slightly higher than its predecessor (Rs 1.99 lakh). With its enhanced features, design, and functionality, this updated model promises a richer riding experience.
Kia India has officially unveiled its highly anticipated EV9, a three-row electric SUV, priced at ₹1.30 crore in the Indian market. Originally showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo 2023, this luxury vehicle boasts an impressive ARAI-certified range of 561 kilometers on a single charge.
The Kia EV9 exemplifies luxury and innovation in the electric vehicle sector, offering Indian consumers a high-end SUV option that combines performance, technology, and safety.
Jeep India has unveiled the Compass Anniversary Edition to commemorate eight years in the Indian market, priced at Rs 25.26 lakh (ex-showroom). This limited-edition model is designed for adventure-seekers and features exclusive accessories.
The Jeep Compass Anniversary Edition is a unique offering that combines adventure, design, and innovation. With its exclusive features and robust performance, this limited-edition model is perfect for Jeep enthusiasts in India.
Mahindra has launched the ZEO EV, a 4W electric pickup truck, priced at Rs 7.52 lakh (ex-showroom), marking its entry into the electric commercial vehicle segment. This innovative vehicle targets those seeking sustainable transport solutions, aligning with Mahindra's vision for a greener future.
Mahindra's recently launched Thar Roxx SUV has achieved an unprecedented milestone, garnering 176,218 bookings within a mere hour of availability. This overwhelming response has resulted in an extended waiting period for prospective owners.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx has created a buzz in the automotive world, shattering records with its impressive booking numbers. As the company prepares to deliver its highly anticipated SUV, Mahindra is poised for a milestone moment in meeting customer expectations.
Kia Motors India has launched the 2024 Kia Carnival, a premium offering in India's luxury automotive market, priced at Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom). This fourth-generation model embodies a perfect blend of luxury, space, and advanced features, creating a new era in luxury mobility.
The 2024 Kia Carnival offers an unbeatable combination of luxury, comfort, and practicality at a competitive price point. With its unique positioning and lack of direct competition, it is poised to capture a significant share of India's luxury automotive market.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reaffirmed its dedication to the Halewood factory, with investments now surpassing a significant £500 million. Initially, back in 2022, the company laid out its vision for transitioning the factory to support electric vehicle (EV) production, and since then, it has shown substantial progress. Over the past 12 months, the company has dedicated an impressive 'one million hours' to construction, resulting in a 32,000-square-foot extension to the historic facility, which originally began as a car factory for the Ford Anglia in 1963.
This half-billion-pound investment includes an initial outlay of £250 million, primarily aimed at modifying the production line to accommodate JLR’s forthcoming Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. This platform will support a new generation of medium-sized electric luxury SUVs. Though these future models remain officially unnamed, there is widespread speculation that the next generation of Range Rover Velar will be the first to roll off the new production line in 2025.
However, plans for Halewood to transform into an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturing facility have been postponed. Last month, JLR announced it would extend its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles longer than previously planned. As a result, Halewood is now set to produce ICE, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV) side by side, before eventually becoming the company's first all-electric production facility—though, notably, without a fixed timeline.
Looking ahead, JLR has earmarked an additional £250 million to fully realize its objectives for Halewood. Considerable advancements have already been made, including the installation of 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, and laser alignment technology to ensure perfect part fitment. In the pursuit of creating a 'factory of the future,' state-of-the-art cloud-based digital plant management systems have also been integrated.
These investments have expanded the length of the production line from 4km to 6km, accommodating new battery fitment processes. Additionally, seven-metre build stations have been installed to cater to the different proportions of EMA electric vehicles. Previously, the factory was mainly focused on the production of the current Land Rover Discovery Sport, highlighting the substantial scale of transformation JLR is undertaking.
Moreover, JLR has prioritized training, offering High Voltage Training to over 1,600 employees, and has constructed a new body shop capable of producing 500 vehicle bodies per day. The paint shop has also been modified to meet the higher demand for contrasting roofs.
Sustainability remains a core focus. Halewood plans to install 18,000 photovoltaic panels, projected to satisfy 10 percent of the facility’s energy needs. This move aligns with JLR’s broader goal of becoming a carbon net zero firm by 2039. Despite significant progress, the company acknowledges there is still much work ahead to meet this ambitious target but proudly asserts that they are moving in the right direction.
In summary, Jaguar Land Rover's continuous and exponential investments in Halewood underscore its commitment to transforming the factory into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing a diverse range of vehicles. As it carefully balances ongoing ICE production with its ambitious EV goals, JLR is set to position Halewood at the forefront of automotive manufacturing innovation.
