The River Indie electric scooter, entirely conceptualized, designed, and developed in Bengaluru, stands apart from its competitors such as Ola, Ather, Simple Energy, TVS, Bajaj, and more thanks to its practical approach. The company touts its premier product as the "SUV of electric scooters", underscoring its commitment to combining utility and eco-consciousness in urban mobility. The scooter was launched with a price tag of Rs. 1.25 lakh (inclusive of the FAME II subsidy) for Bengaluru customers.
River's Series B funding revealed further support from notable contributors such as Al Futtiam Group, Lowercarbon Capital, Toyota Ventures, and Maniv Mobility. Notably, Al Futtiam Group had led a previous funding round River participated in, back in 2023. Up until now, the start-up has amassed a total of $68 million, equivalent to around Rs. 565 crores at the current exchange rates.
The funds are expected to significantly bolster River's footprint in India, including the expansion of distribution and service networks in major metropolitan cities and other substantial Tier-1 and Tier-2 locations. River currently operates a 12,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Hoskote, outside Bengaluru, Karnataka. The company recently made a move towards commercial presence by opening its first showroom in Bengaluru.
Much anticipated for its utility-centric approach, River Indie, aptly named after the company, presents a practical solution for urban electric mobility. The electric scooter is outfitted with a 4 kWh battery operating a 9 bhp and 26 Nm mid-mounted electric motor, ensuring a realistic travel range of 120 km on a single charge. It stands out with exclusive features like a dual-barrel LED headlight setup and an expansive built-in storage capacity of 43L under the seat and an additional 12L glovebox behind the front apron. For customers seeking to maximize the utility aspect, River offers extra storage boxes as add-ons. Customers can also choose from three vibrant color options – Spring Yellow, Summer Red, and Monsoon Blue.
River's maiden product, the Indie, played a pivotal role in influencing the start-up's overall growth and successfully raising funds in its Series B round. A test-review of the product can be found here.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series in India, priced at ₹4.2 crore (ex-showroom). This luxury roadster, unveiled globally in 2024, is acclaimed as Maybach's sportiest model to date. Notably, only three units are allocated for the Indian market this year, with bookings now open.
Exterior Design:
Jeep has introduced the Compass Sandstorm Edition in India, a limited-run variant that enhances the Compass lineup with unique aesthetic and feature upgrades. This special edition is priced at ₹19.49 lakh, reflecting a ₹50,000 premium over the base variant.
Available Variants and Pricing
The Sandstorm Edition is offered across select variants, with pricing as follows:
The Compass Sandstorm Edition distinguishes itself with:
Design Highlights:
Key Features:
Variant Pricing: The Ebony Edition is approximately ₹15,000 more than the standard AX7 and AX7 L variants.
Safety Update:
Rear Seat Belt Reminders: All Mahindra XUV700 variants now come standard with rear seat belt reminders, enhancing passenger safety.
The XUV700 Ebony Limited Edition is now available for bookings, offering customers a unique blend of style and performance.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2025 CLA, introducing both electric and hybrid variants to its lineup. This move signifies a shift from developing separate electric models to integrating diverse powertrains within a single model range.
Electric Variant:
Porsche is working on an all-new SUV that will be available with both petrol and hybrid powertrains, expanding its portfolio beyond its existing electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) offerings. This upcoming model is expected to provide customers with a blend of performance, efficiency, and adaptability to evolving market trends.
New Model Strategy and Market Positioning
Engine Specifications:
New Turbocharged Engine: The foundation of this hybrid system is a newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, internally designated as the G20E. This engine is engineered to support both plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid configurations.
Compact Design: Featuring a shorter piston stroke and lightweight construction, the Toyota G20E engine is optimized for hybrid integration without significantly increasing the vehicle's weight.
Performance Expectations:
Power Output: In standard road versions, the G20E engine is anticipated to produce over 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. For motorsport applications, outputs exceeding 600 horsepower are projected.
Motorsport and Production Integration:
Versatile Application: The G20E engine is designed for both competitive motorsport and consumer vehicles, aligning with Toyota's strategy to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across its performance lineup.
Prototype Testing: The engine has been showcased in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept, indicating ongoing development and testing efforts.
Future Outlook:
By integrating hybrid technology into its GR sports cars, Toyota aims to balance high performance with environmental responsibility, ensuring compliance with stringent emission standards in various markets.
As development progresses, more detailed specifications and launch timelines for these hybrid-powered GR models are expected to be announced.
Aston Martin is set to introduce its latest flagship grand tourer, the 2025 Vanquish, to the Indian market on March 22.
This new model succeeds the DBS Superleggera and positions itself as a direct competitor to the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Performance and Powertrain:
At the heart of the Vanquish lies a formidable 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering an impressive 835 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that channels power to the rear wheels, the Vanquish accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 345 km/h.
Design and Features:
Exterior:
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is anticipated to be priced above ₹6 crore (ex-showroom) in India, excluding optional features. This pricing positions it as a premium offering in the luxury sports car segment.
With its blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, the Vanquish aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian automotive landscape.