India’s automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector witnessed a steady but cautious start to 2026, with deal activity remaining selective despite improving investor confidence. According to Grant Thornton India’s latest DealTracker report, the industry recorded 35 deals worth US$745 million in the January-March quarter, largely in line with the 34 deals seen in Q4 2025. However, the absence of large cross-border and scale-driven transactions reduced the total deal value to US$837 million in the last quarter.There was no activity in the public markets, including IPOs or QIPs, during the quarter, indicating a more measured investment approach. The sharp decline in…
Author: manojkumar@frontplayers.com
Vinfast India today launched the new Vinfast VF MPV 7 electric MPV in the Indian market with prices starting at Rs 24.49 lakh. Bookings for the EV MPV have already started. Interested customers can book the EV MPV online or by visiting their nearest dealership and deliveries are expected to begin soon. The launch is part of VinFast’s global expansion plans and reflects its focus on India’s growing electric vehicle market, especially the MPV segment. The VinFast VF MPV 7 will compete with other three-row models such as the Kia Carens Clavis EV, BYD eMAX7 and Mahindra XEV 9S.The new…
Ola Electric has expanded its electric scooter lineup with the launch of the new S1 X+ 5.2 kWh variant. The e-scooter has been launched at a starting price of Rs 1,29,999, ex-showroom, but this price is valid only till April 15, 2026, after which it is expected to increase. Ola aims to make long-distance electric mobility more accessible. However, the limited period pricing means buyers looking to avail the Rs 1.30 lakh price tag will need to act quickly.The new S1 is powered by an 11 kW mid-drive motor mated to an integrated motor control unit, allowing it to reach…
India’s automobile industry closed FY26 on a strong note, recording its highest ever annual sales across all segments. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), total vehicle wholesales in the country stood at 2,82,65,519 units, 10.4 percent higher than the 2,56,09,399 units recorded in FY2025.What makes this performance significant is that each major segment passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers recorded record sales in the same financial year, which last happened in 2018-19. SIAM President Shailesh Chandra said the industry started the year at a modest pace, but eventually picked up momentum and closed FY26 at an…
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer Vinfast is all set to launch its new electric MPV, the VF MPV7 in India tomorrow. Ahead of its launch, the company has already started booking for the model, customers can reserve it by paying a token amount of Rs 21,000. Take a quick look at what you can expect from this upcoming Kia Carens Clavis EV and Mahindra XEV 9S rival.winfast vf mpv7 India launch tomorrow: what to expectThe VF MPV7 will be positioned as a practical, family-focused electric vehicle. In this segment, it is expected to compete with models like Kia Carens Clavis EV,…
The electric motorcycle sector is continuously growing in India and Royal Enfield has now stepped in with the Flying Flea C6. Although competition is still limited in this segment, it is ahead of rivals like Miter Era 5000+. Here’s a quick look at how the two compare on paper.RE Flying Flea C6 vs Mater Era 5000+: Battery and range The Miter Era 5000+ is powered by an 11.5 kW motor, which is approximately 15.4 hp. It also gets a 4-speed gearbox, which is unique in the EV space. In comparison, the Flying Flea C6 makes around 20.6 hp and 60…
The conversation about car ownership in India often boils down to a simple question: should you buy petrol, diesel or electric? But the real answer lies not in the sticker price, but in the total cost of ownership over time. When you take into account fuel, maintenance, insurance, and resale value, the equation changes dramatically. To understand this clearly, let us analyze the Hyundai Creta which is sold in all three versions, petrol, diesel and EV. Let’s try to understand what it really costs to live with each of them for five years.To keep the comparison realistic and relevant, we…
Planning a road trip this summer? Good idea. But before you hit the highway, spend a few minutes checking your car. Indian summers can be harsh, and a small problem on the road can quickly turn into a major headache. Instead of learning it the hard way once you’re stuck on the side of the highway with an overheating engine, here’s a quick pre-drive check you can follow and go stress-free. -Start with the coolant level. This is most important. Your engine works harder in the heat, and low coolant can overheat within minutes. Just make sure the level is…
British luxury car manufacturer Bentley Motors has announced Priyanka Chopra Jonas as its new global brand ambassador. The announcement comes with a new campaign that will launch later this week. Shot by co-creative director Greg Williams, the campaign takes a more personal and documentary-style approach. It captures candid moments from Priyanka’s life and career, offering a glimpse into her creative process. Shot at Sony Studios in Los Angeles, the film features the subtle presence of the Bentley Continental GT, adding to the brand’s focus on craftsmanship and storytelling. The campaign also highlights the latest generation of the Bentley Continental GT,…
Maruti Suzuki India plans to introduce four more electric vehicles by 2031. Senior executive Partho Banerjee made the announcement at an event in Hyderabad, PTI reported. At the event, Maruti Suzuki delivered 108 units of Maruti Suzuki E Vitara to customers in a single day. The company said this reflects growing customer confidence as it increases its focus on clean mobility solutions. Banerjee said the brand’s mid-term strategy includes expanding its electric portfolio across multiple segments, indicating a broader presence in the EV sector in the coming years. Watch Toyota Urban Cruiser Abella Drive review: Too late or still game…