For the first time, there is a dedicated Maybach drive programme that ensures even more comfort in the rear. Access and egress are also highly convenient: when the doors are opened, the vehicle is lowered slightly, and an illuminated running board quickly and silently emerges on the access or egress side. The running boards are made of anodised aluminium. The V8 engine with a displacement of four litres, which can develop 410 kW (558 PS) and 730 Nm of torque, is an engine variant developed exclusively for Maybach and moves the car discreetly and powerfully. The engine is combined with the 48-volt system EQ Boost. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC will enter the market in the second half of 2020.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS combines the body form and superior, robust technical basis provided by the GLS, the S-Class among SUVs, with all the technical and material luxury of a top-class saloon car. It stylishly yet emphatically shows its special standing among the Mercedes-Benz SUVs.

Mahindra New TUV300: New avatar

Mahindra’s next generation TUV300 is the revamped and updated version of the original on the road since 2015. The updates include a new honeycomb grille with the signature six slat design and a trapezoid shaped air dam. Also on offer will be a new set of headlamps. The model has been currently on test and will soon hit the showrooms.

The current model has a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that produces 100bhp and 240 Nm of torque. This motor is paired to a five-speed manual transmission. The new model is expected to have an updated one with 6-speed manual and AMT, sticking to BSVI emission standards.

Skoda Kushaq: Into the mid-size SUV market

Kushaq SUV will have 1.0L turbo petrol (113bhp) and 1.5L turbo petrol (147bhp) engine options. According to reports, a 6-spee manual gearbox will be standard, but, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission will be reserved for the 1.0L and 1.5L motor respectively.

The MQB A0 IN platform is based on its international model used by Volkswagen. Skoda is reportedly aiming to price it aggressively competitive in the Indian market for mid-sized SUVs like KIA Seltos and Hyundai’s Creta. The 2,651 mm wheelbase is similar to the new Volkswagen Taigun.

It retains Skoda’s butterfly grille between the sleek headlamps which come with LED projector units and LED Daytime Running Lamps. The fog lamps are not placed in the traditional fog lamp housing instead they are placed right below the headlamp and are halogen units. There is also a three-piece faux skid plate in the front bumper. The bonnet too gets some muscular lines which up the aggression quotient of the car.

Tata HBX eyes micro-SUV segment

Tata Motors HBX is expected to enter the new micro-SUV market – somewhere below its Nexon. According to reported spy-reviews, the concept has unique design elements quite different from other cars from the Tata stable.

Ford Freestyle, Mahindra KUV100 are among the current crop of micro-SUVs in India. Maruti Suzuki’s Future S Concept is also expected to join this league.

Based on the same ALFA platform as the Altroz, the HBX is said to have a 50mm smaller wheelbase, according to a media review. The nose is akin to the Harrier with sleek LEDs on top and tri-arrow design where the headlamps will be placed. The imposing bumpers hint at aggressive body cladding on the production model while the overly futuristic wheels will surely be toned down a few notches, it said.

The vehicle will get sharp-looking LED taillights and a roof-mounted spoiler at the rear, the report added. The powertrain is likely to have the same 1.2-litre petrol engine (86 PS/113 Nm) used in the Tiago, Tigor, and Altroz (non-turbo). (TT)

As part of a strategic effort to increase its presence in the region's premium original equipment (OE) market, Kumho Tire has confirmed its plans to establish its first tyre production facility in Europe by 2027.

The company has shortlisted Poland, Serbia and Portugal as possible locations for the plant, which is projected to need an investment of more than KRW1 trillion (USD 705 million). The decision is closely linked to Kumho’s ambition to strengthen its partnerships with European automakers and was revealed by Kumho Tire CEO during the South Korean premiere of Kumho's new Ecsta Sport tyre line.

Kumho has recently secured OE supply contracts with major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. At the moment, Kumho runs eight tyre production plants in China, Vietnam, South Korea and the US. Its capacity to compete in the premium OE market, however, has come to be perceived as being constrained by the absence of a European production base. Through the benefits of local production, the new facility will improve response to European client requests, save freight costs and shorten delivery times, all of which will strengthen the company's partnerships.

Sentury Tire USA has opened pre-enrolment for its two associate dealer programmes (ADPs), the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program and the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and partnership to the Landsail and Delinte brands.

The ADPs, which are customised for each brand and intended to encourage dealers, will formally start on 1 June 2025. Both programmes give dealers access to special benefits, incentives and strong tools to help them expand their businesses. This involves dependable customer service, effective marketing and worthwhile financial incentives to promote dealers' success at every stage.

Beginning in Q3, dealers may earn up to USD three per tyre through the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program. Dealers can receive retroactive benefits for purchases completed in Q2 if they register before 1 June. The awards are available for all Delinte PTR, LTR and the new DV3 LMD AS last-mile delivery tyres. For all Landsail PTR and LTR tyres, independent dealers that sign up for the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program can also earn up to USD three per tyre. For customers who sign up by June 1, the new LMD 100 AS last-mile delivery is also eligible for the benefits and will get the same early bird incentive for Q2 2025.

No initial order is necessary. Dealers only need to register to begin making money. According to the monthly programme rewards structure, 48 tyre purchases each month are eligible for a reward of USD one per tyre, 120 tyres are eligible for a reward of USD two per tyre and 240 or more tyres are eligible for a reward of USD three per tyre.

ENSO, a London-based tyre manufacturer engaged in the production of sustainable tyres specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its new ENSO Premium range of EV-specific ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres aimed at drivers of high-performance EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Specifically designed for electric passenger vehicles, the ENSO Premium range comes with A/A EU-label ratings for both energy efficiency and wet grip. The tyres are designed to provide safety, increased range and a reduced total cost of ownership. Conventional tyre designs frequently fall short of the special performance needs of electric vehicles, which include greater vehicle weight, regenerative braking and higher torque loads. By lowering tyre wear and rolling resistance, ENSO Premium takes care of these issues.

The company is an authorised provider of replacement tyres for LEVC's electric taxis and has partnered with Uber to install its tyres in high-mileage metropolitan areas. The company now plans to grow throughout Europe and North America, and with ENSO Premium, it is now offering its services to individual EV owners throughout the United Kingdom. According to ENSO, the range offers advantages including longer tyre life and fewer replacements, lower energy usage, fewer charging stops and lower CO₂ emissions and tyre particle pollution.

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO and Co-Founder, ENSO, said, “We’re plugging a long-standing gap in the tyre market by offering EV drivers a purpose-built, affordable, premium EV tyre alternative that matches the innovation of their EV.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced a general price hike in North America for its SBS, SIS and HSBC product lines with effect from 1 May 2025.

Following a careful analysis of the effects of recently implemented tariffs, related cost increases and a conclusion that the company cannot independently absorb these repercussions, Kraton is adopting these pricing hikes, according to a company statement. The company further said that it will keep an eye on the scene and reassess these measures promptly in the event that conditions and US import tariffs alter.