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)
Continental Expands Rayong Facility, Launches Radial Motorcycle Tyre Production
- By TT News
- May 23, 2026
Continental marked a major milestone on 22 May 2026 during opening ceremonies for the second expansion phase of its Rayong plant in Thailand. The development includes growth for the Passenger and Light Truck Tires division and the start of radial production for motorcycle tyres.
The Rayong motorcycle tyre facility operates with fully in-house manufacturing, from rubber compounds to finished products, using modern equipment. All processes adhere to Continental’s global quality and control standards, enabling production of both radial and diagonal tyres with capacity for future expansion. A high degree of automation and automatic monitoring systems eliminate manual errors while maintaining strict quality checks at every step.
Continental’s Rayong production serves diverse riding styles, including sport-touring and adventure touring segments, with popular radial and diagonal tyre models already in production. In March 2026, the plant received IATF certification, meeting international automotive standards that guarantee continuous quality processes and supply reliability for original-equipment customers.
The expansion also reflects Continental’s sustainability commitment, with solar energy supplying about 13 percent of the plant’s electricity needs. Additionally, the project has created new jobs, strengthening the regional economy.
Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires, Continental, said, “By expanding our facility in Thailand, we are strategically strengthening our global production structure for Continental Motorcycle Tires. Together with our established operations in our Korbach plant in Germany, we are laying the groundwork for a faster, more flexible response to market demands. Rayong is a key component of our international motorcycle tyre strategy and underscores our clear commitment to growth and state-of-the-art production processes. For our customers, this means premium quality made by Continental – no matter which continent they’re on or which roads they travel."
Sahil Agrawal, Head of Manufacturing Operations in Rayong, said, “Quality is our top priority – for our original equipment customers as well as for end consumers. Our system captures every detail: all tyres are fully traceable at every production step. Online monitoring systems such as automatic scales, profilometers and camera systems ensure that every component is within specification limits. Automation – from the green tyre spray system to automatic tool management – enables us to achieve maximum quality levels while creating an ergonomic and safe working environment.”
Bridgestone’s Sustainable Business Model Drives Continued Inclusion In Top ESG Indexes
- By TT News
- May 23, 2026
Bridgestone Corporation has once again been selected as a constituent of several globally recognised environmental, social and governance (ESG) indexes, including the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series, the MSCI Selection Indexes, the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index, the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index, the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and the MSCI Japan Equity ESG Select Leaders Index.
The Japanese tyre giant’s continued inclusion in these rankings serves as a concrete and objective embodiment of its corporate mission to serve society with superior quality. Company leadership views the ability to sustain such ESG initiatives over many years as a distinct organisational strength.
Regarding the Dow Jones indexes, Bridgestone has been selected for the Best-in-Class World Index for four consecutive years since 2022, which recognises the top 10 percent of sustainability leaders among 2,500 major global companies. The firm has also maintained a place in the Best-in-Class Asia Pacific Index for 16 straight years since 2010.
In the FTSE Russell assessments, Bridgestone has achieved eight consecutive years of selection for the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2018, alongside the same duration for the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index. The company has also been included in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for five consecutive years since 2021. For MSCI, Bridgestone has secured three straight years of selection for the MSCI Selection Indexes since 2023 while receiving the highest AAA rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings for three consecutive years.
The company has additionally earned high marks from the international non-profit CDP, receiving an A minus rating in both Climate Change and Water Security for 2025, marking six consecutive years at the leadership level. Bridgestone also obtained an A rating in the Supplier Engagement Rating for the seventh time. Key initiatives behind these recognitions include the expansion of its sustainability business model towards carbon neutrality and a circular economy, actions supporting nature positive goals such as sustainable natural rubber and water resource management, a comprehensive due diligence system based on Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles for human rights and environmental risk and global policy execution guidelines.
Bridgestone places sustainability at the core of its management, aiming to implement and evolve its unique business model across the entire value chain from production and use to renewal and raw materials. These efforts link business operations directly to the realisation of carbon neutrality, a circular economy and a nature positive world.
Tegeta Green Planet And Shine Energy Inspire Eco-Responsibility In Young Learners
- By TT News
- May 23, 2026
Tegeta Green Planet and Shine Energy, both affiliated with Tegeta Holding, have launched a joint educational initiative to raise environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility among young people. The project addresses modern challenges such as environmental protection and sustainable development.
Company representatives are visiting schools across Tbilisi to hold informational meetings, presentations and workshops. The programme begins with presentations, followed by interactive games and activities designed to help students retain the information. At the end of each session, participants receive symbolic gifts and prizes as motivation.
Tegeta Green Planet focuses on teaching students the principles of specific waste management, including how to properly handle used tyres, batteries and oils. The sessions explain why proper waste management is essential for environmental protection and how it connects to the circular economy. Meanwhile, Shine Energy educates young people on the importance of energy, its everyday use and why developing renewable and sustainable energy resources is crucial.
The initiative is not limited to schools. In the near future, both organisations will expand their efforts to universities, aiming to broaden awareness about environmental protection, waste management and energy efficiency. The ultimate goal is to foster environmentally responsible attitudes among the younger generation, helping build a more sustainable and conscious society.
Zeon Earns Top Supplier Engagement Rating From CDP For First Time
- By TT News
- May 22, 2026
Zeon has been recognised as a Supplier Engagement Leader in the 2025 Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) conducted by CDP, a United Kingdom-based international environmental nonprofit organisation. This achievement represents the first time the company has received the highest possible rating in this assessment.
The evaluation measures how corporations address climate change within their supply chains, focusing on responses to the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire across five critical areas. These include governance, emissions targets, Scope 3 emissions management, risk management and overall supplier engagement strategies.
Zeon earned the top rating for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through supplier collaboration, a group-wide initiative, alongside continuous dialogue maintained via procurement activities. Guided by its philosophy of contributing to planetary preservation and human prosperity, Zeon remains committed to sustainable management. The company reaffirmed that it will continue working with suppliers and other stakeholders to tackle climate change and meet societal expectations.
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