Auto Roundup: From Hyundai Creta N Line launch, Honda Amaze price hike to e-mobility scheme, your weekly guide to key updates

Auto weekly roundup: It was yet another busy week for the domestic automobile industry, with a host of major developments and announcements impacting the consumer and the manufacturers alike. The week that began with the rollout of the all-new Hyundai Creta N Line brought a series of key updates, such as the date of the much-anticipated debut of the Audi Q6 e-tron, and ended with an across-the-board price hike by Honda Car India, the maker of popular models like the Honda Elevate, City, Amaze.   

Here’s a recap of all the key developments of the week:

Hyundai launches new Creta N Line, starting at Rs 16.82 lakh

Hyundai launched the eagerly awaited Hyundai Creta N Line. Priced from Rs 16,82,300 (ex-showroom), the Creta N Line offers four variants catering to diverse preferences, with the top variant priced at Rs 20,29,900.

Bookings: Enthusiasts can now secure their Hyundai Creta N Line with a nominal booking fee of Rs 25,000. Safety takes centre stage with over 40 standard safety features and an additional 70 advanced safety measures.

Features and design: The Hyundai Creta N Line boasts over 70 connected features, ensuring a technologically advanced driving experience. Featuring a premium interior with leatherette seats donning N-badging and a striking black-red colour scheme, the vehicle exudes sportiness throughout, including its three-spoke steering wheel and all-black interiors. 

Equipped with a 10.25-inch HD infotainment system and digital cluster, the Hyundai Creta N Line offers a modern interface with SmartSense Level 2 ADAS for enhanced safety alerts. Inspired by WPC design elements, the Hyundai Creta N Line sports a distinctive N-specific sporty front grille and meticulously crafted front bumper design. Safety remains paramount with features like a 360-degree camera and 42 standard safety features, including six airbags, electronic stability control, and hill assist control.

Also Read: Hyundai launches New Creta N Line at Rs 16.82 lakh with enhanced features

Citroen plans sales network expansion in India, eyes more than 200 outlets by 2024-end

 Citroen aims to scale up its sales network in India to over 200 outlets by the end of the year, a three-fold increase from its current reach. This expansion will cover urban, semi-urban, and rural markets, amplifying Citroen's presence from its existing 58 outlets across India. The move underscores Citroen's commitment to providing an unparalleled brand experience to a growing and diverse customer base nationwide.

Citroen India is focused on extending its availability beyond Tier I/Tier II cities, with a strategic eye on Tier III and Tier IV markets, chosen for their proximity to larger cities and growth potential.

Earlier this year, Stellantis announced an additional investment of Rs 2,000 crore in India for its Citroen brand, which sells models like C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross in the country.

Also Read: Citroen to scale up sales network in India to over 200 outlets by this year-end

Audi Q6 e-tron set to debut on March 18

Audi is gearing up for the global debut of its highly anticipated Q6 e-tron SUV on March 18. This significant addition to Audi's lineup marks the brand's entry into the fully electric segment, bolstering its presence in the competitive electric vehicle market.

Developed in collaboration with Porsche, the Audi Q6 e-tron promises a compelling blend of power, range, and advanced technology. Utilising the trusted Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, a modular car platform for electric cars, Audi aims to ensure exceptional build quality and performance.

Expected Range: The Audi Q6 e-tron can offer a maximum range of up to 600 kilometers on a full charge. 

Expected Price: The anticipated price range for the Audi Q6 e-tron in India is expected to fall between Rs 55 lakh to Rs 1.15 crore, depending on the variant.

Expected Features: The interior is expected to feature an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 14.5-inch infotainment system, supporting wireless connectivity and offering ample storage space totaling 536 liters in the boot.

Also Read: Audi Q6 e-tron to debut on March 18: Check expected price, features, range, specs

Toyota to dole out its largest wage hike in 25 years

Toyota Motor has agreed to grant its factory workers the most significant pay increase in 25 years, heightening expectations for a pivotal policy shift by Japan’s central bank. This move comes as part of the annual wage negotiations, where major corporations like Toyota, Panasonic, Nippon Steel, and Nissan have committed to meeting union demands for pay hikes.

The talks, a hallmark of Japanese labour-management relations, are closely watched this year as the resulting pay raises could influence the Bank of Japan’s decision on ending its years-long policy of negative interest rates.

Also Read: Toyota agrees to biggest wage hike in 25 years, paves way for BOJ shift

Centre’s big push to boost e-mobility

The heavy industries ministry has announced a new scheme aimed at promoting e-mobility in India, allocating Rs 500 crore for four months starting April 2024. The scheme targets two- and three-wheelers, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

The E-Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) will provide support of Rs 10,000 per two-wheeler, with a goal to subsidise approximately 3.3 lakh units. Additionally, small three-wheelers will receive support to the tune of Rs 25,000 per unit, covering over 31,000 such vehicles, while large three-wheelers will receive Rs 50,000 per unit.

Also Read: Heavy industries ministry announces Rs 500 crore scheme to promote e-mobility

Honda and Nissan forge alliance to advance electric vehicle and smart technology 

In a bid to leapfrog in the realms of electric vehicles and intelligent automotive technology, Honda and Nissan have joined forces, marking a significant collaboration in the Japanese automotive landscape.

The partnership between Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co was unveiled on Friday in Tokyo, as the CEOs of the respective companies outlined plans for joint exploration in areas ripe for collaboration.

While the specifics of the non-binding agreement are still under discussion, both parties affirmed their commitment to jointly developing fundamental technologies while maintaining product differentiation.

Also Read: Honda and Nissan agree to work together in developing electric vehicles and intelligent technology

Honda raises Elevate, City, Amaze prices, effective April

Honda Car India has announced a forthcoming price hike across its lineup, set to take effect from April 2024, marking the second adjustment this year following an earlier increase in January. This decision comes amid evolving economic factors impacting the automotive industry. The price revision will impact all models, including the Elevate, City, and Amaze series, although the exact percentage rise has not been specified yet.

Currently, the Honda Amaze, serving as an entry-level choice, starts at Rs 7.16 lakh, while the premium Elevate begins at Rs. 11.58 lakh. The popular Honda City starts at Rs. 11.71 lakh, with its hybrid variant, the City e:HEV, priced from Rs. 18.89 lakh (excluding taxes and additional fees).

Also Read: Honda Price Hike Alert: Honda to increase prices its SUVs which include Elevate, City, Amaze from April

Concurrently, Honda is rolling out special year-end promotions, offering enticing deals to attract customers. These incentives include discounts of up to Rs. 50,000 on the Elevate and benefits of up to Rs. 90,000 on the Amaze. Notably, the Honda City offers the highest discounts, providing savings of up to Rs. 1.20 lakh for March.

Customers are advised to stay tuned for the official announcement regarding the upcoming price adjustment to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases.

In case you missed it, here are major headlines from the previous week (Hyundai Venue's new variant, Tata Motors & more)