Auto recap, June 9: New TVS e-scooter patent leaked, 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R launched, Audi A4 Signature Edition launched
The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which make it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Monday, June 9.
Tata Harrier EV: A showcase of Tata Motors' global tech ties and EV ecosystem vision
The recently launched Tata Harrier EV highlights the company's deep-rooted collaborative strategy for EVs. Partnering from early days (Tata Power, AutoComp) to present (Harman/Continental), the company aims to leverage global tech and a "local for global" approach for competitive, advanced products.
Also Read : Tata Harrier EV: A showcase of Tata Motors' global tech ties and EV ecosystem vision TVS patent leak hints at new electric scooter. Is it the brand's next global electric model
TVS Motor Company appears to be preparing for its next major push in the electric two-wheeler space. A new scooter design, recently leaked via a patent filing in Indonesia, offers the first glimpse at what could be the company's upcoming electric model. Though there is no confirmation regarding its market-specific launch, the scooter is rumoured to be the new entry-level EV that TVS has already hinted at—a model positioned likely below the iQube in pricing and features.
Also Read : TVS patent leak hints at new electric scooter. Is it the brand's next global electric model 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R with OBD-2B compliant engine launched at ₹ 9.25 lakh. Check details
The 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R has been launched in India with a price tag of ₹ 9.25 lakh, ex-showroom. The update now makes the GSX-8R OBD-2B compliant. With the OBD-2B refreshed, Suzuki is looking to balance environmental responsibility with performance, providing a smooth ride that entices enthusiasts and riders alike. The engine powering the GSX-8R is a 776cc parallel-twin with DOHC and four valves per cylinder that uses a 270-degree crankshaft. This arrangement provides a torquey powerband to get you through traffic, as well as an unmistakable exhaust note, something akin to a V-twin. Also, Suzuki's patented Cross Balancer system is claimed to minimise the engine vibrations, which improves comfort, especially for longer rides.
Also Read : 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R with OBD-2B compliant engine launched at ₹ 9.25 lakh. Check details Audi A4 Signature Edition launched in India at ₹ 57.11 lakh, gets minor design and feature enhancement
The Audi A4 Signature Edition has been launched in India with a price tag of ₹ 57.11 lakh, ex-showroom. The new special edition model is based on the existing Technology trim. The Signature Edition includes a set of factory-fitted accessories and minor design enhancements but retains the core mechanical and equipment package of the standard A4.
Also Read : Audi A4 Signature Edition launched in India at ₹ 57.11 lakh, gets minor design and feature enhancement. Check details
Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.
First Published Date: 10 Jun 2025, 07:16 AM IST
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Time of India
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TVS Motor gears up for global expansion with Norton launch, new product pipeline
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
TVS Ntorq Captain America Edition launched: Price, images & what's special
TVS has launched a new special edition of its sporty scooter , the Ntorq 125, inspired by Marvel's Captain America. The model has been priced at Rs 98,117, ex-showroom, and joins the brand's Super Squad line-up, which already features designs inspired by Marvel superheroes like Iron Man, Thor, and Spider-Man. As part of this edition, the scooter now gets a sharper camo-style graphic theme with bold red highlights. The livery on this special edition TVS NTorq draws cues from his iconic military and shield motifs. On the front apron, you'll spot a digital camo pattern in shades of green and black, resembling tactical gear and stealth aesthetics. The same digital camo theme extends onto the side panels under the seat, giving the scooter a rugged look. A bold red stripe cuts across the camo both at the front and sides, reminiscent of the red detailing on Captain America's suit. Just above the camo panels, 'SuperSoldier' badging is displayed in a sharp font. TVS X Electric Scooter Review: Worth buying over "Ola and Ather"? | TVS X Review | TOI Auto by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Mechanically, there are no changes. It continues to be powered by the same 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing 9.4 bhp and 10.5 Nm of peak torque, mated to a CVT gearbox. The scooter rides on alloy wheels and comes equipped with a petal disc brake up front. It also gets a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity via TVS SmartXonnect . It goes up against rivals like the Yamaha RayZR 125, Aprilia SR 125, Hero Xoom 125, and Honda Dio 125. The new Captain America Edition will be available across all TVS dealerships starting this month. Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Mint
a day ago
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China strong-armed Japan over rare earths. It's a lesson for the US.
TOKYO—The U.S. found out this year that China could use its chokehold on rare-earth minerals as a coercive tool when Beijing imposed export controls. For Japan, it was déjà vu: It had been the victim 15 years earlier. Tokyo vowed in 2010 to be ready for next time and over the years put hundreds of millions of dollars into Australian supplies. Yet as of last year, it was still relying on China for some 70% of its imports of rare earths, which are widely used in electronics, cars and weapons, according to the government-owned Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security. When China restricted rare-earth exports in April, some of Japan's automakers again got hit. Japan's experience drives home lessons for the U.S., where the Pentagon recently agreed to take a stake in Las Vegas-based MP Materials so it can mine and refine rare earths on American soil. Tokyo found that partially reducing dependence still leaves Beijing with plenty of leverage. At the same time, complete independence costs billions of dollars, not millions. After the crisis passed and China resumed exports to Japan, the urgency to diversify supplies waned. That points to the danger of complacency in the U.S. After it was hit by Chinese rare-earth export controls earlier this year, the U.S. recently got Beijing to reopen the spigot as part of a trade deal. If costs don't matter, cutting reliance on China might be feasible, but businesses can't swallow high costs, said Kazuto Suzuki, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Public Policy. People in Japan 'understood that there was a vulnerability, but everyone still relied on China because the conclusion was that there weren't other options," Suzuki said. Four decades ago, a Japanese scientist named Masato Sagawa invented the most powerful type of permanent magnets containing a rare-earth element called neodymium. The breakthrough underlies the magnets widely used today. By early this century, it was China, not Japan, that had come to dominate supplies of the 17 rare-earth elements as well as the refining of the metals and manufacture of magnets containing them. In 2009, 85% of Japan's rare-earth imports came from China. Beijing realized it had a diplomatic tool and used it in 2010, when a Chinese trawler collided with Japanese patrol vessels near islands controlled by Japan and claimed by China. Japan detained the captain and crew, sparking a diplomatic clash. Japanese users of rare earths reported severe delivery disruptions, although Beijing denied doing anything. The captain was released under Chinese pressure, and tensions eased after a few months. But Japan sought alternative suppliers. 'We're going to pursue a variety of risk hedges," said Japan's foreign minister at the time. 'It isn't good to lean too much on one country." Tokyo's biggest initiative from that era was a deal with Australia's Lynas Rare Earths that, in hindsight, helped somewhat but didn't go nearly far enough or contribute quickly enough to undercut China's dominance. The government body now called the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, or Jogmec, as well as trading company Sojitz provided Lynas a $225 million loan to secure rare earths for Japan. The Lynas project didn't help Japan with securing a subset of rare-earth elements known as heavy rare earths, which are generally less common than the light ones. The heavy elements include dysprosium and terbium, which are commonly used alongside neodymium, a light rare-earth element, in strong permanent magnets. The rare-earth elements tend to be intermingled. Miners are reluctant to invest in specialized equipment for processing the relatively small quantities of heavy rare earths that they extract alongside the light elements. Meanwhile, in the field of rare-earth magnets that Japan had once led, it actually deepened its dependence on China after the 2010 showdown. Japan's biggest companies formed partnerships with Chinese magnet makers in the 2010s, reasoning that they could protect themselves from political blackmail if they had friends in China with secure supplies. Among the deals was a joint venture formed in 2013 by Tokyo-based TDK with China's state-backed Rising Nonferrous Metals Share. The Japanese companies had production know-how that made them attractive partners at the time in China. Afterward, China's dominance grew. In 2013, Japan's share in the global neodymium-magnet market was at 23% while China held about three-quarters. By 2021, Japan's share fell to 15% while China's rose to about 84%, according to government figures based on data from research firm Fuji Keizai. It took more than a decade for Japan to do something about the gap in its policy. In 2023, the Japanese government body, Jogmec, and Sojitz invested an additional 200 million Australian dollars, equivalent to around $130 million today, in Lynas. The company recently started to produce dysprosium and terbium, up to 65% of which is headed to Japan under the deal. Separately, Jogmec and energy firm Iwatani said in March they would invest 110 million euros, equivalent to $129 million, in a subsidiary of France's Carester to support a project that could supply a fifth of Japan's demand for dysprosium and terbium. Japan now says it wants to beef up production of neodymium magnets, develop magnets using smaller amounts of rare earths and step up recycling.
