The Indian automotive landscape is about to get bigger. At least three new car brands are preparing to enter our market in the near future- JSW Motors, Leapmotor and Genesis. Here is a more detailed look at these brands and the products expected from them.
JSW Group is now setting up its own independent passenger vehicles vertical. Called JSW Motors, the company will initially launch badge-engineered models here. These will be sourced from China’s Chery and its sub-brands. These will initially be brought as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits and assembled in India. The degree of localisation will be increased later.
The first product from JSW is expected to be a rebadged Jetour T2 iDM plug-in hybrid SUV. It is expected to launch sometime around the festive season this year. It is likely to come with India-specific changes and JSW branding. Additionally, the iCaur V23, Jaecoo J5 and Chery Tiggo 8 will also launch in the coming years. The carmaker has plans to launch 15 products in the next 4 years. Over this period, it will also increase localisation and strengthen its manufacturing base in India.
Jetour is a Chery-owned brand, and the T2 is already on sale in several international markets. Test mules have already been spotted in India, indicating that the launch isn’t far away.
The T2 has a bold and boxy design that may remind many of the Land Rover Defender. Inside, it will offer a modern and feature-rich cabin. Expect features like ventilated seats, a wireless charger, a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, level 2 ADAS, and a large 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Only the plug-in hybrid version is likely to be brought to India. Known as the T2 i-DM, it uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 26.7 kWh LFP battery pack. The electric-only range is about 100km. This powertrain will be mated to a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission and make around 378 hp and 610 Nm. The T2 will be a capable off-roader and will primarily compete with the Toyota Fortuner when launched.
iCaur is another sub-brand under Chery. Unlike the T2, the V23 will target a more affordable segment while still offering a rugged design and decent off-road abilities. It will have a bold stance and could feature 21-inch wheels on higher trims. When launched, it will compete with the upcoming production versions of Mahindra Vision T and SXT.
The iCaur V23 has a tech-loaded cabin and will be offered with two battery options- 59.93 kWh and 81.76 kWh. The former will likely have a claimed range of 401 km while the latter may claim around 510km per charge. Higher trims will feature an all-wheel drive system. The powertrain will make 211 hp and 292 Nm. AWD versions will have a top speed of 140kph and a 0 to 100 kmph time of 7.5 seconds.
The third product expected from JSW is the Jaecoo J5. This will be a premium mid-size electric SUV. A Creta Electric rival, to be more precise. The design will have an uncanny resemblance to certain Range Rover models. It will ride on 18-inch wheels and have all-LED lighting.
The EV will also have a modern and tech-heavy cabin. It is likely to come with a 14.8-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, 540-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated seats and more.
The J5 is likely to come with a 60.9 kWh battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor. This setup will make 210 hp and 288 Nm, and the electric SUV will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.3 seconds. This would make it quicker than the Creta Electric. This battery pack will have a claimed range of around 461km (NEDC cycle) and support charging speeds of up to 130kW.
The fourth model that we know would come from JSW Motors is the Tiggo 8. This will become the company’s flagship SUV when launched. A design patent for the SUV was recently filed in India, possibly indicating launch plans.
The Tiggo 8 is a large 3-row SUV, measuring over 4.7 metres in length. It has a premium, strong, SUV design. Inside, the Tiggo 8 will get features like a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, 50W wireless charging, a built-in dashcam, a 12-speaker sound system, ventilated seats, a 540-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS.
Globally, the Tiggo 8 is offered with different powertrain options. However, powertrain details of the India-bound model remain undisclosed.
Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury car division. After a long, intensive evaluation process, the company has confirmed its intentions to launch Genesis models in India. The official market entry is likely in 2027.
The brand will initially bring in luxury SUVs. The GV80 is the most likely to be its first launch here. The company has already trademarked the coupe version here, strengthening these expectations. It is likely to be brought as CKD imports.
The GV80 has an elegant design and a futuristic, tech-heavy interior. It is offered with multiple engine options in global markets, including a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol, a 3.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a supercharged version with 48V mild-hybrid technology. We don’t know which of these will be brought to India. When launched, the GV80 will face competition from high-end SUVs like Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90
Stellantis is planning to bring Leapmotor, the Chinese EV brand to India. It has an ongoing partnership with Leapmotor that lets it to sell these EVs in markets outside China. Intiially, Leapmotor products will be brought as CKD imports. The company will eventually increase localisation and strengthen manufacturing here. Three models are expected initially- T03, C10 and B10.
The T03 will be an entry-level electric car, which will compete with the Tata Tiago.EV and MG Comet when launched. It will come with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof and may even offer level 2 ADAS. Two battery packs are likely to be offered- 31.9 kWh and 41.3 kWh, with claimed ranges of 310km and 403km respectively.
The C10 will be a mid-size electric SUV, a rival to the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Sierra.EV and Mahindra BE6. Yes, it will enter a highly competitive segment. It will reportedly come with features like a 14.6-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker audio system, and others. It will be built on an 800V high-voltage architecture and be offered with a 74.9 kWh battery pack. The claimed range will be around 605 km (CLTC). It will also support high charging speeds. The electric SUV is expected to do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 5.9 seconds.
And finally, the B10 will also be a mid-size SUV. It will also come with a feature-rich cabin. It will be based on the Leap 3.5 platform and likely be offered with two battery packs- 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh, claiming ranges of 510km and 600km, respectively.
This hasn’t been confirmed officially at the time of writing. Jeff Bezos-backed American EV startup Slate Auto has silently filed patents for its products in India. Patent filings alone do not guarantee a market entry or launch plans. Brands could simply do it to protect intellectual property rights (IP). That said, it will be good to have Slate in India, as their products offer a plethora of customisation opportunities, although most of them would be payable extras. The brand’s current portfolio consists of a pickup truck that can be converted into an SUV using customisation kits.
Comments are closed.