Beat the heat: Your basic guide to summer car maintenance
As the heat waves roll in, the importance of proper car care escalates. Let's take a look at some of the most essential elements of summer car care to ease your seasonal woes.
Tesla reduces prices of Model Y, X and S EVs in US
Tesla has officially reduced the pricing of three of its EVs: Model Y, Model X, and Model S, in the US. Each model will now cost US$2,000 each, as per an official announcement by the EV company.
Avik Anwar 1st in the final rounds of Gulf Pro Car Championship
Avik Anwar from Bangladesh has won first place in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the final instalment of the 2023-2024 Gulf Pro Car Championship. The international racing competition was held in Dubai Autodrome on March 30, 2024, where Avik competed against drivers from UAE, UK, France, Italy, India, and Russia, to win both rounds.
TEST DRIVE
Shift / The twin cam dreams
Toyota Corolla is a popular name known for guaranteed comfort, fuel economy and an overall hassle-free experience for years of ownership.
Shift / Glanza V: the hot hatch from the late 90s
This particular Glanza V, owned by local car enthusiast Momtahin Hassan Ingit, was restored from the ground up. The sporty design with the side skirts, trunk spoiler and hood scoop makes it as evergreen as it can get.
Shift / Meet the locally modded Toyota Altezza
This Altezza, owned by local car enthusiast Ishan Gausul, is a 1999 model that began its life as an RS200, and in 2017, it was the only dual-tone Altezza in Bangladesh.
Shift / Jeeps in the wilderness
Most people in Bangladesh refer to “Jeep” as SUVs or even Crossovers, what they don’t know is that Jeep is an American automobile manufacturer that introduced SUVs to the world.
Cover Story / Meet the resto-modded Toyota Corolla AE9X
On and on, this resto-modded Toyota Corolla AE9X is a beautiful car. Even though it just misses out on a few rare features, it is still the most loaded AE9X in Bangladesh.
Cover Story / 2023 Honda BR-V: Simple gets the job done
Last week, we had the pleasure to test drive the latest Honda 2023 BR-V. Here are our thoughts.
Shift / Hako-Rolla
Minty and restored examples are hardly around or spotted in broad daylight. In this feature we look at a resto-modded Toyota Corolla KE70.
Shift / A weekend with the GR Yaris
If you’re not already familiar with Toyota’s semi latest concoction, the GR Yaris, a quick Google search will immediately fill you in about its importance in the world of cars.
LATEST
E-licence on smartphone is enough: BRTA
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has authorised the use of electronic driving licences (e-licences) in addition to the physical driving licence card
Lamborghini designer Marcello Gandini dies at 85
Marcello Gandini, the legendary Italian designer known for his work on numerous exotic cars, has died at the age of 85, according to RaiNews, Italy's state-owned news agency.
Meet the flying car prototype
Alef Aeronautics, a California-based automotive company, has recently unveiled a prototype for what they claim to be 'the world's first true flying car'. The company took a working scale model of this innovative prototype to the recently held Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, capturing the attention of the public and industry enthusiasts alike.
Proton to make cars in Bangladesh by end-2024
Rancon and Proton Holdings have unveiled the Proton X90 hybrid vehicle in the Bangladesh market. In a launching ceremony today, Rancon and Proton also announced their joint plans to begin local manufacturing of Proton cars in Bangladesh by the end of this year.
Toyota announces anime series 'GRIP'
Toyota, the reputed automotive manufacturer, has recently announced that it is launching a new anime series. Called 'GRIP', the five-episode series will feature several popular Toyota cars such as the GR Corolla, the Renaissance Red 2.0 GR Supra, and the GR86 in a futuristic city setting.
What is so special about Royal Enfield bikes?
As per recent news, Ifad Group is expected to begin commercial operation of Royal Enfield bikes in July 2024 for the streets of Bangladesh. However, those not familiar with these vehicles might ask: what is so special about Royal Enfield bikes?
Avik Anwar achieves podium finishes in UAE Gulf Pro Car Round 5
In the recent UAE Gulf Pro Car Round 5, Avik Anwar from Bangladesh secured podium positions in both races, finishing third and second in the first and second races, respectively. According to Anwar, this achievement came despite him facing technical difficulties with his vehicles.
SHIFT / Avik Anwar 3rd in Gulf ProCar Round 2; dedicates win to Palestine
In an emotionally charged Round 2 of the Gulf ProCar Series at Dubai Autodrome Circuit, Avik Anwar, the noted Bangladeshi racer, clinched two remarkable third-place finishes. Avik Anwar dedicated both his podium finishes to the people enduring hardships in Palestine and his late colleague, Ashfaq from Maven Autos.
LOCAL
BYD launches electric cars in Bangladesh; opens showroom
BYD, the multinational tech company, officially opened its showroom in Bangladesh on March 2, 2024. According to a press release, CG Runner Bangladesh Ltd. has taken the initiative to introduce BYD in the country.
BMW i7 launched in Bangladesh
Executive Motors Limited has recently launched the BMW i7 eDrive 50 in Bangladesh. The EV, the latest addition to BMW's i-series, will be locally available at a starting price of BDT 3 crore.
Uber launches subscription package for moto drivers in Bangladesh
Uber, the popular ridesharing app, has recently announced a subscription package option for Uber Moto drivers, which will include being able to choose from a range of plans that suit their needs. As per Uber, this method is being introduced to change how Uber Moto drivers are compensated to improve reliability for riders and reduce trips taken off the platform.
MG5 launches in Bangladesh
MG 5, a next-generation sports sedan, has been officially released in Bangladesh by RANCON British Motors Limited. As per RANCON, two variants of MG 5 will be made available in Bangladesh: turbo and non-turbo, priced at BDT 39 lakh and BDT 36 lakh respectively.
Avik Anwar conquers Malaysia Championship Series Round 4
Avik Anwar, the racing sensation from Bangladesh, has created history at the Malaysia Championship Series Round 4 by winning the 300-kilometer, 3-hour race entirely on his own. Out of 58 competitors, Avik emerged as the victor, becoming the first and only Bangladeshi to achieve this feat and the sole Bangladeshi to win on international soil in motorsports to date.
Mercedes-Benz buses now available in Bangladesh
Rancon Trucks and Buses Limited has recently launched the chassis for the Mercedes-Benz OF 1623 bus in Bangladesh. The chassis comes in two variants and is powered by Mercedes-Benz's OM 906 engine, which produces 6393 cc and 810 Nm @ 1600 RPM.
Country’s first electric vehicle manufacturing plant underway in Chattogram
Bangladesh is propelling itself into the future of sustainable transportation with a colossal investment in electric vehicle manufacturing. According to reports, Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited is investing Tk 1440 crore to build the country's first electric car factory. Located in Bangabandhu Shilpa Nagar Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram, the plant is set to roll out its first cars by March next year.
Caltex Lubricants partners with Bangladesh’s motorsports legend Avik Anwar
Bangladesh’s ace motorsports legend Avik Anwar recently struck a brand partnership deal with Rock Energy Limited, the exclusive distributor of Caltex & Chevron Lubricants in the country.
GLOBAL
Chinese company launches commercial flying taxis
EHang, a Chinese drone manufacturer, has introduced its EH216-S model flying taxi for commercial sale on Taobao, an online shopping platform owned by Alibaba. Priced at 2.39 million yuan ($332,060), the EH216-S is being advertised as "an innovative solution for urban transportation".
Toyota recalls 50k US vehicles over potential airbag explosion
Toyota Motor has recently released a public statement in which it urged owners of 50,000 older US vehicles to stop driving and get immediate recall repairs. As per the statement, this is due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which Toyota says could explode and potentially kill the driver.
Toyota becomes highest-selling automaker 4 years in a row
Toyota, for the fourth consecutive year, has become the highest-selling automaker in the world. According to a recent press release by the company, Toyota Motor has sold a record of 11.2 million vehicles in 2023.
Tesla releases 'upgraded' Model 3 in North America
Tesla, the American automotive company, has recently launched a new version of its Model 3 sedan, which is being called an 'upgraded' Model 3. The new Model 3 is now available in North America at an unchanged price, as per Tesla's official website.
Uber launches air balloon service in Turkey
Uber, the international ride-sharing platform, has recently launched an air balloon ride service in Cappadocia, Turkey. As per Uber, the new service will be available in Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Göreme National Park, with riders being able to book balloon trips in advance using the Uber app.
BMW shifts focus to 'Neue Klasse' to compete with Tesla
BMW is revisiting its historical innovation, the "Neue Klasse," this time as an all-electric offering.
Meet Cruise, the self-driving ride-sharing service
Cruise, a California-based automobile company, has released a unique 'self-driving' ride-sharing service to passengers in San Francisco and some parts of Austin and Phoenix, US. These driverless, fully electric cars do not require the input of a human driver and have recently received permission to operate 24/7 across the city, barring freeways.
ELECTRIC
Xiaomi's first EV to be priced under $70k
Xiaomi's first electric vehicle, the SU7, will be priced under $70,000, according to Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, in a recent statement. Jun added that the Xiaomi SU7 aims to be "the best looking, easiest to drive and smartest car" available in the market under the 500,000 yuan ($69,424) price tag.
Apple stops electric car project: report
Apple has stopped work on 'Project Titan', the tech giant's electric car project, according to a source familiar with the matter. The decision comes a decade after the reputed tech company begun the project, despite no official announcement being made thus far.
Singer Bangladesh’s profit rises 615%
The company sold Tk 1,700 crore goods in 2023, declared 35% cash dividend
Apple's electric car to be released in 2028: report
Apple Inc.'s electric car initiative, known as 'Project Titan', has recently shifted to a 2028 release date from the original release date of 2025, according to Mark Gruman, a renowned Apple analyst.
Electric vehicles are reducing global oil consumption: reports
Increasing electric vehicle sales in recent years have prompted forecasters to revise their estimates for the global peak in oil consumption. Public subsidies and advancements in technology are aiding consumers in overcoming the occasionally high upfront costs associated with battery-powered cars, as noted by industry experts.
Tesla cars worth US$26k to be made in Germany: reports
Tesla cars worth 25,000 euros (about $26,838) are planned to be built at a factory in Berlin, Germany, as per a source close to the international EV maker Tesla. According to autos research firm JATO Dynamics, the average retail price of an EV in Europe in the first half of 2023 was over 65,000 euros, compared to just over 31,000 euros in China.
Solid-state batteries: the future of the EV industry?
Central to the recent rise of EVs is an ongoing competition between two battery technologies: solid-state batteries, which promise enhanced performance and safety, and traditional lithium-ion batteries, which have served as the workhorse of the EV industry.
India launches its first indigenous electric tractor, CSIR PRIMA ET11
India has recently launched the country's first indigenous fully-electric tractor, named CSIR-PRIMA ET11. The tractor was developed by India's state-owned Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Central Mechanical Research Engineering Institute (CSIR-CMERI).
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S: The luxurious Civic Type R
The Acura Integra Type S marks the return of a beloved sports car that captured the hearts of enthusiasts during its initial run. This highly anticipated resurrection promises a fusion of classic design cues, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance.
The untold tale of the Bangladeshi motorcycle industry
Dhaka, with a metro area population of over 22,00,00, understandably comes significant transportation challenges, due to which motorcycles have become the preferred mode of transportation for many urban dwellers. These two-wheelers offer affordability, low operating costs, and a built-in cooling effect through the generous use of the throttle. As such, Bangladesh has witnessed a significant surge in motorcycle users in recent years. Let's take a closer look into the popularity, production and problems of motorcycle sales in Bangladesh - and how local manufacturers are addressing the issue.
Car fluids: What you should know
Here's a quick refresher on the essential car fluids and the basic information you should know about them.
A complete list of all the cars featured in Fast X
If you love your family and your cars equally, then the latest iteration of the Fast & Furious franchise will not leave you disappointed.
50 years later, Hyundai has rebuilt its very first concept car
Hyundai has resurrected its very first concept car, the Pony Coupe, showcasing it in all its retro glory at the prestigious 2023 Villa d'Este Concours in Lake Como.
The all-new and improved Porsche: 718 Spyder RS
The latest addition to Porsche's 718 lineup promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience like no other, equivalent to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
Maintaining cars during extreme summer heat
Those who commute every day will also often find that cars tend to get heated quickly when under the extreme summer heat. Here are some basic maintenance tips to keep in mind to keep your car cool even during summer.
Toyota bZ4X - The new electric SUV on the block
With commuting in mind, one of the first completely electronic subcompact SUVs from Toyota - the brand new bZ4X - looks to shake up a few things in the world of EVs.
Engine smoke colours - what do they indicate?
Depending on the circumstances, your car can give off different colours of smokes. Here is a quick guide to figuring out what colour of smoke could possibly mean what kind of problems.
Kia Carens: The Captain's Chairs are the new first class
The Carens offers a lot for its price, defying expectations for a budget option.
