Auto recap, Jan 7: Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6 top trim price, new FASTag rule in Maharashtra

lThe automotive industry is quite fast-paced and because of this, it can become a bit difficult to keep track of it. But HT Auto is here to deliver prompt updates regarding all the major events that happened. Here is the following brief of all the major highlights from Tuesday, January 7.

Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6e top variants’ pricing fully revealed

Mahindra has announced pricing for Pack 3 of its newest BE 6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs ₹26.90 lakhs and ₹30.50 lakh (both ex-showroom) respectively at the Unlimit India Tech Day today. Bookings for the Pack THREE of the two electric SUVs are slated to commence on February 14, 2025. Bookings for the rest of the variants will be announced in March. The preference selection of models will be available right away wherein users can register their interest towards Mahindra's latest offerings. The 'Pack THREE' of the BE 6 and XEV 9E SUVs is the top-spec variant being offered by the car maker and will come with all of the bells and whistles.

Maharashtra makes FASTag mandatory for all vehicles on state highways

After National Highways across India, Maharashtra will make toll payments through FASTags mandatory for all vehicles using the state highways. The Maharashtra cabinet announced its decision today (January 7) that the mandatory use of FASTag for all vehicles will be implemented from April 1. The decision was taken after the transport department had proposed changes in the tolling system on the state highways. This decision also means that the state government's earlier decision to waive toll fees for cars and SUVs at five entry points into Mumbai will also end on April 1 this year. In October last year, the government decided to exempt private vehicles from paying tolls at Dahisar, LBS Road-Mulund, Eastern Express Highway-Mulund, Airoli Creek Bridge and Vashi entry points.

MG Windsor EV price hiked

JSW MG Motor India has increased the prices of the Windsor EV by ₹50,000. The Excite variant now costs ₹13,99,800, the Exclusive trim is priced at ₹14,99,800 and the top-end Essence variant costs ₹15,99,800. All prices are ex-showroom.

Afeela 1 EV, co-developed by Honda and Sony launched

Sony and Honda have introduced the Afeela 1 electric vehicle, marking the inaugural EV produced by their joint venture, during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, United States. The Afeela 1 is available in two primary variants, with a starting price of $89,900 (approximately ₹77 lakh). Currently, the booking window for the Afeela 1 is open exclusively to customers in California. The vehicle is set to be available in international markets, including the US and Japan, starting in 2026.

Skoda Enyaq EV facelift teased

Czech automotive manufacturer Skoda has provided a preview of the forthcoming Enyaq electric vehicle, which is set to make its official debut in global markets today, January 8. The company has released a video showcasing the updated design and enhanced features of this model compared to its predecessor. The Enyaq electric SUV, expected to arrive in India later this year, was previously introduced through a collection of sketches released by Skoda. This electric vehicle will mark the inaugural launch of an EV from the Skoda-Volkswagen partnership in India.

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