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How Americans created space for their automobiles in Madras
Last week, history came alive in Madras as the Historical Cars Association of India (HCAI) organized a vintage car rally, attracting enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike. Among the highlighted participants was Ranjit Pratap, the HCAI president, whose passion for automobiles has deep roots traced back to his grandfather, M. Rajagopal Naidu. From humble beginnings, Naidu founded Rajagopal Motor Works on Mount Road before diversifying his ventures into bus routes, cinema theatres, and eventually typewriters. His legacy, especially that of Halda—a name still resonant at a busy intersection near Guindy—continues to leave a mark on the city's automotive narrative.
Unfortunately, Naidu’s ambition to venture into automobile components manufacturing was cut short by an untimely death, leading to his license for producing engine valves being acquired by LL Narayanan of Rane Madras. This marked a shift from automobile trading to thriving component manufacturing, a path that Rane Madras has successfully pursued to this day.
During the HCAI event, I found myself reflecting on Naidu's passion for American cars, which he preferred over British models as a subtle statement against colonial rule. This notion opened a curious exploration of America's ambitious foray into the Indian automobile market during the colonial era. Despite British preferences for vehicles from Coventry, American manufacturers found a foothold, thanks in part to efforts documented in early 1900s consular reports regarding business potential in India.
Jose de Olivares served as the American consul in Madras between 1911 and 1914. His writings shed light on the automotive landscape of the time, where resistance to American vehicles was prevalent due to negative perceptions propagated by European dealers. However, through targeted marketing campaigns—including engaging with significant automotive dealers and influential figures from the Southern India Motor Union—American cars began to gain traction. The turning point came when the Madras Government ordered ten automobiles for the 1911 Imperial Coronation Durbar in Delhi, marking the start of a new era for American automotive presence in the region.
By 1913, the effects of these efforts were palpable; out of the 304 cars imported into Madras, 104 were American. This burgeoning market was bolstered further by the First World War, which opened additional opportunities for American manufacturers, helping them capture the market share previously held by German brands. By 1923, American cars were recognized as the second most popular import in India after British vehicles, spurred further by the spirit of swaraj (self-rule) that encouraged Indian consumers to reconsider British goods and embrace American alternatives.
As the vintage car enthusiasts savored the charm of classic automobiles, it's a reminder of how the legacy of pioneers like Rajagopal Naidu has shaped the automotive culture in Madras—securing a spot for American cars amid the colonial influences of the time.
Published at: 2025-02-11T21:09:16Z
How Americans created space for their automobiles in Madras
Last week, the Historical Cars Association of India (HCAI) hosted an enlightening vintage car rally, showcasing an array of classic automobiles. Among the participants was Ranjit Pratap, the president of HCAI, who inherited his passion for automobiles from his grandfather, M. Rajagopal Naidu. From modest beginnings, Naidu founded the Rajagopal Motor Works on Mount Road and expanded his ventures to include bus routes and cinema theaters before branching out into typewriter manufacturing. His legacy, Halda, is still remembered and associated with a prominent intersection near Guindy, where a factory produced typewriters in collaboration with Swedish manufacturers, occupying the area where the Ashok Leyland building currently stands.
Sadly, Naidu’s life was cut short before he could venture into automobile components manufacturing. His license for producing engine valves was taken over by LL Narayanan of Rane Madras, who successfully transformed from automobile trading to component production, establishing a strong foothold in the industry.
During the HCAI event, I contemplated the evolution of Madras as an automotive hub, particularly Naidu's preference for American cars over British models as a silent protest against colonial rule. This led me to reflect on the strategies used by American companies to gain a foothold in India during colonial times, especially against the backdrop of the British's preference for vehicles from prominent English manufacturing cities.
Historical consular reports from the early 1900s serve as fascinating resources, documenting the business climate in India. One noteworthy consul, Jose de Olivares, who served in Madras from 1911 to 1914, detailed various trade opportunities, including motor cars. His insights revealed that American vehicles initially faced significant skepticism among local dealers, largely due to negative narratives propagated by European vehicle purveyors. To counter this, Olivares initiated an outreach campaign targeting influential dealers and the Southern India Motor Union, which ultimately led to American cars’ acceptance.
One pivotal moment occurred in 1911 when the Madras Government ordered ten automobiles for the Imperial Coronation Durbar in Delhi, a move that shifted perceptions significantly. Olivares noted in his reports remarkable progress, highlighting that, by 1913, American cars accounted for a notable 34% of all registered vehicles in Madras. The landscape continued to evolve with the onset of the First World War, prompting local trade consuls to assess that German market shares could be redirected towards American manufacturers.
By 1923, American automotive products were holding a strong position, trailing only British imports. With the rise of 'swaraj', or self-rule, there was an encouragement to boycott British goods, presenting a golden opportunity for American cars—something that individuals like Rajagopal Naidu took advantage of. Today, for vintage car enthusiasts who appreciate the elegance and history of these classic models over modern cars, there are countless vintage shows available to visit and admire.
(V. Sriram is a writer and historian.) Published - February 11, 2025 11:00 pm IST
Published at: 2025-02-11T19:07:28Z
BYD to offer Tesla-like driver assist, even on its cheapest models
BYD Unveils Revolutionary Driver Assistance System: “God’s Eye”
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has made a groundbreaking announcement with the launch of its advanced driver assistance system, dubbed “God’s Eye.” This innovative technology will be featured across the company’s entire model lineup, including its budget-friendly Seagull hatchback, which retails for around $9,600.
At a live-streamed event on Monday, BYD’s founder, Wang Chuanfu, emphasized the importance of this new system, stating, “We’re entering an era where autonomous driving is for everyone.” His remarks underline BYD's commitment to democratizing cutting-edge driving technology, making it accessible not just for luxury car owners but for a broader audience.
The “God’s Eye” system boasts sophisticated automated driving capabilities that are typically available only in high-end electric vehicles. These functionalities include remote parking via a smartphone app and autonomous navigation on highways, setting a new standard for convenience and driving ease.
As BYD continues to strengthen its position as Tesla’s primary competitor in China, the launch of “God’s Eye” comes at a pivotal time. Tesla, which relies heavily on the Chinese market for its operations, is currently seeking approval from local regulators for its own “Full Self-Driving” technology.
Moreover, on the same day, BYD announced its collaboration with various local automakers, such as Geely, Great Wall Motor, and Leapmotor, to integrate AI advancements developed by the Chinese startup DeepSeek into their vehicle systems, further enhancing their technological offerings.
Published at: 2025-02-11T17:05:14Z
Jeep Introduces Pop-Up Ads That Appear Every Time You Stop
In a surprising move that has left many drivers feeling frustrated and bewildered, Stellantis, the parent company of popular automotive brands like Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram, has introduced full-screen pop-up advertisements on its infotainment systems. This change has particularly upset Jeep owners, who have reported an influx of ads, especially for Mopar's extended warranty service.
Imagine this scenario: you're cruising along in your Jeep, and as soon as you stop at a red light, your infotainment screen suddenly showcases an advertisement, hijacking your view. This has become a common experience for many Stellantis drivers, forcing them to close these pop-ups manually just to access essential functions like their GPS.
A Jeep 4xe owner took to an online forum to express their concerns, highlighting how these interruptions disrupt the overall driving experience. In response to these grievances, a representative from Stellantis, under the name JeepCares, acknowledged that these ads are part of a contractual deal with SiriusXM. While Stellantis claims they are working on lessening the frequency of these ads, the impact on customer trust might already be detrimental.
Published at: 2025-02-11T08:56:53Z
Steep hike on cards for RC renewal of cars, 2-wheelers older than 20 years
NEW DELHI: The Indian government is taking a firm stance against older vehicles with a recent proposal from the road transport ministry aimed at increasing renewal registration fees for vehicles over 20 years old. This initiative intends to discourage the use of outdated vehicles that do not comply with the BS-II emission norms, promoting a cleaner environment.
Under the draft notification, renewing registration for a motorcycle that is older than 20 years will now cost Rs 2,000, while cars will face a hefty fee of Rs 10,000. The ministry is also focusing on commercial medium and heavy vehicles, proposing that renewal fees for such vehicles over 15 years old be set at Rs 12,000 and Rs 18,000 respectively. Furthermore, for vehicles older than 20 years, these fees will be doubled, amounting to Rs 24,000 for medium vehicles and Rs 36,000 for heavy vehicles.
Although these proposed changes will have a nationwide impact on vehicle owners, the Delhi-NCR region will remain unaffected due to existing regulations mandating the scrapping of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles exceeding 15 years. The road transport ministry had already updated renewal fees in October 2021 but previously excluded certain commercial vehicles, which are now addressed in the recent proposal.
The ministry has also suggested an increase in fees for fitness tests of vehicles over 20 years old. The All India Motor Transport Congress has voiced its opposition, calling the hike in fitness test fees excessive and sudden. Currently, fitness test fees range from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500, with the highest charges for heavy transport vehicles capped at Rs 3,000. However, under the new draft, fees for commercial motorcycles will rise to Rs 1,000 for those between 8-15 years old and Rs 2,000 for vehicles beyond 15 years. Similarly, fitness tests for three-wheelers and heavy vehicles are proposed to fall between Rs 7,000 and Rs 25,000.
Published at: 2025-02-10T22:49:49Z
UK used electric vehicle sales hit record last year as prices fell
The electric vehicle (EV) market in the UK has witnessed a remarkable boost, particularly in the used car sector, as reflected in recent industry data. Last year, a staggering 188,382 used electric vehicles were sold, marking a significant increase of 57.4% compared to the previous year. This surge contributed to an overall 5.5% rise in used car sales, with a total of 7.6 million vehicles changing ownership in 2024, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Consumers are increasingly attracted to secondhand EVs, partly due to a drop in prices and a broader selection of models available on the market. Notable EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and Kia e-Niro have seen significant price reductions, allowing them to compete closely with traditional petrol vehicles. Colin Walker from the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit attributes this surge in demand to EVs reaching price parity with petrol cars, indicating that reduced costs significantly stimulate interest in electric vehicles.
In addition to the boom in secondhand EV sales, the market for new electric vehicles has flourished as well. Records show that nearly 20% of the 1.95 million new vehicles sold last year were electric, up from 16.5% in 2023. The popularity of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) has also soared, notably within the electric segment, suggesting a shift in consumer preferences towards larger cars capable of housing bigger batteries.
Government efforts to curtail transport-related carbon emissions, which accounted for 28% of the UK's carbon pollution in 2022, have further propelled EV sales. Under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the expectation is that by 2030, a significant portion of new cars and vans sold must be zero emissions, with a goal of 100% by 2035. However, there are concerns as the government prepares to relax these mandates due to a global decline in EV demand.
Walker emphasizes the critical role of the secondhand market in providing affordable access to electric vehicles for many UK households. The long-term health of this market is contingent upon the continued supply of new EVs, making the ZEV mandate an essential tool in maintaining growth and keeping electric driving within reach for the public.
Published at: 2025-02-10T15:19:21Z
To buy a Tesla Model 3, only to end up in hell
My Journey with Tesla: A Tale of Disappointment and Frustration
In October 2024, I made the exciting decision to purchase a Tesla Model 3. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to dismay as I discovered that numerous features of the car, including the cameras, GPS navigation, autopilot, and even software updates, were non-functional. This widespread issue stemmed from a failure of Tesla's latest on-board computer, affecting countless customers who bought the Model 3 in the last quarter of 2024.
After just two weeks of ownership, my car’s battery began to drain alarmingly—losing around 8% daily. Many other drivers reported similar troubles, particularly with the braking (ABS) and suspension (EPS) systems. Although Tesla admitted to multiple malfunctions, they remained silent on the battery issue and refused to allow a return of the vehicle. Instead, they offered a frustrating three-month wait for a replacement part while customers like myself were left scrambling for solutions.
This unfortunate experience only added to the story of my long search for a suitable vehicle. Returning from a stint in China, I initially considered buying a Toyota Corolla, a vehicle I was familiar with from my travels. However, after discussions with friends and extensive online research, I was drawn to the Tesla Model 3, touted as the best electric vehicle available. This made the ultimate disappointment even harder to digest.
My buying experience was convoluted, as Tesla vehicles could only be purchased from their website, and being located in a country where Tesla was not officially present meant a complicated import process from Holland. All this created a burden not only in terms of financial strain—over 2000 EUR in import costs—but also in bureaucratic hassles that many potential Tesla owners in Europe face.
Upon receiving the car, I encountered multiple bugs right away, such as non-working cameras and an inoperative GPS system. I attempted to fix these problems myself, but the download for an operating system update would constantly stall. It became increasingly evident that many of the critical features, which differentiated Tesla from other manufacturers, were completely inoperable due to the malfunctioning computers.
My hopes turned into despair, as each day I noticed more issues with my vehicle, such as the inability to use Autopilot or find my destinations using the GPS.
As my frustration mounted with Tesla's customer service, I discovered through an article that the defects were known issues affecting many drivers. Despite understanding the severity of the situation, the company downplayed safety concerns and failed to provide timely solutions. The final straw came when I realized my car was losing battery at an alarming rate, severely restricting my mobility and plans for travel.
The once thrilling prospect of owning a modern electric vehicle had turned into an ordeal, with my feelings of being a captive to Tesla’s problems growing each day.
Ultimately, I contacted Tesla for a full refund, but communication remained frustrating, leading to feelings of being ignored and undervalued as a customer. In the end, this experience changed my perception of Tesla from that of an innovative leader in the automotive industry to a company overwhelmed by its own technological advances and incapable of managing customer satisfaction effectively.
The Moral of the Story: My Tesla experience serves as a cautionary tale for potential buyers, illustrating that despite the allure of cutting-edge technology, practical issues can severely undermine joy in ownership.
Published at: 2025-02-10T10:39:22Z.jpg)
Fiat Grande Panda 2025 Review: Prices, Specs, Availability
Fiat's Grande Panda: The Power of Storytelling in a Competitive EV Market
According to Fiat's CEO Olivier Francois, storytelling sets the brand apart from a surge of budget-friendly electric vehicles (EVs), predominantly from China. Francois, who is known for his charismatic narrative style and a well-connected Instagram presence, confidently asserts that the brand’s new Grande Panda has to be a hit. "Heritage is key," he states, emphasizing that their design is deeply rooted in history—a significant aspect that helps instill trust in their customers. With 125 years of experience under their belt, Francois believes Fiat is here to stay despite the arrival of new but ephemeral brands.
The Grande Panda, akin to the popular Renault 5, exudes impressive confidence. Its design, which features playful 1980s video-game-inspired pixel LEDs, a robust silhouette, and vibrant colors (with gray being notably absent), evokes nostalgia without veering into outdated aesthetics. The design team, led by Francois Leboine who previously worked on the Renault 5, has achieved a refreshing look, particularly enhanced by the use of simple steel wheels.
For those doubting the Panda's identity, its name is tastefully inscribed on the side, and with tactical padding options, it invites interaction. Inside, a blend of the iconic Fiat logo and four-bar monogram marks the seats, door trims, and wheel arch, showcasing meticulous attention to detail by the involved teams.
In the United Kingdom, the pricing for the Panda starts at £20,975 for the entry-level Red version, peaking at £24,000 for the upscale La Prima model. An affordable 1.3-liter hybrid variant is on the horizon, but currently, the focus is on the fully electric version, boasting a range of approximately 200 miles. This model aims to replicate the impact that the iconic Nuova 500 made on Italian mass mobility back in the late 1950s.
While the original 1980 Panda, designed by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro, provided inspiration, the new model measures just shy of four meters in length, maintaining a throwback to its utility roots. Even without an all-wheel-drive option, Fiat integrates clever storage solutions and elevates visibility to promote the Panda’s utility. This urban-focused electric vehicle may very well capture the hearts of many city dwellers.
Published at: 2025-02-09T14:25:48Z
Self Inspection raises $3M for its AI-powered vehicle inspections
A number of startups are racing to make vehicle inspections faster, easier, and cheaper. Self Inspection, a startup based in San Diego, thinks it has them all beat with its AI-powered service — and now it has convinced outside investors. Self Inspection, founded in 2021, is set to announce Thursday it’s raised $3 million in seed round co-led by Costanoa Ventures and DVx Ventures, the firm run by former Tesla president Jon McNeill. Joining the round was Westlake Financial, which handles more than one million vehicle transactions annually. Karim Bousta, partner at DVx Ventures, believes the traditional vehicle inspection process is ripe for innovation. Self Inspection’s technology is “not only streamlines operations for auto lenders, dealerships and rental companies, but also sets a new benchmark for quality, reliability and a seamless digital experience in the $30 billion vehicle inspection market,” Bousta said in a statement. The seed round is validation of the tech the company has been working on for the last few years, CEO Constantine Yaremtso told TechCrunch. Self Inspection already counts Avis and CarOffer (a digital wholesaler owned by CarGurus) as customers, along with Westlake Financial. “Basically we’re going to start expanding, growing, and scaling,” Yaremtso said about the funding. Self Inspection has taken a much different path from UVEye, which recently raised $191 million for its AI-powered drive-through inspection technology. Self Inspection only needs a smartphone camera, although its software can also leverage data pulled from a car’s OBD2 port. The company trained its AI models on what it describes as “one of the largest datasets of damaged vehicles.” Those models can quickly detect damage and assess the severity, before generating a cost estimate and “one of the most thorough vehicle inspection reports available in the industry.” “What we deliver is actually a fully detailed PDF report that you would normally only get from a body shop, which will tell you what labor needs to be done on the damage, how much it costs to repair, how many parts do you need, and so on,” Yaremtso said. Self Inspection’s service is designed to be simple but configurable, which also sets it apart from competitors like Ravin, Yaremtso said. In other words, Self Inspection’s software is not one-size-fits-all. What that means for customers is access to a slick back-end configurator. For instance, if a fleet or vehicle marketplace wants to prioritize certain high-wear areas of a car, or add a step to make sure an EV’s charging cable is in the trunk, they can just drag and drop those in Self Inspection’s software. Self Inspection is also designed to be easier to use. The software doesn’t require users to be a specific distance away from a car as they take photos or videos, like other services do. And for now, it’s not even a standalone app. Self Inspection integrates the software into its customers’ own workflows, and all vehicle inspections are done through a smartphone’s web browser — accessed after a user gets texted or emailed a link. “Everyone has a good camera, everyone has a good phone, everyone knows how to capture photos. As soon as they receive text message or email, it’s easy to go,” Yaremtso said. “We’re trying to give this tool to marketplaces, or banks, so anyone can inspect super simply and expedite the sales cycle process.” Sean O’Kane is a reporter who has spent a decade covering the rapidly-evolving business and technology of the transportation industry, including Tesla and the many startups chasing Elon Musk. Most recently, he was a reporter at Bloomberg News where he helped break stories about some of the most notorious EV SPAC flops. He previously worked at The Verge, where he also covered consumer technology, hosted many short- and long-form videos, performed product and editorial photography, and once nearly passed out in a Red Bull Air Race plane. View Bio
Published at: 2025-02-07T18:09:17Z
Coping with expectations, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has found peace in NASCAR
Kelly CrandallFeb 7, 2025, 08:29 AM ETRicky Stenhouse Jr. reflects quite a bit on his NASCAR career.Now 37, Stenhouse thinks about his dominance in the Xfinity Series driving for Jack Roush, about how the eight race wins he earned in two seasons (2011-2012) perhaps could have been more. He thinks about the drivers he went toe-to-toe with weekly, rivals who enjoyed lengthy Cup Series careers, claiming two consecutive Xfinity championships.His short yet brilliant Xfinity Series career is quite a juxtaposition compared to his Cup Series tenure. Although Stenhouse won Rookie of the Year honors in 2013, he never felt his team could achieve the speed it was capable of. During the seven seasons he spent at Roush, he won only two races in the Cup Series.Those results fell far short of expectations. He was projected to be a cornerstone in Roush's long-term future.In 2020, Stenhouse moved to Hyak Motorsports. It is a small, single-car operation, vastly different to the multi-car, once-championship-winning juggernaut he left behind at Roush."I think the expectations are probably less [now] than when I came into the Cup Series," Stenhouse told ESPN. "There's a little bit dynamic there of what we look like and look for in success."The most significant success for Stenhouse and Hyak came two years ago. First he pulled off an unexpected victory in the 2023 Daytona 500 to earn a spot in the postseason, then he averaged top-15 finishes late in the season. The latter makes Stenhouse almost prouder than the Daytona win."I felt week in and week out, we had speed and were executing," he said. "With what we've been able to do with a small team, I think we can get back there. I think that turned a lot of heads of what we were able to do, and they know the resources a single-car team like us has compared to some of the bigger four-car teams, and I think our team does a great job with that. I'm looking forward to getting back there."Daytona sticks with a team far longer than the seven days between typical race wins. Not every driver and team have a Daytona 500 win. Some of the sport's biggest names went their entire career without winning the biggest race. Stenhouse and Hyak will always be remembered as Daytona 500 winners, even by fans who only know NASCAR because of its Super Bowl event."We cherish that," Stenhouse said. "We're very proud to have accomplished that."Last year, Stenhouse and Hyak Motorsports went to victory lane in the fall race at Talladega Superspeedway. It was the team's third ever Cup Series win, naturally making Stenhouse the first driver in their history to win races in back-to-back seasons."Being so far removed from those [Xfinity Series] wins and championships, it's nice to put two seasons together of wins," Stenhouse said. "We're looking to carry that on to three years and try to rebuild the Cup career and maybe what people have thought about my career."Stenhouse seems at peace with how it's unfolded -- aside from his natural desire to add more to his resume.Being at Hyak works for Stenhouse for many reasons, chief among them is the respect and belief between team and driver, and Stenhouse has familiar faces within the organization. Mike Kelley, Stenhouse's crew chief, was also his crew chief at Roush. Ernie Cope, one of the team's co-owners, worked with Stenhouse and Kelley's rivals in years past, making both sides well aware of the other's talent.And with time and experience has come leadership. Stenhouse is a 12-year veteran of the Cup Series and has already spent five years with Hyak."I've settled in because I've got good people behind me and around me that really believe in my ability behind the wheel and my feedback," Stenhouse said. "I think I've settled in because it's a tight-knit family and it's small, it's fun to upset and win some of these races and go run top 10, things that people probably don't have on their bingo [card] of us doing, and it's nice for us to go out there and do that."I tell our team this all the time: I'm not there to prove people wrong. I want to prove the people we have in our shop right because we all believe that we can do it."A new season starts with a revamped team. Hyak Motorsports was rebranded in the winter from JTG Daugherty Racing, and internally there were promotions and shuffling. Stenhouse said there were additions on the engineering side that he hopes will help with different philosophies and ways of doing things. The goal is to be more on the front side of assessing ideas that do and don't work before going to the racetrack on the wrong path.As that happens, and Stenhouse continues to rebuild his career, maybe one day he'll be reflecting on more recent accomplishments than those of days gone by.
Published at: 2025-02-07T14:15:22Z