MOTOR

27/05/2026

Ashok Leyland Chairman Sri.Dheeraj Hinduja along with Shom Hinduja & Shenu Agarwal met Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, yesterday.

24/05/2026

What Your Car is Tracking

If your car has a cellular connection (4G/5G), a built-in infotainment screen, or a companion smartphone app, it is likely harvesting data across several categories:

Driving Habits: Odometer readings, real-time GPS locations, acceleration speed, how hard you slam on the brakes, cornering g-force, and even whether you buckle your seatbelt.
In-Cabin Environment: Modern driver-assist features use internal cameras to track your face and eye movements (to detect drowsiness). Microphones continuously listen for voice commands.

Connected Devices: The moment you plug your phone into a USB port or connect via Bluetooth to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, many cars scrape your phone's digital footprint. This includes call logs, text message metadata, contact lists, and calendar events.

App & Infotainment Usage: Which radio stations you listen to, what routes you type into the navigation system, and how often you use specific digital features.

Where Does This Data Go?
Automakers aren't just using this data to improve your vehicle's performance. It has become a highly lucrative secondary revenue stream.

23/05/2026

Greetings from MOTOR

Glad to share our May 2026 issue with you.

கீழே இருக்கும் லிங்க்கை கிளிக் செய்து இம்மாத மோட்டார் இதழை படிக்க வேண்டுகிறோம்

Please click on the link to browse our May edition

https://motormagazine.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Motor_May_2026.pdf

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.

23/05/2026

The organised used vehicle market is evolving fast - and so are GST complexities around it.

Incorrect interpretation, procurement-stage gaps, and confusion around margin taxation can create avoidable disputes for dealerships.

FADA highlights some of the key considerations and takeaways for the industry.

23/05/2026

19/05/2026

18/05/2026

18/05/2026

12/05/2026

We are proud to share that our Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Venu Srinivasan, has been conferred with the CII President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit.

The award was presented by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.

Over the years, Mr. Srinivasan’s steadfast leadership has shaped TVS Motor Company’s journey in immeasurable ways. From embedding a culture of Total Quality Management to steering the company through transformation and growth. His vision helped establish TVS Motor Company as India’s first two-wheeler manufacturer in the world to win the Deming Prize. He also pioneered the Srinivasan Services Trust, the Group’s social service arm that works closely with nearly 2,500 villages across India.

This recognition celebrates a legacy defined by purpose, excellence and long-term impact. We congratulate Mr. Venu Srinivasan on this remarkable recognition and thank him for his leadership and inspiring generations across the industry.



P.C.: Confederation of Indian Industry

12/05/2026

**Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP)**

WLTP is a global laboratory testing standard used to determine the levels of pollutants, CO2 emissions, and fuel consumption of traditional, hybrid, and electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Introduced to replace the outdated New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), it was designed to provide data that more accurately reflects real-world driving conditions.
# # 1. Why was WLTP introduced?
The previous standard (NEDC) was designed in the 1970s and became increasingly obsolete as vehicle technology evolved. The NEDC often produced fuel economy figures that were impossible for drivers to achieve in reality. The WLTP aims to close this gap by implementing more rigorous testing parameters.
# # 2. Key Differences in Testing
WLTP introduces several changes to make the lab test more "dynamic":
* **Higher Speeds:** The average and maximum speeds are higher than in previous tests.
* **Diverse Driving Situations:** It includes four different parts with varying average speeds: low, medium, high, and extra-high to simulate urban, suburban, main road, and motorway driving.
* **Longer Duration:** The test cycle lasts approximately **30 minutes** (up from 20 minutes under NEDC).
* **Realistic Temperatures:** Tests are conducted at more realistic ambient temperatures.
* **Vehicle Weight & Options:** Unlike the old system, WLTP takes into account the influence of optional equipment (like larger wheels or roof racks) that add weight and affect aerodynamics.
# # 3. Impact on Electric Vehicles (EVs)
For electric vehicles, the WLTP is used to calculate the **driving range**.
* **WLTP Range vs. EPA:** Generally, WLTP range figures are more generous than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings but more conservative than the old NEDC ratings.
* **Measurement:** It measures how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) a car consumes per 100 kilometers and determines the maximum distance a car can travel on a single full charge.
# # 4. Complementary Test: RDE
While WLTP is a laboratory test, it is often paired with **RDE (Real Driving Emissions)**. RDE involves fitting a car with a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) and driving it on actual roads to ensure that the lab results for pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) are not exceeded during everyday use.

06/05/2026

# # Understanding Relay Attacks: The Invisible Threat to Modern Cars

As automotive technology has evolved, so have the methods used by car thieves. One of the most prevalent and concerning techniques in the digital age is the **Relay Attack**. This method allows criminals to steal high-end vehicles in under a minute without ever touching the owner's keys or breaking a window.
# # # The Science Behind the Steal
Most modern vehicles use a **Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES)** system. This system works by constantly exchanging low-frequency radio signals between the car and the key fob. When the fob is within a specific range (usually 1–2 meters), the car recognizes the unique digital handshake and unlocks the doors.
In a relay attack, thieves bypass the distance requirement using two simple electronic devices:
1. **The Signal Booster:** One thief stands near your home’s exterior walls or front door, holding a device that "captures" the signal emitted by your key fob inside the house.
2. **The Transmitter:** This signal is instantly relayed to a second thief standing next to the car. The car is "tricked" into thinking the key is right next to the door.
Once the car is unlocked, the thieves use the same relayed signal to activate the push-button start and drive away.
# # # Why is this happening now?
The rise in relay attacks is driven by two factors: **convenience and cost**.
* **Convenience:** Drivers love not having to fumble for keys, but the "always-on" nature of these signals is exactly what thieves exploit.
* **Low Barrier to Entry:** The hardware required to perform a relay attack can be purchased online relatively cheaply, and the process requires very little technical "hacking" skill.
# # # Strategic Defense: Protecting Your Vehicle
While the technology sounds intimidating, preventing a relay attack is surprisingly straightforward.
# # # # 1. Signal Blocking (The Faraday Solution)
The most effective defense is a **Faraday pouch** or box. These are lined with conductive material that creates a "dead zone," preventing any radio frequency from leaving the pouch. When you get home, simply dropping your keys into a Faraday box effectively "hides" them from the thieves' sensors.
# # # # 2. Software & Settings
Check your vehicle's manual or contact your dealer to see if your key fob can be **timed out**. Many manufacturers now include motion sensors in fobs—if the key hasn't moved for five minutes, it stops broadcasting a signal. Additionally, some cars allow you to disable the "keyless" function entirely through the infotainment system.
# # # # 3. Layered Security
Never underestimate the power of physical deterrents. A **steering wheel lock** or a **wheel clamp** acts as a visual and physical barrier. Even if a thief successfully "spoofs" your key signal, they will likely move on to an easier target rather than spend minutes trying to cut through heavy steel.

The relay attack is a classic example of "high-tech" meeting "old-fashioned" theft. By understanding that your car key is essentially a small radio station, you can take simple steps to shield that signal and ensure your vehicle stays exactly where you parked it.