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Nissan will commence with their test runs for the new Nissan Leaf in India by end of this year with a possible launch sometime next year.

The GST council has increased the cess rate on larger and mid-sized cars in India. Smaller cars with petrol engines upto 1200 cc and diesel engines upto 1500 cc have not been changed as expected. The GST rates for small cars continues to stay at 43%(28% GST+15% Cess) while a new mid size segment for cars has been created with a new total GST rate of 45%(28% GST+17% Cess). Luxury cars that are not SUVs have also been given a separate segment with a new GST rate of 48%(28% GST+20% Cess) while the SUV segment takes the worst brunt of the new decision with GST rates now pegged at an even 50%(28% GST+22% Cess). Essentially, rates for mid-size cars are up b5 2%, luxury cars are up by 5% and SUVs are up by 7%.

Just days before the Frankfurt Motor Show scheduled to start next week, BMW has dropped a teaser of an all-new 'i' concept that just might preview the long awaited 'i5' mid-size electric sedan and is being touted to be a Tesla Model 3 rival. However, reports suggest that the teased model will make its debut as a 'BMW Vision Concept', and won't be referenced with the i5 moniker.

The 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift spotted in India is the hybrid model which is probably here for R&D purpose. Maruti Suzuki India will will the new-gen Swift in India early next year.

The next big launch from Audi India will be the Audi A5. The Audi A5 coming to India is the second generation model and will be offered in two body types - Cabriolet and Sportback.

As the Lincoln brand rolls out redesigned versions of its existing models and introduces at least one new model, it is planning to introduce plug-in hybrid versions of those vehicles, beginning with the redesigned MKC crossover and the new Aviator crossover in 2019.

Tata Motors would use current or future internal combustion platforms to integrate with electric technology. Unlike Jaguar that has introduced a brand new and standalone platform that will underpin the I-Pace, Tata Motors will not have a standalone electric car platform. This platform integration is mainly due to the fact that Tata Motors would have had to invest a huge amount of money into a brand new standalone platform - money that they do not currently have. The new AMP platform will also most likely be used on electric cars in the future even though the first car on this platform is said to be a premium hatchback that will be launched in 2019.

Earlier this year, Tata Motors announced a plan to consolidate vehicle platforms from the current 6 to a mere 2 in the next few years. Each of these platforms would have multiple top structures and the platform will be adaptable to various lengths, widths, suspension setups and even wheelbase differences. The first platform of the two will be called AMP or Advanced Modular Platform and will be used for the next generation of hatchback and sedan applications along with new SUV applications. The first Tata Motors car based on the AMP platform will be launched in 2019 and will most likely be a larger premium hatchback.