Mahindra Thar 5-Door

Underage driving is a huge problem in India that children and parents must clearly understand. During the past two years or so, the Indian government has enforced severe penalties that limit this issue not only upon underage drivers but even extend it to hold the parents or guardians liable for the same. Here's what they are and the liabilities of underage driving. What is Underage Driving? The term underage driving is used for those who are below the age to drive. In the case of India, the age one attains to drive also depends on the type of vehicle one is driving.   Age: 16 years: The age for gearless two-wheelers. They must not have an engine capacity of more than 50 cc. 18 years: It applies to all other vehicles with a higher engine capacity like cars, gears, and motorcycles Anyone who drives under this legal age of driving is considered an underage driver. They also attract fees in terms of penalties. Underage Driving Penalties The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 was amended in the year 2019. Under these amended provisions, some stringent punishments have been included against underage drivers. Some of them are as follows:  A fine of Rs. 25,000: Minors driving are liable to face a fine amounting to Rs. 25,000. Imprisonment: The minor may also face up to 3 years of imprisonment. Revocation of the right to drive legally: A minor, once caught, would not be allowed to apply for a driving license before the age of 25, effectively losing the right to legally drive for several years. These punishments are an attempt to deter the juvenile from driving without a valid license. Parental or Guardian Charges Indian law also vindicates the parents or guardians for abating a minor from driving: Fines: Parents/guardians of minors driving can also be fined Rs. 25,000. Imprisonment: Parents can face up to 3 years in prison for this offense. Confiscation of Vehicle: Authorities can confiscate the offending vehicle. Owner Liability: In cases where the car is owned by some other person besides the parent, like a friend or some close relative, then, under the law, the owner of the vehicle may be penalized as well. Why Such Harsh Punishments? The severe punishments are linked to the growing number of road accidents in India as a consequence of underage driving. Underage driving accounted for nearly 1.2% of the road accidents in the country. Underage driving is largely careless, endangering not only the minor but other road users as well. Additional Penalties and Legal Implications Apart from the fine and imprisonment, there are other implications of underage driving: Insurance Claims: When an accident is caused by a minor, the insurance company normally has the right to deny the claims that would be raised on the vehicle's insurance. Most insurance policy provisions contravened since they prohibited driving without having a valid license. Criminal Charges: When accidents cause injuries or death, the minor and his or her parents are likely to be taken for criminal charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. They may even be charged with causing death by negligence (Section 304A of the IPC) when the accident results in death. Preventive Measures Parents and guardians should take preventive measures so that their children do not drive illegally. This may include: Teach children road safety and the consequences of underage driving. Protect keys to your vehicle. Be a good example and obey traffic rules. How to Contest a Penalty In case a challan (fine) has been wrongly issued, the parents can appeal on the Parivahan website via the virtual court feature. They will be allowed to file for an online hearing that will be reviewed by a magistrate to determine whether or not the fine or penalty was issued fairly. Conclusion Underage driving is much more than a mere technical violation. It's a serious safety issue on the roads. It is accompanied by very serious punishment for minors as well as their parents, in the form of heavy fines and imprisonment, both for allowing and indulging in underage driving. All those concerned must understand these laws and steps to avoid such situations. It is through India's new Motor Vehicles Act that the country speaks out strongly; underage driving poses a grave danger and will be dealt with stern punishment to ensure highway safety for all. Also Read: Best Cars for Taxi Business In India

Buying a new car is exhilarating; however, long waiting periods before receiving your vehicle may not be so. In cases of very high demand for a specific model of car, sometimes one needs to wait a little time to get all the manufacturing processes ready, resulting in more time before delivery of one's dream car. Fortunately, this waiting period can be minimised by several practical approaches. Here are some strategies that will help in avoiding having a long waiting period for car delivery: 1. Less Popular Models or Variants Avoid waiting in line for a long time by choosing a less in-demand model or variant. Generally, newer models or popular cars usually consume more time before delivery. Less popular variants or not, the latest models in the line often have relatively shorter waiting times. Inquiry from the dealership about which models are immediately available or those on a relatively shorter waiting list for delivery. 2. Look Around Several Dealerships Every dealer has its ways of doing things; some might have a long waiting list, while others may have a car that you want in stock. Expanding your search around dealerships may greatly reduce waiting time. The best scenario is if they have unsold inventory or if they had customers who cancelled at the last minute, which you could take advantage of. Checking with dealerships in neighboring cities or regions could help you have quicker options for delivery. 3. Choose Pre-Owned or Demo Cars Buying a demo or used car lets the market become more flexible to you, especially if you're amenable to flexibility. Those cars usually offer free delivery and are normally sold at a relatively lower price. Demo cars, which are driven by people who test drive a car, most times are in nearly new condition but are sold at a discounted price. This may be a good option if one is desperate to avoid waiting while getting an otherwise quality vehicle. 4. Color and Features Can Be Flexible Waiting time is sometimes due to special colour choices, features, or special package options. The most common colours: black, white, and silver, are usually in stock as car dealerships usually place mass orders for them. If you are willing to compromise a couple of your high-feature options, for example, a sunroof or special upholstery, you may get the car sooner. The possible variants of the same model opened for it could therefore reduce delivery time. 5. Order During Off-Peak Periods Car dealerships and manufacturers also witness a rush during festivals, the closing days of financial years, or during big-ticket promotions. Their waiting periods might exceed the general waiting periods then. You can book your car during times when people are less likely to consider a switch, such as mid-year or when festivals are not about to be celebrated. Booking might just help you avoid long queues and also give you better bargains on the price. 6. Make Use of Financing Options Ahead of Time This sometimes causes delays in car financing because of the financial processing steps, such as getting approval for the car loan. This factor is quite easy to overcome by getting pre-approved financing so that the booking process will be hastened for the dealer to process it as soon as possible. Having your paper ready and in advance helps prevent last-minute hiccups. 7. Cars in Transit Sometimes you can take delivery from dealerships from cars already in transit to the showroom, from which you can often receive them much more quickly than if they had to order them from the factory. Ask your dealer whether any such cars are en route, and if so, whether they fit your requirements; you may be able to obtain one much more quickly than you anticipated. 8. Keep Following Up with Your Dealer However, after you have made a reservation for your car, stay in close communication with the dealership. It is thought that dealers place a higher priority on follow-up customers. If there has been a cancellation, or if there has been accelerated delivery, an aggressive approach will drive you home in your car much sooner than expected. You may also request status updates on the manufacturing or shipping status of your vehicle to know where your car is. 9. Explore Low or Even Little Known Brands Some luxury or highly in-demand car brands have long waiting lists, whereas smaller or more niche brands carry their stock with much shorter waiting periods. So if you are willing to look outside the box at less prominent brands, you will be likely to be offered a car when you need it, or potentially one that's available sooner. 10. Dealer Deals and Special Offers Sometimes, the dealers offer promotions based on delivery preferences for some models. Monitoring the dealership offers will also give an advantage. Special packages or special time offers may have quicker delivery when dealerships are looking for easier ways to clear the stock they have before certain deadlines or even reach their quota of sales. Conclusion Long waiting periods for a car are stressful, but with good planning, it is indeed possible to reduce the waiting period and drive away with your new car sooner rather than later. Flexibility while choosing the car will also help, as will visiting multiple dealerships, considering some used ones, and avoiding complacency. You could also take advantage of low-demand periods for a new car as well as in-stock models. With this planning, the new car will be taken home soon. Also Read: Low-Maintenance Luxury Cars in India

Interestingly, the Mahindra Thar Roxx sold for the first time at an auction for a whopping Rs 1.31 crore. The winner, Aakash Minda, is no stranger to the limelight, having bagged the first Mahindra Thar 3-door back in 2020 when he emerged as the highest bidder for Rs 1.11 crore. This time Minda won the first-ever Thar Roxx, VIN 0001, in a similar auction organized between September 15 and 16, 2024. Mahindra formally handed over the Nebula Blue SUV to Minda on October 8, 2024, in New Delhi. What Makes Thar Roxx Special? This SUV is based on the top-spec AX7 L Diesel AT 4x4, featuring a 2.2-litre diesel engine that churns out 172bhp and 370Nm of torque. It comes along with a 6-speed automatic transmission mated to an all-4-wheel drive system, making this beast suitable for city streets as well as off-road adventures. The Thar Roxx VIN 0001 is unique in these features. It even flaunts a Nebula Blue exterior, a badge with Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra's signature, and many luxury tech commodities. Features come in the form of dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and driver display, auto air-conditioning, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 6-way powered driver's seat. As for the safety point, this car features 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, and advanced ADAS. Regarding consumers who are looking for a safety-centered car, this is the one for sure. Why the Price Tag? The price is hefty, Rs 1.31 crore, but the exclusivity of the car, along with the top-grade features of the vehicle and the legacy of Mahindra's Thar series, justifies the price. This time, though, it is not about the car, it is for a cause. All the money that will be generated out of this auction will go to the Naandi Foundation, which empowers women through education and livelihood support. Mahindra will match it as well, thereby doubling the impact of this particular auction for this meaningful cause. Commenting on the new acquisition, Aakash Minda said, "Winning the first Thar in 2020 was a dream come true, and to own the first ever Thar Roxx in 2024 will strengthen my bond with this legacy of iconic SUVs even more. What makes this moment special is that it is a humanity-driven initiative where the proceeds go to a good social cause. Legacy And Charity This follows a similar path to the very first Thar 3-door model, which was also auctioned for charity in 2020. A commitment to using these special launches to support social causes has added some emotional and ethical value to the brand, thus making a buyer like Minda who buys for exclusivity and philanthropy. The Mahindra Thar Roxx, being sold for Rs 1.31 crore, is more than a top-of-the-line SUV, it's about being part of something well and long-standing and contributing to a larger good. In this VIN 0001 status, the features in the Thar Roxx make it much more than just a vehicle, as it can become the symbol of Mahindra's evolution in innovation and social commitment. Also Read: Mahindra XUV 700 EV: Hot Details

Mahindra & Mahindra is soon to introduce its all-new XUV range to the Indian market. This new series will include a slew of electric cars which will be based on the INGLO platform. Among these will be an electric iteration of the popular XUV 700 SUV which is currently on sale in the Indian market at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The upcoming XUV 700 EV will be called XUV.e8 and is expected to be launched in early 2025. Curious to know more? Check out more details about the Mahindra XUV.e8 electric SUV! Mahindra XUV.e8 (XUV 700 EV): Visual Appeal The brand is currently testing the XUV.e8 and the test mule has given us enough ideas about its exterior design elements. Previous sightings have confirmed that the XUV.e8 will have a similar visual appeal to the XUV 700. From the design perspective, the XUV 700 EV will have a closed-off front grille, a large light bar running the entire width of the front end, triangular headlamps, newly designed alloy wheels, and reworked tail lamps. In terms of dimensions, it will be 4740 mm in length, 1900 mm in width and 1760 mm in height, having a wheelbase of 2762 mm. Premium Features Mahindra has already revealed a few interior features of the upcoming XUV.e8. For instance, it will get an octagonal two-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, outshining the three-spoke steering wheel offered in the standard XUV 700. Another notable feature is the availability of a large 3-screen setup on the dashboard comprising infotainment, an instrument cluster, and a dedicated screen for the front passenger. Previous spy shots have also confirmed a conventional automatic gear selector on a centre console and a second dial to switch between drive modes. Other noteworthy features include dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, advanced connected features, and ventilated seats, among others. Platform, Battery, Range Mahindra is going to use the all-new INGLO platform for its upcoming electric SUVs. This platform is capable of delivering great efficiency, speed, and safety. Further, the INGLO platform supports both Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) options. As for the battery, the XUV.e8 is expected to have two battery pack choices - 60 kWh to 80 kWh. These battery units could offer a range of up to 400 km to 450 km. The electric SUV could come with a single and dual-motor setup. Price, Rivals The electric avatar of the XUV 700 is expected to launch in early 2025, most probably at the Bharat Mobility Show which will be held between 17th to 22nd January 2025. The XUV.e8 could be priced from Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). BYD Atto 3 will be its strongest rival. Upon launch, it will be served as a premium alternative to the Hyundai Kona EV and MG ZS EV. Also Read: Tata Harrier, Safari to Get Petrol, Electric Powertrains