Suzuki Unveils First Electric Vehicle, the e-VITARA, in Europe

Key Takeaways from Suzuki Motors First EV:

• Production of the e-VITARA will begin in spring 2025 at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India, with sales expected to start in Europe, India, and Japan by summer 2025.
• The e-VITARA is inspired by the concept model showcased at the Auto Expo in January 2023, blending advanced BEV technology with SUV characteristics.
• It includes an electric 4WD system for off-road capability, a new BEV-specific platform, and a rugged yet high-tech design, featuring large tires and a modern, adventure-ready interior.

The e-VITARA is expected to begin production in India at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in spring 2025, with sales set to start in Europe, India, and Japan by summer 2025.

The e-VITARA is based on the concept model "eVX," which was first shown at the Auto Expo in India in January 2023. The vehicle aims to combine the advanced technology of a BEV with the robust qualities of an SUV. Key features of the model include an electric 4WD system for off-road performance and a newly developed platform specifically designed for BEVs. 

The design of the e-VITARA reflects the theme "High-Tech & Adventure," offering a modern, cutting-edge feel while maintaining the ruggedness of an SUV. It boasts large tires, a long wheelbase, and a high-tech interior, making it a versatile and powerful addition to Suzuki’s global electric vehicle lineup.

About Maruti Suzuki Limited:

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, is India’s largest passenger car manufacturer. Known for pioneering the automobile revolution in India, MSIL started with the iconic Maruti 800 and now offers a diverse range of 16 car models, including small cars like Alto and luxury sedans like Ciaz. The company also engages in pre-owned car sales, fleet management, and car financing. MSIL operates manufacturing facilities in Gurgaon and Manesar, Haryana, with a state-of-the-art R&D centre in Rohtak. The company’s shares are listed on the NSE and BSE, with Suzuki Motor Corporation holding a 56.2% equity stake.

Key Takeaways from RVNL Contract Win:

• Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) secures the lowest bid (L1) for an EPC contract from South Central Railway.
• The contract involves doubling the railway tracks between Parbhani and Parli stations (58.06 km) in Maharashtra, including electrification and signalling.
• The total value of the project is ₹625.08 crore, including GST.
• RVNL is expected to complete the project within 30 months.

The contract is for the doubling of railway tracks between Parbhani and Parli stations (58.06 km) in Maharashtra, including electrification and signalling works.

The total value of the project is Rs 625.08 crore (including GST). The company is expected to complete the project within 30 months. 

About Rail vikas Nigam Limited:

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is a public sector undertaking established to enhance the infrastructure of Indian Railways. Since its formation, RVNL has completed over 150 railway projects and expanded its scope to include various infrastructure projects both domestically and internationally. Its primary objectives are to fast-track project execution, mobilise financial resources, and maintain high technical standards while ensuring cost-effective operations. RVNL is also involved in creating Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for specific projects and is responsible for their commercialisation. Additionally, it operates on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, generating revenue through access charges paid by the Ministry of Railways.

Key Takeaways from the Partnership

• L&T will acquire a 21% equity stake in E2E Networks, supporting deeper collaboration in cloud and AI solutions.
• The partnership will advance the use of GenAI solutions in Indian industries, enabling organisations to deploy self-adapting AI software and leverage cloud GPUs for enhanced machine learning and deep learning.
• E2E Networks' platforms, in conjunction with L&T's expertise, will accelerate digital adoption across various industries, with a focus on sustainable and scalable cloud solutions.

This collaboration will enable organisations to leverage cutting-edge Cloud GPUs and AI solutions for deploying adaptive AI software. As part of this alliance, L&T will acquire a 21% equity stake in E2E Networks through primary and secondary transactions, underscoring its commitment to digital transformation and cloud innovation.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Tarun Dua, Chairman and Managing Director of E2E Networks, said, “The strategic collaboration between E2E Networks and L&T marks a significant milestone for the future of adoption of domestically built HyperScaler Cloud Platforms in India. The partnership marks the next step in the journey towards ‘Make in India’ for running production-grade traditional CPU workloads and GPU-led GenAI innovation in India. The narrative in India has changed from being viewed as a digital colony to that of evolving into a provider of sovereign cloud platforms to the world.” 

Ms Seema Ambastha, Chief Executive of L&T Data Center and Cloud Business, highlighted the importance of the partnership, commenting, “Collaborating with E2E Networks allows us to offer our clients seamless, scalable and secure cloud experiences. By combining our capabilities, we are delivering a cloud ecosystem designed for businesses in India that want to drive growth, optimise costs and unlock the full potential of AI and digital transformation.” 

Through this partnership, L&T will integrate E2E Networks’ Cloud and AI Cloud platforms with its data centre and cloud management expertise to facilitate accelerated computing across a wide range of sectors. The initiative aims to foster a technology-driven, sustainable future for startups and established enterprises, offering advanced solutions for a streamlined AI adoption journey.

About E2E Networks Limited

E2E Networks, listed on the NSE, is a trusted name in cloud computing and AI solutions in India, serving a broad range of clients, including educational institutions, enterprises, and AI/ML startups. E2E’s AI/ML platform TIR and cloud GPUs such as NVIDIA A100, H100, and H200 highlight the company’s focus on high-performance cloud solutions for data-driven innovation.

About L&T Technology Services Limited

L&T Technology Services LTTS Limited is a well-known engineering and technology services company that operates in more than 25 countries with revenues well over USD 1.2 billion annually. Its origins are part of the glorious Larsen & Toubro group but now focuses purely on delivering innovative solutions in practically all industries. It owns a highly skilled workforce amounting to 23,700 professionals committed to not only sustainability in engineering but also tailor-made solutions to satisfy customers' needs. The company has a sole focus on changing and embracing the future and through technology it is there to benefit everybody. Not for expertise but also for the commitment to partnership and excellence in engineering that sets LTTS apart.

Key Takeaways from ICICI Lombard Investment:

• ICICI Lombard has acquired shares in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys Limited in the ordinary course of business.
• As of November 4, 2024, the company holds a 0.03% stake in TCS and a 0.05% stake in Infosys.
• The cost of the TCS acquisition was Rs 3.20 billion, bringing the total investment to Rs 3.32 billion. For Infosys, the cost was Rs 3.03 billion, with a cumulative investment of Rs 3.09 billion.

The company acquired shares of both IT giants in the ordinary course of business, with cash consideration for the transactions.

As of November 4, 2024, ICICI Lombard has acquired a 0.03% stake in TCS and 0.05% in Infosys. The acquisition cost for TCS is Rs 3.20 billion, bringing the cumulative investment to Rs 3.32 billion, while the cost for Infosys is Rs 3.03 billion, with a cumulative investment of Rs 3.09 billion.

About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited:

ICICI Lombard General Insurance is one of India's leading private sector insurers, offering a wide range of coverage including motor, health, travel, home, and student insurance. Committed to making a positive impact, the company integrates its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. ICICI Lombard’s CSR focus includes preventive healthcare, road safety, education, sustainable livelihoods, and disaster support. The company has been recognised with multiple awards for its CSR efforts, such as the ICONIC Platinum Award and the Vigyan Bhawan National CSR Award. ICICI Lombard is driven by its philosophy of "Nibhaye Vaade," supporting socio-economic development across India.