Author: Ranbir Singh Maan

The era of “aesthetic-first” automotive design is hitting a major roadblock in the world’s largest car market. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has recently moved to finalize Mandatory National Standard GB 11557-202X, a regulation that effectively signals the death knell for yoke-style steering wheels and powered flush door handles in the region. The message from Beijing is clear: If a design choice complicates emergency response or driver control, it’s out. The End of the Yoke? For years, the “aircraft-style” yoke was the calling card of futuristic EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lexus RZ. However,…

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has opened the new year on a high note, posting a 25% year-on-year (YoY) increase in SUV sales for January 2026. The automaker moved 63,510 units this month, a significant jump from the 50,659 vehicles sold during the same period in 2025. This performance underscores the success of Mahindra’s aggressive “SUV-first” roadmap, with the bulk of the volume driven by its core heavy-hitters. Portfolio Performance Breakdown The Powerhouses (Scorpio & Thar): The Scorpio/N franchise remains the brand’s primary engine of growth, finding favor in both metro cities and the hinterlands. Meanwhile, the Thar continues to dominate…