JUNE 20249VIVO TO DOMESTICALLY MANUFACTURE FOLDABLE PHONESAfter achieving the top position in the Indian smartphone market in Q1, Chinese smartphone brand Vivo is set to launch its first-ever foldable smartphone in India. The device, named XFold3 Pro, aims to capture a share of the country's rapidly growing premium segment, directly competing with industry giants like Samsung and Apple.The XFold3 Pro will be assembled in India, utilizing some locally sourced materials at Vivo's new 170-acre factory, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of June. Scheduled for an early June launch, this foldable smartphone will be Vivo's first product priced over 1 lakh, positioning it against Samsung's fifth-generation foldables and other high-end offerings from brands like OnePlus and Tecno."These numbers also say you are getting the trust of consumers. We did not want to launch anything just for the sake of launching. Premium customers are looking not just for a product. They are looking for an experience. They are looking for a brand they can trust," said Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India. He emphasized that Vivo's customers are now ready to follow the brand into higher price segments.For its first foldable smartphone in India, Vivo has focused on enhancing the device's crucial hinge component and overall design, making it lighter and slimmer than its competitors. The XFold3 Pro adopts a book-shaped form factor similar to Samsung's flagship foldable, reflecting Vivo's commitment to delivering a premium user experience. By improving the hinge and optimizing the design, Vivo aims to provide a sophisticated, high-quality product that meets the expectations of discerning customers in the premium segment. This strategic move highlights Vivo's ambition to solidify its presence and expand its influence in the Indian smartphone market. MG MOTORS & HPCL TO BOOST EV ACCESSIBILITY ALONG HIGHWAYSMG Motor India has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) to significantly enhance the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across India. This collaboration aims to install 50kW and 60kW DC fast chargers at key locations along highways and within cities, providing greater convenience to EV users during long-distance and intercity travel.The partnership involves the installation of high-capacity DC fast chargers at strategic locations nationwide, targeting both highways and urban areas. These chargers will be placed at HPCL's fuel stations, leveraging the company's extensive network. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by EV owners in finding reliable charging points, especially during long trips. By increasing the availability of fast chargers, MG and HPCL aim to make EV adoption more practical and convenient for users.MG Motor India's Chief Growth Officer, Gaurav Gupta, highlighted the importance of HPCL's vast network in ensuring that EV users have easy access to charging solutions. HPCL's Chief General Manager of Highway Retailing, Rajdip Ghosh, emphasized the company's dedication to providing green fuel options and supporting sustainable initiatives. Furthermore, HPCL aims to install a total of 5,000 EV charging stations by December 2024, significantly contributing to the country's EV infrastructure. This partnership with MG Motor India is expected to boost the utilization of these chargers, given MG's growing base of EV users.The collaboration will enhance the EV charging ecosystem, encouraging more consumers to switch to electric vehicles by addressing range anxiety and improving charging accessibility. By focusing on highways and intercity routes, the partnership ensures that EV users can plan long-distance journeys without worrying about charging availability. The increased infrastructure support will likely accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India, contributing to the country's goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. TOP STORIES
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