BMW Group India Records Highest-Ever Annual Sales In CY2025

BMW India

BMW Group India has recorded its highest annual sales to date, delivering 18,001 cars in CY2025, which marks a 14 percent YoY growth.

Within the car portfolio, BMW delivered 17,271 units, while the MINI brand accounted for 730 units. Additionally, BMW Motorrad delivered 5,841 motorcycles.

The company maintained double-digit growth for the fourth consecutive year, with the fourth quarter (October – December) reaching a peak of 6,023 units, a 17 percent increase. During the year, the group launched 20 products across its three brands, including the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, the new X3 and the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure motorcycle.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “2025 has been a record-breaking year for BMW Group India with highest-ever sales till date. We crossed the 18,000 units mark in car sales and the fact that we are growing very strongly at 14 percent, above the average growth rate of luxury segment, reflects the strong aspiration and trust that our valued customers have in our brands. Sales are growing across segments, whether it is internal combustion engines or electric vehicles, SAVs or sedan or long wheelbase models. Our lead in luxury electric segment is not only progressing sustainable mobility but also unlocking the potential for increasing the size of luxury car market in India. Going forward, we will keep our focus on what differentiates us – sheer driving pleasure, unparalleled customer centricity and a robust dealer network which delivers JOY at each step of interaction with our customers.”

Electric vehicle (EV) sales saw a 200 percent increase, with 3,753 units delivered. EVs now represent 21 percent of the company's total sales, up from 8 percent in the previous year. The BMW iX1 was the best-selling model in the premium EV segment. To support this growth, the company provides access to over 6,000 charging points through various partnerships and has implemented infrastructure initiatives such as ‘Smart E-Routing’ and ‘Charging Concierge.’

Long Wheelbase (LWB) models grew by 162 percent, totalling 8,608 units, and now comprise 50 percent of BMW’s car sales. The BMW 3 Series remained the highest-selling sedan in its category. In the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment, sales rose by 22 percent to 10,748 units, with the BMW X1 and X5 leading the volume.

BMW Motorrad's performance was led by the G 310 RR, which saw a 24 percent increase in deliveries. The high-performance motorcycle segment also grew by 7 percent, with demand concentrated on the S 1000 RR and the GS series.

The group currently operates 97 touchpoints across 40 cities under its ‘Retail.NEXT’ concept. Plans for 2026 include the addition of 19 outlets in 18 cities to expand the retail network. Financing for these vehicles is managed through BMW India Financial Services, which offers buy-back schemes and flexible instalment options to facilitate ownership.

Bentley Motors Welcomes Priyanka Chopra Jonas As Global Brand Ambassador

Bentley Motors Welcomes Priyanka Chopra Jonas As Global Brand Ambassador

Bentley Motors has kicked off a new collaboration by introducing Priyanka Chopra Jonas as its latest global brand ambassador. The announcement arrives with a campaign set to launch this weekend. Audiences can expect a complementary film in the near future, featuring the actor and producer speaking openly to the camera about her personal journey, professional milestones and artistic point of view, all supported by a fresh collection of still photography.

The actress now joins an expanding lineup of Bentley’s global representatives. Among them are Co-Creative Directors Greg Williams and Mai Ikuzawa, who were brought into the fold by the British automaker last September. This growing circle reflects the brand’s effort to build connections with influential creative figures across different industries.

For nearly 25 years, Priyanka’s wide-ranging body of work has held the attention of audiences around the world. She is recognised not only as a film industry standout and producer but also as a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and investor. In her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she has become known for championing education and children’s welfare, leveraging her fame to bring about real world change.

Shot in a natural, documentary like manner at Sony Studios in Los Angeles, the upcoming film creates an intimate setting for a conversational back and forth between Priyanka and Greg. Viewers gain a more personal window into her life and creative thinking. She expresses a deep affection for the energy of a working set and the unexpected artistic moments that can arise during a day of performing and producing, with a Bentley Continental GT subtly present throughout the scene.

Priyanka said, “I’ve always been drawn to Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship and storytelling, because there’s an intentionality behind every detail that feels rare. As someone who lives for the creative energy of being on set, this collaboration felt instinctive. It’s about shared values, but also about a shared appreciation for the process behind what we create.”

Ben Whattam, Marketing Director, Bentley Motors, said, “Priyanka brings a fresh energy and authentic perspective that aligns with Bentley. The film’s relaxed style allows her voice and personality to come through naturally, creating something more authentic than traditional advertising.”

Maruti Suzuki’s Female Workforce Surpasses 1,300 Following Manufacturing Hiring Drive

Maruti Suzuki’s Female Workforce Surpasses 1,300 Following Manufacturing Hiring Drive

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has actively advanced gender diversity over the past two years. The company deliberately raised female recruitment for vehicle assembly and engine transmission positions at its Gurugram and Manesar plants. These women handle critical tasks in production and quality assurance, where attention to detail is paramount.

Their training and skill enhancement opportunities mirror those given to male employees, ensuring equal access to career growth. Through this approach, the firm guarantees that women on the shopfloor receive identical on-the-job development and pathways for professional advancement.

Within a single year, Maruti Suzuki brought on over 190 women for its manufacturing floor, pushing its total female workforce across all departments past the 1,300 mark. This steady increase highlights the organisation’s broader commitment to inclusion in industrial operations.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “We have always had a good representation of women across diverse functions like Engineering, Marketing & Sales, Finance, Legal, Logistics and Supply Chain. However, real integration happens on the shopfloor when they work on building high-quality vehicles with precision and care. It is my personal wish to strengthen women representation at the shopfloor.

“To achieve this mission, we have carefully created an eco-system that supports women at shopfloor. A detailed study was undertaken to understand the requirements, and specific infrastructure changes were made on the shop floor to ensure their convenience and security. Infrastructure such as adequate restrooms, changing area, creche and safety support in the form of guards on duty and patrolling during evening shift were introduced. Furthermore, sensitisation training for other team members was initiated to bring a positive shift in mindset and openness to promote an inclusive work culture. We mandate 100 percent employee participation in POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) training to cultivate sensitisation and a safe work environment.”

Lucid Group Appoints Silvio Napoli As Chief Executive Officer

Silvio Napoli

American technology and automotive company Lucid Group has announced the appointment of Silvio Napoli as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of the Board of Directors.

He previously served as the Chairman and CEO of Schindler Group and will now relocate from Switzerland to the United States to assume the role. Marc Winterhoff, who has been serving as the interim CEO, will transition to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) once Napoli takes office.

Napoli joins the EV manufacturer following a career focused on industrial technology and global manufacturing. During his tenure at Schindler Group, he managed international operations and oversaw the transition of industrial models toward technology-enabled and service-oriented frameworks. His appointment coincides with Lucid's efforts to scale production of the Lucid Gravity SUV and the Lucid Air sedan, while developing its forthcoming midsize vehicle platform.

The leadership transition is intended to support Lucid's objectives regarding manufacturing discipline, capital allocation and the pursuit of revenue streams from autonomous technology and software. The company is currently focused on achieving positive free cash flow and profitability as it expands its product portfolio and scales its operational infrastructure.

Turqi Alnowaiser, Chairman of the Lucid Board of Directors, said, "On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to welcome Silvio as Lucid's next CEO. Silvio is a proven global leader with deep experience leading complex, technology‑driven organisations through periods of rapid growth and operational scaling. He brings a strong track record of global manufacturing excellence, operational discipline, driving growth across global markets and leading state-of-the-art customer service. His expertise in capital allocation, operational efficiency and translating advanced technology into consistent high-quality performance over time will be critical as Lucid continues to scale and execute its strategy. I would also like to thank Marc for his leadership as Interim CEO during a pivotal period for the company. Under Marc's stewardship, Lucid expanded and sharpened its strategy, strengthened execution and operational discipline, and led the business through an exceptionally challenging environment while maintaining momentum. We are fortunate to have his continued leadership as COO."

Marc Winterhoff, stated, "The past year has been an important period of progress for Lucid, and I'm proud of the work the team has done to strengthen our operations and execution. We have laid out a clear vision and enhanced strategy, and I look forward to continuing that work alongside Silvio."

Silvio Napoli, adeed, "Lucid has established a strong foundation built on technology leadership and an expanding product portfolio, including Lucid Air, Lucid Gravity, and the upcoming midsize vehicles. Working with Marc and the executive team, my focus will be on consistent execution, financial discipline and helping translate Lucid's breakthrough innovations into long-term value."

Indian Automotive Records Wholesales Peak Across Segments In FY 2025-26

SIAM Sales

The Indian automotive industry concluded FY2025-26 with record-breaking results, with every vehicle category clocking its highest-ever annual sales, as per data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

For FY2026, a total of 28 million vehicles were sold across segments in the country, clocking a 10 percent YoY growth, as compared to 26 million vehicles a year ago. The robust performance was seen in passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers, all achieving peak volumes, marking a definitive recovery 7 years after the previous industry high.

The passenger vehicle segment recorded sales of 4.64 million units for the full year, representing a growth of 7.9 percent. This performance was bolstered by a strong second half, which saw a 16.7 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Growth was supported by GST rate reductions, personal income tax relief and lower financing costs resulting from repo rate cuts by the RBI.

Notably, electric passenger vehicle registrations rose by more than 80 percent. Exports in this segment reached 905,000 units, a 17.5 percent increase, with demand remaining steady in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Commercial vehicles also reached a milestone with 1.08 million units sold, growing by 12.6 percent. The rollout of GST 2.0 reforms and increased capital expenditure provided the impetus for fleet operators to purchase new vehicles. In Q4 alone, the segment grew by 18.9 percent to 325,000 units.

Two and Three-Wheeler Momentum

The two-wheeler segment surpassed its previous peak from FY 2018-19, clocking 20.17 million units in FY2026, marking a 10.7 percent annual growth, primarily led by urban demand. Exports for two-wheelers reached a record 5.18 million units.

On the other hand, three-wheelers posted a growth of 12.8 percent with 836,000 units sold, driven by increased economic activity and the expansion of electric autorickshaws. Exports in the three-wheeler segment grew by 50.1 percent, largely due to increased volumes to Sri Lanka and African nations.

Market Outlook and Challenges

While the industry remains optimistic for FY2026-27, several global uncertainties persist. Fluctuations in crude oil and commodity prices, disruptions in shipping routes, and exchange rate volatility linked to the West Asia conflict remain primary concerns for manufacturers.

Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM, said, “Though FY2025-26 started modestly, the Indian Auto industry has closed the year on a high note with every vehicle category viz. passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers, together posting their highest ever sales in a Financial Year, after seven years. The strong contributors to this growth have been the positive sentiments created through GST 2.0 reforms and multiple Repo Rate cuts during the year. Looking ahead, domestic demand and macroeconomic fundamentals remain robust as we step into FY2026-27, which should aid steady growth for the industry. However, uncertainties arising from the West Asia conflict need to be closely monitored, as it may have impacts on production, commodity prices, fuel prices, freight rates and the overall economy.”

Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM, stated, “Each of the vehicle category, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three wheelers and two wheelers posted their highest ever sales in the January to March Quarter with double digit growth compared to previous year’s quarter. In Q4 of 2025-26, passenger vehicles posted sales of 1.31 million units with a growth of 13.2 percent, commercial vehicles posted sales of 325,000 units with a growth of 18.9 percent, three-wheelers posted sales of 227,000 units with a growth of 26.7 percent and two-wheelers posted sales of 5.77 million units with a growth of 26.4 percent, compared to Q4 of 2024-25.”