BMW Group India Strengthens Its Dealer Network With A New Retail.NEXT Dealership

                                                                                                               
BMW Group India has announced the launch of Deutsche Motoren’s Retail.NEXT showroom in Central Delhi. It is located in Safdarjung Enclave and has Yadur Kapur as the Deutsche Motoren principal.  
Deutsche Motoren has a total of six sales and three service facilities in Delhi and Bengaluru.

Stating that the enduring partnership with BMW Group India is a testament to his company’s shared commitment to excellence and innovation, Kapur commented about the new development: “The success we have witnessed in the Delhi and Bengaluru markets underscores this strong collaboration. With the launch of our new Retail.NEXT showroom in Delhi, we are elevating the luxury automotive retail experience, setting new benchmarks in customer service and engagement. This milestone reaffirms our dedication to providing BMW customers in Delhi with an unparalleled journey of luxury and sophistication."

Set to redefine the automotive retail experience in the luxury automotive segment, Retail.NEXT will blend digital innovation with personalised service, offering a dynamic and engaging environment. The layout features open spaces with minimalist design elements, allowing for an intuitive flow through the showroom.

High-tech digital interfaces are integrated throughout the facility, enabling prospects to explore vehicle features, customize their preferences, and receive tailored recommendations. Additionally, the design incorporates exclusive areas for private consultations and vehicle handovers, ensuring that every interaction is as personalised and memorable as possible. 
“The inauguration of the new Deutsche Motoren Retail.NEXT showroom in Delhi marks a pivotal step in our vision for the future of luxury automotive retail in India. As a key market, Delhi embodies innovation and exclusivity, making it the perfect location to introduce our progressive Retail.NEXT concept. By integrating cutting-edge digital engagement with a sophisticated physical space, we are redefining the dealership experience to be more immersive, seamless, and customer-centric. This milestone reflects our commitment to shaping the future of luxury retail, and we appreciate our strong partnership with Deutsche Motoren in driving this transformation forward,” said Vikram Pawah, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group India, said. 

The ultra-modern showroom is spread over 5,835 sq. ft. and showcases six BMW vehicles from the BMW M, BMW i and BMW portfolio. A dedicated vehicle handover lounge is thoughtfully designed to ensure each customer’s car delivery is a truly memorable experience. Latest range of BMW merchandise and accessories are on display at the lifestyle and accessories zone. The customer interaction lounge offers a relaxed ambience to discuss various aspects of owning a BMW vehicle.
The Customer Consultation Stages are located strategically throughout the showroom. The service consultation takes place where the client wants it and what fits the situation. The unique living room atmosphere and the cozy positioning of the seating close to cars creates a relaxed environment for consultation. Personal Service Advisor (PSA) and BMW Geniuses are equipped with innovative digital sales tools to provide comprehensive information on product features and services.

Further, prospects can also leverage BMW BEVScape - a state-of-the-art, interactive digital tool delivers complete clarity on EV ownership and empowering them to make informed decisions with ease.
 

Kazuyuki Yamashita To Succeed Takanori Suzuki As Suzuki GB Managing Director

Kazuyuki Yamashita To Succeed Takanori Suzuki As Suzuki GB Managing Director

Suzuki GB has announced a leadership transition, with Managing Director Takanori Suzuki set to retire at the end of May 2026. He will be succeeded by Kazuyuki Yamashita, who is joining the UK operation in April after a five-year tenure as Managing Director of Suzuki Deutschland.

Yamashita brings extensive international experience to his new role. He began his career with Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1987, holding various positions at the company’s Hamamatsu head office and across its global network. His leadership portfolio includes serving as Director of Automotive Sales for Suzuki Canada from 2001 to 2006, followed by a six-year term as Managing Director of Suzuki Auto South Africa until 2013. Most recently, he led Suzuki Deutschland from 2021 to 2026.

Takanori Suzuki’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished four-decade career with the corporation. This current term as Managing Director for Suzuki GB and the Republic of Ireland, which spanned three successful years, was his second in the role. He originally headed the Milton Keynes-based headquarters from 2005 to 2010 before returning to Japan to oversee operations for Suzuki Europe, Oceania and Latin America.

Following his retirement at the end of May, Takanori Suzuki will return to Japan. The company has extended its best wishes to him for a long and happy retirement while expressing anticipation for Yamashita’s arrival in UK to lead the next chapter for Suzuki GB.

Honda Cancels North American EV Models Amid Strategy Reassessment

Honda O

Japanese automotive major Honda Motor Co has announced the cancellation of three electric vehicle (EV) models intended for production in North America.

The decision affects the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon and the Acura RSX, which the company stated is due to the changes in the business environment and a reassessment of its electrification strategy.

The company identified several developments impacting its automotive operations:

  • Market Demand: A slowdown in the expansion of the US EV market linked to changes in fuel regulations and revisions to incentives.
  • Trade Policy: The impact of US tariff policies on the profitability of petrol and hybrid vehicle segments.
  • Regional Competition: A decline in product competitiveness in China, where newer manufacturers lead in software-defined vehicle (SDV) technologies and development cycles.
  • Resource Allocation: Challenges in delivering value for money in Asia due to the concentration of resources on EV development.

Honda expects to record write-offs, impairment losses on assets, and expenses related to the cancellation of these models. Total losses associated with the strategy reassessment are estimated to reach a maximum of USD 18.5 billion (YEN 2.5 trillion) in the coming years.

Revised Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending 31 March 2026

Metric (Billion Yen)

Previous Forecast

Revised Forecast

Sales Revenue

21,100

21,100

Operating Profit

550

-570 to -270

Profit Before Taxes

620

-650 to -310

Profit (Parent Owners)

360

-630 to -360

Estimates are preliminary as of 12 March 2026.

Despite the revised earnings, Honda will maintain its dividend forecast based on its dividend on equity (DOE) ratio indicator.

Going forward, Honda will reorganise its framework to focus on hybrid models in the US and Japan. The company intends to expand its model lineup and cost competitiveness in India, where market growth is anticipated.

In response to the financial revisions, executive compensation will be reduced:

  • President and Vice-President: 30 percent reduction of monthly compensation for three months and forfeiture of performance-linked bonuses.
  • Executive Officers: 20 percent reduction of monthly compensation for three months.

Total annual compensation for representative executive officers will decrease by 25 percent to 30 percent.

Tata Motors’ Rajan Sharma Joins JSW Motors As Head Of Strategy & Planning

JSW Motors - Rajan Sharma

Mumbai-based JSW Motors has further strengthened its management team with the onboarding of Rajan Sharma as the Head of Strategy & Planning.

Sharma comes with close to two decades of experience in the automotive industry and experience across sales and strategy.

Prior to joining JSW Motors, Sharma spent two years at Tata Motors as the Head – Sales Planning and was part of the company’s key product launches.

He begin his automotive career at Hyundai Motor India in 2004 and spent over nine years at the South Korean automaker, growing to the rank of Regional Manager for Rajasthan region.

Sharma then went on to have a two-year stint at Cardekho, before joining MG Motor India as the Field Sales Head for South and West Zone.

In his new role, Sharma will focus on accelerating JSW Motors presence in the Indian automotive market as the company gears up to launch a slew of new energy vehicles.

Ferrari Intros 849 Testarossa In India

Ferrari 849 Terratosa

Italian supercar manufacturer Ferrari held its India premiere of the 849 Testarossa at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on 15 March 2026. The event, led by CEO Benedetto Vigna and Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer Enrico Galliera, marked the first national reveal for the manufacturer in its history in India.

The 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid sports berlinetta that replaces the SF90 Stradale at the top of the Ferrari range.

Ferrari reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, which it views as a component of its global strategy. The Italian supercar manufacturer operates retail locations in Mumbai and New Delhi, supported by a service point in Bengaluru. Data from the company indicates that Indian owners are among the youngest globally.

“India is a country that offers a lot of opportunities. It is a young country with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and that energy resonates deeply with Ferrari’s own philosophy of innovation and passion,” said Benedetto Vigna, CEO, Ferrari.

The 849 Testarossa features a mid-rear twin-turbo V8 engine paired with three electric motors. The architecture includes a twin-tail rear design and active spoiler systems.

The supercar integrates electronic control systems, including SSC 9.0, eDiff and ABS Evo. It also features the FIVE vehicle dynamics estimator. The design blends references to Ferrari heritage with the return of the Testarossa name.

FERRARI 849 TESTAROSSA
Feature Specification
Powertrain Twin-turbo V8 with 3 electric motors
Total Power Output 1,050 cv
Transmission 8-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox
0-100 kmph <2.3 seconds
0-200 kmph 6.35 seconds
Maximum Speed >330 kmph
Electric Range 25 km in eDrive mode
Dry Weight 1,570 kg