Around 50 percent Indian experience back ache, neck ache and other physical strains, while driving, reveals a research conducted by Citroën India on where and how Indians seek comfort.

Citroën India conducted the research across ten cities in India with total of 1801 respondents from diverse ages and genders.

Citroën India’s ‘Comfortology’ research revealed some fascinating insights to Indians’ comfort levels at varied stages, with larger weightage to mobility. 19% of respondents said their drive to work as ‘the most uncomfortable hour of their day’ because of potholes and jerks, while 29% of respondents admitted that the drive to work is so full of noises and honking from outside, that they can barely concentrate on anything. The research also added that 16% of respondents try to call up their friends and try to catch up; but it is very difficult and uncomfortable because of traffic disturbances.

Citroën India’s ‘Comfortology’ report will be published, in full, in January 2021.

Roland Bouchara, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Citroën India, highlights the objective and a key finding from the research, “Comfort – or its absence – represents a defining element of the driving experience; it is also a key consideration for road users and vehicle purchasers.  This research provides unique insight into how and where Indians seek comfort, with respect to the daily lives, but also with respect to how they travel. Initial findings, for instance, demonstrate the profound impact the pandemic has had on people’s sense and definition of comfort; 25% respondents would have been most comfortable in a private car for short journeys (up to 3km) prior to the pandemic, a figure that has risen to 34% today. Preference for shared/public transport (buses/trains)) has declined from 28% to just 12% in the same period.”

Citroën India’s ‘Comfortology’ research also revealed some fascinating differences between Indians’ comfort levels; nearly a quarter (23%) find working from home (WFM) ‘extremely comfortable’, while a similar proportion (22%) describe it as quite the opposite (‘extremely uncomfortable’). 

In terms of gender, women appeared more comfortable managing the demands of work and home life during confinement than their male counterparts; two thirds (66%) of female respondents were ‘comfortable’ or ‘extremely comfortable’ juggling both responsibilities during COVID-19, compared to just 49% of men.

The findings were published in advance of a detailed report examining the changing nature and sources of comfort in India being published by Citroën India.

The company will launch Citroën C5 Aircross SUV soon in India. . Roland Bouchara reinforced the brand’s link and commitment to comfort and explained that comfort – in all its forms – represented a core value of the brand. “Since 1919, Citroën has been at the forefront of automotive comfort, from the revolutionary ‘Moteur Flottant’ [floating engine] to the innovative Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions. Citroën’s benchmark in comfort is reflected in the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, aimed at bringing unprecedented comfort to every passenger. For us, comfort is a principal consideration for the entire driving experience.  Our designs and features aim to reduce the mental load on the driver, combining clever driver aids with light, spacious cabin formats. All these elements translate into a stress-free travelling environment, innovative solutions and smart technology dedicated to ensuring the well-being of body and mind for all passengers.” (MT)

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AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.

“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.

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French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10^th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.

Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.

During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.

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