Meta Materials Circular Markets (MMCM) organised a conference at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 18 December 2023. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, unveiled the DigiELV online platform as well as the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator. 
MMCM's Automotive Circularity Orchestrator addresses global environmental concerns by helping collaboration for eco-friendly alternatives. It connects consumers, manufacturers and recyclers to promote sustainability and facilitates seamless data as well as material exchanges. 
The DigiELV online platform – authorised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) – aids lawful trading of Certificate of Deposit (CD) for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). It ensures transparency and rewards sustainable efforts of ELV owners. In the beta phase, the DigiELV platform facilitated trading of more than 800 certificates in the past three months.
Besides the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator and DigiELV, the MMCM also introduced a public educational series on benefits of vehicle scrapping during the programme. The series was shown at the conference to those present and turned out to be quite engaging in the booklet form. It included cartoon stories for kids to encourage parents to take a sustainable action on their vehicles in terms of their scrappage at the end of their life. 
Organised in collaboration with the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) and the Policy Times Chamber of Commerce (PTCC), the conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss not just about the DigiELV or the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator but also about the ELV Policy, certificate of deposits, CD Trading, lawful ELV scrapping, need for material traceability and carbon emission reduction through vehicle scrappage waste recycle/circular economy. The launch edition made efforts to spread awareness about vehicle modernisation programme, CD trading on DigiELV and the role of the Auto Circularity Orchestrator in environmental sustainability. 
"The launch of platforms like DigiELV and Automotive Circularity Orchestrator aligns with our commitment to reducing pollution and moving towards sustainable mobility,” said Gadkari 
Gadkari emphasised on moving ahead with the 3E concept, which stands for ecology, environment and economics. He mentioned that the scrappage policy will reduce environmental pollution by approximately 20-25 percent. 
Nitin Chitkara, CEO, MMCM, averred, "Around eight percent of India's total GHG emissions come from the transport sector, and in Delhi it exceeds 30 percent. The 2021 Vehicle Scrappage Policy is a crucial step toward systematically phasing out unfit cars and promoting technologically advanced vehicles to reduce pollution. Our solutions, DigiELV and the Automotive Circularity Orchestrator, aim to revolutionise the automotive industry by promoting sustainability and addressing the pressing issue of automotive pollution.” 
There was no standard scrapping facility available. After the introduction of this, cars would be scrapped properly. Consumers in-turn will benefit by receiving a certificate recognised by the government which they can use to avail a discount on road tax as well as registration fees when buying a new car, he added.

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The Sriperumbudur facility of Hyundai Motor India Limited has been honoured with the Tamil Nadu State Level Safety Award for 2022 by the state’s Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH). The prestigious award was presented by Minister for Labour Welfare & Skill Development C V Ganesan and DISH Director Anand to senior company executives Mukundan M S and Senthil Kumar R M. This accolade, granted in the Large-Scale Industry category, acknowledges Hyundai’s ongoing dedication to exceptional safety performance, marked by a notable decline in incident rates and a systematic focus on risk mitigation.

Operating in India for over 30 years, the plant has consistently fostered a robust safety culture through comprehensive initiatives. This includes implementing widespread safety campaigns, establishing diligent monitoring protocols and driving continuous improvement programmes. The company’s approach integrates rigorous processes, proactive assessments and regular training aligned with international benchmarks, all underpinned by strong safety governance. Hyundai Motor India reiterates that the well-being of its employees is a primary concern, and it remains steadfast in its mission to advance its safety systems and sustain an environment where a culture of excellence is paramount.

Gopalakrishnan C S, Whole-time Director & Chief Manufacturing Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Safety at Hyundai is not a standalone initiative – it is a deeply embedded culture practiced at every level of our operations. Our goal is simple: a safe, secure working environment for every employee, every day. This award affirms the collective commitment of our teams and motivates us to strengthen our safety excellence even further.”

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Volkswagen India has confirmed that its new flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line, will launch in the first quarter of 2026. The vehicle is aimed at the seven-seater SUV segment and will be locally assembled at the company’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to ensure market competitiveness.

The Tayron R-Line occupies the top position in the brand’s SUV range in India. It features the 'R-Line' trim, which includes specific design enhancements to its silhouette. The model is intended for customers requiring a seven-seat capacity alongside a focus on road presence and lifestyle versatility.

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said: “As we build a premium portfolio of products, we continue catering to the evolving aspirations of Indian car buyers. The all-new Tayron R-Line is the authentic flag-bearer that will drive this vision for Indian consumers. Ensuring competitiveness, we will be locally assembling this SUV at our plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.”

The introduction of the Tayron R-Line follows Volkswagen's strategy to expand its portfolio in the Indian market with vehicles that offer higher passenger capacity and updated design aesthetics.

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Toyota Motor Corporation-owned luxury brand Lexus India has concluded 2025 with an increase in demand for its flagship models – the LM and LX, which it said recorded a 50 percent YoY rise in sales.

They accounted for approximately 19 percent of the company’s total volume. The RX model also served as a contributor to the brand's growth, achieving an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year. The RX represented 22 percent of overall sales, assisting Lexus in expanding its presence within the luxury SUV segment.

At present, the LM 350h and LX 500d occupy the top tier of the Lexus portfolio in India. The LM 350h is designed as a luxury mover, focusing on travel comfort and interior refinement for passengers. Since its introduction, the model has targeted enthusiasts seeking a travel experience comparable to first-class standards.

The LX 500d has seen a response driven by demand for SUVs that combine off-road capability with luxury features. The vehicle is engineered for diverse terrains while maintaining cabin comfort and control through integrated technology and a diesel powertrain.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said: “We are immensely thankful to our guests for their trust and support throughout 2025. The strong performance of our halo ultra-luxury models, LX and LM, reflects their confidence in Lexus and our dedication to delivering exceptional products and experiences that continue to push boundaries. As we move into 2026, we are encouraged by the outlook for luxury vehicles in India and will remain focused on delivering even more exciting offerings and memorable experiences.”

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced the prices for its much-awaited petrol-powered variants of the Harrier and Safari SUVs.

The Harrier petrol starts at INR 1.28 million, while the Safari petrol begins at INR 1.32 million (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Both models are equipped with the new 1.5-litre Hyperion Turbo-GDi engine, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to manage the balance between power and fuel economy.

The Hyperion powertrain has received a certification from the India Book of Records for fuel efficiency in a petrol manual SUV. On the safety front, all variants of the Harrier and Safari powered by this engine have been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. The vehicles feature a 36.9 cm infotainment display, Dolby Atmos audio and a dual dash cam system with digital video recording. Other technical inclusions consist of memory mirrors with an auto-reverse dip function and a camera washer.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “With over 250,000 Harrier and Safaris in the market, these two SUVs have long embodied Tata Motors PVs’ legacy of design, performance and safety. The all-new 1.5L Hyperion Turbo-GDi Petrol engine goes ahead and further elevates these market-leading attributes. The Harrier has always been an iconic SUV defined by its dynamic stance and bold individualism, which is now enhanced by Hyperion’s unmatched power and upmarket driving experience. On the other hand, the Safari has made its place in the industry as a sought-after and prestigious high SUV with a strong legacy, which is now bolstered by Hyperion’s serene, silent, and tech-rich performance. This HyperEfficient powertrain delivers best-in-segment fuel efficiency, unmatched performance, premium refinement and smoothness, perfectly complementing the SUVs’ bold design and advanced innovation, along with segment-best in-cabin technology. Together, the Harrier and Safari Petrol are crafted for the modern Indian customer, one who values intelligence as much as indulgence.”

The Harrier petrol is available in several trims including Smart, Pure X, Adventure X and Fearless Ultra, with manual and automatic transmission options. The Safari petrol lineup mirrors these trims, offering a six-seater configuration in the Accomplished Ultra variants. These introductory prices are aimed at the premium SUV segment as the company expands its powertrain portfolio to include petrol options alongside its existing diesel range.

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