Droom Launches AI-powered Platform MyDroom On Eve of 10-Year Anniversary

Droom

Droom, a leading automobile marketplace has marked its 10-year anniversary by launching MyDroom, which it says is an AI-powered platform that aims to transform the future of vehicle ownership.

The company states that MyDroom is a one-stop destination for vehicle owners that will provide solutions ranging from predictive maintenance and real-time tracking to personalised recommendations. It will not only help users stay ahead of maintenance schedules but also integrate various services like repairs, roadside assistance, and even car washes into a single platform—making vehicle ownership smarter and more efficient than ever before.

Founded in 2014 by Sandeep Aggarwal, (Founder & CEO) Droom claims it has empowered over 2.5 million customers. The 10-year anniversary milestone celebration was attended by Naveen Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel and Power, who was the Guest of Honor and its investor and brand ambassador, Badshah. The event was also attended by over 150 tech entrepreneurs in India.

Till date, Droom has sold over 580,000 vehicles worth a staggering USD 7.3 billion, the company has facilitated more than 4.5 million listings and served a vast network of 23,000 dealers across 1,176 cities. It currently has over 16 million monthly active users and 16.2 million app downloads.

“Our country’s growing pool of educated and skilled men and women driving the social and economic change. The majority of our population comprises youth who are aspiring for opportunities. And for us to provide these opportunities, we need to grow and for growth, we need to cooperate, collaborate and co-exist with our neighbours. He praised every entrepreneur for their hard work and contribution to make India what it is. In continuation he said with the right efforts Haryana will be a developed state in next 10 years and Gurugram will be the developed city of the state in next 5 years,” said Jindal.

Badshah added, “I’ve been a part of Droom’s journey as an investor and ambassador, and it’s been inspiring to see how they continue to innovate and push boundaries. MyDroom is a groundbreaking platform that perfectly aligns with my passion for technology and forward-thinking solutions. I’m excited to see how this will transform the way we manage and experience vehicles.”

Sandeep Aggarwal stated, "The past decade has been an extraordinary journey of innovation, disruption, and growth. We are deeply grateful to our team, customers, and partners for their trust and support. MyDroom marks the next chapter in our story — one that places vehicle owners at the forefront and harnesses AI to deliver a truly personalised, seamless experience. We are excited to lead the industry into the next decade and beyond. Sandeep expressed his gratitude to Naveen Jindal and Baadshah for their presence, highlighting the valuable insights and vision they shared with the esteemed audience."

Kia India Surpasses 500,000 Connected Vehicles On Indian Roads

Kia Seltos

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that it has exceeded 500,000 connected cars in the Indian market.

The OEM said its connected car variants now account for approximately 40 percent of the company’s domestic wholesale volumes. This growth is supported by the Kia Connect 2.0 platform and the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC).

The Kia Seltos is the main contributor to this total, representing about 70 percent of the connected vehicle sales, followed by the Sonet and Carens models. Data from the company indicates a trend of customers renewing their connectivity subscriptions after the initial complimentary period.

Technical features within the Kia ecosystem include:

  • OTA Software Updates: Remote vehicle diagnostics and software installations to reduce dealership visits.
  • Digital Key 2.0: Vehicle access and operation via smartphone or smartwatch using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or NFC technology.
  • Surround View Monitor (SVM): A 360-degree camera feed accessible through the Kia Connect app.
  • Voice Recognition: Multilingual support for vehicle functions in English, Hindi, Tamil and Bengali.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, "Kia India has consistently differentiated itself through its vehicle design excellence and technology leadership. Our continued focus on enhancing connected features and customer engagement initiatives such as Kia Drive Green has strengthened adoption and interaction across our connected ecosystem. The strong customer retention beyond the complimentary subscription period underscores the sustained relevance and long-term value of Kia Connect.”

The company also utilises Plant Over-The-Air (P-OTA) updates, a system that ensures vehicles are programmed with the most recent software versions before they leave the manufacturing facility.

Hyundai Motor India Receives Tamil Nadu State Level Safety Award

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.”

Volkswagen India Confirms Tayron R-Line Launch In Q1 CY2026

Tayron R-Line

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.

Lexus India’s LM And LX Model Clock 50% Sales Growth In CY2025

Lexus India

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.”