Mercedes-Benz India has reported its most successful September on record, achieving a significant 36 percent year-on-year growth in sales. This exceptional performance is largely credited to the government's recent GST 2.0 reforms, which stimulated market demand and converted customer interest that had been deferred since mid-August into purchases. This positive momentum was particularly evident during the Navratri festival, where the company retailed 2,500-plus units, marking its highest-ever sales for the festive period.

This record-breaking September also propelled the company to its best-ever second-quarter sales performance for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total of 5,119 units sold. This quarterly success was anchored by consistent demand across two key vehicle categories. The 'Top-End Luxury' segment, including models such as the GLS, S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach, achieved a 25 percent share of total sales and grew by 12 percent year-on-year. A notable trend within this segment is hyper-personalisation, with the bespoke 'manufaktur' programme contributing to 75 percent of all top-end vehicle sales. Simultaneously, the 'Core Luxury' segment, which includes the Long-Wheelbase E-Class, GLC and GLE, maintained a dominant 60 percent penetration of overall sales and grew by 10 percent. The E-Class sedan, in particular, solidified its position as the highest-selling luxury car in India.

The company’s electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio also saw robust growth, maintaining an eight percent penetration rate and growing by 10 percent, driven by strong demand for models like the EQS SUV. However, the 'Entry Luxury' segment experienced a decline, facing stiff competition from more affordably priced alternatives in the market. Overall, the results underscore a strong market preference for Mercedes-Benz's high-end and electric vehicles, setting a new benchmark for the brand's performance in India.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz clocked its best-ever September sales owing to an overwhelming customer response following the GST 2.0 reforms, culminating the pent-up demand. Our attractive new portfolio combined with innovative financial programmes under the ‘Dream Days’ campaign, resulted in overwhelming demand for Mercedes-Benz cars in the luxury market. We expect this festive buying spirit to continue in October as well, with upcoming festivities including Dhanteras and Diwali, which traditionally witness spirited buying from customers. While there was strong demand across the portfolio, we recorded the highest ever monthly sales for key products like the Long Wheelbase E- Class, GLC, GLE, GLS and G63 AMG SUVs. The reduction in the GST rates has certainly improved customer sentiment with its appropriate timing as car prices are increasing owing to macro-economic challenges like adverse forex movement, rising operational cost etc. We hope this buoyant spirit sustains for the remaining festive season as we continue to observe market trends closely, remaining cautiously optimistic.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has added two dual-tone colour options, Shimla Green and Steel Grey, to the Slavia Monte Carlo range. The limited edition is restricted to 200 units and will be available in the 1.0 AT and 1.5 DSG variants.

The Monte Carlo version features blacked-out exterior styling elements and a black and red interior theme. Customers can select between a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 1.5-litre TSI engine paired with a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre unit includes Active Cylinder Technology and Plasma-Coated Cylinder Liners.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Slavia Monte Carlo has been well received by customers for its distinctive design, premium appeal, engaging driving dynamics and strong connection to our motorsport heritage. We are further enhancing the individuality and desirability of the Monte Carlo range, offering customers greater choice and exclusivity. The Slavia Monte Carlo continues to embody the perfect blend of style, performance, and modernity. We will continue to strengthen our sedan portfolio, in line with the evolving aspirations of our customers.”

The Monte Carlo trim pays homage to Skoda's involvement in the Rallye Monte Carlo.

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Stellantis-owned French automotive brand Citroen India has announced the launch of the Basalt X Comfort Edition, priced from INR 875,000.

The new edition is introduced as part of the brand's 108th anniversary celebrations and marks the extension of Citroen’s Comfort philosophy to the Basalt lineup.

The Basalt X Comfort Edition features Metropolitan Beige Leatherette Seats as standard and introduces curated Comfort AXS Packs. These packages include equipment such as JBL Audio, dash cameras, a reverse parking camera, a wireless charger and a 10-inch Android touchscreen.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "At Citroen, comfort has always been at the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate Citroen's 108th anniversary globally, the introduction of the Basalt X Comfort Edition further reinforces our commitment to bringing comfort-led innovation to Indian customers. Following the encouraging response to the Aircross Comfort Edition, we are extending this philosophy to the Basalt, making premium comfort features more accessible across our portfolio. The Basalt X Comfort Edition combines premium factory-fitted interiors with thoughtfully curated Comfort AXS Packs that enhance convenience, technology and personalisation – delivering greater value and an ownership experience that truly reflects Citroen's Advanced Comfort philosophy."

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its myHyundai app provides access to over 30,000 EV charging points across India through partnerships with Charge Point Operators (CPOs).

The platform offers charging facilities within an average radius of 25 km across highways and cities. In addition to the partner network, Hyundai Motor India operates 183 DC fast-charging stations across 105 cities, with plans to expand to 600 stations by 2030. The company's charging stations are open to electric vehicles of all brands and offer capacities ranging from 60 kW to 240 kW.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, “With charging infrastructure being a key catalyst for EV adoption in India, Hyundai Motor India is committed to creating an ecosystem that makes electric mobility practical, convenient and accessible to all. Through the integration of over 30,000 charging points on the myHyundai app, we are empowering EV users with one of India's largest charging networks accessible through a single platform. Importantly, the platform is open to EV owners across brands, reinforcing HMIL’s commitment to developing India's broader EV ecosystem. HMIL will more than triple its proprietary DC fast public charging network from 183 stations today to 600 stations by 2030, bringing India's charging infrastructure closer to global benchmarks.”

The myHyundai app provides features for location discovery, navigation, advance booking, and digital payment. Since January 2023, HMIL-owned charging services have supported over 300,000 EV users, delivered more than 5 million kWh of energy, and contributed to saving 3.5 million kg of CO2 emissions.

Hyundai Motor India plans to enter the mass-market electric vehicle segment with the introduction of an e-SUV within the current financial year.

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Italian supercar maker Ferrari has introduced the Amalfi Spider in India through a series of showcase events in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.

The vehicle, a 2+ spider powered by a front-mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 engine, is being presented to customers and enthusiasts as part of its regional launch. The first event took place in Mumbai, hosted by official distributor Navnit Motors. Subsequent events in Bengaluru and New Delhi were hosted by Select Cars.

The Amalfi Spider features a soft-top roof that opens in 13.5 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 60 kmph. When folded, the roof occupies 220 mm of space, leaving luggage capacity of 255 litres with the roof closed and 172 litres with the roof open. The roof is constructed from five layers of fabric to provide insulation.

The Amalfi Spider is powered by a 640 hp turbocharged V8 engine. The interior layout features a dual-cockpit design, a steering wheel with buttons, a start button and a central display. The 2+ configuration includes rear seats and it is equipped with an integrated wind deflector. The design includes an active spoiler, forged wheels and carbon fibre elements.

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