Speaking to this correspondent, Ganesh Mani S, Director – Production, HMIL, said, to have the first-mover advantage in the industry, carmakers are constantly looking for newer technologies and innovations. The Indian auto industry is at the cusp of a new era with updated regulation norms for emission and recall. This brings more relevance to have fool-proof quality testing processes in place. “Towards fulfilling this objective, we at Hyundai Motor India have a Quality Assurance ‘Testing, Inspection, and Certification’ (TIC) process to ensure that every car we make is 100 percent defect-free. The ‘TIC’ process has a two-pronged strategy. First, we test the condition of the respective part before assembling at the vendor’s end and next we test the condition of the assembled vehicle as per the required standards at our end.”
It may be recalled that both its R&D Centres in Namyang, South Korea and in Hyderabad, India work in tandem to design and develop any new model. They also conduct all the region specific tests before they sign-off the car for manufacturing. “At the production stage, we conduct several standard tests including the wheel alignment, head-light aimer, roll and brake and much more. We test the ride handling capabilities of our cars first at our internal tracks in our Sriperumbudur facility which simulates 17 types of Indian road conditions, and later also conduct a Vehicle Durability Test across India. At the Certification level, we also use government authorised test agency (Global Automotive Research Centre) tracks to conduct standardized tests,” he said.
Talking on the challenges faced in testing vehicles in the assembly line, he said, the digital revolution has created a great impact offering practically unlimited possibilities for a pleasant and safe driving experience. Today the cars are smarter and more connected than ever. This means an exponential increase in the number of tests and its duration at the assembling stage. “To offer best quality cars for our customers, we need to reach the desired quality targets and address defects related issues during assembling while successfully implementing the essential TIC solutions. This will help minimise the human error, if any. Solutions such as limiting the opportunity to insert the product on the wrong fixture (through appropriate mechanical constraints) and partially automating the activation of the correct test program (based on barcode readers) using in-line systems goes a long way. Along with maximum performance, the testing equipment should also be engineered to optimize system ergonomics with respect to operator comfort. This coupled with the precepts of lean production which will allow more flexibility in the mixing of various models. It is also necessary to guarantee high test results throughout to comply with the increasing production cycle-times. So, these testing machines should have the basic data analytics tool with summarized output screen, which could be used as an input for improving the process and design. This idea can also be extended to monitor the performance of the testing machine as well to proactively do the maintenance activities. Going forward, we will work towards minimising human intervention as much as possible and improve the process to do more self-learning and proactively suggest feedback & countermeasures,” he said.
Be it for the domestic or export markets, any OEM has to address three aspects to make cars with top-most quality. Firstly, at the design stage it is necessary to achieve the best performance and quality for the vehicle at optimal cost while keeping other factors in check. Hyundai ensures that all the learnings from previous models are implied in upcoming models. Secondly, during production it ensures that the vehicle meets all the required country-specific test standards and feature options for all its variants. Finally it understands the customer’s pulse and needs.
“At HMI we transform metal into excellence with hand-crafted engineering and at 100 percent precision. To make the perfect cars we follow a 3-stage systematic tightening confirmation process which captures over 200,000 quality data points related to tightening, every day. We have linked this information with ‘Sign-off Gate’ to prevent the ‘not ok’ car roll out from the final assembly line. Our vehicle final inspection method is digitally enabled for assembled part specification/ type verification; we use a Hyundai Integrated Dialogistic System which is loaded with pre-set information on quality confirmations for 350+ variants. Such high degree of customization helps us to meet the growing customer requirement and enables desired results in the manufacturing process,” he said.
Beyond BS-VI
The move to make BS-VI compliant vehicles is not just important for cleaner air but it will also enable carmakers and Government agencies to record data on Real Driving Emissions (RDE). After the roll-out of BS-VI complaint vehicles there will be enough captured data available with the concerned authorities and regulators to be able to reduce the gap between type-approval vehicle emissions results and the actual ones on roads. Hyundai has global experience in the area of RDE vehicle development and this is a huge technical advantage to help develop vehicles for the Indian market. “We have done some amount of testing specific to the Indian road conditions. Before the Government’s regulations are set in motion, we too will be prepared to take up this challenge by upgrading our technical and analytical capabilities in all the required areas,” he said.
Nowadays, all cars come loaded with different kinds of infotainment, safety and communication systems. For instance, the recently launched Creta has 50 plus India-specific connected features which is 30 percent more than any other cars manufactured by the company. All these are absolutely important to ensure all these electronic devices work smoothly for the customer to enjoy a great drive. HMI has a multi-layered assurance process designed and developed by its in-house teams with specific performance indicators. ‘Hyundai Automatic Diagnostic System’ is another tool it uses to inspect the proper functioning of over 60 checkpoints in the electrical system and connected car features in all its cars.
Besides, it also has an integrated in-line testing facility installed in the assembly process line to check and approve the performance of all electronic systems fitted in all the cars at the sign-off gate. Also it ensures that the same level of standards are maintained at the vendors end too. This makes the quality assurance process more robust & mistake proof, Ganesh Mani added. (MT)
BMW Launches New X6 M60i xDrive In India At INR 17.79 Million
- By MT Bureau
- June 26, 2026
German luxury carmaker BMW India has launched the new X6 M60i xDrive, a performance Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) at INR 17.79 million (ex-showroom).
At the heart of the new X6 M60i is a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system. The powertrain delivers 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the SAC to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 4.3 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.
The SAC comes is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic with paddle shifters, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with an M Sport differential. For handling it gets integral Active Steering and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The stopping power comes with M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.
The exterior features a coupe silhouette, slim Adaptive LED headlights with M Shadowline accents and an M-specific kidney grille. The vehicle comes standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.
The interior is anchored by the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under a single glass surface. The cabin is upholstered in Sensafin and includes features such as Harman Kardon surround sound, ventilated comfort seats with memory functions, and an ambient light bar. Customers can further personalise the vehicle with optional BMW Individual paint finishes and Merino leather upholstery.
The X6 M60i xDrive runs on BMW iDrive Operating System 8.5 and includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Connected features provided through the My BMW app include Digital Key Plus, remote services and real-time traffic information.
Driver assistance systems include a 360-degree surround view for parking assistant, reversing assistant, which records and executes the last 200 metres of steering input. Safety suite features Six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Through BMW India Financial Services, customers can access BMW SMART Finance, which includes an assured buyback offer of 60 percent after three years or 10,000 km. Financing packages for service, secure advance and extended warranties are also available.
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive is an absolute powerhouse engineered to command the road with an unmistakable, muscular stance. Positioned at the pinnacle of expressive luxury, this sports activity coupé is crafted for individuals who demand a distinct lifestyle. At its heart lies the legendary V8 engine, offering raw, emotional power.”
Renault India Add 4 New Variants To Kiger SUV Line-Up
- By MT Bureau
- June 24, 2026
Renault India has introduced four variants to its Kiger SUV range, updating the model’s powertrain and trim options. The changes include the addition of an Evolution+ variant and an expanded selection of turbo-powered models.
The French automaker has added the Evolution+ trim across its naturally aspirated (manual and AMT) and turbo (manual) engines. Features included in this variant comprise a keyless entry and start system, driver seat height adjustment, smartphone replication, automatic climate control and fabric upholstery.
Additionally, Renault has expanded its turbo-powered range from three to five options by offering the Techno trim with a 5-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated range has increased from six to eight variants.
With these updates, the Kiger turbo-powered line-up now starts at INR 789,000 (ex-showroom). The base price for the Evolution+ variant is INR 699,000 (ex-showroom).
Francisco Hidalgo, VP – Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “At Renault, our focus has always been on making innovation and mobility more accessible to customers. With the New Kiger range, we are taking this commitment further by bringing turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice within easier reach. As customer expectations continue to evolve, accessibility today goes beyond price—it is about enabling a more complete and rewarding ownership experience. This update reflects our effort to democratise features and technologies that matter most, while staying true to Kiger’s core promise of performance.”
Citroen India Launches Limited-Run Aircross Comfort Edition
- By MT Bureau
- June 23, 2026
Stellantis-owned Citroen India has introduced the Aircross Comfort Edition, a limited-run series starting at INR 909,000 (ex-showroom). The launch coincides with the brand’s 108th-anniversary celebrations and aims to provide premium features and comfort-oriented upgrades across all trim levels.
A standout inclusion in this edition is the standardisation of premium leatherette interiors across all Comfort Edition trims, a move the company describes as a segment-first. Other ergonomic improvements include adjustable headrests for both front and rear seats, as well as refined interior finishes with soft-touch materials.
Citroen has introduced a structured accessory pack strategy to allow customers to personalise their vehicles.
YOU Pack (INR 36,600): Includes soft-touch IP, fog lamps, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera with guidelines and door cladding with chrome inserts.
PLUS Pack (INR 8,460): Adds a reverse camera with guidelines, a wireless charger, and door cladding with chrome inserts.
MAX Pack (INR 40,000): Focuses on technology and audio, featuring a JBL speaker system with an amplifier and an advanced front, cabin and rear dashcam with predictive safety alerts (e.g., front collision, lane change and pedestrian detection).
Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “At Citroen, comfort is at the heart of our product philosophy. We have been closely listening to our customers, who are increasingly seeking more features, enhanced comfort, and a premium in-cabin experience at value-driven price points. The Aircross Comfort Edition is a direct response to this evolving demand.”
Skoda Kodiaq RS SUV Sells Out In 6 Minutes In India
- By MT Bureau
- June 23, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced that its new Kodiaq RS SUV has sold out within six minutes of its release. The limited run of 50 units was offered as part of the brand’s ‘Surrender’ campaign, marking 125 years of Skoda in motorsport and the 51st anniversary of the RS badge.
This achievement follows the performance of the Octavia RS, which sold out in 20 minutes in 2025.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said: “The RS has stood as a global icon for over half a century, with a passionate following in India for more than two decades. With the ‘Surrender’ campaign, we brought to customers a unique combination of performance and versatility in the Kodiaq RS. We are delighted—though not surprised – to see customers truly ‘surrender’ to its motorsport heritage, 4x4 capability, 7-seat luxury, and its standing as the quickest Skoda in India.”
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. It features a 7-speed DSG transmission with all-wheel drive, it can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 kmph. The vehicles is equipped with a dynamic sound boost, progressive steering and Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus).
The exterior features black accents on the grille, ORVMs, window trims, roof rails and D-pillars. The interior includes black leather upholstery with red stitching. The model is available in four colours: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.
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