Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has unveiled its compact SUV – Honda Elevate – are teasing some its features and attributes for some time. Unveiled in India before anywhere else in the world, the Elevate will be produced in India and exported to other Honda markets in the world, underlining Honda’s operations at its plant in Rajasthan as an export hub for the Japanese automaker. 

Developed on the grand concept of ‘Urban Freestyler’, the Elevate aims at customers with active lifestyles and a global mindset by blending cutting-edge aesthetics with functionality to create a visually stunning, incredibly versatile, comfortable and fun-to-drive SUV, according to company sources. 

With bold and masculine exterior design with striking front face, sharp character lines and unique rear design, which signals at clever packaging, the Elevate at front employs Honda's signature grille, which is flanked by sleek LED headlights. The sides are emphasised by pronounced wheel arches with plastic cladding, which runs along the bottom of the vehicle and smart looking diamond cut 17-inch diameter alloy wheels. The rear has a distinctive tailgate design and LED taillights. 

Developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific centre in Thailand and the R&D team in India, which specifically worked on understanding potential target customers through extensive market surveys reflecting three main factors such as stylish exterior safety and comfort.  

The modern interior with a two-tone colour scheme is laced with a stylish meter with premium feel welcome graphic animation. The 7-inch high-definition full colour TFT multi-information display shows information such as fuel consumption, trip meter, outside temperature, G-Meter and a clock. There is a provision to customise the operations, including the meter set up, keyless access, lighting set up, door, and Honda ‘Sensing’.  

The 10.25-inch HD resolution screen at the top centre of the dashboard can be connected with various types of smart phones via wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Weblink, Bluetooth and USB. As an infotainment system interface, the screen is completed by a sub-screen, which provides access to some additional features such as the ASVM (Assistant Side View Monitor), ARVM (Assistant Rear View Monitor), Clock, Calendar, Compass, Customisable Picture, and shortcuts to commonly used Infotainment settings. 

Measuring 4312 mm in length, 1790 mm in width and 1650 mm in height, the Elevate has a wheelbase of 2650 mm. As per the dimensions and the wheelbase the compact SUV is comparable to the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. Spacious enough to seat five people, the vehicle offers a cargo space of 458-litre. Ground clearance is a good 220 mm.  

Using higher tensile steel application ratio to realise a ‘smooth and connected’ structure, which is lightweight, offers enhanced collision safety performance, best body balance, better stability and handling, the Elevate is powered by a 121 PS 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine with VTC. Producing a peak torque of 145 Nm, the compact SUV is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).  

A front-wheel drive design, the Elevate features 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability assist with agile handling assist, hill start assist, Honda lane watch camera, light crash performance, pedestrian protection, multi angle rear camera, emergency stop signal, Isofix compatible rear side seats with lower anchorages and top tether, and an immobiliser with anti-theft alarm.  

Toshio Kuwahara, Head of Regional Unit (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and President and CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “Today’s World Premiere of the all-new Elevate is a stamp of commitment of Honda’s plans and aspirations for the country. The exports from India to several regions across the globe are growing continuously every year. With high level of quality standards to deliver products that exceed expectations of both local and worldwide customers, India has become one of the most important export hubs for Honda. Moving forward to 2050, Honda strives to realise carbon neutrality and zero traffic collision fatalities involving our motorcycles and automobiles. To achieve this target, Honda aims to increase the sales ratio of Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles sales to 100 percent globally by 2040, including India. For safety, we continue enhancing advanced technologies including the expansion of Honda ‘Sensing’ around the world and strengthening our safety education to reduce traffic accidents.” 

Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “With the unveiling of the All New Elevate, we embark on a new journey with Honda's strong product offering in the booming SUV segment in India. Honda enjoys strong leadership and popularity in sedan segments. There has been very high anticipation amongst Honda loyalists and overall market, who have been eagerly waiting for the new model. We are confident that the Elevate will further strengthen the bond with our esteemed customers and soon become our strong third pillar of business besides the City and Amaze. We have a robust product strategy to strengthen our premium play in the market and Elevate is first model among the 5 new SUVs that will be launched by Honda in India by 2030.”  “Aligning with our global vision towards carbon neutrality by focusing on electrified powertrains, we will launch Honda’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) based on this SUV within next 3 years in India,” he added.

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has announced its financial results for Q3 FY2026, reporting a consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 46.75 billion, representing a 54 percent YoY growth.

The automotive division recorded quarterly volumes of 302,000 units, up 23 percent YoY. SUV revenue market share rose by 90 bps to 24.1 percent. The automotive business reported consolidated revenue of INR 303 billion, up 30 percent YoY, while PAT stood at INR 19.93 billion, up 42 percent YoY.

In the farm sector, tractor volumes reached 150,000 units, up 23 percent YoY, which translates to a market share of 44 percent for Q3. The revenue came at INR 115 billion, up 21 percent YoY, while PAT came at INR 10 billion, up 7 percent YoY.

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to report solid operating performance across the group in Q3’F26, reflecting our strong focus on growth coupled with disciplined execution. Auto & Farm has maintained its leadership position on the back of steady customer demand, strong product acceptance and unwavering focus on operational excellence. TechM continues to make meaningful progress. Mahindra Finance delivered another solid quarter with meaningful PAT growth while maintaining strong asset quality. We are especially pleased to see breakout performance from two of our growth gems, Mahindra Logistics and Mahindra Lifespaces.”

Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO (Auto and Farm Sector), said, “Auto and Farm businesses delivered strong performance in Q3’FY26. We have achieved a 90 bps YoY increase in SUV revenue share and 10 bps YoY increase in LCV (< 3.5T) market share in Q3. Our tractor business gained 20 bps YoY to reach an impressive 44.1 percent share for YTD FY26. Our new launches XEV 9S, and the XUV 7XO have received very positive response in the market.”

Amarjyoti Barua, Group Chief Financial Officer, added. “Our Q3 consolidated results reflects the strength and depth of our diversified portfolio. Our services businesses continue to increase their contribution to the overall results. Our results are also translating into a very strong Balance Sheet.”

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CEER, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle (EV) brand and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), has signed 16 commercial agreements valued at over SAR 3.7 billion (USD 996.90 million). The deals were announced at the 4th PIF Private Sector Forum, following SAR 5.5 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in agreements secured at the previous year's event.

The partnerships are part of a localisation strategy that aims to source 45 percent of vehicle materials and components from Saudi companies by 2034. The supply chain will support CEER’s production plan of seven models over the next five years.

The agreements cover a range of essential automotive components and services:

• Fluids and Plastics: Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) will supply windshield washer fluid and EV coolants. Zamil Trade & Services and Zamil Plastics will provide brake fluids and aerodynamic covers.
• Materials and Polymers: NSSPC is contracted for PP resin and polymer compounds, while KK Nag will provide Expanded Polypropylene (EPP).
• Engineering and Infrastructure: Mino will install steel Body Shop equipment. FEV and AVL will provide engineering services.
• Manufacturing: MK Tron will produce small stampings, window regulators, and door hinges. FPI will supply front-end modules and XYG will provide glazing solutions.
• Chemicals and HVAC: Sika is contracted for structural adhesives and cavity baffles, while AITS will work on HVAC localisation.

The project is expected to contribute SAR 30 billion (USD 8 billion) to Saudi GDP by 2034 and improve the trade balance by SAR 79 billion (USD 21 billion). CEER estimates the creation of 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with the industrial diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

James DeLuca, CEO, CEER, said, “These agreements are a cornerstone of CEER's wide and deep localisation strategy, which targets sourcing 45 percent of vehicle materials and components from Saudi companies by 2034. Our approach goes beyond mere assembly, we are utilising local raw materials and empowering Saudi companies to become global suppliers, directly contributing to Vision 2030’s mission to diversify the national automotive industry and drive sustainable economic growth.”

“These agreements represent a major step in building a comprehensive automotive ecosystem in the Kingdom. By using local materials and resources, attracting advanced technology and foreign investment, and localising the production of heavy and labour-intensive components, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions and create meaningful job opportunities for Saudi nationals,” added DeLuca.

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Cars24 has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, moving from its original transactional focus towards a car ownership ecosystem.

Founded in 2015, the company originally utilised an all-caps logo – CARS24 – to establish a presence in a fragmented market. The updated identity shifts the name to sentence case, Cars24, which the company states reflects maturity and a focus on trust.

The core of the redesign features an open circular logo. According to the company, this form represents the continuity of car ownership, where vehicles change hands and user needs evolve. The open shape is intended to signal flexibility rather than closure.

The brand has also replaced its traditional blue with a brighter shade. This ‘younger blue’ is intended to make the brand appear more attentive and human as it scales its operations.

The identity update was the result of over 1,200 hours of design and iteration. The goal of the project was to create a look that remains relevant as the company expands its services beyond buying and selling into broader ownership systems.

Vikram Chopra, Founder & CEO, Cars24, said, “When we started, being loud helped. But as the company and the team grew up, the work started speaking for itself. This change is about reflecting who we are today, calmer, more human and focused on earning trust over time.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported the dispatch of over 585,000 vehicles using the railway network in CY2025, which marked an 18 percent growth compared to CY2024.

Over the last decade, the company's use of rail for outbound logistics has risen from 5.1 percent in 2016 to approximately 26 percent in 2025. The shift aims to reduce carbon emissions, oil imports and road congestion.

In 2025, Maruti Suzuki India inaugurated an in-plant railway siding at its Manesar facility. The company also became the first manufacturer to dispatch vehicles to the Kashmir valley using the railway bridge over the Chenab river.

Combined dispatches from in-plant sidings at Gujarat and Manesar accounted for 53 percent of the company's total rail volumes during the year. The manufacturer currently employs 45 flexi-deck rakes, with each train capable of transporting approximately 260 vehicles.

The company was the first automaker to receive an Automobile-Freight-Train-Operator (AFTO) license in 2013. Since FY2014-15, it has transported more than 2.8 million vehicles to 600 cities using a hub-and-spoke model.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The year 2025 marks our highest-ever rail dispatch, with over 585,000 units. During the year, we strengthened our green logistic efforts through two landmark events – the inauguration of India’s largest automobile in-plant railway siding at our Manesar facility and second was we dispatched vehicles by rail to Kashmir valley through the world's highest railway arch bridge over Chenab river, a first by any automobile manufacturer. Our mid-term goal is to increase rail-based vehicle dispatches to 35 percent by FY 2030-31, contributing to India’s net-zero ambition by 2070. Maruti Suzuki India has adopted a comprehensive ‘Circular Mobility’ approach to sustainability, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle – from design and production to logistics and end-of-life vehicle (ELV) management.”

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