Hyundai Motor Company and Skoda Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to commence collaboration on establishing a hydrogen mobility ecosystem.

The signing ceremony took place at the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague, was attended by Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice-President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Company, and Petr Novotny, CEO of Skoda Group.

The partnership covers study on adoption of hydrogen fuel cell systems and technologies, study on adoption of energy efficient solutions for mobility projects and products and exploring hydrogen ecosystem and value chain opportunities beyond mobility.

Ken Ramirez said, “Our partnership with Skoda Group aims to accelerate hydrogen adoption, which would contribute to the advancement of hydrogen technology and carbon neutrality across global markets, including the Czech Republic. Together with Skoda Group, we strive to lead the rapidly growing hydrogen businesses by creating positive synergies between our fuel cell technology and Skoda Group’s mobility products and projects.”

Petr Novotny added, “We believe that hydrogen, alongside energy-efficient solutions, will play an essential role in transforming mobility for a more sustainable future. Our collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company aims at enabling us to look beyond national borders and explore wider markets where these technologies can have a larger impact. By working together, we can bring innovative, eco-friendly solutions to the global mobility ecosystem, advancing cleaner energy in the areas where it's needed most.” 

Both parties share the view that hydrogen will be a key pillar for a sustainable society, starting with mobility. As part of the understanding, the partners will explore the possibility that Hyundai would share its fuel cell system and technology, contributing to the acceleration of eco-friendly mobility across global markets where Skoda Group operates, including the Czech Republic.

Hyundai Motor Company and Skoda Group will also conduct feasibility studies for fuel cell system applications for diverse utilisation beyond mobility. Leveraging its global expertise and insights in operating various hydrogen applications in both mobility and energy sectors, Hyundai is poised to play a pivotal role in aiding the energy transition.

In addition, Hyundai Motor Group is committed to building a hydrogen society under its hydrogen value chain business brand HTWO, which encompasses the Group’s businesses and affiliates, enabling each stage of the entire hydrogen value chain.

Established in 2008, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) in Nosovice has an annual manufacturing capacity of 3,50,000 vehicles. Considered one of the most modern car manufacturers in Europe, the manufacturing plant was also the largest foreign investment in the Czech Republic.

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In a special event held at its facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Audi officially presented the FC Bayern Munich football squad with their new company cars for the upcoming season. The players had the opportunity to choose from a comprehensive selection of the brand’s latest fully electric and hybrid models, reflecting a diverse range of personal preferences and needs.

Team captain Manuel Neuer and several of his colleagues opted for the Audi Q8 SUV TFSI e quattro, while Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise selected the high-performance, all-electric RS e-tron GT. Other choices included the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron for young talent Tom Bischof and the spacious, seven-seat Audi Q7 SUV S line TFSI e quattro for Joshua Kimmich, catering to his family requirements.

The vehicle handover was part of a broader, action-packed day for the stars. They participated in the Audi driving experience, testing their skills on dynamic handling courses where the Audi RS e-tron GT performance was a particular source of excitement. The agenda also featured an exclusive look at the Audi F1 Project, offering the team a rare behind-the-scenes tour. They visited the assembly workshop for V6 hybrid engines, observed the dynamic simulator, Mission Control Room, and saw the engine test benches, gaining a deeper understanding of the sophisticated technology that powers the future of Formula 1.

Adding to the significance of the day, 100 Audi employees, chosen through an internal competition, were given the chance to meet the football stars. For 16 of these employees, the experience was especially memorable as they had the honour of personally presenting the players with the keys to their new vehicles, creating a unique and lasting connection between the automotive brand and the celebrated team.

Marco Schubert, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing at Audi AG, said, “It’s great to see how enthusiastic the players are about driving our flagship electric models. It shows just how emotionally engaging electric mobility can be. The FC Bayern players chose vehicles that impressively reflect the diversity of our range – from the compact Q4 e-tron series to the powerful Audi Q8 SUV TFSI e quattro and sporty RS e-tron GT performance. Everyone found a model that was right for them.”

Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO, FC Bayern, said, “The handover of vehicles from Audi to FC Bayern is a longstanding tradition that reflects our dependable partnership and is always a special event for our players. After 23 successful years together, we continue to pursue the same ambitious goals and spur each other on to peak performance. That connects us on and off the field! In this day and age, such a long-term partnership is not commonplace, and we all truly value it.”

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Nissan Motor India has expanded its CNG retrofitment programme to include the new Nissan Magnite BR-10 EZ-Shift (AMT). This, the company shared, follows customer response to the programme, which was launched earlier this year for the Manual Transmission (MT) variant.

The government-approved CNG retrofitment is available for the Magnite with the 1.0 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and comes with a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty.

In response to customer feedback, the company has also introduced an integrated fuel-filling system where the CNG filling valve is now located within the standard fuel-filling lid.

Nissan is offering the CNG retrofitment kit at an MRP of INR 71,999, a price resulting from the recent GST rate reduction from 28 percent to 18 percent. This price has been effective since 22 September 2025 and remains unchanged despite the upgrade.

The retrofitment kit is available across 13 states in India through authorised Nissan retrofitment centres. The programme was initially launched across seven states and has since expanded to six more, including Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “We are delighted to take another step forward in our CNG journey with the expansion of the retrofitment program to the New Nissan Magnite BR10 EZ-Shift (AMT). This agile and quick development reflects our continued focus on customer needs, combining Nissan’s engineering excellence with affordability and convenience. The new fuel-lid integration and reduced kit price make the ownership experience even more seamless and rewarding. We remain committed to offering practical, value-driven mobility solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen our brand’s trust.”

The New Nissan Magnite is also offered with a 10-year Extended Warranty Plan and has a 5-star rating in overall passenger safety from GNCAP.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology across its Nexon lineup, which was also the top-selling model in the country last month.

The Nexon SUV was the first car in the country to receive a 5-star safety rating and holds dual 5-star ratings from both GNCAP and BNCAP. The addition of ADAS features is intended to offer a higher level of safety.

 Tata Motors has introduced the exclusive Red Dark edition, available in petrol, diesel and CNG powertrains, starting at INR 1.24 million. The ADAS features are included in the new Fearless +PS DCA ADAS persona, priced at INR 1.35 million (ex-showroom, Pune).

The new Red #DARK edition pricing (ex-showroom, Pune) is as follows: Petrol MT at INR 1.24 million, Petrol DCA with ADAS INR 1.38 million, CNG MT at INR 1.33 million, Diesel MT at INR 1.35 million and Diesel AMT at INR 1.41 million.

The ADAS suite offers safety technologies that are designed to enhance driver awareness and help prevent potential collisions. Key features include: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Centering System (LCS).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Since its debut in 2017, the Nexon has redefined the SUV segment with its bold design, thrilling performance, and uncompromised safety. As India’s first car to pioneer the safety revolution, the Nexon has set new benchmarks in vehicle safety. Building on this strong foundation, the Nexon has become the No. 1 selling car in India in September 2025 — a major milestone that reflects the trust and preference of customers across the country. As part of this celebration, we are introducing the Red #DARK Edition and expanding the Nexon portfolio with advanced safety technologies. With a wide range of powertrains, segment-leading features, and striking styling, the Nexon continues to cater to every lifestyle. The recent GST amendments further strengthen its value proposition, making it the unanimous choice of Indian customers. This milestone reinforces our commitment to delivering products that embody progress, performance, and purpose, while evolving to meet the aspirations of modern Indian customers.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has expanded its Carens Clavis EV model range with the launch of two new trims for the festive season – the HTX E and HTX E [ER]. The new trims are positioned between the existing HTK+ and HTX models.

The HTX E trim is priced at INR 1.99 million (ex-showroom), and the HTX E [ER] trim is priced at INR 2.19 million (ex-showroom). The expansion brings the total number of Carens Clavis EV trims to six.

The new additions offer varying battery options:

• HTX E: Equipped with a 42 kWh battery pack (offering a 404 km range).
• HTX E [ER]: Equipped with a 51.4 kWh battery pack (offering a 490km range).

Beyond the features available on the HTK+ trim, the new models include several enhancements for comfort and convenience, such as a Panoramic Sunroof, LED lamps for all three rows, a wireless charger and a two-tone steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment. The cabin also features leatherette seats, a seat back folding table and an air-purifier with virus protection.

Atul Sood, Sr. VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said: “As we welcome the festive season, we are excited to add more cheer and choice to our customers with the expanded Carens Clavis EV lineup. Our first made-in-India EV has been very well accepted in the market, and the positive response, along with valuable customer feedback, has inspired us to introduce the new HTX E trims. These additions are designed to make electric mobility more accessible, comfortable, and celebratory – because every journey deserves to feel special. Supported by Kia’s robust EV ecosystem, these additions offer a smart, green, and exciting driving experience, bringing innovation that truly connects with families across India,” he added.

The Carens Clavis EV is powered by  99 kW and 126 kW motors delivering 255 Nm torque. The vehicle supports fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 39 minutes.

Kia is also supporting its EV owners with a robust ecosystem, including the K-Charge platform on the MyKia app, which lists over 11,000 charging points. The company has more than 250 EV-ready workshops and over 100 dealerships equipped with DC fast chargers.

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