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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Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has recorded the highest revenue in its history for the 2025 fiscal year, reaching EUR 3.20 billion, which marks a 3.3 percent increase over the previous year and marks the second consecutive year the company has exceeded the EUR 3 billion threshold.

The company reported an operating income of EUR 768 million with a profitability rate of 24 percent. These figures were achieved despite a volatile macroeconomic environment and specific exogenous pressures.

Key Financial Impacts:

• Currency and Trade: Negative exchange rate fluctuations and the introduction of US tariffs influenced the operating result.
• Strategic Investment: Costs associated with the Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy were fully accounted for during the financial year.
• Mitigation: The impact of these factors was moderated through a refined product mix and cost control measures.

In 2025, Lamborghini delivered 10,747 cars, surpassing the 10,000-unit mark for the third year in a row. A significant driver of value was the Ad Personam personalisation programme, with 94 percent of all vehicles delivered featuring at least one bespoke element.

The Revuelto and the newly launched Temerario, which began customer deliveries in early 2026 – form the core of the brand's hybridisation strategy. The Temerario features a powertrain capable of 10,000 rpm, a first for a production engine from the manufacturer.

The current range, including the Revuelto, Urus SE and Temerario, is now fully hybridised. Lamborghini has also confirmed plans for a fourth hybrid model as part of its long-term industrial vision, which remains focused on sustainable growth alongside the eventual development of a fully electric vehicle.

For 2026, the company intends to unveil further product developments at international events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “2025 shows that the strength of Automobili Lamborghini lies not only in numbers, but in our ability to manage complexity. In a challenging global context, we continued to grow, protecting profitability and further strengthening brand value. Our strategy is clear: discipline, long-term vision and product centrality. This balance allows us to turn external challenges into opportunities for consolidation and to continue creating sustainable value.”

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “External factors and the volatility of the broader macroeconomic environment made 2025 a particularly challenging year. In this context, we have closed a positive financial and business 12 months, safeguarding our level of profitability, which positions us among the most profitable players in the global luxury sector. The results achieved confirm our objective of sustainable growth while preserving profitability.”

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German luxury brand BMW Group India has introduced the MINI Cooper S Victory Edition at INR 5.75 million. The special edition model made its debut at the Sanghi Classic dealership in Jaipur. It is available as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit, with bookings open at all authorised dealerships and deliveries commencing immediately.

The Victory Edition serves as a tribute to the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, where the Mini Cooper S, driven by Timo Mäkinen and Paul Easter, secured a win. The new edition incorporates bespoke styling elements intended to reflect this motorsport heritage while utilising modern vehicle technology and craftsmanship.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, stated, “The new MINI Cooper S Victory Edition is a bold tribute to the legendary 1965 Monte Carlo Rally win, bringing a historic racing soul to modern Indian roads. This limited-run masterpiece captures the aesthetic essence of MINI's competitive DNA, meticulously crafted for those who demand a drive that looks as iconic as it feels. We are thrilled to offer Indian enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history, reimagined with bespoke styling that honors our championship heritage. This special edition is a visual celebration of our past and a testament to the timeless spirit of performance that defines the MINI brand today.”

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German luxury automotive brand Audi Group has concluded the 2025 fiscal year with a revenue of EUR 65.5 billion, an increase from EUR 64.5 billion in 2024. The company reported an operating profit of EUR 3.4 billion and a net cash flow of EUR 3.4 billion, despite facing geopolitical challenges and industrial competition.

The group's operating margin for 2025 stood at 5.1 percent, down from 6.0 percent the previous year. Financial results were impacted by EUR 1.2 billion in US tariffs and additional expenses related to CO2 compliance provisions. The rescheduling of a shared electric platform for the D-segment also affected the margin.

Brand Group Performance (Deliveries):

• Audi: 1,623,551 cars (down from 1,671,218 in 2024).
• Lamborghini: 10,747 vehicles (up from 10,687).
• Bentley: 10,131 cars (down from 10,643).
• Ducati: 50,895 motorcycles (down from 54,495).

Profit after tax increased to EUR 4.6 billion, supported by a financial result of EUR 2.2 billion, which included EUR 504 million from operations in China.

Audi reported a 36 percent increase in fully electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries, totalling 223,032 units. The Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A6 e-tron accounted for approximately 84,000 and 37,000 units respectively.

In China, the company launched the AUDI E5 Sportback under its new China-exclusive sister brand, AUDI. For 2026, the company plans to introduce the Audi A2 e-tron as an entry-level electric model and the Audi Q9 as a flagship SUV.

For fiscal 2026 the Audi Group has announced that it aims to increase its revenue upto EUR 68 billion, attain operating margin of 6-8 percent and net cash flow of EUR 3 billion to EUR 4 billion.

The 2026 season also marks Audi's debut in Formula 1 with the Audi Revolut F1 Team, following the season opener in Australia on 8 March 2026.

Gernot Dollner, CEO, Audi, said, “Geopolitical uncertainties and global competitive pressure kept the automotive industry on its toes again last year. In times like these, Audi has the right answers and takes bold decisions. In 2025, we introduced the first model from AUDI, our China-exclusive sister brand, and previewed a rigorously clean new design. We will continue to push our renewal forward in 2026, launching key new models, focusing on strong partnerships, and entering Formula 1 for the first time. In this way, we’ll accelerate our push in global competition.”

Jurgen Rittersberger, CFO, Audi, said, “Audi delivered a resilient performance under difficult conditions in 2025. The US tariffs in particular had a significant impact on us. Our results are bolstered by the robust development of delivery figures at the end of the year, the high level of cost discipline, and the consistent implementation of the performance program. At the same time, the pressure on margins and efficiency remains high. This year, we will again pursue our long-term financial goals with full commitment. The key is to seize all operational and financial opportunities to make Audi more efficient, competitive, and profitable. Lasting success demands time, discipline and resilience.”

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Kia India has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) edition of the Carens Clavis EV, its first electric vehicle manufactured in India. The update adds a six-seater configuration featuring second-row captain seats and expands the range with GT-Line and X-Line trims for the Extended Range variant.

The Carens Clavis EV continues to be offered with two battery options, both supported by a motor delivering 255 Nm of torque:

• 51.4 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 490 km (MIDC Full).
• 42 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 404 km (MIDC Full).

The vehicle supports fast charging, capable of reaching 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in 39 minutes. Kia’s K-Charge platform provides owners access to over 15,000 charging points nationwide, with more than 100 dealerships equipped with DC fast chargers.

The new GT-Line (GTX and GTX+) trims feature sportier styling, including lime brake callipers, metal pedals and a new alloy wheel design. The X-Line variant introduces a rugged aesthetic with an exclusive Dark Gun Metal exterior colour.

The interior update focuses on passenger space, offering the six-seater layout across select trims, including HTX, GTX and X-Line. Top spec models now come with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 26.62 cm dual panoramic display and digital key technology.

The MY26 model includes 18 safety features as standard, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). The vehicle also incorporates over 85 connected car features and battery heater technology for thermal management.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “The Carens Clavis EV was developed to make electric mobility practical and relevant for everyday use. As more customers transition to EVs, their expectations are evolving beyond technology to include greater comfort, flexible seating and distinctive design. The MY26 reflects this feedback with new trims and a 6-seater configuration that enhances comfort and versatility while retaining the practicality Indian customers value.”

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