Hyundai Motor Company and Skoda Group To Explore Hydrogen Mobility Ecosystem

Hyundai Motor Company and Skoda Group To Explore Hydrogen Mobility Ecosystem

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.

Jeep India Reintroduces Wrangler Willys 41 Limited Edition

Jeep Wrangler Willys 41 Limited Edition

Jeep India has announced the return of the Wrangler Willys 41 Limited Edition. The release follows the 2025 edition of the vehicle, which sold out within seven days. This model is inspired by the 1941 Willys MB and is limited to 41 units for the Indian market.

The limited edition is available at Jeep dealerships across India at a premium of INR 200,000 over the standard Rubicon price. The optional accessory kit is priced at INR 3,60,000.

The model is based on the Rubicon variant and includes heritage design cues such as WWII-themed graphics and ‘One of 41’ badging. It is positioned as a tribute to the brand's military origins and off-road history.

The Wrangler Willys 41 includes several hardware updates as standard:

  • Motorised Side Steps: Automated steps for cabin entry and exit.
  • Integrated Digital Video Recorder: A dash camera system for journey documentation.
  • Heritage Detailing: Specific graphics and badging throughout the exterior and interior.

Jeep has also introduced an optional accessory kit for this edition. The kit includes: Roof Carrier – a storage system with an integrated side ladder. Sunrider Roof Top – an open-air roof solution.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The Willys legacy is more than a story – it is the foundation of Jeep’s character. The Wrangler Willys 41 2.0 is our tribute to that heritage. It reflects the spirit of the original 1941 Willys MB while delivering the capability, authenticity and emotional connection that Jeep owners value deeply blending timeless Willys cues with contemporary engineering to deliver capability, exclusivity and character in equal measure.”

Nissan Motor India Announces Finance Scheme For Magnite

Nissan Motor India

Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has launched a retail finance scheme for the Nissan Magnite through Nissan Renault Financial Services India (NRFSI). The offer is available for vehicle bookings made until the end of March 2026.

The scheme provides a rate of interest (ROI) starting at 5.55 percent for customers with a CIBIL score. It includes options for 100 percent on-road funding, which covers the vehicle cost, registration, insurance and associated charges.

The programme is designed to provide repayment flexibility with loan tenures extending up to seven years. NRFSI has structured the product to include specific facilities for borrowers:

Foreclosure: Zero charges for closing the loan after 24 months.

Payments: Provision for part-payment of the loan amount.

Processing: A digital loan process, excluding KYC and RTO documentation.

Support: Access to a 24x7 WhatsApp chatbot and dedicated customer care.

The finance package includes additional incentives valued up to INR 22,000 for customers choosing NRFSI. Existing Nissan customers are eligible for loyalty benefits and add-on advantages when opting for this finance route.

The 5.55 percent ROI is applicable for a loan amount of INR 500,000, which Nissan states provides an EMI advantage compared to rates currently offered by commercial banks.

Tata Motors Launches New Punch.ev At INR 969,000

Tata Punch.ev

TATA.ev has launched the new Punch.ev in India, positioned to accelerate the transition to electric mobility in the entry-level segment with prices starting INR 969,000 (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the 30 kWh battery variant, while the 40 kWh variant can be had at INR 1.08 million.

Furthermore, the company has also marked the introduction of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) financing model, which lowers the initial purchase price to INR 649,000, supplemented by a battery EMI of INR 2.6 per kilometre.

The Punch.ev is built on the acti.ev architecture and offers two battery configurations to address varying range requirements:

  • Long Range: Features a 40 kWh LFP prismatic cell battery pack. It delivers a real-world range of approximately 355 km and an ARAI-certified range of 468 km.
  • Standard Range: Includes a 30 kWh battery pack option for city-focused use.

The EV supports express charging, allowing the battery to transition from 20 percent to 80 percent in 26 minutes. A 15-minute charge can provide 135 km of real-world range.

TATA.ev has established a network of over 230,000 charging points across 1,500 cities. This includes a ‘.ev Verified’ network of 2,500 fast chargers and 130 hubs on 80 highways. The company plans to expand its highway charging presence to 800 points by the March 2026.

To support first-time buyers, TATA.ev has introduced a lifetime warranty on the high-voltage (HV) battery, covering unlimited kilometres. This measure is intended to address concerns regarding battery longevity and maintenance costs.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “The new Punch.ev, makes electric mobility truly accessible, practical and worry free for every household. With a real-world range of around 355 km, fast charging capability, a lifetime HV battery warranty and a highly accessible price point, it resolves the core concerns that have thus far held customers back from choosing an entry level EV as their primary car. By bringing together everything customers seek in their preferred car for both daily and long-distance travel, the new Punch.ev marks a significant leap forward in the democratisation of electric mobility in India.”

The Punch.ev can be had in three versions: Smart, Adventure and Empowered.

Volkswagen India Launches Tayron R-Line SUV At INR 4.69 Million

Tayron R-Line

Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has launched the Tayron R-Line SUV at an introductory price of INR 4.69 million (ex-showroom).

The Tayron R-Line features R-Line styling and is manufactured using the brand's design DNA and is part of the company’s strategy to expand its portfolio in the premium segment in India.

The SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI EA888 evo4 engine, producing 204 PS and 320 Nm of torque. It comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission and the 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which allows drivers to select from six driving profiles.

In terms of dimensions, it is 4792 mm in length, 1866 mm width and 1665 mm height. The wheelbase is 2789 mm features 19-inch Coventry alloys. On the inside, it gets a 38.1 cm infotainment screen and a 26.03 cm digital cockpit. The front seats feature 12-way electric adjustment with memory, ventilation, heating and an 8-mode massage function.

The Tayron R-Line features IQ Light with HD Matrix LED headlamps and illuminated front and rear logos. It is equipped with 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with 700 watts output, dual 45W USB-C ports and wireless charging for two devices. Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display and gesture-controlled tailgate.

In terms of safety, the Tayron R-Line is equipped with Level 2 ADAS featuring 14 functions. Standard safety equipment includes 9 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill Ascent and Descent control.

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, “The Tayron R-Line embodies our vision of aspirational premium cars that add meaningful value to customer lives. It is designed for those who value performance as much as luxury, and who seek a vehicle that reflects their progressive mindset. With the Tayron R-Line, we are reinforcing our commitment to bringing globally admired, performance-led products that elevate the brand’s presence in India.”

The Tayron R-Line SUV can be had in seven colour options: Dolphin Grey Metallic, Oyster Silver Metallic, Ultraviolet Metallic, Cipressino-Green Metallic, Nightshade Blue Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic and Oryx White Mother-of-Pearl Effect.