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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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has appointed Ashutosh Dixit as its new Brand Director for Porsche India, effective immediately. He succeeds Manolito Vujicic, who is leaving the Volkswagen Group to pursue other opportunities.

Dixit brings over 28 years of automotive industry experience to the role, with nearly 20 years spent within the Volkswagen Group. His career includes leadership roles across India, China and Europe, focusing on strategy, sales operations and brand development. Most recently, he served as Market Development Director at the Porsche Middle East and Africa regional office. In his previous regional position, he was instrumental in shaping initiatives specifically for the Indian market.

The appointment comes as SAVWIPL continues to focus on strengthening internal Indian talent and expanding its presence in the domestic luxury segment.

In his new role, Dixit will be responsible for guiding Porsche India into its next phase of market presence and performance. Building stronger relationships with customers and achieving new milestones in the dynamic Indian market. Continue to nurture the progress made under previous leadership while maintaining a focus on sustainable growth and innovation.

Piyush Arora, MD and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ashutosh Dixit as the new Brand Director of Porsche India, who will further bolster the leadership team in India. Ashutosh is a familiar face within the Volkswagen Group, with his understanding of markets, customers, and the brand making him well-suited to lead Porsche India. I’m confident he will build on the progress Porsche has made in India and continue to strengthen the brand's presence. This appointment is a testament to our unwavering focus on strengthening internal talent from within India.”

Dr. Manfred Braunl, CEO, Porsche Middle East and Africa, added, “Ashutosh brings a deep understanding of both the Porsche brand and the Indian market to this role. His leadership experience across regions and functions makes him exceptionally well-positioned to guide Porsche India into its next phase.  India continues to be an important market for us, and we are confident that under his leadership, the brand will further strengthen its presence and performance.”

Jan Bures, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Digital, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, added, “Ashutosh’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for Porsche in India. His proven ability to navigate diverse markets and lead with vision makes him the right person to drive our journey forward. India is a dynamic and strategic market for us, and with Ashutosh at the helm, we look forward to building stronger connections with our customers and achieving new milestones.”

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BMW Group India has introduced the all-new BMW M440i xDrive Convertible as a completely built-up (CBU) unit, priced at an ex-showroom rate of INR 10.9 million.

The premium model combines a classic soft-top silhouette with modern performance and engineering, featuring a panel bow soft-top roof that can be operated at speeds up to 50 kmph. The electric mechanism completes the opening or closing process in 18 seconds, offering a blend of open-air driving and refined design.

Under the bonnet, the convertible is powered by a B58 inline 3-litre 6-cylinder engine equipped with a 48V mild hybrid setup for improved efficiency and performance. This powertrain produces 374 hp and 500 Nm of maximum torque, enabling the car to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph from a standstill in a claimed 4.9 seconds.

The M440i xDrive Convertible comes with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology to maintain traction and stability. Precision handling is further supported by standard features such as adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential and M Sport brakes.

The exterior design is highlighted by a vertically arranged BMW kidney grille in high-gloss black and adaptive LED headlights with a black tint. The rear of the car features CSL-style taillights with an intricate woven laser pattern and an M rear diffuser. The car sits on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and is available in eight different colours, including Portimao Blue, Fire Red and Cape York Green, with additional customisation options available for a bespoke finish.

Inside, the cabin features the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital information display. The interior is finished with a luxury instrument panel, sports seats with electric adjustments, and an M leather steering wheel with standard gearshift paddles. For entertainment, the vehicle is equipped with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Technological features include the latest BMW Operating System 8.5, a head-up display and the MyBMW app for remote services and digital key functionality.

The sedan is also equipped with a wide range of safety and driver assistance systems. The Parking Assistant includes a 360-degree surround view, while the Reversing Assistant helps navigate narrow driveways by taking over steering for the last 50 metres driven. Safety technologies include six airbags, attentiveness assistance, and dynamic stability control.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President, BMW Group India, said, “The all-new BMW M440i xDrive Convertible exemplifies BMW’s passion for combining exhilarating performance with timeless elegance. With its unmistakable design, powerful M tuned performance and refined open top driving experience, it delivers a new expression of sporting freedom. At BMW Group India, we are proud to introduce a convertible that not only excites behind the wheel, but also represents a distinctive, aspirational lifestyle for our customers.”

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TATA.ev has introduced the new Curvv.ev SeriesX, featuring two long-range variants designed for intercity travel. The new SUV-coupe lineup starts at INR 1.69 million (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and includes the Accomplished X 55 and Empowered X 55 personas.

The SeriesX is built on the acti.ev architecture and focuses on delivering high range and performance for highway driving. The EVs are equipped with a 55 kWh battery pack, delivering 167 HP and 215 Nm of torque. The SeriesX offers an ARAI-certified range of 502 km and a real-world C75 range of approximately 400 km. Tata Motors is providing a lifetime HV battery warranty to ensure long-term ownership security.

The Curvv.ev SeriesX simplifies the lineup into two distinct, feature-rich choices – Accomplished X 55 and Empowered X 55.

The Accomplished X 55 focuses on comfort and daily technology needs. It includes a panoramic sunroof, dual 26.03 cm digital screens for instrumentation and infotainment, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Interior features include ventilated R-Comfort seats, premium leatherette upholstery and rear sunshades.

The Empowered X 55 on the other hand offers the flagship expression of the range. This variant adds advanced luxury and safety features including a 31.24 cm cinematic touchscreen by HARMAN, a 9-speaker JBL sound system and Level 2 ADAS with 20 safety features. Additional premium equipment includes R18 alloy wheels, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging capabilities. This variant is also available in the #DARK edition.

The series introduces a new Nitro Crimson colour option alongside the existing palette – Accomplished X 55 at INR 1.69 million, Empowered X 55 at INR 1.91 million and Empowered X 55 #Dark at INR 1.94 million (ex-showroom Mumbai).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “With every new EV we introduce, our focus is to make electric mobility more accessible and rewarding. The Curvv.ev SeriesX personas invite customers to experience India’s first SUV Coupé powered by a 55 kWh battery pack that delivers 502 km of long-driving range for effortless intercity journeys. It combines practical and premium features with a lifetime HV battery warranty, ensuring truly stress-free ownership at a compelling price point, enhancing its value proposition”.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has reported its wholesales for April 2026.

In April 2026, the Japanese automaker sold a total of 4,938 vehicles, a flat growth, as against 4,871 units sold last year.

Interestingly, domestic sales grew by 21 percent at 4,069 units, as against 3,360 units last year. On the other hand, the exports saw a decline of 42 percent at 869 units, as against 1,511 units a year ago.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The new fiscal year has begun on a positive note for us, with good sales momentum for Amaze, City and Elevate. Honda Cars India has recorded a 21 percent growth in domestic sales for April 2026. We remain confident of sustaining this growth trajectory in the coming months.”

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