Jaehoon Change

South Korean automotive major Hyundai Motor Group has announced changes to its executive leadership for 2024. The company says this is part of its strategy to attain sustainable growth and be better prepared for an uncertain global business environment.

The appointment the Korean automaker said reflects a performance-based approach that aligns with outstanding achievements.

The company has promoted Jaehoon Chang as the Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group – Automotive Division, effective 1 January, 2025. He had been appointed CEO of Hyundai Motor in 2020, and is said to have achieved record-breaking performance, despite uncertain business environments – geopolitical risks, changing paradigms in product and technology, as well as the global pandemic.

He is also credited for laying the groundwork for Hyundai Motor's long-term competitiveness through achievements that include spearheading the hydrogen initiative and the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India.

Going forward, Chang will be responsible for the entire value chain, including product planning, supply chain management manufacturing, and quality assessment.  

José Muñoz has been appointed President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company and is tasked to advance global management framework and solidify customer-focused mobility innovation through diverse powertrain offerings, including electric, hybrid, ICE and hydrogen technologies, effective 1 January, 2025.

Interestingly, Munoz becomes the first non-Korean CEO of Hyundai Motor, based on his previous performance. Going forward, he is expected to enhance the company’s global management systems and further elevate its stature as a leading global brand.

Sung Kim has been appointed as President of Hyundai Motor Company to manage the business effectively through global economic uncertainties.

Jun Young Choi is promoted to President of Kia Corporation from Head of Domestic Production Division and Chief Safety Officer (CSO).

Kyoo Bok Lee, CEO of Hyundai Glovis, is promoted to President.  

Furthermore, to strengthen sustainable management and accelerate business transformation, the Group has appointed Cheol Seung Baek as CEO of Hyundai Transys and Joon Dong Oh as CEO of Hyundai Kefico.

The Korean automotive group states that it has made these executive appointments as part of a strategic effort to enhance its global competitiveness, focusing on talent and performance

Force Motors Achieves Record Financial Growth

Force Motors Achieves Record Financial Growth

Force Motors Limited has announced record-breaking financial results for the second quarter and first half of the fiscal year 2025-26, marking its highest-ever performance for these periods. The company, India's leading van manufacturer, achieved significant growth in profitability and operational metrics.

Financially, the company reported a standalone total income of INR 21.06 billion for Q2, an eight percent year-on-year increase, and INR 44.28 billion for H1, up 15 percent. Earnings saw an even more substantial rise, with EBITDA growing 33 percent YoY to INR 3.87 billion in Q2 and 34 percent for H1 to INR 7.44 billion. Profit After Tax surged remarkably by 148 percent in Q2 to INR 3.50 billion, a jump attributed to the shift to the New Tax Regime. The company also maintains a strong, zero-debt financial position.

This performance was propelled by robust operational success. Domestic sales volume grew by 16 percent in the first half, fuelled by strong demand for its Urbania, Traveller, Gurkha, Monobus and Trax vehicle ranges. The company also saw a 77 percent surge in export volumes. The Traveller platform continues to dominate its segment with a market share exceeding 70 percent.

The landmark results are credited to the strength of the company's product portfolio, operational excellence and a customer-centric strategy. By focusing on its core capabilities in shared passenger mobility, Force Motors has unlocked new growth opportunities. Looking forward, the company remains committed to sustainable growth by enhancing customer satisfaction, strengthening its product portfolio and expanding its international presence in a calibrated manner.

Tata Motors To Gift Sierra SUVs To Women's World Cup Winning Team

Tata Sierra

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has announced it will present the Indian Women’s Cricket Team with the first lot of the soon-to-be-launched Tata Sierra SUV following their victory at the ICC Women's World Cup. The Tata Sierra is slated to be launched on 25th November.

The company will gift the top-end model of the Sierra to each team member as part of its salute to the team’s journey and contribution to the country.

Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Indian Women’s Cricket Team has made the entire nation proud with their extraordinary performance and remarkable win. Their journey stands as a true testament to determination and the power of belief, qualities that inspire every Indian. At Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, we are privileged to present these legends with another legend, The Tata Sierra. This is our salute to their spirit and the pride they have brought to the nation – Two legends, One spirit, Infinite inspiration.”

Maruti Suzuki India Crosses 30 Million Unit Sales Milestone

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained a new milestone by crossing the 30-million-unit sales milestone in the domestic market.

The new benchmark was attained by the company over a course of 42 years, with the first 10 million unit sales taking 28 years and 2 months to achieve.

The 20 million unit sales took 7 years and 5 months, while the recent milestone took just 6 years and 4 months.

Interestingly, the entry-level hatchback Alto was the most preferred model in the country, with over 4.7 million units sold, followed by Wagon R with 3.4 million units and the sporty Swift with 3.2 million units.

The Brezza and Fronx SUVs also played an instrumental role in contributing to the sales milestone, being featured among the top 10 models sold in the country.

It was on 14th December 1983, Maruti Suzuki India delivered its first model, the iconic Maruti 800, to its first customer.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “When I look at the length and breadth of India and think that 3 crore customers have placed their trust in Maruti Suzuki to realise their dream of mobility, it fills me with humility and gratitude. Yet, with car penetration at approximately 33 vehicles per 1,000 people, we know our journey is far from over. We will continue to make every possible effort to bring the joy of mobility to as many people as we can, while also be an asset to both the economy and the environment at the same time.”

Sharad Agarwal Is Tesla India’s First Business Head

Sharad Agarwal

American electric vehicle maker Tesla has appointed Sharad Agarwal, former Chief Business Officer of Classic Legends, as its new business head, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The report further stated that Agarwal joined the EV maker a week ago and is tasked to drive sales for Tesla in India, which as per industry observers, has not performed as per the company’s expectations.

Agarwal, an automotive industry veteran, had begun his career with TVS Motor Co as Area Sales Manager in December 2002, before joining Mahindra First Choice Wheels as its Business Head for North and Eastern region in March 2007.

It was in January 2013, he moved to Audi India as the head of Sales, before taking over as the head of Lamborghini India in April 2016, where he spent almost 9 years, before joining Classic Legends.

During his tenure at Lamborghini, the Italian super luxury car maker saw its dealerships across India achieved a Return on Sales (RoS) of more than 10 percent, setting a new benchmark for the automotive business in the country. He also grew India’s ranking for the automaker as the third market globally in terms of PR visibility in 2021.

He also expanded Lamborghini India’s reach to over 60 cities, with sales volumes from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributing more than 25 percent of the total.

Tesla, which formally started deliveries in September 2025 with its first dealership in Mumbai and the second facility in Delhi, has till date delivered 114 vehicles, of the estimated 600-plus bookings.

File photo for representational purposes only.