Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has introduced two new variants – S Smart and SX Smart – for the Hyundai Exter SUV with prices starting at INR 768,490.

The new variants of the Hyundai Exter see the introduction of an electric sunroof on the S Smart variant and a smart key with push-button start on the SX Smart variant. Additionally, customers can upgrade to a 22.96-cm infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, along with a rear camera at a special price of INR 14,999, backed by a 3-year warranty. The OEM has now standardised Child seat anchor - ISOFIX for Exter.

The new variants are available in both manual and AMT transmissions, in petrol and Hy-CNG Duo powertrains.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we are committed to democratising technology and making meaningful innovations accessible to a wider set of customers. The introduction of S Smart and SX Smart variants on the Hyundai Exter is a reflection of this customer centric philosophy. With these new variants, we are offering a more compelling value proposition to young and tech-savvy Indian buyers. We are confident that the Hyundai Exter will continue to redefine aspirations and further strengthen its position as a preferred SUV for customers.”

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Renault Group UK has appointed Gary Pearson as Head of Sales for Renault and Dacia. The move strengthens the company’s commercial leadership at a time when both marques are gaining traction in the British market. Pearson brings over 25 years of industry experience, having worked for established global automakers as well as agile challenger brands.

His career began with a 16-year tenure at Audi, where he held senior roles in sales, marketing and network development. He later moved into global and start up environments, including positions at McLaren and INEOS Automotive. Most recently, Pearson held senior commercial posts at Andersen EV and Morgan Motor Company, focusing on growth, brand positioning and commercial performance. His work with retailer networks and international corporate operations has given him a broad perspective on the current automotive landscape.

A key early priority for Pearson will be collaborating with the sales operations team to build momentum and ensure strong internal alignment, supporting further growth for both brands. He joined Renault Group UK on 28 April and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Maple Cross.

Ben Fish, Sales & Network Operations Director, Renault Group UK, said, “Gary understands how to drive performance in complex environments, whether that’s within large OEM structures or newer, more agile businesses. That combination is particularly valuable as we continue to evolve our sales operations and strengthen how we support our retailers. His experience and approach make him a strong fit for the team, and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact he will have across Renault and Dacia’s portfolios.”

Pearson said, “The UK market is at a really interesting point, with rapid change in both customer expectations and the broader shift to electrification. Renault and Dacia are both well positioned, with clear identities and strong product line-ups across their car and LCV ranges that speak directly to those changes. I’m looking forward to working closely with the retailer network and the wider team to build on that momentum and ensure we continue to deliver for customers in a very competitive environment.”

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Japanese automotive luxury brand Lexus India has announced a standard 8-year/200,000 km warranty for all new vehicles sold from 1 April 2026.

This makes it the first luxury manufacturer in India to offer such extensive coverage. This enhancement significantly upgrades the brand's previous 8-year/160,000 km programme (introduced in 2024), specifically increasing the mileage cap to accommodate high-usage owners.

The initiative is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi – anticipating customer needs – and aims to bolster resale value while providing long-term security.

The updated policy is designed to be comprehensive and ‘guest-centric,’ requiring no additional premium from the buyer.

As per the company, all new Lexus models sold in India starting 1 April 2026 will now get 8 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) warranty from the date of delivery. The warranty is part of a broader ‘Lexus Life’ ecosystem that includes tailored finance plans, insurance and 24x7 roadside assistance.

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) has reported its most successful financial year to date, posting record annual net profits of INR 144,454 million for FY2025-26, as compared to INR 142,976 million last year.

However, the headline success comes with a caveat: the carmaker is officially ‘sold out,’ ending the year with a massive backlog of 190,000 pending orders.

Despite producing a record 2.42 million vehicles, consisting of 1,974,939 units in domestic market and exports at 447,774 units, Maruti is struggling to keep pace with a domestic market supercharged by ‘GST 2.0’ reforms.

In comparison, total sales last year at 2.23 million units, comprising 1.90 million units in domestic market and exports of 332,585 units.

For Q4, Maruti Suzuki India reports its highest-ever quarterly sales of 676,209 units, up 11.8 percent YoY. Domestic sales came at 538,994 units, while exports at 137,215 units was an all-time high.

Chairman R C Bhargava confirmed the company is operating at 100 percent capacity, with dealer inventories hitting a critical low of just 12 days.

"We are no longer fighting for customers; we are fighting for floor space," Bhargava noted during the earnings call. To address this, the board has greenlit a record capital expenditure (CAPEX) of INR 140 billion – the highest in the company’s history – to simultaneously develop mega-sites in Kharkhoda, Haryana and Gujarat.

In a notable departure from industry norms, Bhargava downplayed the slip in Maruti’s market share to below 40 percent. He dismissed the metric as a ‘sexy figure,’ arguing that physical production limits make market share a vanity metric.

"Why do I care about market share when my ability to produce and sell is intact?" he asked, pivoting the company’s focus toward National Interest – specifically through aggressive exports. Annual exports grew by 34.6 percent, with the UK emerging as the top market for the new electric e-Vitara.

While the e-Vitara marks Maruti’s serious entry into the global EV space, the company is doubling down on a diversified ‘green’ strategy:

The Small Car Revival: Demand for entry-level cars (18% GST bracket) has surged, making up 130,000 of the current order backlog.

The company is aggressively scaling Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG), with its Hansalpur plant aiming to meet 50 percent of its energy needs from cow-dung-derived fuel within two years.

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Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its first "new’R" experiential retail outlet in Ranchi, marking a transition towards a more urban and futuristic sales environment in Jharkhand.

The facility, located on Old H.B. Road, was opened by Francisco Hidalgo-Marques, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at Renault India. During the inauguration, the company delivered five new Renault Duster units to customers, highlighting the regional demand for the recently launched SUV.

The launch is part of a broader network expansion that brings Renault’s total national presence to 638 touchpoints, which includes 200 ‘Workshops on Wheels’ designed for remote service delivery.

The Ranchi facility covers over 3,000 sqft and is designed to integrate both sales and technical support. It features four vehicle display units in a contemporary setting and is equipped with eight service bays and a dedicated delivery bay.

The ‘new’R’ theme utilises signature lighting and a central vehicle display to allow for a 360-degree customer view of the products.

The move underscores Jharkhand's growing importance in the Indian automotive market. By combining modern design with increased service capacity, Renault aims to improve long-term customer engagement through its ‘Renault Forever’ initiative.

Francisco Hidalgo-Marques, said, “Jharkhand is emerging as one of the most decisive car markets in India, and Ranchi is right at the heart of that shift. The response to the new Renault Duster tells us that customers are not just buying an SUV, they are buying into capability, design, and trust. With the new’R Store, we are transforming how customers engage with Renault, more modern, more intuitive, and closer to their expectations.”

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