Hyundai NEXO Earns Five-Star Green NCAP Rating
- By MT Bureau
- March 02, 2021
Hyundai Motor’s fuel cell electric car, the NEXO, has received a maximum five-star rating from Green NCAP, the independent organisation that ranks vehicles based on their energy efficiency and emissions.
Hyundai’s NEXO is a second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle and the technological flagship of the Korean company’s growing eco-vehicle fleet. It combines the practicality of an SUV crossover with advanced electrified technology, comprehensive driver assistance functions and innovative design features.
The rating was based on three indices, each of which contained several metrics: clean air, energy efficiency and greenhouse gases. The sporty SUV is powered by hydrogen and distilled water is the only emission, this passenger car naturally scored full points on both the clean air and greenhouse gas index.
NEXO is also the third Hyundai model to receive a maximum five-star rating. In 2019, Green NCAP also awarded the five-star rating to the battery-electric version of Hyundai IONIQ. In 2020, Hyundai KONA Electric too earned the maximum score.
In its report, Green NCAP wrote: “[With Hyundai NEXO] there are no tailpipe emissions other than water. As a result, the NEXO scores full points for both the Clean Air and Greenhouse Gas indexes. Energy efficiency is also very high and the NEXO emerges with an average index just high enough to earn the car a maximum five-star rating.”
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President, Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe, says, “We're proud to announce that NEXO is the latest Hyundai model to have been awarded a five-star Green NCAP rating, joining the ranks of IONIQ and KONA Electric. This is further proof that we are achieving our goal of making high-quality, eco-friendly mobility solutions available to all,” (MT)
- NEXO, Hyundai’s second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle, has been awarded the maximum possible rating by Green NCAP.
- Green NCAP is an independent organisation that rates cars based on energy efficiency and emissions.
- NEXO is the third Hyundai model to receive a maximum five-star rating, following IONIQ Electric in 2019 and KONA Electric in 2020.
Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.
Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.
The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.
AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).
The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”
The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.
The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.
The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.
Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.
In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.
“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.
Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.
Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.
During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.
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