India A Key Contributor To Hyundai’s Future Roadmap

Hyundai Investors Day 2025

South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company is pursuing an ambitious and meticulously planned global expansion strategy, with the ultimate goal of achieving a 2030 sales target of 5.55 million units.

Jose Munoz, CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, speaking at the company’s 2025 Investors Day event shared that this isn't just ‘wishful thinking’ but is ‘based on approved product launches, plan capacity expansions and market entry strategies already in motion’. The company's strength lies in its ‘balanced and diversified global portfolio’, with strong operations across Korea, Europe India and other emerging markets.

Munoz, emphasised that while North America remains the largest and most strategically important market, ‘each market is contributing meaningfully to our performance’.

A cornerstone of this strategy is the significant investment and focus on India. Hyundai is not just looking to increase sales, but to solidify its manufacturing and market leadership in the region. Munoz revealed that Hyundai is accelerating its global production capacity, with plans to add up to 1.2 million additional units worldwide by 2030. A key part of this is the new plant in Pune, India, which ‘will open later this year and grow to produce 250,000 units,’ bringing Hyundai's total production capacity in India to over 1 million units.

The Pune facility is a strategic move, designed to serve ‘as a strategic hub for both domestic demand and exports to emerging markets’. The plant will also be a ‘smart factory’ with flexible multi-model production, showcasing Hyundai's advanced vision for manufacturing.

The auto major also highlighted the profitability of its Indian operations. “While most OEMs struggle because it's extremely competitive market, Hyundai is one of the most profitable companies in India much better profitability than the leaders and we remain the number 2 player," said Munoz.

In addition to manufacturing, Hyundai is tailoring its product offerings for the Indian market. The company is proud to launch ‘the country's first EV designed specifically for Indian drivers with a localised supply chain’. This exemplifies Hyundai's commitment to localised operations and delivering what each market truly wants.

He noted that in 12 key markets, including India, Hyundai ranks among the top three automotive brands.

BMW Launches New X6 M60i xDrive In India At INR 17.79 Million

BMW X6 M60i xDrive

German luxury carmaker BMW India has launched the new X6 M60i xDrive, a performance Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) at INR 17.79 million (ex-showroom).

At the heart of the new X6 M60i is a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system. The powertrain delivers 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the SAC to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 4.3 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.

The SAC comes is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic with paddle shifters, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with an M Sport differential. For handling it gets integral Active Steering and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The stopping power comes with M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.

The exterior features a coupe silhouette, slim Adaptive LED headlights with M Shadowline accents and an M-specific kidney grille. The vehicle comes standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.

The interior is anchored by the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under a single glass surface. The cabin is upholstered in Sensafin and includes features such as Harman Kardon surround sound, ventilated comfort seats with memory functions, and an ambient light bar. Customers can further personalise the vehicle with optional BMW Individual paint finishes and Merino leather upholstery.

The X6 M60i xDrive runs on BMW iDrive Operating System 8.5 and includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Connected features provided through the My BMW app include Digital Key Plus, remote services and real-time traffic information.

Driver assistance systems include a 360-degree surround view for parking assistant, reversing assistant, which records and executes the last 200 metres of steering input. Safety suite features Six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Through BMW India Financial Services, customers can access BMW SMART Finance, which includes an assured buyback offer of 60 percent after three years or 10,000 km. Financing packages for service, secure advance and extended warranties are also available.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive is an absolute powerhouse engineered to command the road with an unmistakable, muscular stance. Positioned at the pinnacle of expressive luxury, this sports activity coupé is crafted for individuals who demand a distinct lifestyle. At its heart lies the legendary V8 engine, offering raw, emotional power.”

Renault India Add 4 New Variants To Kiger SUV Line-Up

Renault Kiger

Renault India has introduced four variants to its Kiger SUV range, updating the model’s powertrain and trim options. The changes include the addition of an Evolution+ variant and an expanded selection of turbo-powered models.

The French automaker has added the Evolution+ trim across its naturally aspirated (manual and AMT) and turbo (manual) engines. Features included in this variant comprise a keyless entry and start system, driver seat height adjustment, smartphone replication, automatic climate control and fabric upholstery.

Additionally, Renault has expanded its turbo-powered range from three to five options by offering the Techno trim with a 5-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated range has increased from six to eight variants.

With these updates, the Kiger turbo-powered line-up now starts at INR 789,000 (ex-showroom). The base price for the Evolution+ variant is INR 699,000 (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, VP – Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “At Renault, our focus has always been on making innovation and mobility more accessible to customers. With the New Kiger range, we are taking this commitment further by bringing turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice within easier reach. As customer expectations continue to evolve, accessibility today goes beyond price—it is about enabling a more complete and rewarding ownership experience. This update reflects our effort to democratise features and technologies that matter most, while staying true to Kiger’s core promise of performance.”

Citroen India Launches Limited-Run Aircross Comfort Edition

Citroen AirCross X

Stellantis-owned Citroen India has introduced the Aircross Comfort Edition, a limited-run series starting at INR 909,000 (ex-showroom). The launch coincides with the brand’s 108th-anniversary celebrations and aims to provide premium features and comfort-oriented upgrades across all trim levels.

A standout inclusion in this edition is the standardisation of premium leatherette interiors across all Comfort Edition trims, a move the company describes as a segment-first. Other ergonomic improvements include adjustable headrests for both front and rear seats, as well as refined interior finishes with soft-touch materials.

Citroen has introduced a structured accessory pack strategy to allow customers to personalise their vehicles.

YOU Pack (INR 36,600): Includes soft-touch IP, fog lamps, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera with guidelines and door cladding with chrome inserts.

PLUS Pack (INR 8,460): Adds a reverse camera with guidelines, a wireless charger, and door cladding with chrome inserts.

MAX Pack (INR 40,000): Focuses on technology and audio, featuring a JBL speaker system with an amplifier and an advanced front, cabin and rear dashcam with predictive safety alerts (e.g., front collision, lane change and pedestrian detection).

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “At Citroen, comfort is at the heart of our product philosophy. We have been closely listening to our customers, who are increasingly seeking more features, enhanced comfort, and a premium in-cabin experience at value-driven price points. The Aircross Comfort Edition is a direct response to this evolving demand.”

Skoda Kodiaq RS SUV Sells Out In 6 Minutes In India

Skoda Kodiaq RS

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced that its new Kodiaq RS SUV has sold out within six minutes of its release. The limited run of 50 units was offered as part of the brand’s ‘Surrender’ campaign, marking 125 years of Skoda in motorsport and the 51st anniversary of the RS badge.

This achievement follows the performance of the Octavia RS, which sold out in 20 minutes in 2025.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said: “The RS has stood as a global icon for over half a century, with a passionate following in India for more than two decades. With the ‘Surrender’ campaign, we brought to customers a unique combination of performance and versatility in the Kodiaq RS. We are delighted—though not surprised – to see customers truly ‘surrender’ to its motorsport heritage, 4x4 capability, 7-seat luxury, and its standing as the quickest Skoda in India.”

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. It features a 7-speed DSG transmission with all-wheel drive, it can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 kmph. The vehicles is equipped with a dynamic sound boost, progressive steering and Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus).

The exterior features black accents on the grille, ORVMs, window trims, roof rails and D-pillars. The interior includes black leather upholstery with red stitching. The model is available in four colours: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.