A report in Japan’s Nikkei newspaper about Mitsubishi Motors joining Honda-Nissan Alliance has raised many eyebrows. The tie-up between three major Japanese automakers would mark yet another chapter in the history of automotive industry as their combined sales of vehicles amounts to over eight million units. 

Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan has a 34 percent stake, will work with Honda and Nissan to finalise the details of their strategic partnership, the news report has mentioned. Also mentioned in the news report is that the three automakers intend to standardise in-vehicle software that controls cars.

Officials of Mitsubishi Motors and Honda Corporation have not made any formal announcement regarding such a partnership yet. Nissan spokesperson also did not confirm if such a development was under way either. 

Of the three automakers, Nissan – Japan’s third biggest automaker – has been steadily losing market share in its two largest markets, the United States and China. The two respective markets accounted for half its global sales in the year to March 2024. Nissan slashed its annual outlook after heavy discounting in the US that is claimed to have almost completely wiped out its first-quarter profit.

It was in March 2024 that Nissan and Honda announced they were considering a strategic partnership to collaborate on producing electric vehicle components and artificial intelligence in automotive software platforms.

Mitsubishi Motors is already part of a long-standing alliance with Nissan and France's Renault. The three automakers came to an agreement last year to restructure the same. The aim of the alliance restructure is said to be to downsize it, and yet ensure that it is more pragmatic and agile. 

Separate collaboration between Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi Motors could help Japan's automakers manage costs and participate particularly well in the electric vehicle domain, which is currently being dominated by Chinese manufacturers like BYD. 

Once strong in China, which is the world’s largest auto market, the Japanese automakers have been facing considerable competition from the homegrown Chinese automakers. These automakers have been very agile and increasing their production capacity quite fast. They have also been able to offer lower priced vehicles that are ‘loaded’ with software, making them the most modern perhaps.

Image for representation purpose only.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German automotive luxury brand BMW India and BMW Motorrad India have opened pre-orders for the ‘100 Jahre Nurburgring’ edition vehicles to mark the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Nurburgring racetrack in 2027.

The limited collection includes five BMW M car models – the BMW M2 Coupé, BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan and the BMW M5 Touring – alongside the BMW M 1000 R motorcycle. The release marks the entry of the BMW M5 Touring into the Indian market.

The edition models feature specific paint finishes in Nurburgring Green and Sapphire Black metallic with green accents, incorporating the ‘100 Years’ logo, Nurburgring since 1927 lettering and the Nurburgring circuit outline.

Exterior details include carbon fibre roofs, model-specific graphics and green wheel accents across select models, while the M5 Touring features a steel roof with custom stripes. Interior specifications across the car lineup include black leather with green and white stitching, door sills, carbon fibre trims, M Carbon bucket seats with individual upholstery, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker.

The BMW M 1000 R motorcycle features a painted fuel tank with the Nurburgring outline, an airbox cover with ‘one of 100’ numbering, carbon wheels with green accent stripes, an Alcantara seat with embroidered ‘100’ logos and black components for the rear swingarm and frame.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda Cars India (HCIL), one of the leading manufacturers of passenger vehicles in the country, has announced its wholesales for September 2026.

The company reported total sales of 6,955 units, down 16 percent YoY, as compared to 8,296 units sold for the same period last year.

In the domestic market, the company sold 4,465 units, down 19 percent YoY, as compared to 5,503 units sold a year ago. On the exports front, the company shipped 2,490 units, down 11 percent YoY, as compared to 2,793 units last year.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, We are pleased to see positive sales momentum for the Honda City and Honda Amaze during the month. We are also gearing up for the launch of new Elevate, which will further strengthen our SUV offering with a refreshed and enhanced package. With the festive season underway and an exciting product introduction ahead, we look forward to building stronger momentum in the coming months.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its best-ever monthly wholesale performance of 32,017 units in September 2026, representing a 41 percent increase compared to 22,700 units sold last year.

For Q3 of CY2026, the company recorded sales of 89,259 units, reflecting a 38.5 percent growth over 64,443 units for the same period last year.

In terms of YTD (January – September 2026) cumulative sales reached 253,008 units, marking a 22.5 percent increase from 206,582 units reported during the corresponding period in 2025.

Kia India attributed the robust performance to healthy demand across its portfolio incuding Seltos and Sonet models, alongside contributions from the Carens, Carens Clavis, Clavis EV, Syros EV and Sorento, which is offered in diesel and hybrid powertrain options. The company's powertrain options now span petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, and electric configurations across its product range.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, "Our strong performance in September and across the third quarter reflects the continued trust of our customers and the strength of Kia’s evolving portfolio. The Seltos and Sonet continue to be key contributors to our growth, while the strong response to the Sorento and Syros EV reinforces our strategy of expanding into new segments and powertrain categories in line with evolving customer aspirations. As mobility needs become increasingly diverse, we are focused on providing meaningful choice across conventional, CNG, hybrid and electric powertrains, supported by ownership solutions that address real customer needs. We remain committed to building on this momentum through distinctive products, advanced technologies and differentiated experiences designed around the needs of Indian customers."

At present, Kia India operates a retail and service network comprising 915 touchpoints across 425 cities, alongside 137 certified pre-owned outlets across the country.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its total wholesales of 28,218 units in September 2026, comprising 25,027 units sold in the domestic market and 3,191 units exported.

For the YTD period (January – September 2026), the automaker reported cumulative total sales of 294,914 units, representing an 8 percent increase compared to 272,824 units sold last year.

Domestic sales for the 9-month period rose 9 percent to 269,619 units, up from 247,081 units in the previous year, while exports reached 25,295 units, compared to 25,743 units a year ago.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "September witnessed continued customer interest across segments, supported by our focus on quality, durability and reliability. As we enter the festive season, we remain committed to strengthening customer engagement and working closely with our dealer partners to deliver enhanced mobility experiences and address evolving customer needs."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!