Kia Sonet previews a future global compact SUV from the brand. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.

Carnival has been officially launched in India in three different specifications at the starting prices of INR 24.95 lakh for the Premium variant, INR 28.95 lakh for the Prestige variant, and INR 33.95 lakh for the Limousine variant. Carnival is designed to resonate with young-at-heart, trendy and elite Indian buyers. Kia received more than 1,400 bookings for the new car on the first day of orders.

Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO, Kia Motors India, said, “When Kia launched in India two years ago, we came here to win the hearts of Indian customers. Today, I can say that our approach – to do more than simply build and sell great cars here – is bearing fruit. We have sought to understand the Indian customers’ aspirations, and match them with best-in-class products and services. Our latest vehicle, Kia Carnival, is a clear example of this approach. Though it represents a leap from the Seltos into a premium, aspirational segment, it has been devised with the same passion.”

Sonet: Kia Sonet concept previews the third product offering from Kia Motors in India. A smart urban SUV for young, dynamic Indian consumers, Sonet takes inspiration from the advanced world of networking.

With a modern, dynamic and bold design, Sonet is equipped with several first-in-class features like head-turning looks, Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, step-well geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eye line’ daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.

Seltos X-Line Concept: Kia revealed also the rugged new Kia Seltos X-Line Concept, a bolder reinterpretation of the Seltos SUV. The X-Line Concept features a more assertive, rugged front design with a futuristic radiator grille. Further modifications have been made to the front and rear bumpers to make it look more distinguished, as well as the addition of a prominent skid plate, roof rack, and all-terrain-inspired body panels to elevate the personality of the car.

Building on its mission to innovate for tomorrow’s mobility solutions, Kia showcased 14 products at Auto Expo 2020. They included:-

Soul EV: One of Kia’s first globally-sold fully-electric vehicles, the Soul EV has several eye-catching features, and offers long-range, zero-emissions power in the urban crossover class. Powered exclusively by electric energy, Soul EV gives buyers a choice between mid and long-range battery packs.

Niro EV: Energy and power for the Niro EV come from a cutting-edge, liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and powerful electric motor. The long-range battery, packaged under the floor of the vehicle to maximize cabin space for passengers, gives the Niro EV a range of 450 kilometers from a single charge.

XCeed: Kia’s latest global sensation XCeed combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging and engaging handling of a hatchback. XCeed’s suites of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies make it one of the most high-tech, comprehensively equipped cars in its class.

Stonic: An eye-catching and confident compact CUV, Stonic blends SUV-inspired design with agile handling and a sporty ride for an exciting drive. (MT)

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced its wholesales for April 2025 at 84,170 vehicles, a growth of 19 percent, including exports.

The auto major sold a total of 52,330 SUVs in the domestic market, which was 28 percent higher than 41,008 SUVs sold for the same period last year. Commercial vehicle sales in the domestic market came at 22,989 units, which was 4 percent YoY. 

Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Building on the strong momentum of last year's performance, we began the year on a strong note in April by achieving SUV sales of 52,330 units, a growth of 28 percent and total vehicle sales of 84,170 units, a 19 percent growth over the same month last year. These numbers indicate the strength of our portfolio and customer offerings.”

JSW MG Motor India, a leading passenger vehicles manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for April 2025.

The company reported sales of 5,829 units, which was 23 percent higher over April 2024, when it sold 4,725 vehicles.

Interestingly, the automaker's popular offering, the Windsor EV, has continued to be the top-selling electric passenger vehicle for the seventh month in a row.

JSW MG Motor India's Windsor EV has now gone home to over 20,000 customers.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has reported its wholesales of 179,791 units in April 2025, marking a 7 percent increase compared to 168,089 units sold in April 2024. The growth was primarily propelled by strong performance in utility vehicles and a sharp rise in export volumes.

Domestic sales, including passenger and light commercial vehicles, remained flat with 142,053 units, as compared to 140,448 units in April 2024. Within this, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) like the Super Carry saw a significant jump of 34.2 percent, with sales rising to 3,349 units from 2,496 units last year.

In the passenger vehicle segment, SUVs such as the Brezza, Ertiga, Grand Vitara and others recorded a 4.4 percent increase, selling 59,022 units compared to 56,553 in the previous year. However, sales for Eeco declined by 5.2 percent, while the mini segment (Alto, S-Presso) saw a sharp 45 percent drop, falling to 6,332 units from 11,519 units. The compact segment, which includes high-volume models like the Baleno and Swift, grew by 8.1 percent, reaching 61,591 units.

Sales to Toyota Kirloskar Motor rose sharply by 79.2 percent, from 5,481 units to 9,827 units, indicating a growing demand for cross-badged products.

The standout performer was the export segment, which surged 26 percent to 27,911 units from 22,160 units in April 2024. This strong export growth helped bolster the company’s overall numbers despite weaknesses in domestic sub-segments.

While some product lines such as the mid-size sedan Ciaz (-63 percent) continue to struggle.

Tata Motors reported total wholesales of 72,753 units for April 2025, reflecting a 6 percent year-on-year decline from 77,521 units in April 2024.

The passenger vehicle (PV) segment, including electric vehicles, accounted for 45,532 units, down 5 percent from 47,983 units in the same month last year. Within this, domestic PV sales dropped 6 percent to 45,199 units, while international business (IB) sales rose significantly to 333 units, up from 100 units. Electric vehicle sales (domestic + IB) declined 16 percent year-on-year to 5,318 units.

Commercial vehicle (CV) sales stood at 27,221 units, marking an 8 percent YoY drop from 29,538 units in April 2024. Domestic CV sales contracted 10 percent to 25,764 units, while CV exports (IB) grew 43 percent to 1,457 units. Key sub-segments like Small Commercial Vehicles (SCV) and pickups saw a steep 23 percent decline.

Despite growth in certain categories like ILMCV trucks and passenger carriers, overall sales momentum was tempered across both PV and CV segments.