Kia Unveils Carens Clavis 3-Row Model In India

Kia Carens Clavis

Kia India has expanded its Carens lineup with the launch of the Carens Clavis, which is a three-row vehicle available in 6- and 7-seat configurations.

The company shared that the name ‘Clavis’ comes from the Latin phrase Clavis Aurea, meaning ‘Golden Key’, and is positioned by the company as a vehicle suited to families seeking flexible space and utility.

Since its debut three years ago, the Carens has gone home to over 200,000 families in India. According to the company, the Clavis is a response to changing consumer requirements and builds on the Carens platform with added features.

The Carens Clavis includes exterior elements such as Kia’s Digital Tiger Face, LED headlamps with DRLs, and connected LED taillamps. It rides on 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and includes front and rear skid plates, side door inserts and is available in a new Ivory Silver Gloss paint option.

On the inside, the Clavis features a dual-display setup combining infotainment and driver information panels, measuring 26.62 cm each. The cabin includes sliding and reclining second-row seating with one-touch tumble function, third-row access with a segment-first electric folding mechanism and an optional panoramic sunroof.

Other interior features include seat-mounted air purifiers, roof-mounted air vents, ambient lighting with multiple colour options, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat adjustment and an 8-speaker audio system from Bose.

The Carens Clavis comes with remote control for power windows and a 360-degree camera system paired with a blind view monitor displayed in the instrument cluster. Spot lamps have been integrated into the rear doors for additional visibility.

On the safety front, the Carens Clavis includes Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features such as – Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance and more. The standard safety package includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Rear Occupant Alert.

The Carens Clavis is offered with three engine options: the Smartstream G1.5 petrol, the Smartstream G1.5 Turbo-GDi petrol (available with a manual transmission) and the D1.5 diesel. The vehicle will be available in seven trims: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, and HTX+.

Available colour options include Ivory Silver Gloss, Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Grey, Sparkling Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, and Clear White.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “Innovation is the core of everything we do, driven by advanced technology and distinctive design. The unveiling of the Carens Clavis represents a key milestone in our journey, embodying our commitment to a progressive, premium and purpose-led approach. We recognise the evolving needs of our customers and with the Carens Clavis, we’re offering more than just a vehicle, it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience that enhances everyday mobility. As we continue to push boundaries, we remain focused on delivering smart, design-led solutions that empower families and inspire confidence on every drive.”

Maruti Suzuki India Posts INR 33.52 Billion Net Profit For Q1 FY2027

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2027.

The company reported net sales of INR 499.59 billion, up 36 percent YoY, as compared to INR 366.206 billion for the same period last year. The net profit saw a decline of 10 percent YoY, to INR 33.52 billion, from INR 37.58 billion, on the back rise in material cost due to the ongoing geopolitical situation.

During Q1, the wholesales grew by 29.3 percent YoY, with domestic small car sales seeing 34 percent growth, while SUVs and exports clocked 44.6 percent and 28.6 growth YoY, respectively. 

Maruti Suzuki India said its inventory level was at 13 days, despite sales growth on the commissioning of its second plant in Kharkhoda.

The company also has announced an investment of INR 5.61 billion towards setting up 4 compressed biogas (CBG) projects, which would serve as a key learning opportunity to plan future expansion for the same.

Hyundai Motor India Pune Plant Wins 2026 Red Dot Award For Workplace Design

Hyundai Motor India - Red Dot Desing Award 2026

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has received the 2026 Red Dot Brand & Communication Design Award in the Interior Architecture category for the office space at its Pune manufacturing facility.

The selection represents the first instance of an automotive manufacturing site receiving a Red Dot Award for its administration and employee support facilities. The design layout at the Pune plant combines individual workspaces with open collaboration zones. The office incorporates employee support infrastructure, including a mother care room, dedicated meditation rooms, meeting areas fitted with writing surfaces to address language differences, personal lockers, and central document storage units for paper-based operational workflows.

Architecturally, the building utilises biophilic design elements, including interior landscaping, a central courtyard configuration and upcycled terrazzo flooring. The spatial design was developed following workforce analysis covering employee demographics, gender diversity and team communication patterns.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Winning the prestigious Red Dot Award is a proud milestone for Hyundai Motor India and for the global manufacturing community. The award-winning facility at our Pune Plant demonstrates how thoughtful workplace design can positively influence collaboration, employee well-being and operational excellence. Every space has been created with our people at the centre, encouraging innovation, inclusivity and sustainability while reflecting Hyundai’s global design philosophy. This recognition reinforces our commitment to building world-class manufacturing ecosystems where exceptional products begin with exceptional workplaces.”

The award acknowledges the integration of administrative facility design within an industrial automotive context, setting standard practices for employee environment design in manufacturing complexes.

Mukundan MS Elevated As Whole-Time Director At Hyundai Motor India

Mukunandan MS

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has strengthened its Board with the elevation of Mukundan MS as Whole-time Director, effective 1 September 2026.

He is a mechanical engineer holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA), currently serves as Function Head of Production in the Chief Manufacturing Officer's office. His career spans 25 years across plant operations and production management, including supervision of capacity expansion at Hyundai's Chennai Plant 1 and integration of mixed internal combustion engine and electric vehicle assembly lines.

In addition, Young Geon Kim has been appointed to a leadership role effective 1 August 2026. Kim possesses three decades of experience in vehicle manufacturing, production technology and plant operations. Having joined Hyundai Motor India in 2025 following senior roles during the setup of Hyundai's Brazil manufacturing plant, he has overseen Genesis production readiness, Chennai plant integration and facility setup initiatives for the company.

On the other hand, Gopalakrishnan CS, Whole-time Director, Hyundai Motor India, is set to retire on 31 August 2026, due to superannuation.

Production & Export Disruption Impact Hyundai Motor India Q1 Profit

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its Q1 FY2027 results with revenue at INR 163 billion in revenue, which was marginally lower than INR 164 billion a year ago.

The EBITDA came at INR 15.11 billion, down 31 percent YoY, while net profit dropped 35 percent YoY to INR 8.88 billion.

Hyundai Motor India stated that fiscal 2027 began robustly, with cumulative sales in April and May growing 13 percent YoY and domestic volumes for the full quarter rose 5.4 percent to 139,374 units. However, a fire at a supplier facility constrained production in June, limiting overall growth. Total sales (including exports) stood at 178,082 vehicles, down 1.3 percent YoY, while exports fell to 38,708 units amid the residual impact of the US-Iran conflict on Middle East shipments and the production halt.

The company reported that its all-new Venue clocked its best-ever quarterly sales in the domestic market, while Aura and Exter attained highest-ever CNG penetration of 95 percent and 32 percent, respectively.

The rural market performed better than urban market, with penetration now reaching at an all-time high of 26 percent.

Supported by production normalisation, festive demand, new launches and capacity expansion, Hyundai Motor India expects to deliver its stated 8–10 percent volume growth guidance for FY2027 while driving sustainable and profitable growth.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Indai, said, “Q1 FY2027 was a challenging quarter affected by multiple headwinds impacting volumes and profitability. With 100 percent normalisation of production, coupled with healthy demand environment and upcoming product pipeline, recovery is likely to gain pace from Q2 onwards across both domestic and export businesses. Looking ahead, we remain committed to achieving our stated guidance of 8-10 percent YoY volume growth for both domestic and exports as well as 11-14 percent EBITDA margin in FY27.”