Celebrating 130 years of automotive legacy globally and marking a presence in the Indian market for the last 25 years, Skoda Auto India has launched the ‘Skoda Superstars' campaign that underlines celebration of passion, persistence and people. 
It aims at those who dare to dream and work relentlessly with actor Ranveer Singh as the anchor. A film featuring Singh along with iconic cars of the brand through the ages – as a key part of the campaign – highlights the resilience of Skoda’s iconic founders, Laurin and Klement. It also focuses on modern-day heroes from all walks of life, leaving viewers with a compelling call to action – to ‘celebrate your journey’.
Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, spoke about the campaign: “The ‘Skoda Superstars’ campaign is not just a tribute, it’s a movement. It’s our way of honouring the spirit of determination and drive that has defined Skoda Auto since 1895 and continues to thrive in the people around us today. As we celebrate 130 years globally and 25 years in India, we want to go beyond just showcasing our cars. We want to celebrate the human stories that mirror our own journey, from vision and grit to achievement. Through this campaign, we’re inviting every individual to share their personal triumphs and become a part of the Skoda legacy. Because in the end, it’s not just about where you come from, but how far your passion and work ethic can take you.”
As part of the campaign, Skoda Auto India is inviting fans to participate in a unique contest by sharing their stories of dreams turned into achievements. By uploading a personal photo that reflects their journey, users can generate a special double-exposure image featuring themselves and a Skoda car, symbolising how their personal milestones intersect with the brand’s enduring legacy.
 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has handed over a 10-hectare ecological restoration project in the Herbivore Safari Zone of Bannerghatta Biological Park to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka. The initiative is part of the company's ‘Harmony with Nature – Green Wave’ projects and its commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.

The restoration involved weed removal and the planting of native saplings to improve habitat quality and forage availability. Protective measures include solar fencing, which will remain around the area for two years to prevent grazing on the new plantings. The project also includes a borewell equipped with a solar-powered pumping system to provide water during dry seasons.

A V Surya Sen, Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, said, “Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in strengthening conservation efforts across Karnataka. This initiative by Toyota Kirloskar Motor demonstrates how the industry can actively contribute to restoring ecosystems and enhancing wildlife habitats. The integration of renewable energy solutions further reflects a responsible and sustainable approach to environmental stewardship.”

B Padmanabha, Executive Vice-President & Director, Manufacturing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At TKM, we believe that biodiversity conservation is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. This project reflects our commitment to the Harmony with Nature initiative under the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. By implementing scientific weed management, native afforestation, protective measures for young plantations, and renewable-energy-powered infrastructure, we seek to restore ecological balance and foster a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

European automaker Renault India has launched the Duster Adventure Edition, with prices beginning at INR 1.29 million (ex-showroom). The vehicle was unveiled by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India and Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India.

The Adventure edition is available in three powertrain options: Turbo TCe 100 MT, Turbo TCe 160 MT and Turbo TCe 160 DCT. Exterior features include decals with topographical contour lines and the geographical coordinates of Leh. On the inside, the vehicle includes floor mats and various technology and convenience features.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, "Iconic vehicles are remembered not simply for what they do, but for the place they earn in people's lives. Duster belongs to that rare category. Over the years, it became part of countless journeys and lasting memories for customers across India. The Adventure Edition celebrates the enduring connection that people continue to have with the Duster nameplate."

The new prices are as follows: Adventure Turbo TCe 100 MT at INR 1.29 million, Adventure Turbo TCe 160 MT at INR 1.39 million and Adventure Turbo TCe 160 DCT at INR 1.53 million, ex-showroom, respectively.

The Duster comes with Full LED headlamps and 43.18cm (17-inch) alloy wheels, electric panoramic sunroof, electric powered tailgate and automatic dual zone air conditioning.

On the inside, it gets 25.65cm (10.1-inch) multimedia system and connected car services via the My Renault app. And Adventure Branding on the decals, embellishers and floor mats.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has announced personnel changes within its sales and marketing division, effective from 1 September 2026. These appointments reflect the company’s focus on using real-time data, artificial intelligence and the integration of retail finance into the customer journey.

The company has announced that Nandita Godbole, currently General Manager of the Digital Customer Unit, will become Head of Marketing, succeeding Amrit Baid, who will transition to lead the Retail Finance and Pre-Owned Cars business.

Sanjay Kochar, currently General Manager of TEV & BEV Sales, will succeed Jamsheed Bhadha as General Manager of Product Planning & Sales Planning, who will move to a new position within Mercedes-Benz in Dubai.

Brendon Sissing, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Our people remain the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz’s customer-centricity and sustained success. These organisational changes reinforce our commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences using real-time data strategies, AI deployment, and integrated business capabilities, while building future-ready leaders by offering a broader cross-functional exposure to our talents. We thank our colleagues for their invaluable contributions and unwavering passion in making Mercedes-Benz the most desirable luxury brand. We wish them continued success in their new roles as they will shape the next chapter of our innovation-led growth.”

Godbole has held previous roles in marketing, retail sales, and the digital customer unit. In her new capacity, she will focus on using real-time data and predictive insights to manage customer interactions.

Baid will oversee the retail finance division, which currently holds a portfolio exceeding INR 150 billion and supports more than 50 percent of the company's total car sales.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Spinny, one of the leading used-car selling and buying marketplaces, has partnered with the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) for the 5th Finance & Insurance (F&I) Summit 2026 in Mumbai.

The event brought together representatives from banking, insurance and the automotive retail sector to discuss vehicle ownership and the dealership industry.

The summit focused on wholesale finance, retail finance and insurance. It included the release of the 3rd edition of the FADA Dealer Satisfaction Study, which surveyed over 700 dealerships across India. The findings showed improvements in satisfaction regarding finance and insurance, while highlighting requirements for training and funding for the used-vehicle market.

Spinny highlighted its technology initiatives, including Spinny Circle, which enables dealerships to digitise vehicle exchange, inspections and valuations to manage working capital. The company operates a network across 80 cities, using inspection and refurbishment centres to support its exchange and retail operations.

Gurveen Bedi, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, "India's automotive ecosystem is evolving rapidly, making collaboration across financing, insurance, vehicle exchange and technology more important than ever. Through our continued partnership with FADA, we are bringing together every stakeholder across the value chain to foster meaningful dialogue, encourage innovation and address shared industry challenges. As organised used-car retail continues to grow, trusted partnerships and technology-led solutions will play an increasingly important role in building a more transparent, efficient and future-ready automotive ecosystem that creates long-term value for dealers, financial institutions and customers alike."

C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, said, "If an automobile dealership were a human body, the OEM is our heart, pumping the product lifeblood. Wholesale finance is the bloodstream – the working capital that must flow freely to keep the body energetic. Retail finance is our legs, allowing the customer to walk out with a vehicle, while insurance is our immune system, protecting us when the unexpected occurs. The dealer is the face the customer trusts, but you cannot have a healthy face on an unhealthy body. It takes all four of us – the OEM, the financier, the insurer and the dealer – working in a perfect relay to keep the customer."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!