Kush Maini has joined the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team as their latest reserve driver for the 2025 season. This makes him the only Alpine F1 reserve driver actively competing in the Formula 2 Championship, where he will be racing for Dams Lucas Oil. 
The development marks the end of a 13-year hiatus for an Indian talent to be part of an F1 team, making him an inspiration for upcoming motorsport enthusiasts in the country.  His role as Formula 1 Reserve and Test driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team makes him an important asset for the upcoming campaign. To contribute to the team and further his own development and performance, Kush will continue testing the F1 car to gain valuable experience and provide feedback.  
Maini successfully completed four tests with the BWT Alpine F1 Team last season, impressing stakeholders with his performance at each outing. A strong performance this year could make him a potential contender for a full-time seat in 2026. The young Indian driver had an exceptional Formula 2 season last year where he secured five podium positions, with a standout victory in Hungary, playing a pivotal role in Invicta Racing’s Teams’ Championship victory for the 2024 F2 season. He also made history in Jeddah by becoming the first Indian driver to claim a pole position in Formula 2.  
  
 

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that the Carens SUV family has reached a cumulative sales milestone of 300,000 units, which includes the Carens, Carens Clavis and the Carens Clavis EV.

At present, the Carens lineup sales consist of 60 percent petrol, 30 percent diesel and 10 percent electric. The Carens Clavis EV is available with two battery capacities: a 51.4 kWh option providing a 490 km range and a 42 kWh option with a 404 km range. The EV features fast charging, capable of reaching 80 percent charge from 10 percent in 39 minutes, and is powered by motors delivering 255 Nm of torque.

Sunhack Park, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “The 300,000-unit milestone for the Carens underscores its position as a segment leader and a true gamechanger in the MPV space. This achievement is a direct result of our product-led strategy, our sharp understanding of customer needs, and our unwavering focus on quality. It strengthens our conviction that the Carens is the benchmark for its class, and we are energized to build on this momentum as we accelerate our growth journey."

Furthermore, for Carens the top trim levels account for 18 percent of total sales.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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