Mahindra Maintains Optimistic Outlook For FY2026, New Greenfield Facility By FY2028

Mahindra Auto

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced its financial results for FY2025 with revenue of INR 1,592 billion, up 14 percent YoY and a net profit of INR 129 billion, up 20 percent YoY.

The robust financial performance was underpinned by strong automotive sales across key segments. Mahindra stated it continue to top the SUV sales with a revenue market share of 22.5 percent. Furthermore, the OEM held the top spot in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment under 3.5 tonnes, commanding a market share of 51.9 percent. The Tractor division also achieved its highest ever full-year market share at 43.3 percent.

Going forward, the company continues to maintain an optimistic outlook for SUV and EV sales. The company has announced that it will unveil a new platform 'Vision' on 15 August 2025, which will further expand its product portfolio.

Furthermore, Mahindra is set to increase its manufacturing capacity for XUV 3X0 and Thar Roxx by 3,000 units, a new platform capacity in Chakan for 120,000 units per annum and a new greenfield facility by FY2028, which will primarily focus on the passenger vehicle segment. The company is also looking at different states and the kind of incentives it gets, before finalising the location.  

“Our current capacity utilisation on the SUV side is almost over 90 percent with Scorpio very close to capacity, Thar Roxx and 3X0 fully on capacity and Bolero is lesser in capacity,” said Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO – Auto and Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra.

Furthermore, the company’s born electric platform, which has spawned the BE 6 and XEV 9e has recently crossed the 6,300 sales mark. At present, the EVs have around 40,000 bookings with an average waiting time of 4-5 months.

Jejurikar explained that an EV customer usually sees around 2 hours of discussion time at the dealership, which is significantly higher than that of an ICE-vehicle customer.

“There's also work to be done by way of enabling charging infrastructure to be facilitated, set up, which means working with their societies or their office complexes wherever they want the charger and all of that needs to be coordinated well and then there's an installation process to be done at home. We have seen that this process is very important to customers to make sure that the experience is very seamless. As we think about ramping up, this is an added thing over and above the input quality which of course is a very important parameter because there is a lot of high tech and so we want to be very calibrated in the way we ramp up. As we have said earlier, that even though we have capacity, we are not operationalising all of that,” added Jejurikar.

A significant highlight was the positive performance of Mahindra's EV division. The company reported being EBITDA positive in the first quarter of the fiscal year within its EV segment, even without considering certain incentives (PLI). This achievement was attributed to a favourable variant mix. While celebrating this milestone, the company cautioned that achieving EBIT margin positivity in the EV sector is anticipated to take several quarters, potentially extending to a year or 18 months. This timeline reflects the ongoing investments required to scale up their EV operations, for which incentives are intended to provide support. The company anticipates that significant EBITDA positivity in the EV segment will become more pronounced as production volume increases.

On the other hand, responding to slowdown in the passenger vehicle sales, Jejurikar stated, “I think there are several enablers which will start kicking in – government spending, infrastructure spending, all of that which will lead to demand picking up. The smaller segments will start gaining out of the income tax benefit that will start kicking in from the front. We think that will be an enabler as well as interest rates come down over time, I think that will be another positive enabler. I do think that over the next few months, the sentiment will start kicking up. But it's a world with a lot of uncertainty at the moment. Multiple things are happening around the world so we don't see any uncertainty that comes out of that.  But, overall I think many macroeconomic factors are positive.”

Dr Anish Shah, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, added, “I just want to reflect on the numbers – both revenue growth and bank growth – where the stress isn't particularly visible. Yes, there is some level of commercial urban stress, but from our product standpoint, we haven't seen significant impact. Even when we look across other businesses, overall, the picture remains positive. The recent actions around liquidity and interest rates should start to drive greater demand and improved functionality. So, on balance, I’d say we aren’t seeing substantial urban stress at this point – perhaps a slight slowdown or a temporary blip, but nothing major. I believe that's something we’ll bounce back from.”

Looking beyond the domestic market, Mahindra expressed considerable optimism regarding its expansion in North America. The launch of the OJA tractor series in the North American market is reported to be gaining significant traction. Specifically, in the less than 110 horsepower tractor segment, where Mahindra has a strong presence, their retail market share has reportedly surged from 3 percent to 10 percent over the past four months. This sub-110 horsepower category constitutes a substantial 40 percent of the total market volume. This significant growth in their key segment underscores the strategic importance of the OTA series and justifies the investments made in its creation.

Responding to a question regarding potential entry into the insurance market, a Dr Shah stated that this has been under consideration for several years. While acknowledging the complementary nature of their existing business and the large market size, he indicated that any entry would be contingent on identifying a suitable approach that ensures successful returns. But no immediate plans for entering the insurance sector were announced.

Going forward, Mahindra is said to be open to new partnerships and acquisitions.

Renault Launches Duster E-Tech 160 At INR 1.69 Million, Debuts Its Strong Hybrid Tech In India

Duster Hybrid E-Tech 160

European auto major Renault India has introduced its E-Tech 160 strong-hybrid powertrain in the Indian market with the launch of the new Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160. The hybrid SUV can be had at prices starting from INR 1.69 million ex-showroom across three trim levels: Evolution, Techno and Emotion.

The Duster E-Tech 160 comes with a 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors, a 1.4 kWh battery pack and a multi-mode automatic transmission, producing a combined power output of 160 PS and peak motor torque of 208 Nm.

The transmission utilises two electric and four combustion gears to deliver 15 drive combinations. Certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) at 29 kilometres per litre, the SUV enables up to 80 percent of urban driving in electric mode and incorporates regenerative braking with a B-mode selector.

The Duster E-Tech 160 features an illuminated logo grille, frequency-dependent damping, battery thermal cooling and revised cabin upholstery across variants. The Techno variant includes beige semi-leatherette trim, while the Emotion variant adds brown leatherette seats with front ventilation and six-way power adjustment. The Evolution trim is priced at INR 1.69 million, the Techno at INR 1.89 million and the Emotion at INR 1.94 million. Pre-orders are open across Renault dealerships and online channels, supported by an optional Protect 360 ownership package.

Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, "With more than one million E-Tech strong hybrid vehicles sold worldwide since 2020, the E-Tech strong hybrid is a proven Renault powertrain technology. Now, we are bringing it to India as part of our futuREady India roadmap. Our approach is to bring to the Indian customers the best of Renault’s global technologies, while developing cars, powertrains and features specifically for Indian needs through our engineering and design centres in Chennai, our biggest outside Europe. The Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 is a clear example of this approach."

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Renault Group India, said, "In the Duster segment, nearly half of all diesel vehicles are sold in the INR 1.7–2 million price band, and that rises to more than 90 percent for diesel automatics. That is exactly where the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 comes in. Starting at INR 1.69 million, right at the heart of this market, we believe it is the smarter choice for customers considering diesel, combining significantly lower fuel consumption with a quieter, smoother and more sophisticated driving experience, without requiring customers to change how or where they drive."

Audi Q3

German luxury car brand Audi India has launched the all-new Audi Q3 compact luxury SUV at an introductory price of INR 5.19 million ex-showroom. The vehicle is locally assembled at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine delivering 150 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, paired with quattro all-wheel drive. The setup accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. Exterior design features Digital Matrix LED headlights containing 25,600 micro-LEDs with four selectable daytime-running-light signatures, 18-inch aero alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and illuminated rear Audi rings.

On the inside, the cabin incorporates a digital stage panoramic display featuring a 30.22 cm Audi virtual cockpit, a 32.51 cm MMI touch screen, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker SONOS sound system with a 420-watt output. Safety features include nine airbags, adaptive cruise control, front emergency brake assist and park assist plus.

Viktoria Kaufmann-Reiger, Senior Director of Sales Overseas at Audi AG, said, "Today, is such an important day for Audi India and I am happy to be a part of this occasion. The launch of the all-new Audi Q3 is an important milestone and it became even more special due to our new AUDI AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing Mr. Martin Sander joining us here in India. His presence underscores not just the importance of this brand-new model but also India’s growing importance as an emerging market for AUDI AG. India's luxury landscape is evolving, and we will continue to offer products, technologies and experiences that reflect the aspirations of our customers and the distinctive character of our brand. Customer ambitions are growing, and so are their expectations, and at Audi we want to be well positioned to grow alongside them."

Piyush Arora, MD and CEO, SAVWIPL, said, "The launch of the all-new Audi Q3 marks an important milestone for Audi India and reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving expectations of the next generation of luxury customers. Like its predecessor, the new Q3 is being produced here in India, at our state-of-the-art Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility. This is a strong demonstration of the capabilities we have built within SAVWIPL, reinforcing that India plays a dual role for us, not only as a major growth market, but as a key manufacturing and engineering hub."

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director, Audi India, said, "The Audi Q3 has long been an important gateway to the Audi brand in India, and we are delighted to introduce its most progressive iteration yet. The all-new Audi Q3 combines the confidence of quattro, strong performance and everyday versatility with a significantly more intuitive technological experience and a host of thoughtful comfort and safety features. Its local assembly is another important step in our commitment to the Indian market. We are confident that its distinctive character, advanced technology and effortless usability will resonate strongly with customers seeking a modern compact luxury SUV."

The compact SUV is offered in five exterior paint options and two interior themes. Audi India supports the launch with ownership options, including roadside assistance up to 15 years alongside service and extended warranty programs up to 10 years.

Maruti Suzuki True Value Reaches 25-Year Milestone With 6.5 Million Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales

Maruti Suzuki True Value

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has completed 25 years of operations for its pre-owned vehicle retail network – Maruti Suzuki True Value, recording cumulative sales of 6.5 million pre-owned cars since its establishment in 2001.

The pre-owned vehicle network currently operates 662 retail outlets spanning 338 cities across India. True Value's operational model includes digital integration, vehicle evaluation frameworks, certification processes and warranty coverage policies for used cars.

The platform also provides financing options through the Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance digital portal, connecting buyers with public and private sector banks and non-banking financial companies.

Interestingly, the company observed an increase in first-time vehicle buyers and younger demographic groups within its pre-owned sales network as organised used-car retail and structured financing options continue to expand across urban and regional markets in India.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "For 25 years, Maruti Suzuki True Value has worked towards making pre-owned car ownership more trusted, transparent and accessible for customers. Over its quarter-of-a-century journey, True Value has constantly reimagined itself to not just evolve with the times, but also to give customers exactly what they want. True Value has been designed as a comprehensive pre-owned car ecosystem serving buyers and sellers through 662 outlets across 338 cities. With pre-owned car ownership striking a new chord with aspirational customers, the share of young first-time buyers are constantly increasing amongst True Value customers. As we celebrate this momentous milestone, we remain committed to making personal mobility accessible and aspirational through assured quality, transparent processes and technology-enabled customer experiences."

Lexus India

Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has inaugurated its new Guest Experience Centre in Surat, expanding its retail presence in Gujarat following a recent opening in Ahmedabad.

The facility is operated by Lexus Bharat, a joint venture between Kirloskar Systems, Toyota Tsusho India and Japan's Toyota Tsusho Corporation. The location features a vehicle showroom and an operational Lexus Service Point for aftersales maintenance. The inauguration ceremony was led by Lexus Bharat Managing Director Sreenivas Chivikula and Lexus India Executive Vice President Ryosuke Tawara.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said, "India's luxury automotive market is evolving rapidly, with guests increasingly seeking distinctive products, meaningful experiences and brands that align with their values. At Lexus, our vision is to bring the Lexus experience closer to guests across the country. The inauguration of Surat Guest Experience Centre marks an important milestone for Lexus India. As the second GEC in Gujarat, following the recent inauguration of Ahmedabad GEC, the Surat outlet further strengthens our presence in this vibrant and growing luxury market. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and legacy of craftsmanship, Surat's pursuit of quality and excellence resonates strongly with Lexus. We are delighted to welcome guests into a space that reflects our dedication to innovation, exceptional hospitality and Omotenashi. Through this new Guest Experience Centre, we look forward to building deeper connections with our guests while delivering the unique luxury experience that defines Lexus."

Sreenivas Chivikula added: "The inauguration of our Guest Experience Centre at Surat marks an exciting new chapter for Lexus in India. Lexus Bharat is committed to supporting Lexus India's efforts to deliver exceptional guest experiences. As we enter new markets, our focus remains on delivering world-class luxury retail standards and personalised guest experiences that embody Lexus' unique experience."

The Surat facility increases Lexus India's retail network to nine Guest Experience Centres across major metropolitan markets, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kochi and Ahmedabad, supported nationwide by 19 Lexus Service Point locations. Ownership programs include an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty covering the vehicle and hybrid battery system, alongside five-year roadside assistance packages.