Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled its new modular, multi-energy NU_IQ platform, which it shared will serve as the foundation for a new generation of SUVs set to enter production from 2027.

The company has previewed the platform’s capabilities through four concept vehicles – Vision.S, Vision.T, Vision.SXT and Vision.X – which it claims will ‘disrupt’ the premium SUV space in both domestic and international markets.

The NU_IQ platform has been engineered to deliver flexibility across multiple vehicle types and markets. It can accommodate a range of body styles (top hats), different powertrains including internal combustion engines and electrified systems, as well as both front- and all-wheel-drive layouts. It is also designed for global deployment, supporting both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive configurations.

Whilst, the complete product specifications are set to be announced closer to the launch, Mahindra has given a glimpse of what one can expect from the platform. These includes–

• Command seating paired with optimised driving dynamics for comfort and control
• Flat-floor architecture, enabling what Mahindra says will be the first production flat-floor ICE SUV
• Lightweight structure meeting stringent safety standards
• Generous cabin space with class-leading boot capacity
• Next-generation integrated domain electronics architecture (NU_UX) for advanced connectivity and user experience

The company shared that the platform has been developed to remove compromises typically faced by SUV buyers, offering premium features in a wider range of models.

R Velusamy, President – Automotive Business (Designate), Mahindra & Mahindra, and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile said, “NU_IQ is a strategic blueprint for the future of Mahindra SUVs globally. With its modular, multi-energy architecture, it gives us the flexibility to innovate across multiple top hats and powertrains whilst staying true to our SUV DNA. Designed to resolve paradoxes, NU_IQ forms the foundation for our next generation of SUVs. It marks a bold step and the start of a new era that frees customers from compromises and puts truly desirable, premium core SUVs squarely in the mainstream.”

The four concept models also mark the evolution of Mahindra’s ‘HEARTCORE’ design philosophy, created jointly at the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai and Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) in Banbury, UK.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer – Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The NU_IQ SUVs, designed at our Global Design studios in Mumbai and Banbury, represent the start of a new chapter of our HEARTCORE design philosophy. They build on the central tenet that great design should create an emotional bond between people and their vehicles while re-imagining it for a new future. Based on the theme ‘Opposites Attract’, where the juxtaposition of contrasting elements creates an expressive new design language, these concepts promise to shape experiences that inspire adventure, confidence, and connection on any terrain, anywhere in the world.”

Each concept reflects a distinct personality – from the ‘Born Iconic’ ethos of the Vision.T and Vision.SXT to the ‘Sporty Solidity’ of the Vision.S and the ‘Sculptural Athleticism’ of the Vision.X. All four have been engineered at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai.

Global Play

Mahindra plans to introduce production versions of these vehicles starting in 2027, with a strategy to target both domestic and export markets. The company is positioning these SUVs in the premium segment, aiming to redefine the customer experience in India while also expanding into left-hand-drive markets overseas.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “NU_IQ blends innovation, global design and advanced technology to disrupt the white spaces in the automotive industry in India and internationally across Right-and-Left-Hand-Drive markets. The four concepts we are showcasing here offer a bold preview of what’s to come. They usher in a new no-compromise era of mobility and give freedom a new meaning.”

With the NU_IQ platform, Mahindra is signalling a significant shift in its approach to product development, combining modular engineering, scalable technology and a global design language to address evolving consumer demands. The company’s 2027 roll-out is expected to be one of its most ambitious launches yet, marking its intent to strengthen its standing both at home and abroad.

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Changan Automobile has unveiled its latest lineup of new energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2025, presenting models across the AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL brands.

AVATR, the brand that focuses on ‘Emotive Luxury,’ headlined the event with the debut of the AVATR 07 SUV. Led by AVATR's European design team, the model has earned international honours, including the IDA International Design Gold Award and the 2025 German iF Design Award. The cabin combines materials, multi-sensory enjoyment, and quietness. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 3.9s and features CDC adaptive air suspension, powered by ADAS to deliver a seamless, reliable, and confident driving.

CHANGAN DEEPAL, a part of Changan’s Thailand portfolio, continued its market momentum. The DEEPAL S05, the first made-in-Thailand model launched in March 2025, ranked No. 1 in EV SUV registrations for two consecutive months. Responding to consumer enthusiasm, Changan introduced the S05 Max Long Range, offering an all-black exterior and interior, a 68.82 kWh battery with 560 km NEDC range and a 200 kW motor capable of zero to 100 kmph in just 6.48 seconds.

As Thailand transitions toward electrification, it has become a strategic hub for Changan. Under its ‘In Thailand, For Thailand’ strategy, Changan is advancing localisation across local manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service.

In May 2025, Changan inaugurated its first overseas NEV plant in Rayong, Thailand – employing over 1,000 Thai workers and achieving approximately 60 percent local content. In August, Changan hosted its first Service Skills Competition in Bangkok to reinforce its global after-sales standards.

Looking ahead, Changan plans to launch seven models in Thailand over the next three years. Over the next five years, Changan will introduce more than 50 NEVs globally, driving the momentum of AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL toward leadership in mobility.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPVL) and Red Bull India have announced an association to undertake acts that challenge norms, combining Tata Motors’ line of products with Red Bull’s athletes.

The first activity will feature the Harrier.ev SUV. The vehicle’s off-road capability will be tested by Red Bull athlete Abdo ‘Dado’ Feghali, a Guinness World Record holder in drifting and an icon in rally and drifting. A video of the challenge will be released soon.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “These are truly exciting times as we partner with a company like Red Bull – known for defying limits. This collaboration brings together two brands that share a passion for innovation, performance, and pushing boundaries. We are excited to showcase how cutting-edge technology and stylish design can complement the thrill of adventure and extreme performance. This journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.”

Abdo ‘Dado’ Feghali, said, “The Harrier.ev truly delivers on its promise of go-anywhere capability. After conquering steep terrains in the Elephant Rock challenge, it exceeded expectations by effortlessly completing the latest task we threw at it. Its segment-leading torque offers smooth, linear delivery, making every obstacle feel convenient. This experience is a testament to the Harrier.ev’s engineering excellence – a new benchmark for electric SUVs in India.”

This association marks the beginning of an adventure between TMPV and Red Bull India, both of which share a vision of delivering experiences that celebrate power, precision, and passion.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank for retail vehicle financing for customers.

The collaboration has been established to provide retail financing solutions for new cars and commercial vehicles, enhancing the accessibility and affordability of Maruti Suzuki vehicles for customers.

The partnership will leverage the growing customer base of the bank to benefit Maruti Suzuki customer profiles and offer them a range of comprehensive financing solutions.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales and Vishal Sharma, Vice-President, Maruti Suzuki Finance & Driving School, from Maruti Suzuki India. Representing Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank were Vinod Kumar Arora, Chairman and Vijay Vasant Raikwad, General Manager, along with senior officials from both organisations.

Partho Banerjee, said: “Our collaboration with Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank strengthens our commitment to making car ownership more accessible and affordable. This strategic partnership enables us to extend our reach and offer customers competitive financing solutions that enhance the overall buying experience. We remain focused on delivering seamless and customer-centric finance options, and this alliance reinforces our vision of providing tailored financial support to a wider audience.”

Vinod Kumar Arora, said, “At Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, fulfilling customer aspirations is at the core of our mission. Our partnership with Maruti Suzuki, a leader in the automotive industry, marks a strategic step toward expanding our service offerings and delivering enhanced value to our customers. This collaboration reinforces our customer-centric philosophy of enabling accessible and affordable vehicle financing solutions. We look forward to supporting individuals and families across the country in realising their dream of owning a Maruti Suzuki vehicle.”

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The Indian passenger vehicle industry experienced its strongest festive season recently, driven by a combination of GST rate cuts and consumer demand, said a recent ICRA report.

In October 2025, passenger vehicle retail sales grew by 15 percent YoY. A sequential surge of 86 percent was observed as retail activity, deferred from the late-September Navratras, shifted into October.

Wholesale volumes also saw an uptick, increasing by 17 percent YoY and 24 percent sequentially to reach 460,000 units in October 2025, as OEMs boosted dispatches to dealers for the festive period.

Inventory levels with dealers reduced to 53-55 days by the end of October 2025, down from 60 days in September 2025, as reported by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA). This improvement was supported by a 21 percent YoY growth, with 800,000 units sold during the 42-day festive period.

Utility vehicles (UVs) continue to dominate the market, accounting for 66-67 percent of total industry volumes. However, the compact and super compact car segments showed signs of revival following the GST reductions.

Export volumes recorded a 12 percent YoY growth in October 2025. Maruti Suzuki India maintained its position as the top exporter, followed by Hyundai Motor India. For the first seven months of FY2026, export volumes expanded by 17 percent YoY, indicating a supply push from Indian OEMs in international markets.

Looking ahead, ICRA expects wholesale volume growth for the full fiscal year FY2026 to be in the range of 1-4  percent, supported by the demand momentum from GST rate cuts, continuous new model launches by OEMs and anticipated demand during the ongoing wedding season.

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