Maruti Suzuki India Attains 3 Million Units Export Milestone

Maruti Suzuki India exports

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has surpassed 3 million cumulative exports milestone.

It was in 1986, the company had commenced exports from India, and in September 1987 it shipped 500 vehicles one of the largest shipments in that period to Hungary. In FY2012-13 it crossed 1 million vehicle exports milestone, followed by 2 million in FY2020-21. The 3 millionth landmark vehicle was part of a shipment of 1,053 units that sailed from Gujarat’s Pipavav port yesterday comprising models like Celerio, Fronx, Jimny, Baleno, Ciaz, Dzire and S-Presso.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 3 million cumulative exports milestone reflects India’s automobile manufacturing excellence and is a shining example of Brand India on the global stage. We thank the government of India for instituting encouraging policies and enabling trade agreements with some markets augmenting export growth. Aligned with government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, Maruti Suzuki is committed to deep localisation and multiplying exports. Today, 40 percent of passenger vehicles exported from India are from Maruti Suzuki making us the number 1 vehicle exporter in the country. Our success in international markets is the outcome of high acceptance of Maruti Suzuki’s global standard vehicles for quality, safety, design, and technology. We thank our global customers and esteemed distributors for their trust in us.”

“Our exports from India have grown by 3 times from 4 years ago. Inspired by this global demand, Maruti Suzuki is determined to diversify and ramp-up vehicle exports to 750,000 units by 2030-31,” added Takeuchi.

For FY2025 (April-October) the company exported 181,444 units, which was 17.4 percent higher YoY. At present, Maruti Suzuki India exports 17 models to around 100 countries, which includes the likes of Latin America, Africa, Middle-East and countries in Asia too. The top export models include the Fronx, Jimny, Baleno, Dzire and S-Presso.

Tata Altroz Gets 5-Star BNCAP Safety Rating

Tata Altroz

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, has announced that its all-new Altroz hatchback has recently bagged 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP (B–NCAP) crash tests.

The hatchback scored 29.65/32 in adult occupant protection and 44.9/49 in child occupant protection, which makes the Altroz, India’s safest hatchback.

Furthermore, the Altroz is also the first car in its segment and body style to attain 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP across all powertrains, including CNG.

The new Altroz was launched in May 2025 and can be had in three powertrain options – 1.2L Revotron Petrol (Manual, DCA & new AMT), 1.2L iCNG with Twin-Cylinder Tech and 1.5L Revotorq Diesel engine.

Interestingly, the Altroz continues to be the only premium hatchback in its segment to be offered with a diesel engine.

Mohan Savarkar, Vice-President & Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Altroz has always been a pioneer in the premium hatchback segment. With its combination of contemporary design, advanced technology, and a multi-powertrain led approach, it truly makes the customer ‘Feel Special’. A trendsetter for the industry, the Altroz has once again redefined benchmarks by being the only car in its segment to achieve the coveted 5-star rating by Bharat-NCAP across petrol, diesel, and CNG powertrains, making it the safest CNG-powered car in India. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to deliver cars that our customers can depend on with confidence.”

Hyundai Motor India Signs Landmark Wage Agreement With Employees Union

Hyundai Union

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has reached a significant wage settlement agreement with the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE) for 2024–2027. The deal, the company said, sets a new industry standard and was finalised and signed today after what both parties described as a period of constructive dialogue.

Effective from 1 April 2024, through 31 March 2027, the three-year agreement includes a substantial all-inclusive compensation increase of INR 31,000 per month. This raise will be implemented in three phases, with a 55 percent increase in the first year, 25 percent in the second and the remaining 20 percent in the final year.

Youngmyung Park, Function Head - People Strategy at HMIL, the agreement is a testament to “At Hyundai, our people are the cornerstone of our success. This agreement, built on mutual trust, respect and constructive dialogue, reflects our shared commitment to fostering a progressive workplace culture that prioritises employee welfare and supports long-term organisational growth.”

In addition to the pay raise, HMIL confirmed that it will continue to provide top-tier employee benefits, including best-in-class health coverage and advanced wellness programs.

The United Union of Hyundai Employees, which was registered in 2011, represents 1,981 employees – 90 percent of the company's technician and workmen cadre. The union is said to have played a crucial role in negotiating the new compensation package on behalf of its members.

Renault India

French automotive major Renault Group India has announced two key leadership appointments, reinforcing the country's growing significance as a global hub for automotive design and engineering.

Dr Vikraman V has been appointed Chief of Renault Engineering at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) in Chennai. He will lead engineering and innovation, leveraging his extensive experience in both electric and internal combustion engine platforms. Prior to joining Renault, Dr. Vikraman spent nearly two decades at Mahindra & Mahindra, where he led the Vehicle Mechanical Division. He holds a master's and a PhD in automotive engineering from IIT Madras.

On the other hand, Sandeep Bhambra has been named Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI) while continuing in his role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault. He will be responsible for shaping future portfolios, incorporating Renault's design DNA with forward-looking innovation. Bhambra, who previously led Advanced Design and Concept Cars for Renault in France, will continue to report to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, “The appointments of Sandeep Bhambra and Dr. Vikraman V mark a transformative moment in Renault Group’s journey in India. India is rapidly emerging as a global epicentre for automotive innovation, and these leaders bring the vision and expertise to harness that momentum. Sandeep’s creative leadership will elevate our design identity, while Vikraman’s engineering depth will drive cutting-edge mobility solutions. Together, they will help position India not just as a contributor, but as a creator of Renault’s future—where global design excellence and Indian ingenuity converge to shape vehicles that inspire, perform, and lead.”

Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group, added, “In an industry undergoing profound transformation, Sandeep’s international experience, creative vision and determination will be key assets to guide our team in India. While continuing his responsibilities as Chief Designer Advanced Renault, he will ensure Renault Design Centre India plays a pivotal role in our global design strategy, creating cars that truly resonate with Indian customers while reinforcing Renault’s global ambitions and strengthening the brand’s presence in this strategic market.”

The Renault Design Centre in Chennai has been renamed Renault Design Centre India to better reflect its strategic role and commitment to the Indian market.

Wolfgang Würth Named Hyundai Motor Europe PR Director

Wolfgang Würth Named Hyundai Motor Europe PR Director

Hyundai Motor Europe has appointed Wolfgang Würth as Director of PR & Communications, effective 1 October 2025. In this role, he will lead the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy, overseeing all public relations, product and corporate communications activities across the region. Würth will report directly to Xavier Martinet, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, as a key member of the company's leadership team.

His primary focus will be on positioning Hyundai as a leading innovator in electric mobility, leveraging his strong passion for technological advancement and responsible transportation. Würth brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the automotive and technology sectors, with a background in brand strategy, digital marketing and social media from senior international positions at Mercedes-Benz AG and, most recently, smart Europe GmbH. He is also a graduate of the Executive MBA programme offered by the University of St. Gallen and ETH Zurich.

Martinet said, “We are pleased to welcome Wolfgang to the team. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry, and his proven ability to craft compelling narratives, Wolfgang will play a key role in driving our brand forward. His expertise will be fundamental as we accelerate our growth and continue to redefine mobility across Europe.”

Würth said, “I am honoured to join Hyundai, a brand of progress, with a unique design philosophy and empowering technology. I look forward to working with the talented teams to strengthen the brand’s presence and inspire our customers across the continent.”