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.

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Honda Motor Co, has announced the adoption of a redesigned H mark as the symbol for its automobile business. The logo has represented Honda vehicles since 1963 and has undergone several modifications to reflect the company’s evolution.

The redesign coincides with the development of next-generation electric vehicles, including the Honda 0 Series. The company states that the design expression, resembling two outstretched hands, signifies its commitment to expanding mobility possibilities and meeting customer needs. The logo will be applied to electric and hybrid-electric models introduced from 2027.

Beyond vehicle badges, Honda will implement the mark across all automobile touchpoints. This includes dealership signage, communication materials, and motorsports activities. The transition marks what the company describes as its ‘second founding’ during the shift towards electrification and intelligent technologies.

By adopting this symbol, the manufacturer aims to lead the transformation of the automotive market. The move follows the strategy of utilising technology and ideas to move beyond conventional practices in vehicle production and branding.

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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) concluded 2025 with its highest-ever domestic sales of 117,000 units, a record to date. This represents a 36 percent YoY volume growth, while cumulative sales, including exports, reached 159,500 units. During the year, the Group surpassed the milestone of producing 2 million vehicles in India.

The MQB-A0-IN platform, developed for the Indian market, serves as the foundation for all locally manufactured Skoda and Volkswagen models. The company also expanded its international operations, with cumulative exports exceeding 715,000 units. New markets in the GCC and ASEAN regions were entered as part of the Group’s strategy to establish India as a global production base.

Volkswagen maintained its position in the sedan category with the Virtus holding a 38 percent segment share, while the Golf GTI sold out shortly after its introduction. Skoda reported 107 percent growth albeit a low year ago base, supported by demand for the Kylaq and the return of the Octavia RS. To support the demand, the Group has increased its network to 700 touchpoints across its brands.

In the luxury and performance segments, Audi introduced the Q7 Signature Edition and the RSQ8 Performance. Lamborghini launched the Temerario and the Revuelto, while Porsche expanded to 13 points of sale. Bentley joined SAVWIPL as the sixth brand, opening dealerships in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “2025 has been a year of purposeful and broad-based progress for us. What stands out is that our performance is rooted in consistent execution and long-term road map for India. The strength of our Make-in-India strategy – supported by deeper localisation, scale and a robust product pipeline – is visible across manufacturing, sales and exports. As we move into 2026, our priorities remain clear: expand our portfolio and widen our network in line with customer needs, while strengthening India’s role as a high-quality global manufacturing hub. The momentum of this year reinforces our belief that India will be an even larger contributor to the Group’s global growth journey.”

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) launched the new Tata Punch subcompact SUV at prices starting INR 559,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi) for the petrol MT Smart variant.

First introduced in 2021, the Punch SUV has been amongst the top-selling vehicles in the country, and currently is the best-seller for Tata Motors. In fact, the Punch SUV sales have crossed the 700,000-unit mark in just 4 years, which makes it amongst the fastest-selling models in the country.

The Punch SUV now features two new powertrain options: a 1.2-litre Turbocharged iTurbo Revotron engine provides a high power-to-weight ratio and a twin-cylinder iCNG technology paired with an AMT gearbox, a combination designed to balance efficiency with driver convenience.

The exterior of the new Punch includes an upright stance with a 3D front grille, LED headlamps and connected LED tail lamps. The cabin has been updated with a dashboard featuring ambient lighting, a 26.03 cm HD infotainment system, and a digital steering wheel.

For occupant comfort, the SUV includes seats with extended thigh support and a flat rear floor to increase legroom. Technical additions include a 65-Watt Type-C USB charger, rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree HD surround view system.

The new Punch is built on the Alfa-Arc architecture using high-strength steel and includes over 95 safety features. Standard equipment across all variants includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and 3-point ELR seatbelts for all passengers. The vehicle holds a 5-star B-NCAP rating and includes hill hold and hill descent control for varied terrains.

The new Punch is offered in several personas including Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished.

(Prices in INR, ex-showroom New Delhi)

Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Punch has always been a reflection of India’s evolving ambitions, democratising the SUV experience with a feature-rich package that earned it a place among India’s best-selling SUVs. The Punch gave India the freedom to explore long, stress-free, inter-city drives with its commanding position and confidence behind the wheel. Today, we have taken this experience to the next level. With the new Punch, we’ve redefined what an SUV in this segment can be – shaped by customer insights and engineered with new age technology at its core. It’s faster, smarter and safer, complemented by a bold, muscular stance with the confidence to truly Command Max."

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Japanese automaker Nissan has announced senior management changes within its Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region to support its ‘Re:Nissan’ transformation plan.

Effective 1 January 2026, Thierry Sabbagh has assumed the role of Divisional Vice-President and President for the Middle East, KSA, CIS and India for both Nissan and Infiniti.

The expansion of Sabbagh’s remit marks India as a priority for the manufacturer. The company plans to launch three models in the Indian market over the next 14 to 16 months. These include the Gravite, the Tekton and a seven-seater C-SUV. To support these launches, Nissan is expanding its retail presence to 250 touchpoints across the country.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson AMIEO, Nissan, said, “The Re:Nissan plan is about transformation and customer-centricity. By empowering regional leadership, we are creating a more agile organization that can respond quickly to market dynamics and deliver competitive, compelling products. I am confident these changes will strengthen our performance and supercharge our progress in 2026 and I wish Thierry every success in his new role.”

Sabbagh added, “I am honoured to take on this expanded role at a pivotal time for Nissan. The Middle East and India are dynamic, fast-growing and continuously evolving markets, with significant opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with our talented teams and partners across the region to build on our strong foundations, accelerate growth and deliver meaningful value for our customers.”

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “This is a significant moment for Nissan in India as we enter a new phase of growth. Having Thierry on board reinforces our confidence in the path ahead, and his experience and leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our market presence and delivering even greater value to our customers. This appointment further strengthens our leadership as we move from transformation to execution, with a clear focus on products, customers and sustainable growth.”

The restructure also follows the departure of Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice-President and Chief of Commercial Operations for Nissan AMIEO, who had been with the company since 1992. The new leadership team will oversee the rollout of new technologies and products, with the Gravite and Tekton scheduled for release in early 2026.

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