Maruti Suzuki India Reports INR 30,692 Million Net Profit For Q2 FY2025, Down 17%

Maruti Suzuki Arena

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country has announced its financial results for the Q2 FY2024-25.

The company reported net sales of INR 355,891 million, a flat growth, as against INR 355,351 million for the same period last year. The net profit came at INR 30,692 million, down 17.4 percent YoY, as compared to INR 37,165 million last year.

This the company states was on the back of a provision of INR 8,376 million made in Q2 FY2023-24, resulting from the withdrawal of indexation benefit and change in tax rate on long term capital gains on debt mutual funds as per the Finance Act 2024.

During Q2 the company sold 541,550 vehicles, of which the domestic sales came at 463,834 vehicles and exports at 77,716 vehicles. While the domestic volume declined by 3.9 percent, the export volume grew by 12.1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

For H1, the sales came at 1,063,418 units, comprising 915,142 units in the domestic market and at 148,276 units in the export market. While the domestic market sales declined by 0.3 percent, the export sales volume grew by 11.9 percent YoY.

This translated to its highest net revenue of INR 694,644 million in H1FY2024-25 as compared to INR 663,803 million last year. The net profit came at INR 67,191 million, up 8.34 percent, as against INR 62,016 million last year.

Last year, Suzuki Motor Gujarat was acquired to become a 100 percent subsidiary of MSIL. The Board considered the structure after the acquisition and gave an in-principle approval for the amalgamation of SMG with MSIL. The appointed date for the amalgamation is 1 April, 2025, subject to all legal and regulatory compliances.  

Renault Filante

French automaker Renault has unveiled the Filante, a premium crossover designed to lead the brand's 2027 International Game Plan. Developed on the CMA platform, the vehicle marks Renault's return to the premium E-segment. The model will launch in South Korea in March 2026, followed by releases in South America and the Gulf states by early 2027.

The Filante name draws on Renault's history, referencing the Étoile Filante speed record prototype of 1956 and the 2025 electric concept car. The vehicle is manufactured at the Busan plant in South Korea, a facility central to Renault’s strategy for the Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

The exterior features an avant-garde style with a specific light signature and an aerodynamic stern. Inside, the cabin includes lounge seating, customisable lighting, and a sound system designed for audiophiles. The digital environment is supported by the My Renault app, which allows for remote vehicle control and transparent software updates.

The Filante introduces a suite of driving aids to the Renault range, including Emergency Steering Assist, a Smart Rearview Mirror and Child Presence Detection. These systems are integrated into a connected cockpit designed to provide a personalised experience for the driver and passengers.

The vehicle debuts an upgraded full hybrid E-Tech 250 ps powertrain. This system utilises a dual electric drive and a Multimode Auto gearbox to balance power with efficiency. The architecture, developed through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, is optimised for hybrid performance to meet the targets of the 2027 International Game Plan, which aims for one in every three Renault sales outside Europe to be electrified.

Nicolas Paris, CEO, Renault Korea, said, “Renault Filante represents the best of what Renault group and Renault Korea can achieve together. Combining Renault's global DNA in design and innovation with the technical excellence of Renault Korea, it is backed by the advanced capabilities of the Korean automotive industry.”

Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Groupe, and CEO Renault Brand, added, "We are opening a new chapter in the Renault International Game Plan 2027, here in Korea which plays a central role in our global ambitions. After the launch of Grand Koleos in October 2024, we are now about to unveil another flagship for Korea: Filante, the fifth new-generation vehicle of our international plan, designed for markets beyond Europe. Today is an important milestone, because it proves one thing very clearly: we are sticking to our roadmap and delivering on our promises. Filante perfectly illustrates our approach, combining Renault's French DNA - emotional design, humanised technology and best in class electrified technology - with Korean excellence to meet local customer expectations."

Kia India Partners Avis Leasing To Expand Subscription Services

Kia India - Avis Leasing

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avis Leasing to expand its Kia Lease Program.

The agreement represents Kia’s third partnership in the sector, following previous arrangements with Orix India and Ayvens India. The collaboration is intended to increase brand accessibility by offering mobility options that bypass traditional vehicle ownership.

The Kia Lease program targets customers with long-term requirements by providing tenures between 36 and 60 months with various mileage limits. The service allows users to access vehicles without an initial down payment. The monthly lease fee covers maintenance, insurance renewals and resale management, intended to provide a simplified experience for the user.

Under the terms of the agreement, customers have the option to return the vehicle or upgrade to a different Kia model at the conclusion of the contract. The initiative, which launched in 2024, aligns with shifting consumer preferences towards usage-based models rather than asset ownership. By integrating with established leasing firms, Kia aims to create a scalable platform that generates demand outside of standard retail sales.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “At Kia India, we recognise the Leasing and Subscription space emerging as an important growth driver in the Indian auto industry. Our partnership with Avis Leasing reflects our efforts towards strengthening Kia Lease as a scalable platform that addresses evolving customer needs while creating incremental demand beyond traditional ownership. Through such collaborations, we aim to build a strong, sustainable mobility business aligned with our long-term growth strategy in India.”

Skoda’s New 7-Seater Flagship EV Christened Peaq

Skoda Peaq

Czech automaker Skoda Auto has announced that its upcoming all-electric seven-seater flagship model will be named the Peaq.

The vehicle represents the series production version of the Vision 7S concept first introduced in 2022. The name is intended to signify the model’s position at the summit of the Czech manufacturer's vehicle portfolio.

The Peaq incorporates the brand’s Modern Solid design language, which focuses on sustainability and functional aesthetics. Engineered for families and travel, the interior features seven seats and focuses on space and practicality. The model integrates the company's ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and marks an expansion of the Skoda electric vehicle range.

The development of the Peaq follows the brand's shift toward a refined product identity. By bringing the Vision 7S concept into production, Skoda aims to provide a vehicle that balances work and leisure requirements. The flagship is designed to meet user-friendliness standards while utilising the company's latest electric platform technology.

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Skoda, with a clear idea of how to elevate the brand. Since then, we have introduced a new design language and further refined our product identity. Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life. Our new flagship model takes our brand values of spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level. As of today, our bold vision for Skoda’s electric future has a name: Peaq - a clear statement of where this model belongs in our portfolio.”

The world premiere of the Skoda Peaq is scheduled for summer 2026. This launch will follow four years of development since the initial debut of the design direction.

Honda To Adopt Refreshed Logo For Automobile Operations

Honda Motor Co

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.