Mercedes-Benz India, the country’s leading luxury carmaker, has announced that it will revise the ex-showroom prices of its model range in two phases, starting 1 June 2025. The company attributes it to a steep depreciation of the INR against the Euro and the resulting spike in import costs.

The first increase, ranging from INR 90,000 for the C-Class to INR 1.2 million for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, will be implemented in June. A further nominal 1.5 percent hike will follow from 1 September 2025. This two-stage strategy aims to give customers financial flexibility and minimise the immediate impact.

To soften the effect, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services will offer innovative financing options, including flexible EMIs and partial ownership plans. For models like the GLA and GLC, EMI changes will be under INR 2,000

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Over the last four months, the rupee has depreciated in the market, with an approximate 10 percent drop in the Euro to INR exchange rate, causing significant cost pressures on our business operations. This steep swing in the Euro-INR rate has been severely impacting the cost of imports, for both components and CBU cars. Though we have been absorbing most of the exchange rate difference to date and increasing our localisation initiatives, we are now compelled to pass on a small portion of it to customers. The continuous rise in operational costs, influenced by forex movement, necessitates this slight price correction, which we will pass on to the market, for sustained business of the company and our Franchise Partners. This staggered approach for price revision, along with the value-added flexible financing programmes from MBFS, will not only minimise any financial burden, but will also offer customers a robust leeway to plan their purchases, best suited to their requirements.”

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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.

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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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