Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Concept CLA Class, a new electric iteration of the CLA, alongside the latest Gelandwagen and a Mercedes-Maybach ultra-luxury SUV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. Positioned as the electric successor to the CLA, the Concept CLA Class is the first model to feature the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). It debuts the brand’s latest operating system, alongside fresh design and technological updates.

The Concept CLA Class previews the latest electric-drive technology from Mercedes-Benz, drawn directly from the Vision EQXX concept. With a claimed range exceeding 750 km and an energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km, it has been dubbed the "one-litre car for the electric age" in reference to hyper-efficient internal combustion vehicles. The 800V electric architecture supports 250 kW DC fast charging, enabling the vehicle to recharge up to 400 km in just 15 minutes. Two battery variants are available: silicon-oxide anode for higher-spec models and lithium-iron phosphate for entry-level variants. Powering the vehicle is a 235 bhp permanently excited synchronous motor coupled with a 2-speed transmission. Weighing only 110 kg, the powertrain delivers an impressive 93% energy efficiency during long-distance driving.

Built on the MMA platform, the Concept CLA Class is designed primarily for electric drivetrains but also accommodates combustion engines. The vehicle is rear-wheel-drive by default, though the modular platform can be configured for all-wheel-drive. The concept also includes bi-directional charging, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and vehicle-to-appliance (V2A) functions, underscoring its potential for smart energy integration.

Inside, the MBUX Superscreen delivers a full-width digital dashboard powered by the new MB.OS operating system. It integrates Google Maps and other embedded apps for a seamless user experience. Notable interior features include digitally visualised AC vents with floating effects and physical control interfaces, dynamic ambient lighting in blue and violet, and sustainable nappa leather upholstery in silver and crystal white. The cabin is also designed with advanced Level 3 Lidar-based autonomous driving capabilities, with over-the-air updates enabling future upgrades to higher levels of autonomy.

A standout safety feature is the Child Presence Detection (CPD) system, which uses cameras and sensors to detect breathing patterns. If a child is left unattended, the system triggers air conditioning, sounds the horn, and issues alerts to mitigate risks in hot weather.

Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the Concept CLA Class in India in 2025. The production model will closely resemble the concept and will offer Indian buyers a preview of the future of luxury electric mobility. Pricing details are yet to be announced.

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Suzuki GB has announced a leadership transition, with Managing Director Takanori Suzuki set to retire at the end of May 2026. He will be succeeded by Kazuyuki Yamashita, who is joining the UK operation in April after a five-year tenure as Managing Director of Suzuki Deutschland.

Yamashita brings extensive international experience to his new role. He began his career with Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1987, holding various positions at the company’s Hamamatsu head office and across its global network. His leadership portfolio includes serving as Director of Automotive Sales for Suzuki Canada from 2001 to 2006, followed by a six-year term as Managing Director of Suzuki Auto South Africa until 2013. Most recently, he led Suzuki Deutschland from 2021 to 2026.

Takanori Suzuki’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished four-decade career with the corporation. This current term as Managing Director for Suzuki GB and the Republic of Ireland, which spanned three successful years, was his second in the role. He originally headed the Milton Keynes-based headquarters from 2005 to 2010 before returning to Japan to oversee operations for Suzuki Europe, Oceania and Latin America.

Following his retirement at the end of May, Takanori Suzuki will return to Japan. The company has extended its best wishes to him for a long and happy retirement while expressing anticipation for Yamashita’s arrival in UK to lead the next chapter for Suzuki GB.

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Japanese automotive major Honda Motor Co has announced the cancellation of three electric vehicle (EV) models intended for production in North America.

The decision affects the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon and the Acura RSX, which the company stated is due to the changes in the business environment and a reassessment of its electrification strategy.

The company identified several developments impacting its automotive operations:

• Market Demand: A slowdown in the expansion of the US EV market linked to changes in fuel regulations and revisions to incentives.
• Trade Policy: The impact of US tariff policies on the profitability of petrol and hybrid vehicle segments.
• Regional Competition: A decline in product competitiveness in China, where newer manufacturers lead in software-defined vehicle (SDV) technologies and development cycles.
• Resource Allocation: Challenges in delivering value for money in Asia due to the concentration of resources on EV development.

Honda expects to record write-offs, impairment losses on assets, and expenses related to the cancellation of these models. Total losses associated with the strategy reassessment are estimated to reach a maximum of USD 18.5 billion (YEN 2.5 trillion) in the coming years.

Revised Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending 31 March 2026

Estimates are preliminary as of 12 March 2026.

Despite the revised earnings, Honda will maintain its dividend forecast based on its dividend on equity (DOE) ratio indicator.

Going forward, Honda will reorganise its framework to focus on hybrid models in the US and Japan. The company intends to expand its model lineup and cost competitiveness in India, where market growth is anticipated.

In response to the financial revisions, executive compensation will be reduced:

• President and Vice-President: 30 percent reduction of monthly compensation for three months and forfeiture of performance-linked bonuses.
• Executive Officers: 20 percent reduction of monthly compensation for three months.

Total annual compensation for representative executive officers will decrease by 25 percent to 30 percent.

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Mumbai-based JSW Motors has further strengthened its management team with the onboarding of Rajan Sharma as the Head of Strategy & Planning.

Sharma comes with close to two decades of experience in the automotive industry and experience across sales and strategy.

Prior to joining JSW Motors, Sharma spent two years at Tata Motors as the Head – Sales Planning and was part of the company’s key product launches.

He begin his automotive career at Hyundai Motor India in 2004 and spent over nine years at the South Korean automaker, growing to the rank of Regional Manager for Rajasthan region.

Sharma then went on to have a two-year stint at Cardekho, before joining MG Motor India as the Field Sales Head for South and West Zone.

In his new role, Sharma will focus on accelerating JSW Motors presence in the Indian automotive market as the company gears up to launch a slew of new energy vehicles.

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Italian supercar manufacturer Ferrari held its India premiere of the 849 Testarossa at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on 15 March 2026. The event, led by CEO Benedetto Vigna and Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer Enrico Galliera, marked the first national reveal for the manufacturer in its history in India.

The 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid sports berlinetta that replaces the SF90 Stradale at the top of the Ferrari range.

Ferrari reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, which it views as a component of its global strategy. The Italian supercar manufacturer operates retail locations in Mumbai and New Delhi, supported by a service point in Bengaluru. Data from the company indicates that Indian owners are among the youngest globally.

“India is a country that offers a lot of opportunities. It is a young country with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and that energy resonates deeply with Ferrari’s own philosophy of innovation and passion,” said Benedetto Vigna, CEO, Ferrari.

The 849 Testarossa features a mid-rear twin-turbo V8 engine paired with three electric motors. The architecture includes a twin-tail rear design and active spoiler systems.

The supercar integrates electronic control systems, including SSC 9.0, eDiff and ABS Evo. It also features the FIVE vehicle dynamics estimator. The design blends references to Ferrari heritage with the return of the Testarossa name.

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