MINI India has launched the all-new MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI Convertible and the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch in India. The new MINIs will only be available as Completely Built-up Units (CBUs) in their petrol guise.

MINI 3-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible:

The exterior of the new MINIs has been simplified and modernised with a new characteristic hexagonal radiator grille and the round hallmark MINI LED headlights with integrated fog lights. The car's side view is dominated by the striking new contours of the wheel arch surrounds and the redesigned side scuttles with integrated LED side indicators.

At the rear, the car continues to carry the British flag-inspired rear light graphics along with a new narrow LED rear fog light integrated into the rear apron.

The MINI 3-Door Hatch and the Convertible will be available in rooftop Grey metallic, Island Blue metallic, Enigmatic Black and Zesty Yellow (only for MINI Convertible) colour options. Users can also opt for a piano black exterior package that gets the door handles, side scuttles, fuel cap, MINI logos on the bonnet and luggage compartment lid, the model lettering and tailpipes of the exhaust system finished in high-gloss black.

Along with the standard colour options, customers can also choose Jet Black, Aspen White, Melting Silver paintwork (for MINI 3-Door Hatch and Convertible) and a unique colour gradient from San Marino Blue through Pearly Aqua to Jet Blackcontrasting roof colour.

MINI has renewed the 17-inch light-alloy wheels with options for Roulette Spoke-Two-Tone, Tentacle Spoke-Black and Rail Spoke-Two-Tone.

On the inside, the MINIs offers two packages:

1. MINI Interior Surfaces Silver Chequered features sporty style wherein the instrument panel surface and the elliptical ring in the door are finished in chequered design.
2. MINI Interior Surfaces Aluminium features opposing diagonal lines representing a modern, visually impactful evolution of the classical herringbone design.

MINI offers two new standard upholstery options: Cloth-leatherette combination in Black Pearl Light Chequered and Black Pearl Carbon Black. In addition, customers can spec their upholstery using the MINI Yours Leather Lounge in Carbon Black, Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black, Leather Chester in Satellite Grey and Malt Brown.

MINI has given the car a new multifunction steering wheel design integrating more functions into fewer control surfaces. The audio control unit and the function buttons for hazard warning lights and driver assistance systems are integrated into the central 8.8-inch central colour touchscreen system. MINI also offers the circular touchscreen system, touch-sensitive buttons and piano black finishes as standard on the new cars.

Customers also can add a 5-inch multifunctional instrument display on the steering column to improve the cockpit feeling. Other additions include MINI Wired Package (adds navigation system, wireless charging, enhanced Bluetooth mobile preparation), MINI Excitement Pack (adds LED interior and ambient lighting that illuminates the cockpit with a choice of selectable colours as well as a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver's side when opening and closing the car door) and an upgrade to Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system.

In terms of performance, the MINIs are powered by the latest 2.0 l MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology mated to a 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Transmission. The twin-turbo engine makes 192 hp of power and a torque of 280 Nm sufficient to propel the car from 0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds for the 3-Door Hatch and 7.1 seconds for the Convertible.

In terms of safety, MINI has equipped all three models with front passenger airbags, Brake Assist, 3-Point Seat Belts, Dynamic Stability Control, Crash Sensor, Anti-lock Braking System, Cornering Brake Control, Run-flat tyres and Rear-View Camera as standard along with Rollover Protection System for the Convertible.

MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Hatch:

The changes on the new JCW Hatch include a new hexagonal front grille with a honeycomb pattern and a cross member at the bottom edge finished in red. The JCW Hatch also features the exclusive John Cooper Works bonnet stripes that provide a distinct race-inspired look to the car,

In terms of the exterior and interiors options, the JCW Hatch gets all the standard options from the 3-Door Hatch and the Convertible and some more, including the exclusive Chilli Red paint colour, the upgraded JCW sports seats in dinamica.

In terms of the mechanicals, the car gets the same 2.0l MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engine mated to an 8-Speed Steptronic Sports Transmission. The JCW MINI produces 231 hp of power with 320 Nm torque helping it complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.1 sec.

The CBU MINIs cost:

3-Door Hatch: INR 38 lakh (ex-showroom)
Convertible: INR 44 lakh (ex-showroom)
JCW Hatch: INR 45.5 lakh (ex-showroom) (MT)

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Automotive major Stellantis has announced the formation of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council, a forum intended to increase collaboration between the carmaker and its supply chain. The council brings together senior Stellantis leadership and 26 supplier partners representing various automotive technologies and commodities.

The council will convene for three sessions during 2026, with each meeting lasting 1.5 days. The initiative includes participation from major European supplier associations, ANFIA and FIEV, to provide a collective voice for the regional supply base.

The Council's primary functions include:

• Operational Efficiency: Identifying bottlenecks and improvement opportunities across the value chain.
• Strategic Workstreams: Establishing joint Stellantis-supplier groups focused on production planning, cost competitiveness and operational excellence.
• Innovation Readiness: Accelerating the deployment of new technologies and ensuring launch readiness for future vehicle programmes.
• Regulatory Alignment: Addressing European Union regulatory requirements and geopolitical instability.

The council is designed to modernise supplier partnerships amid technological shifts and market volatility. By co-leading workstreams, Stellantis and its partners aim to align performance expectations and enhance the resilience of the European manufacturing and R&D platforms.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO, Stellantis Europe, said, “The launch of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council represents an important milestone in our journey to strengthen the region’s industrial performance. Today, more than ever, our success depends on deep collaboration with our supplier partners. By creating a shared forum where we openly discuss challenges and opportunities, we are building the foundation for faster execution, stronger competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Europe.”

Stephane Dubs, SVP of Purchasing and Supplier Quality for Stellantis Europe, added, “Our suppliers are essential contributors to Stellantis’ transformation. This new Council allows us to work side-by-side, with transparency and respect, to co-create solutions that benefit both sides. Together, we will address the critical issues shaping our industry—whether in quality, launch readiness, cost competitiveness, innovation, or supply chain resilience—and turn them into strategic advantages for our entire ecosystem.”

Jean-Louis Pech, President, FIEV, commented, “FIEV welcomes the opportunity to join Stellantis Supplier Advisory Council, which represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationship and enrich the dialogue with suppliers. This participation will enable us to represent, with ANFIA, the collective voice of suppliers and actively contribute to the Council’s work.”

Marco Stella, President, ANFIA Components Group and Vice-President of ANFIA, stated, “Now more than ever, it is essential to invest in a fruitful partnership between Stellantis and the supply chain ecosystem, caught between European market weakness, geopolitical instability and fierceful competition, also to face united and together EU regulatory challenges and support EU manufacturing and R&D platforms.”

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Spinny, an Indian full-stack used car platform, has announced that it recorded a threefold increase in vehicle deliveries on Gudi Padwa compared to standard operating days. The surge indicates a trend of consumers aligning automotive purchases with festive milestones.

The festive period saw a 50 percent increase in footfall across Spinny Car Hubs in the days leading up to the holiday. Its data suggests that 86 percent of customers experienced a standard delivery process despite the heightened activity.

Regional demand was concentrated in western and southern India:

• Maharashtra: Pune and Mumbai recorded over six times their average daily delivery volumes, with each city serving more than 100 customers in a single day.
• Geographic Contribution: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka collectively accounted for 70 percent of total deliveries on the day.

In terms of demand trends, Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki India were the most preferred auto brands, while Hyundai Grand i10 was the most purchased vehicle. White remained the most popular exterior colour across all markets. It saw 53 percent of buyers utilised credit solutions to fund their purchases, reflecting a shift towards structured ownership.

Hanish Yadav, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, “Gudi Padwa holds deep cultural significance as a time of renewal and new beginnings. We are witnessing more customers align their car-buying journeys with such meaningful occasions. The strong surge in deliveries and increased engagement across our hubs reflects both evolving consumer intent and the trust placed in Spinny. Our focus remains on ensuring a transparent, reliable, and high-quality experience - regardless of demand cycles.”

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Renault India has officially released the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures for the newly launched Duster, which is now powered by the Turbo TCe 160 engine. This latest iteration of the SUV delivers a fuel economy rating of 18.45 kmpl when paired with the DCT automatic gearbox, while the version equipped with the six-speed manual transmission achieves a rating of 17.75 kmpl.

Developed specifically to suit Indian driving conditions, the vehicle combines robust performance with what Renault describes as best-in-class ride and handling characteristics. At the heart of the Duster is a turbo-petrol unit that generates 163 PS of power along with 280 Nm of torque, securing its position as the most powerful engine in its category.

Through intelligent engineering and a carefully optimised powertrain, Renault has managed to create a compelling balance that merges high output with segment-leading fuel efficiency, ensuring drivers do not have to compromise between spirited performance and economical running.

Dr V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, Renault Group India, said, “The ARAI-certified figures highlight the strength of our technology and our commitment to delivering superior all-round value. New Renault Duster’s Turbo 160 engine integrates advanced solutions such as low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection to optimise combustion and efficiency. Paired with Renault’s latest DCT automatic transmission, which ensures fast and seamless gear shifts, the powertrain delivers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency while remaining strong and responsive on the road.”

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South Korean automotive major Hyundai Motor Company has named Bradley J. Arnold as Chief Designer and Head of Hyundai Design North America (HDNA) in Irvine, California.

He will oversee vehicle and concept design for the North American market, focusing on the company’s design-led strategy.

Arnold rejoined Hyundai in 2016 and has held various leadership roles within the California studio. Since 2021, he led the exterior design team, contributing to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. His previous experience includes:

• Hyundai (2008–2011): Contributions to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe exterior and Hyundai Curb Concept interior.
• General Motors Design (2011–2016): Work on the Cadillac Elmiraj Concept, Chevrolet Tru 140S, and mobility concepts.
• Academic: Graduate of and former instructor at the ArtCenter College of Design.

In 2025, Arnold served as interim design head at HDNA, where he managed the development of production and concept vehicles. He directed the global XRT off-road strategy within 'The Sandbox,' a design hub at the California studio.

Under his guidance, this facility has produced the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO, the CRATER Concept, and upcoming XRT models scheduled for production.

Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer, Hyundai Motor Group, said, “Design is the clearest expression of our ambition as a brand. Brad brings clarity, courage, and a strong connection to North American customers. His leadership will be instrumental as Hyundai Design North America shapes vehicles that are both emotionally engaging and globally relevant.”

SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, commented, “With more than 18 years of experience working with highly respected global automotive brands, Brad brings an exceptional level of creative leadership and vision. We are excited to have him lead Hyundai Design North America and build on the strong momentum of our vehicle design direction.”

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