Jeep India has introduced the MY2025 Meridian with an aggressive pricing strategy and new features. A facelift, its prices start at INR 2,500,000 ex-showroom and climb up to INR 3,649,000 ex-showroom for the top trim ‘Overland’ variant.    
Available in four – Longitudinal, Longitude Plus, Limited (O) and Overland – trims, the new luxury SUV offers sophistication, cutting-edge safety, advanced technology and unparalleled comfort, according to the company. 
It repositioning in the seven-seat SUV segment that has the Toyota Fortuner commanding the space with roughly 96 percent of the market, the new Meridian isn’t a far cry in terms of appearance when compared to the one it replaces. 
Along with the familiar exterior comes a familiar interior that is spacious, comfortable and adorned with vegan leather (vinyl fabric in Longitude) and suede/vegan leather accents. There’s visible copper stitching that adds a touch of craftsmanship. 
Available with a seven-seat or five-seat configuration, the luxury SUV offers 824-litre of boot space with the middle and third row seats folded; 481-litre of storage space with the third-row seat folded, and 170-litre with all three seat rows in place. 
Based on the extended Compass SUV platform with an appearance that seems to have been inspired by the Cherokee rather than the Compass, the Meridian in its MY2025 avatar comes with ‘Uconnect’ connected services with GSDP 2.0 connectivity protocol. The key features of this include Automatic SOS Call, Remote Engine Start/Stop with AC Preconditioning, Alexa Home to Vehicle, Smartwatch Extension, Vehicle Health Report with alert, Connected One-Box Navigation Search with live traffic, weather and incident updates, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
Equipped with a customisable 10.25-inch fully digital cluster and a 10.1-inch fully HD touchscreen media centre (with built-in navigation and wireless mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), the vehicle also comes with wireless smartphone charging and multiple USB ports across the cabin, dual-zone automatic climate control, electric-adjustable front seats, panoramic sunroof and ADAS Level 2 system. 
This system – found on the top-spec Overland variant – is tuned to 
Indian road and traffic conditions. It includes a front radar and camera and offers adaptive cruise control with stop and go, intelligent speed assist, full speed forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view monitor, smart beam assist, blind spot detection and driver attention alert among others.
Powered by a 174 bhp 2-litre turbodiesel engine, the Meridian could be had with a six-speed manual or a nine-speed auto transmission. 
“The Jeep Meridian was born from our understanding of the growing demand for a premium model for customers who have progressed through Jeep’s lineup. The Meridian will usher in a new phase for Jeep in India, offering a distinctive personality with imposing and sophisticated design, premium finishes, and cutting-edge technology, all while retaining the legendary adventure capabilities expected from a Jeep. With the additional variants, we’re excited to cater to a diverse audience, staying true to our commitment to making Jeep more accessible to enthusiasts in India,” said Kumar Priyesh, Brand Director, Jeep India.
The first Jeep model that was developed specifically for India with a global vision, the Meridian is exported to markets like Japan among others as the Jeep Commander. It is necessary to note, that Jeep India has not explained if these prices are relevant for 2WD or 4Wd models in its statement. From a brand point of view, the omission about a model's off-roading capability is very surprising. 

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Mahindra and Mahindra is preparing to roll out four new products for its SUV portfolio and one light commercial vehicle in the first half of calendar 2027 as the automaker looks to sustain growth through a pipeline of new models and a significant expansion in production capacity.

The five planned launches will comprise a new product based on the company's new NU-IQ platform, an all-new battery electric vehicle, a lifestyle vehicle and one product refresh alongside a new LCV, informed Executive Director and CEO, Auto and Farm Sectors, Rajesh Jejurikar during the company's Q2 FY27 earnings call.

The product pipeline comes as Mahindra continues to face capacity constraints amid strong demand for its SUV portfolio. The company said it was operating at or above its available production capacity with October production exceeding the monthly capacity it had indicated for the end of September.

Mahindra began FY27 with SUV production capacity of around 64,500 units a month. This is expected to increase to 82,000 units a month by the end of the current financial year followed by 92,000 units in the next financial year. The company is targeting capacity of 132,000 units a month by the exit of FY31 as a new plant comes upstream.

Jejurikar also confirmed that the company was progressing with its Nagpur project. “We are on track for setting up the Nagpur project. We got the parcel of land and work is starting very shortly on that,” he said, adding that the facility would support the rollout of new products according to the schedule presented by the company.

Capacity expansion to support SUV growth

Mahindra reported 26 percent year-on-year growth in SUV volumes in the second quarter, while volumes for the first half increased 20 percent. However, the company said its sales performance continued to be constrained by production capacity.

At the end of September, its monthly capacity was around 61,000 units for internal combustion engine products and 8,000 units for electric vehicles. Jejurikar said the company had produced more than this indicated capacity in October reflecting the strength of demand.

The company maintained its expectation of mid-to-high-teen growth in its SUV business during FY27 with additional capacity expected to support volumes.

The company is also expanding its electric vehicle ecosystem. It had established 49 ultra-fast charging stations covering around 12,000 kilometres of highways with charging facilities available approximately every 200 kilometres on the covered routes. Mahindra and Mahindra plans to increase this network to 215 stations by the end of calendar 2027.

Commodity inflation puts pressure on margins

The expansion and product pipeline come against a backdrop of elevated input costs. The company’s earnings presentation highlighted year-on-year increases of 42 percent in copper prices, 40 percent in rubber and 17 percent in steel.

Despite these cost pressures, Mahindra reported 25 percent growth in revenue and profit after tax in Q2 FY27. Revenue stood at INR 575.53 billion, while PAT was INR 45.88 billion.

Managing Director and Group CEO, Dr Anish Shah, said the company had taken proactive measures to manage inflationary pressures including pricing actions, hedging, product-mix improvements and supplier diversification.

Mahindra had implemented price increases of 5 percent in its auto business and 4 percent in its farm business. Dr Shah indicated that the company expected some margin pressure in Q3, while the outlook for Q4 would depend partly on how commodity prices evolved.

Farm business outlook revised

Mahindra has revised its FY27 tractor industry growth outlook from 5 percent to a flat performance, citing deteriorating rainfall conditions, lower reservoir levels and pressure on farmers’ terms of trade.

Company officials noted that Maharashtra and Karnataka had experienced significant industry contraction with drought conditions affecting demand in these important tractor markets. Higher input costs had also weakened farmers’ purchasing power.

The international farm business continued to face difficult market conditions. Mahindra and Mahindra reported industry contractions of 15 percent in the US, 18 percent in Brazil and 36 percent in Turkey.

It has completed its exit from Sampo’s harvesting business in Finland and Arcon Foundry in Turkey, while the restructuring of its Mitsubishi Agricultural Machinery subsidiary in Japan is expected to be completed by Q4 FY27.

LCV business operating at capacity

Mahindra's LCV business recorded 19 percent volume growth in Q2, while first-half volumes increased 20 percent. The company said it was producing around 30,000 LCVs a month covering its pick-up and Supro ranges and was operating at capacity.

Jejurikar said demand in the LCV industry had strengthened following the GST reduction with monthly industry volumes rising from around 20,000–23,000 units to approximately 30,000 units. The company expects double-digit growth in the LCV industry for the entire FY27.

The planned new LCV launch in the first half of 2027 will add to the company's product pipeline as it works to address capacity constraints.

Mahindra's Q2 performance also reflected growth across its wider businesses. The group reported 25 percent year-on-year growth in PAT, while first-half PAT increased 29 percent.

Quarterly snapshot

The company reported SUV volumes of 183,000 units during the quarter, while its SUV revenue market share stood at 24.3 percent. Total automotive volumes increased 26 percent to 331,000 units.

The automotive business recorded consolidated revenue of INR 377.56 billion representing a 39 percent year-on-year increase. Consolidated PAT rose 55 percent to INR 23.88 billion. Standalone PBIT stood at INR 26.14 billion, up 15 percent, while the standalone PBIT margin was 7.7 percent. Excluding e-SUV CMA, the margin stood at 9.1 percent.

In the electric vehicle segment, the company reported an e-SUV revenue market share of 30.1 percent. Its electric SUV portfolio maintained the number-one position in revenue market share during the first half of FY27.

Mahindra and Mahindra also retained its leadership position in the light commercial vehicle segment below 3.5 tonnes with a market share of 52.3 percent. The figure includes the Bolero Max Pickup 2T variant classified under the 2–3.5-tonne LCV category and Jeeto volumes.

The company reported tractor volumes of 116,027 units during Q2 FY27 compared with 122,936 units in the year-ago quarter, marking a decline of 6 percent. Its tractor market share stood at 41.5 percent. Consolidated farm revenue declined 6 percent to INR 95.72 billion, while PAT fell 9 percent to INR 10.53 billion. Standalone PBIT was INR 14.41 billion with the PBIT margin at 16.8 percent, down 300 basis points.

The company also reported a 37 percent year-on-year increase in combined Q2 FY27 volumes across its commercial vehicle businesses as Mahindra Trucks and Buses Division (MTBD) and SML Mahindra together sold 8,416 units. It was also noted that the company is looking to expand manufacturing capacity for its heavy commercial vehicle range after strong fleet demand for the Blazo i-TRK, launched in August, drove plant utilisation to full capacity.

Across its other businesses, Mahindra Finance reported a 15 percent increase in assets under management, while PAT grew 61 percent. Tech Mahindra's PAT increased 33 percent with its EBIT margin improving to 14.8 percent, up 260 basis points.

Mahindra Lifespaces recorded residential pre-sales of INR 11 billion, up 41 percent, while Mahindra Logistics reported revenue of INR 20.95 billion, an increase of 24 percent with PAT growing threefold.

At the group level, Mahindra's standalone revenue increased 26 percent to INR 442.82 billon, while EBITDA rose 4 percent to INR 67.18 crore. Standalone PAT increased 13 percent to INR 51.02 billion. The company reported a return on equity of 21 percent on an annualised basis and year-to-date earnings per share of INR 89.5.

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Universo Ferrari India has concluded its two-week exhibition at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, recording more than 22,000 visitors. The event showcased the automaker's heritage, motorsport involvement, engineering and future product strategy to clients, industry partners and students.

The display featured a range of road cars, including the Ferrari F80, 849 Testarossa Spider, 12Cilindri Spider, Amalfi Spider, Daytona SP3, and F50. Motorsport exhibits included the Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 Formula 1 car, the 499P hypercar, the 296 GT3, and the 296 Challenge. The exhibition also featured Ferrari Luce, the brand's first electric car, alongside heritage models such as the 365 GTB4 and the 612 Scaglietti from the 2008 Magic India Discovery tour, while the Ferrari Hypersail made its debut in Asia. During the event, Ferrari conducted seminars for approximately 1,000 students and held a charity auction supporting Bal Raksha Bharat to assist educational programs.

The event was preceded by a drive featuring 25 Ferraris travelling 1,800 kilometres from Mumbai to New Delhi via Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra.

Ferrari also announced Avelon Luxe as its India-based partner for the Ferrari Hypercar and Ferrari Challenge Middle East series. To support its growth in the market, Ferrari plans to expand its retail footprint in India by opening two new dealerships in Chennai and Ahmedabad by the end of 2026.

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Volkswagen is gearing up to launch the New Virtus, a refreshed take on a sedan that has won over discerning buyers since its June 2022 debut. The model earned its standing as the segment's most loved premium sedan through distinctive styling, German engineering credentials, engaging driving dynamics, a premium experience and a strong safety focus. The new version carries those traits forward while introducing a fresh visual identity.

Beyond transportation, the Virtus holds meaning for Volkswagen customers as a symbol of pride, aspiration and individuality, blending premium ownership with driving thrill. Its road presence, performance and German engineering have made it a source of owner satisfaction. The refreshed styling, drawing on triangular geometry, sharpens the sedan's already distinctive look with greater definition and a contemporary edge.

The New Virtus keeps celebrating the joy of driving while remaining faithful to the attributes that built its following. By extending that legacy, Volkswagen aims to preserve what made the sedan a segment favourite while adding a new dimension to its established character.

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said, “We are excited to introduce the New Virtus to the Indian market. The Virtus has built a strong connect with its discerning set of customers and has clearly established a leading position in its segment as a stylish, sophisticated and performance-oriented sedan offering great driving pleasure. With this facelift, we are building on a much-loved product, bringing a fresh and contemporary character while retaining the qualities that make the Virtus special. We look forward to continuing to bring the joy of driving to our customers with the New Virtus.”

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Renault India has commenced customer deliveries of the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160, with the initial key handover taking place at its newly inaugurated new'R store in HITEC City, Hyderabad.

The delivery of the first unit was completed by Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Renault Group India, to T Krishna Gopal, Chief Executive Officer of Eduzi Academy.

The new'R store in HITEC City covers 7,000 square feet with space to display eight vehicles, making it Renault’s largest showroom facility in Hyderabad and its 30th upgraded new'R store nationwide.

The facility is operated in partnership with the VVC Group, which manages three Renault showrooms and two service workshops in the region.

Renault India plans to transition all 73 of its showrooms across 24 major Indian cities to the new'R format by July 2027, with 30 locations converted to date. The Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 was launched in India on 17 October 2026, at a starting price of ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Renault Group India, said, "During our planning phase, we set ourselves an ambitious target: to bring the Duster Hybrid to customers in less than a year, in time for the festive season. We are proud to have delivered on that promise, and we begin handing over the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 to our customers around Diwali. The strong response since launch reflects growing acceptance of hybrid technology in India. Our commitment, however, goes beyond the product. Hyderabad is an important market for us, and with the new'R store we are building a best-in-class buying and ownership journey, so that every customer enjoys the same standard of experience at the showroom and in service as they do behind the wheel."

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