The 2024 model Creta from Hyundai Motor India has reached the showrooms ahead of its commercial launch. Promoted by actress Deepika Padukone and actor Shahrukh Khan as brand ambassadors, the vehicle will be revealed on 16 January 2024, according to sources close to the company. 

Taking efforts to strengthen its hold in the fast growing SUV segments in India, the Korean company has supplied 46 Venue SUVs to the Government of Maharashtra. The vehicles will be deployed with the state's health department. 

Flaunting Hyundai's new design language that is also found on the Venue and the Tucson SUVs, the new Creta flaunts sleek LED head lamps and LED tail lamps. The upright grille lends a ‘visual’ mass to the design and is supported by silver faux skid plates and a redesigned bumper with a radar sensor for the ADAS technology. 

Getting an updated dashboard inside, the Creta houses a twin-display setup for the infotainment and driver’s cockpit. The centre console is new too with ‘switch’ type controls for the AC and media system.

Claimed to possess a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charger, 360-degree surround camera, air purifier, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, rear AC vents, electronic parking brake and six airbags, the new Creta will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The transmissions will be a six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, automatic torque converter, CVT and an advanced seven-speed DCT gearbox.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that it has exceeded 500,000 connected cars in the Indian market.

The OEM said its connected car variants now account for approximately 40 percent of the company’s domestic wholesale volumes. This growth is supported by the Kia Connect 2.0 platform and the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC).

The Kia Seltos is the main contributor to this total, representing about 70 percent of the connected vehicle sales, followed by the Sonet and Carens models. Data from the company indicates a trend of customers renewing their connectivity subscriptions after the initial complimentary period.

Technical features within the Kia ecosystem include:

• OTA Software Updates: Remote vehicle diagnostics and software installations to reduce dealership visits.
• Digital Key 2.0: Vehicle access and operation via smartphone or smartwatch using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or NFC technology.
• Surround View Monitor (SVM): A 360-degree camera feed accessible through the Kia Connect app.
• Voice Recognition: Multilingual support for vehicle functions in English, Hindi, Tamil and Bengali.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, "Kia India has consistently differentiated itself through its vehicle design excellence and technology leadership. Our continued focus on enhancing connected features and customer engagement initiatives such as Kia Drive Green has strengthened adoption and interaction across our connected ecosystem. The strong customer retention beyond the complimentary subscription period underscores the sustained relevance and long-term value of Kia Connect.”

The company also utilises Plant Over-The-Air (P-OTA) updates, a system that ensures vehicles are programmed with the most recent software versions before they leave the manufacturing facility.

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The Sriperumbudur facility of Hyundai Motor India Limited has been honoured with the Tamil Nadu State Level Safety Award for 2022 by the state’s Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH). The prestigious award was presented by Minister for Labour Welfare & Skill Development C V Ganesan and DISH Director Anand to senior company executives Mukundan M S and Senthil Kumar R M. This accolade, granted in the Large-Scale Industry category, acknowledges Hyundai’s ongoing dedication to exceptional safety performance, marked by a notable decline in incident rates and a systematic focus on risk mitigation.

Operating in India for over 30 years, the plant has consistently fostered a robust safety culture through comprehensive initiatives. This includes implementing widespread safety campaigns, establishing diligent monitoring protocols and driving continuous improvement programmes. The company’s approach integrates rigorous processes, proactive assessments and regular training aligned with international benchmarks, all underpinned by strong safety governance. Hyundai Motor India reiterates that the well-being of its employees is a primary concern, and it remains steadfast in its mission to advance its safety systems and sustain an environment where a culture of excellence is paramount.

Gopalakrishnan C S, Whole-time Director & Chief Manufacturing Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Safety at Hyundai is not a standalone initiative – it is a deeply embedded culture practiced at every level of our operations. Our goal is simple: a safe, secure working environment for every employee, every day. This award affirms the collective commitment of our teams and motivates us to strengthen our safety excellence even further.”

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Volkswagen India has confirmed that its new flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line, will launch in the first quarter of 2026. The vehicle is aimed at the seven-seater SUV segment and will be locally assembled at the company’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to ensure market competitiveness.

The Tayron R-Line occupies the top position in the brand’s SUV range in India. It features the 'R-Line' trim, which includes specific design enhancements to its silhouette. The model is intended for customers requiring a seven-seat capacity alongside a focus on road presence and lifestyle versatility.

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said: “As we build a premium portfolio of products, we continue catering to the evolving aspirations of Indian car buyers. The all-new Tayron R-Line is the authentic flag-bearer that will drive this vision for Indian consumers. Ensuring competitiveness, we will be locally assembling this SUV at our plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.”

The introduction of the Tayron R-Line follows Volkswagen's strategy to expand its portfolio in the Indian market with vehicles that offer higher passenger capacity and updated design aesthetics.

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Toyota Motor Corporation-owned luxury brand Lexus India has concluded 2025 with an increase in demand for its flagship models – the LM and LX, which it said recorded a 50 percent YoY rise in sales.

They accounted for approximately 19 percent of the company’s total volume. The RX model also served as a contributor to the brand's growth, achieving an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year. The RX represented 22 percent of overall sales, assisting Lexus in expanding its presence within the luxury SUV segment.

At present, the LM 350h and LX 500d occupy the top tier of the Lexus portfolio in India. The LM 350h is designed as a luxury mover, focusing on travel comfort and interior refinement for passengers. Since its introduction, the model has targeted enthusiasts seeking a travel experience comparable to first-class standards.

The LX 500d has seen a response driven by demand for SUVs that combine off-road capability with luxury features. The vehicle is engineered for diverse terrains while maintaining cabin comfort and control through integrated technology and a diesel powertrain.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said: “We are immensely thankful to our guests for their trust and support throughout 2025. The strong performance of our halo ultra-luxury models, LX and LM, reflects their confidence in Lexus and our dedication to delivering exceptional products and experiences that continue to push boundaries. As we move into 2026, we are encouraged by the outlook for luxury vehicles in India and will remain focused on delivering even more exciting offerings and memorable experiences.”

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