Toyota launched a new Innova Crysta with a bold design, new features and fresh interior to strengthen its leadership in the MPC segment.

The new Innova Crysta is loaded with new features and a savvy new connected infotainment system.

 On the exterior side, the new Innova Crysta comes with a cooler and tougher exterior with features such as a new trapezoidal piano black grille with chrome ornamentation that smoothly merges into the headlamps, a sharper front bumper design and diamond-cut alloy wheels for a contemporary look.

The Innova has been known for safety with best-in-class features such as seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Start Assist. Now the company has evaluated safety in the new Crysta with front clearance sonar (with MID display) to prevent collisions while parking in tight spaces and offer a stress-free driving experience.

 For the interior, the company has given a fresh look with the option of new upholstery colour of Camel Tan in the ZX grade. In line with the latest trend of connected infotainment, a new and larger Smart Playcast touchscreen audio with Android Auto and Apple Carplay has been introduced in the upgraded Innova. Besides, customers can now enjoy vehicle connectivity features such as real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, last parked location and many more as optional accessories in the new Innova Crysta.

The new Innova Crysta (GX, VX & ZX grades) is available in the price range of Rs. 16,26,000 to Rs. 24,33,000 Ex-showroom (Prices are same across the country except Kerala).

The iconic Innova is the leader in the MPV segment for over 15 years since the first-generation model was introduced in India in 2005 having sold over 8,80,000 units till date (including Innova Crysta). The 2^nd generation Innova - Innova Crysta since its launch in 2016 sold close to 3,00,000 units.

* New features in Innova Crysta

·         Availability of new exterior colour - Sparkling Black Crystal Shine

·         Bold Trapezoidal Piano Black Grille with Chrome Surround

·         Sharper Front Bumper Design

·         New Diamond-Cut alloy wheel designs

·         Front clearance sonar (with MID Indication) for improved safety

·         New luxurious interior color of Camel Tan for upholstery (ZX grade only)

·         All-new Smart Playcast touchscreen audio with Android Auto/Apple Carplay

Speaking about the launch, Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Sales and Service, TKM, said, “The Innova redefined the segment when it was introduced in India more than 15 years ago as a premium MPV that offers unrivaled comfort, convenience and looks, these skillfully combined with Toyota’s Quality, Durability and Reliability, made it a winner. Over the years, we have strived to make the Innova even better by imbibing the advanced technologies and features and launching improved versions regularly. The new and bolder Innova Crysta continues that legacy in accordance with our tradition of customer-first approach. We are confident that the customers will look forward to the latest avatar of the iconic Innova. The launch is particularly timed for those customers who are seeking unmatched safety and unrivaled comfort during long distances travel with family or on business needs.

 Further, we would like to thank our loyal customers for their relentless trust that has made Innova the best-selling MPV in the country. Innova Crysta continues its unrivaled dominance with 43% of segment share,” he added. (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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