Nissan Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has announced that its upcoming seven-seater B-MPV will be named Gravite. The vehicle is scheduled for launch in January 2026 and is the first in a series of products for the Indian market.

The Gravite was announced in July 2024 as the second model in the company's current release plan. The timeline for upcoming vehicle launches includes: Gravite (B-MPV) 7-seater early 2026, Tekton SUV mid-2026 and the 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027.

The new Gravite’s design incorporates a C-shaped front grille and horizontal proportions. It is the only vehicle in its segment to feature hood branding and rear-door badging. The rear design utilises a C-shaped interlock theme.

Inside, the vehicle contains modular seating to accommodate passengers and cargo, alongside storage innovations.

Nissan is also expanding its dealership network in India.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), said, “India continues to be a strong contributor to AMIEO’s performance, and Nissan Motor India plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Over FY25, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our portfolio, and delivered on every promise made under our 2024 product offensive. The upcoming line-up—shaped by global insights yet deeply attuned to the needs of Indian customers—reflects our commitment to this dynamic market. With new models developed in and for India, and exports to several international markets, India remains both a growth driver and a strategic hub for Nissan Alliance. The reveal of the Gravite demonstrates our continued momentum and reinforces our confidence in the road ahead.”

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The all-new Gravite is a testament to Nissan Motor India’s renewed focus on the evolving Indian market. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, it is designed to be the perfect companion for the diverse needs of our customers. As the second model in our all-new product line-up, the Gravite marks a pivotal step in our transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the aspirations of Indian consumers.”

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French automotive major Renault Group has launched futuREady India, a strategic initiative designed to integrate its Indian operations into the company's global value chain.

The plan aims to establish India as one of the brand’s top three markets by 2030 through a product offensive and the expansion of its manufacturing and engineering capabilities. Renault intends to generate EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030, covering vehicles, components and R&D services.

The group will expand its Indian portfolio to 7 models by 2030, focusing on high-value segments and multi-energy powertrains. These vehicles will be built on two shared platforms, RGEP (Renault Group Entry Platform) and RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform), which support internal combustion, hybrid and electric configurations.

Following the recent introduction of the Duster SUV, Renault has previewed the Bridger Concept, a compact SUV that will include a fully electric variant. To support customer retention, the company has introduced the Renault Forever initiative, which includes a 7-year warranty.

Renault has also moved to full ownership of its manufacturing facility in Chennai to improve supplier integration and supply chain optimisation. This site, alongside an engineering centre employing 6,000 specialists, will transition into a global centre of excellence. The Chennai operations will now develop architectures and software for both the domestic Indian market and international projects, specifically supporting Renault’s requirements in regions such as South America.

Francois Provost, CEO, Renault Group, said, “With futuREady, our new Vision, Renault Group is accelerating its international growth by building on high-potential, fast-growing markets where the Group already has a strong presence. India, where we have been established for fifteen years, is a prime example: it represents more than one-third of the growth potential across the markets where the Renault brand already operates. India is set to become not only a growth market, but also a centre of excellence and an export hub. Thanks to the commitment and expertise of our local teams, it will strengthen the Group’s overall competitiveness. Thirty years ago, Renault Group began its first wave of international expansion. With futuREady, we are opening a new era in our global growth story – and India will be at the heart of it!”

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group in India, said, “By 2030, we will offer a seven-model portfolio in India, spanning key segments from compact cars to larger SUVs, and featuring a full spectrum of electrified powertrains—from strong hybrids to fully electric vehicles. Leveraging world-class engineering, competitive manufacturing, and a clear, ambitious product roadmap, India is poised to be a major driver of sustained value for Renault Group.”

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McLaren Automotive has appointed Kemal Curic as Chief Design Officer with effect from April 2026. As a new member of the Executive Leadership Team, Curic will guide the overall design vision and creative strategy for the entire McLaren Automotive range. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the brand’s future direction.

Bringing over 20 years of international automotive design expertise, Curic has worked extensively on both high performance and luxury vehicles. He joins McLaren following a tenure at Ford Motor Company, where he served as Global Design Director for Performance Vehicles and was responsible for some of the industry’s most celebrated performance car designs. His career reflects a consistent ability to honour a brand’s heritage while pushing design boundaries.

In his new position at McLaren, Curic will oversee all design disciplines, including interiors, exteriors, colour and materials as well as digital design. He will collaborate closely with engineering and product strategy teams to ensure McLaren continues to set benchmarks in lightweight construction, high performance and emotionally compelling luxury vehicles. Known for successfully evolving iconic cars without losing their essence, Curic’s grasp of performance DNA and his talent for blending innovation with brand authenticity make him an exceptional fit for the company.

Curic said, “McLaren is one of the most respected and aspirational brands in the world. I’m excited to be part of their journey to help shape the design vision of a company so deeply rooted in engineering excellence and racing heritage. I look forward to working with the talented teams at McLaren to create the next generation of breathtaking, purpose‑driven cars.”

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Kia Europe has appointed Christophe Mandon as Vice President for Sales and Ownership Experience with effect from 13 April 2026. Reporting directly to Chief Operating Officer Sjoerd Knipping, Mandon will play a key part in advancing the company’s electrification efforts across Europe while also strengthening how Kia engages with its customers throughout their ownership journey.

Mandon arrives at Kia Europe following a successful tenure as Vice President at Kia France, where he led commercial and customer focused strategies in a challenging market. With 28 years of automotive experience, he has held senior leadership positions across France, the Netherlands, Spain, Morocco and Germany, covering regions in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

His extensive background includes key roles at Citroën and Groupe PSA. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Opel and Vauxhall at Stellantis in Germany, bringing deep cross brand and international expertise to his new position at Kia Europe.

Mandon said, “As Kia continues its transformation in Europe through electrification and digitalisation, strong sales performance and an outstanding customer experience are increasingly important. My focus is on supporting the European markets in achieving sustainable sales growth while delivering a seamless experience for customers at every touchpoint.”

Knipping said, “At Kia, customers are at the heart of our European business strategy. Christophe brings extensive international sales leadership experience and a strong understanding of evolving customer expectations. His leadership will be key to accelerating our commercial performance and further strengthening the ownership experience for Kia customers across Europe.”

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Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has started nationwide customer deliveries of the new Renault Duster SUV.

The first Renault Duster SUV was handed over in Chennai by François Provost, CEO, Renault Group and Stephane Deblaise, CEO of Renault Group in India. The commencement of deliveries follows a period of growth for the subsidiary, which reported a 77 percent increase in sales in March 2026.

The event coincided with the opening of a new 'R store' on Mount Road in Chennai. The facility is spread across 4,500 sqft featuring a 3,000 sqft interaction area and a dedicated delivery bay.

This is the second such store in Chennai and the 11th in India. Renault plans to expand this experiential retail format to 70 outlets across the country within the year, supplementing its existing network of more than 350 sales points.

To support the launch, Renault is offering the Renault Forever programme, which provides vehicle coverage for up to seven years or 150,000 km. The company attributes its recent sales momentum to the introduction of the Duster alongside the updated Kiger and Triber models. The brand aims to utilise the new retail format to provide a different customer interaction model in urban markets.

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