Peugeot Ramps Up Its EV Technician Team

Peugeot Ramps Up Its EV Technician Team

Peugeot has unveiled the growing team of technicians who are responsible for assembling and testing each battery that goes into one of its electric cars and vans.

Peugeot’s electrification strategy means giving customers an option to choose the powertrain that best suits their needs, either- fully electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol or diesel.

By 2025, the carmaker will offer an electrified variant across its entire model line-up with an estimate of assembling up to 10,000 batteries a month for its car range and as many as 7,000 batteries a month for its LCV range by next year.

The whole battery-manufacturing process takes no more than 60-90 minutes. After passing the tests, which usually takes 15 minutes, a team of technicians’ signs off on a battery for further assembly. The French carmaker operates a hybrid production line, where both electric and conventional combustion engine vehicles are assembled on the same line.

Technicians have to undergo specialist training that lasts up to a month to be a part of the company’s transition into electrified vehicles. Both Peugeot and the wider Stellantis Group are increasing the number of technicians qualified to assemble and work on electrified vehicles.

Peugeot currently offers EVs such as the e-208, e-2008, 3008 Plug-in Hybrid, e-Traveller, 508 Fastback Plug-in Hybrid and 508 SW Plug-in Hybrid, as well as the e-Expert for van customers. Further electrified vehicles will be added to the range in 2021, with the e-Rifter, e-Partner and e-Boxer all arriving later this year.

Julie David, Managing Director, Peugeot UK, said, “Making the energy transition towards new technologies means retraining and evolving our workforce. Our electrical assembly technicians play a crucial role in delivering electric vehicles of the highest standard to our customers. They are the reason why we are so comfortable in offering each battery with the reassurance of an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.” (MT)

Wrong comprehension and grammar on your part, Aditya. The batteries are first tested and then the technician signs them off or passes them for further operations, i.e., assembly. This presents a confusion. Please recheck and rephrase before publishing. Also, rephrase this part “between one-two hours”

Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative

Maruti Suzuki India - AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India

Skoda Kodiaq RS

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026

Honda City

Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.

“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.

Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026

Renault Duster

French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.

Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.

During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.