Celebrating 20 years of sales in India, Skoda Auto India has showcased its second product to be developed under the India 2.0 strategy, the Slavia.

Built on the same platform (MQB A0 IN) as the Kushaq, the Slavia is a perfect combination of luxury and performance. Slavia will be Skoda’s attempt at rejuvenating India’s interest in the dying premium sedan segment, which it created 20 years ago with the launch of the Octavia.

The Slavia features Skoda’s Crystalline design language that we have seen on other cars like the Octavia and the Superb. The Slavia features signature Skoda design elements like the upright radiator grille with vertical slats, expressive L-shaped bi-module LED headlights with DRL, classic C-shaped crystalline LED split taillights and a coupe-like sloping roof design. The car sits on 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and offers a large boot space of 521 litres.

The Slavia is larger than the first-generation Octavia in every dimension. On the inside, the Slavia features a roomy cabin with a wheelbase of 2,651 mm and a width of 1,752 mm, making it the widest car in its segment. A large window area allows ample light to the beige and black coloured cabin. At the centre of the cabin is a large 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Skoda Play apps along with an 8-inch digital cockpit with three modes. The car also comes equipped with a multi-functional two-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment.

Skoda has also offered an electric sunroof with a bounce-back system and ventilated seats in the Slavia – features missing in the more expensive Octavia. Staying true to its tagline ‘Simple Clever’, Skoda has offered clever features like a ticket holder, smartphone pockets at the rear, elastic bands in the front pocket and a smart grip mat inside the cup holder.

In terms of engine options, Skoda will carry forward the two petrol engine options from the Kushaq. The 1.0l TSI engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual or Torque Converter automatic gearbox, while the more powerful 1.5l TSI engine will come equipped with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5l TSI engine will also come with ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) that will shut down two cylinders of the engine to save fuel when the load on the engine is low.

In terms of safety, the Slavia will come equipped with six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, multi-collision branding and the works, making it among the safe cars available in the segment. The Slavia will be offered in three variants – Active, Ambition and Style – with five colour options including Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Tornado Red and a unique Crystal Blue.

Once launched, the Slavia will go up against the likes of Honda City in its segment. Skoda has promised that the deliveries of the Slavia will start in Q1 2022. (MT)

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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.

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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.

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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 10^th 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.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has reported wholesales of 63,083 units in June 2026, which was 69 percent higher than the 37,237 units sold last year. Exports for the month came at 1,007 units, as against 154 units sold last year.

For Q1 FY2026, the total wholesales came at 182,574 units, up 46 percent YoY, as against 124,809 units a year ago. Domestic sales came at 180,166 units, up 45 percent YoY, while exports came at 2,408 units, up 148 percent YoY.

 Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “Q1 FY27 has marked a strong start for Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, delivering industry beating growth with sales of 182,574 cars and SUVs, up 46 percent YoY. This performance was fuelled by robust customer demand and the success of our recent launches. Our leadership in electric mobility further strengthened during the quarter, with EV volumes more than doubling to record 112% growth YoY. Our retail performance was equally encouraging, with Vahan registrations rising around 40 percent YoY, nearly twice the industry growth. We concluded the quarter on a high note, recording June sales of 63,083 cars and SUVs, registering a robust 69 percent growth YoY. In EVs, we achieved our highest-ever monthly sales of 14,800 units, with volumes nearly tripling YoY. The sustained momentum across both wholesale and retail channels reinforces the growing strength of our portfolio and the positive response from customers across segments. The response to the new avatars of Tiago and Punch have been overwhelming with bookings surging across powertrain, reaffirming the strength of our multi-powertrain strategy. We are seeing encouraging growth in EV adoption across segments and the strong momentum in the entry EV category signals rapid mainstreaming of electric mobility across India. While supply constraints impacted Sierra volumes during the quarter, customer interest and booking momentum remain robust. Corrective measures are currently underway to further augment production from select vendors in line with demand and this will progressively enable us to accelerate deliveries from Q2 onward. With a strong order book, exciting products and sustained customer demand, we remain confident about maintaining our growth momentum through the rest of the year.”

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