Skoda Auto India is making waves at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi, held from January 17 to 22. With an impressive showcase of eight models, Skoda’s pavilion in Hall 3-01 at Bharat Mandapam exemplifies its century-old global legacy of innovation, performance and its steadfast commitment to sustainable mobility.

The Skoda Kylaq, the brand’s first-ever sub-4-metre SUV designed specifically for India, is a highlight of the expo. The Kylaq in Olive Gold seamlessly combines contemporary design with cutting-edge engineering. Powered by a reliable 1.0 TSI engine with options for a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, it is available in four variants and seven colours. Its robust safety features, earning it a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, underscore Skoda’s emphasis on passenger protection.

Skoda’s all-new Kodiaq stands as a testament to luxury and versatility. This seven-seater 4x4 SUV combines spacious interiors with refined driving dynamics and off-road capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and adventure in one package. Equally impressive is the fourth-generation Skoda Superb, a sedan that redefines elegance and sophistication. With its premium features and spacious interiors, the Superb continues to set benchmarks in the executive sedan category.

The facelifted Skoda Octavia vRS, a performance icon, returns to the spotlight with its thrilling agility and dynamic driving experience. Renowned for its speed and precision, it remains a favourite among enthusiasts. Adding to Skoda’s innovative line-up is the Elroq, an entry-level global EV that balances sleek design, practicality and environmental consciousness, positioning itself as a promising addition to Europe’s EV market.

Skoda’s Vision 7S, a futuristic concept car, offers a glimpse into the future of mobility. This vehicle embodies Skoda’s Modern Solid design language and showcases sustainability and advanced technology. It represents the brand’s commitment to driving electric mobility forward with intuitive and eco-friendly innovations.

The Skoda pavilion at the expo is designed to engage visitors through four unique zones. The Safety Zone highlights Skoda’s dedication to passenger protection, a core pillar of its engineering philosophy. The Power Zone celebrates the brand’s racing heritage with simulators and soundscapes, while the Sustainability Zone underscores Skoda’s eco-friendly initiatives and evolving product line-up. Finally, the Luxury Zone showcases Skoda’s craftsmanship, offering a blend of style and superior comfort.

An accessorised version of the Kylaq is also on display, featuring over 30 bespoke additions. From UV-protect sun blinds to premium 7D spill-proof mats, this version sets a new standard for personalisation, catering to the unique preferences of Indian consumers.

As Skoda Auto celebrates 130 years globally and 25 years in India, the brand reinforces its dedication to combining European engineering excellence with the evolving needs of the Indian market. By integrating innovation and sustainability, Škoda continues to pave the way for a greener and more dynamic future in mobility.

Speaking on the company’s participation, Brand Director Petr Janeba said, “The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a remarkable opportunity for us to demonstrate our evolving global and Indian portfolio of ICE and EV vehicles. India is the second leg we stand on globally outside Europe and is a key market for us. From the all-new Kylaq to our insight into the future with the Vision 7S, all our models showcased at Bharat Mobility Expo focus on delivering innovation along with European design and performance for the ever-important Indian market. The technology and design from these products are going to be the key to our further expansion in India and our endeavour to attract newer customers in the Škoda Auto India family.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is leaving no stone unturned to mark its aggressive strategy to reinforce its leadership position.

The company, which recently introduced the Victoris SUV, to further cement its position in the SUV space, has made owning the vehicle more attractive with the model scoring a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupants under the new Global NCAP standards.

This makes the Victoris the second model after the Dzire sedan (last year) to score a 5-star safety rating, thus clearly indicating a focussed approach towards improving vehicle safety.

Global NCAP crash tested the Victoris, which comes with six airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and pedestrian protection as standard.  

The results found that the structure and footwell areas are rated as stable and can withstand further loadings. All body regions for adult occupants showed adequate to good protection in all crash test scenarios. 

Side impact and pole test showed full head protection. Global NCAP also found that 18-months old and 3-year-old child dummies showed full protection in the rearward facing child seat with ISOFIX anchorages and support leg.  

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Global NCAP, said, “The five star Victoris clearly demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to improved safety for its new models. It continues the trend set by the Dzire launched last year which also achieved five stars.  We warmly welcome Maruti Suzuki’s engagement with the requirements of Global NCAP’s new protocols. The result is a significant vehicle safety victory for motoring consumers in India.”  

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Škoda UK has appointed Philip Taylor as the new Head of Network Sales, with his tenure commencing on 1 November 2025. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dedicated 16 years to various positions within Volkswagen Group UK.

His career has encompassed a diverse range of both brand-specific and broader Group functions, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the automotive sector. Most recently, Taylor held the strategic position of Head of Product and Planning at Volkswagen Passenger Cars UK. His leadership during this period was a significant contributing factor to the brand achieving the notable status of the UK's best-selling new car brand. A key highlight of his tenure was his instrumental role in steering the successful market introduction and launch of the brand's pivotal all-electric ID. model range.

In this new capacity, Taylor will be taking over from Kevin Rendell, who is departing Škoda UK to assume the identical role of Head of Network Sales at Volkswagen UK. This move represents a strategic exchange of seasoned commercial expertise within the Volkswagen Group family, with Taylor's proven track record in sales and product strategy positioned to further accelerate Škoda's ongoing growth and success in the UK market.

Taylor is joining Škoda UK at a particularly auspicious time for the Czech manufacturer. The brand is currently experiencing a period of considerable commercial success and critical acclaim, having recently achieved its highest-ever UK market share.

Matthew Bowden, Brand Director, Škoda UK, said, “I’m very pleased to welcome Phil to the Škoda  UK team. He will bring a wealth of experience built from his varied roles across the Group, which I am sure will prove invaluable as we move into the next stage of our growth plans.”

Taylor said, “I’m very excited to join the Škoda team. The brand has developed impressively over the years, and is now a major player in the UK market with a very strong, award-winning model line-up. I am really looking forward to working with the UK team and its retailer partners to help continue its successful momentum.”

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has further expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Victoris SUV.

The Victoris is being made available in multiple powertrain options, including petrol with strong hybrid, Allgrip Select (4x4) and factory-fitted S-CNG with an underbody tank design. Bookings are now open at INR 11,000.

The SUV can be had with a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with EV mode and e-CVT transmission, a multi-terrain 4x4 system with four drive modes and a CNG variant with dual ECUs.

The Victoris will join the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Jimny to further expand its play in the SUV segment.

The new SUV features a 26.03 cm fully digital instrument cluster, 25.65 cm SmartPlay Pro X infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates and Alexa Auto integration. It also introduces a segment-first Infinity by Harman 8-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, 64-colour ambient lighting, ventilated seats, powered driver’s seat, wireless charging with cooling and a panoramic sunroof.

On safety, the Victoris comes with six airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS with more than ten driver-assist features, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake, and a 360-degree camera. In fact, the Victoris has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for both adult and child occupants.

It comes with Maruti Suzuki India’s Arena Safety Shield, including ESP, ABS with EBD, hill hold control and a standard three-year/100,000 km warranty.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new-age Indian customer is well-travelled, hyper-connected, socially aware, technologically progressive and environmentally responsible. To meet the aspirations of such customers, our new SUV the Victoris has ‘Got It All’. Victoris is a Latin word that means ‘victory’. We are confident the Victoris with its high technology, sleek design, intelligent and connected features, 5-star level safety and multiple environment friendly powertrains will win hearts in India. With Victoris we are strengthening our SUV portfolio and our overall market share.”

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are always listening to our customers. Today’s young, and dynamic audience consider an automobile as a reflection of who they are – energetic, composed, confident and always moving forward. We gave this brief to our design and engineering teams for the all-new ‘Victoris’. SUVs may be the most loved segment today, but the SUV buyer has evolved. This new generation of young customers are ambitious, hyperconnected and value experiential living. The all-new Victoris is our answer to that shift - a progressive blend of tech, design and versatility. It is engineered with true SUV DNA and sets a new benchmark for what today’s automobiles can feel like. With the Victoris, we’re not just launching another SUV, we’re celebrating a new dimension to driving - one that’s ‘Got It All’.” 

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In celebration of India's dreamers and their aspirations, Mercedes-Benz India has announced the launch of its comprehensive festive campaign, ‘Dream Days’. Scheduled to run from 2nd September to 31st October 2025, the initiative is designed to make the ambition of owning a Mercedes-Benz more accessible than ever through a suite of tailored ownership benefits and experiential engagements.

The 360-degree campaign focuses on creating signature luxury experiences at every customer interaction. A core component is a range of innovative financial solutions aimed at empowering new and existing customers. For its entry and core model portfolios, Mercedes-Benz is introducing financial plans featuring exceptionally low monthly instalments, attractive interest rates and minimal down payments. First-time buyers will receive additional ‘Welcome Benefits’ when trading in their current vehicle.

Further enhancing flexibility, a unique ‘Seasonal Payment Plan’ allows customers to structure their payment schedules around periods of higher cash flow, such as bonus months, alleviating the burden of uniform monthly payments. A standout ‘Key to Key’ programme for select models like the S-Class enables customers to upgrade to a new vehicle after 24 to 36 months with zero down payment, effectively allowing them to own two new Mercedes-Benz cars within a four-year period.

Complementing these ownership advantages, Mercedes-Benz is elevating its customer service with nationwide ‘Service Clinics’. During these events, trained brand engineers will travel to various locations to provide personalised vehicle diagnostics and address owner concerns directly.

The campaign will culminate in the ‘Dream Days Festival’, a first-of-its-kind event touring six key cities: Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi. This two-day festival will offer participants hands-on driving experiences across specially designed tracks that demonstrate the capabilities of the brand’s sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles and high-performance AMG models. Attendees can also enjoy immersive brand experiences, such as the Burmester Sound Experience, fostering a deeper connection with the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "India is a nation built on dreams – from startup founders, entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, every dreamer deserves the luxury that they aspire for. This festive campaign, hence, underlines our commitment to fulfil the aspirations of our customers, offering flexible and curated financial solutions, supporting them with their purchase decision. We are confident these financial solutions will find immense value among customers, creating excitement and positive momentum in the market this festive season.”

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