Czech automaker Skoda Auto India, which recently announced its all-new compact SUV and has a string of product actions in its pipeline, wants to continue its focus on strengthening its network and customers as part of its ‘New Era’ in the country. 

After enhancing its digitalisation strategy, the brand has now announced the implementation of its new corporate identity in its physical assets like dealerships, service centres and other customer touchpoints.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India said: “Together with making world-class cars, our efforts have always focused on offering a wholesome, all-encompassing and enriching experience to our customers, our families and our fans. Digitalisation is of course, one of the many ways we reach out to customers. Just as crucial is our consistency with our messaging, our design language, our identity and the face we present to our customers and all other stakeholders. We have been steadily and consciously implementing our brand’s New Corporate Identity in our communications and our marketing across 2023. Now, we are ready to take it to the next phase, which will include our dealerships and various customer touchpoints.”

New styling

Skoda Auto India states its new styling and typeface uses entirely new typography based on symmetry to convey solidity in combination with round shapes and borders conveying fluidity. The new corporate identity is a further extension of the ‘Modern Solid’ dictum dictating the brand’s designs and aesthetics since 2022. 

Moreover, Skoda Auto’s iconic Winged Arrow imagery will make way for the Skoda wordmark ensuring a unison in communication and imagery across all of the company’s customer touchpoints.

The new identity also allows signages in dealership premises the freedom to use the time of the day or night to alter the tone of illumination. The symmetrical and solid lettering lights up sedate Emerald Green in the day and vibrant Electric Green by night maintaining variety yet uniformity with the Skoda signature colours. This aesthetic extends into other finer details of the customer interface complex like the pylon, the dealer branding, the entrance portal and certain highlight walls within.

These changes the Czech automaker state is in line with a series of non-product evolutions and engagements undertaken by Skoda Auto India in its endeavour to enhance its reach and get closer to customers. 

Following the brand’s entry into the New Era with the announcement of its all-new compact SUV to make its world debut in India in H1 2025, Skoda Auto India also implemented a spate of digitalised strategies that led to a revolution in terms of customer engagement.

The company’s Skodaverse India platform, after witnessing the uptake of 128 Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in 128 minutes of its introduction, implemented the Skoda Gearheads membership programme enabling customers and fans to avail of premium merchandise, VIP treatment and other exclusive benefits. Skoda Auto India also marked 24 years since its incorporation in the country with a 24-hour sale on 24 March 2024 garnering 709 bookings exclusively through its digital platforms.

Localisation

The carmaker says India will become the fastest market to rebrand all its facilities with the new Corporate Identity. The implementation has commenced and the signages are as per Skoda Auto’s global standards, leveraging local expertise in manufacturing world-class signage elements. All customer touchpoints shall be ready with the new Corporate Identity in time for the launch of the new compact SUV planned in 2025. This will ensure a consistent customer journey. All dealer partners are actively participating in the rebranding process, to ensure quick implementation of the new Corporate Identity.

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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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