Czech automaker Skoda Auto is celebrating its silver jubilee milestone in India. The OEM had entered the Indian market in January 2000 and had laid the foundation stone for its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) making it the first Volkswagen Group brand to establish a presence in the domestic market.

The Skoda Octavia was the first model by the Volkswagen Group to be assembled locally in India.

Skoda Auto shared that its India operations plays a key role in its global plans, which has enabled to effectively leverage existing sales potential in the ASEAN region, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

It was in 2018, that Volkswagen Group appointed Skoda Auto to spearhead all activities in India jointly since 2018. Fast forward to present, Skoda has developed and produces three models locally in India for India, based on the localised MQB A0–IN platform: the Kushaq, the Slavia and the Kylaq compact SUV. 

Klaus Zellmer, CEO, Skoda Auto, said, “We have built on 25 years of experience in India to make this thriving market the cornerstone of our international growth strategy. With its tremendous talent pool, growing consumer demand, and access to other markets, India is becoming our second pillar outside Europe and helping leverage further sales potential in ASEAN, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region. Skoda has been a notable brand in India since we entered the market with the Octavia in 2001. We now produce in two plants. We have launched three all-new models specifically for India, achieving localisation of up to 95 percent: the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia and just recently the Kylaq compact SUV, which complement the Octavia and Superb we also sell through a growing dealer network. In the last two years, we have increased customer touchpoints across the country by 35 percent. India also contributes to the global sustainability goals of Skoda Auto. One plant already runs entirely on green energy, while the plant in Pune expanded its photovoltaic system to deliver up to 30 percent of its electricity needs. I want to thank all our Indian colleagues for helping power the next stage of our growth, and especially our customers for their trust in our products. With this passion, we can achieve even greater things in the next 25 years!"

Piyush Arora, MD & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Skoda was the first brand to establish Volkswagen Group’s presence in India, setting up its first plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar back in January 2000. As Skoda celebrates 25 years in the country, the Group’s focus on the Indian market continues to strengthen. With evolving consumer preferences, we are introducing products that combine the Group’s global expertise with a deep understanding of the Indian market. Today, our model lineup features advanced vehicles designed and built specifically for India, including the newly unveiled compact SUV, Skoda Kylaq.”

“This dynamic market has become the foundation of Skoda’s internationalisation strategy, driven by our commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability and customer-centric solutions. We are dedicated to enhancing our manufacturing capabilities & sales touchpoints and advancing our sustainability initiatives to deliver long-term value to our customers, employees, and communities,” added Arora.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, one of the leading car manufacturers in the country, has unveiled the new Tata Sierra, which it said has been designed to honour its predecessor while redefining what a modern Indian SUV can be.

The SUV is a re-interpretation of the original's soul, bridging heritage and the future. It stands as a halo product, set to lead the next chapter of the company’s design. Clean surfaces replace ornamentation, while the proportions, long wheelbase, upright stance and powerful shoulders emphasise its stance.

The Sierra’s exterior design reinterprets the silhouette of the original. The three-quarter glasshouse has been reimagined using a panoramic roof, flush glazing and a black-painted roof finisher. This maintains the airy character of the original while meeting safety and aerodynamic standards. The long wheelbase, roofline and width deliver better aerodynamics and visual balance.

At the front, the Sierra features the Light Saber, a full-width LED DRL that forms a single curve across the fascia. This lighting signature is mirrored in the rear light bar. Complementing it are R19 alloy wheels, flush door handles and gloss black cladding. The Clamshell tailgate, wide rear haunches and floating-roof effect give it road presence.

Inside, the Sierra features a ‘Living Room Philosophy,’ aiming to create a lounge space on wheels. The TheatrePro multi-screen setup features a Horizon View screen layout, offering digital experiences for both driver and passenger. This integrates with the SonicShaft Soundbar with a JBL Black 12-speaker system, which, combined with Dolby Atmos, transforms the cabin into an acoustic experience. The PanoraMax (sunroof plus surround view glasshouse) recreates the openness of the original Sierra’s glass canopy. The cabin architecture is horizontal, accentuating width and openness.

Interestingly, even before its launch, the Sierra SUV design has been recognised globally by winning the Red Dot Design Award. The jury in 2025 consisted of 15 experts from 13 countries.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPVL), one of the leading car manufacturers in the country, has announced its financial results for Q2 FY2026.

The company reported revenue of INR 723 billion, down 13.5 percent YoY and loss before tax came at INR 54.62 billion, down 47 percent YoY. On the other hand, the net profit came at 762 billion, on the back of a notional profit on disposal of discontinued operations of INR 826 billion.

The consolidated performance was significantly impacted by a cyber incident at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Tata Motors-owned British luxury marque brand Jaguar Land Rover reported revenue was down by 24.3 percent to GBP 4.9 billion in Q2 FY26. All JLR metrics were impacted by the cyber incident.

Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer, JLR, said, “JLR’s performance in the second quarter of FY26 was impacted by significant challenges, including a cyber incident that stopped our vehicle production in September and the impact of US tariffs. JLR has made strong progress in recovering its operations safely and at pace following the cyber incident. In our response we prioritised client, retailer and supplier systems and I am pleased to confirm that production of all our luxury brands has resumed."

On the other hand, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles domestic business saw steady performance during the quarter, rebounding post GST reductions. Revenues were up 15.6 percent at INR 135 billion. During the period, EV sales surged by nearly 60 percent YoY with nearly 25,000 units sold. Alternative powertrains continue to grow, with EV penetration at 17 percent and CNG at 28 percent in Q2 FY2026.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “Q2 FY2026 was a landmark quarter for Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, marked by double-digit year-on-year growth in wholesale volumes and registrations, alongside several record-breaking milestones. Our growth was powered by our multi-powertrain portfolio, with CNG & EV volumes accounting for 45 percent of our volumes in Q2. EV sales surged by nearly 60 percent YoY with nearly 25 thousand units sold in Q2, reaffirming our leadership in sustainable mobility."

The overall global situation remains challenging. Management expects an all-round improvement in performance in H2 FY26.

PB Balaji, Group Chief Financial Officer, Tata Motors said: “It has been a difficult period for the business. However, we are committed to emerging from the cyber incident even stronger. With the demerger completed, both JLR and domestic PV businesses are well poised to leverage the significant opportunities provided by this exciting industry. Demand situation remains challenging globally but domestically there are signs of resurgence. In this context, our strategy is clear, plans robust and we will continue to execute them with speed and rigour to win."

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced the full itinerary for the DRUM TAO India Tour 2025, a major cultural initiative developed in partnership with the renowned Japanese performance troupe. This collaboration is designed to transcend a typical corporate sponsorship, embodying Toyota’s ‘Mobility for All’ philosophy by facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas, creativity and human spirit between Japan and India. The partnership aims to build a meaningful bridge between the two cultures, fostering appreciation and engaging deeply with the nation's youth.

The tour is scheduled to commence on 15 November with a spectacular opening at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong. From there, the production will journey across 14 cities, including Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, before reaching its final destination for a concluding performance in Bangalore on 21 December 2025. For over two decades, DRUM TAO has captivated global audiences with its powerful artistry, masterfully blending the intense energy of Taiko drumming with elegant choreography and the melodic strains of Shinobue flutes.

This tour promises to be an immersive experience, uniting Japanese precision and discipline with India's own vibrant diversity. Each event will serve as a celebration of shared values like innovation and global unity, using the universal language of rhythm to create a powerful, cross-generational connection.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business & Profit Enhancement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate and host world-class artists DRUM TAO in India. India’s youth, especially Gen Z, are increasingly engaging with cultures from around the world, through music, art and lifestyle, thus shaping a new era of dynamic expression. Music, above all, serves as a universal language, bridging diverse experiences and sparking creativity, energy and joy. Through the DRUM TAO India Tour, we aim to connect with young audiences across the country, celebrating cultural exchange and inspiring them through the power of rhythm, performance and shared experiences.”

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has announced the introduction of the Curvv model with new and enhanced executive features. The company has enhanced interior space across all Curvv variants (ICE and EV) through engineering innovations, with a focus on rear seat comfort and practicality.

The Curvv now features: India’s first R-Comfort Seats with Passive Ventilation. Serenity Screen Rear Sunshades. EasySip Cup Docks on the Rear Armrest. A Dashboard Insert in White Carbon Fibre finish and lighter Interior (Lalitpur Grey) with Plush Benecke-Kaliko Leatherette Seats.

The coupe SUV also introduces TwinZone Climate Concierge Air Conditioning. The Curvv.ev takes comfort further with the addition of a PureComfort Rear Co-Passenger Footrest and ErgoWing Headrest.

This enhanced version will be available in all Accomplished personas of the Curvv, starting at INR 1.45 million, and in the Accomplished and Empowered personas of the Curvv.ev, starting at INR 1.84 million.

The Curvv features a voice-activated panoramic sunroof with mood lighting, a gesture-activated powered tailgate, and a 500-litre boot space. Technology includes a 31.24 cm 12.3-inch Cinematic Touchscreen Infotainment System by HARMAN, paired with a 9-speaker JBL sound system and Arcade.ev.

The Curvv is available in both ICE (Hyperion gasoline direct injection, 1.2-litre Revotron Petrol and 1.5-litre KryoJet Diesel engines and EV powertrains, offering both automatic and manual transmission options.

The vehicle is equipped with Level 2 ADAS and holds a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.

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