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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Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has commenced customer deliveries and announced pricing for the updated Kushaq SUV. The refreshed line-up introduces segment-first technologies and a restructured variant hierarchy aimed at increasing the accessibility of its European engineering and safety features.

The new Kushaq maintains its turbocharged petrol engine range with significant updates to its transmission and braking systems:

• 1.0 TSI Engine: Produces 85 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. It debuts a segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic alongside the existing six-speed manual. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 19.66 kmpl (MT) and 19.09 kmpl (AT).
• 1.5 TSI Engine: Delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG automatic. This variant now features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) and all-wheel disc brakes on the Prestige and Monte Carlo trims.

The Kushaq retains its Global NCAP 5-star safety rating and now includes over 40 safety features. Standard equipment across the entire range includes – 6 airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper and defogger.

On the exterior, it features LED headlamps, LED taillamps, sequential rear turn indicators and alloy wheels. 

It gets electric sunroof, climatronic auto AC and touchscreen infotainment.

The SUV is available in five trims with eight colour options, including the new Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red.

All variants come with Skoda Super Care, which includes a standard 4-year/100,000 km warranty, 4 years of roadside assistance, and four labour-free services for up to two years. The warranty is extendable to eight years.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda Auto India, our focus is on democratising European technology and making it accessible to a wider set of customers. With the new Kushaq, we truly redefine value across the range. The new Kushaq leads the way through competitive value pricing across variants, enhanced standard safety features and all-round performance. Segment-first additions such as the eight-speed automatic gearbox, Rear Seat Massager, and standardisation of essential features provide fantastic value right from the entry variant. Class-leading safety, unmatched driving dynamics and pride of ownership come standard with the new Kushaq, as with every Skoda.”

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TATA.ev has expanded its electric vehicle range with the introduction of the Fearless+ QWD 75 persona for the Harrier.ev. The model features a dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive system and is positioned at a starting price of INR 2.64 million (ex-showroom).

Built on the acti.ev+ architecture, the Harrier.ev Fearless+ QWD 75 delivers 504 Nm of torque and achieves a claimed zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. It features Quad Wheel Drive – a dual-motor system for traction across varied terrains. Six terrain modes supplemented by Off-Road Assist and Boost Mode. In terms of safety, the Harrier.ev has 5-star Bharat-NCAP certification. A 15-year lifetime battery warranty for the first owner.

The Fearless+ QWD 75 includes several cabin and convenience features:

• Seating: 6-way powered driver seats with memory, 4-way powered co-driver seats, and ventilated front seats.
• Audio and Vision: 360-degree camera and a JBL Black 10-speaker system.
• Climate: Voice-assisted dual-zone automatic temperature control.
• Exterior: R19 alloy wheels and the introduction of a new Seaweed Green paint shade.

The Harrier.ev is now available in seven configurations. Prices listed are ex-showroom and exclude charger installation costs (available for an additional ₹49,000).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to witness the love that the Harrier.ev has received from our customers. With over 13,000 Harrier.ev’s delivered in just 6 months, its capability and potential has received strong interest from customers who have harnessed its go anywhere capability to successfully cover over 100 mn km across the length and breadth of India. It proves to be the perfect representation of how we are making performance SUVs aspirational yet attainable. With the introduction of the critically acclaimed dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive technology in the Fearless persona, we now want to drive this accessibility even further by unlocking more value and inviting more customers to Delete-Impossible with the Harrier.ev.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the new Hyundai Exter compact SUV with a starting price of INR 579,900.

The new Exter features more than 25 enhancements across its design and technology. It remains the tallest vehicle in its segment, measuring 1,643 mm in height and offers a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. Exterior updates include redesigned front and rear bumpers and a black radiator grille. New R15 diamond-cut alloy wheels and a wing-type spoiler. Additions of wheel arch cladding and a new centre garnish for the front facia.

The cabin introduces a dual-tone Navy and Grey theme with a 3D carbon-pattern dashboard finish. It gets segment-first metal pedals and a built-in dashcam. A wireless smartphone integration for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside a Type-C USB port for rear passengers. A boot capacity of 391 litres for petrol variants. More than 60 connected car features and 300 voice commands through Hyundai Bluelink.

The Exter comes with a 1.2 l Kappa Petrol engine, available with either a manual or AMT transmission. It also offers a Hy-CNG Duo variant featuring dual cylinders and an underbody spare tyre, which preserves 225 litres of luggage space.

Safety Specifications:

• Standard Safety: 30 features are standard across all variants, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).
• Advanced Features: The vehicle includes more than 45 advanced safety features in total.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "Since its debut, the Hyundai Exter has received an overwhelming response, earning the trust of over 200,000 customers across India. With its bold design and segment defining features, Hyundai Exter has played a pivotal role in reimagining the segment. Building on this strong foundation, the new Hyundai Exter embodies a reinvigorated spirit of 'Drive to shine', with refreshed styling, a more premium cabin, smarter connectivity and an enhanced safety package. These upgrades further strengthen its appeal among families and young explorers seeking a versatile SUV that seamlessly blends style, practicality and everyday usability. The new Hyundai Exter reaffirms HMIL's commitment to delivering world class technology, superior safety and a reliable SUV for young and ambitious India."

The new Exter is available in seven monotone and one dual-tone colour options, including the new Golden Bronze and Titanium Black Matte.

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Japanese automotive major Nissan Motor India has introduced a 55-minute vehicle exchange initiative in partnership with Spinny. The programme allows customers to have their current vehicles evaluated on-site and apply exchange bonuses toward the purchase of a new Nissan vehicle within an hour.

The service is supported by dedicated evaluators across 30 cities. To facilitate the process, Spinny counters have been established at Nissan sales touchpoints, providing real-time assessments.

Key features of the collaboration include:

• Documentation: A 'selling letter' issued by Spinny is accepted as valid proof of exchange, removing the requirement for transferred RC documentation at the point of transaction.
• Lead Generation: The partnership integrates digital and physical touchpoints to manage used inventory and generate incremental leads for the dealer ecosystem.
• Product Eligibility: The programme applies to Nissan’s current India line-up, including the Magnite and the recently launched Nissan Gravite, which entered the market at an introductory price of INR 565,000.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “At Nissan Motor India, we are committed to building a customer-first ecosystem that simplifies every stage of the ownership journey. Strengthening our collaboration with Spinny and introducing faster exchange timelines reinforces our focus on convenience, transparency, and value for our customers and dealer partners - while supporting our broader growth in the country.”

Niraj Singh, Founder & CEO, Spinny, said, “Our continued partnership with Nissan Motor India represents a shared commitment to simplifying car ownership journeys. With faster exchanges, expanded evaluator presence, and integrated dealership touchpoints, we are working together to make car upgrades seamless, transparent, and rewarding for customers across India.”

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