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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Chinese automotive major Changan Automobile and Brazil-based Kawa Group (CAOA Group) have opened an automated manufacturing line in Annapolis, Brazil and commenced production of the first locally built Changan Uni-T sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The launch event was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin and Chinese Ambassador to Brazil, Zhou Qingqiao.

The vehicle assembly line represents the beginning of a USD 950 million investment cycle spanning 2026 to 2028. This capital follows USD 570 million deployed between 2023 and 2025, bringing the total joint allocation to USD 1.52 billion.

The funding is intended to establish an annual production capacity of 90,000 vehicles. The expansion project aligns with Changan's global growth initiative, known as the ‘Vast Ocean Plan.’

The Uni-T was developed over three years by a team of 200 Chinese and Brazilian engineers. The model is powered by a 1.5-litre Blue Core Flex turbocharged engine featuring direct fuel injection. The powertrain was modified by Kawa Group to operate on flexible-fuel configurations, allowing the use of ethanol-petrol blends.

To validate durability and thermal efficiency across different climates, the SUV underwent a 200,000-kilometre testing program prior to standard production.

Following the introduction of the flexible-fuel model, Changan plans to expand its local production network to include hybrid and electric powertrains. The Chinese automaker also intends to establish more than 60 commercial dealerships across the region by the end of 2026 to support its broader distribution network.

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Japanese automaker Honda Cars India (HCIL) has launched the new Honda City sedan and marked the Indian debut of its global hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) – the ZR-V e:HEV.

The introduction of the ZR-V e:HEV expands Honda's hybrid vehicle options in India as a completely built unit (CBU), as the company's flagship SUV in the country.

The new Honda City features updates to its front and rear exterior panels, extending its overall length to 4,594 mm. It introduces a 25.6 cm touchscreen display, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance features. The sedan offers two powertrain options: a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 121 PS paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed CVT, and a hybrid system producing 126 PS with a fuel economy rating of 27.26 km/l. Ex-showroom prices in Delhi range from INR 1.19 million for the petrol manual base variant to INR 2.09 million for the hybrid version.

The ZR-V e:HEV SUV features a 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine combined with a dual-motor hybrid system, generating a maximum output of 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque. The system shifts between electric, hybrid and engine drive modes while delivering a fuel efficiency rating of 22.79 kmpl.

The SUV measures 4,567 mm in length with a 2,655 mm wheelbase and offers up to 1,313 litres of cargo volume when the rear seats are folded flat. Standard features include an eight-airbag system, a 12-speaker Bose audio setup, a 22.8 cm touchscreen and a hands-free power tailgate.

Both models are sold with a three-year unlimited-kilometre standard warranty. The hybrid variants of the City and ZR-V include an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty on the lithium-ion battery package alongside a five-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty covering the hybrid components.

Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO, Honda Cars India, said, "Today's event marks the beginning of HCIL's New Phase of accelerated growth in the market. India is among the top 3 focus markets to realise Honda's future growth which will be driven by a strong pipeline of new products and our efforts to achieve cost competitiveness. This year is a landmark year for us with 6 strategic launches that will sharpen our competitive edge and reinforce our brand position in the market. The launch of the new Honda City and the India premiere of our globally acclaimed Honda ZR-V represent Honda's commitment to bringing sporty, premium and technologically advanced products to Indian customers. We look forward to an exciting year ahead with several new model introductions planned as part of Honda's continued growth strategy for the Indian market."

Pre-bookings for the vehicle have commenced at dealerships across India, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in July 2026. The updated Honda City is available immediately for sales and deliveries.

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Stellantis-owned Citroen has confirmed the addition of a new model to its vehicle lineup, inspired by its historic 2 CV model. The vehicle is being introduced as part of the FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan outlined by parent company Stellantis.

Citroen intends to position the vehicle within the electric vehicle category, focusing on a design that prioritises accessibility, weight reduction and practicality to meet modern urban traffic regulations. It has announced that it will disclose further technical and product details at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026.

Xavier Chardon, Chief Executive Officer, Citroen, said, “Reinventing the 2 CV of tomorrow is a huge challenge and responsibility. The original 2 CV was never created to become an icon. It became one because it gave people freedom. The new 2 CV will carry that same spirit forward – not through nostalgia, but by reinventing its simplicity and accessibility for today’s world. Electric. Essential. Affordable. Human. Just like the original once democratised mobility, the new 2 CV will re-enchant electric mobility for a new generation through a highly desirable model. The return of the 2 CV is not simply the return of a legendary name. It is the return of a bold and optimistic idea of progress. A profoundly Citroen idea.”

Development and manufacturing processes for the vehicle are centred at the facility in Poissy, France. Until the production phase of the new model commences, the brand continues to address entry-level electric vehicle demand through its existing e-C3 model variant.

File photo

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Mercedes-Benz India has introduced the GLE and GLS Night Editions, two exclusive limited-series models that bring a distinct visual identity and specially curated interiors to the brand’s best-selling luxury SUV range. These editions are part of a global limited run and will be available in restricted volumes, reinforcing their exclusivity and appeal to collectors. The configurations offered are not replicated on any standard variant.

Responding to rising customer demand for personalisation, the Night Editions feature darkened exterior styling with two colour choices: Obsidian Black and Alpine Grey. The Alpine Grey finish is reserved exclusively for this series, providing a more distinctive offering. Inside, both models elevate the cabin with black Nappa leather upholstance and Anthracite open-pore oak wood trim, details unavailable on standard versions. A head-up display comes as standard equipment across both vehicles.

The GLE Night Edition adds AIRMATIC suspension as an extra refinement, distinguishing its ride quality further from the standard GLE. The GLE has long been a consistent performer in Mercedes-Benz India’s core luxury SUV segment, and this new variant builds on that foundation with a sport-influenced black-centric exterior. Meanwhile, the GLS Night Edition applies the same design language to the flagship luxury SUV, which remains the highest-selling model in its segment. The black exterior styling gains greater visual authority on the larger GLS platform, while the premium interior upgrades extend the cabin’s luxurious character.

Pricing for the Night Edition GLS 450 stands at INR 14,100,000 ex-showroom all-India, while the GLS 450d is priced at INR 14,300,000. The GLE 300d Night Edition is available at INR 10,500,000, and the GLE 450 Night Edition at INR 11,400,000, both ex-showroom all-India.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Continuous product innovation for customers through new products, their facelifts and exclusive editions has been core to Mercedes-Benz’s successful product strategy in India, consistently elevating the brand’s desirability. GLE and GLS are undisputed segment leaders in the luxury SUV category in India, elevating India into Mercedes-Benz’s top global markets for these SUVs. The introduction of the ‘Night Edition’ with bespoke design, curated interiors, exclusive appointments and a sharper focus on personalisation makes the SUVs highly exclusive and unmatched in appeal. As our discerning customers increasingly seek vehicles that reflect their individuality, the GLE and GLS ‘Night Edition’ sets a new standard in differentiated luxury, reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in top-end luxury SUV space.”

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