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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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has launched the new updated Brezza compact SUV with prices starting at INR 739,900.

The new Brezza introduces Turbo Boosterjet engine option, K15C engine variants and S-CNG models featuring an underbody fuel tank configuration.

The Turbo Boosterjet model is powered by a 1-litre engine delivering 81 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a new 6-speed manual transmission and Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology.

The K15C powertrain is available with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options, while the S-CNG variant offers a fuel efficiency of 26.9 km/kg. Safety features include a Bharat NCAP rating focus, 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program and a 360-degree camera system.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new Brezza, is an SUV that truly resonates with the aspirations of young India. With the new Brezza Turbo Boosterjet we add a new dimension of driving excitement that matches the energy and vibe of Young India. The new Brezza has been curated to find favour with diverse customer preferences as it switches effortlessly to appeal to the different moods and occasions of customers. It is an SUV that appeals to every side of a customer’s personality, be it at work or play, appealing to various aspects of their lifestyles and enabling them to ‘Lead Every Play’. This is the true hallmark of a great product, one that adapts to customers. I am confident the new Brezza will continue to build on the brand’s legacy as India’s favourite compact SUV.”

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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that its premium hatchback, the i20, has crossed the 1.5 million-unit cumulative sales mark in the domestic market since its debut in 2008. The model has been a defining force in the premium hatchback space, consistently raising benchmarks through forward-looking design, technological upgrades and robust safety provisions. Over nearly two decades, the i20 has adapted to changing consumer lifestyles, earning particular favour among young urban professionals and families seeking a sophisticated ownership experience.

The sales figure reflects deep-rooted customer confidence in the Hyundai brand and underscores the manufacturer's ability to anticipate market demands. Through three generational iterations, the i20 has introduced several segment-first features, ranging from connected-car functionalities to safety technologies once absent in this category. This evolutionary approach has ensured the model remains a trendsetter while maintaining a loyal customer base nationwide.

Hyundai has strategically expanded the i20 lineup to cater to varied buyer preferences. The i20 N Line infuses a sportier character, drawing inspiration from global motorsport and targeting drivers who desire heightened performance alongside everyday usability. The i20 Knight Edition offers a distinct aesthetic with its black-themed styling, appealing to those favouring a bolder road presence. These variants collectively address a wide spectrum of tastes while preserving the comfort and technology expected from the brand.

The standard i20 is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, available with a five-speed manual or an intelligent variable transmission. The i20 N Line features a 1.0-litre turbo GDi petrol unit, paired with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a noticeably more spirited drive. This dual powertrain strategy caters to both efficiency-minded buyers and driving enthusiasts.

The i20 comes equipped with six airbags as standard, a 26.03-cm HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a voice-enabled smart electric sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone connectivity. Additional highlights include over 60 Bluelink connected services, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, a dashcam and a tyre pressure monitoring system. With its stylish design, advanced amenities and strong safety suite, the i20 continues to hold a prominent position in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and sustains robust demand nationwide.

Sunil Moolchandani, National Sales Head, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “The Hyundai i20 has been one of the most iconic products in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and has consistently represented innovation, aspiration and premiumness. Crossing the milestone of 1.5 million cumulative sales is a testament to the immense trust and loyalty that customers have shown towards the brand over nearly two decades. We thank our customers for making the i20 a preferred choice in the premium hatchback segment and remain committed to delivering products and experiences that exceed expectations.”

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Stellantis-owned American brand Jeep India has introduced the Jeep Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition at prices starting INR 3.60 million, which is limited to just 85 units. Based on the Overland trim, the collector's edition features Gloss Black 18-inch alloy wheels, an all-black cabin with Mayan Gold accents and curated Anniversary AXS packages.

The vehicle introduces CARA AI, a voice assistant supporting 52 languages

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "For 85 years, Jeep has represented far more than a vehicle. It has symbolised freedom, exploration and the confidence to go wherever the journey leads. The Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition is our tribute to this remarkable legacy and to the passionate community that has helped shape the Jeep story over generations. With only 85 units available, this collector's edition offers customers a unique opportunity to own a distinctive piece of Jeep history while experiencing the premium craftsmanship, capability and sophistication that define the Meridian."

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Maruti Suzuki India has received a 5-star safety rating in Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program for its upcoming Brezza SUV.

The SUV includes six airbags as standard across variants, Electronic Stability Program with Hill Hold Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Parking Sensors and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. The certification marks Maruti Suzuki's fifth consecutive 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, joining the Dzire, Victoris, Invicto and e Vitara.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Brezza has been India’s highest selling Compact SUV since 2016 and a preferred choice for millions of customers. This 5-star Bharat NCAP rating reinforces the confidence customers place in the vehicle. The recognition for the new Brezza reflects our relentless focus on building safer vehicles for Indian roads. Safety is at the core of our vehicle design philosophy. By making 6 airbags as standard in 16 models and across 160 variants, we have democratized advanced safety, enabling more than 1.6 million new customers to benefit from advanced occupant safety in FY 2025-26, the highest in terms of industry volume. As customer expectations evolve, we remain committed to making advanced safety accessible across every segment, from entry-level models like Alto K10 and Celerio, to SUVs such as the new Brezza, Victoris, Jimny and Fronx.”

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