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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Lounge Edition variant across its Creta, Alcazar and Creta Electric SUVs. The special edition trim updates interior cabin equipment, rear seat entertainment and exterior trim styling across the three vehicle lines.

The primary update across all Lounge Edition models is an integrated 29.46 cm rear seat entertainment system featuring streaming platform compatibility, interactive gaming, an app store and smartphone mirroring, operating alongside an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

On the inside, it features silver interior accents, white ambient lighting, revised seat patterns and branded headrest cushions. Exterior changes feature black trim on the skid plates, side sills, roof rails, rear spoiler and side mirrors, paired with black alloy wheels and a golden bronze paint option.

The Creta Lounge Edition, built on the King trim level, is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an intelligent variable transmission or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox, with prices starting at INR 1.92 million ex-showroom.

The Alcazar Lounge Edition is offered in a five-seat layout based on the Signature variant, powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic transmission and equipped with a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, priced from INR 2.18 million. The Creta Electric Lounge Edition, based on the Long Range Excellence trim, adds a dashcam and rear wireless charging pad, with prices starting at INR 2.43 million.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy and Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai, we continuously strive to create products and experiences that resonate with the evolving aspirations of our customers. Customers today seek experiences that go beyond mobility, and the new Lounge Edition has been designed with this evolving aspiration in mind. From lounge-inspired interiors, engaging digital entertainment and on-the-go gaming experiences powered by rear seat entertainment, to distinctive styling enhancements, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to transform every journey into a more comfortable, connected and rewarding experience. The Lounge Edition reflects Hyundai's commitment to delivering meaningful innovations and greater value across our SUV portfolio, and we are confident it will appeal to customers seeking a unique blend of luxury, comfort, entertainment and exclusivity in their everyday journeys."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German automotive luxury brand Audi has unveiled the A2 e-tron electric compact model, which marks its most compact green offering, with prices starting EUR 38,200 in Germany.

Developed in Germany and produced at the manufacturer’s Ingolstadt facility, the EV has an energy consumption rating of 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle.

The company will open bookings on 10 September, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in December.

The A2 e-tron is offered in four power outputs ranging from 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the base specification to 240 kW and 545 Nm in the top variant, paired with rear-wheel drive and permanently excited synchronous motors. Depending on the output, battery capacities are available in 52 kWh, 61 kWh, or 84 kWh gross options, achieving a maximum driving range of up to 646 kilometres under WLTP conditions.

The chassis design incorporates a drag coefficient of 0.24, utilising active cooling air intakes, aero wheels and wheel-arch gap reducers. Bidirectional charging capabilities support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external device powering and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) energy transfer via compatible wall boxes.

On the inside, it features a curved MMI panoramic display housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with artificial intelligence assistant integration. Storage incorporates the Fidlock magnetic attachment system as standard equipment, alongside an optional 1.6-square-metre panoramic glass roof.

Audi states that around 300 components across the vehicle are constructed using recycled materials, including post-consumer plastics, aluminium and steel.

The EV assembly utilises 250 existing industrial robots and 1,200 reallocated production components at the Ingolstadt plant, using fixed-sequence manufacturing methods. Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, evasive assist, attention assist and parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Gernot Dollner, Chief Executive Officer, Audi, said, “The A2 e-tron is more than a new model: It represents Audi’s renewal. It shows how we are rethinking premium for Europe: using resources more intelligently without compromising on quality, technology, or customer experience. Developed for the needs of our European customers and built in Ingolstadt, it demonstrates our ambition to shape the future of premium mobility.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis-owned Citroen India has introduced additions to its vehicle lineup in India, launching variants of the AircrossX and BasaltX alongside an extended-range version of the e-C3X electric vehicle.

The releases expand engine options to include naturally aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG) options, available nationwide across the manufacturer's retail network.

The AircrossX and BasaltX line-ups now feature the YOU Turbo variant to provide turbocharged engine options at lower price points, as well as the MAX Naturally Aspirated (NA) variant for buyers seeking features paired with a standard powertrain.

The company has announced an introductory price of INR 999,000 for the BasaltX YOU Turbo, INR 1.06 million for the AircrossX YOU Turbo Comfort Edition, INR 1.13 million for the BasaltX MAX NA and INR 1.16 million for the AircrossX MAX NA.

The models also get financing options including a 7-year step-up scheme with initial monthly instalments starting from INR 9,999 for the BasaltX and INR 10,555 for the AircrossX.

On the other hand, the updated e-C3X EXTENDED comes with a MIDC-certified range of 330 kilometres through efficiency adjustments. The EV is offered under a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership structure, with entry prices starting from INR 699,000 plus a battery usage charge of INR 2.26 per kilometre.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director, Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "At Citroen, we continuously listen to our customers and evolve our products to better match their lifestyles and mobility needs. With the introduction of the new AircrossX and BasaltX editions, along with e-C3X ENHANCED, we are expanding customer choice across performance, comfort, and electric mobility. As we enter the festive season, customers across India look forward to celebrating new beginnings with their families. Our expanded portfolio gives customers more choice than ever before, whether they are looking for a spacious family SUV, a premium comfort-oriented vehicle, engaging turbo performance, or greater confidence in an electric vehicle. These updates reinforce our commitment to delivering accessible, practical, and customer-centric mobility solutions for Indian consumers with retail financing schemes."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has introduced the updated Baleno hatchback in India with pricing starting at INR 609,900 (ex-showroom). The company has opened bookings for an initial amount of INR 11,000.

The new Baleno features exterior design changes, including a revised front grille with horizontal chrome slats, modified lower bumper styling, chrome fender accents and a shark fin antenna. It is offered in seven paint options, including a new Enigmatic Teal shade.

The hatchback is powered by a 1,197cc Z12E 3-cylinder engine equipped with idle start-stop technology and dual variable valve timing. The engine produces 61 kW at 5,700 rpm and 112.4 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or an Auto Gear Shift automatic transmission.

The Baleno comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.80 kmpl for the manual variant and 24.77 kmpl for the automatic model. A CNG variant, the Baleno S-CNG, produces 51.3 kW of power in CNG mode and achieves a fuel efficiency rating of 33.61 km per kg with the five-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of safety, it features a Level 2 advanced driver assistance suite that utilises radar and camera sensors to operate functions such as emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, vehicle sway warning and forward collision warning.

The Baleno gets six airbags, electronic stability program, anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, hill hold control, reverse parking sensors, three-point seat belts, emergency stop signalling and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as standard.

On the inside, it incorporates ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, dual-tone trim, a 22.86 cm infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Clarion sound system, a wireless smartphone charger with active cooling, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system and Suzuki Connect telematics. The vehicle measures 3,990 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width and 1,530 mm in height, with a 2,520 mm wheelbase.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The Baleno has been a definitive pillar for NEXA and the premium hatchback segment over the course of a decade. The Stunning new Baleno is now here to redefine customer expectations with the introduction of segment-first features including Level 2 ADAS, and an unmistakable new identity established with a modern rendition of the signature NEXWave grille. The stunning new Baleno’s ‘Dare to go Glam’ philosophy is formed around the ambitious, young customers of today who dare to challenge the norm and express their individuality in an unapologetically original manner.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!