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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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO ZNG, marking its initial entry into the compressed natural gas (CNG) passenger vehicle segment. The model is priced from INR 999,000 (ex-showroom), with top-tier variants reaching INR 1.22 million (ex-showroom).

The vehicle utilises a 1.2-litre mStallion TCMPFi turbocharged engine engineered to deliver 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque in both CNG and petrol operating modes. The engine system incorporates a 10-bar CNG injection pressure configuration, achieving a certified claimed fuel efficiency of 24.7 km/kg and zero-to-60 kmph in 4.9 seconds. Storage design features an underfloor twin-cylinder layout below the rear compartment, maintaining a flat cargo floor and 270 litres of usable boot space, with the spare tyre positioned externally under the body.

Dr Velusamy R, President of the Automotive Business at Mahindra & Mahindra, said, "The XUV 3XO ZNG comes with a clear promise: Zero Compromise. Customers today want the space, technology, safety and driving experience of an SUV, along with the lower running costs of CNG. With category-leading torque, turbocharged performance and impressive efficiency, the XUV 3XO ZNG brings together the practicality of CNG and the excitement of an SUV, setting a new benchmark for customer expectations from a CNG SUV."

Standard safety hardware across all variants includes six airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and an integrated gas leak detection system programmed to automatically switch fuel supply to petrol if a leak occurs. Higher trim levels feature a 26.03 cm infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, sunroof options, automatic climate control and connectivity software.

The company is set to begin test drives from 15 October 2026, with formal bookings and customer deliveries scheduled to open on 20 October 2026.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the updated Toyota Glanza hatchback in India, priced from INR 699,000 ex-showroom. The updated hatchback introduces revised exterior styling, including an updated front bumper, side skirts, a wide chrome grille bar and LED headlamp assemblies.

Under the bonnet, it transitions to a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine producing 61 kW of power and 112.4 Nm of torque, with claimed fuel efficiency figures of 23.80 kmpl for the manual transmission and 24.77 kmpl for the automated manual transmission (AMT) variant. The alternative CNG powertrain delivers 51.3 kW of power and 101.8 Nm of torque, and now incorporates an AMT option.

Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "Ever since its launch in 2019, the Toyota Glanza has been a popular choice among customers seeking a stylish, feature-rich and dependable hatchback. The 2026 New Toyota Glanza builds on this strong legacy with a sharper and sportier design, a more premium cabin experience and advanced safety technologies making it an even more compelling choice for today's customers. The hatchback segment continues to be an important entry point for customers beginning their mobility journey, and the Glanza is thoughtfully designed to meet these aspirations with style, quality and peace of mind. As customer needs evolve, we remain committed to delivering ever-better cars and creating happiness for our customers."

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales-Services-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "As customer expectations continue to evolve, the New Toyota Glanza introduces several meaningful enhancements across safety, convenience and connectivity. With the introduction of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Autonomous Emergency Braking and High Beam Assist, the New Glanza offers a premium mobility experience. The addition of AMT in the CNG variants further enhances driving convenience, while ventilated front seats, wireless charging and refreshed styling add to its overall appeal."

The Glanza features level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a 360-degree camera system, six airbags, ventilated front seating, wireless device charging, a head-up display and a 22.86 cm touchscreen display with connected car telemetry.

Bookings have opened for an initial amount of INR 11,000, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in the first week of November. The Glanza can be had in seven paint options and comes with a standard 3-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has revealed the India-spec Hyundai Bayon, with bookings opening across company dealerships and online sales channels ahead of its scheduled launch on 26 October 2026.

The SUV introduces software and connectivity features, including Hyundai Motor India's first generative artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant incorporating technology from Perplexity and SoundHound AI.

The Bayon is powered by a four-cylinder 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine generating 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual transmission and an Intelligent Variable Transmission. It also integrates over 70 connected features via the Hyundai Bluelink platform, including remote vehicle controls, smartwatch integration, and location services.

Built on an NVIDIA-accelerated Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, it supports up to 19 over-the-air vehicle controller updates for remote software maintenance and features dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays. The infotainment architecture supports a multi-language user interface across 10 regional and two international languages, alongside over 500 offline embedded voice commands across six languages.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "With Hyundai Bayon, we are introducing an Intelligent Utility Vehicle that places technology and convenience at the heart of the customer experience. Guided by the philosophy of ‘Intelligence That Moves,’ Bayon seamlessly integrates Artificial Intelligence, advanced connectivity and software-driven innovation to create a mobility experience that is intuitive, evolving and deeply personalised. Through segment-defining technologies & features such as HMIL's first-ever Generative AI Voice Assistant, NVIDIA-accelerated Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), Vehicle Controller Over-the-Air (C-OTA) updates and Hyundai Bluelink connected features, Bayon represents the next generation of intelligent mobility for Indian customers."

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European auto major Stellantis hosted an executive preview event in Paris, introducing six concept vehicles across its brand portfolio ahead of the Paris Motor Show. The reveals span models from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Opel and Peugeot, forming part of a broader exhibition featuring over 60 vehicles and nine concept cars across eight corporate brands.

The introduced concepts reflect distinct engineering and design directions for each brand. The Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso concept presents a multi-energy architecture capable of accommodating models up to 4.7 metres in length, including a 2.9-litre V6 full-hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive.

Citroën unveiled the 2 CV Concept, an electric vehicle targeted for European production at a EUR 15,000 price point. FIAT showcased the Multiplay, a configurable vehicle architecture combining pickup and utility vehicle traits inspired by the original Multipla design.

Opel presented the STX Concept, outlining design elements and lighting signatures for future estate models, while Peugeot revealed the RCZ Vision built on the STLA One platform and featuring steer-by-wire technology alongside updated cabin controls.

DS Automobiles displayed the DS F3VER concept, focusing on vehicle customisation and design parameters for future production models.

Gilles Vidal, Head of Design, Enlarged Europe at Stellantis, said, "With these six concept cars, we are expressing a shared conviction: the future of automotive design must be both bold and meaningful. Each concept explores new ways to enhance everyday experiences while reinforcing the unique identity of its brand. Together, they demonstrate how creativity, innovation and emotion can come together to make people fall in love with cars again."

Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis, said, "This event brings our FaSTLAne 2030 strategy to life. It reflects the extraordinary effort of our teams and our commitment to shaping the future of mobility through iconic brands, compelling design and innovative technology, giving customers more choice and more reasons to be excited about what’s ahead."

Emanuele Cappellano, COO for Enlarged Europe, Stellantis, said, "Stellantis is deeply rooted in Europe and holds a leading position that will be strengthened by the success of all our brands. Stellantis wants to fully leverage the competitive advantage set by its iconic brands’ uniqueness, offering cars that are at once rooted in heritage and future-driven, based on robust know-how and distinguished by their unmatched design beauty, to shape the future of mobility with more than 50 products to be launched by 2030. These achievements, based on the execution of our strategic plan, will enable Stellantis to expand its market coverage in Enlarged Europe by 25 percent."

The concept unveils support Stellantis's broader product development roadmap, which targets the introduction of over 50 vehicle models by 2030 and a 25 percent expansion in European market coverage.

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