Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), a leading passenger vehicles manufacturer, has begun local production of the Skoda Kylaq compact SUV at its Chakan facility in Pune.

The Skoda Kylaq is the company’s fifth model on the MQB-A0-IN platform and is the most affordable model in its portfolio. Powered by Skoda's 1.0-litre TSI engine that produces 115bhp and 178Nm the Skoda Kylaq can be had in either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT torque converter. The SUV can accelerate from zero to 100kmph in 10.5 seconds and attain a claimed top speed of 188kmph. It is launched at starting price of INR 789,000. The Czech carmaker stated it has expanded its local supplier base by 10 percent that will help bring down the cost of ownership and also enable faster turnaround time.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “We’re thrilled to begin production of Skoda Auto India’s first sub-4-meter SUV. Congratulations to the entire team on the successful start of production. Kylaq is engineered and developed in India to cater to the evolving requirements of Indian customers. By manufacturing Kylaq locally, we proudly support the Make-in-India initiative, maintaining Group’s DNA of delivering safety, comfort and driving dynamics.”

Furthermore, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has increased production at its Chakan facility by 30 percent, which now can produce 255,000 vehicles per year.

Andreas Dick, Member of the Board of Management of Skoda Auto for Production and Logistics, said, “The successful start of production for Skoda Kylaq reflects the incredible teamwork and collaboration between our teams in India and the Czech Republic. Every detail has been meticulously planned and executed, from design to the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes, ensuring we meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. These efforts have created the ideal prerequisites for Kylaq to become a cornerstone of our success in India, setting new benchmarks in the compact SUV segment and strengthening our commitment to this dynamic market.”

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German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz’s all-new electric C-Class, a battery-electric vehicle in the midsize segment has achieved a two-thirds reduction in carbon footprint across its life cycle compared to the combustion-powered C-Class model, which has been verified through an independent 360deg Environmental Check.

The reduction is supported by supply chain measures that lower supply chain carbon emissions by 23 percent.

Mercedes-Benz sources two-thirds of the vehicle's aluminium requirements from electrolysis plants powered by renewable energy or using recycled content for components including the body, steering knuckles, wheels and battery housing. For steel components produced in-house, approximately 45 kilograms of steel sourced from electric arc furnaces operating on renewable energy are used.

Recycled thermoplastics account for 49 kilograms of material across various components, including frunk tubs with 50 percent post-consumer recyclate, wheel arch liners with 93 percent recycled content, bumper carriers with 83 percent recycled content and jack mounts made from end-of-life vehicle bumpers. Nonwoven fabric and yarn in seat covers contain 34 percent and 50 percent recycled content, respectively.

The Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC electric variant reports combined energy consumption figures of 18.5–14.1 kWh/100 km and zero carbon emissions under WLTP standards. The vehicle delivers a driving range exceeding 762 kilometres on a single charge. Mercedes-Benz plans to release additional rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants next year, including a rear-wheel-drive model with an expected range of 800 kilometres.

The powertrain utilises an 800-volt architecture alongside a multi-source heat pump that harvests waste heat from the electric drive system, battery and ambient air to heat the interior, using one-third of the electrical energy required by standard auxiliary heaters.

A One-Box braking system enables up to 99 percent of braking processes to occur via energy recuperation at outputs up to 300 kW. Fast-charging capabilities allow 325 kilometres of range to be added within ten minutes.

The EV is produced at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary, where 42.3 MWp of installed photovoltaic capacity supplies 25 percent of the facility's annual energy demand. A new paint shop facility reduces energy consumption by 20 percent and carbon emissions by 80 percent compared to previous operations.

Interior offerings include an optional vegan package certified by The Vegan Society, covering soft-touch materials, seat upholstery, headliners, door and pillar trims and carpets without animal-derived components. All suppliers involved in production must adhere to the company's Responsible Sourcing Standards, with binding carbon reduction targets set for steel, aluminium, plastics and battery cell manufacturing.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the ninth-generation Hilux pickup in India, with prices starting from INR 3.19 million (ex-showroom) for 4x2 GX AT variant, INR 3.36 million for the 4x4 GX AT variant and 4x4 VX AT can be had for INR 3.66 million.

The company has started bookings, with customer deliveries scheduled to commence in the second week of August.

The Hilux is powered by a 2.8-litre BS6 Phase 2 diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission generating 150 kW (204 PS) of power and 500 Nm of torque. For off-road operation, the four-wheel-drive variants feature high (H4) and low (L4) range settings, an electronic differential lock and downhill assist control. The chassis utilises double wishbone suspension at the front, leaf springs at the rear and an 80-litre fuel tank.

Exterior styling incorporates design elements derived from the Cyber Sumo concept, including a wide front grille, LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, piano black bumper accents and alloy wheels.

On the inside, it gets a 12.3-inch infotainment display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch instrument cluster display, connected vehicle technology via Toyota i-Connect, an eight-speaker audio system, wireless charging and PM2.5 air filtration.

Safety features include seven SRS airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking with brake assist, a panoramic view monitor, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The vehicle structure utilises Toyota's Global Outstanding Assessment impact-absorbing body architecture.

Masakazu Yoshimura, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, customer centricity means understanding what customers need today and preparing for what they will aspire for tomorrow. With nearly three decades in India, we continue to grow by listening to our customers, investing for the future, and delivering mobility solutions built on trust, quality and reliability. Guided by our vision of ‘Mobility for All’, we remain committed to creating long-term value and building products that earn customer trust for generations. The all-new Hilux further strengthens this direction, bringing Toyota’s proven durability, capability, and dependability to customers who seek a vehicle that is both powerful and trusted."

Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "The all-new Hilux is tougher, smarter and more expressive, a reflection of our commitment to continuously evolve to meet the raising aspirations of our customers. Backed by Toyota’s authentic engineering and legendary durability, the new Hilux combines bold design and powerful performance representing the growing convergence of utility and lifestyle. India is witnessing a significant shift in mobility preferences. Customers are looking for vehicles that go beyond transportation to support diverse lifestyles, professional needs and the pursuit of new experiences. At Toyota, we view this as an opportunity to deliver products like the all-new Hilux that empower customers with greater freedom, confidence and peace of mind."

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice President – Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, added, "The exterior and interior of the all-new Hilux is designed under the "Tough & Agile" concept, combining "strength with agility”, emphasizing simplicity that is also powerful. With a 2.8-litre engine, the hallmark 4WD capability, advanced connected technologies like the 12.3-inch infotainment system with i-Connect, and comprehensive safety features including seven airbags and driver assist features, we are confident that all-new Hilux will continue to uphold its unchanged promise of serving generations."

The Hilux is available in six exterior paint options – Super White, Platinum Pearl White, Attitude Black+, Emotional Red, Sulphur Metallic+ and Ash.

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Honda Cars India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the price and start of deliveries for the Honda ZR-V e:HEV at INR 4.79 million (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The ZR-V e:HEV is currently being sold as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) imported from Japan and serves as Honda's flagship SUV in India.

It features a 2.0-litre e:HEV sports hybrid powertrain delivering 184 PS of power and 315 Nm of torque, with a fuel economy of 22.8 kmpl and zero to 100 kmph acceleration in 7.9 seconds.

The ZR-V e:HEV comes with a 9-inch touchscreen, Bose audio system, hands-free power tailgate and Honda SENSING driver assistance technologies.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "Today marks another important milestone in Honda’s journey in India as we commence the deliveries of the all-new Honda ZR-V e:HEV. Positioned as our flagship model in the India line-up, ZR-V embodies Honda’s global advancements in Strong Hybrid technology, design, comfort and safety, offering customers a truly sophisticated and engaging driving experience. The enthusiastic response to the ZR-V pre-bookings, with first two batches for Indian market already booked, has been extremely encouraging. We are deeply grateful to our customers for their trust and enthusiasm and remain committed to delivering an exceptional ownership experience as we start to fulfil these orders and welcome even more customers into the Honda family.”

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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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