Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Starts Kylaq Production At Chakan Plant

Skoda Kylaq
L-R: Piyush Arora, MD & CEO of SAVWIPL and Andreas Dick, Board Member for Production & Logistics at Skoda Auto at the official Start of Production (SoP) ceremony for the Skoda Kylaq.

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.”

Nissan Motor India And Spinny Launch 55-Minute Vehicle Exchange Programme

Nissan - Spinny

Japanese automotive major Nissan Motor India has introduced a 55-minute vehicle exchange initiative in partnership with Spinny. The programme allows customers to have their current vehicles evaluated on-site and apply exchange bonuses toward the purchase of a new Nissan vehicle within an hour.

The service is supported by dedicated evaluators across 30 cities. To facilitate the process, Spinny counters have been established at Nissan sales touchpoints, providing real-time assessments.

Key features of the collaboration include:

  • Documentation: A 'selling letter' issued by Spinny is accepted as valid proof of exchange, removing the requirement for transferred RC documentation at the point of transaction.
  • Lead Generation: The partnership integrates digital and physical touchpoints to manage used inventory and generate incremental leads for the dealer ecosystem.
  • Product Eligibility: The programme applies to Nissan’s current India line-up, including the Magnite and the recently launched Nissan Gravite, which entered the market at an introductory price of INR 565,000.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “At Nissan Motor India, we are committed to building a customer-first ecosystem that simplifies every stage of the ownership journey. Strengthening our collaboration with Spinny and introducing faster exchange timelines reinforces our focus on convenience, transparency, and value for our customers and dealer partners - while supporting our broader growth in the country.”

Niraj Singh, Founder & CEO, Spinny, said, “Our continued partnership with Nissan Motor India represents a shared commitment to simplifying car ownership journeys. With faster exchanges, expanded evaluator presence, and integrated dealership touchpoints, we are working together to make car upgrades seamless, transparent, and rewarding for customers across India.”

Stellantis To Exhibit Over 60 Models At 91st Paris Motor Show

Stellantis

European auto major Stellantis has announced it will feature eight brands at the Paris Motor Show, scheduled for 12 to 18 October 2026. The group’s presence will be more than double that of the 2024 edition, occupying a 5,340-square-metre space in Hall 4 of the Porte de Versailles.

The exhibition will feature over 60 vehicles, including one public premiere and one European premiere:

  • Lancia Gamma: Making its French debut, this flagship fastback will be produced at the Melfi plant. The model marks the brand's return to the upper segments and will offer both full-electric and hybrid powertrains.
  • Leapmotor B03: A compact all-electric B-hatch making its European debut. The brand will also preview the B03X crossover and B05 hatch, both scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026.
  • DS N°7: Official launch of the compact SUV, offering hybrid and fully electric versions with a range of up to 740 km.
  • Fiat: The brand will unveil two new C-segment models and a concept car, alongside the Grande Panda and the Tris three-wheeled electric solution.

The automaker will have an interactive stand that will be divided into dedicated areas reflecting the specific identities of the participating brands:

Brand

Key Exhibits & Features

Peugeot

New 308, 408, E-208 GTi, and the 9X8 World Endurance Championship car.

Alfa Romeo

Full range including the 33 Stradale and the Bottegafuorisere customisation hub.

Citroën

Exhibits ranging from the Ami micro-mobility vehicle to the C5 Aircross flagship.

Opel

New Astra featuring Intelli-Lux HD adaptive headlights and the Mokka GSe.


“Inside its impressive 5,340-square-meter stand, located in Hall 4 of the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre, Stellantis will showcase more than 60 vehicles, highlighting a line-up capable of meeting every customer need – from urban micromobility to longer and more demanding journeys – thanks to the right balance of design, performance and functionality,” the company said in a statement.

Lamborghini Reports EUR 768 Million Operating Income For 2025

Automobili Lamborghini

Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has recorded the highest revenue in its history for the 2025 fiscal year, reaching EUR 3.20 billion, which marks a 3.3 percent increase over the previous year and marks the second consecutive year the company has exceeded the EUR 3 billion threshold.

The company reported an operating income of EUR 768 million with a profitability rate of 24 percent. These figures were achieved despite a volatile macroeconomic environment and specific exogenous pressures.

Key Financial Impacts:

  • Currency and Trade: Negative exchange rate fluctuations and the introduction of US tariffs influenced the operating result.
  • Strategic Investment: Costs associated with the Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy were fully accounted for during the financial year.
  • Mitigation: The impact of these factors was moderated through a refined product mix and cost control measures.

In 2025, Lamborghini delivered 10,747 cars, surpassing the 10,000-unit mark for the third year in a row. A significant driver of value was the Ad Personam personalisation programme, with 94 percent of all vehicles delivered featuring at least one bespoke element.

The Revuelto and the newly launched Temerario, which began customer deliveries in early 2026 – form the core of the brand's hybridisation strategy. The Temerario features a powertrain capable of 10,000 rpm, a first for a production engine from the manufacturer.

The current range, including the Revuelto, Urus SE and Temerario, is now fully hybridised. Lamborghini has also confirmed plans for a fourth hybrid model as part of its long-term industrial vision, which remains focused on sustainable growth alongside the eventual development of a fully electric vehicle.

For 2026, the company intends to unveil further product developments at international events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “2025 shows that the strength of Automobili Lamborghini lies not only in numbers, but in our ability to manage complexity. In a challenging global context, we continued to grow, protecting profitability and further strengthening brand value. Our strategy is clear: discipline, long-term vision and product centrality. This balance allows us to turn external challenges into opportunities for consolidation and to continue creating sustainable value.”

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “External factors and the volatility of the broader macroeconomic environment made 2025 a particularly challenging year. In this context, we have closed a positive financial and business 12 months, safeguarding our level of profitability, which positions us among the most profitable players in the global luxury sector. The results achieved confirm our objective of sustainable growth while preserving profitability.”

BMW Group India Launches MINI Cooper S Victory Edition At INR 5.75 Million

BMW Mini Victory Edition

German luxury brand BMW Group India has introduced the MINI Cooper S Victory Edition at INR 5.75 million. The special edition model made its debut at the Sanghi Classic dealership in Jaipur. It is available as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit, with bookings open at all authorised dealerships and deliveries commencing immediately.

The Victory Edition serves as a tribute to the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, where the Mini Cooper S, driven by Timo Mäkinen and Paul Easter, secured a win. The new edition incorporates bespoke styling elements intended to reflect this motorsport heritage while utilising modern vehicle technology and craftsmanship.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, stated, “The new MINI Cooper S Victory Edition is a bold tribute to the legendary 1965 Monte Carlo Rally win, bringing a historic racing soul to modern Indian roads. This limited-run masterpiece captures the aesthetic essence of MINI's competitive DNA, meticulously crafted for those who demand a drive that looks as iconic as it feels. We are thrilled to offer Indian enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history, reimagined with bespoke styling that honors our championship heritage. This special edition is a visual celebration of our past and a testament to the timeless spirit of performance that defines the MINI brand today.”