Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Starts Kylaq Production At Chakan Plant
- By MT Bureau
- December 14, 2024
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.”
Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV Teased Ahead of India Launch
- By MT Bureau
- August 03, 2026
Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has released a teaser of its first hybrid vehicle launch in the country the Sorento SUV, which serves as the manufacturer's global flagship SUV.
Originally introduced in 2002, the Sorento nameplate has recorded global sales of 4.8 million units across four product generations in 132 countries. The vehicle ranked among the brand's top three best-selling models globally in 2024 and 2025, receiving industry safety classifications including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-Star NHTSA rating.
Teaser images issued by the company show an upright vehicle profile featuring a distinct shoulder line and a two-tier front lighting design with an illuminated upper graphic across the bonnet area. The India-spec configuration incorporates Kia's hybrid powertrain technology.
The company has opened advance reservations for the model through its dealership network and official website, with full specifications and launch timelines to be announced prior to the official commercial release.
MG Select Launches Limited Couture Editions Of M9 And Cyberster
- By MT Bureau
- August 03, 2026
MG Select, the luxury division of JSW MG Motor India has introduced the Couture Edition of the MG M9 at INR 8.49 million, while the Cyberster Couture Edition is priced at INR 8.74 million.
The vehicles were created through a design partnership with fashion designer Gaurav Gupta. The collaboration began at the opening of Gupta's menswear flagship store in New Delhi, followed by an official vehicle integration during his 'Light Song' couture showcase in Mumbai on 17 July 2026.
Both models incorporate Gupta's Serpent Infinity design motif across interior and exterior surfaces, using hand embroidery, tonal layering and surface detailing techniques derived from garment construction.
Milind Shah, Head – MG Select, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Cyberster and M9 have quickly become the most sought-after luxury EVs in their segment. By introducing a couture layer, we are building on that popularity with an offering that is both rare and collectible. It strengthens MG SELECT’s business proposition by uniting proven demand with exclusivity, ensuring our luxury channel continues to establish itself as a curator of distinct experiences for discerning customers.”
Gaurav Gupta said, “I’ve always believed that great design transcends categories. This collaboration with MG demonstrates how the principles of couture, craftsmanship, precision and emotional storytelling can transform the way we experience luxury mobility. Together, we’ve created something that is as expressive as it is functional.”
Production of the Couture Edition specification is limited to 50 units per vehicle model. Sales will be handled exclusively through MG SELECT Experience Centres across 14 cities, with orders opening on the official brand website ahead of customer deliveries scheduled to begin on 10 August 2026.
Porsche India Introduces 36-Month Assured Buy-Back Programme
- By MT Bureau
- August 03, 2026
Porsche India has launched an Assured Buy-Back Programme in partnership with a financial services provider, establishing guaranteed future valuation parameters for its vehicle range at the point of sale.
As per the terms, buyers can secure a guaranteed buy-back valuation of up to 70 percent after a 36-month tenure.
The scheme is available to private owners purchasing eligible Porsche models, including the Cayenne SUV alongside the Macan Electric and Taycan electric vehicle lines. The financial structure bridges the difference between the pre-agreed guaranteed value and the market resale value realised at the conclusion of the coverage term, subject to program conditions.
Ashutosh Dixit, Head of Porsche India, said, “The introduction of the Assured Buy-Back Program provides our customers with greater peace of mind while offering the flexibility to continue their journey with the Porsche brand. As we continue to enhance the ownership experience, this initiative reflects our commitment to delivering solutions that support our customers during their ownership journey.”
The agreement duration spans 36 months from the initial vehicle invoice date. At the end of the term, vehicle owners can exercise the buy-back option or transition into subsequent models within the brand's portfolio.
Renault India Sells 3,293 PVs In July 2026
- By MT Bureau
- August 02, 2026
French automaker Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, has reported its wholesales for July 2026.
The company sold 3,293 units last month, up 27.9 percent YoY, as compared to 2,575 units for the same period last year.
With this, Renault India has now registered double-digit YoY growth for the 11th consecutive month. The company attributed the growth to the demand witnessed across its product portfolio and broadly aligned with the overall industry.

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