Skoda Kodiaq Becomes First Indian Petrol SUV to Reach Everest Base Camp
- By MT Bureau
- July 28, 2025
Skoda Auto India’s Kodiaq SUV has become the first petrol-powered vehicle from India to reach the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest. The achievement has been certified by both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records.
The Kodiaq covered over 6,000 kilometres across India, Nepal and China to reach the Tibetan side of the Everest Base Camp. The route involved high-altitude driving, sub-zero temperatures and difficult terrain.
The milestone follows a strong first half of 2025 for the company, which saw record half-yearly sales of 36,194 units – a 134 percent rise over H1 2024 – placing Skoda among the top seven carmakers in India. The brand also expanded its network to over 300 customer touchpoints in 172 cities.
Skoda Auto India marks 25 years in the country this year and 130 years globally.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda Auto India, we believe exploration drives progress. This achievement stands as a testament to this and finds great synergy with our strategy of being relevant, driving differentiation, and enhancing trust. Relevant because it reflects the growing ambition of Indian customers to go farther and demand more from their vehicles. Differentiated because no other petrol SUV has ever taken on such a formidable challenge and triumphed. And above all, it reinforces trust-trust in our products, our engineering, and our commitment to safety, quality, and reliability. We will continue with our focus on enabling journeys that go beyond the ordinary.”
Hyundai Motor India Announces India Couture Week 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 22, 2026
Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the 19th edition of the India Couture Week.
The event, in its fourth consecutive year in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India will run from 23rd to 29th July 2026.
For the first time, the event commences with a showcase by designer Anamika Khanna at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad on 23rd July 2026. Subsequent showcases take place at the Taj Palace in New Delhi from 24th to 29th July 2026, featuring designers including Falguni Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal, House of Masaba, JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Roseroom by Isha Jajodia, Rimzim Dadu, Arpita Mehta, Kunal Rawal, Dolly J, Jayanti Reddy, Aisha Rao and Rahul Mishra. The event will also include a display of the IONIQ 5.
Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “As we celebrate 30 remarkable years of driving progress in India, we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India for the fourth consecutive year at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026. This enduring association reflects our shared belief that exceptional design, innovation and craftsmanship have the power to inspire and create meaningful experiences. At Hyundai, design goes beyond aesthetics, it is at the heart of how we shape future mobility. Through platforms like India Couture Week, we are proud to celebrate India’s vibrant creative talent while strengthening our connection with discerning customers who value innovation, style and excellence. As we look ahead, we remain committed to enriching lives through smart mobility solutions and meaningful collaborations that reflect the aspirations of a new India.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, "Our partnership with Hyundai Motor India enters its fourth successful year, reflecting a shared commitment to design excellence, innovation and craftsmanship. Hyundai India Couture Week has evolved into India's most prestigious and awaited couture platform, championing the artistry of our designers and artisans while setting new benchmarks for creativity season after season. We are proud to once again present the 19th edition that celebrates the richness of Indian couture, while shaping the future of global luxury fashion."
Skoda Auto India Introduces Dual-Tone Colours For Slavia Monte Carlo
- By MT Bureau
- July 21, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has added two dual-tone colour options, Shimla Green and Steel Grey, to the Slavia Monte Carlo range. The limited edition is restricted to 200 units and will be available in the 1.0 AT and 1.5 DSG variants.
The Monte Carlo version features blacked-out exterior styling elements and a black and red interior theme. Customers can select between a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 1.5-litre TSI engine paired with a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre unit includes Active Cylinder Technology and Plasma-Coated Cylinder Liners.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Slavia Monte Carlo has been well received by customers for its distinctive design, premium appeal, engaging driving dynamics and strong connection to our motorsport heritage. We are further enhancing the individuality and desirability of the Monte Carlo range, offering customers greater choice and exclusivity. The Slavia Monte Carlo continues to embody the perfect blend of style, performance, and modernity. We will continue to strengthen our sedan portfolio, in line with the evolving aspirations of our customers.”
The Monte Carlo trim pays homage to Skoda's involvement in the Rallye Monte Carlo.
Citroen India Launches Basalt X Comfort Edition At INR 875,000
- By MT Bureau
- July 21, 2026
Stellantis-owned French automotive brand Citroen India has announced the launch of the Basalt X Comfort Edition, priced from INR 875,000.
The new edition is introduced as part of the brand's 108th anniversary celebrations and marks the extension of Citroen’s Comfort philosophy to the Basalt lineup.
The Basalt X Comfort Edition features Metropolitan Beige Leatherette Seats as standard and introduces curated Comfort AXS Packs. These packages include equipment such as JBL Audio, dash cameras, a reverse parking camera, a wireless charger and a 10-inch Android touchscreen.
Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "At Citroen, comfort has always been at the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate Citroen's 108th anniversary globally, the introduction of the Basalt X Comfort Edition further reinforces our commitment to bringing comfort-led innovation to Indian customers. Following the encouraging response to the Aircross Comfort Edition, we are extending this philosophy to the Basalt, making premium comfort features more accessible across our portfolio. The Basalt X Comfort Edition combines premium factory-fitted interiors with thoughtfully curated Comfort AXS Packs that enhance convenience, technology and personalisation – delivering greater value and an ownership experience that truly reflects Citroen's Advanced Comfort philosophy."
Hyundai Motor India Expands EV Charging Network To Over 30,000 Points On myHyundai App
- By MT Bureau
- July 20, 2026
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its myHyundai app provides access to over 30,000 EV charging points across India through partnerships with Charge Point Operators (CPOs).
The platform offers charging facilities within an average radius of 25 km across highways and cities. In addition to the partner network, Hyundai Motor India operates 183 DC fast-charging stations across 105 cities, with plans to expand to 600 stations by 2030. The company's charging stations are open to electric vehicles of all brands and offer capacities ranging from 60 kW to 240 kW.
Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, “With charging infrastructure being a key catalyst for EV adoption in India, Hyundai Motor India is committed to creating an ecosystem that makes electric mobility practical, convenient and accessible to all. Through the integration of over 30,000 charging points on the myHyundai app, we are empowering EV users with one of India's largest charging networks accessible through a single platform. Importantly, the platform is open to EV owners across brands, reinforcing HMIL’s commitment to developing India's broader EV ecosystem. HMIL will more than triple its proprietary DC fast public charging network from 183 stations today to 600 stations by 2030, bringing India's charging infrastructure closer to global benchmarks.”
The myHyundai app provides features for location discovery, navigation, advance booking, and digital payment. Since January 2023, HMIL-owned charging services have supported over 300,000 EV users, delivered more than 5 million kWh of energy, and contributed to saving 3.5 million kg of CO2 emissions.
Hyundai Motor India plans to enter the mass-market electric vehicle segment with the introduction of an e-SUV within the current financial year.
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