Skoda Kodiaq SUV Launched At INR 4.68 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- April 17, 2025
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India, which completes its silver jubilee in India, has launched its all-new Kodiaq premium SUV at prices starting INR 4.68 million.
Powered by a 2.0 TSI engine, the Kodiaq produces 150kW and 320Nm of torque, which is distributed to both axles through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic. Based on the MQB37 platform, the Kodiaq SUV is available in the Sportline and Selection L&K in seven-seat configurations. The company shared that the SUV is being assembled in India at the brand’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The Kodiaq comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 14.86 kmpl by ARAI.
The all-new Skoda Kodiaq grows 59mm longer than its predecessor, now measuring 4,758mm in length, 1,864mm in width and 1,679mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,791mm. Its ground clearance increases to 155mm when fully laden. It continues to retain its three-row layout yet manages to offer 281 litres of cargo space with all seats upright, 786 litres with the third row folded, and 1,976 litres with both rear rows stowed. Externally, the SUV boasts a bold redesign, featuring LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps with a Welcome Effect and a front grille integrated with a horizontal light strip.
A red strip connecting the tail lamps accentuates its width, and six exterior colour options are available, including Moon White and Velvet Red, with exclusive Bronx Gold for the L&K and Steel Grey for the Sportline.
On the inside, the Kodiaq elevates luxury with two distinct themes: a sporty all-black interior for the Sportline and premium Cognac leather upholstery for the L&K trim. A 32.77-cm infotainment system and Smart Dials with tactile controls streamline access to HVAC, audio and drive modes. Ergonomic upgrades include a steering wheel-mounted gear selector and a rear tablet holder. The Ergo front seats feature advanced pneumatic massage, while an acoustic package and noise-reducing windows ensure a tranquil cabin.
The Kodiaq is equipped with nine airbags, complemented by a sliding panoramic sunroof and a 725W Canton sound system with 13 speakers.
Skoda Auto India is also offering a standard warranty of five-year/125,000km (whichever earlier), along with a 10-year complimentary Road-Side Assistance on offer.
Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “In March, we recorded our biggest ever monthly sales in India, driven by the Kylaq launch, and supported by the Kushaq and Slavia. This is one of many new records we aim to set this year. In line with our product offensive strategy, the launch of the all-new Kodiaq showcases the other end of our product spectrum with Škoda’s luxury and technology prowess. The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb. The Kodiaq offers the ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and also packs in versatile all-terrain capabilities.”
Maruti Suzuki India Posts INR 33.52 Billion Net Profit For Q1 FY2027
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2026
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2027.
The company reported net sales of INR 499.59 billion, up 36 percent YoY, as compared to INR 366.206 billion for the same period last year. The net profit saw a decline of 10 percent YoY, to INR 33.52 billion, from INR 37.58 billion, on the back rise in material cost due to the ongoing geopolitical situation.
During Q1, the wholesales grew by 29.3 percent YoY, with domestic small car sales seeing 34 percent growth, while SUVs and exports clocked 44.6 percent and 28.6 growth YoY, respectively.
Maruti Suzuki India said its inventory level was at 13 days, despite sales growth on the commissioning of its second plant in Kharkhoda.
The company also has announced an investment of INR 5.61 billion towards setting up 4 compressed biogas (CBG) projects, which would serve as a key learning opportunity to plan future expansion for the same.
Hyundai Motor India Pune Plant Wins 2026 Red Dot Award For Workplace Design
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2026
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has received the 2026 Red Dot Brand & Communication Design Award in the Interior Architecture category for the office space at its Pune manufacturing facility.
The selection represents the first instance of an automotive manufacturing site receiving a Red Dot Award for its administration and employee support facilities. The design layout at the Pune plant combines individual workspaces with open collaboration zones. The office incorporates employee support infrastructure, including a mother care room, dedicated meditation rooms, meeting areas fitted with writing surfaces to address language differences, personal lockers, and central document storage units for paper-based operational workflows.
Architecturally, the building utilises biophilic design elements, including interior landscaping, a central courtyard configuration and upcycled terrazzo flooring. The spatial design was developed following workforce analysis covering employee demographics, gender diversity and team communication patterns.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Winning the prestigious Red Dot Award is a proud milestone for Hyundai Motor India and for the global manufacturing community. The award-winning facility at our Pune Plant demonstrates how thoughtful workplace design can positively influence collaboration, employee well-being and operational excellence. Every space has been created with our people at the centre, encouraging innovation, inclusivity and sustainability while reflecting Hyundai’s global design philosophy. This recognition reinforces our commitment to building world-class manufacturing ecosystems where exceptional products begin with exceptional workplaces.”
The award acknowledges the integration of administrative facility design within an industrial automotive context, setting standard practices for employee environment design in manufacturing complexes.
Mukundan MS Elevated As Whole-Time Director At Hyundai Motor India
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2026
Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has strengthened its Board with the elevation of Mukundan MS as Whole-time Director, effective 1 September 2026.
He is a mechanical engineer holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA), currently serves as Function Head of Production in the Chief Manufacturing Officer's office. His career spans 25 years across plant operations and production management, including supervision of capacity expansion at Hyundai's Chennai Plant 1 and integration of mixed internal combustion engine and electric vehicle assembly lines.
In addition, Young Geon Kim has been appointed to a leadership role effective 1 August 2026. Kim possesses three decades of experience in vehicle manufacturing, production technology and plant operations. Having joined Hyundai Motor India in 2025 following senior roles during the setup of Hyundai's Brazil manufacturing plant, he has overseen Genesis production readiness, Chennai plant integration and facility setup initiatives for the company.
On the other hand, Gopalakrishnan CS, Whole-time Director, Hyundai Motor India, is set to retire on 31 August 2026, due to superannuation.
Production & Export Disruption Impact Hyundai Motor India Q1 Profit
- By MT Bureau
- July 30, 2026
Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its Q1 FY2027 results with revenue at INR 163 billion in revenue, which was marginally lower than INR 164 billion a year ago.
The EBITDA came at INR 15.11 billion, down 31 percent YoY, while net profit dropped 35 percent YoY to INR 8.88 billion.
Hyundai Motor India stated that fiscal 2027 began robustly, with cumulative sales in April and May growing 13 percent YoY and domestic volumes for the full quarter rose 5.4 percent to 139,374 units. However, a fire at a supplier facility constrained production in June, limiting overall growth. Total sales (including exports) stood at 178,082 vehicles, down 1.3 percent YoY, while exports fell to 38,708 units amid the residual impact of the US-Iran conflict on Middle East shipments and the production halt.
The company reported that its all-new Venue clocked its best-ever quarterly sales in the domestic market, while Aura and Exter attained highest-ever CNG penetration of 95 percent and 32 percent, respectively.
The rural market performed better than urban market, with penetration now reaching at an all-time high of 26 percent.
Supported by production normalisation, festive demand, new launches and capacity expansion, Hyundai Motor India expects to deliver its stated 8–10 percent volume growth guidance for FY2027 while driving sustainable and profitable growth.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Indai, said, “Q1 FY2027 was a challenging quarter affected by multiple headwinds impacting volumes and profitability. With 100 percent normalisation of production, coupled with healthy demand environment and upcoming product pipeline, recovery is likely to gain pace from Q2 onwards across both domestic and export businesses. Looking ahead, we remain committed to achieving our stated guidance of 8-10 percent YoY volume growth for both domestic and exports as well as 11-14 percent EBITDA margin in FY27.”
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