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.”

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Stellantis-owned French auto brand Citroen has appointed Xavier Chardon as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 June 2025.

He will succeed Thierry Koskas, and will report to Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer, Enlarged Europe, Stellantis.

Chardon comes with a strong international background and in-depth knowledge of the Citroen brand. He has spent around two decades with Citroen and now will be responsible to build on the OME’s recent successes and accelerate the brand’s transformation in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, said, “I would like to thank Thierry Koskas for leading Citroen brand over the last two years and for achieving its line up renewal, most recently with the presentation of the new C5 Aircross.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Xavier Chardon to the head of Citroen. His rich and diverse career, his expertise in the automotive sector and his knowledge of the brand will be valuable assets in leading Citroen towards new horizons and strengthening its unique position in the market”, concluded Imparato.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has launched ‘Magna Executive’ variant for its premium hatchback i20 at INR 750,900 (ex-showroom).

The new variant comes with 6-airbags, ESC and VSM, making the hatchback more appealing for customers. In addition, customers can also get Hyundai iVT transmission and Smart Electric Sunroof in the Magna variant.

Furthermore, Hyundai has also introduced additional features for the i20 Sportz (O) variant with Smart Key with push button start, Smart Electric Sunroof and Bose Premium 7 speaker system among others.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai, we are committed to consistently elevating customer delight by offering products that reflect their evolving aspirations and lifestyle. The Hyundai i20 has always set new benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment with its design, innovation, and feature-rich offering. With the launch of the Magna Executive variant and the expansion of features in the Sportz (O) trim, we aim to make the i20 experience even more accessible and desirable for customers. These introductions reflect our commitment to democratising premium mobility and delivering greater value to our new-age customers who seek style, safety and sophistication in their vehicles.”

The automaker is also offering a 25.55-cm touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a rear camera, as a optional accessory at INR 14,999 with a 3-year warranty.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has announced a significant milestone as the five millionth Fabia rolled off the production line at its main plant in Mlada Boleslav. This achievement the company shared underscores the enduring popularity and crucial role of the affordable entry-level model, standing alongside the Octavia as a key pillar of the brand since 1999.

The first-generation Fabia, built on a completely new Volkswagen Group platform, quickly established itself as a leader in its segment, offering exceptional space, practicality and value for money, coupled with Skoda's signature ‘Simply Clever’ features.

The current, fourth-generation Fabia continues this legacy with modern, fuel-efficient combustion engines and advanced safety systems. Demonstrating its sustained importance to Skoda's strategy, the company has confirmed that production of the popular hatchback will continue beyond 2030.

Andreas Dick, Skoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “Reaching the milestone of five million Skoda Fabia vehicles is truly an exceptional achievement – both for our production team and for the company as a whole. First introduced in 1999 as the second entirely new model developed under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, the Fabia quickly became a symbol of the brand and a cornerstone of our line-up. As Skoda’s entry-level model, it remains to this day synonymous with high-quality cars ‘Made in the Czech Republic’. Given the continued success of the current fourth generation – a practical, efficient vehicle packed with modern technology and a wide range of safety features – we will continue producing the Fabia beyond 2030.”

The Skoda Fabia has consistently ranked among the brand's top-selling models. In 2024 alone, it was Skoda’s third most popular vehicle globally, with 117,100 units delivered. The original Fabia, unveiled at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show as the successor to the Felicia, was built on an entirely new platform and offered a diverse range of engines, transmissions and body styles. Over the years, it has been instrumental in expanding Skoda's presence across European markets.

Beyond its commercial success, the Fabia name has become deeply ingrained in motorsport history. The Fabia Rally2, Fabia Rally2 evo, and the current Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 are celebrated as some of the most successful rally cars in their respective categories.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicles manufacturers in the country, has announced its financial results for FY2025.

The company reported revenue of INR 691 billion for FY2025, which was flat as compared to INR 698 billion last year. The EBITDA came at INR 89.53 billion, down 2 percent as compared to INR 91.32 billion last year. The profit after tax  came at INR 56 billion, down 7 percent YoY.

For Q4 FY2025, the revenue grew by 2 percent at INR 179 billion, as against INR 176 billion last year. The EBITDA was flat at INR 25.32 billion, as compared to INR 25.21 billion for the same period last year, while EBITDA came at 14.1 percent and net profit at INR 16.14 billion, down 4 percent YoY.

The company stated that despite a turbulent market situation, it was able to sustain growth with SUVs now contributing almost 68.5 percent of its total sales across urban and rural markets. The Hyundai Creta continued to hold over 30 percent market share in the mid-size segment.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India, said, “FY2025 business performance demonstrates our ability to navigate the tides by responding quickly to the ever-changing customer aspirations. Launch of products like Creta Electric and Alcazar FL along with seamless product refreshments across segments helped us in maintaining our competitive edge. Hyundai’s strong brand presence in key global emerging markets enabled us to endure headwinds and sustain export volumes during the year. The year gone by signifies our resilience in the financial performance by way of sustained revenues and healthy operating margins attributable to improved realisation and cost control measures.”

Amidst macroeconomic headwinds, the automaker stated its domestic strategy centered around premiumisation and the surging popularity of SUVs. The company’s focus on advanced safety and comfort features, like ADAS and sunroofs, is part of its ongoing effort to meet evolving consumer aspirations.

On the exports front, Kim stated that “We aspire to become Hyundai’s largest export hub outside South Korea. For FY2026, we anticipate the growth in export volumes to be around 7 to 8 percent, supported by robust demand for our products in the emerging markets.”

As part of its long-term strategy, Hyundai Motor India is investing in expanding manufacturing capacity and preparing for the future of mobility. “FY2026 will mark a significant milestone in our growth journey, with the commencement of our third plant at Talegaon. Designed with flexibility at its core, the facility will be capable of producing both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles, enabling us to respond dynamically to market demand.”

“We also intend to deepen our localized supplier network by adopting an indigenisation strategy at the Pune plant, further reinforcing our ‘Make in India’ vision,” said Kim.

The company has also outlined an aggressive roadmap with 26 product launches planned by FY2030 – including 20 ICE, 6 EVs and new hybrid technologies.

On the other hand, he mentioned a cautious, optimistic outlook for domestic demand in near term amid prevailing macro-turbulences and weakening customer sentiments.

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