Skoda has released a teaser video offering the first look inside its upcoming Vision O concept car, revealing a new interior design language. The car will be officially unveiled on 8th September in Munich.

The interior showcases the next evolution of the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy, focusing on a customer-centric and sustainable approach. The design emphasises a spacious layout with clean lines for a harmonious feel.

Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design, said, “The interior design concept of the Vision O showcases our commitment to combining simplicity and sustainability with enhanced comfort. The combination of clean lines and intuitive functionality reflect our efforts to create a harmonious and functional interior. It features materials and design elements that are not only aesthetically an evolution of our Modern Solid design language but also emphasise environmental responsibility.”

The interior features a minimalist, ergonomic design that prioritises practicality and intuitive functionality. It includes unique 3D-printed headrests for a comfortable and airy feel. Following circular economy principles, the materials used throughout the cabin are sustainable, with a focus on plant-based and compostable components to reduce the car’s environmental impact.

The Vision O will be a look at the future of Skoda’s estate segment.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the appointment of Tarun Garg as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026, subject to shareholder approval.

This makes Garg the first Indian national to take on this leadership role in the company since Hyundai Motor India’s establishment 29 years ago.

Garg currently serves as the Whole-time Director and COO of HMIL, and will succeed Unsoo Kim, who is set to return to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea.

Jose Munoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Tarun’s appointment as the first Indian national to lead HMIL is a defining moment in our nearly three-decade history. He is a transformative leader who brings a progressive vision combined with deep understanding of the Indian market. Under his guidance as COO, HMIL achieved record sales for three consecutive years, record-breaking profits and completed India's largest IPO in 2024. He is a people-first leader who understands that success happens when you treat customers like honoured guests, empower your teams and invest for the long term. I would also like to thank Unsoo for his hard work and dedication in helping lay the foundation for the success HMIL enjoys today. We wish you luck on your next assignment.”

Unsoo Kim, said, “Having worked closely with Tarun over the years, I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment and visionary thinking, qualities that have played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the core initiatives driving HMIL’s growth in India. I hold the utmost confidence in Tarun’s exceptional intellect and foresight, and I am confident that under his stewardship, HMIL will continue to ascend to even greater heights.”

Commenting on his elevation, Garg, expressed, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by Hyundai Motor Group. India’s automotive sector is in an exciting phase of transformation and I aim to contribute to HMIL’s continued growth in this market by stepping into this role. Success in this industry demands excellence across every touchpoint, from design and engineering to manufacturing, sales and service and I am fortunate to work alongside Hyundai’s talented employees, dealer partners and supplier partners who make it all possible. Together, we will stay focused on strengthening HMIL’s legacy of customer delight and loyalty built over past 29 years, ensuring our journey continues to shape the future of mobility and build lasting connections in India.”

Going forward, Garg’s focus will be on four key pillars: Future Strategy Focussed, Market & People Centred, Customer Orientation and further Impetus to Make in India. This strategy will aim to strengthen customer satisfaction, build a supply chain and establish India as a global export hub for mobility solutions.

Garg has over three decades of industry experience and had been instrumental to lead Hyundai Motor India to its highest-ever sales for three consecutive years, delivered record-breaking profits and achieved the highest EBITDA margin in FY2024. He was the Chief Orchestrator of HMIL’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2024, which was the largest public offering in the history of the Indian equity markets.

He is also credited to have spearheaded digital transformation through the MyHyundai app for customers and HSMART for dealers. He also launched “Samarth by Hyundai,” an initiative for people with disabilities in India.

Prior to joining Hyundai Motor India in 2019, Garg held roles at Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), including Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts, and Accessories. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow.

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The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All4 has officially arrived in India, making its debut at the Buddh International Circuit. This high-performance SUV is now available for booking through MINI’s authorised dealerships across the country and will be offered as a completely built-up unit, with customer deliveries set to begin shortly.

Priced from INR 6,490,000 (ex-showroom), this model represents the most potent MINI ever introduced to the Indian market. Its performance is driven by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine that generates 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. This power enables a remarkable 0 to 100 kmph sprint in just 5.4 seconds, cementing its status as the brand's fastest offering in India, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. Power is managed by a 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sport Transmission and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, ensuring precise power distribution for both on-road agility and off-road capability. A dedicated Boost function provides immediate access to peak performance for dynamic driving situations.

The vehicle's design boldly communicates its performance character. It features a redesigned octagonal grille, distinctive LED headlights and a newly styled JCW logo. Exterior highlights include contrasting roof and mirror cap options, sporty Chili Red accents, a quad exhaust system and standard 19-inch JCW alloy wheels. The interior continues this sporty yet sophisticated theme with JCW-specific sports seats, a premium steering wheel with aluminium paddles and a minimalist cockpit design focused on the driver. Practicality is a key strength, thanks to an adjustable rear seat and a versatile luggage compartment that expands from 500 to 1,450 litres, complemented by a panoramic glass roof.

Technology is seamlessly integrated through a central OLED display running the MINI Operating System 9, which supports touch and voice commands via the ‘Hey MINI’ personal assistant. A unique Toggle Bar consolidates key driving controls and sits above a wireless smartphone charging area. The cabin experience is further enhanced by a head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system and an innovative fisheye camera for capturing in-car moments. The driving experience can be personalised through various Experience Modes, which alter the vehicle's ambient lighting, sound and graphics.

Safety and assistance are comprehensive, featuring front and side curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, a 360-degree camera, Park Assist and Comfort Access. The ownership package includes a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance and optional service plans that can be extended up to 10 years. Through BMW India Financial Services, prospective owners can access tailored MINI Smart Finance solutions, with monthly instalments beginning at approximately INR 64,900, which includes an assured buyback option at the end of the term.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is a masterclass in performance and style, perfectly blending power, adventure and exhilarating drive. Born from the legendary John Cooper Works racing heritage, this car embodies the spirit of motorsport, with performance and precision at its core. Built to excel in every environment, this John Cooper Works is engineered to dominate the track, city streets and rugged terrain alike. With its impressive capabilities and dynamic design, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 is the most powerful MINI ever.”

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Japanese luxury brand Lexus India has introduced the new Lexus LM 350h limousine in the country.

The LM 350h is claimed to set a benchmark for first-class travel, focusing on a calm and productive experience. Improvements include: An E20-compliant engine, supporting sustainability. Power sliding door switch at the rear console for convenience and intuitive control. Auto-dimming ORVM function for safety and driver comfort in the four-seater variant. A new rear console tray for rear-seat occupants in the four-seater variant.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said, "We are truly humbled by the overwhelming response from our guests to the Lexus LM 350h and wish to sincerely thank our customers for their patience in waiting for this exceptional vehicle. The LM is a testament to our unwavering commitment to luxury, featuring grand interiors and an exclusive private lounge that redefines comfort and sophistication. It sets a new benchmark in first-class luxury travel, offering our guests an unparalleled experience of refinement, prestige and indulgence in India."

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Mercedes-Benz India has fortified the legendary G-Class lineage with the launch of the all-new G 450d, a vehicle distinguished by the most potent diesel engine in the brand's portfolio. This introduction completes a comprehensive powertrain strategy for the iconic SUV in India, now encompassing a diesel, a petrol, and a fully electric model. The G 450d is powered by an advanced 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine, augmented by a 48-volt electrical system and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). This sophisticated powertrain generates 270 kW and a formidable 750 Nm of torque, propelling the substantial SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 210 kmph.

The model's identity remains deeply rooted in its unparalleled off-road capability, honed over 45 years. Its proven ladder-frame construction, three 100 percent mechanical differential locks and a suspension system combining a double-wishbone independent front setup with a rigid rear axle form the bedrock of its rugged character. Key off-road metrics include a maximum 100 percent gradeability, a fording depth of 70 cm and approach, departure and breakover angles of 31, 30 and 26 degrees respectively. The standard adaptive adjustable damping and the DYNAMIC SELECT system – which includes three dedicated off-road driving programmes – allow drivers to effortlessly tailor the vehicle's character for any terrain. A redesigned Offroad Cockpit in the digital displays provides vital information like steering angle and tyre pressure, while the ‘Transparent Hood’ function offers a virtual view of the terrain ahead.

Visually, the G 450d retains the timeless, commanding silhouette of the G-Class while incorporating subtle yet distinct updates. A new radiator grille with four horizontal louvres and a redesigned front bumper with integrated vertical louvers define the front aspect. The vehicle rides on standard 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, reinforcing its powerful stance.

Inside, the cabin merges traditional robustness with state-of-the-art technology and luxury. The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and multimedia, housing the latest MBUX NTG7 infotainment system. This system features augmented reality navigation, which superimposes directional cues onto a live video feed, along with wireless smartphone integration. The exclusive MANUFAKTUR programme offers near-limitless personalisation, from unique paint colours to bespoke interior trims, spare wheel rings and decorative stitching. The AMG line interior theme, enhanced by Nappa leather, ambient lighting and an available Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, creates an exceptionally luxurious environment. Comprehensive noise insulation and acoustic glass ensure exceptional cabin serenity, while a suite of advanced safety features, including Active Brake Assist and a 360-degree camera, provides confidence on every journey.

To celebrate the G-Class heritage, Mercedes-Benz India will soon initiate the exclusive ‘G-Tribe Escapade,’ a curated driving expedition for select customers. This journey will traverse from India to the scenic landscapes of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, offering a firsthand experience of the vehicle's capabilities.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "The new G 450d underlines our commitment to offer diesel, petrol and electric powertrain for the first time in India to the G-Class, the longest running nameplate in the automotive industry. The G 450d featuring Mercedes-Benz’s powerful and efficient diesel engine, combines performance with efficiency, reiterating the sustained customer demand for a diesel powertrain in the G-Class. The G 450d ensures Mercedes-Benz now has a ‘G-Class’ for every customer requirement in India, further elevating practicality along with desirability and cult status of this iconic SUV."

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