Japanese auto major Suzuki Motor Corporation has unveiled its first mass-production battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, the e Vitara, in Milan, Italy.

Interestingly, the e Vitara will be produced at Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant in India. The EV will be sold globally including Europe, India and Japan starting next year. For the unversed, the e Vitara was first showcased as a concept model christened ‘eVX’ at Auto Expo in January 2023 and Japan Mobility Show in October 2023.

The e Vitara comes with an eAxle that integrated the motor and inverter. The OEM has gone with lithium iron-phosphate battery chemistry.

The EV features an electric 4WD system, which the company calls ‘Allgrip-e’ that allows for off-road capability. The e Vitara is based on the company’s newly developed platform ‘Heartect-e’.

The e Vitara also comes with a Trail mode that the OEM claims enables smooth escape from rough terrain by applying brakes to spinning tyres and distributing drive torque to the opposite tyre (LSD function).

Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, “The e Vitara is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers. In order to realise a carbon-neutral society, we will provide a variety of options, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles, and CNG vehicles, tailored to specific regions. Introduction of the e Vitara represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality. Following the launch of the e Vitara, we will continue to expand our BEV line-up and propose mobility solutions tailored to the needs of specific countries and regions.”

Once launched, the e Vitara will compete against the Tata Curvv, MG ZS EV and Mahindra’s upcoming BE 05 and Hyundai Creta EV.

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Volvo Car UK has appointed Matt Benns as its new Commercial Operations Director, effective 30 March 2026. Reporting to Managing Director Nicole Melillo Shaw, he will join the UK Executive Management Team. In this capacity, Benns assumes responsibility for New, Used and Fleet car sales, alongside the Direct-to-Consumer offering, Network Development and Aftersales.

Benns brings a diverse automotive background defined by delivering transformation across OEM brands, retail networks and software ecosystems. He joins from his role as CEO of ELLA Digital, with prior global positions at Auto.Works, Keyloop, Connect Auto, Volkswagen Group UK and Mazda UK. His extensive experience will be instrumental in driving commercial performance across Volvo Car UK’s operations.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director, Volvo Car UK, said, “Matt has a proven track-record and deep industry expertise, coupled with digital and direct-to-consumer experience, which make him a fantastic addition to our team in the UK. As we continue to accelerate our growth, and strengthen our position in the market, his vision and energy will play a key role in shaping our future success and I am looking forward to working together.”

Benns said, “Volvo Cars has long stood for innovation, safety and progressive thinking, so it’s a privilege to join the business at such a pivotal time with the upcoming launch of the Volvo EX60. I’m looking forward to working with the talented teams across the organisation and our retail partners to build on the brand’s strong foundations and unlock new opportunities for growth.”

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Volkswagen-owned luxury brand Bentley Motors has recorded its seventh consecutive year of profitability, with a reported operating profit of EUR 216 million for 2025. The results reflect an operating return on sales of 8.3 percent, achieved despite global market contraction and one-off accounting charges.

The company reported revenue of EUR 2.6 billion, a flat degrowth of one percent compared to the previous year. This resilience was attributed to disciplined pricing and a shift toward higher-margin derivatives.

Key financial factors included:

• Model Mix: Increased demand for Mulliner bespoke personalisation and Speed derivatives supported average revenue per vehicle.
• Volume: Customer deliveries declined by 5 percent, driven primarily by market conditions in China.
• External Impacts: Profitability was affected by the discontinuation of a Volkswagen Group D-segment platform, U.S. tariffs and foreign exchange fluctuations.

The Bentayga remains the brand’s best-selling model, bolstered by the market entry of the Bentayga Speed in late 2025. The year also saw the introduction of the fourth-generation Continental GT and Flying Spur, both featuring a new V8 hybrid powertrain.

Bentley is currently self-funding a transformation of its Pyms Lane site in Crewe to prepare for its first Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle (BEV). Construction is nearing completion on the A1 building, which will house the future BEV assembly line, and a new paint shop is scheduled to open later this year.

To improve long-term competitiveness, Bentley has announced a consultation programme that may result in the removal of 275 positions. These adjustments affect management, agency, and non-manufacturing roles as the business prepares for its next phase of electrification.

Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO, Bentley Motors, said, “2025 was a pivotal year for Bentley as we continue our preparation of the next generation of Bentleys including our upcoming all-electric model. Our high-performance Continental GT and Flying Spur have set new benchmarks for desirability, while the Bentayga remains our best-selling model with the new Speed derivative entering key markets. The all-new Bentley Supersports opened a new chapter for Bentley and underlines our sportiness and driver orientation. We are investing at unprecedented levels in the Pyms Lane site, including the Design Centre, opened in July last year, the near completion of the A1 building for BEV production, and the upcoming opening of the new Paint Shop later this year. At the same time, we are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business, including an organisational adjustment potentially impacting approximately 275 positions. I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition. These actions, alongside our investments and Beyond100+ strategy, ensure Bentley remains financially resilient, strategically focused and well-positioned for the next generation of luxury vehicles.”

Axel Dewitz, Board Member for Finance and IT, Betley Motors, commented, "Bentley has delivered a seventh consecutive year of profitability, demonstrating strong underlying financial performance despite a challenging macro environment. While reported results reflect a non-recurring accounting impact and external trade effects, the underlying business remains resilient. Revenue quality is supported by disciplined pricing and a rich model mix, with Mulliner bespoke demand continuing to grow. These results give us confidence that Bentley’s financial foundation is solid, whilst highlighting the need to continue to invest in our future product portfolio and site transformation.”

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Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has commenced customer deliveries and announced pricing for the updated Kushaq SUV. The refreshed line-up introduces segment-first technologies and a restructured variant hierarchy aimed at increasing the accessibility of its European engineering and safety features.

The new Kushaq maintains its turbocharged petrol engine range with significant updates to its transmission and braking systems:

• 1.0 TSI Engine: Produces 85 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. It debuts a segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic alongside the existing six-speed manual. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 19.66 kmpl (MT) and 19.09 kmpl (AT).
• 1.5 TSI Engine: Delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG automatic. This variant now features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) and all-wheel disc brakes on the Prestige and Monte Carlo trims.

The Kushaq retains its Global NCAP 5-star safety rating and now includes over 40 safety features. Standard equipment across the entire range includes – 6 airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper and defogger.

On the exterior, it features LED headlamps, LED taillamps, sequential rear turn indicators and alloy wheels. 

It gets electric sunroof, climatronic auto AC and touchscreen infotainment.

The SUV is available in five trims with eight colour options, including the new Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red.

All variants come with Skoda Super Care, which includes a standard 4-year/100,000 km warranty, 4 years of roadside assistance, and four labour-free services for up to two years. The warranty is extendable to eight years.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda Auto India, our focus is on democratising European technology and making it accessible to a wider set of customers. With the new Kushaq, we truly redefine value across the range. The new Kushaq leads the way through competitive value pricing across variants, enhanced standard safety features and all-round performance. Segment-first additions such as the eight-speed automatic gearbox, Rear Seat Massager, and standardisation of essential features provide fantastic value right from the entry variant. Class-leading safety, unmatched driving dynamics and pride of ownership come standard with the new Kushaq, as with every Skoda.”

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TATA.ev has expanded its electric vehicle range with the introduction of the Fearless+ QWD 75 persona for the Harrier.ev. The model features a dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive system and is positioned at a starting price of INR 2.64 million (ex-showroom).

Built on the acti.ev+ architecture, the Harrier.ev Fearless+ QWD 75 delivers 504 Nm of torque and achieves a claimed zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. It features Quad Wheel Drive – a dual-motor system for traction across varied terrains. Six terrain modes supplemented by Off-Road Assist and Boost Mode. In terms of safety, the Harrier.ev has 5-star Bharat-NCAP certification. A 15-year lifetime battery warranty for the first owner.

The Fearless+ QWD 75 includes several cabin and convenience features:

• Seating: 6-way powered driver seats with memory, 4-way powered co-driver seats, and ventilated front seats.
• Audio and Vision: 360-degree camera and a JBL Black 10-speaker system.
• Climate: Voice-assisted dual-zone automatic temperature control.
• Exterior: R19 alloy wheels and the introduction of a new Seaweed Green paint shade.

The Harrier.ev is now available in seven configurations. Prices listed are ex-showroom and exclude charger installation costs (available for an additional ₹49,000).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to witness the love that the Harrier.ev has received from our customers. With over 13,000 Harrier.ev’s delivered in just 6 months, its capability and potential has received strong interest from customers who have harnessed its go anywhere capability to successfully cover over 100 mn km across the length and breadth of India. It proves to be the perfect representation of how we are making performance SUVs aspirational yet attainable. With the introduction of the critically acclaimed dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive technology in the Fearless persona, we now want to drive this accessibility even further by unlocking more value and inviting more customers to Delete-Impossible with the Harrier.ev.”

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