Japanese auto major’s Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have decided to further strengthen collaboration in the supply of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV model developed by Suzuki to Toyota.

The new model is scheduled to be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India from the spring of 2025.

Both Suzuki and Toyota’s businesses have their roots in Enshu - the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture - and both companies took on the challenge of switching their businesses from looms to automobiles.

Since Suzuki’s Chairman (current Senior Advisor) Osamu Suzuki and Toyota’s President (current Chairman) Akio Toyoda started exploring business partnerships in 2016, both automakers have engaged in a wide-ranging collaboration. The fields of collaboration are diverse and include production and mutual supply of vehicles, and the spread of electrified vehicles. As a result, the market launch of collaboration vehicles has expanded to Japan, India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

This new development marks the first BEV in the OEM relationship between the two companies. It will be launched worldwide, providing a BEV choice even in the SUV market, which is showing remarkable growth.

With this new addition, both Suzuki and Toyota will further promote their respective initiatives toward realising a carbon-neutral society. The new model was designed exclusively as a BEV.

A nimble SUV with the sharp driving characteristics of a BEV, it is said to feature ample cruising range and a comfortable cabin. It is also available with a 4WD system, offering exceptional drivability on rough roads and a more powerful driving performance.

The BEV unit and platform adopted for this model were jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Motor Corporation, utilising each company’s strength.

Toshihiro Suzuki, President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, “Suzuki will supply our first BEV to Toyota globally. I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has further deepened in this way. While continuing to be competitors, we will deepen our collaborations toward solving social issues, including the realisation of a carbon-neutral society through a multi-pathway approach.”

Koji Sato, President, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “By leveraging the BEV unit and platform that we jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles. This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide. We would like to learn from each other’s strengths, compete, and further joint efforts based on a multi-pathway approach.”

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Universo Ferrari India has concluded its two-week exhibition at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, recording more than 22,000 visitors. The event showcased the automaker's heritage, motorsport involvement, engineering and future product strategy to clients, industry partners and students.

The display featured a range of road cars, including the Ferrari F80, 849 Testarossa Spider, 12Cilindri Spider, Amalfi Spider, Daytona SP3, and F50. Motorsport exhibits included the Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 Formula 1 car, the 499P hypercar, the 296 GT3, and the 296 Challenge. The exhibition also featured Ferrari Luce, the brand's first electric car, alongside heritage models such as the 365 GTB4 and the 612 Scaglietti from the 2008 Magic India Discovery tour, while the Ferrari Hypersail made its debut in Asia. During the event, Ferrari conducted seminars for approximately 1,000 students and held a charity auction supporting Bal Raksha Bharat to assist educational programs.

The event was preceded by a drive featuring 25 Ferraris travelling 1,800 kilometres from Mumbai to New Delhi via Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra.

Ferrari also announced Avelon Luxe as its India-based partner for the Ferrari Hypercar and Ferrari Challenge Middle East series. To support its growth in the market, Ferrari plans to expand its retail footprint in India by opening two new dealerships in Chennai and Ahmedabad by the end of 2026.

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Volkswagen is gearing up to launch the New Virtus, a refreshed take on a sedan that has won over discerning buyers since its June 2022 debut. The model earned its standing as the segment's most loved premium sedan through distinctive styling, German engineering credentials, engaging driving dynamics, a premium experience and a strong safety focus. The new version carries those traits forward while introducing a fresh visual identity.

Beyond transportation, the Virtus holds meaning for Volkswagen customers as a symbol of pride, aspiration and individuality, blending premium ownership with driving thrill. Its road presence, performance and German engineering have made it a source of owner satisfaction. The refreshed styling, drawing on triangular geometry, sharpens the sedan's already distinctive look with greater definition and a contemporary edge.

The New Virtus keeps celebrating the joy of driving while remaining faithful to the attributes that built its following. By extending that legacy, Volkswagen aims to preserve what made the sedan a segment favourite while adding a new dimension to its established character.

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said, “We are excited to introduce the New Virtus to the Indian market. The Virtus has built a strong connect with its discerning set of customers and has clearly established a leading position in its segment as a stylish, sophisticated and performance-oriented sedan offering great driving pleasure. With this facelift, we are building on a much-loved product, bringing a fresh and contemporary character while retaining the qualities that make the Virtus special. We look forward to continuing to bring the joy of driving to our customers with the New Virtus.”

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Renault India has commenced customer deliveries of the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160, with the initial key handover taking place at its newly inaugurated new'R store in HITEC City, Hyderabad.

The delivery of the first unit was completed by Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Renault Group India, to T Krishna Gopal, Chief Executive Officer of Eduzi Academy.

The new'R store in HITEC City covers 7,000 square feet with space to display eight vehicles, making it Renault’s largest showroom facility in Hyderabad and its 30th upgraded new'R store nationwide.

The facility is operated in partnership with the VVC Group, which manages three Renault showrooms and two service workshops in the region.

Renault India plans to transition all 73 of its showrooms across 24 major Indian cities to the new'R format by July 2027, with 30 locations converted to date. The Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 was launched in India on 17 October 2026, at a starting price of ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Renault Group India, said, "During our planning phase, we set ourselves an ambitious target: to bring the Duster Hybrid to customers in less than a year, in time for the festive season. We are proud to have delivered on that promise, and we begin handing over the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 to our customers around Diwali. The strong response since launch reflects growing acceptance of hybrid technology in India. Our commitment, however, goes beyond the product. Hyderabad is an important market for us, and with the new'R store we are building a best-in-class buying and ownership journey, so that every customer enjoys the same standard of experience at the showroom and in service as they do behind the wheel."

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Maruti Suzuki India has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Telangana, to set up 12 Automated Driving Test Tracks across six locations under its corporate social responsibility initiative. The tracks will be established at Ibrahimpatnam, Karimnagar, Kondapur, Medchal, Nagole and Uppal.

The facilities will evaluate applicants for two-wheeler, light motor vehicle and heavy motor vehicle driving licences, with heavy motor vehicle testing available at the Nagole and Karimnagar locations.

The tracks will feature high-definition cameras, RFID sensors, analytics software and an integrated IT system to automate testing in accordance with Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

With this agreement, Maruti Suzuki India's operational network of automated test tracks expands to 98 locations across nine states and two union territories. The company has also established eight Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research and 19 Road Safety Knowledge Centres in collaboration with state governments, evaluating over 5.5 million individuals.

K Ilambarithi, Transport Commissioner for the Government, Telangana, said, "Road safety remains a key priority for Telangana. Through technology, stronger enforcement, and improved driver testing, we are working to build safer roads. We welcome car market leader Maruti Suzuki’s partnership in establishing 12 Automated Driving Test Tracks across 6 locations in the state. These tracks will make driving tests more transparent and efficient, while ensuring that only competent and qualified applicants are awarded driving licenses."

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer of Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India, said, "Driver skill is key to ensuring road safety. ADTTs bring fairness and transparency, to the licensing process by eliminating human bias. ADTTs will ensure rigorous driver evaluation and promote disciplined driving practices, vital to enhance road safety. Our partnership with the Government of Telangana to deploy Automated Driving Test Tracks is an important step in this direction. We are pleased to contribute to Telangana’s road-safety journey and look forward to deepening this collaboration in the future."

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