Tata Motors Partners DIMO To Introduce New Range Of PV & EV Offerings In Sri Lanka

Tata Motors - DIMO

Tata Motors, a leading manufacturer of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) passenger vehicles and electric vehicles, has introduced its new range of products for the Sri Lankan market with its authroised distributor DIMO.

The automaker has now introduced the Tata Punch, Tata Nexon and the Tata Curvv SUVs along with the Tiago.ev in the neighbouring country.

Yash Khandelwal, Head International Business, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We are excited to be here in Sri Lanka, marking a new chapter in our international business strategy. Tata Motors has undergone significant transformation over the years, and there is no better way to mark our return than with a new, game-changing product portfolio. Our offerings are designed to not only captivate the Sri Lankan market but to set new standards – combining bold design, cutting-edge features, top-tier safety, and unmatched after-sales support. Alongside our renowned SUVs, we are particularly eager to introduce the Tiago.ev – an electric hatchback that has already made waves in India, Nepal and Bhutan by making electric mobility both accessible and aspirational. Together with our long-time trusted partner, DIMO, we are confident in our ability to elevate Sri Lanka's mobility landscape to new heights and deliver an extraordinary driving experience for all.”

Rajeev Pandithage, Executive Director, DIMO, added, "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Tata Motors as they become the first passenger vehicle brand to enter Sri Lanka post market reopening. The brand-new ICE and electric vehicle range sets new standards in the automobile sector, embodying innovation, safety, and sustainability at a very affordable price point. Backed by DIMO’s unmatched after-sales expertise, we ensure an exceptional ownership experience with superior service and support, reaffirming our commitment to delivering excellence to Sri Lankan customers. We are here with Tata Motors for the long run, assuring our customers that we will always be there for them."

Furthermore, DIMO stated it has made significant investments in software updates, special tools and equipment’s to provide robust aftersales service.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India To Take Additional Charge Of Sales And Marketing

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced a leadership change within its sales, marketing and digital division. Jan Bures, who currently serves as Executive Director of Sales, Marketing, and Digital, will conclude his assignment in India and move to a new role at Volkswagen, effective September 2026.

Following the departure of Bures, Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, will take on the additional responsibility of Executive Director of Sales & Marketing for the group in India.

The company stated that this structure is intended to improve strategic alignment, decision-making and accountability across the organisation.

At present, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India operates six brands: Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche.

Mercedes-Benz India Records Highest-Ever H1 Sales With 9,768 Units Sold In CY2026

Mercedes-Benz India

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has recorded its highest-ever sales for the H1 of 2026, retailing 9,768 units between January and June, a 9 percent YoY increase over the 9,013 units sold in the same period last year.

The company also achieved its best-ever second quarter Q2 CY2026, with 4,637 units sold, representing a 10 percent growth compared to Q2 2025.

Sales were driven by the performance of the core and top-end portfolios. The top-end luxury segment, which includes models such as the S-Class, Maybach, AMG and V-Class, grew by over 20 percent and accounted for 28 percent of total sales. Notably, Mercedes-AMG sales increased by 50 percent during the period.

Interestingly, electric vehicles now comprise 14 percent of total sales, supported by the launch of the CLA BEV and demand for the EQS SUV. The entry-level luxury segment also saw a 29 percent growth in Q2, aided by the introduction of the CLA BEV and the GLA SUV. The E-Class long-wheelbase sedan remained the highest-selling luxury car in the country.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz’s strong growth in first half of 2026 underlines the success of our strategy rooted in offering desirable products, elevated customer experience and transforming our network with clear focus on getting closer to customers. The new V-Class and CLA BEV drove our best-ever H1 and Q2 sales, underpinning superior product substance, reconfirming Mercedes customers’ preference for value over entry price points.”

He added: “The success of the new CLA BEV is an affirmation that Mercedes-Benz customers prefer owning the latest technology, with the car being sold out within few days of market introduction, customers willing to wait till 5-6 months, to proudly own the car which is truly distinctive and a ‘Class of its Own’. The CLA BEV has propelled Mercedes-Benz’s BEV penetration to reach 14 percent in Q2 2026.”

Regarding the top-end segment, he stated: “H1 2026 has shown increased preference for our top-end vehicles, with the share of TEVs now reaching an all-time high of 28 percent, fuelled by the introduction and growing demand for the new V-Class and the 50 percent growth trajectory achieved by the AMG portfolio.”

The company plans to expand its retail network, aiming to open 20 outlets across India in 2026, including a debut in Varanasi during the third quarter. This expansion is supported by an investment of INR 4.5 billion from franchise partners over the next two years.

Renault Kwid Climber Variant Now Priced At INR 499,000

Renault Kwid

French automotive brand Renault India has introduced the new Renault Kwid hatchback, featuring updates to its design and a simplified two-variant structure: Evolution and Climber.

The company has also adjusted its pricing, with the Climber variant now available at an effective price of INR 499,000 following an online purchase benefit of INR 15,000. Prices for the Kwid range begin at INR 452,000 lakh with the Climber.

The updated model incorporates the Renault brand identity and includes features such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital LED instrument cluster and a rear-view camera. Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and seat belt reminders.

The vehicle is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine and is available with either a 5-speed manual or Easy-R AMT transmission. It offers a ground clearance of 184 mm and a boot capacity of 279 litres.

Francisco Hidalgo, VP - Sales and Marketing Renault India, said, “For millions of Indians, owning their first car remains an important milestone. With an increasingly aspirational middle class and a large base of two-wheeler owners looking to upgrade, first-time ownership continues to be a strong and enduring aspiration. Over 4.5 lakh customers in India have started their journey with Kwid, and that trust is something we deeply value. With the new Kwid, we are building on this legacy by making the offering simpler, clearer, and more relevant.”

Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative

Maruti Suzuki India - AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.