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.

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German luxury brand BMW Group has introduced the new MINI Convertible John Cooper Works (JCW) Pack in India, priced at INR 6.15 million (ex-showroom).

Available as a completely built-up unit (CBU), the JCW Pack adds a bold, performance-oriented aesthetic to the classic open-top MINI experience. Deliveries for the limited-quantity edition are set to commence immediately across all authorised dealerships.

The MINI Convertible JCW Pack is powered by the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, delivering a balance of efficiency and ‘go-kart’ handling featuring 150 kW (204 hp) and 300 Nm of torque. A claimed zero to 100 kmph in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 240 kmph. It is paired with 7-speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sport Transmission featuring a Boost Mode for immediate power delivery.

The JCW Pack focuses on an assertive stance with unique design elements such as specific bumpers, side skirts and door entry sills, complemented by 17-inch JCW Sprint Spoke Black alloy wheels.

It comes with a electrically operated soft top opens in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 kmph and includes a sunroof mode that can be opened up to 40 cm at any speed. The luggage capacity ranges from 160 litres (top down) to 215 litres (top up).

The cabin merges minimalist design with high-resolution technology including an OLED ‘MINI Interaction Unit’ display, which serves as both the instrument cluster and central command centre, running the MINI Operating System 9.

It gets sports seats feature Vescin upholstery – a high-quality, artificial leather-free material made from recycled components.

Smart features includes a Head-up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound and MINI Digital Key Plus, which allows a smartphone to serve as the vehicle key.

The MINI Convertible JCW Pack is equipped with a comprehensive safety suite, including a rollover protection system, Dynamic Stability Control, and a rear-view camera.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new MINI Convertible JCW Pack is for those who want their MINI to reflect a bold, assertive personality without losing the signature ‘go-kart’ feel they love. It delivers a sporty JCW aesthetic that perfectly complements your cruises.”

MINI India offers a standard two-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with service and warranty extension options available for up to 10 years. Financial solutions, such as the MINI 360deg plan, provide assured buy-back options and lower EMIs compared to traditional bank loans.

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Japanese auto major Nissan Motor Co has announced an upward revision to its financial forecast for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2026 (FY2025). The updated guidance reflects a significant shift in operating performance, primarily driven by regulatory changes in the United States and internal cost efficiencies.

The turnaround from a projected operating loss to a profit is attributed to three main factors. Firstly, a major one-time positive impact resulting from the revocation of specific U.S. emissions / greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations, which allowed the company to reverse prior provisions.

Secondly, the impact of ongoing cost reduction measures implemented as part of Nissan's broader recovery strategy. And finally, favourable movements in foreign exchange rates supported both net sales and operating income.

Nissan Motor Co, stated that despite the projected net loss for the year, its cash position remains robust. It expects automotive free cash flow to remain positive for the second half of the fiscal year. And net cash is forecasted to exceed JPY 1 trillion by year-end.

Nissan is scheduled to release its finalised full-year financial results on 13 May 2026, where it is expected to provide a more detailed breakdown of these one-time impacts and its forward-looking ‘The Arc’ business plan.

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ICRA, one of the leading rating agencies, anticipates wholesale volume growth for the passenger vehicle industry to reach 4-6 percent in FY2027, as the market balances sustained demand against a high base from the previous year and uncertainties regarding monsoon performance.

In March 2026, industry wholesale volumes increased by 16 percent to 440,000 units, while retail sales grew by 21 percent over the same period. This activity followed the implementation of revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates and the introduction of new vehicle models.

For FY2026, wholesale volumes reached 4.7 million units, representing an 8.6 percent increase on the year, while retail volumes rose by 11 percent to 4.6 million units.

ICRA states that inventory levels reported by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) fell to 28 days by March 2026, down from 60 days in September 2025. This reduction resulted from the increase in retail offtake.

Within the passenger vehicle segment, utility vehicles represented 68 percent of volume in FY2026. Models in mini, compact and super-compact segments experienced recovery following tax changes.

Export volumes grew by 18 percent in FY2026. Maruti Suzuki India retained its position as the exporter with a 49 percent market share, followed by Hyundai Motor India.

Looking ahead, the passenger vehicle sector expects the utility vehicle segment to provide the volume, alongside an increase in demand for passenger cars. Factors such as the West Asia crisis and inflation levels remain indicators for future demand.

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Mercedes-Benz India has officially launched the all-new CLA BEV, marking the debut of the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) and the proprietary MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) in the Indian market.

The launch represents a significant milestone in the brand's electrification roadmap, with the company claiming it recorded over 400 pre-launch bookings prior to the official announcement.

The CLA BEV is introduced in three distinct variants, headlined by an 800-volt architecture that allows for industry-leading charging speeds.

Performance and Charging

Built as a ‘born electric’ sedan, the CLA BEV sets a new benchmark for efficiency with a drag coefficient of 0.21.

• Ultra-Fast Charging: Supporting up to 320 kW DC charging, the CLA 250+ can add 400 km of range in just 20 minutes using a 240 kW charger.
• Powertrain: The CLA 250+ delivers a peak output of 200 kW, achieving 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds powered by an 85.5 kWh battery.
• Indian Adaptation: The vehicle’s suspension has been specifically tuned to handle Indian road conditions.

The CLA is the first vehicle in India to feature MB.OS, which integrates the 4th generation of MBUX.

The EV sees integrated AI, which is powered by NVIDIA chips capable of 508 trillion operations per second, the car features a virtual assistant integrated with ChatGPT-4, MS Bing and Gemini.

The CLA BEV supports seamless Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and comes standard with Level 2 ADAS, upgradeable to L2+ via software. High-end variants feature the MBUX Superscreen and a panoramic sunroof with a 250-nanometre ‘Heat Protection Coating’ to filter UV and glare.

In a move to build customer trust, Mercedes-Benz launched India’s first ‘High-Voltage Battery Report’. This system-generated report provides owners with a physical and diagnostic evaluation of the battery's health (State of Charge Energy - SOCE), ensuring transparency for future resale and long-term ownership.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The CLA BEV is the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever; born electric, a true range champion and a hallmark of high product substance. As Mercedes-Benz’s first next-generation BEV to debut in India, the CLA underlines our confident BEV strategy shaped by feature-rich, technology-driven products.”

Mercedes-Benz is backing the launch with a comprehensive ecosystem, including the MB.CHARGE public network, which now covers over 9,000 charging points across India. Ownership is further simplified through Star Agility+ financing, offering a 59% assured buy-back value and EMIs starting at INR 62,000. All models come with an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty. Deliveries for the CLA 250+ begin at the end of April 2026, while the CLA 200 will follow in June 2026.

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