The team members at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) take pride in every vehicle they build, but a very special individual rolled off of one of the company's Southern Ontario assembly lines on May 27.

The vehicle – a Lexus RX 450h hybrid luxury SUV – is the nine millionth vehicle produced by TMMC. And it represents another significant milestone in the more than 30-year history of Southern Ontario's automotive industry.

"We're proud to reach this milestone and proud of our growth," said Frank Voss, President of TMMC." In 1988 – the year we opened our first plant in Cambridge – our team members built 153 Toyota Corollas – and it took 10 years to produce our first million vehicles. We built the most recent million in just two years and we're building almost 500,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles every year, making us the highest producing Toyota and Lexus plant in North America, and the second largest in the world."

Since 1988, TMMC has also grown to become a major employer in Southwestern Ontario, with two lines in Cambridge and a third line in Woodstock that together employ more than 8,500 people.

"Our team is responsible for building some of the most popular Toyota and Lexus models for the entire North American market," Voss noted. "And there's more to come. As we set our sights on the 10 million mark, we're also preparing for exciting changes – including the top-selling Lexus NX and Lexus NX Hybrid, which we'll start to build in Cambridge in early 2022."

In May 2000, TMMC made Toyota history when it was chosen to build the first Lexus outside Japan – the RX 330 luxury SUV. This required a complete overhaul of the original Toyota plant in Cambridge, which is now known as Cambridge South. Today, TMMC's Cambridge South plant builds the Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX450h.

In 2005, TMMC expanded by heading West down Highway 401 to Woodstock, where Toyota broke ground on a brand new, 1.8-million square foot facility to manufacture the RAV4 compact SUV. Today, TMMC West produces the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for the North American market. (MT) 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Renault India has introduced four variants to its Kiger SUV range, updating the model’s powertrain and trim options. The changes include the addition of an Evolution+ variant and an expanded selection of turbo-powered models.

The French automaker has added the Evolution+ trim across its naturally aspirated (manual and AMT) and turbo (manual) engines. Features included in this variant comprise a keyless entry and start system, driver seat height adjustment, smartphone replication, automatic climate control and fabric upholstery.

Additionally, Renault has expanded its turbo-powered range from three to five options by offering the Techno trim with a 5-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated range has increased from six to eight variants.

With these updates, the Kiger turbo-powered line-up now starts at INR 789,000 (ex-showroom). The base price for the Evolution+ variant is INR 699,000 (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, VP – Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “At Renault, our focus has always been on making innovation and mobility more accessible to customers. With the New Kiger range, we are taking this commitment further by bringing turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice within easier reach. As customer expectations continue to evolve, accessibility today goes beyond price—it is about enabling a more complete and rewarding ownership experience. This update reflects our effort to democratise features and technologies that matter most, while staying true to Kiger’s core promise of performance.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis-owned Citroen India has introduced the Aircross Comfort Edition, a limited-run series starting at INR 909,000 (ex-showroom). The launch coincides with the brand’s 108th-anniversary celebrations and aims to provide premium features and comfort-oriented upgrades across all trim levels.

A standout inclusion in this edition is the standardisation of premium leatherette interiors across all Comfort Edition trims, a move the company describes as a segment-first. Other ergonomic improvements include adjustable headrests for both front and rear seats, as well as refined interior finishes with soft-touch materials.

Citroen has introduced a structured accessory pack strategy to allow customers to personalise their vehicles.

YOU Pack (INR 36,600): Includes soft-touch IP, fog lamps, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera with guidelines and door cladding with chrome inserts.

PLUS Pack (INR 8,460): Adds a reverse camera with guidelines, a wireless charger, and door cladding with chrome inserts.

MAX Pack (INR 40,000): Focuses on technology and audio, featuring a JBL speaker system with an amplifier and an advanced front, cabin and rear dashcam with predictive safety alerts (e.g., front collision, lane change and pedestrian detection).

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “At Citroen, comfort is at the heart of our product philosophy. We have been closely listening to our customers, who are increasingly seeking more features, enhanced comfort, and a premium in-cabin experience at value-driven price points. The Aircross Comfort Edition is a direct response to this evolving demand.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced that its new Kodiaq RS SUV has sold out within six minutes of its release. The limited run of 50 units was offered as part of the brand’s ‘Surrender’ campaign, marking 125 years of Skoda in motorsport and the 51st anniversary of the RS badge.

This achievement follows the performance of the Octavia RS, which sold out in 20 minutes in 2025.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said: “The RS has stood as a global icon for over half a century, with a passionate following in India for more than two decades. With the ‘Surrender’ campaign, we brought to customers a unique combination of performance and versatility in the Kodiaq RS. We are delighted—though not surprised – to see customers truly ‘surrender’ to its motorsport heritage, 4x4 capability, 7-seat luxury, and its standing as the quickest Skoda in India.”

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. It features a 7-speed DSG transmission with all-wheel drive, it can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 kmph. The vehicles is equipped with a dynamic sound boost, progressive steering and Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus).

The exterior features black accents on the grille, ORVMs, window trims, roof rails and D-pillars. The interior includes black leather upholstery with red stitching. The model is available in four colours: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has launched the nationwide ‘Hyundai Smart Care Clinic’, a service initiative designed to deliver comprehensive vehicle health assessments and special benefits to its customers. This programme underscores the company’s dedication to service excellence, drawing upon its three-decade legacy in the country and its foundational principles of trust, progress and pride.

Scheduled to run from 24 June to 8 July 2026, the clinic will be available at all Hyundai service centres. The offering includes a complimentary 30-point check-up for critical systems like brakes and suspension, alongside significant savings on extended warranty, mechanical labour, parts, car care, roadside assistance and Bluelink subscriptions, with discounts reaching up to 30 percent.

Timed ahead of the anticipated monsoon season, the initiative aims to ensure vehicles are prepared for wet conditions. By promoting timely maintenance and essential repairs, the programme is positioned to enhance vehicle longevity, safety and the overall driving experience for Hyundai owners.

Nilesh Shah, National Service Head, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “As Hyundai celebrates 30 years of its journey in India, we remain committed to placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. The Hyundai Smart Care Clinic reflects our customer-first philosophy, offering proactive vehicle care and a holistic service experience. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen customer trust by ensuring their vehicles remain in optimal condition while delivering enhanced convenience, transparency and a truly rewarding ownership journey.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!