- Maruti Suzuki
- Toyota Kirloskar Motor
- Suzuki
- Toyota
- electric vehicle
- eSUV
- hatchback
- sedan
- Swift
- Dzire
- eVitara
- production
- platform
- facility
- gujarat
Toyota eSUV From Maruti Stable; New Maruti Dzire Hits The Showrooms
- By MT Bureau
- November 05, 2024
Cutting down the production of its passenger cars by 16 per cent in October 2023 and increasing that of the utility vehicles by 33 per cent as compared to October 2023 as per the regulatory filing by the company, Maruti Suzuki’s key developments include the new Dzire compact sedan reaching dealerships across India.
While the new eSUV – the eVitara that is based on a Toyota platform called as 27PL skateboard platform (e-TNGA) – is subject to a lot of discussion currently, the new Dzire is set to revolutionise the segment with its progressive design, segment first features and unparalleled value proposition, according to the Indo-Japanese automaker.
Building on the remarkable legacy of the Dzire brand, this new generation model represents a significant leap forward in Maruti Suzuki's commitment to offer exceptional vehicles to the Indian market. Following hot on the heels of the fourth-generation Swift hatchback, the Dzire shares the platform with it though in terms of proportions, dimensions and design it is different.
Available in the shape of a compact hatchback, the Dzire could be booked with an initial payment of INR 11,000 at any Maruti Suzuki dealership.
Witnessing a 33.18 percent rise in multi-purpose vehicles such as the Ertiga and XL6 and of SUVs such as the Brezza, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Jimny (almost all of these are shared with Toyota Kirloskar Motor products in India) at 72,339 units as compared to 54,316 units during the corresponding period in the last fiscal, Maruti Suzuki is quite upbeat about the eVitara as it marks the first BEV of the automaker ever.
The vehicle has e-axles that have been integrated with the motor and inverter as a single unit, according to industry sources. The (60kWh) batteries are of the lithium-iron-phosphate type and the platform, engineered to provide quick acceleration and overtaking abilities.
With production expected to begin in mid-2025, the eVitara will have a sibling that will flaunt a Toyota badge – much like the Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder.
The eVitara, claim industry sources, will be produced at Maruti Suzuki’s youngest and most modern facility in Gujarat. The eSUV is expected to offer a range of 500 km on a single charge when it is formally launched in 2025.
To be launched on 11 November 2024, the new Dzire is expected to be priced in the range of INR 700,000 and INR 11,00,000 ex-showroom.
Nissan Motor India Delivers 100 Gravite SUVs In Hyderabad
- By MT Bureau
- April 22, 2026
Nissan Motor India (NMIPL), in partnership with Vibrant Nissan, reached a significant sales milestone by delivering 100 units of the all-new Nissan Gravite in a single day in Hyderabad.
The mass delivery event, held at Le Palais Royal Crown Villa Garden on 22 April 2026, the company said, highlights the strong market reception for the Gravite following its recent entry into the mid-size SUV segment.
The Nissan Gravite is positioned as a versatile family vehicle, featuring a bold design language and a focus on cabin flexibility. The successful delivery of 100 units underscores rising customer confidence in Nissan's refreshed product portfolio, which is currently anchored by the long-standing success of the Nissan Magnite and now bolstered by the Gravite's premium features and safety package.
With an expanding dealer network and a renewed focus on the Indian market, Nissan is entering a new phase of growth. The Gravite's performance in high-potential markets like Hyderabad is seen as a key indicator of the brand's ability to compete in the highly contested SUV categories.
"The 100 Gravite delivery milestone reflects growing demand for Nissan Motor India and rising customer confidence in the all-new Nissan Gravite. Backed by the Gravite’s bold design, spacious and flexible cabin, strong safety package, Nissan’s expanding network and the continued strong run of the Nissan Magnite, the company is entering a new phase of growth in India," said the company in a statement.
Tesla Launches Six-Seater Model Y L Launched At INR 6.19 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- April 22, 2026
US-based electric vehicle maker Tesla India has launched the Model Y L, an all-new 6-seater SUV, at the Ballard Pier Downtown Experience Centre in Mumbai at prices starting INR 6.19 million.
Positioned as a versatile family vehicle, the Model Y L features an extended wheelbase and a three-row configuration. Online orders are open as of 22 April 2026, with the first deliveries scheduled to commence in June 2026.
The Model Y L is designed to maximise utility, offering a unique 2+2+2 seating layout.
- Second Row: Features individual captain seats with powered armrests, one-touch folding, ventilation and heating.
- Third Row: Equipped with power recline, one-touch folding and dedicated vented climate control.
- Cargo Space: Provides a massive storage capacity of up to 2,539 litres with seats folded.
The Model Y L is integrated into the broader Model Y lineup, offering a balance of range and acceleration. The Premium RWD (5-seater) with 500km range came at INR 5.98 million, L Premium AWD (6-seater) at INR 6.19 million and the Premium LR RWD (5-seater) at INR 6.78 million.
The EV features a refined chassis with adaptive suspension and electronic damping to filter road vibrations. For a premium cabin experience, it includes acoustic glass and an 18-speaker immersive Tesla Audio system.
Furthermore, as part of its focus on driving adoption of the green vehicles, Tesla continues to build its ecosystem in India to support new and existing owners:
At present, Tesla operates 5 Supercharger stations (20 Superchargers) and plans to add 7 more along major highways connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other key cities.
Existing service centres in Mumbai, Gurugram, Delhi and Pune are being augmented this quarter with new locations in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad.
The Model Y L will be available for public viewing from 23 April 2026 at Tesla locations in BKC (Mumbai), Aerocity (Delhi) and Orchid Business Park (Gurugram).
Monthly financing for the Model Y L starts at INR 49,000, and the EV supports the full suite of Tesla connected features, including live traffic visualisation and integrated streaming services like Spotify and Netflix.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Reaffirms Carbon-Neutral Goals On Earth Day 2026
- By MT Bureau
- April 21, 2026
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has marked Earth Day 2026 by providing an update on its progress toward the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.
The company has reported significant milestones in manufacturing decarbonisation, water stewardship, and logistics efficiency, aiming to achieve carbon-neutral manufacturing operations by 2035.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has focused on eliminating its environmental footprint across its production and supply chain through several key initiatives:
Renewable Energy: For the 5th consecutive year, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s manufacturing facilities have utilised 100 percent renewable grid electricity, effectively eliminating all Scope 2 emissions.
Logistics Decarbonisation: The company has shifted 24 percent of its vehicle logistics to rail transport, reducing emissions per vehicle from 185 kg to 175 kg. Additionally, the pilot of electric trucks for short-distance transport has resulted in an annual reduction of approximately 950 CO2 emission.
Water & Waste Management: Approximately 89 percent of water requirements are currently met through recycling and rainwater harvesting. The company also maintains a Zero Waste-to-Landfill status, with a recycling rate of over 96 percent.
Aligned with India’s energy landscape, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is pursuing a multi-pathway approach to clean mobility. This includes active pilot projects for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) and Electrified Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFV-SHEV) to reduce dependence on energy imports and leverage domestic resources.
On-site, TKM’s Green Wave Project has successfully sequestered 8,118 CO2-emission through afforestation, supporting over 650 plant species. The company's Ecozone, a 25-acre experiential learning centre, has trained over 62,000 students to date, fostering environmental awareness in the next generation.
B Padmanabha, Executive Vice-President of Manufacturing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “On Earth Day 2026, Toyota Kirloskar Motor proudly reinforces its commitment to ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ advancing a carbon‑neutral future by embedding sustainability into every aspect of our products, operations, and partnerships. Since 2021, our manufacturing facilities have been powered entirely by renewable grid electricity, eliminating Scope 2 emissions for five consecutive years and demonstrating that industrial growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Renault Duster Bags 5-Star BNCAP Rating For Adult And Child Occupant Protection
- By MT Bureau
- April 20, 2026
European automaker Renault India has announced that its all-new Renault Duster SUV has achieved a 5-star safety rating from the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP).
The results apply across the vehicle's entire range, including the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variants. The SUV scored 30.49 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection (COP).
The rating is based on crash tests conducted on the Evolution, Techno and Iconic trims.
Built on the new RGMP platform, the Duster was engineered to meet structural integrity targets for various crash scenarios. Standard safety equipment across all variants includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The vehicle also features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), providing 17 active safety functions such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist.
The Duster, which launched in the Indian market last month with a starting price of INR 1.04 million (ex-showroom), is the first Renault model in India to offer this level of automated safety technology. The SUV is backed by a 7-year warranty, positioning it as a highly competitive entry in the mid-size segment against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Francisco Hidalgo-Marques, VP, Sales & Marketing, Renault Group India, said, “Since the moment of its reveal, the Duster has appealed to Indian customers with its strong SUV design, outstanding ride and handling, and confident performance. With this latest achievement, the Duster now also makes a compelling case for rational buyers combining one of the best fuel efficiency figures in the segment with a 5-star BNCAP safety rating for adult and child occupant protection, and the added reassurance of a best in-market 7-year warranty.”
Dr. V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, India, added, “This result is rooted in engineering execution on the ground. The Duster was subjected to extensive simulations, physical crash tests, and system-level validations, with a strong focus on real-world Indian driving conditions. From body structure performance to restraint calibration and electronic safety systems, every element was engineered, tested and refined to work together. The 5-star BNCAP rating reflects the rigour of that end-to-end engineering and validation process.”

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