Toyota Kirloskar Motor has concluded the 24-hour Toyota Hackathon 2025 in Mumbai engineered to empower young innovators to drive road safety solutions. It has been a part of the automaker’s commitment to education and road safety. 
Held at Vidyalankar Institute, Wadala (East), Mumbai, and coinciding with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), the event brought together over 400 talented students from over 100 schools across Mumbai, turning in turn into an effective platform to develop actionable solutions to critical road safety challenges.
Attracting the presence of Atul Moreshwar Save, Minister for OBC Welfare, Dairy Development, and Renewable Energy, Government of Maharashtra; Arprit Save, President Chamber of Marathawada Industries and Agriculture, and Senior leadership from TKM (including Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, TKM, and Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President and Head State Affairs, TKM), the event – a key pillar of TKM’s comprehensive Road Safety Initiative designed to address this critical issue by integrating road safety education into school and college curriculums – began with team selection and idea submissions, progressed through a boot camp, culminated in a 24-hour final hackathon, and concluded with incubation support for the top one winner per city. 
Fostering critical thinking, innovation and a sense of responsibility, the Hackathon – structured in five phases – saw participants tackle key road safety themes such as ‘Road Safety Awareness and Education’, ‘Community Engagement for Safety’, ‘School Zone Safety’, ‘Road Infrastructure and Pollution’, ‘IoT/ICT in Road Safety’, ‘Traffic Easement’ and ‘Making Roads Inclusive’. 
Out of 100 initial teams, 28 advanced to post- boot camp, 10 teams completed in the final hackathon out of which 3 emerged as winners, earning continued support to bring their innovative ideas to life.
Following the success in Mumbai, the Toyota Hackathon 2025 will move to Bangalore on 14 February 2025. For the 2024-25 academic year, TKM aims to expand the initiative to 300 institutions across key cities, with over 400 innovative concepts already submitted.
Speaking at the event, Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we are driven by the belief that empowering the younger generation with the right tools, mentorship, and opportunities can lead to transformative change. The Toyota Hackathon 2025 serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to road safety and innovation, as it brings together young minds to ideate, collaborate, and develop solutions for safer roads. This initiative reflects our holistic approach to fostering a culture of safety and sustainability, aligning with Toyota’s global vision of zero traffic fatalities.”
 

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has launched the new updated Brezza compact SUV with prices starting at INR 739,900.

The new Brezza introduces Turbo Boosterjet engine option, K15C engine variants and S-CNG models featuring an underbody fuel tank configuration.

The Turbo Boosterjet model is powered by a 1-litre engine delivering 81 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a new 6-speed manual transmission and Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology.

The K15C powertrain is available with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options, while the S-CNG variant offers a fuel efficiency of 26.9 km/kg. Safety features include a Bharat NCAP rating focus, 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program and a 360-degree camera system.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new Brezza, is an SUV that truly resonates with the aspirations of young India. With the new Brezza Turbo Boosterjet we add a new dimension of driving excitement that matches the energy and vibe of Young India. The new Brezza has been curated to find favour with diverse customer preferences as it switches effortlessly to appeal to the different moods and occasions of customers. It is an SUV that appeals to every side of a customer’s personality, be it at work or play, appealing to various aspects of their lifestyles and enabling them to ‘Lead Every Play’. This is the true hallmark of a great product, one that adapts to customers. I am confident the new Brezza will continue to build on the brand’s legacy as India’s favourite compact SUV.”

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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that its premium hatchback, the i20, has crossed the 1.5 million-unit cumulative sales mark in the domestic market since its debut in 2008. The model has been a defining force in the premium hatchback space, consistently raising benchmarks through forward-looking design, technological upgrades and robust safety provisions. Over nearly two decades, the i20 has adapted to changing consumer lifestyles, earning particular favour among young urban professionals and families seeking a sophisticated ownership experience.

The sales figure reflects deep-rooted customer confidence in the Hyundai brand and underscores the manufacturer's ability to anticipate market demands. Through three generational iterations, the i20 has introduced several segment-first features, ranging from connected-car functionalities to safety technologies once absent in this category. This evolutionary approach has ensured the model remains a trendsetter while maintaining a loyal customer base nationwide.

Hyundai has strategically expanded the i20 lineup to cater to varied buyer preferences. The i20 N Line infuses a sportier character, drawing inspiration from global motorsport and targeting drivers who desire heightened performance alongside everyday usability. The i20 Knight Edition offers a distinct aesthetic with its black-themed styling, appealing to those favouring a bolder road presence. These variants collectively address a wide spectrum of tastes while preserving the comfort and technology expected from the brand.

The standard i20 is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, available with a five-speed manual or an intelligent variable transmission. The i20 N Line features a 1.0-litre turbo GDi petrol unit, paired with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a noticeably more spirited drive. This dual powertrain strategy caters to both efficiency-minded buyers and driving enthusiasts.

The i20 comes equipped with six airbags as standard, a 26.03-cm HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a voice-enabled smart electric sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone connectivity. Additional highlights include over 60 Bluelink connected services, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, a dashcam and a tyre pressure monitoring system. With its stylish design, advanced amenities and strong safety suite, the i20 continues to hold a prominent position in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and sustains robust demand nationwide.

Sunil Moolchandani, National Sales Head, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “The Hyundai i20 has been one of the most iconic products in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and has consistently represented innovation, aspiration and premiumness. Crossing the milestone of 1.5 million cumulative sales is a testament to the immense trust and loyalty that customers have shown towards the brand over nearly two decades. We thank our customers for making the i20 a preferred choice in the premium hatchback segment and remain committed to delivering products and experiences that exceed expectations.”

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Stellantis-owned American brand Jeep India has introduced the Jeep Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition at prices starting INR 3.60 million, which is limited to just 85 units. Based on the Overland trim, the collector's edition features Gloss Black 18-inch alloy wheels, an all-black cabin with Mayan Gold accents and curated Anniversary AXS packages.

The vehicle introduces CARA AI, a voice assistant supporting 52 languages

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "For 85 years, Jeep has represented far more than a vehicle. It has symbolised freedom, exploration and the confidence to go wherever the journey leads. The Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition is our tribute to this remarkable legacy and to the passionate community that has helped shape the Jeep story over generations. With only 85 units available, this collector's edition offers customers a unique opportunity to own a distinctive piece of Jeep history while experiencing the premium craftsmanship, capability and sophistication that define the Meridian."

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Maruti Suzuki India has received a 5-star safety rating in Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program for its upcoming Brezza SUV.

The SUV includes six airbags as standard across variants, Electronic Stability Program with Hill Hold Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Parking Sensors and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. The certification marks Maruti Suzuki's fifth consecutive 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, joining the Dzire, Victoris, Invicto and e Vitara.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Brezza has been India’s highest selling Compact SUV since 2016 and a preferred choice for millions of customers. This 5-star Bharat NCAP rating reinforces the confidence customers place in the vehicle. The recognition for the new Brezza reflects our relentless focus on building safer vehicles for Indian roads. Safety is at the core of our vehicle design philosophy. By making 6 airbags as standard in 16 models and across 160 variants, we have democratized advanced safety, enabling more than 1.6 million new customers to benefit from advanced occupant safety in FY 2025-26, the highest in terms of industry volume. As customer expectations evolve, we remain committed to making advanced safety accessible across every segment, from entry-level models like Alto K10 and Celerio, to SUVs such as the new Brezza, Victoris, Jimny and Fronx.”

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