Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has crossed the milestone of 100,000-unit sales of its Urban Cruiser Hyryder in India, underscoring the B-SUV’s strong acceptance in the Indian market and the growing acceptance of hybrid technology among Indian customers.

The SUV was launched in July 2022 and is available in three powertrains: self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric [SHEV], Neo Drive and CNG. Powered by a 1.5-litre engine with THS (Toyota Hybrid System) & e-drive transmission, the SUV delivers combined power output of 85 kW. Featuring a hybrid system that eliminates the need for external charging, the SUV offers a seamless and silent drive with instant power delivery. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a claimed mileage of up to 27.97 km/l in the Self Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicle variant, 21.12 km/l in the NeoDrive (MT) and 26.6 km/kg in CNG mode.

Sabari Manohar, Vice President – Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The positive response to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder reflects our commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions tailored to the evolving preferences of Indian customers. This milestone is not just a number; it signifies the beginning of a new era in SUV technology that prioritises sustainability, performance and customer satisfaction. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder continues to uphold Toyota’s legacy of driving change through innovation and environmental consciousness, and we are deeply grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers who have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has opened bookings for the all-new Hyundai Venue compact sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Customers can reserve the vehicle with an initial booking amount of INR 25,000 at dealerships across India.

Hyundai Motor India unveiled the new vehicle with a film featuring brand ambassador Deepika Padukone. The company is positioning the C-SUV as a model of urban mobility, focusing on style and technology.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The Hyundai Venue has been one of the most loved SUVs in India, with over 700,000 customers choosing it for its perfect blend of design, technology and performance. With the all-new Hyundai Venue, we are taking this success story even further, redefining bold design and modern premium-ness while integrating advanced technology that resonates with the aspirations of today’s new-age customers. The all-new Hyundai Venue truly embodies our vision of ‘Tech up Go beyond,’ offering a driving experience that’s both dynamic and deeply connected to our customers’ evolving lifestyles.”

The new Venue is both taller and wider than the existing model. Exterior design includes Twin horn LED DRLs, Quad beam LED headlamps and a dark chrome radiator grille.

Inside, the cabin features a Dual 62.5 cm (12.3-inch + 12.3-inch) curved panoramic display for infotainment and cluster information. It also features a dual-tone interior (dark navy and dove grey), a D-cut steering wheel and a coffee-table centre console with ambient lighting.

The car has a long wheelbase (2520mm) and offers 2-step reclining rear seats, rear window sunshades and rear AC vents for comfort.

The all-new VENUE will be offered with three engine choices:

Kappa 1.2 l MPi petrol

Kappa 1.0 l Turbo GDi petrol

U2 1.5 l CRDi Diesel

Transmission options include Manual, Automatic and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The vehicle will use the new variant nomenclature ‘HX,’ which stands for ‘Hyundai Experience.’ The company is set to launch the Venue on 4 November 2025.

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Chinese automaker Chery showcased what it claims is the world’s first ‘7-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV’ concept at the 2025 Chery Brand Night. The SUV was unveiled by Zheng Songzhi, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery International Marketing Centre.

The automaker states that the vehicle reflects Chery’s commitment to user co-creation, offering a ‘one vehicle, multiple configurations’ design intended to redefine versatility for families.

Songzhi stated that the concept was developed following over a year of user research in countries including Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand. This research identified nine high-frequency family scenarios – from daily commuting to camping and long-distance travel – and concluded that no existing vehicle model meets all these varied demands.

User insights from representatives in Malaysia, Indonesia and Mexico, who shared their need for comfort, work-life balance and space, became the foundation of the concept. He noted that user needs are the core driver behind Chery's shift from a ‘function-oriented’ to a ‘scenario-oriented’ strategy.

In response to demands for versatility and space, Chery introduced the ‘6=1’ concept. By flexibly reconfiguring seats and detaching the rear hatch, the single vehicle transforms into six distinct interior and exterior layouts, intended to cover 99 percent of family mobility scenarios.

Large 7-Seat SUV Mode: With a body length of 4.9 metres and an interior height of 1,284 mm, it offers true comfort for family passengers.

Double-Cab Pickup Mode: It transforms instantly through a quick-release structure, providing 600-litre of cargo space for items like surfboards and construction materials.

Camper Mode: It supports an ecosystem of accessories, including awnings and roof tents, alongside off-road capability.

Songzhi announced that Chery will introduce additional transformable modes and accessory kits.

Chery is launching a collaboration model that spans the entire product development cycle. Before mass production, Chery will invite users worldwide to participate in co-creation, influencing features, powertrain tuning and model naming.

Since February 2024, a 20-member product team has conducted research across international markets, gathering over 1,350 user samples and more than 40,000 topic inputs.

Songzhi, stated, "Driven by the genuine needs of our users, we have not only redefined the form of the SUV but will also collaborate with them to co-create and co-define its future.”

The new vehicle is scheduled to reach consumers in the third quarter of 2026.

Image credit: Paultan.org

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Alexandre Malval has been named Vice President of Design for the Renault brand, with effect from 2 January 2026. Malval will report directly to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer of Groupe Renault, and will join the Renault brand's management committee, contributing to the company's strategic direction.

This appointment marks a significant homecoming for the executive, who brings nearly three decades of extensive international experience back to the company where he began his career. A distinguished graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, Malval first joined Renault in 1994 as an exterior designer in the Advanced Design department.

His subsequent career path saw him hold influential positions across the European automotive industry, building a remarkable portfolio. He contributed to the design languages of Audi and Volkswagen at the Volkswagen Group’s Design Center Europe in Barcelona. He later advanced through key roles at Citroën and Peugeot, a tenure that culminated in his appointment as the Head of Citroën Design in 2012, where he was responsible for shaping the brand's creative vision.

Most recently, Malval served as the CEO and Design Director of the Mercedes-Benz International Design Center Europe in Sophia Antipolis. In this senior capacity, he was entrusted with comprehensive management and creative oversight for a critical satellite studio. His responsibilities encompassed pioneering advanced design research, directing the creation of concept vehicles and steering the design of production models for the entire Mercedes-Benz portfolio, including the Maybach, Smart and AMG brands.

Laurens van den Acker said, “We are very happy to welcome Alexandre Malval to our Design team. His experience with major automotive groups, his international outlook and his ability to create strong design-led brands will be essential assets to push Renault to the next level. The future of mobility is exciting and I’m looking forward to working with Alexandre to make our dreams come true.”

Fabrice Cambolive, Renault brand CEO and Chief Growth Officer Renault Group, said, “The arrival of Alexandre Malval marks a new milestone in our ambition: to design ‘voitures à vivre’ that fully embody Renault’s strategic vision, combining emotion, innovation and an exceptional customer experience. His international experience and innovative mindset will be key assets in driving Renault’s growth in Europe and on the global stage.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained a new export milestone for the Made in India Jimny 5-door SUV, which crossed the 100,000-unit milestone.

The Jimny 5-door, manufactured exclusively in India, began its export journey in 2023, shortly after its launch in the country. The vehicle has been shipped to over 100 countries, including Japan, Mexico and Australia.

The model’s debut in Japan in January 2025, branded as the ‘Jimny Nomade,’ saw orders exceed the 50,000 mark within days of introduction.

The Jimny 5-door features a ladder-frame chassis with Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro (4WD), which provides off-road capability and stability. It is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The Jimny has over half a century of heritage, globally. Jimny 5-door crossing 1 lakh export mark is a proud achievement for Maruti Suzuki. We are deeply thankful to customers around the world for their trust in this acclaimed SUV. Jimny’s strong off-road DNA, reliable performance and uncompromising quality have earned admiration in over 100 countries.”

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