Toyota Kirloskar Motor is looking to expand its manufacturing footprint in India, with a new facility in Maharashtra. The automaker has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, to examine the setting-up of a green field manufacturing facility at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad) over a multi-year investment. 

The new facility the company believes will enhance its ability to meet business and logistics requirements more efficiently and serve wider markets within India and exports.

Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Regional CEO at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) said, “Toyota Motor Corporation believes that India is well positioned to become a global manufacturing hub for cleaner and greener mobility solutions. This belief was reinforced with the recent regional restructuring which elevated India to play central role by being integrated into the Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region and acting as the hub of the new ‘India, Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region’. Today’s MoU signing marks a pivotal point as we stride into the next phase of growth in the country enabling us to contribute to enriching lives with qualitative mobility solutions locally and globally.”

Manasi Tata, Vice-Chairperson, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “For us at the company, the last 25 years of operational excellence from our Bidadi Plant has created the foundation for future direction of Toyota in India. Our strategic focus on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ will enable us to implement sustainable, long-term growth strategy which will enable us to offer cleaner greener mobility solutions to our customers and act as a catalyst towards Government’s roadmap of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.”

Swapnesh Maru, Deputy MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “The State of Karnataka has helped us to firmly establish ourselves as a tested base for manufacturing excellence. Proposal for the Green Field Manufacturing Facility at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar continues our commitment to advancing sustainable mobility in India. This will act as a tipping point to unlock the potential of Marathwada region, unleashing its entrepreneurial capabilities and providing new age skills to its youth so as to bring Marathwada as a key contributor to Maharashtra’s growth.”

At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor already operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing units located at Bidadi, Karnataka. The company along with its group companies has already invested more than INR 160 billion and created close to 86,000 jobs in the entire value chain (including supplier and dealer partners). Toyota’s cumulative export contributions also stand at around INR 320 billion.

The Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra was exchanged today by Dr. Harshadeep Kamble (IAS), Principal Secretary (Industries), Government of Maharashtra and Sudeep Santram Dalvi, Director & Chief Communications Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor in the august presence of Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and other key dignitaries. Also present at the event from Toyota Kirloskar Motor were Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Regional CEO at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC); Manasi Tata, Vice-Chairperson Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Swapnesh R. Maru, Deputy Managing Director Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

It is also important to note that in 2023, Toyota Kirloskar Motor announced fresh investments of about INR 33 billion for a new third plant in Bidadi facility. This expansion, aimed at contributing to Make-in-India, increases TKM’s production capacity by 100,000 units, annually thus further adding to the growth of local ecosystem of suppliers and job creation of over 2,000 direct employment in Karnataka. With this third plant expansion going mainstream in 2026, the company’s annual production capacity at Bidadi is expected to be augmented to 442,000 annually.

Prior to this in the year 2022, Toyota Group of companies that constitutes of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP) had signed and announced their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest INR 41 billion aimed at making deeper cuts in CO2 emissions and enhance electrification and fast pace shift towards greener technologies.

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AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.

“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.

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French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10^th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.

Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.

During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.

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