Author: Akshay Kumar

In what could become one of the most consequential structural realignments in the Indian automotive industry, the Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group is in advanced, late-stage negotiations to acquire a 51 percent majority stake in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL). The proposed transaction involves forming a new standalone joint venture (JV) company that would give JSW operational control over Volkswagen Group’s mass-market manufacturing assets, vehicle platforms, and retail distribution across India. The two conglomerates are working toward signing a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), supported by visits from senior global executives from Skoda Auto AG and Volkswagen AG to…

Audi India has confirmed a revised product roadmap through 2027, committing to three major new vehicle launches. The German luxury automaker is expanding its presence in the D-segment SUV, full-sized flagship, and pure-electric luxury vehicle categories. The upcoming models utilize Volkswagen Group’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architectures. By introducing these platforms, Audi India aims to capture growing demand in the EV and ICE luxury SUV markets while competing against Mercedes-Benz and BMW. 1. Executive Summary: Audi’s 3-Model Strategy Through 2027 Audi’s strategic roadmap focuses on three main vehicles: the Audi Q6 e-tron (built on…

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has introduced an Assured Buyback Programme specifically tailored for the Hyundai Creta Electric (EV). The initiative addresses two primary concerns among prospective electric vehicle buyers: resale value uncertainty and battery degradation anxiety. By offering a guaranteed return value of up to 60% after 3 years (36 months) or 45,000 km of usage, Hyundai aims to establish a clear depreciation floor for the Creta EV. This structured resale mechanism brings the financial predictability of traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to the electric mid-size SUV segment. 1. Structure of the Assured Buyback Programme The Assured Buyback…

Tata Motors has reached a milestone in the Indian automotive industry, announcing that the Tata Punch has crossed 8 lakh (800,000) domestic sales in a little over 57 months since its October 2021 launch. Positioned on Tata’s ALFA-ARC (Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture) platform, the Punch has become the fastest SUV in India to reach the 8-lakh dispatch figure, outpacing rivals in the sub-4-meter and micro-SUV categories. 1. Sales Velocity: Timeline to 8 Lakh Units The commercial trajectory of the Tata Punch shows steady sales acceleration. While initial dispatches relied on the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the expansion into…

For years, the Mercedes-Benz GLA served as the gateway into the German automaker’s SUV universe. While the outgoing second-generation model offered strong urban appeal, buyers seeking zero-emission luxury were forced to look toward the standalone EQA. Mercedes-Benz has officially unified its compact luxury lineup with the world premiere of the third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA. Engineered from the ground up on the brand’s all-new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the new GLA makes history by offering its first-ever fully electric variant alongside next-generation mild-hybrid powertrains. Featuring an impressive WLTP driving range of up to 657 km, an ultra-fast 800-volt charging architecture, and an…

The three-row crossover segment in Southeast Asia is one of the most fiercely contested arenas in the automotive world. Families demand the road presence and ground clearance of a rugged SUV combined with the practical seating, low running costs, and smooth ride quality of a traditional MPV. Few vehicles have struck this balance as effectively as the Suzuki XL7. Building on that success, Suzuki has officially pulled the covers off the 2026 Suzuki XL7 Facelift at the Indonesia International Auto Show. Featuring a redesigned front fascia, elevated interior technology, and refined mild-hybrid powertrains, the updated seven-seater is engineered to maintain…

Family movers are undergoing a massive electric revolution across Asian markets, and Hyundai is jumping into the fray with a crucial strategic move. At the 2026 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), the South Korean automaker officially unveiled the Hyundai Neira Prototype—a sleek, futuristic three-row electric MPV designed to bring affordable, zero-emission family transport to mass markets. Officially categorized as a seven-seater crossover MPV, the Neira previews a production model slated for launch by the end of 2026. Underneath its sharp exterior, the Neira shares its underlying electric platform with its close sibling, the Kia Carens Clavis EV, signaling Hyundai’s…

Tata Motors has long established itself as a pioneer in raising crash safety standards across the Indian automotive landscape. From introducing the country’s first 5-star Global NCAP-rated vehicle to making six airbags standard across almost its entire portfolio, safety remains the core pillar of the brand’s identity. Continuing this momentum, the 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift has officially achieved a flawless 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP (BNCAP). Tested under India’s independent crash evaluation protocol, the electric micro-SUV demonstrated exceptional structural integrity, scoring near-perfect points in both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). Crucially, this 5-star crash…

The Mahindra Scorpio N has remained one of India’s most popular body-on-frame SUVs. Blending rugged ladder-frame capability with premium features, it commands massive road presence. To understand its absolute dominance in the market, you just need to look at the numbers: over the last six months (January to June 2026), the Scorpio range racked up a staggering 90,000 units in sales, firmly cementing it as Mahindra’s highest-selling model. Now, fresh spy shots reveal that a significant mid-life update is right around the corner. While the exterior tweaks look subtle, the cabin is getting a serious tech overhaul. Here is everything…

Skoda Auto India is preparing to launch the 2026 Slavia facelift on August 18, giving its highly popular midsize sedan its first major update since its 2022 debut. While the handsome European silhouette remains familiar, the refreshed Slavia is packing subtle exterior styling updates, a significantly more premium cabin, sharp new technology features, and critical safety equipment. This update is a direct move to better compete with heavyweight rivals like the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and Volkswagen Virtus. 2026 Skoda Slavia Facelift: Key Highlights What’s New in the 2026 Skoda Slavia Facelift? Skoda is prioritizing a fresher, modernized appearance and…