Author: Ranbir Singh Maan

For those planning to bring home a new Mercedes-Benz, the clock is officially ticking. In a move aimed at balancing long-term operational sustainability with the realities of a shifting global economy, Mercedes-Benz India has announced a price increase of up to 2% across its entire model range, effective April 1, 2026. Why the Price Adjustment? This revision marks the second price hike for the German luxury marque in 2026, following a similar 2% adjustment implemented on January 1. According to an official statement from Brendon Sissing, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz India, the decision is primarily driven…

In a bold move that redefines the C-segment, Renault’s Romanian subsidiary, Dacia, officially pulled the covers off the Dacia Striker on March 10, 2026. While many expected a smaller companion to the recently launched Bigster, the Striker has arrived as a massive surprise—literally. Measuring 4.62 metres in length, the Striker is officially the longest vehicle in Dacia’s history, surpassing its SUV sibling by 50 mm. Positioned as an “Allroad Break,” the Striker is a direct response to the market’s saturation of upright SUVs. It offers a sleeker, more aerodynamic alternative to the Bigster while maintaining the rugged, high-clearance DNA that…

In a landmark decision for the global electric vehicle industry, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has imposed a fine of 11.24 billion won (approximately $7.65 million) on Mercedes-Benz. The penalty, announced on March 10, 2026, targets both the German headquarters and its South Korean subsidiary for allegedly misleading consumers and dealers regarding the manufacturers of the battery cells used in their flagship EQ series. The Core of the Deception: CATL vs. Farasis The antitrust regulator’s investigation centered on internal sales guidelines distributed to dealerships in June 2023. These documents reportedly suggested that the Mercedes-Benz EQE and EQS models were…

Renault has officially pulled the covers off the Bridger Concept, a vehicle that marks a high-stakes pivot in the French automaker’s “futuREady” strategic plan for India. While the Kiger served as an entry-level crossover, the Bridger is being positioned as a more rugged, “true-blue” SUV. Measuring just under four metres to leverage local tax benefits, the Bridger—internally codenamed RB3-K2—previews a production-ready model slated for a late 2027 launch. A Design Built on Robustness The most striking aspect of the Bridger is its “Mini Duster” aesthetic. Renault has moved away from the sleek, curvy lines of its current portfolio in favor…

Renault is currently executing one of the most significant product offensives in its history in India, aimed at restoring the brand’s equity in the SUV space. A cornerstone of this “futuREady” strategic plan is a new sub-4-metre SUV, internally codenamed RB3-K2, which has recently been christened the Renault Bridger. Set to be previewed as a concept on March 10, 2026, the Bridger is widely regarded as the “Mini Duster” due to its rugged, upright design language and shared engineering DNA with the next-generation Duster scheduled for a March 17 launch. Design Philosophy and Positioning While Renault already competes in the…

In a landmark achievement for vehicle safety, two upcoming SUV models linked to the Chinese automaker Chery—the iCar V23 and the Jetour T2—have officially been awarded prestigious five-star safety ratings by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). These certifications, finalized in early 2026, serve as a critical endorsement of the safety engineering that will underpin the vehicles planned for the Indian market by JSW Motors. ASEAN NCAP Performance: A Gold Standard for Safety Both the iCar V23 and the Jetour T2 were subjected to the exhaustive 2021–2025 assessment protocols. These tests evaluate structural integrity, adult…

As the 2025–26 financial year draws to a close, Honda Cars India has unveiled an aggressive suite of purchase incentives aimed at consolidating its market share in the sedan and mid-size SUV segments. For the month of March 2026, the company is offering cumulative benefits of up to Rs. 1.97 lakh, with a particular focus on its flagship hybrid technology and its high-ground-clearance SUV, the Elevate. These incentives arrive at a critical juncture for Honda. With the recent Indian debut of the 2026 Renault Duster and the impending launch of the Skoda Kushaq facelift, Honda is utilizing year-end fiscal benefits…

The Indian passenger vehicle market displayed robust momentum in February 2026, with manufacturers reporting healthy year-on-year growth despite the absence of traditional festive demand triggers. According to the latest industry dispatches, total wholesale volumes rose by approximately 10.7% compared to February 2025. This growth was anchored almost exclusively by the sustained consumer appetite for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), which now command a majority share of the top-25 best-selling list. Tata Nexon Claims the Top Spot In a significant victory for Tata Motors, the Tata Nexon secured its position as India’s best-selling passenger vehicle for the second consecutive month. In February…

Mahindra & Mahindra has officially confirmed the return of its most high-profile special edition: the BE 6 Batman Edition. Following a sell-out success in August 2025, where the entire 999-unit allocation was claimed in just 135 seconds, the company has reopened bookings in response to overwhelming fan demand. The relaunched BE 6 Batman Edition is priced at Rs. 28.49 lakh (ex-showroom), representing a modest premium over its original launch price. The booking window will open on March 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM and will remain active for exactly 24 hours. Unlike the original limited run, Mahindra has indicated that production…

Renault is poised to significantly expand its footprint in the Indian sub-four-meter segment with the upcoming reveal of the Bridger SUV. Confirmed for a global debut as a concept on March 10, 2026, the Bridger is the next cornerstone of Renault’s international “Game Plan 2027.” While the new-generation Duster is scheduled for its commercial launch on March 17, the Bridger is designed to occupy the high-volume space just below it, effectively serving as a rugged, lifestyle-oriented sibling to the Renault Kiger. The name “Bridger,” derived from the English word for connection, signifies the vehicle’s role in bridging the gap between…