Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) unveiled the Innova HyCross today. The Innova HyCross is a self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV).

TKM claims that the Innova HyCross is powered by fifth generation self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric system, with a TNGA 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and a monocoque frame with an e-drive sequential shift, delivering a max power output of 137 kW (186 PS). According to TKM, this provides rapid acceleration and best in-segment fuel economy. The TNGA 2.0 litre four-cylinder gasoline engine is also mated to a direct shift CVT in select grades, delivering an output of 128 kW (174 PS).

Present at the launch in Mumbai, Hideki Mizuma, Chief Engineer, Innova, Toyota, said, “Innova has become an iconic vehicle in India’s mobility journey and is a household name. Today, we are happy to launch the all new Innova HyCross for our Indian customers. The self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle, with the spaciousness of an MPV and proportions and poise of an SUV, is loaded with features to meet the aspirations of Indian customers. This feature-packed vehicle is intended for those who seek safety and comfort while travelling and would love to be a part of the new Innova HyCross family. The latest fifth generation self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric system, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) 2.0-litre gasoline engine provides exceptional fuel efficiency, performance and quick acceleration, and is sure to be a game-changer in this segment.”

Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “It has been an amazing year as we celebrate 25 glorious years of Toyota in India. At TKM, sustainability continues to be at the core of our business and with an unprecedented increase in carbon emissions globally, we firmly believe that its HY time to shift gears for a greener future. In this direction, we have adopted clean and green solutions across all our operations and value chain, so that the green products that we offer to our customers are also manufactured in green factories. Additionally, we are relentlessly working towards creating a local manufacturing eco-system for green technologies, not only for India but also for the world. With the launch of the new Innova HyCross, we are redefining the paradigm and redrawing boundaries of technological and product excellence, while taking customer experience to a new HY like never before.”

Also present at the event, an elated Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “Ever since our inception, TKM has focused on complete peace of mind for our customers. One of our biggest success stories here has been the iconic Innova, that keeps finding continued appreciation and love, across the country. Being the undisputed leader of the MPV segment, the Innova has found its home in more than a million households in India, reflecting our core DNA of quality, durability and reliability, made possible through highly skilled global competitive manpower. Our customers’ trust in the brand has motivated us to make ever better ‘fun to drive’ cars and bring in latest global technologies to India, thereby bringing ‘mass happiness to all’. We are confident that the new Innova HyCross will carry forward the brand legacy and take customer delight to a new HY.”

Features of Innova HyCross
Designed for family needs, the Innova HyCross is a vehicle for every occasion delivering glamour, toughness, comfort, safety and advanced technology. Drawing inspiration from Toyota’s global SUV heritage, this latest vehicle features a muscular and tough design, with ample space, states TKM. This ample space provides flexible and comfortable seating for all. As per TKM, the vehicle is aimed at families wanting a vehicle that can handle rough roads, and provide a seamless, fatigue-free drive.

Other key features

Exterior features
- Panoramic sunroof
- Front grille with gun metal finish
- Automatic LED headlamps with auto high beam
- First in segment dual function Daytime Running Light (DRL)

Interior features / comfort and convenience
- The first in-segment features include a paddle shift, powered ottoman second row seats, front ventilated seats, air conditioner (dual zone – front and rear zone), rear retractable sunshade, electrochromic inner rear view mirror (EC IRVM) and power back door.

- Large TFT multi-information display
- Driver seat memory and slide return and away function
- Indirect blue ambient illumination

Infotainment system
- Connected 25.65 cm (10.1”) connected display audio with premium, JBL 9 speaker (including subwoofer)
- Toyota connected car technology - iConnect

Safety features
- TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE (TSS), which includes safety features like a dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, etc.
- 6 SRS airbags
- rear disc brakes
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and hill start assist
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto hold
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Panoramic view monitor with dynamic back guide

The Innova HyCross features a tough, muscular exterior design. TKM claims that the raised bonnet line, a large hexagonal gunmetal finish grille, automatic LED headlamps, super chrome alloy wheels and a wider bumper further enhance its sophisticated and rugged look. Also complementing the look are the bigger tyres with shorter overhangs, along with a more curved rear to augment the SUV stance. 

Moreover, according to TKM, the car provides unmatched comfort and convenience through a raised eye point and the newly-introduced Ventilated Front Seats that take care of the hot Indian summers. For the second row, the 25.65 cm (10.1″) connected display audio with JBL premium nine speaker system (including subwoofer), segment-first powered Ottoman second row seats and multi-zone A/C combine, offer a luxurious experience. TKM states that the flat floor design, wheelbase of 285 cm (longest in the segment) and platform width enhancement further ensure a spaciousness for extended family and friends to travel together. Additionally, the power back door and tilt-down seats ensure maximum space utilisation and enhanced luggage space.

As per TKM, the Innova HyCross is available in super white, platinum white pearl, silver metallic, attitude black mica, sparkling black pearl crystal shine, avant grade bronze metallic and a new colour – blackish ageha glass flake. The Interiors in black and with two new colours – chestnut and black and dark chestnut – reflect a premium impression.

TKM states that the car offers a warranty of three years/100,000 kilometres and an option of extended warranty of up to five years/220,000 kilometres, three years free roadside assistance, attractive financial schemes and eight years/160,000 kilometres warranty on the hybrid battery.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Eicher Trucks & Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has successfully completed a landmark journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari (K2K) with its Eicher Pro X EV.

The expedition, titled #XpertHaiTohPossibleHai, saw the electric commercial vehicle become the first and fastest in its category to traverse the 4,100-kilometre route under fully loaded conditions.

Starting from Lal Chowk, Srinagar, and concluding at the southern tip of India in six days, the journey was independently adjudicated by the India Book of Records, resulting in four new national records. The initiative was designed to address industry concerns regarding range anxiety, charging infrastructure and the operational reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) in the B2B sector.

The journey tested the vehicle across India’s most diverse terrains and climates, including the Himalayas, the Deccan Plateau and coastal ghats. The Eicher Pro X EV travelled through temperatures ranging from -2deg Celsius to 40deg Celsius. The EV relied entirely on public charging stations, coordinated through the MyEicher App. The trip was conducted with the vehicle at full load capacity to simulate authentic logistics operations.

Abhishek Chaudhary, SVP, SCV - Sales & Marketing, VECV, said, “The K2K milestone is a strong validation of the Eicher Pro X EV’s engineering capability under real-world operating conditions. The initiative not only builds confidence in electric mobility as an economical source of providing logistical solution but also strengthens trust through proof, not promise.”

Eicher collaborated with commercial vehicle influencer Raman Nayak (Behind The Wheels) and a network of regional creators to document the journey. The multi-episode series focused on the practicalities of EV ownership, such as route planning and terrain management, presented in local languages to reach a broader demographic of fleet operators.

Bhagwan K. Bindiganavile, EVP – Strategic Planning, Brand & Communications, VECV, said, “In the commercial vehicle industry, trust is built through proof. Taking a production vehicle on a journey of this scale was a deliberate move to move beyond conventional marketing and demonstrate capability in a real, unfiltered and conclusive manner.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bengaluru-headquartered electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy has announced that its first family electric scooter, the Rizta, has crossed the 300,000-unit sales milestone within just two years of its April 2024 launch.

The e-scooter has become Ather’s primary volume driver, significantly accelerating the company's growth in both its home markets and new regions.

The Rizta reached 200,000 units in December 2025 and added the most recent 100,000 units in just five months, reflecting a rapid surge in demand for family-focused electric mobility.

The Rizta has been instrumental in Ather’s ‘Middle India’ strategy, focusing on states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. In these regions, Ather's market share shot up from 4.1 percent (Q1 FY25) to 17.3 percent (Q4 FY26). In Northern states, including Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, market share grew more than threefold during the same period.

In its home base of Southern India, the Rizta helped Ather retain its leadership position, contributing to a regional market share of 23.5 percent in Q4 FY26.

Interestingly, nearly 70 percent of Rizta owners are families with children, moving away from Ather's traditional enthusiast-only demographic. The e-scooter's success is attributed to its 56-litre total storage, spacious seat and safety features like SkidControl. In FY2026, the Rizta accounted for approximately 76 percent of Ather’s total sales volume.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Since its launch, the Rizta was sharply positioned as a family scooter and has resonated extremely well with the family audiences across the country. The Rizta has helped us gain a leadership position in FY2026 in Southern India. Additionally, the Rizta has played a crucial role in expanding our market share in ‘middle India’ by 4X since its launch in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. In FY '26 the Rizta constituted about 76 percent of our portfolio and continues to lead our growth.”

Ather has maintained strong customer engagement through its AtherStack software. In September 2025, the company released AtherStack 7 via an over-the-air (OTA) update. This update introduced a touchscreen interface for existing Rizta Z models, pothole alerts & voice commands and advanced safety features including crash alerts, ParkSafe tow-zone detection and LockSafe theft prevention.

This milestone comes as Ather prepares to enter the mass-market segment with its upcoming EL platform and expands production capacity through its Factory 3.0 facility at AURIC, Maharashtra.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyroad Energy has entered into an agreement with Toyota Motor North America to deploy 40 hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 trucks in Southern California. The announcement took place at the ACT Expo, where the companies outlined a framework covering vehicles, software, and fuel supply.

As per the understanding, Hyroad will provide the trucks along with maintenance and data services for Toyota’s logistics operations. On the other hand, Toyota will supply the hydrogen fuel via its refuelling infrastructure currently being developed in Ontario, California.

The fuel cell trucks offer a claimed driving range of up to 500 miles (804km) and refuelling time of 15-20 minutes, comparable to diesel vehicles. However, the trucks emit only water vapour. Each Class 8 truck carries approximately 70 kg of hydrogen, equivalent to the capacity of 12 Toyota Mirai sedans.

Hyroad operates as an equipment-agnostic provider, bundling vehicle procurement, maintenance and fleet management software. In August 2025, the company acquired 117 hydrogen trucks and intellectual property assets from the Nikola Corporation bankruptcy auction. It now provides parts and support services for existing Nikola truck owners alongside its own fleet operations.

“Accelerating the hydrogen economy requires collaboration, and Toyota is proud to work with Hyroad to move the heavy-duty sector forward,” stated Toyota in a release.

Dmitry Serov, Founder & CEO, Hyroad Energy, said, “Toyota has done exactly what great allies do — they've brought genuine hydrogen expertise to the table and made thoughtful, strategic decisions. They're not waiting for someone else to build this ecosystem. They're investing in it directly, and that's what makes this meaningful. When fuelling, vehicles, software and operational commitment all come together, hydrogen trucking works."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

BYD has claimed the title of the United Kingdom’s leading electric vehicle brand for 2026, surpassing established rivals including Tesla, BMW, KIA and Volkswagen. Official figures show the Chinese automaker has registered 12,754 battery-electric cars since the start of the year. This achievement is particularly notable as BYD has simultaneously become the top choice among private EV buyers, a feat accomplished despite being excluded from the government’s official Electric Car Grant scheme.

The brand’s broader success extends to its plug‑in hybrid lineup, marketed under the DM‑i dual‑mode intelligent system. Combining fully electric and hybrid sales, BYD has delivered 26,396 new energy vehicles in the UK year‑to‑date, capturing a 9.5 percent share of the national market. Three DM‑i models are currently available – SEAL U, SEAL 6 and SEALION 5 – with the ATTO 2 and additional models scheduled to arrive soon. The overall UK EV market has expanded by 22 percent, reflecting rising consumer appetite for sustainable transport.

BYD DOLPHIN SURF

BYD SEAL

Bono Ge, Country Manager, BYD UK, said, “With fuel prices remaining high, more drivers are turning to electric vehicles as a smarter and more economical choice. We are delighted to see the UK EV market grow by 22 percent year-on-year, and even more proud that BYD has become the UK’s leading EV brand in a little over three years. At BYD, we are committed to delivering outstanding value through high-tech electric vehicles that combine innovation, quality and affordability. But our ambition goes beyond building great cars.

“We are also bringing advanced technologies that unlock the full value of electrification, including Vehicle-to-Grid solutions that can help customers optimise energy use and reduce costs. In parallel, BYD has been deploying home and utility-scale energy storage solutions to support a more efficient and affordable energy ecosystem. Looking ahead, we also plan to introduce our breakthrough FLASH Charging, capable of charging a vehicle from 10 percent to 97 percent in just nine minutes.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!