Eicher Motors Reports INR 55.15 Billion Net Profit For FY2026

Eicher - RE

Eicher Motors, one of the leading manufacturers of two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, has announced its financial results for Q4 FY2026 and FY2026.

During Q4 FY2026, Royal Enfield sold 313,811 motorcycles, up 12 percent YoY, while VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) reported sales of 33,976 units, as against 28,675 units a year ago.  The company reported INR 60.8 billion revenue, up 16 percent YoY, EBITDA of INR 15.14 billion, up 20 percent YoY and net profit of INR 15.20, up 12 percent YoY for Q4 FY2026.

For FY2026, Royal Enfield reported its highest-ever annual sales, surpassing 1.2 million units, up 22 percent YoY, which includes 1.10 million units in the domestic market, up 23 percent YoY.

The revenue came at INR 234 billion, up 24 percent YoY, EBITDA at INR 57.8 billion, up 23 percent YoY and profit after tax of INR 55.15 billion, up 17 percent YoY.

B. Govindarajan, Managing Director - Eicher Motors and CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “FY2026 has been an exceptional year for Eicher Motors and Royal Enfield, marked by strong growth, record volumes, and a continued focus on our global ambitions during our 125th anniversary. We achieved over one million motorcycle sales for the second consecutive year and recorded our best-ever festive season, with record volumes in both domestic and international markets. We also marked a major milestone in April ‘26 with our entry into the electric mobility space via the launch of the Flying Flea C6. International business remains a key priority as we steadily deepen our presence in markets like Brazil. This year, we also took the brand into new cultural spaces - ranging from gaming collaborations to marquee community rides - that strengthen our global identity. To power our next phase of growth, we have committed to significant investments, including the brownfield capacity expansion at Cheyyar with INR 9.58 billion and our strategic expansion plan at Tada in Andhra Pradesh, both aimed at building future-ready capacity to support our long-term projected growth.”

B Srinivas. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, VECV, said, “Crossing the milestone of 1,00,000 vehicles in a year is a significant achievement for VECV and reflects the trust our customers have placed in our products and solutions. This milestone also fulfills a key part of the original vision set at the inception of the Volvo–Eicher joint venture, underscoring the strength and long-term strategic direction of our partnership. During the year, VECV launched several innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving Indian CV Industry -including the Eicher Pro X Small Truck for city distribution, 12 m Eicher electric intercity coach, electric Tarmac Buses and the Volvo FM LNG Road Train specially designed for long haul logistics. As we move forward, we remain committed to driving the next phase of growth through innovation, sustainability, and deeper customer engagement.”

Jean-Philippe Salar

French automotive major Renault India has further deepened its India commitment with strengthening of its design team in the country.

The company has roped in Jean-Philippe Salar as the new Design Director at Renault Design Centre India. He succeeds Julien Sabatier, who is set to take on the role of Head of Design Factory India and UI Management.

Sabatier led the Design Studio for the last three years and, on his part, was instrumental in setting up Renault’s Design Studio in India as part of the French automakers ‘renault. rethink’ strategy. He delivered over 10 projects for Renault for both India and Europe market and played a key role in the introduction of the new Duster SUV in India.

In his new role, he will focus on developing and industrialising future projects and implementing UI (User Interface) functions in India.

Salar is a Renault Group veteran having started his journey with the French automotive brand in 1996, and has extensive design experience across brands such as Renault, Dacia, LADA and Mobilize.

The design centre is part of the company’s ‘design in India’ and ‘make in India’ strategy. It functions as a hub of excellence, particularly due to its proximity to Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI).

MG Unveils Future Roadmap, New Plug-in Hybrid System At Tech Day 2026

SolidCore Battery Tech

China’s SAIC Motor-owned British marquee brand MG has unveiled its technology roadmap centred on its next-generation Plug-in Hybrid+ systems, SolidCore battery integration and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at MG Tech Day at its UK headquarters in London.

The automaker unveiled its new Plug-in Hybrid+ system, which features 1.1-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines. The company states that it achieves thermal efficiencies exceeding 42 percent. The powertrain incorporates a hybrid transmission with two technologies: Power Split and Motor Decoupling. The latter isolates the generator during electric driving to improve energy efficiency.

The first model to feature this system will be the MG ZS Plug-in Hybrid+, scheduled for launch in 2027.

MG also confirmed the introduction of its SolidCore battery across future Plug-in Hybrid+ models. This semi-solid-state technology is designed to provide consistent power delivery and range stability across various temperatures and driving conditions. The battery will debut in three upcoming B, C and D-segment SUVs.

Furthermore, MG is refining its driving assistance technologies using data collected from over 1.2 million kilometres of driving across 24 European countries.

The One Touch iAD system for parking is production-ready, supporting scenarios such as kerbside parking, reverse paths of up to 100 metres and exit manoeuvres in tight spaces.

A highway assistance system capable of managing motorway entry, exit and lane changes is scheduled for a late 2027 debut in a new MG SUV. Urban NOA capabilities are planned for 2028.

Lastly, the company is conducting Level 4 Robotaxi trials across Europe, the Middle East and China to support long-term mobility research.

MG company stated that these developments reflect a focus on ‘making advanced technology more accessible, useful and relevant for everyday drivers.’

Peugeot Partners Strate School Of Design To Support Future Mobility Designers

Peugeot - Strate School of Design

Stellantis-owned Peugeot and the Strate School of Design have formed a partnership to focus on design and innovation within the automotive sector. Through this collaboration, students will work on projects related to mobility, user experience and technology under the guidance of Peugeot design experts and Strate faculty.

The initiative aims to provide Peugeot with access to student designers while offering students experience in the automotive industry. The projects are intended to act as a laboratory for mobility solutions.

Matthias Hossann, Design Director, Peugeot, said, "This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing academia and industry closer together, in order to foster innovative solutions to the challenges of sustainable mobility. It also enables us to engage with and support young design talents from the earliest stages of their educational journey."

Mike Levy, Head of the Transportation and Mobility Design Department, Strate School of Design, said, "This collaboration provides our students with an exceptional opportunity to confront the realities and ambitions of an industry undergoing profound transformation. By working alongside an internationally renowned automotive design team celebrated for its boldness, they gain first-hand experience of its methodologies, expertise, and high standards. In return, it offers PEUGEOT valuable insight into how this new generation of designers envisions its design practice, its perception of the brand, its relationship with mobility, and the future narratives that shape it."

The partnership is intended to combine academic and industrial perspectives to develop designers for future mobility and vehicle projects.

India Becomes Fastest Growing Market Globally For BMW Says Hardeep Brar

Hardeep Brar - BMW

BMW Group India has surged to the top of the luxury car retail charts in the first half of CY2026, overtaking its closest rival in a significant milestone for the company. The company sold a total of 9,075 vehicles  between January and June 2026, a 17 percent YoY increase.

In an interaction with Motoring Trends, Hardeep Brar, President & CEO, BMW Group India, attributed this success to a potent combination of new product launches and shifting consumer preferences towards electric vehicles amid global fuel price volatility.

“A couple of factors played very well for us. So firstly, we launched 11 new models and second thing, because of the West Asia crisis, an increase in fuel prices, a lot of narrative got shifted towards EVs; a lot of people are preferring to buy EVs versus diesel now,” said Brar.

The company’s aggressive product offensive has been central to its performance. With 11 models already launched in the H1 against the planned 25 product offensive for the year, BMW is capitalising on both traditional and emerging powertrains. Brar expressed strong confidence for the remainder of the year, noting an even more exciting pipeline ahead.

“So that gives us more confidence and EV story is only getting stronger with every passing day. I think we have reached an inflection point; people are really loving the EVs that we are introducing,” he remarked.

BMW’s EV penetration stands at an impressive 26 percent within the luxury segment, significantly ahead of the luxury average of around 14 percent and the broader industry’s 6 percent.

Brar highlighted that removing ‘BMW from the luxury equation drops the segment’s EV share to 8-9 percent, underscoring the brand’s leadership in electrification.’

Responding to the key factors driving EV adoption in the luxury space include near price parity between petrol and electric variants, ranges exceeding 500 km (with next-generation models targeting 800 km), and innovative customer assurances.

“EV customers have a lot of anxiety in terms of residual resale value. So, we have a program where we give an assured buyback to the customer that after three years you will get 60 percent of the value. And that is really playing and that is giving them confidence,” Brar explained.

MINI’s Remarkable Revival

On the other hand, the MINI brand has also delivered exceptional results. After selling approximately 730 units last year, BMW India launched the locally produced Countryman C last month at INR 4.75 million, passing on cost benefits to customers. The response was overwhelming, with 150 units sold in the first month alone.

“We are growing at almost 70 percent for MINI in H1 CY2026 and we want to double the volumes of 730 units last year and are looking at 1,500 units for MINI in CY2026,” Brar stated.

Localisation, Dealer Dynamics and Manufacturing Focus

On localisation, the company maintains an average of 50 percent, slightly higher for internal combustion engine (ICE) models than EVs, with ongoing efforts to deepen content in battery technology as more local players emerge.

Addressing dealer profitability concerns around EVs, which typically require less aftersales maintenance, Brar noted strong upfront margins due to high demand. “Dealer doesn’t lose any money on selling the new car. Whereas petrol and diesel have an oversupply and thus they are able to make far more money on the electric vehicle.”

He confirmed that discounting remains absent on EVs, with waiting periods stretching to three months owing to robust demand.

India’s rising importance in BMW’s global portfolio was a recurring theme. “India is one of the fastest-growing markets for BMW across the globe. This year, India is at No. 1 in terms of growth globally,” Brar said.

The company has moved into the global top 20 markets, prompting increased focus from headquarters.

Going forward, BMW Group India plans to produce 20,000 cars this year, up from 18,000 units last year, with ongoing investments in production lines and AI for efficiency. A significant INR 4 billion investment is earmarked for the retail network across CY2025–2027.

The second half of 2026, will see BMW Group India introduce 14 additional launches, including electric vehicles, sedans and SUVs, maintaining strong momentum.

Sharing his views on the sedan segment, Brar said that it continues to hold a robust 35 percent share of BMW’s sales, far above the industry’s 9-10 percent, reflecting enduring customer preference for the brand’s driving dynamics.

When asked about key challenges and opportunities, Brar outlined a balanced view.  “In terms of headwinds, forex is an issue because it is deteriorating. And with every one rupee deterioration, it impacts our bottom line by 1 percent.” He also flagged the risk of sudden shifts away from diesel potentially creating inventory challenges.

On the flip side, “The accelerating EV transition, rapidly growing demand from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and continuous improvement in brand and customer experience becoming better with every passing day. So that I see as another very, very strong tailwind for us,” concluded Brar.

Despite broader manufacturing sector concerns around labour shortages, BMW reports no significant issues, thanks to proactive AI and automation initiatives.

LUXURY CAR SALES IN INDIA
Brand H1 CY2026 Change (In %) Market Share (in %)
BMW Group India 10,043 15% 38%
Mercedes-Benz 9,472 -3% 35%
Land Rover 3,039 -5% 11%
Audi 2,182 3% 8%
Volvo 874 4% 3%
Lexus 759 3% 3%
Porsche 319 -22% 1%
Total 26,688 4% 100%

Data source: Vahan