As the news of a seven-seater C-segment SUV being tested by Nissan in India gathers speed (besides the news that Renault will launch the new Duster as the Bigster in the next few months), the Renault Group and Nissan have announced new strategic projects. 
The most important of these is the restructuring of the Indian Renault Nissan Alliance entity with Renault Group buying out the 51 percent stake of Nissan, making Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) its fully owned subsidiary. 
Despite this change, Nissan will maintain its presence in India with a strong focus on enhancing market coverage. RNAIPL will continue to support Nissan’s production of models, including the New Nissan Magnite in India. 
With Nissan choosing Renault Group to develop and produce a derivative of Twingo that it has designed, the restructuring of the Indian business that was until now a well-honed alliance effort with almost equal-equal investment by both the auto makers, the Renault Group and Nissan have entered into a new alliance agreement that would increase the flexibility of each of the two regarding their cross-shareholdings. This would be done by setting the lock-up undertaking at 10 percent instead of the current 15 percent. 
Nissan would be released from its commitment to invest in Ampere while continuing the agreed product projects.
 Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, commented on the significant development: “As a long-time partner of Nissan within the Alliance and as its main shareholder, Renault Group has a strong interest in seeing Nissan turnaround its performance as quickly as possible. Pragmatism and business-oriented mindset were at the core of our discussions to identify the most effective ways of supporting their recovery plan while developing value-creating business opportunities for Renault Group. This Framework Agreement, beneficial for both parties, is the proof of the agile and efficient mindset of the new Alliance. It also confirms the attractiveness of our products with Twingo as well as our ambition to grow our business on international markets. India is a key automotive market and Renault Group will put in place an efficient industrial footprint and ecosystem.”
 “Nissan is committed to preserving the value and benefits of our strategic partnership within the Alliance while implementing turnaround measures to enhance efficiencies. Our goal is to create a more agile and effective business model that allows us to respond quickly to changing market conditions and conserve cash for future investments. We remain committed to the Indian market, delivering vehicles tailored to local consumer needs while ensuring top-notch sales and service for our existing and future customers. India will remain a hub for our research and development, digital and other knowledge services. Our plans for new SUVs in the India market remain intact, and we will continue our vehicle exports to other markets under the “One Car, One World” business strategy for India," said Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO of Nissan. 
 

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Indian automotive retail sales saw their second-best-ever performance last month, with a total of 3.17 million vehicles sold, up 25.05 percent over the previous month, but a 23.8 percent YoY decline, albeit from a high base a year ago.

As per the latest data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the shift in the festive calendar accounted for the year-on-year drop, as Navratri fell in October while Dhanteras and Diwali shifted into November.

The data pointed out that two-wheeler retail sales reached 2.32 million units, reflecting a 29.67 percent MoM increase and a 28.35 percent YoY decline. Passenger vehicle retails totalled 507,768 units, rising 18.86 percent sequentially while dropping 14.23 percent compared to the previous year. Inventory levels for passenger vehicles remained between 43 and 45 days.

Commercial vehicles recorded 115,140 units, up 2.29 percent YoY and 11.19 per cent MoM, driven by a 28.95 percent increase in heavy commercial vehicles and a 21.16 percent rise in medium commercial vehicles.

Three-wheeler registrations grew 3.97 percent YoY to 141,420 units, with electric variants accounting for approximately 63 percent of the total. Tractor sales rose 3.10 percent to 79,285 units, while wheeled construction equipment recorded a 22.07 percent YoY increase to 7,434 units. Overall electric vehicle registrations reached 355,000 units, representing an electric mobility penetration rate of 11.5 per cent.

Sai Giridhar, President, FADA, said, "October is India’s largest retail month of the year, and this year it must be read with the calendar firmly in mind. The YoY decline is almost entirely optical. Last October was an exceptional month that carried both Navratri and Deepawali together, over and above the pent-up demand released after the GST 2.0 rate cuts of 22nd September 2025; this year Navratri fell in October while Dhanteras and Diwali move into November."

"What the year-on-year numbers conceal is where the decline sits. The sharpest falls are precisely in the most Deepawali-dependent pockets – rural two-wheelers, down 33.97 percent against urban’s 20.77 percent, and the Northern markets — the very segments and regions our dealers there now expect to lead November. To our mind this is the signature of demand deferred by the festival calendar, not demand destroyed: the rural, two-wheeler-led buying that powered last October is set to land in this year’s November print." added Giridhar.

"The clearest bright spot was electrification. EV retails touched an all-time high of about 355,000 units, up 44.88 percent YoY, lifting overall EV penetration to roughly 11.5 percent from about 6 percent a year ago – a best-ever October for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles alike. Tellingly, demand ran ahead of supply this month: with petrol and diesel prices continuing to remain elevated, electric vehicle driving ranges now materially improved and EV prices increasingly at par with comparable petrol and diesel models, buyer pull strengthened to the point where availability – not demand – became the binding constraint," concluded Giridhar.

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European tier 1 supplier Marelli has confirmed the appointment of Laurent Favre as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, succeeding Frederick ‘Fritz’ Henderson, who concludes his tenure as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Favre takes over leadership as the company prepares to complete its Chapter 11 restructuring process.

Separately, the Ad Hoc Group of Lenders to Marelli announced plans to appoint Bram Schot as Chair of the Board of Marelli upon emergence from Chapter 11. Previously Chief Executive Officer of Audi, he has held senior leadership roles at Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group and holds advisory and board roles across Shell, Richemont, Cognizant and Signify.

On the other hand, Favre brings over two decades of automotive industry experience, having previously served in executive positions at ThyssenKrupp, ZF, Benteler and as CEO of Plastic Omnium (later renamed OPmobility) from 2020 to 2025.

Dinesh Paliwal, Executive Chairman, Marelli, said, "Fritz stepped into the role at a demanding moment and has led Marelli with judgement, clarity and commitment. On behalf of the Board, we thank him for everything he has done for the company, its customers and its people. Laurent brings deep knowledge of the global automotive industry and a strong record of leading complex international businesses. He understands the operational discipline needed to deliver for customers and the opportunities ahead for Marelli’s products and technologies.”

Laurent Favre said, "I am honoured to lead Marelli at this pivotal point in its history. I want to thank Fritz for his leadership and for the progress he and the Marelli team have made during a challenging period. Our immediate priority is to complete the work required for a successful emergence from Chapter 11. Emergence is a critical milestone, but the turnaround must continue beyond it. We will focus on restoring Marelli’s financial strength, improving performance across the business and strengthening customer confidence through consistent delivery."

"Beyond emergence, our ambition is to build a financially stronger, more competitive Marelli, combining operational excellence with focused innovation and profitable growth. We have talented people, strong technologies and longstanding customer relationships. I look forward to working with colleagues across Marelli to turn those strengths into lasting results and build a business our people are proud to be part of," added Favre.

Fritz Henderson said, "It has been a privilege to lead Marelli during this important period. I am proud of the progress our colleagues have made and grateful for their commitment to the business and its customers. Laurent brings extensive automotive experience and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in this industry. I wish him and the entire Marelli team every success as they take the company forward."

Bram Schot said, "Marelli has the talent, technology and customer relationships to succeed. I look forward to supporting Laurent and the team when I will take up the role as Chair following emergence from Chapter 11. Our long-term focus is clear: deliver on our commitments, strengthen customer partnerships and build a stronger, more competitive and sustainable Marelli."

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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has announced a major organisational restructuring, including the creation of a dedicated India & Middle East Region, as part of its strategy to strengthen regional management and accelerate its transformation into a mobility company. The changes will take effect from 1 January 2027.

Under the new structure, Toyota will split its existing India, Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region into two separate entities – the India & Middle East Region and the East Asia & Oceania Region. The move is aimed at enabling closer engagement with individual markets, faster decision-making and business strategies better aligned with regional growth opportunities.

Masakazu Yoshimura will continue to lead the India & Middle East Region as its Chief Executive Officer, having previously headed the combined regional operations. The newly established region will focus on strengthening its business foundation for future growth, including the launch of a new plant in India and improved coordination of businesses and functions across the region.

The restructuring reflects Toyota's emphasis on regional autonomy, with market leaders expected to make faster decisions based on local customer requirements, operating conditions and business challenges. The company said the approach would strengthen its competitiveness while advancing its transition into a mobility company.

Takanori Azuma, currently associated with Toyota's accounting and regional operations, will head the newly created East Asia & Oceania Region as CEO. The new regional structure will allow both entities to focus more closely on their respective markets and manufacturing and sales operations.

Robotics Emerges As A New Business Priority

Among the significant organisational changes is the establishment of Toyota Robotics as a company-wide organisation under direct corporate oversight. The initiative builds on Toyota's manufacturing and engineering capabilities and positions robotics as a key pillar of its future business.

Takefumi Shiga, Operating Officer and Chief Production Officer, will also head the new organisation. Toyota plans to consolidate robotics-related expertise, personnel and functions across the company to accelerate the practical application, commercialisation and deployment of robots in manufacturing and other areas.

The company said its approach would focus on developing robots as partners that complement human capabilities rather than replace jobs.

Furthermore, Toyota will also establish a Toyota Philosophy and Education Group, headed by Chairman Akio Toyoda. The new group will focus on developing future leaders and passing on Toyota's manufacturing philosophy, technical skills and organisational values through practical, hands-on learning.

In another structural change, the Carbon Neutral Engineering Development Center will be dissolved, with its functions integrated into the Powertrain Company. The consolidation is intended to strengthen the connection between technology development and product implementation, particularly in hybrid systems, while supporting Toyota's carbon neutrality ambitions.

The Frontier Research Center will also be abolished, with its functions transferred to the Advanced R&D and Engineering Company and Software Development Center to bring future technology research closer to product development and commercialisation.

Toyota will additionally reorganise its External & Public Affairs Group by integrating selected public relations and investor relations functions to strengthen corporate communications and technology messaging across Toyota, Lexus and GAZOO Racing.

Leadership Changes Across Global Markets

The restructuring also involves changes to Toyota's regional leadership. Mark Templin will become CEO of the North America Region, Sukenaga Ota will head the China Region, while Masando Hashimoto will take charge of the Asia Region. Motonobu Kawamura has been appointed President of Business Planning & Operation.

Several existing regional leaders, including Tetsuo Ogawa, Tatsuro Ueda and Masahiko Maeda, will move into Senior Fellow positions.

The changes underline Toyota's wider organisational shift towards decentralised regional management, closer integration of engineering and business development, and greater emphasis on people and technology as it pursues its transformation into a mobility company.

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Axis Bank has unveiled a suite of festive offers spanning retail lending, business banking and credit card services. The initiatives encompass home, personal, auto, two-wheeler, commercial vehicle, construction equipment and education loans, alongside working capital solutions and merchant discounts.

Auto loan provisions include 30-minute instant disbursement, a 50 percent reduction in processing fees, a 10 basis points interest rate discount on select electric vehicle models, financing of up to 100 percent of on-road prices, loan tenures of up to eight years and a waiver of foreclosure charges after 24 months.

Two-wheeler financing includes rates starting from 10.75 percent for premium motorcycles and a 0.5 percent rate discount for electric models. Commercial vehicle and construction equipment loans carry a standardised processing fee of INR 5,999.

Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank, said, "Festive spending is increasingly shaped by considered choices, whether it is buying a home, upgrading a vehicle, meeting personal needs or investing in a business. At Axis Bank, our focus is to give customers flexibility and value to act on these plans with confidence. Our festive propositions bring together competitive financing solutions across retail and business banking, helping customers make the most of opportunities that matter to them."

Arnika Dixit, Group Head of Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said, "Customers increasingly look for their cards to deliver value that is relevant to how and where they spend. During the festive period, as spending extends across different needs and occasions, relevance, choice and flexibility become even more important. Our focus is to make festive and planned purchases more rewarding, while continuing to strengthen our cards proposition around evolving customer needs. Through our wide range of festive offers, we are enabling customers to get more from their Axis Bank Credit Cards and make their spends work harder for them."

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