South Korean automotive major Hyundai Motor India has outlined a new investment of INR 6.94 billion towards stamping tool and panel production for vehicles.

The passenger vehicle maker aims to strengthen its domestic footprint along with the foundation of manufacturing by establishing the infrastructure of stamping tool.

This the company believes will drive stability in its supply chain as it will be able to have in-house access to stamping tool and the manufacturing of vehicle panels.

Currently, Hyundai Motor India works with over 194 vendors that has enabled it to localise more than 1,238 parts. This has enabled the company to save around USD 672 million in 2019. In fact, the company’s newest electric vehicle offering the Creta Electric SUV already comes with about 92 percent localised parts.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has been recognised as the ‘Top Exporter 2023-2024’ by the Mumbai Port Authority for shipping one of the highest numbers of vehicles in the period.

The automaker has been exporting made-in-India cars for more than two decades and has till date has shipped over 675,000 vehicles and counting.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India shared that in FY2023-2024, it exported over 43,000 vehicles manufactured in India to more than 26 countries across Asia, Africa and North America. This includes Volkswagen Virtus, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. In 2024, the company exported 40 percent of the total vehicles produced in India to other countries.

Furthermore, the automaker is also exporting parts and components to Vietnam from its Parts Expedition Centre in Pune to support local vehicle assembly in the region.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “We are honoured to receive this award. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and the growing global presence of cars engineered and manufactured in India. Over the years, we have demonstrated our capabilities as a key export hub, and we remain dedicated to strengthening India’s role in the global automotive industry. We extend our gratitude to the port authorities, our dedicated teams, partners, and stakeholders who have made this success possible. As we look ahead, we will continue to explore additional export opportunities while maintaining the momentum into 2025.”

Image for representational purpose only.

Chennai-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company (TVS Motor Co) has announced its wholesales for March 2025 and FY2025.

The company reported its two-wheeler sales came at 400,120 units last month, which marked a 16 percent growth YoY, this includes 297,622 units in the domestic market, up 14 percent YoY.

The motorcycle sales came to 196,734 units, while scooter sales came to 166,297 units, marking a growth of 15 percent and 27 percent YoY, respectively. The electric vehicle sales came at 26,935 units, up 77 percent YoY.

On the other hand, the three-wheeler sales at 14,567 units marked a 44 percent growth for the company.

TVS Motor Co reported its highest-ever yearly sales in FY2024-25. The company sold a total 4.74 million vehicles, up 13 percent, as against 4.19 million vehicles in FY2024. This includes 4.33 million two-wheelers, up 12 percent from the 3.85 million units sold last year. Three-wheeler sales came to 146,000 units, up 8.14 percent, as against 135,000 units last year.

Dr Tapan Sahoo has taken over a new role of head of digital enterprise, information and cyber security at Maruti Suzuki. Last year, he was elevated to the position of Executive Director, Engineering. In his new role, Dr Sahoo will focus on innovating business practices and enhancing customer experiences as well as operational excellence through the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI/ ML, AR/VR, industry x.0 etc. He will also focus on machine learning technologies besides commitment to strategic collaborations with startups and academia that could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the value chain.
With over three decades of rich experience in product development, vehicle engineering, design, cost and programme management, Dr Sahoo has been instrumental in transforming concepts into tangible product innovations and championing supplier capability development. The culmination of this vast and varied experience should help Maruti Suzuki's digital transformation agenda, ensuring customer satisfaction and cutting-edge technology at the core of the business strategy.

Maruti Suzuki has appointed Sunil Kakkar as an Additional Director and Whole-Time Director (designated as director, corporate planning) for a period of three years, effective 1 April 2025 and till 31 March 2028. 

With over 35 years of experience at Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), Kakkar is currently heading the corporate planning vertical. He is also a key member of the executive committee. Holding leadership positions at Maruti Suzuki over the many years of his career at the automaker, including as head of the supply chain vertical and as the Gurgaon plant head (production operations), Kakkar has played key roles in the establishment of supply chains for some of the most strategic projects demanding deeper localisation. 

He has also been instrumental in the formation of joint ventures with companies from Japan, Italy and France for projects like controllers, AMT tech, plastic fuel tanks and high-tensile sheet metal tech.

The first time that Suzuki Motor Corporation has nominated an Indian employee of Maruti Suzuki Limited to the respective position, Kakkar – appointed in a board of directors meeting held on 26 March 2025 – will focus on regulatory compliance requirements and strengthening corporate governance.