Škoda Auto and Thanh Cong Group have started assembling the Kushaq in Vietnam from 26 March 2025. The Slavia will also be assembled at the same facility from summer of this year. Both the vehicles will be assembled from completely knocked down (CKD) kits that will be sent from India, capitalising on geographical synergies. 
The Kushaq and Slavia will be offered in the Vietname market along with the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs that are imported from Europe. The plant in Quang Ninh province of Vietnam is a modern facility and was built in collaboration with the Thanh Cong Group, which is not only the local partner of Skoda but also an investor. 
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, stated, “Opening this new assembly line marks a milestone in our expansion into the rapidly growing Vietnamese market and strengthens our position in the ASEAN region. By leveraging synergies with our key Indian market, we are setting the stage for success not only for Škoda but also for our local partner, Thanh Cong Group. I look forward to putting the first Škoda vehicles from the Vietnamese plant in front of customers very soon.”
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, averred, “The new state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities fully reflect Škoda’s high manufacturing benchmarks. The plant is located in Quang Ninh province, close to the port of Haiphong – one of Vietnam’s largest and most modern ports. This ensures the swift delivery of CKD kits from our logistics hub in Pune, India, while also strengthening the synergies that are vital to Škoda’s success in Vietnam and the wider region.”
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Board of Thanh Cong Group, mentioned, “The first Škoda Auto plant in Vietnam is the core project in the Thanh Cong Viet Hung Automotive and auxiliary Complex which has been well-planed and invested by Thanh Cong Group and aims to foster European automotive collaboration, enhance production and technology, and manufacture a diverse range of products, including new energy vehicles and electric vehicles, specialized and custom designs vehicles in the future.”

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.

Pune-headquartered component supplier Kinetic Engineering has announced that it has got the necessary approvals from stakeholders to invest INR 1.77 billion, which includes INR 550 million by 31 March 2025.

The investment is being made towards capital expenditure, tooling and overall growth initiatives. A significant investment is being earmarked for Kinetic Watts and Volts, the company’s subsidiary focused on the electric vehicle market.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman, Kinetic Group, said, "I am deeply committed to the success and resurgence of Kinetic Engineering. This investment marks a significant step in our journey of growth and transformation. We are focused on unlocking new opportunities, strengthening our market position, and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. We invite our investors to be part of this exciting phase and contribute to Kinetic Engineering’s dynamic and prosperous future."

Furthermore, the promotors are looking to increase their stake in the company to 70 percent from existing 59 percent by FY2027.

Lead image for representational purpose only.

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.