MT Bureau
Audi once again had exciting exhibits ranging from futuristic vehicles to technologies ready for series production and technologies that defined the brand’s digital experience of the future at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The fully automated Audi AI:ME represents a personal “third living space,” alongside the homes and workplaces, that is familiar with the desires and needs of its users. Passengers can use eye tracking to communicate with the show car intuitively and have it order their favourite food, for example. They can also enjoy a wellness experience in the AI:ME. A pair of VR goggles in the car allows the occupants to enjoy a virtual flight across a spectacular mountain landscape. The technology adapts virtual content to the movements of the vehicle in real time. The result: Passengers can fully relax and get away from their hectic day-to-day lives. They return to reality when they have arrived at their destination. The ordered food was delivered on time, coordinated by the AI:ME on the basis of the users’ personal preferences and the car’s navigation data.
Intelligence Experience
A car that thinks for itself and is even empathetic? The “Audi Intelligence Experience” shows how it’s done: The car knows its users and their habits and uses intelligent functions combined with artificial intelligence to increase the passengers’ safety, wellbeing, and comfort. The self-learning navigation system is already integrated in the current generation of the MMI systems. It saves preferred destinations, connects them with the date, time, and current traffic situation, and derives suggested routes from this data. In the future, the car will also conduct a precise analysis as to the functions and settings that its user prefers, ranging from the seat position, media, route guidance, and temperature to the fragrancing of the interior. After a short time, the empathetic Audi is familiar with the users’ preferences and implements them autonomously. If desired, it even bases its settings on the users’ condition by observing their driving style and vital functions. At CES 2020 visitors could experience the basic functions of the Audi Intelligence Experience in a prototype.
Two displays, Two Innovations
A navigation arrow that points exactly into the side road where the destination is located: This became reality in an exhibit of Audi at the show with 3D mixed reality head-up display. Audi developed the new technology in cooperation with Samsung. Just like a 3D television, two views are generated of each picture: one pixel for the left eye and the neighboring pixel for the right eye. To the driver, the pictures of the 3D mixed reality head-up display appear to be floating at a distance of 8 to 10 metres; through clever representation, the apparent distance is even increased to over 70 metres. Advantage: The eyes, accustomed to a long-range view, do not have to refocus.
The transparent display on demand was a further highlight. The screen is 15 cm high, 122 cm wide and partially embedded into the instrument panel. It offers two layers: a transparent OLED display and a black layer for a particularly deep shade of black. The highlight: Sections of the display that are not required for showing information remain transparent. They give the impression of a glass pane and thus offer an unobstructed view of the road.
The Future Car
The current Audi models offer networking at its finest. The new 3rd generation modular infotainment system (MIB 3), is the core. Its main processor operates ten times faster than MIB 2. This provides significant improvements in terms of route planning and traffic forecasts, for example. Audi presented also the latest innovations in the area of lighting technology at the show. Should the driver get tired, special light can provide a remedy: Blue, cool white light, for example, has a stimulating and invigorating effect. The Audi project “Human-Centric Lighting” illustrates how the way you feel can be influenced by targeted light colours to support the passengers’ concentration and memory, for example. (MT)
Dacia Rolls Out 100,000th Bigster In Just One Year
- By MT Bureau
- February 05, 2026
Renault Group-owned European car brand Dacia has achieved a significant milestone with the rollout of the 100,000th Bigster just one year after its production began at the Mioveni facility in Romania. This impressive volume highlights the immediate and substantial demand for the brand's latest model. Even prior to its full market launch, the vehicle garnered over 13,000 pre-orders, signalling strong early interest in its proposition of a value-oriented, family-sized SUV.
The model swiftly translated this initial promise into market leadership, becoming the best-selling C-SUV to retail customers across Europe in the second half of 2025. This commercial success is mirrored in the United Kingdom, where close to 5,000 orders have been recorded. British buyers have shown a distinct preference for the efficient hybrid 155 powertrain and the generously specified Journey trim level, with Indigo Blue being the colour of choice.
Beyond sales figures, the Bigster's impact has been validated by influential industry awards, most recently at the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, where it was hailed as a definitive value champion. Designed to challenge the status quo, the Dacia Bigster, starting from GBP 25,215, successfully delivers a robust, well-equipped and practical solution for families, firmly establishing its successful position in the competitive automotive landscape.
Hyundai Motor India Reports INR 123 Billion Profit In Q3 FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- February 02, 2026
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has released its unaudited financial results for Q3 FY2026 and nine months ending 31 December 2025.
The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 123.44 billion for Q3, representing a 6.3 percent increase YoY. Revenue for the quarter reached INR 1,797.35 billion, up 8 percent compared to the same period last year. EBITDA stood at INR 2,018.3 billion, a 7.6 percent rise, supported by festive demand and the implementation of GST 2.0.
The company stated that the domestic demand was supported by wholesale volumes increasing 5 percent QoQ. The Hyundai Creta recorded sales of over 200,000 units in the 2025 calendar year, while the new Venue model has received nearly 80,000 bookings to date.
Hyundai Motor India also entered the commercial mobility segment with the Prime HB and SD taxi models. Exports grew by 21 percent YoY in Q3 FY26, accounting for 25 percent of the total sales mix.
For the nine-month period, EBITDA reached INR 6,632.5 billion, a 3.3 percent increase. EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent, up from 12.5 percent in the previous year, despite costs related to capacity stabilisation and commodity prices.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, said, “The third quarter performance underscores our resilience and strong execution of 'Quality of Growth' strategy, marked by healthy growth in volumes, revenue and profitability. Notably on a year-to-date basis, EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent as against 12.5 percent last year, supported by our efforts towards improving sales mix and prudent cost control measures. As we move ahead, the robust January’26 sales number gives us great momentum towards a healthy 2026.”
|
Particulars |
Q3 FY26 |
Q2 FY26 |
Q3 FY25 |
9M FY26 |
9M FY25 |
|
Revenue |
179,735 |
174,608 |
166,480 |
518,472 |
512,526 |
|
EBITDA |
20,183 |
24,289 |
18,755 |
66,325 |
64,211 |
|
EBITDA % |
11.2% |
13.9% |
11.3% |
12.8% |
12.5% |
|
PAT |
12,344 |
15,723 |
11,607 |
41,759 |
40,259 |
Jeep Reaffirms India Commitment With Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0
- By MT Bureau
- February 02, 2026
Stellantis-owned Jeep has announced its Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0, positioning India as a central hub for its operations in the Asia Pacific region. The plan focuses on localisation, manufacturing depth, and export expansion from the company's facility in Ranjangaon, Pune.
As part of the strategy, Jeep intends to increase localisation levels to 90 percent, up from the current 65–70 percent. This move is aimed at strengthening supply-chain resilience and cost competitiveness. The Ranjangaon plant, which has an annual capacity of 160,000 vehicles, currently exports the Compass, Meridian, and Commander to markets including Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Plans are underway to expand exports to Africa and North America.
The company plans to introduce a new vehicle lineup in India starting from 2027. In the interim, Jeep will maintain its current portfolio through refreshes and special editions. To support its customers, the brand has introduced the Confidence 7 programme, which includes a buyback scheme, pre-maintenance packages, and extended warranties.
At present, Jeep operates over 85 sales and service touchpoints across 70 cities in India. The automaker stated that in 2025, the Wrangler Willys 41 limited edition sold out within seven days. The company is also focusing on its owner community, which has reached 100,000 members, through experiential platforms and brand clubs.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO & Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, “Jeep’s 85-year legacy is built on authenticity and adventure. Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0 lays out how we will sharpen our product strategy and strengthen the customer experience year after year, driven by deeper localisation, global product alignment, expanding our vehicle offerings, and programs that deliver real value. We are equally focused on taking care of our existing customers, ensuring they receive the support, service and confidence they expect from Jeep. Success in India demands resilience and long-term commitment and we are investing with that clarity to ensure Jeep remains a brand of pride and desirability.”
Maruti Suzuki India Reports INR 37.94 Net Profit For Q3 FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- January 28, 2026
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported its financial results for Q3 FY2026.
The company reported revenue of INR 475.344 billion, as against INR 368.02 billion last year, net profit came at INR 37.94 billion, as against INR 36.59 billion last year. It is to be noted that the net profit was impacted for Q3 FY2026 was impacted due to a one-time provision of INR 5,939 million relating to new Labour Codes.
During the period, the company achieved its highest quarterly domestic sales of 564,669 units, an increase of 97,676 units over the previous year. Total sales reached 667,769 units, which included 103,100 units in exports. This performance was supported by a recovery in the car market following GST reform, with the small car segment in the 18 percent GST bracket contributing significantly to the volume increase.
For the nine-month period from April to December 2025, the company recorded its highest sales volume, net sales and net profit. Total sales volume reached 1,746,504 units, with domestic sales at 1,435,945 units and exports at 310,559 units. Net sales for this period increased to INR 1,242 billion, while net profit grew to INR 1,085 billion.
Financial statements for the period have been restated following the amalgamation of Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) with MSIL. This process took effect from 1 April 2025. The company continues to monitor market conditions as it manages its manufacturing and sales operations.
The recovery in the car market was led by the small car segment. Sales growth in this category accounted for 68,328 units of the total domestic increase. The company remains focused on domestic and export markets to maintain its sales volumes.
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT