German luxury car manufacturer Audi has launched its high-performance luxury SUV – the Audi RS Q8 Performance – in India at price starting INR 24.9 million.

The luxury SUV comes with a 10-year complimentary Road Side Assistance service, along with attractive comprehensive maintenance and service packages.

The Audi RS Q8 is powered by a 4.0L V8 TFSI engine, delivering 640 hp and 850 Nm of torque. It can accelerate 100 kmph in 3.6 seconds, with an optional top speed of 305 kmph.

The eight-speed Tiptronic transmission ensures seamless shifts, while quattro all-wheel drive with a sport differential provides superior traction and handling. It features adaptive air suspension with active roll stabilisation to enhance ride quality, while RS ceramic brakes, available in Blue, Red, or Anthracite callipers, ensure precise stopping power.

The RS Q8 is equipped with HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light, and an RS roof edge spoiler. The standard R23 wheels in 6-Y-twin-spoke Matt Neodymium Gold add a bold touch, with additional options in Black Metallic or Silk Matt Gray.

On the inside, a 4-zone climate control, power-adjustable ventilated front seats with massage and a panoramic sunroof make the Audi RS Q8 a luxury on wheels.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The launch of the Audi RS Q8 Performance marks a significant milestone in our commitment to bringing the very best of Audi performance cars to India. With its impressive combination of power, sophistication, and everyday usability, the new Audi RS Q8 Performance is designed for customers who demand the ultimate in performance without compromising on luxury. The overwhelming response to our RS models in India has encouraged us to continue expanding our performance car portfolio, especially for our younger customers who make up nearly half of our Audi RS Q8 clientele.”

South Korean automotive major Kia India has attained a new milestone of rolling out its 1.5 millionth vehicle – Carens SUV – from its Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. What’s more, the company also announced that it will launch the newest iteration of Kia Carens SUV on 8 May, which it said will be loaded with tech and safety features.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “Rolling out our 1.5 millionth 'Make in India' vehicle is a proud and emotional moment for Kia India and every partner who has been a part of this journey. From the very first Seltos to the 1.5 millionth Carens today, each car stands as a testament to the trust, love, and support of our customers and partners. We are deeply grateful for this association and look forward to continuing our pursuit of automotive excellence. The future of Kia India looks bright as we remain steadfast in driving innovation, offering industry-leading products, and shaping the mobility landscape in India.”

Interestingly, the Anantapur facility has so far manufactured over 700,668 units (46.7 percent) of Seltos, followed by 519,064 units (34.6 percent) of the Sonet, 241,582 units (16.1 percent) of the Carens, 23,036 units (1.5 percent) of the Syros and 16,172 units (1.1 percent) of the Carnival.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest car maker, has announced its financial results for FY2025.

The company, with sales of 2.23 million vehicles, clocked revenue of INR 1,451 billion in FY2025, up 7.5 percent YoY, as against INR 1,349 billion for the same period last year.

The net profit came at INR 139 billion, up 5.6 percent YoY, as against INR 132 billion last year.

During the year, the company recorded its highest-ever annual sales and exports. What’s more, Maruti Suzuki India continued to be the top exporter for the fourth consecutive year with a share of 43 percent of total passenger vehicle exports from the country.

JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its Hector SUV is now certified for E20 fuel (20 percent Ethanol blended) petrol. The E20 fuel-compliant Hector SUV will be available in 1.5 L Petrol MT and CVT variants, aligning with India’s mandate for E20-compliant petrol-fuelled vehicles manufactured post 1 April 2025. The price for Hector SUV starts at INR 1.39 million (ex-showroom India).

Rakesh Sen, Director Sales, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The enduring popularity of the Hector highlights its outstanding quality and an alignment with our customers' needs. The introduction of the E20-compliant version demonstrates in no uncertain terms our commitment to innovation and sustainability in everything we do. We aim to provide vehicles that not only satisfy customer expectations but also play a vital role in fostering a more greener automotive future.”

Launched in 2019, the MG Hector was touted as the country’s first Internet SUV and offered features such as dual pane panoramic sunroof and a segment-best 14-inch HD infotainment system and more than 70 connected car features.

As part of its ‘Midnight Carnival’ marketing campaign, JSW MG Motor India invites car buyers to visit MG Motor showrooms open until midnight every weekend for a limited time to purchase the Hector SUV. What’s more, 20 lucky MG Hector buyers stand a chance to win a trip to London, along with exclusive benefits worth up to INR 400,000. 

Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has added another feather to its cap with the Nexon.EV extending its 5-star safety rating in Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP).

The automaker has been actively pursuing safety as a critical parameter in its passenger vehicles, with the Nexon SUV being the first vehicle manufactured in India to have scored 5-star rating at Global NCAP way back in 2018.

Going forward, the company has continued to strengthen its portfolio with actively getting its vehicles assessed in Global NCAP as well as Bharat NCAP protocols.

In June 2024, Tata Motors’ Punch.ev became the first electric vehicle in India to bag the 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP. And now, the company continued the tradition with the Nexon.ev continuing to sport the badge of 5-star safety rating.