Automotive Transformation Group (ATG) has been launched as the new entity and brand name of the recent merger between leading automotive suppliers Autofutura and GForces.

Created to revolutionise the entire vehicle sales process, the new group offers the industry’s first market-ready, global and scalable solution for consistent, automated vehicle cycle management optimisation. It will enable billions of pounds in online sales and efficiencies across the global automotive industry.

In an industry first, by integrating the data, products, services and technology across its portfolio, the company will connect car makers, financiers, dealers and consumers in the most efficient way possible, simplifying the customer journey and improving customer retention.

The commercial gains on offer are vast. Based on the 77 million new cars sold across the globe in 2020, with a value of USD 2.5 trillion, a one percent shift in e-commerce sales would equate to USD 25 billion in revenue. Additionally, the forecast for Europe in 2025 alone is EUR 357 billion.

The new group, led by CEO Christian Erlandson, already handles one transaction every 3.5 minutes (USD 4.25 billion annually) and has a depth of experience and operational scale in the industry. From its three UK offices, including its headquarters, and offices in Australia, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Vietnam and the USA, the company serves more than 20 car manufacturers in over 10,000 locations across 96 countries.

Commercially, ATG’s two brands, Autofutura and GForces, will continue to successfully manage their customers independently. However, the Group will naturally be offering the full breadth of its combined product and service portfolio to all of its current and future customers.

David Riemenschneider, Chairman, ATG, said, “The Automotive market, which is one of the largest in the world, has lagged other sectors in terms of the speed of transition to online sales, but that is changing rapidly. Until now, the cost and complexity of integrating each element of an online and offline experience into a brand-consistent omnichannel one has prevented it from being delivered at scale. The Automotive Transformation Group aims to change that. By joining up the dots, we will enable car manufacturers, financiers and retailers to unlock the huge potential and efficiencies in today’s sales process and overall value chain. And now is the time to act.”

Christian Erlandson, CEO, ATG, added, “Since we announced the merger between Autofutura and GForces, we have been engaged in strategic discussions with some of the biggest players in the industry. This demonstrates just how dynamic the automotive industry is and how fast it is shifting towards digitalisation. We offer something truly unique. By connecting vehicles and consumers, serving the right offer, at the right time, to the right customer and then facilitating the seamless transition from one vehicle to another, we are streamlining the customer journey, right from the first transaction.” (MT)

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India's automobile retail sector has entered a ‘golden festive phase,’ according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), which detailed vehicle registrations for September and the Navratri festival period in 2025.

The data reveals overall September retail sales came at 1.82 million vehicles, up 5.22 percent YoY, but the highlight was the unprecedented 34 percent surge in vehicle retail sales during the Navratri festival, which FADA dubbed a ‘Bachat Utsav’ (Savings Festival). Interestingly, compared to August 2025, the retail sales dropped by 6.98 percent.

On the other hand, the Navratri period delivered a historic high for the sector, with overall retail sales soaring by 34 percent YoY. Every major segment registered strong double-digit growth, except for Construction Equipment (CE), which declined due to heavy rains slowing activities.

• Two-wheelers led the charge with a 36 percent increase, driven by improved affordability and festive offers.
• Passenger vehicles saw a robust 34.8 percent rise, as new buyers and upgraders took advantage of lower prices.
• Commercial Vehicles (CV) grew by 14.8 percent, reflecting optimism in infrastructure and easier financing.

The remarkable festive growth is being attributed to the 'GST 2.0' tax reforms, which lowered Goods and Services Tax rates on vehicles, effectively boosting affordability for consumers.

September 2025 proved to be an unusual month, with sales remaining muted for the first three weeks. However, demand dramatically revived after 22nd September, coinciding with the implementation of the new GST rates and the start of Navratri.

Sai Giridhar, Vice-President, FADA, said, "September 2025 was an exceptionally unique month for India’s automobile retail industry. The first three weeks were largely muted, with customers holding back in anticipation of the GST 2.0 reforms. However, the dynamics changed dramatically in the final week as Navratri festivities coincided with the implementation of lower GST rates, reviving customer sentiment and accelerating deliveries across most vehicle categories."

Passenger Vehicle (PV) dealers also used the final surge to replenish stock, pushing inventory levels up to approximately 60 days in preparation for the upcoming peak sales season of Dhanteras and Deepawali.

Giridhar hailed the performance, said, "Navratri 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable chapters in India’s automobile retail journey — a true ‘Bachat Utsav’ unleashed by the visionary GST 2.0 reform. For the first time ever, dealerships across the nation witnessed record-breaking footfalls and deliveries."

Robust Outlook

FADA is highly optimistic about the near-term outlook, predicting that India is on track for its best-ever festive season. The combination of favourable factors – including an above-normal monsoon, a strong harvest, stable policy rates and the transformational impact of GST 2.0 – is set to boost consumer purchasing power across rural and urban markets.

The momentum is expected to carry through October, with Dhanteras and Deepawali forecast to deliver all-time high sales figures, ushering the Indian auto retail sector into a new phase of growth.

Lead image: For representational purposes only.

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Mercedes-Benz India has reported its most successful September on record, achieving a significant 36 percent year-on-year growth in sales. This exceptional performance is largely credited to the government's recent GST 2.0 reforms, which stimulated market demand and converted customer interest that had been deferred since mid-August into purchases. This positive momentum was particularly evident during the Navratri festival, where the company retailed 2,500-plus units, marking its highest-ever sales for the festive period.

This record-breaking September also propelled the company to its best-ever second-quarter sales performance for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total of 5,119 units sold. This quarterly success was anchored by consistent demand across two key vehicle categories. The 'Top-End Luxury' segment, including models such as the GLS, S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach, achieved a 25 percent share of total sales and grew by 12 percent year-on-year. A notable trend within this segment is hyper-personalisation, with the bespoke 'manufaktur' programme contributing to 75 percent of all top-end vehicle sales. Simultaneously, the 'Core Luxury' segment, which includes the Long-Wheelbase E-Class, GLC and GLE, maintained a dominant 60 percent penetration of overall sales and grew by 10 percent. The E-Class sedan, in particular, solidified its position as the highest-selling luxury car in India.

The company’s electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio also saw robust growth, maintaining an eight percent penetration rate and growing by 10 percent, driven by strong demand for models like the EQS SUV. However, the 'Entry Luxury' segment experienced a decline, facing stiff competition from more affordably priced alternatives in the market. Overall, the results underscore a strong market preference for Mercedes-Benz's high-end and electric vehicles, setting a new benchmark for the brand's performance in India.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz clocked its best-ever September sales owing to an overwhelming customer response following the GST 2.0 reforms, culminating the pent-up demand. Our attractive new portfolio combined with innovative financial programmes under the ‘Dream Days’ campaign, resulted in overwhelming demand for Mercedes-Benz cars in the luxury market. We expect this festive buying spirit to continue in October as well, with upcoming festivities including Dhanteras and Diwali, which traditionally witness spirited buying from customers. While there was strong demand across the portfolio, we recorded the highest ever monthly sales for key products like the Long Wheelbase E- Class, GLC, GLE, GLS and G63 AMG SUVs. The reduction in the GST rates has certainly improved customer sentiment with its appropriate timing as car prices are increasing owing to macro-economic challenges like adverse forex movement, rising operational cost etc. We hope this buoyant spirit sustains for the remaining festive season as we continue to observe market trends closely, remaining cautiously optimistic.”

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Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced the new Bolero range with prices starting INR 799,000 (ex-showroom), with the new top-end B8 variant priced at INR 969,000 (ex-showroom). The new Bolero Neo starts at INR 849,000 (ex-showroom), with the new top-end N11 variant at INR 999,000 (ex-showroom).

With a history of 25 years and over 1.6 million customers, the Bolero remains a versatile SUV, navigating diverse terrains from city streets to rural landscapes, offering adaptability and value.

The new Bolero features a new grille, fog lamps and diamond-cut alloy wheels. Inside, the Bolero offers a new 17.8 cm touchscreen infotainment & music system, steering-mounted controls and leatherette upholstery with better seat comfort. The RideFlo ride and handling tech gives better stability and control, with improved suspension. The Bolero is powered by the mHAWK75 engine delivering power of 55.9 kW and 210 Nm torque, with body-on-frame construction. The company has also introduced a new Stealth Black colour, along with existing colours.

On the other hand, the new Bolero Neo combines toughness with urban style. It features a sleek new grille with horizontal accents and dark metallic grey R16 alloy wheels. Interior theme options are Lunar Grey and Mocha Brown. Comfort features include leatherette upholstery and better seat ergonomics. It has a 22.8 cm infotainment system, a rear-view camera and a USB C-type charging port. The RideFlo tech, along with MTV-CL and Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD), ensure smooth rides. It is powered by the mHAWK100 engine delivering power of 73.5 kW and 260 Nm torque and includes cruise control and Multi-Terrain Technology (MTT) for better traction. New colours include Jeans Blue and Concrete Grey, plus three dual-tone options.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Bolero has stood the test of time, earning its place as one of India’s most versatile and tough SUVs for over 25 years. Building on this enduring legacy, the new Bolero range has been thoughtfully designed to meet the aspirations of a dynamic and rapidly evolving New India. With a perfect blend of toughness, contemporary styling, enhanced comfort, and modern features, the new Bolero and Bolero Neo deliver a powerful SUV experience that shines equally in urban environments and challenging terrains.”

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JCBL Armouring Solutions, a provider of armouring solutions in India, is entering the luxury car protection segment. The company stated it has worked on premium vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover and Defender, giving protection while maintaining vehicle performance.

India’s luxury protected vehicle segment is reporting growth at a 15–20 percent CAGR. JCBL stated its technology provides ballistic protection while preserving vehicle elegance and dynamics. The company serves VVIPs, celebrities and individuals with high net worth. It focuses on lightweight armouring that keeps strength, agility and comfort after the protection process.

Each vehicle is tested at accredited labs, including the NFSU Ballistic Research and Testing Lab and complies with certification standards from VRDE, ICAT and DRDO. The company’s R&D centre is approved by DSIR and it holds a DIPP license.

Rushank Doshi, CEO, JCBL Armouring Solutions, said, "Luxury should never come at the cost of safety. We are redefining secure mobility in India’s luxury car segment, ensuring top-tier protection without compromising elegance, performance, or craftsmanship. This reflects JCBL Group’s commitment to excellence, innovation and world-class engineering."

JCBL Armouring Solutions also reinforces vehicle components, including suspension and braking systems, to maintain performance and dynamics. Security features include run-flat tyres, bullet-resistant glasses and a reinforced structure. The company offers aftersales services, including maintenance, upgrades and training for customers on handling protected vehicles.

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