“I began to be part of Hyundai Motor India just when I was becoming an actor in Mumbai. At that time I don’t think there was anything like an ambassadorship or modelling for a car. To be a brand ambassador of Santro at that time was a moment of bigness for me, a great honour as Hyundai was well known in the world. In India the foreign car companies were just coming in so when I was asked to be the ambassador it was very confidence invoking.

I was also a little worried not knowing how it was going to pan out; this was in 1997. An international brand was coming to India with me. I was thinking whether I was good enough to be its ambassador. One never expected that even after 23 years we will be working together. It has been a good journey so far.

Handling Relationships

I listen to her (wife). To be honest, I have had many long associations in branding. I have been very clear that when a brand signs me on, it should be something that would go long-term. It can be long-term only if the brand is doing well. Being a brand ambassador might be fashionable and very cool but I think a brand ambassador cannot help if the product is not good. I speak from experience. I started branding and advertising as far as cinema is concerned for two products. I think I must have been the first person to do it in India on such a large scale.

Unless Hyundai is doing well I have no voice. I have been with them for 23 years because they have been able to do something good with their cars. When people say, “I’ve signed a new brand and am moving on,” I think you don’t move on unless your brand or product is not good enough. I have had discussions with a lot of people who want to bring in fresh blood but your product has to be good. Fresh blood in a brand ambassador can never do anything for a product that’s not doing well; that’s my belief. Unless you bring in something new these shifting and signing of brands is no big deal.

Cars Are Different

I remember when Y S Kim handed me the keys to the car I felt it was very technical. We used to talk about 1.6 litre engines, BHP etc, it was very different. Normally, most of the brands at that time were more lifestyle and fun so when a car came along; I think we did 5 films over 5 days for a long stretch. Everybody was going in for advertising; it was very different. Kim was very sweet. He would give me the keys and land up wherever I went. By the last ad he gave me the keys before going back to Korea saying, “Now you handle it.” Apart from that part the rest of it was very tough. To be honest I didn’t know where it was going.

From Santro To Creta

I tell everybody that I’m a Santro walla. Since I’m now the corporate brand ambassador I talk about Creta also but for me the all-time favourite is Santro; 3-4 years ago I requested the whole office to give me one. The reason for this is because I love the name. I think certain things have a great name and Santro just had one; it had a ring to it. The advertising with ‘Santrowale and Santrowala’ was very nice. Two years ago they made a special one for me

I’ll be honest in saying that I’m not a very big car person. For me cars have always meant more of transportation. Other than an extension of fashion, manhood or macho I have never been a big car fiend. Actually I have about 700 cars (miniature models) like this one in my house. I like these much better. For me it’s never been that I should get one if my friends have it. It’s a misnomer that I have a lot of luxury cars. I just use one car, which I believe should get you from one place to the other.

Liking Hyundai Cars

The finish is very nice and the cars have very clean lines; the inside is also very clean. Creta is robust and straightforward. It doesn’t have too many entanglements, looks basic and uncomplicated but at the same time sporty enough. It looks like an SUV with a minimal look without any clutter. Hyundai is quite minimalistic; the simplicity is a plus point.

I love driving. All the stunts in the films I have done myself with Hyundai cars. Now I don’t drive that much but at night I have to take my kids out for a drive. Of course I love that but there is too much traffic today, even at night. I have come here to Delhi a year and a half ago; wanted to show the kids my old house. I like the manual cars more.

Mobility As A Service

I was told that they are going into sharing and leasing. What I notice is that there was a time when people thought that learning how to drive was essential and necessary but today you don’t really need to learn to drive a car anymore, as sad as it may sound, especially to those who love driving. So how do you get around? I think you are going to utilize these services and it is fantastic for the car manufacturer to start doing this because essentially this business goes back to the people who are making the product. They are in the business of mobility so that is very good. The concept is not just to sell the car anymore but to highlight functionalities of safety, security, cleanliness, etc. It’s also as essential as selling the product. So I find my role getting more into that. As and when new things come in, like the new model Aura, my role would go more towards that. We would have to talk more on all the innovations than just the cars.” (MT)

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German automotive luxury brand Mercedes-Benz has announced its plans to integrate customer activities from vehicle sales and financial services into one organisation at the end of the year. The move aims to enhance efficiency, leverage synergies and enable system harmonisation.

A key step in this transformation is the planned merger of Mercedes-Benz Mobility (MBM AG) into Mercedes-Benz on 31 December 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Core functions of the financial services business will remain under the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services unit to meet central regulatory requirements.

Furthermore, Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility, will leave the company on 31 December 2025, at his request. Reiner began his career at the former Daimler-Benz in 1992 and held management positions, including CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility since 2019.

Harald Wilhelm, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group, responsible for Finance & Controlling and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mercedes-Benz Mobility, said, “With his visionary and value-driven leadership, Franz Reiner has shaped the development of Mercedes-Benz Mobility for more than three decades. As a true entrepreneur within the company, he combines an exceptional sense for customer needs with a strong commitment to our dealer network. Through his international experience, he has played a decisive role in advancing the success and sustainable growth of our financial services business, positioning the organisation for the future. We sincerely thank him for his outstanding dedication, integrity, and pioneering spirit, and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Peter Henn, currently President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA and Head of Mercedes-Benz Mobility North America, will assume global leadership of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services on 1st May 2026.

Until that date, Henn will continue to oversee the transformation in North America and support the relocation of the Financial Services organisation from Farmington Hills, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia.

Tolga Oktay, currently Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Controlling at Mercedes-Benz Mobility, will take interim responsibility for the Financial Services business, reporting to Harald Wilhelm.

Henn joined the company in 2007 and was appointed to the Board of Management of the former Daimler Financial Services in 2014, responsible for the Africa & Asia-Pacific region, before taking his current role.

Harald Wilhelm, added: “With Peter Henn, we are gaining an experienced and internationally minded leader to head Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Throughout his more than 25-year global career, Peter has consistently demonstrated his ability to guide teams successfully through major transformation phases and deliver strong business results – always with a clear focus on a strong company culture and the highest standards of integrity and compliance.”

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Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has added new trim and six-seater configurations for the Carens Clavis across multiple existing variants.

The Carens Clavis lineup now grows to eight trims with the addition of the new HTX(O) trim, priced at INR 1.92 million (ex-showroom). Positioned just above the HTX variant, the HTX(O) trim is exclusively available with the Smartstream G1.5 Turbo-GDi petrol engine and 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (7DCT).

The trim gets new premium features, such as – BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 Speakers. Drive Mode Select (Eco/Normal/Sport) (7DCT), Smart Key Remote Engine Start (7DCT), Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold (7DCT).

Furthermore, Kia has also introduced a six-seater configuration in the following trims:

• HTK+ (G1.5T 7DCT & D1.5 6AT)
• HTK+(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)
• HTX(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)

Atul Sood, Senior VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “Reinforcing our commitment to elevating the overall brand experience, we are happy to strengthen the Carens Clavis lineup and make every variant a compelling choice. Our customers inspire every innovation we make. And hence, with the lineup expansion we have not just introduced a new HTX(O) trim but also addressed their desire on adding the 6-seater variant options. With these additions, we wish more consumers enjoy the power of choice without compromising on their needs.”

The entire Carens Clavis lineup continues to offer high levels of safety and convenience, featuring Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features, Six Airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Kia Connect as part of its core offering.

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Jeep India has introduced the Compass Track Edition, a limited-run special edition SUV based on the well-appointed Compass Model S trim. This new variant aims to offer customers an elevated and distinctive expression of style while maintaining the brand's core focus on capability and adventure. The prices of the Compass Track Edition start at INR 2.67 million for MT, INR 2.86 million for Track AT and INR 3.05 million for Track AT 4x4 variant.

Externally, the model features a signature hood decal, Piano Black detailing on the grille and badges and the exclusive Track Edition insignia. The look is completed by striking 18-inch diamond-cut Tech Grey alloy wheels and contrasting Spruce Beige highlights, giving the SUV a differentiated road presence.

The interior boasts luxurious upgrades, including all-new Tupelo Leatherette Seats with Spruce Beige contrast stitching, Dark Espresso Smoke Chrome finishes and a Cortina leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Compass Track Edition is powered by the proven 2.0L MultiJet II Turbo Diesel engine, which delivers 170 HP and 350 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed Manual Transmission or a 9-speed Automatic Transmission, with options for both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.

The special edition also includes an extensive safety suite with over 50 standard and available safety features, such as four-channel ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control and all-speed traction control.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “With the Compass Track Edition, we’re offering our customers an even more elevated SUV experience that reflects their individuality. Every detail has been carefully designed to create a sense of exclusivity, while staying rooted in Jeep’s DNA of capability, performance and adventure.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has unveiled the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition SUV.

The company said that the Fortuner now comes with ‘refreshed styling and premium enhancements’ to deliver a sportier and more dynamic aesthetic. The launch builds on the success of the 2024 Leader Edition.

The Fortuner gets a new grille design with front and rear bumper spoilers, chrome garnish and a distinctive hood emblem. It comes with glossy black alloy wheels and dual-tone roof in black.

On the inside, the cabin features black and maroon dual-tone seats and door trims, along with convenience additions such as auto-folding mirrors and illuminated scuff plates. Safety is bolstered by the inclusion of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The SUV is driven by Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 201bhp and 500 Nm of torque. It is available in 4x2 Automatic and Manual Transmission variants. The colour options include Attitude Black, Super White, Pearl White and Silver.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, our customers’ evolving lifestyle preferences inspire us to continually refresh and enhance our offerings. We are grateful for the strong acceptance and overwhelming response to the 2024 Fortuner Leader Edition, which has further strengthened the SUV’s legacy as an icon on Indian roads. Encouraged by this trust, we are delighted to introduce the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition, an offering for those seeking a sportier, more dynamic SUV. We are confident that this refreshed edition will further delight our customers and reinforce Fortuner’s position as the benchmark in the premium SUV segment.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is offering comprehensive finance solutions for the new edition, including up to 8-year funding plans and extended warranty options.

Since its Indian debut 15 years ago, the Fortuner has sold over 300,000 units, establishing itself as a benchmark in the premium SUV segment.

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