“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)

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the limited Stealth Edition for its Harrier and Safari SUVs.

Marking 27 years of the Tata Safari, the Stealth Edition will be limited to just 2,700 units for both the vehicles. They feature all Matte Black finish, R19 Black Alloy Wheels and a Stealth mascot. On the inside, the first- and second-row ventilated seats get Carbon-Noir Theme (2nd row only in Safari) and voice-assisted dual-zone automatic climate control system.

A 31.24 cm Harman Touchscreen Infotainment System, Arcade App Store for entertainment, Alexa Home 2 Car for remote connect, Inbuilt Map my India for navigation, a 26.03 cm Digital Instrument Cluster and JBL 10-speaker audio system with Harman AudioworX, Sliding Arm-rest and Sprinkler Nozzle are on the offer too.

They continue to be powered by the Kryotec 2.0-litre BS6 Phase 2 Turbocharged Engine, delivering 170PS through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Stealth Edition features Level 2+ ADAS with 21 functionalities including Intelligent Speed Assist feature (first time in segment), 7 airbags and ESP with 17 safety functions.

The Harrier Stealth edition can be had with price starting INR 2.50 million (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Safari Stealth edition (6- and 7-seater) is priced at INR 2.57 million (ex-showroom Delhi).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Tata Motors has long been at the forefront of the SUV segment in India, with innovation deeply embedded in its DNA. The Tata Safari, which introduced the concept of a lifestyle SUV to the Indian market, stands as a testament to this spirit of pioneering excellence. With 27 years of unbeatable legacy, the Tata Safari has continually evolved, and the launch of the Stealth Edition is a salute to the same. This special edition is a premium, exclusive release, with only 2,700 units of the enigmatic Stealth Matte Black finish being made available. The STEALTH Edition is more than just an SUV — it's a statement of prestige, adventure, and capability, elevating it to an aspirational collector’s car that will be coveted by enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Owning a Stealth Edition isn’t just about possessing an exceptional car; it's about securing a piece of automotive history that everyone will aspire to have in their garage.’’

Kia India, a leading passenger vehicles manufacturer, has unveiled the refreshed 2025 Seltos SUV with prices starting INR 1.11 million (ex-showroom India).

The company has also introduced eight new variants across the Smartstream G1.5 and D1.5 CRDi VGT engine options. This means customers can now choose between 24 trims across different variants.

The HTE(O) variant, priced at INR 1.11 million, includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-speaker audio system and a steering wheel with audio controls. It also features a rearview mirror, a connected tail lamp similar to the HTK design, DRL/PSTN LED lamps, a rear combi LED and an auto-control headlamp for optimal lighting. All-door illuminated power windows further add convenience.

The HTK(O) variant, starting at INR 1.29 million, includes a panoramic sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, a roof rail and a rear wiper with washer & defogger. It also comes with cruise control, all-door illuminated power windows, a mood lamp with sound integration and a smart key with a motion sensor.

The HTK+(O) variant, priced at INR 1.43 million, comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and an EPB IVT with the Zbara Cover AT. It features MFR LED headlamps with a turn signal LED sequence, LED fog lamps, a black radiator grille, auto-fold ORVMs and a parcel tray. Other additions include a chrome belt line, an artificial leather knob, a mood lamp, and a smart key with a motion sensor.

Hardeep Singh Brar, Sr. VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, "Kia began its journey in India with the Seltos, which has played a key role in establishing the brand. The Seltos continues to be the largest contributor to our overall sales due to the value it delivers to customers. We are committed to continually updating the model to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers. With the addition of new variants for the Smartstream G1.5 engine, we are offering even greater value. These new variants will further boast a strong demand”.

Skoda Auto India, a leading passenger vehicles manufacturer, aims to make smarter inroads in the country’s fast-growing passenger vehicles segment.

The company recently introduced the Skoda Kylaq, its first-ever sub-4-metre SUV, which is expected to bring incremental volumes for the Czech automaker in India. And now to further drive and popularise the company’s product offerings, it has signed its first-ever 'brand superstar'  – popular Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh – in the country. 

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “When the Kylaq was premiered, I promised that, ‘Picture abhi baaki hai’. As we celebrate 25 years in India, we have committed to driving into a new era here, which goes beyond launching world-class products. It revolves around revamping every aspect of the business, including the way we engage with our customers and fans. Around the world, and more so in India, cars and movies generate emotions that are unparalleled and bring people together. And so for the first time in our history in India, I am proud to announce Ranveer Singh as the first-ever ‘Brand Superstar’ for Skoda Auto India. Being a powerhouse of talent and energy, on and off-screen, Ranveer‘s persona strongly reflects our passion and ethos. This announcement comes at a time when we are celebrating 130 years of global excellence. There is a lot more this partnership is going to bring for our products, our network and our customers, as we look to strengthen our position as the most important market for Skoda outside Europe.”

Skoda Auto India has released the first poster featuring Ranveer Singh along with Petr Janeba and the Kylaq SUV. It also plans to launch a brand-centric film by end-March, which will provide an opportunity to fans and customers to meet Ranveer Singh and the management of Skoda Auto India later in the year.

“I am thrilled to be Skoda Auto India’s first-ever brand superstar. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence, and I look forward to contributing to the growth of Skoda Auto in India. Skoda Auto has a diverse and exciting product portfolio that caters to both automotive enthusiasts and a wider customer base in India’s growing market. With a strong legacy and an iconic range of products, the brand continues to set high standards in the automotive industry,” said Ranveer Singh.

Skoda Auto considers India its most important market outside Europe. It also plans to sell 100,000 cars annually by 2026. Furthermore, it aims to expand its sales and service touchpoints to 350 by end-2025 from the present 277.

Also read: Skoda Auto India Showcases Kylaq, Kodiaq, Superb and More at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

Yokohama India has started manufacturing 20-inch tyres at its production facility in Bahadurgarh, Haryana. This action was taken in response to the increased demand for tyres with a wider tread, which was fuelled by the growing popularity of SUVs and the luxury market.

Following its recent decision to localise the manufacture of 19-inch tyres, Yokohama India has expanded, demonstrating its continued dedication to producing top-notch goods. High-performance tyres like the Geolandar X-CV (G057), made for luxury SUVs, are among the high-end tyre options in this category. With its sophisticated silica compounds, asymmetric tread pattern and two-ply sidewall, the X-CV offers improved grip, durability and a smooth driving experience. It may now be purchased through the vast countrywide network of more than 3,000 merchants operated by Yokohama India.

Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing at Yokohama India, said, “With improving road infrastructure and advancement in vehicle geometry, passenger segment vehicles are now opting for larger-inch tyres. Higher inch tyres also offer better handling and safety as they could accommodate advance braking systems. By expanding our local production capabilities, we are future-proofing our offerings – now with the capability to manufacture up to 24-inch tyres – ensuring that we continue to serve the premium segment with cutting-edge, high-performance products.”