BMW Group India has inaugurated BMW Facility NEXT in Thiruvananthapuram - EVM Autokraft, representing the company’s passenger car and Motorrad brands. Located at Survey No.947, Kadakampilly village. Karikkamuri, Vangiyoor, the facility is based on the latest BMW Facility NEXT framework, the dealership is headed by Sabu Johny as Dealer Principal, EVM Autokraft.

Spread across 14,000 sq.ft the showroom can displays five BMW cars, along with a three car display for BMW Premium Selection, an Experience Zone featuring Virtual Reality to bring customers face-to-face with the latest updates on the product range. An interactive Virtual Product Presentation displayed on a large screen along with a car configurator helps customers to evaluate and select their dream car as per their choice. The BMW Motorrad section exclusively displays six motorcycles along with the latest lifestyle and accessories collection. The facility offers a relaxed ambience for customers to enjoy a cup of the finest coffee and discuss various aspects of owning a BMW vehicle with sales executives.

The state-of-the-art workshop across 21,000 sq. ft comprises of five mechanical service bays, four paint, and body shop bays. The workshop is well-appointed with the latest equipment, BMW Lifestyle, and accessories. Existing BMW customers can book vehicle service online as per their preferred date and time, details of service required along with pick-up and drop details. Service cost estimates details are sent for approval using BMW Smart Video. The facility also offers BMW Smart Repair service for quick repairs. Secure online payments for services availed additionally offers complete peace of mind. The entire aftersales service staff has undergone rigorous training and certified at BMW Group India’s Training Centre in Gurugram.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “BMW Group India has set a decisive course by establishing state-of-the-art dealerships facilities with customer centricity at its core philosophy. We have significantly strengthened our dealer network in 2020 by launching 10 ultra-modern dealership facilities across established and emerging markets in India. EVM Autokraft has been a trusted BMW partner and today we have strengthened our relationship further with the inauguration of the largest BMW Facility NEXT framework based dealership in Thiruvananthapuram. This is a reflection of our commitment to serving our discerning customers in one of the fastest emerging markets in Kerala. The unison of BMW and BMW Motorrad offers a comprehensive brand experience to our customers and prospects under one roof.”

Sabu Johny, Dealer Principal, EVM Autokraft said, “EVM Autokraft is proud of its association with BMW Group India and we are delighted to represent BMW and BMW Motorrad by setting up the largest BMW Facility NEXT in Thiruvananthapuram. The culmination of the two fascinating and dynamic brands in this unique format offers an unrivalled experience. With our deep understanding of the market place, we will further tap the growing luxury automobile segment in this emerging market and serve our esteemed clientele with greater passion.” (MT)

Spinny, a leading platform for buying and selling vehicles, has launched a new brand campaign ‘God Promise’, which features Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who also happens to be an early investor in the company.

The God Promise campaign with the message ‘Trust us – we mean it’ aims to reiterate that the used vehicles sold on the platform come with a peace of mind assurance, which includes 3-years warranty with Assured+, over 10,000 model availability, 5-day moneyback guarantee and a best price guarantee for both buyers and sellers.

Sachin Tendulkar, "This campaign clicked with me because it's rooted in something I’ve always believed in – trust must be earned and honoured. With ‘God Promise,’ Spinny isn’t just making a statement. They’re making a stand—for simplicity, sincerity, and joy in car buying and selling.”

Niraj Singh, Founder & CEO, Spinny, added, “Sachin has always stood for excellence and trust – values that are deeply embedded in Spinny’s DNA. ‘God Promise’ is simply a reflection of that. We're turning those values into a clear, public commitment. This isn’t just a campaign built on specs and stats – it’s just an extension of how we work. With him as both the face and a strategic investor in Spinny, trust and quality aren’t claims – they’re givens. And that, to us, is the ultimate assurance.

Tanya Mahendru, Creative Director, added, “With Sachin as the face of the brand, god promise was the most natural derivative.”

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra Group has rejigged its top leadership team to further strengthen the company’s market position.

The company has announced that Hemant Sikka, currently President of Farm Equipment Sector will take over the role of MD & CEO of Mahindra Logistics. He will succeed Ram Swaminathan who has stepped down to pursue other professional interests.

Furthermore, Veejay Nakra, currently President Automotive Division, has been appointed the President for Farm Equipment Business (FEB), which is among Mahindra’s large and profitable businesses with a ROCE of over 60 percent. The company sees huge opportunity to further grow the business and expand globally. He will continue to report to Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO, Auto & Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra .

In addition, R Velusamy, currently, President Automotive Technology and Product Development, will take on the role of President of the Automotive Business (AB). He will be tasked to prepare the Automotive Business with technology innovation and lead opportunities for growth in domestic as well as global markets.

Mahindra has announced that it will now integrate the SUV and LCV (less than 3.5 tonne) business under one leadership to make the business more agile and collaborative, from engineering products to faster time to market. He will also report to Jejurikar.

Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “These leadership changes ensure that we have strong, proven leaders at the helm of our key businesses. Their experience will enable us to drive significant growth and create greater value for our customers and shareholders. We thank Ram for his contributions to the company, and wish Hemant, Veejay, and Velu the very best for the journey ahead.”

Hyundai Motor India, a leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the country, has has announced that every second vehicle it sold in India came with a sunroof.

The company shared that in FY2025, 53.2 percent of the Hyundai vehicles sold in the country was equipped with sunroof, what’s more the share of SUVs also increased to 68.5 percent from the earlier 63.2 percent a year ago.

At present, sunroof is offered as an optional feature in 12 out of 14 models in the Hyundai Motor India portfolio, which includes the Exter, Venue, Creta, Alcazar, Tucson Verna, Aura, Grand i10 NIOS, i20 and the Ioniq 5.

On the other hand, the demand for ADAS-equipped models grew to 14.3 percent from 6.7 percent a year ago.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “FY2024-25 has been a landmark year for Hyundai Motor India. The fact that two out of every third vehicle sold by us in India was an SUV is a testament to our deep understanding of Indian customers and our commitment to delivering innovation, safety and style. The doubling of ADAS variant contribution and growing popularity of sunroof-equipped models reflects the rising aspirations of our customers and their readiness to embrace global technologies. We shall continue to march forward with a focus on customer delight, offering products that are future-ready, feature-rich, and engineered for India.”

German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has expanded its footprint in the southern market with the inauguration of three new state-of-the-art facilities across Bengaluru and Hyderabad, reinforcing its customer-centric ‘Go to Customer’ strategy.

In Bengaluru, the luxury carmaker opened a sprawling 2S (Sales & Service) facility with a Delivery Bay by long-standing partner Sundaram Motors on International Airport Road. The 47,000 sqft facility, built to Mercedes-Benz’s global MAR20X luxury retail standards, features 10 dedicated service bays, a Premium Aero Hub and a Mercedes Cafe. It also offers fast EV charging and quick repair zones, enhancing convenience and sustainability.

Hyderabad saw the addition of two new 2S facilities. Mahavir Motors inaugurated a 39,000 sqft outlet in a high-net-worth residential area near the city’s growing IT corridor. The facility, equipped with 19 service bays, combines digital interfaces with personalised service zones and eco-friendly features.

Landmark Cars also launched a new 12,000 sqft service centre in Hyderabad with six service bays. The facility offers specialised vehicle servicing, body paint work and Premier Express service for priority customers.

These openings mark a significant investment in customer engagement and service infrastructure in key southern metros, aligning with rising aspirations and demand for luxury vehicles in India.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We are delighted to inaugurate 3 state-of-the-art luxury facilities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, reaffirming our commitment to delivering the best customer experience and deepening our presence in these key markets. These modern facilities reflect Mercedes-Benz’s vision of offering a world-class luxury retail experience, backed by digital innovation, modern luxury design and personalised customer consultation. We continue to invest in our luxury retail experience, with sharp focus on elevating customer experiences by creating new standards in luxury automotive retail. We are creating desire for the brand not only in emerging markets, but also in key metropolises like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, where Mercedes-Benz has a strong brand presence.”