BMW India Launches 3 Series Gran Limousine
- By MT Bureau
- January 21, 2021
BMW India has launched the new 3 Series Gran Limousine in one diesel variant and two petrol variants. Manufactured at BMW Group plant in Chennai exclusively for the Indian market, the car is available at its dealerships from today onwards.
The new model is available in two attractive design schemes – Luxury Line and the exclusive M Sport ‘First Edition’ which is limited to launch phase only. The ex-show price of 320Ld Luxury Line is INR 52,50,000, 330Li Luxury Line is INR 51,50,000 and 330Li M Sport ‘First Edition’ is INR 53,90,000.
While the luxury line focus on style the M Sport ‘First Edition’ depicts a masculine character with distinguished M elements evoking the racing spirit. The additional features of M Sport ‘First Edition’ are head up display, gesture control, comfort access and surround view cameras with 360 view including top, panorama and 3D view.
The new car is available in four metallic paintworks – Mineral White, Melbourne Red, Carbon Black and Cashmere Silver. The choice of upholstery combinations includes Leather Vernasca Cognac | Black and Oyster | Black.
With TwinPower Turbo technology, the petrol and diesel engines offer spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine of the 330Li produces an output of 258 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km / hr in just 6.2 seconds. The two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of the 320Ld produces an output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km / hr in just 7.6 seconds.
The eight speed steptronic sport automatic transmission performs smooth, almost imperceptible gearshifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. For even greater driving pleasure, it comes with steering wheel paddle shifters and cruise control with braking function. Using Launch Control, ambitious drivers can achieve maximum acceleration with optimized traction from a standstill. Using the Driving Experience Control switch, the driver can choose between different driving modes to suit the driving conditions - ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. (MT)
Leapmotor Crosses 1.5 Million Cumulative Global Vehicle Deliveries
- By MT Bureau
- June 20, 2026
Stellantis-owned Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor has announced a significant operational milestone, reaching 1.5 million cumulative vehicle deliveries worldwide.
This delivery landmark comes eight months after the company surpassed the 1-million-unit threshold, signalling an upward shift in its global production and sales trajectory.
Since commencing its initial vehicle deliveries in China in June 2019, Leapmotor has maintained a consistent growth trajectory, which has experienced a notable surge over the last two years. It was in June 2019, the company delivered its electric vehicle in China. It reached 500,000 cumulative deliveries in October 2024 and 1 million in October in 2025.
The compression of the timeline between the 1 million and 1.5 million delivery marks was significantly accelerated by the company's formalised global export strategies executed through the Leapmotor International joint venture.
Leapmotor's product strategy relies on a diversified vehicle lineup designed to target distinct global consumer segments. The brand’s portfolio ranges from compact, agile city cars optimised for urban demographics to larger, versatile, family-oriented SUVs and sedans.
By scaling its manufacturing output, the company aims to sustain this momentum across key international markets by focusing on integrated software innovation, engineering efficiency and user-centric design principles to provide accessible electric mobility solutions.
Passenger Vehicle Wholesales In India To Grow Upto 6% In FY2027 Says ICRA
- By MT Bureau
- June 20, 2026
The Indian passenger vehicle industry is projected to achieve wholesale volume growth of 4–6 percent in FY2027, according to a sector update by credit rating agency ICRA.
Whilst the sector enters the upcoming financial year with demand momentum, the growth rate reflects a moderation compared to previous near-term spikes. The industry's baseline expansion continues to be supported by consumer demand, tax-driven affordability improvements, and a structural shift towards utility vehicles.
Data from May 2026 highlights near-term performance across manufacturing, wholesale allocations and retail customer handovers. Domestic wholesale volumes recorded a 27 percent YoY growth, reaching 440,000 units during the month.
Retail sales volumes outpaced wholesales by expanding 33 percent YoY. This retail growth was driven by consumer fundamentals, the commercial introduction of newly launched models, and an extended summer wedding season. Export volumes rose 13 percent YoY in May 2026, reflecting a supply push by Indian automakers looking to expand market shares across global markets.
The product mix in the Indian automotive market continues to skew towards larger body styles, though policy changes have sparked a recovery in entry-level segments. Utility vehicles continued to command the largest market share, contributing approximately 68% of overall passenger vehicle sales in FY2026. Demand recovery became visible across the mini and compact car categories, which was aided by improving affordability following recent GST rate cuts. The adoption of electric vehicles strengthened further, with EV penetration in the broader passenger vehicle segment rising to nearly 6 percent in early FY2027.
Despite underlying demand fundamentals, ICRA pointed out several headwind factors that could restrict growth or affect consumer sentiment in FY2027. Rising commodity prices threaten manufacturer margins, whilst increasing fuel prices could affect the total cost of vehicle ownership. Furthermore, concerns surrounding a potentially weak or uneven monsoon season remain a risk factor, as agricultural output impacts rural purchasing power and entry-level vehicle sentiment.
VinFast India Partners Tata Capital To Strengthen Dealer Financing Ecosystem
- By MT Bureau
- June 19, 2026
VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the global electric vehicle (EV) brand VinFast, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Capital to establish a comprehensive auto and inventory financing framework for its exclusive dealer network.
The partnership is structured to provide VinFast’s retail partners with customised credit lines to manage working capital requirements, optimise inventory volumes and fund physical network expansion as the brand establishes its commercial footprint in India.
The collaboration bridges VinFast's entry into the Indian automotive space with the expansive fiscal network of Tata Capital, which ranks as India's third-largest non-banking financial company (NBFC).
The dealer financing agreement functions as an operational anchor for VinFast’s broader strategy to build a self-sustaining electric vehicle ecosystem in India. Furthermore, to alleviate consumer hesitation regarding EV depreciation curves, VinFast is launching structural assured resale value programs.
It was just recently that VinFast announced an extension of its free charging program across the V-Green charging network, which will remain active for owners until 31 March 2029.
Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “VinFast India is pleased to partner with Tata Capital, one of the most trusted financial services providers in the country, in a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to advancing electric mobility in India. This partnership will enable us to offer comprehensive financing solutions for our dealer network, thereby supporting greater accessibility, operational ease and long-term growth for the brand. We are confident that their strong pan-India presence and financial expertise will play an important role in enhancing the ownership journey for our customers and partners.”
Narendra Kamath, COO - SME Finance, Tata Capital, said, "India’s transition to electric mobility is gathering significant momentum, creating a growing need for innovative and scalable financing solutions. Through our partnership with VinFast, we aim to empower dealers with tailored financing support that enables business growth and operational efficiency. Together, we are committed to strengthening the EV ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of sustainable mobility across the country."
Maruti Suzuki Rolls Out Smart Maintenance Plan With Pan India Service Coverage
- By MT Bureau
- June 15, 2026
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has launched the Smart Maintenance Plan (SMP), a flexible prepaid after‑sales service package aimed at giving existing customers a worry‑free ownership experience. The plan is open to all private and commercial vehicle owners.
Customers can subscribe at the time of vehicle purchase or later during a periodic maintenance visit to any authorised workshop. The plan offers various configurations, including labour‑only, parts and labour, commercial vehicle minor services, customer‑demanded services and engine oil with coolants. Optional wear‑and‑tear coverage for clutch and brake parts is also available.
Subscribers save at least 10 percent on labour costs, with extra savings on parts and consumables, while gaining protection against future inflation. Tenure and mileage options range from two years or 20,000 kilometres up to 10 years or 100,000 kilometres for private vehicles, and 10 years or 160,000 kilometres for commercial vehicles. The plan applies nationwide at any Maruti Suzuki authorised workshop.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Since inception, our focus has been to deliver complete peace of mind and a truly joyful ownership experience to our customers. As customer expectations continue to evolve towards greater flexibility and personalised solutions, we are introducing the Smart Maintenance Plan. It is a prepaid service offering designed around individual driving needs. Customers can customise service packages while also protect themselves from future fluctuations in service costs by locking in maintenance expenses. Through this initiative, we aim to further enhance convenience, trust and long-term value for our customers.”
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