BMW has launched the M5 Competition in India as a completely built-up unit (CBU) for INR 16,190,000 (ex-showroom).

Updates to the new BMW M5 Competition include:

Exterior

• A new redesigned kidney grille
• BMW laser lights with L-shaped light tubes connecting towards the kidney grille
• Gloss black treatment to the kidney grille surround, M-specific double bars, the mesh on the M gills, mirror caps and the additional rear spoiler on the boot lid
• 3D LED rear light with typical BMW L-shape
• Standard M Sport exhaust finished in black chrome
• Large carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sunroof

Interior

• Merino leather upholstery with three colour choices – Silverstone, Aragon Brown and Black
• M multifunctional seats with integral head restraints, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions available as standard
• Comfort features include seat heating (driver and front passenger), electrical seat adjustment with memory function, automatic tailgate, M Seat belts, M Leather Steering Wheel, M footrest and pedals
• Ambient lighting with six dimmable light designs
• Four-zone automatic A/C
• 7.0-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 3D navigation and BMW virtual assistant
• 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
• Other features include BMW Gesture Control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system (with options to upgrade to Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system), BMW Head-up display and the unique BMW Display key

Mechanicals and equipment:

• Powered by a high revving, high-performance V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology
• Produces a maximum output of 625 hp and 750 Nm torque
• 0-100 kmph sprint in just 3.3 seconds
• Mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with paddle shifter
• Standard equipment: Adaptive M-specific Suspension, M Sport exhaust system, M high-performance compound brakes and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels
• The driving experience control switch allows drivers to choose between different drive modes preset (Road, Sport and Track) while the M setup will enable drivers to tweak individual settings
• BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive helps switch between 2WD and AWD
• Upgrades include M Carbon ceramic brakes, M Carbon engine cover and 20-inch 810 M double-spoke wheels in polished Orbit Grey

Safety and technology

• Six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• Parking Assistant Plus with a surround-view camera helps with parking in tight spots
• Reversing assistant provides support by remembering the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering
• Comfort access system makes it possible to open all four vehicle doors without using the key

Interested customers can book the new M5 Competition exclusively on the BMW online shop. (MT)

Celebrating 130 years of automotive legacy globally and marking a presence in the Indian market for the last 25 years, Skoda Auto India has launched the ‘Skoda Superstars' campaign that underlines celebration of passion, persistence and people. 
It aims at those who dare to dream and work relentlessly with actor Ranveer Singh as the anchor. A film featuring Singh along with iconic cars of the brand through the ages – as a key part of the campaign – highlights the resilience of Skoda’s iconic founders, Laurin and Klement. It also focuses on modern-day heroes from all walks of life, leaving viewers with a compelling call to action – to ‘celebrate your journey’.
Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, spoke about the campaign: “The ‘Skoda Superstars’ campaign is not just a tribute, it’s a movement. It’s our way of honouring the spirit of determination and drive that has defined Skoda Auto since 1895 and continues to thrive in the people around us today. As we celebrate 130 years globally and 25 years in India, we want to go beyond just showcasing our cars. We want to celebrate the human stories that mirror our own journey, from vision and grit to achievement. Through this campaign, we’re inviting every individual to share their personal triumphs and become a part of the Skoda legacy. Because in the end, it’s not just about where you come from, but how far your passion and work ethic can take you.”
As part of the campaign, Skoda Auto India is inviting fans to participate in a unique contest by sharing their stories of dreams turned into achievements. By uploading a personal photo that reflects their journey, users can generate a special double-exposure image featuring themselves and a Skoda car, symbolising how their personal milestones intersect with the brand’s enduring legacy.
 

Hyundai Motor India has announced that its made-in-India i10 hatchback brand has attained a new sales milestone of surpassing 3 million units (3.3 million).

This includes 2 million unit sales in India and 1.3 million units exported to over 140 countries, which include South Africa, Mexico, Chile and Peru among others.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India, said, “We are proud of the landmark achievement of surpassing 3 million cumulative sales of HMIL’s brand i10. With over 2 million units sold in India and over 1.3 million units exported to global markets, brand i10 stands as a shining example of HMIL’s commitment to delivering world-class products. What makes this milestone even more special is the fact that the current generation of i10 has achieved up to 91.3 percent localisation for the domestic market, while it is 91.4 percent for the export models. This success reflects the trust of our customers, the strength of Indian manufacturing, and HMIL’s dedication to creating smart mobility solutions for the world. With our upcoming plant in Maharashtra, we intend to expand exports to emerging as well as developed markets, increasing contribution of exports to overall sales and solidifying our commitment to Make in India, For the World.”

Introduced in India in 2007 the i10 brand in its 18th year, has evolved across three generations i10, Grand i10 and Grand i10 NIOS. The company offers the i10 in three powertrain options – 1.2 L Kappa Petrol Manual, 1.2 L Kappa Petrol AMT and 1.2 L Bi-Fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG. The Korean automaker shared that on an average the i10 has clocked over 100,000 units annually in the country.

Interestingly, in FY 2024-25, over 45 percent of Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS customers were first time car buyers, with Gujarat, Maharashtra and Haryana, among the top three markets.

South Korean automotive major Kia India has attained a new milestone of rolling out its 1.5 millionth vehicle – Carens SUV – from its Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. What’s more, the company also announced that it will launch the newest iteration of Kia Carens SUV on 8 May, which it said will be loaded with tech and safety features.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “Rolling out our 1.5 millionth 'Make in India' vehicle is a proud and emotional moment for Kia India and every partner who has been a part of this journey. From the very first Seltos to the 1.5 millionth Carens today, each car stands as a testament to the trust, love, and support of our customers and partners. We are deeply grateful for this association and look forward to continuing our pursuit of automotive excellence. The future of Kia India looks bright as we remain steadfast in driving innovation, offering industry-leading products, and shaping the mobility landscape in India.”

Interestingly, the Anantapur facility has so far manufactured over 700,668 units (46.7 percent) of Seltos, followed by 519,064 units (34.6 percent) of the Sonet, 241,582 units (16.1 percent) of the Carens, 23,036 units (1.5 percent) of the Syros and 16,172 units (1.1 percent) of the Carnival.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest car maker, has announced its financial results for FY2025.

The company, with sales of 2.23 million vehicles, clocked revenue of INR 1,451 billion in FY2025, up 7.5 percent YoY, as against INR 1,349 billion for the same period last year.

The net profit came at INR 139 billion, up 5.6 percent YoY, as against INR 132 billion last year.

During the year, the company recorded its highest-ever annual sales and exports. What’s more, Maruti Suzuki India continued to be the top exporter for the fourth consecutive year with a share of 43 percent of total passenger vehicle exports from the country.