Founded in October 2020 by motorhead and ex-racer Siddharth Chaturvedi, Boys and Machines aims to create an image of quality, reliability, ethical values and  long-term relationship with the customers and business partners in the pre-owned luxury car market in India.

A car collector for a long time, Chaturvedi realised that collecting cars was an expensive hobby with the high depreciation rates attached to premium cars. This realisation gave him the idea to convert his hobby into a business to maintain his passion for cars and make money. Once that plan was in place, Chaturvedi started to understand the business of premium car resale and scouted around to pick up the right people into his team to start this venture.

After finding the team, he finally started the new business venture in October 2020, when the market had recovered from the effects of the pandemic and started getting back to normal. The pandemic had injected a fresh thought into people’s head with evident uncertainty of the future. According to Chaturvedi, post the lockdown last year, the spending nature of people has changed, and instead of waiting for the future, people have started to live their dreams. This gave Boys and Machines the perfect opportunity to enter the market and capitalise on people’s spending power.

When asked to explain the business model of Boys and Machines, Chaturvedi said, “As for the business model, we work pan India online majorly. We try getting the cars at the best possible price and conditions across India and offer them to our customers at a slightly lesser rate than the market prices.”

Boys and Machines focuses on two things while buying and selling cars – first, finding the right quality product at the right price and second, providing a hassle-free payment method by closing the deal at one go. This practice builds a strong relationship with the sellers and buyers and helps the brand have a better bargain position.

However, selecting the right car is critical for the business.  Boys and Machines has created a robust three-step verification process. In the first step, the team scouts for cars around the country. On finding a car of their choice, details like chassis number, engine number and other vital information of the vehicle are shared with the respective OEM dealerships, which conduct a background check and provide information on the status and service history of the vehicle. This is the first seal of approval.

Once the car history is verified, the details are passed on to the insurance company, which helps verify any repair work or claims done on the car outside the dealership. If the vehicle passes this step, the company sends its trained staff to the vehicle’s location for physical inspection and approval. Once the vehicle passes all three stages, a meeting is set up with the owner, and the deal is closed in one go without any hassle.

This verification system gives Boys and Machines a competitive advantage while selecting a car as no details about the car can be manipulated.

When we asked how one determines the correct price of any car, Chaturvedi explained, “There is no fixed formula. It is based on the market condition, availability of the product and the demand for the product. These are the conditions that determine the price of a vehicle”.

Buying and stocking premium cars for sale is an expensive business, so we asked Chaturvedi about the financial setup in the company and its stockholding pattern. He replied, “Typically, we stock about 30-35 at any given point. Based on the ongoing trend and the vehicle availability, we try to find a customer for a car than a car for a customer”.

e then explained that the cars in demand are hard to come by. The ones that are listed on the market ask an exorbitant amount of money to purchase. “So, if one starts scouting only for cars in demand, one can hardly sell around five cars in a year. So instead of looking for cars in demand, resellers understand the needs of the market and stock vehicles accordingly.”

For instance, the market in Mumbai is highly SUV centric. Constant flooding and waterlogging problems have pushed car users to adapt to SUVs. So, based on the need, Boys and Machines stocks SUVs from different OEMs. However, the market in Delhi is different to the market in the west of India. In Delhi, people prefer to be driven around than driving around. So, this calls for stocking of both sedans and SUVs that offer an excellent chauffeur-driven experience.

The market in Hyderabad is a hotspot for sports cars, while the eastern market is highly unpredictable. Hence, these variations do not allow the company to stock cars hailing from a single brand or category.

Premium car service is also an expensive affair. Boys and Machines has solved this problem for its clientele with a dedicated customer service team. The business offers breakdown assistance anywhere in the country along with six months of engine and transmission warranty. 

The brand also offers a fixed buy-back option on every car sold at a rate of 25 percent depreciation a year. The buy-back price is decided on the day of the purchase, and customers can come back to the showroom after one year and exchange their car at the pre-determined price.

These small steps go a long way in building customer confidence and aids Boys and Machines in retaining 100 percent of its clientele. Also, word of mouth is a significant marketing source that helps the brand name reach a larger audience.

Talking about the expansion plans for Boys and Machines, the managing director explained that they are on course to inaugurate eight outlets by the end of the year. At the moment, there are three working outlets in Gurugram, Mumbai and Kolkata. The fourth one in Hyderabad is ready to be opened, but the launch has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID situation and the subsequent lockdown. The other cities selected are Indore, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Goa.

Intrigued by the choice of cities for its showroom launch, we asked Chaturvedi what the critical considerations are for opening a showroom. Explaining the business preference, he said that Delhi and Mumbai were the default selection for opening a showroom based on the intense demand and spending power of people in these regions. Boys and Machines selected Kolkata as a gateway to the east, helping it tap into this new market and utilise the lower RTO tax in the region.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad were the brand’s options for opening its fourth showroom. Keeping in mind the saturation of the Bengaluru market and observing the recent boom in sports car demand in Hyderabad, the company decided to settle with Hyderabad and tap this growing market’s massive demand for sports cars.

After the first round of selection of the city, the company observed two things: the surge in real estate in the region and the rate of sale of premium cars in the area. “Cities that start to buy new cars, which are at almost twice the price of a used one, means the aspiration of people there is high. The prospect of buying a higher tier used car at the price of a brand-new premium car helps meet the aspiration of many in the region. These factors help us decide the next region for starting our business,” Chaturvedi added.

He also revealed the company’s ongoing negotiations with external suppliers to help import cars previously not available in the Indian market from countries like Japan, US and more. He mentioned that the high import duties and the challenging import process are the hurdles that have pushed many players away from importing new and unique products into the market.

He also spoke about the challenges from the market’s unorganised players, especially in the 20-40 lakh price bracket. However, he clarified that this is more of a teething problem in North India as compared to the Southern regions because the North people tend to purchase eight-year-old cars costing more than a crore at just 25-30 lakh, while in the South, people don’t seem to mind spending a lakh or two more on a well-rounded package that offers them peace of mind.

When asked about the challenges the second wave of the pandemic has posed, he said, “The biggest challenge right now is the pandemic. We don’t know when the market opens and what the people’s emotions will be as the second wave has been more deadly or more impactful to everyone from the first wave. So, as of now, the biggest hurdle would be how the country recovers after pandemic and how difficult will it be to find the right product for the buyers”.

On the future plans, he said that the company plans to have a turnover of around 100 crores with approximately seven to eight percent profit margin. (MT)

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French automotive major Renault is accelerating the international rollout of its high-value C-segment SUV, the Renault Boreal. Originally launched in Latin America out of the Curitiba production facility in Brazil, Renault has established a second major industrial hub for the vehicle at its OYAK Renault plant in Bursa, Türkiye.

The strategic expansion positions the Bursa facility to satisfy high domestic demand in Türkiye – Renault’s second-largest market globally – while serving as a primary export base for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Renault Boreal features dimensions that exceed conventional C-segment benchmarks, leaning into upper-tier spacing realities – 4.56 metre body length, 2.70 metre wheelbase and 630 litres of boot space, expandable up to 1,868 litres with the easy break rear seats completely folded down.

The exterior design language combines a high-riding stance with modern brand markers, highlighted by a body-colour front grille housing the backlit ‘Nouvel’R’ emblem. It features a sweeping roofline, prominent fender flares, a Niagara Concept-inspired LED headlight signature, 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a black-contrast panoramic glass roof.

The Turkish manufacturing rollout introduces a pragmatic mix of combustion and hybrid systems tailored for cross-continental regulatory and driving conditions. It can be had in full hybrid e-tech with multi-mode automatic transmission option that produces 160 hp of peak power, a WLTP range of 100 km on 4.8-litre fuel, 1.3 Turbo TCe with 6-speed wet dual-clutch (EDC) producing 145 hp of peak power, offering a WLTP range of 100 km with 6.6-lite of fuel consumption and a Hybrid E-Tech 4x4 (launch in Q4 CY2026) with multi-mode automatic transmission option producing a peak power of 150 hp.

The 160 hp full hybrid variant utilises the HR18-coded engine built locally by Oyak Horse. The system is engineered to prioritise urban efficiency, running in pure electric mode up to 80 percent of the time during stop-and-go city commutes. It supports pure electric acceleration at speeds up to 110 kmph.

Drivers can modulate performance metrics through the Multi-Sense system. In addition to Eco, Comfort, Sport and Perso settings, the vehicle features a new Smart Mode that automatically recalibrates steering weight, throttle response, ambient cabin lighting and exhaust/sound notes based on real-time road conditions.

The driver-oriented cabin integrates digital technology with premium family utilities, featuring a 10-inch digital driver instrument display sitting flush alongside a 10-inch openR link central multimedia touchscreen.

The Boreal deploys up to 25 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) depending on trim levels, highlighted by Active Driving Assist. This Level 2 system blends adaptive cruise control with automated Stop & Go routing and continuous lane-centring technologies.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand, said, “Boreal embodies Renault’s ambition to accelerate growth beyond Europe by delivering more value to our customers and strengthening our position in the strategic C-SUV segment. First launched in Latin America from our Brazilian hub, its expansion to Türkiye marks a new step in our international development. Boreal is also a strong illustration of Renault’s brand markers in action: Electrified by Passion with the introduction of our new E-Tech full hybrid technology; Designed to be Loved through its expressive design, elegant proportions and distinctive lighting signature that create an immediate emotional connection; People-First Technology with a seamless connected experience powered by Google, advanced driver assistance systems and intuitive onboard technologies; and Crafted Space through a spacious, versatile and comfortable interior designed around the needs of modern families. More broadly, Boreal demonstrates our ability to develop global voitures à vivre, produced close to their markets and thoughtfully adapted to local customer needs, combining desirability, innovation and everyday relevance for customers around the world.”

Ivan Segal, Renault Brand Head of Sales & Operations, added, “Boreal now enters a new phase of commercial deployment. Production in Bursa will enable us to address the Turkish market, Renault’s second-largest market worldwide, while opening up exports to a group of markets across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With strong product appeal and a competitive industrial footprint, it will support our presence in the high-value C‑SUV segment across our international markets.”

Lionel Jaillet, CEO of Renault Group Türkiye, said, “We are very proud to introduce Boreal to the Turkish market. Being manufactured at our OYAK Renault facility in Bursa will both support domestic demand and strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global automotive ecosystem by contributing to our export targets.”
 

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced the expansion of its Rally Sport (RS) performance portfolio with the introduction of the all-new Kodiaq RS. Marking the first time Skoda’s performance badge has been applied to an SUV in the Indian market, the flagship model combines a three-row, seven-seat premium layout with a dedicated mechanical tune.

The company said official order books for the high-performance SUV are scheduled to open nationwide on 22 June 2026.

The core differentiator of the Kodiaq RS lies in its upgraded internal combustion hardware. The vehicle features a heavily revised iteration of the Volkswagen Group's EA888 engine architecture, tuned identically to the high-output configurations found in the global Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The vehicle’s announcement follows a marketing campaign where Skoda Auto India’s entire active fleet – comprising the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia, standard Kodiaq and the limited-volume Octavia RS – established an official India and Asia Book of Record at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore. The group achieved the 'Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit' with a total combined lap time of 12:30.97.

The Kodiaq RS will arrive in the country via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) import route, serving as an elite flagship positioned above the locally assembled multi-tier Kodiaq lineup (Lounge, Sportline and L&K trims).

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge carries over 50 years of global performance legacy and a fiercely loyal following in India since the Octavia RS arrived more than two decades ago. The latest Octavia RS, launched last year, sold out in just 20 minutes, highlighting its cult status among enthusiasts. Now, we’re taking that legacy forward with the Kodiaq RS, our first-ever seven-seater in India to wear the iconic RS badge and the quickest Skoda yet in the country. It blends performance, space, and 4x4 capability into a bold, unmistakable expression of our racing DNA.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the final leg of its multi-city cultural partnership with HYBE INDIA, introducing the ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ experience to the national capital.

Designed to target Gen Z creators and premium lifestyle audiences, the activation will serve as a marketing anchor for the brand's latest mass-premium SUV, the 2026 Kia Syros.

The HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park is scheduled to take place on 13–14 June 2026 at Yashobhoomi (IACC) in New Delhi. The event combines automotive showcase infrastructure with music, fandom and multi-format creator engagement zones.

The centrepiece of the activation is the Kia Vibe Studio, a specialised content creation pod built directly inside the cabin of the 2026 Kia Syros.

The integration allows visitors to record, edit and instantly download high-definition performance and lip-sync videos. By converting the stationary vehicle's acoustic interior, ambient lighting and connected infotainment hardware into an active studio space, the campaign positions the SUV as a tech-driven platform for self-expression.

The event serves as a prominent touchpoint for the 2026 Kia Syros, which features several upgrades designed for the Indian market, including an enhanced design with a more rugged SUV stance, muscular body panels and sports-themed trim configurations. Expanded accessibility to automatic gearboxes, including the introduction of a high-demand diesel automatic (AT) variant.

The SUV is built on a platform engineered for a 5-star Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) crash safety rating, featuring an optimised distribution of connected tech features across lower and mid-tier trims.

Following the public pop-up park event, HYBE INDIA will conduct on-ground talent auditions on 14 June 2026 at the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi. The talent scout marks part of an international entertainment initiative aimed at discovering, training, and launching India’s first global girl group under the K-pop blueprint.

The Delhi showcase concludes the regional ‘Pop-Up Park’ phase of the 10-city marketing campaign, which completed consecutive runs in Guwahati, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

While the experiential park footprint concludes in Delhi, the talent pipeline will continue across secondary markets. Auditions are scheduled to advance into Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chandigarh, allowing Kia India to sustain its brand engagement with youth demographics nationwide.

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Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has been awarded the ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best 2026’ accolade for its ultra-limited, ‘few-off’ hypercar, the Fenomeno. Honoured in the Product Design category, the prize represents the highest distinction in the global Red Dot evaluation, reserved for avant-garde projects that establish new benchmarks in visionary aesthetics and contemporary engineering.

The victory coincides with a milestone chapter for the brand, as the car was designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lamborghini Centro Stile. The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 7 July 2026, at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany.

The Fenomeno introduces an evolved corporate design language dubbed ‘hyper-elegant’ design, which strips back complex body panels to achieve formal purity while maximising functional on-track aerodynamics.

The supercar’s front fascia is heavily inspired by motorsport architecture. The front end utilises large racing-derived air intakes and a completely revised daytime running light signature modelled after the bull's horns found in the traditional Lamborghini corporate emblem. It subtly integrates the brand's iconic Y-shaped visual motifs, seamlessly connecting a low-slung carbon fibre front splitter to the headlamps.

The side profile and silhouette are defined by a single, continuous silhouette line running nose-to-tail, the design pays homage to the extended long-tail aerodynamics of the track-only Essenza SCV12. The car was displayed in a launch livery of Giallo Crius, a vibrant yellow hue that emphasises the vehicle’s upper body volumes against high-contrast, performance-oriented exposed carbon fibre elements below.

Beneath its custom carbon fibre bodywork, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Fenomeno utilises a thoroughly reworked mechanical architecture derived from the Revuelto, establishing itself as the fastest road-going vehicle in Lamborghini’s history.

The vehicle balances its extreme power-to-weight ratio through specialized hardware, including an advanced 6D motion sensor that measures acceleration across six axes, race-derived firm dampers, and high-end CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brakes adapted directly from Lamborghini’s SC63 endurance race car.

The Fenomeno features a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with 3 electric motors, which produce a combined 1,080 CV (1,065 hp) – with the internal combustion engine contributing a record 835 CV on its own, making it Lamborghini's most powerful V12 ever produced. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 2.4 seconds, while a zero to 200 kmph can be attained in 6.7 seconds. It has a top speed of over 350 kmph. It features a class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 1.64 kg/CV.

The Fenomeno is strictly limited to 29 units globally for the coupe version (complemented by an even rarer 15-unit Roadster variant).

Mitja Borkert, Design Director, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “This valuable and renowned recognition confirms the direction of the design DNA we are shaping with the team at Lamborghini Centro Stile, and underscores our future strategy. Fenomeno is a manifesto of style that expands our design language once again in an unexpected way, going beyond expectations and continuing the bloodline of our successful few-off cars in an athletic and elegant way."

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