BYD India launched its much-anticipated BYD SEALION 7 Pure Performance eSUV at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The fully electric SUV is now open for bookings under a special Promotional Booking Offer valid until 17 February 2025. Alongside the SEALION 7, BYD India showcased the BYD SEALION 6, BYD Super Plug-in Hybrid EV and the groundbreaking Yangwang U8 luxury electric SUV. 

Marking 17 years of successful operations in India, the SEALION 7 embodies ocean-inspired aesthetics and advanced innovation. This globally acclaimed vehicle is built on BYD’s cutting-edge technology, including Intelligence Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) and CTB (Cell to Body) technology. The SEALION 7 features an 82.56 kWh Blade Battery integrated into the chassis for enhanced safety, performance and interior space. 

Available in Premium and Performance variants, the eSUV delivers impressive acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds in the Performance trim and 6.7 seconds in the Premium variant. The Performance model offers 542 km range and generates 390 kW of power with 690 Nm of torque, while the Premium provides 567 km range, 230 kW power and 380 Nm torque. 

Designed by BYD’s Global Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, the SEALION 7 boasts aerodynamic styling with a distinctive ‘OCEAN X’ front design. Interior features include a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, quilted Nappa leather seats, 128-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced noise insulation. It also offers 12 Dynaudio speakers, ventilated and heated seats, a 50 W wireless phone charger and a VTOL (Vehicle to Load) system, allowing the vehicle to function as a portable power station. 

Under the Promotional Booking Offer, customers can reserve the SEALION 7 for INR 70,000, matched by a INR 70,000 contribution from BYD India. Early bookings include benefits such as a complimentary 7 kW home charger with free installation, an additional 7-year/150,000 km warranty on the low-voltage battery, and early deliveries for the first 70 customers. 

The BYD SEALION 6, powered by BYD’s DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligence) hybrid platform, combines electric and petrol propulsion for seamless performance and outstanding fuel efficiency. The platform enhances driving dynamics and eco-friendliness, advancing BYD's vision of sustainable mobility. 

Also showcased was the Yangwang U8 luxury electric SUV, featuring BYD’s e4 platform for Independent Torque Control and real-time wheel torque regulation. The U8 boasts unique capabilities such as all-terrain tank turns and the ability to float and steer in water for up to 30 minutes, making it a one-of-a-kind passenger vehicle. 

BYD India also presented its existing portfolio, including the BYD ATTO 3 eSUV, eMAX7 eMPV and the award-winning BYD SEAL electric sedan, alongside models from BYD’s global portfolio. With plans to expand its dealership network to 40 locations by January 2025, BYD India is poised to lead the transition to sustainable mobility.

Commiting on the occassion, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India Rajeev Chauhan said, "The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a milestone event for BYD, as we proudly launch the SEALION 7, a model that epitomises our vision for innovative and sustainable luxury mobility at the congregation. We are also showcasing the BYD SEALION 6, BYD Super Plug-in Hybrid EV with DM-i technology and the luxurious Yangwang U8. Our lineup represents a breakthrough in automotive technology, setting new standards for what consumers can expect from electric vehicles. We are excited to lead the charge in transforming the industry with products that not only inspire but also contribute meaningfully to a greener future. In line with this, we are set to expand our dealership network to 40 within January and grow our network even further through 2025."

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.

JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its Hector SUV is now certified for E20 fuel (20 percent Ethanol blended) petrol. The E20 fuel-compliant Hector SUV will be available in 1.5 L Petrol MT and CVT variants, aligning with India’s mandate for E20-compliant petrol-fuelled vehicles manufactured post 1 April 2025. The price for Hector SUV starts at INR 1.39 million (ex-showroom India).

Rakesh Sen, Director Sales, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The enduring popularity of the Hector highlights its outstanding quality and an alignment with our customers' needs. The introduction of the E20-compliant version demonstrates in no uncertain terms our commitment to innovation and sustainability in everything we do. We aim to provide vehicles that not only satisfy customer expectations but also play a vital role in fostering a more greener automotive future.”

Launched in 2019, the MG Hector was touted as the country’s first Internet SUV and offered features such as dual pane panoramic sunroof and a segment-best 14-inch HD infotainment system and more than 70 connected car features.

As part of its ‘Midnight Carnival’ marketing campaign, JSW MG Motor India invites car buyers to visit MG Motor showrooms open until midnight every weekend for a limited time to purchase the Hector SUV. What’s more, 20 lucky MG Hector buyers stand a chance to win a trip to London, along with exclusive benefits worth up to INR 400,000. 

Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has added another feather to its cap with the Nexon.EV extending its 5-star safety rating in Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP).

The automaker has been actively pursuing safety as a critical parameter in its passenger vehicles, with the Nexon SUV being the first vehicle manufactured in India to have scored 5-star rating at Global NCAP way back in 2018.

Going forward, the company has continued to strengthen its portfolio with actively getting its vehicles assessed in Global NCAP as well as Bharat NCAP protocols.

In June 2024, Tata Motors’ Punch.ev became the first electric vehicle in India to bag the 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP. And now, the company continued the tradition with the Nexon.ev continuing to sport the badge of 5-star safety rating.