Stellantis-owned Citroen India has announced the launch of its ‘Citroen 2.0 – Shift Into the New’ strategy, aimed at strengthening its position as an accessible mobility brand in the country. The plan focuses on enhanced customer satisfaction, product innovation and a significant expansion of its network across India.

The initiative includes upgrades to the C3, Aircross and Basalt Coupe SUV, with improvements in design, in-cabin technology and comfort. Developed on the global C-Cubed platform with up to 98 percent localisation, the refreshed portfolio is tailored to Indian driving conditions.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO & MD, Stellantis India, said, “India represents one of the most exciting and demanding opportunities for Stellantis globally and our Citroen 2.0 – Shift Into the New strategic plan is a decisive step forward in our commitment to India. We’re aligning closer than ever with Indian customers through locally engineered products, deeper network reach, and a relentless focus on quality and customer centricity. This is not about quick wins – it’s about sustainable growth, built on trust and long-term value. With high localisation, strong after-sales systems, newer ways of customer engagement and a sharp understanding of evolving expectations, we’re here to grow with India and for India.”

Since entering the market in 2021 with 10 showrooms, Citroen has grown to over 80 customer touchpoints, with plans to double the number by the end of this year. The expansion will prioritise Tier II, III and IV markets, supported by a digital service model offering transparent pricing and real-time tracking.

The company has invested over INR 53 billion in manufacturing, product platforms and localisation, with further investments planned in EVs, ICE platforms and supply chain localisation. The strategic plan will be introduced with a teaser featuring cricket legend MS Dhoni as brand ambassador.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported its financial results for Q2 and H1 FY2026. The company achieved its highest-ever quarterly Net Sales and record exports for both periods.

For Q2, the company recorded a net profit of INR 32.93 billion, an increase of 7.3 percent over INR 30.69 billion for the same period last year.

Net Sales reached a highest-ever INR 401.35 billion, up from INR 355.89 billion a year earlier. The company sold 550,874 vehicles during the period, which includes 440,387 units in the domestic market, down 5.1 percent YoY and the highest quarterly exports of 110,487 units, up 42.2 percent YoY.

The automaker attributed the slowdown in domestic sales on the back of delay in purchase decisions by customers on the back of GST-led price reduction from 22^nd September.

For H1 FY2026, net sales touch record high at INR 767.60 billion, compared to INR 694.64 billion last year. The net profit came at INR 70.04 billion, as compared to INR 67.19 billion for the same period last year.

The company sold a total of 1.07 million vehicles, up 1.4 percent YoY, which includes highest half-year exports of 207,459 units, up 39.9 percent YoY, while domestic sales came at 871,276 units.

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Kia Corporation has announced its business results for Q3 CY2025, reporting its highest-ever revenue and sales volume for the period. The company's revenue reached KRW 28.69 trillion, up 8.2 percent YoY, supported by sales of electrified models and a higher average selling price (ASP).

The Korean automaker sold 785,137 vehicles globally, an increase of 2.8 percent YoY, marking the highest third-quarter sales volume. However, operating profit fell by 49.2 percent YoY to KRW 1.46 trillion, impacted by increased incentives and the full effect of U.S. tariffs.

The operating profit margin for the quarter stood at 5.1 percent. Net profit, including non-controlling interest, was KRW 1.42 trillion, down 37.3 percent from the previous year.

Sales of electrified vehicles (xEVs), including hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicles (BEV), rose 32.3 percent YoY to 204,000 units.

HEV sales were the growth leader, rising 40.9 percent to 118,000 units, BEV sales increased 30 percent to 70,000 units, xEVs accounted for 26.4 percent of Kia’s global sales, up from 21 percent a year before.

The company’s wholesale performance outside of Korea grew by 1.4 percent to 647,128 units, driven by demand for hybrid models in North America. Wholesales in Korea increased by 10.2 percent to 138,009 units, supported by sales of recreational vehicles (RVs) and EV models.

Going forward, Kia anticipates that global trade uncertainties, including tariffs, will continue to pose risks to profitability in 2025. The company plans to sustain global sales momentum by offering more hybrid models and accelerating its growth through a full EV lineup.

For the Korean market, Kia will aim to expand sales through hybrid models for RVs and entry into the new segment with its first pickup truck, Tasman. Global EV expansion will continue with upcoming models such as the EV5 and PV5. In India, the company will maintain sales momentum with the Syros SUV, launch the redesigned Seltos SUV and strengthen its dealer network.

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VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the electric vehicle manufacturer, has significantly expanded its retail network with 24 dealerships now operational across major Indian cities. This progress supports the company's commitment to establishing 35 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2025.

The new showrooms adhere to VinFast’s global retail standards, featuring design and car display areas to ensure customer engagement. The 24 outlets are now operating in cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, among others. Customers can view the newly launched electric SUVs, the VF 6 and VF 7, at these locations.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “India’s enthusiasm for sustainable mobility motivates us to keep raising the bar. The rapid rollout of brand experience Showrooms underscores VinFast’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. We are working closely with our dealer partners to make VinFast products and services accessible to customers across the country. Our goal is not just to sell , but to deliver an inspiring, customer-centric journey anchored in sustainability and innovation.”

Simultaneously with the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7, VinFast is building a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates retail, charging and aftersales services. The company has formed partnerships with RoadGrid, myTVS, Castrol India and Global Assure to create a nationwide framework for charging and aftersales support.

VinFast's India growth strategy is centred on its factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The 400-acre facility, in its first phase, will assemble the VF 6 and VF 7 models with an initial capacity of 50,000 units, scalable up to 150,000 units. The factory is expected to create 3,000-5,000 direct jobs.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, remains upbeat about sustaining its growth momentum in FY2026, buoyed by robust SUV demand, growing rural penetration and the positive impact of GST reforms.

According to Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, the ongoing production ramp-up, including the commencement of operations at the Pune plant on 1^st October, marks a key milestone in strengthening the company’s domestic and export capabilities.

Exports are projected to surpass FY2026 targets, supported by higher-margin overseas sales and the company’s focus on cost optimisation. “Our profits are being driven by stronger exports and cost reduction in the bill of materials. We have refrained from aggressive discounting, which has helped maintain margins,” added

In the first half of FY2026, Hyundai Motor India executed over 20 product interventions, reflecting its commitment to keeping the portfolio fresh and relevant. The company also achieved its highest-ever rural penetration at 21.6 percent, with SUVs like the Exter and Venue witnessing a combined growth of 46 percent in rural markets during September–October compared to the January–August period. Rural SUV penetration now stands at 72 percent, marginally higher than in urban areas.

“The demand for SUVs remains strong, especially in the compact SUV segment where affordability and aspirations are in balance. The GST reform has given a fresh fillip to customer sentiment,” Garg noted. The new Hyundai Venue, slated for launch on 4^th November, is positioned as a key driver for continued momentum.

While demand softened briefly between mid-August and late September, retail activity picked up sharply in the weeks preceding the festive season. Garg indicated that retail sales in September–October grew about 20 percent over the January–August period. He, however, added that it will take another two to three months to fully gauge the long-term impact of GST on car-buying trends.

Despite some headwinds – including rising commodity prices, global geopolitical uncertainties, and foreign exchange fluctuations – Hyundai remains focused on cost optimisation to counter material price increases expected in Q3. The company also finalised a union settlement for FY2024–2027, which it described as a benchmark in the industry, reinforcing its commitment to employee relations and operational stability.

On the outlook, Garg highlighted both challenges and opportunities ahead. “While tariffs and global uncertainties remain headwinds, factors such as GST reforms, income tax returns, and the upcoming 8th Pay Commission will act as tailwinds supporting automotive demand,” he said.

In the long-run, the company expects to outperform the industry’s projected 5.5 percent CAGR with its own growth forecast of 7.5 percent, driven by new product introductions, operational efficiencies, and expanding exports.

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