Force Motors Limited reported its strongest third-quarter performance to date, with double-digit revenue growth and sharply higher profit margins for the three months ended December 31 2025, extending its record run in the 2025–26 financial year.

The Pune-based vehicle maker recorded standalone revenue of  INR 21.55 billion in the quarter, up 13 percent year on year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose 63 percent to INR 4.01 billion, while profit before tax, excluding exceptional items, increased 91 percent to INR 3.28 billion.

Including exceptional items, profit before tax rose to INR 5.39 billion, more than three times the level a year earlier, while profit after tax climbed 266 percent to INR 4.03 billion. The company reported no debt at the end of the quarter.

For the first nine months of the financial year, revenue rose 14 percent to INR 65.83 billion. EBITDA increased 43 percent to INR 11.45 billion, while profit before tax after exceptional items nearly doubled to INR 11.42 billion. Profit after tax for the period rose 153 percent to INR 9.38 billion.

Domestic volumes grew 25 percent during the nine-month period, supported by demand across the Urbania, Traveller, Gurkha (defence variants), Monobus and Trax platforms. Export volumes increased 30 per cent year on year, led by growth in light commercial vehicles, special vehicles and utility vehicles.

The Traveller platform-maintained segment leadership, with market share consistently above 70 percent, the company said.

Prasan Firodia, managing director of Force Motors Limited, said, “The performance in the third quarter reflects steady demand across our core product segments and improved operating leverage as volumes have scaled through the year. Growth has been broad-based, supported by continued traction in shared mobility, defence-related applications, and export markets.”

He added that demand visibility remained healthy in intra-city and inter-city passenger mobility, with institutional and fleet customers continuing to prioritise purpose-built platforms.

“Given the momentum we have gained and with Q4 underway, we are confident of closing the year on a strong note and delivering our best financial performance to date,” Firodia said.

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Volkswagen-owned luxury brand Bentley Motors has recorded its seventh consecutive year of profitability, with a reported operating profit of EUR 216 million for 2025. The results reflect an operating return on sales of 8.3 percent, achieved despite global market contraction and one-off accounting charges.

The company reported revenue of EUR 2.6 billion, a flat degrowth of one percent compared to the previous year. This resilience was attributed to disciplined pricing and a shift toward higher-margin derivatives.

Key financial factors included:

• Model Mix: Increased demand for Mulliner bespoke personalisation and Speed derivatives supported average revenue per vehicle.
• Volume: Customer deliveries declined by 5 percent, driven primarily by market conditions in China.
• External Impacts: Profitability was affected by the discontinuation of a Volkswagen Group D-segment platform, U.S. tariffs and foreign exchange fluctuations.

The Bentayga remains the brand’s best-selling model, bolstered by the market entry of the Bentayga Speed in late 2025. The year also saw the introduction of the fourth-generation Continental GT and Flying Spur, both featuring a new V8 hybrid powertrain.

Bentley is currently self-funding a transformation of its Pyms Lane site in Crewe to prepare for its first Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle (BEV). Construction is nearing completion on the A1 building, which will house the future BEV assembly line, and a new paint shop is scheduled to open later this year.

To improve long-term competitiveness, Bentley has announced a consultation programme that may result in the removal of 275 positions. These adjustments affect management, agency, and non-manufacturing roles as the business prepares for its next phase of electrification.

Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO, Bentley Motors, said, “2025 was a pivotal year for Bentley as we continue our preparation of the next generation of Bentleys including our upcoming all-electric model. Our high-performance Continental GT and Flying Spur have set new benchmarks for desirability, while the Bentayga remains our best-selling model with the new Speed derivative entering key markets. The all-new Bentley Supersports opened a new chapter for Bentley and underlines our sportiness and driver orientation. We are investing at unprecedented levels in the Pyms Lane site, including the Design Centre, opened in July last year, the near completion of the A1 building for BEV production, and the upcoming opening of the new Paint Shop later this year. At the same time, we are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business, including an organisational adjustment potentially impacting approximately 275 positions. I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition. These actions, alongside our investments and Beyond100+ strategy, ensure Bentley remains financially resilient, strategically focused and well-positioned for the next generation of luxury vehicles.”

Axel Dewitz, Board Member for Finance and IT, Betley Motors, commented, "Bentley has delivered a seventh consecutive year of profitability, demonstrating strong underlying financial performance despite a challenging macro environment. While reported results reflect a non-recurring accounting impact and external trade effects, the underlying business remains resilient. Revenue quality is supported by disciplined pricing and a rich model mix, with Mulliner bespoke demand continuing to grow. These results give us confidence that Bentley’s financial foundation is solid, whilst highlighting the need to continue to invest in our future product portfolio and site transformation.”

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Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has commenced customer deliveries and announced pricing for the updated Kushaq SUV. The refreshed line-up introduces segment-first technologies and a restructured variant hierarchy aimed at increasing the accessibility of its European engineering and safety features.

The new Kushaq maintains its turbocharged petrol engine range with significant updates to its transmission and braking systems:

• 1.0 TSI Engine: Produces 85 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. It debuts a segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic alongside the existing six-speed manual. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 19.66 kmpl (MT) and 19.09 kmpl (AT).
• 1.5 TSI Engine: Delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG automatic. This variant now features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) and all-wheel disc brakes on the Prestige and Monte Carlo trims.

The Kushaq retains its Global NCAP 5-star safety rating and now includes over 40 safety features. Standard equipment across the entire range includes – 6 airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper and defogger.

On the exterior, it features LED headlamps, LED taillamps, sequential rear turn indicators and alloy wheels. 

It gets electric sunroof, climatronic auto AC and touchscreen infotainment.

The SUV is available in five trims with eight colour options, including the new Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red.

All variants come with Skoda Super Care, which includes a standard 4-year/100,000 km warranty, 4 years of roadside assistance, and four labour-free services for up to two years. The warranty is extendable to eight years.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda Auto India, our focus is on democratising European technology and making it accessible to a wider set of customers. With the new Kushaq, we truly redefine value across the range. The new Kushaq leads the way through competitive value pricing across variants, enhanced standard safety features and all-round performance. Segment-first additions such as the eight-speed automatic gearbox, Rear Seat Massager, and standardisation of essential features provide fantastic value right from the entry variant. Class-leading safety, unmatched driving dynamics and pride of ownership come standard with the new Kushaq, as with every Skoda.”

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TATA.ev has expanded its electric vehicle range with the introduction of the Fearless+ QWD 75 persona for the Harrier.ev. The model features a dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive system and is positioned at a starting price of INR 2.64 million (ex-showroom).

Built on the acti.ev+ architecture, the Harrier.ev Fearless+ QWD 75 delivers 504 Nm of torque and achieves a claimed zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. It features Quad Wheel Drive – a dual-motor system for traction across varied terrains. Six terrain modes supplemented by Off-Road Assist and Boost Mode. In terms of safety, the Harrier.ev has 5-star Bharat-NCAP certification. A 15-year lifetime battery warranty for the first owner.

The Fearless+ QWD 75 includes several cabin and convenience features:

• Seating: 6-way powered driver seats with memory, 4-way powered co-driver seats, and ventilated front seats.
• Audio and Vision: 360-degree camera and a JBL Black 10-speaker system.
• Climate: Voice-assisted dual-zone automatic temperature control.
• Exterior: R19 alloy wheels and the introduction of a new Seaweed Green paint shade.

The Harrier.ev is now available in seven configurations. Prices listed are ex-showroom and exclude charger installation costs (available for an additional ₹49,000).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to witness the love that the Harrier.ev has received from our customers. With over 13,000 Harrier.ev’s delivered in just 6 months, its capability and potential has received strong interest from customers who have harnessed its go anywhere capability to successfully cover over 100 mn km across the length and breadth of India. It proves to be the perfect representation of how we are making performance SUVs aspirational yet attainable. With the introduction of the critically acclaimed dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive technology in the Fearless persona, we now want to drive this accessibility even further by unlocking more value and inviting more customers to Delete-Impossible with the Harrier.ev.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the new Hyundai Exter compact SUV with a starting price of INR 579,900.

The new Exter features more than 25 enhancements across its design and technology. It remains the tallest vehicle in its segment, measuring 1,643 mm in height and offers a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. Exterior updates include redesigned front and rear bumpers and a black radiator grille. New R15 diamond-cut alloy wheels and a wing-type spoiler. Additions of wheel arch cladding and a new centre garnish for the front facia.

The cabin introduces a dual-tone Navy and Grey theme with a 3D carbon-pattern dashboard finish. It gets segment-first metal pedals and a built-in dashcam. A wireless smartphone integration for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside a Type-C USB port for rear passengers. A boot capacity of 391 litres for petrol variants. More than 60 connected car features and 300 voice commands through Hyundai Bluelink.

The Exter comes with a 1.2 l Kappa Petrol engine, available with either a manual or AMT transmission. It also offers a Hy-CNG Duo variant featuring dual cylinders and an underbody spare tyre, which preserves 225 litres of luggage space.

Safety Specifications:

• Standard Safety: 30 features are standard across all variants, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).
• Advanced Features: The vehicle includes more than 45 advanced safety features in total.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "Since its debut, the Hyundai Exter has received an overwhelming response, earning the trust of over 200,000 customers across India. With its bold design and segment defining features, Hyundai Exter has played a pivotal role in reimagining the segment. Building on this strong foundation, the new Hyundai Exter embodies a reinvigorated spirit of 'Drive to shine', with refreshed styling, a more premium cabin, smarter connectivity and an enhanced safety package. These upgrades further strengthen its appeal among families and young explorers seeking a versatile SUV that seamlessly blends style, practicality and everyday usability. The new Hyundai Exter reaffirms HMIL's commitment to delivering world class technology, superior safety and a reliable SUV for young and ambitious India."

The new Exter is available in seven monotone and one dual-tone colour options, including the new Golden Bronze and Titanium Black Matte.

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