As the lockdown restrictions are lifted and cities across India see relaxations on movement, people are gradually bound to get behind the wheel. While it isn’t advisable to step out just yet, it is necessary to take precautions by cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting your car to ensure all around safety before hitting the road. This is because cleaning physically removes germs with soap and water but does not kill them. Sanitising lowers the number of germs and kills bacteria, and thus the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, further complementing the cleaning and sanitising.
Ford India states warns car users to be sure to choose a disinfecting spray safe for your vehicle’s interior. Household cleaning products contain ingredients like bleach, acetone, chlorine, and ammonia, which will damage the interior materials and paint of your vehicle. To take disinfecting your vehicle to the next level, purchase a disinfectant germ fogger.
When cleaning using detailing products, do not spray directly onto surfaces like the dashboard. Spray products into a microfibre towel and then apply to the surface. While you’re at it, take the dirt from fabric seats and headliner with a quick vacuum. If you have access to a wet vacuum with shampoo it will garner better results. And don’t forget a quick wash of regularly-touched exterior surfaces, specifically door handles.
Leather
Try the product of your choice – again, free of harmful ingredients like bleach, acetone, chlorine, and ammonia – at the rear portion of the steering wheel and wait for its effects to the materialise. If there is no stain, or any discoloration on the leather you can continue using the product. Much like using the detailing products, DO NOT spray onto the surface, but spray into a clean micro-fibre towel and gently apply the product.
Disinfecting
You’re now ready to disinfect your vehicle. Hard surfaces like plastic buttons and knobs can be wiped down with a bleach-free disinfectant wipe or apply your disinfecting spray onto a microfibre cloth. Given how often you probably interact with your infotainment screen, be it a infotainment touchscreen or otherwise, opt for an electronic-specific non-toxic device-cleaning wipe.
Where to Use
This list might seem extensive, but it’s by no means comprehensive. Anything you find yourself touching throughout your day should be wiped down, and a solid place to start is to think of the first thing you touch as you approach your Ford, to the last thing you touch before getting out.
- Key/Key FOB
- Exterior Door Handle
- Interior Door Handle
- Lock and Unlock Buttons and Interior Door Release
- Seatbelt and Seatbelt Buckle. Also include the release button
- Push-to-Start Button, or Ignition Area
- Rearview Mirror, and Automatic Side Mirror Buttons
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) Buttons
- Radio Buttons and Knobs or Infotainment Touchscreen
- Gear Selector
- Parking Brake Lever
- Steering Wheel and Wheel Mounted Buttons
- Signal and Wiper Stalk
- Headlights Knob
- Centre Console and Cup Holders
Other areas to disinfect
- Window Buttons
- Terrain Management System (TMS) Rotary Knob
- Glove Compartment Handle
- Tailgate/Hatch Release and Power Close Button
- Power Folding Third Row Buttons
- Fuel Cap
Once you have finished disinfecting the car, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap. In fact, this step-up in personal hygiene is a habit that should be continued even after the Covid-19 pandemic is over. (MT)
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Reaches 200,000 Sales Milestone For Innova HyCross
- By MT Bureau
- April 09, 2026
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced that cumulative sales of the Innova HyCross in India have surpassed 200,000 units. The milestone was achieved within 41 months of the model's launch in November 2022. The Innova HyCross is priced from INR 1.95 million (ex-showroom).
The Innova HyCross is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The flagship powertrain features a 5th Generation Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric System, which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an e-drive sequential shift.
The hybrid tech has a claimed power output of 137 kW (186 PS), which allows the vehicle to operate in electric (EV) mode for approximately 60 percent of the time during typical driving cycles. A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine option is also available, delivering 129 kW (174 PS).
The Innova HyCross scored a 5-Star safety rating in the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP).
It comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes active safety technologies to assist driver awareness. Interior features include powered Ottoman second-row seating, ventilated front seats, and over 65 connected vehicle functions.
Toyota provides an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery for select variants. Ownership is supported by the T CARE ecosystem, a service framework covering the vehicle lifecycle from pre-sales to repurchase, including roadside assistance and periodic maintenance packages.
The achievement of this sales volume reinforces the model's position in the premium MPV segment and supports Toyota’s ‘multi-pathway’ strategy for carbon reduction through hybrid technology.
Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are proud to celebrate a significant achievement of over 2 lakh Innova HyCross sales, highlighting the model’s strong legacy and enduring appeal among customers. This milestone also reflects growing customer trust in Toyota’s self-charging hybrid technology, along with the brand’s commitment to design, performance, comfort, and reliability. It further motivates us to continue delivering market-relevant products, advanced technologies, and a seamless ownership experience aligned with evolving customer expectations. We extend our sincere gratitude to our customers and remain confident that the Innova HyCross will continue to inspire confidence and set new benchmarks in the mobility ecosystem.”
Mercedes-Benz India Reports Record 19,363 Unit Sales In FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- April 09, 2026
Mercedes-Benz India, one of the leading luxury carmakers in the country, has recorded its highest-ever fiscal sales, retailing 19,363 units during the April 2025 to March 2026 period.
The company marked an uptick of 7 percent in the Q1 2026, where the company delivered 5,131 units compared to 4,775 in Q1 2025.
The German luxury brand’s growth was primarily driven by the Top-End Luxury segment, which grew by 16 percent in FY2026 and now accounts for 27 percent of total sales. This category includes the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach and the AMG range. Demand for certain models, such as the AMG G 63 and Maybach S-Class, has resulted in waiting periods of up to 12 months.
In contrast, the Entry Luxury segment saw an 18 percent decline. The company stated it would maintain a ‘value over volume’ strategy, prioritising feature-rich content and brand desirability over price-led volume incentives.
For Mercedes-Benz India, the Long Wheelbase (LWB) E-Class remains the highest-selling luxury car in the country. It continued to see robust demand for the C-Class, GLC and GLE SUVs.
Furthermore, contribution of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) now comprise 20 percent of all Top-End models sold. Within the luxury BEV segment (priced above INR 14 million), the company recorded 85 percent growth. The EQS SUV has emerged as the highest-selling luxury electric model for the brand. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the electric CLA on 24 April 2026 as its first ‘software-defined’ electric vehicle.
Under its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy, the company plans to open more than 20 luxury outlets in 2026. This expansion involves a INR 4.50 billion investment from franchise partners. New facilities are scheduled for Q2 2026 in emerging markets, including Visakhapatnam, Varanasi and Goa, alongside reinforcements in Mumbai and Pune.
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz remains the most desirable luxury brand in India buoyed by strong customer loyalty for both our new and existing products. We are thrilled with the strong demand for our top-end luxury portfolio that set new benchmarks in the luxury segment with exclusivity and personalization. Similarly, a sustained demand for the ‘core’ segment underlines unwavering customer trust for winning products like the C-Class, LWB E-Class sedans and GLC and GLE SUVs.”
“Our product fireworks for 2026 will continue as we introduce two new AMGs for performance enthusiasts. We are enthused by the overwhelming response to new products like GLS Maybach, the V-Class and the CLA BEV, and customers can expect more desirable products planned across segments for the remaining quarters. Mercedes-Benz will maintain a sharp focus on superior product content and customer aspirations, reinforcing our strategy of value-led growth over volume aspirations,” he concluded.
Hyundai Motor India Launches Creta Summer Edition With Technology Upgrades
- By MT Bureau
- April 09, 2026
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has introduced the Creta Summer Edition, featuring updates to technology and convenience features across several trim levels at prices starting INR 1.2 million upto INR 1.63 million (ex-showroom). The launch follows a fiscal year where Creta sales exceeded 200,000 units, contributing to a cumulative customer base of over 1.4 million since 2015.
The Summer Edition introduces specific hardware and software upgrades intended to increase accessibility to premium features.
- EX and EX(O) Trims: These variants now include smart keys and push-button start. The EX(O) specifically adds quad-beam LED headlamps, LED tail lamps and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines.
- S(O) and SX Trims: A dashcam with multiple recording modes (driving, emergency, and vacation) has been integrated. The SX trim further receives a 26.03 cm (10.25-inch) multi-display digital cluster.
- SX Premium Trim: This top-tier edition is equipped with a Surround View Monitor (SVM), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and front parking sensors in addition to the digital cluster and dashcam.
The integrated dashcam allows for video downloads to mobile devices via a dedicated application, supporting on-demand video and photo capture.
The Summer Edition is available with both 1.5l MPi petrol and 1.5l U2 CRDi diesel engines. Transmission options include manual (MT), Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and automatic (AT).
Sunil Moolchandani, National Sales Head, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The Hyundai Creta is not just a product, it is a legacy that has played a defining role in shaping the SUV market in India. With more than 1.4 million customers and annual sales exceeding 2 lakh units in FY 2025-26, Hyundai Creta continues to reinforce its position as the undisputed No.1 in the mid-size SUV segment since its launch in 2015. The introduction of the Creta Summer Edition variants reflects our commitment to making advanced technology and comfort more accessible, with features such as the 26.03 cm (10.25”) Multi Display Digital Cluster, Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Dashcam among others further enhancing safety, convenience and driving confidence. These meaningful upgrades will continue to strengthen Creta’s leadership and emotional connect with customers across the country.”
Kia India Surpasses 100,000 Connected Car Subscription Renewals
- By MT Bureau
- April 08, 2026
Kia India has announced that more than 100,000 customers have renewed their paid subscriptions for Kia Connect. The automaker has achieved a retention rate exceeding 30 percent following the expiry of the initial three-year complimentary period.
Since its introduction in 2019, the platform has evolved from its original 'UVO' branding to the current Kia Connect 2.0. Globally, the manufacturer reports an enrolment rate of approximately 97 percent. In India, the company has surpassed 500,000 total sales of connected vehicles.
The platform provides over 100 features across five categories – navigation, remote control, safety & security, vehicle management and convenience.
Kia offers three tiers of renewals – Standalone, Basic and Premium – with flexible durations. Prices for a one-year subscription range from INR 1,890 to INR 4,690, while three-year plans range from INR 3,890 to INR 9,090.
The renewal trend is supported by hardware integrations such as the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) and software initiatives like Drive Green, which monitors sustainable driving practices.
Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Crossing the milestone of one lakh Kia Connect subscription renewals reflects the growing trust customers place in our connected mobility ecosystem. The continued adoption beyond the complimentary period highlights the everyday value we deliver through enhanced convenience, safety, and control. We remain committed to advancing our digital platforms for a smarter, more connected driving experience.”
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