French automotive major Renault Group and Chinese automaker Geely have executed agreements to extend their strategic cooperation, focusing on the production and sales of zero and low-emission vehicles by Renault do Brasil for both the Renault and Geely Auto brands in the country.

As part of the agreements, Geely has acquired 26.4 percent stake in Renault do Brasil. Renault Group will remain the majority shareholder and continue to consolidate the entity in its accounts. As a minority shareholder, Geely gains access to the Brazilian industrial and commercial resources, which should accelerate its expansion in the region.

Renault do Brasil will produce Geely Auto-branded vehicles alongside Renault vehicles at the Ayrton Senna plant in Sao Jose dos Pinhais, Parana. This joint production is expected to increase output and sharpen the industrial complex's competitiveness.

Renault will utilise Geely's GEA new energy architecture to expand its zero and low-emission vehicle line-up for the Brazilian market.

Renault do Brasil will distribute Geely Auto's portfolio of zero and low-emission vehicles in Brazil, including the Geely EX5 electric SUV, opening up new growth opportunities in sales, financing, and services.

Francois Provost, CEO, Renault Group, said, “The partnership we are announcing today with Geely in Brazil marks a decisive step forward in our international strategy. It establishes an agile cooperation founded on industrial excellence and technological leadership. Once again, combining our strengths will make us more competitive, more innovative and more responsive in a fast-evolving automotive market.”

Eric Li, Chairman, Geely Holding Group, said, “Our continued cooperation with Renault in exploring new markets and new opportunities will make for a win-win scenario as both Renault and Geely are able to leverage technology scales on a global level to bring the best products to market.”

The cooperation aims to enhance both companies' presence in Brazil, a market that accounts for over 40 percent of vehicle registrations in Latin America in H1 2025. The two groups have previously collaborated on projects including joint investment into Renault Korea and the creation of Horse Powertrain.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India has attained a production milestone of 3.5 million units for the popular hatchback the WagonR.

The model, which spans three generations, was first launched in India in December 1999 and is currently manufactured at the company's facilities in Gurgaon and Manesar, Haryana.

The WagonR joins the Alto and Swift as models within the Maruti Suzuki portfolio to reach this volume. Globally, the Suzuki WagonR was first introduced in Japan in September 1993 and is now sold in over 75 countries. In August 2025, the model reached 100 million units in cumulative global sales.

The current WagonR is built on the fifth-generation Heartect platform. Standard safety features include six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

On the inside, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth and voice command functionality.

The vehicle has been the highest-selling car in India for the previous four financial years.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This achievement is not just a production milestone, but reflects the enduring love and confidence that generations of customers have shown towards brand WagonR. It is rare for a vehicle to receive such acceptance even after 25 years since its launch. The WagonR kept evolving with the introduction of new technology and features over time, while retaining its original DNA. The WagonR has been highly appreciated for aspects like its iconic tall-boy design, spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, which aptly reflect our customers’ needs and expectations. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and remain committed to providing ‘Joy of Mobility’ for generations to come.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nissan Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has announced that its upcoming seven-seater B-MPV will be named Gravite. The vehicle is scheduled for launch in January 2026 and is the first in a series of products for the Indian market.

The Gravite was announced in July 2024 as the second model in the company's current release plan. The timeline for upcoming vehicle launches includes: Gravite (B-MPV) 7-seater early 2026, Tekton SUV mid-2026 and the 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027.

The new Gravite’s design incorporates a C-shaped front grille and horizontal proportions. It is the only vehicle in its segment to feature hood branding and rear-door badging. The rear design utilises a C-shaped interlock theme.

Inside, the vehicle contains modular seating to accommodate passengers and cargo, alongside storage innovations.

Nissan is also expanding its dealership network in India.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), said, “India continues to be a strong contributor to AMIEO’s performance, and Nissan Motor India plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Over FY25, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our portfolio, and delivered on every promise made under our 2024 product offensive. The upcoming line-up—shaped by global insights yet deeply attuned to the needs of Indian customers—reflects our commitment to this dynamic market. With new models developed in and for India, and exports to several international markets, India remains both a growth driver and a strategic hub for Nissan Alliance. The reveal of the Gravite demonstrates our continued momentum and reinforces our confidence in the road ahead.”

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The all-new Gravite is a testament to Nissan Motor India’s renewed focus on the evolving Indian market. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, it is designed to be the perfect companion for the diverse needs of our customers. As the second model in our all-new product line-up, the Gravite marks a pivotal step in our transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the aspirations of Indian consumers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India has introduced a swivel seat option for the popular WagonR hatchback. The feature is designed to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities by providing easier access to the vehicle.

The initiative aligns with the Suzuki Group slogan 'By Your Side' and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 regarding the reduction of inequality.

The solution was developed in collaboration with TRUEAssist Technology, a Bengaluru-based startup, under Maruti Suzuki’s incubation programme with NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore.

The swivel seat is available as a retrofitment kit at Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships. It can be installed in new WagonR models or retrofitted into existing vehicles. The project will initially launch at 200 dealerships across 11 cities, with plans to scale based on customer response.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Swivel seat will make daily travel more convenient for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. WagonR is among the top 10 selling models* in India and is ideal to offer this accessibility feature to a wider audience. This initiative reflects our vision of inclusive mobility and reinforces our commitment to customer-focused solutions that empower people with dignity, independence, and confidence in their everyday journeys. It fully aligns with our motto to deliver ‘Joy of Mobility’ to as many people as possible.”

Naina Padaki, Founder of TRUEAssist Technology, stated, “We are truly pleased to collaborate with India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, to bring our assistive mobility solution to a wider audience. Working with the R&D engineers of Maruti Suzuki has been a delightful experience, and it is inspiring how deeply they think of the customers in every aspect. By integrating our innovation into a model loved by the masses, we can ensure that inclusive mobility becomes a mainstream reality and reaches more families across India.”

The WagonR swivel seat kit has been tested by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The installation does not require modifications to the car’s structure or core functions. The swivel seat is supplied with a three-year warranty.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has announced that its recently launched iconic Tata Sierra SUV has garnered over 70,000 confirmed bookings on the first day of the booking opening. The SUV prices start at INR 1.14 million and goes up to INR 2.12 million for the top-spec model.

The company claims it also received an additional 135,000 customers submitting their preferred configuration as they progress to complete booking formalities.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We sincerely thank our customers for this overwhelming response which reaffirms the legendary status of the Tata Sierra. True to its legacy of redefining norms, the Sierra has pioneered a new category: the premium mid-SUV. Harnessing a deep understanding of evolving consumer aspirations, it reimagines what a mid-size SUV can be. By enriching every dimension – space, comfort, luxury, safety, and everyday usability, the Sierra elevates the segment to an entirely new benchmark. The Sierra is more than a vehicle – it stands as a symbol of progress, individuality and aspiration.”

The Tata Sierra was launched on 25 November, and is pipped as a premium mid-SUV and is available in three powertrain options – the 1.5L Kryojet Diesel, the 1.5L TGDi Hyperion petrol and the 1.5L NA Revotron petrol.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!