Cars24, one of the leading autotech platform in India, has elevated Himanshu Ratnoo to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its used cars business.

In his new role, Ratnoo will be responsible for Cars24’s C2B and retail operations. The company credits him for initiative such as developing franchise models, lead monetisation and revamping luxury car transactions.  

The announcement was made by Vikram Chopra, Founder and CEO of Cars24, in an internal email to the organisation, where he commended Ratnoo’s leadership skills.

Maruti Suzuki India, one of the largest passenger vehicles manufacturers in the country, has attained another milestone. The company’s popular Dzire sedan has crossed cumulative production milestone of three million units.

It was in 2008, Maruti Suzuki India had first introduced the Dzire sedan in the country, followed by the second generation and third generation in 2012 and 2017 respectively. The first million production milestone was achieved in April 2015, taking seven years, followed by two million production milestone in June 2019 achieved in four years.

And now the three million production milestone in under four years, despite the lull witnessed during the Covid-19 period. With this Dzire now becomes the fourth model for Maruti Suzuki India to achieve the significant milestone joining the likes of Alto, Swift and WagonR.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “We are deeply grateful to our customers for their continued trust, which has been a key to achieving the milestone of 3 million production for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Their feedback and support inspire us to continuously improve and innovate, ensuring the Dzire exceeds their expectations. The latest Dzire, launched last month, exemplifies this commitment, setting a new benchmark with its modern design, advanced features, and exceptional fuel efficiency. Over the years, Dzire has significantly contributed to our sales, making us the sedan segment leader for 16 consecutive years*. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team members and value chain partners for their hard work and commitment.”

Osamu Suzuki, the man who led Suzuki Motor Corporation for over five decades and was the longest serving head of a global automaker for more than 28 years as president, passed away on 27 December 2024 due to lymphoma.

A former bank employee Osamu Matsuda took over his wife’s surname Suzuki after their marriage. He joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 and worked in several roles before assuming the role of President in 1978.

It was in 1982, when the Indian government was scouting for bringing automotive manufacturing in India, Suzuki Motor Corporation picked up 26 percent stake in Maruti Udyog. This set the stepping stone for where Maruti Suzuki India is today.

Among various achievements, he will be fondly remembered for his bet on entering the Indian automotive market, which now serves as one of the largest markets for Suzuki Motor Corp.

As per media reports, Toshihiro Suzuki, the eldest son of Osamu Suzuki issued a statement that said: “The funeral was held privately with close family members until the ashes were interred. We respectfully decline condolence ceremonies, perfumes, flowers, condolence telegrams, etc.”

A statement issued by Maruti Suzuki India said, "Maruti Suzuki is deeply saddened on the passing of Osamu Suzuki, Senior Advisor, Suzuki Motor Corporation and Director & Honorary Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India. O. Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry. In India, his foresight and leadership were instrumental in the formation of Maruti Udyog in 1981. With his vision O. Suzuki played the pivotal role in realising the dream of putting India on wheels by empowering millions of Indian families with affordable, reliable, efficient and good quality vehicles. Under his stewardship, Indian automobile industry adopted the Japanese manufacturing and work practices that are globally recognised for teamwork, productivity and cost effectiveness. O. Suzuki’s legacy will live on as an inspiration to all of us at Maruti Suzuki and the entire automotive community in India. His passion to bring smiles to people’s lives through mobility will forever be cherished. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, business partners and colleagues in this moment of distress."

R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “It is with the deepest personal sorrow that I have learnt of the passing of Osamu Suzuki San. Without his vision and foresight, his willingness to take a risk that no one else was willing to take, his deep and abiding love for India, and his immense capabilities as a teacher, I believe the Indian automobile industry could not have become the powerhouse that it has become. Millions of us in this country are living better lives because of Osamu San. He won and enjoyed the trust of several Prime Ministers. He had a very close understanding with the present Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Osamu San’s contribution to the Indian economy, and for building bridges between India and Japan was acknowledged by the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on him.”

“He will be missed by his innumerable admirers and beneficiaries in the country. I have lost someone who was closer than a brother to me. He changed my life and showed how nationality is no barrier to people building unbreakable bonds of trust in each other. He was my teacher, mentor and a person who stood by me even in my darkest days. If I played a role in the success of Maruti, it was because I was his student and he had taught me how best to grow a company and make it competitive.”

“Osamu San came to Delhi at the end of July this year despite not being in good health. He came because he wanted to attend my 90th birthday. It was the most touching event in my life. Little did I know that this would be the last time I would see him. Osamu San will no longer be there to guide us. His legacy and teachings will never be forgotten and he will be remembered every time Maruti reaches another milestone as a part of the progress of India. May God give strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss,” added Bhargava.

Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA & CMD, Subros, said, “It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Osamu Suzuki, the legendary former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, whose visionary leadership and indomitable spirit transformed the global automotive industry. Over his remarkable career spanning several decades, he was instrumental in shaping Suzuki into one of the most trusted and admired automobile brands worldwide. His exceptional contributions to India through Maruti Suzuki not only revolutionised the Indian automotive landscape but also strengthened the bonds between India and Japan, fostering a partnership that set benchmarks for the global auto industry and the creation of a robust supply chain that empowered countless businesses. A trailblazer, mentor, and innovator, Suzuki's unwavering commitment to excellence, humility, and sustainability has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations in the automotive and business communities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Suzuki Motor Corporation family during this time of grief.” 

Image: File photo: Flickr

JSW MG Motor India has introduced a zero down payment scheme for the MG Astor compact SUV and the MG Hector SUV.

The limited-period offer, valid until 31 December 2024, will allow eligible customers to get up to 100 percent on-road price funding with a loan tenure of up to seven years. In addition, customers will also be able to get INR 50,000 funding for accessories across all variants on both models.

With prices starting at INR 999,000 the MG Astor is equipped with i-Smart 2.0 and over 80 connected features for a host of convenience and safety tech.

While, the MG Hector is available at prices starting INR 1.39 million and comes India's largest 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD Portrait infotainment screen. It also comes with ADAS (Level 2) functions along with Traffic Jam Assist and i-SMART technology among others.

JSW MG Motor India, which had announced its first product the MG Cyberster that will be sold under its premium product strategy MG Select, has released a performance teaser.

The company shared that the MG Cyberster, which takes inspiration from the MG B Roadster of the 1960’s, is tuned by former Italian F1 Engineer, Marco Fainello. The vehicle is said to offer a thrilling driving experience to customers.

The MG Cyberster features a dual motor setup that delivers 510 PS of power and 725 Nm of torque. It uses an 8-layer flat wire winding and waterfall oil-cooled motor, which promises an efficient performance even at high temperatures.

The roadster features front double wishbone and a rear five-link independent suspension that enables 50:50 front and rear weight distribution for enhanced vehicle stability.

JSW MG Motor India shared that the aerodynamic Kammback design enhances lateral stability, minimising vehicle's body roll that makes the vehicle safe.

The company is set to open exclusive experience centres in 12 cities under the MG Select brand.