India key growth market, says Stellantis CEO

PANDEMIC-BORN OPPORTUNITIES

Stellantis N.V. CEO Carlos Tavares has outlined India’s strategic importance for the company and his vision to evolve its operations as part of the Dare Forward 2030 global strategic plan. 

The merged companies that formed Stellantis have invested over EUR 1 billion since 2015 to develop a sustainable footprint in the country and grow its brands, in line with the government’s plan to develop the auto industry through its “Make in India” initiative. 

Stellantis said India is already a major sourcing hub for vehicles, components and mobility technologies and hosts the heart of Stellantis ICT while strongly contributing to the global software development. With its diverse talent base and its demonstrated R&D and engineering expertise, Stellantis India is at the core of Stellantis, the CEO said. 

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said, “We are committed to growing and strengthening our presence in India, making this strategic country a key pillar of our global ambition under the Dare Forward 2030 plan. I’m proud of our 2,500 employees in India who are working every day to make Stellantis a key contributor, offering clean, safe and affordable mobility solutions for its Indian customers and paving the way for the well-being of the next generation.” 

Stellantis operates three manufacturing plants in Ranjangaon, Hosur, Thiruvallur, an ICT Hub (Hyderabad) & Software Centre (Bengaluru), and two R&D centres in Chennai and Pune. The Digital Hub in India has grown into one of the largest
in-house ICT and digital organisations within Stellantis, the release pointed
out. 

The manufacturing and R&D bases are already producing and exporting components and vehicles for markets outside India. They will increasingly become the source for engines, gearboxes, and components for other global markets. 

Stellantis “Make in India” initiative is ongoing with India being the only country to locally produce four Jeep nameplates outside North America (Wrangler, Compass, Meridian and Grand Cherokee) and the Citroën C5 Aircross outside France. 

In 2022, Indian customers will benefit from the new launches of the Jeep Meridian, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the New Citroën C3, which is designed, developed and manufactured in India, for India and export markets, the release said.  

These products are firming up the foundation for growth and building awareness of the models that Stellantis is bringing to India. 

Further, Stellantis’ ambition includes developing its Indian supplier base to conform with global quality standards and increasing India’s global competitiveness in the automotive ecosystem, the release added. (MT)

Dacia Rolls Out 100,000th Bigster In Just One Year

Dacia Rolls Out 100,000th Bigster In Just One Year

Renault Group-owned European car brand Dacia has achieved a significant milestone with the rollout of the 100,000th Bigster just one year after its production began at the Mioveni facility in Romania. This impressive volume highlights the immediate and substantial demand for the brand's latest model. Even prior to its full market launch, the vehicle garnered over 13,000 pre-orders, signalling strong early interest in its proposition of a value-oriented, family-sized SUV.

The model swiftly translated this initial promise into market leadership, becoming the best-selling C-SUV to retail customers across Europe in the second half of 2025. This commercial success is mirrored in the United Kingdom, where close to 5,000 orders have been recorded. British buyers have shown a distinct preference for the efficient hybrid 155 powertrain and the generously specified Journey trim level, with Indigo Blue being the colour of choice.

Beyond sales figures, the Bigster's impact has been validated by influential industry awards, most recently at the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, where it was hailed as a definitive value champion. Designed to challenge the status quo, the Dacia Bigster, starting from GBP 25,215, successfully delivers a robust, well-equipped and practical solution for families, firmly establishing its successful position in the competitive automotive landscape.

Hyundai Motor India Reports INR 123 Billion Profit In Q3 FY2026

Hyundai Venue N-Line

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has released its unaudited financial results for Q3 FY2026 and nine months ending 31 December 2025.

The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 123.44 billion for Q3, representing a 6.3 percent increase YoY. Revenue for the quarter reached INR 1,797.35 billion, up 8 percent compared to the same period last year. EBITDA stood at INR 2,018.3 billion, a 7.6 percent rise, supported by festive demand and the implementation of GST 2.0.

The company stated that the domestic demand was supported by wholesale volumes increasing 5 percent QoQ. The Hyundai Creta recorded sales of over 200,000 units in the 2025 calendar year, while the new Venue model has received nearly 80,000 bookings to date.

Hyundai Motor India also entered the commercial mobility segment with the Prime HB and SD taxi models. Exports grew by 21 percent YoY in Q3 FY26, accounting for 25 percent of the total sales mix.

For the nine-month period, EBITDA reached INR 6,632.5 billion, a 3.3 percent increase. EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent, up from 12.5 percent in the previous year, despite costs related to capacity stabilisation and commodity prices.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, said, “The third quarter performance underscores our resilience and strong execution of 'Quality of Growth' strategy, marked by healthy growth in volumes, revenue and profitability. Notably on a year-to-date basis, EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent as against 12.5 percent last year, supported by our efforts towards improving sales mix and prudent cost control measures. As we move ahead, the robust January’26 sales number gives us great momentum towards a healthy 2026.”

Particulars

Q3 FY26

Q2 FY26

Q3 FY25

9M FY26

9M FY25

Revenue

179,735

174,608

166,480

518,472

512,526

EBITDA

20,183

24,289

18,755

66,325

64,211

EBITDA %

11.2%

13.9%

11.3%

12.8%

12.5%

PAT

12,344

15,723

11,607

41,759

40,259

Jeep Reaffirms India Commitment With Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0

Jeep

Stellantis-owned Jeep has announced its Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0, positioning India as a central hub for its operations in the Asia Pacific region. The plan focuses on localisation, manufacturing depth, and export expansion from the company's facility in Ranjangaon, Pune.

As part of the strategy, Jeep intends to increase localisation levels to 90 percent, up from the current 65–70 percent. This move is aimed at strengthening supply-chain resilience and cost competitiveness. The Ranjangaon plant, which has an annual capacity of 160,000 vehicles, currently exports the Compass, Meridian, and Commander to markets including Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Plans are underway to expand exports to Africa and North America.

The company plans to introduce a new vehicle lineup in India starting from 2027. In the interim, Jeep will maintain its current portfolio through refreshes and special editions. To support its customers, the brand has introduced the Confidence 7 programme, which includes a buyback scheme, pre-maintenance packages, and extended warranties.

At present, Jeep operates over 85 sales and service touchpoints across 70 cities in India. The automaker stated that in 2025, the Wrangler Willys 41 limited edition sold out within seven days. The company is also focusing on its owner community, which has reached 100,000 members, through experiential platforms and brand clubs.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO & Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, “Jeep’s 85-year legacy is built on authenticity and adventure. Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0 lays out how we will sharpen our product strategy and strengthen the customer experience year after year, driven by deeper localisation, global product alignment, expanding our vehicle offerings, and programs that deliver real value. We are equally focused on taking care of our existing customers, ensuring they receive the support, service and confidence they expect from Jeep. Success in India demands resilience and long-term commitment and we are investing with that clarity to ensure Jeep remains a brand of pride and desirability.”

Maruti Suzuki India Reports INR 37.94 Net Profit For Q3 FY2026

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported its financial results for Q3 FY2026.

The company reported revenue of INR 475.344 billion, as against INR 368.02 billion last year, net profit came at INR 37.94 billion, as against INR 36.59 billion last year. It is to be noted that the net profit was impacted for Q3 FY2026 was impacted due to a one-time provision of INR 5,939 million relating to new Labour Codes.

During the period, the company achieved its highest quarterly domestic sales of 564,669 units, an increase of 97,676 units over the previous year. Total sales reached 667,769 units, which included 103,100 units in exports. This performance was supported by a recovery in the car market following GST reform, with the small car segment in the 18 percent GST bracket contributing significantly to the volume increase.

For the nine-month period from April to December 2025, the company recorded its highest sales volume, net sales and net profit. Total sales volume reached 1,746,504 units, with domestic sales at 1,435,945 units and exports at 310,559 units. Net sales for this period increased to INR 1,242 billion, while net profit grew to INR 1,085 billion.

Financial statements for the period have been restated following the amalgamation of Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) with MSIL. This process took effect from 1 April 2025. The company continues to monitor market conditions as it manages its manufacturing and sales operations.

The recovery in the car market was led by the small car segment. Sales growth in this category accounted for 68,328 units of the total domestic increase. The company remains focused on domestic and export markets to maintain its sales volumes.