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)

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European automaker Citroen India has partnered with HDFC Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, for retail and dealer finance solutions.

This move, the company shared further strengthens the Stellantis–HDFC alliance, making HDFC Bank the exclusive preferred financier for all Stellantis brands in India, including Jeep, Maserati and now Citroen.

A standout feature for Citroen customers would be access to HDFC Xpress Car Loan, an industry-leading solution offering 30-minute disbursals through a 100 percent digital interface.

HDFC Bank shared that auto loans have been one of the significant contributors to its retail assets segment with around INR 14,800 billion in its auto loan books.

Shishir Mishra, Business Head & Director – Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Business, Stellantis India, said, “Financing plays a pivotal role in the car buying journey. New-age customers are increasingly seeking smart, flexible financing solutions that align with their lifestyles and convenience. They value speed, transparency, and convenience in their car-buying journey, making innovative finance options a key decision driver. At Citroen, we believe in making mobility more accessible and seamless for our customers and partners. This partnership with HDFC Bank not only strengthens our financing ecosystem but also reaffirms our commitment to delivering holistic, convenient and trusted experiences across all touchpoints.”

Arvind Vohra, Group Head – Retail Assets, HDFC Bank, said, “We are pleased to partner with Citroen for offering a simplified auto-financing journey. HDFC Bank’s vast geographical footprint, consumer centric banking products and robust credit intelligence capabilities will unlock a speedier and convenient auto ownership journey.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has marked 20 years of the Innova SUV in India, with cumulative sales of over 1.2 million units across the Innova, Innova Crysta and Innova HyCross models.

Launched in 2005, the Innova set a new benchmark in the MPV segment with its combination of ride comfort, spacious interiors, durable build and advanced safety features. The Innova Crysta followed in 2016 with a new design, more powerful engines and premium features, while the 2022 Innova HyCross introduced self-charging hybrid technology, delivering 186 PS of combined output and segment-leading fuel efficiency. The HyCross has sold 100,000 units in India since its launch.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President – Sales, Service and Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Toyota Innova has built a deep emotional bond with customers over the last two decades – trusted as a dependable companion for families, loved by all for its comfort and reliability and chosen time and again across generations. Whether for daily commutes or memorable road trips, the Innova has remained a part of countless personal journeys. Beyond its emotional connect, the Innova stands strong as a product benchmark – offering spacious interiors, robust build quality and smooth drivability, making it one of the most trusted and loved MPVs in India.”

Toyota attributed the Innova’s sustained popularity to its comfort, practicality, and adaptability, supported by customer-focused enhancements and the company’s after-sales ecosystem, T CARE, which offers services from quick delivery to value-added protection and transparent maintenance.

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Tata Motors, one of India’s leading SUV manufacturers, has unveiled the all-new Adventure X Persona variants for the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs.

The new variant now equips the Harrier and Safari Adventure Persona with many segment-first ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (AT), 360deg HD Surround View, Trail Hold EPB with Auto Hold, Trail Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet), a Land Rover-derived Command Shifter (AT), along with segment-leading features such as the Ergo Lux Driver Seat with Memory & Welcome function, a 26.03 cm Ultra-View Twin Screen System, Trail Sense Auto Headlamps, Aqua Sense Wipers and Multi Drive Modes (City, Sport, Eco). 

The persona edition starts at INR 1.89 million for the Harrier Adventure X and INR 1.99 million for the Safari Adventure X+ variants.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, "The Harrier and Safari have always stood for more than just mobility – they represent status, purpose, and a deep-rooted desire for an adventurous lifestyle. With the introduction of the Adventure X persona, we’ve modernised these icons for a new era – one that champions individuality, precision-crafted design, and intelligent capability – all while offering more value per car. Designed for those who seek authenticity, capability and expression in equal measure, the Adventure X is positioned at a compelling price point in the segment, offering class leading features. Furthermore, with this new persona, we have also reimagined the Harrier and Safari line completely, making the range more intuitive, streamlined and value-rich than ever before in the high SUV space.”

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Audi has introduced an enhanced warranty and roadside assistance programme in India, providing customers with extended protection and support. The luxury automaker now offers a 10-year extended warranty option, complementing its standard manufacturer’s warranty. This optional coverage safeguards against manufacturing defects for vehicles up to a decade old, with mileage protection extending to 200,000 kilometres. Customers can choose between one or two-year extensions with terms matching the original warranty. The programme is available for all Audi models and can be purchased either at the time of new vehicle delivery or before the existing warranty expires.

Alongside the warranty extension, Audi has expanded its roadside assistance programme to 15 years, delivering round-the-clock emergency support across India’s national and state highways, as well as other motorable roads. Services include towing, technical assistance for minor issues, fuel delivery, battery boosts, tyre repair and lockout support. Premium features such as hotel accommodations for prolonged repairs, vehicle safekeeping and dedicated customer updates further enhance the offering. Pricing for roadside assistance starts at INR 3,999, with options tailored to different vehicle ages and coverage durations.

Both new and existing Audi customers can benefit from these programmes, with current owners eligible to upgrade based on their vehicle’s age and warranty status. This initiative underscores Audi’s commitment to delivering superior ownership experiences in India’s luxury automotive market.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we believe that our relationship with customers extends far beyond the point of purchase. Our extended warranty and Audi Roadside Assistance Programme is an extension of our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and establish new industry standards for luxury automotive service in India. With a 10-year extended warranty and 15-year roadside assistance, we intend to offer our customers an unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that support is always available.”

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