Jeep India Launches Trail Editions Of Compass And Meridian SUVs

Jeep India has unveiled the rugged Trail Editions of its popular SUVs – the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian – combining bold styling with exclusive ownership benefits under the new ‘Jeep Trust’ programme. Available from 15 July 2025, these special editions cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking distinctive design and enhanced value.

The Jeep Compass Trail Edition features striking exterior upgrades, including Trail Edition decals, a matte black grille and Neutral Grey accents on key elements like the roof rails, ORVMs and badges. It rides on 18-inch Granite Metallic alloy wheels, while the interior sports black leatherette upholstery with red contrast stitching, a dark camouflage motif and Trail Edition-branded floor mats.

Meanwhile, the Jeep Meridian Trail Edition exudes premium ruggedness with a high-gloss black roof, signature hood decals and Neutral Grey highlights on the grille and cladding. Piano Black accents and red front fascia details complete its bold stance. Inside, it offers a black vinyl cabin with ruby red accents, camouflage appliques and skid plates for an adventurous touch.

The ‘Jeep Trust’ programme enhances ownership with added benefits. Compass Trail buyers receive a 3-year maintenance package, a 5-year warranty and an INR 20,000 cash benefit, while Meridian Trail owners get a complimentary 3-year maintenance plan.

Priced between INR 2,541,000 and INR 3,727,000 (ex-showroom), the Trail Editions are based on the Compass Longitude (O) and Meridian Limited (O) variants, retaining their core features while adding exclusive styling and value-packed ownership perks. Available for a limited time, these models can be booked at Jeep dealerships across India.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The Trail Editions reflect the Jeep brand’s core values of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion. These bold new editions provide a differentiated ownership experience for customers who want to stand out — both on and off the road. With the addition of the Jeep Trust programme, we are reaffirming our commitment to offering value beyond the drive.”

Mercedes-Benz To Combine Financial Business With Auto Sales Business

Mercedes-Benz AG

German automotive luxury brand Mercedes-Benz has announced its plans to integrate customer activities from vehicle sales and financial services into one organisation at the end of the year. The move aims to enhance efficiency, leverage synergies and enable system harmonisation.

A key step in this transformation is the planned merger of Mercedes-Benz Mobility (MBM AG) into Mercedes-Benz on 31 December 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Core functions of the financial services business will remain under the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services unit to meet central regulatory requirements.

Furthermore, Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility, will leave the company on 31 December 2025, at his request. Reiner began his career at the former Daimler-Benz in 1992 and held management positions, including CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility since 2019.

Harald Wilhelm, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group, responsible for Finance & Controlling and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mercedes-Benz Mobility, said, “With his visionary and value-driven leadership, Franz Reiner has shaped the development of Mercedes-Benz Mobility for more than three decades. As a true entrepreneur within the company, he combines an exceptional sense for customer needs with a strong commitment to our dealer network. Through his international experience, he has played a decisive role in advancing the success and sustainable growth of our financial services business, positioning the organisation for the future. We sincerely thank him for his outstanding dedication, integrity, and pioneering spirit, and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Peter Henn, currently President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA and Head of Mercedes-Benz Mobility North America, will assume global leadership of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services on 1st May 2026.

Until that date, Henn will continue to oversee the transformation in North America and support the relocation of the Financial Services organisation from Farmington Hills, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia.

Tolga Oktay, currently Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Controlling at Mercedes-Benz Mobility, will take interim responsibility for the Financial Services business, reporting to Harald Wilhelm.

Henn joined the company in 2007 and was appointed to the Board of Management of the former Daimler Financial Services in 2014, responsible for the Africa & Asia-Pacific region, before taking his current role.

Harald Wilhelm, added: “With Peter Henn, we are gaining an experienced and internationally minded leader to head Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Throughout his more than 25-year global career, Peter has consistently demonstrated his ability to guide teams successfully through major transformation phases and deliver strong business results – always with a clear focus on a strong company culture and the highest standards of integrity and compliance.”

Kia India Expands Carens Clavis Lineup, Adds New HTX(O) Trim And Six-Seater Variants

Kia Carens Clavis

Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has added new trim and six-seater configurations for the Carens Clavis across multiple existing variants.

The Carens Clavis lineup now grows to eight trims with the addition of the new HTX(O) trim, priced at INR 1.92 million (ex-showroom). Positioned just above the HTX variant, the HTX(O) trim is exclusively available with the Smartstream G1.5 Turbo-GDi petrol engine and 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (7DCT).

The trim gets new premium features, such as – BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 Speakers. Drive Mode Select (Eco/Normal/Sport) (7DCT), Smart Key Remote Engine Start (7DCT), Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold (7DCT).

Furthermore, Kia has also introduced a six-seater configuration in the following trims:

  • HTK+ (G1.5T 7DCT & D1.5 6AT)
  • HTK+(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)
  • HTX(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)

Atul Sood, Senior VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “Reinforcing our commitment to elevating the overall brand experience, we are happy to strengthen the Carens Clavis lineup and make every variant a compelling choice. Our customers inspire every innovation we make. And hence, with the lineup expansion we have not just introduced a new HTX(O) trim but also addressed their desire on adding the 6-seater variant options. With these additions, we wish more consumers enjoy the power of choice without compromising on their needs.”

The entire Carens Clavis lineup continues to offer high levels of safety and convenience, featuring Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features, Six Airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Kia Connect as part of its core offering.

Jeep India Launches Limited-Run Compass Track Edition SUV At INR 2.67 Million

Jeep Compass Track Edition

Jeep India has introduced the Compass Track Edition, a limited-run special edition SUV based on the well-appointed Compass Model S trim. This new variant aims to offer customers an elevated and distinctive expression of style while maintaining the brand's core focus on capability and adventure. The prices of the Compass Track Edition start at INR 2.67 million for MT, INR 2.86 million for Track AT and INR 3.05 million for Track AT 4x4 variant.

Externally, the model features a signature hood decal, Piano Black detailing on the grille and badges and the exclusive Track Edition insignia. The look is completed by striking 18-inch diamond-cut Tech Grey alloy wheels and contrasting Spruce Beige highlights, giving the SUV a differentiated road presence.

The interior boasts luxurious upgrades, including all-new Tupelo Leatherette Seats with Spruce Beige contrast stitching, Dark Espresso Smoke Chrome finishes and a Cortina leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Compass Track Edition is powered by the proven 2.0L MultiJet II Turbo Diesel engine, which delivers 170 HP and 350 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed Manual Transmission or a 9-speed Automatic Transmission, with options for both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.

The special edition also includes an extensive safety suite with over 50 standard and available safety features, such as four-channel ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control and all-speed traction control.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “With the Compass Track Edition, we’re offering our customers an even more elevated SUV experience that reflects their individuality. Every detail has been carefully designed to create a sense of exclusivity, while staying rooted in Jeep’s DNA of capability, performance and adventure.”

Toyota Launches 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition In India

Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has unveiled the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition SUV.

The company said that the Fortuner now comes with ‘refreshed styling and premium enhancements’ to deliver a sportier and more dynamic aesthetic. The launch builds on the success of the 2024 Leader Edition.

The Fortuner gets a new grille design with front and rear bumper spoilers, chrome garnish and a distinctive hood emblem. It comes with glossy black alloy wheels and dual-tone roof in black.

On the inside, the cabin features black and maroon dual-tone seats and door trims, along with convenience additions such as auto-folding mirrors and illuminated scuff plates. Safety is bolstered by the inclusion of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The SUV is driven by Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 201bhp and 500 Nm of torque. It is available in 4x2 Automatic and Manual Transmission variants. The colour options include Attitude Black, Super White, Pearl White and Silver.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, our customers’ evolving lifestyle preferences inspire us to continually refresh and enhance our offerings. We are grateful for the strong acceptance and overwhelming response to the 2024 Fortuner Leader Edition, which has further strengthened the SUV’s legacy as an icon on Indian roads. Encouraged by this trust, we are delighted to introduce the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition, an offering for those seeking a sportier, more dynamic SUV. We are confident that this refreshed edition will further delight our customers and reinforce Fortuner’s position as the benchmark in the premium SUV segment.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is offering comprehensive finance solutions for the new edition, including up to 8-year funding plans and extended warranty options.

Since its Indian debut 15 years ago, the Fortuner has sold over 300,000 units, establishing itself as a benchmark in the premium SUV segment.