JLR Launches Defender 25MY Lineup With New V8 Engine

JLR Launches Defender 25MY Lineup With New V8 Engine

JLR has launched the Defender 25MY lineup with new V8 P425 engine in three distinct body styles – Defender 90, 110 and 130. The Defender 25MY delivers 313 kW of unmatched power and versatility and is available at a starting price of INR 13.90 million ex-showroom.

The Defender 25MY model comes with advanced technologies such as Terrain Response and Configurable Terrain Response for optimal performance on diverse surfaces, Electronic Air Suspension and Adaptive Dynamics for superior ride quality and all-terrain tyres and 50.8 cm Satin Dark Grey wheels for durability and style. The Defender 25MY features premium upgrades including 14-way heated and cooled electric memory front seats with ebony interiors and winged headrests, second row climate seats with winged headrests, nubuck-edged carpet mats, suedecloth headlining, leather steering wheel, Windsor Leather and KvadratTM or UltrafabricsTM seats.

The interior features PiVi Pro Technology Suite with an 11.4-inch touchscreen, Interactive Driver Display and 3D Surround Camera along with configurable cabin lighting, matrix LED headlights with DRLs and sliding panoramic roof. To top it up, it features Meridian sound system, front centre console refrigerator compartment and soft close tail door. The 25MY lineup comes with customisable features including Black Contrast Roof with Cold Climate and Family Comfort Packs. The lineup also boasts ADAS packs such as OffRoad Pack, Advanced OffRoad Pack, Dynamic Handling Pack and Air Suspension Pack.

Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, said, “The Defender represents the pinnacle of capability and refinement in our product lineup. With the new V8 P425 engine and a host of advanced comfort features such as New individual Captain Chairs, we are proud to offer our customers a vehicle that seamlessly combines luxury, comfort, innovative technology and all-terrain prowess. It is a testament to our commitment to delivering unmatched experiences on and off the road, hence it’s the top runner in its segment.”

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating

Maruti e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki India has been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for its e Vitara, marking a moment for the company's electric vehicle strategy.

The e Vitara is built on Suzuki’s Heartect-e platform designed for electric vehicles to deliver strength, structural rigidity and advanced high voltage protection. The ‘Made-in-India, Made-for-the-World’ e Vitara is designed and tested for temperature conditions across the world, ensuring performance from as high as 60deg Celsius to as low as -30deg Celsius. The model is offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, said, “Congratulations to Maruti Suzuki for achieving 5-star Bharat NCAP in both adult and child occupant protection for their e Vitara. I am especially glad that Maruti Suzuki has shown real leadership in providing 7 airbags as a standard across all variants of the e Vitara.”

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for e Vitara, our first Battery Electric Vehicle, is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Maruti Suzuki. Using the Bharat NCAP 5-star rating, we will export the e Vitara to more than 100 countries of the world. Bharat NCAP’s globally benchmarked stringent vehicle test protocols have been a catalyst in empowering customers to make informed decisions. I thank the Minister Gadkari, the officials in his Ministry and test agencies for their rigorous efforts and commitment in shaping India’s journey towards safe mobility.”

The e VITARA’s body structure uses more than 60 percent ultra-high tensile and high-tensile strength steel. Its battery protection system incorporates a structural design with an energy-absorbing battery pack mounting structure.

Key safety features include 7 standard airbags (including the Driver's knee airbag), Level 2 ADAS (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and a 360-degree Surround View Camera.

Mahindra Launches First Dealership-Based Ultrafast EV Charger In Anantapur

Mahindra Charger

Mahindra has marked a major milestone in its nationwide electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion with the inauguration of its first dealership-based ultrafast charger – a 180 kW Charge_IN station.

This is the first of many such installations planned across Mahindra dealerships, forming a key pillar of the company’s commitment to building India’s ultrafast charging network.

This initiative scales up Mahindra’s Charge_IN ecosystem, complementing the 250 highway fast-charging stations already announced. The new 180 kW ultrafast chargers will enable EV users to charge quickly and conveniently at strategically located dealerships across the country, with 24x7 on-ground support.

Hyundai Motor India Wholesales Grow 9.1% In November

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported wholesales of 66,840 units in November 2025, up 9.1 percent YoY as against 61,252 units last year.

This includes domestic sales of 50,340 units, up 4 percent YoY and exports of 16,500 units, up 27 percent YoY.

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Supported by GST 2.0 reforms, we continue to carry forward sales momentum with a year-on-year growth in our monthly domestic sales in November 2025. Further, our commitment to bolstering India’s role as a global manufacturing hub is further solidified with 26.9% year-on-year growth in monthly exports.”

He further added that the all-new Hyundai Venue SUV, the company's first software-defined vehicle in India, has received more than 32,000 bookings within a month of its launch. The new Venue features ccNC infotainment powered by Nvidia.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Reports 28% Sales Growth In November

Toyota

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced its wholesales for November 2025, reporting total sales of 33,752 units, up 28 percent YoY.

This includes 30,085 units sold in the domestic market and 3,667 units exported.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales–Service–Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Following a positive festive season supported by the government’s progressive GST reforms, we continue to witness a strong momentum, with a growth of 19 percent. The recent introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Aero Edition and Fortuner Leader Edition has also continued to help us reinforce this growth trajectory, receiving recognition across the country. The innovative initiatives such as the Drum Tao and the launch of the toyota experiential museum (tem) in Bangalore, have been highly appreciated, further strengthening customer engagement and brand connect.”