At the start of the year, Kia Motors announced ‘Plan S’, a new mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry, encompassing electrification and mobility services, as well as connectivity and autonomy. This strategy outlines its pre-emptive and enterprising ‘shift’ from a business system focused on internal combustion engine vehicles toward one centred on popularising EVs.
The EV focus is already achieving unprecedented results in Europe. In the first quarter of 2020, sales of new EVs grew by 75 percent to 6,811 units. This meant that zero emission vehicles from Kia accounted for 6 percent of the company’s total European sales during the first quarter of 2020, up from 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2019.
Electric Europe
To achieve these goals, Kia plans to offer 11 EVs in 2025 globally, across a range of vehicle segments – including passenger vehicles, SUVs and MPVs. The first of its next-generation EVs will be introduced to Europe in 2021, constructed on a unique platform specifically engineered to accommodate the car’s EV powertrain and technologies. Not only will it offer a crossover design which blurs the boundaries between passenger and sport utility vehicles, as well as a future-oriented user experience. It will also offer a single-charge driving range of over 500 km, as well as sub-20-minute high-speed charging time.
Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, said, “Many of Kia’s new EVs will be offered in Europe, which is currently the focal point for EV sales growth worldwide. We are encouraged by the early sales success of our current generation of EVs, the new e-Niro and Soul EV, which have been well-received by buyers across the continent. In every one of the last five years, we have reported growing sales of Kia EVs, and our next-generation models will accelerate this trend further.”
The company will launch many of the brand’s future global EVs following the introduction of the brand’s maiden dedicated zero-emissions model in 2021. Indeed, every new model line due to launch in Europe from now on will offer at least one variety of electrified (mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric) powertrain, as advanced powertrain technology forms an ever greater proportion of the brand’s European sales.
New User Experiences
Following the launch of its maiden dedicated EV, Kia will introduce several additional zero-emission vehicles from 2022 onwards, with their own EV-specific designs and a new user experience designed to make them even easier to live with day-to-day.
The company will offer many of its new vehicles with charging capabilities tailored to the needs and budgets of customers across a range of vehicle segments. Kia’s EVs will offer either 400V or 800V charging capacity, enabling fast or rapid charging depending on the different types of buyer for individual model lines.
Growing sales targets
The brand's early move to popularise EVs ahead of many other manufacturers has laid the groundwork for the future under Plan S. The company is targeting global annual sales of 500,000 EVs by 2026, and is aiming for more than 20 percent of its European sales to be fully-electric by this time.
The company’s current line-up of EVs will be joined by a wide range of EVs to help the brand to achieve this aim, bolstered by accelerating momentum from European drivers keen to make the switch to electric power. (MT)
Kia India Expands Sonet Automatic Range With Diesel & Turbo Petrol Variants
- By MT Bureau
- March 13, 2026
Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) edition of the Kia Sonet, increasing the availability of automatic transmissions across its diesel and turbo petrol variants.
The update introduces the 1.5-litre Diesel 6-speed Automatic and the 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) in lower trim levels, with prices starting from INR 977,900 and INR 989,900, respectively. This move makes the Sonet the first SUV in its segment to offer both automatic technologies at a price point below INR 1 million.
The diesel automatic option has been expanded to the HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+ and HTK+(O) variants. The turbo petrol 7DCT is now available in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trims. These additions are intended to address the increasing demand for automatic vehicles in urban traffic conditions. The Sonet portfolio now includes five powertrain options, 70 connected car features and 10 Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Standard safety equipment across the Sonet range includes 15 features. The vehicle recently reached a sales milestone of 5 lakh units in the Indian market since its launch in 2020. Alongside the mechanical updates, Kia has added a new exterior colour option, Magma Red, to the palette. The model continues to feature a cabin equipped with a range of technologies designed for the compact SUV segment.
Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “We have been closely listening to evolving customer needs, particularly the growing preference for the convenience of automatic driving in everyday conditions. With the model year 2026 update, we are expanding our automatic line-up with Diesel Automatic and Turbo Petrol 7DCT options at highly competitive price points, enabling more customers to experience the ease of automatic mobility while further strengthening Sonet’s leadership in the segment.”
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Surpasses 3 Million Units Sales Milestone
- By MT Bureau
- March 13, 2026
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced that its Dzire sedan has crossed the 3 million sales milestone. The vehicle was the highest-selling car in India during the 2025 calendar year.
First introduced in 2008, the Dzire has evolved through four generations, transitioning from its initial launch to its current iteration. The fourth-generation model is equipped with a Z-Series engine and features an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and a 22.86 cm infotainment system with wireless connectivity. Safety specifications include six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The vehicle has received 5-star safety ratings from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP.
According to the company, first-time buyers represent approximately 50 percent of the customer base for the current model. Over its history, the Dzire has introduced various technologies to the segment, including automatic transmissions, climate control and LED projector headlamps. The current version integrates smartwatch connectivity and remote vehicle monitoring through Suzuki Connect.
Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards all 3 million Dzire customers on this incredible milestone. The fourth-generation Dzire has well and truly reignited the sedan segment with its refined and sophisticated appeal, ensuring it finds strong preference among young first-time buyers, this demographic in fact represents nearly 50% of customers. A wide range of comfort and convenience features alongside 5-star safety ratings ensure the Dzire caters to every preference of today’s evolving customers.”
Lamborghini Supercars See Greater Traction With Personlised Specs Across India
- By MT Bureau
- March 12, 2026
Lamborghini India is witnessing a strong demand for its super cars from all regions of India – North, South, East and West. It is seeing new customers arrive with an ability to increasingly embrace the Italian brand’s Ad Personam personalisation programme, which helps create highly individual, statement-making configurations. The trend is exemplified through some of the recent Lamborghini Revuelto deliveries across the country, each uniquely specified and reflective of the customer’s personal style, performance preferences and ownership journey.
North India: A Record -Spec for Revuelto in Azzurro Thetys
The North India delivery features a Lamborghini Revuelto finished in Azzurro Thetys, an exclusive Ad Personam palette colour. The exterior is defined by upper and lower carbon fibre packages, carbon -fibre roof and A -pillars, and matt -black detailing, creating a refined yet performance -focused presence. Inside, the Classica Ad Personam interior is finished in Blu Delphinus with Bianco Polar accents, complemented by inverted stitching, embroidered Lamborghini shields, carbon - fibre interior elements, a carbon-fibre steering wheel with Corsa Tex, ambient RGB lighting and the High Premium Sonus faber audio system.
East India: First Revuelto in the region with high-specs
The first Revuelto delivery in East India is finished in bold Giallo Auge and underlines the growing preference for vibrant, high-impact specifications. The interior is finished in Nero Ade with Giallo Taurus contrast elements, featuring inverted stitching, fully electric and heated comfort seats, carbon -fibre kickplates with a backlit Revuelto logo, ambient lighting, passenger display and the Sonus faber audio system.
West India: The most comprehensive-spec carbon-fibre Revuelto in the country
Lamborghini India has delivered a highly bespoke Revuelto featuring full exterior and interior Ad Personam carbon-fibre packages in Mumbai. The supercar is finished in Verde Metallic and highlighted with Bronzo Oreadi accents, including a livery stripe on the rear diffuser, The 21/22-inch Diamond Cut Altanero forged wheels combo is in bronze. Extensive carbon-fibre detailing, including aerodynamic door fins, makes this car one of the most comprehensively specced Revueltos in the country. The Classica Ad Personam interior features Nero Ade upholstery with Terra Emilia accents, inverted stitching, embroidered Lamborghini shields and a carbon-fibre steering wheel, paired with fully electric and heated comfort seats for a balance of luxury and performance.
Hyundai Venue Surpasses 100,000 Bookings, New Diesel Automatic Variant Launched
- By MT Bureau
- March 10, 2026
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that bookings for the Hyundai Venue have exceeded 100,000 units. To mark this milestone, the company has introduced the HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant, priced at INR 1.36 million.
The new variant is powered by a 1.5L CRDi diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This addition expands the Venue line-up, providing a diesel torque-on-demand option with an automatic gearbox for the compact SUV segment.
The HX8 variant includes several updates to the vehicle's interior, safety and mechanical systems. Notable mechanical additions include rear disc brakes and an electric parking brake with an auto-hold function.
The technical and convenience suite includes – paddle shifters, drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow). The cabin also gets front row ventilated seats, 4-way electric driver seat adjustment and ambient lighting. Over-the-Air (OTA) vehicle updates and Hyundai Bluelink connected car systems.
On the inside, it features a dual-tone leatherette seats featuring Venue branding.
The introduction of the diesel automatic transmission targets customers seeking fuel efficiency combined with the convenience of an automated gear shift. The Venue competes in the compact SUV category, supported by Hyundai’s existing sales and service network across India.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 100,000 bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. This milestone reflects the growing aspiration for smart, connected and feature-rich mobility solutions that enhance everyday driving. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience. It underscores our commitment to providing meaningful choices backed by advanced technology and superior value. At Hyundai, we remain focused on delivering future-ready products that resonate with evolving customer expectations and drive the next phase of mobility in India.”
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