Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has further made its latest SUV offering, the Kia Syros, more appealing to the consumers.

The latest offering from the South Korean automaker has become the first Kia car in India to score 5-star crash test rating in the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) for adult occupants and child occupants.

The compact SUV scored 30.21 out of 32.00 in adult protection and 44.42 out of 49.00 in child protection.

Kia India marked the global debut of the Syros compact SUV in December 2024 to strengthen its footprint in the fast-growing segment.

Built on the K1 platform, the Kia Syros is equipped with a host of tech including Level 2 ADAS, rear sliding, reclining & ventilated seats, dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The company claims that in addition to be loaded with hi-tech it also gets 20 safety package including - Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist control, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold. It also is equipped with Connect 2.0 that provides SOS emergency support, real-time diagnostics, and stolen vehicle tracking.

The Kia Syros is available in two engine options – Smartstream 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine (88.3 kW/120PS, 172Nm) and 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine (85 kW/116PS, 250Nm). Both engines can be had with manual and automatic transmission choices, including Kia’s first-ever Smartstream G1.0 turbo GDI with a 6MT configuration.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “At Kia India, safety is not just a feature – it is a philosophy embedded in our DNA. Kia Syros receives the prestigious 5-star BNCAP safety rating, which is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety for our customers. This achievement reflects our relentless pursuit of making Kia one of the safest and most trusted mobility brands in India. We are not only enhancing driver and passenger safety but also setting new benchmarks in the segment. We remain focused on bringing globally proven safety technologies and innovations, such as ADAS Level 2 to the Indian market, making them accessible to a wider range of customers. Our dedication to safety will continue to drive us as we work to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable vehicles for the future.

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Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its aggressive recovery strategy ‘Re:Nissan’, which aims for JPY 500 billion in total cost savings and a return to profitability by fiscal year 2026. The plan, led by new management, includes a sharp focus on cost reduction, manufacturing efficiency and a redefined global product and market strategy.

The urgency of the Re:Nissan plan follows a difficult fiscal year 2024, in which global sales stagnated at 3.346 million units amid intense competition. Consolidated net revenue stood at JPY 12.63 trillion, while operating profit plunged to JPY 69.8 billion – an operating margin of just 0.6 percent. The company reported a net loss of JPY 670.9 billion, with both free cash flow and operating profit in the automotive business turning negative. Compared to FY2023, operating profit dropped by JPY 498.9 billion, underscoring the scale of the turnaround challenge.

Going forward, the company is targeting JPY 250 billion in variable cost reductions through engineering efficiencies and supplier consolidation, alongside another JPY 250 billion in fixed cost cuts by FY2026.

Nissan will reduce its global vehicle plants from 17 to 10 by FY2027, along with cancelling a planned LFP battery plant in Kyushu and streamline powertrain operations.

The automaker also plans to cut 20,000 jobs globally by FY2027, including 9,000 already announced, covering manufacturing, R&D and SG&A functions.

By cutting parts complexity by 70 percent and halving vehicle platforms to 7 by 2035, Nissan aims to slash development lead times. Upcoming models include the all-new Skyline and INFINITI compact SUV.

Nissan will focus on key markets – U.S., Japan, China, Europe, Middle East and Mexico – with localised product approaches. For instance, in the U.S., the company will expand its hybrid lineup and refresh the INFINITI brand.

The Japanese automaker will also deepen alliances with Renault and Mitsubishi Motors and pursue ongoing collaboration with Honda Motor Co in electrification and vehicle intelligence.

Ivan Espinosa, CEO, Nissan Motor Co, said, "In the face of challenging FY24 performance and rising variable costs, compounded by an uncertain environment, we must prioritise self-improvement with greater urgency and speed, aiming for profitability that relies less on volume. As new management, we are taking a prudent approach to reassess our targets and actively seek every possible opportunity to implement and ensure a robust recovery. Re:Nissan is an action-based recovery plan clearly outlines what we need to do now. All employees are committed to working together as a team to implement this plan, with the goal of returning to profitability by fiscal year 2026.”

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Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers, has unveiled all-new Tata Altroz, ahead of its launch on 22 May 2025.

The Altroz hatchback is built on the Tata Motors’ advanced ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) architecture. It also was available with innovative twin-cylinder CNG technology in 2023. 

Now the company has further upgraded the model with sculpted lines and a bold 3D front grille. It gets all-new Luminate LED Lamps, Infinity connected LED Tail lamps and flush door handles. On the inside, the Altroz gets a new Grand Prestigia dashboard and UltraView twin HD screens.

The Altroz will be available in five colour options – Dune Glow, Ember Glow, Pure Grey, Royal Blue and Pristine White – each with distinct personas: Smart, Pure, Creative, Accomplished S, and Accomplished+ S.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has announced that it will offer six airbags as a standard offering across the Maruti Suzuki Arena portfolio, which includes WagonR, Alto K10, Celerio and Eeco.

The move comes amid evolving mobility patterns and the rapid expansion of India’s high-speed expressway network, underlining the growing importance of occupant protection.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “India’s rapidly expanding modern road infrastructure, high-speed expressways, and evolving mobility patterns imply that the need for robust safety measures has never been greater. We at Maruti Suzuki are committed to staying ahead of evolving customer expectations and making high-end safety accessible. With the decision of making 6 airbags standard in the WagonR, Alto K10, Celerio and Eeco, we are ensuring that enhanced safety is available for all. Given the immense popularity of these models, this move substantially elevates safety standards for a vast number of motorists and contributes holistically to occupant protection nationwide.”

To amplify awareness around this safety upgrade, Maruti Suzuki Arenha has launched a dynamic marketing campaign that highlights the value of six airbags in a fun and engaging way. The campaign features high-energy activities such as Zorbing and Bubble Football—symbolising the protective bubble that airbags provide in real-world driving conditions.

The six-airbag system includes dual front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags, all designed to provide comprehensive protection. Additional safety enhancements include 3-point seat belts with reminders for all passengers, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), among others.

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Stellantis-owned brands Citroen and Jeep have rolled out dedicated service campaigns dubbed ‘Citroen Summer Cruise 2025’ and ‘Jeep Summer Splash 2025,’ These initiatives aim to ensure vehicle readiness and offer significant value to customers across India. The campaigns are active from 2^nd May to 31st May 2025.

Citroen's offering, the Summer Cruise 2025, emphasises a comfortable and worry-free summer driving experience. The company states the campaign will provide personalised services and exclusive deals, reinforcing its commitment to a customer-centric ownership journey focused on well-being and convenience.

Meanwhile, Jeep's Summer Splash 2025 campaign taps into the brand's adventurous spirit, presenting exciting offers, services and lifestyle enhancements designed to prepare every Jeep for confident summer exploration.

Both campaigns promise a range of benefits for vehicle owners:

Free Summer Check-Up: A complimentary inspection to identify and address any potential issues that could impact vehicle performance and safety during the summer.

Discounted Services and Parts: Special pricing on labour costs, select genuine parts, accessories and value-added services tailored for summer driving needs.

Extended Warranty Benefits: Enhanced coverage options and rewards are available with the purchase of an extended warranty.

Merchandise and Accessory Offers: Opportunities to purchase limited-edition Citroen and Jeep branded items to refresh summer style.

Improved Customer Service: Seamless appointment scheduling and expert support from factory-trained technicians are guaranteed.

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