Škoda Auto India has announced that it will increase the prices across its entire range of vehicles by up to three percent with effect from 1 January 2025.

All models in Škoda Auto India's lineup, including the Kushaq, Slavia, Superb and Kodiaq, will see price increases. Rising input and operating expenses have forced this change, which will guarantee the firm's continued provision of premium, high-quality cars and services to its clientele, the company stated in a news release.

However, the newly released Kylaq will not be impacted by this change until it hits the 33,333-booking milestone, which is quickly filling up and giving consumers a longer chance to acquire the eagerly awaited SUV at its introductory price. By 2026, Škoda wants to reach its goal of 100,000 units sold overall in India. The Kylaq has complete safety features, driving dynamics and Škoda's new design language.

Range Rover has launched the first-ever locally manufactured Range Rover Sport SUV in India. Built on the MLA-Flex platform, the 2025 Range Rover Sport is available in 3.0l Petrol Dynamic HSE and 3.0l Diesel Dynamic HSE variants. The SUV comes in five colour options – Fuji White, Santorini Black, Giola Green, Varesine Blue and Charente Grey – at a starting price of INR 14.5 million ex-showroom.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport features semi-aniline leather seats and takes the comfort and elegance quotient higher with its massage front seats and additional features such as front and rear winged headrests, illuminated seat belt buckles and illuminated aluminium treadplates bearing the Range Rover script.

Along with the current Pivi Pro infotainment system, which includes a high-resolution floating 33.27 cm (13.1 inch) haptic touchscreen in the middle of the futuristic dashboard, the 2025 Range Rover Sport has a head-up display. To improve the welfare of all passengers and establish and maintain the ideal driving environment, next-generation Cabin Air Purification Pro is offered. Unprecedented refinement is provided by dynamic air suspension, and all-around capabilities is increased by features like adaptive off-road cruise control and preemptive air suspension. The new Low Speed Manoeuvring Lights offer the utmost in ease, while the new Digital LED Headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting ensure high-performance visibility.

Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, said: “The latest Range Rover Sport sets a new benchmark in desirability and is one of our most advanced and dynamically capable vehicles. With the introduction of new features such as perforated semi-aniline leather seats, massage front seats and head-up display, our discerning clients will get an elevated experience of comfort and technology in Range Rover Sport.”

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the country, is all set to equip its vehicles with Amaron’s made-in-India Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology.

The AGM battery are said to offer quick charging, longevity, low self-discharge, require minimal maintenance and are power efficient, which the OEM said makes the idle for vehicles with ISG (Idle Stop and Go) systems. Furthermore, the partners believe that since these batteries will be locally produced they will enhance job creation, help reduce imports and cut down on carbon footprint.

The AGM battery has been extensive tested by Hyundai Motor Company at its global R&D centre in Namyang, South Korea, which will also allow it to be introduced in the Korean automakers next-gen vehicles for Indian market.

Hyundai Motor India shared that it will use it as SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) battery and will acquire them under its existing procurement agreement with Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (ARE&M). This it claims will also make it the first OEM in India to use localised AGM tech. The first locally produced models to come with AGM batteries will be in Q4 FY2025.

Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Whole-time Director and Chief Manufacturing Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, adopting innovative technology to exceed the ever-evolving customer expectations has been our forte. HMIL is poised to become the first auto OEM in India to introduce indigenously manufactured AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery technology in its products, made by Amara Raja Energy & Mobility. Besides, working with an Indian company for this world-class technology is a true testament to HMIL’s commitment towards localisation, well aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.”

Harshavardhana Gourineni, Executive Director, Amara Raja Energy & Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to be a part of Hyundai Motor India’s journey of redefining future mobility. This is a significant step in Amaron’s mission to deliver world-class energy solutions that meet the evolving demands of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These batteries are designed to meet stringent Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms like India’s BS6 Phase 2 standards.”

Kia India has marked the global debut of the Syros compact SUV in the country, which is set to enable the South Korean automaker to compete against the likes of Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue in the 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 can be had in two engine options - Smartstream 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 88.3 kW (120PS) 172 Nm and 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine producing 85 kW (116PS) / and 250 Nm of torque, paired with manual and automatic transmission.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, "Kia India has always been driven by a challenger spirit, setting new benchmarks in the automotive industry with our commitment to innovation, technology, and customer-centric design. Our journey since the first launch has been nothing short of remarkable, with a growing presence across the country and a focus on delivering high-quality, aspirational vehicles. With the Syros, we are further enhancing our product portfolio, offering a new species of SUV that combines superior comfort, cutting-edge technology, and bold design”.

To meet the diverse customer needs, the Kia Syros is being introduced in four standard trims and 2 option trims HTK, HTK (O), HTK+, HTX, and HTX+, HTX+(O).

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), a leading European automotive brand in the country, has doubled its regional distribution centre (RDC) footprint to 52,000 sqmt over the last decade.

Recently, the OEM added 8,000 sqmt of space at Pune RDC, which now spans at 33,000 sqmt. In addition, the Group also has parts distribution centres strategically located in NCR and Bengaluru region to better meet needs of its customers across the country.

These facilities currently manage parts and accessories primarily for Volkswagen Group brands in India - Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini – and also support few international markets.

Piyush Arora, MD & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Owning a car is not just about mobility; it’s about building memories. The enhanced Regional Distribution Centre will reduce the turn around time for distribution of parts and components, thereby elevating the customer experience. We are committed to make owning our cars a delightful journey, ensuring every interaction with us brings smiles to our customers.”