Škoda Auto has officially announced that its highly anticipated Kylaq will make its world debut in India on 6 November 2024. The launch of the Kylaq will see Škoda Auto entering a ‘New Era’ in India, which is the most important market for the brand outside Europe.

The Kylaq is powered by the tried-and-true 1.0 TSI engine, which is paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The engine generates 85 kW and 178 Nm of torque. The car uses the same MQB-A0-IN platform as the Kushaq and Slavia. These two vehicles have previously received a complete 5-star rating in Global NCAP testing for adults and children. The Kylaq comes standard with over 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection, Motor Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Passenger airbag deactivation, Multi Collision Braking and ISOFIX seats, among many others.

The Kylaq has been tested throughout 800,000 kilometres of Indian terrain, including urban, highway, hilly and rugged routes. This all-new compact SUV has been tested in temperatures ranging from -10 to +85 degrees Celsius and at elevations ranging from sea level to 3,000 metres above sea level. To assure complete monsoon readiness and optimum weather resistance, 100 random samples of the Kylaq were subjected to 25-30 litres per minute/square metre of water at an angle of up to 16 degrees. This guarantees that no water enters the Kylaq under heavy monsoon conditions. The Kylaq has also undergone a vehicle shaking test to verify that the interiors stay silent and rattle-free across all road surfaces. To make sure there is no discolouration, distortion or loss of functionality in intense sunlight or other environmental conditions, the Kylaq has also been exposed to open weather for two years.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “I’m proud to present Kylaq – the first compact SUV from Škoda India. Kylaq is designed and made with high levels of localisation, thereby strengthening our ‘Make in India’ commitment. It represents the Group’s DNA of driving dynamic, safety and comfort, along with the practical features desired by our value conscious customers. I’m sure the product will resonate with Indian customers’ mindset. Kylaq, designed and engineered in India, for India, will be a gamechanger.”

Jiří Dytrych, Head of Product Management, Škoda Auto, shared, “It is a moment of great pride for me and our team to see the Kylaq getting closer to making its world debut in India. The MQB-A0-IN was conceived to be a highly flexible, modular and versatile platform. You all know the Kushaq and Slavia to be much larger, above 4-metre cars. Both these cars have been pivotal in the growing focus on having safer cars in India. At the development stage itself, this platform was conceived to also accommodate an under 4-metre car like the Kylaq and has the same spirit of unmatched driving dynamics, leading safety and proven quality. We take safety a notch higher with a best-in-segment hot-formed steel for the front crash module, to ensure best cabin safety. The key features of the car are always space and comfort for the driver and passengers. The Kylaq will offer first-in-class six-way adjustable driver and passenger seats with ventilation function. The Kylaq will lead our presence, in the fastest-growing and most competitive segment in India.”

Jan Bures, Executive Director – Sales, Marketing and Digital, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “The Kylaq is just around the corner from making its debut in the world. It has been developed and even named keeping in mind evolving customer trends and aspirations in India. The under 4m segment makes up nearly 30 percent of the marketshare in the Indian passenger car sector. And the Kylaq, we believe, is adept at tapping this segment. It will also take us to new markets among tier 3 and 4 centres and bring new customers into our fold. With the response to this pre-production version, I will say with comfort and confidence that the Kylaq is on track to make its debut soon and will enable us to achieve further growth and inroads into the Indian market.”

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, shared, “Expanding our portfolio is a key part of our growth strategy, which will enable us to welcome more customers into the Škoda family. We committed to adding a new SUV – Kylaq -- to our offerings, and we are well on track for our biggest-ever launch in India. This is a huge milestone in our India journey and will enable us to double our addressable market share. From the teasers shared, you can tell that this will be a stunning-looking SUV. The Kylaq is now undergoing the final set of testing, and as a result, we cannot reveal the car in all its glory, yet. The Kylaq is the car that will democratise European technology in India. Among other things, it has over 25 active and passive safety features standard across all its variants, and about 30 in specific variants. The Kylaq is almost ready for its debut and will lead the charts when it comes to safety and dynamics.”

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Kia India has announced a significant change to its leadership team, naming Sunhack Park as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as Chief Business Officer (CBO).

As the new CSO, Park will head Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, improving operational efficiency and expanding the brand’s market reach. He brings over 28 years of international automotive experience, having held key leadership positions at Kia Headquarters in South Korea, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and India.

Cho, in his role as CBO, will be responsible for crafting business strategies, overseeing production planning and export logistics, leading cross-functional teams and forging strategic alliances to ensure operational excellence. He has over 32 years of leadership experience from global roles in Australia, the UK and Europe.

Sunhack Park, said, “I am privileged to take on the role as Chief Sales Officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and strengthening our dealer and partner ecosystem.”

Joonsu Cho, said, “I am honored to assume the role of Chief Business Officer. Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

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RattanIndia Enterprises-owned Revolt Motors, a leading electric motorcycle brand, is strengthening its leadership team and has appointed Raghava Rao as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO).

Rao, a seasoned industry leader, comes with over two decades of diverse experience across the automotive sector, spanning two-wheelers, tractors, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

Prior to joining Revolt Motors, he has held senior leadership positions at Kinetic Engineering, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Piaggio Vehicles and TI Clean Mobility (Montra Electric).

Roy Kurian Joins Revolt Motors As President

Rao has expertise in channel sales, customer support, customer experience and market insights, with a proven track record of driving business growth and customer success.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises, said, “We are delighted to welcome Raghava Rao to the Revolt family. His deep expertise in the automotive industry and proven leadership across multiple business functions will play a crucial role in accelerating our growth journey and further strengthening Revolt’s position as India’s No.1 electric motorcycle brand.”

Rao is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (General Management Program), holds a B.Tech degree from BITS Pilani, and a PGCSM from XLRI Jamshedpur.

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the new Thar with prices starting at INR 999,000. The vehicle incorporates design changes, comfort features and technology integration, engineered for urban travel and weekend adventures.

The popular SUV has gone home to over 300,000 customers, now features a new exterior, which includes a front grille, a dual-tone front bumper and R18 alloy wheels. The interior includes a black theme dashboard and a new steering wheel. It is available in six colour options, including two new additions: Tango Red and Battleship Grey.

For comfort and convenience, the Thar features rear AC vents for second-row passengers, a sliding armrest and a dead pedal (automatic transmission models). Door-mounted power windows, a rear-view camera and an internally operated fuel lid are included. The vehicle also has a rear wash & wiper and an A-Pillar entry assist handle.

The Thar is equipped with a 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other tech includes Type-C USB ports and Adventure Stats Gen II, which provides off-road data such as a racing tab, altimeter, outside temperature and pressure, trip meter and steering direction.

Mahindra offers a range of engine options paired with transmissions – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic – in RWD as well as 4X4 configurations.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Over the years, Thar has become more than just an SUV – it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle that resonates deeply with our customers. At Mahindra, we are committed to listening to our customers and evolving with their needs, which is why the New Thar reflects both their feedback and our dedication to provide the best to our customers. By blending new design elements, smart technology, enhanced comfort and convenience features, the new Thar offers an unparalleled driving experience that empowers our customers to explore limitless possibilities in both urban and off-road settings.”

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new Aircross X SUV, the latest addition to its premium X-Series portfolio, with an introductory price starting at INR 829,000. The launch, the company said, is a key step in the brand’s Citroen 2.0 ‘Shift Into the New’ strategy, positioning the SUV as a feature-rich, spacious option for Indian customers.

The new Aircross X elevates its segment with significant interior and technology upgrades. The cabin features an enriched design with a leatherette-wrapped instrument panel, chic gold accents and a bezel-less 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a 7-inch digital cluster. Comfort is enhanced with ventilated leatherette seats, diffused ambient lighting and the brand’s signature Advanced Comfort Suspension.

A standout feature is the introduction of CARA, billed as India’s first multilingual, intuitive in-car companion. CARA can communicate in 52 languages, control essential vehicle functions and prioritise safety with voice SOS and crash alerts. Driving convenience is further improved with Proxi-Sense Passive Entry, Cruise Control and a HALO 360deg Camera with Satellite View.

Emphasising the model’s safety credentials, the launch follows the recent 5-star Adult protection rating awarded to the Aircross 5S variant in the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP).

The New Aircross X is available in 5- and 7-seater configurations with options for both ICE and CNG engines. Bookings are now open across all Citroen dealerships and online.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The new Aircross X is an SUV designed around the real needs of Indian families – space, comfort, safety and smart innovation. With the debut of CARA, we’re making everyday mobility more intuitive and personal. What makes the New Aircross X unique is that it blends the practicality of a family SUV with the premium feel of our X-Series design. It is a versatile SUV that’s aspirational, yet accessible.”

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