Mahindra Unveils 4 New Concepts On NU_IQ Platform, Targets Global Play Starting 2027

Mahindra NU_IQ

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled its new modular, multi-energy NU_IQ platform, which it shared will serve as the foundation for a new generation of SUVs set to enter production from 2027.

The company has previewed the platform’s capabilities through four concept vehicles – Vision.S, Vision.T, Vision.SXT and Vision.X – which it claims will ‘disrupt’ the premium SUV space in both domestic and international markets.

The NU_IQ platform has been engineered to deliver flexibility across multiple vehicle types and markets. It can accommodate a range of body styles (top hats), different powertrains including internal combustion engines and electrified systems, as well as both front- and all-wheel-drive layouts. It is also designed for global deployment, supporting both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive configurations.

Whilst, the complete product specifications are set to be announced closer to the launch, Mahindra has given a glimpse of what one can expect from the platform. These includes–

  • Command seating paired with optimised driving dynamics for comfort and control
  • Flat-floor architecture, enabling what Mahindra says will be the first production flat-floor ICE SUV
  • Lightweight structure meeting stringent safety standards
  • Generous cabin space with class-leading boot capacity
  • Next-generation integrated domain electronics architecture (NU_UX) for advanced connectivity and user experience

The company shared that the platform has been developed to remove compromises typically faced by SUV buyers, offering premium features in a wider range of models.

R Velusamy, President – Automotive Business (Designate), Mahindra & Mahindra, and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile said, “NU_IQ is a strategic blueprint for the future of Mahindra SUVs globally. With its modular, multi-energy architecture, it gives us the flexibility to innovate across multiple top hats and powertrains whilst staying true to our SUV DNA. Designed to resolve paradoxes, NU_IQ forms the foundation for our next generation of SUVs. It marks a bold step and the start of a new era that frees customers from compromises and puts truly desirable, premium core SUVs squarely in the mainstream.”

The four concept models also mark the evolution of Mahindra’s ‘HEARTCORE’ design philosophy, created jointly at the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai and Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) in Banbury, UK.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer – Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The NU_IQ SUVs, designed at our Global Design studios in Mumbai and Banbury, represent the start of a new chapter of our HEARTCORE design philosophy. They build on the central tenet that great design should create an emotional bond between people and their vehicles while re-imagining it for a new future. Based on the theme ‘Opposites Attract’, where the juxtaposition of contrasting elements creates an expressive new design language, these concepts promise to shape experiences that inspire adventure, confidence, and connection on any terrain, anywhere in the world.”

Each concept reflects a distinct personality – from the ‘Born Iconic’ ethos of the Vision.T and Vision.SXT to the ‘Sporty Solidity’ of the Vision.S and the ‘Sculptural Athleticism’ of the Vision.X. All four have been engineered at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai.

Global Play

Mahindra plans to introduce production versions of these vehicles starting in 2027, with a strategy to target both domestic and export markets. The company is positioning these SUVs in the premium segment, aiming to redefine the customer experience in India while also expanding into left-hand-drive markets overseas.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “NU_IQ blends innovation, global design and advanced technology to disrupt the white spaces in the automotive industry in India and internationally across Right-and-Left-Hand-Drive markets. The four concepts we are showcasing here offer a bold preview of what’s to come. They usher in a new no-compromise era of mobility and give freedom a new meaning.”

With the NU_IQ platform, Mahindra is signalling a significant shift in its approach to product development, combining modular engineering, scalable technology and a global design language to address evolving consumer demands. The company’s 2027 roll-out is expected to be one of its most ambitious launches yet, marking its intent to strengthen its standing both at home and abroad.

Kia India Sells 22,700 Cars In September

Kia India

Kia India, a leading mass premium carmaker in the country, has reported strong domestic sales in September 2025, reaching 22,700 units, up 15.8 percent compared to August 2025.

The company attributes the sales surge to a combination of market factors, specifically the recent GST reforms and the start of the festive season. The streamlined taxation framework is noted for having enhanced affordability and strengthened overall customer sentiment.

Kia India stated that its entire product portfolio, including the Sonet, Carens, Carens Clavis, Seltos, Syros and Carnival, continued to resonate with customers during the month.

Atul Sood, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “September 2025 marks a significant milestone for Kia India, driven by the positive impact of GST reforms and the festive season demand. The streamlined taxation framework has enhanced affordability and encouraged stronger customer engagement across our product portfolio. This robust growth reflects the enduring trust customers place in our brand, the strength of our innovative and feature-rich lineup, and our commitment to delivering superior mobility solutions.”

Kia India also reported strong year-to-date (YTD) sales, with 206,582 units sold in 2025 so far. This represents a 7.2 percent growth compared to the 192,690 units sold during the same period last year.

In addition the company exported 2,606 units in September 2025.

Exports Boost Nissan India’s Record 9.3% Sales Growth In September

Nissan Magnite

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has recorded consolidated sales of 10,500 units in September 2025, reflecting a 9.3 percent YoY growth over September 2024.

Domestic wholesale sales totalled 1,652 units, while exports reached 8,872 units, including 1,120 units to South Asia, marking Nissan's highest-ever sales in the region.

During Q2 FY2026, the company also launched a segment-first 10-year warranty for the New Nissan Magnite, which drove sales for the month.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “September was an exciting month for Nissan Motor India. The GNCAP 5-Star rated new Nissan Magnite with a segment-first 10-year extended warranty continues to resonate strongly with our customers and the recent GST-driven price benefit helped accelerate deliveries."

"We would like to thank our customers for an over-whelming response to the recently introduced Kuro Special Edition and the exciting new Metallic Grey colour brought to market on strong customer demand,” he added.

The company is aggressively expanding its dealership network, targeting 180 dealerships by end-FY2026 and 250 by end-FY2027. Nissan is preparing for new launches, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV and 7-seater C-SUV.

"With our dealership expansion now rapidly underway, we are focused on enhancing customer accessibility and delivering an exciting product portfolio, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV & 7-seater C-SUV,” concluded Vatsa.

Skoda Auto India Drives Record Growth In Q3 CY2026

Skoda India

Skoda Auto India has reported exceptional growth for the Q3 CY2025, registering a 110 percent YoY increase in sales over the same period last year. The brand sold a total of 17,161 cars between July and September, marking a record-breaking performance.

The company said its momentum was highlighted by robust monthly sales in September, where Skoda Auto India sold 6,636 cars, marking 110 percent YoY growth.

The company stated that the sales surge was ‘fuelled by the sustained demand for the Kylaq, along with steady contributions from the Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq.’

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The festive season, coupled with the simplified GST framework, has created a strong tailwind across the industry. Our September and Q3 results reflect the strong customer response to our product portfolio, particularly the Kylaq, which has become a true growth driver for us. With our growing network and value-driven ownership experience, we remain focused on building deeper connections with customers while accelerating Skoda’s growth journey in India.”

The company stated that its success in 2025 is largely anchored by its product offensive and network expansion including the Kylaq, which crossed 34,500 units in sales since launch. Year to date sales, the company achieved total sales of 53,355 units. Furthermore, to celebrate 25 years in India, Skoda has expanded its customer touchpoints to over 315 locations across 177 cities.

Maruti Suzuki India Sales Down 8% In September

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for September 2025 and Q2 FY2026.  

The company sold 132,820 vehicles in September, which was down 8 percent, as compared to 144,962 units sold for the same period last year. The major decline in sales was witnessed in its mini (-30%) and SUV portfolio (-21%), while the compact segment grew by 11 percent.

Maruti Suzuki India attributed the decline in sales to ‘logistical constraints towards the last part of the month.’

In terms of exports, the company clocked its highest-ever monthly sales with 42,204 units last month, as compared to 27,728 units a year ago.

The automaker stated that with the revision in GST rates, the company has seen positive consumer sentiment, which reflected in its highest-ever deliveries of 165,000 units in the first 8 days of the ongoing Navratri festivals.

On the other hand, for Q2 FY2026, the company reported sales of 795,556 units, down 6 percent YoY, as compared to 844,614 units last year. Barring the compact vehicle segment, all segments reported a decline in sales.