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.

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French automotive major Renault Group has launched futuREady India, a strategic initiative designed to integrate its Indian operations into the company's global value chain.

The plan aims to establish India as one of the brand’s top three markets by 2030 through a product offensive and the expansion of its manufacturing and engineering capabilities. Renault intends to generate EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030, covering vehicles, components and R&D services.

The group will expand its Indian portfolio to 7 models by 2030, focusing on high-value segments and multi-energy powertrains. These vehicles will be built on two shared platforms, RGEP (Renault Group Entry Platform) and RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform), which support internal combustion, hybrid and electric configurations.

Following the recent introduction of the Duster SUV, Renault has previewed the Bridger Concept, a compact SUV that will include a fully electric variant. To support customer retention, the company has introduced the Renault Forever initiative, which includes a 7-year warranty.

Renault has also moved to full ownership of its manufacturing facility in Chennai to improve supplier integration and supply chain optimisation. This site, alongside an engineering centre employing 6,000 specialists, will transition into a global centre of excellence. The Chennai operations will now develop architectures and software for both the domestic Indian market and international projects, specifically supporting Renault’s requirements in regions such as South America.

Francois Provost, CEO, Renault Group, said, “With futuREady, our new Vision, Renault Group is accelerating its international growth by building on high-potential, fast-growing markets where the Group already has a strong presence. India, where we have been established for fifteen years, is a prime example: it represents more than one-third of the growth potential across the markets where the Renault brand already operates. India is set to become not only a growth market, but also a centre of excellence and an export hub. Thanks to the commitment and expertise of our local teams, it will strengthen the Group’s overall competitiveness. Thirty years ago, Renault Group began its first wave of international expansion. With futuREady, we are opening a new era in our global growth story – and India will be at the heart of it!”

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group in India, said, “By 2030, we will offer a seven-model portfolio in India, spanning key segments from compact cars to larger SUVs, and featuring a full spectrum of electrified powertrains—from strong hybrids to fully electric vehicles. Leveraging world-class engineering, competitive manufacturing, and a clear, ambitious product roadmap, India is poised to be a major driver of sustained value for Renault Group.”

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McLaren Automotive has appointed Kemal Curic as Chief Design Officer with effect from April 2026. As a new member of the Executive Leadership Team, Curic will guide the overall design vision and creative strategy for the entire McLaren Automotive range. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the brand’s future direction.

Bringing over 20 years of international automotive design expertise, Curic has worked extensively on both high performance and luxury vehicles. He joins McLaren following a tenure at Ford Motor Company, where he served as Global Design Director for Performance Vehicles and was responsible for some of the industry’s most celebrated performance car designs. His career reflects a consistent ability to honour a brand’s heritage while pushing design boundaries.

In his new position at McLaren, Curic will oversee all design disciplines, including interiors, exteriors, colour and materials as well as digital design. He will collaborate closely with engineering and product strategy teams to ensure McLaren continues to set benchmarks in lightweight construction, high performance and emotionally compelling luxury vehicles. Known for successfully evolving iconic cars without losing their essence, Curic’s grasp of performance DNA and his talent for blending innovation with brand authenticity make him an exceptional fit for the company.

Curic said, “McLaren is one of the most respected and aspirational brands in the world. I’m excited to be part of their journey to help shape the design vision of a company so deeply rooted in engineering excellence and racing heritage. I look forward to working with the talented teams at McLaren to create the next generation of breathtaking, purpose‑driven cars.”

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Kia Europe has appointed Christophe Mandon as Vice President for Sales and Ownership Experience with effect from 13 April 2026. Reporting directly to Chief Operating Officer Sjoerd Knipping, Mandon will play a key part in advancing the company’s electrification efforts across Europe while also strengthening how Kia engages with its customers throughout their ownership journey.

Mandon arrives at Kia Europe following a successful tenure as Vice President at Kia France, where he led commercial and customer focused strategies in a challenging market. With 28 years of automotive experience, he has held senior leadership positions across France, the Netherlands, Spain, Morocco and Germany, covering regions in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

His extensive background includes key roles at Citroën and Groupe PSA. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Opel and Vauxhall at Stellantis in Germany, bringing deep cross brand and international expertise to his new position at Kia Europe.

Mandon said, “As Kia continues its transformation in Europe through electrification and digitalisation, strong sales performance and an outstanding customer experience are increasingly important. My focus is on supporting the European markets in achieving sustainable sales growth while delivering a seamless experience for customers at every touchpoint.”

Knipping said, “At Kia, customers are at the heart of our European business strategy. Christophe brings extensive international sales leadership experience and a strong understanding of evolving customer expectations. His leadership will be key to accelerating our commercial performance and further strengthening the ownership experience for Kia customers across Europe.”

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Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has started nationwide customer deliveries of the new Renault Duster SUV.

The first Renault Duster SUV was handed over in Chennai by François Provost, CEO, Renault Group and Stephane Deblaise, CEO of Renault Group in India. The commencement of deliveries follows a period of growth for the subsidiary, which reported a 77 percent increase in sales in March 2026.

The event coincided with the opening of a new 'R store' on Mount Road in Chennai. The facility is spread across 4,500 sqft featuring a 3,000 sqft interaction area and a dedicated delivery bay.

This is the second such store in Chennai and the 11th in India. Renault plans to expand this experiential retail format to 70 outlets across the country within the year, supplementing its existing network of more than 350 sales points.

To support the launch, Renault is offering the Renault Forever programme, which provides vehicle coverage for up to seven years or 150,000 km. The company attributes its recent sales momentum to the introduction of the Duster alongside the updated Kiger and Triber models. The brand aims to utilise the new retail format to provide a different customer interaction model in urban markets.

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