Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), one of the leading passenger vehicles manufacturers in the country, has achieved a new production milestone.

The OEM has become the first passenger vehicle manufacturer to produce 2 million vehicles in a calendar year for the first time in its history. Interestingly, Maruti Suzuki has also became the first among Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global automobile manufacturing facilities to achieve this landmark.

The company’s popular SUV the Ertiga was the 2 millionth vehicle to be rolled out from the production line from its Manesar facility in Haryana. Maruti Suzuki India shared that of 2 million vehicles, almost 60 percent were manufactured in Haryana and 40 percent in Gujarat. Of this Baleno, Fronx, Ertiga, WagonR and Brezza were the top 5 manufactured vehicles during the calendar year 2024.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 2 million production milestone is a testament to India’s manufacturing potential and our dedication to ‘Make in India’ initiative. This achievement reflects our commitment, alongside our supplier and dealer partners, to driving economic growth, supporting nation building, and making India’s automobile industry self-reliant and globally competitive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers, employees, and value chain partners for their continued support and for being an integral part of this historic journey.”

At present, Maruti Suzuki India has installed capacity to produce 2.35 million vehicles a year from its three manufacturing facility in India – two in Haryana and one in Gujarat. It is also establishing a new greenfield facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana that will contribute towards its target to scale up production to 4 million units per annum. The first plant with annual capacity of 250,000 units is expected to be operational in 2025, which once fully operational will be able to produce 1 million units a year.

The Japanese automaker is also scouting for another greenfield facility to further add 1 million units capacity.

Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Groupe, opened its dealership in Ambattur and renovated it using the new’R store concept, the network's new global architectural model, marking the beginning of its transformation in India.

In addition to gradually renovating its current dealerships, all new Renault stores in India will henceforth be constructed utilising the new model. According to the New Visual Identity (NVI), Renault is also redesigning its dealerships in India. As a result, Renault's new emblem, which is white over black, will now be shown at all of its showrooms. The company plans to renovate around 100 stores in 2025, with the goal of finishing the makeover by 2026.

The structure has been updated to provide a better shopping experience and features a fresh style for the interiors of Renault stores with a contemporary feel. Customers are able to examine the automobiles from every angle since the vehicle display is purposefully kept at the centre of the establishment. With distinctive lighting, first-rate seating and outstanding customer service, the concept also allows the establishment to provide patrons with a modern, fresh and urban appearance. Additionally, in order to provide consumers with simple access, the new’R store model will include all of the necessary customer service spaces, such as the customer lounge, after-sales reception and sales advisor offices, inside the showroom's perimeter. The new structure reaffirms Renault's dedication to improving both the product and brand experience for consumers.

Venkatram M, Managing Director and Country CEO, Renault India, said, "The launch of the Ambattur dealership marks a pivotal moment in Renault's journey in India. The fact that India became the first country to actualise the new’R store format reaffirms Renault's India strategy. India is at the forefront of Renault's global plans, and soon, the country will witness a completely revamped Renault, offering superior customer experience through acclaimed products, redefined sales experience and globally acclaimed aftersales services."

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the starting price for the much anticipated the all-new Kia Syros at INR 899,000.

The Kia Syros compact SUV is inspired from the EV9 and Carnival SUV and offers premium segment-first Over-the-Air (OTA) software update system, Kia Connect 2.0 with more than 80 features, Kia Connect Diagnosis (KCD) and Kia Advanced Total Care (KATC).

In terms of creature comforts the compact SUV with a 2,550mm wheelbase offers 76.2cm (30-inch) Trinity Panoramic Display panel serves as the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, dedicated 5-inch Climate Control Display, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Harman Kardon Premium 8-speaker sound system, Rear Seat Ventilation, sliding and reclining 60:40 split rear seats and dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

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.

The Syros is available in four trims – HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, with eight colour options – Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Pewter Olive, Intense Red, Frost Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Imperial Blue and Gravity Gray.

For safety the Kia Syros is equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring 16 autonomous safety features and 20 safety package, including:

• Smart cruise control with Stop & Go
• Front Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keep Assist and Lane Follow Assist
• 360-degree camera with blind view monitor
• Electronic Stability Control & Hill Start Assist Control
• Six Airbags for Enhanced Protection
• ABS

Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “India is witnessing a rising demand for SUVs, especially among young, tech-savvy, and adventurous drivers who expect more from their vehicles. In line with these evolving preferences, Kia India is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive industry through innovation and customer-centric design. The Kia Syros represents the next evolution in our portfolio – a new species of SUV that blends advanced technology, exceptional comfort, and bold design. What sets it apart is the use of sustainable materials in its interiors, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future. Despite this, the Kia Syros offers a strong value proposition, delivering premium features and unmatched quality that resonate with the aspirations of modern Indian drivers.”

Czech automaker Skoda Auto is celebrating its silver jubilee milestone in India. The OEM had entered the Indian market in January 2000 and had laid the foundation stone for its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) making it the first Volkswagen Group brand to establish a presence in the domestic market.

The Skoda Octavia was the first model by the Volkswagen Group to be assembled locally in India.

Skoda Auto shared that its India operations plays a key role in its global plans, which has enabled to effectively leverage existing sales potential in the ASEAN region, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

It was in 2018, that Volkswagen Group appointed Skoda Auto to spearhead all activities in India jointly since 2018. Fast forward to present, Skoda has developed and produces three models locally in India for India, based on the localised MQB A0–IN platform: the Kushaq, the Slavia and the Kylaq compact SUV. 

Klaus Zellmer, CEO, Skoda Auto, said, “We have built on 25 years of experience in India to make this thriving market the cornerstone of our international growth strategy. With its tremendous talent pool, growing consumer demand, and access to other markets, India is becoming our second pillar outside Europe and helping leverage further sales potential in ASEAN, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region. Skoda has been a notable brand in India since we entered the market with the Octavia in 2001. We now produce in two plants. We have launched three all-new models specifically for India, achieving localisation of up to 95 percent: the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia and just recently the Kylaq compact SUV, which complement the Octavia and Superb we also sell through a growing dealer network. In the last two years, we have increased customer touchpoints across the country by 35 percent. India also contributes to the global sustainability goals of Skoda Auto. One plant already runs entirely on green energy, while the plant in Pune expanded its photovoltaic system to deliver up to 30 percent of its electricity needs. I want to thank all our Indian colleagues for helping power the next stage of our growth, and especially our customers for their trust in our products. With this passion, we can achieve even greater things in the next 25 years!"

Piyush Arora, MD & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Skoda was the first brand to establish Volkswagen Group’s presence in India, setting up its first plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar back in January 2000. As Skoda celebrates 25 years in the country, the Group’s focus on the Indian market continues to strengthen. With evolving consumer preferences, we are introducing products that combine the Group’s global expertise with a deep understanding of the Indian market. Today, our model lineup features advanced vehicles designed and built specifically for India, including the newly unveiled compact SUV, Skoda Kylaq.”

“This dynamic market has become the foundation of Skoda’s internationalisation strategy, driven by our commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability and customer-centric solutions. We are dedicated to enhancing our manufacturing capabilities & sales touchpoints and advancing our sustainability initiatives to deliver long-term value to our customers, employees, and communities,” added Arora.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicles manufacturer, has announced that the ‘Made in India’ Jimny 5-door has been unveiled in Japan.

The Jimny 5-door model is exclusively manufactured in Maruti Suzuki’s facility in Gurugram, Haryana and is the second SUV after Fronx to be exported to Suzuki Motor Corporation’s domestic market (Japan) in FY2024-25.

It is interesting to note that Jimny has been a popular model for the Japanese automaker globally having sold more than 3.5 million units across 199 countries and regions. The iconic model had made a comeback in India at Auto Expo 2023, when it was first showcased by Maruti Suzuki.

In CY2024, Maruti Suzuki India exported over 323,000 passenger vehicles to around 100 countries, which translates to 43.5 percent market share in India’s total passenger vehicles export.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "The introduction of ‘Made in India’ Jimny 5-door in Japan is a testament to the global level of excellence in our manufacturing capability. It is our second model to be exported to Japan in this fiscal year (FY 2024-25) after Fronx in August 2024. Jimny is the second most exported Maruti Suzuki car in FY 2024-25^. After its resounding success in markets like Mexico, Australia, and South Africa, we are confident that it will delight customers in Japan. The export of Jimny reaffirms our commitment towards ‘Make-in-India for the world’.”