Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has commenced admissions for the first batch of its newly established Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) at Master Atul Government ITI in Sonipat, Haryana.

The institute, set to begin operations in September 2025, will offer over 100 seats across four courses – Mechanic Motor Vehicle (MMV), Machinist, Welder and Fitter.

JIM Sonipat has been developed with an investment of INR 100 million from Maruti Suzuki India and is affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The training will follow a dual system combining theoretical education with on-the-job learning. The curriculum will include modules on safety, quality, discipline, kaizen and other Japanese manufacturing practices relevant to the automotive sector.

Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), Sports (Independent Charge), and Law & Legislative, said, “Maruti Suzuki's commitment to skill development in Haryana through its state-of-the-art JIMs at Uncha Majra and now at Sonipat is truly commendable. By training youth and equipping them with industry-relevant skills, the Company is paving the way for their brighter future and contributing to Haryana's development and economic growth. This is in line with the Prime Minister’s ‘Skill India Mission’ and I applaud Maruti Suzuki’s efforts in this space.”

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India, added, “We are committed to supporting the Government of India’s ‘Skill India Mission’ by training youth and making them industry ready. After setting up our first JIM in Haryana at Uncha Majra, we are thankful to the Government of Haryana for providing us the opportunity to set up the second JIM in the state. We are confident that both JIMs will prepare the students for opportunities across the automobile ecosystem and contribute to progress of Haryana.”

“By incorporating principles of safety, quality, and the acclaimed Japanese practices of discipline and continuous improvement, JIM Sonipat will not only enhance employability but also inculcate progressive work ethic among the students,” added Bharti.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement, the Haryana government has provided the land and building for JIM Sonipat, while Maruti Suzuki India has handled the infrastructure upgrade, installed equipment and a working assembly line for real-world simulation, developed training content and will manage day-to-day operations.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Auto Hangar, a Mercedes-Benz India retail partner, has expanded its network in Mumbai with the opening of a showroom in Kandivali and a service centre in Charkop. The expansion targets the western corridor of the city, including Borivali, Malad and Andheri.

The Kandivali showroom follows the Mercedes-Benz ‘MAR 2020’ global retail design framework. The facility integrates digital tools with physical displays to facilitate vehicle customisation.

Key features of the showroom include:

• Digital Car Configurator: Allows customers to select paint finishes, alloy designs, and interior trims virtually.
• Model Range: On-site display of vehicles including the GLC, A-Class Limousine, and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
• Finance Integration: Access to STAR Agility+ programmes for vehicle financing.

The Charkop facility provides maintenance and repair services using Mercedes-Benz diagnostic systems. The centre is designed to meet the manufacturer's ‘Ambition 2039’ sustainability targets.

The service centre includes:

• Quick-Service Bays: Staffed by certified technicians for routine maintenance and electronic calibrations.
• Logistics: Pick-up and drop-off services for residents in the surrounding suburbs.
• Environmental Systems: Integration of solar-powered systems, waste segregation, and water recycling technologies.

“This expansion is about more than new locations, it’s about redefining the Mercedes-Benz experience for Mumbai’s west. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable practices and a customer-first approach, we are ready to serve a new generation of luxury car buyers,” said the company in a statement.

The company maintains an existing network across Mumbai, with locations in Hughes Road, Prabhadevi, Lokhandwala Circle, Lower Parel and Sakivihar.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda Motor Co, is set to showcase a series of concept models and racing machines at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, scheduled for 9–11 January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

Under the theme of ‘Honda Sports DNA’, the company will demonstrate the transfer of technology from motorsports into production vehicle development and manufacturing.

The display will feature three world premieres developed in collaboration with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Honda’s engineering teams:

Civic Type R HRC Concept: A concept based on the current Civic Type R. Developed by HRC, the vehicle incorporates racing expertise to refine the performance of the sports model.

Prelude HRC Concept: A customised version of the new Prelude, which launched in September 2025. The model features HRC-designed components intended to adjust driving dynamics.

Civic e:HEV RS Prototype: A prototype of a new trim for the hybrid Civic. This model will be the second vehicle, following the Prelude, to feature Honda S+ Shift control technology.

According to the company, the booth design and choice of vehicles represent ‘Honda Sports DNA,’ which expresses how Honda technology and passion to pursue driving performance – with motorsports as its ultimate proving ground – have been carried forward uninterrupted throughout all Honda activities, from racing to automobile development and manufacturing.

The use of red as the theme colour for the booth is intended to signal the OEM’s focus on performance and automobile engineering.

The exhibition will include additional racing machines from Honda’s global motorsports programmes, highlighting the connection between track testing and commercial vehicle production.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Citroen India, in partnership with its dealership La Maison Nanavati, has completed the handover of 51 Citroen C3 CNG vehicles to the Luthra Group. The ceremony took place at the Luthra Group’s headquarters in Surat.

The delivery is part of Citroen's strategy to expand its presence in tier-II and tier-III markets by providing mobility solutions to businesses and individuals.

The Citroen C3 CNG is designed for high-usage environments and daily commutes. The model includes several features tailored for the Indian market, integration of a factory-fitted CNG kit to manage running costs. A suspension system tuned specifically for local road conditions. Provisions for cabin space and air-conditioning systems designed for high-ambient temperatures.

The handover to Luthra Group represents the brand's focus on cost-efficient transportation. By targeting the regional business sector, Citroen India aims to strengthen its footprint in Gujarat and the broader Indian mobility market.

The C3 CNG is positioned as a solution for users requiring reliability and low operating expenses without compromising on ride comfort.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, a regional rural bank, for vehicle retail financing partnership on new cars, pre-owned vehicles and commercial vehicles.

This collaboration marks the 50th retail finance partner for Maruti Suzuki India. The partnership is intended to use the bank’s network to provide credit options to a range of customer profiles, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.

The partnership aims to increase the accessibility of Maruti Suzuki products through, tailored finance schemes designed for rural and regional customers.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Our partnership with Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank marks a significant milestone as we onboard our 50th retail finance partner. This reinforces our commitment to making car ownership simpler and more affordable for customers across India. By expanding our reach through this strategic alliance, we aim to empower buyers with competitive, customer-friendly financing solutions that enhance the overall purchase experience. We remain focused on delivering seamless, tailored finance options, and this collaboration strengthens our vision of providing the Joy of Mobility to aspiring Indian consumers.”

Yadav S. Thakur, Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, said, “At Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, empowering customer aspirations is at the heart of everything we do. Our partnership with Maruti Suzuki, a leader in the automotive industry, is a strategic step towards enhancing our service offerings and delivering greater value to our customers. This collaboration aligns with our 'Customer-First' mission, enabling us to provide accessible and affordable vehicle financing solutions. We look forward to helping more individuals and families across the country realise their dream of owning a Maruti Suzuki vehicle.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!