Maruti Suzuki India’s Fronx C-SUV Crosses 500,000 Production Milestone

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new production milestone for its Fronx compact SUV.

Launched in 2023, the Front has surpassed the 500,000-unit production milestone. The company shared that the Fronx was the highest exported passenger vehicle in the industry in FY 2024-25 and was among the top 10 selling vehicles in the domestic market during the period.

In fact, the compact SUV was able to garner 100,000 units sales within 10 months of its launch, while the 200,000 unit and 300,000 unit milestones were also achieved in record time. The Fronx attained its peak sales of 21,400 units in February 2025.  

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “We are deeply grateful to our customers for choosing FRONX as their vehicle of choice and making it one of the most sold Compact SUVs in India. This milestone reflects India’s manufacturing excellence and customer acceptance for vehicles with futuristic design. With its bold styling, best-in-class fuel efficiency, and advanced technology features, FRONX quickly gained popularity in domestic as well as international markets. As we move forward, we remain committed to deliver exciting and value-packed products that exceed the expectations of our customers.”

The Fronx was first globally unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023 and was also the first ‘Made in India’ SUV from Maruti Suzuki India to be exported to Japan. In addition, the model is currently exported to Latin America, Middle East and African markets.

Renault India

French automotive major Renault Group India has announced two key leadership appointments, reinforcing the country's growing significance as a global hub for automotive design and engineering.

Dr Vikraman V has been appointed Chief of Renault Engineering at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) in Chennai. He will lead engineering and innovation, leveraging his extensive experience in both electric and internal combustion engine platforms. Prior to joining Renault, Dr. Vikraman spent nearly two decades at Mahindra & Mahindra, where he led the Vehicle Mechanical Division. He holds a master's and a PhD in automotive engineering from IIT Madras.

On the other hand, Sandeep Bhambra has been named Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI) while continuing in his role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault. He will be responsible for shaping future portfolios, incorporating Renault's design DNA with forward-looking innovation. Bhambra, who previously led Advanced Design and Concept Cars for Renault in France, will continue to report to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, “The appointments of Sandeep Bhambra and Dr. Vikraman V mark a transformative moment in Renault Group’s journey in India. India is rapidly emerging as a global epicentre for automotive innovation, and these leaders bring the vision and expertise to harness that momentum. Sandeep’s creative leadership will elevate our design identity, while Vikraman’s engineering depth will drive cutting-edge mobility solutions. Together, they will help position India not just as a contributor, but as a creator of Renault’s future—where global design excellence and Indian ingenuity converge to shape vehicles that inspire, perform, and lead.”

Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group, added, “In an industry undergoing profound transformation, Sandeep’s international experience, creative vision and determination will be key assets to guide our team in India. While continuing his responsibilities as Chief Designer Advanced Renault, he will ensure Renault Design Centre India plays a pivotal role in our global design strategy, creating cars that truly resonate with Indian customers while reinforcing Renault’s global ambitions and strengthening the brand’s presence in this strategic market.”

The Renault Design Centre in Chennai has been renamed Renault Design Centre India to better reflect its strategic role and commitment to the Indian market.

Wolfgang Würth Named Hyundai Motor Europe PR Director

Wolfgang Würth Named Hyundai Motor Europe PR Director

Hyundai Motor Europe has appointed Wolfgang Würth as Director of PR & Communications, effective 1 October 2025. In this role, he will lead the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy, overseeing all public relations, product and corporate communications activities across the region. Würth will report directly to Xavier Martinet, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, as a key member of the company's leadership team.

His primary focus will be on positioning Hyundai as a leading innovator in electric mobility, leveraging his strong passion for technological advancement and responsible transportation. Würth brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the automotive and technology sectors, with a background in brand strategy, digital marketing and social media from senior international positions at Mercedes-Benz AG and, most recently, smart Europe GmbH. He is also a graduate of the Executive MBA programme offered by the University of St. Gallen and ETH Zurich.

Martinet said, “We are pleased to welcome Wolfgang to the team. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry, and his proven ability to craft compelling narratives, Wolfgang will play a key role in driving our brand forward. His expertise will be fundamental as we accelerate our growth and continue to redefine mobility across Europe.”

Würth said, “I am honoured to join Hyundai, a brand of progress, with a unique design philosophy and empowering technology. I look forward to working with the talented teams to strengthen the brand’s presence and inspire our customers across the continent.”

Maruti Victoris SUV Launched At INR 1.04 Million

Victoris

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) has officially announced the introductory prices for its new SUV, the Victoris, with a starting price of INR 1.04 million. The company stated that sales for the vehicle will begin on 22 September 2025.

Targeting young and dynamic customers, the Victoris is designed to cater to a digitally integrated and ‘Always Online, Always On The Move Lifestyle.’

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, “We have received an incredible response for the VICTORIS ever since its launch earlier this month. Customers have expressed overwhelming appreciation for the Victoris SUV, especially its intelligent technology, hyper-connected features, progressive and sleek design and all-round safety. Building on this euphoria, we are delighted to announce introductory prices for the Victoris, starting at INR 10,49,900. Armed with versatile powertrain options that are tailored for adventurous and environmentally responsible buyers of today, the VICTORIS is powered by high-end technologies such as strong hybrid, Allgrip Select, S-CNG and Smart Hybrid. With its robust performance, 5-star safety~ and cutting-edge features, the Victoris truly has ‘Got It All’—making it aspirational, yet accessible for today’s youthful SUV customers who seek experiential lifestyles.”

The Victoris is offered with a variety of powertrain options, including strong hybrid, Allgrip Select, S-CNG, and Smart Hybrid technologies. It boasts a 5-star safety rating and is available in 21 variants and 10 colour options (three dual-tone and seven monotone). The new SUV will be sold through Maruti Suzuki ARENA showrooms.

Here is the full price list for the new Maruti Suzuki Victoris (all prices are ex-showroom)

Variant/Fuel Lxi Vxi Zxi Zxi (O) Zxi+ Zxi+ (O)
SMART HYBRID (PETROL)
           
5MT INR 10,49,900 INR 11,79,900 INR 13,56,900 INR 14,07,900 INR 15,23,900 INR 15,81,900
6AT - INR 13,35,900 INR 15,12,900 INR 15,63,900 INR 17,18,900 INR 17,76,900
ALLGRIP SELECT (6AT) - - - - INR 18,63,900 INR 19,21,900
STRONG HYBRID (e-CVT) - INR 16,37,900 INR 17,79,900 INR 18,38,900 INR 19,46,900 INR 19,98,900
S-CNG INR 11,49,900 INR 12,79,900 INR 14,56,900 - - -

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Bags 5-Star Global NCAP Safety Rating

Victoris

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is leaving no stone unturned to mark its aggressive strategy to reinforce its leadership position.

The company, which recently introduced the Victoris SUV, to further cement its position in the SUV space, has made owning the vehicle more attractive with the model scoring a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupants under the new Global NCAP standards.

This makes the Victoris the second model after the Dzire sedan (last year) to score a 5-star safety rating, thus clearly indicating a focussed approach towards improving vehicle safety.

Global NCAP crash tested the Victoris, which comes with six airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and pedestrian protection as standard.  

The results found that the structure and footwell areas are rated as stable and can withstand further loadings. All body regions for adult occupants showed adequate to good protection in all crash test scenarios. 

Side impact and pole test showed full head protection. Global NCAP also found that 18-months old and 3-year-old child dummies showed full protection in the rearward facing child seat with ISOFIX anchorages and support leg.  

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Global NCAP, said, “The five star Victoris clearly demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to improved safety for its new models. It continues the trend set by the Dzire launched last year which also achieved five stars.  We warmly welcome Maruti Suzuki’s engagement with the requirements of Global NCAP’s new protocols. The result is a significant vehicle safety victory for motoring consumers in India.”