Mercedes-Benz India, the leading German luxury car manufacturer in the country, has achieved new milestones. In 2024, the company reported its best-ever sales performance in three decades with sales of 19,565 new vehicles in the country, up 12.4 percent YoY. With this, Mercedes-Benz India becomes the first luxury brand to have crossed the 200,000 units sales milestone in the country.

In 2024, the German luxury brand launched 14 new products, including 9 top-end The company attributed the performance to a combination of new launches, existing models and an enhanced retail customer experience.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz launched 14 new products including 9 ultra-premium models in the Indian market. The year also marked the company increasing sales of its EV models consisting of the – EQA 250+, EQB SUV, EQS SUV 580 and the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV - to over six percent, registering a growth of 94 percent YoY.

Crossing milestones

Mercedes-Benz was amongst the first luxury car brands to have entered the Indian automotive market. This commitment has been rewarded by the Indian consumers who have shown their preference towards Mercedes-Benz, and helped it cross the sales milestone of 200,000 units in the country.

The company shared that of the 200,000 Mercedes-Benz sold since 1994, 100,000 vehicles were sold in the last six years alone (2019-2024). The first 50,000 units sales milestone took 20 years (1994-2013), following the next 50,000 units in five years (2014-2018).

On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, the finance arm of the luxury car maker, has achieved INR 100 billion portfolio in India. Interestingly, every second Mercedes-Benz sold in the country was financed by the company.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz continues to lead with its BEV roadmap, strengthening our commitment to sustainability. Our product offensive in 2025 begins with the debut of two eagerly awaited BEVs: the iconic G580 with EQ technology and the 'Made-in-India' EQS SUV 450. The G580 brings the iconic off-road capabilities of the G-Class into the electric age, setting new standards and unlocking unparalleled possibilities in luxury, performance, and sustainability. Following the success of the EQS SUV in India, we are happy to introduce its second variant, EQS SUV 450 in a 5-seater configuration. The EQS SUV 450 combines progressive technology, unparalleled luxury, and ample space with sustainability at its heart.

Expansion and new model launches

As part of its growth strategy for India, the company also marked the launch of two new EVs in the country – the 5-seater made-in-India EQS 450 SUV and the G 580 with EQ Technology.

Mercedes-Benz India also announced its 2025 roadmap for the country ‘Desire to Exceed’, which will see 8 new product launches in addition to facelifts and 20 new luxury touchpoints including expanding to new markets.

It expects its franchise partners will make investment of over INR 4.5 billion towards over the course of next three years.

Mercedes-Benz India has also pledged INR 75 million towards road safety initiatives in the country.

"At Mercedes-Benz, we will continue to shape the future of mobility in the digital era —pushing the boundaries of customer experience, service offerings, innovative products, and sustainability. Our commitment remains unwavering in providing excellence through tailored solutions crafted specifically for India, ensuring the best possible ownership experience for our customers,” concluded Iyer.

Hyundai Motor Company, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers globally, has redesigned the IONIQ 6 and the all-new NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025.

Building upon the success of the original IONIQ 6 launched in 2022, the refreshed model features a more refined aesthetic and improved proportions, embodying the design philosophy of ‘Pure Flow, Refined.’

Senior Vice-President Simon Loasby noted that the lineup each expresses a distinct character while adhering to a cohesive vision. Key exterior updates include an elevated hood, sharper curves, and the removal of the prominent rear spoiler in favour of a more integrated ducktail design to enhance aerodynamics. The vehicle now sports updated front and rear lighting with slim DRLs and modern chrome accents, while the economic body flow reflects its streamlined nature.

On the Inside, the IONIQ 6 offers the ‘Mindful Cocoon’ experience, prioritising user comfort with new steering wheels, premium materials and enhanced functionality, including an enlarged climate control display.

In tandem, Hyundai presented the IONIQ 6 N Line variant, which inherits aggressive design elements from the RN22e Rolling Lab. The N Line features bold, wing-shaped bumpers and extensive use of black accents for a sportier profile. The announcement teased the upcoming release of the IONIQ 6 N, a high-performance variant set to debut in July 2025.

NEXO

The all-new NEXO represents Hyundai's commitment to redefining hydrogen electric vehicles. With an anticipated range exceeding 700 km from a five-minute refuelling, the second-generation NEXO is said to underscore Hyundai's expertise in fuel cell technology cultivated over 27 years. This new model embraces the 'Art of Steel' design language, reflecting strength and form through bold lines and a sturdy architecture, while ‘HTWO’ lamps solidify its identity as an FCEV.

Aerodynamically optimised and sporting a spacious interior, the NEXO offers advanced comfort with features like Premium Relaxation Seats, a roomy cabin with improved cargo capacity of up to 993 litres, and sustainable materials throughout. The vehicle's design marries modern aesthetics with practical usability, such as smart storage solutions and digital displays.

Performance-wise, the NEXO's powertrain advancements boost the power output to 190 kW from a previous 135 kW, facilitating a quicker 0-100 kmph time of 7.8 seconds. The FCEV's fuel efficiency has also improved thanks to an increase in hydrogen tank capacity to 6.69 kg, coupled with innovative aerodynamic enhancements for better efficiency.

Hyundai has integrated host of tech like intuitive navigation enhancements and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ensuring high safety standards. NEXO aims for top-tier safety ratings, featuring multiple airbags and an ultra-rigid structure to protect occupants and the hydrogen tank.

Scheduled for global release later this year, the new NEXO signifies Hyundai's leadership in hydrogen as they continue to innovate and strengthen their offerings within the clean mobility spectrum.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has attained another milestone with its WagonR hatchback continuing to be the best-selling passenger vehicle for the fourth year in a row.

With 198,451 units sold in FY2025, the WagonR alone consisted 11 percent of the total passenger vehicle sales for Maruti Suzuki India. Till date, the WagonR has gone home to over 3.37 million customers.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “WagonR’s sustained leadership in the Indian automotive market underscores strong customer trust and an unmatched value proposition over 25 years. Our focus on innovation and customer-centricity has ensured that the WagonR remains a top choice for Indian families. In fact, 1 in every 4 WagonR customers returns to repurchase India’s highest-selling car, a reflection of its widespread appeal and the confidence our customers place in the brand.”

“Hatchbacks are an integral pillar of India's automobile industry. The WagonR's consistent leadership, securing its position as the highest-selling vehicle for four consecutive years, underscores the significance of this segment in driving long-term industry growth. Looking ahead, this segment will continue to be a cornerstone in spreading the joy of mobility to every Indian household," he added.

The WagonR is available with K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine in 1.2-litre and 1.0-litre engine options in both manual and Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmissions.

With a wide range of powertrain and variant options, the WagonR continues to offer a unique appeal in its segment, giving customers greater choice to suit their requirements perfectly. With cumulative sales exceeding 33,73,884 units, WagonR has been the go-to choice for those seeking the joy of mobility.

Maruti Suzuki India Achieves Record-Breaking Sales In FY 2024-25

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has introduced a new ‘Wired to Wireless Adapter’ for the Hyundai Alcazar SUV.

The adapter will enable seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto access for Alcazar (Prestige, Platinum and Signature variant) customers, which will allow them to effortlessly use their phone applications on the infotainment system without using a cable.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai Motor India, our focus is to empower customers by providing best-in-class technology that elevates their driving experience. The introduction of our ‘Wired to Wireless Adapter’ is a significant step in meeting the expectations of today’s tech-savvy customers, who expect seamless connectivity throughout their journeys. We believe this innovation will enhance the in-car entertainment experience of our customers."

Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has announced its wholesales for FY2025. 

The company sold a total of 126,151 units, a marginal growth of 1.59 percent YoY, as compared to 124,173 units sold in FY 2024.

Of this, domestic sales came at 65,925 units, down 23.8 percent YoY, while exports at 60,226 units, grew by 60 percent YoY.

At present, the company’s product portfolio for India includes the Honda Amaze sedan, Honda Elevate SUV and Honda City sedan. The company’s sales performance can be attributed to the fact that, Honda Cars India currently lacks a wider SUV portfolio, which has been primarily the sales driver for most automakers in the country.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “HCIL sales performance in FY2024-25 has been in line with the ongoing tough business environment. While on domestic front, the industry faced challenges in creating fresh demand from the market which was also reflected in HCIL domestic sales, we recorded our highest ever export volumes led by strong export business of Elevate to Japan. The recent launch of all-new Amaze has been well received from the market strengthening our position in the family sedan segment.”

“While demand creation may still present challenge in the new fiscal year, we remain optimistic and believe our commitment to customer satisfaction will enable us to navigate the market effectively and continue driving positive results," he added.