The company added it’s the widest range of performance and dream cars by launching AMG C63 Coupe and AMG GTR Coupe recently.

Launching it virtually, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director, and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, announced the features and price of the new cars. Priced at INR 1.33 crore the new C63 Coupe is cheaper than its predecessor model while it is not the case with the new GT R, which is priced INR 2.48 crore.

AMG C63 Coupe

The new C63 Coupe is powered by 4 litre V8 engine. It combines sportiness with emotion and intelligence offering design and driving pleasure. The interior offers an authentic sports car atmosphere. Every facet of the inside of the vehicle reflects the performance philosophy. There are perfectly matched elements, characteristic touches and an ambience geared to sportiness in every detail.

The steering wheel is lined with fine Nappa leather and perforated in the grip area. Ergonomically positioned touch control buttons ensure intuitive user-friendliness and are conducive to focused driving.  The fully digital instruments and larger displays, including a new infotainment generation, are state-of-the-art features that make operating the car a highly individual affair. Depending on the precise specification, the instruments can also feature the ‘Classic,’ ‘Sporty, or ‘Progressive display styles.

The high-resolution media display with 10.25-inch screen diagonal adds a particularly high-quality touch to the interior of the car. Using finger movements (multi-touch), the touchpad is as intuitive to operate as a smartphone. The head-up display transforms the windscreen into an exciting digital cockpit.

In the exterior the front splitter, diffuser and spoiler lip reduce lift at the front and rear, and make the car look even sportier in combination with the inserts in the side skirts. The adaptive multi-beam LED headlamps with individually controllable LEDs react to the traffic situation. Partial main beam omits other road users without dazzling them. Ultra-range high-beam increases the range to the permitted maximum. The cornering light and active light functions also illuminate the field of vision to optimum effect.

The electric panoramic sliding sunroof is opened either continuously or by using the one-touch function. When the vehicle is parked, the panoramic sliding sunroof can also be opened and closed from outside – using the vehicle key with the functions ‘summer opening’ and ‘comfort closing.’ Electrically folding exterior mirrors protect the car vehicle from annoying damage when parking, the lowerable exterior mirror on the front passenger side makes parking easier and the self-dimming function protects the eyes.

Carbon-fibre has been used lavishly to reduce weight and improve performance and aesthetics. The material has been used in several places including front apron A-wing, side sill panels, rear apron, side facings for the air vents, mirror housings and spoiler lip.

AMG GTR Coupe

Demonstrating AMG's development and racing expertise the GT R Coupe pushes the limits of dynamic driving even further, making AMG’s DNA even more enjoyable. Thanks to direct knowhow transfer from motorsport the sports car impresses with a top speed of 318 kmph and acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.6 seconds. With rear-axle steering the car offers maximum agility and stability even at critical limits.

The lower a vehicle’s centre of gravity, the better its performance and this phenomenon is achieved through the installation of a low-set front mid-engine in a transaxle configuration, in GT R Coupe. This results in beneficial weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent between front and rear axles. The torque tube, as it is called – made out of carbon fibre in GT R provides a flexurally and torsionally rigid connection between the engine and the transmission. At the same time an extremely light and torsion-resistant drive shaft made of carbon fibre rotates inside the tube, which ends up in saving about 14kg of weight. This transfers the output from 4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine to Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission, which has been redesigned for the vehicle with a longer first and shorter seventh gear. The uniball joints are wear resistant metal linking elements attached to the lower wishbones of the rear axle in a design that allows minimal play, so facilitating even more precise driving.

With the rear axle differential lock, the car is even more agile offering greater driving pleasure. The electronically controlled differential lock enables optimum power distribution between both wheels when cornering. It continually adjusts to the driving situation and increases driving stability even when changing lanes. The interventions of rear axle differential lock are optimized for the respective driving situation and ESP mode. As such it widens the spread between driving dynamics and handling, comfort and driving safety.

The ride control suspension contributes to improving driving safety. The spring rate of the shock absorbers is increased in ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ modes. The stiffer suspension configuration together with the continual damping adjustment for each individual wheel reduces pitching and rolling of the body during dynamic driving manoeuvres. This increases safety and ride comfort at the same time.

Among the many notable features in the exterior is the headlamp that spits uniform warm-white light quality, which is close to the colour temperature of daylight and illuminate the road considerably more precisely than conventional halogen or xenon headlamps. The LED tail lights impress with their extremely flat and horizontal lines.

Carbon-fibre has been judiciously used in GT R Coupe. For instance, the roof is made of carbon fibre yielding maximum performance. In addition this material has been used in air curtains in the front bumper, active panels in the front bumper for better aerodynamics, long bonnet with power domes and A-type grille.

A look at the interior gives a glimpse of the high-tech features beginning with the cockpit. The user interface concept with fully digital instruments cluster of 12.3 inches and a 10.25-inch display fills the eyes. The steering wheel in Dinamica microfibre with steering wheel buttons gives the freedom to focus on the road when looking away is not an option. High-quality materials give the interior a handcrafted character. The centre console turns the interior of the sports car into something very special. The stylized V8 arrangement of the controls has been enhanced with the facelift and supplemented with innovative display switches to select the various settings. The centrally positioned touchpad enables intuitive control of the infotainment system.  

Adds Top-end Petrol, Diesel Variant To LWB GLE

Mercedes-Benz has also strengthened its SUV offering by adding two new top-end variants to its popular GLE portfolio - 450 4MATIC LWB and 400 d 4MATIC LWB. The current LWB GLE range comprises the BS-VI GLE 300 d 4MATIC LWB and the top-end CBU GLE 400 d 4MATIC LWB Hip Hop variants.

The locally made GLE 450 4MATIC LWB and 400 d 4MATIC LWB features the same design, power, plush interiors, just like the other variants in the current generation GLE range. The differentiation is in the packaging of latest technology, including the cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz MBUX system with interior assistant. The permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution capability together with 9G-TRONIC transmission ensures it is just as agile and capable as an off-roader as its diesel siblings.

Schwenk said, “The new long wheelbase GLE has already created a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment and we are very satisfied with the customer response. Encouraged by this response we are now introducing a petrol and a diesel variant of the GLE LWB. We are confident that the GLE 450 4MATIC and the 400 d 4MATIC will help this SUV retain its top billing in the luxury SUV segment. The GLE LWB is an important pillar in our expansive SUV portfolio, leading our product offensive in the SUV segment and it remains Mercedes-Benz’s highest selling SUV in India. With the addition of these two new variants, we once again reiterate our customer focus and our commitment to the Indian market.”

An in-line six-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology powers the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 LWB 4MATIC. Its performance data of 270 kW (367 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, with a further 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods is quite commendable. The integrated starter/alternator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost or energy recuperation, while allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology.

Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) eliminates the need for a belt drive for ancillary components at the front of the engine, which reduces its overall length. The slim design, together with the physical separation of intake/exhaust, creates space for near-engine exhaust after treatment. The 48-volt on-board power supply serves not only high power consumers such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor, but also the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which also supplies energy to the battery by means of highly efficient energy recuperation.

The GLE 400 d 4MATIC LWB comes equipped with an OM 656 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine which generates 243 kW (330 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. The most powerful diesel engine in the history of Mercedes-Benz bundles together state-of-the-art technology components. As a result, the engine sets standards in terms of agility and consumption.

Other interesting features of both the variants include multi-beam LED headlamps with ultra range high beam, 4MATIC with VTD (Variable Torque Distribution), Airmatic suspension with ADS+, 20-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, Auto Park Assist 360 degree surround view camera, widescreen cockpit, easy pack tailgate, electric sun blinds, blind spot assist and Active Brake Assist. (MT)

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Volkswagen UK has appointed Simon Lynch to the position of Head of Fleet Sales, effective 8 December 2025. This appointment finalises a recent restructuring of the UK team, which also includes Kevin Rendell assuming responsibility for Network Sales and Owen Shepherd moving to become Head of Product and Planning.

Lynch joins from his current role as Head of Aftersales Retailer Operations at Volkswagen Group UK. Since first joining Volkswagen Group UK in 2006, he has built a comprehensive background, holding various positions in finance, network risk, product marketing and sales, including a prior role as Head of Aftersales for Škoda.

Rod McLeod, Director, Volkswagen UK, said, “I am pleased to welcome Simon to the Volkswagen UK team and to complete my leadership team reshuffle. The next few years will be especially exciting for Volkswagen, with the launches of the ID. Polo and new T-Roc, and fleet customers are more important than ever to our brand evolution. I’m looking forward to leading the new team into 2026 and beyond.”

Lynch said, “I’m looking forward to returning to the Volkswagen brand and heading up the Fleet Sales team. Both the brand and the fleet market are in an exciting phase of change, with electrification, digitalisation and the way people buy and use cars all evolving at pace. Volkswagen has a fantastic team and I’m delighted to be playing my part in developing the UK’s best-selling brand.”

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Volkswagen Group UK has announced the appointment of Catherine Baker to its Board of Management as the new Director of One Aftersales. She will be taking over from Sylvain Charbonnier, who is leaving the UK after a four-year tenure to assume a new position within the global Volkswagen Group.

Bringing three decades of automotive industry expertise to the role, Baker has a strong commercial and strategic background. She originally joined the UK division in 2018 and has since occupied several senior positions, including her most recent role as Head of Group Parts Operations. Her career prior to Volkswagen included experience at Mercedes-Benz. Baker is also recognised as an influential advocate for diversity and inclusion within the company.

In her new capacity, she will lead the One Aftersales division, which manages all post-sale activities for the Group's five brands: SEAT, CUPRA, Škoda, Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The department’s responsibilities extend beyond daily service operations to encompass business development, the parts supply chain and technical support functions.

Damien O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group UK, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Catherine to the Board and look forward to working with her in developing the next generation of aftersales propositions. I’d like to thank Sylvain for his considerable contribution and wish him well for his future in the Volkswagen Group.”

Baker said, “I’m excited to be joining the board of management at such a pivotal time. The move to electrification and digitalisation as well as evolving consumer expectations are changing the way we do business and look after our customers. I’m looking forward to taking over from Sylvain and leading the One Aftersales team into the next decade.”

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MINI India, part of the German luxury brand BMW Group, has announced that it will open the pre-launch bookings for the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 on 22 September 2025.

The MINI John Cooper Works models are known for their exhilarating performance. The Countryman ALL4 will come with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine. Thanks to its all-wheel drive system, the new MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 is also very capable off the road and will be launched in India on 14 October 2025.

At present, the company has set up 11 authorised MINI dealerships in India, including Bird Automotive (Delhi & Gurugram), Bavaria Motors (Pune), EVM Autokraft (Kochi), Gallops Autohaus (Ahmedabad), Infinity Cars (Mumbai), Krishna Automobiles (Chandigarh), KUN Exclusive (Chennai), KUN Exclusive (Hyderabad), KUN Exclusive (Bengaluru) and OSL Prestige (Kolkata).

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company is pursuing an ambitious and meticulously planned global expansion strategy, with the ultimate goal of achieving a 2030 sales target of 5.55 million units.

Jose Munoz, CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, speaking at the company’s 2025 Investors Day event shared that this isn't just ‘wishful thinking’ but is ‘based on approved product launches, plan capacity expansions and market entry strategies already in motion’. The company's strength lies in its ‘balanced and diversified global portfolio’, with strong operations across Korea, Europe India and other emerging markets.

Munoz, emphasised that while North America remains the largest and most strategically important market, ‘each market is contributing meaningfully to our performance’.

A cornerstone of this strategy is the significant investment and focus on India. Hyundai is not just looking to increase sales, but to solidify its manufacturing and market leadership in the region. Munoz revealed that Hyundai is accelerating its global production capacity, with plans to add up to 1.2 million additional units worldwide by 2030. A key part of this is the new plant in Pune, India, which ‘will open later this year and grow to produce 250,000 units,’ bringing Hyundai's total production capacity in India to over 1 million units.

The Pune facility is a strategic move, designed to serve ‘as a strategic hub for both domestic demand and exports to emerging markets’. The plant will also be a ‘smart factory’ with flexible multi-model production, showcasing Hyundai's advanced vision for manufacturing.

The auto major also highlighted the profitability of its Indian operations. “While most OEMs struggle because it's extremely competitive market, Hyundai is one of the most profitable companies in India much better profitability than the leaders and we remain the number 2 player," said Munoz.

In addition to manufacturing, Hyundai is tailoring its product offerings for the Indian market. The company is proud to launch ‘the country's first EV designed specifically for Indian drivers with a localised supply chain’. This exemplifies Hyundai's commitment to localised operations and delivering what each market truly wants.

He noted that in 12 key markets, including India, Hyundai ranks among the top three automotive brands.

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