Mercedes-Benz India, one of the largest luxury car manufacturers in India, has begun a new campaign for its Indian customers that aims at connecting with the customer sentiments and inspiring them to unlock themselves, explore new journeys, new experiences and recreate the moments of the excitement of owning a new Mercedes-Benz. The new marketing campaign will last through the festive period.

Martin Schwenk, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Customers are at the centre of all our activities and it remains our endeavor to listen to their wishes and aspirations and keep them excited with our products and brand offerings. The essence of the ‘Unlock with Mercedes-Benz’ campaign is to revive the customer sentiment by inspiring them to unlock their desires, aspirations and their dreams; enabling them to undertake new journeys, new roads and discover new adventures with a Mercedes. We introduce this campaign with the aim of unlocking these aspects of a customers’ aspiration, which they have been missing out. This campaign will assist customers with financial and ownership solutions as well, which have been curated specifically to ‘Unlock’ the desires and aspirations. We are confident the campaign has compelling choices for aspiring customers to drive home a select range of Mercedes-Benz models this festive season.”

Schwenk further adds, “As markets gradually unlock with the onset of the festive season, this is also the time when customers want to celebrate and we are optimistic this in-turn will drive market sentiments. At Mercedes-Benz India, we are unlocking across markets, following all the social distancing protocols and adhering to all safety and sanitization measures. We are confident ‘Unlock with Mercedes-Benz’ will enable the aspirants to pursue their aspirations and unlock their dream of owning a Mercedes; which remains the most luxurious, safe, laden with intuitive and connected technology. With ‘Unlock with Mercedes-Benz’ a Mercedes remains the next best place away from home.”

The benefits for the new customers in the campaign are listed below:
C-Class: EMI starting 39,999 | ROI @ 7.99% | New Star in 3 years | Complimentary first year insurance
E-Class: EMI starting 49,999 | ROI @ 7.99% | New Star in 3 years | Complimentary first year insurance
GLC: EMI starting 44,444 | ROI @ 7.99% | New Star in 3 years | Complimentary first year insurance 

Mercedes-Benz India has extended some of its key connected safety features for 24x7 availability:

Breakdown Management: If a driver has a vehicle issue mid-trip, a button on the overhead control unit will connect him/her to a Roadside Assistance agent. The vehicle's exact location and status will be transmitted to the agent, who will then dispatch Roadside Assistance. Information from the driver and from the vehicle's diagnostics technology will allow the service agent(s) to arrive at the correct location fully prepared to either repair or tow the vehicle.

Emergency Call Services: The Mercedes-Benz Emergency Response Centre, operated by Bosch, can be reached either (1) by pressing the "SOS" button in the vehicle, or (2) automatically, when the vehicle's collision sensors have detected a serious accident. In both cases, vehicle data – e.g. location, direction of travel and number of passengers, etc. – is transferred to Bosch, allowing Response Centre agents to quickly and efficiently help the customer. Rescue measures are initiated immediately after an accident to expedite the deployment of Roadside Assistance and to allow injured drivers/passengers to be treated as quickly as possible.

Information Call and me Call Services: With the touch of a button in the vehicle, any general or Mercedes me connect-related inquiries may be directed to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Centre. Mercedes me connect-capable vehicles will be equipped with either a ‘me call’ button or an iCall and Wrench button. These call buttons will route the driver to the appropriate call centre, whether it's Roadside Assistance or Mmc (Mercedes Me Call) Support.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that bookings for the Hyundai Venue have exceeded 100,000 units. To mark this milestone, the company has introduced the HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant, priced at INR 1.36 million.

The new variant is powered by a 1.5L CRDi diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This addition expands the Venue line-up, providing a diesel torque-on-demand option with an automatic gearbox for the compact SUV segment.

The HX8 variant includes several updates to the vehicle's interior, safety and mechanical systems. Notable mechanical additions include rear disc brakes and an electric parking brake with an auto-hold function.

The technical and convenience suite includes – paddle shifters, drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow). The cabin also gets front row ventilated seats, 4-way electric driver seat adjustment and ambient lighting. Over-the-Air (OTA) vehicle updates and Hyundai Bluelink connected car systems.

On the inside, it features a dual-tone leatherette seats featuring Venue branding.

The introduction of the diesel automatic transmission targets customers seeking fuel efficiency combined with the convenience of an automated gear shift. The Venue competes in the compact SUV category, supported by Hyundai’s existing sales and service network across India.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 100,000 bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. This milestone reflects the growing aspiration for smart, connected and feature-rich mobility solutions that enhance everyday driving. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience. It underscores our commitment to providing meaningful choices backed by advanced technology and superior value. At Hyundai, we remain focused on delivering future-ready products that resonate with evolving customer expectations and drive the next phase of mobility in India.”

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German luxury car brand Audi has commenced bookings for the new Audi SQ8 SUV, which is set to be launched on 17 March 2026 in India, for an initial amount of INR 500,000.

The SQ8 occupies a position within Audi’s Q range, featuring mechanical and performance upgrades over the standard Q8. It is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine, which produces 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque, enabling a claimed zero to 100 kmph in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 kmph.

It features Quattro System – permanent all-wheel drive with a self-locking centre differential. Adaptive air suspension sport as standard and all-wheel steering to assist with low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.

Audi India has indicated that the SQ8 will be available in limited numbers. This launch follows the existing Q8 family line-up in the Indian market, targeting customers in the performance SUV segment.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director, Audi India, said, “The Audi SQ8 represents the ideal meeting point between everyday luxury and uncompromising sporty performance. Its formidable engine and distinctive S character make it a remarkably complete SUV. The enthusiasm we have seen for our Audi Q8 family in India gives us great confidence that the new Audi SQ8 will resonate strongly with our customers who seek more than a conventional luxury SUV. We are delighted to open bookings and encourage performance enthusiasts to secure their Audi SQ8 early, as availability will be limited.”

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Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its first dealership in Shillong, marking the brand's entry into the state of Meghalaya. The Sales, Service and Spares (3S) facility has been launched in partnership with SSB Automobiles (La i Jong Skoda) to expand the company's footprint in the North-East region.

The facility, located in Laitkor Rngi, includes a 3,000 sqft showroom with a four-car display and a 7,250 sqft service centre equipped with three bays. The site follows the ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy used by the manufacturer globally.

The inauguration is part of a broader strategy that has seen Skoda’s network grow from 120 touchpoints in 2021 to more than 325 across 184 cities. The Shillong outlet will provide access to the manufacturer’s full portfolio, including the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq models.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “With the inauguration of our first-ever Customer Touchpoint in Shillong, we are delighted to bring Skoda Auto closer to customers in Meghalaya. The North-East is an emerging and promising market for us, and expanding our network footprint here reflects our commitment to making the Skoda brand more accessible across India. Following our biggest-ever year in India in 2025, strengthening our network remains a key focus. This newly inaugurated facility will provide customers access to our full product portfolio, including the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq, along with the premium ownership experience and service standards that define the brand.”

Rakesh Kumar Singh, Dealer Principal, SSB Automobiles, added, “We are proud to partner with Skoda Auto India and bring the brand’s product range and services to Meghalaya for the very first time, starting with our new facility in Shillong. This new 3S facility has been designed to deliver a premium and seamless customer experience, right from sales to service. We are confident that customers in the region will greatly value the combination of Skoda Auto’s product excellence and our customer-first approach.”

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German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has expanded the line-up for its upcoming CLA Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) with the addition of the CLA 200 ‘Standard Range’ variant. The new model will sit alongside the previously announced CLA 250+ ‘Long Range’ in the Indian market.

The CLA 200 ‘Standard Range’ provides a claimed range of 542 km. It features ‘Progressive Line’ styling, which includes comfort seats, a multifunction sports leather steering wheel, and two interior trim options. Mercedes-Benz confirmed that equipment levels and technology will remain consistent across both the CLA 200 and CLA 250+ variants.

Bookings for both variants of the CLA BEV have opened today with a payment of INR 150,000. Customers who pre-book the vehicle will receive a complimentary wall box charger, including installation.

The company aims to begin deliveries of CLA 250+ by end-April and CLA 200 in June respectively.

While the technology suite is standard across the range, the variants cater to different customer preferences for range and design. The CLA 200 focuses on the 'Progressive Line' aesthetic, while the CLA 250+ serves as the higher-range option. The introduction of the 'Standard Range' follows customer feedback requesting a secondary battery option for the BEV model.

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