MG Motor India has signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) and Autobot India to extend its global tech prowess and expertise to students. The partnership is a step towards democratising high-end car technologies in the country through online and offline skill development courses for engineering students.

Reinforcing its commitment to creating an ecosystem of innovation in the country, the carmaker has introduced an Automotive Skill Development programme for Indian youths known as ‘Dakshata’ (synonym for efficiency) in partnership with ASDC and Autobot India. The move comes as part of MG’s vision of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) mobility which the automaker has augmented in its product portfolio in India.

As part of the Skill India Mission, Dakshata will comprise an eight-module training programme specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Electric Vehicles. It will focus on skill enhancement thereby improving employability in the automotive sector while creating skilled manpower to cater to the automotive industry’s future requirements. The Dakshata project will initially focus on online learning during COVID times and will later involve case studies and best practice sharing.

Unveiling the project, Nikunj Sanghi, Chairman, Automotive Skill Development Council said, “We thank MG Motor for collaborating with us for the Dakshata programme, which is part of our shared vision of building a sustainable skilling ecosystem in the automotive industry. The entire automotive industry and the youth is getting ready for the new technology. With Autobot on board and collaboration with MG Motors, we hope to benefit the youth and getting them industry ready. Also with the evolving customer needs, existing skills will require a lot of re-calibration and Dakshata is such an avenue for providing specialized training, apprenticeship opportunities, and quality facilities to make the workforce industry-ready. We are constantly working towards enhancing our skill development initiatives keeping in pace with the rapidly changing technology trends and emerging industry needs. ASDC assessment and certification will help in boosting the competency and competitiveness of the Industry Stakeholders.   

Speaking on the initiative, Yash Yadav, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, MG Motor India, said, “I'd like to thank ASDC for taking the initiative of partnering with MG. Our primary objective since its inception in India has been to bring the latest in advanced technologies and foster a spirit of innovation among young visionaries to pursue their dreams. The Dakshata programme is one such initiative that will enable young students develop relevant skills on futuristic technologies and become self-reliant, thereby empowering them for a brighter future and further strengthen the goal of fulfilling a broader vision of Skill India. Through Dakshata, we aim to equip them with these skills which are required by the OEMs and dealers. We're delighted to partner with ASDC and Autobot to drive this programme” 

Ashwini Tiwary, Founder & CEO, Autobot India, said, “With the current technology disruption in the automotive sector, new-age vehicles need to be more technologically advanced, connected, and smart. This calls for an entirely new set of skills and knowledge to drive the industry growth and its complete value-chain, helping develop the in-house capability. The program will integrate the technical aspects to the module which is industry centric. This will be an interdisciplinary module as industry requires automated skills” 

As the technology-cost curve is becoming steeper, more technologies are finding their way into the automotive sector at present. Be it hybrid technology, or electric vehicles, the automotive industry is evolving at a rapid pace. The programme’s goal is to train ITI & Diploma Students as well as Engineering Students to fill the supply deficit of the skilled automotive workforce.

Automotive Skills Development Council is a joint initiative of the Government of India, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), and Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA).  (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis-owned Citroen India has introduced the Aircross Comfort Edition, a limited-run series starting at INR 909,000 (ex-showroom). The launch coincides with the brand’s 108th-anniversary celebrations and aims to provide premium features and comfort-oriented upgrades across all trim levels.

A standout inclusion in this edition is the standardisation of premium leatherette interiors across all Comfort Edition trims, a move the company describes as a segment-first. Other ergonomic improvements include adjustable headrests for both front and rear seats, as well as refined interior finishes with soft-touch materials.

Citroen has introduced a structured accessory pack strategy to allow customers to personalise their vehicles.

YOU Pack (INR 36,600): Includes soft-touch IP, fog lamps, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera with guidelines and door cladding with chrome inserts.

PLUS Pack (INR 8,460): Adds a reverse camera with guidelines, a wireless charger, and door cladding with chrome inserts.

MAX Pack (INR 40,000): Focuses on technology and audio, featuring a JBL speaker system with an amplifier and an advanced front, cabin and rear dashcam with predictive safety alerts (e.g., front collision, lane change and pedestrian detection).

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “At Citroen, comfort is at the heart of our product philosophy. We have been closely listening to our customers, who are increasingly seeking more features, enhanced comfort, and a premium in-cabin experience at value-driven price points. The Aircross Comfort Edition is a direct response to this evolving demand.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced that its new Kodiaq RS SUV has sold out within six minutes of its release. The limited run of 50 units was offered as part of the brand’s ‘Surrender’ campaign, marking 125 years of Skoda in motorsport and the 51st anniversary of the RS badge.

This achievement follows the performance of the Octavia RS, which sold out in 20 minutes in 2025.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said: “The RS has stood as a global icon for over half a century, with a passionate following in India for more than two decades. With the ‘Surrender’ campaign, we brought to customers a unique combination of performance and versatility in the Kodiaq RS. We are delighted—though not surprised – to see customers truly ‘surrender’ to its motorsport heritage, 4x4 capability, 7-seat luxury, and its standing as the quickest Skoda in India.”

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. It features a 7-speed DSG transmission with all-wheel drive, it can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 kmph. The vehicles is equipped with a dynamic sound boost, progressive steering and Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus).

The exterior features black accents on the grille, ORVMs, window trims, roof rails and D-pillars. The interior includes black leather upholstery with red stitching. The model is available in four colours: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has launched the nationwide ‘Hyundai Smart Care Clinic’, a service initiative designed to deliver comprehensive vehicle health assessments and special benefits to its customers. This programme underscores the company’s dedication to service excellence, drawing upon its three-decade legacy in the country and its foundational principles of trust, progress and pride.

Scheduled to run from 24 June to 8 July 2026, the clinic will be available at all Hyundai service centres. The offering includes a complimentary 30-point check-up for critical systems like brakes and suspension, alongside significant savings on extended warranty, mechanical labour, parts, car care, roadside assistance and Bluelink subscriptions, with discounts reaching up to 30 percent.

Timed ahead of the anticipated monsoon season, the initiative aims to ensure vehicles are prepared for wet conditions. By promoting timely maintenance and essential repairs, the programme is positioned to enhance vehicle longevity, safety and the overall driving experience for Hyundai owners.

Nilesh Shah, National Service Head, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “As Hyundai celebrates 30 years of its journey in India, we remain committed to placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. The Hyundai Smart Care Clinic reflects our customer-first philosophy, offering proactive vehicle care and a holistic service experience. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen customer trust by ensuring their vehicles remain in optimal condition while delivering enhanced convenience, transparency and a truly rewarding ownership journey.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has initiated exports of the new Duster SUV, with an initial shipment of 750 vehicles departing from Chennai to South Africa.

This development follows Renault Group's strategy to position India as a hub for manufacturing, engineering, and exports. The company has set an objective to reach EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, "The start of exports of the all-new Duster is an important moment for Renault India and a strong validation of the quality, capabilities, and competitiveness of our operations in Chennai. It reflects the progress we have made in building India into an integral part of Renault’s global industrial footprint.”

"India possesses all the fundamentals required to emerge as a leading automotive export hub: world-class manufacturing capabilities, engineering talent, scale, and a rapidly evolving logistics ecosystem. As Renault continues to expand its international footprint, India will play an increasingly strategic role in our future plans. We remain committed to contributing to the country’s manufacturing ambitions and are working towards our objective of generating EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030,” he added.

The new Duster is the first vehicle in India built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), which supports multiple powertrain technologies. All variants have achieved a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!