Nissan Magnite Scores 5-Star GNCAP Rating
- By MT Bureau
- July 25, 2025

Nissan Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new recognition for its made-in-India Magnite compact SUV.
The Magnite has bagged a 5-star overall safety rating in the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP).
The SUV was tested by GNCAP and scored 5-star rating in adult safety and 3-star rating in child safety, which translted to an overall 5-star safety rating for the vehicle occupants. The Nissan Magnite is manufactured at the Renault India’s Chennai plant and is exported to more than 65 countries under Nissan Motor India’s ‘One Car, One World’ strategy for both RHD and LHD markets.
Launched in October 2024, the new Magnite comes with over 40 standard safety features including 6 airbags, improved body structure incorporating 67 percent high tensile strength steel (>440Mpa), 6 Airbags, ABS + EBD, ESC, TCS, HSA, Brake Assist and TPMS among others.
The Global NCAP’s crash test protocols assess frontal and side impact protection for all models, as well as ESC. Pedestrian protection and side pole impact protection assessments are required for vehicles scoring the highest star ratings.
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “We are delighted to receive a 5-star safety rating for the Made In India New Nissan Magnite. Safety remains at the core of our engineering philosophy, and this reflects our dedication to providing our customers with secure, reliable, and technologically advanced and safe vehicles. As per our One Car, One World strategy, Nissan remains committed to the production and sale of the highest quality and safest cars in India for the domestic and export markets”.
Tata Altroz Gets 5-Star BNCAP Safety Rating
- By MT Bureau
- September 17, 2025

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, has announced that its all-new Altroz hatchback has recently bagged 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP (B–NCAP) crash tests.
The hatchback scored 29.65/32 in adult occupant protection and 44.9/49 in child occupant protection, which makes the Altroz, India’s safest hatchback.
Furthermore, the Altroz is also the first car in its segment and body style to attain 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP across all powertrains, including CNG.
The new Altroz was launched in May 2025 and can be had in three powertrain options – 1.2L Revotron Petrol (Manual, DCA & new AMT), 1.2L iCNG with Twin-Cylinder Tech and 1.5L Revotorq Diesel engine.
Interestingly, the Altroz continues to be the only premium hatchback in its segment to be offered with a diesel engine.
Mohan Savarkar, Vice-President & Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Altroz has always been a pioneer in the premium hatchback segment. With its combination of contemporary design, advanced technology, and a multi-powertrain led approach, it truly makes the customer ‘Feel Special’. A trendsetter for the industry, the Altroz has once again redefined benchmarks by being the only car in its segment to achieve the coveted 5-star rating by Bharat-NCAP across petrol, diesel, and CNG powertrains, making it the safest CNG-powered car in India. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to deliver cars that our customers can depend on with confidence.”
Hyundai Motor India Signs Landmark Wage Agreement With Employees Union
- By MT Bureau
- September 17, 2025

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has reached a significant wage settlement agreement with the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE) for 2024–2027. The deal, the company said, sets a new industry standard and was finalised and signed today after what both parties described as a period of constructive dialogue.
Effective from 1 April 2024, through 31 March 2027, the three-year agreement includes a substantial all-inclusive compensation increase of INR 31,000 per month. This raise will be implemented in three phases, with a 55 percent increase in the first year, 25 percent in the second and the remaining 20 percent in the final year.
Youngmyung Park, Function Head - People Strategy at HMIL, the agreement is a testament to “At Hyundai, our people are the cornerstone of our success. This agreement, built on mutual trust, respect and constructive dialogue, reflects our shared commitment to fostering a progressive workplace culture that prioritises employee welfare and supports long-term organisational growth.”
In addition to the pay raise, HMIL confirmed that it will continue to provide top-tier employee benefits, including best-in-class health coverage and advanced wellness programs.
The United Union of Hyundai Employees, which was registered in 2011, represents 1,981 employees – 90 percent of the company's technician and workmen cadre. The union is said to have played a crucial role in negotiating the new compensation package on behalf of its members.
- Renault Group
- Renault India
- Renault Design Centre India
- Laurens van den Acker
- Stephane Deblaise
- Sandeep Bhambra
- Mahindra & Mahindra
- Dr Vikraman V
- Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India
Renault Group India Strengthens Leadership Team With New Appointments
- By MT Bureau
- September 16, 2025

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
- By MT Bureau
- September 15, 2025

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.”
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT