Nissan Motor India Launches Updated Magnite At INR 599,000

Nissan Magnite 2024

Nissan Motor India has launched the new Magnite compact SUV at an introductory price of INR 599,000. The Magnite is one of the most successful products for the Japanese automaker in India, which recently surpassed cumulative sales of more than 150,000 units.

The model had first marked its debut in December 2020.

The Magnite builds on its earlier success and now gets redesigned LED Headlamps with lightsaber-style turn indicator, LED taillamps with 3D Gradient ‘honeycomb’ pattern. It continues to retain Magnite’s signature L-shape Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

The new model boasts a new floating uplifted skid plate at front, bigger grille, all new-dual-tone R16 Diamond Cut Alloy wheel, functional roof rails (50kg capacity).

On the inside the Magnite comes loaded with more than 20 first features including premium quilted leatherette seat with Heat Guard Tech, continuous multi colour ambient light with memory function, plasma cluster air ionizer, new global smart key with remote engine start (60m range), Walk Away Lock (WAL) & Approach Unlock (AUL) function, biggest electronic bezel-less auto dimming IRVM, Full LED Exterior pack including LED Headlamp, LED Taillamp, LED Day time Running Light, LED Indicator, and LED Front Fog Lamp.

The new model also features Around View Monitor, 17.78-cm full-digital advanced multi-functional cluster with dark theme, floating 20.32 cm (8) touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 3D sound by Arkamys, and cruise control.

Along with these, the New Nissan Magnite also provides consumers with a option of a unique tech pack which has a dashcam, wireless charger, premium speakers (JBL powered by Harman), puddle lamps and LED scuff plates.

In terms of safety, the Japanese automaker states it has incorporated over 40 standard active and safety feature and more than 55 total safety features. These include: 6 Airbags (2 Front Airbags/2 Side Airbags/2 Curtain Airbags), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

It also gets 3 point seat-belt for all seats, seat-belt reminder for all seats, child lock, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and rear parking sensor now coming as standard fitment across all variants - ensuring that every journey is not just comfortable, but more secure than ever. The Nissan Magnite is complemented with improved body structure with 67 percent advanced and High Tensile Strength Steel.

In terms of engine options, the Magnite facelift continues to be powered by the over the 72hp, 96Nm, 1.0-litre NA petrol and 100hp, 160Nm engine options. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard across both. Customers can also opt for 5-speed AMT and a CVT option for the turbo-petrol engine. The Magnite compact SUV comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 20kpl for the manual and 17.4kpl for CVT turbo variants.  

The new Nissan Magnite can be had in 11 body colours, 6 monotone and 5 dual-tone available – all expertly created and crafted to suit customer tastes and ensure their car is as unique as they are. 

Furthermore, the company is also expanding its export footprint to 47 new markets taking the total export footprint to over 65 international markets now including Left-Hand Drive markets.

Frank Torres, Divisional Vice-President – AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President, Nissan India Operations said, "India has a critical role in our global strategy and we are glad to roll out the Magnite from our Chennai facility to more markets across the globe. It not only strengthens our export goal but also cements our customer-first philosophy. The Nissan Magnite's success since its 2020 launch, both in India and international markets, embodies the enduring value of our 'One Car, One World' philosophy."

Saurabh Vatsa, MD, Nissan Motor India said, "The Magnite has redefined market expectations, earning unwavering customer loyalty and setting new standards in the segment. The new Magnite delivers value on all fronts- safety, premium features, with a powerful yet efficient CVT Turbo powertrain. This launch showcases our unwavering commitment to excellence and plays a pivotal role in our product offensive approach for the country. We are grateful for the love and trust shown by customers in India and thank them for making the Magnite a resounding success in the country. We are confident that the New Nissan Magnite will also resonate with international customers in the same way."

India’s Auto Industry Posts Mixed Q1 Performance as Passenger Vehicle Exports Hit Record High

India’s Auto Industry Posts Mixed Q1 Performance as Passenger Vehicle Exports Hit Record High

 India’s automobile industry delivered a mixed performance in the first quarter of 2025-26, with passenger vehicle exports reaching an all-time high even as domestic sales remained largely flat, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Monday.

Passenger vehicle sales crossed the one million mark for the second consecutive year in Q1, reaching 1.01 million units, though this represented a 1.4 percent decline compared to the same period last year. The segment’s performance was buoyed by utility vehicles, which now account for 66 percent of passenger vehicle sales and posted 3.8 percent growth, whilst passenger cars declined 11.2 percent.

The standout performer was exports, with passenger vehicles achieving record Q1 exports of 204,000 units, marking a 13.2 percent year-on-year increase. This surge was driven by stable demand across most markets, with particularly strong performance in the Middle East and Latin America, alongside recovery in neighbouring markets such as Sri Lanka and Nepal.

"The performance of the Auto industry was relatively flat, though the retail registration for Passenger Vehicles, Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers were marginally higher than the previous Q1," said Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM.

The two-wheeler segment faced headwinds with wholesale sales declining 6.2 percent to 4.67 million units due to inventory correction across the industry. However, retail registrations increased 5 percent during the quarter, driven by the marriage season and positive demand sentiments. Two-wheeler exports showed robust growth of 23.2 percent to 1.14 million units.

Three-wheelers achieved their highest-ever Q1 sales of 165,000 units, representing marginal growth of 0.1 percent. The segment benefited from increased economic activity supporting urban transportation demand and easier financing options. Exports in this category surged 34.4 percent to 96,000 units.

Commercial vehicles posted a marginal decline of 0.6 percent to 223,000 units, though exports grew strongly by 23.4 percent to around 20,000 units.

Looking ahead to Q2, SIAM expressed cautious optimism despite ongoing challenges. The upcoming festive season is expected to drive demand, particularly for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, whilst an above-normal monsoon could aid rural income recovery.

"With the upcoming festival season coupled with the benefits of RBI repo rate cuts, we expect consumer sentiments to improve," Chandra added.

The Reserve Bank of India's cumulative repo rate cuts of 100 basis points over the past six months are expected to gradually ease borrowing costs, potentially boosting consumer sentiment and affordability.

However, supply-side challenges persist, particularly the recent export licensing requirement from China on rare earth magnets, which has raised concerns for original equipment manufacturers across all categories.

"Sales of Passenger Vehicles in Q1 of 2025-26 de-grew by (-) 1.4 percent, posting sales of 1.01 million units as compared to Q1 of previous year," said Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM.

In June alone, passenger vehicle sales declined 7.4 percent to 312,849 units, whilst two-wheeler sales fell 3.4 percent to 1.56 million units. Three-wheeler sales bucked the trend with 3.8 percent growth to 61,828 units.

The industry's overall domestic sales fell 5.1 percent in Q1 to 60.75 million units, reflecting the challenging operating environment facing India's automotive sector.

Skoda Auto India Surpasses 300 Touchpoint Across 172 Cities

Skoda 300 dealership

Czech automotive brand Skoda Auto India has announced that it has achieved a new milestone by surpassing 300 customer touchpoints in the country. With this, the OEM has a network of touchpoints in 172 cities across the country and is rapidly expanding its presence in not just tier 1 cities, but also tier 2 and tier 3 markets.

Interestingly, 86 percent of the recent expansion have happened in these geographies and 75 percent of the 300 touchpoints are directly servicing customers in the same cities.

The Czech automaker is marking its 25th anniversary in the country and 130 years globally. It was just recently, Skoda Auto India reported its highest-ever half-yearly sales in the first half of 2025.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, "Our growing network makes our product range more accessible to customers, while enabling smarter, faster service with consistent quality, across the country. With a strong emphasis on ‘growing together and getting closer to customers’, a large part of our expansion has been undertaken with Skoda Auto’s long-term dealer partners in India, while also bringing new partners with a proven track record of customer centricity into the fold. This expansion is a step forward in strengthening Skoda Auto’s legacy in India and delivering on our promise of safety, value, and a truly rewarding ownership experience."

The expansion the company shared perfectly complements its product strategy, which has been significantly boosted by the Kylaq SUV, joining the Kushaq and Kodiaq to offer an ‘SUV For Everyone.’ The Slavia continues the brand's sedan legacy, with a new global icon expected to launch in India soon.

Hyundai Aura Sedan Gets New S AMT Variant Priced At INR 807,700

Hyundai Aura

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched a new variant – S AMT – for the Hyundai Aura sedan at INR 807,700 (ex-showroom).

Powered by 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, the Hyundai Aura AMT variant is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill start assist control (HAC), LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), 6 airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in the highline version and outside rear view mirror with electric folding and turn indicators, thus making the popular offering more attractive.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we are committed to making smart mobility accessible to a wider set of customers. The introduction of advanced AMT transmission in Hyundai AURA S AMT reflects our continuous efforts to democratise technology and enhance convenience for customers. With this introduction, we aim to redefine the value proposition in the entry segment by offering superior comfort, safety, performance and convenience at an affordable price.”

Nissan Secures $6 Billion Through Bond Issuance

Re:Nissan

Japanese auto major Nissan Motor Co has secured around USD 6 billion through long-term bonds, which will support its medium to long-term strategies.

The company shared that the funding raised through bond issuance was oversubscribed, which confirms investor confidence in the Re:Nissan recovery plan. The funds have been raised for longer tenors (4-year to 10-year tenors).

Nissan shared that it intends to use the net proceeds raised through the US dollar and euro offerings for general corporate purposes and upcoming bond maturities, including those in fiscal 2025.

Furthermore, the net proceeds from the convertible bonds are intended to be used by fiscal year 2030 for investments in new products and technologies such as electrification and software defined vehicles (SDV).

The Japanese automaker aims to strengthen its financing capabilities and maintain strong liquidity in its automotive business to support the goals in Re:Nissan.