Saurabh Vatsa, MD, Nissan India

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corporation, which has been sailing through troubled waters globally, is optimistic about Indian market.

Laying to rest speculation on Nissan’s exit from India, Saurabh Vatsa, MD, Nissan Motor India, reiterated that there is “No change in plans for India, everything is secure, people, production, partners and employees. Nissan is staying in India. While we have divested in Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL), the Alliance partnership benefits us to secure capacity. This means we will continue to produce, sell in India and even drive exports.”

He further explained that despite being just one product – Magnite SUV – the company for last several years but continued to sustain volumes of around 2,000-2,200 units per month.

“We are in the 5^th-6^th year of Magnite in India. Despite being a single product unit, we have been averaging 30,000 units per annum. When you have higher equity than share, the new product portfolio always tends to benefit faster and can help drive volumes easily.  With the upcoming product launches planned, we are looking at 100,000 units for domestic and exports each for FY2026- 27,” he shared.

It may be recollected that it was in March 2025, Nissan India announced its plans to launch an all-new 7-seater B-MPV and a 5-seater C-SUV in Q1 of CY2026 and mid of CY2026, respectively. This would be followed by a 7-seater model in CY2027.

Vatsa also revealed that the company continues to explore all potential options for India, including hybrid and electric vehicles, especially with the upcoming CAFE3 norms set to kick in from 2027.

Responding to new investments, he stated that Nissan is committed to the EUR 700 million in the country, towards new product development and other commitments.

Despite being a one-product company, at present it has 159 dealers in the country and 125 workshops. Going forward, it aims to scale this up to 180 touchpoints by end-2025.

Furthermore, with the new products already in pre-production, it has also started receiving dealer enquiries, who too are optimistic about Nissan India’s growth story.

“We clearly have a path to profitability. If Nissan did not see a future in India, we would not have stayed. Whether it is dealerships, teams or capacities, we are well equipped and committed to India,” concluded Vatsa.  

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Mahindra has unveiled a new, highly limited edition of its BE 6 Electric Origin SUV, drawing inspiration from Christopher Nolan's acclaimed The Dark Knight Trilogy. 

In a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the automaker has created a 300-unit limited-run vehicle that is being positioned as a unique collector's item, merging a passion for cinema with cutting-edge electric mobility and is priced at INR 2.77 million.

The BE 6 Batman Edition is far more than a simple re-badge. It is a meticulous reinterpretation of the vehicle, designed to evoke the aural and visual essence of the Caped Crusader's world. This special edition features an exclusive Custom Satin Black finish, complemented by Alchemy Gold-painted suspension and brake calipers, which provide a striking contrast and a touch of luxury. The Bat emblem, as seen in The Dark Knight Trilogy, is discreetly yet pervasively incorporated throughout the vehicle, from the hub caps and front quarter panels to the rear bumper and an illuminated 'Infinity Roof'. Even the welcome lights project the iconic symbol onto the ground.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra, said, "The BE 6 has always been about boldness and forward thinking. With the Batman Edition, we wanted to go further — to create something so personal, so visually arresting, that owning it feels like owning a piece of cinematic history. We’ve obsessed over even the smallest detail, so that every time you look at it, you discover something new.”

Inside, the exclusivity continues with a brushed Alchemy Gold plaque on the dashboard, individually numbered to highlight the car's rarity. The cabin is upholstered in suede and leather with gold sepia accent stitching and an integrated Bat emblem, creating a rich and tactile experience. Gold accents are also found on the steering wheel, in-touch controller, and the custom key fob. For a truly immersive experience, the car features a Batman Edition welcome animation on the infotainment display and even custom Batman-inspired exterior engine sounds.

Vikram Sharma, Senior Vice-President at Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, APAC, said, “Batman is more than a pop-culture icon – he represents innovation, resilience, and an unyielding drive to push boundaries. This collaboration brings that spirit to the road in a bold, electric way. With this limited-edition range, fans in India can now experience the thrill of Batman every time they drive. It’s a collector’s statement on wheels.”

The BE 6 Batman Edition is based on the top-of-the-range 79 kWh variant, ensuring that its performance is as impressive as its styling. Bookings for this highly sought-after vehicle will open on 23 August, with deliveries beginning on 20 September, in a nod to International Batman Day. This limited-run SUV is not merely a mode of transport; it is a tangible piece of pop culture history, reserved for those who want a story behind their steering wheel.

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Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its new’R store in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh un,der its ‘renault. rethink.’ transformation strategy.

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President Sales & Marketing, Renault India, said, "Andhra Pradesh is a priority market for us with the encouraging response our products have received in the state. The opening of the new’R store in Vijayawada is a step forward in scaling up our business expansion under the renault. rethink. strategy, which focuses on delivering outstanding customer experiences while showcasing Renault’s global brand values tailored to local aspirations. As we continue to expand our footprint, we intend to set new benchmarks in automotive retail.”

The new facility is spread across 21,720 sqft, with a total showroom area of 5,400 sqft, with a dedicated five car display and delivery bay area.  

The new’R store features Renault's New Visual Identity (NVI), featuring a sleek black façade and an updated logo designed in line with global standards.

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new C3X, an updated version of its popular SUV at introductory prices starting INR 525,000. The move is part of the company's ‘Shift Into the New’ strategic plan.

The new model comes with 15 new features designed to improve comfort, safety and convenience while maintaining its position as an accessible vehicle in its segment.

A standout new feature is the Proxi-Sense Passive Entry and Push Start system. Unlike conventional keyless entry, this technology automatically unlocks the car when the key is nearby and locks it as the driver walks away, offering true hands-free convenience. The C3X is also claimed to be the only SUV in its class to offer Cruise Control with a Speed Limiter, which is designed to make long motorway journeys more comfortable.

Additional enhancements include:

• An auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror for reduced glare.
• The HALO 360-degree camera system with seven viewing angles for improved visibility.
• Upgraded LED Vision projector headlamps and fog lamps.
• A comprehensive safety suite that now includes six airbags and a perimetric alarm system.

The new C3X maintains the distinct SUV-inspired design of the original model, with a 180mm ground clearance and a compact turning radius of 4.98m, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. It is available with two engine options: a 1.2L PureTech 82 naturally aspirated engine and a 1.2L PureTech 110 Direct Injection turbo engine. The turbo model can go from zero to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds and has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 19.3 kmpl.

Inside, the car features a best-in-class cabin with a spacious 2,540mm wheelbase and theatre-style rear seating. The 26cm Citroen Connect Infotainment System offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new tropicalised automatic air-conditioning system is also included, which has been specifically designed to cope with India’s hot climate.

Shailesh Hazela, MD & CEO, Stellantis India, said, "With Citroen C3 range starting at the aggressive introductory price of INR 525,000, we’re redefining what value means in this segment. This is not just about affordability – it’s about delivering aspirational features, smart design, and robust performance at a price point that truly resonates with Indian customers. Living by the ethos of the brand – ‘For everyone like no one’ – we’ve pushed for even greater localisation to ensure the best value, lowest cost of ownership, and a product that feels truly made for India."

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The New Citroen C3X represents our commitment to delivering premium features and meaningful innovation in a package that’s distinctly Citroen. With Proxi-Sense entry, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter and HALO 360 Camera, we’ve created a SUV that understands your routine, simplifies it, and elevates every moment behind the wheel. These upgrades don’t just speak to what’s expected – they reflect our belief in delighting the Indian customer through thoughtful engineering.”

The new C3X is now available to book at all Citroen dealerships across India, with deliveries set to begin in the first week of September 2025.

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European automaker Stellantis India has launched its second ‘Stellantis Brand House’ in Gujarat, bringing its Jeep and Citroen brands under one roof in Ahmedabad. This new showroom, located on the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar Highway, follows the debut of the dual-brand model in Surat.

The new facility aims to provide customers with a ‘phygital’ retail experience, combining both digital and physical elements. Visitors can explore the full lineup of both brands, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Meridian and Compass, as well as Citroen's offerings like the Basalt, e-C3, C3 and C3 Aircross.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands for Stellantis India, said, “Ahmedabad’s automotive landscape is vibrant and growing, making it the perfect location for our next Stellantis Brand House. This dual-brand facility is designed to serve the evolving preferences of today’s customers, offering the convenience of two premium brands, a seamless phygital experience, and world-class service – all in one destination. It reflects our ongoing commitment to building a strong, unified retail footprint in India.”

Sankalp Joisar, Dealer Principal, Stellantis Brand House Ahmedabad (Magnus Motors), said, “We are proud to be part of this transformative moment for automotive retail representing both Jeep and Citroën. The dual brand offering strategy allows us to offer an elevated and differentiated experience to customers—whether they're seeking rugged capability or refined comfort. Our team is committed to delivering the passion, professionalism, and personalized care that customers expect from global brands like these.”

The dealership is equipped with advanced infrastructure, including interactive digital tools like a 3D configurator, diagnostics and a full-service centre. Staff are trained by both Jeep and Citroen to provide specialised product knowledge and support to customers.

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