Buying the Renault Kwid, Triber and Kiger in 2024 has become exciting with the French automaker Renault giving them a facelift in terms of cosmetics as well as functions. The company has also announced that it will launch five new products over the next three years.
The announcement comes within a few months of the new Duster compact SUV breaking cover in Europe. Of the five new products scheduled to be launched over the next three years, the first is said to be the Duster therefore (Read more about this in the January-February 2024 issue of Motoring Trends). The earlier generation vehicle was discontinued sometime back as it eventually lost traction in an increasingly competitive market.
To realise its ambitions in India which is a highly competitive auto market in the world and showing good growth, Renault it is not surprising to learn will invest part of the Eur 3 billion it has earmarked in India as one of its four key international destinations.
Other than the likelihood of Duster, the five new launches will include the next generation avatars of the Kiger and Triber. These will carry substantial local content and manufacturing prowess as part of the 'Make in India' strategy.
With a manufacturing plant at Oragadam, Chennai, Renault in India also has a logistics and technology centre other than a design studio in Mumbai. As part of its commitment to the Indian market, the French automaker – present in India through the Renault Nissan Alliance that was put in place by the erstwhile CEO Carlos Gohn – has enhanced the existing Kwid small car range for 2024 by introducing three new dual-tone exterior body colours. The vehicle also gets eight-inch touchscreen Media NAV system on the RXL(O) variant, The addition of RXL(O) Easy-R AMT variant means the Kwid is now available with an AMT transmission as well.
The 2024 Triber gets driver seat armrest, powerfold outside rear-view mirrors (ORVM), seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, wireless charger and new Stealth Black body colour. The RXT variant gets a rearview camera and a rear wiper. The RXL variant gets rear AC vents with dedicated AC control for the second and third rows. Besides LED cabin lamps, the Triber gets a PM2.5 air filter and rear seatbelt reminder. The Triber is already available with AMT transmission.
The stylish Kiger gets luxurious semi-leatherette seats, leatherette steering wheel, a welcome and goodbye sequence with auto fold outside rear-view mirrors (ORVM) and bezel-less autodim inside rear-view mirror (IRVM). On the turbo engine variant, the rear brake callipers are painted red. Available with an AMT transmission already, the vehicle gets auto AC, powerfold ORVM, cruise control, LED cabin lamps on all the variants.
To its Indian customers, Renault is offering two years standard warranty and seven years extended warranty on the 2024 vehicle range.
Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations, said, “Over the next three years, we are set to embark on an exhilarating journey with five product launches, encompassing both entirely new models and the next generation from our current product range. This significant stride forward is not only a testament to our commitment but also marks the introduction of the all-new Renault brand identity to the Indian market. Our primary goal is to deliver exceptional value, create delightful experiences, and evoke a renewed sense of pride among Renault owners.”
Hyundai Motor India Reports INR 123 Billion Profit In Q3 FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- February 02, 2026
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has released its unaudited financial results for Q3 FY2026 and nine months ending 31 December 2025.
The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 123.44 billion for Q3, representing a 6.3 percent increase YoY. Revenue for the quarter reached INR 1,797.35 billion, up 8 percent compared to the same period last year. EBITDA stood at INR 2,018.3 billion, a 7.6 percent rise, supported by festive demand and the implementation of GST 2.0.
The company stated that the domestic demand was supported by wholesale volumes increasing 5 percent QoQ. The Hyundai Creta recorded sales of over 200,000 units in the 2025 calendar year, while the new Venue model has received nearly 80,000 bookings to date.
Hyundai Motor India also entered the commercial mobility segment with the Prime HB and SD taxi models. Exports grew by 21 percent YoY in Q3 FY26, accounting for 25 percent of the total sales mix.
For the nine-month period, EBITDA reached INR 6,632.5 billion, a 3.3 percent increase. EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent, up from 12.5 percent in the previous year, despite costs related to capacity stabilisation and commodity prices.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, said, “The third quarter performance underscores our resilience and strong execution of 'Quality of Growth' strategy, marked by healthy growth in volumes, revenue and profitability. Notably on a year-to-date basis, EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent as against 12.5 percent last year, supported by our efforts towards improving sales mix and prudent cost control measures. As we move ahead, the robust January’26 sales number gives us great momentum towards a healthy 2026.”
|
Particulars |
Q3 FY26 |
Q2 FY26 |
Q3 FY25 |
9M FY26 |
9M FY25 |
|
Revenue |
179,735 |
174,608 |
166,480 |
518,472 |
512,526 |
|
EBITDA |
20,183 |
24,289 |
18,755 |
66,325 |
64,211 |
|
EBITDA % |
11.2% |
13.9% |
11.3% |
12.8% |
12.5% |
|
PAT |
12,344 |
15,723 |
11,607 |
41,759 |
40,259 |
Jeep Reaffirms India Commitment With Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0
- By MT Bureau
- February 02, 2026
Stellantis-owned Jeep has announced its Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0, positioning India as a central hub for its operations in the Asia Pacific region. The plan focuses on localisation, manufacturing depth, and export expansion from the company's facility in Ranjangaon, Pune.
As part of the strategy, Jeep intends to increase localisation levels to 90 percent, up from the current 65–70 percent. This move is aimed at strengthening supply-chain resilience and cost competitiveness. The Ranjangaon plant, which has an annual capacity of 160,000 vehicles, currently exports the Compass, Meridian, and Commander to markets including Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Plans are underway to expand exports to Africa and North America.
The company plans to introduce a new vehicle lineup in India starting from 2027. In the interim, Jeep will maintain its current portfolio through refreshes and special editions. To support its customers, the brand has introduced the Confidence 7 programme, which includes a buyback scheme, pre-maintenance packages, and extended warranties.
At present, Jeep operates over 85 sales and service touchpoints across 70 cities in India. The automaker stated that in 2025, the Wrangler Willys 41 limited edition sold out within seven days. The company is also focusing on its owner community, which has reached 100,000 members, through experiential platforms and brand clubs.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO & Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, “Jeep’s 85-year legacy is built on authenticity and adventure. Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0 lays out how we will sharpen our product strategy and strengthen the customer experience year after year, driven by deeper localisation, global product alignment, expanding our vehicle offerings, and programs that deliver real value. We are equally focused on taking care of our existing customers, ensuring they receive the support, service and confidence they expect from Jeep. Success in India demands resilience and long-term commitment and we are investing with that clarity to ensure Jeep remains a brand of pride and desirability.”
Maruti Suzuki India Reports INR 37.94 Net Profit For Q3 FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- January 28, 2026
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported its financial results for Q3 FY2026.
The company reported revenue of INR 475.344 billion, as against INR 368.02 billion last year, net profit came at INR 37.94 billion, as against INR 36.59 billion last year. It is to be noted that the net profit was impacted for Q3 FY2026 was impacted due to a one-time provision of INR 5,939 million relating to new Labour Codes.
During the period, the company achieved its highest quarterly domestic sales of 564,669 units, an increase of 97,676 units over the previous year. Total sales reached 667,769 units, which included 103,100 units in exports. This performance was supported by a recovery in the car market following GST reform, with the small car segment in the 18 percent GST bracket contributing significantly to the volume increase.
For the nine-month period from April to December 2025, the company recorded its highest sales volume, net sales and net profit. Total sales volume reached 1,746,504 units, with domestic sales at 1,435,945 units and exports at 310,559 units. Net sales for this period increased to INR 1,242 billion, while net profit grew to INR 1,085 billion.
Financial statements for the period have been restated following the amalgamation of Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) with MSIL. This process took effect from 1 April 2025. The company continues to monitor market conditions as it manages its manufacturing and sales operations.
The recovery in the car market was led by the small car segment. Sales growth in this category accounted for 68,328 units of the total domestic increase. The company remains focused on domestic and export markets to maintain its sales volumes.
Volkswagen India Unveils Tayron R-Line, Plans 4 More Launches In 2026
- By MT Bureau
- January 28, 2026
Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has showcased the Tayron R-Line, marking the first of five product interventions scheduled for 2026.
The company plans to introduce updates or new models in every quarter to maintain market presence. These interventions will include SUV, Sedan and Hatchback body styles, with each model intended for different segments of the premium market.
For 2026, the company stated it has established objectives focused on products, customer engagement and experiences. The strategy involves using product actions to address various customer sets throughout the year. The brand aims to sustain interest through these quarterly releases across its vehicle portfolio.
The roadmap for the year is designed to cover multiple segments, ensuring a consistent rollout of updates. By addressing three body styles, the manufacturer intends to reach a broad audience within the premium category. The initiative forms part of a wider plan to enhance the ownership experience and interaction with the brand in India.
Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, “Today, we are glad to showcase the Tayron R-Line for the first time in India. I am also delighted to announce that we have planned four more product interventions throughout the year. This year, every quarter will witness a new product intervention that will cater to a different premium customer set. Our objective is to continue building excitement for customers through smart product actions and introducing models that will continue to build aspirations.”
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