SEAT S.A. is accelerating its transition to electric mobility, hitting key milestones at its Martorell facility that signal growing momentum in the company’s EV strategy. In a critical year for its electrification push, the Volkswagen Group unit has begun pre-series assembly of battery systems and produced its first body panels for the CUPRA Raval using a next-generation press line.

The Spanish automaker, tasked with leading the development and production of the Volkswagen Group’s Electric Urban Car family under the Brand Group Core umbrella, is laying the groundwork for full-scale production of two compact EVs set to roll off the Martorell line starting in 2026.

“The assembly of the first battery systems in our new plant and the production of body parts on the new PXL press for the future electric models we will manufacture in Martorell is a key milestone in our electrification process,” highlights Markus Haupt, Interim CEO of SEAT and CUPRA and Executive Vice-President for Production and Logistics at SEAT S. A. “This is a decisive year, as we continue to prepare for the start of series production of the Brand Group Core’s Electric Urban Car family in 2026, starting with the CUPRA Raval, with the vision of leading electromobility in the Iberian Peninsula.”

Battery Assembly Line Powers Up

SEAT has initiated pre-series battery assembly at its newly constructed plant in Martorell, less than 18 months after breaking ground. The facility marks a Euro 300 million investment spanning 64,000 square meters and is poised to deliver up to 300,000 battery systems annually once fully operational.

Initially combining manual labour with automated systems, the battery line will transition to fully robotised production supported by a 500-strong workforce. A 600-meter conveyor bridge is under construction to link the battery facility to the main assembly line, enabling real-time, automated battery transfers and streamlining logistics.

The plant will supply energy storage units exclusively for the CUPRA Raval and the production version of the Volkswagen ID.2all, both built on VW’s MEB platform and slated for assembly at Martorell. SEAT expects the local battery production to enhance cost-efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across the supply chain.

Advanced Stamping Ushers in New Era of Production

Alongside battery progress, SEAT has launched pre-series production of body parts for the CUPRA Raval using its new PXL press, a high-speed stamping line capable of 15 strokes per minute and up to 4 million components annually. The press, operational since 2024, underscores SEAT’s drive to modernise Martorell as it evolves into a smart, connected and sustainable EV manufacturing hub.

The PXL press line is central to SEAT’s broader industrial transformation, enabling faster, more precise production of large metal components and bolstering the facility’s readiness for volume EV production starting in 2026.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, remains upbeat about sustaining its growth momentum in FY2026, buoyed by robust SUV demand, growing rural penetration and the positive impact of GST reforms.

According to Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, the ongoing production ramp-up, including the commencement of operations at the Pune plant on 1^st October, marks a key milestone in strengthening the company’s domestic and export capabilities.

Exports are projected to surpass FY2026 targets, supported by higher-margin overseas sales and the company’s focus on cost optimisation. “Our profits are being driven by stronger exports and cost reduction in the bill of materials. We have refrained from aggressive discounting, which has helped maintain margins,” added

In the first half of FY2026, Hyundai Motor India executed over 20 product interventions, reflecting its commitment to keeping the portfolio fresh and relevant. The company also achieved its highest-ever rural penetration at 21.6 percent, with SUVs like the Exter and Venue witnessing a combined growth of 46 percent in rural markets during September–October compared to the January–August period. Rural SUV penetration now stands at 72 percent, marginally higher than in urban areas.

“The demand for SUVs remains strong, especially in the compact SUV segment where affordability and aspirations are in balance. The GST reform has given a fresh fillip to customer sentiment,” Garg noted. The new Hyundai Venue, slated for launch on 4^th November, is positioned as a key driver for continued momentum.

While demand softened briefly between mid-August and late September, retail activity picked up sharply in the weeks preceding the festive season. Garg indicated that retail sales in September–October grew about 20 percent over the January–August period. He, however, added that it will take another two to three months to fully gauge the long-term impact of GST on car-buying trends.

Despite some headwinds – including rising commodity prices, global geopolitical uncertainties, and foreign exchange fluctuations – Hyundai remains focused on cost optimisation to counter material price increases expected in Q3. The company also finalised a union settlement for FY2024–2027, which it described as a benchmark in the industry, reinforcing its commitment to employee relations and operational stability.

On the outlook, Garg highlighted both challenges and opportunities ahead. “While tariffs and global uncertainties remain headwinds, factors such as GST reforms, income tax returns, and the upcoming 8th Pay Commission will act as tailwinds supporting automotive demand,” he said.

In the long-run, the company expects to outperform the industry’s projected 5.5 percent CAGR with its own growth forecast of 7.5 percent, driven by new product introductions, operational efficiencies, and expanding exports.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its financial results for Q2 of FY2026, with revenue of INR 174.6 billion, up 1.2 percent YoY.

The EBITDA came at INR 24.28 billion, up 10.1 percent YoY and profit at tax grew by 14.3 percent YoY at INR 15.72 billion.

During Q2, the company reported sales of 190,921 units, a marginal decline of 0.5 percent YoY. Interestingly, while the domestic sales saw a decline of 6.8 percent during the period, the export volumes grew by 21.5 percent.

What’s more, the company reported SUVs now accounted for its highest-ever share of 71.1 percent in Hyundai India’s sales and the rural market contributed 23.6 percent to the total sales volume.

For H1, FY2026, the revenue came at INR 338.73 billion, down 2 percent YoY, EBITDA grew by 2 percent at INR 46.14 billion and net profit at INR 29.41 billion, up 3 percent YoY.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India, said, “We delivered a strong financial performance for the quarter across key metrics with evident growth in revenue and profitability. The strong EBITDA margins at nearly 14 percent is a further testament of our 'Quality of Growth' strategy, complemented by robust exports and consistent cost optimisation efforts. The transformative GST reforms have acted as a catalyst and looking ahead, we aim to keep pace with the industry’s growth momentum for the residual part of the year, while our strong export performance is set to surpass targets for FY2026.”

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German auto major Volkswagen is marking the 50th anniversary of its GTI performance line next year with the launch of the Golf GTI Edition 50, the most powerful production GTI model to date.

The anniversary model is priced from EUR 54,540 (in Germany) and offers performance and exclusive features over the standard GTI.

The Golf GTI Edition 50 is powered by an engine producing 239 kW, 325 PS of power and 420 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 270 kmph and accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 5.3 seconds.

The anniversary model sits 15 mm lower than a classic Golf and comes standard with DCC adaptive suspension control on 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels.

For those seeking more sport-focused dynamics, the optional Edition 50 GTI Performance package EUR 4,200 is available. This package includes:

• Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slicks on 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels.
• A lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with titanium rear silencers.
• A new Performance chassis is lowered by an additional five millimetres.
• An increased camber at the front axle.
• The package makes the vehicle approximately 30kg lighter.

The model's potential was confirmed in April 2025, when racing professional Benjamin Leuchter drove the fastest lap ever completed in a production Golf around the 20.832 km Nurburgring Nordschleife, achieving a time of 07:46:13 minutes with the Performance package.

The special edition features design highlights and a motorsport touch:

• Interior: Check-patterned sports seats with dark green details and red seat belts, and a multifunction leather sports steering wheel with a 50 Years GTI badge.
• Exterior: GTI 50 logo on the roof spoiler, black-painted roof and exterior mirror housings, black tailpipe trims, and a striking side stripe with a colour gradient from Black to Tornado Red.
• Standard Features: IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels (with red glaze varnish), a black-painted roof and darkened side/rear windows.
• Exclusive Colour: Dark Moss Green Metallic is available as an option, alongside Pure White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black Metallic and Tornado Red.

The first vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026.

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Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co has unveiled the prototype of the Honda 0 α (alpha), a next-generation electric SUV, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. The prototype will be on display until 9 November 2025.

The Honda 0 α is being developed as an SUV designed to blend with both urban and natural environments. It is positioned as a ‘gateway model’ for the Honda 0 Series, following the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV concepts introduced earlier this year. The vehicle features a refined design and a cabin that prioritises occupant comfort.

The new prototype incorporates the Honda 0 Series development approach of ‘Thin, Light and Wise’. By applying a packaging design based on the ‘Thin’ approach, Honda achieved a low vehicle height without compromising ground clearance. The design features a thin cabin and a wide stance, characteristic of SUVs.

The exterior includes integrated screen areas at the front and rear. At the front, components such as the headlights, charging lid, and illuminated emblem are integrated into the screen.

The production model of the Honda 0 α is scheduled to go on sale globally, starting in Japan and India in 2027.

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