The Czech marque also showcased the flagship SUV Kodiaq 2.0 TSI, the new Karoq 1.5 TSI, the Laurin and Klement as well as the Sportline variants of the facelifted Superb, the powerful Octavia RS 245, and the Monte Carlo and the Matte Concept of the Rapid 1.0 TSI. To commemorate its 125 year anniversary, Škoda Auto presented also the luxurious 1948 Superb OHV.

Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “This is a very special year for the Škoda Auto family. We are celebrating our 125 year anniversary. The Vision IN having drawn its inspiration from this rich history and heritage blurs the line between beauty and functionality. It is a vehicle tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of the Indian subcontinent and testifies an inter-play of the Czech Bohemian glass work as well as the traditional Kalamkari art. We are confident that this mid-size SUV, when launched in 2021, will be a top contender for prospective buyers.”

Vision IN

Featuring a distinctive front and large bonnet, the Vision IN’s Škoda SUV family resemblance is clear at first glance. The wide grille features striking double slats; both the frame and the slats are made of lead crystal, and their elegance is additionally enhanced by eye-catching LED illumination. The two-part LED headlights also exhibit crystalline structures. In the upper part, which reaches as far as the grille, stunning glass elements create the LED dipped beam, LED high beam and an L-shaped LED module for the daytime running lights and indicators. The LED fog lights are arranged below this.

The interior of the concept study is characterised by the new design language. The elongated dashboard picks up the symmetrical contours of the radiator grille and incorporates air vents featuring the brand-typical SUV design. The designers have also broken new ground when devising the decorative trim that adorns the dashboard and have drawn inspiration from Indian culture.

The Vision IN’s modern technological comforts also include the individually configurable Virtual Cockpit and shift-by-wire technology. The gear selector is no longer connected to the 7 speed DSG mechanically. Instead, it relays which gear has been chosen electronically. The classic selector lever has been replaced with a small rocker switch for operation. The convenient electromechanical parking brake means the familiar handbrake lever is also no longer required. Alongside wood and natural leather, the Vision IN makes use of vegan and recycled materials.

It is powered by a modern and efficient petrol engine. The 1.5 TSI delivering 110 kW (150 PS) transfers its maximum torque of 250 Nm to the front wheels via a 7 speed DSG. It takes the concept study 8.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. Its top speed is 195 km/h.

Other Offerings

Alongside the Karoq featuring a 1.5 TSI engine with a power output of 110 kW (150 PS) as a newcomer to the Indian market, Škoda showcased a Superb L&K and a Kodiaq L&K, each fitted with a 2.0 TSI delivering 140 kW (190 PS), at the Auto Expo 2020. The sporty Octavia RS 245 producing 180 kW (245 PS), the Rapid 1.0 TSI in the Monte Carlo trim level and Matte Concept, as well as a 2.0 TDI Superb Sportline 140 kW (190 PS) round off the Škoda models were on display at the exhibition. The company exhibited a 1948 Superb OHV also at its stand. (MT)

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VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of Vietnamese automaker VinFast, has signed agreements with 13 dealer groups to open 32 dealerships in 27 Indian cities.

The move is part of automaker’s strategy to establish a sales, service, and spare parts network across the country. With pre-bookings for the VF 6 and VF 7 models scheduled to begin on 15 July, the company aims to establish 35 dealerships by end-2025.

The current dealerships will be spread in cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. These locations were selected based on EV adoption, infrastructure and demand.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia, “We are pleased to partner with India’s most respected dealer partner groups as part of our comprehensive strategy to establish a wide-reach, high-quality retail and service network. This partnership reinforces our focus on delivering an elevated EV experience backed by reliability, customer trust, and service excellence. As we prepare to bring our electric SUVs to Indian roads, we are focused on ensuring that customers across key cities have seamless access to VinFast’s world-class products and support infrastructure.”

The selected dealer partners are known for their market presence. Each facility will include showrooms, service workshops and spare parts. These outlets will deliver VinFast's service standards to Indian consumers.

VinFast is also expanding its ecosystem in India through partnerships. The company has partnered with Global Assure for roadside assistance and call centre support. myTVS and RoadGrid will provide an EV charging solution and service network. VinFast has also collaborated with BatX Energies for battery recycling solutions.

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German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz India has reported its strongest ever start to a fiscal year, retailing 4,238 new vehicles between April and June 2025 (Q1 FY2026), marking a 10 percent YoY growth.

The company shared that its performance in Q1 was primarily driven by robust demand for its Core and Top-End Luxury segments.

The Top-End Luxury segment proved to be a significant highlight, experiencing a 20 percent growth. This category includes models such as the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach range, EQS products and AMG performance vehicles. Notable demand was seen for the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach Night Series, G 580 with EQ Technology, EQS SUV and the iconic AMG G 63. The limited-edition AMG G 63 'Collector’s Edition' has already garnered an overwhelming response, and the recently launched AMG GT 63 PRO is reportedly sold out for the remainder of the year.

The Core segment, comprising the C-Class, E-Class LWB saloons and the GLC and GLE SUVs, contributed 60 percent to total sales volume and grew by 10 percent. The E-Class LWB continues to be India's highest-selling luxury car, further boosted by the introduction of the E450 performance variant.

While the Entry Luxury segment saw a marginal decline due to intense competition from lower-priced offerings, Mercedes-Benz emphasised the feature-rich and value-oriented approach of these products.

Mercedes-Benz's BEV portfolio witnessed an outstanding 157 percent growth in Q1, increasing its penetration to 8 percent of total sales. This surge was predominantly driven by the Top-End Luxury BEVs, with the EQS SUV, EQS Maybach Night Series and the G 580 SUV with EQ Technology seeing record demand. Waiting periods for the EQS Maybach and G 580 with EQ Technology currently extend up to six months.

The luxury car maker stated that this record-breaking quarter was achieved despite various micro-economic hurdles, including fluctuating foreign exchange rates, price increases and competitive market dynamics, particularly within the entry-luxury segment. Mercedes-Benz attributes its success in the higher-end categories to a growing consumer preference for exclusive, hyper-personalised and premium vehicles.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz kick-starts the current fiscal with best-ever sales performance, registering 10 percent growth. This strong sales performance is buoyed by the robust demand for our portfolio, particularly for the top-end luxury and BEV segments, highlighting a growing customer preference for exclusive luxury vehicles with hyper-personalisation and customisation. We are equally thrilled with the outstanding momentum of our BEV portfolio, driven by top-end BEVs like the EQS SUV, EQS Maybach and the G 580 with EQ technology."

"Our sharp focus on bolstering the Top-End Luxury has been highly successful in influencing customer preferences and differentiating Mercedes-Benz as the most desirable luxury brand in India. Launch of the GLS AMG Line, reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s focus on enriching the top-end luxury portfolio with new products. The GLS has been Mercedes-Benz’s top-selling ‘Large Size Luxury SUV’ with more than 16,000 units on Indian roads. The addition of the New GLS AMG Line will further bolster Mercedes-Benz’s SUV portfolio, accentuating the strong DNA of the GLS, with a road presence and grandeur that is unparalleled. With AMG styling GLS becomes sporty and expressive in design, completely redefining the segment with space, performance and ride comfort, in the most commanding way,” concluded Iyer.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced significant upgrades to its popular hatchback the Toyota Glanza.

The company has announced that all variants of the Toyota Glanza will now come standard with six airbags. As part of its move to provide comprehensive protection for both drivers and passengers in the urban-centric vehicle.

In addition to the safety upgrade, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has introduced a limited-period ‘Prestige Package.’ This accessory bundle, available from June until 31 July 2025, includes dealer-fitted enhancements such as premium door visors, body side moulding with chrome and black accents, rear lamp garnish, chrome garnishes for ORVMs and fenders, a rear skid plate, illuminated door sills and lower grille garnish.

The Toyota Glanza, celebrating six years in India with over 200,000 units sold, continues to be recognised for its dynamic styling, fuel efficiency and advanced features. Powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine, it has a claimed fuel efficiency of 22.94 kmpl (AMT) and 30.61 km/kg (CNG). Key features include a 9-inch infotainment system, Head-Up Display (HUD), 360-degree camera and Toyota i-Connect with over 45 connected features.

The Glanza also boasts a robust TECT body structure and other safety features like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Hold Assist. It comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km, along with Toyota's 60-minute Express Maintenance service and 24/7 roadside assistance.

The updated Toyota Glanza starts at an ex-showroom price of INR 690,000.

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Kia India, a leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles, has appointed Atul Sood as Senior Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, effective 11 July 2025. Reporting to Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, he will be responsible for leading the brand’s nationwide sales strategy and operations.

With over 3 decades of experience in the automotive industry, Sood was most recently the President and Director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India.

He is credited to having grown the business across the country, including dealer expansion and customer centric innovation. He also held senior roles at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific previously.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Atul Sood to Kia India family. His deep industry expertise and strategic acumen will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our market position and enhance customer satisfaction. We look forward to his leadership and contribution in driving the next phase of our growth journey."

Atul Sood, said, “I am excited to join Kia India at such a dynamic time in its evolution. Kia has established itself as a forward-thinking and customer-focused brand and it’s commitment to innovation and customer delight resonates strongly with me. I am looking forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional value and drive sustainable growth across the country.”

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