Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has announced key leadership changes as part of its ongoing localisation and growth strategy.

Ashish Gupta, currently Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, will take over as Brand Director of Skoda India from 1 May 2025, succeeding Petr Janeba, who returns to Skoda Auto in the Czech Republic.

Gupta brings over 20 years of automotive experience, including five years leading the Volkswagen brand in India. Nitin Kohli, currently with Audi India, will step into Gupta’s role as Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Kohli has over 25 years in automotive sales, including 12 with SAVWIPL.

“These changes reaffirm our focus on nurturing Indian leadership talent and staying agile in a dynamic market,” said Piyush Arora, CEO & MD, SAVWIPL. “Ashish and Nitin are well-positioned to lead Skoda and Volkswagen into their next growth phase.”

Jan Bures, Board Member and Executive Director, Sales, Marketing & Digital, SAVWIPL, said, “Ashish and Nitin have consistently delivered impact with agility and customer-centric thinking. Their appointment is not just a leadership change; it signals a broader shift in how we are building resilient, future-ready teams from within India. We are confident that both Ashish and Nitin will bring renewed energy and direction to the journeys of Skoda and Volkswagen.”

The transition is aligned with SAVWIPL’s broader efforts to strengthen local capabilities and drive future-ready brand strategies in India.

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French automotive major Renault Group and Chinese automaker Geely have executed agreements to extend their strategic cooperation, focusing on the production and sales of zero and low-emission vehicles by Renault do Brasil for both the Renault and Geely Auto brands in the country.

As part of the agreements, Geely has acquired 26.4 percent stake in Renault do Brasil. Renault Group will remain the majority shareholder and continue to consolidate the entity in its accounts. As a minority shareholder, Geely gains access to the Brazilian industrial and commercial resources, which should accelerate its expansion in the region.

Renault do Brasil will produce Geely Auto-branded vehicles alongside Renault vehicles at the Ayrton Senna plant in Sao Jose dos Pinhais, Parana. This joint production is expected to increase output and sharpen the industrial complex's competitiveness.

Renault will utilise Geely's GEA new energy architecture to expand its zero and low-emission vehicle line-up for the Brazilian market.

Renault do Brasil will distribute Geely Auto's portfolio of zero and low-emission vehicles in Brazil, including the Geely EX5 electric SUV, opening up new growth opportunities in sales, financing, and services.

Francois Provost, CEO, Renault Group, said, “The partnership we are announcing today with Geely in Brazil marks a decisive step forward in our international strategy. It establishes an agile cooperation founded on industrial excellence and technological leadership. Once again, combining our strengths will make us more competitive, more innovative and more responsive in a fast-evolving automotive market.”

Eric Li, Chairman, Geely Holding Group, said, “Our continued cooperation with Renault in exploring new markets and new opportunities will make for a win-win scenario as both Renault and Geely are able to leverage technology scales on a global level to bring the best products to market.”

The cooperation aims to enhance both companies' presence in Brazil, a market that accounts for over 40 percent of vehicle registrations in Latin America in H1 2025. The two groups have previously collaborated on projects including joint investment into Renault Korea and the creation of Horse Powertrain.

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French automotive major Renault India has reported a 21 percent YoY wholesales growth for October 2025, selling 4,672 units compared to 3,861 units last year.

The company attributed the surge in sales to the successful launch of the new Triber and Kiger SUVs and the positive impact of the GST 2.0 reforms.

Renault India also reported a 9.54 percent increase in wholesales over the 4,265 units sold in September 2025. On the other hand, retail sales came at 5,041 units in October 2025 (as per VAHAN data), reflecting a 12.7 percent growth over the same period last year.

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “October recorded a notable upswing in sales, driven by overwhelming customer response to the newly launched Triber and Kiger. The models have captured strong interest across urban and rural markets alike, reflecting renewed consumer confidence and vibrant demand during the festive season. We are confident this encouraging momentum will continue in the months ahead.”

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Honda Cars India (HCIL) has introduced the Elevate ADV Edition at prices starting INR 1.529 for the MT single tone edition and INR 1.66 million for the CVT dual tone edition.

The new trim is positioned as the new flagship grade in the popular Honda Elevate SUV line-up. 

The ADV Edition features a number of external upgrades, including a new Alpha-Bold Plus grille with black surround and a hood decal accented with orange highlights. The overall exterior appeal is enhanced by black roof rails, ORVMs (Outside Rear-View Mirrors) and window beltline moulding. Distinctive touches include ADV emblems on the fenders and black alloy wheels with orange accents.

Inside, the cabin features a black interior theme with vibrant orange accent detailing. A standout feature is the ADV Terrain Pattern Backlit Illuminated Instrument Panel Garnish, described as creating a futuristic style. Customers can also opt for a 360degree surround view camera.

The Elevate ADV Edition is powered by the 1.5-L i-VTEC petrol engine, available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT automatic transmission with Paddle Shifters.

Safety features include Honda Sensing, the advanced driver-assist system (ADAS), which incorporates Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. The vehicle is built with the ACE Body Structure and includes six airbags and a LaneWatch camera.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The Honda Elevate has received a positive response from customers across the country due to bold looks and highly engaging performance. With the introduction of the Elevate ADV Edition as the top trim, we aim to offer more choices to customers with different preferences. This new model features an even bolder and sharper design, blending style with Honda’s trusted quality and refinement, making it the perfect companion for every journey. We are excited to welcome more customers to experience this exciting new addition.”

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Honda Cars India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported total wholesales of 10,518 units for October 2025.

The company recorded domestic sales of 6,394 units for the month, which marks a 15.3 percent growth as compared to 5,546 units last year.

Honda also exported 4,124 units in October 2025. In comparison, exports in October 2024 stood at 4,534 units. The company noted the strong performance of the Honda Amaze as a key driver of the growth.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The festive sales and GST 2.0 announcement fuelled robust demand across our line-up of City, Amaze and Elevate during October. The Amaze being the only car under 10 lakh price segment to offer ADAS safety and smooth CVT performance has been strongly appreciated by consumers registering strong sales growth.”

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