Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has become the latest carmaker in the country to have achieved a 5-star Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) rating for the Skoda Kylaq SUV. This also makes it the first vehicle by the Group to have been voluntarily assessed and aced the test for both adult and child occupants.

Launched in 2023, by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), the Bharat NCAP aims to address road traffic fatalities and injuries in the country by improving vehicle safety standards.

The Skoda Kylaq is the brand’s first sub-4 metre SUV especially designed and developed for the Indian market. The Kylaq scored 30.88 points of 32 points in adult occupant protection and 45 points out of 49 points in child occupant protection.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Safety is at the heart of our engineering philosophy, and Skoda Kylaq exemplifies this ethos. I’m proud to mention that Kylaq is our first car to participate and receive full 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult and child occupants. The 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for Kylaq highlights our continued focus on creating vehicles that combine world-class safety standards, cutting-edge technology and manufacturing excellence. With the growing demand for safer cars, the Bharat NCAP rating empowers consumers to make informed decisions, ensuring protection for self and family. Equipped with the world-class active and passive safety features across variants, Kylaq has set a new benchmark in the segment. This motivates us to raise the bar even higher for future innovations.”

The Kylaq achieved 15.035 out of 16 points in the frontal offset barrier test for adult occupant protection, demonstrating a stable occupant compartment and footwell. In the side-moving deformable barrier test, it scored 15.840 points out of 16 points. For child occupant protection, Kylaq earned the maximum possible 16 points in the frontal offset barrier test and full 8 points in the side-moving deformable barrier test for 1.5 and 3-year-old children. Furthermore, the vehicle secured maximum points in the recommended child seat assessment and 9 out of 13 points in the vehicle-based assessment.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has attained another milestone with its WagonR hatchback continuing to be the best-selling passenger vehicle for the fourth year in a row.

With 198,451 units sold in FY2025, the WagonR alone consisted 11 percent of the total passenger vehicle sales for Maruti Suzuki India. Till date, the WagonR has gone home to over 3.37 million customers.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “WagonR’s sustained leadership in the Indian automotive market underscores strong customer trust and an unmatched value proposition over 25 years. Our focus on innovation and customer-centricity has ensured that the WagonR remains a top choice for Indian families. In fact, 1 in every 4 WagonR customers returns to repurchase India’s highest-selling car, a reflection of its widespread appeal and the confidence our customers place in the brand.”

“Hatchbacks are an integral pillar of India's automobile industry. The WagonR's consistent leadership, securing its position as the highest-selling vehicle for four consecutive years, underscores the significance of this segment in driving long-term industry growth. Looking ahead, this segment will continue to be a cornerstone in spreading the joy of mobility to every Indian household," he added.

The WagonR is available with K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine in 1.2-litre and 1.0-litre engine options in both manual and Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmissions.

With a wide range of powertrain and variant options, the WagonR continues to offer a unique appeal in its segment, giving customers greater choice to suit their requirements perfectly. With cumulative sales exceeding 33,73,884 units, WagonR has been the go-to choice for those seeking the joy of mobility.

Maruti Suzuki India Achieves Record-Breaking Sales In FY 2024-25

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has introduced a new ‘Wired to Wireless Adapter’ for the Hyundai Alcazar SUV.

The adapter will enable seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto access for Alcazar (Prestige, Platinum and Signature variant) customers, which will allow them to effortlessly use their phone applications on the infotainment system without using a cable.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai Motor India, our focus is to empower customers by providing best-in-class technology that elevates their driving experience. The introduction of our ‘Wired to Wireless Adapter’ is a significant step in meeting the expectations of today’s tech-savvy customers, who expect seamless connectivity throughout their journeys. We believe this innovation will enhance the in-car entertainment experience of our customers."

Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has announced its wholesales for FY2025. 

The company sold a total of 126,151 units, a marginal growth of 1.59 percent YoY, as compared to 124,173 units sold in FY 2024.

Of this, domestic sales came at 65,925 units, down 23.8 percent YoY, while exports at 60,226 units, grew by 60 percent YoY.

At present, the company’s product portfolio for India includes the Honda Amaze sedan, Honda Elevate SUV and Honda City sedan. The company’s sales performance can be attributed to the fact that, Honda Cars India currently lacks a wider SUV portfolio, which has been primarily the sales driver for most automakers in the country.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “HCIL sales performance in FY2024-25 has been in line with the ongoing tough business environment. While on domestic front, the industry faced challenges in creating fresh demand from the market which was also reflected in HCIL domestic sales, we recorded our highest ever export volumes led by strong export business of Elevate to Japan. The recent launch of all-new Amaze has been well received from the market strengthening our position in the family sedan segment.”

“While demand creation may still present challenge in the new fiscal year, we remain optimistic and believe our commitment to customer satisfaction will enable us to navigate the market effectively and continue driving positive results," he added.

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for FY2025 with 762,052 units sold, a marginal decline of 2 percent YoY.

This includes 598,666 units sold in domestic market, down 2.61 percent YoY and 163,386 units exported, a flat growth as against 163,155 units for the same period last year.

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Solidifying our position further in India, HMIL continued its rein as the second largest passenger vehicle OEM in FY2024-25, thanks to the unparalleled trust of our customers on brand Hyundai."

"Our versatile SUV line-up grew stronger this financial year with the launch of the Hyundai Creta Electric - our first indigenous EV and also the bold new Hyundai Alcazar. India’s favourite SUV, the new Hyundai Creta continues to build on its popularity, by becoming India’s No.1 SUV with sales of 52,898 units in Jan-March quarter of FY2024-25. HMIL further set industry benchmarks by surpassing the milestone of 2.5 million SUV sales and 1.5 million Creta sales since inception (domestic + exports)," he added.