Stellantis India, Assist Asia Launch Project Inspire to Address Skill Gap In Mobility & Manufacturing Sector
- By MT Bureau
- May 29, 2025
European automotive major Stellantis India has partnered with Assist Asia to launch Project Inspire, its new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at tackling the skills gap in the country’s growing mobility and manufacturing sectors.
The programme started training on 26 May 2025 at NITTTR Chennai, and will now extend to Pune, which the OEM stated aligns with national priorities such as Viksit Bharat 2047 and Industry 4.0.
Project INSPIRE aims to equip young people with the skills needed for the evolving fields of electric mobility, automation, and sustainability.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO & MD, Stellantis India, said, “At Stellantis, we believe upskilling is key to empowering individuals with the future-ready skillsets needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing industry. Through Project INSPIRE, we are equipping youth with the skills essential to thrive in the evolving fields of electric mobility, automation and sustainability. By aligning with national priorities like Viksit Bharat 2047 and Industry 4.0, this initiative bridges the gap between education and employment, while also supporting the automotive industry in its transition to a greener, more digital future. We are grateful for the partnership of Assist Asia and NITTTR Chennai, whose collaboration is integral to the success of this project.”
The project aims to provide practical training to 2,500 students from ITIs and vocational institutions in electric vehicle systems, advanced mechatronics and robotics. It will also certify 200 Master Trainers to ensure the programme's long-term success. Beyond technical skills, the initiative will strengthen employability through modules on green skills, digital and financial literacy and job readiness.
Karunakaran K, Country Head, Assist Asia, added, “Assist is proud to partner with Stellantis India on Project Inspire, which addresses the critical need for hands-on, industry-relevant training in India’s rapidly evolving automotive sector. This initiative goes beyond traditional education by providing young people with the skills required for emerging technologies such as electric mobility, robotics, and mechatronics. By equipping the workforce with future-ready skills, we are not only empowering youth but also ensuring that the automotive industry has the talent it needs to navigate its transformation. We look forward to seeing this partnership drive long-term impact, foster job creation and contribute to a more sustainable, skilled economy.”
Project Inspire has ambitious goals, aiming for a 75 percent student placement rate in internships or jobs, 30 percent female participation and a 20 percent increase in entry-level salaries.
Kia India Sells 22,700 Cars In September
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Kia India, a leading mass premium carmaker in the country, has reported strong domestic sales in September 2025, reaching 22,700 units, up 15.8 percent compared to August 2025.
The company attributes the sales surge to a combination of market factors, specifically the recent GST reforms and the start of the festive season. The streamlined taxation framework is noted for having enhanced affordability and strengthened overall customer sentiment.
Kia India stated that its entire product portfolio, including the Sonet, Carens, Carens Clavis, Seltos, Syros and Carnival, continued to resonate with customers during the month.
Atul Sood, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “September 2025 marks a significant milestone for Kia India, driven by the positive impact of GST reforms and the festive season demand. The streamlined taxation framework has enhanced affordability and encouraged stronger customer engagement across our product portfolio. This robust growth reflects the enduring trust customers place in our brand, the strength of our innovative and feature-rich lineup, and our commitment to delivering superior mobility solutions.”
Kia India also reported strong year-to-date (YTD) sales, with 206,582 units sold in 2025 so far. This represents a 7.2 percent growth compared to the 192,690 units sold during the same period last year.
In addition the company exported 2,606 units in September 2025.
Exports Boost Nissan India’s Record 9.3% Sales Growth In September
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Japanese automaker Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has recorded consolidated sales of 10,500 units in September 2025, reflecting a 9.3 percent YoY growth over September 2024.
Domestic wholesale sales totalled 1,652 units, while exports reached 8,872 units, including 1,120 units to South Asia, marking Nissan's highest-ever sales in the region.
During Q2 FY2026, the company also launched a segment-first 10-year warranty for the New Nissan Magnite, which drove sales for the month.
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “September was an exciting month for Nissan Motor India. The GNCAP 5-Star rated new Nissan Magnite with a segment-first 10-year extended warranty continues to resonate strongly with our customers and the recent GST-driven price benefit helped accelerate deliveries."
"We would like to thank our customers for an over-whelming response to the recently introduced Kuro Special Edition and the exciting new Metallic Grey colour brought to market on strong customer demand,” he added.
The company is aggressively expanding its dealership network, targeting 180 dealerships by end-FY2026 and 250 by end-FY2027. Nissan is preparing for new launches, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV and 7-seater C-SUV.
"With our dealership expansion now rapidly underway, we are focused on enhancing customer accessibility and delivering an exciting product portfolio, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV & 7-seater C-SUV,” concluded Vatsa.
Skoda Auto India Drives Record Growth In Q3 CY2026
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Skoda Auto India has reported exceptional growth for the Q3 CY2025, registering a 110 percent YoY increase in sales over the same period last year. The brand sold a total of 17,161 cars between July and September, marking a record-breaking performance.
The company said its momentum was highlighted by robust monthly sales in September, where Skoda Auto India sold 6,636 cars, marking 110 percent YoY growth.
The company stated that the sales surge was ‘fuelled by the sustained demand for the Kylaq, along with steady contributions from the Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq.’
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The festive season, coupled with the simplified GST framework, has created a strong tailwind across the industry. Our September and Q3 results reflect the strong customer response to our product portfolio, particularly the Kylaq, which has become a true growth driver for us. With our growing network and value-driven ownership experience, we remain focused on building deeper connections with customers while accelerating Skoda’s growth journey in India.”
The company stated that its success in 2025 is largely anchored by its product offensive and network expansion including the Kylaq, which crossed 34,500 units in sales since launch. Year to date sales, the company achieved total sales of 53,355 units. Furthermore, to celebrate 25 years in India, Skoda has expanded its customer touchpoints to over 315 locations across 177 cities.
Maruti Suzuki India Sales Down 8% In September
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for September 2025 and Q2 FY2026.
The company sold 132,820 vehicles in September, which was down 8 percent, as compared to 144,962 units sold for the same period last year. The major decline in sales was witnessed in its mini (-30%) and SUV portfolio (-21%), while the compact segment grew by 11 percent.
Maruti Suzuki India attributed the decline in sales to ‘logistical constraints towards the last part of the month.’
In terms of exports, the company clocked its highest-ever monthly sales with 42,204 units last month, as compared to 27,728 units a year ago.
The automaker stated that with the revision in GST rates, the company has seen positive consumer sentiment, which reflected in its highest-ever deliveries of 165,000 units in the first 8 days of the ongoing Navratri festivals.
On the other hand, for Q2 FY2026, the company reported sales of 795,556 units, down 6 percent YoY, as compared to 844,614 units last year. Barring the compact vehicle segment, all segments reported a decline in sales.
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