File photo: Shailesh Chandra at the launch of the Tata Punch.ev

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Tata Motors is upbeat on FY2027. The company reported revenue of INR 3,355 billion, down 9 percent YoY in FY2026, as compared to INR 3,660 billion a year ago. The profit before tax saw a decline of 13 percent at INR 2,333 billion, as against INR 3,142 billion last year.

The impact was primarily on the back of several headwinds at Jaguar Land Rover, including cyber incidents, tariffs, China's luxury tax, VME pressures and adverse commodities. The Consolidated Net Debt stood at INR 307 billion, on account of adverse free cash flows primarily owing to production stoppages at JLR.

However, Tata Motors management is quite optimistic about transitioning into the new fiscal year. Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, outlined a ‘stay the course’ philosophy backed by aggressive technological pivots. Despite macroeconomic volatility, the company is doubling down on its multi-powertrain strategy to insulate itself from global commodity shocks.

While FY2026 was a year of ‘outperformance’ (15 percent growth), Chandra has set a realistic yet ambitious floor for the mid-term.

"We are confident growth can be over 10 percent for FY2027. There is no question about changing the long-term plan. Unless there is a significant geopolitical impact on petrol and diesel prices that may have a 1-2 percent plus or minus effect on new car sales, we remain on track," Chandra stated.

Perhaps the most significant outlook provided was the expected reversal of the traditional cost structure. Chandra views the rising cost of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) as an inevitability that will eventually make EVs the more profitable segment.

Interestingly, for Tata Motors’ alternative energy fuel mix (electric and CNG) now already accounts for 43 percent of passenger vehicle sales.

"ICE is going to be inflationary in the future," Chandra predicted. "Cost on the EV side has been disinflationary. If not equal, it will be better than ICE. We are not that concerned on profitability being impacted badly; there can be some pressure in the short-term, but it maybe for completely different reasons," he responded on the demand in the upcoming few months.

The automaker is also ramping up production to meet demand and expects to build on the strong momentum of H2 FY2026, and continue to deliver profitable and industry-beating growth in FY2027, supported by a robust demand pipeline, planned pipeline of new products and established multi-powertrain strategy.

By December 2026 or early CY2027, Tata Motors plans to enter the Flex-Fuel arena with at least one product to align with evolving government mandates.

"As far as Tata Motors is concerned, we are comfortable in terms of technology readiness," Chandra noted. "By end-December 2026 or early next year, we expect our first Flex-Fuel vehicle to be introduced. We are currently in discussion with the government through SIAM for E25 readiness."

Czech automaker Skoda Auto has released the initial exterior sketches of its upcoming flagship electric vehicle, the Skoda Peaq. The seven-seater SUV marks a new design direction for the brand, utilising clean surfaces, structured details and signature electric vehicle styling cues.

The world premiere of the new flagship SUV is scheduled to take place in Monnetier-Mornex, France, at 18:25 on 23 June 2026.

The exterior of the Peaq represents a consistent application of Skoda's new ‘Modern Solid’ design framework. The aesthetic balances rugged proportions with minimalist, aerodynamic elements tailored for the electric era.

The front features slender, T-shaped headlights and a gloss-black ‘Tech-Deck Face’. A connecting element runs between the assemblies to form a frame-like loop motif, which contrasts against a pronounced, volcano-shaped lower bumper.

The side profile is dominated by a high shoulder line and wide D-pillars to emphasise a wide, stable stance. The sketches also reveal flush door handles seamlessly integrated into the structured body panels to optimise aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, the Skoda Peaq echoes the front design language with matching T-shaped taillights and a unified connecting element, establishing a cohesive loop motif that serves as a distinct visual signature.

Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design, Skoda Auto, said, “In designing the exterior of the Skoda Peaq, we consistently applied the Modern Solid design language, combining clean lines, balanced proportions and distinctive elements. Precisely sculpted surfaces and clearly structured details create a confident, timeless presence, while signature features such as the T-shaped headlights and Tech-Deck Face express Skoda’s identity in a new electric era.”

Honda India Foundation (HIF) has inaugurated a new Driving Practice Zone (DPZ) in Mahendragarh, marking the first facility of its kind in the state of Haryana. The community infrastructure project is designed to provide aspiring drivers with a safe, structured environment to practice driving skills and undergo essential road safety training. The facility will be fully accessible and open to the general public free of cost.

The project targets a prominent infrastructure gap common in Tier II and Tier III towns, where a lack of formal, dedicated driving enclosures often compels learners to practice on public roads, escalating safety risks for themselves and other commuters.

The newly opened Driving Practice Zone incorporates both practical and academic training spaces to build comprehensive driver competency before individuals transition to public roads –

• Dedicated Practice Tracks: Specially engineered tracks to help learner drivers systematically build vehicle control, operational confidence, and manoeuvring skills.
• Theoretical Classroom: A dedicated indoor learning space utilised for theoretical instructional sessions, focused on enhancing traffic rule compliance and general road awareness.

Vinay Dhingra, Trustee of the Honda India Foundation, said, “Road safety begins with access to the right training environment. Through this Driving Practice Zone, we aim to provide learner drivers with a safe, structured space to build driving skills, improve awareness and develop responsible road behaviour before they begin driving on public roads. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to making road safety training more accessible at the community level.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of its popular new Innova Crysta in India. The updated multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) introduces targeted design updates and added cabin convenience features while preserving the foundational mechanical architecture of the long-running Innova brand.

The introduction follows a legacy spanning over two decades in the Indian market, where the Innova brand has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 1.3 million units.

The new Innova Crysta features subtle exterior and interior design revisions aimed at providing a contemporary, premium aesthetic without altering the vehicle's familiar silhouette.

On the outside, the front profile receives a newly styled radiator grille and updated front bumper garnish. The rear profile has been updated with refreshed bumper garnish elements to enhance visual solidity.

The interior introduces new dual-tone leather seat upholstery alongside updated trim finishes. The instrument panel, door trims and bezels feature ‘Grace Copper’ and wood-pattern highlights. Additionally, the AC controls, switches and rear seat-back table incorporate refined detailing to improve perceived quality. Functional additions to the feature list include a wireless smartphone charger and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The vehicle retains Toyota's established mechanical layout, optimised for low-end torque and long-distance drivability.

The Innova Cysta is powered exclusively by a 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with a manual transmission. The powertrain configuration delivers a certified fuel efficiency of up to 15 kmpl.

It gets up to seven airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Start Assist Control for safety.

The MPV is backed by a standard warranty of 3 years/100,000 km (extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km), supported by 24x7 roadside assistance and flexible retail finance options.

The new Innova Crysta is available in five colour options – Platinum White Pearl, Super White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic. It is structured across both 7-seater (7S) and 8-seater (8S) configurations with prices starting at INR 1.97 million up to INR 2.66 million for the top-end variant (ex-showroom).

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Having sold over 1.3 million units of brand Innova, the Innova Crysta has set unmatched benchmarks in the MPV segment through its two-decade legacy of reliability, comfort, and value. The refreshed New Innova Crysta introduces subtle yet meaningful updates, bringing a renewed sense of freshness while retaining the unrivalled qualities customers value most. Guided by continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation, we remain committed to delivering trusted mobility for every stage of life.”

Nissan Motor India (NMIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its sales performance for May 2026, recording a 118 percent YoY growth in domestic sales, albeit a low-year-ago base.

The company reported 2,948 units wholesales last month, which also marked its third consecutive month of YoY growth, signalling sustained sales momentum in the Indian market.

Interestingly, the company’s total sales for May 2026 came at 7,971 units, which includes 2,948 units in the domestic market and 5,023 units shipped to international markets during the month.

The company said its domestic sales trajectory was driven by customer interest across Nissan's updated India lineup, including the Gravite and Magnite SUVs. It is currently preparing for the upcoming World Premiere of the Nissan Tekton, which is part of Nissan's broader strategy to diversify its product portfolio and expand its network footprint across India.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “Our third consecutive month of year-on-year domestic sales growth is an encouraging reflection of the trust customers continue to place in Nissan. The response to the all-new Nissan Gravite, along with the continued strength of the Nissan Magnite, including the growing adoption of our CNG offerings, gives us confidence in our India strategy. As we gear up for the World Premiere of the Nissan Tekton, our focus remains on expanding our network footprint, enhancing accessibility, and delivering a stronger customer experience across the country.”