Cutting down the production of its passenger cars by 16 per cent in October 2023 and increasing that of the utility vehicles by 33 per cent as compared to October 2023 as per the regulatory filing by the company, Maruti Suzuki’s key developments include the new Dzire compact sedan reaching dealerships across India. 
While the new eSUV – the eVitara that is based on a Toyota platform called as 27PL skateboard platform (e-TNGA) – is subject to a lot of discussion currently, the new Dzire is set to revolutionise the segment with its progressive design, segment first features and unparalleled value proposition, according to the Indo-Japanese automaker. 
Building on the remarkable legacy of the Dzire brand, this new generation model represents a significant leap forward in Maruti Suzuki's commitment to offer exceptional vehicles to the Indian market. Following hot on the heels of the fourth-generation Swift hatchback, the Dzire shares the platform with it though in terms of proportions, dimensions and design it is different. 
Available in the shape of a compact hatchback, the Dzire could be booked with an initial payment of INR 11,000 at any Maruti Suzuki dealership. 
Witnessing a 33.18 percent rise in multi-purpose vehicles such as the Ertiga and XL6 and of SUVs such as the Brezza, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Jimny (almost all of these are shared with Toyota Kirloskar Motor products in India) at 72,339 units as compared to 54,316 units during the corresponding period in the last fiscal, Maruti Suzuki is quite upbeat about the eVitara as it marks the first BEV of the automaker ever. 
The vehicle has e-axles that have been integrated with the motor and inverter as a single unit, according to industry sources. The (60kWh) batteries are of the lithium-iron-phosphate type and the platform, engineered to provide quick acceleration and overtaking abilities. 
With production expected to begin in mid-2025, the eVitara will have a sibling that will flaunt a Toyota badge – much like the Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder. 
The eVitara, claim industry sources, will be produced at Maruti Suzuki’s youngest and most modern facility in Gujarat. The eSUV is expected to offer a range of 500 km on a single charge when it is formally launched in 2025. 
To be launched on 11 November 2024, the new Dzire is expected to be priced in the range of INR 700,000 and INR 11,00,000 ex-showroom. 

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Kia India has announced a significant change to its leadership team, naming Sunhack Park as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as Chief Business Officer (CBO).

As the new CSO, Park will head Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, improving operational efficiency and expanding the brand’s market reach. He brings over 28 years of international automotive experience, having held key leadership positions at Kia Headquarters in South Korea, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and India.

Cho, in his role as CBO, will be responsible for crafting business strategies, overseeing production planning and export logistics, leading cross-functional teams and forging strategic alliances to ensure operational excellence. He has over 32 years of leadership experience from global roles in Australia, the UK and Europe.

Sunhack Park, said, “I am privileged to take on the role as Chief Sales Officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and strengthening our dealer and partner ecosystem.”

Joonsu Cho, said, “I am honored to assume the role of Chief Business Officer. Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

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RattanIndia Enterprises-owned Revolt Motors, a leading electric motorcycle brand, is strengthening its leadership team and has appointed Raghava Rao as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO).

Rao, a seasoned industry leader, comes with over two decades of diverse experience across the automotive sector, spanning two-wheelers, tractors, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

Prior to joining Revolt Motors, he has held senior leadership positions at Kinetic Engineering, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Piaggio Vehicles and TI Clean Mobility (Montra Electric).

Roy Kurian Joins Revolt Motors As President

Rao has expertise in channel sales, customer support, customer experience and market insights, with a proven track record of driving business growth and customer success.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises, said, “We are delighted to welcome Raghava Rao to the Revolt family. His deep expertise in the automotive industry and proven leadership across multiple business functions will play a crucial role in accelerating our growth journey and further strengthening Revolt’s position as India’s No.1 electric motorcycle brand.”

Rao is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (General Management Program), holds a B.Tech degree from BITS Pilani, and a PGCSM from XLRI Jamshedpur.

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the new Thar with prices starting at INR 999,000. The vehicle incorporates design changes, comfort features and technology integration, engineered for urban travel and weekend adventures.

The popular SUV has gone home to over 300,000 customers, now features a new exterior, which includes a front grille, a dual-tone front bumper and R18 alloy wheels. The interior includes a black theme dashboard and a new steering wheel. It is available in six colour options, including two new additions: Tango Red and Battleship Grey.

For comfort and convenience, the Thar features rear AC vents for second-row passengers, a sliding armrest and a dead pedal (automatic transmission models). Door-mounted power windows, a rear-view camera and an internally operated fuel lid are included. The vehicle also has a rear wash & wiper and an A-Pillar entry assist handle.

The Thar is equipped with a 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other tech includes Type-C USB ports and Adventure Stats Gen II, which provides off-road data such as a racing tab, altimeter, outside temperature and pressure, trip meter and steering direction.

Mahindra offers a range of engine options paired with transmissions – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic – in RWD as well as 4X4 configurations.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Over the years, Thar has become more than just an SUV – it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle that resonates deeply with our customers. At Mahindra, we are committed to listening to our customers and evolving with their needs, which is why the New Thar reflects both their feedback and our dedication to provide the best to our customers. By blending new design elements, smart technology, enhanced comfort and convenience features, the new Thar offers an unparalleled driving experience that empowers our customers to explore limitless possibilities in both urban and off-road settings.”

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new Aircross X SUV, the latest addition to its premium X-Series portfolio, with an introductory price starting at INR 829,000. The launch, the company said, is a key step in the brand’s Citroen 2.0 ‘Shift Into the New’ strategy, positioning the SUV as a feature-rich, spacious option for Indian customers.

The new Aircross X elevates its segment with significant interior and technology upgrades. The cabin features an enriched design with a leatherette-wrapped instrument panel, chic gold accents and a bezel-less 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a 7-inch digital cluster. Comfort is enhanced with ventilated leatherette seats, diffused ambient lighting and the brand’s signature Advanced Comfort Suspension.

A standout feature is the introduction of CARA, billed as India’s first multilingual, intuitive in-car companion. CARA can communicate in 52 languages, control essential vehicle functions and prioritise safety with voice SOS and crash alerts. Driving convenience is further improved with Proxi-Sense Passive Entry, Cruise Control and a HALO 360deg Camera with Satellite View.

Emphasising the model’s safety credentials, the launch follows the recent 5-star Adult protection rating awarded to the Aircross 5S variant in the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP).

The New Aircross X is available in 5- and 7-seater configurations with options for both ICE and CNG engines. Bookings are now open across all Citroen dealerships and online.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The new Aircross X is an SUV designed around the real needs of Indian families – space, comfort, safety and smart innovation. With the debut of CARA, we’re making everyday mobility more intuitive and personal. What makes the New Aircross X unique is that it blends the practicality of a family SUV with the premium feel of our X-Series design. It is a versatile SUV that’s aspirational, yet accessible.”

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