Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicles manufacturer in the country, has announced its commitment to advance gender equality and women empowerment. 

As part of its long-term vision, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has set a target to increase the representation of women in its workforce to 30 percent by 2030. To achieve this, the OEM states it has implemented a series of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the formation of a focussed senior level team dedicated to DEI, extensive benchmarking across industries and aligning with the International Labour Organisation’s 2030 agenda of creating greater opportunities for women.

On 13 March, 2024, Toyota Kirloskar Motor celebrated a significant milestone with the capping ceremony of its first batch of 55 women supervisors, along with the induction of 160 new female team members, raising the total number of women in the company to over 450, with plans to reach more than 850 by the end-2024. It has also introduced a Gender Diversity Standard Operating Procedure Manual, detailing best practices for promoting gender diversity. These efforts, including unconscious bias surveys and the ‘Samvardhana’ sensitisation program.

In recognition of Women's Equality Day on 26 August and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Toyota Kirloskar Motor is undertaking a series of transformative measures aimed at fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

G. Shankara - Executive Vice-President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that gender equality is not just a goal, but a critical driver of our success and sustainability. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is deeply embedded in our organisational values, and we are proud to be making significant strides in empowering women within our workforce. By setting ambitious targets and investing in the necessary infrastructure and training programs, we are not only enhancing gender diversity but also creating a work environment where every individual can thrive. As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we reaffirm our dedication to creating equal opportunities and paving the way for a more equitable future for all.”

The company states its three-year residential course at Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) now has its intake doubled to 1200 students, with up to 600 female students, while the Toyota Kaushalya program offers a two-year training program for rural and economically disadvantaged students. To support this initiative, TKM has made significant infrastructure investments, including the construction of a new dormitory at Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) to accommodate 600 female students, and the enhancement of safety features and facilities such as upgraded restrooms and locker rooms.

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Mercedes-Benz India, one of the leading luxury carmakers in the country, has recorded its highest-ever fiscal sales, retailing 19,363 units during the April 2025 to March 2026 period.

The company marked an uptick of 7 percent in the Q1 2026, where the company delivered 5,131 units compared to 4,775 in Q1 2025.

The German luxury brand’s growth was primarily driven by the Top-End Luxury segment, which grew by 16 percent in FY2026 and now accounts for 27 percent of total sales. This category includes the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach and the AMG range. Demand for certain models, such as the AMG G 63 and Maybach S-Class, has resulted in waiting periods of up to 12 months.

In contrast, the Entry Luxury segment saw an 18 percent decline. The company stated it would maintain a ‘value over volume’ strategy, prioritising feature-rich content and brand desirability over price-led volume incentives.

For Mercedes-Benz India, the Long Wheelbase (LWB) E-Class remains the highest-selling luxury car in the country. It continued to see robust demand for the C-Class, GLC and GLE SUVs.

Furthermore, contribution of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) now comprise 20 percent of all Top-End models sold. Within the luxury BEV segment (priced above INR 14 million), the company recorded 85 percent growth. The EQS SUV has emerged as the highest-selling luxury electric model for the brand. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the electric CLA on 24 April 2026 as its first ‘software-defined’ electric vehicle.

Under its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy, the company plans to open more than 20 luxury outlets in 2026. This expansion involves a INR 4.50 billion investment from franchise partners. New facilities are scheduled for Q2 2026 in emerging markets, including Visakhapatnam, Varanasi and Goa, alongside reinforcements in Mumbai and Pune.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz remains the most desirable luxury brand in India buoyed by strong customer loyalty for both our new and existing products. We are thrilled with the strong demand for our top-end luxury portfolio that set new benchmarks in the luxury segment with exclusivity and personalization. Similarly, a sustained demand for the ‘core’ segment underlines unwavering customer trust for winning products like the C-Class, LWB E-Class sedans and GLC and GLE SUVs.”

“Our product fireworks for 2026 will continue as we introduce two new AMGs for performance enthusiasts. We are enthused by the overwhelming response to new products like GLS Maybach, the V-Class and the CLA BEV, and customers can expect more desirable products planned across segments for the remaining quarters. Mercedes-Benz will maintain a sharp focus on superior product content and customer aspirations, reinforcing our strategy of value-led growth over volume aspirations,” he concluded.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has introduced the Creta Summer Edition, featuring updates to technology and convenience features across several trim levels at prices starting INR 1.2 million upto INR 1.63 million (ex-showroom). The launch follows a fiscal year where Creta sales exceeded 200,000 units, contributing to a cumulative customer base of over 1.4 million since 2015.

The Summer Edition introduces specific hardware and software upgrades intended to increase accessibility to premium features.

• EX and EX(O) Trims: These variants now include smart keys and push-button start. The EX(O) specifically adds quad-beam LED headlamps, LED tail lamps and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines.
• S(O) and SX Trims: A dashcam with multiple recording modes (driving, emergency, and vacation) has been integrated. The SX trim further receives a 26.03 cm (10.25-inch) multi-display digital cluster.
• SX Premium Trim: This top-tier edition is equipped with a Surround View Monitor (SVM), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and front parking sensors in addition to the digital cluster and dashcam.

The integrated dashcam allows for video downloads to mobile devices via a dedicated application, supporting on-demand video and photo capture.

The Summer Edition is available with both 1.5l MPi petrol and 1.5l U2 CRDi diesel engines. Transmission options include manual (MT), Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and automatic (AT).

Sunil Moolchandani, National Sales Head, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The Hyundai Creta is not just a product, it is a legacy that has played a defining role in shaping the SUV market in India. With more than 1.4 million customers and annual sales exceeding 2 lakh units in FY 2025-26, Hyundai Creta continues to reinforce its position as the undisputed No.1 in the mid-size SUV segment since its launch in 2015. The introduction of the Creta Summer Edition variants reflects our commitment to making advanced technology and comfort more accessible, with features such as the 26.03 cm (10.25”) Multi Display Digital Cluster, Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Dashcam among others further enhancing safety, convenience and driving confidence. These meaningful upgrades will continue to strengthen Creta’s leadership and emotional connect with customers across the country.”

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Kia India has announced that more than 100,000 customers have renewed their paid subscriptions for Kia Connect. The automaker has achieved a retention rate exceeding 30 percent following the expiry of the initial three-year complimentary period.

Since its introduction in 2019, the platform has evolved from its original 'UVO' branding to the current Kia Connect 2.0. Globally, the manufacturer reports an enrolment rate of approximately 97 percent. In India, the company has surpassed 500,000 total sales of connected vehicles.

The platform provides over 100 features across five categories – navigation, remote control, safety & security, vehicle management and convenience.

Kia offers three tiers of renewals – Standalone, Basic and Premium – with flexible durations. Prices for a one-year subscription range from INR 1,890 to INR 4,690, while three-year plans range from INR 3,890 to INR 9,090.

The renewal trend is supported by hardware integrations such as the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) and software initiatives like Drive Green, which monitors sustainable driving practices.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Crossing the milestone of one lakh Kia Connect subscription renewals reflects the growing trust customers place in our connected mobility ecosystem. The continued adoption beyond the complimentary period highlights the everyday value we deliver through enhanced convenience, safety, and control. We remain committed to advancing our digital platforms for a smarter, more connected driving experience.”

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German automotive major Volkswagen Group has detailed the progress of its ‘In China, for China’ strategy at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. The Group is expanding its portfolio with a focus on smart electric vehicles, including four world premieres from its Volkswagen, Audi and Jetta brands.

During 2026, the Group plans to launch over 20 new electrified vehicles (NEVs), encompassing battery electric models, plug-in hybrids and range-extender variants. Following this period, the company intends to introduce a new model approximately every two weeks.

The new product includes Volkswagen’s new member in the ID. UNYX category and the first all-electric model in the ID. Aura series. The latter utilises the locally developed CEA electronic architecture.

The Jetta brand will see an all-electric show car marking the transition toward electrification.

The exterior design of the AUDI E7X, the second production model under the Group’s China-exclusive sister brand.

Porsche will mark the global debut of a new model within the all-electric Cayenne family.

The Group’s software developments are focused on Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) for urban and highway environments. These systems are developed by CARIZON, the Group’s Chinese centre for autonomous driving, which is also working on proprietary System on Chip (SoC) hardware for future Level 3 and Level 4 capabilities.

Oliver Blume, CEO, Volkswagen Group, said, “Three years ago, we launched our ‘In China, for China’ strategy to fully tap into the potential of the Chinese innovation market. We decide, we act, and we deliver. The new models we are presenting at this year’s ‘Auto China 2026’ impressively confirm that the Volkswagen Group is making good progress on its path to becoming a global tech driver in the automotive industry. China plays a central role in this. Because the progress we achieve here strengthens our competitiveness worldwide.”

Ralf Brandstatter, Member of the Board of Management for China, added, “Our ‘In China, for China’ strategy is coming into its own. In less than 36 months, we have developed a completely new product portfolio for China. Starting in 2026, we will launch a new vehicle on average every two weeks. This is the Volkswagen Group’s largest-ever electric mobility offensive in China. The Beijing Auto Show underscores the consistency and speed of our realignment.”

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