With the SUV market in India booming, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has introduced yet another SUV, albeit in a compact form called as the Urban Cruiser Taisor. 

Made at Maruti Suzuki manufacturing facility as part of the global cooperation framework between Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation, the new compact SUV from TKM positions itself in a segment that is quite competitive and has the presence of not just the Maruti Fronx (its close cousin) but also the likes of Tata Punch.

Designed to be stylish with a bold Toyota grille that has (twin LED) daytime running lamps at either corner and head lamps that are arranged at either lower corner in a form of three-square lenses, the Urban Cruiser Taisor draws attention with its ‘higher up the ground’ stance as it rides on 16-inch diameter wheels. The machined alloy wheels look quite smart too. 

The sides are not very different than that of the Fronx to look at, particularly with that roofline which tapers down at the rear. The rear styling, much like that of front, is interesting. It also hints at clever packaging. 

Complementing its SUV stance are styling touches such as a front and rear skid plate, roof rails and body cladding on the wheel arches and doors. 

Available in two-tone colour shades as per the trim level, the Urban Cruiser Taisor could be had with a 90 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a 100 PS 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Besides the two petrol powertrains, the compact SUV with front-wheel drive configuration could be had with a 1.2-litre CNG unit as well. Coupled to this unit is a five-speed manual transmission. To note: The manual transmission of the vehicle features an ‘Intelligent Gear Shift’ (IGS) function.   

With deliveries scheduled from May 2024 (booking is already open) onwards, the compact SUV’s modern interior can seat five people. The dual tone dashboard with silver metal accents and premium seat fabric adds a nuance of exterior styling to the cabin. Also does the flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel (with tilt and telescopic adjustment).  

While the driver’s seat is height adjustable, the rear bench seat is 60:40 split to provide better storage space at the rear. 

Featuring wireless charger, paddle shifters (on auto transmission variants), keyless entry, push-start/stop system, electrically adjustable (and foldable) ORVMs, steering wheel-mounted controls, power windows with anti-pinch function, fast USB charging points, a head-up display, 360-degree camera, nine-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system display, ‘ARKAMYS’ surround sound system with six speakers and wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Urban Cruiser Taisor is replete with the Toyota ‘iConnect’ system. 

The ’iConnect’ system provides a one stop intelligent solution for integrated and seamless experience in terms of remotely controlling functions such as climate control, lock/unlock, hazard lights and headlamps etc, and is fully compatible with smartwatches and Hey Siri voice assistant. 

Equipped with vehicle stability control, hill hold assist, roll over mitigation, six airbags (including side and curtain airbags), reverse parking sensors (with graphic display as well), ABS, EBD, an anti-theft security, Isofix points for child seats, over speed alert and door and lock status, the vehicle is priced upwards of INR 773,000 ex-showroom. 

Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Regional CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), said, “The Indian market has always been of paramount importance to us, both in terms of product offerings and introduction of advanced technologies. This emphasis was further underpinned by the recent creation of a new region where the Indian market plays an even more crucial role acting as the hub of the new ‘India, Middle East, East Asia and Oceania Region’. At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that the company is strategically positioned to capitalise on its 25-years excellence legacy backed by an aspiration to establish new standards in the Indian automotive industry.”

“Looking ahead, our business strategy in the market will be to continue to focus on contributing to national priorities of localisation, developing a highly skilled workforce and achieving carbon goals. Furthermore, the customer first culture will continue to define our market strategy for years to come. With the newly introduced all-new Urban Cruiser Taisor, we are underlining our commitment to the customers by expanding choices to cater to their distinct needs thus delivering ‘Mass Happiness to All’,” he added. 

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has released its unaudited financial results for Q3 FY2026 and nine months ending 31 December 2025.

The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 123.44 billion for Q3, representing a 6.3 percent increase YoY. Revenue for the quarter reached INR 1,797.35 billion, up 8 percent compared to the same period last year. EBITDA stood at INR 2,018.3 billion, a 7.6 percent rise, supported by festive demand and the implementation of GST 2.0.

The company stated that the domestic demand was supported by wholesale volumes increasing 5 percent QoQ. The Hyundai Creta recorded sales of over 200,000 units in the 2025 calendar year, while the new Venue model has received nearly 80,000 bookings to date.

Hyundai Motor India also entered the commercial mobility segment with the Prime HB and SD taxi models. Exports grew by 21 percent YoY in Q3 FY26, accounting for 25 percent of the total sales mix.

For the nine-month period, EBITDA reached INR 6,632.5 billion, a 3.3 percent increase. EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent, up from 12.5 percent in the previous year, despite costs related to capacity stabilisation and commodity prices.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, said, “The third quarter performance underscores our resilience and strong execution of 'Quality of Growth' strategy, marked by healthy growth in volumes, revenue and profitability. Notably on a year-to-date basis, EBITDA margins expanded to 12.8 percent as against 12.5 percent last year, supported by our efforts towards improving sales mix and prudent cost control measures. As we move ahead, the robust January’26 sales number gives us great momentum towards a healthy 2026.”

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Stellantis-owned Jeep has announced its Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0, positioning India as a central hub for its operations in the Asia Pacific region. The plan focuses on localisation, manufacturing depth, and export expansion from the company's facility in Ranjangaon, Pune.

As part of the strategy, Jeep intends to increase localisation levels to 90 percent, up from the current 65–70 percent. This move is aimed at strengthening supply-chain resilience and cost competitiveness. The Ranjangaon plant, which has an annual capacity of 160,000 vehicles, currently exports the Compass, Meridian, and Commander to markets including Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Plans are underway to expand exports to Africa and North America.

The company plans to introduce a new vehicle lineup in India starting from 2027. In the interim, Jeep will maintain its current portfolio through refreshes and special editions. To support its customers, the brand has introduced the Confidence 7 programme, which includes a buyback scheme, pre-maintenance packages, and extended warranties.

At present, Jeep operates over 85 sales and service touchpoints across 70 cities in India. The automaker stated that in 2025, the Wrangler Willys 41 limited edition sold out within seven days. The company is also focusing on its owner community, which has reached 100,000 members, through experiential platforms and brand clubs.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO & Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, “Jeep’s 85-year legacy is built on authenticity and adventure. Strategic Plan Jeep 2.0 lays out how we will sharpen our product strategy and strengthen the customer experience year after year, driven by deeper localisation, global product alignment, expanding our vehicle offerings, and programs that deliver real value. We are equally focused on taking care of our existing customers, ensuring they receive the support, service and confidence they expect from Jeep. Success in India demands resilience and long-term commitment and we are investing with that clarity to ensure Jeep remains a brand of pride and desirability.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported its financial results for Q3 FY2026.

The company reported revenue of INR 475.344 billion, as against INR 368.02 billion last year, net profit came at INR 37.94 billion, as against INR 36.59 billion last year. It is to be noted that the net profit was impacted for Q3 FY2026 was impacted due to a one-time provision of INR 5,939 million relating to new Labour Codes.

During the period, the company achieved its highest quarterly domestic sales of 564,669 units, an increase of 97,676 units over the previous year. Total sales reached 667,769 units, which included 103,100 units in exports. This performance was supported by a recovery in the car market following GST reform, with the small car segment in the 18 percent GST bracket contributing significantly to the volume increase.

For the nine-month period from April to December 2025, the company recorded its highest sales volume, net sales and net profit. Total sales volume reached 1,746,504 units, with domestic sales at 1,435,945 units and exports at 310,559 units. Net sales for this period increased to INR 1,242 billion, while net profit grew to INR 1,085 billion.

Financial statements for the period have been restated following the amalgamation of Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) with MSIL. This process took effect from 1 April 2025. The company continues to monitor market conditions as it manages its manufacturing and sales operations.

The recovery in the car market was led by the small car segment. Sales growth in this category accounted for 68,328 units of the total domestic increase. The company remains focused on domestic and export markets to maintain its sales volumes.

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Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has showcased the Tayron R-Line, marking the first of five product interventions scheduled for 2026.

The company plans to introduce updates or new models in every quarter to maintain market presence. These interventions will include SUV, Sedan and Hatchback body styles, with each model intended for different segments of the premium market.

For 2026, the company stated it has established objectives focused on products, customer engagement and experiences. The strategy involves using product actions to address various customer sets throughout the year. The brand aims to sustain interest through these quarterly releases across its vehicle portfolio.

The roadmap for the year is designed to cover multiple segments, ensuring a consistent rollout of updates. By addressing three body styles, the manufacturer intends to reach a broad audience within the premium category. The initiative forms part of a wider plan to enhance the ownership experience and interaction with the brand in India.

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, “Today, we are glad to showcase the Tayron R-Line for the first time in India. I am also delighted to announce that we have planned four more product interventions throughout the year. This year, every quarter will witness a new product intervention that will cater to a different premium customer set. Our objective is to continue building excitement for customers through smart product actions and introducing models that will continue to build aspirations.”

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