Saturday, April 11, 2026

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Wins 2026 World Performance Car, Strengthening EV Leadership

By
Rajni G
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0

Hyundai Motor Company has secured a major global recognition as the Hyundai IONIQ 6 N was crowned the 2026 World Performance Car at the prestigious World Car Awards. The announcement was made during the New York International Auto Show 2026.

This achievement marks the second time in three years that Hyundai’s high-performance N division has won in this category, following the success of the IONIQ 5 N in 2024. It also extends Hyundai’s winning streak to five consecutive years at the World Car Awards, underlining the brand’s growing influence in the global electric vehicle (EV) segment.

Speaking on the achievement, José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, credited the company’s engineers, designers, and customers for the recognition, highlighting the importance of innovation, design, and real-world value in modern mobility.

The IONIQ 6 N stood out in the performance category by redefining electric driving dynamics. The vehicle delivers up to 641 horsepower using its N Grin Boost feature and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, placing it among the fastest EVs in its class.

Hyundai has also focused on enhancing driver engagement, integrating features such as N e-Shift, which simulates traditional gear changes, and N Active Sound+, designed to deliver an immersive driving experience. These innovations aim to bridge the gap between conventional performance vehicles and next-generation electric mobility.

The model is equipped with an 84.0 kWh battery, capable of ultra-fast charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes under optimal conditions using a 350 kW charger, demonstrating Hyundai’s advancements in battery and charging technology.

Hyundai’s consistent success at the World Car Awards reflects its strong push in EV innovation. Previous wins include the IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 5, both of which secured multiple top honors, including World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles in earlier years.

Industry analysts view this latest recognition as a testament to Hyundai’s strategy of combining performance, technology, and sustainability in its electric lineup. With the IONIQ 6 N, the company continues to position itself as a key player in the evolving global EV landscape.

As competition intensifies in the high-performance EV segment, Hyundai’s latest win reinforces its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering cutting-edge electric mobility solutions worldwide.

Mahindra Registers Record SUV Sales, Total Auto Sales Near 1 Lakh Units in March 2026

By
Rajni G
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0
Representational image. Credit: Canva

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M Ltd.) has reported strong growth in its automotive business, recording total vehicle sales of 99,969 units in March 2026, marking a 21% year-on-year increase, including exports.

The company’s Utility Vehicles (SUV) segment emerged as a key growth driver, with domestic sales reaching 60,272 units, reflecting a robust 25% rise compared to the same period last year. Including exports, total SUV sales stood at 62,109 units for the month.

In the Commercial Vehicles segment, Mahindra posted domestic sales of 24,928 units, registering an 11% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, the three-wheeler category, including electric models, also showed strong momentum, recording a significant 39% growth in March.

For the full financial year FY 2025-26, Mahindra achieved its highest-ever volumes, selling 6,60,276 SUVs and 2,89,597 light commercial vehicles (LCVs under 3.5 tonnes). This represents a strong year-on-year growth of 20% in SUVs and 13% in the LCV segment, underlining the company’s sustained market leadership.

Commenting on the performance, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of the Automotive Division at M&M Ltd., said the financial year ended on a highly positive note, with record-breaking volumes across key segments. He highlighted that March’s strong SUV and LCV sales reflect growing customer demand and the company’s robust product portfolio.

Exports for March 2026 stood at 3,968 units, slightly lower by 4% compared to the previous year. However, on a year-to-date basis, exports grew by 18%, reaching 40,990 units, indicating steady international demand.

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group operates in over 100 countries with a workforce of more than 3,24,000 employees. The group continues to maintain leadership in sectors such as automotive, farm equipment, IT services, and financial services, while also expanding its footprint in renewable energy and sustainable mobility.

With record annual performance and consistent growth across segments, Mahindra remains well-positioned to strengthen its presence in both domestic and global automotive markets.

Maruti Suzuki Exports Hit Record 4.47 Lakh Units in FY 2025-26, Surge Over 34%

By
Rajni G
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0

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved its highest-ever export volume, crossing 4.47 lakh vehicles in FY 2025-26. This marks a strong growth of over 34% compared to the previous financial year, reinforcing the company’s leadership as India’s top passenger vehicle exporter for the fifth consecutive year.

A significant highlight of the year was the commencement of exports for the company’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the Maruti Suzuki e VITARA. Flagged off by Narendra Modi in August 2025 from the Hansalpur facility in Gujarat, the e VITARA is now being exported to Europe and several global markets. The facility also serves as the global production hub for this electric SUV.

In addition to its EV push, Maruti Suzuki expanded its export lineup by introducing the ‘Across’ model, marketed domestically as VICTORIS. The company now boasts a diverse export portfolio of 18 models, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles, catering to a wide range of international customer preferences.

Commenting on the milestone, Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi stated that exports play a crucial role in strengthening economic resilience amid challenging global trade conditions. He emphasized that the company’s growth aligns with national priorities and the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World.”

Currently, Maruti Suzuki exports vehicles to over 100 countries, with strong demand in regions such as Africa, Latin America, Japan, and the Middle East. The company contributes more than 48% to India’s total passenger vehicle exports. Popular export models include the Maruti Suzuki FRONX, Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

Notably, since August 2025, the company has shipped over 25,000 units of the e VITARA to 44 countries, marking a strong entry into the global electric mobility segment.

With a growing global footprint and an expanding product portfolio, Maruti Suzuki continues to strengthen India’s position in the international automotive market while advancing its transition toward sustainable mobility.

India Auto Retail Hits Record High in FY26, Nears 3 Crore Milestone: FADA Report

By
Rajni G
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0
Representational image. Credit: Canva

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has reported a historic performance for India’s automobile retail sector in FY 2025–26, with total vehicle sales reaching an all-time high of 2.96 crore units, registering a robust 13.30% year-on-year growth.

The industry is now on the verge of crossing the significant 3-crore milestone, driven by strong demand across segments and improving affordability. According to FADA, five out of six vehicle categories achieved record annual sales, highlighting the broad-based strength of the market.

Two-wheelers led the growth with over 2.14 crore units sold (+13.40%), reclaiming their pre-COVID peak. Passenger vehicles also recorded a milestone year, crossing 47 lakh units (+13%), supported by rising urbanisation and strong demand for SUVs. Tractors emerged as the standout performer, surpassing 10 lakh units for the first time with an impressive 18.95% growth, reflecting strong rural demand and favorable agricultural conditions. Commercial vehicles also crossed the 10-lakh mark for the first time since FY19, growing 11.74%.

FADA President C S Vigneshwar described FY26 as a “landmark year,” noting that the growth was structurally strong, driven by improved affordability, rising rural and urban demand, and a diversified powertrain mix.

The financial year witnessed a two-phase trend. The April–August period remained subdued due to cautious consumer sentiment and anticipation around GST 2.0. However, post-September, the implementation of GST 2.0 significantly boosted affordability, triggering a sharp recovery in demand that continued through the festive season and into early 2026.

March 2026 capped the year on a strong note, with total retail sales reaching 26.92 lakh units—the highest-ever March performance—marking a 25.28% YoY growth. Rural markets outperformed urban areas, growing 26.49% compared to 23.82%, reflecting increasing demand from hinterland regions.

A key highlight of the report was the accelerating shift towards alternative fuel vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG models gained traction across segments, with EV penetration rising to 6.54% in two-wheelers, 4.25% in passenger vehicles, and 1.83% in commercial vehicles. Notably, EVs now account for over 60% of the three-wheeler segment.

Inventory levels also improved significantly, with passenger vehicle stock reducing to approximately 28 days from over 50 days a year ago—indicating healthier demand-supply alignment.

Looking ahead, FADA maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook. Around 50% of dealers expect growth in April 2026, while nearly 75% anticipate overall growth in FY27 within a 3–7% range. However, concerns remain around geopolitical tensions, fuel price volatility, and potential supply chain disruptions.

Despite these risks, FADA believes the Indian auto retail sector is entering a phase of sustained structural growth, supported by rising incomes, rural expansion, and the ongoing transition toward cleaner mobility solutions.

Maruti Suzuki Expands Service Network with Record 502 New Touchpoints in FY26

By
Rajni G
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0

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced a record expansion of its after-sales network, adding 502 new service touchpoints in the financial year 2025–26—the highest ever in a single year by the company.

With this addition, Maruti Suzuki’s total service network has grown to 5,926 touchpoints, now covering over 3,000 cities and towns across India. The expansion reflects the company’s continued focus on enhancing customer convenience and ensuring seamless access to after-sales support nationwide.

The newly added touchpoints include a mix of formats such as ARENA and NEXA workshops, Maruti Suzuki Sales and Service Points (MSSSP), as well as innovative solutions like Service-on-Wheels and Bodyshop-on-Wheels. These formats are designed to cater to diverse customer needs, ranging from traditional workshop visits to doorstep servicing and on-the-go assistance.

Commenting on the development, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said that accessibility to service and spare parts remains a key factor in customer satisfaction. He emphasized that the company is continuously innovating and expanding its service infrastructure to meet evolving customer expectations across urban and rural markets.

Takeuchi added that whether customers require workshop services, doorstep assistance, or support during travel, a Maruti Suzuki service touchpoint is designed to be easily accessible. He further revealed that the company aims to expand its service network to around 8,000 touchpoints by FY 2030–31.

Maruti Suzuki’s service journey began in 1983 with its first workshop. It took the company around 14 years to reach 1,000 service touchpoints by 1997. The pace of expansion has accelerated significantly in recent years, with nearly 2,000 new touchpoints added over the past five financial years. In May 2024, the company had already achieved the milestone of 5,000 service touchpoints.

The latest expansion underlines Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to providing a hassle-free ownership experience and strengthening its position as a leader in India’s automotive after-sales service segment.

Toyota Expands Odisha Footprint with New Trupti Toyota Dealership in Bhubaneswar

By
Rajni G
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0

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has strengthened its presence in eastern India with the inauguration of a new dealership, Trupti Toyota, marking a key milestone in enhancing customer accessibility and expanding its retail network in Odisha.

The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by Sulochana Das in the presence of Sachin Sharma and dealer principal Ankit Mohanty.

Spread across 21,955 sq. ft., the new dealership offers comprehensive 3S services—Sales, Service, and Spares—ensuring a seamless and end-to-end customer experience. The facility is equipped with a trained workforce and designed to meet Toyota’s global standards, providing customers with a one-stop solution throughout their ownership journey.

In addition to new vehicle services, the dealership features Toyota’s U-Trust platform, enabling customers to buy, sell, and exchange used cars, thereby enhancing convenience and flexibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Ankit Mohanty highlighted the dealership’s commitment to delivering Toyota’s trusted ownership experience, emphasizing reliability, service excellence, and customer-centric solutions. Meanwhile, Sachin Sharma noted that Bhubaneswar has emerged as a key growth market driven by rising consumer aspirations, improving infrastructure, and increasing demand for dependable mobility solutions.

With this inauguration, Toyota now operates 13 customer touchpoints across Odisha, reinforcing its commitment to delivering faster access to sales and after-sales services while strengthening community engagement.

Toyota Motor Corporation holds an 89% stake in Toyota Kirloskar Motor, with the remaining 11% owned by Kirloskar Systems Limited. The company employs over 6,400 people in India and operates manufacturing facilities in Bidadi, Karnataka, with a combined production capacity of up to 3,42,000 units annually.

Toyota continues to offer a diverse portfolio in India, including locally manufactured models such as Innova HyCross, Fortuner, and Hilux, along with other offerings like Glanza and Urban Cruiser Hyryder, catering to evolving customer needs.

The launch of Trupti Toyota underscores TKM’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach and deliver high-quality mobility solutions backed by global standards of reliability and service excellence.

TDB Signs Agreement with Scharge Pvt Ltd for EV Charging Innovation Under India–UK R&D Programme

By
Kavitha
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0

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Scharge Pvt Limited for a project focused on advancing electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.

The initiative, titled “Powering EV Charging Innovation,” is being implemented under the India–UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability, in partnership with UK-based Albright Product Design Limited. The project aims to develop next-generation EV charging infrastructure tailored for commercial fleet and depot operations.

The proposed solution integrates an advanced EV charger charge controller developed by Scharge with a patented automated cable management system from its UK partner. The combined system is designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and usability in high-demand charging environments.

A key feature of the project is a motorised overhead cable management system, developed specifically for fleet applications. The system is expected to reduce manual handling, minimize cable wear and tear, and improve overall user convenience. It is compatible with existing AC Type-2 EV chargers and is intended to optimize charging turnaround time while ensuring organized and safe infrastructure within depot settings.

By addressing operational challenges such as cable management, equipment protection, and workflow efficiency, the solution aims to improve performance and safety standards across EV charging depots. The technology is also expected to mitigate risks associated with cable damage, vandalism, and operational hazards.

Scharge Pvt Limited, which focuses on power electronics and smart charging systems, is expected to leverage the project to strengthen indigenous capabilities in EV infrastructure and support the scaling of sustainable mobility solutions in India.

According to Rajesh Kumar Pathak, collaborative R&D initiatives such as the India–UK programme are critical for accelerating the development of advanced and industry-relevant technologies. He emphasized that innovation in EV charging infrastructure will play a vital role in supporting the rapid adoption of electric mobility and building a resilient ecosystem.

The development underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in advancing clean mobility technologies, while reinforcing India’s focus on strengthening domestic innovation capabilities in the EV sector.

Mahindra Retains Top Spot in Electric Commercial Vehicles, Surpasses 1 Lakh EV Sales in FY26

By
Rajni G
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0

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, has reaffirmed its dominance in India’s electric mobility sector by retaining its position as the country’s No.1 electric commercial vehicle manufacturer for the fourth consecutive financial year.

The company’s strong performance in FY26 highlights growing trust among drivers and fleet operators adopting electric mobility solutions. MLMML achieved a major milestone by crossing 1 lakh electric vehicle (EV) sales within a single financial year—becoming the first commercial vehicle manufacturer in India to do so. Cumulatively, the company has sold over 3.4 lakh EVs to date.

According to industry data from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, MLMML commands a significant 39.7% market share in the L5 category, reinforcing its leadership in the last-mile mobility segment.

The company also reported substantial environmental impact, with its EV fleet collectively covering over 6 billion e-kilometres. This has contributed to reducing approximately 240 kilo metric tonnes of carbon emissions, aligning with India’s broader sustainability goals.

In FY26, MLMML further strengthened its product portfolio with the launch of the all-new Mahindra UDO. Designed based on customer insights, the UDO features segment-first innovations such as reverse throttle functionality, an aerodynamic design, and a real-world driving range of up to 200 kilometres.

MLMML continues to offer a wide range of electric and conventional vehicles, including popular models like the Treo range, Zor Grand, and e-Alfa. Its expanding EV lineup, including upcoming offerings such as the ZEO 4W small commercial vehicle, positions the company at the forefront of India’s transition to sustainable last-mile transportation.

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group operates in over 100 countries with a workforce of more than 324,000 employees. The group maintains a strong presence across multiple sectors including automotive, farm equipment, financial services, IT, renewable energy, logistics, and real estate, with a continued focus on driving ESG leadership and sustainable growth.

With continued innovation and a strong focus on reliability and sustainability, MLMML is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s electric mobility future.

Zypp Electric Launches EVolve Innovation Challenge Season 3 with ₹30 Lakh Funding Boost

By
Rajni G
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0
Representational image. Credit: Canva

Zypp Electric has officially launched Season 3 of its flagship EVolve Innovation Challenge, inviting startups, entrepreneurs, and organizations across India to contribute to the country’s growing electric mobility ecosystem.

The initiative, which has been driving EV innovation since 2021, aims to co-create sustainable solutions while accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. With Season 3, Zypp Electric has significantly raised the stakes by offering funding opportunities of up to ₹30 lakh, backed by its investor network—making it one of the most lucrative EV innovation platforms in India.

More than just a competition, EVolve Innovation Challenge is positioned as a comprehensive launchpad for emerging ideas. Selected participants will receive incubation support at Zypp Electric’s facilities, enabling them to develop, test, and refine their innovations in real-world conditions. Additionally, participants will benefit from mentorship by industry experts across electric mobility, logistics, and deep tech sectors, along with structured opportunities to pitch their ideas directly to venture capitalists.

Speaking on the launch, Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of Zypp Electric, said, “We have a vision to create 100 unicorns and build a truly impactful EV ecosystem. Through EVolve Season 3, we are bringing together India’s brightest minds to co-create solutions that can accelerate EV adoption and redefine sustainability. This isn’t just a challenge—it’s our commitment to building the innovation backbone of India’s electric future.”

The challenge welcomes innovations across a wide spectrum of EV-related domains, including hardware development, battery technology, charging infrastructure, mobility software, and financing models. This inclusive approach ensures that innovators from diverse backgrounds can contribute to the EV ecosystem.

Over the years, the platform has already produced notable alumni such as Flo-Mobility, TSAW Drones, and NikolEV, which are actively working on solutions like autonomous delivery systems, drone-led logistics, and EV charging networks across the country.

Applications for EVolve Innovation Challenge Season 3 are currently open on Zypp Electric’s official website, offering innovators an opportunity to turn their ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions while contributing to India’s sustainable mobility future.

Ola Electric Secures PLI Certification for Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh Electric Motorcycle

By
Kavitha
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0

Ola Electric has announced that its Roadster X+ 11 kW 4.5 kWh electric motorcycle has received Certification for Compliance under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components (PLI-Auto Scheme). The certification was awarded by the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC).

This marks a key milestone for the company, as the Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh becomes the first motorcycle in Ola Electric’s Roadster portfolio to receive PLI certification, supporting its expansion into the electric motorcycle segment.

The certification confirms compliance with minimum Domestic Value Addition (DVA) requirements, making all units of the Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh eligible for incentives under the PLI-Auto Scheme.

A spokesperson from Ola Electric stated that the certification validates the company’s efforts toward deep localisation and the development of an indigenous EV ecosystem, while also enabling broader accessibility of electric motorcycles to a wider customer base.

The development reinforces Ola Electric’s focus on vertically integrated manufacturing, localisation, and advancement of indigenous EV technologies, further strengthening its position within India’s evolving automotive manufacturing landscape.

In a related update, the company recently announced a significant price reduction for its Roadster X+ 9.1 kWh variant, powered by its in-house 4680 Bharat Cell. The price has been reduced from ₹1,89,999 to ₹1,29,999, driven by improved cost efficiencies from scaling up production at its Gigafactory and deeper vertical integration. The revised pricing will be available in limited units during select purchase windows.

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