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Skoda Auto India Evaluates India Launch for Upcoming Peaq SUV

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:03:54

Skoda Auto India’s upcoming new electric SUV, the Peaq, could be on its way to Indian showrooms with a domestic launch under consideration by the Czech carmaker. The Peaq's launch is said to be for establishing a premium brand presence ahead of its broader electrification roadmap. Scheduled for a global debut on 23 June 2026, the upcoming model will stand as the largest vehicle in the manufacturer’s international lineup. The consideration comes as the automaker shifts its immediate focus toward top-tier imported products, noting that its smaller global electric offerings face distinct pricing and volume challenges within the highly competitive domestic passenger vehicle market.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director for Skoda Auto India, confirmed that the premium electric vehicle remains under active consideration to help shape the brand's local identity. Gupta emphasized that the company is analyzing the vehicle's exact specifications, noting the strategy requires introducing a premium, well-equipped vehicle rather than a basic model at an elevated price point. He added that his broader ambition centers on aligning the domestic product portfolio with Skoda's global luxury offerings as early as next year.

Earlier in the month, Skoda had showcased exterior design sketches of the Peaq to provide a glimpse into the new SUV's design direction. The company says that it follows its Modern Solid design language — an approach centred on clean lines, balanced proportions, and distinctive surface detailing.

The premium import strategy contrasts with the challenges surrounding Skoda’s smaller global electric vehicles, such as the entry-level Epiq, which carries a European retail price of approximately 26,000 euros. Analysts note that the Epiq's structural dimensions, driving range, and imported cost structure present unfavorable economics for India, where it would face intense competition from established mass-market alternatives including the Hyundai Creta Electric, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV. Similar volume and positioning hurdles apply to the brand's intermediate Elroq and Enyaq electric crossovers, making the range-topping Peaq a more logical choice to anchor the brand's high-end identity while paving a commercial path for future high-volume models.

For a sustainable long-term presence, the carmaker acknowledges that a viable electric vehicle strategy must ultimately transition into a highly localized engineering setup. Gupta stated that achieving a significant market share requires a domestic manufacturing presence, an objective the engineering teams are currently developing. However, establishing a localized, cost-efficient manufacturing ecosystem requires substantial development timelines. Gupta noted that the rollout plan cannot be accelerated abruptly due to the multiple operational phases involved, including the extensive setup and validation of regional component supply chains. Consequently, a fully localized electric model remains at least a couple of years away from commercial reality.

On the technical front, the international-specification Peaq will be manufactured in three distinct powertrain configurations designated as the 60, 90, and 90x variants. These models will utilize advanced lithium-ion nickel-manganese-cobalt battery chemistries, configured in either 63 kilowatt-hour or 91 kilowatt-hour energy capacities. The top-tier 90x variant integrates a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive architecture generating a combined system output of 299 horsepower, while the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variants develop up to 286 horsepower. Depending on the specific configuration, the flagship SUV will deliver a maximum single-charge driving range exceeding 600 kilometers, a top speed capped at 180 kilometers per hour, and a direct-current fast-charging capability that replenishes 10 to 80 percent of the battery capacity within 28 minutes.

One Year On: Ashish Gupta Gave Skoda India Momentum, Harder Task Starts Now

Anurag Chaturvedi — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:40:18

Twelve months is not a long time in the automotive business. Product cycles run for years, investments are measured over decades, and market positions rarely change overnight.

Yet a fair amount has changed at Skoda Auto India over the past year.

The company has recorded its highest-ever sales performance in the country, representing growth of 68.4% in FY26 to 75,555 units from 44,862 in FY25. The Czech company climbed from 11th to seventh position in the passenger vehicle rankings and emerged as Skoda's fourth-largest market globally. For a brand that has spent much of the past decade trying to carve out a larger role in one of the world's most competitive passenger vehicle markets, the shift is notable.

Much of that progress has coincided with Ashish Gupta's first year leading the brand.

When Gupta moved across from Volkswagen India, Skoda was entering a new phase of its India journey. The Kylaq had just arrived, giving the company a foothold in the country's largest SUV segment. For the first time in years, Skoda had a realistic opportunity to move beyond its traditional customer base and enter a volume segment capable of materially increasing its scale.

"It was a switch. Skoda was on the cusp of doing something good, something great, with the launch of the Kylaq. We wanted to make sure that it turned out the way it had been planned," Gupta said.

Kylaq Opens the Door to Scale

The opportunity was significant because the earlier phase of Skoda's India strategy had produced mixed results.

The Kushaq and Slavia helped restore credibility to the brand. They demonstrated the strengths of the MQB-A0-IN platform, improved localisation levels and brought customers back into Skoda showrooms. But neither fundamentally altered the company's position in the market. While both products earned strong reviews and customer acceptance, Skoda remained a relatively small player in an industry that was expanding rapidly around it.

If the Kushaq and Slavia helped rebuild credibility, the Kylaq brought scale into the conversation.

By entering the sub-four-metre SUV category, Skoda gained access to one of the largest volume pools in the industry. The compact SUV expanded the company's addressable market and introduced a new set of customers to the brand.
The product may prove significant for another reason.

Within the broader Volkswagen Group, the Kylaq is increasingly viewed as an example of how locally developed, highly localised products can be engineered competitively for growth markets. Developed around strict cost targets and local requirements, the SUV has demonstrated that India can contribute more than manufacturing volume. It can contribute product solutions.

That thinking aligns with a broader shift underway inside the organisation.

India’s Growing Strategic Role

India's importance within the group is increasingly extending beyond manufacturing and exports. The company has been strengthening its engineering footprint and development capabilities in the country as it seeks to localise more of the product development process. The ambition is to make India a larger contributor to future programmes, rather than simply a recipient of products developed elsewhere.

The gains over the past year have reinforced that argument.

India has emerged as Skoda's fourth-largest market globally and is closing in on the top three. "We became number four in the Škoda global markets. I would love to be in the top three markets for Škoda going ahead. That is what we are aspiring for."

The climb is significant not only because of the ranking itself but because it reflects a broader effort to make the brand more relevant to mainstream Indian buyers.

Reaching Beyond Traditional Markets

For much of its history in the country, Skoda was known for European engineering, driving dynamics and design. Those qualities helped build a loyal customer base but did not necessarily translate into scale. Breaking into the mainstream market required more than a new product.

It required changes across the value chain.

Over the past year, Skoda expanded to 183 cities and 335 touchpoints, widened its service footprint and focused on improving ownership experience. Dealer profitability, customer accessibility and aftersales support became key priorities.

"The biggest issue for Skoda was that we were not available in many parts of the country, which also led to purchase hesitation because you do not have service nearby," Gupta said.

The effort was not limited to network expansion.

"If I look at some of the KPIs across the brand over the last one year, we see growth in all KPIs, whether it is related to brand image, awareness about the brand, the number of customers considering us as a brand, dealer profitability or market coverage," Gupta said.

The company has also improved parts availability, expanded ownership programmes and worked to address concerns around long-term ownership costs, an area where perceptions have historically worked against the brand.

The Next Test : Portfolio Depth

The challenge now is different from the one Skoda faced a year ago. Market access is no longer the primary issue. The next task is portfolio depth.

The updated Kushaq has already begun to show encouraging signs and is helping support volumes. A refreshed Slavia is expected to follow. At the top end of the range, the Kodiaq RS will reinforce the premium and performance credentials that remain central to the brand's identity.

Those products are important, but they are unlikely to be enough on their own.

Compared with larger rivals, Skoda still operates with a relatively narrow portfolio and limited powertrain choice. As competitors expand their presence across petrol, CNG, hybrid and electric vehicle segments, Skoda will need to move more decisively if it wants to participate across a broader share of the market.

The pace of product action will matter as much as the products themselves.

Consumers today expect more frequent updates, new variants and technology upgrades than they did even a few years ago. Rivals have responded by increasing launch cadence and widening their portfolios. Skoda will need to follow a similar path.

Waiting for the new wave of products

The next phase of investment has already been approved by the Volkswagen Group. The industry is now waiting for the next-generation architecture and the products that will emerge from it.

Those products will determine whether Skoda can build on the gains of the past year.

Gupta is conscious of the balancing act ahead.

"How do you make sure that you do not compromise on that premium image and still be relevant by providing affordable or mass-market cars?" That question sits at the centre of Skoda's India strategy today.

A year ago, the company was trying to break into a new league. Today, it finds itself in a stronger position, with record sales, a broader footprint and growing influence within the global organisation.

The next challenge for Gupta is to retain this scale and give confidence to headquarters to reinvest in more local products, faster market interventions and a broader powertrain strategy. Until then, the company will have to rely on a combination of imported products, portfolio refreshes and the continued success of the Kylaq to keep the India growth story moving forward.

Skoda To Add Kylaq Sportline In September, Studies 1.5 For Performance Variant

Anurag Chaturvedi — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:48:07

Skoda Auto India will introduce a Sportline variant of the Kylaq in September and is separately studying whether a 1.5-litre engine can be fitted to its best-selling model, brand director Ashish Gupta told Autocar India.

The Kylaq remains the company's volume driver. It accounted for 3,443 of Skoda's 5,760 registrations in May 2026, close to 60 percent of the portfolio, even as that figure fell 30 percent from the previous May. The model is sold only with a 999cc, three-cylinder 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 115hp. That single powertrain is now the constraint Skoda is working around as it weighs a sharper derivative.

The September addition will be a Sportline, which brings styling changes rather than a mechanical upgrade. Gupta said the sub-4-metre segment is defined by engine and vehicle size, which leaves little room for a performance car within the small-car tax bracket. "You can do something with the styling elements and give it a sporty touch, which we will be doing," he said, adding that the variant was being introduced because Skoda had seen significant demand for it from buyers.

A true performance version is a separate and unresolved question. Gupta said it would require a bigger engine, most likely a 1.5-litre unit, which would push the Kylaq beyond four metres of tax benefit. "I am sure customers would like to have the 1.5 litre in the Kylaq” he said. He described the larger engine as a research project under consideration, with the business case yet to be established.

The reference point sits in Skoda's European range, where the 1.5 TSI is the top engine across the brand's small cars. In the Fabia, Scala and Kamiq, the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI produces around 150hp, well above the Kylaq's current output, with the latest evo2 version offered at around 175hp for a special Fabia edition. The pricing gap is wide. The Fabia is the smallest and cheapest Skoda in Europe, starting at just over GBP 21,000 (around ₹22 lakh), while the Kylaq opens at Rs 7.59 lakh. That gap is what a locally built sub-4-metre model protects, and what a 1.5-litre Kylaq would likely forfeit.

Gupta said the volume of buyer interest in the question itself showed how much appetite there was for a faster Kylaq.

Skoda Auto India Launches Dedicated Rapid Service Infrastructure in Chennai

Dev Vadchhedia — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:41:00

Skoda Auto India has initiated a new tier of its aftersales strategy with the launch of its first-ever Express Care facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Developed under the umbrella of the company’s comprehensive customer retention framework, the specialized service center is designed to maximize workshop efficiency and offer faster maintenance options to local motorists. The installation expands the brand’s regional presence to 31 customer touchpoints operating across 14 cities in Tamil Nadu, adding to a nationwide corporate network that currently spans more than 335 locations.

The massive 27,900 square foot aftersales facility has been built in partnership with local dealer entity Kun Motor Enterprises Private Limited and features 16 fully operational service bays. The rapid maintenance program integrates an engineered layout that utilizes advance job card preparation, components pre-kitting, and certified technicians operating under a parallel workflow mechanism. To maintain service transparency, the automaker has brought real-time tracking capabilities, allowing owners to monitor vehicles through eligible periodic maintenance cycles.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, stated that the rollout of the rapid service format is an intentional extension of the company's regional growth roadmap for 2026, which focuses on delivering greater value across the entire product lifecycle. Gupta noted that the expansion reinforces the standard ownership assurances provided under the central brand policy, which guarantees a four-year standard warranty, four years of roadside assistance, and four labor-free service sessions.

Exclusive: Maruti Targets Production of 1 Million SUVs, 1 Million Hatchbacks in FY27

Ketan Thakkar — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:02:19

Maruti Suzuki plans to manufacture about 1 million sport utility vehicles and nearly 1 million hatchbacks in the financial year ending 2027, according to sources familiar with the company's production plans.

As per the automaker’s production roadmap for FY27, Maruti Suzuki has set a target of manufacturing 2.82 million vehicles in the financial year 2027, representing an aggressive 22% growth from the previous year.

This comes as India's largest carmaker expands manufacturing capacity and adapts to a market increasingly tilted towards SUVs as it projects industry sales growth of more than 10% in the current financial year and expects to outpace the broader market.

The production plans indicate SUVs will become the single largest body style in Maruti's portfolio. Models including the Fronx, Grand Vitara, Brezza and Jimny, along with upcoming SUV programmes, are expected to account for around 1 million units in the current financial year.

The target reflects the growing importance of SUVs for the company, mirroring a broader industry trend in which sport utility vehicles have steadily gained market share over conventional passenger cars.

Despite the shift, Maruti continues to assign significant volumes to hatchbacks, a segment that has long underpinned its sales. Production of the Baleno, Swift, WagonR, Alto, S-Presso and Celerio is projected at close to 1 million units combined.

Including the Dzire and Dzire Tour sedans, passenger cars are expected to contribute about 1.25 million vehicles to overall production, while the remaining volume will come largely from Ertiga and XL6 MPVs.

The continued focus on small cars aligns with recent comments made by the management that demand for affordable vehicles remains stronger than commonly perceived.

Maruti Suzuki recently reported a sharp rise in Alto and S-Presso sales after production constraints eased following the ramp-up of its Kharkhoda plant. The company said volumes of the two models increased nearly 2.4 times as supplies improved.

Multi-purpose vehicles also remain an important part of the company's plans. The Ertiga and XL6 together are expected to contribute close to 300,000 units, while the Eeco continues to add meaningful volumes across personal and commercial applications.

Combined SUV and MPV production is projected at around 1.3 million vehicles, making utility vehicles the largest category in Maruti's future portfolio.

Electric vehicles are also beginning to feature in larger numbers. The e-Vitara and a future EV model are expected to account for more than 80,000 units, signalling a gradual expansion of the company's electric vehicle business.

The production targets come as Maruti ramps up output at its Kharkhoda facility and prepares additional capacity, with growth expected to be spread across SUVs, small cars, MPVs and EVs rather than driven by a single segment.

In FY26, the automaker manufactured 2.31 million vehicles, of which passenger cars accounted for 1.18 million units, while utility vehicles accounted for 971,594 units. Of the total vehicles manufactured, it dispatched 1.82 million units in the domestic market while exporting 443,825 vehicles.

BYD to Enter Plug-In Hybrid Segment in India with New Seal U This Year

Kiran Murali — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:44:16

Chinese automotive and technology giant BYD will enter India's plug-in hybrid vehicle segment later this year with the Seal U, marking an expansion of its strategy beyond pure battery-electric vehicles.

"We will have our first car on this platform, DM-I technology, within this year and that car will be Seal," Rajeev Chauhan, head of electric passenger vehicle business at BYD India, said while unveiling its DM-i plug-in hybrid technology here on Wednesday.

The launch will mark BYD India's first entry into the plug-in hybrid segment after focusing exclusively on electric vehicles since it began passenger vehicle operations in the country in 2021. The company currently sells four electric models in India – Atto 3, Seal, eMAX 7 and Sealion 7.

"Since then in last 5 years, it has been 5 products... we have built all of this on to electric platform and today we are choosing a second path and this is as I said, first for India," Chauhan said.

The company is positioning its plug-in hybrid technology as an "electric-first" solution to customers seeking the benefits of electric mobility without concerns over long-distance travel.

BYD said the DM-i technology differs from conventional hybrid systems because the vehicle is designed to operate primarily as an electric vehicle, with the petrol engine providing support when required.

"The simplest way we define this category is that this is an electric first vehicle, you drive essentially on electricity," Chauhan said.

BYD has been developing plug-in hybrid technology for nearly two decades and says it introduced the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2008.

The company claims to have sold more than 8 million vehicles based on the technology globally, making it one of the world's largest plug-in hybrid manufacturers.

Chauhan said the introduction of DM-i remains consistent with BYD's broader focus on new-energy vehicles and is intended to bring more customers into electrified mobility.

"This car is not a path that we are straying from. This is a path which is consistent with our philosophy of new energy vehicle," he said. "More customers into the fold where the customer experiences electric first driving. So, that is the main idea."

BYD currently imports semi-knocked down kits and assembles them at its facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

Hyundai Venue Joins Select Band of Compact SUVs With 800,000 Sales

Ajit Dalvi — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:39:10

The Venue, Hyundai Motor India’s first-ever compact SUV and the company’s second best-selling SUV after the Creta midsize SUV, has achieved the 800,000 wholesale milestone in the domestic market. In the seven years since market entry in May 2019 till end-May 2026, the Venue has accumulated total sales of 802,221 units in the domestic market. An additional 55,000-plus units have also been exported, which takes total Venue sales to over 850,000 units.

Only two other rivals – the game-changing Maruti Brezza, which kickstarted the compact SUV segment in March 2016, and the Tata Nexon, launched in September 2017 – have sold more than the Hyundai Venue. While the Brezza tops with 1.45 million units, the Tata Nexon has sold 1.07 million units to date.
The first-gen Venue raced past its first 50,000 sales in just six months after launch, 100,000 in 15 months, 200,000 in 25 months, and 250,000 in 30 months. The 300,000 milestone was surpassed in April 2023, 36 months after launch. While the run from 200,000 to 300,000 units and thereafter to 400,000 units took an identical 11 months each, the 500,000 — or half-a-million — milestone was surpassed in November 2023, 600,000 in October 2024, and 700,000 in early September 2025, just before the second-generation Venue was launched. The rollout of the new Venue was a sales booster, and the last 100,000 units have been sold in nine months (September 2025-May 2026).

FY2024 (128,897 units) was the Venue’s best fiscal year. The launch of the second-gen Venue in September 2025 has given a new charge, and the last 100,000 units have been sold in 9 months.

The Maruti Brezza with 1.45 million units is the highest-selling compact SUV in India, followed by the Tata Nexon (1.07 million units) and the old and new Hyundai Venue (802,221 units).

The Hyundai Venue’s domestic market sales numbers (see data table above) show that the best 12-month performance came in FY2024 with 128,897 units, growing 7% YoY on FY2023’s 120,653 units. FY2025, with 119,113 units, however, saw Venue sales decline 7% YoY, with the model ranked fifth in the Top 10 compact SUV listing that fiscal. The rate of decline slowed down YoY in FY2026 (117,737 units, down 1%), and that’s mainly due to the launch of the second-generation Venue in November 2025. Monthly sales in CY2026 to date (January-May 2026) have averaged 11,637 units compared to 9,429 units – a YoY increase of 23 per cent.

From its launch in May 2019 to May 2026, the Venue accounted for 36% of Hyundai Motor India’s 2.21 million UV sales. The Creta, the company’s best-selling model and India’s No. 1 midsize SUV, with 10,60,664 units has a 48% share of the UV sales in the same 86-month period.
Compared to the first-gen model, the new Venue is 48mm taller and 30mm wider. The wheelbase has also grown by 20mm, now measuring 2520mm.

New Venue: Premium Urban Compact SUV With Strong Growth Potential

The Hyundai Venue is part of the most hotly contested sub-segment of the UV market: compact SUVs. This segment is populated by some high-selling models like the Tata Punch and Nexon, Maruti Brezza and Fronx, Mahindra XUV 3XO, sibling Exter, Toyota Taisor, Kia Syros, and the Skoda Kylaq.

The second-gen Venue, which is the first Hyundai model to roll out from the company’s new 170,000 units-per-annum plant in Talegaon, Maharashtra, has the ammo to take on the many rivals. Compared to the first-gen model, the new Venue is 48mm taller and 30mm wider. The wheelbase has also grown by 20mm, now measuring 2520mm.

There are two petrol engines on offer: an 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (in the sportier Venue N Line). ARAI-certified mileage for the 1.2-litre petrol engine is 18.05kpl, while the turbo manual and DCT deliver better that, delivering 18.74kpl and 20kpl, respectively. The 1.5-litre diesel achieves 20.99kpl with the manual, albeit falls to 17.9kpl with the optional automatic.

Inside the cabin, the new Venue gets a curved display comprising two 12.3-inch screens (larger than even the Creta), a new steering wheel, a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats. On the safety front, the new Venue, which has a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, gets six airbags (standard), disc brakes for all wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a Level 2 ADAS suite. The Hyundai Venue’s price ranges between Rs 800,000 and Rs 15.65 lakh (ex-showroom), with 26 variants on offer. On April 20 this year, HMIL launched the Venue Knight Edition at Rs 970,000.

Demand for the new Venue continues to be strong. If the first two months of FY2027, with 24,134 units and robust 56% YoY growth (April-May 2025: 15,473 units), are any indication, then Hyundai Motor India could be looking at the Venue clocking its highest sales in a fiscal year in FY2027.

ALSO READ: Maruti Fronx Becomes First Nexa SUV to Register 500,000 Sales

SUV, MPV Sales Cross 3 Million for the First Time in FY2026, UV Share of PVs Jumps to 67%

EXCLUSIVE: Maruti Suzuki Targets 25% Faster Product Development as Nine-Model Pipeline Accelerates

Kiran Murali — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:20:35

Maruti Suzuki is targeting to cut vehicle development timelines by 25% as it prepares for one of the most intensive product rollout programmes in its history, according to sources familiar with the matter.

This comes as the carmaker plans to launch nine new models over the next three years, including seven SUVs, to strengthen its position in a market where product cycles are shortening and competition is becoming intense.

Autocar Professional had earlier reported that Maruti Suzuki is working on a broader line-up of new sub-compact SUVs and MPVs, aimed at expanding its presence in the mainstream passenger vehicle market.

Sources said the target is to reduce development timelines from 48 months to 36 months, a move that would allow the company to bring products to market faster while managing a broader portfolio spanning SUVs, electric vehicles, hybrids, CNG and flex-fuel models.

The push comes as rivals are aggressively expanding their SUV portfolios, accelerating refresh cycles and introducing new technologies at a pace that has raised the competitive intensity across segments.

For Maruti Suzuki, which is preparing a larger and more diverse product portfolio than at any point in its recent history, the ability to execute faster is becoming increasingly important.

The scale of the upcoming product programme explains the urgency.
Utility vehicles now account for the bulk of Maruti Suzuki’s passenger vehicle sales and continue to be the industry's most fiercely contested segment.

The future line-up will be heavily skewed towards utility vehicles while offering multiple powertrain options, such as petrol, CNG, hybrid, flex-fuel and electric variants.

Unlike earlier product cycles that were centred largely around conventional ICE, future models will require parallel development of multiple powertrains, localisation, and its validation and supplier ecosystems.

Managing multiple programmes places greater demands on engineering teams, manufacturing and suppliers. All these will have to work on tighter timelines than in earlier product cycles.

A key element of Maruti Suzuki's approach is increasing the use of digital engineering tools across the development process.

The company is planning to expand the use of simulation-led development, virtual validation and digital testing to reduce dependence on lengthy physical validation cycles.

Sources said the company’s targets highlight the growing role of AI and machine learning in analysing data, identifying potential issues earlier, and improving development efficiency.

By identifying potential issues before prototypes are built and tested, engineers can reduce the number of development iterations and shorten programme timelines without compromising durability or reliability standards.

Automakers globally have increasingly adopted digital development tools as vehicle architectures become more complex and software content expands.

The shorter development cycle also requires changes across the supply chain. Maruti Suzuki is encouraging suppliers to become involved earlier in vehicle programmes, particularly in areas related to engineering, localisation and validation.

Sources said the company is seeking concurrent engineering, where vehicle development, component design, tooling and manufacturing preparation progress simultaneously rather than sequentially.

The approach allows issues to be identified earlier, reduces redesigns and improves readiness before production begins.

Alongside faster development cycles, Maruti Suzuki is also targeting higher levels of localisation for future programmes. Sources said the company has outlined an objective to achieve more than 80% localisation at the start of production, while expanding domestic sourcing of technology-intensive components.

The effort is aimed at improving supply chain security, reducing dependence on imports and shortening response times during development and production ramp-ups.

The shorter development timeline target comes as the automaker expands its manufacturing capacity and prepares for a more diverse product mix.

Internal planning for FY27 points to production of around one million SUVs alongside nearly one million hatchbacks, with MPVs and electric vehicles expected to contribute a growing share of volumes.

Managing such a mix will require closer coordination between engineering, manufacturing and suppliers than in the past. The automaker’s competitive advantage lies in manufacturing scale, cost efficiency and distribution reach. ENDS

BMW Group India Announces Price Hike of Up to 2 Percent Across Luxury Portfolio

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:17:03

BMW Group India has announced a formal upward price revision of up to 2 percent across its entire passenger vehicle lineup. Scheduled to take effect from 1 July 2026, the cost adjustment will apply comprehensively to the German manufacturer's portfolio of luxury vehicles, encompassing both its locally assembled product lines and its fully imported completely built-up models under the BMW and MINI brand banners.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group India, stated that the upward correction is necessary to shield the manufacturer's operational and premium service benchmarks from 'persistent macroeconomic challenges'. Brar pointed specifically to ongoing domestic currency depreciation and escalating global logistical expenditures as the primary cost drivers behind the strategy. He noted that the marginal price adjustment will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of standard engineering and service parameters expected by luxury vehicle buyers.

The localized manufacturing footprint affected by the tariff restructuring includes several popular models assembled at the firm's domestic plant, such as the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the long-wheelbase variants of the 3 Series and 5 Series, the flagship 7 Series sedan, and its core sport utility vehicle lineup consisting of the X1, X3, X5, and X7 variants. Performance-oriented and electric vehicles built locally, including the M340i and the iX1 Long Wheelbase, are also included under the new pricing mandate.

Concurrently, the price hike will impact the company's imported flagship portfolio brought in as completely built-up units. This high-end segment includes the electric i5 M60, i7, i7 M70, and iX models, alongside the M440i Convertible, M2 Coupe, M4 Competition, M5 performance sedan, and the top-tier XM hybrid crossover.

Passenger Vehicle Retail Sales Surge 23.25% To Over 4 Lakh Units On Rural Demand Strength

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:41:19

Passenger vehicle retail sales rose 23.25 per cent year-on-year to 4.03 lakh units in May, according to retail data released by FADA, making the segment the fastest-growing major category during the month. Volumes increased from 3.27 lakh units a year earlier, though they declined 6.10 per cent sequentially from April’s 4.29 lakh units amid seasonal softness.

The growth pattern continued to shift toward non-urban markets. Rural passenger vehicle sales expanded 30.35 per cent year-on-year, substantially ahead of urban growth of 18.80 per cent. Rural markets accounted for 40.7 per cent of passenger vehicle retail activity in May compared with 38.3 per cent in FY25, reinforcing the growing role of Bharat markets in overall demand generation.

FADA attributed the increase to a combination of healthy booking pipelines, new product introductions and improving demand for smaller vehicles alongside continued strength in SUVs. The segment also recorded significant movement in fuel mix preferences. Petrol-powered vehicles remained dominant with a 45.76 percent share but continued to decline from 48.15 per cent a year ago. Diesel share dropped further to 16.23 per cent from 19.32 per cent. Meanwhile, CNG penetration increased to 23.34 per cent from 19.93 percent and EV share rose to 6.63 percent from 4.51 per cent. Hybrid vehicles maintained an 8.05 per cent share. Combined alternative fuel penetration crossed 38 per cent during the month.

Inventory build-up emerged as another notable trend. Passenger vehicle inventory increased to 31–33 days at the end of May from 28–30 days in April, moving further away from FADA’s recommended benchmark of 21 days, suggesting dispatch discipline may become increasingly important through the seasonally softer months.

Maruti Suzuki maintained leadership with retail sales of 1.65 lakh units and a market share of 40.97 per cent, up from 37.87 per cent a year ago. Tata Motors strengthened its position with 55,544 units and a 13.8 per cent share, while Mahindra retailed 51,311 units. Hyundai remained fourth with 46,223 units. Kia crossed 24,000 units, while VinFast recorded 1,238 retail registrations during the month.

Dealer sentiment for the segment remains supported by booking pipelines and upcoming launches, although seasonal moderation and inventory levels remain under watch.

EXCLUSIVE: Maruti Suzuki To Ramp Up Production By 22% YoY in FY27

Ketan Thakkar — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:44:34

To make a strong comeback in the SUV space and regain lost market share, Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest car maker, is preparing for an aggressive nine-product onslaught in the next three years, with seven of them being SUVs.

The automaker has set a target of manufacturing 2.82 million vehicles in the financial year 2027, representing an aggressive 22% growth from the previous year, according to sources familiar with the company’s production plans.

The company has projected industry sales growth of more than 10% in the current financial year and expects to outpace the broader market despite supply-chain disruptions and cost pressures stemming from the conflict in West Asia.

Yet, Maruti Suzuki is betting big on sustained demand in India's passenger vehicle market. The planned output would mark one of the sharpest annual production increases in recent years on a high base.

In FY26, the automaker manufactured 2.31 million vehicles, accounting for around 42% of total PV production in India. The company had raised production by nearly 12% during the year, dispatching over 1.82 million units in the domestic market while exporting 443,825 vehicles.

While the recently announced price hikes will reduce some benefits accrued from lower GST rates and weigh on affordability, the company believes there is still headroom to grow and sustained demand in the marketplace.

Maruti Suzuki’s confidence to outpace the overall passenger vehicle market comes on the back of freshly installed capacity that is allowing the company to cater to high demand amid low channel stocks.

The company has also been able to ramp up output for small cars, which it claims have come back in demand post the recent GST cut. This has helped the company regain about 300-400 basis points of market share in the monthly sales this financial year.

What is noteworthy is that Maruti Suzuki is looking at almost equal volumes of SUVs and hatchbacks in the current financial year. The company expects to produce more than 1 million SUVs and close to 1 million hatchbacks in the current financial year, with MPVs and sedans largely accounting for the balance.

While in the current year, the focus will be on rolling out a facelift of some of its existing models, the major all-new product onslaught begins from the next financial year, which is expected to help the company accelerate its volumes and growth momentum in a highly competitive Indian car market.

The production planning for this year is centred on high-volume models including the Fronx, Baleno, Ertiga, Grand Vitara, Swift and WagonR, sources said.

Sources also said that while the aim is to reinforce the multi-pathway direction in powertrains, the company will be launching its second EV - the MPV EV internally codenamed YMC based on the E-Vitara platform.

An email sent to Maruti Suzuki for comments did not elicit any response.

Government Commences High Ethanol Blend Rollout Across 48 Petrol Pumps Throughout India

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:50:51

A total of 48 retail outlets managed by public sector oil marketing companies have commenced the commercial distribution of E85 fuel to inaugurate India's high-ethanol blending rollout. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri launched the initiative at an IndianOil station in New Delhi to mark the transition toward a structured national flex-fuel ecosystem. The government plans to scale the specialized refueling infrastructure to 500 outlets by December 2026 and approximately 5,000 installations by December 2027, supporting broader mandates to push the national aggregate ethanol blending average to nearly 26 percent by the 2030-31 fiscal year.

The newly introduced E85 grade comprises 80 to 85 percent ethanol volume blended with 14 to 19 percent conventional petrol, formulated specifically for flex-fuel vehicles that operate on varying ratios from E20 up to E100. To incentivize adoption, the Ministry has priced E85 approximately Rs 20 per liter lower than conventional petrol.

The Ministry clarified that E85 remains restricted to specialized powertrains and must not be used in standard petrol vehicles. Government statements said that flex-fuel vehicle architectures remain highly competitive with battery electric vehicles due to lower upfront acquisition costs, seamless utilization of existing retail fuel networks, and complete reliance on domestic agricultural supply chains rather than imported critical minerals or battery cells.

Bentley Motors Opens New Retail Facility in New Delhi

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:04:17

Bentley Motors has expanded its retail infrastructure in the Indian market with the inauguration of a new showroom in New Delhi. Operated in collaboration with its domestic dealer partner, the Bird Group, the new sales facility is positioned to target growing consumer demand within India. The capital city holds a historical precedence for the British marque, serving as the urban location where the company first established its authorized retail operations in India back in 2010.

The premium retail destination is located at Worldmark 4 in Aerocity, situated near the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The design layout of the facility aligns with the manufacturer's global corporate standards, providing a dedicated space for clients to view and configure vehicles from the brand's active product portfolio. The current vehicle lineup on display at the site encompasses the full range of the manufacturer's models, including the Bentayga sports utility vehicle, the Flying Spur sedan, and the Continental GT and GTC grand tourers.

Richard Leopold, Regional Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Bentley Motors, stated that India represents a promising luxury vehicle ecosystem, and the addition of the Delhi touchpoint marks a key milestone in strengthening the brand's local market accessibility.

Renault India Announces ARAI Certified Mileage of 19.4 KMPL for Duster Turbo

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:39:43

Renault India Private Limited has announced the official Automotive Research Association of India certified fuel efficiency figures for its upcoming sport utility vehicle variant, the new Duster Turbo TCe 100. According to the manufacturer, the localized powertrain configuration has achieved a certified fuel economy rating of 19.41 kilometers per liter. The validation data comes as part of the company's final engineering evaluations ahead of the vehicle's commercial market deployment.

The new SUV is constructed on the carmaker's all-new RGMP platform architecture. The mid-size vehicle is equipped with a dedicated turbocharged petrol engine that has been calibrated exclusively to align with this specific platform layout. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the powertrain is engineered to deliver 100 PS of maximum power and 166 Nm of peak torque, balancing commuter drivability with reduced fuel consumption under diverse domestic driving conditions.

Dr. V. Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering at Renault Group India, stated that the certified testing results reflect a core engineering focus on structural efficiency and combustion optimization. The localized development forms a key component of the French automaker's broader corporate transformation strategy, which aims to shift its domestic product portfolio toward more competitive and balanced vehicle architectures.

Vingroup Outlines Shift Toward Quality and Driver Professionalism in Indian Mobility Sector

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:50:59

Rising consumer aspirations and a maturing digital economy are fundamentally reshaping the expectations of both passengers and drivers within India's urban mobility landscape. According to an industry white paper released by Vingroup, the parent company of Southeast Asian electric ride-hailing operator Green SM, long-term market competitiveness is increasingly being defined by service quality, operational consistency, and customer trust rather than purely discounted pricing structures.

The paper cited data from Deloitte’s Global Consumer Tracker, which indicates that India's expanding middle class is progressively prioritizing experience, vehicular cleanliness, and reliability when selecting services. For the ride-hailing sector, this consumer evolution has translated into an increased demand for well-maintained fleets, transparent pricing, and professional driver conduct. This behavior mirrors broader domestic shifts highlighted in KPMG India’s Customer Experience Report, which identified service quality and platform consistency as the primary drivers of consumer loyalty across the wider digital economy.

The structural shift is equally pronounced on the supply side of the platform economy. Government projections from NITI Aayog estimate that India's gig workforce will expand to 23.5 million workers by 2030, with ride-hailing drivers constituting one of the largest segments. Research from the International Labour Organization reveals that these platform operators are increasingly prioritizing predictable earnings, fair treatment, and institutional support mechanisms over simple trip volumes. Consequently, ride-hailing is gradually transitioning from temporary, flexible gig work into a structured pathway for stable, professional career development.

Against this backdrop of evolving market dynamics, Vingroup's electric transport arm, Green SM, has commenced pilot operations on the streets of New Delhi and Gurugram. Having established its operations across multiple Southeast Asian markets, the brand relies on a standardized model of corporate-trained drivers, integrated tracking technologies, and real-world operational benchmarks. Industry analysis from RedSeer suggests that this focus on experience-led differentiation will act as a primary driver for the next wave of urban transport consumption, signaling a broader push toward raising operational standards for both drivers and commuters across India.

Maruti Suzuki Flex Fuel Vehicle Launch Receives AIDA Backing

Dev Vadchhedia — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:15:32

The All India Distillers Association (AIDA) has welcomed the launch of India's first mass-market flex fuel vehicle by Maruti Suzuki, which is engineered to operate on 100 percent pure ethanol fuel. The apex industry body, which represents both grain-based and molasses-based ethanol manufacturers along with potable alcohol producers, stated that the development marks a critical shift toward mainstreaming alternative fuel technologies in the domestic transportation ecosystem.

In a move to demonstrate commercial viability and back demand-side adoption, several member companies of the association are scheduled to become among the first retail buyers of the newly launched automobile variant. The industry body noted that expanding the presence of flex fuel vehicles aligns directly with national targets aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban air quality, and reducing financial dependence on imported crude oil. Furthermore, a wider transition to high-blend biofuel alternatives stimulates industrial demand for domestic agricultural feedstocks like sugarcane and maize, providing direct economic support to rural cultivation chains and farmer incomes.

Vijendra Singh, President of the All India Distillers Association, stated that direct vehicle purchases by manufacturing members serve as a baseline indicator of corporate confidence in the scalability of the country's clean mobility transition. Association officials added that while current policy measures have successfully expanded national ethanol manufacturing capacities, establishing clear vehicle manufacturing benchmarks is necessary to build a balanced, self-sustaining biofuels infrastructure.

Established in 1953, the New Delhi based organization functions as a recognized industry representative by the Government of India, focusing on policy advocacy and technical capacity building within the bioenergy and alcohol distillery sectors. The initial rollout of the mass-market vehicle drew participation from multiple corporate and regulatory stakeholders spanning the domestic automotive and energy portfolios.

Exclusive: Tata Motors' First Avinya Model to be based on CJLR's Freelander

Ketan Thakkar — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:35:21

Tata Motors has overhauled the technology strategy for its Avinya premium electric vehicle programme, replacing the previously planned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) with the Freelander platform produced by Chery-JLR (CJLR), according to people aware of the development. Tata Motors, through JLR, owns 50% of CJLR.

In an emailed response, the company confirmed that the first Avinya vehicle will be based on a CJLR model.

"The first Avinya vehicle to be launched in India in 2027 will leverage the Freelander platform produced by CJLR and will be made at the recently opened, state of the art TMPV - JLR manufacturing facility in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu. It brings together holistic new age advancements and robust engineering foundations to deliver a compelling luxury EV experience for Avinya," the company said.

The move is expected to help Tata Motors shorten development timelines, improve cost competitiveness and bring its premium EV plans to market faster. People familiar with the programme said the economics of adapting EMA for the intended positioning and volumes of Avinya had become difficult to justify.

Sources said the first production model under the revised roadmap will be the Avinya X, internally known as the P2 programme. Engineering prototypes are expected later this year, with a market launch targeted for 2027.

Tata Motors said it would draw on JLR and 'its partners' to deliver the best product possible.

"Avinya is being developed as a global premium brand for a next-generation EV portfolio to be built on multiple, scalable platforms and architectures while being anchored in Tata Motors’ design, engineering and integration capabilities. Our collaboration with JLR and its partners will be an important pillar of our global premium EV journey as we expand the Avinya portfolio across segments and geographies. This integrated approach draws on best-in-class Tata Motors PV Group ecosystem expertise and partnerships for delivering the desired proposition for the luxury EV segment at scale," the spokesperson said.

The first Avinya models are expected to be positioned in the ₹30 lakh-₹40 lakh range, creating a clear step above Tata Motors' existing EV portfolio. More broadly, the programme reflects Tata Motors' attempt to combine JLR engineering, China's EV development ecosystem and India's manufacturing economics into a viable premium electric vehicle business.

The shift to CJLR platform also changes the original product sequence, with the earlier P1 programme now being understood to have taken a back seat as Tata Motors focuses on bringing Avinya X to production.

While the underlying mechanical architecture will come from the CJLR ecosystem, Tata Motors is reworking key parts of the electronics, software and vehicle systems for Indian market requirements, sources said.

Tata Technologies' engineering teams in China are understood to be involved in adapting the architecture alongside teams in India and the UK.

The decision comes as global automakers increasingly tap into China's electric vehicle ecosystem, which today leads the industry in batteries, software integration, supply-chain scale and development speed.

For Tata Motors, access to the CJLR platform provides a proven EV architecture while allowing the company to focus resources on localisation, software, connectivity and customer experience.

Battery strategy is also evolving. Industry sources indicated that the first Avinya models are likely to feature battery packs in the 65-80 kWh range, balancing range, weight and affordability.

While Tata Group's battery venture Agratas remains central to the company's long-term plans, initial vehicles could rely on existing battery ecosystem partners before Agratas reaches scale. Industry executives said battery sourcing, pack integration and localisation strategies continue to be refined as the programme progresses.

Meanwhile, the Avinya programme continues to be a visible outcome of closer collaboration between Tata Motors and JLR.

Over the past two years, the two companies have expanded cooperation across engineering, sourcing, electrification and software development. Industry executives believe the recent movement of Balaje Rajan to a larger role in the UK, first reported by Autocar Professional, is part of a broader effort to improve alignment across future vehicle programmes and technology initiatives.

Beyond Avinya X, Tata Motors is evaluating a larger three-row premium electric SUV as part of the Avinya family. The vehicle is expected to follow the first model and help establish Avinya as a standalone premium EV brand rather than a single-product programme.

Manufacturing plans are also taking shape.

Industry sources said the Chennai-Ranipet ecosystem is expected to play a key role in production. The assembly facility, already operational with a capacity of around 30,000 units a year, is likely to support initial manufacturing activities before localisation increases.

The facility could eventually assume greater significance.

Sources indicated that JLR is also expected to leverage the broader architecture family for future global products, creating opportunities for shared sourcing, manufacturing and supplier investments between the two businesses.

Industry executives also pointed to another potential advantage. Chery is expected to supply architectures to multiple partners globally, including its proposed ventures in India. If products based on the same architecture family are eventually adopted by other manufacturers, including JSW Motor for future programmes, it could help create greater component commonality, improve supplier economics and accelerate localisation of key aggregates and systems in India.

"The more scale you can generate around a common architecture, the stronger the localisation case becomes," said an industry executive familiar with the discussions.

VIDEO: India Auto Sales May 2026: EVs Drive Growth as Car & Two-Wheeler Sales Surge | AP Trends Podcast

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:02:05

In this month’s Autocar Pro podcast, we dig into India’s May 2026 wholesale figures and what they tell us about the road ahead for the auto sector.

Tata Motors dispatched over 10,000 EVs in May, Mahindra & Mahindra clocked around 6,400, and EV penetration in passenger vehicles has reached 6.4% — with two-wheelers already at 9.3%. Top 2W EV players including TVS, Bajaj, Hero MotoCorp, and Ather are reporting strong order books, and the FY27 outlook points to 12–13% EV penetration in 2Ws and around 8% in PVs.

But it’s not all green lights. Wholesale growth outpaced retail in May, signalling inventory build-up. The effect of recent price increases is expected to start reflecting in sales from July. And posting growth in H2 FY27 will be a significant challenge for the sector.

We also discuss the CV segment showing early signs of slower growth, customer sentiment remaining resilient, where flex-fuel transition stands, and why diesel powertrains are expected to survive even after CAFÉ III.

Lamborghini India Commences Deliveries for Temerario Hybrid Super Sports Car

Dev Vadchhedia — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:45:14

Automobili Lamborghini India has commenced domestic deliveries of its latest super sports model, the Temerario, marking the arrival of the brand's second plug-in hybrid vehicle in the country. Serving as the direct successor to the volume-selling Huracan, the mid-engine model introduces a newly engineered architecture and an electrified powertrain to the premium sports segment. The initial handover follows the vehicle's official Indian market preview that took place in April 2025.

The mechanical core of the vehicle comprises a completely redesigned 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 combustion engine working in tandem with three electric motors. The combined hybrid configuration generates a total system output of 920 PS, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 2.7 seconds and achieve a maximum rated speed exceeding 340 kilometres per hour. .

Power is routed through an electronic four wheel drive architecture that features an advanced electric torque vectoring system. The vehicle integrates 13 distinct driving modes, which combine traditional performance dynamics like Strada, Sport, and Corsa with hybrid operating programs designed for battery recharging, pure hybrid efficiency, or maximum power deployment.

Francesco Scardaoni, Region Director for Asia Pacific at Automobili Lamborghini, stated that the initial delivery represents a key step in strengthening the manufacturer's operational presence within the expanding Indian luxury market.

Maruti's Entry-Car Volumes Jump 2.4 Times as Kharkhoda Capacity Unlocks Demand

Kiran Murali — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:03:35

Maruti Suzuki India's entry-level car volumes have risen nearly 2.4 times following the ramp-up of production at its Kharkhoda facility, a development the company says validates its long-held belief that demand for affordable passenger vehicles remains intact despite the industry's shift towards SUVs and premium products.
The country's largest carmaker posted record sales of 242,688 units in May, including 193,535 units in the domestic market, the highest monthly volumes in its history.

"If being a brand we are able to provide the right product at the right price, there is a huge market for the small car," said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India.

The company had faced supply constraints through much of the previous financial year, particularly in entry-level models. With production improving, Maruti said volumes of the Alto and S-Presso have increased nearly 2.4 times, helping it address demand that it was previously unable to serve.

Small Cars Only One Part of the Story.

Sales in Bharat markets grew 55%, taking their contribution to 53.2% of total volumes. CNG sales touched a record 78,000 units, SUV sales rose around 57%, e-Vitara bookings doubled, while exports increased 34.3% to 41,914 units.
Bharat accounts for over half of sales.

Demand from smaller towns and semi-urban markets remained a key growth driver.
Maruti reported 55% growth from Bharat markets and said they now account for 53.2% of its sales.

"It is not rural, it is Bharat. That is the right word to be used and we are seeing good traction in Bharat," Banerjee said. The company has spent the past two years expanding its reach beyond major cities, opening nearly one customer touchpoint every day across the country.

CNG Momentum Gathers Pace

At the same time, rising fuel costs continue to push customers towards alternative fuels.

Maruti sold a record 78,000 CNG vehicles in May and said bookings have increased by around 40% in recent weeks. "This month we have done an all-time high sale of CNG vehicles, which is close to 78,000 units," Banerjee said.

In the WagonR, CNG variants now account for nearly half of total sales, reflecting the growing importance of running costs in purchase decisions.

SUV Growth Remains Robust

Maruti's SUV portfolio continued to deliver strong growth.

The company reported SUV sales growth of around 57%, with monthly volumes approaching 54,000 units. Management said products such as the Grand Vitara continue to strengthen its position in the mid-SUV segment. The growth comes as Maruti prepares to expand its SUV portfolio over the next few years in a segment that continues to drive industry volumes.

e-Vitara Gains Traction

Maruti's electric vehicle business is beginning to gather momentum.
The company said bookings for the e-Vitara have nearly doubled, with more than 4,000 bookings received during the last month.

"The booking has increased to almost double, now it is 2X," Banerjee said.
Production remains constrained at around 2,000 units per month until additional capacity becomes available later this year, indicating that demand is currently running ahead of supply.

The e-Vitara has also emerged as an important export product for the company, crossing 35,000 cumulative exports and becoming Maruti Suzuki's third-largest export model after the Fronx and Jimny.

Exports Continue to Outperform

Exports remained another bright spot.

Maruti shipped 41,914 vehicles overseas in May, up 34.3% year-on-year, while cumulative exports for April-May rose 38.6%.

The company exports vehicles to more than 100 countries and said eight of India's top ten exported passenger vehicle models currently come from the Maruti Suzuki stable.

Market Share Recovery in Focus

Maruti's market share stood at 42% in April, and the company expects another strong showing in May as production constraints ease and volumes improve across key models.