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Mercedes-Benz Expands Goa Network With New Margao Service Facility

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:01:05

.Mercedes-Benz India inaugurated a new service facility in Margao, Goa, on April 17, 2026. Operated by franchise partner Counto Motors, the site marks the brand's first dedicated service center located in the South Goa region.

The Margao facility spans a total built-up area of nearly 8,600 square feet, which includes a covered showroom area measuring around 4,300 square feet. The workshop layout is equipped with four service bays, divided into two dedicated service bays and two supporting bays. The center is equipped to handle periodic maintenance, general repairs, advanced diagnostics, and genuine parts replacement.

Operations at the center integrate several digital systems, including XENTRY, Skyline, OAB, and Digital Service Drive tabs, which are utilized for vehicle diagnostics and providing real-time service updates to customers. The facility also offers warranty support and pick-up and drop services for customer convenience.

The new location serves as Counto Motors' second Mercedes-Benz outlet in the state, supplementing its existing 3S facility located in Ribandar, North Goa. Aakash Khaunte, Director of Counto Motors, stated that the Margao expansion improves accessibility for the growing customer base residing in South Goa. Shekhar Bhide, Vice President of Customer Services at Mercedes-Benz India, noted that the region is a fast-emerging market driven by evolving customer aspirations.

The Goa expansion aligns with broader corporate initiatives for the automaker. Mercedes-Benz has outlined plans to open 20 new dealerships and launch 12 new products across India during the 2026 calendar year.

Mercedes-Benz Faces Investor Heat Over China Recovery Strategy, Reuters Reports

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:38:27

Investors pressed Mercedes-Benz on its China recovery plans at the automaker's annual shareholders' meeting on Thursday, warning that an overly luxury-focused strategy could undermine the German brand's efforts to win back consumers in the world's largest car market, according to a Reuters report.

Like rivals BMW and Audi, Mercedes has lost significant ground in China, struggling to keep pace with fast-moving domestic brands such as BYD, NIO, and Li Auto, all of which offer technology-rich premium vehicles at prices that undercut European incumbents. Reuters reports that Mercedes' China sales fell 19% last year to 552,000 vehicles, with the decline accelerating sharply to 27% in the first quarter of 2026.

At the Stuttgart meeting, investors questioned whether Mercedes was doing enough to meet Chinese consumer standards on technology. Moritz Kronenberger of Union Investment, a top-20 shareholder holding approximately $276 million in stock, argued that the brand's traditional appeal is fast becoming a liability. He also criticised Mercedes for developing new products from the flagship S-Class downward, rather than adopting a more mass-market-led approach in line with Chinese rivals.

Tanja Bauer of Deka Investment, which holds around $191 million in Mercedes stock, flagged what she described as "the risk of an overly narrow focus on luxury" in her remarks to the meeting, Reuters reports.

In response, CEO Ola Källenius pointed to a sweeping product and technology overhaul for China, involving seven new models by 2027, alongside the rollout of advanced driver assistance systems co-developed with Chinese technology firm Momenta. Källenius described the initiative as the most ambitious in the company's history, backed by local development and partnerships. Finance chief Harald Wilhelm set out a medium-term volume target of 500,000 to 600,000 annual vehicle sales in China, a range that would represent a stabilisation of the brand's market position.

The pressure on Mercedes' luxury-first positioning is not confined to China. In India, the brand's dominance in the luxury segment is also showing signs of strain. BMW Group India overtook Mercedes-Benz in quarterly luxury car sales for the first time in more than a decade in Q1 2026, according to VAHAN registration data.

BMW recorded 4,944 units in the January–March period against a combined 4,862 units for Mercedes-Benz India and Mercedes-Benz AG, a narrow but symbolically significant gap. The divergence reflects contrasting strategic choices: Mercedes-Benz India has moved up the value chain, with its average selling price nearing ₹1 crore, while BMW has expanded its reach among first-time luxury buyers through a wider, more accessible portfolio including the iX1 EV.

Mercedes-Benz does retain the No. 1 position for the full financial year FY2026, with 18,160 units against BMW's 17,301, but the narrowing gap suggests that its premium-over-volume approach faces growing competitive pressure in one of the world's fastest-growing luxury car markets.

Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Mobility Opens First Multi-Brand Pre-Owned Car Outlet in Bengaluru

Shruti Shiraguppi — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:12:19

Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Mobility Pvt Ltd (TKSM) on April 17, 2026, inaugurated its first multi-brand pre-owned car retail outlet under the UTrust brand in Whitefield, Bengaluru, marking the company's entry into the certified used-car retail segment.

TKSM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Automotive Solutions Pvt Ltd (TKSAS). The UTrust outlet integrates vehicle sourcing, refurbishment, retail, and service operations under one model, with each vehicle undergoing inspections, refurbishment using genuine parts, and backed by proprietary warranty packages, roadside assistance, and documentation support including RC transfer.

The company has appointed Rajesh Menon as President to lead its strategic growth. TKSM has stated it plans phased expansion across key Indian markets.

Geetanjali Kirloskar, Chairperson and Managing Director, Kirloskar Systems, said: "The inauguration of our first multi-brand pre-owned car retail outlet marks a significant milestone in building a customer-centric automotive retail platform. This initiative is focused on creating long-term value by bringing greater transparency, structure, and customer confidence to the pre-owned car market, while building on the strong foundation established through TServ Select and strengthening a future-ready mobility ecosystem."

Srivats Ram, Director, TSSF Group, said: "The launch of our first multi-brand pre-owned car retail outlet marks an important milestone in reimagining how customers buy and experience used vehicles. This venture is envisioned as a scalable, integrated mobility platform that brings together sourcing, refurbishment, retail, and service to enhance value and support sustainable, capital-efficient growth over the long term. By combining trust, transparency, and convenience, we aim to create a differentiated ownership journey while building a strong foundation for future expansion."

Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd, said: "The launch highlights the growing emphasis on structure and professionalism within the pre-owned car segment. An approach built around certification, defined processes, and service assurance can contribute to improved customer confidence and consistency, while supporting the segment's gradual development across markets."

New Duster drives Renault India volume revival in March with 1,402 units

Ajit Dalvi — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:25:59

Renault India, which has kicked off its new aggressive growth programme starting with the new Duster that marks the company’s return to the fast-growing midsize SUV segment, wrapped up FY2026 with its best monthly wholesales in 35 months.

In March 2026, Renault India dispatched 5,046 units to its dealers, which is a handsome 77% YoY increase (March 2025: 2,846 units) and saw the manufacturer register monthly wholesales of 5,000-plus units after a 35-month hiatus. Before this, March 2023 (5,389 units) was the last time when Renault dispatches had crossed 5,000 units. This strong revival in monthly numbers can be attributed to early consumer interest in the Duster, which is only expected to grow further in the coming months.

According to apex industry body SIAM, Renault India produced 1,864 units of the Duster in March 2026 and dispatched 1,402 units to its dealers. Last month, the company’s plant at Oragadam in Chennai manufactured a total of 5,595 units comprising 3,164 units of the Kiger SUV and Triber MPV, 1,864 units of the Duster and 567 units of the Kwid hatchback. Of the total wholesales of 5,046 units, the Triber was the best-seller with a 40% share (2,011 units), followed by the new Duster (1,402 units, 28% share), Kiger (1,184 units, 23% share) and the Kwid (449 units, 9% share).

In March, the new Duster (1,864 units) accounted for 33% of Renault India’s production and 28% (1,402 units) of its wholesales of 5,046 passenger vehicles which is the highest in 35 months.

Ex-showroom pricing for the third-gen global-spec Duster, which has been extensively re-engineered for the India market, starts at Rs 10.49 lakh through to Rs 18.49 lakh while the on-road sticker starts at around Rs 12.43 lakh, depending on the city. The Duster is powered by 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines, with a strong hybrid powertrain set to join the line-up by November 2026.

While its safety rating has yet to be revealed, Renault claims the midsize SUV has been engineered with a five-star Bharat NCAP score in mind. The Duster’s primary rivals include the midsize SUV market leader Hyundai Creta, Maruti Victoris, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.

The new Duster, which has gone on sale in India, is slated for launch in South Africa and in the Middle East at a later date.

THIRD-GEN DUSTER TO BRING RENAULT BACK IN THE VOLUME GAME

Renault was once perceived as a potential passenger vehicle market disruptor, first with the Duster in 2012 and then with the Kwid in 2015. The company’s volumes peaked in FY2017, when it sold 135,123 units and captured a near-4% market share with these two models. However, new rivals in the form of the Hyundai Creta (launched in July 2015) and Kia Seltos (launched in August 2019) saw Renault India wilt under the pressure. In FY2025, Renault India sold just 37,900 units with its PV market share contracting to 0.88% and in the just-concluded FY2026, the 42,019 units give the company a slightly better 0.90% PV market share

First launched in India in July 2012, the Renault Duster kickstarted the monocoque midsize SUV segment but bowed out a decade later. Over 10 years, the first-generation Duster sold an estimated 199,871 units in India with FY2014 (46,786 units) being its best fiscal year when it had a 9% share of the 525,942 utility vehicles sold in India.

Now, the return of the Duster brand in its latest third-generation avatar promises to bring Renault India back into the volume game. The model’s strong showing in its first month offers a glimpse into its future sales potential, even though the Duster will battle in the fiercely contested midsize SUV segment.

At the Duster’s global reveal in Chennai on January 26 this year, Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Group & CEO Renault brand, had said: “As part of the Renault International Game Plan 2027, we are making India a key pillar of our growth outside Europe. We now have a strong ecosystem in Chennai, bringing together design, engineering, manufacturing, and local operations at the highest level – making India one of the most complete and powerful hubs in Renault's global network. Today, we have the means to fully support our ambitions in Inda, to better understand customer expectations, and to deliver products truly adapted to this market. The new Duster is the first step in Renault's renewal in India.”

On April 16, Renault India unveiled the new ‘FutuREady India’ strategic plan aimed to drive growth both locally and globally while strengthening engineering and manufacturing capabilities to ensure long-term competitiveness for the Renault Group worldwide. This aggressive growth strategy, which aims to make India one of the Renault’s top three global markets by 2030, has begun with the launch of the Duster and will see the rollout of another seven new models and two new architectures spanning electric, hybrid, CNG and ICE powertrains.

(With inputs from Autocar India)

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No Plan to Export Cars to Europe from India, FTA to Boost Tech & Component Flow: Renault's François Provost

Ketan Thakkar — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:47:23

Renault Group will not use India as a base to export cars to Europe, even if a free trade agreement between the two regions materialises, with the company instead positioning the country as a hub for technology, components and engineering.
“In the $2 billion, there is no export of vehicle to Europe,” François Provost told Autocar India, referring to the company’s export target from India by 2030.

Provost said India will still play a key role in Renault’s global plans, but the mix will be different from conventional export models. “I see potential of export from Chennai for vehicle, but I see a lot of potential for parts, components, technologies, R&D,” he said, pointing to a broader, capability-led approach rather than a pure vehicle export strategy.

He was cautious about the idea of shipping cars from India to developed markets, citing external uncertainties. “Exporting cars from India to Europe is not in my plan… I am cautious about it given geopolitics,” Provost said.

Instead, Renault is looking to leverage India’s strengths in engineering and cost-efficient innovation to support its global operations. “What is embedded in our plan is not just cars, but a lot of technologies and components,” he said, highlighting areas such as onboard connectivity and software as key export drivers.
These capabilities, he added, can be scaled quickly across regions that share common platforms. “What the team here will do in terms of connectivity on board… I have the opportunity to export this very quickly to markets like South America, because it is the same platform,” Provost said, underlining the speed and cost advantages India offers.

While backing the India–EU FTA, Provost made it clear that it does not alter Renault’s core approach to the market. “It’s not core in our strategy… what is core is to localise deeply and do India for India,” he said.

Any upside from the agreement, he suggested, would be limited and tactical. “Maybe we could think about a few CBUs to enhance our brand, but it will be just an opportunity,” he added.

For Renault, the takeaway is straightforward. India is not being positioned as an export base for Europe, but as a competitive hub feeding technology, components and vehicles into other global markets where cost and speed matter more.

Greater India Autonomy, New Platforms at the Core of Renault's Revival Plan

Ketan Thakkar — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:40:46

In a decisive shift in strategy, Renault Group is placing India at the centre of its next phase of growth by handing greater autonomy and control to its local management, a move it believes is critical to staging a strong comeback in one of its most important markets.

Renault’s global leadership has acknowledged that earlier structures, driven by global processes, often limited the speed and flexibility needed in India. “During the past years, our organisation was too much scheduled… India-for-India for me means delegation to deliver the product at the speed of India, for Indian people, with accountability,” said François Provost, underlining the shift to a single, integrated leadership model with full local control across the value chain.

A key element of the strategy is a broad-based powertrain roadmap, with Renault planning to offer petrol, CNG, hybrid and electric options across its line-up. The company is aligning its product development to India’s multi-energy reality, where affordability, regulation and usage patterns demand a range of technologies rather than a single transition path.

The 'India-for-India' approach underpins Renault’s broader reset, which includes the rollout of two new platforms tailored for the market. At the entry level, the Renault Group Entry Platform (RGEP) will replace the ageing small-car architecture, supporting a new generation of compact products in the sub-₹10 lakh segment with improved digital capability and flexibility for multiple body styles.

For higher segments, Renault will leverage its CMF-B–based architecture to bring back a renewed SUV line-up, including the next-generation Renault Duster and a three-row derivative aimed at expanding its presence in the mid-size and upper segments. “When Renault localised its strong assets—SUVs, design, modern powertrains, European standards—we succeeded in India. When we do this, we can succeed again,” Provost said, pointing to the company’s earlier playbook as a guide for the future.

In parallel, Renault is sharpening its focus on exports from India, positioning its Chennai operations as a hub for both vehicles and components. The move is aimed at leveraging India’s cost competitiveness and engineering capabilities to serve global markets, while also improving scale and utilisation at its manufacturing base.
While Renault’s product pipeline will address gaps that emerged in recent years, the company’s leadership is clear that the core of its turnaround lies in organisational change. “They are one team, completely focused, with full delegation… this is the main change compared with before,”

Renault to Introduce RGEP Platform to Strengthen Sub-₹10 Lakh Compact Car Portfolio

Ketan Thakkar — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:16:01

Having challenged Maruti Suzuki credibly in the compact car segment over the years, the French car major Renault Group is set to introduce a new Renault Group Entry Platform (RGEP) in India as it looks to reinforce its presence in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment.

The move aims to replace its ageing small-car architecture and enable a new generation of compact products, making Renault one of the only four carmakers with a strong presence in the market, alongside Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Hyundai Motor India.

Renault had earlier carved out a strong position in this space with the success of the Kwid, which disrupted the entry hatchback segment and directly challenged Maruti Suzuki’s dominance, helping the French carmaker establish a credible foothold in India’s mass market. This was further enhanced with Triber MPV and Kiger SUV under its CMF-A platform earlier. With the portfolio getting dated on the old architecture, Renault is reinforcing itself in the segment with the new gen entry platform.

Unveiling the company’s new mid-term plan for India, Renault India Managing Director and CEO Stéphane Deblaise said, “The market is evolving, and our current platform no longer supports capabilities such as factory-fitted CNG, newer powertrains and next-generation digital architecture.”

Deblaise said the shift was driven by evolving customer expectations and the limitations of the current CMF-A platform, which underpins models such as the Kwid, Triber and Kiger.

To address this, Renault is transitioning its entry portfolio to the RGEP, the Renault Group Entry Platform architecture, which will form the backbone of its future offerings under ₹10 lakh. The platform is being engineered to balance affordability with a step-up in technology, connectivity and flexibility.

“With RGEP, we are focusing on delivering stronger value with smarter engineering and a more digital experience for customers in the sub-₹10 lakh space,” he said.

A key focus of the new platform will be multi-powertrain capability, including support for factory-fitted CNG options, updated petrol engines and improved electronic architectures, alongside more advanced infotainment and user interfaces. The architecture is also expected to support MULTIPLE BODY STYLES, allowing Renault to build a wider range of compact vehicles off a single platform.

“Customer expectations in India are changing rapidly, and we need a platform that can support new technologies, multiple powertrain options and enhanced connectivity,” Deblaise added.

The transition is expected to begin with upgrades to existing models, including the Kwid and Triber, with the first set of RGEP-based updates slated to roll out over the coming months.

“This evolution will start coming to life in the coming months through upgrades to our existing products,” he said.

The move marks a critical reset for Renault in a segment it helped shape in India but where competitive intensity has risen sharply, with rivals offering higher feature content, multiple fuel options and sharper value propositions even at entry price points.

RGEP will sit at the base of Renault’s broader India product strategy under its “FutuREady India” roadmap, which is compatible to only petrol and CNG, where it is relying on the larger modular platform, RGMP, which will underpin vehicles electrified powertrains – including internal combustion engine, electric and hybrid powertrain,

For Renault, which is targeting a significant scale-up in India over the next few years, the success of the new entry platform will be central to rebuilding volumes, strengthening its compact car play and regaining traction in one of the most competitive segments of the Indian passenger vehicle market.

(With inputs from Arushi Bhatia)

Renault Targets €2 Billion in Annual Exports from India by 2030, Accelerates Product and Localisation Push

Prerna Lidhoo — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:04:25

Renault Group is sharpening its India strategy with a target to generate €2 billion in annual exports from the country by 2030, even as it lines up its most aggressive product offensive yet with seven new models. Between the two new platforms, the company will have multiple-powertrain capabilities spanning electric, hybrid, CNG and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The strategy rests on four pillars: a seven-model portfolio with full-spectrum electrification, India as a global engineering hub, a strong export play and scaling the country into one of Renault’s top three markets globally. "These four pillars will help us in making india into top 3 renault brand market. We are targeting progressive year-on-year growth in India and are positioning india at the heart of Renault group's global operations," he adds.

The announcement comes close on the heels of the company’s global FuturEReady mid-term plan, with CEO François Provost positioning India at the centre of Renault’s global growth ambitions with a target to make India one of its top three markets worldwide by the end of the decade. “India represents more than one-third of the global market where we operate. Being competitive here will give us strength globally,” he said.

Renault is targeting a 5% market share in India, backed by what it describes as its "largest-ever product renewal cycle."

Seven-model Push Across Powertrains

At the core of the plan is a significant expansion of Renault’s product lineup to seven models by 2030, marking a shift from its relatively narrow portfolio in recent years. The new range will span ICE, hybrid and fully electric vehicles, reflecting a multi-powertrain approach to address diverse customer needs.

The company is aligning this push with its global transformation strategy focused on profitability, localisation and technology-led differentiation. Renault’s strategy combines a dual focus—“India for India” and “India for the world.” While the former emphasises faster, localised decision-making, the latter positions India as a cost-competitive manufacturing and export hub.

Provost highlighted increased autonomy for the India leadership team, led by Stéphane Deblaise, to better respond to the pace and complexity of the domestic market.

At the same time, India will play a larger role in Renault’s global programmes, both as a manufacturing base and an engineering hub.

A key driver of Renault’s scale ambitions will be the introduction of two new platforms—an entry-level architecture fully managed from India for global markets, and a modular platform with significant Indian development input.

The company is targeting localisation levels of up to 90%, aimed at improving cost competitiveness and reducing exposure to global supply chain disruptions.
Central to this strategy is Renault’s Chennai facility, now fully owned by the company following the acquisition of its former alliance plant. The plant has an installed capacity of 480,000 units—nearly three times its current production levels.

“Renault's 100% acquisition of the Chennai RNAIPL plant has been central to its India narrative. The facility has installed capacity for 480,000 units, nearly triple current production. The Bridger SUV will be the first model designed, built, and exported globally from India under the FuturEReady plan,” Provost said.

India is also emerging as a key engineering base for the group, with over 6,000 engineers in Chennai supporting both domestic and global programmes.
Renault’s renewed India push comes as the automaker looks to regain scale after a prolonged period of limited product activity. The planned product expansion, combined with deeper localisation and platform efficiencies, is expected to drive volumes, exports and market share growth over the next five years.

(With inputs from Arushi Bhatia)

Renault Bets on India as Top-Three Market; Targets 5% Share with Seven-Model Line-up by 2030

Ketan Thakkar — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:23:39

Close on the heels of announcing its FuturREady mid-term plan globally - Renault Group CEO Francois Provost has announced its most aggressive product launch plan in India with 7 new models and 2 new architectures that is going to span across, electric, hybrid, CNG and ICE Vehicles.

Addressing the Indian media for the first time, Provost has placed India at the centre of its global growth strategy, with chief executive outlining an ambition to make the country one of the automaker’s top three markets worldwide by 2030, backed by an aggressive product and technology push.

“India represents more than one-third of the global market where we operate. Being competitive here will give us strength globally,” he said, highlighting the country’s young, tech-savvy customer base and value-driven dynamics as key factors shaping Renault’s strategy.

Calling India “one of the fastest-growing and most demanding markets globally,” Provost said the company is targeting a 5 percent market share in the country, underpinned by its largest-ever product renewal cycle.

Seven Models, Multiple Powertrains

At the core of Renault’s India roadmap is a significant expansion of its product portfolio to seven models by 2030, spanning internal combustion engine (ICE), full hybrid, and fully electric vehicles.

The move signals a clear shift from Renault’s earlier narrow line-up to a broader, multi-powertrain strategy aimed at improving market relevance across segments.

The company is also aligning its India strategy with its global “FutuREady” transformation plan for 2030, focusing on profitability, localisation, and technology-led differentiation.

India for the World

Renault’s approach hinges on a dual strategy. The “India for India” pillar focuses on empowering the local leadership team to respond faster to market needs, while “India for the world” positions the country as a global hub for cost competitiveness and exports.

Provost emphasised that decision-making autonomy has been strengthened within the India team, led by Stéphane Deblaise, the Indian CEO to better match the pace and complexity of the domestic market.

At the same time, India is being developed as a strategic export base, with Renault aiming to leverage local manufacturing and engineering capabilities for global programmes.

A key enabler of Renault’s India push will be the deployment of two new platforms. These include an entry-level architecture that will be fully managed from India for global markets, and a modular platform where India will play a critical development role.

The company is targeting deep localisation levels of up to 90 percent, a move aimed at improving cost competitiveness while insulating operations from global supply chain volatility.

Engineering Backbone in Chennai

Renault also underlined India’s growing importance as an engineering and innovation hub. With over 6,000 engineers based out of its Chennai operations, the country already serves as one of the group’s largest global R&D centres.

This capability will be further leveraged to develop new technologies and support both domestic and international programmes.

Renault’s renewed India strategy comes at a time when the company is seeking to rebuild scale after a prolonged period of limited product activity. The planned product offensive, coupled with localisation and platform-led efficiencies, is expected to play a central role in improving volumes and market share.

(With inputs from Arushi Bhatia)

Yamaha Introduces Design Refresh For Fascino Scooter

Dev Vadchhedia — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:27:56

Yamaha Motor has introduced a design update for its Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid scooter. The revision focuses on a more compact silhouette, specifically modifying the rear profile to reduce the overall length to 1780 mm.

The styling updates include a newly sculpted tail section, along with redesigned taillights, flashers, and a Viconic taillight design. Yamaha's research and development team based in India conceptualized these changes, which also incorporate new decals.

The scooter continues to be powered by a 125cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, four-stroke engine. The hybrid system utilizes a Smart Motor Generator, a stop and start system, and enhanced power assist. Standard features include telescopic suspension, a side stand engine cut-off, 21 liters of underseat storage, and compatibility with E20 fuel.

The updated Fascino will be available across Yamaha showrooms, including Blue Square Outlets. Ex-showroom prices in Delhi begin at ₹76,500 for the Drum variant. The Disc variant is priced at ₹88,000, while the Fascino S is priced at ₹95,200. The premium S variant includes a color TFT instrument cluster with turn-by-turn navigation and an answer back function.

The rollout of the updated design aligns with the Fascino reaching a 1.5 million production milestone. The scooter model was originally introduced to the market in 2015.

BYD India to Raise EV Prices by Up to Rs 100,000 From May

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:48:23

BYD India will increase prices across its electric vehicle range by 50,000 to 100,000 rupees from May 1. The revision will apply to the brand's full India portfolio, covering the Atto 3 SUV, eMAX 7 MPV, Seal sedan and Sealion 7 SUV. Current ex-showroom prices run from 24.99 lakh rupees for the entry-level Atto 3 to 54.90 lakh rupees for the top-spec Sealion 7.

People familiar with the development, said the increase was aimed at offsetting higher raw material costs and freight expenses that have been accumulating on the cost of imported models and components constituting BYD's India supply chain.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis, which the International Energy Agency has described as the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, has sharpened those pressures considerably. The effective closure of the waterway, through which roughly 27 percent of the world's seaborne crude oil and petroleum products normally pass, has sent Brent crude surging and pushed war-risk shipping insurance premiums to multi-year highs. The crisis has consequently tightened the supply of industrial inputs with direct bearing on electric vehicle manufacturing.

The Gulf region accounts for roughly 9 percent of global aluminum output and approximately half of all seaborne sulfur trade. Synthetic graphite, the key material for EV battery anodes, is similarly exposed, as it relies on petroleum coke, a refinery byproduct, as its primary feedstock, linking battery supply chain costs to the disruption in Gulf refining. S&P Global Mobility has noted that original equipment manufacturers are absorbing much of that burden for now, though vehicle prices are widely expected to rise as a result.

For BYD in India, those converging headwinds are particularly acute. The brand relies on imported models and components for its local lineup, has over 55 showrooms across the country as of early 2026 and is preparing to expand further with the two new models

Nonetheless, the increase will push acquisition costs higher in a segment where demand has remained relatively steady, but price sensitivity has not receded. The move mirrors a wider pattern taking hold among premium and electric vehicle makers in India, who have been resorting to calibrated price corrections to defend margins as input costs grow increasingly volatile.

Sedans Lead India’s Car Market at Both Ends, Despite the SUV Surge

Anurag Chaturvedi — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:11:57

In a market increasingly defined by SUVs, FY26 delivered a quieter result alongside the obvious one. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire emerged as India's bestselling car, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class led the luxury segment, a reminder that the sedan still draws a meaningful share of Indian buyers at both price extremes.

Maruti Suzuki's Dzire moved 2,28,682 units, a 38.6 percent gain on FY25 and the highest volume of any model in the country, according to Jato Dynamics. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sold 4,350 cars, a 22.3 percent rise that kept it at the head of the luxury table. The two sit at opposite ends of the price ladder, and roughly fifty Dzires sell for every E-Class. Yet each carries similar weight on its parent's books. The Dzire accounts for about 12.5 percent of every Maruti Suzuki sold in India in FY26, and the E-Class for nearly 22 percent of every Mercedes-Benz.

(March 2026 figures cited here are Jato estimates pending the final tallies.)

The wider top-five lists are themselves instructive. The Dzire is followed in the mass-market chart by Tata's Nexon, a compact SUV that grew 42.8 percent to 2,14,930 units, faster than the leader itself. Hyundai's Creta sits third with a 4.3 percent gain to 2,03,150 units, a sign that even the segment's defining mid-SUV is approaching its ceiling. The Ertiga MPV and the Swift hatchback round out the top five, each adding under 5 percent. One sedan, two SUVs, one MPV and one hatchback share the podium, and the spread of growth rates indicates that buyers are not all migrating in the same direction.

The luxury chart is narrower in mix but tells a similar story. The E-Class leads, the BMW iX1 follows with a startling 378.4 percent jump from a small FY25 base of 671 units, and the next three places go to the Mercedes GLE, the Mercedes GLS and the BMW 3 Series. There is no MPV here, no hatchback, only one sedan from each of the two German leaders. Yet the headline holds at the very top of the market as well. The single bestselling premium car in India is a sedan, and a chauffeur-friendly one at that.

The Jato body-type table sharpens the point. SUVs as a category did grow in FY26, by 12.2 percent to 26.52 lakh units. But sedans grew faster, at 15.7 percent, the quickest expansion of any meaningful body type after coupes and convertibles, both of which remain statistical curiosities at fewer than 600 units between them. Hatchbacks, by comparison, crawled up 1.3 percent and micro cars fell 11 percent. Sedans are the body style growing fastest from a base large enough to matter.

Whether the OEMs will act on that signal is another matter. The midsize sedan space, priced roughly between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh, has now contracted to four nameplates, namely the Honda City, the Hyundai Verna, the Volkswagen Virtus and the Skoda Slavia. Hyundai refreshed the Verna in March, and the City, Slavia and Virtus are all expected to receive facelifts in the back half of 2026.

Beyond those updates, no major manufacturer has signalled an intent to enter the segment with a new nameplate. Maruti's only sedan today is the Dzire, well below the ₹10 lakh mark, and the Ciaz has been off the price list for years. In a body style that is outpacing SUV growth, the absence of new entrants begins to look less like discipline and more like a strategic blind spot.

The Fleet Anchor

Part of why the Dzire and the E-Class hold their spots so firmly is that both rest on a structural buyer base that has nothing to do with private aspiration. Maruti's marketing and sales chief Partho Banerjee has previously disclosed that the Tour S, the commercial-registration version of the Dzire, accounted for around 60,000 of the model's 1.6 lakh units sold in FY24, a contribution of close to 40 percent.

The carmaker reopened taxi access to the new-generation Dzire in early 2025, and trade estimates put the fleet share since then at as much as half of the model's volume. The E-Class, sold in India predominantly as a long-wheelbase derivative, has been the bestselling luxury model in the country for several consecutive years on the back of strong chauffeur-driven demand alongside its private-buyer base.

The point becomes obvious the moment a customer opens the Uber app. The cheapest tile, Uber Go, shows a hatchback. The next tier, Go Sedan, shows a sedan. The premium tile shows the same silhouette with a sparkle. At every price point at which an Indian customer is asked to pay for someone else to drive them, the sedan is what they are sold.

That fleet anchor is what makes the headline numbers durable. The SUV is what India says it wants. The sedan is what India still pays to be driven in.

Behind the model-level chart sits a separate story brewing at the brand level, where the OEM rankings have shifted in ways that deserve their own piece. That story is for another day.

VinFast Bets on Zero-cost Ownership Pitch as VF MPV7 Debuts at ₹24.49 Lakh

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:53:12

VinFast has launched the VF MPV7 at a starting price of ₹24.49 lakh, positioning the product as a family-focused electric vehicle backed by an aggressive ownership package designed to eliminate key barriers to EV adoption.

Unveiling the model, Tapan Kumar Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast India, emphasised that the company’s approach goes beyond the vehicle itself to address the broader ownership experience. “When thoughtful design, intelligent features and electric performance come together, they create something truly effective. Today, we are making that experience more accessible than ever,” Ghosh said.

VinFast is entering India’s highly relevant multi-utility vehicle segment with a clear pitch centred on space and shared mobility. “The seven-seater segment holds such importance in the Indian market. It is not just about space, it is about togetherness,” Ghosh said, adding that the MPV7 is “our answer to what customers truly need”.

Built on a 2,840 mm wheelbase, the MPV features theatre-style seating and a focus on making the third row usable, an area where many three-row vehicles fall short. “This is a car where you carry your world along,” he said, pointing to a claimed luggage capacity of up to 1,240 litres.

The model delivers a claimed range of 517 km on a full charge and supports fast charging from 10 to 70 percent in 30 minutes, while premium elements such as 19-inch alloy wheels and full-LED lighting underline its positioning.

VinFast’s India strategy hinges heavily on reducing the perceived risks of EV ownership, and the MPV7 launch reflects that approach. “A vehicle launch is only as meaningful as the ecosystem around it,” Ghosh said, highlighting the company’s focus on building access and support infrastructure.

The company has extended its free charging programme through March 31, 2029 via its partnership with PayGreen. “When the running cost of a vehicle is effectively zero, the conversation about electric ownership changes entirely,” he said.

VinFast has also introduced an ICE-to-EV exchange scheme, enabling customers to trade in conventional vehicles and upgrade with financing support.

A key part of the offering is a value assurance programme, with VinFast committing to a buyback of up to 75 percent. “This programme is designed to address one of the most common concerns around EV ownership, which is resale value,” Ghosh said.

The MPV7 also comes with a comprehensive warranty and service package, including a 10-year battery warranty, seven-year vehicle warranty, three years of free maintenance and roadside assistance for up to seven years. Coverage for paint and suspension is also included. “This cumulative offering makes a best-in-segment complete confidence package for our customers,” he added.

VinFast is simultaneously scaling its physical footprint in India. The company closed 2025 with 35 showrooms and has since expanded to 50 touchpoints. “By the close of 2026, the number will grow to 75, covering distant cities and towns where most of India lives and thrives,” Ghosh said.

On the service front, VinFast is working with partner workshops alongside its dealerships and expects to have more than 230 service points nationwide by 2026.

At ₹24.49 lakh, the VF MPV7 sits at an intersection of electric and conventional MPV segments. While it undercuts premium electric people movers, it overlaps with higher trims of models such as the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Kia Carens.

This suggests VinFast is targeting upgrade buyers seeking a shift to electric mobility without a significant premium over conventional alternatives.

Ghosh indicated that the MPV7 is part of a broader strategy for India. “We are here to offer multiple product options to Indian customers for their varied mobility needs,” he said, adding that the company has “moved past the stage of introductions” and is now focused on building scale.

Nissan Banks on Reserved Capacity to Hold its Ground in India

Anurag Chaturvedi — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:31:04

Nissan has reserved at least 250,000 units of annual capacity at the Chennai plant it no longer owns, Guillaume Cartier, the brand's Chief Performance Officer, said, adding that the arrangement would leave its Indian operations insulated from any fallout of the ownership change.

The facility, which can produce up to 500,000 vehicles a year, is now fully controlled by Renault after Nissan sold its 51 per cent stake as part of a broader restructuring of the Franco-Japanese alliance. The booking extends beyond 2029, Cartier said, with an option to renew for a further cycle. The agreement also fixes a transaction price for vehicles produced under the arrangement, which Nissan hopes will protect the profitability of its Indian operations even as the plant owner assumes day-to-day control of the site.

"From partner, the relationship is becoming customer-supplier," Cartier said of the recalibrated tie-up with Renault, a shift he maintained would not dilute Nissan's presence in the country.

A long lease, however, is not a deed, and the calculus for Nissan rests on whether the reserved-capacity clause and the agreed transaction price can together do the work that equity once did. The arrangement suits both sides for now. Renault gains the volumes needed to push plant utilisation towards 400,000 units a year, against less than 200,000 if it were running the site alone. "Renault is happy. They get economies of scale," Cartier said. Nissan, for its part, retains access to half the plant's capacity without tying up equity.

The sale has drawn some pushback, including from within Nissan's own ranks. "Some Indian people, even our employees said, wow, you let us down," Cartier acknowledged, rejecting the suggestion that the disposal signalled an exit. He pointed to the retention of Nissan's wholly owned captive finance arm in Delhi and its Chennai technical centre, where the company still holds a 49 per cent interest against Renault's 51 per cent, as evidence that the India commitment remains intact. "My aim was, I want to stay in India. I know India will grow," he said.

The product pipeline forms the backdrop to the plant renegotiation. From a single-model presence built around the Magnite sub-compact SUV, Nissan is moving to a four-vehicle line-up within a year. The Gravite has been launched, the Tecton midsize SUV is due in June, and a further model is in development. Market coverage, Cartier said, is rising from under 20 per cent of segments to close to 70 per cent, backed by several hundred million dollars of investment. A dedicated R&D centre in Chennai, he added, would support faster life-cycle actions in a market where, in his words, "what is new, do not stay new for long."

Cartier conceded that India, a 4.7 million-unit market, remains a modest contributor to group EBITDA and that its infrastructure lags China's. He argued, however, that the demographic base and the still-low rate of four-wheeler penetration, with buyers moving up from two-wheelers accounting for more than half of new car sales, made a longer view worthwhile. How much of that growth Nissan can claim will now depend less on the factory it once owned than on the terms it negotiated on the way out.

JLR Q4 Sales Recover Sequentially After Cyber Disruption; FY26 Volumes Decline

Arunima Pal — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:02:01

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reported a quarter-on-quarter recovery in sales for the fourth quarter of FY26, following production disruptions caused by a cyber incident earlier in the year, although full-year volumes remained lower due to multiple headwinds.

Wholesale volumes for the January-March quarter stood at 95,300 units (excluding the Chery Jaguar Land Rover China joint venture), declining 14.5% year-on-year but rising 61.1% compared with the preceding quarter. The sequential increase reflects a return to normal production levels after the cyber-related stoppages.

For the full financial year FY26, wholesale volumes were 307,900 units, down 23.2% from the previous year. The decline was attributed to external factors including US tariffs, weaker demand in China, and the planned wind-down of legacy Jaguar models ahead of a new product launch cycle, in addition to the cyber incident.

Retail sales in the fourth quarter totalled 92,700 units (including the China JV), marking a 14.3% year-on-year decline but a 16.2% increase over Q3 FY26. Full-year retail volumes came in at 352,300 units, down 17.8% compared with FY25.

Regionally, wholesale volumes in Q4 declined across most markets except Europe, which recorded a 4.1% increase. Volumes fell in the UK (down 23.1%), North America (down 19.0%), China (down 29.8%), overseas markets (down 7.9%) and the Middle East and North Africa (down 2.4%). Retail sales also declined across all regions during the quarter.

JLR faced a significant cyber incident in late FY26, which disrupted key IT systems and forced temporary production stoppages across several facilities. The attack affected supply chain coordination, order processing and manufacturing operations, leading to a sharp sequential decline in volumes during the quarter. While the company did not disclose detailed specifics of the breach, it confirmed that remediation measures were implemented to restore systems and secure operations.

JLR’s product mix continued to shift towards higher-end models, with Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender accounting for 77.1% of total wholesale volumes in Q4 FY26, up from 66.3% a year earlier. For the full year, these models contributed 76.5% of wholesale volumes, compared with 67.8% in FY25.

The company will report its detailed fourth-quarter and full-year financial results in May 2026.

Indian Auto Industry Concludes FY26 at Historic Highs as March Shipments Surge

Sreejith Rajan — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:00:10

The Indian automobile sector ended the 2026 financial year on an unprecedented high, with both factory dispatches and retail registrations shattering previous records. Data released concurrently by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reveals that March 2026 witnessed broad-based, double-digit growth, capping off a historic fiscal year that pushed total retail sales tantalizingly close to the three-crore milestone.

In the passenger vehicle segment, wholesale dispatches reported by SIAM surged by 16.0% year-on-year to reach 4,42,460 units. This strong factory output was seamlessly absorbed at the dealership level. Earlier in the month, FADA had reported that passenger vehicle retail sales hit 4,40,144 units for the month, representing a stellar 21.48% growth. FADA also reported PV inventory levels at 28 days.

The two-wheeler market, traditionally a vital barometer for the broader economy, delivered an explosive performance. Automakers dispatched 19,76,128 units according to SIAM, a 19.3% jump heavily fueled by a nearly 30% spike in scooter demand. On the ground, retail registrations were even more impressive. FADA data showed two-wheeler retail sales soared by 28.68% to 19,51,006 units in March.

Commercial and three-wheeler segments echoed this positive sentiment. SIAM noted a 21.4% increase in three-wheeler domestic wholesales to 76,273 units, while actual retail registrations tracked by FADA stood at 1,09,777 units, a 10.52% rise.

Numbers for the financial year show a dramatic, mid-year turnaround. FADA characterized fiscal 2026 as a "two-phase" year. The period from April to August remained noticeably muted, weighed down by consumer caution and uncertainty surrounding the transition to the GST 2.0 framework. However, the September to March window saw a decisive upshift as the implementation of GST 2.0 ultimately improved affordability, lifted consumer sentiment, and triggered an unstoppable retail momentum.

SUMEET SSG to Equip 1,756 Maharashtra Ambulances with Spencer India Emergency Medical Equipment

Shruti Shiraguppi — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:54:15

SUMEET SSG on Monday announced a partnership with Spencer India, the Indian arm of Italy-based Spencer Italia S.r.l., to supply emergency medical equipment across all 1,756 ambulances operating under Maharashtra's MEMS 108 emergency medical services network. The equipment — including stretchers, evacuation systems, immobilisation devices, and oxygen delivery systems — is certified to European standards. Deployment will be phased over multiple years.

SUMEET SSG BVG Maharashtra EMS is a joint venture between Sumeet Group, BVG India Ltd., and SSG Transporte Sanitario of Spain, established in 2024 to operate statewide emergency medical services under a 10-year PPP-DBFOT model with the Government of Maharashtra.

Summit Salunke, Chairman, SUMEET SSG, said, "Our partnership with Spencer marks a defining moment for emergency medical services in India. MEMS 108 is not just a fleet; it is a complete life-saving ecosystem. By integrating globally proven equipment, we are ensuring that every ambulance in Maharashtra meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and clinical excellence."

Manish Malik, MD, Spencer India, said, "The partnership will be carried out over a multi-year period, with phased deployment beginning in the near term and full fleet integration expected in subsequent phases, positioning MEMS 108 among the first state-wide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) networks in India to adopt a fully European-standard pre-hospital care ecosystem at scale."

The equipment package includes advanced and scoop stretchers, transport chairs, neck and spine immobilisation systems, patented rescue and evacuation systems, oxygen delivery systems, and PPE kits. Spencer India is part of Spencer Italia S.r.l., which manufactures emergency medical equipment across more than 160 countries.

Record EV Sales in Europe in March Driven by Surging Petrol Prices, Reuters Reports

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:25

Rising fuel costs triggered by the ongoing war in Iran have pushed European car buyers toward electric vehicles in significant numbers, with March 2026 marking a record month for EV sales on the continent, according to a Reuters report citing data from consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI).

BMI data showed that registrations of new battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars rose 3% year on year globally to over 1.7 million units, with Europe recording a 37% jump to an all-time monthly high of nearly 540,000 EVs sold. Reuters notes this also marked the first month of global EV sales growth in 2026.

The war in Iran, which broke out on February 28, disrupted a key shipping route carrying roughly 20% of global oil supplies, prompting governments worldwide to cap fuel prices to shield motorists from soaring costs. Despite these measures, the fuel price shock appears to have accelerated consumer interest in electrified vehicles.

The trend was visible across both new and used car markets. The average cost of petrol in the European Union rose 12% to €1.84 per litre between February 23 and March 16, according to European Commission data. In Germany, registrations of pure electric cars rose 66% in March 2026 compared to a year earlier to nearly 71,000 units, pushing EVs' share of all registrations to 24% — overtaking petrol cars, whose share fell below 23%.

In the used car segment, German platform mobile.de told Reuters that the share of EV searches on its website tripled since the start of March, from 12% to 36%, while car dealers received 66% more enquiries for used EVs compared to February. Similar patterns were reported across France, the Nordics, and other European markets.

BMI data manager Charles Lester told Reuters that while car registrations lag sales, a significant portion of the March surge could be attributed to the rise in petrol prices.

Nissan Unveils Long-Term Vision, to Cut Global Model Lineup by Nearly 20%

Shruti Shiraguppi — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:20:05

Nissan Motor Co. has announced a sweeping long-term strategic direction centred on streamlining its global product portfolio and integrating artificial intelligence across its vehicle lineup, according to Reuters.

During a press conference, the automaker revealed plans to reduce its global model range from 56 to 45 models, phasing out low-performing nameplates and redirecting investment toward growth areas. Around 80% of the company's volume will be consolidated under three core vehicle families built on shared platforms.

Central to the new vision — dubbed "Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life" — is Nissan's push into AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDV). The company aims to deploy its AI Drive Technology across 90% of its lineup over the long term, with the new Nissan Elgrand set to be the first model to feature next-generation ProPILOT with end-to-end autonomous technologies, expected by the end of fiscal year 2027.

On the sales front, Nissan set ambitious targets of reaching one million units annually in both the United States and China by fiscal year 2030, alongside 550,000 units in Japan. The company also announced plans to leverage China as an export base, with its N7 electric sedan heading to Latin America and ASEAN markets, and the Frontier Pro pickup truck bound for the Middle East.

New model highlights include the all-new Rogue Hybrid e-POWER, the confirmed return of the Xterra, and the all-new Juke EV. The INFINITI brand was also reaffirmed as a key pillar of the global strategy, with new and refreshed models in the pipeline.

Nissan added that a progress update on its ongoing Re:Nissan restructuring plan will be provided alongside its full-year financial results next month. The Re:Nissan plan, launched under President and CEO Ivan Espinosa, has focused on reducing fixed costs, rationalising production capacity, and restoring profitability.

The company has faced sustained pressure from weakening sales in China — once a key growth engine — alongside intensifying competition from domestic EV manufacturers in that market. In parallel, Nissan has had to navigate the fallout from its failed merger discussions with Honda, though Espinosa has indicated that selective collaboration with Honda — including in India — remains a possibility.

In India, Nissan currently leans on its alliance with Renault for platform sharing and manufacturing, with production at Oragadam underpinning both domestic sales and export targets of over 200,000 units combined. The company has recently added the Gravite to its portfolio alongside the Magnite, and is preparing to launch the Tekton B-SUV and a three-row C-SUV — both on Renault's Duster architecture — to address the long-standing gap in its India lineup.

The new long-term vision is positioned as a move beyond crisis management, with the model consolidation and AIDV push framed as structural measures to improve per-model volumes, reduce development costs, and sharpen the brand's competitive positioning across its lead markets.

New Nissan Gravite sells 2,603 units since launch, outsells Renault Triber in March

Ajit Dalvi — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:57:38

The Gravite compact MPV, Nissan Motor India’s newest model launched in mid-February, has sold 2,375 units in March 2026. This, along with the 228 units in February 2026, takes total Gravite factory dispatches (wholesales) since launch to 2,603 units. Customer deliveries of the Gravite commenced last month.

In March, the Gravite (2,375 units) outsold the Nissan Magnite compact SUV (2,033 units) by 342 units to be the company’s No. 1 model and had a 54% share of the 4,408 Nissans sold last month.

Importantly, last month, the Nissan Gravite, which is the badge-engineered avatar of the Renault Triber, outsold the Triber (2,011 units, up 30% YoY) by 364 units. Nissan India will be hoping the Gravite, which is currently the most affordable MPV in India (priced Rs 11,000 lower than the Renault Triber’s Rs 576,000), maintains the same sales momentum this year and beyond. The introductory pricing though is applicable only to the first 5,000 bookings and is likely to increase in future.

The launch of a brand-new model has clearly had a positive impact on Nissan Motor India’s monthly market performance, what with March 2026 wholesales being the company’s highest monthly domestic market dispatches in the last five years. In FY2026, Nissan Motor India sold a total of 24,300 units, down 13% YoY (FY2025: 27,881 units), which gives the new Gravite an 11% share of the company’s wholesales in less than two months of its launch.

The Gravite, like the brilliantly packaged Renault MPV, comes with practical three-row, flexible (5+2 configuration) seating and family-oriented features aimed to draw affordable MPV buyers.

The Gravite, like the brilliantly packaged Renault Triber, comes with practical three-row, flexible (5+2 configuration) seating and family-oriented features aimed at drawing buyers in the affordable MPV segment.

The Gravite, based on the same CMF-A platform which spawned the Renault Triber, is powered by a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that develops 76hp and 95 Nm torque and comes paired with either a five-speed manual or five-seat AMT transmission. Nissan India claims the Gravite delivers mileage of 19.3kpl and 19.6kpl in AMT guise.

On the features front, the Nissan Gravite gets a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, push-button start/stop and manual AC with vents for the second and third rows. Gravite users also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start/stop, cruise control, automatic LED headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. In terms of safety, the Gravite gets six airbags, ABS, traction control, hill-hold assist, TPMS and rear camera.

On April 6, in a strategic move aimed at showcasing its readiness to achieve new growth, Nissan Motor India announced the opening of 54 new customer touchpoints across the country in the first quarter of CY2026. They comprise a mix of 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts), 2S and 1S facilities.

Will the Gravite compact MPV, which is to be joined by the Renault-Duster-based Nissan Tekton midsize SUV in mid-2026, build gravitas for the Nissan Motor India in the competitive Indian utility vehicle market in FY2027and beyond? It’s early days yet . . . so stay tuned to Autocar Professional as we keep you regularly updated on the sales trends.

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