The Dalhousie Institute (DI) and Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) in association with Concourz Restorations joined hands to organise the third edition of THE DI EIMG HERITAGE VEHICLE DISPLAY on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
The event was held at the lawn and the courtyard of The Dalhousie Institute where a bevy of 75 heritage vehicles including four and two wheelers were displayed.
The member of DI along with their guests were in for a visual treat as some rare and exotic heritage wheels made the onlookers drool in admiration and envy.
Established in 2020, EIMG has since been anchoring the revival of the heritage motoring movement in Kolkata. Under the leadership of Founder & President Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria (himself a collector & restorer of national repute) and his team, EIMG has been instrumental in organising some of the most widely appreciated and admired heritage motoring events in the city.
These stellar events has provided the much needed impetus to heritage vehicle owners and restorers to pursue their passion with added zest to ensure that these beauties turn up at each event looking their best.
Founded in 1859, The Dalhousie Institute is a venerable social club with a rich legacy and heritage of its own. It was just a matter of time that these two organization – DI and EIMG – came together to create an evening of automobile magic.
This collaboration was made possible with the effort of Mr. Shubhajit Kumar, EIMG Secretary and a collector himself – who acted as the bridge between DI and EIMG.
Kanoria had handpicked 75 heritage vehicles which was part of this grand display. The vehicles were segmented into four different categories namely Vintage Cars, Classic Cars, Indian Heritage Cars and Two Wheelers.
All the vehicles selected for this event were spectacular in their own right with significant historical importance.
Eight vintage Rolls-Royces including a rare Bentley graced the display, which included three Rolls-Royces from the Shrivardhan Kanoria Collection itself.
Other notable cars on display included an ultra rare 1934 SS1 Sports, 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 1931 Chevrolet Big 6, 1937 Opel Cabrio, 1947 MG TC, 1950 Austin 8, 1958 Mercedes Ponton, and 1965 Hillman Imp.
The Thanksgiving Ceremony was conducted by EIMG President Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria wherein the beautiful mementos sponsored by Concourz Restorations were presented to the heritage vehicle owners and other important stakeholders.
In his thanksgiving address Mr. Kanoria said, “I would like to express my gratitude to the committee members of The Dalhousie Institute for their support and cooperation for making this event possible. Special mention to the Club President and Club Secretary. Heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Shubhajit Kumar for being instrumental for this collaboration between DI and EIMG. Lastly thank you to Telegraph T2 and Exide for supporting this event.”
The thanksgiving ceremony was followed by a sumptuous dinner hosted by EIMG President Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria.
Volvo Car India has unveiled the new XC90, at SPL Volvo dealership in Kolkata, with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 1,02,89,900. The new XC90 showcases a suite of advanced technology and refined design elements, further elevating the award-winning and best-selling flagship SUV.
“This iconic SUV has long been a cornerstone of our success, and we are thrilled to unleash the new XC90 onto the Indian market,” stated Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India. “The SUV embodies the pinnacle of Swedish luxury and design, seamlessly integrating innovation and safety, the hallmarks of the Volvo brand. This vehicle delivers unparalleled comfort, spaciousness, versatility, and efficiency. Its refreshed, contemporary exterior design reinforces its commanding presence on the road.”
As with every Volvo, the new XC90 is designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road. It features a robust safety cage and a comprehensive array of active safety technologies, ensuring the protection of occupants and other road users.
Utilizing the radar and front camera, the new XC90 can detect unintentional lane drifts and automatically steer the vehicle back into its lane, preventing potential collisions. It also includes run-off road mitigation and collision avoidance systems that can detect and react to other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.
The new XC90 delivers unparalleled driving experience, characterized by exceptional seating comfort and an upgraded standard suspension. The individual dampers now adapt mechanically to real-time road conditions, optimizing both comfort and stability for a confident and relaxed journey.
The optional air suspension system, working in conjunction with an active chassis, monitors the vehicle, road, and driver 500 times per second to ensure the most comfortable ride. This system allows ride height adjustments, lowering the vehicle by 20mm for improved aerodynamics or raising it by 40mm for challenging terrains. Enhanced insulation further reduces wind and road noise, creating a serene cabin environment.
The redesigned interior of the new XC90 reflects contemporary Scandinavian design, featuring a more horizontal dashboard with premium recycled material decorative panels and new vertical air vents. Enhanced ambient lighting adds to the luxurious ambiance.
A new 11.2-inch central touchscreen with higher resolution and an updated user interface provides seamless access to a range of features, apps, and over-the-air software updates.
“We are thrilled to unveil the new Volvo XC90 at our dealership today,” said Mr. Nikunj Sanwaria, Dealer Principal of SPL Volvo. “This iconic SUV sets a new standard for the luxury auto segment in the Indian market. We are confident that our customers will be impressed with the XC90’s advanced technology, refined interior, and unparalleled comfort. We invite everyone to visit our showroom and experience the magnificence for themselves.”
Since the Beetle, Volkswagen has been enabling affordable mobility for millions of people with compact and likeable cars. Now, with the world premiere of the ID. EVERY11 show car, the German car manufacturer is presenting an entry-level all-electric model. Volkswagen will launch the production version in 2027 – with a starting price of around 20,000 euros. The ID. 2all1 will be launched in the 25,000 euro class as early as in 2026. Both models are part of the new Electric Urban Car Family with front-wheel drive, which is being developed under the umbrella of the Core brand group in the Volkswagen Group. They are based on Volkswagen’s new modular electric drive platform: the MEB with front-wheel drive.
Maximum variety
Attractive mobility in the electric era from Europe for Europe is one of the central pillars of the brand’s plan for the future. With the European launch of the all-electric Urban Car Family from 2026, Volkswagen will offer the most diverse portfolio in the high-volume segment – from efficient combustion-engine models and advanced hybrids to future-oriented all-electric vehicles. Thomas Schäfer: “The ID. EVERY1 represents the last piece of the puzzle on our way to the widest model selection in the volume segment. We will then offer every customer the right car with the right drive system – including affordable all-electric entry-level mobility,” says Schäfer. “Our goal is to be the world’s technologically leading high-volume manufacturer by 2030. And as a brand for everyone – just as you would expect from Volkswagen.”
Focus on people
“In the future model, we talk about Customer Defined Vehicles. The ID. EVERY1 shows that we are putting our customers, their wishes, interests and preferences at the centre of vehicle development more consistently than ever,” says Kai Grünitz, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development. The production version of the ID. EVERY1 will be the first model in the entire Group to use a fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture. This means that the future entry-level Volkswagen can be equipped with new functions throughout its entire life cycle if its users so wish. Even after purchase of a new car, the vehicle can still be individually adapted to their needs.
Characteristic design with charisma and identity
The up! – the immediate predecessor of the ID. EVERY1 – built until 2023 still impresses today with its clear, unmistakable design. The new Volkswagen design language also picks up on characteristic elements in the EVERY1. Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt: “Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible. The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the ‘smiling’ rear. These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to.”
New MEB with electric front-wheel drive
Following the ID. 2all and the sport version ID. Concept GTI, the ID. EVERY1 belongs to the Electric Urban Car Family and is based on the new modular electric drive platform. Thanks to the electric front-wheel drive, the MEB platform offers revolutionary space utilisation and maximum efficiency. The concept vehicle reaches a top speed of 130 km/h and is powered by a newly developed electric drive motor with 70 kW (95 PS). The range is at least 250 kilometres. With a length of 3,880 mm, the ID. EVERY1 is positioned between the former up! (3,600 mm), the ID. 2all (4,050 mm) and the current Polo (4,074 mm). Inside, it offers space for four people and a luggage compartment volume of 305 litres.
The future plan of the Volkswagen brand
With the “Future Volkswagen” agreement, Volkswagen AG agreed with the employee side at the end of December 2024 on a vision that combines economic stability, employment and technological leadership in the field of sustainable mobility. Binding targets and the measures agreed for them form the foundation for key future projects. The Volkswagen brand is pursuing a clearly defined three-phase plan for this:
Catch up
Strengthen competitiveness and expand the existing model range in a targeted manner. Coming next, the Volkswagen brand will give a further preview of the new Electric Urban Car Family in autumn 2025. There will be nine new models by 2027 including the production version of the ID.2all for less than €25,000 and the ID. EVERY1 for about €20,000. Volkswagen aims to become the technologically leading high-volume manufacturer with the safest, most innovative and best-selling cars by 2030.
Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz held a town hall meeting with employees at the company’s Namyang R&D Center, his first such meeting since assuming the role of Hyundai Motor CEO. At the event, Muñoz underscored his commitment to direct communication with employees and that engineers share the common language of data and statistics.
Beginning the town hall, President Muñoz spoke directly about future business plans, emphasizing the importance of Hyundai Motor’s customer-centric philosophy and achieving the highest quality standards to ensure sustainable success amid the rapidly changing business environment.
“As an engineer myself, I have been looking forward to spending time with the outstanding team here at Namyang. I tend to challenge engineers, because I have high expectations for people I care about, like my family,” said President Muñoz.
President Muñoz shared his reflections on his first two months as CEO and outlined Hyundai Motor’s management strategy, future vision, and approach to overcoming key challenges. In relation to electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technology, Muñoz emphasized that Hyundai and its employees can achieve greater success together through advanced technology development and strategic partnerships.
“We will succeed by continuing to deliver beautifully designed, high-quality vehicles with technology that customers want. We must treat our customers as honored guests and provide exceptional service,” he said.
Muñoz also shared his leadership approach, offering insights from his extensive global automotive and mobility industry experience. Since joining Hyundai Motor Company in 2019, he has driven significant growth and profitability, solidifying his leadership in the global mobility industry.
Speaking at the town hall, President and CEO Muñoz said, “It’s an honor to serve our customers, employees, dealers, suppliers and other stakeholders in this new capacity. I’m excited and motivated by the tremendous opportunities for Hyundai around the world.”
Attended by more than 800 employees – including President and Head of Research and Development Division, Heui Won Yang, and Executive Vice President and Hyundai Motor Company Chief HR Officer, Hae In Kim – the hour-long session reinforced the pivotal role the Namyang R&D Center has played in Hyundai Motor’s position as a top three global mobility brand, as well as its importance in the company’s future. The Center plays a key function in leading Hyundai Motor’s differentiated product strategies tailored to the needs of local markets, as well as delivering industry-leading quality, safety and technology innovations.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the 3.47 million-square-meter facility is a comprehensive research and development hub, with world-class capabilities in software development, design and engineering, and vehicle testing and evaluation.
“Namyang, our global center for R&D, has a phenomenal track record of delivering beautifully designed, high-quality, safety-focused vehicles with technology and features that our customers value,” Muñoz commented.
“This is evidenced through Hyundai’s increasing sales, market share, profitability, and industry accolades around the world. I don’t think any brand has won more World Car of the Year Awards than Hyundai in the last few years, and we can trace this back to all the excellent work happening here in Namyang. This is where the magic happens!” he added.
Joining those at Namyang digitally, the town hall was also livestreamed globally to Hyundai Motor colleagues across the world, including at headquarters in Seoul and operations in China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, India, and the Asia-Pacific regional offices in Indonesia and Australia.
The session included an open Q&A, encouraging direct dialogue between leadership and employees. Asked about overcoming the challenge of global EV adoption, Muñoz highlighted the company’s strategic approach:
“We continue to lead the transition to electrification. We understand that this business is based on consumer demand, which is why we continue to invest in hybrid electric vehicles, extended range electric vehicles (EREV), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and vehicles powered by internal combustion. More powertrain choices across our lineup are emblematic of our flexible approach.”
Muñoz took questions on other areas of Hyundai Motor’s global business, including autonomous driving technology, outlining that, “Autonomous driving has incredible potential to make driving safer by drastically reducing accidents, as well as being more convenient and efficient. We are making long-term investments with autonomous driving. Our Advanced Vehicle Platform division is doing a great job leading this internally here in Namyang.”
Closing the event, Muñoz called on all Hyundai Motor employees worldwide to continue striving for excellence, encouraging them to “Stay humble, stay hungry, work hard and always have a customer service mindset – I am here to serve you so we can serve our customers together.”
Kia Corporation’s 2025 Kia EV Day will take place later this month at Tarraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain. The event follows the first Kia EV Day in Korea in 2023 and will showcase the brand’s latest electric models, concepts, and technologies to advance Kia’s global EV leadership in sustainable mobility.
The second Kia EV day will also underscore Kia’s role as a Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) first mover. It presents a vision of a new paradigm in EV usability with vehicles that offer users exceptional flexibility through radical modularity.
Kia’s 2025 EV Day will mark the global debut of the Kia EV4, unveiled in concept form at the brand’s first EV Day, and the Kia PV5, the first of Kia’s dedicated PBV model, displayed as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia will also present the Concept EV2, a compact EV and the newest member of its dedicated EV model family.
Teaser images and video footage that hint at the concept’s styling, along with close-ups of the new models, offer a preview of Kia’s innovative design approach. Each vehicle showcases aesthetics inspired by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, with the visual assets offering a glimpse into the unique characteristics of the Kia EV4, PV5, and Concept EV2.
These three models represent Kia’s bold new electric vehicle strategy. The Kia EV4, Kia PV5, and Kia Concept EV2 feature the brand’s cutting-edge electric platform technology and demonstrate Kia’s clear determination to lead global sustainable mobility in the passenger and business sectors to satisfy customers’ diverse needs everywhere.
Kia will share its overall PBV strategy, providing full details of the business, vision, product line-up, and launch to support the roll-out of the PV5. In addition, the company will also display its game-changing PBV platform. This dedicated battery electric skateboard architecture underpins the brand’s new PBV business by enabling the flexible combination of various types of vehicle bodies.
Key members of Kia’s senior leadership team will take to the stage throughout Kia EV Day. In addition to presenting the EV4, PV5 and Concept EV2, the leadership team will also reveal Kia’s expanded electrification strategy, which is set to transform the global EV market. The event video will be released on the Kia Worldwide YouTube channel in March.
Volvo EX30 Cross Country with Swedish winter cabin
Sweden is home to deep lakes, endless forests, great mountain ranges, some of the harshest winters on the planet – and some of the best and most enjoyable cars ever made. So today Volvo unveils not only the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country, but a whole new experience to go with it.
Revealed today as part of a literal fireside chat including outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven at a secluded winter cabin in the north of Sweden, the EX30 Cross Country is designed for people who want big experiences from their small, fully electric SUV.
It takes the successful recipe of the EX30 and adds rugged ingredients, making it perfect for the growing number of people who want to explore beyond their crowded cities – come rain, come shine, or when everything is covered in snow and ice.
We think that ‘Cross Country’ should be an experience, not just a car, so alongside the EX30 Cross Country we’re also launching a new experience package for customers who buy the car, with access to accessories, gear and information aimed at giving you the full potential to explore the great outdoors.
“We launched our first Cross Country car more than 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”
From city to trail As a small SUV, the EX30 Cross Country is perfect for the city. It is fully electric, with a range of up to 427 kilometres and zero tailpipe emissions, and can be charged from 10-80 per cent in as little as 26 minutes. But it also has several extra features that enable a seamless switch from one natural EX30 habitat to another.
For example, we’ve raised the car higher off the ground compared with the standard EX30, to help you navigate rough terrain more easily. It also has special, bigger wheels, with the option of an 18-inch all-terrain accessory tyre to make those regular countryside outings even easier.
Naturally, the EX30 Cross Country also comes with all-wheel drive, making it more than capable of handling the tough and slippery conditions that are part and parcel of life outside the city.
A style to match ability The first model in our Cross Country range was introduced in 1997. Designed to cope with the demanding Scandinavian climate, Volvo’s Cross Country cars perform in a wide variety of road conditions – from muddy tracks and ankle-deep snow to highway driving – with the comfort and convenience elements that Volvo drivers have come to expect.
While its real-world capabilities come first, the EX30 Cross Country is also designed to excel in more diverse conditions – and to look good while doing so.
The front shield of the car and the boot lid get a special dark colour, with the front featuring a unique piece of artwork showing the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden – an inspiration for many of our designers. Chunky front and rear skidplates as well as wheelarch extensions complete the more rugged look and underline that this car is ready to get out into the wild.
Functional and as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo car Inside, the EX30 Cross Country is highly functional and contains all the clever tech, storage and design that made the original EX30 such a hit from the moment Volvo revealed it. The doors contain large storage compartments, because the company removed the speakers and incorporated them into the soundbar on the dashboard.
A versatile central storage tunnel between driver and passenger can be slid out as a cupholder for your morning coffee or your travel mug, or back if you need to store more things. There’s also a big storage compartment on the floor between driver and passenger. The glove compartment has been placed beneath the centre console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger.
Rear passengers get a neat storage box that slides out from beneath the central tunnel. This box is also removable and washable, so can double up as a waste bin. At the rear, on the boot lid, we included a handy ‘Will it fit?’ guide, so you know exactly how much of your gear you can get in.
Like every new Volvo car, the EX30 Cross Country has Google built in. That means you get a variety of Google products as standard – including Google Maps, one of the best mapping systems in the world. Finding your way to the most remote nature locations was never easier. To make sure you can get straight into a nice warm car, the Volvo EX30 app allows you to precondition your car while you’re still exploring nature.
And naturally, the EX30 Cross Country is as safe as you’d expect a Volvo car to be. Volvo have applied their high standards of protective safety should you need it, but aim to help prevent you getting into a collision in the first place with some clever tech. Braking and steering support will help you avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while a driver-monitoring sensor will give you a nudge if it seems like you are distracted or tired.
Embrace the experience To further bring the Cross Country concept to life, Volvo is also launching a Cross Country Experience, to create concrete, tangible benefits that will help you to embrace your inner explorer even more. This means that EX30 Cross Country owners will benefit from an array of bespoke offers. Think of a dedicated, discounted ‘Cross Country Experience’ package of accessories for your car, which includes a load carrier, a roof basket, 18-inch all-terrain tyres and mudflaps.
“We know that more and more people are seeking ways to get closer to nature,” says Jim Rowan. “This is why with our new Cross Country Experience, we aim to create an entire ecosystem around those models, supporting our customers as they embrace adventure.”
In short, the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country is an all-road car that delivers safety, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring.
At the traditional and exclusive “The I.C.E.” event, to be held in St. Moritz, Switzerland on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, Maserati is ready to “break the ice” and play a leading role with its range and two exclusive world premieres, in the spirit of the “Italian grand touring” and the Trident’s performance.
Maserati is synonymous with Italian luxury all over the world: its iconic heritage and its cars’ performance will be standing out at one of the most glamorous events in the winter season, a showcase amidst the magnificent scenery of the famous frozen lake in the Swiss region of the Engadin, where collectors and enthusiasts come together from all over the world.
The I.C.E. St. Moritz is not only a competition, it is a unique event of its kind, combining culture, entertainment and driving in extreme conditions, serving as an unmissable opportunity for car enthusiasts, collectors and mere fans of the automotive world.
Maserati will be there at the 2025 event, accompanied by the Fuoriserie customisation programme, with two world premieres. All the spotlights will be on the GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges, available with both an internal combustion engine and a 100% electric motor, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard and air suspension, to ensure the utmost performance without sacrificing comfort in full “granturismo” spirit, even in the open air.
The all-wheel drive will excel in driving activities on snowy and icy roads, demonstrating the technological excellence, great dynamic qualities and uncompromising driving pleasure typical of the House of the Trident, even in difficult conditions.
The Grecale range will also be invading the Swiss town, whereas the MCXtrema and the new Maserati GT2 Stradale will emphasise the brand’s racing and competitive DNA to complete Maserati’s inclusion in the event.
In terms of participation in the Concours d’Élégance, some of the brand’s iconic models – sporty and luxurious classics – will go down onto the frozen lake: a Maserati 6CM and Maserati 200 SI will bring out their iconic design amidst the reflections in the snow and ice.
The abbreviation “I.C.E.” indeed refers to the winter magic and the surface of the snow-covered lake where the event takes place, but is also an acronym for “International Concours of Elegance”, where classic Maserati cars will tell the Trident’s story.
The New Nissan Magnite, launched in October 2024, is now making its way to customers in global Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets. Nissan Motor India flagged off the first shipment of close to 2,900 units of the LHD variant of the New Nissan Magnite from Chennai from the Kamarajar Port (KPL – Ennore), India in late January 2025 to select markets in the LATAM region. This underscores Nissan’s ‘One Car One World’ strategy and highlights the Nissan Motor India’s commitment towards expanding its global footprint and transforming India into a global hub for exports.
In February 2025, Nissan Motor India will export over 7,100 units of the New Nissan Magnite in the second wave in February 2025 to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, select markets in LATAM & Asia Pacific region. By end of February, the company will have exported a total of over 10,000 units of the LHD version of the New Nissan Magnite.
Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President of AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President of Nissan India Operations, commented on the milestone, saying, “Nissan Motor India has been diligently working towards expanding its operations and reach, not just within the domestic market but also focusing on exports. In line with our export plans announced last year, we are delighted to begin exports of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets. This is a significant achievement, and we look forward to serving new customers in these regions. The Nissan Magnite has been the cornerstone of our success in both India and global markets, and we are confident that this India-made vehicle will drive our export growth further.”
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The commencement of exports of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite is a proud moment for us, as it aligns with our ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy. The Magnite showcases the best of Japanese engineering combined with local expertise. It reinforces our ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, delivering world-class innovation, safety, and value to customers globally. This also highlights India’s increasing importance as a key manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. Nissan remains committed to its operations in India, as well as to our dealers, partners, and customers. We are on track with the plans we laid out during the launches of the 4th Generation Nissan X-TRAIL and New Nissan Magnite last year.”
Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., said:“The successful production and export of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive markets is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our team and the world-class manufacturing standards at our Chennai plant. This achievement underscores India’s significant role in driving Nissan’s global success and further elevates the reputation of the New Nissan Magnite as a truly global vehicle.”
Manufactured at Nissan’s Alliance JV plant (RNAIPL) in Chennai, the roll-out of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite to global markets underscores India’s crucial role as a global manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. The New Nissan Magnite will now be available in over 65+ global markets, including most LHD markets.
This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products tailored to meet global customer needs. With a growing demand for the ‘Made in India’ New Nissan Magnite, Nissan has showcased its technological innovation and manufacturing prowess to the world once again.
Recently, Nissan Motor India began exporting its recently launched New Nissan Magnite (RHD), to South Africa. In line with the announcement made during the New Nissan Magnite launch, the company rolled out this latest offering from Nissan’s Alliance JV plant in Chennai to global markets, with South Africa becoming the first country to receive the popular SUV from Nissan.
Over 2,700 units of the RHD New Nissan Magnite were shipped from the Chennai port to South Africa market within a month after its global launch in India last year. The New Nissan Magnite remains a testament to Nissan’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, surpassing cumulative sales of 1,70,000 units till date, making a powerful impact in both Indian and global markets since its December 2020 debut.
Škoda Auto entered the highly dynamic Indian market 25 years ago: In January 2000 the Czech car manufacturer laid the foundation stone for its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad until 2022) and was the first Volkswagen Group brand to establish a presence on the local market. The Škoda Octavia became the first model assembled locally. To date, India has become a key market in Škoda’s internationalisation plans, helping the company to effectively leverage existing sales potential in the ASEAN region, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. On behalf of the Volkswagen Group, Škoda Auto has been spearheading all activities in the region jointly since 2018. Today, the brand developed and produces three models locally in India for India, based on the localised MQB A0–IN platform: the Kushaq, the Slavia, and, most recently, the Kylaq compact SUV, which expands the line-up into the popular sub-4-metre segment.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto: “We have built on 25 years of experience in India to make this thriving market the cornerstone of our international growth strategy. With its tremendous talent pool, growing consumer demand, and access to other markets, India is becoming our second pillar outside Europe and helping leverage further sales potential in ASEAN, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region. Škoda has been a notable brand in India since we entered the market with the Octavia in 2001. We now produce in two plants. We have launched three all-new models specifically for India, achieving localization of up to 95 per cent: the Škoda Kushaq, Slavia, and just recently the Kylaq compact SUV, which complement the Octavia and Superb we also sell through a growing dealer network. In the last two years, we have increased customer touchpoints across the country by 35%. India also contributes to the global sustainability goals of Škoda Auto. One plant already runs entirely on green energy, while the plant in Pune expanded its photovoltaic system to deliver up to 30% of its electricity needs. I want to thank all our Indian colleagues for helping power the next stage of our growth, and especially our customers for their trust in our products. With this passion, we can achieve even greater things in the next 25 years!”
The first Škoda model introduced to Indian customers was the first generation of the modern Octavia, assembled from imported parts in rented facilities alongside the construction of the plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Over time, other Škoda models, such as the Fabia, Rapid, and later the Superb and Kodiaq, also attracted the attention of Indian customers.
A decisive step for Škoda in India came in 2018 when the Volkswagen Group entrusted the brand with jointly spearheading all Group activities on the market. As part of this, Škoda was tasked with developing the MQB-A0-IN platform, designed exclusively for the Indian market. The first vehicle built on this platform was the Kushaq, which entered production in Pune in 2021. Just a year later, the Slavia sedan was launched, with its development and manufacturing also carried out in Pune. The latest addition to Škoda’s portfolio for the Indian market is the Kylaq SUV, Škoda’s first model in the popular sub-4-metre segment, accounting for nearly 50% of car sales in the Indian market. The new model received 10,000 orders within just ten days of its launch and will contribute to the brands annual sales target of 100,000 cars in India by 2026.
The quality and reputation of Škoda’s vehicles in India is reflected not only in strong customer interest but also in numerous prestigious awards. For instance, the Škoda Slavia was named India’s Sedan of the Year in 2022 and won Car of the Year 2023 at the Acko Drive Awards.
In the meantime, the Indian market has developed into one of the key markets for Škoda and a strategic hub for the wider ASEAN region, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition to its assembly lines in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and manufacturing plant in Pune, Škoda has established a Technology Centre there. Moreover, in October 2023, Škoda opened a modern logistics facility for the export of components to Vietnam, a market the company entered in 2023.
Sustainable production is a major priority for Škoda, also in its Indian plants: The facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar operates entirely on green energy, while the Chakan plant in Pune is on track to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2030. On top of that, this 500-hectare plant site provides a habitat for more than 300 species of plants, trees and animals. Furthermore, the company is involving local suppliers in India and plays an active role in infrastructure development, supporting education and social initiatives. At its plant in Pune, Škoda expanded its photovoltaic system which is now capable of producing up to 26.6 GWh of electricity annually, covering up to 30% of the site’s electricity consumption.
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) fever is gripping the country ahead of its inaugural day. Volvo Car India has announced its partnership with the league as the Official Luxury Mobility Partner.
The WPBL, conceptualised and created by Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, aims to be a premier sporting and entertainment property that captivates audiences across demographics. The league will feature six teams competing in 48 matches over 10 days, alongside performances from some of India’s most celebrated artists.
Gaurav Natekar expressed his excitement, saying, “We are extremely proud to welcome Volvo Car India to the WPBL family. This partnership is a strong testament to the league’s wide appeal. The promise of high-octane action backed by entertainment makes the WPBL appealing to brands across the board.”
Jyoti Malhotra, MD- Volvo Car India said, “We are stoked to be the Luxury Mobility Partners for the much-awaited WPBL. I am confident that the WPBL will not only captivate Indian audiences but also contribute significantly to the growth and popularity of this dynamic sport in the country. For Volvo Cars, this is a unique platform to connect with discerning individuals who appreciate the blend of performance, luxury, and a passion for life.”
The inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League kicks off on January 24.
Power Drive 