Auto Sector

Tata Motors is poised to reignite nostalgia and reshape its SUV lineup with the much-anticipated return of the Tata Sierra—this time as a contemporary, electric-first vehicle tailored for today’s automotive landscape. Slated for launch in early 2025, the reborn Sierra blends the charm of its legendary predecessor with modern styling, sustainable engineering, and cutting-edge technology. Market speculation suggests a starting price range of Rs. 22 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh, positioning it against premium mid-size SUVs.

Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce its latest premium SUV, the Escudo, with an official launch slated for September 3. Positioned as the flagship offering under the Arena retail network, the Escudo is expected to mark a strategic shift in the company’s SUV playbook. With bold design language, advanced technology, and a focus on performance, the Escudo aims to compete directly in the upper-mid SUV segment.

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer by volume, is setting the stage for a significant push into European markets by the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. After cementing its leadership across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the company is preparing to introduce a tailored portfolio of motorcycles and scooters to cater to European tastes and regulatory standards. This move is part of Hero’s broader ambition to diversify its geographic footprint, reduce reliance on domestic volumes, and establish itself as a truly global mobility brand.

Mercedes-Benz India has announced plans to raise prices by 1% to 1.5% across its vehicle lineup starting September, citing escalating input and operational costs as key drivers behind the decision. This adjustment comes as the luxury auto market navigates global supply chain pressures, fluctuating commodity rates, and evolving customer demand. Despite the modest increase, Mercedes-Benz remains confident that India’s growing appetite for premium vehicles will sustain sales momentum.

Hero Electric has announced a notable reduction in the price of its Vida VX2 electric scooter, lowering it by Rs. 15,000 to a new starting point of Rs. 44,990 (ex-showroom). This strategic move underscores the company’s focus on stimulating demand in India’s evolving electric mobility landscape. As cost remains a decisive factor for two-wheeler buyers, Hero’s decision to make its offering more affordable could accelerate adoption, attract first-time EV consumers, and further intensify competition in the mass-market electric scooter segment.

Kia is strengthening its position in India’s burgeoning electric vehicle market by unveiling a comprehensive EV ecosystem to support its soon-to-launch Carens EV and Clavis EV. This strategic move highlights the automaker’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility and readiness to address consumer concerns around charging infrastructure. By investing in end-to-end solutions—from home chargers to expanding public charging networks—Kia aims to accelerate EV adoption and secure an early advantage in a segment that is poised for rapid growth.

In a decisive stride toward sustainable mobility, Montra Electric, part of the Murugappa Group, has flagged off the delivery of its first batch of 50 electric small commercial vehicles (e-SCVs) to key logistics partners. This initiative is aimed at transforming last-mile delivery networks with zero-emission vehicles, supporting both environmental priorities and operational efficiencies. The rollout underscores Montra Electric’s ambition to carve a strong presence in India’s evolving electric cargo segment, catering to urban and semi-urban logistics demands.

Ather Energy, the Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has reached a major milestone by crossing the one lakh unit sales mark for its Rizta scooter. In celebration, the company has unveiled a new variant of the Rizta S, now equipped with a larger 3.7 kWh battery. This model offers an extended range of 159 km per charge, making it an attractive proposition for urban commuters seeking a practical and affordable electric scooter. Priced at Rs.

In a notable shift in India’s automotive landscape, Hyundai’s Creta has become the best-selling passenger vehicle for June 2025, marking a significant milestone in its 10th anniversary year. With 15,786 units sold, the Creta edged out close competitors like Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire and Brezza, which recorded 15,484 and 14,507 units, respectively. The achievement underscores a broader industry trend: the increasing consumer preference for compact and mid-sized SUVs.