Skoda-Volkswagen Revises EV Plans For India, Citing Infrastructure & Market Challenges

Skoda Volkswagen adjusts EV targets for India, citing infra & market limitations

The electric vehicle landscape in India is evolving but the growth has not been as rapid or uniform as initially expected. While hybrid vehicle adoption is steadily increasing, EVs still face hurdles, leading automakers to recalibrate their strategies. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is among the manufacturers realigning their electric mobility roadmap based on these market realities.

Jan Bureš, Executive Director for Sales, Marketing and Digital at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, recently shed light on the company’s updated approach in an interaction with Mint. He emphasised that India is not entirely ready for mass EV adoption yet, highlighting the gaps in infrastructure, consumer readiness and overall ecosystem development.

Previously, Skoda Volkswagen aimed for a significant 30% EV market share in India by 2030. That target has now been revised to a more modest 18% penetration, which industry experts believe is more realistic. Independent market projections for small car EV penetration currently hover around 13-15%, further validating this recalibration.

Bureš explained that India’s charging infrastructure remains insufficient and the enthusiasm for EVs is not as widespread as anticipated. Most current EV buyers, he noted, are focused on cost savings rather than aspirational or premium electric models. According to him, true market scale will only be achievable when charging infrastructure matures, customer mindsets shift and competitive pricing becomes possible.

Despite these challenges, the Volkswagen Group is not stepping away from EV development. The company continues to test EV prototypes under the Skoda brand and remains committed to meeting upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. Skoda Volkswagen’s first EVs for India are still in the pipeline, though the company appears to be placing stronger emphasis on the premium end of the market, aligning with its global positioning.

Bureš also commented on the group’s evolving stance on hybrid vehicles. Historically, Volkswagen has been hesitant to adopt hybrid technology. However, the company is now considering hybrid offerings to meet regulatory requirements. Bureš personally believes that hybrids, which combine electric motors with traditional engines, compromise on space and efficiency, suggesting he would prefer either a conventional internal combustion engine or a full EV.

India’s government is exploring potential incentives for hybrid vehicles, which could encourage broader adoption. However, this may inadvertently slow down investments in EV infrastructure, delaying the country’s overall transition to electric mobility. From a consumer perspective, hybrids offer practical benefits, such as reducing range anxiety and providing a smoother transition from petrol or diesel vehicles.

As the market evolves, manufacturers like Skoda Volkswagen are carefully navigating between regulatory pressures, consumer demands and infrastructure limitations to shape their mobility strategies for India.

Source

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4 Upcoming Tata Compact SUVs For Under Rs. 10 Lakh In India

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Here we have listed the 4 Upcoming Tata compact SUVs that are expected to arrive over the next couple of years

Tata Motors is preparing for a wide-ranging revamp of its passenger vehicle lineup, combining new additions with updates to models already on sale. Nearly 30 new launches are being lined up till the end of the decade. As part of the strategy, seven entirely new nameplates are under development.

As for the volume space, the compact SUV segment will be given plenty of focus as four new launches are likely in the pipeline and here we have explained them:

1. All-New Tata Nexon:

Representational

Tata Motors is said to be working the third generation Nexon internally known by the Garud as well. The new model may sit on an extensively reworked version of the existing architecture. Both exterior styling and interior layout will likely undergo a complete overhaul – mirroring the newer design direction seen across Tata’s latest product range. The equipment list will be upgraded too as panoramic sunroof and a Level 2 ADAS suite could be made available.

2&3. Updated Tata Punch & Punch EV:

Tata seems to be moving ahead with mid-life revisions for its Punch lineup. The standard petrol-powered version has already been spotted undergoing testing on public roads, suggesting a comprehensive round of visual and equipment upgrades. Several of the upcoming feature enhancements are expected to mirror those already offered in the Punch EV.

Tata H2X concept

On the mechanical front, the ICE version is expected to continue with its 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine. The facelifted Tata Punch EV could receive a handful of features found in the Nexon EV along with a larger battery pack with enhanced range capabilities.

4. Tata Scarlet:

Sierra EV Concept

Tata appears to be developing a compact SUV that draws visual inspiration from the Sierra and it may arrive under the name Scarlet. Featuring a distinctly boxy stance, the SUV is expected to mirror the upright proportions of the Sierra but in a smaller footprint but could use the same platform as the IC-engined Curvv. Both petrol and diesel engines will be offered while the talks of an electric iteration cannot be ruled out either.

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Top 10 EV Brands In India – Tata, MG, Mahindra, Hyundai, BYD

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Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, backed by wide and fast-growing line-ups, secure high ranks among India’s most popular electric car brands in June 2025

Electric cars are gradually penetrating deeper into the Indian auto market. June 2025 was a great month for these zero-emission models, with local brands bringing most of the growth. According to data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), 13,178 electric cars were sold in India in June 2025. Once again, Tata Motors was the no.1 player in this category. The company sold 4,708 electric cars last month, registering a month-over-month (MoM) growth of 8.21% (May 2025: 4,351 units) and a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 2.48% (June 2024: 4,594 units).

JSW MG Motor was in the second position in June 2025, having sold 3,972 electric cars. The joint venture between JSW Group and China’s SAIC Motor recorded just 5.50% MoM growth (May 2025: 3,765 units) but a whopping 168.38% YoY growth (June 2024: 1,480 units), mainly due to the MG Windsor.

Ranking third, Mahindra & Mahindra also saw a healthy growth in June 2025. The company shipped 3,029 electric cars last month, marking a decent 15.08% MoM growth (May 2025: 2,632 units) but a phenomenal 523.25% spike from the same month a year ago (June 2024: 486 units).

Also Read: 2 New Electric MPV Launching This Month – Battery Pack, Range, Features

Elctric Car Sales (OEM)	June 2025	June 2024
1. Tata Motors (2.48)	4,708	4,594
2. JSW MG (168%)	3,972	1,480
3. Mahindra (523%)	3,029	486
4. Hyundai (712%)	512	63
5. BYD (95%)	476	243
6. BMW (275%)	214	57
7. PCA (-66%)	80	238
8. Mercedes Benz (95%)	94	48
9. Kia (156%)	41	16
10. Volvo (-54%)	22	48
Others (-40%)	30	50
Total (79%)	13,178	7,233

Hyundai’s Creta Electric hasn’t had the kind of impact the market was expecting. Despite the locally manufactured model in showrooms now, Hyundai sold just 512 electric cars in June 2025, which brought it to fourth position on the sales chart. That was a 15.51% decline compared to May 2025 (606 units) but a solid 712.70% YoY growth over June 2024 (63 units), back when the company had only the expensive Ioniq 5 in showrooms.

The fifth highest sales in June 2025 came from China’s BYD, with 476 electric cars delivered. The company saw a 3.64% MoM decline (May 2025: 494 units) but a superb 95.88% YoY growth (June 2024: 57 units) last month. Next up was Citroen, which delivered just 80 units of its only electric car available in our market – the e-C3.

Also Read: New Hyundai Small Electric SUV Coming With Tesla-Like Infotainment System

Mercedes-Benz with 94 units, Kia with 41 units, and Volvo Cars with 22 units took the seventh, eighth, and ninth spots, respectively. Other brands cumulatively contributed 30 units to the total of 13,178 electric car sales.

The post Top 10 EV Brands In India – Tata, MG, Mahindra, Hyundai, BYD appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Amit Rawat.

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Top 10 SUVs June 2025 – Creta, Brezza, Scorpio, Nexon, Hyryder, Fronx

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In the table for top 10 SUVs in June 2025, Hyundai Creta led the way ahead of Brezza, Scorpio, Nexon, Punch and others

The latest sales data for June 2025 reveals a reshuffling in the compact and midsize SUV order with several models slipping down the pack despite being long-time segment favourites. While Hyundai’s Creta continued to hold on to the top spot, it did so with a marginal decline, registering 15,786 units – a drop of 3 per cent compared to June 2024.

It was a similar story for the Tata Nexon which slipped by 4 per cent to 11,602 units, holding fourth position. In contrast, Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza recorded a healthy 10 per cent year-on-year gain, finishing in the second place with 14,507 units sold. Mahindra’s Scorpio also saw a 4 per cent rise, registering a strong third place in the table.

Meanwhile, the Tata Punch took a steep hit, down by 43 per cent to 10,446 units. A year ago, the Punch had outsold most others, but now it has dropped to fifth. Maruti Suzuki’s Fronx held its ground with 9,815 units – a marginal 1 per cent improvement over the same period last year. That was enough to keep it in sixth.

Also Read: 5 All-New Maruti Suzuki SUVs You Should Wait For In India

Pic Source: SK Gupta Physio

Rank	Top 10 SUVs	June 2025 Sales	June 2024 Sales
1	Hyundai Creta (-3%)	15,786	16,293
2	Maruti Suzuki Brezza (10%)	14,507	13,172
3	Mahindra Scorpio (4%)	12,740	12,307
4	Tata Nexon (-4%)	11,602	12,066
5	Tata Punch (-43%)	10,446	18,238
6	Maruti Suzuki Fronx (1%)	9,815	9,688
7	Mahindra Thar (77%)	9,542	5,376
8	Toyota Hyryder (75%)	7,462	4,275
9	Mahindra XUV 3XO (-17%)	7,089	8,500
10	Hyundai Venue (-31%)	6,858	9,890

Mahindra, however, had more than one reason to smile. The Thar posted a sharp 77 per cent jump in sales to 9,542 units, driven by growing demand for the Thar Roxx model. Currently, the brand is preparing a mid-cycle update for the lifestyle off-road SUV in its three-door avatar ahead of its market launch in early 2026.

The Toyota Hyryder also climbed dramatically, up 75 per cent year-on-year with 7,462 units – likely representing increasing buyer interest in hybrids. On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV 3XO experienced a dip of 17 per cent, closing the month at 7,089 units but the recent expansion of its range, courtesy of the REVX series, could help draw in more buyers in the coming months.

Also Read: 5+ All-New Hyundai SUVs Waiting To Launch In India – Hybrid, EV, ICE

Rounding off the list was Hyundai’s Venue which saw a 31 per cent decline and managed to post a domestic tally of only 6,858 units – a sharp fall that pushed it to tenth spot.

The post Top 10 SUVs June 2025 – Creta, Brezza, Scorpio, Nexon, Hyryder, Fronx appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.

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Land Rover Defender OCTA Black Revealed

Land Rover Defender OCTA Black Revealed, Gets Gloss Black & Satin Black Highlights

Land Rover has revealed the Defender OCTA Black. It is a dark edition, similar to the Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition, featuring black accents throughout the exterior as well as the interior. It is the more aggressive version of the Defender OCTA, which is launched in India at Rs. 2.59 crore (ex-showroom).

Styling

The Defender OCTA Black, as the name suggests, features 30 different elements finished in either a gloss black or satin black shade. The exterior has a Narvik black shade. Dark elements include front scuff plates, rear scuff plates, gloss black quad exhaust tips, and darkened silver script elements.

Land Rover offers the choice of 20-inch forged alloy rims or 22-inch gloss black wheels made of X material, with black centre caps and shadow atlas Defender script details. Additionally, there are gloss black callipers with Defender badging in sentient silver on each wheel.

Interior

On the inside, the black theme continues with an Ebony Semi‑Aniline leather upholstery with the use of Kvadrat for the performance seats. The seats have unique quilting and stitching details on the backrests, with a Carpathian Grey shade for the seat back and armrest hinges. Additional elements include a satin black powder-coated crossbar beam, black switchgear, and a black steering wheel.

Features

Additionally, the interior can be optioned with carbon-fibre veneers. The Defender is equipped with a 13.1-inch infotainment system, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interior is loaded with features like Body and Soul Seats (BASS).

Engine

The Defender OCTA Black is powered by the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with mild-hybrid technology. It produces 635 HP and 760 NM of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Performance & Suspension

The SUV sprints from 0-100 Km/hr in just 3.8 seconds, up to a top speed of 250 Km/hr. The Defender OCTA Black has 6 dynamics suspension, improving the ride quality of the off-road centric SUV.

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New Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Z UG Launched At Rs. 1.92 L – More Power, More Features

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Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Z UG boasts increased performance, higher top speed, quicker acceleration and updated features

Following the arrival of the updated Dominar series, Bajaj Auto has upgraded its most powerful Pulsar with more than just a bump in performance. The NS400Z UG has arrived in the market at an ex-showroom, Delhi price of Rs 1.92 lakh, featuring sharper throttle behaviour, quicker acceleration times, hardware upgrades and added electronic systems with a price bump of just over Rs. 7,000.

Power from the 373 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine has increased from 40 PS to 43 PS with the peak arriving at 9,000 rpm. While the torque output remains at 35 Nm, it now peaks slightly higher in the rev band at 7,500 rpm. Bajaj has lifted the redline to 10,700 rpm in Sport mode, 1,000 rpm higher than before while Road, Off-road and Rain modes cap out at 10,300 rpm.

As a result, the 0 to 60 kmph time has improved from 3.2 seconds to 2.7 seconds and the sprint to 100 kmph now takes 6.4 seconds, down from 7.5 seconds. The overall top speed has gone up from 150 kmph to 157 kmph as well while the fuel economy figures continue to stay the same at 28 kmpl according to the brand despite the performance increments.

Also Read: Updated 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400, 250 Launched At Rs. 1.91 Lakh

Apart from engine calibration, there are mechanical tweaks as well. The new Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Z UG now features a wider 150 section steel radial tyre at the rear and replaces the front bias-ply with a radial unit for better grip and ride feel. The braking system uses sintered pads up front, resulting in stopping distances shorter by up to 7 per cent. Bajaj’s proprietary Sport Shift system (bi-directional quickshifter) which enables clutchless full-throttle gearshifts in both directions has been introduced as part of the update.

Amidst these upgrades, the chassis remains unchanged with the same twin-spar steel perimeter frame and the motorcycle’s kerb weight stands identical at 174 kg. It runs on 17-inch wheels with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyre sizes. Suspension travel remains at 120 mm at the front and 130 mm at the rear. Seat height is set at 805 mm, ground clearance at 165 mm and the fuel tank holds 12 litres for the naked machine.

Also Read: Bajaj Auto Records Nearly 3 Lakh Unit Sales In June 2025

The braking setup comprises a 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc complemented by a dual-channel ABS system. It returns a power-to-weight ratio of 247 PS per ton. Considering the price, the updated NS400 Z UG is a bang for buck on paper and it also undercuts rivals such as Hero Mavrick 440 and TVS Apache RTR 310 in terms of performance big time.

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Maruti Suzuki Nexa Cars July 2025 Discounts – Vitara, Fronx, XL6, Baleno, Invicto

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Maruti Suzuki is offering discounts of up to Rs. 2 lakh on its Nexa cars in July 2025; Grand Vitara strong hybrid gets the highest benefits

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has revealed the discount offers for its Nexa range ahead of the festive season. In the month of July 2025, the benefits extend up to Rs. 2 lakh along with other benefits such as free extended warranty, special editions at no extra cost and additional upgrade bonus. Let’s have a look at detailed discount offers on Maruti Suzuki Nexa cars in July 2025.

To begin with, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis gets benefits of up to Rs. 62,100 this month which includes Rs. 30,000 cash discount. The AGS variants of the Ignis get the highest discounts. The hot-selling premium hatchback Baleno is available with benefits up to Rs. 1.10 lakh, including up to Rs. 45,000 cash discount. The buyers can also opt for complementary Regal kit worth up to Rs. 51,480. The petrol AGS trims of the Baleno are available with the highest offers while all the other trim can be had with similar offers.

If you are considering Ciaz as your next vehicle, you can save up to Rs. 50,000 across the line-up. The Fronx Turbo is available with cash discounts of Rs. 60,000 along with a Velocity Edition worth Rs. 43,000, taking the total benefits to Rs. 75,000. Talking about the regular 1.2 litre Fronx, the benefits extends up to Rs. 30,000, with up to Rs. 15,000 cash discount and the CNG trims get the least discount. The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is also available with benefits of up to Rs. 25,000.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki To Launch 2 New SUVs Soon In India – 1 EV & 1 Hybrid

Pic Source: Chirayu Khandelwal

Nexa Models	Cash Discount	Total Offer July 2025
1. Ignis	Up to Rs. 30,000	Up to Rs. 62,100
2. Baleno	Up to Rs. 45,000	Up to Rs. 1.10 lakh
3. Ciaz	Rs. 20,000	Up to Rs. 50,000
4. Fronx Turbo	Rs. 60,000 or Rs. 30,000 + Velocity Edition worth Rs. 43,000	Up to Rs. 75,000 or Rs. 45,000 + Velocity Edition worth Rs. 43,000
5. Fronx 1.2 L Petrol	Up to Rs. 15,000	Up to Rs. 30,000
6. Fronx CNG	–	Up to Rs. 15,000
7. XL6	–	Up to Rs. 25,000
8. Grand Vitara Pre-Update	Up to Rs. 1 lakh	Up to 2 lakh + 5 Years Extended Warranty
9. Updated Grand Vitara	Up to Rs. 50,000	Up to 1.15 lakh + 5 Years Extended Warranty
10. Jimny	Up to Rs. 1 lakh	Up to Rs. 1 lakh
11. Invicto	Up to Rs. 25,000	Up to Rs. 1.40 lakh

The pre-update Grand Vitara is also available with hefty discounts in July 2025. The strong hybrid variants get the highest benefits of up to Rs. 2 lakh along with free 5 year extended warranty. The CNG variants can be had with discounts of up to Rs. 35,000 only. Upfront cash discount of Rs. 1.15 lakh is available with Grand Vitara AWD, while the Alpha and Zeta trims can be had with up to Rs. 90,000 cash discount. Maruti Suzuki is also offering Domination kit worth Rs. 50,000 with the mid-size SUV. The latest updated version of Grand Vitara gets slightly lesser benefits.

Maruti Suzuki is offering cash discount of Rs. 1 lakh on the Alpha variant of the Jimny in July 2025. The flagship premium MPV Invicto gets benefits of up to Rs. 1.40 lakh for the top-spec Alpha variant, which includes Rs. 25,000 cash discount.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki July 2025 Arena Discounts – Up To Rs 1.10 Lakh

In addition to all these discounts, a scrappage bonus in the range of Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 1.15 lakh is also available across the Nexa range, however, it cannot be combined with the exchange bonus. The upgrade bonus of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 55,000 is only available with Baleno and Grand Vitara.

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