Royal Enfield has launched a special edition of the Classic 650, called the Hypershift, to commemorate the Chennai based manufacturer’s 125th anniversary. It is priced at Rs 4.26 lakh, and the company has clarified that it’s limited to 125 units in each of its key markets, including India. Hence, interested customers will need to register to buy one; registrations will be open until October 28, when sales will happen.
The Classic 650 Hypershift is mechanically identical to the production-spec Classic 650. There are no changes to the underlying design either. It has been priced at Rs 4.26 lakh, which is a Rs 58,000 premium over the base Vallam Red colour (Rs 3.68 lakh) and a Rs 43,500 premium over the top Black Chrome colour (Rs 3.82 lakh). For customers who are able to place an order for one of the 125 units on October 28, deliveries will begin in November.
We first rode the Norton Manx R superbike overseas in May and this was followed by the Atlas adventure bike in July. At the time in June, TVS had said that the Atlas would be introduced in India later in the year. It had also scheduled the launch of TVS Paddock, its premium retail channel, for the second quarter of FY27. Paddock will serve as the retail outlet for both Norton products as well as select TVS premium vehicles across the country.
Norton motorcycles will be retailed out of a few exclusive Norton outlets as well as a new TVS Paddock dealer network
Three paddock outlets will be set up by December 2026
Norton line-up will be initiated with the Atlas, followed by Manx R and the new single-cylinder motorcycle
Norton’s reach in Europe, US and India
Indian dealer network still being established
We recently reported on the company’s new 450cc class liquid cooled single cylinder roadster making its debut at ECMA 2026. In its official response to our queries sent, a company spokesperson said, “Norton is set to launch in India soon following the brand’s presence at EICMA this year, when the next key stage of the resurgence will be revealed”.
However, the company did not provide an updated Paddock rollout schedule. Current preparations are understood to point to around three Paddock outlets by December, although a larger network is being sought. The number of outlets that will be operational when motorcycle sales begin has yet to be finalised. Under the tentative India rollout plan, the Atlas could launch in January 2027, with the Manx following by March if that schedule holds. The sequence could see Norton introduce three to four products during 2027, although the final model mix and launch dates have not been announced. As for the new single cylinder roadster, that bike is likely to be launched in India alongside overseas markets in the second half of next year.
While Norton’s India innings is yet to begin, the company spokesperson says that the Manx R and Atlas launched earlier this year are being delivered to customers across Europe. The naked Manx and road-biased Atlas GT have not yet been formally launched. The company said it now has more than 50 retailers across 10 markets, including the UK, Italy, France, Germany and Spain. Preparations for a United States launch are continuing, subject to the final stages of vehicle certification.
“As Norton continues to build the brand globally, it is important to ensure that Norton’s entry into India is equally meaningful and thoughtfully executed,” the spokesperson said. “The positive response to Norton’s products in Europe gives us confidence, and more on Norton’s India plans will be shared in due course.”
Norton Motorcycles will premiere its much-awaited 450cc-class single-cylinder roadster at EICMA 2026 in Milan, expanding its range with a motorcycle aimed at higher volumes in India and overseas. Autocar Professional expects the motorcycle to produce around 40-45hp and 40-45Nm. The engine is likely to be liquid-cooled and is expected to come with a 6-speed gearbox. The roadster will be the first model on a new platform understood to be called the H-series, with other body styles to follow. It will sit below the TVS Motor-owned British marque’s twin-cylinder Atlas range and V4-powered Manx family.
Norton Atlas is expected to first launch in India, in Q1 2027
New Norton single-cylinder motorcycle will launch overseas and in India simultaneously
Will also be manufactured at TVS’ Hosur plant
New Norton single-cylinder platform at EICMA 2026
Expected to launch in India and overseas in 2027
Autocar Professional understands that TVS plans to begin Norton’s India rollout in the January-March 2027 quarter, if not sooner, starting with the Atlas, followed by the Manx. The H-series roadster is expected to launch simultaneously in India and global markets in the second half of 2027. Responding to queries from Autocar Professional, a Norton spokesperson said the brand’s India introduction would follow its appearance at this year’s Milan show. “Norton is set to launch in India soon following the brand’s presence at EICMA this year, when the next key stage of the resurgence will be revealed,” the spokesperson said. The company has not officially confirmed the roadster’s platform name, engine capacity, output, pricing or sales timeline.
Norton has recently trademarked three names in India – Roven, Inter and Avalon and the first single cylinder bike may bear one of them. In 2025, the company also trademarked the Norton Electra name here, and this followed on the trademarking of the Norton Combat name in 2023.
Reimagined Norton under TVS
Design and ease of use is at the new Norton’s core
Differentiated design is central to TVS’s effort to give Norton a contemporary identity while retaining its British heritage. Simon Skinner, Head of Design, Norton Motorcycles, is leading the development of a design language connecting the brand’s products across capacities and categories. The roadster will extend that approach to a motorcycle intended to sell in larger numbers.
As we have seen with the thoroughly modern designs on the Atlas and V4, it is safe to anticipate modern, pared-back styling, with selected mechanical components exposed and others concealed. This could help distinguish the roadster in a segment where several competitors draw heavily on retro styling. According to Norton, the Manx R received the “Best of the Best” distinction at the 2026 Red Dot Award: Design Concept. Norton Design was also recognised at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards in the United States.
The roadster is expected to prioritise manageable weight and ease of use, particularly in city riding. It could feature 17-inch wheels and equipment drawn from Norton’s larger motorcycles, potentially including an eight-inch TFT touchscreen, riding aids and multiple riding modes. Final specifications remain unconfirmed.
Taking on Royal Enfield
How does Norton plan to combat the 350cc onslaught?
The platform represents a significant bet on the global mid-size motorcycle market. The opportunity spans roughly the 350cc-750cc categories, with annual volumes estimated at around 15 lakh-20 lakh units. This broad classification includes motorcycles marketed as 350cc models whose actual displacement is slightly lower.
It will bring Norton into closer competition with Royal Enfield and Triumph in India and overseas. However, the new single-cylinder Nortons will face a specific challenge in India. That is the fact that they will not come under the 350cc segment, unlike the massively popular RE 350 range and the recently re-engineered 349cc Triumph line in India. The result is that they will attract the much higher 40 percent GST rate instead of 18 percent. Norton is likely to position these bikes at a premium that will be justified by higher levels of technology and a heavy focus on design, quality and detail.
Royal Enfield’s dominance in India demonstrates the demand for motorcycles used for daily travel, touring and leisure riding. Its extensive dealer network, broad product range and established riding community also present a substantial challenge for Norton. Overseas, Royal Enfield has expanded into many of the markets the TVS-owned British marque is targeting. For TVS, the single-cylinder Norton offers a way to participate more widely in this market. Additional body styles on the same platform would help spread development costs and reach buyers with different riding preferences.
The India distribution plan
TVS is yet to confirm showroom rollout schedule for India
Norton’s design and heritage will form part of its appeal, but pricing, service coverage and parts availability will be important to building sustained sales, particularly in India. TVS had said in June that the Norton Atlas would be introduced in India later in the year. It had also scheduled the launch of TVS Paddock, its premium retail channel for both Norton and select premium TVS products, for the second quarter of FY27. The latest official response did not provide an updated Paddock rollout schedule.
Current preparations are understood to point to around three Paddock outlets by December, although a larger network is being sought. The number of outlets that will be operational when motorcycle sales begin has yet to be finalised. The company said it now has more than 50 retailers across 10 markets, including the UK, Italy, France, Germany and Spain. Preparations for a United States launch are continuing, subject to the final stages of vehicle certification.
Norton said its European test-ride programme had introduced the new motorcycles to thousands of riders. Foster + Partners has designed its showroom environments. TVS acquired Norton in April 2020. Its FY2025-26 annual report records investments exceeding GBP 250 million in rebuilding the business and identifies the marque as an important part of its premium-isation strategy, particularly in developed markets.
India already supports that expansion through manufacturing. The first Atlas motorcycles rolled off TVS’s Hosur production line in June, combining Norton’s UK design and engineering with its parent’s manufacturing operations. Production for the new single-cylinder range will also be out of Hosur.
With inputs from Anurag Chaturvedi and Rishaad Mody.
यह हफ्ता शेयर बाजारों के लिए अच्छा रहा। लंबे समय बाद शेयर बाजार में रौनक लौटी। निफ्टी इस दौरान 2.49 फीसदी चढ़ा, जबकि सेंसेक्स में 3.30 फीसदी का उछाल आया। अब बाजार की नजरें 19 अक्तूबर यानी सोमवार पर टिकी हैं। मंगलवार को शेयर बाजारों में दशहरा की छुट्टी है। इसलिए सोमवार के बाद बीएसई और एनएसई में फिर से बुधवार यानी 21 अक्तूबर को कारोबार शुरू होगा। सवाल है कि क्या बाजार में तेजी का सिलसिला क्या अगले हफ्ते जारी रहेगा?
19 अक्टूबर को खुलेगा जियो प्लेटफॉर्म्स का आईपीओ
अगले हफ्ते शेयर बाजार पर सितंबर तिमाही के नतीजों, क्रूड ऑयल की कीमतों और Jio Platforms के आईपीओ का असर दिखेगा। लेकिन, सबसे ज्यादा नजरें विदेशी निवेशकों पर होंगी। विदेशी निवेशकों की बिकवाली ने बाजार पर दबाव बढ़ाया है। जियो प्लेटफॉर्म्स का आईपीओ एंकर इनवेस्टर्स के लिए 19 अक्तूबर को खुल जाएगा। बाकी इनवेस्टर्स के लिए यह 21 अक्तूबर को खुलेगा। यह देश का सबसे बड़ा आईपीओ है। अब तक किसी कंपनी ने आईपीओ से 30,000 करोड़ रुपये नहीं जुटाए हैं।
30000 करोड़ के इश्यू का असर लिक्विडिटी पर दिख सकता है
जियो प्लेटफॉर्म्स के आईपीओ में निवेश के लिए इनवेस्टर्स को पैसे के इंतजाम करने होंगे। कई इनवेस्टर्स इस आईपीओ में निवेश करने के लिए दूसरे शेयरों से पैसे निकाल सकते हैं। चूंकि यह 30,000 करोड़ रुपये से ज्यादा का इश्यू है, जिससे पैसे की काफी जरूरत पड़ेगी। इसका असर लिक्विडिटी पर पर पड़ सकता है। सूत्रों ने बताया है कि कई बड़े विदेशी संस्थागत निवेशकों और घरेलू संस्थागत निवेशकों ने इस इश्यू में निवेश में दिलचस्पी दिखाई है। वे इस इश्यू में निवेश के लिए दूसरे शेयरों में बिकवाली कर सकते हैं।
क्रूड ऑयल की कीमतों पर भी होंगी बाजार की नजरें
क्रूड ऑयल की कीमतों का असर भी बाजार पर पड़ेगा। इस हफ्ते के अंत में क्रूड की कीमतों में बड़ा उछाल दिखा। ब्रेंट क्रूड करीब 110 डॉलर प्रति बैरल तक चला गया। अगर अगले हफ्ते क्रूड की कीमतों में नरमी नहीं आती है तो बाजार पर दबाव दिख सकता है। महंगे क्रूड की वजह से पेंट्स, टायर सहित कई कंपनियों की प्रोडक्शन कॉस्ट बढ़ी है। इसका निगेटिव असर उनके शेयरों पर दिखा है। क्रूड का 110 डॉलर प्रति बैरल पर बने रहना भारत की इकोनॉमी के लिए भी अच्छा नहीं है। इससे महंगाई तेजी से बढ़ सकती है।
आईटी शेयरों में तेजी जारी रही तो बाजार को मिल सकता है सपोर्ट
एनरिच मनी के सीईओ पोममुदी आर ने कहा कि निवेशकों की नजरें इस बात पर होगी कि बाजार में आईटी शेयरों की बदौलत आई तेजी जारी रहती है या नहीं। वे देखना चाहते हैं कि बाजार के प्रमुख सूचकांक अपने रेसिस्टेंस लेवल को तोड़ पाते हैं या नहीं। इस हफ्ते तेजी की वजह से बाजार का मोमेंटम पॉजिटिव बना हुआ है। आईटी शेयरों में अच्छी रिकवरी दिखी है।
इन दिग्गज बैंकिंग शेयरों पर दिखेगा सितंबर तिमाही के नतीजों का असर
इस हफ्ते के अंत में एचडीएफसी बैंक, आईसीआईसीआई बैंक, एक्सिस बैंक, पीएनबी जैसे बड़े बैंकों ने अपने नतीजों के एलान किए। मिलाजुलाकर ये नतीजे अच्छे हैं। इन बैंकों के शेयरों पर 19 अक्तूबर यानी सोमवार को इन नतीजों का असर दिखेगा। पिछले एक-डेढ़ साल में प्राइवेट बैंकों के शेयरों का प्रदर्शन सरकारी बैंकों के शेयरों के मुकाबले कमजोर रहा है। सितंबर तिमाही के नतीजों से प्राइवेट बैंकों के शेयरों में तेजी शुरू हो सकती है।
अमेरिका में एआई और चिप शेयरों पर भी होगी नजरें
मार्केट पार्टिसिपेंट्स को ग्लोबल फैक्टर्स पर भी नजर रखने की जरूरत है। खासकर अमेरिकी बॉन्ड यील्ड का असर फिलहाल मार्केट्स पर बना रहेगा। जियोपॉलिटिकल डेवलपेमेंट पर भी बाजार की नजरें होंगी। इस हफ्ते में अमेरिका में एआई और चिप शेयरों की पिटाई हुई है। अगर अगले हफ्ते भी इन शेयरों पर दबाव जारी रहता है तो भारतीय आईटी शेयरों में तेजी दिख सकती है।
Ferrari has officially opened the doors to its first-ever Universo Ferrari exhibition in India. Held at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka in New Delhi from 17 October to 1 November, Universo Ferrari offers a comprehensive look at the Italian marque’s heritage, motorsport pedigree, technology, and craftsmanship. More pertinently, several exciting Ferraris are also on display at Universo Ferrari, some of them for the first time in India. Let’s have a look at the Ferrari cars that have debuted in India as part of Universo Ferrari.
Ferrari F80
Revealed in 2024 as a successor to the LaFerrari, and to commemorate Ferrari’s 80th anniversary, the F80 is the brand’s most powerful road-going offering yet. Producing a combined 1,200hp from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, the F80 claims a ridiculous 0-100kph time of 2.15 seconds and a 0-200kph time of 5.75 seconds. All-wheel drive is fitted as standard, along with a slew of motorsport-derived tech like an MGU-K energy recovery system and electric turbos.
On the outside, the F80 matches the wildness of its powertrain with design elements like a slew of air ducts across the body, a black strip between the headlamps, an active rear wing, a central exhaust, and a massive rear diffuser. Inside, things are quite minimalistic and driver-focused – highlights include a motorsport-style ovoid steering wheel, a large digital driver’s display, an angled centre console, and bucket seats. Ferrari has sold through all 799 units of the F80, each retailing for €3 million (Rs 32 crore), before options.
Ferrari Luce
The Luce is Ferrari’s first EV, and perhaps its most controversial offering. Based on an all-new 800-volt architecture, the Luce features a 122kWh battery and four electric motors producing a combined 1,050hp and 990Nm. Ferrari claims a 0-100kph time of 2.5 seconds, a top speed of 310kph, and a range of up to 530km. Unlike other EVs, the Luce doesn’t pump artificial engine noises into the cabin via speakers – instead, the electric motors are tuned to emit a distinct, high-pitched sound.
Styled by LoveFrom, a firm co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, the Luce features a distinctive two-piece body structure, with a gloss-black passenger cell enclosed within a coloured aluminium shell. It gets recessed LED headlamps, quad LED tail-lamps, suicide doors, and staggered 23-inch front and 24-inch rear wheels. At 5,026mm long, the Luce is the largest Ferrari yet, and its 0.254 drag coefficient is the lowest among road-legal Ferraris. The interior sports a retro-inspired design, with a 10-inch touchscreen, a 12.5-inch OLED driver’s display, and seating for five – a first for a Ferrari. Order books are open for the Luce in overseas markets, with prices starting at 550,000 euros (approximately Rs 6.1 crore) before options.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale
Unveiled a few months ago, the 12Cilindri Manuale is a limited-run special and the first Ferrari in 14 years to offer a manual gearbox. Only, this gearbox isn’t a true manual, but a simulated ‘Manuale By-Wire’ system based on the 12Cilindri’s 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The experience is intact, however, with a clutch pedal, 6 speeds, a gated shifter, and the ability to stall and clutch-dump the car. If needed, you can even switch to automatic mode and let the DCT take over. Elsewhere, the Manuale retains the 12Cilindri’s 830hp 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, claiming a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 340kph.
The exterior largely mirrors that of the standard 12Cilindri but gets exclusive Manuale badges, silver-finished Ferrari side logos, pinstripes on the front splitter and rear winglets, and bespoke five-spoke forged alloy wheels available in four finishes. Inside, the centre console has been redesigned to accommodate a rounded aluminium gear lever inspired by classic Ferrari gated shifters, available in silver or black. Buyers can also choose comfort or racing seats with six vertical grooves. Limited to 1,499 units, the 12Cilindri Manuale is priced from €590,000 (approximately Rs 6.42 crore), before options.
Ferrari 499P
The 499P Le Mans Hypercar was revealed in 2022 as Ferrari’s return to the top class of endurance racing after 50 years. It’s powered by a twin-turbo V6 based on the architecture of the engine used in the 296 GT3, itself derived from the road-going 296 GTB. Developed specifically for racing, the 499P’s V6 works with a bespoke 900-volt, 200kW energy recovery system (ERS) connected to the front axle, forming a hybrid all-wheel drive layout. A brake-by-wire system recovers kinetic energy, while power is delivered through a 7-speed sequential gearbox. Balance of Performance regulations limit the 499P’s total output to 680hp.
The 499P’s design pays tribute to Ferrari’s endurance racing heritage, particularly the 312P prototype from 1973 – Ferrari’s last factory entry in the top class. Its name refers to the 499cc displacement of each cylinder, while ‘P’ stands for Prototype. A yellow stripe runs through the livery – another nod to the 312P – while carbonfibre construction allows for a 1,030kg baseline weight. The 499P brought home several accolades for Ferrari, such as three consecutive Le Mans victories (2023, 2024, and 2025), a complete sweep at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, and more.
Ferrari SF-26
Ferrari pulled the wraps off the SF-26 racer back in January 2026. Built for F1’s 2026 technical regulations overhaul, the SF-26 is powering by Ferrari’s 067/6 power unit – a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 that can run on sustainable fuel blends and is paired with a heavily bolstered 350kW MGU-K system, creating a near 50-50 performance split between combustion and electric power. Driven by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the SF-26 has compiled 11 Grand Prix podiums and 2 victories, with dramatic wins at the Spanish Grand Prix with Hamilton and the British Grand Prix with Leclerc.
The SF-26’s bodywork shifts away from the previous ground-effect era toward a lighter, more agile 770kg carbon-composite structure. It features advanced active aerodynamics with movable front and rear wings to minimise drag on straights while maximising cornering downforce. Visually, the SF-26 incorporates push-rod suspension on both axles and debuts a gloss Rosso Scuderia livery accented with white.
If you saw the picture and thought the KLX230 got a new variant, you’re neither alone nor correct. What we have here is the KLX300SM, Kawasaki’s supermotard for the overseas markets, and the Japanese manufacturer has just given it a minor engineering and feature refresh for 2027.
2027 KLX300SM continues with a 292cc engine but with revised internals
Not expected in India for the foreseeable future
2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM: What’s different from 2026?
The road-biased KLX230 upgrade that’s not in India (yet)
Discussing the changes is a very short affair in the KLX300SM’s case since there are only a few. First, the connecting rod big-end bearing has been changed from a needle bearing to a plain bearing, contributing to improved performance and slightly higher peak power and torque over the previous model. The single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill now makes 26.8hp and 24.9Nm compared to 25hp and 23.9Nm earlier.
Second, unlike in India, ABS is not mandatory in the US, so Kawasaki is adding single-channel ABS to the front 300mm disc for next year; the rear 240mm continues to be lockable by riders, but those who ride the KLX300SM are unlikely to complain about it. To accommodate the new ABS hardware, Kawasaki has switched from the dual radiators to a single, left-mounted radiator. However, Kawasaki says there shouldn’t be a difference in the overall cooling performance. Keeping in line with the times, Kawasaki has also updated the instrumentation and added smartphone connectivity. Through the Kawasaki Rideology app, users can connect their phone to the KLX300 for call/SMS alerts and navigation support.
Supermotards typically offer long travel suspension and a slender build with road-biased tyres, usually 17-inch, at both ends. In the KLX300’s case, it has a USD fork with 230mm travel, adjustable for compression. The monoshock with 206mm travel can be adjusted for preload and rebound. This and the road-biased wheel and tyre setup are what make supermotards a fun package. For context, the KLX230 S – Kawasaki India’s road-focused dual-sport – has 160mm travel at the front and 163mm travel at the rear.
In the US, Kawasaki has priced the KLX300SM at USD 6,399 (Rs 6.08 lakh) for its single variant, and it will be available from early December. As for India, we’re only now starting to warm up to niche categories like off-roaders, thanks to the Hero Xpulse series and KLX230 (and the Honda XR series on the horizon), so Kawasaki is unlikely to bring the KLX300SM here anytime soon. That said, it would be nice to have the KLX300SM and its refreshed dual-sport siblings in India, and more variety for the KLX230 series (there’s also a KLX230 SM!).
Stellantis India recently announced a new and much-needed product onslaught comprising seven Citroen and five Jeep models, all due within the next four years. While the conglomerate did not specify what these models would be, it did confirm there would be a premium pickup, which we understand would be the Jeep Gladiator.
The pickup would be one of the earlier arrivals, and the company is likely to bring it in as a CKD, just as it currently does with the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler – with which the Gladiator shares its platform (JL).
Gladiator may mark Jeep India’s entry into the premium pickup segment
Currently the American pickup offers a single 3.6 litre V6 petrol and that could be the engine of choice for India too, and as is intrinsic to the brand, a 4×4 powertrain would also likely be offered. Alternatively, given that the Gladiator and Wrangler share a platform, Jeep India could consider utilizing the Wrangler’s 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine under the hood of the Gladiator in India.
In Jeep’s home market, the USA, the Gladiator and the four-door Wrangler are similarly priced, thus expect the Gladiator to be priced at around the Rs 70 lakh mark in India. This would be considerably higher than the Toyota Hilux. However, the Gladiator is larger than the Hilux; at over 5.5 meters in length, the Gladiator stretches the tape past the Hilux, which measures just over 5.3 meters.
The lifestyle pickup segment remains a niche market in India, although interest is gathering, with the new Toyota Hilux recently launched, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross continuing to be sold here, and Mahindra announcing its Scorpio Lifestyler. Given the higher segment that the Gladiator would occupy however, expect modest sales numbers. Besides, the American auto giant also needs to upgrade its sales and service network, a process it says is already underway. The company says its Stellantis Brand House format would support its expansion into Tier 2 as well as Tier 3/4 markets, where it sees potential.
Stellantis has confirmed 12 Citroen and Jeep launches for India by 2030 as part of a roadmap dubbed ‘FaSTLAne 2030’. Speaking to Autocar India at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Tianshu Xin – the head of Stellantis China and Asia-Pacific – confirmed a new investment of Rs 4,000 crore for the Indian market and said, “The plan is to introduce 12 new models in the next three years…seven of them will be new models and five are upgrades.”
Stellantis India lines up a dozen launches across Citroen and Jeep
Multiple SUVs inbound, along with an MPV, an entry-level car, and a premium pickup
The first model under FaSTLAne 2030 is scheduled to go on sale in India by the second quarter of 2027. This influx of new Citroen and Jeep launches will cover the compact, midsize, and premium SUV segments, and include a new MPV, an entry-level car, and a premium pickup truck. Of the 12 launches, seven will be from Citroen and five from Jeep.
Brand footprints to be expanded in India
Stellantis says these brands will play “distinct but complementary roles” in its line-up – Jeep will bolster its current position in the premium SUV arena, and Citroen will do the same in the mass-market segments. Expanding the customer reach of Citroen and Jeep is crucial, and Stellantis has committed to growing the brands’ retail and service networks, especially in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, along with increasing parts availability.
More Stellantis EVs coming, hybrids also confirmed
Additionally, Stellantis has confirmed a new multi-fuel strategy for the Indian market, which will span “efficient internal combustion engines, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery-electric (BEV) technologies.” These are already offered by Stellantis brands globally, and it should be interesting to see the specific powertrains that make it to India. As it stands, the majority of Stellantis India’s powertrain offerings are petrol; Citroen and Maserati also offer EVs, while Jeep additionally offers diesel in entry-level models.
Localisation target of 90 percent
According to Xin, the new models under FaSTLAne 2030 will be produced in India, so localisation will play a key role for competitive pricing. In light of that, Stellantis has set a target of 90 percent localisation across Jeep and Citroen, and will bank on its Indian R&D and manufacturing facilities, along with its supplier ecosystem, to achieve this. Moreover, India-developed FaSTLAne 2030 models will be exported to overseas markets.
Stellantis India’s two major brands, Citroen and Jeep, haven’t been very successful at attracting buyers in recent years. Citroen’s cars, despite recent updates, have struggled to gain traction in India due to their rivals being more aspirational and feature-rich. Jeep India, meanwhile, hasn’t launched any new models or facelifts in several years, turning prospective buyers away to more updated offerings. FaSTLAne 2030 is looking to be the shot in the arm that Stellantis India needs to pique buyer interest again.
What about Leapmotor?
Xin also provided an update on the long-overdue India entry of Stellantis’s Chinese EV brand, Leapmotor. Stellantis had planned to bring Leapmotor to India in 2025, but that evidently didn’t pan out. Xin noted that Leapmotor’s India entry is still being studied, and that there has to be enough “volume potential to justify the business case.” Therefore, a decision on Leapmotor entering India will only be made when the business case is ‘proven and solid.’
Hyundai Motor India has inaugurated its manufacturing plant in Talegaon, Pune, marking its first major manufacturing expansion outside Tamil Nadu. The facility currently has an installed annual production capacity of 1.7 lakh units, which is planned to increase to 3.2 lakh units by 2030. Managing director and CEO Tarun Garg announced that the company will invest Rs 11,000 crore in phases at the plant.
Hyundai Pune plant: Capacity and investment
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the plant on October 14, 2026. Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung and Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO Jose Munoz were also present.
Garg said, “We will invest INR 11,000 crore in phases at this facility. Beyond expanding manufacturing capacity, the facility will drive industrial development, innovation and employment generation in the region.”
The expansion will take Hyundai Motor India’s combined annual production capacity at its Pune and Chennai plants to nearly 11.4 lakh units by 2030, according to the company. The Pune facility also has an engine shop with an annual capacity of 1.5 lakh units.
The plant uses Hyundai’s E-FOREST digital factory platform, with AI-based quality checks, predictive maintenance, digital simulations and augmented reality-based worker training. Its production lines can support multiple internal combustion engine and hybrid models.
Hyundai Venue to be made at Pune plant
The Hyundai Venue will be manufactured exclusively at the Pune plant and exported to global markets. Hyundai plans to expand exports of the model to more than 35 countries.
The inauguration coincided with Hyundai Motor India marking cumulative exports of 40 lakh passenger vehicles since 1999 and domestic sales of nearly 1 crore passenger vehicles over its 30 years in India.
Chung said, “India remains one of Hyundai’s most important and strategic markets globally.” He added that the Pune plant reflected the group’s long-term commitment to India and that the export milestone highlighted the role of Indian manufacturing in its global operations.
Hyundai said 55 Tier-1 suppliers have invested nearly Rs 4,600 crore in Maharashtra. Nearly half of its supplier network is located within 50km of the plant. The combined Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier network has generated more than 18,000 employment opportunities in the state, according to the company.
Hyundai also cited nearly 40 ongoing research projects with seven Indian academic institutions, covering battery technology, electrification and future mobility.
Hyundai has announced plans to invest USD 15.5 billion in India between 2026 and 2032. The investment will cover research and development, manufacturing capacity, local supplier development and businesses such as electric vehicle charging and automotive financing. The announcement follows a meeting between prime minister Narendra Modi and Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung in New Delhi on October 13.
“India remains one of Hyundai Motor Group’s most important and strategic markets globally. The past 30 years have been defined by our commitment to India. This investment reaffirms our commitment to India for the next 30 years and beyond,” Chung said.
Hyundai investment: R&D and manufacturing plans
The company plans to invest around USD 700 million in its Indian R&D centre, including a vehicle testing track. The investment is intended to expand engineering facilities and support the development of automotive technologies and local talent.
The group also plans to increase manufacturing capacity across Hyundai and Kia. Their combined annual production capacity in India currently exceeds 1.4 million vehicles, across Hyundai’s facilities in Chennai and Pune, and Kia’s plant in Anantapur.
Capacity at Hyundai’s Pune facility is scheduled to increase in phases. The group is also assessing a third manufacturing location to meet its longer-term requirements.
Our sister publication, Autocar Professional reported on September 29 that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra and Sanand in Gujarat were among the locations under consideration. According to people familiar with the plans, the proposed facility could eventually add around 500,000 units of annual capacity, with investment potentially exceeding USD 2 billion over time. The plant could come up around 2030, with capacity added in phases over five to seven years. The October 13 announcement did not confirm the location, investment schedule or additional capacity.
The company will also invest in local suppliers and regional partners to increase parts localisation and strengthen its supply chain. It plans to establish a dedicated investment entity in India to oversee the programme and identify suppliers, technology partners and investment opportunities.
Hyundai to explore new mobility businesses
Beyond vehicle manufacturing, Hyundai Motor Group plans to explore automotive financing, EV charging infrastructure and end-of-life vehicle recycling. It also intends to support promising start-ups and expand into mobility services linked to its vehicle business.
Hyundai is developing electric three-wheelers with TVS Motor Company under a joint development agreement. The partnership is aimed at commercialising electric three-wheelers for India and other markets.
The group said the investment programme is expected to create employment in manufacturing, R&D, engineering and supply chains, including through suppliers and new mobility businesses. It currently employs more than 24,000 people across India.
Hyundai Motor Group has not disclosed how the USD 15.5 billion investment will be divided between Hyundai and Kia, or how much will be allocated to individual projects.
