Renault Group has proposed a restructuring of its India operations, with plans to separate powertrain manufacturing into a dedicated entity while integrating vehicle manufacturing and sales under a single structure. The company has approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for approval of the proposed realignment.

1. NCLT approval sought for restructuring
2. India positioned as a hub for global programmes beyond manufacturing 
3. Exports targets of 2 billion euros annually from India by 2030

Renault India restructuring: what will change

Under the proposed structure, powertrain manufacturing will be carved out into a standalone unit within Renault Group India. Vehicle manufacturing and sales operations will be brought together into a single integrated entity.

The company said the move is aimed at creating clearer operating structures aligned with the different requirements of each business area. The restructuring is part of Renault’s broader strategy for India, which includes strengthening the country’s role as a manufacturing and export base. The company has already outlined plans to target 2 billion Euro in annual exports from India by 2030.

No impact on operations or stakeholders

Renault said the proposed changes will not affect day-to-day operations or stakeholders. “There is no impact on employees, customers, dealers, suppliers, or partners. Employment terms, service continuity and existing relationships remain unchanged,” the company said. All existing manufacturing, supply and service commitments will continue during the restructuring process.

Renault reiterated that India remains a key market and production base. The company employs around 15,000 people in the country across manufacturing, engineering and R&D, and operates a network of over 600 sales and service touchpoints.

Oben has launched the Rorr Evo at an introductory price of Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the first 10,000 customers. At this introductory price, it is the entry-level variant in Oben’s line-up and will appeal to customers who are on a budget. Once the introductory offer ends, the Rorr Evo will be priced at Rs 1.25 lakh. Bookings are now open, and deliveries are set to begin from next month. The updated electric motorcycle builds on the existing ARX platform while introducing key changes to its motor, battery and drivetrain.

1. Oben Rorr Evo is priced at Rs 1 lakh for the first 10,000 customers
2. In-house developed rare-earth-free mid-mounted motor
3. 3.4kWh LFP battery with claimed 180km of IDC range

Oben Rorr Evo: What’s new?

The Rorr Evo has a peak power of 9kW

The Rorr Evo features a new in-house developed I-PMSM motor that Oben says does not use rare-earth materials. It is paired with a 3.4kWh LFP battery pack that comes with an 8-year warranty and IP67 certification. Oben claims the battery has been tested at temperatures up to 280deg C. The IDC range is rated at 180km, while the real-world range is claimed to be around 150km – a 25 percent improvement. The bike also switches to a chain-drive setup, which is said to improve efficiency by 10 percent.

The 9kW motor (IP68-rated) delivers a claimed top speed of 110kph and a 0-40kph time of 3 seconds, with peak wheel torque rated at 250Nm. Oben also says component sizing has been reduced by 40 percent, helping keep kerb weight at 140kg.

Built around a trellis frame and the existing ARX platform, the Rorr Evo uses a telescopic fork and a 7-step adjustable monoshock. It gets 270mm discs at both ends with CBS. Ground clearance stands at 200mm, while seat height is 780mm, with a 680mm seat – claimed to be the longest in its class. The water-wading capacity for the Evo is rated at 230mm.

Features include a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and four riding modes – Eco, Road, Havoc and Smart IQ, the last of which uses AI to estimate range based on riding patterns. Eco mode’s speed cap has also been increased to 60kph, based on customer feedback. The bike also gets a fall alert that works in tandem with the app and notifies the emergency contacts. 

As for the design, it gets a new look at the front with all-LED lighting, a projector headlight and horizontal DRL above it. Storage includes a 6-litre under-seat compartment and a 4-litre tank storage area with two USB ports. Charging options include the Oben Plug for standard 15A sockets and the Oben Port, which claims to add 1km of range per minute of charging.

The Rorr Evo is available in four colours – blue, red, white and black – and has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 1 lakh for the first 10,000 customers. After that, at Rs 1.25 lakh, it will cost more than the existing Rorr EZ Sigma. Interestingly, the Evo makes do with the smaller 3.4kWh battery pack, whereas the EZ Sigma comes with an option of a 3.4kWh battery pack and a larger 4.4kWh version at a lower price of Rs 1.20 lakh. With the launch of this model, Oben will now have only two products on sale – this Rorr Evo and the existing neo-retro Rorr EZ Sigma.

Ferrari will now offer customers of the Purosangue an optional ‘Handling Speciale’ package. This package has been “developed to further intensify the sporting character of the Purosangue”, says the brand. The Ferrari Purosangue in the Handling Speciale configuration gets recalibrated suspension and transmission, along with bespoke exterior and interior styling updates.

1. Sharper and faster gear shifts above 5,500rpm, claims Ferrari
2. Active suspension recalibrated to reduce body movements
3. Gets unique wheels, carbon-fibre side skirts, satin-finished badging and more

Ferrari Purosangue ‘Handling Speciale’ package: Mechanical updates

The Handling Speciale package gets the standard Purosangue’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine, which produces 725hp and 716Nm and is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the transmission’s recalibration is not apparent when shifting gears automatically in ‘normal’ mode, it becomes noticeable when using the flappy paddles in ‘Race’ mode with the ESC (electronic stability control) off, claims Ferrari. The Italian marque further stated that these gear shifts become sharper and more pronounced above 5,500rpm.

Ferrari’s Handling Speciale package also makes the V12 more audible in the cabin, especially during start-up and under hard acceleration. The brand also stated that it has recalibrated the active suspension system to reduce body movement by 10 percent, improving overall control during rapid direction changes. The standard Ferrari Purosangue has a claimed top speed of over 310kph and 0-100kph time of 3.3 seconds.

Ferrari Purosangue ‘Handling Speciale’ package: Design changes

Ferrari has executed a few exterior changes to make the ‘Handling Speciale’ configuration stand out over the standard Purosangue. The design of the 22-inch front and 23-inch rear alloy wheels is unique to this package. The exterior also gets carbon-fibre side skirts, matte-black exhaust tips, an all-black Prancing Horse rear logo, black-and-white Ferrari emblems on the front fenders and satin-finished Ferrari lettering. The interior of this Purosangue gets a plaque between the rear seats, with more ‘Handling Speciale’ badging on the door sills.

Ferrari Purosangue ‘Handling Speciale’ package price

The Ferrari Purosangue in the Handling Speciale configuration is already on sale in Italy from 430,000 euros, according to Autocar UK. Ferrari hasn’t disclosed the availability or price of the ‘Handling Speciale’ package for the Purosangue yet.

Also read

Volkswagen unveils ID Polo as first electric version of the hatchback

Renault updates Triber with more features on lower trims

KTM has revealed the 2027 450 Rally Replica, with just over 100 units set to be available globally. The brand says the model is derived directly from its Dakar Rally-winning race bike, which has carried four different riders to overall Dakar victories since 2020.

1. KTM 450 Rally Replica limited to just over 100 units globally
2. Eight units of Luciano Benavides Factory Edition are also available
3. Features race-derived components and Dakar-winning technology

KTM 450 Rally Replica details

The brand has also revealed a 450 Rally Replica Luciano Benavides Factory Edition limited to just 8 units

The KTM 450 Rally Replica is powered by a 449.4cc single-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. KTM has not disclosed official power or torque figures. The bike features a Brembo hydraulic clutch with rally-specific gearing, along with a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.

The chassis is built around a hydro-formed, laser-cut and hand-welded frame, designed to offer an ideal balance of longitudinal and torsional flex. Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable WP hardware, with 304mm of travel at the front and 280mm at the rear.

Rally-specific hardware includes dual radiators, a CNC-machined triple clamp with a 23mm offset, an aluminium tapered handlebar with foam grips and wider foot pegs. The motorcycle uses a three-tank fuel setup – two 9-litre tanks at the front and a 16-litre rear tank – for a total capacity of 35 litres. It also gets a carbon-fibre navigation tower designed to house a digital roadbook.

To commemorate Luciano Benavides’s 2026 Dakar Rally victory, KTM will also offer eight units of the 450 Rally Replica Luciano Benavides Factory Edition. This version features Red Bull KTM factory livery matching the Dakar-winning bike, factory carbon components including brake discs and tank pads, a numbered ‘LE’ frame badge, a Selle Dalla Valle seat and Michelin rally tyres with mousse inserts.

KTM says buyers of the Factory Edition will also receive a VIP experience at the 2026 KTM Adventure Rally in Perugia, Italy, including a handover by Benavides, a signed race jersey and support from the factory race team during riding sessions.

Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava said a revival of India’s small-car segment is “inevitable” over the next few years, even as the market continues to shift towards SUVs.

Speaking at the company’s annual results, Bhargava said, “In the last six years, the share of small cars has been declining. Now, with new GST rates, it is inevitable that what was lost will gradually come back,” pointing to improving affordability as a key driver.

Small car market decline: Shift towards SUVs

India’s passenger vehicle market has seen a clear shift towards utility vehicles over the past few years. Utility vehicles now account for around 68 percent of total sales (55 percent SUVs and 13 percent MPVs), while hatchbacks have declined to roughly 23 percent, down sharply from their peak of around 46 percent in the financial year ended March 2019 (FY19).

This shift has been driven by a combination of rising vehicle prices, stricter regulations and higher ownership costs, all of which have impacted affordability at the entry level. As a result, many first-time buyers have moved away from small hatchbacks towards subcompact SUVs.

The impact is visible in segment-level data. The share of sub-Rs 10 lakh cars has dropped to 6 percent of total sales in FY26, down from 12.5 percent in FY24, according to JATO Dynamics India. Volumes in the small-car segment are also estimated to be 35-45 percent lower than the pre-pandemic levels.

This trend has affected Maruti Suzuki more than most. The company, which has traditionally dominated the small-car space, has seen its domestic market share fall from over 50 percent in FY19 to around 40 percent in FY26, as competitors strengthened their SUV portfolios.

Despite this, Bhargava said the long-term case for small cars remains intact. “India is not a rich country where everybody can buy big cars… a large part of the population will need low-cost small cars,” he said, adding that the segment continues to have a long-term future. 

Lower GST and affordability to support recovery

Policy intervention has been a key factor in improving the outlook. The government’s move to bring small cars into the 18 percent tax bracket under the GST 2.0 regime aims to make entry-level vehicles more accessible.

“At the moment, I think the government has done all that anybody was asking for. We are at 18 percent GST; I don’t think there is a rate below that unless you get to 5 percent. And therefore, that is it, what it should be,” Bhargava said.

He added that the underlying demand for affordable mobility remains intact. “The small-car market is growing; there are 1,90,000 people on the waiting list in India. 30,000 of them are in the small-car segment.”

Maruti strategy: Small cars remain core, SUVs drive growth

Maruti Suzuki is adopting a dual approach, continuing to invest in both small cars and SUVs, balancing long-term demand with current market trends.

“We are planning to develop both small cars and SUVs. There’s a market in India for both segments,” said Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer (marketing and sales).

Maruti also sees a significant opportunity in converting two-wheeler buyers into entry-level car customers, which could support a gradual recovery in small-car demand over time. Capacity expansion plans are aligned with this strategy, as the company prepares to scale up production in line with demand across segments.

Renault has updated the Triber with new features and revised equipment across the range, with prices now starting from Rs 5.80 lakh and going up to Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). The update focuses on improving comfort and usability while also bringing features previously limited to top trims to mid variants.

1. Automatic climate control added to the top variant
2. Revised second-row seat mechanism for easier access
3. Prices increased by Rs 5,000 to Rs 9,000

2026 Renault Triber price list

The Triber continues to be offered in four variants – Authentic, Evolution, Techno and Emotion – with both manual and AMT options. The prices of the Triber have increased by Rs 5,000 for the base Authentic trim and Rs 9,000 for the top-spec Emotion trim.

2026 Renault Triber: What’s new?

The key addition is automatic climate control, offered only on the top-spec Emotion trim. Renault has also revised the second-row seat mechanism. While the fold-and-tumble function continues, the release lever has been repositioned to the top of the seatback, making access to the third row easier.

Also, the second row can now fold fully, increasing usable boot space to 1,065 litres with the second and third rows folded, improving overall practicality.

A key part of the update is the reallocation of features across variants. A driver’s seat armrest, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a rear defogger, a 12V socket for the third row, front tweeters and electric foldable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) are now available from the Techno variant onwards, rather than being restricted to the top trim.

The Evolution variant also gains features such as steering-mounted controls, a day/night adjustable interior rearview mirror (IRVM) and a rear cabin lamp, previously offered only from Techno onwards. 

The Triber continues with its 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 72hp and 96Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of AMT on the top trim. The Triber line-up is also set to get a turbo-petrol engine option, along with the choice of factory-fitted CNG. 

Volkswagen has pulled the covers off the ID Polo, the very first all-electric iteration of the beloved Polo hatchback. The ID Polo is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, and pre-sales for it will commence in overseas markets from the end of April 2026. Prices for the ID Polo will start at under 25,000 euros (approximately Rs 27.76 lakh).

1. ID Polo debuts Volkswagen’s new Pure Positive design language
2. FWD layout, up to 211hp and maximum claimed range of 454km
3. 13-inch touchscreen, 10-inch driver’s display, two-spoke steering wheel and more
4. Sporty ID Polo GTI version with 226hp confirmed

Volkswagen ID Polo exterior design

The first model to adopt Volkswagen’s new Pure Positive design language, the ID Polo is 4,053mm long, 1,816mm wide and 1,530mm high, with a 2,600mm wheelbase. Up front, the hatchback features connected LED headlights with eyelid-esque daytime running lamps (DRLs) and an illuminated Volkswagen logo in the centre. The neatly styled bumper includes an air dam flanked by vertically oriented intakes, as well as a discreet front splitter.

Over to the side, the ID Polo sports prominent creases and flared fenders, lending it a sporty look, and Volkswagen says the C-pillar’s design is inspired by that of the original Golf. The ID Polo can be had with alloy wheels sized up to 19 inches. At the back, there’s a wraparound LED light bar with an illuminated Volkswagen motif, as well as a prominent roof spoiler, small vertical air exits and a diffuser-like design for the bumper.

Volkswagen ID Polo interior and features

Inside, the ID Polo is minimalistic but well-equipped. Taking centre stage on the well-layered dashboard is a 13-inch freestanding infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and below it sit a pair of AC vents and an array of physical controls for the hazard lights, basic climate control functions and defoggers. Underneath those is a floating centre console housing a wireless charging pad, a lone rotary knob for media controls, a pair of cup holders, charging ports and lots of storage spaces.

The heated two-spoke steering wheel is packed with buttons, which is a welcome sight, and ahead of it lies a 10-inch digital driver’s display (can be configured with a classic-style layout). Other features of note include dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, leatherette upholstery, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror (IRVM), Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality and more.

Volkswagen is also offering an extensive suite of optional equipment, such as a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a fixed panoramic glass roof, and 12-way powered front seats with massage and memory functions. As for luggage capacity, the ID Polo has a rated boot space of 441 litres, expandable to 1,243 litres by folding the rear seats.

Volkswagen ID Polo battery and range

The ID Polo is offered with 37kWh and 52kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery packs, both mated to 290Nm front-mounted electric motors (FWD). In 37kWh guise, the ID Polo puts out 116hp in lower variants and 135hp in higher ones. The claimed range for the 37kWh battery is 329km, with the maximum DC charging speed for it capped at 90kW. At that wattage, a 10-80 percent top-up would take roughly 23 minutes.

Meanwhile, the ID Polo’s 52kWh variants generate a healthy 211hp, and Volkswagen says a sporty 226hp GTI version is in the works as well. The 52kWh pack promises a 454km range, with a 10-80 percent recharge in around 24 minutes using a 105kW DC charger.

The government has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to ‌the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to formally incorporate higher blends of ethanol in petrol. As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the draft includes a provision for E85 fuel (a blend of 85 percent ethanol in petrol) and even E100, which will enable vehicles to run fully on ethanol.

The draft ‌rules have been opened for public comments, after which the government will make ​a final ​decision. This comes after the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel (20 percent ethanol in petrol) in April last year. The intent behind higher ethanol content is to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil imports, which have particularly come to the fore amid supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran-US conflict.

1. Government is pushing for higher ethanol blends to reduce dependence on crude oil imports 
2. Draft notification also proposes a new classification of fuel 

What else does the new draft notification propose?

The draft notification proposes a new classification for fuel based on higher blends of ethanol. For example, the description of petrol will change from E10/E to E10/E20 while explicitly including E85 and E100 within the regulatory framework. Similarly, biodiesel references will be updated from B10 to B100 (100 percent biodiesel). It also standardises emission-testing parameters and technical terminology.

The draft also proposes increasing the gross vehicle weight threshold from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg in select vehicle categories. In addition, the draft notification revises the hydrogen fuel classification from “Hydrogen + CN” to “Hydrogen + CNG”.

What does it mean for the consumer?

One of the challenges in ethanol blending comes in the form of technical complexities. Cars manufactured after April 2023 are E20-compliant and also materially compliant with ethanol blends up to 30 percent. However, for blends with even higher ethanol, manufacturers will have to redesign specific engine components. Ethanol increases the likelihood of moisture, so accelerated corrosion is also a factor OEMs must prepare for. 

Considering that ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, increasing the ethanol content will also lead to a drop in engine output and mileage, as verified by our tests. Then there is the higher cost of flex-fuel vehicles to consider.

If and when E85 rollout materialises, fuel stations across the country will also require separate storage tanks for regular petrol and ethanol-blended petrol, plus dedicated dispensing mechanisms for each.

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division is working on a facelift for the SL that will reposition the convertible as a more comfort-focused open-top grand tourer in a bid to create a clear distinction from the upcoming drop-top version of the AMG GT sports car. Both models have the same platform, chassis, powertrains, E&E architecture, and more, but will target different subsets of convertible buyers.

1. Comfort-oriented Maybach SL reportedly garnered “overwhelmingly positive reaction”
2. Styling updates may include new lights with star-shaped DRLs and revised bumpers, among other changes
3. SL facelift expected to feature softer suspension and chassis tuning
4. Upgraded V8 with more power; 6-cylinder SL 53 to serve as new base variant

Mercedes-AMG SL facelift to debut in 2027 with a gentler persona

Hard-top AMG GT convertible to be the sportier drop-top option

Per a report from Autocar UK, the 2027-bound SL facelift will take on a softer slant, which will help Mercedes-AMG push the upcoming hard-top GT as the more performance-oriented convertible. This decision was reinforced further by an “overwhelmingly positive reaction to the comfort-focused Maybach SL,” an insider told the publication. This variant was launched in India last year in This variant was launched in India last year in top-of-the-line SL 680 Monogram Series guise and costs Rs 4.3 crore.

As is customary with facelifts, expect the updated SL to sport reshaped headlights and tail-lamps with three-pointed-star DRL signatures, revised bumpers and grille, new alloy wheel designs, and the like. Inside, the SL facelift may feature a larger touchscreen running Mercedes-Benz’s latest MB.OS software, updated trim pieces, fresh upholstery, a new steering wheel and more.

2027 Mercedes-AMG SL facelift technical details

Likely won't be as hard-edged in the handling department

Mercedes-AMG is understood to be softening the chassis and suspension of the 2027 SL facelift to reflect its comfort leanings. The SL’s engine line-up will also see major changes. For starters, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powering the SL 55 (on sale in India for Rs 2.34 crore) and SL 63 will be upgraded to the Euro 7-compliant, flat-plane-crank M177 Evo iteration that debuted in the 2026 S-Class facelift.

M177 Evo V8 to deliver more power for SL 55, 63, and 680

In the SL 55, power output is expected to increase to 537hp (up from 476hp), and in the SL 63, it could be bumped from 585hp to around 659hp. The top-spec SL 680 will likely use the same V8 engine, but in a 621hp state of tune.

Entry-level 4-cyl SL 43 to be phased out, 6-cyl SL 53 to take its place

Meanwhile, the base SL 43, which gets a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, will be discontinued with the facelift. Mercedes-AMG is expected to offer the SL 53 instead, which will be powered by the 449hp 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 seen in the new GLC 53. However, the future of the 812hp plug-in hybrid SL 63 S E Performance is uncertain, as Autocar UK’s insider suggests it may be shelved.

Every variant of the SL facelift is expected to use mild hybrid tech, along with Mercedes-AMG’s 9-speed automatic transmission.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

While Mercedes-Benz previously confirmed the return of physical buttons for important functions in its cars, the brand will retain large screens to showcase digital craftsmanship, sales and customer experience head Mathias Geisen told Autocar UK. “[As per] car research clinics, customers are very clear: ‘We love the big screens, but we want to have [hard controls for] specific functionalities,’” he told the publication.

1. New models like the GLC and C-Class EVs get a 39.1-inch Hyperscreen setup
2. It comprises a digital driver’s display, a central touchscreen and a passenger touchscreen
3. The EVs also get physical roller-type controls on the steering wheel instead of haptic pads

Large screens suit the brand’s premium positioning: Geisen

Geisen stated that the commitment to large screens is in keeping with its premium positioning. “We have the highest-craft...interior, in look and feel and materials, but we make sure that this overall experience seamlessly blends into what you do on the digital side. If you have a seamless screen of roughly a metre with ultra-high resolution and you put wallpapers on it, you put pictures of your kids on it, it means you can individualise the interior not only on the hardware side but also on the software side. With the wallpapers offered in the new C-Class [EV] infotainment, you can really create your own atmosphere,” he added.

Rival carmakers like Audi have started reducing screen sizes in their cars and are reintroducing more buttons due to customer resistance to touch-based controls. But new Mercedes cars like the GLC EV and C-Class EV continue to feature a vast 39.1-inch Hyperscreen (comprising a digital driver’s display, a central touchscreen and a passenger touchscreen) spanning the dashboard.

Physical controls on the steering wheel

Both the GLC and C-Class EVs get physical, roller-type controls on the steering wheel instead of haptic pads. “Customers told us two years ago, ‘Guys, nice idea, but it just does not work for us’. So we changed that and made it more analogue,” Geisen said.

He also stated that this approach will continue in future models, with Mercedes aiming to balance screens and physical buttons. “I’m a big believer in screens, because I really believe if you want to connect, you have to make the magic work behind the screen. But in our future products, you will see more hard keys for specific functions that customers want to have direct access to with hard keys,” he explained.