Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

Bijesh Nagesh

06 Jul 2025, 07:07 AM

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Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

The week’s top stories span the EV surge, safety accolades, and market shifts.  

  • Tata’s Harrier EV bookings opened to a record 10,000 orders on day one, underscoring surging consumer appetite for mass-market EV SUVs.  
  • Toyota’s Innova Hycross made safety history as the first MPV—and first hybrid—to earn a full five-star Bharat NCAP rating, setting new benchmarks for family travel.  
  • Kia teased its Carens Clavis EV with a 490 km ARAI range and Level 2 ADAS ahead of its July 15 debut.  
  • Mercedes-Benz India rolled out a two-phase price hike to buffer euro-rupee headwinds, the third increase this year.  
  • MG’s Windsor EV dominated FY25 EV sales with 19,394 units, propelled by its dual-battery options and Battery-as-a-Service plan.  
  • Hyundai posted 60,924 June sales—SUVs made up 67.6% of domestic volumes—as exports rose 14% year-on-year.  
  • Volkswagen India’s Autofest July carnival returns with exchange bonuses up to ₹2.5 lakh, low-rate finance, and service packages. 

Tata Harrier EV Bookings Open with Stealth Edition

Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

Tata Motors began taking Harrier EV bookings on July 2, 2025, for a ₹21,000 token, with over 10,000 orders logged in just 24 hours—second only to the Mahindra XEV 9e’s February launch. 

  • The lineup spans five trims from ₹21.49–₹30.23 lakh (ex-showroom), built on the acti.ev+ platform in RWD (238 PS, 315 Nm) and QWD (dual-motor, 313 PS, 504 Nm) formats. 
  • Battery choices include 65 kWh (538 km MIDC) and 75 kWh (627 km MIDC), with real-world C75 ranges of 420–505 km. 
  • Standard kit features Level 2 ADAS, seven airbags, a 14.5″ QLED touchscreen, and a 540° camera system. 
  • The Stealth Edition (₹28.49 lakh) adds matte paint, black accents, unique alloys, and special service and charging packages.

Tata also plans a 350-billion-rupee war chest for future EV rollouts, backed by upcoming gigafactory cell production in 2026. 

Positive bookings amid a global battery-cell crunch emphasize Tata’s robust supply chain and confidence in meeting demand.

Innova Hycross Secures Full 5-Star BNCAP Rating

Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

Toyota’s Innova Hycross became the first MPV—and first hybrid—tested by Bharat NCAP, earning 30.47/32 in Adult Occupant Protection and 45/49 in Child Occupant Protection for an overall five-star score. 

  • The GX 8-seater petrol and VX/VX (O) hybrid trims both aced dynamic crash tests and ISOFIX installation, with ‘good’ or ‘adequate’ ratings across critical zones. 
  • Its TNGA-C structure, six airbags, ESC, hill-hold, and AIS-100 pedestrian compliance underpin the results. 
  • Top ZX (O) models add Toyota Safety Sense ADAS: Pre-Collision, Lane Trace Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Monitor, and Automatic High Beam. Standard safety includes seat-belt reminders, TPMS, and a passenger-airbag cut-off switch. 
  • Hybrid variants use a 2.0 L petrol engine plus e-Drive motor (184 PS combined), delivering up to 23.24 kpl—16.13 kpl for the CVT petrol. 

This achievement reinforces Toyota’s family-first ethos and pressure on rivals to match elevated crash-worthiness. The accolade aligns with India’s push for safer vehicles under new regulatory frameworks.

Kia Carens Clavis EV Teased with 490 km Range & Level 2 ADAS

Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

Kia India teased its all-new Carens Clavis EV ahead of the July 15 launch, confirming a 51.4 kWh battery claiming 490 km (MIDC) and a 136 PS/200 Nm front motor paired with Level 2 ADAS. 

  • Like its ICE sibling, it sports a sleek silhouette, but swaps the grille for a charger port, adds aero-optimized alloy wheels, and redesigns front fog lamps. 
  • The cabin retains dual 12.3″ screens and a sliding/reclining second row, but omits the stalk shifter for extra storage. 
  • Expected features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, ventilated seats, and Kia’s ADAS suite with 20 autonomous functions. 
  • Likely powertrain borrowing from the Hyundai Creta EV suggests two motor-battery options and V2L/V2V charging support8.

     

Pricing is projected to start around ₹26 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as the first mass-market three-row EV in India. Teaser response hints at strong pre-launch interest and a potential shake-up in the family-EV segment.

Mercedes-Benz India to Hike Prices by Up to 1.5 %

Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

Mercedes-Benz India announced a two-phase price bump—₹90,000 to ₹12.2 lakh on June 1, 2025, and a further 1.5% across all models on September 1—to mitigate a 13% cost increase from euro depreciation, while only passing on roughly 3% to buyers.

With 70% of components imported, the rupee crossing ₹99/EUR has driven up input costs despite 30% localization gains.

Models affected range from the C-Class (₹90k) to the Maybach S 680 (₹12.2 lakh). Customers financing through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services benefit from schemes that cushion EMI rises, leveraging RBI rate cuts to maintain demand.

Despite macro-volatility, the brand reported robust June retail sales underpinned by festive bookings. Customized “Manufaktur” orders—over 70% for vehicles above ₹1.5 crore—underscore buyer willingness to absorb premiums for personalization.

The measured hikes aim to balance profitability with market competitiveness amid geopolitical uncertainty.

MG Windsor EV Tops FY25 EV Sales with 19,394 Units

Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

The MG Windsor EV led FY25 EV volumes with 19,394 units—47% of MG India’s EV mix—thanks to its value-rich offering and flexible ownership models. 

  • Priced from ₹13.99 lakh (Standard) and ₹18.31 lakh (Pro), it packs a 38 kWh (332 km ARAI) or 52.9 kWh (449 km ARAI) battery with a 136 PS/200 Nm motor. 
  • AC charging (7.4 kW) and DC fast-charge (10–80% in under an hour) cater to urban and highway use. The Pro trim’s Level 2 ADAS, nine-speaker Infinity audio, panoramic sunroof, and 604 L boot resonate with families and tech enthusiasts. 
  • Battery-as-a-Service (car-only from ₹9.99 lakh) reduces upfront costs, opening EV access to price-sensitive buyers. 
  • The Windsor’s roomy cabin, safety suite (six airbags, ESP, hill-hold), and V2L/V2V functionality bolster its appeal.

     

Consistent monthly sales of 2–3k units emphasize sustained demand and the shift towards mid-size EV crossovers in India.

Hyundai June 2025 Sales: 60,924 Units; Exports Up 14%

Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

Hyundai Motor India sold 60,924 units in June 2025—44,024 domestically (−12.1% YoY) and 16,900 exports (+14% YoY)—with SUVs commanding 67.6% of domestic mix, led by Creta’s 15,786 units. 

  • Q1 FY26 totals reached 180,399 units (–6.1% YoY) as exports rose to 26.7% share from 22.2% a year ago. 
  • Creta, Venue, and Exter cushioned declines in hatchback and sedan segments, while Creta EV’s 390/473 km range builds anticipation amid charger-network expansion. 
  • Upcoming Talegaon plant ramp-up will add 1 lakh annual capacity by Q3 FY26, shortening lead times. Monsoon-driven rural demand and RBI repo-rate cuts may spur recovery.

     

Hyundai’s balanced ICE-EV portfolio and robust export strategy underscore resilience amid macro headwinds. Focus on new N Line trims, premium Alcazar facelift, and first mass-market EV launch in October point to sustained momentum.

Volkswagen Autofest July 2025: Exchange & Finance Carnival

Weekly Automotive Brief – EV Bookings, Safety, Sales & Deals

Volkswagen India relaunched its national Autofest exchange carnival throughout July 2025, featuring:

  • Exchange & loyalty bonuses up to ₹2.5 lakh (Taigun) / ₹1.5 lakh (Virtus).
  • Special low-interest finance schemes with flexible tenures & minimal down payments.
  • Complimentary on-spot vehicle evaluations and test drives for all models.
  • Service value packages offering up to 20% off scheduled maintenance and genuine parts.
  • Scrappage benefits and preferential loyalty rewards for existing VW owners.

Valid at authorised showrooms until July 31, the carnival spans Virtus (₹11.56–19.40 lakh), Taigun (₹11.80–19.83 lakh), Tiguan R-Line (₹49 lakh), and Golf GTI (₹53 lakh). Autofest underscores VW’s commitment to accessible German engineering, supported by a 4-year/120,000 km warranty, 24×7 roadside assistance, and future-ready ownership experiences.

Car On Phone, News of the Week: Conclusion & Outlook

This week highlights the accelerating EV transition, punctuated by Tata’s Harrier EV record bookings and Kia’s family-EV teaser—mirroring MG’s Windsor EV sales triumph.

Safety attention peaked with the Innova Hycross’s historic five-star Bharat NCAP result, raising the bar for MPVs.

Luxury and import brands are navigating forex pressures, as Mercedes-Benz enacts phased price increases while VW drives consumer upgrades via Autofest.

Hyundai’s SUV-centric June dispatches and export growth reflect enduring demand for high-riding models.

Looking ahead, new capacity online at Hyundai’s Talegaon plant, festive-season launches, and early mass-market EV debuts (Creta EV, Carens Clavis EV) will shape the competitive landscape.

Policy support, charging-infrastructure build-out, and shifting buyer preferences toward feature-rich, safety-focused EVs and SUVs will underpin next-quarter momentum.

CarOnPhone is your one-stop destination to see all upcoming cars, latest cars, released cars, and EV Cars, and compare Cars in all Car Brands. Stay tuned and follow us to update yourself on the automotive world.

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Tata Harrier EV

21.49 Lakh*

Ex-showroom price

Tata Harrier EV Variant Image
Available Colors
Battery Capacity

65 kwh

Transmission

Automatic

Power Image
Power

235 bhp

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