From Ather’s mass-market electric scooter push to Mercedes-Benz’s new urban retail strategy, here are five automotive developments in the Indian market this week.
News Roundup
- Ather Energy targets commuter volume with the metal-bodied Konarc scooter
- Kia brings the Sorento to India with a 1.6L hybrid-AWD configuration
- Tata Motors PV clocks 59% domestic sales surge led by record EV volumes
- Mercedes-Benz opens India’s first studio in Gurugram
- Maruti Suzuki launches a subtle cosmetic facelift for the Baleno
Ather Konarc
Ather Energy has introduced the Konarc electric scooter in the mass-market commuter segment, starting at ₹99,999 (ex-showroom). Built on the EL platform, it comes with a durable metal body and a deep 31-litre underseat storage tub that easily fits a full-face helmet. The S line provides 2.1 kWh, 2.7 kWh and 3.5 kWh battery options, delivering ranges from 100 km to 161 km. The scooter also gets a unique combined charging setup, which lets owners connect two chargers simultaneously, cutting the 0-80% time to two hours. Buyers who wanted a payload utility option from the Ather badge finally get a rugged alternative.
Kia Sorento
Kia has grown its Indian portfolio by launching the Sorento in India, which is the brand’s first strong-hybrid powertrain paired with an AWD setup. This SUV is available with a 1.6L strong-hybrid petrol engine, and it produces 238 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, alongside a 2.2L diesel unit generating 202 bhp and 441 Nm. With 1,900 mm of width and a 2,815 mm wheelbase, this vehicle offers a spacious six- or seven-seat cabin. It also comes equipped with a generative AI voice assistant. The vehicle is priced between ₹27.77 lakh and ₹38.49 lakh ex-showroom right now.
Tata Motors Growth
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV) reported a 59% year-on-year leap in domestic sales for August 2026, delivering 65,253 units to notch its highest monthly wholesale volume of the financial year. Growth mainly came from the company’s electric mobility division, where EV shipments spiked 94% year-on-year to cross 16,500 units for the first time. This performance pushed TMPV’s overall passenger vehicle market share to 14.7% and consolidated its command of the domestic electric car market above 43%.
Mercedes-Benz India Studio
Mercedes-Benz India has launched its first Mercedes-Benz Studio at DLF One Horizon Centre in Gurugram. Moving away from traditional dealership layouts, this urban brand experience offers vehicle displays with a Lavonne Café and lifestyle merchandise. The facility’s opening revealed the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, a technology demonstrator featuring three axial flux motors that generate over 1,360 bhp. The brand also introduced Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team e-bikes starting at ₹4.20 lakh. Overall, the walk-in format of the studio allows the manufacturer to engage potential buyers in a relaxed retail environment before they enter the formal vehicle-purchasing process.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift
Maruti Suzuki has finally rolled out a facelift for the second-generation Baleno hatchback. There’s a redesigned front grille featuring a horizontal connecting bar up front now, while the front bumper removes the traditional fog lamps for a flatter, cleaner aerodynamic profile. Instead of a 4-cylinder, it now gets the 1.2L Z-series 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 90 bhp, and running with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. A 77.5 bhp CNG version also comes exclusively with the manual gearbox. The brand has done this subtle cosmetic refresh to make sure that the Baleno stays relevant in the modern market without tweaking its proven, budget-friendly powertrain.
