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India’s passenger vehicle market stumbled in June 2025, with three of the country's biggest carmakers—Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, and Tata Motors— reporting double-digit year-on-year declines in domestic wholesale sales. The sharp downturn reflects a mix of subdued urban demand, high dealer inventory, and price sensitivity in the small car segment, which continues to be under stress due to regulatory cost pressures.

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, saw a 13% drop in domestic passenger vehicle dispatches, delivering 1,18,906 units compared to 1,37,160 units last year. Its mini-segment cars, Alto and S-Presso, fell to 6,414 units from 9,395, while compact cars like Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR dropped to 54,177 units from 64,049. Overall, the company reported a total sales of 167,993 units in June 2025, reflecting a year-on-year decline from 179,228 units in June 2024.

Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/maruti-suzuki-june-sales-dip-to-1-67-lakh-units-mini-car-segment-plunges-32-y-o-y-72613.htm"> Maruti Suzuki June sales dip to 1.67 lakh units; mini car segment plunges 32% y-o-y</a>


Utility vehicles, including Grand Vitara, Brezza, Ertiga, XL6, and Jimny, also declined to 47,947 units from 52,373. Rahul Bharti, MSI Senior Executive Officer, attributed the slowdown to an affordability issue in the small car segment, noting that passenger vehicle sales are nearly flat despite 6.5% GDP growth.

He said, "The slowdown in PV sales is largely due to a sharp decline in the smaller segment cars. Historically, PV sales used to grow at 1.5 times the GDP growth. But now, even after 6.5% GDP growth, the car market is nearly flat. This is because the once mass small car segment is not participating in the growth at all. This is clearly an affordability issue."

Hyundai Motor India also reported a 12% decline in June domestic sales. Its sales stood at 44,024 units compared to 50,103 units last year. Tarun Garg, HMIL’s Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, cited geopolitical challenges affecting market sentiment but expressed cautious optimism for a demand recovery, supported by potential repo rate reductions and improved liquidity.

"As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery of demand, supported by a reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of the cut in CRR. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets," Garg added. The company will start manufacturing cars at the Talegaon plant in Pune in Q3 FY26.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/tata-motors-domestic-sales-dip-10-in-q126-y-o-y-at-203411-units-72600.htm">Tata Motors' domestic sales dip 10% in Q1'26 at 2.03 lakh units</a>


Tata Motors, the third-largest automaker in India by volume, saw the steepest decline among the top players, posting a 15% year-on-year drop in June sales. With 37,083 passenger vehicle units dispatched to dealers compared to 43,524 units last year, Shailesh Chandra, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD, expects subdued industry growth but believes new launches will help the company outperform in hatchbacks, SUVs, and EVs.

"The EV segment emerged as a bright spot, driven by robust growth and the launch of new models across original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), enhancing customer interest and consideration," he said.

The downturn in sales isn’t uniform, however. 

Mahindra & Mahindra defied the broader trend, registering an 18% growth in passenger vehicle sales with 47,306 units sold in June, marking its highest-ever SUV quarter, according to CEO Nalinikanth Gollagunta.

Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor recorded 28,869 units compared to 27,474 units in June 2024. JSW MG Motor India saw a 21% growth, selling 5,829 units.

Meanwhile, in the two-wheeler segment, TVS Motor Company recorded a 10% rise in domestic sales to 2,81,012 units, while Royal Enfield’s domestic sales grew 16% to 76,957 units from 66,117 units. Bajaj Auto reported a 13% decline in total domestic sales, including commercial vehicles, with 1,88,460 units compared to 2,16,451 units last year.

June 2025 auto sales dip amidst subdued demand; Maruti, Hyundai, Tata post sharp decline

In Chennai’s bustling automotive belt, simmering union unrest at Hyundai Motor India’s flagship plant near Sriperumbudur risks derailing operations. The dispute, reignited this week, pits the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)‑affiliated Hyundai Motor India Employees Union (HMIEU) against the company’s long‑standing recognition of the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE).

HMIEU reportedly has said that it will be forced to take the protest route if the management fails to accede to its demands, and that it will announce its future course of action on Monday. The company recognises the UUHE as its majority union.

Hyundai Motor India's spokesperson told Storyboard18 that as a responsible and ethical corporate entity and an employee friendly company, it continues to maintain a harmonious and inclusive work environment while adhering to all applicable Indian laws and internal protocols.
 

"Long term settlements are a standard industry-wide practice involving multiple rounds of discussions and negotiations. We are currently engaged in ongoing discussions with union representatives of UUHE which is the recognised majority Union at Hyundai Motor India Limited and as per the Labour Department of Government of Tamil Nadu. 

We remain focused on reaching a mutually beneficial outcome. HMIL leads the industry in offering among the best-in-class wages and benefits, and prioritises employee well-being and operational continuity as part of its long-standing commitment to India and the automotive industry.
 
In relation to the CITU backed union, it is an unrecognised minority union and in lieu of the ongoing litigation before the Court, HMIL cannot comment on any matters which are sub-judice."

HMIEU apparently asserts that 1,356 out of 2,420 permanent employees have signed up with his union, clearly a majority and that Hyundai must either include HMIEU in ongoing wage negotiations or facilitate a secret‑ballot union vote. 

Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/hyundai-motors-q3-profit-declines-19-to-rs-1161-crore-due-to-subdued-demand-54802.htm"> Hyundai Motor's Q3 profit declines 19% to Rs 1,161 crore due to subdued demand</a>

Hyundai, however, stands firm. The automaker has reportedly emphasised that it only recognises UUHE, as confirmed by Tamil Nadu’s labour department and is in talks with UUHE for a long‑term wage agreement, extending from April 2021 to March 2024. With parallel litigation in the Madras High Court and allegations of HMIEU submitting forged membership lists, Hyundai rejects HMIEU’s claims as “unrecognised and sub‑judice”.

In December 2023, HMIEU issued a notice to Hyundai and urged the company to conduct a secret ballot to determine the majority union. Following which, in January 2024, the union filed a writ petition before the Madras High Court seeking directions to the company to conduct the election under court supervision. In response to that, in March 2024, Hyundai filed a complaint before a metropolitan magistrate and alleged that HMIEU had submitted false evidence, including forged signatures of some employees in the voter list.

It is to be noted that five months ago, Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant also grappled with CITU‑backed union demands, though those were eventually resolved after a prolonged deadlock .

Toyota and Hyundai themselves have faced labour unrest in Chennai previously. In 2010 during a sit‑in protest over reinstatement demands, and again in 2012, when HMIEU-led strikes followed a wage pact signed with UUHE. Such standoffs have cost production up to 40% in a single day, in the past.

In 2012 also, HMIEU led a strike at Hyundai's Chennai plant, demanding the reinstatement of 27 dismissed workers, recognition of the union, and renegotiation of a recently concluded wage agreement. The strike, which began on October 30, 2012, was called off after the company revoked the suspension of 20 striking workers.

Labour discussions at Hyundai Plant evolve amid Union dynamics

Top carmakers, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India, are betting on overseas markets to drive growth in the current fiscal year, even as they brace for tepid expansion at home.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/maruti-suzukis-standalone-profit-drops-by-4-28-to-rs-3711-crore-in-q4-fy25-63319.htm">Read more: Maruti Suzuki's Q4 profit drops 4.28% amidst rising ad and plant expenses</a>


Hyundai Motor India, the country’s second-largest passenger carmaker, expects to grow its export volumes by 7% to 8% in fiscal 2026, after shipping 163,386 vehicles last year. The company sees India becoming its largest export base outside of South Korea.

“We aspire to continue our growth trajectory in exports in the coming years,” said Unsoo Kim, Hyundai Motor India’s managing director, during an analyst call. Emerging markets will remain the key growth engine, he added, as per a PTI report. 

Maruti Suzuki India, the nation’s largest automaker, is more bullish. The company is aiming to export 400,000 vehicles in fiscal 2026, a 20% increase over the 332,585 units shipped last year. That figure represented a 17.5% jump from the previous year and accounted for 43% of India’s total passenger vehicle exports.

“Our target is at least four lakh [400,000] units this year,” said Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer for corporate affairs at Maruti Suzuki, during a media briefing. The automaker is close to the golden mark of 50% [market share in exports], as per the report. 

Maruti’s export portfolio includes key models such as the Fronx, Jimny, Baleno, Swift, and Dzire. The company’s top five markets in FY25 were South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Japan, and Mexico. Notably, Maruti has made inroads into Japan, with just two models quickly making it the company’s second-largest export destination.

“The interesting part is that the EV is yet to come,” Mr. Bharti said, suggesting that the launch of electric vehicles could further boost export volumes.

Both automakers are turning to exports as the domestic landscape grows more uncertain. While Hyundai remains focused on strengthening its SUV and premium product lines in India, executives acknowledged that growth in the local market would likely mirror overall industry trends.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/hyundai-motor-india-posts-rs-5640-cr-profit-in-fy25-bets-big-on-evs-global-exports-66220.htm">Read more: Hyundai Motor India posts Rs 5,640 cr profit in FY25, bets big on EVs, global exports</a>

“The demand environment in the domestic market continues to be challenging,” Kim said, pointing to a combination of rising costs and slower consumer demand. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has forecast low single-digit growth in domestic passenger vehicle sales for fiscal 2026.

Suzuki Motor Corporation, Maruti’s parent company, echoed that sentiment last month, projecting industry growth in India to be between 1% and 2% for the year. Despite this, Maruti expects to outperform the market, maintaining its dominant position.

In eary June, commenting on HMIL sales, Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, “HMIL’s total sales volume for May 2025 stood at 58,701 units. May is a month of our routine week-long biannual maintenance shutdown at our Chennai manufacturing facility which affects availability of few critical models. We continue to witness consistent growth in our exports volume and this is a testament to the 'Make in India, Made for the World' philosophy that we passionately uphold. Going forward, we remain hopeful of a steady increase in demand for both domestic as well as international shipments with reduced uncertainty on the geo-political front and improved macro-economic situation.”

Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai see export growth as domestic market softens

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) reported a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 5,640 crore for FY25, witnessing a 7% decline from Rs 6,060 crore reported in the previous fiscal. The revenue for the year stood at Rs 69,193 crore, down marginally from Rs 69,829 crore in FY24. Despite a marginal drop in revenues compared to the previous year, the carmaker emphasized sustained profitability, robust SUV demand, and a strategic pivot toward electric mobility and export-led growth.

The company witnessed the highest ever domestic SUV contribution at 68.5%, with strong traction across urban and rural markets, in the same period. Creta marked another year of undisputed leadership, with more than 30% market share in the midsize SUV space, it reported. The company launched the Creta Electric, marking its formal entry into the EV space.

The company reported a 4% decline in its consolidated profit after tax, which stood at Rs 1,614 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The drop was primarily attributed to softer domestic sales during the period. In comparison, the company had posted a PAT of Rs 1,677 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year.

Despite the dip in profit, the company’s revenue from operations saw a modest increase, rising 1.5% year-on-year to Rs 17,940 crore in the March quarter as compared with Rs 17,671 crore in the year-ago period.

HMIL reported domestic sales of 599,000 units and export volumes of 163,000 units, underscoring its strong performance in emerging international markets even as domestic demand showed signs of softening.

Looking ahead to FY26, Hyundai expects domestic growth to align with industry estimates of low-single digit expansion, but aims to grow exports by 7–8% through increased focus on global markets.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/eureka-forbes-raises-ad-spend-by-25-to-rs-259-5-cr-in-fy25-66190.htm">Eureka Forbes raises ad spend by 25% to Rs 259.5 cr in FY25</a>

The company has unveiled an ambitious product roadmap, including 26 launches by FY2030, 20 internal combustion engine (ICE) models and 6 EVs, alongside plans to introduce hybrid powertrains and scale capacity with its upcoming Pune plant.

Commenting on the company’s results, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, said, “Launch of products like Creat Electric and Alcazar FL along with seamless product refreshments across segments helped us in maintaining our competitive edge. Hyundai’s strong brand presence in key global emerging markets enabled us to endure headwinds and sustain export volumes during the year. The year gone by signifies our resilience in the financial performance by way of sustained revenues and healthy operating margins attributable to improved realisations and effective cost control measures."

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/emami-boosts-ad-spends-to-rs-188-8-crore-in-q4-fy25-as-profit-rises-11-66204.htm">Emami boosts ad spends to Rs 188.8 crore in Q4 FY25 as profit rises 11%</a>

“The aggressive pipeline and capacity expansion will power Hyundai’s next phase of growth in India,” Kim added.

Looking ahead, the company remains cautiously optimistic on the domestic demand outlook in near term amid prevailing macro-turbulences and weakening customer sentiments. "While we expect our FY26 domestic growth to be broadly in line with Industry estimates of low-single digit, we are aiming for 7-8% volume growth in Exports by improved focus and leveraging our strong brand equity and legacy in the key emerging markets," he said.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/digital-drives-future-tv-still-steers-wheel-for-auto-brands-tam-66212.htm">Digital drives future, TV still steers wheel for auto brands: TAM</a>

Hyundai Motor India posts Rs  5,640  cr profit in FY25, bets big on EVs, global exports

What makes a car truly iconic? It's not just numbers or design—it's when a 26-year-old model still zips down Indian roads, proudly carrying memories, utility, and legacy in equal measure.

Enter the Hyundai Santro: a car that didn't just sell in millions—it won hearts, rewrote norms, and defined what a hatchback could be in the Indian context. 

For many Indians, the Santro wasn't just a car; it was a family member, a first big purchase, a daily companion. And it's story is just as unique as its design.

Let's hit the brakes for a moment and rewind to the mid-90s. India's automobile market was growing, but still ruled by Maruti. Then came Hyundai Motor Company in 1996, setting up its first manufacturing plant outside Korea in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu — with a massive investment of $614 million, the largest any multinational had made in the Indian auto sector at the time. And two years later, the Santro was born.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4s9rJfUcP6c?si=0JuvuVGnyLFqWzYs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/hyundai-motor-india-increases-ad-budget-as-ipo-nears-eyes-trusted-brand-positioning-44763.htm">Hyundai Motor India increases ad budget as IPO nears, eyes trusted brand positioning</a> 

Santro's radical debut in 1998

When Hyundai launched the Santro in September 1998, it introduced a quirky-looking, upright hatchback that towered over its rivals—literally. 

While Maruti 800 and Zen kept it low and simple, the Santro came with a high roofline and compact frame, earning the nickname "Tall Boy". The design was bold, unconventional, and initially even mocked. 

But Indians quickly warmed up to the practical benefits—tall stance meant better headroom, enhanced road presence, and easier ingress and egress.

Under the hood, the Santro packed a 999c Epsilon engine producing 55bhp (brake horsepower), equipped with multi-point injection. With segment-first features like power windows and power steering in entry-level cars, Hyundai made it clear—it wasn't just another budget offering, it was aspirational. And with that, it shook up Maruti's monopoly and earned serious credibility.

Evolving through the years: From Zip to Xing

2000 – Santro Zip:

Hyundai refreshed the Santro with improved drivability, especially at low speeds—ideal for Indian city traffic. Cosmetic tweaks and new colour options added flair.

2002 – Santro Zip Plus:

A bigger 1086cc engine boosted the power to 63bhp, offering a more exciting ride for highway users. Interiors got subtle upgrades, keeping it modern and relevant.

2003–2014 – Santro Xing:

Arguably the most popular phase, the Xing came with a softer design, better aerodynamics, a fresh dashboard, and features like a digital clock, CNG variants, and special editions. Its new tagline “The Sunshine Car” fit its cheerful, reliable image perfectly. Over its 11-year run, the Xing became the go-to family hatchback across Indian cities and towns.

By 2004, Hyundai had sold over a million Santros. The impact was undeniable. The WagonR came as Maruti’s counter, but the Tall Boy had already set a new benchmark.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ljZDAX8NqIg?si=eDUVkCqZl8gS6Jpz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

A temporary goodbye and a brief return

By 2014, Hyundai had matured into a brand with a diverse line-up, including premium hatchbacks like the i10 and i20. With market preferences shifting, the Santro was discontinued after 17 years.

But in 2018, in a surprising move, Hyundai revived the Santro badge. While the comeback car was well-built and packed with features, it shared more DNA with the i10 than the original Santro. 

Also, its pricing closely rivalled the Grand i10, making it less appealing to value-conscious buyers. By 2022, amid the rise of SUVs and premium hatches, the Santro was quietly phased out once again.

Shah Rukh Khan and the Santro: A legacy of trust

No story of the Santro is complete without mentioning Bollywood's Badshah. Shah Rukh Khan's association with Hyundai began in 1998, around the time Santro launched. But this wasn't just a typical celebrity-brand tie-up—it was a masterstroke in cultural marketing.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUHvQPgAxs?si=7ob3AYjUJ3Ka_Jkh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

At a time when Hyundai was a relatively unknown brand in India, SRK brought immediate recall, credibility, and relatability. One of the earliest ad campaigns showed Hyundai executives trying to convince SRK to endorse the car. His on-screen hesitance and eventual belief in the brand mirrored what Hyundai wanted from India: trust.

The SRK-Hyundai partnership lasted over two decades—one of the longest brand-ambassador collaborations in the auto world. It wasn't just about ads. It was about a consistent, relatable face that aged with brand, evolving from a rising star to a superstar—just like the Santro.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hyundai-motor-india-reappoints-unsoo-kim-as-md-for-three-years-51123.htm">Hyundai Motor India reappoints Unsoo Kim as MD for three years</a>

The Santro effect: Beyond sales, a cultural symbol

In its lifetime, the Santro sold over 1.85 million units in India, contributed immensely to Hyundai becoming India’s second-largest carmaker, and laid the foundation for future hits like the i10, i20, and Creta.

It wasn’t just a car. It was:

- A first vehicle for countless middle-class families.

- A status symbol in small towns.

- A cabbie’s trusted companion.

- A vehicle that married form and function, without fuss.

The Santro’s story is more than a product lifecycle. It’s a tale of ambition, disruption, trust, and transformation. It redefined what Indian hatchbacks could be, made “features” a priority even at entry-level pricing, and proved that a challenger could take on the giants with the right mix of innovation and insight.

And in doing so, it carved a permanent parking spot in India’s automotive hall of fame—with Shah Rukh Khan always riding shotgun.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/the-hyundai-journey-how-south-koreas-chaebol-became-indias-automotive-icon-45109.htm">The Hyundai Journey: How South Korea's Chaebol became India's Automotive Icon</a>

How Hyundai's Santro became India's beloved 'Tall Boy' hatchback

Automaker Hyundai Motor reported a 19 percent decline in its net profit in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024. The company's Q3 profit stood at Rs 1,161 crore due to subdued demand and geopolitical factors. Hyundai's consolidated profit in Q3 FY 24 was Rs 1,425 crore.

The maker of Creta and Venue cars also reported a decline in its revenue to Rs 16,648 crore in Q3  FY 25 versus Rs 16,875 crore in the same quarter in the year ago period.

Hyundai said that it sold a total of 186,408 units of passenger vehicles between October and December 2024. This includes 146,022 units in the domestic market with a strong contribution from the SUV segment. The export volume stood at 40,386 units.

Hyundai Motor has shared a positive outlook on growing EV penetration in India. According to the company, the newly launched Creta Electric will be a game-changer in the EV landscape.

Further, HMI said that it will also look to explore opportunities in alternate eco-friendly powertrains.

"While the challenges persist in the overall market due to global factors, our business fundamentals remain strong, and we remain confident in our ability to leverage our strengths and actively explore potential opportunities to improve our volumes and profitability,"  Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India said.

Hyundai Motor's Q3 profit declines 19% to Rs 1,161 crore due to subdued demand

Hyundai Motors is set to make a significant move in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the Creta Electric SUV, marking its first major car release in the country since its stock market debut. After more than four years of research and development, the South Korean automaker is set to unveil a model that has been eagerly anticipated. Although official pricing has yet to be confirmed, CNBC-TV18 reported that sources suggest the Creta Electric will be priced below Rs 30 lakh, making it a competitive option in the rapidly expanding EV segment.

Industry expectations are high, with Hyundai aiming to sell at least 2,000 units per month in the initial phase. The company has signaled its intent to scale production based on market demand and response, positioning the Creta EV as a key player in the Indian market’s shift toward electric mobility.

In a conversation with CNBC-TV18 ahead of the launch, Hyundai India’s Chief Operating Officer, Tarun Garg, expressed optimism about the vehicle’s potential to address consumer concerns surrounding range anxiety and the evolving EV ecosystem. “Having sold over 1.1 million Creta SUVs in India, we believe the Creta EV will emerge as the symbol of electric SUVs. We want to be as strong in EVs as we are in ICE vehicles. So, if we have a 13-14% market share in SUVs, we would hope to achieve an even higher market share in EVs by 2030," Garg said.

Hyundai’s strategy goes beyond the vehicle itself, focusing on a comprehensive charging infrastructure to support its customers. Garg highlighted that Hyundai’s in-car payment application would be compatible with over 1,100 charging points, and the My Hyundai app would allow users to access more than 10,000 charging stations nationwide. Additionally, Hyundai plans to deploy 80 fast-charging stations across 30 locations along highways to cater to long-distance travel needs, along with providing an 11kW home charger for customers.

Looking ahead, Garg expects 2026 to be a pivotal year for EV adoption in India, forecasting significant growth as mainstream Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) ramp up EV production. They anticipate that EV volumes will double by the end of 2025, and by 2026, the electric vehicle market will experience substantial growth.

To date, Hyundai has sold over 4,000 electric vehicles in India, including the Kona Electric and the Ioniq. However, the Creta Electric will be the company’s first mass-market electric model in India. Garg confirmed that Hyundai plans to launch three additional electric vehicles by 2030, with a strategy that includes both derivatives of existing models and entirely new electric offerings across various price points.

The Indian government’s supportive policies and incentives for electric mobility have bolstered Hyundai’s commitment to the segment. Garg also noted that Hyundai’s established hybrid technology could quickly be leveraged in response to customer demand. "We already have hybrid technology at Hyundai, and we can bring it to market very quickly if there is customer demand," he added.

In line with its long-term strategy, Hyundai plans to export the Creta Electric SUV to international markets once domestic demand is satisfied. The vehicle has been developed at the company’s Hyderabad facility, with a strong emphasis on localization. Additionally, the company has forged a collaboration with Exide for battery production. While lithium-ion battery cells are currently imported from LG’s Indonesian plant, Hyundai aims to localize battery cell production in the future, further strengthening its commitment to India’s EV ecosystem.

We want to be as strong in EVs as we are in ICE: Hyundai's Tarun Garg

Keep up with all the key people movements in the brand marketing ecosystem in Storyboard18’s CXO Moves. Here’s a round-up of the executives who've moved jobs, got bigger roles, switched industries and more.


Kristi Argyilan


Previous: SVP - Retail Media, Albertsons Companies


Present: Global head - advertising, Uber


Uber has named Kristi Argyilan as global head - advertising. She has worked across Clorox Company, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Hill, Holliday, Arnold Worldwide, Universal McCann UM Media Agency, IPG Mediabrands, Target, Roundel, Bed, Bath & Beyond and MMA Global. 


Amy Armstrong


Previous: Director, Global Customer Development - Amazon Ads, Amazon


Present: Chief revenue officer, Publicis Groupe


Publicis Groupe has appointed Amy Armstrong as chief revenue officer. She has worked across FCB Global, ID Media, BPN Worldwide and Initiative.


Vishu Goel and Shyam Swamy

Vishu Goel, who led Asian Paints as associate vice president - retail sales, commercial and marketing, has stepped down from his position in view of certain personal circumstances.

In a regulatory filing, it was stated, "His resignation was accepted on 17th December 2024 and he has ceased to be an employee of the Company and a member of the Senior Management with effect from the close of business hours on 17th December 2024."

In another filing, Shyam Swamy - vice president, home improvement, décor, services & retailing, and a member of the senior management, too resigned from the services of the company. The filing read, "His resignation was accepted on 17th December 2024 and he has ceased to be an employee of the company and a member of the Senior Management with effect from the close of business hours on 17th December 2024."


Malcolm Poynton


Previous: Global chief creative officer, Cheil Worldwide


Malcolm Poynton, who led Cheil Worldwide as global chief creative officer, has moved on from the company. He has worked across HKM/Rialto, OMON, Green Girl Publishing, The Campaign Palace, M&C Saatchi London, Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy UK and SapientNitro.


Unsoo Kim


Present: Managing director, Hyundai Motor India


On December 19, Hyundai Motor India reappointed Unsoo Kim as the managing director for a period of three years, with effect from January 25.

Kim, who joined Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea, in 1991, has been associated with Hyundai Motor India since 2002. He led Hyundai India through listing earlier this year following the biggest initial public offering in the country’s history.


Shashank Shekhar Sharma


Previous: Senior vice president, Zepto


Present: CXO - Zepto Cafe, Zepto


Zepto elevated Shashank Shekhar Sharma to a new role. He has worked across The Oberoi Group and Chai Point.


Hemal Jain


Previous: Global Head of Finance & CFO Hyperpure, Zomato


Hemal Jain has moved on from Zomato. She has worked across Hindustan Unilever, and Professional Distribution House.


Karan Kumar


Present: Chief marketing officer, Hero Realty


Hero Realty has appointed Karan Kumar in a new role. He has worked across ITC Limited, Fab India, DLF Limited and ART Fertility Clinics.


Saurabh Bhambri


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Compiled by Kashmeera Sambamurthy

CXO Moves: Exec movements across Uber, Publicis Groupe, Hyundai Motor India, Zepto and more

On December 19, Hyundai Motor India reappointed Unsoo Kim as the managing director for a period of three years, with effect from January 25.

The board of directors of the Creta-maker approved the reappointment of Kim as managing director of the company for a period of three years with effect from Jan. 25, 2025, according to an exchange filing on Thursday.

Kim, who joined Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea, in 1991, has been associated with Hyundai Motor India since 2002. He led Hyundai India through listing earlier this year following the biggest initial public offering in the country’s history.

Prior to taking up the leadership position at Hyundai Motor India, Kim led Hyundai Motor Company as executive vice president - global operations.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) total sales declined 7 per cent year-on-year to 61,252 units in November. HMIL reported total sales of 61,252 units in November 2024, comprising 48,246 domestic sales and 13,006 exports.

In October 2024, HMIL had reported monthly sales (domestic + exports) at 70,078 units, marking a 1.96% YoY growth from 68,728 units sold in Oct 2023.

In November 2024, SUVs continued to dominate domestic sales, contributing 68.8% to the tally. Notably, HMIL recorded its highest-ever rural contribution of 22.1%, reflecting strong penetration into India’s hinterlands.

The Hy-CNG Duo technology also boosted CNG vehicle sales, which accounted for 14.4% of the total.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/the-hyundai-journey-how-south-koreas-chaebol-became-indias-automotive-icon-45109.htm">The Hyundai Journey: How South Korea's Chaebol became India's Automotive Icon</a>

Hyundai Motor India reappoints Unsoo Kim as MD for three years

In light of rising input costs and operational expenses, Maruti Suzuki has planned to increase the prices of its cars from January 2025. The price increase is expected to be up to 4% and will vary depending on the model.

Maruti Suzuki posted a decline in its net profit in the second quarter (Q2) of fiscal year 2025. According to the quarterly earnings, Maruti Suzuki reported a decline of 17.4 percent in its profit in Q2 FY25. The auto major posted a standalone profit of Rs 3,069 crore compared to Rs 3,716 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal year.

The company's consolidated revenue from operations remained flat at Rs 37,449 crore in Q2 year-on-year.

Every year in January, automakers hike prices.

Hyundai Motor India Limited announced that it will increase prices across its model range effective from January 1, 2025, due to a rise in input costs, adverse exchange rates, and an increase in logistics costs.

According to the company, the price hike will be done across all MY25 models, such as Tucson and i30 Sedan, up to Rs 25,000 from next year.

Hyundai's total sales declined 7 per cent year-on-year to 61,252 units in November. HMIL reported total sales of 61,252 units in November 2024, comprising 48,246 domestic sales and 13,006 exports.

Last month, Mercedes-Benz India (MBI) announced a price hike of up to 3 percent for its entire model range, effective from January 2025.

Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer has strongly pitched to boost India's auto exports. During the CNBCTV18 Global Leadership Summit, Iyer appreciated the "Make in India" initiative but added, "We want to ensure that cars from India can go out". He suggested a policy that focuses not just on "Make for India" but "Make for the world" as well.

"For India, it is important to strike more deals to get the borders open and compete globally," Iyer had said.

Read More:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/hyundai-to-hike-car-prices-by-up-to-rs-25000-from-jan-1-49506.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hyundai to hike car prices from Jan 1</a>

After Hyundai announced price hike, now Maruti says it will increase car prices by 4%

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