Toyota Kirloskar Motor Records Best-Ever Fiscal Performance In FY24-25 With 28% Growth

* Milestone underscores the growing customer confidence and the company’s accelerating shift toward sustainable mobility

* Records an impressive 30,043 units sold in March 2025, reflecting sustained market momentum.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced its highest-ever sales in a financial year, marking a key milestone in the company’s growth journey in India. For FY24-25, TKM sold 3,37,148 units, recording a double-digit growth of 28% compared to 2,63,512 units sold in FY23-24. This achievement reaffirms the success of TKM’s long-term vision, built on a customer-first philosophy and a versatile product lineup.

The company also reported strong sales in March 2025, with 30,043 units sold, registering a growth of 11% over the same period last year when 27,180 units were sold. Of the total sales in March 2025, domestic sales accounted for 28,373 units, while exports contributed 1,670 units—further highlighting comprehensive growth across segments.

Behind the Milestone: Key Drivers of TKM’s Success in FY24-25

SUV and MPV sales jumped by 35% reflecting strong demand for models tailored to Indian driving preferences.

Export growth surged by 59% affirming India’s growing stature as a strategic manufacturing and export base for Toyota globally

Stronger presence in Tier II & III cities, enhancing accessibility and getting closer to customers

Customer experience was further elevated through holistic ownership solutions such as T CARE and T GLOSS and the expansion of the Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services in the space of pre-owned car

A refreshed, dynamic product mix — including the Urban Cruiser Taisor, Camry Hybrid, and exclusive editions across the portfolio — continued to capture evolving customer expectations

Milestone models like the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Innova Hycross crossed significant sales benchmarks, reinforcing trust in Toyota’s core product values

Recent launches of The LC 300 and new Camry Hybrid continues to win hearts and add to the growing sales numbers

Commenting on the strong performance, Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business & Profit Enhancement said, “The growth has been fuelled by the strong and consistent adoption of SUVs MPVs and hybrids, further reinforced by robust export momentum and deeper engagement in Tier II and III cities—highlighting the increasing relevance of our diverse product portfolio.

Our multi-pathway approach, complemented by customer-centric initiatives like T-CARE has empowered us to deliver meaningful value at every stage of the ownership journey. This, in turn, has created strong opportunities for us while establishing a solid foundation for the coming year, even amid intensifying competition and rising consumer expectations.”

Quest Global Wraps Up The Successful 13th Edition Of Quest Global Ingenium In Bengaluru

Quest Global, a global product engineering services company, is thrilled to announce the winners of the 13th edition of Ingenium in Bengaluru today. After a rigorous competition featuring multiple challenging stages, the winners were selected for the grand finale held at Courtyard by Marriott, Bellandur.

Reinforcing Quest Global's commitment to nurturing engineering excellence for a brighter future, Ingenium has provided a platform for students from engineering colleges to showcase their innovative thinking and solutions. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vishesh Rajaram, Co-founder and MD of Speciale Invest.

The 13th edition of Quest Global Ingenium received an overwhelming response, with a total of 4,341 registrations, forming 2,878 teams across 30 universities that participated in the competition. Sri Eshwar College of Engineering from Tamil Nadu won the competition and impressed the jury with their project presentation on ’Indian Sign Language to text and speech.’ The solution offers a robust recognition system for Indian Sign Language (ISL) gestures, translating them into real-time text and speech outputs in multiple Indian languages. This effectively bridges the communication gap for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, allowing seamless interaction with the hearing world. Along with the prize money of INR 2,00,000, the winning team will gain valuable experience by visiting an engineering facility in Singapore, where they will experience cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions at work developed by Quest Global. This educational trip will provide students with valuable industry exposure and insights.

Lux Ramalingam, Chief Operating Officer, Quest Global, said, “This year, we are raising the bar by concentrating our efforts on some of India’s most promising engineering talent, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to solving real-world challenges. We believe that investing in these bright minds is crucial for driving innovation and shaping a brighter future for the industry.”

The team from Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering, Kerala secured a close first runner-up position with their entry on Robotic exoskeleton for walking therapy, a cost-effective robotic exoskeleton designed to facilitate continuous, controlled walking therapy and the team from Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal secured the second runner-up position with their entry on Secure Drone System for Defense.

Being one of the most fiercely competed Quest Global Ingenium editions, the judges received several outstanding entries. Colleges such as VSB Engineering College (VSBEC), Karur, Tamil Nadu, and Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Karnataka, submitted the highest number of projects in the competition.

As part of the event, there was a special session by Nimish Mehra, Co-founder, Fupro, an Ingenium alumnus. His session provided valuable insights and inspiration to the participants, reinforcing the impact of Ingenium on young engineers.

Ingenium has consistently served as a beacon for young engineering talent, fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving. Quest Global extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participating colleges, students, mentors, and partners for making the 13th edition a resounding success.

For more information about Ingenium and future initiatives by Quest Global, visit Quest Global Ingenium  

About Quest Global 

At Quest Global, it's not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. We're in the business of engineering, but what we are really creating is a brighter future. For over 25 years, we've been solving the world's most complex engineering problems. Operating in over 20 countries, with over 85 global delivery centers, our 20,000+ curious minds embrace the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Using a multi-dimensional approach, combining technology, industry expertise, and diverse talents, we tackle critical challenges faster and more effectively. And we do it across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy, Hi-Tech, MedTech & Healthcare, Rail and Semiconductor industries. For world-class end-to-end engineering solutions, we are your trusted partner. 

Odysse Electric Achieves 80% M-O-M Growth With 569 EV Sales In March 2025

Odysse Electric Vehicles, one of India’s fastest-growing premium electric vehicle manufacturers, recorded total sales of 569 units in March 2025, marking a steady 80% month-on-month growth and highlighting the increasing consumer preference for electric mobility solutions.

Continuing its aggressive expansion, Odysse Electric now has a presence in over 150 cities across 17 states in India. The brand has recently strengthened its footprint in key regions such as Haryana and Punjab while further solidifying its presence in Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. This expansion aligns with the company’s mission to drive India’s transition toward sustainable mobility.

Mr. Nemin Vora, CEO, Odysse Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., stated, "Our sustained month-on-month growth reflects the growing trust in Odysse Electric’s innovative and reliable EV solutions. The steady upward trajectory over the past months highlights the increasing adoption of electric mobility and the confidence consumers place in our technology. This momentum further strengthens our commitment to driving a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future while continuously enhancing our offerings to meet evolving market demands."

Established in 2020, Odysse Electric is at the forefront of reshaping India's electric vehicle landscape. Odysse Electric offers one of the largest product portfolios, comprising 7 models which includes 2 low-speed scooters, 2 high-speed scooters, a delivery scooter targeted to B2B segment, an EV sports bike, and a commuter bike for daily users. The product range includes: -

Electric motor cycle Vader (with 7” Touchscreen Android Display, AIS-156 approved battery, five drive modes, 18-liters storage space, Robust build)

Electric bike EVOQIS (with four drive modes, keyless entry, anti-theft lock and motor cut-off switch)

Latest addition of High-Speed Electric scooter SNAP (AIS 156 approved smart Portable Battery, waterproof motor, Distance to Empty & CAN enabled display)

High Speed Electric scooter HAWK Li (India’s first electric scooter with cruise control & Music system along with portable battery)

Low Speed - E2Go Lite, E2go+ and E2GO Graphene (electric scooter with portable battery, USB charging, digital speedometer and keyless entry)

Low speed electric scooter V2 Lite , V2 Graphene and V2+ (waterproof motor, huge boot space, dual battery and led lights)

Electric scooter TROT 2.0 for last-mile delivery (Loading capacity of 250 kgs and IoT).

Salila Pande Takes Charge As The MD & CEO Of SBI Card

SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer, announced that Ms. Salila Pande has taken charge as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 01 April 2025.

Ms. Pande is a seasoned banker with a successful career spanning almost three decades at the State Bank of India (SBI). She has held several key leadership positions both in India and abroad. Prior to taking charge of SBI Card, Ms. Pande was the Chief General Manager, Mumbai Metro Circle where she spearheaded the retail business of the Bank’s key financial market. In her earlier role as President & CEO of SBI California, she skillfully steered the Bank’s growth amidst an uncertain economic environment during COVID-19, among others.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India, said: “I am happy to welcome Ms. Salila Pande as the MD & CEO of SBI Card and I am sure that under her leadership, SBI Card will continue to innovate, expand and create value for all stakeholders. I wish her all the best.”

Ms. Salila Pande, MD & CEO, SBI Card, said: “I am honoured to take on the role and lead SBI Card at this transformative juncture. These are exciting times for India‘s financial sector, as a robust digital foundation and evolving demographics drive greater adoption of  digital payments. With a rich legacy of innovation and customer-centric solutions, SBI Card is uniquely positioned to capitalize these opportunities in the Indian credit card market. I look forward to steering SBI Card’s efforts to enhance customer experience, fuelling growth and strengthening its position.”

Over the years, Ms. Pande has managed critical assignments for SBI across its domestic and international operations. She brings with her deep expertise in international banking, retail banking, risk management, trade finance, and a broad understanding of financial services. Her global experience includes two key international assignments for the Bank – first, leading the Risk Management function in Singapore and later, as the President and CEO of SBI California. She has also held many other important assignments, including in the  Risk Management Department of SBI’s International Banking Group, and as the Zonal Head of SBI’s domestic operations, in Delhi.

A Gold Medalist in M.Sc. (Physics), she has earned financial accreditations, including, FRM and is a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB). She has also served on the board of SBI California as an Executive Director.

Courtyard By Marriott Debuts In Jharkhand, Welcomes Guests To Explore The Iconic Landmarks And Vibrant Culture Of Ranchi

* The 111-room Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi, is crafted to provide a seamless blend of elegance and comfort, offering guests the perfect setting to pursue their passions while travelling

Courtyard by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi, marking the debut of the first Marriott International brand in Jharkhand. Nestled in the state’s most sought-after areas, renowned for the stunning Rock Garden and picturesque Kanke Dam, this 111-room hotel exemplifies refined living and modern design. It offers a welcoming escape for both business and leisure travelers with enhanced comforts, memorable experiences and a delightful mix of local and international cuisines. Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi is ideally situated just 35 minutes from Birsa Munda Airport and 30 minutes from The Ranchi Junction and Hatia Railway Stations.

“We are excited to mark a significant milestone in our expansion journey in India with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi, our first in the vibrant, capital of Jharkhand. This launch underscores our commitment to entering promising markets like Ranchi, which offers a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Courtyard by Marriott is designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers, seamlessly combining innovative technology, comfort, and style. We look forward to welcoming guests for business, leisure, or a blend of both, as we continue to bring our signature hospitality to new destinations”, said Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International.

Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi features 111 spacious rooms thoughtfully designed for the comfort and convenience of the modern-day traveler. Paired with smart amenities, each room blends sleek, contemporary aesthetics with functionality, offering conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a well-appointed writing desk. The room views alternate between the pristine, peaceful waters of the Kanke Dam and lush, manicured gardens, offering guests the option of a refreshing pause between work commitments.

Dining venues at the hotel comprise of an all-day dining - Viraasat, where a warm, bustling open kitchen and a tempting selection of local and international cuisines await to satisfy every palette. For a more casual experience, guests can head to the Courtyard Cafe, the hotel’s charming deli-style cafe, offering a selection of locally inspired small bites, freshly brewed coffees, and a variety of beverages. Whether it's a quick mid-day break or, wrapping to a day well spent, Skyline, the rooftop bar offers a serene escape to soak in the sun by the poolside, or enjoy a sundowner with expertly crafted cocktails, refreshing mocktails, and a delectable menu.

To keep guests moving forward and help them pursue their passions while on the road, the hotel offers a fully equipped 24-hour Fitness Center with state-of-the-art workout machines. Complementing this is the rooftop pool, an open-to-sky retreat on the top floor, along with a dedicated steam area, where guests can relax while soaking in the breathtaking panorama of Kanke Dam.

Ideally located adjacent to the Nucleus Mall, the hotel offers guests easy access to the Rock Garden and Kanke Dam, which are must-visit attractions. Referred to as the ‘City of Waterfalls’ Ranchi, is dotted with lush green hills and generous waterfalls such as the Hundru, Dassam and Jonha Falls. The city also holds deeply religious roots, with the 17th- century Jagannath Temple and the Pahari Mandir, situated on a hillside, offering panoramic city views. Those interested in the region’s rich tribal heritage can visit the Tribal Research Institute and Museum, which provides a deep dive into Jharkhand’s indigenous cultures, traditions, and artifacts.  Ranchi is renowned for its rich tribal heritage and cultural diversity, showcased through local festivals, art, dance and traditional crafts.

The hotel features 9,100 sq. feet of versatile event space, blending elegance and functionality for both corporate and social occasions. Vista Hall, the crown jewel, spans 4,123 sq. feet and accommodates up to 300 guests, making it the ideal venue for grand celebrations, conferences, and receptions. With cutting-edge AV equipment and customizable layouts, it promises seamless service and a sophisticated atmosphere. For more intimate gatherings, the Executive Chamber offers a private, 400 sq. foot sanctuary on the top floor, designed for up to 14 guests, ensuring both productivity and discretion. The 4,000 sq. foot Skyline Venue offers an enchanting open-air setting with breathtaking views of Kanke Dam, perfect for outdoor banquets, evening celebrations, or corporate events. With tailored catering and décor, it promises to elevate any occasion into a truly unforgettable experience.

On this exciting launch, Pramod Singh, Hotel Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi, shared, “We are excited to introduce the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Jharkhand, bringing our signature warmth and hospitality to the heart of this vibrant state. At Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi, our trailblazing guests are welcomed with genuine care, thoughtful comforts and provided an effortlessly inviting atmosphere. Whether you're exploring the region’s rich heritage or simply looking for a place to relax, we look forward to making your stay truly memorable.”

Photo Caption: From left to right (ShriKant Guruji, Mr. Hemant Tenneti- (Market Vice President – South & East India, Bangladesh & Srilanka – Marriott International) Mrs. Anushri Agarwal, Mr. Samarth Agarwal – (Dir Beekay Group) , Mr. Bishnu Agarwal- (Dir Beekay Group) ,Ms. Shalini Agarwal, Mr. Pramod Singh- (Hotel Manager – Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi) ,Mr. Naresh Goyal, Ms. Ranju Alex- (Regional Vice President – South Asia , Marriott International) , Mr. Suresh Agarwal and Mr. Adarsh Agarwal- (Dir Beekay Group).

SANY Introduces India’s First, Locally Manufactured Hybrid Power 100T Mining Dump Truck SKT130S

SANY, the leading manufacturer of construction, mining, logistics & energy equipment unveiled the India’s first hybrid off- highway 100 ton mining dump truck product with localized manufacturing at its factory in Pune. This cutting-edge addition to SANY’s range of mining equipment marks a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s self-reliance in manufacturing the next generation of mining machinery with world leading technology.

Engineered to deliver exceptional power, efficiency, and operator safety, the SKT130S is equipped with a high-performance 925 kW rated power engine that generates an impressive 3200 Nm of torque, ensuring superior durability in challenging mining environments. Designed for heavy-duty applications, the truck features a 100-ton pay load capacity and a 61 CuM heaped body capacity, making it a formidable asset in the mining sector.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Deepak Garg, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Sany India and South Asia, said, “The introduction of the SKT130S is a remarkable achievement in our journey towards driving innovation and self-reliance in India’s mining sector. As India’s first 100 Ton diesel-electric hybrid mining truck, the SKT130S demonstrates SANY India’s commitment to delivering high-performance, efficient, and safe solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Our focus on localization not only supports India’s manufacturing vision but also ensures that we bring cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity in mining operations.”

The SKT130S is expected to deliver fuel savings of 20% -25% compared to conventional mining trucks. Its key feature is a regenerative braking system, which allows the high-voltage battery to charge during downhill operation.

The SKT130S is designed to deliver optimum performance, featuring an intelligent control module that ensures seamless operations and a 10-inch central control screen that enhances navigation and safety. Built with a strong focus on operator safety, the truck cabin is equipped with FOPS/ROPS certification, ensuring compliance with global safety standards while maintaining strength and agility.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, SANY India has localized the the SKT130S and is actively working towards further localizing major components.

The launch of the SKT130S positions SANY at the forefront of technological advancements in the mining sector. Moving forward, SANY remains committed to increasing localization efforts and introducing innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency and sustainability in the industry.

Dalmia Bharat Achieves Its Target Of 49.5 MTPA Production Capacity By FY25

* Commences Commercial Production of additional capacity at its Rohtas Plant in Bihar to support growing demand in the East

Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), India’s leading cement company, has achieved its target of 49.5MTPA for FY25 with the commencement of commercial production of an additional 0.5 MTPA at its Rohtas Cement Works (RCW) plant in Bihar effective 30th March 2025. This strategic expansion with an investment of Rs. 96 crores at the existing integrated unit increases the plant’s total capacity to 1.6 MTPA. The commissioning of Line 2 reinforces DBL’s commitment to strengthening its market presence in the Eastern region and aligns with its long-term vision of scaling capacity to 110-130 MTPA by 2031.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said: “Our growth in the East reflects our strong belief in the region’s development potential. With this expansion, we are enhancing our ability to support key infrastructure projects and contribute to economic progress in the region. This milestone reinforces our long-term vision for sustainable and strategic growth. I am pleased to announce that we have successfully reached our target of 49.5 million tonnes by FY’25, marking another key achievement in our expansion journey.”

Dalmia Bharat has a strong footprint in the East with manufacturing units in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. This expansion will enhance the company’s ability to cater to the increasing infrastructure demands in the East, across sectors such as roads, railways and airports. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to the region’s economic development. Dalmia Bharat remains dedicated to innovation, sustainability and delivering high-quality cement solutions to meet India’s growing infrastructure needs.