The Vande Bharat Sleeper has recorded a top speed of 180 km/h during testing, indicating the performance envelope being assessed for upcoming overnight train services. The sleeper variant is being developed to handle longer journeys that existing daytime Vande Bharat operations cannot cover.Unlike current Vande Bharat trains, which are configured with chair cars for daytime use, the sleeper version is intended for overnight travel. The aim is to serve routes where passengers board late in the evening and arrive the following morning without extending into multi-day journeys.

2026 has begun, and it will be an exciting year for the Indian automobile market. Several brands are anticipated to perform strongly, particularly in the rapidly growing electric vehicle segment. Here is a look at some of the automobile brands expected to make headlines in 2026.

Mahindra & Mahindra recorded a 28 per cent year-on-year increase in total wholesale sales during December 2025, dispatching 45,151 vehicles compared with 35,189 units in December 2024, supported by strong demand across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and tractors.

The year 2026 is anticipated to have a major leap forward in technology and innovation, particularly in the automotive sector. Several emerging trends are expected to significantly reshape the auto industry. Here are some of the innovations and expected technologies likely to feature in automobiles this year.

Kia India ended the calendar year 2025 with its highest-ever annual sales, recording 280,286 units, representing a 15 per cent year-on-year growth compared to 2024, marking the company's strongest performance since beginning operations in the Indian market.

South Korean auto manufacturer Kia will launch the 2026 Kia Seltos compact SUV in India on January 2, 2026. The new-generation Seltos features an updated exterior design, revamped interiors, and several premium features. Pricing will be revealed during the launch event, and the Seltos is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in India. Here's what we know so far.

The Government of India has discontinued central subsidies for electric three-wheelers under the FAME II scheme, claims a report by the Times of India, citing officials. The Government determined that adoption targets outlined under the PM-E Drive programme have been met, which then led to the end of purchase-linked incentives that had supported sales of battery-electric three-wheelers nationwide.The move follows a review by central authorities, which concluded that electric three-wheelers had achieved sufficient market penetration across passenger and goods applications, reducing the need for continued direct financial support to stimulate demand in the segment.

The Indian two-wheeler market in 2025 witnessed significant growth with total registration numbers reaching 2 crore units as of December 30, 2025. Sales increased by 7% compared to 2024, which is a positive thing, and the most notable surge occurred during the festive season after the implementation of the new GST 2.0 tax structure.

A wooden sailing ship stitched together using coconut fibre rope, natural resin and hand-shaped planks has quietly sailed into modern times under the Indian Navy's flag, recreating a form of seafaring that predates engines, metal hulls and modern naval architecture by centuries.The vessel, named INSV Kaundinya, relies entirely on wind power and traditional sails, with no mechanical propulsion onboard, placing it closer in spirit to ancient merchant ships than any contemporary naval craft currently in service.

The Ola Roadster X Plus, equipped with the Bharat Battery Cell, has received government approval, and deliveries are expected to begin soon. The Roadster X+ will be offered with 9.1 kWh and 4.5 kWh battery pack options, claiming a Maximum range of 500 km. The Deliveries of this Ev bike are expected to commence by mid-January 2026.

Hyundai Motor India Limited has announced that its mid-size SUV, the Creta, has crossed 2 lakh units in annual sales during calendar year 2025, marking the highest single-year volume recorded by the model since its introduction in the Indian market.The South Korean automotive giant stated that the sales milestone translates to an average of 550 units sold per day across the year, reflecting the steady retail demand for the Creta in the mid-size SUV segment throughout 2025.

India's two entry-level premium scooters, the Aprilia SR 160 and the TVS Ntorq 150, deliver excellent performance, strong power delivery, superior handling, and premium build quality. These scooters are for buyers who prefer a sporty scooter for day-to-day use. Aprilia is known for its performance scooters, and TVS has recently entered the performance scooter segment. Let us compare both models.

South Korean carmaker Hyundai has officially entered the fleet vehicles segment with the introduction of two dedicated models, the Prime HB and Prime SD, marking the company's first structured move into commercial vehicle offerings in the Indian market.

The KTM RC 160 is likely to launch in India in 2026. This entry-level sports bike will take on India's best-selling 150cc model, the Yamaha R15. The Austrian brand already sells the 160 Duke, and there has been speculation about the RC 160. It will compete in the entry-level sports segment and could draw inspiration from the more powerful RC 200. 

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared an X video of the Vande Bharat Sleeper's water stability test. The train can be seen clocking a speed of 180 km/h without spilling a drop of water, and the video has gone viral. The Vande Bharat Sleeper class trains are designed for long-distance travel with sleeper berths instead of regular chairs.

JSW MG Motor India has announced an extension of its Assured Buy Back program for electric vehicles, increasing the maximum coverage period from the previous three years to up to five years as part of its ownership initiatives for EV customers.

Mahindra is gearing up to launch an updated version of the Thar Roxx next year. This refreshed model is expected to feature a new 1.5L diesel engine option along with feature upgrades. The addition of a smaller diesel engine could make pricing more approachable and make Thar Roxx's more competitive. Here are our expectations for the upcoming model.

HAL's Dhruv-NG civil helicopter completes its first flight, signalling a push towards urban air mobility and potential flying taxi services in India.

The year 2025 marked one of the best years for the Indian passenger vehicle market, witnessing strong demand and excellent growth. The revised GST 2.0 structure introduced during the festive season further boosted vehicle sales across segments. One of the key highlights of the year was Mahindra's rise to the number two position.

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Kawasako.has launched the 2026 Vulcan S cruiser motorcycle at an ex-showroom price of ₹8.13 lakh. The updated 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S arrives with revised specifications for the new model year and is now E20 compliant.

The Tata Harrier and Safari SUVs have now been introduced with powerful new petrol engines, and these petrol variants have achieved a 5-star rating in the latest Bharat NCAP crash tests. Their diesel models already have a 5-star safety rating, once again proving Tata Motors' strong commitment to safety without compromise.

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki has launched the 2026 Z650RS at an ex-showroom price of ₹7.83 lakh, reflecting a ₹14,000 increase over the previous model year. The launch of the updated 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS comes as a part of the bikemaker's revised product lineup for the new calendar year.

The Indian government will introduce several new motor laws and stricter regulations from 2026. These rules will be mandatory and are being implemented to enhance the safety of vehicle users, pedestrians, and other road users. Many of these laws will be enforced more strictly from next year. Check out the new 2026 Motor Laws to avoid penalties and ensure safer driving.

Japanese carmaker Suzuki has recalled the Fronx in Australia and New Zealand after the crossover's testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) exposed a defect in the left rear seatbelt retractor mechanism. The Suzuki Fronx was given a one-star safety rating by ANCAP.

Japanese auto manufacturer Honda Motorcycles has filed a new patent for an active steering assist system for two-wheelers. This new rider-assist technology is designed to enhance safety by helping prevent crashes in critical situations. Here's what Honda's New Steering assist system offers riders.