Auto recap, August 18: Volvo EX30 review, Toyota Camry Sprint Edition launch, Mercedes-Benz MD interview

The automotive sector is undergoing swift transformations, making it challenging to keep up with all the recent developments. At HT Auto, we are committed to providing the most pertinent and up-to-date information as it emerges. Presented below is a brief summary of the main highlights from Monday, August 18.

Volvo EX30 Review: A stylish, sustainable, and surprisingly quick compact EV for the city

After making a big impression in the global market, Volvo’s smallest electric SUV has arrived in India. The EX30 takes the brand’s signature Scandinavian design and shrinks it into a city-friendly, all-electric package aimed squarely at younger buyers and first-time EV owners. It’s Volvo’s bid to shake up the compact EV segment — but beneath the stylish exterior, there’s a lot to unpack. HT Auto reviewed the Volvo EX30, and here's what we found.

Toyota Camry Sprint Edition launched at ₹48.50 lakh

The Toyota Camry Sprint Edition has been launched in India, starting at ₹48.50 lakh, ex-showroom. This marks the first special edition for the flagship sedan offering from Toyota, post the launch of the eighth-generation model in November 2024. The new edition brings sportier styling cues and feature enhancements while retaining the hybrid sedan’s efficiency-oriented powertrain. The Camry has been on sale in India since 2002 and has consistently occupied a niche in the aspirational luxury sedan space.

Our focus is not exports but to cater to local requirements: Mercedes-Benz India MD

Mercedes-Benz India MD Santosh Iyer is cautiously optimistic about India’s EV market penetration. Speaking at the recent launch of the CLE 53 AMG – a 449hp, straight-six petrol-powered sports coupè that’s the 10th AMG model in the brand’s India line-up – Iyer attributed the steady Y-o-Y growth of EVs to multiple reasons, including the availability of a wider range of models, and the expansion of retail touch points across the country. “Today, only 30% of India’s customer touch points sell EVs in any form. And that growth has happened from 10% so there are more customers who are educated about EVs now, and that’s driving growth".

VinFast plans a major EV offensive in India, patents Limo Green and Minio Green in India

Despite being a late entrant in the Indian market, the Vietnamese automobile giant VinFast is aiming to ramp up its efforts to grab a sizeable chunk of the country's electric passenger vehicle market. After launching the VF6 and VF7 electric SUVs in the country, VinFast is now planning to launch a major EV offensive in the country. As part of that strategy, the carmaker has patented two electric cars in India, which are Limo Green and Minio Green.

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