This Nissan Move Could Change How India Drives Its Cars

Top5Autos: Your Weekly Auto Edge | 24 April 2026 | Friday

The auto industry is no longer just about what gets sold, but how it gets used. Leasing models, production scale, market volatility and future tech bets are all reshaping how mobility is being built and consumed. What looks like scattered updates is actually a clear shift toward flexibility, scale and experimentation.

Let’s now dive into the 5 biggest developments shaping the auto industry today.

1. Nissan Partners Avis to Push Leasing and Subscription Mobility

Nissan has partnered with Avis India to offer leasing and subscription-based solutions, with plans starting at ₹9,399 per month and flexible tenures up to 60 months. Targeting corporate and enterprise users, this move reflects a growing shift toward asset-light mobility, where ownership is no longer the default choice.

2. Maruti Suzuki Hits Record Production of 23.4 Lakh Units

Maruti Suzuki recorded its highest-ever annual production of 23.4 lakh units in FY26, reinforcing its manufacturing dominance. The company is now preparing to scale capacity to 40 lakh units annually, including a new Gujarat plant, signalling strong long-term confidence in demand.

3. Auto Stocks Slide as Global Tensions Impact Market Sentiment

Auto stocks declined amid rising geopolitical tensions, with Brent crude crossing $100 per barrel and dragging sector sentiment. Despite strong underlying demand, investors are factoring in cost pressures, inflation risks and global uncertainty, creating a disconnect between fundamentals and market performance.

4. Bharat Taxi Platform Targets Driver Earnings Through EV Shift

The government-backed Bharat Taxi platform aims to onboard drivers through a cooperative-led ride-hailing model, focusing on improving income and welfare. With an emphasis on EV adoption for better earnings, the initiative signals a push toward more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility systems.

5. Xpeng Plans Flying Car Deliveries Starting 2027

China’s Xpeng is targeting large-scale production of flying cars by 2027, with over 7,000 pre-orders already in place. Alongside robotaxis and robotics, the company is pushing boundaries beyond traditional vehicles, hinting at a future where mobility could extend into entirely new dimensions.

Top5Autos Take:

The auto industry is gradually moving away from a product-first mindset to a usage-first ecosystem. Whether it’s leasing models, EV-driven income opportunities or futuristic mobility concepts, the definition of mobility itself is expanding. The next phase will be shaped by how seamlessly these models scale.