Auto Inc expects rate cut to drive mass-market entry-level vehicle sales
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept rates unchanged for the seventh consecutive quarter at 6.5%. This impact has however has not yet been completely passed on by banks to the customers in the automotive industry, this is due to the fact that the vehicle loans usually see a significant lag in terms of revision.

Karnataka wipes slate clean, drafts new policy for electric vehicle sector
Stung after losing investments from major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing companies to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, which offers far more attractive subsidies, the Karnataka govt is gearing up to revamp its electric vehicle manufacturing policy under the banner ‘Clean Mobility’.
 

JSW Group to invest INR 40,000 cr in Odisha for EV and battery plant
Sajjan Jindal led JSW Group has firmed up plans to invest USD 40,000 crore in Odisha to set up electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities Chairman Sajjan Jindal told ET.

JSW aims to produce EVs at affordable price: Sajjan Jindal
Mumbai: The JSW Group, which has lined up ₹40,000 crore EV projects in Odisha, targets to revolutionise the automotive industry by producing high-quality batteries and electric vehicles that are not only affordable but also technologically advanced.

"At the end of 2024 our national highway road network will be equivalent to road network of USA": Gadkari
Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said here on Friday that at the end of 2024 our national highway road network will be equivalent to the road network of the USA.

Israeli chipmaker Tower closes in on $8 billion fabrication plant in India
Israel-based chip manufacturing company Tower Semiconductor has submitted its proposal to set up a chip fabrication plant in India worth around $8 billion, The Indian Express has learnt. The government is assessing its pitch and is hoping to clear it before the model code of conduct kicks in ahead of this year’s general elections.

Circular economy paves the way for sustainable vehicle lifecycle management
Every year, humans extract about 100 billion tonnes of raw material from natural sources for manufacturing, per a World Bank report. Unfortunately, less than 9 per cent of this is recycled or reused after its initial use. This approach, often referred to as ‘Take-Make-Waste’, is a by-product of the traditional linear economy model and has done unconscionable damage to our natural environment. The ongoing exploitation of resources has led to issues of global magnitude, including increased greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Alarm bells have been ringing across economies and industries for some time now.

A Tesla rival is driving into India. What lies ahead for it
A small unprofitable electric vehicle (EV) maker, which had briefly become the third most valuable auto manufacturer in the world last year after Tesla and Toyota, leaving behind General Motors and Ford Motor, as its stock rose nearly 700% days after its listing on Nasdaq, is driving into India.

Top car launches for different budgets in 2024
Source Credit: Riju Mehta & Rohit Shah, The Economic Times

Kia unveils futuristic 2025 Carnival Hybrid: All you need to know
Kia has officially introduced the 2025 Carnival Hybrid, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge technology and enhanced performance. Following the successful debut of the new-generation Carnival in global markets last year, Kia has now unveiled its Carnival HEV variant. While its arrival in the Indian market remains uncertain, expectations are high for Kia to launch the new Carnival generation soon, reported HT Auto.

How can the Indian lithium-ion battery recycling sector lead $6 billion global market?
In the fast-evolving landscape of electric mobility, India stands at the forefront of a revolutionary era, with its electric vehicle (EV) market witnessing unprecedented growth. This surge has not only fortified India’s commitment to a clean energy transition but has also laid the foundation for the nation to emerge as a leader in the $6 billion global lithium-ion battery recycling market. With over 2.3 million electric vehicles currently on the roads and a bold target of achieving 100% electrification for two- and three-wheelers by 2030, India’s lithium-ion battery recycling sector is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. 

To accelerate energy transition, commercial EVs need to deliver value: Euler Motors CEO
In 2018, Saurav Kumar founded Euler Motors to manufacture cargo carrying electric three-wheelers and entered a market dominated by legacy players. In 2021, Euler launched its first product, HiLoad EV, which it claims has a payload capacity of 688 kilograms and a range of 170 kilometres. With over $100 million raised in funding from leading institutional investors including British International Investment, Singapore-based GIC, and Blume Ventures, Euler has made significant inroads in the past three years. In an interview with Aggam Walia, Kumar, who is also CEO at Euler, talked about the company’s journey thus far, the scope for alternative fuels for cargo carrying vehicles, technologies to improve electric vehicle (EV) battery longevity, and expectations from the government’s FAME subsidy. Edited excerpts:

Batteries: The future of energy transition
Have you ever considered the intricate infrastructure behind the simple act of turning your lights or fans on and off? What seems like a simple act, in reality, relies heavily on a complex grid infrastructure that is historically centered around fossil fuels, with coal, oil, and gas dominating the energy landscape. This dependence on fossil fuels has had alarming consequences, contributing to global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases. In 2019 alone, CO2 emissions from coal power plants reached a staggering 10.5 Gigatons worldwide, with India responsible for emitting 2.5 Gigatons of CO2 due to its reliance on coal for electricity generation. While renewable sources like solar and wind energy offer emission-free solutions, their intermittent nature poses challenges to achieving a consistent and reliable energy supply, especially for a complete transition from fossil fuels. Consequently, integrating renewables with energy storage technologies, such as battery storage, becomes imperative for a 100% clean energy transition. 

No supply chain concerns, 40% biz expected from domestic market: GFL CEO
GFCL EV Products, wholly owned subsidiary of BSE-listed Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (GFL), recently announced a Rs 6,000 crore investment to ramp up the production capacity of battery materials for electric vehicles. Bir Kapoor, deputy managing director and chief executive officer, GFL, in a video interview with Nitin Kumar discusses the company’s plans to deploy the existing backend supply chain of flourspar and its Moroccan mines to develop modern battery solutions.

Edited excerpts

Renting EVs more convenient and cost-effective: Samarth Kholkar, CEO & Co-Founder, BLive
EVs are a far more economical option compared to ICE vehicles and renting an EV is more convenient and cost-effective, feels Samarth Kholkar- CEO & Co-Founder of BLive, a startup that offers a wide range of EVs and related services through a digital platform.

From Tata Punch to Maruti Brezza: Top 5 SUVs sold in Jan 2024
The SUV body style has found millions of buyers in the last half a decade or so. As a result, there are now multiple segments and sub-segments of SUVs that are on sale in the country. For instance, there is now a segment of crossover SUVs slotted below the sub-4 metre SUVs– the likes of Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch.

New-gen Kia Carnival makes debut at Chicago Auto Show, India debut later in 2024
The facelifted fourth-gen Kia Carnival made its global debut in October 2023 in South Korea. Spy shots of the model being tested across various countries, including India, have surfaced on the internet. Now, the Korean carmaker has unveiled its flagship MPV in the USA at the recently held Chicago Auto Show. 

Maruti Suzuki expects some impact on costs
New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki may see some increase in costs due to the rerouting of vessels amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, according to a senior company official. The auto major, which exported around 2.7 lakh cars last calendar year, however, noted that it does not expect the issue to have a very big impact on the company’s overseas shipments. “We are seeing some logistical challenges because of the Red Sea issue. And there may be some increase in costs because of risk or because of rerouting of vessels but it should not be significant,” MSI Executive Officer (Corporate Affairs) Rahul Bharti said in an analyst call.

Expect some impact on costs due to Red Sea crisis: Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki may see some increase in costs due to the rerouting of vessels amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, according to a senior company official. The auto major, which exported around 2.7 lakh cars last calendar year, however, noted that it does not expect the issue to have a very big impact on the company's overseas shipments.

2024 Renault Duster revealed; set to hit Indian roads soon: Report
In a highly anticipated move, Renault has officially taken the wraps off its 2024 Duster, expected to make its way to the Indian market by the end of the year, reported HT Auto. The latest model showcases a design closely resembling the Dacia Duster, with subtle changes to logos and brandings for a distinctive touch.

Tata Nexon EV: Raining discounts up to Rs 2.8 lakh
With the financial year inching towards an end, automobile manufacturers want to clear out MY 2023 models. Tata Motors is offering massive discounts on the Nexon EV on both the pre-facelift and the facelift model till stocks are available. There are no discounts on the 2024 Nexon EV model. 

Red Sea crisis impacting supply chain, expect recovery in coming months: Audi India Head
The situation in the Red Sea is creating supply chain issues for German luxury carmaker Audi, impacting car deliveries to customers in India in the first quarter but recovery is expected in the coming months, according to a senior company official. With electrification on its primary agenda, the company is also evaluating the possibility of assembling electric cars in India, Audi India Head Balbir Singh Dhillon told PTI.

January CV sales moderate on high base effect
The commercial vehicle industry has seen a decline in wholesales after a long time, thanks to a bit of moderation in demand in the first month of the new year and a high-base effect.

Ashok Leyland progressing well in network expansion in North & East
Heavy commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland has drawn up network expansion plans in the North and Eastern parts of the country, a top company official has said. The Hinduja Group flagship company was also gearing up to launch its electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs) within the next few months.

Top 5 best-selling two-wheeler brands in January 2024
Two-wheeler sales saw healthy growth in January 2024, with many big names registering positive growth. The battle amongst top names continues as Honda and Hero battle for the top positions in India, while other names compete to outdo their sales compared to last year. Here are the top 5 best-selling two-wheeler brands in January 2024.

Bajaj Pulsar N150 and 160 new vs old — What’s changed?
The Bajaj Pulsar needs no introduction in the Indian market or the global space. It has been one of the most-popular motorcycles India has seen and the company has given the Pulsar N150 and N160 some crucial updates. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new compared to the older model.

TVS-owned Norton Motorcycles appoints Brian Gillen as CTO
Norton Motorcycles, part of the TVS Motor Company Group, has announced the appointment of Brian Gillen as Chief Technology Officer. Brian joins with a wealth of experience from Magneti Marelli, and most recently, MV Agusta, where he had a long stint of 15+ years and last held the position of R&D Director. Brian is an expert in the fields of R&D leadership, engine and vehicle design and World Championship motorcycle racing.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX and Versys 1000 discontinued in India?
Kawasaki has officially removed the Ninja 100SX and the Versys 1000 from the Indian website, and the motorcycles are no longer on sale here. However, a few dealers have limited stock of the two motorcycles, which can be bought.

Motorcycle Review: Royal Enfield shotgun 650 : A racy shot of motorcycling

Before you  start the motorcycle, motorcycling begins. Single seat, right proportions, low seat height, a design that turns heads, easy to ride in traffic, and a monster when you want it to be... if this isn't motorcycling, what is? The name is Shotgun, and we rode it in and around Delhi. 
 

Okaya offering huge Rs 18,000 discount on electric scooters. Check details
Okaya EV has announced substantial price cuts across all its entire lineup, making electric scooters more affordable with discounts of up to Rs 18,000. The offer will remain valid till 29 February 2024. With the latest update, Okaya’s electric scooter range now starts with the Freedum priced at Rs 74,899 which offers a range of 75 km on a single charge.

Focus on selling 1 lakh e-Luna units per annum: Sulajja Firodia Motwani, CEO, Kinetic Green
It has been a while since Kinetic returned to the Indian two-wheeler space as a fully-electric OEM Kinetic Green. However, the company couldn’t garner that level attention until recently when the iconic Luna was reborn in a whole new avatar. Called e-Luna, the battery-powered moped has been priced at an introductory Rs 69,990 (ex-showroom).

IPO-bound Ola Electric gets PLI certification for its second scooter; to receive incentives for 5 years: Report
IPO-bound Ola Electric has received the Domestic Value Addition (DVA) certification for Ola Electric’s S1 Pro (Gen-2) scooter, a report by news platform Moneycontrol said. This is the second DVA for Ola Electric, issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile and auto component industry.

Beyond disposal: Transforming e-waste into a resource through battery recycling
The rising issue of end-of-life spent lithium-ion batteries (Lithium-Ion Battery’s) arises from the widespread use of these batteries in everyday items like portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems worldwide. This surge in usage has led to a rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) generated from Lithium-Ion Batteries. For example, in 2025 there will be more than 1 billion electric cars on the road globally. In addition to this, global lithium‐ion battery demand will increase from 700 Gigawatt hours (GWh) in 2022 to 4 TWh by 2030 which amounts to $ 30 billion worth of investment needed for sustainable recycling globally over five years (2025-2030).

Growth momentum to continue amid positive economic scenario: JK Tyre
JK Tyre expects demand momentum to continue for the tyre industry in the medium to long term, with the automobile industry set to grow amid a positive economic environment, according to a top company official. In an interaction with PTI, JK Tyre & Industries MD Anshuman Singhania expressed hope that the tyre maker would also continue to witness momentum in its top line and profitability.

Gautam Adani secures ore for world’s largest single-location copper smelter in Gujarat
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate has signed contracts to buy 1.6 million tons a year of copper concentrate for the world’s largest single-location smelter for the industrial metal.

Apollo Tyres faces margin pressure
 

ONGC posts net profit of ₹10,365 crore in Q3 FY24
New Delhi: State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has reported an almost 10 per cent y-o-y decline, in its consolidated net profit at ₹10,356 crore in Q3 FY24 due to decline in realisations.

Indian Biogas Association pitches for INR 30k cr investment for compressed biogas plants
However, he pointed out that there are obstacles to procurement, such as unappealing economics, which makes farmers prefer to burn rather than sell off the field straw promptly.

Russian oil: India’s state oil refiners in talks with Rosneft to secure Russian crude for long term
All three of India’s state oil refiners are in talks with Rosneft Oil Co PJSC to secure long-term supplies of Russian crude, an effort to move away from one-off purchases that have left them vulnerable to competition.

Insurance: Ensuring PAYD and BH insurance
Motor insurance is undergoing a transformative evolution, driven by a keen understanding of customer needs and advancements in technology. Right from product innovation to claims, motor insurance is adopting enhanced services and operations.Examples are new-age policies such as Pay As You Drive (PAYD), EV insurance and add-ons, and BH series motor insurance. These policies indicate that companies are taking a customised approach to motor insurance, as opposed to the historical standard approach. Let’s delve deep into these new-age policies, and if you really need them:

Hyundai Tucson long term review, 18,500km report
Source Credit: Autocar India

The new Tucson is an SUV that has elevated Hyundai into a higher league, and this is evident as soon as you spend some time in the car. Areas that immediately stand out are the build quality of the cabin, the superb blend of materials, the space and comfort on the inside and a great selection of new tech. 

FAME II outlay hiked by Rs 1,500 crore; valid till March 31
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has enhanced the financial outlay for the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicle (FAME) scheme by Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 11,500 crore.

Maruti Suzuki factory visit: Making of a Jimny
Source Credit: Autocar India

Standing in the passageway between the office complex and the factory floor at Maruti Suzuki’s Gurugram plant is like standing at the confluence of two eras. On one side, you have 1980s architecture and materials meeting futuristic robots, and on the other, automated vehicles.

New Royal Enfield Himalayan long-term review, 1,000km report
Source Credit: Autocar India

The motorcycle you see here came fresh from the showroom with just a handful of kilometres on the clock and we’ve already passed the 1,000km mark. Most of that has been within the city as the bike eats through my near-70km round trip commute to work with effortless ease. 

Meet the all-electric Range Rover Safari inspired by 007
Lunaz announces its latest electrified classic car – a 1983 short-wheelbase Range Rover Safari. This open-top model – the same variant as driven by James Bond in the 1983 movie Octopussy – has undergone significantly different treatment to fixed-roof classic electric Range Rovers previously elevated by Lunaz. 

Truckmaker Iveco's shares jump on Q4 beat, investor payouts
Italy's Iveco beat fourth-quarter earnings estimates on Friday, helped by higher prices of its trucks, and said it would pay out almost 190 million euros (USD 205 million) in cash to shareholders, boosting its shares.

Renault, Geely expect to finalise engines tie-up this month - sources
French carmaker Renault and Chinese rival Geely expect to finalise a joint venture for their combustion and hybrid engines towards the end of February, two sources close to the matter told Reuters.

EU countries back truck emissions law after German hold-up
European Union countries voted to pass a law to reduce emissions from trucks on Friday, after late demands by Germany had threatened to sink the policy.

BorgWarner forecasts 2024 profit, revenue below estimates
BorgWarner forecast annual profit below analysts' estimates on Thursday, anticipating a slowdown in demand for electric vehicle (EV) parts as companies cut production and higher raw material costs.