VinFast officially breaks ground for integrated EV facility in Tamil Nadu
Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast officially broke ground for its first integrated manufacturing facility in India in Tamil Nadu. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,500 jobs.

Vellayan Subbiah wins EY Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2023
Vellayan Subbiah, chairman of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance (Chola), was named ‘EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023’. He will represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Monte Carlo in June this year. Natarajan Chandrasekaran from Tata Sons received the Special Jury Award, and Venu Srinivasan was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor inks MOU with Karnataka Govt. to set up advanced center of excellence
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Technical Education, Government of Karnataka. The MoU aims to establish Advanced Centres of Excellence (ACoE) in several colleges across the State and as a pilot aims to initiate a ACoE in Government Engineering College, Ramanagara, making it the first government engineering college to host advanced technological equipments in a Centre of Excellence facility.

Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts gets PLI certificate for e-Drive tech
Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP), part of Toyota Group of companies has received the Domestic Value Addition (DVA) Certificate for xEV Transaxle (e-Drive) under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products. This development renders TKAP eligible to avail incentives under the Scheme.

PV industry growth likely to moderate to less than 5% in FY25: Tata Motors
The growth of the domestic passenger vehicle industry is likely to moderate to less than 5% in the next fiscal, according to Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Managing Director Shailesh Chandra. The company, however, expects electric vehicle sales to keep growing despite the slow pace of charging infrastructure development in the country.

Odisha cabinet amends semiconductor policy to boost investment in electronics manufacturing
The 74th session of the Cabinet Meeting convened on Thursday at the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, centered on amending the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy-2023 to enhance investor attraction for establishing semiconductor and electronic chip manufacturing facilities, as well as fabless design units, within the state.

15 vehicle fitness centres’ licences to be suspended
Nearly all of Gujarat’s 16 automated fitness centres for heavy goods and passenger vehicles face the state transport department’s action for irregularities in issuing certificates. On Jan 5, TOI had reported that the centres, among other irregularities, issued fitness certificates to run-down vehicles from Rajasthan on the basis of their doctored images.

Road safety body calls for making seat belts must in passenger buses, heavy vehicles
 

Auto parts makers get closer to PLI payouts
New Delhi: Two auto component makers have qualified a key step to be eligible for benefits under the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, setting the scheme in motion for auto parts companies, according to the companies and test agencies.

Top 3 lifestyle pickup trucks to consider in India
Pickup trucks are not popular in India when compared to the US or the Middle East, however, it does have a strong market in the commercial space. However, for those looking at personal-use pickup trucks, the Isuzu V Cross was the choice for long, alongside the Tata Xenon.

Car Review: Tata Tigor iCNG AMT : Stepping on the gas, in an auto-gas car
CNG Fuel and  automatic gear-box are at two extremes — the former is for a thrift buyer because of CNG's low running costs, and the latter for someone who can splurge on comfort. Possibly that's why no company offered both in a car. 

How can EVs contribute to sustainable urban mobility?

India, witnessing rapid urbanisation, comes with traffic congestion, air pollution, and travel delays. With 70% of the population projected to reside in cities by 2025 (as per the National Commission on Population (NCP)), a robust, efficient, and eco-friendly urban transportation system is paramount. Positioned on the brink of an electric revolution, India is poised to lead the world in electric transportation with strong government support and practical initiatives.

Five upcoming SUVs: From Mahindra Thar 5-door to Tata Curvv
 

Kia recalls 4358 units of Seltos CVT
Kia has issued a voluntary recall of the Seltos in India. The Korean manufacturer has stated that the recall is limited to 4,358 units of the Seltos CVT version only. Kia explained that the decision for a recall was for “a potential error in the electronic oil pump controller”. The company further said that due to this potential issue, “may impact the performance of the electronic oil pump” in the CVT set-up. Kia said that only the Seltos CVT trims that are manufactured from February 28 and July 13, 2023, will be affected. Furthermore, the company is reaching out to the SUV owners to update them about this voluntary recall campaign. Kia India has informed the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) about the voluntary recall initiative.

Tatas to list electric vehicles business
Makers of best sellers such as Nexon.ev and Tiago.ev, India’s largest electric vehicles manufacturer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited (TPEML) is set to be the next big listing opportunity for the Tata Group. According to multiple sources including investment bankers aware of the matter, the group is aiming at $1–2 billion of initial public offering for its electric vehicles business.

Yohan Poonawalla buys Queen Elizabeth II’s Range Rover in private transaction
There is no mistaking the sheen associated with owning a rich piece of British royal history. So, no sooner had an online resale announcement been made for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Range Rover, than industrialist Yohan Poonawalla acquired it.

Crazy rich Indians: Why 25-30-year-olds are buying Lamborghinis
Last week, Stephan Winkelmann, the CEO of Lamborghini, told media persons in Delhi that Indians are among the youngest to buy Lamborghini cars. On his first visit to the country in 10 years, he said most Indian buyers are younger than 40, as compared to 45 and above in the US and Europe.

Taxes in India are high, but people buying such cars are able to digest them: Lamborghini CMO
Taxes/ customs duties on imported cars are quite high in India, but people who can afford such cars can digest that kind of taxation, according to luxury sports car maker Lamborghini.

Truckers welcome move to put hit-and-run penalty provision in abeyance
Truckers and transporters have welcomed govt putting the implementation of Section 106(2) of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita in abeyance even as all other provisions of the three criminal laws will come into force from July 1.

Govt to select bidders for Rs 7,500-crore e-bus contract shortly
The ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) is close to finalising the bidders for supply of 3,600 electric buses under the PM e-bus Sewa Scheme. “We are doing the final evaluation, and the decision will be taken in a day or two. The idea is to give the contract before the model code of conduct kicks in,” said a source at MoHUA.

2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 launch soon— homologated in India
Husqvarna kickstarted its second innings in India by launching the heavily updated Vitpilen 250 and the all-new Svartpilen 401. The Swedish brand isn’t planning to stop there as it has multiple models planned for the Indian market. One of them is the new Svartpilen 250, based on the new Vitpilen 250.

Enkei Wheels India Q4 CY23 results : profit at ₹2.11Cr, Revenue increased by 34.66% YoY
Enkei Wheels India declared their Q4 CY23 results on 23 Feb, 2024. The topline increased by 34.66% & the profit came at ₹2.11cr.

Tube Investments chief Subbiah named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023
Vellayan Subbiah, Chairman, Cholamandalam Finance and Executive Vice Chairman, Tube Investments of India was declared the EY Entrepreneur of the year 2023 on Friday. 

National conference on traffic technologies begins at CAPT
The sixth national conference on traffic technologies was inaugurated at the Central Academy for Police Training (CAPT) in Bhopal with Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D). Dr Subroto Das, founder of Life Line Foundation was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony.

Apollo Tyres conducts experiential drive for its EnduTrax range of CV tyres at NATRAX
Apollo Tyres, one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the country hosted a unique event at the NATRAX facility in Indore. The company provided an experiential drive to the fleet owners, business partners and media, at the specially curated track at NATRAX to showcase its technological prowess, especially in the truck bus radial segment.

MoS Petroleum Teli lays foundation stone for HPCL Petroleum, Oil Lubricants, and LPG Depot at Assam's Karmadanga
The Foundation Stone for the HPCL Petroleum, Oil Lubricants (POL), and LPG Depot was laid at Karmadanga in the Chirang District of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam by Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameshwar Teli along with Chief of BTR Pramod Boro.

Crude oil prices are already up 10% this year. What’s next?
Crude oil prices gained about 10% in the first two months of 2024. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and reports of falling inventories assisted prices to edge higher.

Ionage partners SundayGrids for solar-powered EV charging platform
Bengaluru-based Ionage, an e-mobility service provider has collaborated with SundayGrids, to introduce what it claims is India’s first digital solar-based EV charging platform. The platform will provide EV owners convenience of charging their vehicles using solar power anywhere, anytime, fostering a sustainable approach.

Do electric cars benefit both the environment and your wallet?
With hotter temperatures, increased drought, more severe storms, rising and warmer oceans, loss of species, food shortages, and mounting health risks, the world has now declared climate action a global emergency. The UN resolved to reduce carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. Other bodies have also keyed into this commitment, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which has resolved to reach Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

Myths around your lapsed car insurance busted: Should you renew your policy if the car isn’t being used at all?
In an ideal scenario, no insurance policies should ever lapse; however, when it comes to motor insurance, the stakes are even higher. Lapsed policies have no room in motor insurance – as it’s illegal to drive without at least a valid third-party motor insurance policy. Certainly, for overall protection, one should opt for a comprehensive policy that covers damage to your own car as well.

What to keep in mind when buying two wheeler insurance?
As two-wheeler ownership continues to rise in India, ensuring adequate insurance coverage is paramount for safety and financial security. Two-wheeler insurance not only provides protection against unforeseen accidents but also complies with legal requirements mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

A loan mix that repays well
It’s been over a year since the three-way merger of Shriram City Union Finance and Shriram Capital with Shriram Transport Finance, but the integration is still a work in progress. YS Chakravarti, MD and CEO, explains to businessline how the financials are expected to improve in the months ahead.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

Rolls Royce Spectre: A close look
Rolls-Royce has always named its cars after Ghosts, Spirits and Phantoms, and this is true with the Spectre as well. This two-door coupe, however, stands out in another way. Under the long bonnet is no scrumptiously specified and oily smooth V12, this is the company’s first all-electric model. Question is, does it look, feel and give the impression of being a middle of the road Rolls-Royce hyper luxury car?  

Volkswagen Scirocco could come back as an EV sports coupe
Source Credit: Autocar India

Volkswagen could bring back the popular Scriocco sports coupe in the future as an EV. The brand is currently studying internal design, engineering and manufacturing proposals for its return as an electric car with 1970s inspired styling and a possible dual-motor, four-wheel-drive R flagship.

Opinion: Looking back to go forward
Source Credit: Autocar India

Two of our mega stories this month – Maruti’s plan to launch range extenders or series hybrids and the Atal Setu – triggered an interesting thought in my mind, which I wanted to share with you. Both seem like a step back in time, enabling a leap into the future. Let me explain. The Atal Setu is an engineering marvel and is all set to ease up our immediate commuting future, but it’s also something from the past.

EVs an eventuality, but hybrids will prolong ICE cars: Lamborghini boss
Source Credit: Autocar India

There's no dearth of electric vehicles around the world in every segment, but unsurprisingly, supercar manufacturers have been relatively slow to shift to electric cars. Apart from a handful of traditional players like Porsche, Maserati and Lotus, who already have an electric supercar on sale, most supercar makers such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin have only outlined a plan for battery-powered EVs – the actual products are still quite some time away.

Mecides: the official Chinese copycat startup
Source Credit: Autocar India

In recent years, Chinese automakers have been working hard to change the negative stereotype of being called copycats – at least in terms of design – by coming up with relatively more original creations. However, certain companies in China continue to take advantage of the relaxed copyright laws, allowing them to use copyrighted designs without seeking the original creator’s permission.

BYD Seal India specifications revealed
Source Credit: Autocar India

As BYD gears up to launch its third product, the Seal EV, in India on March 5, we have exclusive details about the specification it is going to be offered in. The Seal will be brought in as a full import and dealers have already begun accepting unofficial bookings. The Seal was first showcased in India at the 2023 Auto Expo.

Yamaha RD350 review: Blast from the Past
Source Credit: Autocar India

Wouldn’t we all love to enter a time warp and rewind our clocks to relive some of the glory days of yesteryear? Well, we’ve found a way to go back in time, and from the pictures you might have already guessed what we’re talking about. If you haven’t, it’s the Rajdoot RD350. Swinging a leg over the stocky bike, I’m instantly shot back to more than two decades of biking nostalgia.

EV maker Lotus Tech closes up modestly in Nasdaq debut after SPAC merger
Shares of Lotus Technology closed up 2% in their Nasdaq debut on Friday, recouping earlier losses, after the luxury electric car maker completed its merger with a blank-check acquisition company backed by private equity firm L Catterton.

Carvana shares ride higher after first annual profit
Shares of Carvana surged nearly 40% on Friday after the used-car retailer posted its first annual profit, in a sharp turnaround powered by cost cuts and a debt-reduction deal with bondholders.

Croatia's Rimac ends joint venture with China battery maker Camel
Rimac, which is part-owned by Porsche AG, is in the process of ending a joint venture with Chinese battery producer Camel Group, the Croatian sports car maker said on Friday.

Michelin, Antin, Enviro to construct tyre recycling plant in Sweden
In a boost to tyre recycling, European joint venture between Antin, Enviro and Michelin will construct its first used tyre recycling plant in Sweden. Antin and Enviro entered into the joint venture in March of 2023 to build a series of plants in chosen European geographies. Antin is a majority shareholder of the JV, Michelin a minority shareholder and Enviro has an option to become a significant minority shareholder.

Stellantis CEO defends EU's 2035 ban on fossil-fuel cars
Franco-Italian automaker Stellantis wants to stick to the European Union's goal to effectively ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, CEO Carlos Tavares said in an interview with German media outlet Welt published Saturday.

Ford halts shipments of new F-150 Lightning EVs
Ford Motor said on Friday it had halted shipments of all 2024 model year F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks, so it could perform quality checks for an issue it did not specify.

Facing Chinese EV rivals, Europe's automakers squeeze suppliers on costs
Europe's automakers and their already-stretched suppliers face a tough year as they race to cut costs for electric models to counter leaner Chinese rivals which are bringing cheaper vehicles to challenge them on their home turf.

EV Startups Struggled to Build Cars. Now They Struggle to Sell Them.
Electric-vehicle startups once said their greatest challenge was building cars fast enough; now selling them is proving difficult.

Japan takes Taiwan's helping hand on long road to chip revival
Chipmaker TSMC formally opens its first Japanese plant on Saturday, highlighting the Taiwanese firm's critical role in Tokyo's multi-billion dollar efforts to reboot its once-mighty semiconductor manufacturing industry.

BYD unveils $233,450 EV to rival Ferrari, Lamborghini
BYD Co debuted its most expensive car on Sunday, a 1.68 million yuan ($233,450) high-performance fully-electric supercar pitted against gas-guzzling options offered by rivals such as Ferrari NV and Lamborghini.