🏢 Industry
Government approves policy to promote EV manufacturing in India
The Union Government has approved a scheme to promote manufacturing of electric vehicles in India and position the country as an EV manufacturing hub. The policy aims to attract investments in the EV space from global EV manufacturers. This move is expected to provide clarity to global EV majors such as Elon Musk-led Tesla, which have been mulling setting up a plant in the country, but wanted special sops.
MoRTH rolls out pilot program for cashless treatment of road accident victims
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India has rolled out a pilot program to establish an ecosystem for providing timely medical care to road accident victims, including during the golden hour.
EV penetration to reach upto 8% in two-wheelers and 16% in three-wheelers in FY2025 says ICRA
Rating Agency ICRA expects that the penetration of electric vehicles will reach 6-8 percent in the two-wheeler segment and 14-16 percent in the three-wheeler segment in FY2025.
In big win for Elon Musk’s Tesla, India to lower EV import tax if $500 million invested
India said on Friday it will lower import taxes on certain electric vehicles for companies committing to at least $500 million in investment and manufacturing facilities within three years, potentially bolstering Tesla’s plans to enter the market.
Pitch to Tesla, India readies the red carpet for global majors with new EV policy
India opens doors for global EV makers; scheme to help USA's Tesla
Duty cut won't hit local EV players
The cut in import duty applied on electric vehicles (EV) fully built outside of India will be on those models which do not form the core of the Indian car market and will therefore not impact Indian companies, said some senior executives.
VinFast India's trial run for production likely to start in '25
New Delhi: EV Maker Vinfast India expects trial production run to commence at its Tamil Nadu-based plant in 2025, the company's chief executive Pham San Chau told FE. Last month, VinFast India did the ground breaking for its first integrated EV manufacturing facility in India.
The facility will span 400 acres within the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) industrial estate. It is expected to create jobs for 3,000 to 3,500 locals. "We expect trial production to commence in 2025. The facility is expected to produce 50,000 EVs per year in the initial phase and has the scalability to produce 150,000 EVs per year; Chau said. He said the company plans to initially invest $500 million in its India-based facility over the next five years. The investment will be spread over a period of five years from the commencement of production.
"VinFast will actively work with local partners to develop the charging network. This approach aligns well with the charging infrastructure development policies of the government and local authorities," Chau said.
Centre approves EV policy to attract foreign companies and promote manufacturing
In a major move to attract investments from reputed global companies, the Centre has approved an EV policy that will allow companies that invest a minimum of ₹4,150 crore in the country, meeting domestic value-added conditions, to import a limited number of vehicles at reduced customs duties.
Industry veterans question impact of EV policy
He said the size of the premium EV market may also reach new heights. “Can this policy reignite the EV story, and the answer may be that this may help us reach the inflection point much sooner than expected for cars,” Gupta added.
📝 Cummins faces tax litigation, appeals for relief
📝 India approves e-vehicle policy with tax relief to rev up manufacturing hub dream
📝 5 more semiconductor fabs in 5 years, says Vaishnaw
📝 Limited units allowed for imports, mandatory localisation: New E-Vehicle Policy could be a win-win
📝 EV transition to hit Haryana, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu the most. Here's why
📝 Govt's e-mobility scheme to provide crucial transition period for industry to stabilise: EV makers
📝 India okays EV policy with tax relief to rev up manufacturing dream & lure foreign players like Tesla
📝 Tesla at the gates, India rolls out red carpet for global EV makers
📝 Piyush Goyal says India will emerge as 'Vishwa Shakti' in EVs with new policy
📝 EV policy: FinMin notifies 15 pc duty on e-vehicle imports
📝 What are BH series number plates? Eligibility, cost savings and more analysed
📝 As MG Motor plans to launch new models, 5 cars we would like to see in India
📝 Indians buy twice the number of WagonR in Feb than all car sales in Pakistan
📝 Delhi’s electric vehicle policy gets another extension
📝 C'mon, Tesla, now eCar do faisla
Read More >>
🎤 Interviews & Features
Aiming for the sky : Mahindra XUV 700
There's a new shade (Napoli black), and AX7 and AX7 L also get black theme — all-black grille, all-black wheels, and on the sides the chrome detailing has made way for black stripes —which looks almost similar to Tata Safari's #Dark range.
Sima.ai gears up for a bigger India role, sees big shift towards AI & ML in automotive industry
Sima.ai, a machine learning company that delivers effortless machine learning deployment and scaling through push-button software, is a five-year-old Silicon Valley-based start-up, that you may or may not have heard of. What sets it apart from the competition is the business model that focuses on software and hardware capabilities.
Kia Clavis spotted testing in India! Expected to sit between Sonet and Seltos: Check details
Kia, renowned for its successful foray into the Indian automotive market, is gearing up to introduce a new addition to its lineup - the Kia Clavis. Expected to be positioned between the popular Sonet and the acclaimed Seltos, the Clavis is poised to make a significant impact. Although the exact launch timeline remains undisclosed, speculations suggest an unveiling by the end of 2024, with a subsequent launch early next year, reported HT Auto.
2024 Hyundai Creta N Line review: The N-lightened One
Hyundai has for the first time launched the Creta in the N Line avatar. This sporty version will be the flagship of the N Line portfolio in India. The N Line range made its debut in India in 2021 with the i20 N Line which was followed by the Venue N Line in 2022 and then the facelift i20 N Line in 2023.
Enough safeguards in place for domestic industry in EV space: R C Bhargava
The government has ensured adequate protection for the domestic automobile industry in the new electric vehicle policy that provides duty concessions to global players setting up manufacturing units in India, says Maruti Suzuki India’s Chairman R C Bhargava in a telephonic conversation with Surajeet Das Gupta.
Edited excerpts
Coming up: A five-door Mahindra Thar, Tata Curvv, Maruti eVX – and over 20,000 buyers a month
“How is it going?”
Extra? Ordinary?
At the global level, Hyundai has broadly demarcated its line-up into two groups: one comprising the regular versions of its products, and the other for its performance-oriented ‘N’ models. N stands for Namyang and Nurburgring, the R&D HQ and the proving ground for these cars which have driving excitement prioritised over everything else. That’s a great way to keep everyone happy, you’d think: the everyday buyer would be happy with the regular iteration, whereas anyone who has a longing for speed would straightaway get the N.
📝 Concept of rural India has to do well for two-wheelers to do well is absolutely passé: Hero MotoCorp CEO
📝 Hyundai Creta N Line review: Dressed for pride, decked for drive
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🚗 Cars / SUVs
Fronx twinning: Toyota Taisor launch date confirmed
Toyota is gearing up to launch its most affordable SUV in India, the Urban Cruiser Taisor. The compact SUV coupe is essentially a rebadged Maruti Suzuki Fronx and the fifth vehicle from the two companies’ partnership after the Glanza, the erstwhile Urban Cruiser, Hyryder and the Rumion. With the Fronx continuing to sell like hotcakes and be one of the top best-selling vehicles in India, Toyota will be looking to the Taisor to boost its sales figures.
Top 5 best-selling mid-size SUVs in Feb– Creta, Scorpio, Grand Vitara, Seltos
The mid-size SUV space is the one of the best-selling segments in the Indian passenger vehicle market. With plenty of options to choose from, Indian car buyers have favoured putting their money on SUVs instead of traditional body styles like hatchbacks and sedans. Let us take a look at the top five best-selling mid-size SUVs from February 2024.
Isuzu announces I-Care Pre-Summer Camp
Isuzu Motors India will be conducting a nationwide ‘I-Care Pre-Summer Camp’ for its range of D-MAX Pick-ups and SUVs. This service camp is aimed at offering customers benefits and preventive maintenance checks.
📝 Kia Clavis spotted for the first time on Indian roads
📝 Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Swift lead car thefts in Delhi: Check most theft-prone areas in the capital
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Electric-Cars / SUVs
Mahindra XUV.e9 EV spotted testing in India! What to expect
Mahindra and Mahindra is revving up its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in India with plans for the launch of five new electric cars in the coming years. Among the most eagerly anticipated is the XUV.e9 electric vehicle, which has once again been spotted ahead of its potential debut next year. The recent sighting of the XUV.e9 test mule, cloaked in distinctive blue camouflage, has stirred excitement among automotive enthusiasts.
📝 CESL places rate contract for five-year lease of 1,000 E-cars nationwide
📝 Skoda Epiq breaks cover as the brand’s most accessible EV, to arrive in 2025
📝 MG Excelor EV nameplate trademarked, will be brand's 3rd EV after ZS EV & Comet
Read More >>
🚗 Luxury Cars
2024 Lexus LM 350h luxury MPV launched in India at Rs 2 crore
Lexus has announced the launch of the 2024 LM 350h in India at a starting price of Rs 2.00 crore (ex-showroom). Essentially a rebadged Toyota Vellfire, the luxury MPV is available in two iterations– a seven-seater and a four-seater– the latter priced at Rs 2.5 crore (ex-showroom).
Car Review: Volvo XC40 Recharge (Single Motor) : Price steals the thunder
In Electric Cars, less can be more. TheVolvoXC40 Recharge (single motor) has one less motor, smaller battery, shorter range and slower acceleration than the twin-motor variant. That means a more efficient system (due to lower weight) and a far lower price (theoretically). While this Volvo is efficient (longer range per kWh of battery), its price is anything but lower (it starts at t 54.95, as compared to Rs.57.95 lakh for the twin-motor variant), I drove it around Delhi.
Luxury EV makers to explore options for local manufacturing
Luxury Car Brands said that they are exploring options to benefit from the new EV policy announced by the government on Friday, but also acknowledged that the country's luxury car market is very nascent to see large volumes. Mercedes-Benz India, the country's largest luxury carmaker said that it is studying the details of the policy, but declined to comment further. The Pune-headquartered subsidiary of the German giant, sells the EQB, EQE and the EQS in the EV range, all priced between Rs.74.5 lakh to Rs.1.62 crore.
iX out of 10
Is it just me, or has time flown past in the post-Covid-lockdown world? There has been a slew of new cars, and we’ve all been busy with the latest and the greatest, but it definitely can’t be only two years since BMW introduced what was essentially its answer to the Mercedes-Benz EQC: the iX. Following an exceptionally strong year sales-wise, BMW has been quick to update its all-electric iX for 2024, and as the flagship all-electric BMW SUV, it has many tricks up its sleeve, some of which are new. We took the car out on an emission-free drive to get a first-hand feel of what it offers.
📝 Bollywood actress Kirron Kher buys Mercedes-Benz GLS luxury SUV
📝 Actor Kartik Aaryan buys the uber-luxurious Range Rover SV worth ₹4.17 crore
Read More >>
🏍 2/3 Wheelers
2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V comparison
While India is seeing several sub-500cc motorcycles being launched, the 200cc segment is also seeing updates and the latest is the Bajaj Pulsar NS200, which has seen an update. Despite the number of new motorcycles, the 200cc segment is popular amongst the younger generation, who are entering the motorcycle world.
Royal Enfield Bullet 650 spied testing — Here’s what we know
Say ‘Royal Enfield’, and there are two sets of fans, one who are fans of the 350cc range and the other of the company’s modern profile that consists of the 650 series. Royal Enfield is now bridging the gap between the two by introducing the Classic and Bullet with 650cc engines, and the latest to be snapped was the Royal Enfield Bullet 650 being tested in Europe.
Read More >>
🚲 Electric 2/3 Wheelers
Ather Rizta electric scooter battery teased— undergoes 40m drop test
Ather is planning to bring out an all-new scooter at the upcoming Ather Community Day. Scheduled for a debut on 6 April 2024, the new electric scooter will be Ather’s attempt at making a practical, family scooter. The current line of scooters incline more towards performance.
📝 AI helping make automobiles safer; data to be in hands of rider, says Ather CEO
📝 Farewell FAME - Why this is the best time to get your hands on the TVS iQube
Read More >>
🌢 Fuels, Lubricants & Charging Stations
IOC, BPCL and HPCL shares tank after price cut
Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL, and HPCL tumbled on Friday after the petrol and diesel prices were cut by Rs 2 per litre each.
Fuel price cut to not impact margins: IOCL chairman
The recent cut in prices of petrol and diesel is unlikely to impact the marketing margins of the company, said Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil. “We should not have much impact on the bottom lines,” Vaidya said while addressing reporters here, adding that the company will be able to take any call on further price reductions after witnessing how the global crude prices behave.
📝 Rajasthan govt cuts VAT on petrol, diesel; hikes DA of employees by 4%
📝 Oil prices set to end week over 3% higher
📝 Ultraviolette launches Supernova DC fast charging stations for inter-city rides
📝 Centre hikes windfall tax on petroleum crude
📝 Electrifying vision: Outer Ring Road to get an electric-vehicle charger every 5km
Read More >>
📖 Magazines News
Maruti Fronx-based Toyota Taisor to debut on April 3
Source Credit: Autocar India
Toyota’s rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx has been anticipated for long, and the company has now officially confirmed its debut on April 3. In August 2023, Toyota trademarked the “Urban Cruiser Taisor’ nameplate in India, which is what we expect the rebadged Fronx will be called. As is the case with the existing shared models between both brands, we expect some cosmetic differences inside out, although it will remain identical under the skin.
Tesla India entry imminent as government approves new EV policy
Source Credit: Autocar India
The government of India has approved a policy to attract investments in the EV space, which states that a company can invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore, with no upper limit.
Skoda Epiq electric concept revealed; to be its entry-level SUV
Source Credit: Autocar India
Skoda has just revealed the design of its Epiq compact SUV. Measuring only 4.1 metres in length and expected to see the light of day in 2025, the Skoda Epiq will cost around Euro 25,000 (Rs 19 lakh-23 lakh). In Europe, the Epiq EV will replace the Skoda Kamiq and VW T-Cross (our Kushaq and Taigun, respectively), and we could get a lower cost version of the same in the future.
Hyundai Creta N Line review: Sporty intentions
Source Credit: Autocar India
Since the introduction of its N Line brand in India in 2021, Hyundai has gone on to sell over 22,000 units of its sportier models – the i20 N Line and Venue N Line. And now the Creta SUV is the third to get the N Line treatment. The new Creta N Line gets overhauled exteriors and interiors, a new powertrain option and is priced competitively too. So is this the sporty midsize SUV you should go for? Read on to find out.
Nissan, Honda exploring EV partnership
Source Credit: Autocar India
Nissan is considering partnering with fellow Japanese automaker Honda to develop electric vehicles. The partnership could include joint procurement of components and development of EVs.
Mercedes A-Class to soldier on till 2026
Source Credit: Autocar India
Mercedes-Benz has announced that the A-Class hatchback will remain in production until 2026 in international markets, revising previous plans to retire the fourth-gen model this year. This decision comes amidst the shift in the company’s EV plans, moving away from a solely EV-focused approach towards a more “flexible” model strategy.
Mercedes Benz to unveil first Mythos model next year
Source Credit: Autocar India
Mercedes-Benz had announced it would introduce its ultra-luxury line-up called Mythos a couple of years back, and it would sit above the Maybach model range. Since then, there hasn't been any update on the brand or the models in it. However, in the document about its financial results for 2023, Mercedes reshared the same teaser image to announce that the first Mythos model will be unveiled in 2025.
Lexus LM 350h launched at Rs 2 crore
Source Credit: Autocar India
Lexus India has launched its LM 350h luxury MPV in India at a starting price of Rs 2 crore. The range-topping variant with the 4-seater Lounge package costs Rs 2.50 crore, and offers a lot more in terms of luxury. The LM 350h is now the flagship Lexus model here and is the most expensive MPV in the country, overtaking its cousin, the Toyota Vellfire, that's priced from Rs 1.2 crore.
Electric scooters to get costlier with onset of new subsidy from April 1
Source Credit: Autocar India
Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited (ICRA), a leading rating agency, reveals that the recently announced Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS) by the Indian government, will result in a significant rise in initial purchase cost for electric bikes and scooters. This scheme, aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption, will see a reduction in subsidies, leading to a 10 percent increase in costs for electric two wheelers when compared to the previous FAME 2 scheme, which will end on March 31.
Bengaluru court says Kinetic Green cannot use Zulu name
Source Credit: Autocar India
In a legal battle over trademark infringement, a Bengaluru commercial court upheld a temporary injunction against Kinetic Green Energy and ruled in favour of Bajaj-owned Yulu. This injunction stops Kinetic Green from using, selling and advertising its Zulu e-scooter. This discussion comes following a dispute initiated by Yulu, alleging trademark violation with the launch of Kinetic Green’s Zulu e-scooter in December 2023.
Citroen C3X on track for mid-2024 launch
Source Credit: Autocar India
Citroen India is all set to introduce its third C-cubed model in our market. As reported by us earlier, this new vehicle is a coupe-SUV based on the C3 Aircross. Speaking to Autocar India, Aditya Jairaj, Stellantis India CEO and MD, has now confirmed that they will share details about the upcoming product “in a couple of weeks,” which means, despite delays, Citroen's Tata Curvv rival seems to be on track for a mid-2024 launch.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx long term review; 7,000km report
Source Credit: Autocar India
Beep. Beep-beep. If you drive a Maruti, you’ll be all too familiar with these buzzers on locking/unlocking your car. I’d tuned out the unwanted salutations over the past few months with our Fronx, but with my parking relocated to the closed confines of a basement, the noise had amplified to the point of irritation. Fiddling around with the touchscreen – the obvious first port of call – didn’t lead me to the relevant settings, so the owner’s manual was summoned once again. The last time around, it was for the curious case of the annoying rear seat belt reminder. Anyway, as I learned, the lock/unlock buzzer settings are hidden in the MID. While at it, I also programmed the key to unlock all doors on pressing the key’s door unlock button. As default, one press of the unlock button only unlocks the driver’s door while a second press is needed to unlock the other doors. These little tweaks have made life with the Fronx a little bit nicer.
New Yezdi Royal Enfield rival leaked, launch soon
Source Credit: Autocar India
A video that appears to have emerged from a Classic Legends dealer event shows a brand new Yezdi motorcycle that looks ready for an imminent India launch.
Volkswagen ID 3 GTX performance hatch revealed with 326hp
Source Credit: Autocar India
The Volkswagen ID 3 GTX has been revealed as a performance derivative of the ID 3 hatchback. Its a long-awaited EV alternative to the popular Golf GTI, and has been on the cards since the electric hatchback was revealed in 2019.
Read More >>
📰 International News
Self-driving cars enter the next frontier: freeways
PHOENIX—Last year, self-driving robotaxis took on city streets. Now, they’re taking on freeways.
Nissan and Honda sign MoU on EVs partnership
Nissan considering business partnership with Honda to make key EV parts
📝 Waymo's robotaxi service expands into Los Angeles, starting free rides in parts of the city
📝 China's plan to cut downpayments for cars likely to fall flat, analysts say
📝 US government to lend Lithium Americas USD 2.26 bn for Nevada's Thacker Pass mine
📝 Biden opposes Nippon Steel takeover of US Steel
📝 US automakers race to build more hybrids as EV sales slow
📝 It’s too late to China-proof the lithium supply chain
📝 SAIC's MG to open second Europe parts centre by the summer
📝 Chinese automakers open factories abroad as export clout causes friction
📝 Volkswagen holds out prospect of entry-level EV by 2027
📝 Amazon's Zoox robotaxis to drive faster, farther, at night in Las Vegas
📝 BMW shares hit by 2023 margin disappointment, profit drop
📝 Volvo EX30 has lowest carbon footprint of any fully electric Volvo car to date
📝 Hyundai Motor and Iveco Group to explore synergies for e-HD tucks in European markets
📝 Italy's Iveco Group sees 20% revenue growth to 2028, eyes partnerships
📝 US autocos race to build more hybrids as EV sales slow
📝 Volkswagen plans to launch entry-level electric vehicle by 2027
📝 2024 KTM RC 8C unveiled with 133 bhp, will be limited to 100 units
Read More >>
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