Stricter norms: Govt tightens noose around scrapping facility regulations
With the proposed amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021, entities are required to secure their consent to operate from the Central Pollution Control Board at least 60 days before beginning operations, or, alternatively, apply for it within the specified timeframe.

India’s Energy Transition: Securing the Ecosystem
While the downstream capacities and supplies are expanding, there is no scope for complacency as the green energy upstream story has been less encouraging so far. Solar photovoltaic modules and panels, and Lithium Ferro-phosphate (LFP) batteries, for our solar farms and EVs respectively, are still largely being imported. While the government has designed excellent Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for solar panel manufacturing and Advanced Cell Chemistry production, our manufacturing plants are still dependent on imports of raw materials and processed inputs of critical minerals required for solar PV cells and EV batteries.

EMPS 2024: Electric two-wheeler makers fear Rs 300 cr blow from new scheme
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) notified the operational guidelines for EMPS 2024 late on Wednesday, with an outlay of Rs 500 crore for the four months beginning April 1, replacing the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-II) scheme.

Passenger vehicles’ backlog reduces to 3 lakh units
New Delhi: The passenger vehicle (PV) waiting period in the domestic market has come to the pre-Covid levels with around three lakh units in the backlog, which is an average waiting time of around 26 days, industry veterans said on Thursday.

Industry leaders bat for collaboration as a growth strategy in the current disruptive era
New Delhi: In a convergence of minds at the SAP Automotive Innovation Day held on March 20th at Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi, industry luminaries gathered to dissect the future of mobility in India. Under the hand of Heiko Flohr, Sr. Vice President, Head Discrete Industry Product Management, SAP, the discussion unfolded into a multifaceted exploration of the challenges and opportunities confronting the automotive sector.

Volkswagen targets 2-3 times faster growth than Indian PV industry in 2024

But globally, the German automaker is expecting just 3 per cent rise in sales this year, down from 12 per cent last year. 

Volkswagen unveils new Taigun GT Plus Sport: What’s new?
Volkswagen India has taken the covers of the Taigun’s new range — the GT Sport Plus and the GT Line. It is also the first time the 1-litre turbo petrol powertrain will be available in the GT Line. The German automobile manufacturer has only showcased the new models and will soon launch them. Bookings are now open for the new GT Sport range. Here’s all you need to know about the design updates of the entire GT Line portfolio including Chrome, Sport and Edge.

Saurabh Vatsa to succeed Rakesh Srivastava as Nissan India MD
Nissan Motor India has announced the elevation of Saurabh Vatsa as the new Managing Director (MD) of the company effective April 1, 2024. He will succeed incumbent MD Rakesh Srivastava who retires on March 31, 2024.

Volkswagen India showcases new Taigun variants and ID.4
New Delhi: Volkswagen India at its Annual Brand Conference 2024, unveiled a slew of new product offerings for the Indian market. Reinvigorating its product line-up, the Brand showcased new GT Plus Sport and GT Line variants for Taigun, while also announcing a refreshed line structure for the SUV. Paving the way for the Brand’s new leap towards electrification, Volkswagen India showcased the ID.4.

Suzuki Escudo, Torqnado nameplates trademarked in India
More new vehicles coming to India, and the latest update is from Suzuki, which has trademarked the Escudo and Torqnado names, hinting at new launches. Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that there will be eight new vehicle launches in the next four years, and the two names could be for two of those models.

Kia announces price hike effective April 1
Kia India has announced up to 3% price increase across all its mass models, including Seltos, Sonet and Carens, starting April 1, 2024. This decision is attributed to the escalation in commodity prices and supply chain-related inputs. It marks the first price adjustment by the company this year.

Hyundai Verna CVT recalled in India
Hyundai has issued a recall for the Verna CVT models in India, and the owners of the affected vehicles are being informed by Hyundai directly. Customers who have received the recall notification can contact their nearest service centre.

Volkswagen forecasts flat group sales for 2024 in India
Chennai: Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker, says its group car sales in India are likely to be flat in 2024 amid new product launch plans. The German automaker is projecting that the total volumes of the group in India in 2024 will remain at the previous year’s level. It recorded a 4 per cent growth in its sales in 2023 at 101,553 units compared with 97,610 units in 2022, according to Volkswagen Group’s Annual Report for 2023.

Made in India Citroen e-C3 scores zero star in Global NCAP safety rating
Citroen’s made-in-India e-C3 electric SUV has scored zero star in the latest Global NCAP ratings.

Volkswagen expected to launch ID.4 as its first EV in India by this year
Volkswagen to begin electrification journey later this year with ID.4

All-electric BMW iX xDrive50 launched at Rs 1.39 crore
BMW has launched the iX xDrive50 in India, priced at Rs 1.39 crore, ex-showroom. The new all-electric BMW iX xDrive50 will be available at all BMW showrooms and will be sold in India as CBUs. The SUV will be available in Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Aventurine Red, and Oxide Grey paint schemes, while a Storm Bay Metallic paint finish is also available as an option.

Ready to adopt EVs, say pvt bus owners
Private bus operators in Goa have expressed their readiness to embrace the shift towards Smart City electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the private bus replacement scheme. During the meeting with chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, private bus operators highlighted their grievances, particularly regarding the absence of prior consultation before the release of the notification announcing the commencement of Smart City EV operations in Panaji and its peripheries, from April 1. tnn

Vijay Shankar, Shailesh Haribhakti join TVS Motor Co’s Board of Independent Directors
TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer has announced changes to its board with the appointment of two new independent directors.

Triumph Rocket 3 GT, Rocket 3 R launched in India, starting at ₹21.99 lakhs. Check all details
Triumph Motorcycles India has unveiled an exciting addition to its lineup with the launch of the all-new Storm versions of the Rocket 3 GT and Rocket 3 R in the Indian market. Priced at ₹22.59 lakh and ₹21.99 lakh respectively, both models are set to impress enthusiasts with a blend of stunning design updates and enhanced performance capabilities.

TVS Motor Company Expands into Panama: Unveils First Showroom in Central America
The inauguration ceremony, graced by the presence of Indian ambassador to Panama, Dr Sumit Seth, unveiled a range of offerings including the Apache RR 310, Ronin TD, Apache RTR 200 4V FI, Apache RTR 200 4V, Ntorq 125 scooters, and 3-wheel vehicles like Kargo and King Deluxe.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 makes global debut
The all-new Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has officially made its debut in global markets. Replacing the outgoing Svartpilen 701, the new Svartpilen is the biggest Husqvarna yet and shares its DNA with the new-gen KTM Duke 790. It is also the first time that a Husky features a multi-cylinder engine.

HMSI launches 'Smart Workshop' Mobile app to track vehicle service progress
New Delhi: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has introduced the ‘Smart Workshop’ Mobile App, designed to provide the customers real-time insights of their vehicle's service progress.

Honda Gold Wing and CBR1000RR recalled in India
Honda, after issuing a recall for the Goldwing and the CBR1000RR in the US and Germany, has now extended the recall to India as well. The issue is due to a faulty fuel pump, which may fail and won’t let the engine start again.

Okinawa partners ReadyAssist for roadside assistance
Okinawa Autotech, an electric two-wheeler manufacturer has partnered ReadyAssist, a leading Roadside Assistance (RSA) and vehicle care company, to provide aftersales service and comprehensive emergency assistance for its customers.

Ather announces new exchange scheme for old scooters. Here are details
Ather Energy, the leading electric scooter manufacturer, has introduced a new exchange program aimed at current scooter owners in Bengaluru who are interested in upgrading to the latest models, the 450X or the 450 Apex. This initiative, launched as a pilot program, targets select customers who registered for the Ather Upgrade program in January 2023.

Ola Electric holds a battery secret on road to IPO
Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric is close to signing up anchor investors for its initial public offering (IPO), the first in India's electric vehicle space, two people aware of the development said. The maker of S1 series of electric scooters has pitched its state-of-the-art battery technology under development as the USP in its road shows, the people said.

Bharat Forge executes allotment of INR 125cr non-convertible debentures
New Delhi: Bharat Forge, a leading global industrial house, has formally executed the allotment of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) worth INR 125 crore, in accordance with Regulations 30 and 51 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

TVS Holdings to raise up to Rs 650 crore through NCDs next fiscal

The company's board also declared an interim dividend of Rs 94 per share of Rs 5 each, absorbing a sum of Rs 190 crore in the current fiscal.

Li-Ion battery manufacturer RCRS Innovations to invest INR 50 cr to scale capacity
New Delhi: Noida-based RCRS Innovations Ltd, which owns lithium-ion battery manufacturer EXEGI, will invest INR 50 crore this year to expand its capacity and introduce new product lines. With this, the company is gearing up to meet the growing demand for clean energy storage solutions, according to a company statement.

Naxnova acquires Quad Industries for Rs 90 crore, aims to strengthen product offering for automotive industry
Naxnova (formerly known as Classic Stripes), a design & technology company has announced the acquisition of Quad Industries Belgium, a leading player in the printed electronics sector today for Rs 90 crore (10 million euros). This investment marks a significant strategic move for Naxnova as it expands its market presence and solidifies its offering.

Glida partners Statiq to make EV chargers more accessible
Electric vehicle charging players Statiq and Glida (formerly known as Fortum Charge & Drive India) have entered into a partnership to expand their scope of offerings and make EV chargers more accessible for passenger electric vehicle (PEV) users nationwide.

June too early, fresh deadline for capital’s first bio-CNG plant
New Delhi: Delhi’s first bio-CNG plant, which will convert wet waste into compressed gas, will become operational by Sept-end. This is situated near Okhla’s landfill. Municipal Corporation of Delhi plans to develop another bio-CNG plant at Ghoga in northwest Delhi this year.

Mahindra inks MoU with Adani Total Energies for EV charging infrastructure access
Mahindra & Mahindra, a leading SUV and EV manufacturer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Adani Total Energies E-Mobility (ATEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Total Gas.

Vehicle loan pools may maintain stable performance: Icra
Vehicle loan pools are expected to maintain stable performance in the medium term because of the strong domestic cycle and efforts of financiers to ramp up collections, rating agency Icra said on Thursday, adding that the impact of fluctuations in global fuel prices will be a key monitorable.

Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Sport revealed
Source Credit: Autocar India

Volkswagen has showcased the new Virtus GT Plus Sport concept alongside the new Taigun GT Plus Sport. Like the Taigun, the new Virtus also gets a blacked-out treatment with red highlights, however, the company is calling this a concept at the moment, which will go into production later this year.

Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport, GT Line break cover
Source Credit: Autocar India

Volkswagen has extended the Taigun range with the introduction of two new trim levels: the Taigun GT Plus Sport and Taigun GT Line available with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, respectively. The two trims feature a range of visual enhancements over the standard Taigun that help them stand out.

Ultraviolette F77 now also sold in Turkey
Source Credit: Autocar India

Ultraviolette Automotive, a Bengaluru-based startup, will soon sell its  F77 electric bike in Turkey. 

Nissan Motor India appoints Saurabh Vatsa as MD
Source Credit: Autocar India

Nissan Motor India has announced the appointment of Saurabh Vatsa as managing director (MD) of the company effective April 1, 2024. Vatsa succeeds current MD, Rakesh Srivastava, who retires this year on March 31, 2024. Earlier this year, Saurabh Vatsa was appointed as deputy managing director on January 15. Upon elevation to the role of MD, Saurabh will report to Frank Torres, president, Nissan India Operations and Region Divisional Vice President of Business Transformation (AMIEO).

JSW Odisha plant to produce batteries within 1.5-2 years
Source Credit: Autocar India

JSW Group will be ready with lithium-ion cells manufactured in its Odisha factory in the next 18-24 months. The Group is in talks with potential partners and is keen on a technology tie up, not an equity partnership. Parth Jindal, member of the Steering Committee of JSW MG Motor India, told reporters that to make the new energy vehicles (NEVs) more accessible, it is critical for the company to localise.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 to get an off-road focused derivative soon
Source Credit: Autocar India

Hyundai seems to be gearing up to introduce an off-road capable version of the Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 that's been spied testing has new wheels, updated bumpers as well as some noteworthy additions made to the exterior over the standard Ioniq 5.

Honda Smart Workshop app allows service tracking real-time
Source Credit: Autocar India

Honda has introduced the‘Smart Workshop’ Mobile App, which provides customers with real-time insights of their vehicle's service progress. 

Citroen eC3 scores 0-star Global NCAP safety rating
Source Credit: Autocar India

Global NCAP has crash tested the Citroen eC3 electric hatchback, and it has received a rather disappointing 0-star rating in adult occupant protection and a 1-star rating for child occupant protection. The car tested was an Indian-made model, and is among the last few cars to be tested under Global NCAP's Safer Cars for India campaign as India now has its own Bharat NCAP safety assessment programme.

Ford discusses future India plans with Tamil Nadu government
Source Credit: Autocar India

Close on the heels of the Government of India announcing its new electric vehicle policy, US carmaker Ford Motor Company’s president, International Markets Group, Kay Hart, visited the country to assess the next step, hinting at the brand's comeback.

523hp BMW iX xDrive50 launched at Rs 1.40 crore
Source Credit: Autocar India

BMW India has added a new higher-spec variant of the iX, the xDrive50, priced at Rs 1.40 crore, ex-showroom, India. The range-topper gets a larger battery with more range, more powerful motors, and minor exterior and interior changes compared to the iX xDrive40, which is priced at Rs 1.21 crore.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X electric SUV concept revealed
Source Credit: Autocar India

BMW has revealed the new Vision Neue Klasse X SUV concept, which showcases the future designs of the German brand’s bespoke EVs and closely previews the next-generation iX3 – due to be revealed next year. It’s a companion piece to the Vision Neue Klasse sedan concept that was revealed last year and exhibits the differing design language that will be applied to BMW’s bespoke electric sedans and SUVs in the near future.

Tata Harrier vs Mahindra XUV700 vs Jeep Compass comparison review
Source Credit: Autocar India

Back in 2019, we compared the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500 and the Jeep Compass, and the Harrier emerged victorious for being true to Tata’s ‘more car per car’ philosophy with a stellar value for money proposition. Half a decade later, the game has changed. On one hand, the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier have undergone significant midlife transformations, while on the other, the new-age XUV700 has replaced the XUV500. So a rematch was inevitable.

Next-gen Audi A5, Q5 and all-new A6 e-tron confirmed for 2024 global debut
Source Credit: Autocar India

Audi recently announced at its annual sales conference that it has as many as 20 new model launches lined up globally over the course of one year. Chief among these will be an all-new generation of the A5 sedan and Q5 SUV, as well as the all-electric A6 e-tron sedan.

Volkswagen, Mobileye to bring new automated driving functions to series production
Volkswagen will bring new automated driving technologies to series production as it deepens its partnership with Mobileye in automotive driving technologies, Europe's biggest carmaker said on Wednesday.

Biden unveils almost USD 20 bn for Intel to boost US chip production
US President Joe Biden unveiled almost USD 20 billion in grants and loans Wednesday for Intel's domestic chip-making plants -- his administration's biggest investment yet in the sector as he takes on China's chip dominance and sells his economic achievements over election rival Donald Trump.

E-waste from trashed electric devices is piling up and recycling isn't keeping pace, UN says
U.N. agencies have warned that waste from electronics is piling up worldwide while recycling rates remain low and are likely to fall even further.

Tesla says most German plant employees vote against IG Metall union
The majority of Tesla's staff in Germany decided against the IG Metall Union and opted for non-unionised workers for the new works council, the company said on Wednesday in a statement.

As Fisker fails, EV startups need to learn from China
The Californian dream of making cars without factories needs to give way to a more Chinese one: churning them out fast.

US eases tailpipe rules, slows EV transition through 2030
The Biden administration on Wednesday slashed its target for U.S. electric vehicle adoption from 67% by 2032 to as little as 35% after industry and autoworker backlash in the political battleground state of Michigan.

Most new US cars to be EV or hybrids by 2032
The Biden administration on Wednesday issued one of the most significant climate regulations in the nation's history, a rule designed to ensure that the majority of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States are all-electric or hybrids by 2032.

Most new US cars to be EV or hybrids by 2032
The Biden administration on Wednesday issued one of the most significant climate regulations in the nation's history, a rule designed to ensure that the majority of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States are all-electric or hybrids by 2032.

EPA issues new auto rules aimed at cutting carbon emissions, boosting electric vehicles and hybrids
The Biden administration announced new automobile emissions standards Wednesday that officials called the most ambitious plan ever to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles.

New 2025 Infiniti QX80 resets luxury SUV benchmark; priced at USD 82,450
The all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 resets the full-size luxury SUV segment benchmark. It brings together understated yet detailed style, intelligently integrated technology and a commanding, effortless driving experience. As the flagship of the lineup and first new model in Infiniti’s product renaissance, the all-new QX80 delivers extraordinary comfort, convenience and technology for all three rows.

Skoda Auto’s 2023 Sustainability Report updates ESG strategy for sustainable future
The 2023 Skoda Auto Sustainability Report provides a comprehensive overview of the Czech carmaker’s updated sustainability strategy, detailing initiatives and advancements across all Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas.

Synopsys says new tools help design cars, data centers faster
Synopsys on Wednesday showed a set of software tools designed to make it easier and faster to design cars, data centers and other big systems that rely on semiconductors.

Stellantis Ventures Invests in LiDAR Tech for ADAS
Stellantis Ventures, the corporate venture fund of Stellantis N.V., has invested in SteerLight, the developer of a new generation of high-performance LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensing technology.

Biden admin unveils strict auto standards to speed electric shift
President Joe Biden's administration announced Wednesday revised pollution standards for cars and trucks meant to accelerate the US auto industry's shift to electric to mitigate climate change.

EU new car sales rise 10.1% y/y in February, ACEA says
New car sales in the European Union rose 10.1% year-on-year in February, with the bloc's main markets all recording solid growth, Europe's automakers association said on Thursday.

Mobilisights launches integrated data pack for fleet management
Mobilisights has launched its new product “the Fleet Management Data pack”. This solution will be included in all Stellantis Pro One MY24 Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) (Citroen, FIAT Professional, Opel, Peugeot Vauxhall), transforming the LCV landscape with unrivaled connected data services.

Japan's Isuzu Motors to produce EV pickup trucks in Thailand
Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors plans to use Thailand as a production base for an electric version of its D-MAX pickup truck, with a plan to start exports next year, a Thai government spokesperson said on Thursday.

Platinum metals face structural hit to demand from electric vehicle revolution
In the usual way of things, platinum and palladium should be turning higher after a slide from recent peaks drove supply deficits, job cuts and looming mine closures in top producer South Africa. That they're not shows how hard the electric car revolution has hit demand forecasts.

Maserati workers to work reduced hours at Italy plant
Hundreds of workers producing Maserati cars at the Mirafiori plant in the northern Italian city of Turin will be placed on reduced hours contracts for the rest of the year, unions said on Wednesday.

Volkswagen Group strengthens partnership with Mobileye for automated driving tech
German auto major Volkswagen Group is further intensifying its partnership with Mobileye, an Israeli autonomous driving company.

Why OpenAI CEO Sam Altman does not want to make another Google; wants to do this instead
During an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman on Monday, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed his disinterest in competing with Google in the search engine sector. Instead, he emphasised his desire for people to utilise a superior product.

California, Stellantis strike vehicle emissions deal
Chrysler parent Stellantis and the state of California reached an agreement on emissions on Tuesday after the company unsuccessfully sought to join a deal that other automakers had struck with the state in 2019.

Chevron to pay over USD 13 mn in settlement for California oil spills
Chevron will pay USD 13.1 million in settlement agreements with two California state agencies for past oil spills in Kern County, Bakersfield, the California natural resources agency said on Wednesday, as the major oil producing state strengthens regulations.

BMW targets steady 2024 margins as electric spending peaks
BMW said on Thursday it was targeting 2024 automotive profit margins broadly in line with last year and expected a slight increase in car sales, as spending on launching electric vehicles across its model line-up peaks this year.

EVs woo buyers with in-car beds, kitchens and drones

Top EV makers are facing a slowdown in demand in China as consumers curb spending. Meanwhile, for smaller players, the ability to think creatively is core to their survival, with the cut-throat industry bracing for a likely wave of consolidation as China looks to rein in the excesses left behind by years of generous subsidies.

Goodyear launches RL-5K off-the-road tyre for large wheel loaders
"The RL-5K design has been updated to meet the increasing customer need for larger wheel loaders that meet the specifications of the newer vehicles entering the market," said Loic Ravasio, General Manager, Global & Americas OTR. "We are continuing to improve our product performance and staying with the evolving market and vehicle requirements to ensure we deliver for our hard-working OTR customers."