EV sales could see slowdown if taxes on hybrids reduced
The Minister of Road, Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently proposed a tax reduction for hybrid vehicles to 12 percent from the existing 28 percent for sub-4-metre and 43 percent above-4-metre hybrid vehicles, respectively. If the proposed policy is implemented, the ex-showroom prices of the hybrids are likely to come down by 21 percent and TCO will become favourable for hybrids as compared to pure EVs. A recent report by Kotak Institutional Equities states that this incrementally could see OEMs (especially Japanese) accelerate product introductions with strong hybrid technologies, which may hamper EV adoption in the near term.

CSK vs RCB — Dhoni vs Kohli car collection
The battle begins, and fans are taking up after their favourite teams this IPL season. The match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore is a battle that spans from the southern tip of India to the northernmost tip, as fans not just cheer for their favourite team, but also for Dhoni and Kohli.

Top 10 scooters sold in Feb– Activa, Jupiter, Access, Ola S1, Ntorq
Scooters have always been the preferred choice of commute for the working class in India and continue to be. Scooters in India have witnessed a unique transition, from strongly-built geared scooters to automatic geared scooters and now the advent of electric scooters. Let us look at the top 10 scooters sold in February 2023.

World Water Day 2024: Hyundai conserves over 650 million litres of water in 5 years
On World Water Day 2024, Hyundai has reaffirmed its commitment to conserve water and sustainable development by promoting Dry Wash service for its customers across its pan-India service network and workshops. 

M&M shares in green after signing MoU with Adani Total Energies to set up EV charging stations
Mahindra & Mahindra said it has tied up with a unit of Adani Total Gas to establish electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.

Bajaj Group commits Rs 5,000 crore for social initiatives under Bajaj Beyond
Bajaj Group has announced its commitment of Rs 5,000 crore towards social impact initiatives in the next 5 years, with a sharp focus on skill development, under ‘Bajaj Beyond’—the Group’s new identity for all its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and charitable programs.

Eco Mobility to enter new segments to boost growth

Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Sport unveiled: What we know so far
The 2024 annual conference of Volkswagen India was a busy event as along with the much-awaited ID.4 electric SUV, the German carmaker unveiled new iterations of Taigun and Virtus. 

Maruti to broaden portfolio as hybrids outsell EVs: Shashank Srivastava
Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, says: “We could expect the month to end around the 375,000 mark for the industry, that should be about 11% growth over last year. March being the last month of the financial year, we are expecting industry sales to be about 42,35,000 or thereabouts which should be a growth of about 8.8% over last year's figure of INR 38.9 lakh.”

Two-wheeler segment to continue to do well; Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto, TVS among top picks: Nischal Maheshwari
Yesterday there was a commendable recovery within the broader universe. The non-banking PSUs rallied hard and fast, PFC, REC, Engineers India saw very commendable recovery. What is your take on this pocket? Did the move come as a surprise?

New shades of performance - What’s GT in Volkswagen Cars: New shades of performance

What does GT mean?

Dark Horse
Mahindra had created a huge buzz when the XUV 700 came out, but things have been on auto-pilot ever since, requiring nearly no intervention from its maker. The fact that the XUV 700 is a great product has been established with the solid sales figures the car has consistently garnered since its launch in 2021. Nearly three years later, Mahindra has also included for the XUV what they refer to as the ‘Black Edition’, a name not too dissimilar to its rivals’ Knight and Dark editions. We take the XUV 700 for a quick spin to understand what makes it stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Maruti Suzuki to acquire 6.44% stake in Amlgo Labs
The acquisition, valued at INR 199.17 lakf, is aimed at bolstering MSIL's data-driven decision-making capabilities. This strategic move is anticipated to enhance MSIL's offerings to customers by harnessing the expertise of Amlgo Labs in analytics and AI solutions.

Maruti Suzuki recalls Baleno and WagonR models over fuel pump motor defect
Maruti Suzuki, has issued a recall for a significant number of vehicles amidst concerns of a potential defect. Specifically, the company has announced the recall of 11,851 units of Baleno and 4,190 units of WagonR. These vehicles were manufactured between July 30, 2019, and November 1, 2019.

India-made Honda Elevate launched in Japan as WR-V
Honda Cars India has launched the India-made Elevate in the Japanese market under the WR-V brand name. It is the first time in Honda’s business that a model is being exported from India to Japan representing not only a leap for India’s automotive industry but also highlighting the country’s growing manufacturing prowess and global competitiveness.

Droom and Badshah join hands for multi-layer brand deal
Droom has announced a partnership with entertainment artist and rapper, Badshah. This partnership includes an investment by Badshah into Droom and both parties will collaborate to make Droom the most sought-after brand for Millennials and GenZ.

Maruti Suzuki recalls over 16,000 cars
Maruti recalls 16,000 units of Baleno, WagonR
The Hindu Business Line

Kia to increase prices across its line-up by 3 per cent from April 1
 

Home-grown OEMs will continue to account for every second e-car for the next decade
Now, projections by GlobalData, a leading global data analytics firm, show that Maruti and Tata will together corner 55% share of the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market in 2025. And continue to account for more than half the market in 2035.

Snap E-Cabs targets tier 2-3 towns, battery management and EV charging new revenue avenues
Kolkata-based electric cab service provider Snap-E Cabs plans to expand its services to tier 2-3 towns and also look at newer revenue streams like EV charging, battery lifecycle management and recycling among others.

BYD receives 500 bookings for Seal EV in 15 days
In 15 days, Build Your Dreams (BYD) has officially announced that the Seal electric sedan has received over 500 bookings. The Seal is available in three variants — Dynamic at Rs 41 lakh, Premium at Rs 45.55 lakh, and Performance at Rs 53 lakh, ex-showroom.

Discovering a diesel star : Driven: New Mercedes Benz GLC 220D 4 Matic
Sales Share of diesel cars in the luxury segment has fallen from 80% in 2019 to 35% in 2023 (as per industry players). But for the leading carmaker Mercedes-Benz it's still high (about 55%).

BMW 620d M Sport Signature launched
BMW has revitalised its 6 Series range, with the launch of the 620d M Sport Signature variant. Priced at ₹78.90 lakh, ex-showroom, this tech-laden car is powered by a 2-litre diesel engine that makes 188 bhp and 40.78 kg-m, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of under 8 seconds. The 6 Series is made keeping in mind not just outright performance but also luxury, which explains the standard-fitment air suspension, soft-close doors, comfort seats, a four-zone climate control and a rear-seat entertainment package which comprises two 10.25-inch rear screen and a Blu-Ray player. The much-hyped BMW Display Key is also standard, which means with Remote Control Parking, users can park the car in narrow spaces without even getting into it. Bookings are now open.

BMW iX1: iX1 for everyone
The original BMW X1 was born out of an increasing demand for crossovers. With cars like the X5 and X3 having made substantial progress globally, it was natural for BMW to democratise the SUV. Like the 1 Series, the X1 effectively lowered the entry barrier, making BMWs available to a wider target customer base. More than a decade later, BMW has tried to repeat that with the iX1, an all-electric iteration of the BMW X1, priced to ensure that new takers don’t shy away. We drive the most affordable all-electric BMW SUV available today, to find out if going the alternative route has any major downsides, and more importantly, if it retains everything good that we’ve come to associate with BMWs, sans the much-loved internal combustion engine.

Switch Mobility appoints Pushkar Sinha as head of LCV sales
New Delhi: Switch Mobility has appointed Pushkar Sinha as the Head of Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Sales, effective March 15, 2024, as the company is gearing up to deliver innovative products and services in the EV space with an emphasis on increasing brand value and market penetration across product verticals.

JCB rolls out 500,000th Made in India construction equipment
JCB India, celebrated the milestone of rolling out its 500,000th construction equipment in the country. The event took place in the presence of JCB’s Group Chairman, Lord Bamford at the company’s India Headquarters at Ballabgarh. 

TVS chairman emeritus Venu Srinivasan's family members ink non-compete pact
New Delhi: Family members of Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company Venu Srinivasan have entered into an understanding to avoid competition and the usage of certain trademarks, including TVS, in defined business areas, the company said on Friday.

Eicher Motors incorporates 100% subsidiary ‘Royal Enfield Europe’ in Netherlands
New Delhi: Eicher Motors Limited, the maker of popular Royal Enfield motorcycles, has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary in the Netherlands to enhance the non-motorcycle supply chain for all of Europe. .

Top 5 best-selling Royal Enfield motorcycles in February 2024
In recent times, we have seen many new Royal Enfield motorcycles, such as the Hunter, Super Meteor, Shotgun, and the new Himalayan. However, when it comes to sales, new motorcycles do not necessarily mean best-sellers. Here are the top 5 best-selling Royal Enfield motorcycles in February 2024, along with their sales numbers and YoY growth.

Honda Motorcycles & Scooter India launch ‘Smart Workshop’ mobile app
Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India introduced the “Smart Workshop” Mobile app which provides customers with real-time insights into their vehicle’s service progress via an SMS notification. With the availability of real-time updates, the customer is aware of the different numerous stages of vehicle service. 

Bajaj Auto working on CNG bike, to hit road in June
Bajaj Auto is developing a portfolio of clean fuel CNG motorcycles, and the first such bike will hit the market in June, Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said here on Friday. The bike will run on CNG and would hit the roads in June, he said while announcing Bajaj Group commitment of INR 5,000 crore towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spent over the next 5 years.

Motorcycle Review: Yamaha MT-03 : Jekyll and Hyde
According  to RL Stevenson's gothic novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, one person can have two personalities — good and devil. Some motorcycles are similar — they look basic, but roll that throttle and they can show their wild side, like the Yamaha MT-03. 

TVS promoter family sign trademark pact

Mumbai: Tvs Motor Company's promoter family has executed a memorandum of under-standing (MOU) to demarcate usage of certain trademarks by different factions and prohibit competing in each other's businesses. The MoU does not in any way impact the business of TVS Motor Company, Venu Srinivasan,chairman emeritus,said a letter to the company on Friday. Under the agreement, Venu Srinivasan's son Sudarshan Venu, managing director of TVS, a nd persons controlled by Sudarshan will not use certain trademarks in relation to businesses, including design, manufacturing and supply of aluminium and magnesium die castings/machined castings for OEMs and the after-market. Sudarshan has also agreed to not compete for a defined period including in the business of agricultural machinery such as tractors, and self-propelled farm equipment.

Mallika Srinivasan and Lakshmi Venu —Venu Srinivasan's wife and daughter — have agreed that they shall not use certain trade-marks (including TVS) in relation to certain businesses, including two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicles, financial services, and real estate. They mother-daughter duo have also agreed to not engage in certain businesses, including two- and three-wheeler vehicles, parts and /or accessories for any such vehicles, for a defined period.

Slogans aren't enough, we need real skilling, says Rajiv Bajaj
Pune: There is an urgent need to focus on skilling Indians to make them more employable, and empty slogans are of no use, Bajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj said on Friday.

Top 5 best-selling EV two-wheelers in February 2024
The electric vehicle two-wheeler class saw rapid growth in February 2024 registering a massive 24 per cent year-on-year growth. According to the Vahan data, in February 2024 EV two-wheelers clocked 81,963 units as compared to 66,053 units in the same month last year. The highest monthly sales for this segment was 1,04,055 units in May 2023.

Hero launches Vida Advantage— offers benefits, services worth Rs. 27,000
Hero MotoCorp has launched the Vida Advantage package for its VIDA V1 Pro electric scooter. This advantage package makes EV ownership hassle-free for its customers. Also, it enhances the ownership experience with benefits and services worth Rs 27,000 that are valid over 5 years and will be available till April 31, 2024, free of cost. 

Uno Minda partners Starcharge to manufacture and sell EV supply equipment’s in India
Tier 1 supplier Uno Minda (formerly known as Minda Industries) has entered into Technical License Agreement with Starcharge Energy (StarCharge) to manufacture and sale of electric vehicle supply equipment’s (EVSE) in India.

Minda Corp attains milestone of producing millionth two-wheeler Smart Keyless System in India
Minda Corporation, the flagship company of Spark Minda has achieved the milestone of producing its millionth two-wheeler Smart Keyless System in India from its manufacturing facilities in the country.

Steelbird SBA-20 Helmet Review: Making safety look cool
New Delhi: While riding a two-wheeler, safety is the foremost concern for everyone. Wearing a helmet is considered the most crucial and affordable safety equipment for riders. The youth today refrains from wearing a helmet despite rules being quite stringent in the capital and metropolitan cities. The SBA-20 (Steelbird Air 20), is an affordable and stylish helmet aiming to make two-wheeler safety stylish.

India stops taking Russian oil delivered on Sovcomflot tankers
All of India’s refiners are now refusing to take Russian crude carried on PJSC Sovcomflot tankers due to US sanctions, further complicating the trade that has flourished since the invasion of Ukraine two years ago.

Volkswagen evaluating GTI for India
Source Credit: Autocar India

Think GTI, and as an automobile enthusiast you’ll picture a Volkswagen hot hatchback; one that packs in sports car-rivalling performance without sacrificing on practicality or daily usability. Volkswagen introduced the Polo GTI in limited numbers in India in 2016, and it not only enjoys a cult following till date but also commands exceptional residual values in the used car market. The good news is, Volkswagen is evaluating relaunching the GTI in India, in its newest avatar.

Most affordable CNG SUVs in India in March 2024
Source Credit: Autocar India

The soaring fuel prices in recent years have resulted in a growth in demand of CNG vehicles. CNG cars are not only cheaper to run as compared to petrol & diesel counterparts, but are also environment friendly. Keeping the growing demand of CNG cars in mind, manufacturers continue to diversify their respective CNG portfolios. Unlike a few years ago, a CNG car buyer does not need to settle for an entry-level, small car. Here’s a list of the most affordable CNG SUVs in India in March 2024.

Volkswagen ID Buzz GTX revealed with 330hp
Source Credit: Autocar India

The retro-styled Volkswagen ID Buzz is the latest to gain a warmed-up GTX variant, with the new range-topper arriving with a dual-motor powertrain and sporty exterior design. The ID Buzz will join the GTX line-up alongside the ID 3 GTX and the ID7 GTX tourer, and is going to be offered with a long wheelbase option as well.

New Nissan Kicks SUV revealed
Source Credit: Autocar India

The new Nissan Kicks has been revealed ahead of its official New York Motor Show 2024 debut.  The new Kicks is slightly bigger in all dimensions and has a lot in common with the Mitsubishi X-Force SUV which is sold in markets like Indonesia and a few others.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets another facelift abroad
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport still remains a popular choice for SUV buyers overseas, and the Japanese brand has now given it another facelift to keep it fresh and competitive. While the Pajero Sport was discontinued in India back in 2021, the current-gen SUV has been around since 2015, with this being its second update.

Skoda Kodiaq L&K gets Rs 2 lakh price cut, variants rejigged
Source Credit: Autocar India

Skoda has rejigged the variant line-up of its seven-seater Kodiaq SUV. The Kodiaq was previously available in three trims – Style, Sportline and L&K. However, it will now be offered only in the top-spec version, and the prices have also been revised.

Peugeot 3008 SUV spied testing in India
Source Credit: Autocar India

Peugeot is a brand that has some recognition in India; the French carmaker's been present for a number of years, but it hasn’t made waves in the country. Peugeot’s cars have been spotted testing on our roads a few times, with the Peugeot 2008 being spied twice now. However, this is the first time the larger 3008 SUV has been caught testing in India.

Kia K4 sedan revealed, rivals Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla
Source Credit: Autocar India

Kia has unveiled the second-gen version of the K4 sedan with a brand-new design on the lines of its ‘Opposites United’ styling philosophy. While technical specifications are yet to be announced, the exterior and interior design of the sedan have been revealed ahead of its public debut at the New York Auto Show.

Top 10 EVs with the longest claimed range in India
Source Credit: Autocar India

It’s safe to say that the EV scene in India is no longer in its nascency. Charging infrastructure has been growing steadily, EVs themselves have become a lot more affordable and accessible, and there’s growing acceptance among car buyers too – thanks to rising fuel prices and green credentials associated with electric mobility. However, range anxiety continues to stop many buyers from opting for EVs.

Isuzu D-Max EV concept previews future Hilux EV rival
Source Credit: Autocar India

Isuzu has unveiled its first electric vehicle concept, the D-Max EV. The all-electric pickup is scheduled to be introduced in European markets like Norway and the UK in 2025, followed by launches in Australia and Thailand, among others. The production-spec D-Max BEV, as Isuzu calls it, will make its global debut at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show (March 27 to April 7).

LiveWire S2 Mulholland electric bike revealed with 195km range
Source Credit: Autocar India

Harley-Davidson’s electric subsidiary, LiveWire, has revealed details of its third model – the S2 Mulholland.

Fisker Ocean production paused for six weeks
Source Credit: Autocar India

Fisker has decided to temporarily halt production of its Ocean SUV for a duration of six weeks. This step has been taken as the brand is struggling to secure the required financial support, despite the USD 150 million (approximately Rs 1,244 crore) funding received from an existing investor. While the name of the investor is unknown, it seems that Fisker remains engaged in discussions with a prominent carmaker, rumoured to be Nissan, for additional funding. 

Kia unveils design of new compact sedan K4
New Delhi: Kia Corporation Friday revealed full images of the exterior and interior design of the Kia K4, the next-generation compact sedan. It embraces the brand’s bold attitude of continuously moving forward and brings new ways of thinking, innovation, and superior design values to the sector.

ZF reports 126 million euros net profit for 2023, reduces net debt by 400 million euros
German technology major ZF Friedrichshafen has announced its financial results for 2023, which saw it achieve its financial targets set for the year.

Nokian Tyres temporarily lays off 350 employees due to strike in Finland
Finnish tire maker Nokian Tyres said on Friday it would temporarily lay off 350 employees at its car tire factory in Nokia for 90 days due to political strikes in the Nordic country.

China's Leapmotor to start production of small EV in Polish Stellantis plant
China's Leapmotor will start producing small electric cars at a Stellantis plant in Poland as part of a joint venture between the two carmakers, two people close to the matter told Reuters on Friday.

China's Chery plans to start selling cars in Italy later in 2024
Chery Auto will start selling Omoda and Jaecoo brand cars in Italy in the third quarter, its Italian country manager said, making it the Chinese group's second European market.

Aston Martin names Bentley's Adrian Hallmark as next CEO
British luxury carmaker Aston Martin on Friday named Bentley head Adrian Hallmark as its new CEO to replace Amedeo Felisa, in the latest management shake-up under chairman and top shareholder Lawrence Stroll.

Kia K4 breaks cover — World premiere on March 27
Ahead of its world premiere on March 27 at the New York Auto Show, Kia has unveiled the exterior and interior photos of the Kia K4 compact sedan. The new Kia K4 is in its second generation and rivals the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and the Hyundai Elantra in the global markets, specifically the US.