India's push for EVs may lead to large-scale entry of Chinese firms in domestic market: GTRI
The renewed policy push to make India a hub for e-vehicle manufacturing and efforts of the private sector will lead to a sharp increase in dependence on auto component imports from China, the report said.

New electric vehicle scheme links lower import duty with FDI
The government has notified the scheme to promote manufacturing of electrically operated passenger vehicles (EVs) in India and issued two notifications 19/2024-Customs and 20/2024-Customs both dated March 15, 2024, exempting the social welfare surcharge and reducing the basic customs duty (BCD) to 15 per cent on imports of EVs falling under the heading 8703 of the Customs Tariff subject to certain conditions. The government hopes the scheme will attract foreign direct investment in the manufacture of EVs.

Gujarat has 3L vehicles without HSRP
State govt may have asked dealers to not deliver vehicles without high security registration plates (HSRPs) but according to an estimate around nine lakh vehicles plying on Gujarat’s roads are without high security registration plates (HSRPs).

Nissan unveils new global business strategy ‘The Arc’, targets 100,000 units export from India
Nissan Motor has launched The Arc, its new business plan to drive value and strengthen competitiveness. The plan will focus on a broad-based product offensive, increased electrification, new approaches to engineering and manufacturing, the adoption of new technologies, and the use of strategic partnerships to increase global unit sales and improve profitability.

Auto players line up array of new EV models over next few years
New Delhi: The Indian auto industry is gearing up to roll out an array of electric vehicle models over the next few years amid a renewed push by the government to encourage environment-friendly mobility solutions with the unveiling of a new policy. Mass market players like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors are lining up new models to cater to the demand across segments.

Auto players line up array of new EV models in coming years on govt push to green mobility
New Delhi: The Indian auto industry is gearing up to roll out an array of electric vehicle models over the next few years amid a renewed push by the government to encourage environment-friendly mobility solutions with the unveiling of a new policy. Mass market players like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors are lining up new models to cater to the demand across segments.

Tata Motors sees 40% sales surge in rural markets, driven by CNG and electric vehicles
Mumbai: Indian automaker Tata Motors has seen an uptick in sales of its vehicles in the rural market. The company’s sales contribution from the hinterland is now at 40 per cent as compared to 32 per cent pre-coronavirus with an uptick in sales of CNG and electric vehicles. The CNG vehicle penetration is up to 17 per cent, and electric vehicle penetration is up to 30 per cent in the rural market.

Kaynes Semicon to have 1 billion chip volume, says CEO
Kaynes Semicon, the semiconductor arm of Kaynes Technology, is targeting to have 13 chip assembly and test lines over the next 1.5-2 years with a volume of 1 billion chips annually, the company’s CEO Raghu Panicker told FE in an interaction.

Indians’ electric love to power EV sales to a record
iElectric vehicles (EVs) are set to scale a new milestone, breaching the 100,000 sales mark this financial year (FY24), fuelling the government’s ambitious aim of electrifying up to 30% of all passenger vehicle sales by 2030.

Jaishankar urges Singapore's business community to invest in India's semiconductor manufacturing sector
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday briefed Singapore's business community about the strides taken by India in the field of manufacture of semiconductors and appealed to them to invest in this key sector in the country. Jaishankar spoke about how machines for the manufacture of semiconductors have started coming (to India) and also how India is progressing towards establishing the first three plants for this multi-billion dollar industry.

Why Modi govt’s big bet on Elon Musk in India might just work
Elon Musk’s long courtship of Indian officialdom may have finally paid off. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted him to open one of his Tesla “gigafactories” in the country, as part of its efforts to expand its long-moribund manufacturing sector; Musk, meanwhile, wanted India to address tariffs on electric vehicle imports that rendered foreign-made Teslas uncompetitive.

KTM Cup Season 2: Castrol Power 1 to be official partner
Castrol has teamed up with KTM, and the company’s performance lubricant, Power 1, will be powering the upcoming second season of the KTM Cup 2024 as the official Performance Partner. This association is strategically aligned with the brand’s increasing focus on driving and strengthening performance motorsports in India.

India aims for 30% of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030: Care Edge Ratings
An analysis by Care Edge Ratings shows that the demand for vehicles powered by traditional fuels is progressively shifting towards those that utilise alternative fuels.

TVS chairman emeritus Venu Srinivasan's family members ink non-compete pact

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was executed on March 21, 2024, by Venu Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of TAFE - Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd Mallika Srinivasan, Director of TVS Motor Co and Deputy Managing Director of TAFE Motors and Tractors Ltd Dr Lakshmi Venu, and Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director of TVS Motor Co.

Vehicle-makers bet big on rural drive
Led by the government’s infrastructure development push and their own network expansion plans, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) said that passenger vehicle (PV) sales in rural areas have grown exponentially and the trend is expected to continue in the next financial year. For companies like Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the growth in rural sales is much higher than the urban market.

PLI investments falter
Companies have invested over Rs 1.07 trillion in two years through December 2023 under the 14 Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, or about 40% of the Rs 3 trillion committed.

Driving The Future: How Technology is Changing the Future of the Transportation Industry
The transportation industry has seen big technological advancements, from the world’s first gas-powered automobile in 1886 to Tesla’s most modern electric car. Fueled by a need for speed, affordability, and cleaner options, what was once a luxury is now a common sight. 

Electric vehicles and their impact on the independent aftermarket in India
The Indian automotive landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by the advent of electric vehicles (EVs). This seismic shift is not just about the types of vehicles on the road but extends deep into the fabric of automotive maintenance and repair, especially within the independent aftermarket. As the co-founder of a leading player in India’s automotive service industry, I have observed firsthand the evolving dynamics and the opportunities and challenges they present for independent garages and aftermarket service providers.

Younger consumers in India to explore subscription models amidst economic uncertainty
India’s economy is expected to grow within the range of 6.9ꟷ7.2 percent in FY24, followed by about 6.4 percent to 6.7 percent in the subsequent year. Despite this positive outlook, high retail inflation is affecting the cost of living and fueling economic uncertainty. This volatility is affecting Millennials and GenZ, accounting for 52 percent of India’s population. They are emerging as the primary consumer segment with higher disposable incomes.

Post-Holi car care guide — How to get back the shine
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated throughout India, and while the festival is fun, the question that lingers in everyone’s mind is about ways to get their cars shining again. While this may seem like a daunting task, post-Holi car care is easy and here are the steps to follow.

Automakers embrace sustainability: Shift towards recycled materials, biodegradable parts for new models
Even as India surges ahead in the adoption of clean-energy vehicles, a quiet recycling revolution is happening in parallel, complementing the race to a greener future. The world’s third largest automaker is taking the first steps towards reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products.

India should set whatever is the right (energy) course for it to support economic growth: Bryan K Glover

Honeywell sees India a key growth market, particularly in the energy sector, as the country is likely to be a major driver of demand for fossil fuels as well as renewables and other alternative energy sources for decades.

The EV wave: transforming fleets with retrofitting for sustainable transportation
 

Driving the future: Automotive cybersecurity in the era of connected vehicles
 

‘10% of HCVs in India to run on H2 by ’30’: Guruprasad Mudlapur President, Bosch Group, India
 

Citroen C3 Aircross automatic review: Convenient yet rough on the edges
Citroen’s big-ticket C3 Aircross made its debut last year, but sadly, it has done little to trouble its midsize SUV rivals. The sales figures have been hovering around 250 to 340 units till December 2023, but after the launch of its automatic version in January 2024, the numbers have nosedived further, as last month it only managed 127 units. Even though it is one of the most affordable SUVs in its segment, there are still no takers.

Volkswagen Polo could return to India. But there's a catch…
Volkswagen Polo, once a cornerstone of the German automaker's presence in India, may soon make a comeback with a fresh twist, signaling hope for enthusiasts. Despite its discontinuation owing to dwindling demand, the Polo remains a beloved choice among fans, who have eagerly awaited its return to the Indian market.

2025 Nissan Kicks breaks cover
The Nissan Kicks gets a complete makeover, and the company has unveiled the 2025 Kicks in Brooklyn at the opening rounds of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center. Compared to its predecessor, the 2025 Kicks is larger on the outside and roomier inside, with generous cargo space. The Kicks also gets a power panoramic sunroof, enhancing the spacious interior feel.

Car buyers may finally get relief from rising prices and long delays soon. Get ready for era of discounts & offers. Here's why
The current fiscal year is projected to close with a record volume of 42.9 lakh units in the car market. Analysts suggest that the industry has established a solid foundation and may take some time before experiencing rapid growth again. The surge in car bookings and purchases witnessed in recent years is expected to taper off as pent-up demand is met.

Maruti Suzuki India invests in AI and ML start-up Amlgo
Maruti Suzuki India has invested over Rs 1.99 crore in Amlgo Labs, a technology-led startup. With this, Maruti Suzuki will own an equity stake of over 6.44% in the startup.

Maruti India's gearshift to growth: Turbocharging the product portfolio

The gains for the leader of small passenger cars have been more recent, as the company still trails the Nifty Auto over one- and two-year periods.

With artificial intelligence at the wheel, Hyundai's TN unit shifts gear

The area houses manufacturing facilities for major companies such as iPhone maker Foxconn, Samsung, Royal Enfield, Dell, Mitsubishi, and Nissan, among others.

German carmaker Volkswagen to tap demand for performance-oriented vehicles
 

Maruti to introduce first EV through NEXA
Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, which will launch its first electric vehicle in 2025, will be introducing the vehicle through its premium and luxury channel — NEXA.

Volkswagen affordable EV launch in India likely around 2026-27
Volkswagen recently unveiled four upcoming models for the Indian market including the big fish– the ID.4. It will be the German brand’s first all-electric offering for India and will come as a fully-imported model via the CBU route. Volkswagen is eyeing a market launch of ID.4 towards the end of this year.

EVs will drive us into 2030: Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India
I have often been asked, “What will the EV scene be in 2030?” So I decided to take a trip to the year 2030 and see it for myself. Reports indicate that India sold more than seven million four-wheelers as compared to four million about seven years ago in 2023. This really looks attractive, but not in growth percentage terms. It works out to just around 7%, a rate at which car sales grew in 2023. What seems more attractive is the number of E-4Ws—as EV cars are now commonly called, sold in the country. In 2030, at least 20% of all new vehicles sold are powered by electricity. This means a sale of closer to 1.5 million E-4Ws against a mere 81,000 EVs sold in India in 2023.

Charging infrastructure not in place, NMC’s 80 AC e-buses gathering dust
Around 80 electric air-conditioned buses are currently lying unused due to a lack of charging points in city. Apart from leaving commuters to travel in run-down, non-AC buses, this is also causing financial losses to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).

Bajaj Auto to invest over Rs 3,000 crore into finance subsidiary BACL
According to rating agency CRISIL, BACL’s operations began on January 1 after receiving its licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in August last year. 

Royal Enfield maker Eicher Motors sets up Dutch unit for EU expansion plan
Source Credit: Bloomberg, Business Standard

Recharging e-two-wheelers
A little over a week after the EMPS was announced, major e-two-wheeler manufacturers met senior officials of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, pointing to losses of over Rs 300 crore as a result of the new terms. Their complaints are valid, in that the new scheme omits from its ambit thousands of vehicles under manufacture, in bonded warehouses or dealer showrooms. Selling inventories without the benefit of the steep discounts available under FAME II will be difficult. There are complaints, too, of the red tape involved, with manufacturers required to re-register themselves, dealers, and vehicles to be eligible for the EMPS. The old complaints about delays in subsidy approval were also reiterated.

These grievances are justified but, if anything, they highlight the need for EV manufacturers to learn to live without the crutch of subsidies, which were significantly raised between FAME I (2015-19, Rs 895 crore) and FAME II (2019-24, Rs 10,000 crore). Indeed, the cutback should not have come as a surprise, given the adjustments announced in the FAME II programme in May last year a reduction of the per vehicle subsidy and penalising manufacturers who violated local sourcing norms. In that sense, the EMPS can be viewed as a means of reducing that dependence sooner rather than later, though a more moderate glide path may have been a better route.

TVS Supply Chain initiates dissolution of dormant subsidiary in Thailand
The company further said that the dissolution is under the process, not yet completed.

Domestic demand growth has moderated for tyre companies
New Delhi: Given the recent uptick in natural rubber and crude oil prices, coupled with muted demand trends in the domestic market, the margins of tyre companies may come under pressure if prices sustain at these levels, said Kotak Institutional Equities.

TVS SCS Q3 net profit drops 42% at INR 10 cr
Global supply chain solutions provider TVS Supply Chain Solutions saw its consolidated net profit drop 42% to INR 10 crore in Q3FY24 down from INR 17 crore in the year ago quarter. Compared to Q2FY24 loss of nearly INR 22 crore though this quarter was an improvement. The company’s third quarter revenue from operations was at INR 2,221.8 crore down 6.4% from the INR 2,373.4 crore clocked in the year-ago quarter. Sequentially, Q3FY24 is down just 2% from the INR 2,262.9 crore clocked in Q2FY24.

Tyre makers may hike prices in April-June
Driven by a surge in international rubber prices, the rally in domestic natural rubber(NR) priceshasstoked possibilities ofa fresh ro und of price hikes bytyre companies.

Government allows UAE's Adnoc to export oil from Indian strategic storage
The government has allowed Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) to export crude oil it has stored in underground strategic storages at Mangalore to give operational flexibility to the foreign firm, an order of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Saturday. At present, crude oil, which is the raw material for producing fuels like petrol and diesel, is not allowed to be exported except through the state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

Tata Power to establish EV charging solutions in Ayodhya
New Delhi: Tata Power, one of the leading players in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) have made Ayodhya EV ready by establishing EV Charging points in and around the city. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and promote sustainable transportation solutions.

Alternative energy source: can India ditch fossil fuels with batteries, hydrogen, CNG, and biofuels?
In the pursuit of a sustainable future, the global movement to reduce carbon emissions has gained momentum, driving nations to explore alternative energy sources beyond traditional fossil fuels, and addressing the world’s energy storage challenges. India stands at a crossroads, contemplating a shift towards batteries, hydrogen, CNG, and biofuels to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.

Volkswagen Magotan sedan in China gets three screens
Source Credit: Autocar India

Volkswagen has introduced a triple-screen setup in its newest sedan for China, the new-gen Magotan. The Magotan is essentially Volkswagen’s version of the current-gen Skoda Superb and the Volkswagen Passat, which are currently on sale in Europe and few other markets. Both the Superb and Passat, however, make do with two screens, which has been the norm. The Skoda Superb currently gets a sedan and a wagon bodystyle, but the Passat is now sold as a wagon only, making the Magotan the only Passat derivative sold as a sedan by the VW brand. 

Skoda Slavia long term review; 17,000km report
Source Credit: Autocar India

This is a car I would buy. The same spec, the same trim and I even like the colour. In fact, up the budget considerably, go well past the price of this car, and this is still the one I would buy; manual gearbox and all. Here’s why:

Maruti YMC electric MPV to have Toyota derivative
Source Credit: Autocar India

That Maruti and Toyota will be sharing the upcoming eVX SUV – with the latter brand showcasing the Urban SUV concept – much like the companies do at the moment with the Baleno-Glanza, Ertiga-Rumion and a couple of more models, is something we’ve report on before. We’re now told that the upcoming Maruti all-electric MPV, which is codenamed the YMC and is scheduled to launch in India by September 2026 as part of a launch blitz that's taking place over the next few years, will also have a Toyota-badged version on sale at a later date.

KTM 250 Duke to get new colour, launch soon
Source Credit: Autocar India

Our sources in KTM have revealed that the 250 Duke is set to receive a new colour scheme in the coming weeks.

4cyl Mercedes AMG GT 43 revealed with 421hp
Source Credit: Autocar India

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled an entry-level version of its GT sports car, dubbed the GT 43. It swaps the GT 63’s snarling 585hp, 4.0-litre V8 for the mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbo four-pot from the AMG A 45 S, which puts out 421hp and 500Nm of torque. As in the GT 63, power is transmitted through Mercedes’ 9-speed automatic gearbox, but only to the rear wheels, rather than all four. 

Citroen Basalt coupe SUV global debut on March 27
Source Credit: Autocar India

Citroen’s upcoming SUV coupe which was so far known as the C3X, has been christened Basalt.  The Basalt’s SUV coupe’s exterior design will be revealed on March 27, 2024; the French brand has confirmed.  The Citroen Basalt’s interior will be revealed at a later date.

Xiaomi CEO teases price on upcoming car, showrooms begin displaying vehicle
Xiaomi's CEO said on Monday his goal for the firm's first electric vehicle was that it would be the "best looking, easiest to drive and smartest car" priced below 500,000 yuan ($69,424), as the Chinese electronics maker gears up for orders this week.

Some decline in EV development but trend remains, Northvolt CEO says
There is some decline in the trend towards electric vehicles but the underlying development of electrifying automobiles remains in place, Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson said when presenting the Swedish battery maker's new plant in Germany on Monday.

TotalEnergies Texas refinery production cut after fire sources say
Production at TotalEnergies' 238,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) Port Arthur, Texas refinery was reduced and the small crude distillation unit (CDU) shut following a fire on Friday morning, said people familiar with plant operations.

Nissan targets 1 million car sales growth over next three years
Nissan Motor said on Monday it would launch 30 new models by the financial year ending in March 2027 and aim to raise its global sales by 1 million vehicles while cutting costs to improve profitability.

Luxury EV maker Lucid to raise USD 1 bn from Saudi's PIF affiliate
Lucid is raising USD 1 billion in capital from an affiliate of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), it said on Monday, sending the shares of the luxury electric carmaker up nearly 20%.

Nissan unveils plan to shrink EV production costs
Japanese auto giant Nissan said Monday it will slash production costs for next-generation electric vehicles by 30 percent as it competes with fast-growing Chinese rivals.

Hyundai Motor to provide Genesis sedans for S. Korea-Africa summit
Hyundai Motor Group said on Friday it will provide the luxury Genesis brand's G90 and G80 sedans during the South Korea-Africa Summit due in Seoul in June.

EV startup Fisker's deal talks with large automaker ends
Fisker's talks with a large automaker for a potential transaction has collapsed, the electric-vehicle startup said on Monday, sending its shares plunging more than 30% before the bell.

Chrysler to recall about 286,000 US vehicles over airbag inflator issue, NHTSA says
Chrysler is recalling nearly 286,000 vehicles in the United States over a manufacturing defect that might cause the side curtain airbag inflators to rupture, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.

BYD rolls out 7 millionth electric vehicle
China-headquartered electric vehicle major BYD has achieved the milestone of rolling out its 7 millionth electric vehicle the Denza N7.

Chinese EV makers take centre stage at Bangkok motor show, to unveil new models
Boosted by strong electric vehicle sales, Chinese car makers will be in the spotlight at the Bangkok International Motor Show this week, underscoring the growing challenge to Japanese auto giants that have long dominated Thailand's vehicle market.

Starry Night is Axalta’s 2024 Global Automotive Color of the Year
Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global coatings company has announced its 2024 Global Automotive Color of the Year – Starry Night.