TVS Racing announces sponsorship for India's Kush Maini F1 Contender
TVS Racing has trained and given the opportunity to over 5,000 budding racers to sharpen and showcase their skills as part of their TVS OMC program that consists of four categories in India — Rookie, Women’s, Media, and Expert, and TVS Asia One Make Championship that made its foray in 2022 on International tracks. From nurturing talent to achieving international acclaim, the brand's unwavering dedication to motorsports has been a cornerstone of its identity, the release said.

SIAM successfully concludes 18th Styling & Design Conclave and 16th Automotive Design Challenge
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex automobile industry body, organised the 18th SIAM Styling and Design Conclave alongside the 16th Automotive Design Challenge (ADC) on March 22, 2024 at Hotel Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Hyundai aims to make the former GM-owned Talegaon plant to be among ‘world’s best’, adopts new steps to raise efficiency
The Chennai plant is currently operating at over 90% capacity utilisation, and in that light too the second plant becomes crucial for Hyundai’s sustainable growth strategy.

Started my career on shop floor of auto plant: Anand Mahindra to Elon Musk
New Delhi: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, on Friday, revealed that he started his career on the shop floor of an auto plant, as he responded to Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

Mahindra announces merger of North American technical center with automotive division
New Delhi: Mahindra announced today its plan to merge Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) with Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA), a move aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing organizational efficiency.

Car sales cooling in March may be just a sign of things to come
New Delhi: Car sales slowed in March as key festivals such as Navratri that boost purchases fall in April this year, apart from the high base effect of the last two years’ record sales.

Anand Mahindra echoes Elon Musk's call for celebrating manufacturing heroes on silver screen
Industrialist and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, known for his influential presence on social media, has reignited a conversation about the unsung heroes of the manufacturing world. Backing Elon Musk's recent remarks on the lack of cinematic representation for manufacturing processes, Mahindra took to Twitter to express his awe at the relentless efforts and problem-solving skills that go into high-volume product manufacturing.

New subsidy scheme: Nine electric two-wheeler firms make the cut

Nine Electric Two-Wheeler manufacturer companies, which include Quantum Energy and Hero MotoCorp, have been certified as on date as eligible to receive incentives under the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), which comes into effect from April 1. "All vehicle testing agencies are working to clear as many applications as possible under the laid-down guide-lines of the scheme. 

Carmakers end FY24 on a high

Mumbai: Clocking a record 1 million sales every quarter, the passenger vehicle (PV) industry is set to end FY24 on a robust note with total volumes of over4.23 million units, making the country the third-biggest market in the world. With an average of one new launch every week across segments and price point; including new variant addition; Indian car buyers saw around 60 product introductions during the fiscal. Almost all of these launches carried a price tag north of Rs. 10 lakh, further highlighting the shift in consumer choice in a market long regarded as price-sensitive. Shashank  Srivastava, senior executive officer, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki said: "The PVsegment will most likely end March at 375,000 or so, against 336,600 of last year in the same month. With that, the year will close at 4.23 million against 3.89 million units." 

India's share in global electric PV market may rise to 7% by 2040

In 2024, Sachs estimates that electric passenger car sales will remain at more or less the same levels as 2023, namely, around 0.1 million. But in 2030 they will cross the million mark for the first time, hitting 1.3 million in 2030 and then 5.5 million by 2040.     
 

Total EV registrations touch record levels in March on price cuts and pre-buying
The total electric vehicle (EV) registrations, electric two-wheelers in particular, in the country have hit record levels this March, driven by price reductions and per-buying ahead of a revised subsidy scheme (just for 4 months) that will come into effect from April 1.

About 30% of new GCCs in Oct-Dec from the semiconductor sector
Policymakers’ push for semiconductor manufacturing and chip design talent base has led to more chip industry GCCs (global capability centres) setting up shops in India.

Making a better policy: It targets only electric four-wheelers — that's not a holistic approach
India is aiming at electric mobility Ieadership. The recent EV policy is a step towards that, building on the success of the Auto PLI scheme. 

Can electric vehicle tyres add more to pollution? Here are some expert views debunking common myth
A few weeks ago, there were reports being published stating that electric vehicle tyres were found to be more polluting than conventional fossil-fuel run vehicles. This could translate to a conflicting paradox for EV owners. But what exactly is the reality? Experts say that there isn’t still adequate data to justify such claims.

TVS always for Sustainable & Safe Mobility Solutions

At TVS Motor, our vision is to transform the quality of life of people across the world by providing mobility solutions that are sustainable, safe, exciting, and responsible. We see EVs as a part of this roadmap. We will continue to anticipate customer needs and demand and our plans will be calibrated to serving our customers. 

Tax cut on hybrids may dent electric vehicle demand

Any move by the government to reduce taxes on cars with hybrid technology may not only lead to a dent in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) but may also force manufacturers to resort to price cuts to drive sales, according to analysts. At a recent event, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari advocated for a reduction in tax on hybrid vehicles to 12% from the current 28% /43%. He also emphasised the need for discussions on the matter at the upcoming GST Council meeting, underscoring the potential industry benefits, decreased imports and environmental gains. EVs carry 5% goods and services tax (GST),which is the lowest for any vehicle segment, and zero compensation cess. Hybrid passenger vehicles having petrol engines upto 1200cc and diesel engines upto 1500cc and both having length upto 4 meter carry 28% GST and zero compensation cess. All other hybrid vehicles not meeting the above criteria carry a 15% compensation cess, over than above the 28% GST, totaling to 43%.

Coupé de Inde
In 2022 - that is, just two years ago - Citroen brought to India a car that could’ve changed the company’s fortunes. It was called the C3, and it seemed to bring back some vigour to the hatchback segment. It did have a few SUV-like design cues, but Citroen was clear that it wasn’t one. This was followed by an all-electric version of the same car last year, and more importantly, a larger crossover SUV a few months later.

Nissan promotes Dr. Lavanya Wadgaonkar to Corporate VP, Chief Communications Officer
New Delhi: Nissan Motor Company on Friday said it has promoted Dr. Lavanya Wadgaonkar to Corporate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, effective as of April 1, 2024. Currently she is serving as the Vice President of Nissan Global Communications.

5-door Mahindra Thar debut on 15 August
Mahindra has been developing the 5-door Thar for a long time now. Test mules of the off-roading SUV have been spotted on innumerable occasions over the past couple of years. It was confirmed a few months back that Mahindra will launch the 5-door version of the Thar sometime in 2024.

Kia India expands its network to 522 Touchpoints in 236 cities
Kia's network strategy in India involves strengthening its sales and service touchpoints alike. Currently, Kia India has 337 Sales points, 350 Workshops, and 59 Certified Pre-owned outlets. Kia intends to increase its Certified Pre-owned network to 100 outlets by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the company also provides its after sales services through 54 Mobile Workshops for upcountry towns and 110 Service.

CarDekho Group eyeing 40% consolidated growth in FY25: Founder Amit Jain
Jain described CarDekho as a "growth story with sustainability" and said the Group expects to notch 50% growth (CAGR) in the current fiscal, with businesses like InsuranceDekho (insurtech platform) and Southeast Asia Business aiding growth.

From Skoda Superb to Mahindra XUV300 facelift: Upcoming cars expected to debut in April 2024
Indian automakers are preparing for an exciting upcoming financial year, with several new vehicle launches scheduled to begin in April. There is considerable excitement surrounding these releases, as a total of six vehicles, including SUVs, hatchbacks, and sedans, are set to enter the Indian market. As per HT Auto, here are upcoming cars expected to debut in April this year.

Force Gurkha with five doors incoming
Force Motors will soon join the five-door, off-road-focussed SUV group with the introduction of the five-door variant of the Gurkha. Looking back at the Gurkha’s history, it’s not the first time the carmaker is going down this route, but with the latest model, Force readies itself to take on the Jimny and the upcoming five-door derivative of the Mahindra Thar.

Hyundai’s innovation push to make factories future-proof, save time and cost
The car today is often referred to as a smartphone on wheels but what about the factories where these are built? Well technology today – especially AI and Machine Learning is not just helping automobiles get smarter but also these manufacturing units are transforming into smart factories boosting efficiency, churning out faster product launches, controlling costs and reducing defects.

Audi R8 breathes its last as final model rolls out
Whenever a list of most popular series-production sports cars is made, the Audi R8 somehow always finds itself on the list. After all from Virat Kohli to Tony Stark, the R8 has quenched the thirst of every affluent sports car enthusiast. Unfortunately, the R8 will soon be mentioned in conversations in the past tense.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class updated
Timeless is one word often used to describe the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The retro-styled SUV is an accomplished product, both on the road and more importantly off it. The model line, which is expected to step into the future with an all-electric derivative soon, has for now been updated with new features and suspension tech. The list of changes, some of which are model-specific, includes an active suspension, a mild-hybrid arrangement, and minute changes to the exterior styling and the MBUX system.

New flagship Land Rover Defender on its way
Land Rover has announced the imminent arrival of a new variant in its Defender line of SUVs. This will be, according to Land Rover, the most capable, luxurious, and toughest Defender ever. It’ll be powered by a twin-turbo V8, which we assume is going to be the BMW-sourced 4.4-litre unit also in use in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

Audi RS5: Svelte demeanor, sporting intent
The majority of high-performance Audi products are dark horses. They offer unexpectedly high levels of performance, without making that too obvious with their looks. Even the outgoing (globally) Audi R8 supercar was undoubtedly more approachable in the way it looked and drove, without carrying the menacing appearance usually associated with performance-focussed machines. This is one of the reasons why many fail to notice Audi’s RS models as frequently as BMW Ms and Mercedes-AMGs, despite these being offered in nearly all the segments that its compatriots are positioned in.

UK commercial vehicle production boasts best February since 2008
UK commercial vehicle (CV) production almost doubled in February, with 12,927 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches leaving factory lines, according to figures published on Thursday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Force Motors to shut down its agricultural tractors business
Force Motors said on Friday it will close its agricultural tractors business and related activities from March 31. The closure of business is part of the company's product rationalisation programme under which it will focus on its core segments such as shared mobility transportation, last mile mobility and the creation of special vehicles for civil and defence applications, the company added.

Force Motors exiting tractor business to focus on core segments
Bengaluru: Force Motors Ltd board has decided to exit the tractor business, consisting of manufacturing and dealing in agricultural tractors, from the product portfolio of the company with effect from March 31, 2024.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs competition – Spec check
The middle-weight adventure motorcycle segment in India has one more contender in the form of the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. On sale in the global markets for a while, the motorcycle was launched in India recently at Rs 10.30 lakh, ex-showroom.

Yamaha Motor steps on the gas in bike leasing with India’s Gen Z in mind
New Delhi: There are two sides to Yamaha in India. One is the well known brand that produces premium bikes and scooters while the other low profile entity leases out two-wheelers to mobility operators as part of an asset management model.

Suzuki India launches V-Strom 800DE at an introductory price of 10.3 lakh
New Delhi: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, heralds a dimension of Adventure Motorcycling in India. Riding on a solid reputation earned by the V-Strom Family, SMIPL yesterday launched the Suzuki V-STROM 800DE in India.

2024 Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec variants explained
Hero MotoCorp recently launched a new Xtec variant of Pleasure Plus. The standard Pleasure Plus range of scooters comprise two variants– LX and VX, priced at Rs 70,838, and Rs 74,288 (both ex-showroom), respectively. The Xtech range of Pleasure Plus consists of four variants– ZX, ZX Jubilant Yellow, Sports, and Connected.

Ather Rizta India launch date confirmed, pre-bookings begin
EV maker Ather has confirmed that the new Rizta family electric scooter will be launched in India on April 6, the day Ather is set to host its community day. The company has also started accepting pre-bookings, at Rs 999. The Ather Rizta will be a new product launch from Ather in a long time and this time, the company is targeting family and squarely at popular ICE scooters.

ZF Rane Automotive acquires TRW Sun Steering Wheels
ZF Rane Automotive India, a joint venture between ZF Group in India and Rane Group have acquired steering wheels manufacturer TRW Sun Steering Wheels (TSSW). 

Schaeffler India Board reappoints Harsha Kadam as MD & CEO till September 2027
Schaeffler India, the motion technology company has announced the re-appointment of Harsha Kadam as its MD & CEO by the Board, subject to the approval of Shareholders in due course.

Ask automotive rejigs its senior management, appoints Vashisth Kumar Tripathi as VP- Engineering
New Delhi: Ask automotive, a leading advanced braking systems manufacturer for two wheelers and aluminum casting player, announced its management change on 29 March 2024 with its immediate effect.

Adani's copper unit in Mundra begins operations
Making a debut for the Adani Portfolio in the metal industry, Kutch Copper, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), on Thursday commissioned the first unit of its greenfield copper refinery project at Mundra, Gujarat, by dispatching the maiden batch of cathodes to customers.

Cars24 introduces driver on-demand service
Cars24, one of India’s leading autotech company has introduced Autopilot service, which it claims is a unique transformative driver-on-demand service.

Arnab Banerjee is the new Chairman of ATMA
Arnab Banerjee, the Managing Director & CEO of Ceat, has been elected as the new Chairman of Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), the national industry body for the automotive tyre sector in India. 

How fleet owners can overcome the dual challenge of EV financing and high cost of ownership
One of the primary barriers to EV adoption in India is the limited availability of financing options. This challenge stems from the perception of high risk associated with the nascent EV market, leading to cautious lending policies by financial institutions. A report by the World Bank highlighted the apprehension among banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) regarding EV technologies, their resale value, and the adequacy of the charging infrastructure. Consequently, the penetration rate of financing for EVs in India is significantly lower compared to that for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which typically sees over 75% of vehicles financed.

ESAF SFB to focus on solar rooftop and electric vehicle financing

“We are focusing on solar rooftop financing as well as electric vehicles, with particular attention to promoting electric vehicles, within the vehicle load segment,” Thomas told Business Standard.

Mercedes-Benz EQB long term review; 10,500km report
Source Credit: Autocar India

With my cousin and sister-in-law both in town and wanting to take in Mumbai’s sights, I knew I’d need plenty of seats, so it was the seven-seater Mercedes EQB from our long-term fleet that I reached for. We’ve all used it before but that was on short trips around the office, where we have our charger. However, with my plan to go on leave the entire week and with no charger at home, I would have to work with public chargers to top up the EQB. Still, we were only going to travel within Mumbai, so I wasn’t too worried.

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.

Spinny sees an increase in women used car buyers this month
Source Credit: Autocar India

As per a recent data report by Spinny, the used car buying and selling platform has witnessed a marked growth in the percentage of women buyers of used cars. The report states that 46 percent of used car buyers in the country this month were women, up from 35 percent in the entire Q3 of FY2024. The company also recorded a healthy 31 percent growth in Q4 FY2024 on the back of this surge in women buyers.

Can smartphone giant Xiaomi take on EV titans Tesla and BYD?
Xiaomi Corp.’s USD 8 billion stock rally faces a key test when the Chinese smartphone giant unveils its first electric vehicle Thursday, as it attempts to muscle into an unfamiliar and intensely competitive market.

US probes Stellantis 2022 RAM truck models over K1 snap ring transmission failures
The U.S. Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has opened a preliminary evaluation of a failure of the K1 snap ring in Chrysler-parent Stellantis' year 2022 RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.

US probes complaints of Ford pickups downshifting without warning
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted on its website Friday that it opened the investigation this week after receiving 86 consumer complaints about the problem with the trucks' automatic transmissions.

Tesla dives into advertising after years of resistance
Tesla has for most of its history been firmly averse to advertising. In recent months, however, the electric-vehicle maker has hiked spending on a variety of paid media platforms—and not just the one owned by its boss, Elon Musk.

Russian Firm Commences Citroen Manufacturing at Former Stellantis Plant
Russian company Automotive Technologies has commenced the assembly of Citroen C5 Aircross models at a plant south of Moscow, formerly owned by Stellantis. These vehicles are scheduled to hit dealerships starting May.

Nissan commits to Formula E GEN4 reinforcing its 2030 electrification plans
Nissan announced on Thursday its commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship until at least 2030, reinforcing its Ambition 2030 electrification plans. Running from Season 13 (2026/27) to Season 16 (2029/30), Formula E’s GEN4 technology will be the most advanced yet, and is set to continue the series’ status as the world’s most innovative laboratory for electric mobility solutions.

EV sales' momentum slowing globally
New Delhi: Electric vehicle sales' momentum is slowing globally, marquee global brokerage Goldman Sachs said. Europe, which has driven EV growth up to now, has shown signs of stagnation since the beginning of 2024.

Mazda and Panasonic's energy unit sign auto battery supply agreement
Japanese automaker Mazda Motor and the energy unit of Panasonic Holdings said on Friday they have signed an automotive battery supply agreement.

With China EV launch, Xiaomi's 'Thor' takes on Elon Musk
He was called China's answer to Steve Jobs for taking Xiaomi from scrappy startup to an electronics giant known for its smartphones.

Xiaomi SU7 EV launched at Rs 24.8 lakh, claims 700km range, 210kmph top speed
Chinese electronics company Xiaomi has been expanding its horizons beyond just smartphones and it was just a matter of time before it entered the electric vehicle segment. And now, the company has launched the SU7 EV in China with prices starting at RMB 215,900 for the standard variant, RMB 245,900 for Pro variant and RMB 299,900 for the Max variant.