Registration tax waiver sparks EVs vs Hybrids debate
UP’s new move to waive off registration taxes for Hybrids has sparked a conflict between electric carmakers and hybrid manufacturers, which the government will meet on Sunday to sort out differences. All passenger carmakers will attend the meeting, and they are separated by the type of vehicles they make.

Maharashtra approves RRP Electronics’ mega semi-conductor project
The company, to be the first entity which is going to set up a semiconductor plant in Maharashtra, will initially set up an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) facility in a 40,000 sq.ft. area at Mahape, which is expected to be operational by September 16, 2024.  Besides, it will add more production lines at its new plant at MIDC, Taloja, which is expected to be operational within the next two years, it said in a statement.

Global demand muted; gradual improvement expected in domestic market: Tata Motors
Tata Motors expects demand to remain sluggish in overseas markets this fiscal while pinning hopes on a gradual bounce back in the domestic market on the back of new launches and the upcoming festive season. Earlier this month, the Mumbai-based automaker reported a consolidated net profit of INR 5,566 crore and total income of INR 1,09,623 crore for June quarter.

Tata Motors identifies new EV markets to spread global footprint
New Delhi: Tata Motors is planning to tap overseas markets for its electric vehicle range as part of the next growth phase in this segment.

Monarch Tractors discusses investment and manufacturing plans with Telangana govt
Monarch Tractors, a U.S.-based driver-optional electric tractor company, met with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and other senior government officials during their trip to the U.S. aimed at bringing investments into Telangana, an per an official release.

Amara Raja Energy & Mobility chairman expresses concerns over Telangana government's industrial incentives
Earlier, Amara Raja Group conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for their Customer Qualification Plant for cell manufacturing. They also inaugurated Phase 1 of their battery pack plant, which boasts a capacity of 1.5 GWh, in Mahabubnagar district. The battery manufacturer had previously entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BRS government, committing to an investment of INR 9,500 crore over 10 years. This investment was intended for setting up research and development facilities and a Greenfield manufacturing facility for Lithium-Ion batteries. The ultimate capacity planned for these batteries is up to 16 GWh, while the associated Battery Pack Assembly unit is set to reach up to 5 GWh.

India dialling China for its lithium-ion cell ambitions despite tensions
A growing number of Indian companies are striking licensing and technology transfer agreements with China's leading lithium-ion cell suppliers, in a sign the country's drive to domestically produce electric vehicle (EV) battery cells is increasingly dependent on Chinese expertise and technology.

EV and Hybrid subsidies to continue for now, reiterates Uttar Pradesh
Waiver on registration fee of strong hybrid vehicles will continue: UP government to auto companies
The Hindu Business Line

From Tata Motor to Royal Enfield, automakers hit the gas on launches

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is unveiling the much-anticipated Thar Roxx, a special edition of its popular off-roader. Expected to feature enhanced off-road capabilities, the Thar Roxx is positioned as a vehicle for adventure lovers. Alongside this, M&M will reintroduce the iconic BSA GoldStar retro roadster, merging vintage appeal with modern performance.

Passenger vehicle sales likely to be flat in FY25 over 4.2 mn units last yr
 

Mahindra denies report of three billion dollars investment with Shaanxi Auto
 

Sedan Sales: Volkswagen Virtus - Virtus is its own reward
The Volkswagen Virtus is like a shining star among mid-size sedans — it's the only model whose sales are growing in a shrinking segment. Defined by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) as three-box cars between 4,250-4,500 mm in length, and priced from Rs.10-20 lakh, there are five midsize sedan models in India —Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and Volkswagen Virtus. 

Zoomcar launches India’s first fulfillment center in Chennai
The self-drive car sharing company Zoomcar, has introduced its inaugural Fulfillment Center in Chennai, with ambitious plans to deploy more than 1,000 cars by December 2024. These Fulfillment Centers are operated by trained third-party service providers under Zoomcar’s guidance. Aimed at enhancing guest experiences, these centers handle all aspects of car listings for hosts who wish to profit from sharing their vehicles but face difficulties managing the process themselves.

Own a hybrid car? Key tips on how to maintain it
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Just like petrol or diesel vehicles, hybrid cars too need to maintain a maintenance schedule.

Toyota Innova Hycross in mind? Buyers may have to wait this long
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Toyota Innova Hycross MPV commands a waiting period ranging up to 56 weeks.

Nissan Magnite gets benefits worth up to ₹82,600 in August
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Nissan India has rolled out special offers on the Magnite entry subcompact SUV for August 2024 worth up to ₹82,600. The benefits are available across most variants of the Magnite and are valid till the end of this month. The offers should help push out more examples of the SUV as the festive season approaches, while Nissan would also want to exhaust its stock with the Magnite facelift slated to arrive towards the end of the year. Here’s a look at the benefits available.

Want to book the electric Tata Curvv? Busting top 4 EV myths
The bookings for the Tata Curvv EV opens on August 12. Competitively priced, one of the big questions for most who haven’t yet made the transition to electric vehicles is how viable are EVs. Range, battery life and safety are some of the key concerns. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility says the Tata Curvv is an “important car to expand the EV category even further and get a lot of new users into the EV category,” as it helps in busting many common misconceptions about EVs.

August Sale: Tata Nexon EV gets discounts up to Rs 2 lakh
Tata Motors is offering attractive offers on the Nexon EV. This could be a ripple effect of the recently launched Curvv EV, which starts from Rs 17.49 lakh, ex-showroom. The timing does suggest so and this could be a good time to buy a Nexon EV as the company has further increased the benefits. However, it is important to remember that these discounts may differ across dealerships.

MG Windsor EV reclining seats teased, launch around corners
It recently came to light that MG Motor will bring the Wuling Cloud EV to India as the Windsor EV. Termed as a compact utility vehicle (CUV), the Windsor is most likely to be slotted above the Comet EV and below the ZS EV in the company’s India lineup. Earlier this year, the Chinese-owned British carmaker also filed patents for the same in the country.

Citroen’s EV order book swells to 7,000 units in the fleet segment
Chennai: French automaker Citroën, part of the Stellantis Group, has seen its order book for electric vehicles swell to about 7,000 units in the fleet segment, as scores of mobility companies in India aim to enhance their fleets with sustainable mobility solutions. “We’ve signed MoUs to supply 7,000 units of our electric car, the ë-C3, which will be delivered over the next one year,” said Shishir Mishra, Brand Director of Citroën India, in an interview with businessline.

Car Review: Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe : A sports car in the guise of an SUV
The GLC 43 is a rare AMG — it's got a high ground clearance and so its underbody doesn't scrape speed breakers; and the cabin is spacious (especially the headroom). The GLC 43 is also classic AMG —it makes people turn on their phone cameras and start clicking; and if you step on the gas, it growls and leaps ahead like a cat.

Mercedes-Benz favours electric over hybrid cars
Pune: Mercedes-Benz India Managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer said that if the county's goal was zero emission, the way ahead should be fully electric, not hybrids. With the industry divided over hybrid versus electric issue, the Mercedes-Benz MD has supported the fully electric path to zero-emission mobility. 

Lamborghini bets big on India's long-term potential
Italian super luxury automaker Automobili Lamborghini expects exponential growth in India with the potential to become a top market in the Asia Pacific region in the long-term, driven by customers who are the youngest globally, according to a senior company official. With the company selling a record 103 units in India in 2023, Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific Region Director, Francesco Scardaoni said his wish is to cross the annual sales mark of 150 units in the country in 2026.

Zip, zap, zoom! Lamborghini Urus SE plug-in hybrid makes a splash
If you want to add thrill to your weekend, we have the perfect solution! The latest marvel in the world of luxury SUVs—the Lamborghini Urus SE. This isn’t just another SUV – it’s a sophisticated plug-in hybrid that merges the raw power of a Lamborghini with the latest in hybrid technology. Here’s why you’ll want to know all about it.

Khushi Kapoor gets a new red Mercedes Benz G 400d worth ₹2.55 crore
Actor Khushi Kapoor, who debuted with the Netflix film The Archies, has a new ride. A paparazzo captured her cruising along in a Mercedes G-Class.

Mahindra reveals Thar Roxx front grille
The latest teaser shared by Mahindra showcases has a clear view of the Thar Roxx’s front fascia. Mahindra has tweaked the iconic front grille and is based on a 2024 updated architecture. 

Tata Curvv: Top 4 frequently asked questions answered
It’s quite hard to believe but Tata Motors is gearing up to enter one of the most competitive segments in the Indian market, the midsize SUV division. The Indian automaker recently launched the Curvv EV and its internal combustion engine (ICE) version will make its debut in September. Here are the top four most frequently asked questions about the Curvv ICE addressed.

2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350 to be launched, What to expect?
Royal Enfield is all set to lift the curtains of the 2024 Classic 350 on August 12. The best-selling Royal Enfield will receive contemporary updates. Timing is everything as the motorcycle manufacturer is launching the updated Classic 350 ahead of the festive season to further enhance its sales. The 2024 Classic 350 will retain its mechanical specifications. Below is everything we have gathered about this vintage-style motorcycle.

Inaugural TVS Apache Spartan races to be held in November
One of the world’s leading obstacle course race series– Spartan Race– is set to make its debut in India as TVS Apache Spartan, marking a significant moment for the country’s motorsports.

Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike goes on sale in Karnataka
Bajaj has launched Freedom 125, the world’s first CNG motorcycle, in Karnataka. Priced at Rs 94,995, ex-showroom, Bajaj says that over 30,000 inquiries came within the first week of launch, and hence decided to make the CNG motorcycle available across the nation.

Atul Auto Q1 results : profit at ₹1.32Cr, Revenue increased by 126.45% YoY
Atul Auto Q1 Results Live : Atul Auto Q1 Results Live: Atul Auto declared their Q1 results on 10 Aug, 2024. The topline increased by an impressive 126.45% year-over-year, with the profit arriving at ₹1.32 crore. This marks a significant turnaround from the same period in the previous fiscal year, when the company had declared a loss of ₹9.03 crore. However, compared to the previous quarter, the revenue declined by 15.65%.

Hero Electric resumes production, seeks up to Rs 200 crore to rev up output
 

Igarashi Motors India Q1 Results Live: Profit Rise by 472.53% YOY
Igarashi Motors India Q1 Results Live : Igarashi Motors India declared their Q1 results on 08 Aug, 2024, reporting an impressive performance for the quarter. The company saw a significant increase in their topline, with revenue growing by 31.99% year-over-year (YoY). The profit also surged dramatically, increasing by a staggering 472.53% YoY.

Kerala targets EV investments to build automotive tech hub
Kerala is looking for investment in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing from domestic and international players and attempting to transform the capital Thiruvananthapuram into an automotive technology hub.

Amara Raja sign MoU with Piaggio India to develop lithium-ion cells for electric vehicles
Amara Raja inks agreement with Piaggio to develop and supply lithium-ion cells, battery packs
The Hindu Business Line

Amara Raja Group begins construction of cell manufacturing plant in Telangana
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Amar Raja inaugurated Phase 1 of the battery pack plant with a current capacity of 1.5 GWh

20% ethanol blending by 2025-26, says Amit Shah
Cooperation minister Amit Shah on Saturday urged sugar mills to explore alternative sources for ethanol production, advocating a multi-dimensional approach to biofuel manufacturing. This call was made during an event organised by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF). Shah announced that India is set to achieve its 20% ethanol blending target by 2025-26, ahead of the original 2030 deadline.

Now, IGL customers can pay their gas bills through CSC Centres

The partnership is a key element of IGL’s ongoing efforts to reach even the remotest corners of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh ensuring that all its customers have access to reliable and convenient payment options for paying their gas bills.

Citroen Basalt vs C3 Aircross: similarities, differences explained
Basalt gets a smaller wheelbase than C3 Aircross

Rolls Royce Ghost facelift to get mild design tweaks
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is being readied for a mid-life update. This entry-level sedan has been on sale in its current generation since 2021, and fresh spy shots from our friends at Motor.es preview some of the changes expected on the sedan that will launch next year.

Mercedes Maybach GLS to get second facelift
Source Credit: Autocar India

Mercedes-Benz seems to be planning to extend the product life cycle of the GLS Maybach flagship SUV, which debuted in 2019 and got its first update in 2023. The latest spy shots shared by our friends at Motor.es now preview another facelift for the SUV ahead of its launch in 2026.

BSA Gold Star 650: Your questions answered
When is Classic Legends launching the BSA Goldstar?

China challenges against EU tariffs on EVs, appeals to WTO
The Chinese government filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation on Friday over the European Union's imposition of provisional additional tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, China Daily reported.

Tesla stops taking orders for cheapest Cybertruck, offers USD 100,000 version now
Tesla has stopped taking orders for the least expensive version of its Cybertruck, which is priced at USD 61,000, while making the USD 100,000 version available for immediate order and delivery as soon as this month, its website showed.

Huawei Stelato S9 Electric Sedan launched at INR 47 lakh
Huawei has expanded its portfolio in the electric vehicle (EV) market by launching the Huawei Stelato S9 electric sedan in collaboration with BAIC Motors. This follows the launch of Xiaomi's electric car, the SU7, as both Chinese electronics giants venture into the automotive sector. Known for its digital communications technology products, Huawei is now making a significant foray into the EV space with this new model.

GM says it is committed to China operations despite challenges
General Motors have struggled to make progress in the Chinese market as local players continue to offer affordable models with tons of features. 

Gen Z isn't impressed by Tesla cars, that should worry Elon Musk
Gen Z isn't riding with Tesla much anymore.

Future Innovation Tech Expo 2024 to showcase next-gen tech at Daegu EXCO in South Korea
Daegu Metropolitan City in South Korea, under the leadership of Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, will host the 2024 Future Innovation Tech Expo (FIX 2024) at Daegu EXCO from October 23 to 26, 2024, showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as UAM, mobility, robots, AI, and semiconductors.

Stellantis to cut up to 2,450 jobs at Michigan plant
Auto giant Stellantis announced Friday it will cease production of its entry-level Ram 1500 Classic pick-up at a Michigan plant, and threatened to cut almost 2,500 jobs.

Tesla Model Y crashes to 8 from pole in Europe's best-selling list for 2024
Hindustan Times

The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) the world over is under stress and this is perhaps most evident in Europe where Tesla Model Y has tumbled from being the best-selling new vehicle overall in the first half of 2023 to the eight best-selling vehicle in the January to June period. Sales data from European Union and the UK reveal that 101,181 units of Tesla Model Y were sold here in the first half of the ongoing year.

Jaguar's bold bet: Electric-only future and upscale image
Source Credit: Reuters, Hindustan Times

To reposition itself as a luxury brand, Jaguar is targeting a more affluent clientele with bold, distinctive designs and a premium customer experience. 

South Korea to hold emergency meeting after EV fires raise safety concerns
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

South Korea plans to hold emergency meeting amid growing safety concerns within the public over EV fires in the country. (Bloomberg)

Grand theft auto

On August 16, Gooding & Co will offer the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Lungo Spider at a presale estimate between $16 million and $20 million.