Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 17 Aug 2024,Saturday

🏢 Industry

Ola electric might be the face: There is more to EV ecosystem: 7 stocks that may not come at the “first thought” but gain equally from EV
There are events, which mattered to EV ecosystem, one has happened, which is the listing of Ola, electric. Second is when Tesla would be announcing its manufacturing in India. When a sector goes through a transformation, there are some very visible companies which are the stakeholder of that system. Then there are some which instinctively won't come to one's mind but infact are impacted positively by the change.
Zoomcar narrows Ebitda loss in Q1 FY25, marks third profitable quarter
The improvement in adjusted Ebitda was attributed to cost optimisation efforts driven by technology and product enhancements. A guest verification process, incorporating Aadhaar, driving licence, and selfie authentication, has been instrumental in reducing late returns and accidents, contributing to overall cost savings.
 
Govt working on new guidelines for EV components
The government has started work on a new phased manufacturing programme (PMP) that will increase the share of domestically produced components in electric vehicles (EVs).
"Moving rapidly on Semiconductor mission," says PM Modi on Independence Day
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 78th Independence Day outlined India's commitment towards becoming a global leader in semiconductor production.
If product is good, will sell: Mahindra
New Delhi: Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, said if a company’s product is terrific, they are bound to succeed. Pointing out that the group’s two-wheeler division faced several impediments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed things down in the past, Mahindra, at launch event of BSA Gold Star 650, said he is confident that their effort to share a part of history along with a great product is sure to take off.
Lenders feel the heat of slowing car sales
Mumbai: A marked decline in sales growth of passenger vehicles has dampened demand for auto loans, even as inventory has piled up months ahead of the festive season, which usually sees a bump in demand for wheels.
Kaynes buys land in Gujarat for chip unit
Electronics manufacturing services (EMS) firm, Kaynes Technology, has acquired land in Sanand, Gujarat to set up its outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) unit, sources said.
Automotive sector slowdown, macroeconomic woes hit ER&D companies’ growth in Q1
A downturn in the automotive sector and broader economic challenges slowed down the growth pace of engineering, research, and development (ER&D) companies in the quarter ended June, following several quarters of outperformance compared to traditional IT services companies.
India's auto sector faces skill gap; 2 lakh EV-ready workers needed by 2030
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Indian EV sector is gearing up to expand and the push from the Government is evident. To fulfill the production capacities, the upskilling and re-skilling of people across all sectors is required.
Govt to impose stricter rules on electric construction vehicles from Oct 1

The ministry in a draft notification has proposed an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 with an aim to push electric vehicles (EV) across various sectors.
Centre plans to make NH authorities’ nod mandatory for speed limit changes by states
“State authorities notifying different speed limits on NHs than what the Centre has notified creates confusion among drivers, who don’t take such stretches frequently. This also becomes a source of corruption for local law enforcement agencies,” a source told TOI.
Tata Motors Share Price Highlights: Tata Motors shares end 3% higher on Friday
Tata Motors Share Price / Stock Updates for August 16, 2024: Tata Motors recently reported 74% increase in its consolidated net profit with ₹5,566 crore reported in the June quarter as opposed to ₹3,203 in the same quarter last year. Domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal Financial expects the earnings momentum to sustain. “The corporate earnings scorecard for 1QFY25 has met expectations, been in-line, with heavyweights such as HDFC Bank, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, Maruti Suzuki, and TCS driving the aggregate,” it said. 
📝  Emergency talks in South Korea over growing EV fire concerns: Should Indian EV buyers worry?
📝  M&M shares rise 3% after Thar ROXX launch. Here’s what analysts say
📝  These cars aren’t really Toyota’s own, but account for 50% of its India sales
Read More >>

🚗 Cars / SUVs

Hyundai India foundation introduces scholarship program worth INR 3.38 cr
The launch event was graced by the presence of H. D. Kumaraswamy along with senior officials from Hyundai Motor India Limited, including Puneet Anand, Vertical Head of Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, and Soon Sang Hong, Vertical Advisor for Corporate Communication and Social.
Hyundai India launches Venue S+ variant with electric Sunroof at INR 9.35 lakh
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has launched the new Hyundai Venue S+ variant today, priced at INR 9,35,800. This SUV, known for its modern style, advanced technology, and connectivity, is now enhanced with an electric sunroof.
Volkswagen delivers 1,000th India 2.0 cars through CSD
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Volkswagen has announced that they have delivered 1,000th India 2.0 cars through CSD (Canteen Stores Department). The 1,000th car that was delivered to through CSD was a Virtus. While the sales, of the sedans are slowing down in India, the Virtus is still going strong.
 
Mahindra Thar Roxx bookings to open on October 3. Deliveries commence on…
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

The Mahindra Thar Roxx will be available for booking from October 3 onwards, while deliveries are set to begin on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra
📝  Volkswagen India tech arm leases 3 floors office space in Pune's Hinjewadi
📝  Highest discounts in many years! Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Honda & Skoda offering cash discounts, exchange bonus on popular car models
Read More >>

Electric-Cars / SUVs

Electric mobility right step in right direction: Mahindra & Mahindra
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

The 2024 XUV400 is the only EV that Mahindra currently has in its portfolio.
Read More >>

🚗 Luxury Cars

📝  Ferrari or Lamborghini, it's a luxury quite a few can afford
📝  Audi Q8 facelift is all set to launch in India on August 22; check details
Read More >>

⛟ Commercial Vehicles

M&HCV sales likely to surpass pre-Covid-19 peak of 419,000 units in FY25
Speaking to Business Standard, Sanjeev Kumar, president (MHCV), Ashok Leyland, said as of now first-quarter sales growth was around 8 per cent, driven by demand for buses.
Ashok Leyland eyes single-digit growth in FY25 in MHCV
Mumbai: Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland is expecting single-digit growth in FY25 in its Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCV). The company has also seen an uptick in enquiries for electric trucks from Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and e-commerce players in the country.
Ashok Leyland sees high enquiry from fleet operators amid consolidation
Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland has been seeing a high number of enquiries from fleet operators amid the segment going through a consolidation phase, the company has said. The company is also expecting the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) segment to grow in a single-digit this fiscal as against earlier estimates of flat growth, Sanjeev Kumar, President for MHCV, Ashok Leyland said on Friday here.
Ashok Leyland organises ‘Mini Expo’ in Mumbai to showcase advanced MHCV innovations
Ashok Leyland Limited, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer and the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group, has launched a two-day 'Mini Expo' in Mumbai, displaying its latest innovations in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCV). The event on August 16-17 at the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre aims to showcase the company's cutting-edge technologies and commitment to both innovation and customer engagement.
Read More >>

🎤 Interviews & Features

Mahindra Thar Roxx variants and pricing details revealed
Mahindra launched the much-awaited Thar Roxx on Independence Day, priced at Rs 12.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The Mahindra Thar Roxx is not just a stretched version of the three-door Thar, but a lot more. It is more premium, has a lot more equipment, and safety.
Car Review: Citroen Basalt : The French have found their rock
French Carmaker Citroen has made some path-breaking cars in history — such as the Traction Avant, DS (D’esse), 2CV (Deux Chevaux), and CX. But  in India, none of its cars (C5 Aircross, C3, eC 3, and C3 Aircross) have worked. In three years, it has sold less than 20,000 cars (for comparison,Tata sells twice as much in a month). 
Sharp Curvv.ev ahead
It’s raining SUVs this monsoon, but with the Curvv, Tata Motors wants to set quite a precedent. The new coupe-SUV segment has suddenly been democratised and the Tata Curvv finds itself to be one of the two prominent products brought out now, the other being the Citroen Basalt which we reviewed last week. While Tata Motors is yet to announce the prices of the conventionally powered Curvv, its all-electric version, called the Curvv.ev, has been launched. We get behind the wheel of the all-electric coupe SUV to see if you can still care for the environment without driving a car that looks like a zillion others. Because the Curvv.ev is different, and we believe its beauty isn’t just skin-deep. 
Into the wild: Maruti Suzuki Jimny
It was June last year when the Maruti Suzuki Jimny finally became available at NEXA dealerships across the country. It marked the return of a serious off-roader in Maruti Suzuki’s line-up after a long time, filling the void left by the inimitable Maruti Gypsy. Showcased first at the 2023 Auto Expo, the Jimny has also started a trend in the space, by offering the practicality of a five-door body style without hampering the off-road capabilities. As you must be aware, the Maruti Suzuki SUV has since been joined by the five-door iteration of the Gurkha and now the Mahindra Thar Roxx. This means that the Jimny not just has to brace itself for the inescapable ‘is it good enough’ question but also be ready for some competition. We take it for a spin to see how well it fares, now that the initial buzz has subsided, the market segment widened, and most importantly, a year has passed since its launch.
📝  There will be some cannibalisation of existing Thar with Roxx version: M&M
📝  Mahindra Thar Roxx RWD vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos vs Tata Harrier vs MG Hector: Engine specs, dimensions, prices compared
Read More >>

🏗 Construction & Agri Machinery

Escorts Kubota eyes land in UP for Rs 4500 cr manufacturing facility after pivot from Rajasthan
Escorts Kubota is progressing with plans to set up a Greenfield manufacturing facility to expand its current capacities for future growth. The company has submitted an Investment Intent to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for land acquisition. This announcement comes after the company previously withdrew its plan to establish a new manufacturing plant at Ghiloth in Rajasthan due to unmet key requirements.
Read More >>

🏍 2/3 Wheelers

Losses continue to mount at TVS-owned Norton Motorcycles
TVS Motor Company’s largest overseas investment, the acquisition of the iconic British bike brand Norton Motorcycle Company four years ago, has yet to yield significant results.
Royal Enfield and C.L.A.W. Global launch Unlimit initiative
This Independence Day, Royal Enfield and C.L.A.W. Global, a collaborative team of Special Forces veterans and multidisciplinary specialists, launched an initiative called Unlimit aimed at merging adventure motorcycling with the skills and mindset of military special forces training. This initiative strives to push the boundaries of human potential, inspiring participants to break perceived limits and embrace adventure. The program, inaugurated with a seven-day multi-adventure expedition in Nanda Devi Sanctuary, aims to develop mental and physical resilience against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.
BSA Gold Star 650 VS Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Price, features and more compared
BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Bringing retro back
The Financial Express
New Hero Destini 125 scooter to be launched in September
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

The new Hero Destini 125 will arrive in September right in time for the festive season
Read More >>

🚲 Electric 2/3 Wheelers

⁠Ola Roadster motorcycles — Variants and pricing explained
The long-awaited Ola electric motorcycles have been unveiled along with their prices. Called the Ola Roadster, the motorcycle is available in three variants, and prices start at Rs 75,000, ex-showroom. Here’s a detailed look at the three Ola Roadster variants, their pricing, battery packs, range, performance, features and equipment.
E-scooter maker Ola Electric valuations hit $7 bn; up 75% over IPO price
The country’s top e-scooter maker Ola Electric Mobility’s shares jumped another 20 per cent on Friday to end at Rs 133. The Softbank-backed firm is now valued at Rs 58,558 crore, or $7 billion. The latest valuation is 75 per cent above the $4 billion (Rs 33,522 crore) it sought in its Rs 6,146-crore initial public offering (IPO), largest to hit the domestic markets in over two years. Shares were priced at Rs 76 in the IPO, which was subscribed only just over four times.
Ola Electric shares surge nearly 16%
New Delhi: Shares of Ola Electric Mobility Ltd surged nearly 16% on Friday morning after the Ola Group announced its foray into the electric motorcycle segment with the launch of three models and two more in the pipeline. The company also reported a jump in revenue from operations for the April-June quarter of 2024-25.
Greaves’ electric three-wheeler sets record for longest ride on single charge
Greaves Electric’s flagship electric 3-wheeler passenger vehicle, Greaves Eltra City, has set the record for the longest ride on a single charge by an electric three-wheeler on August 14, 2024. The vehicle covered an impressive distance of 225 kilometres from Bangalore to Mysore, making it into the India Book of Records.
Ola Electric rolls out e-bikes, announces quick commerce foray
Bengaluru: Ola Electric has launched three electric motorcycles and announced the integration of its battery cells in its vehicles. The electric motorcycle portfolio, ‘The Roadster Series‘ has three motorcycles – Roadster X, Roadster and Roadster Pro. The introductory price of the e-bikes start at ₹74,999. The entry-level bike Roadster X will come in three battery variants of 2.5 kWh, 3.5 kWh and 4.5 kWh, and a peak motor output of 11 kW. The top variant will have a maximum speed of 124 km/hour. It is priced in the range of ₹74,999-99,999. The Bhavish Aggarwal-led company, at its annual event ‘Sankalp 2024’, said that the delivery of Roadster Pro will begin in Diwali next year, while Roadster X and Roadster will be available from January 2025. While Roadster will have a peak motor output of 13 kW and comes in 3.5 kWh, 4.5 kWh and 6 kWh battery variants, they are priced between ₹1,04,999 and ₹1,39,999.  
Ola Roadster Pro vs Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon: Price, specs and range compared
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

The two bikes have a price gap of almost ₹50,000 and offer similar features.
Ola Electric launches Roadster series, showcases future plans at Sankalp 2024
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Ola Electric launched its new e-motorcycle series called the Roadster at the annual Sankalp event, alongside a series of announcements about future plans, MoveOS 5, and the new Gen-3 platform for electric two-wheelers.
Ola Electric Roadster series: Variants explained
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Ola Electric has just launched their first electric motorcycle series called the Roadster and the lineup consists of three models, each with their own sub-variants.
Pavan Guntupalli on a rapid ride
 
Dream run continues for Ola as stock zooms another 20%
Shares of Ola Electric Mobility Ltd surged 20 per cent on Friday to hit the upper circuit limit on the BSE at ₹132.76 after the Bhavish Aggarwal-led EV maker announced its foray into the electric motorcycle segment with the launch of three models and two more in the pipeline. Investors in the IPO must be laughing all the way, as shares of the pure electric vehicle company jumped nearly 75 per cent against the IPO price of ₹76.
📝  Ola Electric shares surge 16% after revenue jumps 32% YoY, motorcycle launch
Read More >>

⚙ Components

No further stake dilution in Sundram Fasteners: Chairman
Sundram Fasteners has informed the stock exchange that there are no further plans of stake dilution following the sale of 1.6% stake by a member of the promoter group.
Pricol is evaluating a few assets for acquisitions as part of its inorganic growth plan
Chennai: Coimbatore-based Pricol Ltd, a leading vehicle dashboard manufacturer, is actively pursuing inorganic growth and has shortlisted a few assets for potential acquisition. Vikram Mohan, Managing Director of the company, had indicated that Pricol was exploring inorganic growth opportunities to diversify its product portfolio and expand into new geographies to enhance its global footprint. “Regarding inorganic opportunities, we’ve identified a few assets that we’re currently evaluating and negotiating with the respective parties. As these discussions are still under NDA, we’re unable to share further details. However, we anticipate providing more concrete guidance by next quarter,” Siddharth Manoharan – Director of Strategy of Pricol said during the company’s Q1FY25 earnings call.
Read More >>

🌇 Allied Industries

Rising Chinese steel imports may hit local investments, warns AMNS CEO Dilip Oommen
Increasing imports of heavily discounted finished steel from China could impact future investments by Indian companies, Dilip Oommen, chief executive officer of AMNS India, said, joining the rising chorus of top industry executives seeking preventive measures to check steel imports.
MRF’s Cutting-Edge Tyres for India’s Fighter Jets and Helicopters
As India advances in the defence sector, domestic companies are stepping up to meet the demands of modern military hardware. One such company is Madras Rubber Factory (MRF), a globally recognized name in tyre manufacturing. MRF has been pivotal in supplying specialized tyres for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter jets and helicopters, ensuring that these crucial assets have the reliability and durability required for both routine operations and combat scenarios.
📝  India initiates anti-dumping probe into import of hot-rolled steel products from Vietnam
📝  India’s steel demand to grow by 8% annually in 2024 and 2025: Steel Ministry
Read More >>

🌢 Fuels, Lubricants & Charging Stations

Rapido Partners with TotalEnergies India for auto captains' well-being and savings
Rapido has teamed up with TotalEnergies India Private Limited (TEMIPL) to enhance the earnings and well-being of its auto captains. Starting with immediate fuel savings of up to 12%, the partnership will also promote the use of Auto LPG as a cleaner fuel in six South Indian cities. This collaboration aims to create a more sustainable and driver-centric ecosystem in the ride-sharing industry.
India imports USD 2.8 bn of Russian crude in July
New Delhi: India, the world's third largest oil consuming and importing nation, in July bought USD 2.8 billion worth of crude oil from Russia, second only to China which remains the largest importer of Russian oil, a report said.
📝  Govt revises windfall gains tax on petroleum products, new rates effective from August 17
Read More >>

🌍 Emissions/Environment

CSI launches operations in India, unveils report on Auto Inc’s journey to net zero
The global research firm Climate and Sustainability Initiative (CSI) has launched its operations in India and unveiled its latest report, “India’s Auto Industry: Mapping the Course to Net Zero by 2070.” This comprehensive study outlines a roadmap for decarbonizing India’s automotive sector to align with the nation’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The transition is expected to spur economic growth, enhance the mobility industry, and foster a strong market for electric vehicles (EVs).
Read More >>

💸 Finance & Insurance

Shriram Finance in talks with climate-based funds to raise capital for EV financing
Shriram Finance, the country’s largest auto-focused, non-bank lender, has begun an initial round of discussions with climate focused private equity funds to raise capital for financing electric vehicles. Currently, the share of EVs in the INR 2.33 lakh crore worth of assets managed by the lender is small but this is set to grow amid the rapid electrification trend seen in the electric-two and electric-three wheelers, Umesh Revankar, vice chairman, Shriram Finance, told ET.
Ola users can now apply for personal loans of up to Rs 10 lakh directly through Ola app
Now, you can apply for a personal loan of up to Rs 10 lakh through Ola app. Non-banking finance company InCred Finance has partnered with Ola Money (Ola Financial Services) to offer this loan facility to Ola users.
Read More >>

📖 Magazines News

Mahindra Thar Roxx: why there's no 1.5-litre diesel at launch
Thar Roxx 1.5 diesel, petrol 4x4 to be introduced later
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 revealed
Mercedes has unveiled the Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, an even more opulent version of the standard SL Roadster. Mercedes says the SL Monogram Series is the sportiest car in Maybach’s history.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: price, variants, features explained
Mahindra Thar Roxx variants, powertrain
Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Thar 3-door: Dimensions comparison
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has launched in India, with prices starting at Rs 12.99 lakh, and going up to Rs 20.49 lakh for the top-spec AX7L 4x2. Prices for the 4x4 variants will be revealed before October 2, says the brand. Naturally, the question arrises as to just how much bigger the 5-door version is when compared to the Thar 3-door, and if it's more capable off-road. We've brought the two together, on paper, to find out.
Hyundai Venue S+ with sunroof launched at Rs 9.35 lakh
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Hyundai Venue with sunroof has become even more accessible thanks to the new Venue S+ entry-level variant priced at Rs 9.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai’s compact SUV has been facing stiff competition from newly launched contenders such as the Mahindra XUV 3XO and the facelifted Tata Nexon. The Korean brand has been constantly updating the Venue’s variant line-up and features to keep it competitive. Just two weeks ago, Hyundai introduced the Venue S(O) variant.
Mahindra Thar Roxx colour options explained
Source Credit: Autocar India

Mahindra launched the Thar Roxx in India this Independence Day, starting at an introductory price of Rs 12.99 lakh. The higher and mid-level variants are available in seven colours, while the entry-level variants come in three. Here’s a list of all the available colour options for the Thar Roxx.
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V long-term review, 4500km report
Source Credit: Autocar India

It's time for me to bid adieu to the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, which has mostly served me well for the four months I had it in my garage. During that time, it did prove its mettle but also left me with a few notable gripes. Though the majority of my commute is on open roads and highways, the monsoons have slowed the overall pace of traffic and allowed me to experience the Xtreme in more jam-packed situations. The puddles have gotten bigger, and the potholes deeper.
Ford Mustang to get rugged and four door versions
Source Credit: Autocar India

Ford is considering expanding the line-up of its popular Mustang sportscar with more iterations at a time when the Mustang’s direct rival, the Chevrolet Camaro, is going off the shelves.
BSA Gold Star vs RE Interceptor 650: price, specifications compared
Source Credit: Autocar India

BSA has finally introduced itself to the Indian market and unveiled the Gold Star. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rival, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
BMW M5 Touring revealed at Monterey Car Week
Source Credit: Autocar India

BMW has taken the wraps off the long-awaited M5 Touring, which is essentially the new model with a wagon body style. This is the first M5 wagon in over a decade since the last E61 generation car was sold in 2010. Unveiled at Monterey Car Week in California, the M5 is the third iteration of the super-estate launched in 1992, spawning from the E34 M5.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: Your questions answered
How much does the Mahindra Thar Roxx cost?
Read More >>

📰 International News

Stellantis shareholders sue automaker in US after disappointing earnings
Stellantis has been sued by shareholders in the United States who said the European-American automaker defrauded them by concealing rising inventories and other weakness, before posting disappointing earnings that caused its stock price to fall.
US retail sales beat expectations on autos boost
Retail sales in the United States soared past analyst expectations in July, according to government data released Thursday, helped by the autos segment and bringing some relief to policymakers.
Autos, Hurricane Beryl weigh on US manufacturing output in July
Production at U.S. factories fell in July amid a decline in motor vehicle output and disruptions from Hurricane Beryl.
Natron plans USD 1.4 bn sodium-ion battery plant in North Carolina
Natron Energy plans to invest USD 1.4 billion in a sodium-ion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina, potentially raising the company's production capacity by 40 times, a source familiar with the matter said.
Ford recalling about 85,000 Explorer police vehicles because of potential for an engine fire
Ford is recalling approximately 85,000 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles because the engines may fail prematurely and possibly result in a fire.
BMW to recall 1.4 mn cars in China over airbags
Carmaker BMW will recall 1.4 million vehicles in China due to faulty airbags, the country's market regulator announced on Friday.
📝  Tesla’s missing Cybertruck is a problem for the EV revolution
📝  EV maker Rivian halts production of Amazon delivery vans amid parts shortage, shares down 5%
📝  1954 Mercedes-Benz W196, worth $50-70 million, among historic cars at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum set to auction
Read More >>


Corporate Office

405, TSL Corner
Local Shopping Complex
Sector G Mayur Vihar Phase III
Delhi - 110096, India

Contact

contact@nurcmedianext.com
nurcmnx@gmail.com
nurcmedianext@gmail.com
+91-11-49849324, +91-9958949710