NRSC member urges govt to rehaul vehicle testing ecosystem
To expose the rampant unfair practices, he said the Raahat Foundation undertook a pilot study across multiple states like - Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, among others.

Scrappage policy offers new discounts: All you need to know
The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, held a meeting with representatives from passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers. He urged the industry to provide discounts on new vehicle purchases to customers who scrap their old vehicles. The meeting with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) CEOs took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where it was later confirmed that the automobile manufacturers consented to the minister’s proposal.

Mahindra & Mahindra in Rs 10.87 crore tax dispute with I-T department
The appeal stems from a ruling by the ITAT, which had previously invalidated the Income Tax Department’s assessment and transfer pricing orders for AY 2016-17. The Tribunal had ruled the assessment as ‘bad in law’ due to the department exceeding the statutory time limits. In response, the Income Tax Department has questioned the legality of this ITAT decision, prompting the current legal proceedings.

Gujarat State Police get state-of-the-art Mobile Communication Office Vehicle
Mistral Solutions, an AXISCADES Company, and a technology design and system engineering company and a pioneer in advanced mission-critical communication solutions has announced the successful delivery and commissioning of a state-of-the-art Mobile Communication Office Vehicle (MCOV) for the Gujarat State Police.

Are the growth wheels coming off in the cars segment?
It’s rare for industry associations to shoot off letters to each other. When they do, something is usually simmering. There’s indeed some unease in the passenger cars segment, where an association of car dealers and an association of car manufacturers are feuding on the levels of car inventories with dealers.

Karnataka to pave path for India’s semiconductor industry; incubates 43 start-ups in 5 years through SFAL initiative
Bengaluru: The Semiconductor Fabless Accelerator Lab (SFAL), a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for fabless semiconductors, which is an initiative towards developing the fabless semiconductor and electronic systems ecosystem in India, has benefited over 90 companies and incubated 43 companies in the last five years, said Karnataka IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge. Addressing the media at the Vikasa Soudha on Wednesday, Kharge said, “Karnataka is going to be the leader in semiconductors, both in skill and innovation, and more importantly, products. Generally, we have been known as a services nation. The Karnataka government intends for India to become a product nation, because ultimately, we are one of the biggest consumers of anything globally,” adding that if India is serious about becoming a product nation, the only State that can propel this movement is Karnataka.

Top 5 vehicles in Google trends this week
August has unleashed a plethora of newly launched vehicles in India, perfectly timed just before the festive season. Amidst a surge of new entries into the market, including SUVs, EVs, and two-wheelers, let’s explore the top five vehicles that have garnered the most searches on Google in the past week.

To address performance issues, Tata Motors to buy EV batteries from Chinese co
Tata Motors turns to Chinese supplier to boost EV battery performance

Road accidents have claimed more lives than wars: Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari highlights road safety crisis: More deaths on Indian roads than in conflicts
The Financial Express

Maruti Fronx with ADAS spotted in India, launch likely in coming months
Recently, it was reported that Suzuki launched the Fronx in Japan which receives Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Interestingly, the Japan-spec Fronx is manufactured in India at Suzuki Motor Group (SMG) located in Hansalpur. However, the India-spec Fronx misses out on ADAS. There is a possibility this might change in the future.

Tata Curvv starts arriving at dealerships ahead of launch
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Tata Motors is all set to launch the ICE version of the Curvv on September 2. Now, before the launch happens, the homegrown manufacturer has dispatched the Curvv to its dealerships for display purposes. Apart from this, the deliveries of the Curvv EV have also started recently.

2024 Hyundai Alcazar vs Hyundai Creta: Key differences and similarities
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Images shared by Hyundai Motor of the new Alcazar show that the three-row SUV will be heavily influenced by the design of the new generation Creta which launched in January this year.

2024 Hyundai Alcazar starts arriving at dealerships ahead of launch
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Hyundai Motor India Limited recently revealed the 2024 Alcazar facelift for the Indian market. The SUV is all set to launch on September 9. Before that happens, the dealerships have started receiving the units of the new Alcazar so that they can display it in the showroom or stock the inventory.
 

MG Windsor EV: All you need to know
The Windsor EV is the first vehicle under the partnership of JSW MG Motor. It will also be the first crossover EV in the mass market segment. The Windsor EV is expected to be slotted between the affordable Comet EV and the ZS EV. MG Motor has confirmed that the crossover will make its debut in India on September 11. Here is all we know about the Windsor EV.

Hyundai Creta EV: What we know so far
The electric vehicle segment represents the final challenge for Hyundai India and has shown limited success for the company thus far. Its inaugural EV, the Kona, was introduced way beyond its time and didn’t significantly impact sales. The subsequent EV, the Ioniq, is a luxury vehicle with a price point that is inaccessible to the average consumer. To reverse its fortunes, Hyundai is placing its bets on its third EV, derived from its popular model, the Creta. This upcoming mid-size EV SUV is set to be the company’s first entry into the mass-market EV arena. Tarun Garg, CEO of Hyundai India, has recently confirmed that the Creta EV is scheduled for its global unveiling in January 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the Creta EV.

2025 MG Astor (ZS) breaks cover globally with a new hybrid engine
The 2025 MG ZS Hybrid gets a comprehensive design update which will make it to the Astor and ZS EV sold in India in the future

Maruti Suzuki to launch six electric vehicles by 2031, first model set for early debut: Report
Automobile giant Maruti Suzuki has officially announced its ambitious plans to launch six new electric vehicles by the fiscal year 2030-31, with the first model set to debut soon, reported HT Auto.

MG Windsor EV booking begins unofficially. Everything we know about it
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

MG Windsor EV is slated to launch in India on September 11 and is likely to challenge BYD e6 MPV.

Third-generation Audi Q5 teased, global debut on September 2
The third generation of the Audi Q6 SUV has been announced and the German carmaker has stated that they will be unveiling the model on September 2. Audi has just released the first teaser which reveals the Q5’s headlight design, and the SUV is expected to be nearing the final stages of development. The 2026 model has been confirmed to be the last ICE-powered Audi Q5, with the carmaker shifting their SUV portfolio towards hybrids and mild-hybrids.

Blue Energy Motors rollouts 500th green fuel truck from smart manufacturing facility in Pune
The milestone event took place at the Chakan facility in Pune, attended by Anirudh Bhuwalka, CEO of Blue Energy Motors, along with the senior leadership team. Speaking on the occasion, Bhuwalka expressed pride in the company's achievements.

Trucks running on kitchen oil: Is India’s ambitious biodiesel plan yielding results?
The government’s plan to mix used cooking oil with diesel to create a biofuel that reduces emission is promising. But three years after the first supply of this biodiesel hit the market, experts say there is a need for increased coordination from the government, industry, and the civil society to make it a success.

Delhi Mohalla bus service expands: Trial runs begin on two new routes
Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot announced on Wednesday that trial runs have commenced on two additional routes of the Mohalla Bus service.

JBM Electric Vehicles signs agreement with LeafyBus for supplying 200 electric luxury buses

JBM Electric Vehicles (P) Ltd has signed an agreement with LeafyBus to supply 200 electric intercity luxury buses, the company announced today. The deal includes 150 high-end electric luxury intercity coaches and 50 e-buses for staff and tourist applications, to be delivered within the next 24 months.

Hyundai Alcazar — New vs Old differences explained
The Hyundai Alcazar is one of Hyundai’s newest products in its range, and the seven-seater already saw a mid-life update in terms of a new engine. Now, Hyundai is gearing up to launch the facelifted version of the Alcazar, which will make its debut on September 9.

What does global battery overcapacity mean for India's EV market? Satyadeep Jain answers
I just wanted to begin by asking you because you have just released a note which talks about the EV battery plays as well. Where is the Indian players stack versus let us say the international players, especially the Chinese ones? Do you think we have the right capabilities and technology at place?

4WD Vs AWD Vs electric AWD: Working, differences explained
Whenever a new SUV/crossover is launched, one of the most pertinent questions everyone asks is whether the vehicle offers 4WD or AWD functionality or not. It should be noted that all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) is one of the basic and essential criterias to certify a vehicle as an SUV. 

Triumph Daytona 660 India launch tomorrow: What to expect?
Triumph will be launching the all-new Daytona 660 in India tomorrow, i.e., 29 August 2024. The iconic British brand has confirmed the same through a short video teaser on its social media handles. Earlier in March this year, Triumph listed the Daytona 660 on its India website confirming its launch in the country.

Two-wheeler industry to grow by 8 %, tractors by 4 % annually: Report
The two-wheeler (2W) industry is anticipated to grow in high single digits, with an estimated 8 % year-on-year (YoY) increase whereas the tractor industry is anticipated to see marginal growth of approximately 4 % YoY in the domestic market, according to a report by Nuvama, a wealth and investment firm.

Bajaj Pulsar N125 snapped testing — Here’s what to expect
The new Bajaj Pulsar N125 has been spotted testing again, wearing a full camo. Bajaj has been busy this year updating its Pulsar range – its best seller – and even launching the new Pulsar NS400Z. That said, next on the line is the N125.

Ducati Multistrada V4 RS teased ahead of India launch
Ducati has teased the Multistrada V4 RS on its social media handles ahead of its launch in India. The teaser highlights the bike’s angry-looking face featuring a pair of sleek twin-pod LED headlamps with integrated DRLs with the apron extending into a sharp beak and an adjustable fly screen on top.

2024 RE Classic 350 to new Jawa 42: Upcoming Two-Wheeler launches in September
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

From the new Classic 350 to the Hero Destini 125, September will have a variety of two-wheeler launches

New Jawa 42-based motorcycle teased ahead of launch in September
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

The new Jawa 42 teaser has been dropped on the brand's social media handle but gives away little on what we can expect from the upcoming bike

Zelio Ebikes introduces Eeva series starting at INR 56K
Zelio Ebikes has launched its latest range, the Eeva series, with prices ranging from INR 56,051 to 90,500 (ex-showroom). The Eeva series, which includes the Eeva, Eeva Eco, and Eeva ZX+ models, aims to provide innovative, eco-friendly mobility solutions for urban commuters such as students, professionals, and gig workers. This launch underscores Zelio's commitment to eco-friendly and reliable urban transportation.

Ather Energy collaborates with Google to provide real-time EV charging station information
Ather Energy, a prominent electric scooter manufacturer in India, has teamed up with Google to provide real-time information on the availability of two-wheeler fast-charging stations. This collaboration will allow electric vehicle (EV) users to find Ather Grid fast chargers on Google Maps, complete with live status updates. The initiative aims to enhance the convenience of using public charging grids for EV owners, leveraging the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), India's standard EV charging connector.

Pioneer launches new dashcam series starting from Rs 5399
Pioneer India, subsidiary of Pioneer Corporation, Japan, introduces a new range of VREC dash camera series, from its Mobility AI portfolio, specifically designed for India. This new series comprises four models, VREC – H120SC, VREC-H320SC, VREC-H520DC and VREC-Z820DC. 

Oil prices fall 2% on economic worries, technical decline
Oil prices fell about 2% on Tuesday on worries that slower economic growth in the U.S. and China could reduce demand for energy, especially after prices surged over 7% during the prior three days.

Uptick in auto demand, improvement in microfinance likely: L&T Finance
"Of late, there are reports that the auto industry is seeing some slowdown, but I am very hopeful that on the back of good monsoon that we see, I think during the festive period, we will see a decent uptick both in terms of two-wheelers as well as four-wheelers," L&T finance Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sudipta Roy told PTI.

Comprehensive car insurance vs third-party car insurance: Which is better?
Comprehensive Car Insurance vs Third-Party Car Insurance: Which is Better?

Jeep Compass, Meridian to get updates this festive season
Updates to Compass and Meridian will be mainly cosmetic

Hyundai developing series hybrid tech for future models
Hyundai's EREV to offer 900km range on a full charge

Bajaj’s new 125cc TVS Raider rival spotted testing again
Brand new 125cc motor, frame expected

TVS Jupiter 110: price, variants explained
TVS Jupiter line-up: Styling

Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo long term review, 28,200km report
Source Credit: Autocar India

Yes it’s back. If you’ve been a regular reader, you might remember we had already published the final report of this particular Kushaq Monte Carlo. Thing is though, a lot of us really love this bright red SUV. So when we asked Skoda if we could keep it a bit longer, they very kindly obliged. These days it’s rare to find a mass-segment offering that’s high on driving pleasure. Most are set up to deliver a comfortable but anaesthetised drive. Not this one. And that’s why we all love driving it.

Ertiga, Innova drive MPV sales up 21 percent in April-July 2024
Source Credit: Autocar India

While hatchback and sedan sales in the country are seeing a significant decline, MPV and SUV sales are on the rise. In the first four months of the 2025 financial year, utility vehicles (SUVs and MPVs) made up 63 percent of total passenger vehicle sales, totaling 8,68,132 units. As per the available industry data, combined sales of the top 9 MPVs were 143,225 units from April to July 2024, accounting for 10 percent of the total.

Triumph Daytona 660 launching tomorrow
Source Credit: Autocar India

Triumph has teased that the all-new Daytona 660 will launch in India tomorrow. It will be powered by the same engine found in the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660.

Mahindra BE.05 interior spy shots show twin-screen display
Source Credit: Autocar India

The upcoming Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV has been spied on test again, this time revealing its interior design. It will go on sale after the XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 SUVs, and will likely be the first product from Mahindra’s new BE range to hit the market.

Jeep aspires to play in the sub Rs 20 lakh segment
Source Credit: Autocar India

Shailesh Hazela, the newly appointed MD and CEO of Stellantis India, says the SUV game has moved to the sub-Rs 20 lakh segment, and the company would want the iconic Jeep brand to have a presence there. Speaking to our sister publication, Autocar Professional, Hazela said, “We’ve been in the Jeep segment, which is Rs 25 lakh-plus. The market [volume] is shifting. The core is moving from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 17 lakh; that is the market we must play [in].”

MG Windsor EV: Your questions answered
Source Credit: Autocar India

MG Motor India is gearing up to introduce an all-new EV to the Indian market, that will be called the Windsor EV upon launch. It’s a crossover-style MPV sold as the Wuling Cloud EV in Indonesia by the parent group SAIC. This will be MG’s third EV in India, following the Comet and ZS EV, and the first from its new partnership with JSW. As we await its debut in the coming weeks, here are answers to some of the most popular queries about the upcoming electric MG.

Bajaj Chetak Premium, Urbane to soon become more affordable
Source Credit: Autocar India

Just over a week ago, we reported that the Bajaj Chetak line-up will switch to new battery cells, which will give it a bump up in range. Now, we can say that the Premium and Urbane variants of the retro-looking e-scooter will become a little more affordable, and will be renamed.

Next-gen Audi Q5 teased ahead of September 2 debut
Source Credit: Autocar India

Audi has released a teaser of the upcoming third-generation Q5 ahead of its global debut, set to take place on September 2.

Volkswagen passenger cars brand struggles to hit cost-cutting goal
Volkswagen's passenger cars brand is struggling to meet its 10 billion euro (USD11.14 billion) cost-cutting target, undermined by issues including low sales and missing parts, German business paper Handelsblatt reported on Wednesday.

Questions about the safety of Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system are growing
Three times in the past four months, William Stein, a technology analyst at Truist Securities, has taken Elon Musk up on his invitation to try the latest versions of Tesla's vaunted "Full Self-Driving" system.

NHTSA closes two preliminary probes into Fisker's Ocean SUVs
The NHTSA had in April opened a preliminary evaluation into 6,781 Fisker cars made in 2023, after complaints that riders were unable to open the door from either the interior or exterior door handle.

Samsung SDI finalizes deal with GM to build USD 3.5 bn joint EV battery factory in US
South Korea's Samsung SDI said on Wednesday it has completed an agreement with General Motors to build a joint electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in the U.S. state of Indiana.

Swedish EV maker Polestar appoints Michael Lohscheller as CEO
Polestar said on Wednesday it will replace current CEO Thomas Ingenlath with a former boss of Opel and EV startups, the latest senior management change at a challenging time for the loss-making electric vehicle (EV) maker and the automotive industry.

Chinese EV giant BYD posts 24.4% rise in profit
Leading Chinese automaker BYD posted on Wednesday a 24.4 % rise in net profit for the first half of 2024, boosted by continuing strong demand for electric cars in its home and overseas markets.

Hyundai Motor targets 30% rise in sales by 2030 as it doubles hybrid line-up
Hyundai Motor said on Wednesday it was targeting annual global sales of 5.55 million vehicles by 2030, up 30% from 2023, as it plans to double its hybrid line-up to counter a slowdown in global electric vehicle demand.

China's DiDi to become 2nd-largest shareholder of state-backed NavInfo unit
Chinese ride-hailing giant DiDi Global will swap cash plus its smart driving and cockpit unit for 16.5% of AutoAi, a subsidiary of state-backed maps firm NavInfo, the latter said in a stock exchange filing on Wednesday.

Xiaomi SU7 vs BYD Seal: How they stand against each other
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

With similar dolphin type-body styling both products are considered a part of the sedan category.

Tesla asked Canada govt for a lower tariff on China-made electric vehicles
Source Credit: Reuters, Hindustan Times

Canada, following the United States, set the tariff for all Chinese-made vehicles sold in the country because of what it called China's intentional, state-directed policy of over-capacity. (Reuters)

Honda's electrification strategy: Eyes a balanced approach. Here's how
Source Credit: Reuters, Hindustan Times

Honda believes in the long-term viability of battery EVs, especially for smaller vehicles like motorcycles and automobiles. 

GM delays Indiana EV battery factory amid weak US market growth, seals joint venture deal with Samsung
 Production at an electric vehicle battery cell plant jointly run by General Motors and Samsung SDI has been delayed as EV sales have slowed in the U.S.