Bharat NCAP introduces safety rating stickers for cars
The Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) has announced the introduction of safety-rated QR code stickers for cars. The initiative aims to enhance awareness of vehicle safety. Customers can learn about a vehicle’s safety features by scanning the QR code on the sticker.

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility inaugurates EV retail stores in Kochi, Kerala
Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), a subsidiary of Tata Motors, opened two exclusive electric vehicle (EV) retail stores under the brand identity TATA.ev in Kochi, Kerala. These stores, located in Edappally and Kalamassery, aim to provide a unique and upmarket purchase and ownership experience for EV enthusiasts, reflecting the evolving consumer demands and the increasing adoption of EVs in India.

Fatalities in road accidents increased by 4 % in Delhi
New Delhi: The fatalities in road accidents have increased by 4% compared to last year's data till August 15, according to the statistics compiled by the Delhi Police. As per the police's crime statistics, accessed by PTI, a total of 831 fatal accidents took place this year till August 15, which is an increase of 4.01 % from 2023, during which 799 accidents during the same period were fatal.

Car and SUV dispatches to remain muted
Mumbai: High levels of unsold stock has forced car and sports utility vehicle (SUV) makers to reign in on fresh supplies to dealers in August making it two consecutive months of decline in wholesale dispatches. Passenger vehicles (PV) have remained unsold for upto 10 weeks (72 days) which is more than twice their typical average of 4 weeks (30 days). 

Tata aims for 30% of passenger vehicle sales from EVs by 2030
Kochi: Tata Passenger Electric Mobility is targeting 30 per cent share of its overall passenger vehicle business to come from electric vehicles by 2030, according to Vivek Srivatsa, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Vehicle recall hits 700K this year; 96% are 2Ws

Mumbai: The number of vehicles recalled by automakers till the first week of August this year has already surged past those reported for the two preceeding years. About 96% of the nearly 720,000 vehicles recalled by the industry in 2024 comprises two-wheelers, as per data shared by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). India's automotive basket is dominated by the two-wheeler segment, controlling 81% of the domesticmarket. In 2022and 2023, a total of 288,765 and 285,000 vehicles respectively were recalled. 

Chennai to host 5th edition of India International EV show 2024
 

Kia India introduces 'Kia Subscribe' for flexible ownership
Kia India has announced the launch of 'Kia Subscribe', a new flexible ownership plan, expanding its leasing and subscription services to 14 major cities. The company has signed an MoU with ALD Automotive Pvt Ltd to support this initiative. This new plan, announced today, caters to salaried and self-employed individuals looking for short-term lease options from 12 to 36 months without long-term commitments.

Hyundai unveils new Alcazar SUV with advanced tech features, including NFC Digital Key and enhanced connectivity
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) recently unveiled a host of advanced technology features in its latest offering, the Hyundai Alcazar. The new SUV, positioned as a premium 6 and 7 seater, combines versatility, modernity, and intelligent technology aimed at providing an enjoyable driving experience.

Motilal Oswal maintains ’buy’ rating on Maruti Suzuki, expects automaker to continue PV market dominance
Domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal has stated that Maruti Suzuki India, the country's leading car manufacturer, is poised to maintain its dominance in the passenger vehicle (PV) industry and continues to outperform industry growth in FY25.

2024 Skoda Superb Sportline unveiled: Check what's different
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Superb remains the same in terms of shape, updates come in the form of blacked out elements giving the car a sportier look.

Citroen Basalt deliveries begin

Citroen has begun delivering its Coupe SUV, the Basalt. Thierry Koskas, the CEO of Citroen Brand, presented the first Basalt to a customer at the La Maison Citroen dealership in Naraina, New Delhi. The Basalt stands as the first Coupe SUV in the affordable segment, with prices ranging from Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 13.83 lakh, ex-showroom. The Basalt currently has a waiting period of a few weeks.

Mahindra, Volkswagen near joint venture agreement for electric SUVs: Report
The proposed joint venture will concentrate primarily on the development of battery-powered SUVs for both the Indian and international markets, although it will also encompass fossil fuel-based models. The negotiations have indicated that an official announcement is expected by the end of the year, the business-daily said citing sources. 

BYD teases new car for India — Is it the M6 electric MPV?
Build Your Dreams (BYD) may not be new to the Indian market since the Chinese brand has been actively in the commercial vehicle segment since 2007. In the passenger vehicle space, BYD currently offers two models— Seal and Atto 3— both fully electric models. It was recently reported that BYD is expected to launch a new model in India soon.

MG Windsor EV to e6 MPV: Electric cars expected to launch in India in September
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

India is all set to witness introduction of three new electric cars in September, starting with the Mercedes Maybach EQS and MG Windsor EV.

Maserati eyes India's thriving entrepreneurial spirit with GranTurismo launch
New Delhi: At the India launch of the new Maserati GranTurismo, Philippe Claverol, Head of Overseas at Maserati, emphasised the brand's compatibility with India's entrepreneurship spirit. He highlighted that a remarkable 80% of Maserati owners globally are entrepreneurs, drawing a parallel between Maserati's customer base and India's entrepreneurial landscape.

Maserati India launches GranTurismo at INR 2.72 cr
Maserati has launched new GranTurismo in India, merging power, luxury, and innovation at INR 2.72 crore. The Italian luxury automotive brand announced that its latest model, available with a high-powered internal combustion engine (ICE), signifies a bold leap in automotive excellence. The GranTurismo combines the exhilarating performance of a sports car with the comfort needed for long journeys, setting a new standard in automotive luxury.

Italian carmaker Maserati banking on entrepreneurs to drive India story

Maserati, which currently operates just a single dealership in India, sold less than 50 cars in the country in 2023.

Driven: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Do open-top cars make sense in India?

Convertibles (Cars whose roof can be opened) are a rare breed. Of the 200-odd car models in India, only 5-6 are convertibles. Of these, three are by Mercedes-Benz — CLE Cabriolet (Rs. 1.1 crore), E-Class Cabriolet (Rs. 1.3 crore), and AMG SL Roadster (Rs. 2.44 crore) — and others are Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder (Rs. 3.5 crore), BMW Z4 (Rs. 91 lakh), and Ferrari Portofino (Rs. 3.5 crore).

Aston Martin plans India expansion over market potential for super luxury cars
 

The silence of the Lamb(o)
Last year, Lamborghini celebrated six decades of logic-defying motoring. From making something as agricultural as a farm tractor to as luxurious as a yacht, if there’s one thing that defines Lamborghini’s 60-year-long run, it has to be the ability to display its engineering prowess without being confined by the kind of automobile it makes. Having said that, it’s highly unlikely that we’d be talking about a Lamborghini that’s not a ballistic missile on four wheels here, so here goes; and what a missile the new Revuelto is! It replaces the well-appreciated (but also ageing) Lamborghini Aventador, and as the Italian carmaker’s flagship, it has been presented with shoes the size of Big Foot’s and a heart as large as the blue whale’s. So, how well it fares? We find out all about the brand-new Lamborghini in our first drive report.

Tata Motors unveils urban mobility vehicles
Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, on Friday showcased an array of innovative mass mobility solutions, including an all-new Tata Ultra EV 7M, a green, zero-emission, intra-city electric bus in the City.

Ashok Leyland Guard bus chassis breaks cover at Prawaas 4.0
Ashok Leyland has unveiled its Guard 15M bus chassis at Prawaas 4.0, organized by Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI).

Montra Electric to launch SCV
 

K. Gopalkrishna, the unheralded Indian automobile entrepreneur
Till Maruti appeared on the horizon in 1983, Indian car buyers had the choice of the devil or the deep sea. Hindustan Motors’ Ambassador and the Premier Padmini from Premier Automobiles ruled Indian roads, notwithstanding their poor quality that turned every ride into an unwanted adventure.

New-gen Kia Carnival spied ahead of 3 Oct launch
Kia will be launching not one but two new vehicles in India on October 3. It’ll be the first time that the EV9 will hit Indian ground ever since the flagship all-electric SUV made its global debut last year. The other model will be the Carnival which was discontinued from the market last year when the phase 2 of the BS6 emission norms kicked in April last year.

Green Transit: Advancements in Sustainable Solutions for Buses and Coaches
In recent years, the electrification industry has grown significantly because of the global push for sustainability, especially in the transportation sector. Even while the transition to electrification started more than a century ago, it has accelerated significantly over the last ten years because of increased awareness and government assistance. Remarkable advancements in sustainable transportation are transforming the industry, especially in the realm of buses and coaches. Although the transportation sector has long been a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the drive for sustainability has led to considerable progress in green transportation options for cars and buses.. From electrification to alternative fuels and smart technology integration, the fight for greener buses and coaches is transforming public transportation.

Thar Vs Thar ROXX: SUVs you don't need, and yet want

Skoda Slavia is such a cool sedan — loaded with features, powerful engines, comfortable cabin, great high-speed stability, safe,value for money. It's all the car you ever need. And yet, few want it (sales of less than 1,500 units per month). 

Hyundai Alcazar facelift features revealed: What’s on offer?
 

Citroen Basalt vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza: Features, Price, Specs
 

Exter-minate
The Exter is a year old already, and with more than 1,00,000 buyers, it’s proven to be quite successful for Hyundai. It extends the brand’s presence in the small/compact crossover segment, which, until the Exter’s arrival, was largely dominated by the Tata Punch. Not much has changed in the space, apart from the increased fight between the two rivals, but with the initial hype having made way for more stable sales, we think it’s a good time to revisit the car.

Corporate revenue growth moderates to 5-7% in April-June quarter on slowdown in agriculture and construction-linked sectors
With the fiscal first quarter earnings season just ended, CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics said that corporate India is estimated to have logged yet another quarter of moderation in revenue growth at 5-7 per cent in the three months through June, which, it added, is the slowest in the past 15 quarters and the third straight quarter of moderation. CRISIL analysed around 350 companies to reach the conclusion. The moderation is growth compares with 6.7 per cent growth for these companies in the January-March 2024 quarter.

New Triumph Daytona 660 vs Kawasaki Ninja 650 — Spec check
The 600cc class was once the middleweight segment when sportbikes such as the Yamaha R6, CBR 600 RR, Kawasaki ZX-6R and others ruled the segment. Now, with most of them gone, the 600 to 650cc class has become a good stepping point for most who want a sensible motorcycle to use for daily commutes and long rides.

Yamaha to reboot Chennai plant as premium two-wheeler hub
New Delhi: Yamaha Motor India is carrying out modifications at its Chennai facility so that it is in sync with the overall global vision of making it a hub for premium motorcycles and scooters.

Hero MotoCorp elevates CBO Sanjay Bhan as new Executive Vice President
Hero MotoCorp Friday announces the appointment of Sanjay Bhan as the new Executive Vice President from September 01, 2024. Sanjay Bhan is currently serving as the Chief Business Officer- Global Business of the company.

Narain Karthikeyan’s DriveX plans to more than double network & pre-owned 2W sales
Chennai: Formula 1 racing driver Narain Karthikeyan-promoted DriveX Mobility Pvt Ltd, engaged in the procurement, refurbishment, and retailing of pre-owned multi-brand two-wheelers, is now entering its next growth phase. The start-up plans to more than double its network and retail volumes, bolstered by its business model. “We are now the largest digitally enabled pre-owned two-wheeler mobility platform in the country,” said Karthikeyan, Founder of the three-year-old DriveX, which currently retails about 2,500 used vehicles monthly, up from 25-30 a month a couple of years ago. It plans to grow its retails to more than 5,000 a month in the next couple of years. DriveX is backed by TVS Motor, which owns 48 per cent stake in the company.

Entry-level bike sales in slow lane despite rural demand turnaround

In motorcycle sales, rural areas have, for the first time since the pandemic, outpaced urban segments.

Jitendra EV adopts LECCS connector for fast-charging network of its two-wheelers
Jitendra EV has announced the adoption of the IS17017 (Part 2 / Sec 7) standard, also known as LECCS (Light Electric Combined Charging System), for its JMT 1000 SW electric scooter. This decision will allow Jitendra EV customers to access Ather's fast-charging network, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of charging infrastructure for its electric two-wheelers in India.

BGauss begins production of electric two-wheeler RUV350 in Maharashtra
BGauss, a pioneer in electric mobility, announced the commencement of production for its latest electric two-wheeler, the RUV350, at its Chakan, Maharashtra facility on August 30, 2024. This signals BGauss's commitment to innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, aiming to set new benchmarks in the electric two-wheeler market with advanced features and superior performance tailored for Indian riders.

Any shop could sell an Ola EV soon. Bhavish Aggarwal announces ONDC partnership
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

Ola Electric will retail its EV lineup as well as parts on the ONDC platform making it easier for any shop to sell its e-scooters and for customers to source parts conveniently

Bajaj Auto looks to pip TVS to second spot in electric 2-wheeler market

The Pune-based giant, which was trailing far behind TVS just two months ago in e-two-wheelers (e2Ws), has upped the ante.
 

Cummins India appoints Pankaj Kapoor as new Vice President – Distribution Business
Cummins India, an auto component major in the country announces the appointment of Pankaj Kapoor as the new Vice President – Distribution Business. This appointment is effective from September 01, 2024, according to the company’s exchange filings.

GoMechanic expands into premium car detailing with Ceramic Coating and PPF; plans nationwide rollout
Muskan Kakkar, COO of GoMechanic, articulated the rationale behind this new venture. "Our entry into the car detailing market is a natural progression for GoMechanic as we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers. With advanced solutions like Ceramic Coating and PPF, we’re confident in delivering results that not only enhance vehicle appearance but also provide long-lasting protection. We’re excited to bring our trusted expertise to this new segment and establish ourselves as a leader in premium car detailing."

Apollo Tyres achieves 5 star rating in British Safety Council Occupational Health and Safety Audit
Apollo Tyres Ltd has achieved a 5-star rating in the British Safety Council Occupational Health and Safety Audit, demonstrating its commitment to continually improving health and safety management systems. This audit was conducted at the company’s Andhra Pradesh plant, which underwent a thorough evaluation of its occupational health and safety policies, processes, and practices.

Indian Auto LPG Coalition urges govt to include auto LPG in clean mobility narratives
The Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC) has called upon Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav to endorse auto LPG as an environmentally friendly alternative fuel. In his letter, Suyash Gupta, Director General of Indian Auto LPG Coalition, highlighted the substantial environmental and economic benefits of adopting auto LPG over traditional and other automotive fuels.

Yamaha MT-09 review: Standard, SP, Y-AMT ridden
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Yamaha MT-09 has evolved several times over its decade-long existence and there are now three variants - the standard 09, the fancier SP and the brand new Y-AMT, which as the name suggests, has an automated manual transmission. Having ridden all three on a Japanese racetrack, I now understand why this is such a popular motorcycle.

Mercedes EQS to be replaced by S-Class electric for next-gen
Source Credit: Autocar India

The next-gen S-Class and EQS sedans will be unified and introduced under a single moniker, rather than as two different cars. The move will help reduce the parity between the ICE and EV versions, and help the carmaker tackle the plummeting sales of both models.

Bharat NCAP launches safety rating stickers for cars, SUVs
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Government of India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) has introduced new safety-rated QR code stickers for cars and SUVs, which will be seen on all new vehicles crash-tested under BNCAP norms.

Citroen Basalt Max accounts for 60 percent of bookings
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Citroen Basalt coupe-SUV has been garnering increasing interest in the brand, say dealers. Deliveries for the top two variants of the Basalt have commenced, with dealers telling us that deliveries of the entry-level You variant – that's seeing a lower production rate – will begin from October 2024 onwards. At the moment, all variants have an average waiting period of around one month.

Skoda Superb Sportline revealed
Source Credit: Autocar India

Skoda has introduced a new ‘Sportline’ trim for the current-gen Superb available globally. It comes with some cosmetic updates and new features. The Sportline trim sits atop the range and, as the name suggests, is marketed as a sportier version of the sedan.

Maserati GranTurismo launched at Rs 2.72 crore
Source Credit: Autocar India

Maserati has launched the second-generation GranTurismo in India. Prices start at Rs 2.72 crore for the Modena variant and Rs 2.90 crore for the top-rung Trofeo variant (both prices ex-showroom, India). Both variants of the 2+2, two-door coupe utilise the same 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, albeit in different states of tune. They also have various cosmetic and feature differences. The all-electric GranTurismo Folgore will arrive sometime in 2025. 

Land Rover Defender classic revived via Bespoke division
Source Credit: Autocar India

Land Rover has announced the revival of the Defender Classic via its Bespoke division. Although the Defender Classic went out of production in 2016, it still has a large global fan base. To cater to the needs of Defender enthusiasts wanting to experience the Classic, Land Rover’s Bespoke division will build these vehicles on a made-to-order basis.

Hyundai N Vision 74 greenlit for production
Source Credit: Autocar India

After endless speculations, Hyundai has cleared its futuristic N Vision 74 performance EV for production. The company recently confirmed this development at its 2024 CEO Investor Day. The N Vision 74 will go into limited production, and a global debut of the production-spec car could take place in 2026.

US trade chief Tai lauds Canada's steep new tariffs on Chinese EV, metals
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Thursday gave a strong endorsement to Canada's decision to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles and 25% on Chinese steel and aluminum as she finalizes U.S. duties planned at similar rates.

Uber invests in UK startup Wayve to speed up self-driving projects
Ride-hailing platform Uber will invest in Wayve to help the British self-driving technology startup work with major automakers to speed up the development of its systems, the two companies said on Thursday.

Rio Tinto, BYD and LG Energy eligible for Chile's Altoandinos lithium project
Mining giant Rio Tinto and Chinese EV-maker BYD are among the six companies eligible to proceed with proposals to develop a lithium project in Chile's Altoandinos salt flats, state-run mining company ENAMI said on Thursday.

EV tariffs can hurt European companies and industry, says Polestar CFO
Import tariffs imposed by the European Union and the United States on China-made electric vehicles will harm European based companies, the chief financial officer of Swedish EV maker Polestar said on Thursday.

Impala chief sees no new platinum mines built in South Africa amid EV threat
Impala Platinum sees little prospect of new platinum mines being built in South Africa as the industry struggles with a price slump, its Chief Executive Nico Muller said on Thursday.

General Motors to face big class action over faulty transmissions
General Motors was ordered by a federal appeals court to face a class action claiming it violated laws of 26 U.S. states by knowingly selling several hundred thousand cars, trucks and SUVs with faulty transmissions.

Chinese EV makers suffer setback in Europe as tariffs start
Chinese automakers registered fewer electric cars across Europe in July, as new tariffs amplified the impact of a broader slump in EV sales.

Lithium startups bet on high demand in battery-powered future
As the world leans into electrification, it will need more lithium. A key ingredient in the batteries that power everything from electric vehicles to cell phones, demand is projected to accelerate over the next decade.

Chinese EV maker BYD to take over its German distributor Hedin
Source Credit: Bloomberg, Hindustan Times

A BYD dealership seen in Beijing. China's top-selling EV maker BYD expects overseas deliveries to account for almost half of total sales in the future, suggesting it will continue to set up global production hubs to overcome punishing tariffs.

Hyundai plans to double hybrid cars lineup as demand for electric vehicles slows
Source Credit: Reuters, Hindustan Times

Rear view of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid SUV at the New York International Auto Show. The Korean carmaker plans to double its hybrid cars lineup to 14 models amid slowdown in EV sales globally. 

Hyundai to launch three-row Ioniq 9 SUV in 2024. Here’s what to expect
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 (concept model shown above) is confirmed for a late-2024 launch and will be sharing the same platform as that of the Kia EV9. (Hyundai )