Indian states are inviting Tesla's component suppliers to lure the EV maker
While the efforts by the central government continue to attract US automaker Tesla, state governments like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are taking a ‘wider net’ approach by trying to woo Tesla’s suppliers, believing that ‘Tesla is likely to establish operations where its supply chain is robust’, the business-daily reported.

This car aficionado revived the hybrid-EV debate; focus now turns to UP’s policy
The debate over which automotive technology should get government incentives—battery electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids—is far from settled.  And now, a 58-year-old automobile aficionado who has bought over 100 cars in Prayagraj, has ended up becoming an unwitting champion of hybrid cars in Uttar Pradesh.

Kinetic Green CEO urges govt for continued support to achieve EV penetration of 30% by 2030
Pune: As the Government gets ready to present the Budget, Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, has emphasised the need for substantial measures to meet the ambitious target of increasing electric vehicle (EV) penetration from the current 6 per cent to 30 per cent by 2030. Over the past five years, government support has been pivotal in kick-starting the EV revolution, but continued and enhanced efforts are essential for sustained growth, she asserted. Motwani is awaiting the announcement of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) 3 scheme in the upcoming Budget, as the current scheme is set to conclude on July 31. She stressed the importance of a clear roadmap for the next three to five years to maintain investment momentum and accelerate EV adoption.

BASF upbeat about India’s automotive industry
New Delhi: BASF, the largest chemical producer in the world and headquartered in Germany, is betting big on the Indian automotive market for its next phase of growth. The company recently inaugurated its polyurethane technical development centre in Navi Mumbai to support applications in transportation, construction, footwear, appliances and furniture.

5 upcoming SUVs to watch out for: Mahindra Thar 5 door, Tata Curvv, Nexon CNG
The festive season is fast approaching, and with half the year already behind us, the automobile industry is gearing up for new launches. As SUVs maintain their market dominance, attention turns to the forthcoming models that are worth the anticipation.

Nissan X-Trail makes India debut, launch this month
Nissan has finally revealed the India-spec X-Trail in its full guise. Based on the CMF-C platform co-developed by Nissan alongside Renault, the fourth-generation X-Trail made its global debut in 2022. Prices for the X-Trail are expected to be announced later this month The X-Trail will come to India as a fully-imported model via the CBU route, which means it will be more expensive than its rivals.

Tata Curvv rival Citroen Basalt to make its official debut on August 2
French carmaker Citroen will officially debut the much-talked-about Basalt on August 2 in India. Prices for the Citroen Basalt will be announced in the following weeks, and deliveries will happen later.

Investing in electric mobility
India’s aim to achieve a 45 per cent reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and cut emissions to net zero by 2070 hinges, to a large extent, on its ability to embrace electric mobility. The country has already positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) markets globally. To improve the position, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India recently released a detailed report on augmenting research and development (R&D) strategy for e-mobility. The report calls for wider adoption of EVs, with manufacture of indigenous energy storage systems, generation of renewable energy to feed charging infrastructures, and development of sustainable materials and recycling methods.
 

Porsche Panamera GTS launched at INR 2.34 cr
New Delhi: Porsche has unveiled two dynamic top series models: the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS. These new models feature advanced engineering and design to offer heightened performance and luxury. The Panamera GTS is designed as a dynamic sports saloon with an emphasis on emotional driving experiences, while the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid stands as the most powerful, fastest, and most luxurious variant in the Panamera lineup. Both models are driven by a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine and are tailored to meet the stringent Euro 7 emission standards.

Mercedes-Benz to launch CLE Cabriolet, GLC 43 Coupe on August 8
 

Is affordability driving the shift towards luxury electric vehicles in India?
Could the lower prices of luxury electric vehicles (EVs) be spurring demand for these automobiles in India? Could this also indicate a growing market segment where affordability and luxury intersect? In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India talks to businessline’s S Ronendra Singh about the growing demand for such vehicles, and how the company aims to capitalise on this trend.  

Switch Mobility delivers 1.25-ton LCV Switch IeV3 to customers
Switch Mobility, a Hinduja Group global manufacturer of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, has handed over the keys of the Switch IeV3 to customers. This marks a notable step towards sustainable urban logistics within the 1.25-ton payload category. The vehicle, offering high efficiency and performance, is now available at 30 dealerships across India.

Indian CV industry is in a good space when compared to other countries, says Girish Wagh, Tata Motors
New Delhi: Unlike in many other countries, sales volumes of commercial vehicles (CV) in India have almost recovered to the pre-Covid volumes. In tonnage terms, it is much ahead of the previous peak of FY19. So the Indian CV industry is sitting in a very good place, said Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors.

Brand Revival : Renault revs up for a comeback
Right now, change feels like the only constant in the automotive industry. Technology has disrupted the production process, customers are demanding more from their machines and OEMs are packing a wallop to keep them happy.

Union Budget 2024: Anticipated Boosts for EVs, Hybrids, and Flex-Fuel Technologies to Drive Sustainable Mobility
India’s automotive industry had a strong year in FY 2023-24, with significant growth across almost all segments, building on the healthy growth observed in the previous financial year. Passenger vehicle sales rose by 8% to 4.22 million units, while commercial vehicle sales saw a modest 1% increase, reaching 0.97 million units. The two-wheeler market expanded by 13% with 17.97 million units sold, and three-wheeler sales increased materially by 42% to 0.69 million units (with E-3 Wheelers making up for over 58% of the total three-wheeler sales). Overall, the industry’s domestic sales hit 23.85 million units, marking a 12% year-on-year growth. The electric vehicle (EV) market also made impressive strides, with total sales jumping 42% to 1.67 million units. E-2 wheelers led the charge with a 30% increase, followed by E-3 wheelers with a 57% rise, and E-4 wheelers almost doubling their sales. Backed by strong sales, the auto-component sector also thrived, with a record turnover of INR 5.6 trillion, up by 32.8%. Overall, FY24 was a milestone year for India’s auto industry.  

What Tata Motors looks to Curvv out with its new coupe SUV
“This looks so different.”

Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG: Waiting period is up to 3 months
Since the launch of Bajaj Auto’s Freedom 125, the world’s first CNG motorcycle, it has made significant waves in the two-wheeler market. With prices starting at Rs 95,000, the CNG motorcycle comes in three variants. Bajaj has now opened bookings for the Freedom 125 for a token amount of Rs 1,000. Currently, the CNG motorcycle is available in select cities including Mumbai, Pune, and certain cities in Gujarat.

Royal Enfield launches Crossroader adventure jacket at Rs 14,950
Royal Enfield has launched the dual sport riding Crossroader jacket at 14,950. This adventure jacket ensures riders access to high-quality, durable, weather-adaptable, gear essential for challenging terrains. 

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 vs Triumph Speed 400 — Retro street motorcycle comparison
If one wanted a modern street motorcycle which carries an iconic name while still looking retro, the Triumph Speed 400 was the choice. Now, with the launch of the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, customers have a choice, albeit a confusing one. So if you’re trying to decide between the two, here’s a detailed comparison to help you make the better choice.

Bhavish Aggarwal unveils new Ola Maps pricing after Google Maps’ rate cuts. Here are the details
Krutrim, the artificial intelligence (AI) startup of Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal, on Thursday, July 18, unveiled the new pricing structure for Ola Maps to provide an alternative to global tech giants such as Google and empower innovation in India.  

Greaves Electric unveils Eltra City E3W at INR 3.67 lakh
Greaves Electric Mobility has announced that its electric three-wheeler passenger vehicle, the Greaves Eltra City, is now available at a price of INR 3,66,999. This pricing update follows a significant surge in demand and positive feedback for its enhanced features. Since its launch earlier this year, the Eltra City has emphasized comfort, efficiency, and innovation for commuters and drivers.

Nickel: The metal driving the EV revolution
At the centre of manufacturing of Li-ion batteries, it is nickel that stands out for its unique characteristics—its high energy density and greater capacity retention—which makes it far more cost competitive compared to the other ingredients like cobalt and others. Moreover, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) prioritise energy density over others because it defines the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge and helps brings down the cost making it affordable for the general consumer.

Bharat Forge's defence biz focus yields rich dividends

Bharat Forge saw the share of its defence vertical in its total turnover jump more than three times during FY24, underscoring the importance of its diversification efforts and reducing reliance on non-automotive segments. Kalyani Strategic Systems, set up as a principal holding company to drive Bharat Forge's defence and aerospace business, docked a turnover of 1,561 crore during the previous year, recording a near four-fold jump compared to FY23. The company's executable o rder book for defence as of FY24-end was Rs. 5,192 crore, giving it an earnings visibility for the next three years. This order book stood at Rs. 2,000 crore at the end of FY23. The defence segment of Bharat Forge accounted for 71% of its new order intake in FY24, up from 51% in

FY23. According to its annual report, the defence vertical secured new orders of 14,494 crore. Total new orders worth Rs 6,300 crore also include automotive, industrial and industrial casting businesses. 

DPIIT steps led to investment commitments of over INR 1100 cr from global tyre makers
The imports were temporarily permitted by the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) subject to the concerned company's commitment to invest and set up or expand its manufacturing facilities in the country for the concerned products, in a time-bound manner.

Tata Technologies Q1 Results: Net profit slumps 15% to ₹162 crore on higher expenses
Tata Technologies Ltd on Thursday announced its financial results for the first quarter (Q1) ended June 30 of the fiscal year 2025 (FY25).

Tata Technologies partners with Arm to drive innovation in SDVs
Tata Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with Arm to drive innovation in software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The collaboration aims to combine Tata Technologies' automotive expertise with Arm's high-performance, power-efficient technologies to reduce development time for automotive OEMs and advance connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles.

Jitendra EV announces new upgrades for JMT Model
New Delhi: Jitendra EV, a prominent electric vehicle manufacturer, will reveal its enhanced JMT model aimed at revolutionizing last-mile delivery solutions. Known for its reliability and performance, the new JMT model offers customizable battery options and advanced features, starting at INR 70,000, to cater to evolving logistics demands. The vehicle is designed to meet both delivery and personal transportation needs, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

Apollo Tyres targets USD 5 bn revenue by FY26 with 5 key strategies
New Delhi: Apollo Tyres, India’s leading tyre brand is targeting USD 5 bn revenue along with more than 15% EBITDA by FY 2025-26. The company is focusing on five key aspects; sustainability, digitalisation, technology & innovation, people, and brand to drive its growth.

Hinduja Group to acquire German based engineering company TECOSIM Group
Hinduja Tech Limited (HT), an Indian flagship of conglomerate the Hinduja Group, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire German based engineering company TECOSIM Group. Based on reports, the shares have been acquired at an enterprise value of 21 million Euro and will be acquiring 100% shareholding in TECOSIM Group company for cash consideration. The deal is said to be completed by September 30.

Ki Mobility’s MyTVS network expansion is to generate 10,000 jobs across India in two years
Chennai: Ki Mobility Solutions Pvt Ltd, an integrated aftermarket player running India’s largest independent multi-brand car service under the ‘myTVS’ brand and also involved in distributing automotive spare parts and accessories, has announced a major expansion plan aimed at more than doubling its network and raising funds. Its proposed network expansion is expected to generate about 10,000 jobs across India over the next two years.

L&T Technology Q1 results: Revenue rises about 7% to ₹ 2,462 crore
Bengaluru:Indian engineering research and development services provider L&T Technology Services retained its full-year revenue growth forecast of 8%-10% but missed quarterly revenue expectations on Thursday due to prolonged weakness in its key U.S. market.

Ceat Q1 Results: Net profit rises 7% YoY to Rs 154 crore; revenue increases to Rs 3,193 crore
CEAT Q1 net profit drops 6% to Rs 149 cr 
The Financial Express

Honda Elevate exports nearly double of India sales in Q1 FY25
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Honda Elevate has been on sale in India since September 2023, and while sales were good initially – average of over 4,500 units in the first five months – demand has now reduced. In the last five months, the February to June 2024 period, Honda Elevate sales averaged about 2,380 units. However, the Elevate's exports to Japan, where it's sold as the WR-V, have been increasing steadily.

Citroen Basalt to debut in early August in production spec
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Citroen Basalt is all set to be unveiled in its production-ready avatar early next month. The manufacturing of the SUV-coupe commenced in June, while the launch is expected sometime after its global debut.

Suzuki Avenis gets four new colours, price unchanged
Source Credit: Autocar India

Suzuki has launched four new colours for its Avenis 125 scooter at no additional cost. The scooters are priced at the same Rs 92,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), but the scooter is identical to the earlier version.

Suzuki Access 125, Burgman Street get new colours
Source Credit: Autocar India

Suzuki has introduced a new paint scheme for both the Access 125 and the Burgman Street, without changing their prices. The Access 125 and Burgman Street cost Rs 90,500 and Rs 98,299, respectively. Also, both scooters remain identical to their previous versions.

Nissan X-Trail to launch on August 1
Source Credit: Autocar India

Nissan just unveiled the fourth-gen X-Trail SUV in India yesterday, and we can now confirm that it will be launched on August 1. The X-Trail is being brought to India as a CBU, so it will have a premium positioning like the Skoda Kodiaq and Jeep Meridian. Crucially, the X-Trail will help keep Nissan's cash registers ringing until its mainstream SUVs arrive from 2025 onwards.

Bajaj Freedom CNG bike deliveries begin, bookings open pan-India
Source Credit: Autocar India

Just weeks after its launch, deliveries of the novel Bajaj Freedom 125 bike have started, with the first unit delivered to a customer in Pune.

Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback long term review, 13,800km report
Source Credit: Autocar India

Just as I got my hands on Autocar India’s long-term Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron for a fortnight, our housing society WhatsApp group buzzed with a message of interest: “Tata Power has set up eight EV chargers in our complex.” The inauguration, complete with a puja and the ceremonial breaking of a coconut, concluded with our Q8 e-tron being plugged in for a ‘muhurat’ charge! The setting up of the EV chargers was a big deal, as I learnt. Resistance from the society administration and unclear rules had made it difficult for new EV owners to get a charger installed at their parking lots, forcing many to rely on chargers already installed by the earliest adopters. As for me, the EV charger at the office (very kindly installed by Audi) is my go-to charging solution, but having such points right at my doorstep is a huge, huge plus.

Toyota Taisor Turbo vs Hyundai Venue N Line comparison
Source Credit: Autocar India

In a populated space like the compact crossover segment, buyers looking for a standout offering that’s stylish and engaging to drive are likely to consider the Hyundai Venue N Line. For them, now there’s an all-new offering from the house of Toyota in the shape of the Maruti Fronx-based Urban Cruiser Taisor.

Mahindra Thar 5-door: Your questions answered
Business Standard

The Mahindra Thar 5-door is among 2024’s most highly anticipated new launches. It’s been under development for over two years now and is finally set to be unveiled in production spec next month. Despite its niche, the regular Thar has been a huge success story for Mahindra, and its 5-door version will only diversify that appeal with more practicality while still retaining its off-roading DNA. Here, we answer some of the most popular queries you may have about the upcoming Thar 5-door.

Volvo Cars blames EU tariffs as it cuts 2024 sales forecast
Volvo Cars cut its full-year retail sales forecast on Thursday, blaming European tariffs on EVs made in China that will hit one of the Swedish automaker's key electric models until it shifts production to Belgium.

Elon Musk's Tesla to hire 800 people after mass firings
Tesla Inc. is looking to hire nearly 800 new employees, three months after Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk hastily ordered the largest round of layoffs in the company’s history.

Truckmaker Volvo beats profit expectations but says demand is normalising
Swedish truckmaker AB Volvo posted a bigger than expected rise in second-quarter operating profit on Thursday, but said demand is easing from last year's high levels.

Steel Dynamics quarterly profit nearly halves on weak steel pricing
Steel Dynamics on Wednesday reported a drop of 47% in second-quarter profit, amid declining domestic steel prices.

Daimler Truck shares fall after guidance warning
Shares in Germany's Daimler Truck fell as much as 4.2% on Wednesday after the company reported lower than expected margins on trunks sold in Europe and said that its guidance for the year was now "under review".

EU new car sales rise 4.3% in June, industry body says ACEA
New car sales in the European Union rose 4.3% in June to their highest since July 2019, driven by an uptick in major markets Italy, Germany, and Spain, while registrations of battery electric cars fell marginally, data from Europe's auto industry body showed on Thursday.

Renault first-half sales rise on strong demand for hybrids in Europe
French automaker Renault said on Thursday its first-half sales volume rose 1.9% from the year-ago period on strong performance for its hybrids in Europe, its key region.

China's June diesel exports up almost three-fold from a year earlier
China's diesel exports in June rose almost three-fold compared to a year ago, data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Thursday, as domestic demand remained in the doldrums.

Mercedes-Benz unit partners with Starbucks for fast-charging stations in US
A Mercedes-Benz unit said on Wednesday it had partnered with Starbucks to deploy its fast-charging stations at more than 100 locations across the United States.

Why Elon Musk's Tesla is facing crisis in US EV market? Will Joe Biden administration's tariff put brakes on EVs?
Expanding EV infrastructure

Volvo's Q2 EBIT beats estimates, but cuts full-year forecast citing tariffs
Volvo Cars beat second-quarter operating earnings estimates on Thursday but lowered its full-year retail sales forecast citing the impact of European tariffs on Chinese-made EVs that could affect one of its key electric models.