India's critical minerals: EV boom ahead, but policy gaps persist
The Centre has also extended the concessional Customs duty of 5 per cent on Li-ion (lithium-ion) cells until March 2026 and launched the Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) for domestic production and recycling of critical minerals.

Deadline to avail Centre's EV promotion scheme ends July 31
New Delhi: The government on Tuesday said the last date of its Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024, which aims to provide further impetus to the green mobility and development of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem in the country, is July 31.

Strong incentives on EVs is extremely important: BMW Group Regional Head
New Delhi: German luxury carmaker BMW Group on Wednesday said that electric vehicle (EV) sales are growing better in India, but if the government announces some more subsidies/ incentives, the industry can increase the sales.

Odisha govt asks transport officers to seize vehicles without fitness
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed the transport authorities to seize vehicles, which are plying on roads without valid fitness certificates, and file cases.

After duty cut on minerals, EV industry now bats for lower GST
Source Credit: Vijay C Roy, The Tribune

Hindustan Zinc launches Asia's first low-carbon zinc brand, EcoZen

Manufactured using renewable energy, the carbon footprint of EcoZen is about 75 per cent lower than the global average. 

Toyota Taisor launched as Starlet Cross in South Africa, here’s what it gets
Made-in-India Toyota Taisor has been launched in South Africa as Starlet Cross with several identical features but with different colour options. The Starlet Cross, like the Taisor, has the up front Innova Hycross-like grille with a chrome strip and has LED highlights placed in a housing below. It has a neatly styled 5 spoke alloys on wheels and sloping roofline giving it overall a nice look. 

Nissan-Renault firms up plans to launch half a dozen SUVs in India
Japanese auto major Nissan - which along with alliance partner Renault recently announced fresh investments of INR 5300 crore in India - has firmed up plans to introduce nearly half a dozen SUVs in the country to treble volumes over the next two years.

Hyundai ties up with Charge Zone for high-speed EV chargers
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Charge Zone to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) roadmap in India.

Tata Curvv EV battery details leaked ahead of launch
Tata Motors unveiled the production-spec Curvv last week ahead of its official launch on August 7. As we already know, Tata will launch both ICE and EV versions of the Curvv in the market, most likely the battery-powered version will make it to the showrooms first. Ahead of its market launch, details of the powertrain have been leaked online.

Nissan to bring five new cars by 2026-end, including sub-₹10-lakh EV
New Delhi: Japanese auto major Nissan Motor has said that it will be launching five products by the end of CY26, including compact sports utility vehicle (C-SUV) and electric vehicles (EV) including an EV that could be priced sub ₹10 lakh, in India. The first product that it is bringing in India will be the new X-Trail SUV, which will be launched next month in a completely built unit (CBU) form, and going forward, it will be bringing in more CBUs into India, said Frank Torres, Divisional Vice-President - AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, Oceania) Region Business Transformation and President, Nissan India Operations.

All-electric EV6 now available under Kia Lease program
Kia has introduced its lease program for its flagship product, EV6. The carmaker says that the move came after the success the company has received for its lease program in just 2 months of its launch. The special lease rental for EV6 stands at Rs 1.29 lakh per month and includes insurance, maintenance, pick-up and drop, scheduled/unscheduled services, and 24X7 RSA.

India should keep its focus on EVs with regard to incentives: BMW Group
The German automobile company sells 24 models in India one plug-in hybrid car, six EVs, and 17 internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

BMW launches 5 Series luxury sedan, two new Mini Coopers, and its first scooter for Indian markets. Check features and prices
The BMW Group has unveiled four new vehicles for 2024, which include two Mini Cooper models, a luxury sedan, and an electric scooter, with the launch event held on Wednesday. These introductions include the new 8th generation BMW 5 Series luxury sedan, which has previously been showcased in India. This series now features a long-wheelbase version configured for right-hand driving, a first for India, with a price tag of INR 72.90 lakh.

Porsche India retail sales grow 40% in January-June period
Porsche India on Wednesday said its retail sales increased 40% year-on-year to 489 units in the January-June period. The company saw robust sales of Cayenne and Macan models during the period under review, the luxury sports carmaker said in a statement.

BMW India launches 5 Series Long Wheelbase at INR 72.9 Lakh
New Delhi: BMW India has launched the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase, available exclusively as a petrol variant, with bookings open at BMW dealerships and online. Deliveries for the vehicle are set to start in September 2024. The introductory ex-showroom price for the BMW 530Li M Sport variant is INR 72,90,000.

BMW sells over 2,000 EVs in 2 yrs

New Delhi: BMW Group India has sold over 2,000 electric cars in two-and-a-half years,Vikram Pawah, President & CEO, told FE."BMW Group India entered the electric mobility space in December 2021 by launching the iX with a 425 km range priced Rs. 1.16 core, followed by the January 2022 launch of the MINI Electric (Rs. 48 lakh) with a 200 km range,"he said. "Today, we have six electric models under the BMW brand and two under the MINI sub-brand, and sales have crossed 2,000 units. We are by far the leader in the luxury electric car segment!" Of these 2,000, more than 1,000 are the DC - its first electric model -and about 500 are the i7 (the super luxury electric car). "This implies a lot of people at the top-of-the-pyramid are experimenting with electric mobility,"he said.

Mahindra Thar Roxx features — What to expect?
The excitement for many enthusiasts nears as Mahindra officially announced that the Thar 5-door will be called the Roxx. The Mahindra Thar Roxx will be launched on August 15, and the little teaser video, combined with a plethora of spy shots has given us enough details to highlight some important features of the SUV.

Skoda Kushaq and Slavia are E20 compliant by ARAI
The Automotive Research Association of India, commonly referred to as ARAI, has certified Skoda’s 1-litre TSI petrol engine as E20 compliant. Skoda stands among the first car manufacturers in India to achieve this certification. Additionally, Skoda has announced that its robust 1.5-litre TSI engine is currently under testing and is expected to meet E20 compliance by the fourth quarter of 2024.

Want efficient chip layout? AI algorithms can facilitate innovative design approaches
India’s semiconductor landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation bolstered by the immense potential of GenAI. In particular, GenAI is set to influence the entire value chain of the semiconductor industry, from growth in chip demand to operations, process, and task automation. All this is strengthening India’s emerging tech industry and highly-skilled workforce, positioning the country as a critical player in the global semiconductor space. The adoption of GenAI promises substantial benefits for semiconductor companies:

Electric vs Hybrid Cars: Know which offers greater practicality and its pros and cons
Source Credit: The Times of India

Electric and hybrid cars are revolutionising the automotive industry by offering greener alternatives to traditional gasoline vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) run solely on electricity, producing zero emissions and promoting a cleaner environment. They benefit from advancements in battery technology, offering longer ranges and faster charging times.Conversely, hybrid cars combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, providing a balance between fuel efficiency and extended driving range.

This combination allows hybrids to reduce emissions and fuel consumption while avoiding the range anxiety associated with fully electric cars. Both options cater to different needs and environmental goals, making them key players in the shift towards sustainable transportation.

Deciding whether to purchase an electric car or a hybrid car can be tricky, as each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s examine their respective benefits and drawbacks to determine which option is more practical.

Pros and cons of Electric cars 

A road map for inclusive growth : Pawan Munjal, Executive chairman, Hero MotoCorp

This Budget reinforces India's ambitious journey towards becoming Viksit Bharat—a developed nation. In this Amrit Kaal, India stands on a strong and robust economic growth trajectory, with a projected GDP growth of -6.5-7% for the current fiscal year. Despite global economic adversities, India has successfully shielded itself from adverse impacts. Budget 2024 is meticulously designed to address key areas crucial for propelling India to the next echelon of growth. 

Delhi High Court quashes summons to Hero Motocorp chairman in foreign currency case
The Delhi High Court has quashed a summons issued to Hero Motocorp chairman Pawan Kant Munjal in a case related to foreign currency registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The summons, issued by a trial court on July 1, 2023, was for alleged offences under the Customs Act. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri passed the order, allowing Munjal's plea to set aside the trial court's order.

BMW CE 04 EV scooter: 5 things to know
BMW Motorrad launched India’s most expensive electric two-wheeler, the CE 04, at Rs 14.90 lakh, ex-showroom. This premium EV scooter is a completely built-up unit (CBU) and will be available in selective cities. The bookings for the CE 04 are open and the deliveries will begin in September. Here are five things about BMW’s first electric scooter for the Indian market.

BMW CE 04, India’s most expensive electric scooter, launched at ₹14.90 lakhs: Features, range and more
BMW Motorrad has unveiled its top-tier electric scooter, the CE 04, in India, marking its entry into the premium segment of electric two-wheelers in the country. The CE 04 is available at a price of ₹14.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be sold as a fully built unit. 

Steel Strips Wheels Q1 Results Live : profit falls by 13.93% YOY
 

ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Q1 Results Live : profit falls by 0.3% YOY
ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Q1 Results Live : ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India declared their Q1 results on 22 Jul, 2024. The topline decreased by 2.18% & the profit decreased by 0.3% YoY. As compared to the previous quarter the revenue declined by 1.34% and the profit decreased by 0.76%.

Tech Mahindra Q1 Results 2024: Date, Time, Where to Watch?
Tech Mahindra Ltd. Q1 Results: The Q1 FY25 results of Tech Mahindra will be announced on Friday, July 25, 2024. The exact time of Tech Mahindra Q1 FY25 results is not known yet. Usually, the results are out after market closes, which is after 3 30 PM.

NXP slides as weak forecast stokes demand worries among auto chipmakers
Shares of NXP Semiconductors fell 9% on Tuesday and dragged other automotive semiconductor companies lower, as its disappointing quarterly revenue forecast sparked concerns of a delay in demand recovery.

KPIT Tech Q1 Results: Net profit jumps 52% YoY to Rs 204.2 crore; co ups revenue growth guidance for FY25
KPIT Technologies, an auto industry-focused firm, reported a substantial 52% increase in its net profit for the March 2024 quarter, reaching INR 204.2 crore. This growth was driven by higher revenue and improved profit margins. In comparison, the company had recorded a net profit of INR 134 crore in the same period last year.

Oil prices hover near lowest in six weeks
Oil prices traded around their lowest level in six weeks on Wednesday, as the northern hemisphere gets deeper into summer with limited signs of the expected fuel consumption surge the period usually sees.

Oil extends losses on ceasefire talks, demand concerns
Oil prices fell for a third consecutive session on Tuesday, as growing expectations of a ceasefire in Gaza and demand concerns offset potential September interest-rate cuts and supply threats from Canadian wildfires.

Bajaj Finance loan loss provisions jump, NBFC to focus on collection efficiency
Mumbai: Bajaj Finance’s loan loss provisions surged in the first quarter (April-June) of this financial year, driven largely by muted collections and higher provisioning requirements for ageing delinquencies.

Honda leads scooter market with Activa in Q1 FY2025
The scooter market's revival has spurred growth among the top six OEMs. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the market leader, nearly reached 8 lakh units in wholesales at 7,94,835 units, a 35 percent YoY increase. It despatched 2,05,435 more scooters compared to the first quarter of FY2024. HMSI's market share has risen to 48 percent from 45 percent last year, driven by strong demand for the Activa models (both 110cc and 125cc variants). Despite these gains, HMSI's Q1 performance falls short of the 1.11 million scooters sold in Q1 FY2019, when the industry total was 1.81 million scooters. 

Splendor, HF 100 help Hero retain top spot in Q1 FY2025
The bulk of the motorcycle demand, as always, was in the commuter segment. In Q1, a total of 15,03,398 such fuel-sipping motorcycles were sold, up 12 percent YoY. The second in terms of volume is the 110-125cc executive bike segment, with 9,13,793 units, up 19.62 percent, followed by the 150-200cc segment with 3,34,207 units, up 21 percent.

Tata Curvv diesel to get dual clutch automatic
Tata Curvv diesel DCT will be a 7-speed unit

Mini Countryman Electric launched at Rs 54.90 lakh
Countryman Electric gets a 66.45kWh battery with up to 462km range

New Mini Cooper S launched at Rs 44.90 lakh
Cooper S is powered by 204hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine

BMW 5 Series LWB launched at Rs 72.90 lakh
5 Series LWB starts about Rs 3 lakh lower than E-Class

Porsche India sales grew 40 percent in 2024 first half
Source Credit: Autocar India

Porsche India has announced today that it has experienced 40 percent growth in sales during the first half of 2024, compared to the same period last year. With 489 cars and SUVs sold, the German performance brand recorded its best-ever sales in the country.

306 Porsche Macan, Cayenne SUVs sold in H1 2024

Nissan X-Trail bookings to commence on July 26
Source Credit: Autocar India

Nissan has announced that bookings for the new X-Trail SUV will begin on July 26 with a token amount of Rs 1 lakh. The price will be revealed on August 1, following which the deliveries will commence. Given that the X-Trail is arriving in India as a full import, it is expected to be priced above Rs 40 lakh, ex-showroom.

BMW CE 04 electric scooter launched at Rs 14.90 lakh
Source Credit: Autocar India

BMW has launched the CE 04 at Rs 14.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it the most expensive scooter and electric two-wheeler in the country. Bookings for the CE 04 open today, with deliveries scheduled to start in September.

Tata Curvv: Your questions answered
What powertrains will be on offer with the Tata Curvv?

New BMW 5 Series LWB: Your questions answered
How much does the BMW 5 Series LWB cost?

Nissan X Trail: Your questions answered
Does the Nissan X-Trail get the e-Power hybrid tech in India?

Forvia and BYD to bring Asian partnership to Europe
The world's seventh largest car parts supplier Forvia will bring its partnership with Chinese battery specialist and car maker BYD to Europe, it said on Tuesday.

Tesla slides as bleak profit margins exposes need for affordable EVs
Tesla shares slid 8% in U.S. pre-market trades on Wednesday after the electric vehicle maker's profit margin fell to a five-year low, raising the urgency of making lower-priced vehicles to power sales rather than relying on price cuts.

LG Energy Solution in talks with Chinese firms to make low-cost EV batteries for Europe
South Korea's LG Energy Solution (LGES) is in talks with about three Chinese suppliers to produce low-cost electric vehicle batteries for Europe, a senior executive said, with competition set to intensify after the EU slapped extra tariffs on China-built EVs.

Porsche cuts sales outlook due to surprise alloy shortage
Porsche AG cut its sales and profitability outlook due to an unexpected aluminium alloy supply shortage, sending shares in the German sports car maker 5% lower on Tuesday.

Strong US sales boost GM results as it slows some EV plans
General Motors reported higher profits Tuesday behind another round of strong North American auto sales, with executives vowing a flexible approach to electric vehicle (EV) investment while demand growth ebbs.

Rivian to face trial in Tesla trade secrets theft case, says judge
Electric car maker Rivian Automotive will go on trial over allegations that it encouraged its employees who defected from Elon Musk's Tesla to steal trade secrets, according to a tentative ruling issued by a California judge.