Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors reduce wholesale deliveries amid low consumer demand
Top car companies including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors have cut wholesale deliveries to dealerships due to subdued consumer demand compared to last year, leading to inventory accumulation, reported TOI. This reduction comes as the industry gears up for the festive season, starting with Ganesh Chaturthi. Meanwhile, companies like Kia and Toyota are increasing their dealer inventory.

Thiruvananthapuram set to become global R&D hub of major automotive companies
Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital city, is fast becoming a R&D hub of major global automotive players, thanks to the ecosystem offered by Technopark, India’s first IT Park. Announcing that the place will host a global automotive conclave in November, the State Industries Minister P.Rajeeve alluded to making Thiruvananthapuram a global automotive technology hub. He was inaugurating the global headquarters and R&D centre of Acsia Technologies in Technopark.

Sales of electric vehicles in August decline 13% to 156,199 units
The sales, however, declined by nearly 13 per cent in August compared to July this year, primarily due to a high base effect and potential buyers delaying purchases in anticipation of festive season offers and clarity on government incentives.

Odisha State Transport Authority receives FICCI Road Safety Award for SuVahak Scheme
The Odisha State Transport Authority has received the FICCI Road Safety Award 2024 for its innovative SuVahak scheme, aimed at enhancing the skills of Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) drivers. The award was presented by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Joint Commissioner for Transport (Road Safety), during a ceremony held on August 29, 2024. This initiative has been pivotal in reducing road accidents and improving driver competence in Odisha.

Maharashtra govt hikes VIP number fees; pay INR 6 lakh for '0001' in Mumbai and high-demand areas
The Maharashtra government has hiked fees for "choice numbers," commonly known as VIP numbers, for new vehicles, which will translate into revised INR 6 lakh charge for the most sought-after '0001' number for four-wheelers in high-demand areas like Mumbai, Pune, and other cities. Interestingly, the new fees mean that an out-of-series VIP number will cost up to INR 18 lakh in major cities including Mumbai and Pune, which incidentally is the cost of new cars in the mid-segment.

Strong sales growth for Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motor Company: A positive sign for the Indian automotive industry
The Indian automotive market is on a roll, with Mahindra & Mahindra and TVS Motor Company leading the charge. Mahindra's total sales increased by 9 per cent, while TVS saw a 13 per cent growth. Both companies saw significant increases in passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and electric vehicles.

BigEndian Semiconductors raises $3 mn in funding led by Vertex Ventures
The funds will be used to expand the company’s engineering team, enhance research and development capabilities, and scale operations to meet the growing demand for advanced surveillance technology both in India and globally.

Gadkari asks state FM's to consider reducing GST on flex-fuel vehicles to 12 %
New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said state finance ministers should consider reducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) on flex-fuel vehicles to 12 % in the GST Council meeting. Addressing IFGE's India Bio-Energy & Tech Expo, Gadkari also said there is a need to reduce imports of fossil fuels and encourage the use of biofuel.

Mahindra Auto sales up 9 pc in August at 76,755 units
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. reported a total of 76,755 vehicle sales in August 2024, including exports. The company observed a good growth in both the commercial vehicle and utility vehicle sales.

Kaynes gets govt nod for Rs 3,300 crore chip plant in Gujarat
Kaynes Semicon, a wholly-owned subsidiary of electronics manufacturing services (EMS) Kaynes Technology, on Monday received the Union Cabinet’s nod for its Rs 3,307 crore outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) unit in Sanand, Gujarat.

Cabinet approves Rs 33,00-crore project to make 63 lakh chips a day
he Union Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday approved a proposal of Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to set up a major semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, which will help meet India’s growing demand for chips required by many industries.

Car makers play with SUV-coupe blends: Tata Motors, Citroën India tap into new sub-segment
Auto giants are blending an SUV with the body style of a coupe as they bet on the new models to fan the demand for SUVs in the country.

Why it makes strategic sense to incentivise domestic chip research

According to a study by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), slated to be released soon, the market for semiconductor chips in India will change dramatically by 2032, with 60 per cent of demand, in value terms, expected to come from chips of less than 10 nanometre (nm). The demand would come from data centres, mobile phones, and computing hardware. All of these will require more memory, which will need cutting-edge, state-of-the-art chips in the 3-4 nm range. The plants coming up in India will manufacture chips in the 28-48 nm category, serving the automobile industry (especially electric vehicles) and consumer electronics. The prognosis, then, is that India will have to rely on import to service two-thirds of domestic demand in the immediate future. Some of this emerging demand could be met by ATMP and OSAT plants but the demand-shift up the value chain implies that domestic manufacturers will have to export to build profitable businesses for their legacy products. This is not necessarily a threatening proposition since the export market for legacy chips is likely to grow at a decent clip. The question is whether the heavy capital that semiconductor manufacturing plants absorb, plus meeting demanding factory standards that are difficult to meet in India — ultra-high sanitation, for instance, and a large continuous water supply — are warranted when they are focused on, essentially, yesterday’s market.

Tata Motors launches Curvv ICE at INR 9.99 Lakh
Tata Motors has officially launched the much-anticipated Curvv with internal combustion engine (ICE) variants in the Indian market. Priced starting at INR 9.99 lakh, the Curvv ICE offers both petrol and diesel options, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of consumers.

Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo revealed ahead of launch, bookings open today
Skoda has revealed the range-topping Monte Carlo edition of Slavia. Bookings for the former commences today ( 2 September 2024) from 5 pm onwards. The Czech carmaker has been teasing the same on social media without unveiling the name or form of the sedan for the past couple of days.

Skoda unveils new Superb Sportline: Highlights inside!
Skoda has introduced the latest addition to the sportline series- the Superb Sportline. The car possesses an athletic design and is available as a hatch or combi estate, with all powertrain options. Built on 18-inch anthracite wheels, its gloss back exterior combined with redesigned Sportline badges on the front wings add to its dynamic appeal. The vehicle is also equipped with progressive steering and LED rear lights with animated indicators.

Nissan records highest FY25 monthly sales with 10,624 units in August
Nissan Motor India has achieved a significant milestone with the Nissan Magnite, crossing 1.5 lakh cumulative sales as of August 2024 since its launch in December 2020. The company also set new records with the highest monthly wholesale of 10,624 units in the FY25 and the highest monthly export volume in five years with 8,361 units in August 2024.

Mahindra rolls out ₹1.5 lakh discount on Thar after Thar Roxx launch
New Delhi: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has introduced a significant discount of up to ₹1.5 lakh on its popular three-door Thar SUV model, just weeks after the launch of its larger sibling, the five-door Thar Roxx.

Hyundai introduces new Alcazar with superior safety and innovative technology
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) will launch its new SUV, the bold new Hyundai Alcazar , on September 9, 2024. This vehicle promises unmatched performance, advanced safety features, and innovative technology, aiming to redefine customer experiences. Equipped with powerful engines, including a 1.5-liter Turbo GDi Petrol and a 1.5-liter U2 CRDi Diesel, the Alcazar will also feature Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 ADAS with 19 attributes and 70+ safety features.

Tata Curvv price announced: Here's all about variant prices, booking dates, features, specs
Tata Curvv petrol and diesel launched at Rs 9.99 lakh
The Financial Express

Maruti Suzuki cuts prices of Alto K10, S-Presso variants
Maruti Suzuki cuts prices of selected models of Alto K10, S-Presso

Maruti Suzuki Arena celebrates 82 lakh customers on its 7th anniversary
Arena's network

Maruti to drive deep into small towns via Arena Satellite showrooms
 

Skoda to launch EV, sub-4m SUV next yr

New Delhi:  Skoda Auto India wilI enter the sub-4 metre SUV space in early 2025, and will also launch an electric car shortly afterwards, Petr Janeba, brand director, told FE. 
 

Mercedes-Benz India appoints Dr Shyam Sunder as Head of External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship
India’s luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, has announced a significant change in its External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship function. Effective from August 26, 2024, Dr Shyam Sunder will take on the role of Head of External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship.

ICRA revises CV industry outlook; projects 0-3% growth in FY25 amid demand recovery and market dynamics
Kinjal Shah, Senior Vice President & Co-Group Head – Corporate Ratings, ICRA, explained the factors influencing the CV market dynamics. "A range of factors such as the slowdown in infrastructure activities during the General Elections, as well as extreme heatwaves across the country, had some bearing on demand in Q1 FY25. However, volumes in this period exceeded ICRA’s expectations. Looking ahead, ICRA expects a recovery in volumes in H2 FY25 aided by a back-ended Government capex, some pick-up in private capex across manufacturing sectors, and an improvement in rural demand, following visibility around the Kharif crop output and farm cash flows. The replacement demand would also remain healthy (primarily due to the ageing fleet) and is expected to support the industry volumes in the medium term.”

Acerbis Ramsey vented jacket review — The everyday motorcycle jacket?
Two-wheeler riders are slowly beginning to understand the term “All the gear, all the time”, and how important it is. Speeding SUVs knocking down bikers on Indian roads, speeding supercars mowing down people, and the list goes on and on. Many riders prefer to be in full gear on the highway, but when it comes to everyday commutes, they leave the gear behind, and most do it for one reason — weight.

Upcoming Skoda Kodiaq facelift engine specifications revealed!
The new Skoda Kodiaq facelift has been spotted testing in India again, and there is no doubt that the carmaker is planning to launch the updated version soon. That said, the spied Kodiaq has also revealed its engine specifications ahead of its official launch in India.

Tata Curvv ICE Launches Today: Check the Expected Price, Features and More
Tata Motors is set to make its debut in the mid-size SUV segment with the introduction of the Curvv ICE on September 2. This Coupe SUV is built on the brand-new ATLAS platform, similar to its electric counterpart. The Curvv will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.

New Hyundai Alcazar details: ADAS, Engine Specs
South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor is set to launch a new SUV, Alcazar, featuring a gamut of advanced safety features and is said to make a mark on 9th September 2024. 

100% of our chip capacity is tied up with global firms: Kaynes SemiCon CEO

How prepared are you to set up your OSAT plant — the fifth in India that was cleared by the Cabinet on Monday?

Fuel alternatives, charging infra weigh on India’s EV adoption
 

VST Tillers & Tractors plans a global tech centre in Hosur at an outlay of ₹100 crore
Chennai: VST Tillers & Tractors, a leading manufacturer of farm equipment and tractors, is set to enhance its R&D (research and development) capabilities by establishing a global tech centre in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

Royal Enfield launches new Classic 350 at a starting price of INR 1.99 lakh
The Royal Enfield Classic 350, known for its elegance, charm, and character since its 2008 launch, is unveiled in a new version for 2024. The updated Classic 350 features new upgrades and color variants and will be available in India starting at INR 1,99,500. Bookings and test rides start on September 1, 2024. The motorcycle maintains its classic design while incorporating modern features, aimed to keep it accessible and customisable.

Upcoming two-wheelers in September
September is set to launch a host of new two-wheeler launches as manufacturers gear up to capitalize on the festive season. This month will bring a variety of motorcycles, scooters, and the first-of-its-kind ethanol motorcycle. Below are the key launches to look out for.

Two-wheeler companies keep growth momentum in August, except Royal Enfield
New Delhi: Two-wheeler wholesales (dispatches to dealers) in the domestic market showed growth momentum in August for most of the companies including Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Company and Suzuki Motorcycle India.

Hero MotoCorp sold 5.12 lakh units of motorcycles and scooters in August this year
New Delhi: Hero MotoCorp, a manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, sold 512,360 units of motorcycles and scooters in August 2024, the company informed the exchange in a filing. According to the company's statement, the domestic sales of the company for the month stood at 492,263 units. The company also mentioned that the month's sales were marginally impacted by supply shortages, which are expected to be compensated for in September.

New Jawa 42 teaser ahead of launch
Jawa is flooding social media with the new Jaw 42 teasers ahead of its official launch on September 3. The latest teaser reveals the side silhouette and the rear design of the motorcycle. Here are the latest details of the new Jawa 42.

Bajaj Chetak Blue 3202 variant launched at Rs 1.15 lakh
Bajaj Auto has launched a new variant of the Chetak electric scooter in the market. Called the Chetak Blue 3202, this new trim is priced at Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom) and undercuts the Blue 3201 Special Edition by almost Rs 14,000. The scooter will be available for purchase on Flipkart in the coming weeks.

Bajaj Freedom CNG delivers start in Delhi
Bajaj Auto has initiated the deliveries of the Freedom 125 in Delhi, with the first batch comprising ten motorcycles delivered to customers. Bajaj claims that the Freedom 125 is the world’s inaugural CNG motorcycle. The company initially introduced this CNG motorcycle in Maharashtra and Gujarat in July. Presently, the Freedom 125 is available in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Two-wheeler sales grow 10% in Aug

Dispatches of two-Wheelers during August grew on expected lines with six companies collectively reporting a near 10% year on year (y-o-y) growth. The industry saw sales of 1.63 million units during the reporting month from these players who control more than 90% of the domestic market.

‘Have tech to make vehicles with other fuels’
 

Yulu launches shared EV mobility service in Noida
Yulu launched its shared mobility service in Noida on September 2, 2024. This marks the company’s 11th city in its nationwide network and aims to support technology-led, sustainable, and affordable hyperlocal deliveries. The expansion is a part of Yulu’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the Delhi-NCR region and align with Uttar Pradesh’s EV Manufacturing and Mobility Policy.

Ola Electric's market share drops to 31 % in August, share extends losses
Bhavish Aggarwal-run Ola Electric clocked its lowest monthly sales this year, dropping 34 % sequentially to 27,506 units in August, as its market share nosedived further to 31 percent. As per vehicle registration data available on the central government's Vahan portal, Ola Electric had a market share of 31 % in India's electric two-wheeler (2W) market in August as its closest rivals TVS and Bajaj Auto logged 20 % and 19 % market share, respectively.

Ramkrishna Forgings to set up aluminium forging facility in Jamshedpur
Ramkrishna Forgings has received approval from its board of directors for an investment of INR 57.5 crore to set up an aluminium forging facility in Jamshedpur. This facility will primarily cater to the EV market, with an installed capacity of 3,000 MT per annum, and is expected to be operational by Q2 FY26. The new project aims to generate an additional revenue of INR 175 crore per annum at optimum capacity.

Indian Battery Manufacturers Association appoints Preeti Bajaj as its new president
The Indian Battery Manufacturers Association (IBMA) in its 3rd AGM appoints Preeti Bajaj, CEO and MD of Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd., as its new President. Bajaj, who previously served as Vice President, succeeds Arun Mittal of Exide Industries Ltd. Rajesh Jindal, President & Chief Marketing Officer of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd., was elected the new Vice President.

Supratik Roy joins Marelli UM Electronics Systems as Chief Operations Officer and Senior Director
Supratik Roy has joined Marelli UM Electronics Systems as Chief Operations Officer and Senior Director, effective September 2, 2024. The global leader in automotive electronics aims to advance vehicle performance and safety through innovative solutions in electronics, software, lighting, and sustainable products for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Zurich Kotak General Insurance explains the importance of timely car insurance renewals
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 2: Zurich Kotak General Insurance, an insurer in India explains the importance of timely car insurance renewals. It is easy to overlook important tasks in today's world we live in. However, timely renewal is not something that should be pushed to the bottom of your to-do list when it comes to car insurance. Timely car insurance renewal is very important for maintaining continuous coverage, protecting policyholder's financial investment and adhering to the legal requirements as per Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

Shriram Finance plans $300 million overseas borrowing by October-end: MD & CEO Y.S. Chakravarti
Shriram Finance, the country’s largest retail asset finance company, plans to raise $300 million in dollar denominated borrowing by October-end to fund business growth, Y.S. Chakravarti, Managing Director & CEO, said. This will be part of the $1.25-1.5 billion dollar denominated borrowing that the non-banking finance company (NBFC) plans to raise this fiscal, Chakravarti told businessline here. “There is lot of interest in Indian debt among foreign investors now. We have already raised $350 million this fiscal. Another $300 million will be raised by October-end. It will be a mix of debt and bonds,” he added. 

Tata Curvv vs rivals: Specifications comparison
The Curvv is Tata’s latest product in India, available with ICE and EV guises. In its ICE avatar, the newly-launched coupe-SUV rivals the Citroen Basalt, while also facing competition from mid-size SUVs such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, among others. Here’s a detailed spec comparison of the Curvv with all its competitors in India.

Tata Curvv: Your questions answered
Tata Motors has launched the Curvv in India in petrol, diesel and electric versions. The coupe-SUV is Tata’s answer to traditional SUVs in the midsize segment like the Creta, Elevate and Grand Vitara. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Tata Curvv.

Tata Curvv launched at Rs 10 lakh
Tata Motors has launched the Curvv ICE with introductory prices starting from Rs 10 lakh, going up to Rs 17.7 lakh. The company says that despite its body style making it a niche offering, the Curvv’s pricing, powertrain choices and multiple variants will ensure it takes on all competitors in the midsize SUV segment. 

Skoda Kushaq Sportline launched at Rs 14.70 lakh
Skoda has launched a new Sportline trim of the Kushaq, which brings a blacked-out treatment to the midsize SUV. Priced between Rs 14.70 lakh and Rs 17.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Kushaq Sportline gets cosmetic exterior and interior updates and is offered with both the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engine options. The new Sportline trim sits above the mid-spec Signature trim and costs Rs 51,000 more than the latter. 

Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo launched at Rs 15.79 lakh
Skoda has introduced the Monte Carlo specification for its Slavia sedan for the first time, with prices starting at Rs 15.79 lakh. The Czech brand had previously added the Monte Carlo trim to its Rapid sedan and the Kushaq midsize SUV. Skoda has also expanded the Slavia range by introducing the Sportline trim. The brand has announced that the first 5,000 bookings made for the Monte Carlo and Sportline can avail benefits worth Rs 30,000, though this offer is only valid until September 6.  

Maruti Alto K10 prices reduced amid sales slump
Maruti Suzuki has slashed prices for the Alto K10 and the S-Presso. The Rs 2,000 price cut applies to the entire S-Presso line-up, while the top-spec VXI variant of the Alto K10 has seen a reduction of Rs 6,500 (ex-showroom).

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST review: Freight Train
Harley’s CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) division routinely cooks up some pretty epic versions of already special bikes. But this one is different because where CVO bikes are usually all about luxury, the additional ‘ST’ suffix should tell you that this motorcycle is a step above being ‘just special’. Say hello to the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST, the most expensive Harley you can buy off the showroom floor today. 

New-gen Audi Q5 revealed
Audi has revealed the third-gen Q5 with a brand-new platform, a new design inside-out as well as a bigger equipment list. The new Q5 is the first car to be based on Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) that's now available with mild-hybrid tech.

Tata Curvv price, variants, features explained
 

Volkswagen warns of German plant closures, end to job security scheme
Volkswagen said on Monday it can no longer rule out plant closures in Germany as it pursues ways to save several billion euros in a cost-cutting drive at its namesake brand.

Tesla's China-made EV sales in August up by 3%
Sales of U.S. automaker Tesla's China-made electric vehicles grew 3% in August from a year earlier, data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed on Monday.

France's car sales shrink as political turmoil weighs
France's new car registrations entered a decline last month, as concerns over the economy weigh on consumer appetite.