‘This is a treasure hunt’ — Anand Mahindra announces Mahindra Rise Challenge for MBA students, winner to get Thar SUV
The Mahindra Group has announced the Mahindra Rise Challenge for MBA students.  Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra informed about the competition on X. 

"This is a treasure hunt.

FAME-III likely to see vehicles sporting government subsidy branding
The Centre is learnt to be drafting a plan under which any electric vehicle (EV) sold under its subsidy scheme will have a ministry logo and a certificate informing the customer about the ministry and the scheme.

Maxion Wheels launches Formare programme in India to empower underprivileged youth
Pune: Maxion Wheels, a global leader in manufacturing wheels for passenger cars, light trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles, celebrated the launch of its first Formare program in Asia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Formare Learning Center in Pune. India is the third country to adopt the Formare academic scholarship initiative, following its success in Brazil and Mexico.

FAME scheme must continue for at least 3-5 years: Assocham report
New Delhi: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme must continue for three to five years more to ensure electric vehicle (EV) market matures, and benefits for both EV and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), need to be continued. For EVs, benefits may be linked to battery size and road tax exemption for strong HEVs needs to be encouraged in parallel to EVs, a study by industry body Assocham and Nomura Research Institute (NRL) Consulting, a global think tank, said on Friday. A new production linked incentive (PLI) scheme should also be introduced to incentivise the charging infrastructure, upstream battery process with separate trance for small and medium enterprises, it said.

Allow natural growth of India's e-vehicle sector to avoid becoming 'EV colony' for China: GTRI
New Delhi : The government should allow the domestic electric vehicle sector to grow naturally without relying on incentives as it would avoid India becoming an 'EV colony' for China, think tank GTRI said on Friday. India faces unique challenges not faced by other countries in adopting EVs (electric vehicles) at large scale, it added.

Maharashtra govt approves Tower Semiconductor, Adani, Skoda, and Toyota investment in the state
Israel's Tower Semiconductor and Adani Group will invest 839.47 billion rupees (USD 10 billion) for a semiconductor project in India's western state of Maharashtra, its chief minister said in a post on X on Thursday.

IESA hails govt's move to ease visa application process for PLI-scheme businesses
Industry body India Energy Storage Alliance on Friday hailed the government's move to create a portal for smoother business visa applications for foreign experts engaged by Indian companies under production-linked incentive scheme and associated industries. Multiple-entry business visa (non-extendable) will be facilitated for six months to foreign subject matter specialists/engineers/ technical people being engaged by Indian companies under the PLI scheme or PLI-associated industries by the approval of the respective line ministry, a statement by India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) stated.

Reliance Infra weighs EV push, taps ex-BYD executive
India's Reliance Infrastructure is considering plans to manufacture electric cars and batteries, and has hired the former India head at China's BYD Co to advise on its plans, two sources briefed on the matter told Reuters.

How climate change has led to dip in automobile sales, inventory flooding
For three consecutive months now, automobile dealerships have been sending out alarms about swelling inventories, and are staring at a potential crisis.

WHO launches Road Safety Awareness Toolkit and Joint Fellowship Program to enhance media reporting on traffic safety
Road Safety Awareness Toolkit

Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility to form JV with Prince of Saudi Arabia
EV maker Wardwizard Innovations to form joint venture in Saudi Arabia
Business Standard

Investment worth $30 billion likely in semiconductor space in 4 years

Of this, 60 per cent has been cleared by the Union Cabinet. For a country that is getting into the game after 17 years of aborted attempts, that would constitute 5-6 per cent of the over $500 billion of fresh investment in the semiconductor space, both in new plants and expansion. SEMI, an industry association based in Calfornia, had projected this would be under construction beginning from 2021 to 2023.

Companies to roll out Rs 1.2 trillion EV, chip projects in Maharashtra
As Maharashtra heads for Assembly elections later this year, the government on Friday approved projects worth Rs 1.2 trillion that are set to create over 14,800 jobs in the state. These investments are coming from auto makers Skoda Volkswagen, and Toyota Kirloskar Motor. They are for the development of hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs). The other big investment was worth Rs 83,947 crore ($10 billion) announced by Adani Group and Israel’s Tower Semiconductor.

Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG launch on September 12: Expected price
Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the Swift CNG on September 12. The petrol variant of the Swift was introduced in May earlier this year. The Swift CNG aims to compete with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Tata Tiago, both equipped with a twin-cylinder CNG tank. Below is everything you need to know about the Swift CNG.

Kia India revises Seltos pricing ahead of festive season, hikes prices by up to ₹8,000
Kia India has made adjustments to the pricing of select trims for its popular Seltos compact SUV. Prices for the HTK, HTK Plus, HTX, HTX Plus, GTX, and X-Line variants have been increased by up to ₹8,000 (via HT Auto). 

Hyundai Motor adds two new variants under EXTER portfolio
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) today introduced two new variants, S+ (AMT) and S(O)+ (MT), for its popular entry SUV, the Hyundai Exter. Hyundai Exter S(O)+ (MT) and S+ (AMT) launched at INR 7,86,300 and INR 8,43,900 respectively.

Mercedes-Benz India launches its most luxurious EV EQS Maybach, price starts at Rs 2.5 crore
Mercedes-Benz India on Thursday added its most luxurious electric vehicle (EV) — the EQS Maybach 680 —priced upwards of ₹2.5 crore to its portfolio of EVs, which has seen a 5 per cent penetration in its overall sales.

Car review: Mini Countryman Electric: Nothing mini about this MINI
IN 1956, when the Egyptian block-de of the Suez Canal made petrol prices shoot up, the British Motor Corporation set out to design a car that was easy to maintain and affordable to run. Thus was born the MINI, which was more fuel efficient than any car of the time. With petrol at about Rs. 100/litre today, it's possibly time to consider the MINI Electric, and a Country-man at that, launched in July. I drove it on roads around Delhi. 

BMW 320Ld M Sport Pro launched in India: Top 5 things to know
BMW has launched a diesel variant of the 3 Series Gran Limousine M Sport Pro in India. Called the 320Ld M Sport Pro, this new variant of the 3 Series Gran Limousine is priced at Rs 65.00 lakh (ex-showroom). Here are the top highlights to know about the luxury saloon.

Car Review: Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo: Style, swag, and a sedan
Monte Carlo (in Monaco) is one of the most romantic cities in the world — famous for its casino, Formula 1 race, luxury and glamour, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and is a tax haven. It's got a Skoda connection, too — in 1912, the Czech carmaker began motorsports from here. A century later, in an attempt to check the falling sales of its Slavia sedan, Skoda Auto India has given the car the Monte Carlo treatment. 

Hyundai Exter new variants launched: Prices, Specs, & Features
Hyundai has expanded the Exter range by launching two new variants. Both the latest additions— S+ (AMT) and S(O)+ (MT) —get electric sunroof as a flagship feature and are priced at Rs 7.86 lakh, and Rs 8.44 lakh, respectively (both, ex-showroom).

Auto dissonance
 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Enfield Bullet 350: Which one?
Royal Enfield has recently refreshed the Classic 350 with new colour choices, models, and features. The past month has seen numerous retro motorcycle debuts, yet we focus on a possible contender from within Royal Enfield’s own range, the Bullet 350. Here, we compare the 2024 Classic 350 with the legendary Bullet 350.

Bajaj Auto launches engineering skills training centre in SASTRA varsity
Chennai: “Integrating skilling into mainstream education not only enriches the knowledge economy but also boosts manufacturing output,” said NS Kalsi, former Chairperson of the National Council for Vocational Education & Training. At the inauguration of the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre of Excellence at SASTRA Deemed University, he highlighted the critical role of skilled talent in enhancing India’s global manufacturing position.

BMW Motorrad teases CE 02 ahead of India launch in Sept
BMW Motorrad has teased the CE 02 ahead of its launch in India. On the social media post the caption says “arriving soon”, we expect BMW to launch the same sometime later this month. While BMW calls it a scooter, it is essentially a crossover between scooter and motorcycle, similar to a moped.

Auto parts-maker Kross raises Rs 150 cr from anchor investors ahead of IPO
EastSpring Investments, Mathews Asia Funds, LIC Mutual Fund (MF), ICICI Prudential MF, Axis MF, Kotak Mahindra MF, Motilal Oswal MF, Edelweiss MF and Max Life Insurance Company are among the anchor investors.

Valeo expands electrification footprint with new facility opening in Pune
Valeo, a global leader in mobility technology, has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art production facility for power electronics products in Pune, India, on September 6, 2024. The 7,000 sq. mt. facility aims to enhance Valeo's capabilities in electrification, meet the growing demand for their products, and contribute to the company's planned deeper localisation and long-term competitiveness in the Indian market.

India’s Bold Move Towards Net Zero: Honeywell’s Game-Changing Energy Innovations
India is on an ambitious path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, with the government and industry sectors aligning to meet this crucial target. At the forefront of this transition is Honeywell, contributing through cutting-edge technologies in energy storage, hydrogen, and biofuels. As one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters, India’s progress in decarbonizing its energy and industrial sectors will be critical in achieving global climate goals.

Govt offers dedicated gas capacity for up to 3 years to promote LNG-powered trucks
New Delhi: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has proposed a dedicated 0.5 MSCMD natural gas capacity for 3 years for liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) aiming to curb carbon emissions in the transport sector. The Ministry has proposed a scheme to create a road map for promoting LNG in long range HDVs—mainstay of mid-mile deliveries. “Scheme is aimed at converting about one-third of existing long haul heavy duty trucks and getting about one-third of the upcoming HDVs to use LNG as fuel so that vehicular pollution reduces by one-third from present. This could be achieved over a period of 5-7 years,” the Ministry said.

Driving the future with green routes: A strategic approach to sustainable mobility
The rapid urbanisation and migration of the working population to cities intensify the need for sustainable mass mobility solutions. According to NITI Aayog, road transportation alone contributes to 12% of CO2 emissions in India, highlighting a significant area for improvement. Despite this, India's bus density remains far below that of developed nations, with only one bus per thousand people.

40% vehicles in Bhopal fail to comply with PUC mandate
Bhopal: In Bhopal, a significant portion of vehicles, ranging from 35% to 40%, continue to operate on the roads without undergoing the mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) check. This alarming situation persists despite the presence of 130 PUC centres catering to a total of 13 lakh vehicles and regular inspections conducted by law enforcement authorities in the state capital.

Mahindra Car Insurance Guide: Get the Best Coverage for Your Mahindra
Choosing the appropriate car insurance is essential for protecting your Mahindra vehicle. In India, it serves as both a legal requirement and a financial safety net. Driving without adequate insurance coverage can lead to financial losses in case of mishaps and may also land you in legal trouble. If you are researching different vehicle insurance plans or specifically focusing on Mahindra car insurance, this guide provides all the necessary information.

Veritas Finance gallops into Unicorn league with ₹240 cr capital boost
Chennai: Veritas Finance Pvt Ltd, a Chennai-based financial services firm focused on lending to micro and small enterprises, has achieved unicorn status following an internal funding round of ₹240 crore. This round saw participation from key investors such as Avendus FLF, Lok Capital, and Evolvence. As a result of the fresh capital infusion, Veritas’ valuation has risen to about ₹8,500 crore, marking it as one of the latest startups to enter the unicorn club. “This milestone reflects our investors’ trust in our ability to build a successful business that supports micro-enterprises in rural India. While our valuation surpassing ₹8,500 crore is significant, what truly gives us pride is the impact we’ve been able to make,” said D Arulmany, Managing Director & CEO, in an interview with businessline. He added that the new funds would strengthen the company’s capital base and fuel further growth.

Why low valuation can, or can’t, be the only reason you should bet on Shriram Finance
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Revfin set to double two-wheeler portfolio through takeover of 15,000 electric vehicles from SUN Mobility
EV financing company, Revfin, has advanced its sustainable mobility strategy by taking over 15,000 vehicles, valued at ₹100 crore, operating on the SUN Mobility platform. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of this month, according to Sameer Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Revfin. With this, the financing company aims to broaden Revfin’s operational footprint, and expand its mobility business vertical, with a strategic focus on driving EV adoption among fleet operators. “These 15,000 vehicles are currently operating on SUN Mobility’s platform, and are managed by various fleet operators to provide fleet services to different e-commerce platforms. Post acquisition, while the vehicles will still be operated by these fleet operators, they will shift from SUN Mobility’s records to Revfin’s records,” he explained to businessline.

New Kia Carnival teased before October 3 launch
Kia India has officially started its teaser campaign for the new Carnival MPV, ahead of its launch on October 3. The new Carnival will be brought to India via the CBU route, although the Korean brand plans to locally assemble the MPV at a later date. Considering its full-imported status, the price of the new Carnival is expected to exceed Rs 50 lakh, ex-showroom.

Jawa 42 vs FJ: similarities and differences explained
Jawa has expanded its lineup with the launch of the new 42 FJ, and while there are some obvious visual differences that help you tell it apart from the regular 42, there are significant changes under the surface as well. Here’s exactly how the two bikes differ, and what’s common.

Hyundai Exter sunroof variants more affordable by up to Rs 46,000
Hyundai has launched two new trims of the Exter, which essentially makes the sunroof more affordable on the micro-SUV. The new Exter S(O)+ is priced at Rs 7.86 lakh while the Exter S+ AMT is priced at Rs 8.44 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).

New Hero Destini 125: what to expect ahead of its launch
Hero MotoCorp has unveiled two teasers for the upcoming Destini 125 scooter, which is set to launch soon. This will be the first major update to the model since its debut in 2018.

BMW to launch first hydrogen powered car in 2028 globally
BMW has announced that it will reveal its first mass-market hydrogen-powered car in 2028 and introduce fuel-cell variants (FCEVs) of existing models afterward. The X5 will likely be the first to benefit from this hydrogen powerplant, as BMW has already been testing a modified version of its popular SUV.

JLR, Tata Motors to jointly make and export EVs from India
After years of exploring synergies, Tata Group companies Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have finalised the plans to manufacture the latter’s electric vehicles in India for the global markets, marking a significant step in the history of the group’s car business, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of all Tata Group firms, including Tata Motors, told Autocar India.

Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo track drive: Red Alert

The Skoda Slavia has always been one of the nicest-driving sedans on the market, and ever since its launch, enthusiasts have been demanding a sporty version akin to its cousin, the Volkswagen Virtus GT. Well, it’s finally here in the form of the Slavia Monte Carlo, and I got a chance to experience it at India’s premier race track, the Buddh International Circuit.

Volkswagen's German battery plant to stay at half capacity amid cost pressures
Volkswagen's PowerCo battery subsidiary will build just one of two planned production lines at its Salzgitter plant in Germany for now, its works council said, as the sector adjusts to slowing demand for electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles will account for up to half of auto sales by 2030, BYD Pakistan says
Up to 50% of all vehicles bought in Pakistan by 2030 will be electrified in some form in line with global targets, BYD Pakistan, a partnership between China's BYD and Pakistani car group Mega Motors, said.

Chile's Corfo to issue tender for projects that make lithium products
The head of Chile's Corfo development agency said on Thursday he will launch a call for bids for projects making lithium products while accessing a preferential price "as soon as possible," following a previous delay.

Toyota cuts 2026 global EV output plans by a third
Japan's Toyota Motor has slashed its electric vehicle production plans for 2026 by a third, the Nikkei business daily reported,becoming the latest automaker to roll back electric car plans as EV sales momentum wanes.

Japan to give new subsidies for domestic EV battery output
Japan will hand out more subsidies for electric-vehicle battery production, pledging as much as USD 2.4 billion in support for related projects by Toyota Motor and other major companies, as it seeks to strengthen its battery supply chain.

Japan to give up to USD 2.4 bn in new support for domestic EV battery production
Japan will hand out more subsidies for electric-vehicle battery production, pledging as much as USD 2.4 billion in support for related projects by Toyota Motor and other major companies, as it seeks to strengthen its battery supply chain.

Volkswagen factory threat stress-tests Germany's economic model
Having lost cheap energy from Russia and facing uncertainty over its once-lucrative trade ties with China, big German business is now facing a crunch point over a third ingredient in its long-time formula for success - consensual industrial relations.

Why public EV chargers almost never work as fast as promised
For EV drivers traversing the great state of Wyoming, the Smith’s grocery store in Rock Springs is an oasis. It’s just off I-80, there’s a Petco across the street, and it has six plugs promising to charge at 350 kilowatts. At that rate, a Tesla Model 3 could go from empty to full in the time it takes to hit the bathroom and grab a Snickers.

BMW leads imported car market as Mercedes-Benz falters amid EV fire
BMW Korea is maintaining a lead in South Korea's imported vehicle market so far this year, industry data showed on Friday, as main rival Mercedes-Benz Korea is faced with a brand reputation setback after a massive fire that broke out from one of its electric vehicles.

China's Xi promises USD 50 billion for Africa over next three years
Beijing: Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged on Thursday more than USD 50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years, promising to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and trade with the continent as he addressed Beijing's biggest summit since the Covid pandemic.

Stellantis to invest USD 385 mn in Argentine plant
Automaker Stellantis will invest USD 385 million in its plant in the province of Cordoba, Argentina, between 2025 and 2030, the firm's South America head Emanuele Cappellano said on Thursday.