Automakers invest for growth amid technology churn
With uncertainties lingering about demand sustainability following the government’s push for more expensive technologies like electric and hydrogen, the automotive industry, nonetheless, is aiming for a near doubling of the market by the turn of the decade through record investments.

Tesla interested in coming to India, aims to source USD 1.9 bn auto parts from country this year: Commerce Minister
US-based automaker Tesla Inc is interested in coming to India and is aiming to source USD 1.9 billion worth of auto parts from the nation this year, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday.

Six airbags won't be mandatory in cars: Nitin Gadkari
The government won’t make it mandatory for automakers to fit six airbags in passenger vehicles, and will instead let customers do their own comparative assessment of crash safety worthiness while buying vehicles based on star ratings under India’s first car-safety rating programme.

Govt working on developing electric highways, says Gadkari
The government is working on developing electric highways as it is economically viable, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. Gadkari has earlier said that making India’s first electric highway between Delhi and Jaipur is his dream. “My idea about the electric highway is that NHAI will give right of way...Today, I had a discussion with the Power Ministry, I am trying to get electricity at the rate of Rs 3.50 per unit, otherwise, the commercial power rate is Rs 11 per unit,” Gadkari said at the ACMA annual session here. The minister noted that it is easy for the power ministry to give electricity to a government company at a cheaper rate.

APAC electric/hybrid transmission and clutch market to grow 13.9% over 2023-28: GlobalData
Rupayan Chakraborty, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, said, “The market for hybrid and electric transmissions and clutches is expanding as a result of rising consumer demand for vehicles with low emissions and low fuel consumption. It is also anticipated that government initiatives to encourage the use of EVs will expand the market for electric transmissions. Additionally, the development of vehicle-to-grid (V2g) charging stations as well as technological advancements in EVs are anticipated to create sizable potential opportunities for the suppliers of EV transmissions and clutches.”

Anti-diesel stance, biofuels, Indian lithium: Govt’s carbon-zero roadmap takes shape post G20
On September 12, leaders and stakeholders of the Indian automotive industry converged into Delhi, to attend the 63rd annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Along with industry stakeholders, government leadership such as Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Road Transport and Highways, also attended the convention and shared key insights on India’s automotive industry, the journey towards sustainable mobility and hinted towards stringent policies designed to promote adoption of biofuels, green hydrogen and electric vehicles.
 

Euler Motors and Fyn Partner to Transform India's Logistics with Fast Charging EVs
New Delhi: The vertically integrated EV as a service platform, Fyn, which has emerged as a pioneer in maximizing efficiency of deployed electric vehicles (EVs), has partnered with Euler Motors to procure 2000 fast charging electric 3 wheelers.

Diesel sales fade amid strict norms
New Delhi: Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari may be making a case to tax diesel cars more as he pitches relatively greener technologies, but a look at the industry's numbers shows that diesel has already lost sway with buyers.
 

Auto part makers line up Rs. 16750 cr in EV Investments
New Delhi : Auto component makers will together invest at least Rs.16,750 in capacity to make electric vehicles (EVs) as the government looks to accelerate penetration and turn India into a manufacturing hub. There are 67 auto component makers now eligible for production-linked incentive (PLO benefits and need to make a minimum investment of Rs. 250 crore. "So, the bare mini-mum investment will be Rs.16,750 crore. 

India to draft new policy in push for electric vehicle investment, says Piyush Goyal
India will come up with new policy to attract electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and encourage greater investment in the sector, the commerce minister said on Wednesday.

India to be a global giant in electric vehicles by 2030: Govt
India will be a global giant in all sectors of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 and eventually electric vehicle subsidies will end, a high-level official was quoted as saying by the ET Auto.

Diesel cars vs petrol cars and EVs: Market share in India, pros and cons explained
Here is a quick look at how diesel vehicles compare to petrol cars and electric cars in terms of market share in India. Also take a look at pros and cons of owning a diesel-powered vehicle. Diesel cars are increasingly losing the advantages it once held with the implementation of stricter emission norms, closing gap in price with petrol as well as restrictions on its life on the road.

Automakers shouldn't import components unnecessarily but give equal access to domestic companies: Piyush Goyal
Goyal's comment comes at a time when the Indian government has been pushing the local manufacturing sector hard. The automobile industry being an apex manufacturing sector sources a large number of components from overseas markets as well as from domestic auto parts manufacturers. However, there have been allegations from the stakeholders of the ecosystem that many auto companies in India focus on solely importing the components and not giving equal access to the local parts manufacturers. "Where things are being unnecessarily imported without India getting an equal opportunity in those countries I would be tempted," Goyal said here at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). However, he did not elaborate on these remarks.

Goyal talks tough to auto industry on imports
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the government may have to look at the practices of some of the players in the auto sector who get dictated on the source and pricing of imports of components from their parent companies.

Phasing out diesel engines in India: How Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai and Mercedes reacted
Carmakers like Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Kia and Honda are a few who produce highest number of diesel vehicles in India. Mercedes Benz and BMW are also the largest manufacturer of diesel vehicles in the luxury segment. At the annual convention organised by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday, Gadkari had said the need to levy an additional 10 per cent tax on diesel engines to help cut emissions. However, he lated clarified that there is no official proposal regarding that.

Gadkari adds fuel to dreams of diesel-less Indian roads, but can it be done?

Union Minister for Roads and Transport Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday ignited concerns in the industry when he suggested he may propose levying an additional 10 per cent ‘pollution’ tax on sales of diesel vehicles. Well-intentioned as the warning may have been for it seeks to curb the black smoke on roads in one of the most polluted countries, automobile companies and investors were not enthused.

Advanced chemistry cell EV battery production in India could start by January 2024
 While speaking about the commencement of local production of ACC batteries in India, the minister reportedly stated that the ₹25,938 crore PLI scheme for the auto sector has been received well by the industry. "In December this year or by January next year, we will see the start of the manufacturing of the ACC batteries in the country," he reportedly said while speaking at the 63rd annual convention of the auto industry body SIAM.

Delhi govt to allow diesel, petrol vehicles to be converted into EVs
 

Almost all auto companies are providing 6 airbags in cars, no need to make it mandatory: Gadkari
"The star rating has already started. Some companies are now advertising the same (six airbags), and they are reaping the benefits, they will get more share. Barring one company, the market has accepted the decision," Gadkari said at the 63rd ACMA Annual Session, in New Delhi.

MG Motor, Toyota, Ola Electric, others sign up for recycling battery waste to push circular economy for EVs
New Delhi: At least 59 electric vehicle (EV) makers that use lithium-ion batteries like MG Motor, Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra have registered for recycling battery waste on an online portal operationalised by India’s apex pollution control authority earlier this year.

Will E20 fuel impact diesel and CNG vehicle sales?
The Indian automotive industry is one of the most diverse industries globally when it comes to the adoption of various fuel types. In fact, if one looks at the various fuel mix available in the country – petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, E20, flex fuel, LNG, EVs – it seems to be one of the widest available globally.

Retro-fitment: How to convert a petrol, diesel, or CNG car into an electric one. Rules and process
The Delhi government is reportedly gearing up to unveil its new electric vehicle policy, with greater emphasis on retro-fitment, under which you can convert an existing petrol or diesel vehicle into an electric vehicle. The process involves changing the original engine and other related components and introducing a new alternative energy source to be transplanted into the existing vehicle body. The retrofitting will allow people to continue to use their costly vehicles rather than getting them scrapped, and it will also be beneficial for the environment. However, retrofit kits shall have the approval of a designated testing agency, as specified in Rule 12b of CMVR 1989.

Can synthetic fuel replace fossil fuels?
New Delhi: Porsche through Mobil 1 Supercup race cars in 2022 was the pioneer for using synthetic fuels. Several other global vehicle manufacturers like Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and MC Laren have started investing their available resources to manufacture and scale up synthetic fuel.

Redefining mobility tech
At the IAA Mobility 2023, held recently in Munich, the centre stage saw a few global industry leaders delivering keynote addresses. One session stood out in this automotive technology show because the speakers (there were two senior executives) didn’t represent OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers. They represented Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Upto Rs 4.3 lakh more for Fortuner, Gloster SUVs: How much extra you would pay if ‘pollution tax’ becomes real
1. Mahindra Scorpio-N:

Ethanol blending is a trillion Dollar investment opportunity: Hardeep Singh Puri
What are the ways in which India has successfully used the opportunity of G20 presidency to get forward movement on its energy sector imperatives?

Expecting strong numbers from export business in coming quarters.: Harsha Kadam, Schaeffler India
"If I were to look at the production and sales numbers of, let us say, the automotive OEM segment, particularly the passenger vehicles, both the sales and the production numbers for the month of August show an increase of almost 12% over the same period last year," says Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO, Schaeffler India.

Autocomp R&D spend less than 1% of current turnover: Sunjay Kapur
As the focus on circularity and sustainability increases, are Indian automobile component (autocomp) makers investing more in research? SUNJAY KAPUR, president of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India and chairman of Sona Comstar, in an interview with Sohini Das, sheds light on how more needs to be done in research, but investments need a large market size as well.

Edited excerpts

Volkswagen Virtus GT Edge Carbon Steel Matte Edition Revealed: Details
The Volkswagen Virtus GT Edge Carbon Steel Matte edition will be available in limited numbers and bookings started on September 11, Interested customers can book the sedan by visiting the company’s official website. The prices for the sedan will be announced in the coming weeks and the vehicle will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 

Top 5 best selling SUVs August— Brezza, Punch overtake Creta
The SUV space has been booming in the Indian passenger vehicle market for the past few years. With multiple segments and numerous new entrants, the SUV space has become extremely popular and competitive. Let us look at the top 5 best-selling SUVs for the month of August.

Hyundai Creta facelift SUV spotted testing again. Check new features
The images, shared on social media, shows the Creta facelift model in white with several noticeable changes. For instance, the headlight and taillight shapes are evident through the gaps in the camouflage. One thing that can be confirmed that the new Creta will not wear the H-shaped LED headlight and taillight, something the carmaker introduced with the Exter SUV launched earlier this year. What appears instead is a three-star LED DRL and LED headlight unit. The new Creta could get a vertical setup of lights at the front similar to the Palisade SUV sold in global markets.

Tata Motors files Azura trademark— Curvv production version?
Tata Motors has filed a trademark for the name ‘Azura’ recently. Rumours are rife that this name tag could be used for the upcoming production version of Curvv. For the uninitiated, the Curvv concept was showcased by Tata Motors last year as a preview to its future generation models before making its global debut at the 2023 Auto Expo.

Skoda Auto India enters Web 3 with Skodaverse initiative
Skoda Auto India’s initiative called Skodaverse India made an entry to Web3 by selling 128 unique NFTs (Non-fungible Tokens). Each NFT is a personalized work of art that reflects the intersection of automotive innovation, artistry, and customer engagement. 128 NFTs signify 128 years of Skoda’s presence. 

Nissan launches all-new Magnite Kuro special edition
Nissan Motor India launches an all-new Magnite Kuro special edition in celebration of its partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Nissan continues its partnership with ICC for the 8th consecutive year, it is the official sponsor of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Hyundai replaces iMT gearbox in Venue SUV with 6-speed manual gearbox
Hyundai used to offer the clutch-less iMT gearbox in three variants of Venue SUV. These were the S(O), SX(O) and SX(O) dual-tone. The gearbox option did not find too many takers as customers either went for manual or automatic transmission options. The two-pedal clutch-less technology offered drivers the flexibility of shifting gears on the go without having to use a clutch. It promised the best of both worlds with enhanced control, yet retaining the joy of driving.

Hyundai delivers 46 Venue subcompact SUVs to Maharashtra Government
Commenting on the handover ceremony, Umesh Narayan Chandratre, Zonal Business Head – West Zone, Hyundai Motor India, said, “HMIL is honoured to service the Government of Maharashtra’s mobility needs by delivering 46 Hyundai Venue SUVs. These vehicles will serve the Maharashtra Health Department. Hyundai Venue, offering spacious interiors and class-leading comfort, convenience, and safety features, was the preferred choice. We extend our gratitude to the Maharashtra Government for selecting the Hyundai Venue as its mobility partner.

Indian PV market to nearly double in size by FY31: Maruti MD Takeuchi
Source Credit: Deepak Patel, Business Standard

New Delhi: The Indian passenger vehicle (PV) market is expected to nearly double to about 7 million units by 2030-31 (FY31), said Hisashi Takeuchi, chief executive officer and managing director of Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), on Wednesday.

Need to review and realign businesses in a sustainable manner, says Maruti Suzuki MD Takeuchi

The country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki said with sales of passenger vehicles in the local market, it is set to nearly double to 6-7 million units per annum by the end of the decade, there is a need to review and realign businesses to a higher scale of operations in a sustainable manner.

Skoda plans new launches to scale up its India play

Skoda Auto plans to launch multiple models and refresh its existing line-up as it seeks to strengthen its position in India's competitive market and become profitable, said its CEO Klaus Zellmer.

Mahindra buoyant about festive demand, expects ePVs to reach inflection point by 2027

New Delhi: As the industry prepares for the upcoming festive season, auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) expects consumer demand to remain strong for SUVs, owing to a strong booking pipeline, improved supply chain and better semiconductor availability, a top company official said.

Nissan Magnite to be official car for ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India
 Magnite is also a part of the ongoing Trophy Tour for the tournament across multiple cities in India. Under this initiative, a 3D trophy of the tournament will be placed in malls to engage cricket enthusiasts by offering them exclusive access to the world cup trophy. Along with the trophy, Nissan Magnite will also be on display across these malls where fans will be encouraged to click 360-degree images with the car and the trophy. They will be encouraged to share these images on social media to stand a chance to win tickets to the tournament.

Maruti Suzuki September discounts: Save up to Rs 60,000 on S Presso, WagonR
 

2023 Tata Nexon and Nexon EV facelift to launch tomorrow: Price expectations
Tata has revamped the variants of the Nexon. It will now be sold in Smart, Smart+, Pure +, Creative+, Fearless, and Fearless+ variants. The Smart and Fearless trim names are new whereas the Pure and Creative names are already being used for the Punch.

Mahindra takes another big EV step: XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05 electric SUVs teased
Mahindra recently released a teaser video of its three upcoming electric SUVs on its social media handles on World EV Day. The teaser video features the XUV.e8, XUV.e9 and BE.05 electric SUVs. All three e-SUVs can be seen testing at Mahindra's proving track in Chennai, as seen in the video.

Volvo Car India starts deliveries of luxury electric car C40 Recharge
Volvo Car India has commenced deliveries of its recently-launched electric car C40 Recharge with Kerala and Tamil Nadu to begin with, the company said on Wednesday. The Indian arm of the Swedish luxury car maker Volvo rolled out its first ground-up electric car in the domestic market on September 5 at an introductory price of Rs 61.25 lakh (sans taxes).

Range Rover Velar facelift launched at ₹94.30 lakh, deliveries to begin soon
Propelling the Velar is a petrol and a diesel engine. Both are 2.0-litre units. The petrol engine belts out 296 bhp and 365 Nm of peak torque whereas the diesel engine churns out 201 bhp of and 420 Nm. Both engines come mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Terrain Response 2 system. Land Rover claims that the petrol-powered Velar can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 7.5 seconds whereas the diesel takes 8.3 seconds.

Tata Motors launches ‘Truck Utsav’ to showcase its advanced mobility solutions
New Delhi: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced the launch of ‘Truck Utsav’ – a unique customer engagement initiative. Truck Utsav is aimed at raising awareness of its latest vehicles and mobility solutions, showcasing innovative and technologically-advanced trucks with unique value-added services. Tata Motors also unveils the all-new LPT 1916 – a class-leading addition, engineered to set new benchmarks in customer profitability, the company said.

2023 KTM 250 Duke vs Suzuki Gixxer 250: Price and specification comparison
The KTM 250 Duke competes with rivals such as the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250.

Yamaha introduces 2023 Monster Energy Moto GP Edition line-up
The 2023 MotoGP Edition of the YZF-R15M costs ₹1,97,200 whereas the MT-15 V2.0 is priced at ₹172,700. Then there is the Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid which costs ₹92,330. All prices are ex-showroom. The manufacturer has not yet announced the prices of the Aerox 155. The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition model range will be available at all the Blue Square outlets in India from 3rd week of September.

2023 KTM 390 Duke vs Bajaj Dominar 400: Price and specification comparison
The 2023 KTM 390 Duke comes reviving its appeal with a host of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, aiding in improved performance.

Ultraviolette, Harley-Davidson ‘X44'0 trademark war begins: A rivalry no one expected
A legal battle appears to be brewing between Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer Ultraviolette Automotive and luxury motorcycle marque Harley-Davidson, which recently entered the highly-competitive, mid-capacity segment in India with its most affordable offering, the X440.
 

Mahindra's Classic Legends to pump in ₹1,000 crore till FY26 to rev up biz

Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra-backed Classic Legends, which designs, manufactures and sells classic motorcycle brands - Jawa, Yezdi and BSA - will invest ₹1,000 crore till FY26 as it seeks to play catch-up in the middle weight, lifestyle motorcycle market in India and tap burgeoning demand for such models in overseas markets.

Yamaha India launches 2023 Monster Energy MotoGP edition line-up
 

Honda files two new trademarks– new electric scooters on cards?
With the Indian automobile industry transitioning from conventional fossil fuels to cleaner electrical power, OEMs are now investing resources heavily in developing electric vehicles. The two-wheeler segment has seen the most development in battery-powered technology.

FAME II abuse: E-scooter companies likely to face legal action
New Delhi: The government is exploring legal options against electric two-wheeler companies for not complying with the FAME II scheme norms, according to a senior government official. The Centre has sought Rs 469 crore from seven electric two-wheeler makers for claiming incentives while not complying with the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME II) scheme norms.
 

Godawari Electric Motors launches TVC with actress Neena Gupta
Godawari Electric Motors has released its TVC for Eblu Feo carrying the tagline ‘India’s First Family e-scooter’ with the actress Neena Gupta. The TVC has been conceptualised by Hats On Advertising and has been shot in Mumbai.

Electric two-wheeler start-up e-Sprinto registers 50% growth in Q1 FY2024
e-Sprinto sold over 5,500 electric scooters between April and June this year, crossing the halfway mark to sell 10,000 units in FY2024

Ather Energy expects to turn unit-level profitable in next 2 quarters
Source Credit:Deepak Patel , Sohini Das, Business Standard

Uno Minda launches alloy wheels for Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and more cars
Uno Minda will sell the alloy wheels in six different styles. They are Sharp, Space, Wonder, Wave, Shark, and Vega. The company says that the alloys are built according to all quality compliance regulations and guidelines laid out in India. The entire alloy wheel has been designed and manufactured in-house.

All eyes on India to lead sustainability drive, component industry to play key role says leaders at ACMA’s 63rd Annual Session
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the apex body of the Indian auto component industry hosted the 63rd edition of its annual session under the theme ‘Mobility 360° – Sustainability for Competitiveness’.

Anand and Korea’s HL Group launch HL Anand Automotive Parts for aftermarket
New Delhi: The USD 2-billion-plus Anand Group, a leading manufacturer of world-class auto systems and components, has signed a JV with Korea’s USD 8.1-billion HL Group. The JV will increase the size of the Indian conglomerate’s aftermarket business two-fold while building the Korean entity’s presence in India.

ACMA Convention 2023: Component industry urged to focus more on ‘Design in India’
New Delhi: The auto component industry is urged to continue its support and hard work which made India the third largest automobile market in the world. The industry is also asked to move from ‘Make in India’ to 'Design in India’ by a top Maruti Suzuki India official.

New incentive scheme in the works for battery parts makers
After bringing out incentives for demand generation for electric vehicles (EV) and for EV components, the government is said to be working on an entirely new incentive scheme which would be for companies engaged in EV battery production.

$5 bn opportunity for auto parts industry in material circularity: Report
Source Credit: Sohini Das, Business Standard

Mumbai: India’s automobile parts industry could have a market opportunity of $3.8-5 billion by Financial Year 2029-30 (FY30) in component circularity, said a McKinsey report on Wednesday, referring to a practice that reuses or recycles materials.

Govt may bring incentive scheme to push R&D in auto component sector
 

Indian auto electronics market estimated to touch $70 billion by 2032
 

ACMA Convention: Amitabh Kant pushes for local production of battery, green hydrogen
New Delhi: We are the champion of the commercial two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and many other areas, and we export to the world, but the market is shifting. The world is going electric – China has demonstrated it and "India has to go electric", said Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa.

How tech-based solutions and accident data save lives on roads
New Delhi: It’s oft-quoted in our social circles that commercial flights are the safest mode of transportation. No doubt this turns out to be true, especially if you consider its minuscule value on a scale of the number of fatalities per unit of distance covered, vis-à-vis other forms of transportation.

Riding into the future: Tech evolution and upcoming trends in 2W industry
New Delhi: In the fast-paced world of two-wheelers, the journey from pedal-powered bicycles to electric scooters and smart motorcycles has been nothing short of remarkable. As technology continues to evolve, the two-wheeler industry is undergoing a transformation that promises safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation.

How Chinese steel is undergirding India's rapid growth story
India has continued anti-dumping duty of $613 per tonne on flat-base steel wheels from China in a decision announced on Monday. The duty on steel wheels was imposed in 2018 and now the government has continued the imposition for another five years. The duty is based on the recommendation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the investigation arm of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to guard domestic players against cheap imports from China. India's steel producers expect a boost to local manufacturing and a fall in prices due to the duty.

Mahindra XUV700-based XUV.e8 to take on Harrier, Safari EV
XUV700 EV will come with a three-row cabin

Volkswagen Virtus GT Matte Edition to launch next month
Bookings ongoing for the new paint shade

Union Transport Minister: "We needn't make six airbags mandatory now"
Source Credit: Autocar India

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari, has announced that there is no need to mandate six airbags anymore, with the launch of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) from October 1, 2023, which are based on the latest Global NCAP standards.

Nissan Magnite 1.0 AMT launch soon
Source Credit: Autocar India

Nissan India will soon add another option to the Magnite SUV's powertrain line-up – an automated manual transmission (AMT) – that'll be offered with the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. The price announcement for the 1.0-litre AMT variant is expected in the coming weeks, and it will be a more affordable option for customers looking for a Magnite with an automatic gearbox. 

New car, SUV sales hit record 3.58 lakh units in August 2023
Source Credit: Autocar India

Continued and surging demand for SUVs and MPVs, helped by a sustained rollout of new models over the past eight-odd months, have powered total car sales to an estimated 3,58,000 units, which helps the industry surpass its previous best of 3,55,043 units in September 2022.

Maruti Jimny vs Mahindra Thar comparison: Welcome to the jungle
Source Credit: Autocar India

Assembled here are among two of the most talked about vehicles of the past few years. What makes the fact all the more interesting is that they’re off-roaders, a category of vehicle that had long been on the fringes of the mainstream. 2020’s second-gen Mahindra Thar was the catalyst for the change in perception and mass acceptance, and perhaps, as another positive rub-off, gave the ever-calculating folk at Maruti Suzuki the confidence to be adventurous and bring in the fourth-gen Jimny. It’s been quite the wait for the small Suzuki but over the long gestation period, it’s been lengthened and made family-friendly with the addition of a pair of rear doors.   

Volvo to offer complete autonomous solutions to Boliden for mining and quarrying industry
Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and Boliden have inked a long-term collaboration to implement autonomous transport solutions as a part of Boliden’s operations. The collaboration will cover numerous projects including the deployment of autonomous transport solutions at Boliden’s Garpenberg site in Sweden.

Updated Ford F-150 gets new grille, other features as Ford shows it off on eve of Detroit auto show
The top-selling vehicle in America will get a bit of a facelift next year, one of just a few new or updated vehicles that will be shown off this week at Detroit's big auto show.

Autoworkers strike would test Biden's 'most pro-union president in US history' assertion
The prospect of an auto workers strike could test Joe Biden 's treasured assertion that he's the most pro-union president in U.S. history.

China’s Electric-Vehicle Makers Face EU Antisubsidy Probe
The European Union is launching an antisubsidy investigation into China’s electric-vehicle makers, opening a new front in the battle for leadership of the global clean-technology industry.

The UAW Is Preparing for a Strike: Here Is What to Know
Talks between the United Auto Workers union and the Detroit automakers are facing a looming deadline with the labor agreements at General Motors, Ford Motor and Jeep-maker Stellantis set to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday.

Spain's Endurance to produce lithium batteries at Mexico auto hub
Spanish battery maker Endurance Motive will start production in the central Mexican state of Puebla next year, becoming one of the first firms to assemble lithium batteries for vehicles in the country, an executive said on Tuesday.

BP commits to Germany with USD 11 billion low-carbon investment push
BP plans to invest up to 10 billion euros (USD 10.7 billion) in low-carbon fuels, renewables and EV charging in Germany by the end of the decade to rival local power firms, as competition over the energy transition of Europe's largest economy intensifies.

BMW, Ford, Honda America to establish EV ecosystem platform ChargeScape
BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and American Honda Motor have entered into an agreement to create ChargeScape, a new equally-owned company that will create a single, cost-effective platform connecting electric utilities, automakers and interested electric vehicle customers.

Apple iPhone 15 can now send SOS if your car has flat tyre or runs out of fuel
Source Credit: Hindustan Times

The new Roadside Assistance service, which is available in US only, is an expansion of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature that was launched with the iPhone 14 last year. These services work by making use of Apple's Emergency Text via satellite option in emergency situations when a driver doesn't have cellular network or Wi-Fi coverage.

EU confronts Chinese subsidies with electric car probe
 

Ford announces leadership changes, adding more family to the mix
The great-great-granddaughter and great-great-grandson of founder Henry Ford would be taking on leadership roles at the 120-old automaker. Elena Ford, who had been serving as chief customer experience officer, becomes the company's chief dealer engagement officer. Will Ford III was named general manager of Ford Performance. Will is also the son of Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., whose daughter Alexandra Ford English was named global brand merchandising director in 2021 and also serves on the board.