Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 25 Sep 2023,Monday

🏢 Industry

Two significant semiconductor proposals under process, says Union Min Ashwini Vaishnaw
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on saturday siad that there are two big semiconductor proposals which are under process and in the coming few months it is expected to take shape, PTI reported. The minister for electronics, however, did not divulge specifics of the proposals.
Delhi's cab and bike aggregator policy to reward EVs over CNG vehicles
The Delhi government is in the process of formulating a new policy for cab and bike aggregators, with a strong emphasis on promoting electric vehicles (EVs) over compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. According to a report by The Times of India (TOI), this policy is poised to usher in a significant boost for EV adoption.
Tata Projects partners with Micron Tech to construct advanced semiconductor facility in Sanand
Tata Projects on Saturday partnered with Micron Technology to construct an advanced semiconductor assembly and test plant in Gujarat's Sanand.
Tata Motors inaugurates registered vehicle scrapping facility in Surat
New Delhi: Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, launched its third Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF), in Surat, Gujarat. Named ‘Re.Wi.Re – Recycle with Respect’, this facility was inaugurated by PB Balaji, Group Chief Financial Officer, Tata Motors. The facility uses environmentally friendly processes and has the capacity to disassemble 15,000 end-of-life vehicles safely and sustainably each year.
EV boom triggers battle for talent in automotive sector
New Delhi, Mumbai : The race to dominate the electric vehicle (EV) market has triggered a dash for talent, as automakers and others in the ecosystem seek out experienced professionals to develop capabilities in green mobility.
Former Cars24 CEO Kunal Mundra partners Grip to build Electrifi Mobility
Kunal Mundra, the former India CEO of Cars24, has partnered with Grip, a digital investment platform for curated non-market linked alternative investment opportunities, to kickstart Electrifi Mobility, a Full-stack EV Asset Management and Leasing company.
BYD Rolls out 500,000 th Atto 3 in 19 months: What made this EV a hit
Electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced the rollout of the 500,000th unit of Atto 3 EV from its plant in just 19 months of launch. The BYD Atto 3 electric EV was the company's first global product, and Atto 3 was launched in India in November 2022. The Atto 3 is the second model from BYD for India after the e6 MPV and the price for the EV starts from Rs 34 lakh (ex-showroom).
How upstarts are challenging the dominance of ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber
After two years of a slowdown caused by Covid, the mobility-aggregator business is seeing an accelerated turnaround. But the revival is being driven by new entrants who are challenging the dominance of ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber.
Ride-hailing service provider inDrive to register electric vehicles in Calcutta soon
 
📝  Why the urgency in India to address its semiconductor challenges
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🎤 Interviews & Features

2023 Tata Nexon EV Review: Electrifying Changes and Enhanced Features!
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the 2023 Tata Nexon EV! In this video, we’ll dive deep into the exciting updates and enhancements that Tata has introduced to this electric SUV. Not only has the internal combustion engine (ICE) version received a facelift, but the electric Nexon has also undergone a significant transformation, making it a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers.
2024 Hyundai Creta spotted testing: Expected price, exterior, ADAS features, and more
Hyundai Motor India is working to launch the Creta facelift in the Indian market. Recently, the upcoming Hyundai Creta has been spotted testing on the Indian roads, hinting that the launch is imminent. Here is what to expect from the 2024 Hyundai Creta in terms of exterior, interior and features.
 
Transforming quality of life through cleaner air
Clean air is fundamental to both human well-being and environmental sustainability. Its significance extends beyond human health, touching several facets of our lives. The accelerated pace of urbanisation and industrialisation increasingly compromises the quality of air we breathe. Air pollution continues to be a pressing health and environmental concern, impacting the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Car Review: Jeep Compass 4x2 Can a 4x2 SUV be an off-roader?

The Jeep, any jeep, is a specialist off-roader. A few years ago, I drove Jeep Compass across sand dunes of Rajasthan, and didn't feel the need to shift into the 4x4 mode (four-wheel drive), as its 4x2 mode was capable enough to"go anywhere But in the Compass, even if you didn't use 4x4, you had to pay for it — Rs. 3.85 Iakh extra —because there was no "4x2-only" variant.
Telematics is now hygiene for big fleet owners, but not so much for small players: Ashok Leyland CIO
‘Connected trucks’ hold immense potential for efficient supply-chain management. With telematics, they can monitor critical parameters like truck productivity, performance, fuel consumption and driver behaviour, etc. Though the concept has been around for a while, the number of parameters in a truck that can be monitored is increasing.
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🚗 Cars / SUVs

Toyota Kriloskar Motors halts bookings for Rumion CNG variant due to longer waiting period
The company said, “We launched the new Toyota Rumion in August this year and have received overwhelming response from our customers who have been waiting for a Toyota vehicle in the B-MPV segment. We are heartened to see the increasing inflow of enquiries and healthy bookings for it. The demand has surpassed our expectations, resulting in a long delivery time across variants, especially for the E-CNG option. This has necessitated us to temporarily halt bookings of the E-CNG option only to avoid customer inconvenience due to longer waiting periods. However, we continue to accept bookings for the PETROL (NeoDrive) variants of the new Rumion."
2023 Hyundai i20 N Line facelift launched: 5 things to know
Hyundai i20 N Line facelift: Cosmetic updates
Jeep to open 80+ new dealerships by the end of 2023
 The manufacturer says that they are serious about the Indian market. Because of this, they developed an exclusive version of the Compass for India. The brand is now offering the two-wheel drive powertrain with the automatic transmission which was not on sale earlier. The prices for the Compass 2WD AT start at ₹23.99 lakh ex-showroom.
Indian Navy officers embark on 6,500-km long trip in Maruti Jimny, Grand Vitara SUVs
 The expedition will take place across three stretches with the first stretch going from INS Shivaji to Bagdogra, the second stretch comprehensively covering Sikkim, and the third stretch extending from Gangtok, Sikkim, to INS Shivaji, with a particular focus on empowering the youth in rural areas along the eastern coastal region. “Our association with the Indian Navy underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering progress in the Northeastern region and nurturing the potential of our nation's youth," said Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited.
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🚗 Luxury Cars

Biofuel in petrol stations up to 20 per cent is still a far way: Mercedes-Benz’s MD
New Delhi: The luxury car market in India is seeing the best year in the current financial year. Companies are noticing more young professionals thronging the showrooms to grab their latest machines, which is becoming like a lifestyle statement. In an interview with businessline, Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, shares the current trends and latest market buzz around luxury cars in India.

Edited excerpts:
BMW teases its cheapest Electric SUV, the iXI; to be launched in India soon
BMW India has given enthusiasts a sneak peek of the highly anticipated BMW iX1 electric SUV via its official social media platforms. The iX1 is set to become the brand's most budget-friendly electric SUV and is scheduled to hit the Indian market in the coming weeks.
Luxury car manufacturer launches showroom for pre-owned vehicles
Aditya Agarwalla, Dealer Principal – Audi Delhi West, added, “We are thrilled to take forward our existing partnership with Audi India and are very happy to announce the inauguration of our latest showroom (pre-owned car) in Noida. Pre-owned cars are seeing a rising demand in this region, and our new facility will bring us closer to our customers and deliver a best-in-class buying experience. Our association with Audi India now covers three major regions – Delhi, Kolkata and Noida.”
Luxury carmakers Mercedes, Lexus, Audi expect bumper sales in festive period
"This year the festive season is spread across four months and we are optimistic as we started on a very positive note, from Onam onwards," he stated.
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles

Growth momentum in CV industry to continue till next year, says Ashok Leyland MD Shenu Agarwal
The all-rounded growth momentum in the commercial vehicles industry is expected to continue till next year due to Centre’s unprecedented focus on infrastructure development, said Ashok Leyland Ltd. (ALL) Managing Director and CEO Shenu Agarwal.
Delhi govt inks pact with Switch Mobility for 950 low-floor e-buses
New Delhi - The Delhi government has inked an agreement with Switch Mobility for 950 low-floor electric buses. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot told PTI that the 12-metre buses would start arriving within four to six months.
 
Union Minister Hardeep S Puri to flag off India's first green hydrogen fuel cell bus
India is taking a momentous stride towards green mobility as Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, is set to flag off the nation's first Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus at Kartavya Path in Delhi on September 25.
AMPL unveils new service facility in Renigunta, Andhra Pradesh
Automotive Manufacturer’s today inaugurated its facility at Renigunta, Andhra Pradesh. Automotive is one of the largest dealers of Ashok Leyland with an extensive network of 104 service touch points spanning six states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh, Automotive Manufacturers continue their commitment to providing reach & service to customers across the region.
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🏍 2/3 Wheelers

Are investors in 2W stocks ignoring risks?
Shares of two-wheeler companies are in the fast lane, suggesting a rosy outlook. This is perplexing given that the demand conditions are painting quite the opposite picture. For one, rural demand is subdued with weak rainfall adding to the woes. Further, price increases by two-wheeler companies are suppressing demand.
Martin bags the Tissot Sprint, Bezzecchi grabs pole at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India
New Delhi: When Jorge Martin wheeled his way to the chequered flag at the Buddh International Circuit after bagging the 11-lap Tissot Sprint it turned out to be a teaser for Sunday’s IndianOil Grand Prix of India.
Two-wheeler sales on a one-year high
Mumbai: The domestic sales of two-wheelers in August witnessed a one-year high at 15,66,594 units. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) figures, the domestic sales of two-wheelers in August 2022 were 15,57,429 units. The sales of two-wheelers had witnessed a dip in July 2023 with 12,82,054 units after seeing a pickup in June with 13,30,826 units.
MotoGP Bharat 2023: Yamaha R3 and MT-03 showcased ahead of December launch
 Both the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 come as two highly anticipated motorcycles from the two-wheeler major. Yamaha claims that both bikes come promising redefined performance and style in their respective categories, along with cutting-edge features and design elements. Both the upcoming Yamaha R3 and MT-03 come equipped with KYB upside-down front forks with 130 mm travel, a rear monoshock with 125 mm travel, 298 mm front disc brakes and 220 mm rear disc brakes paired with dual-channel ABS. Also, both motorcycles share design elements and features such as dual LED headlamps, LED indicators, LED taillamps, LCD instrument clusters etc.
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🚲 Electric 2/3 Wheelers

Komaki LY electric scooter gets cheaper by ₹21,000 for festive period
The Komaki LY electric scooter comes with dual batteries of 62V32AH, which can be removed and charged anywhere. A full charge per battery takes less than five hours. The TFT screen of Komaki LY comes loaded with features such as onboard navigation, a sound system, Bluetooth, calling options, and other ready-to-ride features.
Ather Energy's losses swell 2.5 times to reach INR 865 cr in FY23
Hero MotoCorp-backed electric vehicle (EV) company Ather Energy's losses surged more than 2.5 times in the financial year 2022-23.
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⚙ Components

From nuts and bolts to global dominance: Fascinating growth story of Indian auto parts industry
New Delhi: Never say no to a customer, and see partnerships from the customer's perspective to understand what they want, says Deepak Jain, Chairman Lumax Group at ETAuto Unplugged episode with Arun malhotra, Industry Veteran. Jain, the third generation in the family business, was recounting his two most important takeaways from his father DK Jain’s learnings.
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🌇 Allied Industries

Gamechanger: Sodium ion batteries may make EVs far more affordable, says report
Sodium-ion batteries are slowly finding their way into the Electric Vehicle (EV) market as lithium-ion batteries have turned out to be too costly for lower-priced EVs due to the difficulty in mining the metal.
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants & Charging Stations

After BPCL, ONGC signs up HPCL for sale of oil from Mumbai offshore fields
While it did not give details, sources aware of the matter said the pact for sale of about 4.5 million tonnes per annum of crude oil to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd's (HPCL) Mumbai refinery.
Oil prices a concern but not alarming yet: Finance ministry
The government is comfortable with its estimate of 6.5% growth for 2023-24 but the recent surge in global crude oil prices is a concern although not alarming yet, the finance ministry's monthly economic report for August said on Thursday.
Growth momentum in Q2 shaping up well but rise in oil price poses a risk: Finmin report
The finance ministry on Friday said economic activities in the second quarter of this fiscal are “shaping up well”, building on the momentum witnessed in the June quarter, even as it termed the recent run-up in global crude oil prices an “emerging concern” if not an “alarming” factor.
Big opportunity in EV charging space in India: Shell mobility chief

Average utilisation at Shell's electric vehicle charging stations in India is three times the country's average and EV charging presents an opportunity for the energy giant to extend its presence in India beyond fuel stations, its global mobility chief has said.
JPMorgan analyst sees oil price surge as high as $150
 
Four-fold growth in Mumbai's EV charging points in housing societies, homes in a year
The number of private charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) in housing societies and bungalows in Mumbai has increased 328% in a year, latest statistics showed. Also, 26% of electric car owners now have charging points at home.
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📖 Magazines News

Maruti Suzuki Jimny road test, review
The five-door Maruti Jimny gets a 105hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, in four-wheel-drive guise only. With prices ranging between Rs 12.74 lakh-14.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it is at par with the Mahindra Thar 2WD and numerous other monocoque SUVs. Question is, does the Jimny strike a balance between being a hardy, recreational SUV and a comfy, practical family car? We put it through our instrumented tests to get an answer.
Yamaha R3, MT03 India launch in December
R3 and MT-03 to come in as CBUs
Toyota Rumion CNG bookings temporarily halted
Source Credit: Autocar India

Toyota has announced that it has temporarily halted bookings for the CNG variants of the Rumion MPV, although the petrol versions continue to be available. The Rumion was launched in August this year and it is sourced from Toyota's alliance partner Maruti Suzuki.
Tech Talk: How this new anti-theft system could be the future
Source Credit: Autocar India

The latest, and what promises to be the most effective method for preventing a bandit from making off with your car, is a sophisticated biometric identification system from automotive tech giant Continental. The same company that produces the tyres, Continental is one of the world’s largest automotive tier-one suppliers, which means it’s supplying key components directly to the carmakers. The key thing about tier ones like Continental, Bosch, ZF and others is that many of the innovations appearing on cars come from them and not the manufacturer.
New Audi naming strategy: even numbers for EVs, odd for ICE
Source Credit: Autocar India

Audi will soon embrace a new global vehicle naming strategy under which it will give its combustion-engined cars an odd-numbered badge and their EV counterparts an even number.
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📰 International News

GM, Stellantis dealers and customers face dwindling parts as UAW strike expands
U.S. auto workers expanded their strike on Friday with a clear target for distress: dealers who sell and service GM and Stellantis vehicles.
LG Chem partners with Huayou Group to build joint EV battery material plant in Morocco
South Korea's LG Chem Ltd said on Sunday it has entered into partnership with China's Huayou Group's subsidiary Youshan to build a joint electric vehicle (EV) battery material plant in Morocco in an effort to diversify its portfolio.
Renault to maintain mixed ethanol combustion engines in Brazil
Renault will maintain production of ethanol-fueled combustion vehicles in Brazil, where nine in 10 cars are equipped to run on a mixture of gasoline and the biofuel as fully electric vehicles (EVs) need more government support, the head of the French carmaker's Brazil branch said on Friday.
Kia EV6 GT beats Ford Mustang Mach-E in German evaluation
Kia's EV6 GT topped this year's evaluation of electric vehicle models by a leading German automotive magazine, Auto Motor Und Sport, beating Ford Motor's Mustang Mach-E SUV, Hyundai Motor Group said on Sunday.
Canadian union Unifor says Ford offers wage increases of 10% for first year
Ford Motor offered a 10% wage increase for the first year followed by increases of 2% and 3% through the second and third year in its tentative agreement with Unifor, the Canadian Union said on Saturday.
EU countries agree proposal on new Euro 7 car emissions regulation
EU countries largely agreed on a compromise proposal presented by Spain on new vehicle emissions rules, diplomatic sources said on Friday, that is a watered down version of the initial European Commission pitch.
California governor vetoes bill banning robotrucks without safety drivers
California Governor Gavin Newsom late on Friday vetoed a bill to prevent heavy-duty driverless trucks from operating in the state, in a relief for companies developing autonomous technology to haul goods across the U.S.
Argentina mining exports to near USD 4.5 bn in 2023 amid lithium boom: CAEM
Argentina's mining exports will reach around USD 4.5 billion in 2023, up from the 2022 total amid strong prices and the launch of a new lithium mine, the president of the sector's main business chamber told Reuters late Thursday.
Elon Musk test drives Tesla Cybertruck's sportier version, promises ‘kick-ass’ performance
 While revealing that the Tesla Cybertruck performance version will promise a ‘kick-ass next-level performance’, the billionaire didn't reveal what would be the specifications of the EV. Tesla too remains silent about the specification details of the upcoming Cybertruck performance version. However, it will surely come with more power and torque compared to the regular version of the Tesla Cybertruck.
New Lexus modular EV concept teased promising 800 km range, debuts in October
 Lexus is all set to take cover off the concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 next month. This EV is claimed to be powered by a new new-generation Nippon battery. What's more interesting about the electric car is that it will be underpinned by a brand-new modular platform and will be built using a re-engineered production method that has been influenced by Tesla and developed by Toyota. Also, the upcoming modular EV claims to promise better efficiency.
📝  Ford Motor offers Unifor wage increases up to 25%
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