Vehicle Scrappage Policy to boost auto sales by 8%, Nitin Gadkari asks for stakeholder support
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari called upon all stakeholders to come forward and support the Vehicle Scrapping policy.

How Gujarat turned into an automotive powerhouse in last 13 years
The last two decades have been momentous for the Indian automotive industry and the progress of one state, stands out among the rest. Once barely on the radar of any automotive manufacturers, Gujarat, has seen a massive influx of investment and automotive manufacturing since 2010. From major car manufacturers to component and tyre OEMS, today, Gujarat is among the key automotive hubs of the country. Moving towards electric mobility, Gujarat is again poised to be one of the key states, as multiple auto and tech OEMs are planning to set up semi-conductor and battery cell production facilities in the state under the PLI scheme. Here is a timeline of Gujarat’s rise in popularity among OEMs over the past decade.

South Korean Ambassador in India drives in new Genesis GV80 luxury SUV. Check what features it offers
The Genesis GV80 luxury SUV is based on Hyundai Motor's M3 platform. The design of the SUV features a G-Matrix Crest Grille in chrome and Quad LED headlights, taillights as well as its massive 22-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tyres. The overall appearance of the GV80 SUV may remind few of the Bentley Bentayga SUV.

Refex group expands Green Mobility biz; to add 10K EVs in 3 yrs
The city-based Refex group engaged in diverse businesses has expanded its Green Mobility vertical here, a top official said on Monday. The company had launched the Refex Green Mobility Ltd business in Bengaluru in March this year and has now forayed into the Tamil Nadu market, Refex Group Managing Director Anil Jain said.

Need investment in auto scrapping centres : Nitin Gadkari
Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, on Monday, urged the auto industry to pump in investments in setting up automated testing centres and registered vehicle scrapping facilities and firm up discounts for individuals who scrap their vehicles. The move, he said, will push up the automotive sale in the country, have economic benefits and will encourage individuals to opt for vehicle scrapping.

SAFE initiatives for safe journey make impact across the country
New Delhi: The steps taken by the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), for safe journey is making its impact across the country.

India eyes lucrative EV and battery export market: Sudhendu Sinha, Advisor, Niti Aayog
New Delhi: India is perfectly poised to meet the growing demand for reliable EV solutions in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and nations in Africa, Sudhendu Sinha, Adviser, NITI Aayog said at the "Sustainable Supply Chains for EV Batteries" hosted by ICRIER-IIS.

ET Smart Manufacturing Summit: Role of Indian manufacturing in global value chain
New Delhi: India has come of age in sustainable manufacturing and has found its place in the global value chain. These and similar thoughts were the highlights of the panel discussions at the ET Smart Manufacturing Summit 2023 here on Tuesday.

ET Smart Manufacturing Summit 2023: AI and automation makes manufacturing smart, efficient, say experts
New Delhi: Artificial intelligence and robotics not only create efficiency but also help detect defects, reduce waste, and gauge demand, said the experts at the panel discussions during the second edition of the ET Smart Manufacturing Summit 2023.

Chip wars: How India plans to trot out its old war horse, feeding it USD 2 billion
India wants to enter its own old warhorse among global biggies in its semiconductor race. While the ground has been broken for Micron's semiconductor plant in Gujarat, India's first, and two other big semiconductor proposals are under process. They are expected to take shape in the coming few months, and the government is also reviving its old chip maker which has weakened over time.

Skoda Auto begins sales in this country; to introduce made-in-India Kushaq in 2024
The Skoda Kodiaq and Karoq arrive in Vietnam as full imports from Europe

India's Electric Vehicles production to jump 11 times to 9.7 mn by 2028

The production of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India is expected to jump 11 times, reaching 9.7 million by 2027-28 due to factors such as urbanization, high fuel prices, reduced battery costs, concerns over pollution, and government incentives, according to a report.

Officials in states function like licence raj days: Maruti Suzuki chairman

Speaking at an event here, the veteran industry leader noted that the central government over the last nine years has been bringing in a series of reforms and improvements in the business environment.

Won't be difficult for firms to fully give up diesel vehicles: R C Bhargava
 

Fresh consultations with stakeholders on battery swapping policy soon
 

Hydrogen fuel cell technology needs to be scaled in terms of tech maturity, investment: Tata Motors CTO
Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO, Tata Motors, says the hydrogen fuel cell technology needs to now further get into the scale mode in terms of technology maturity, in terms of the investment which the OEMs need to make, the investment which the vendor ecosystem needs to make, and also from the hydrogen infrastructure point of view. We also need lots of investments in the generation and distribution of hydrogen.

How India can transition its EV battery waste crisis into a green energy opportunity
India, with its ambitious goals of transitioning to 40% renewable energy by 2030 and achieving significant EV penetration, is entering its lithium-ion battery revolution in full swing. EV sales are witnessing steady growth, propelled by supportive policies, incentives, and higher awareness of environmental issues than ever. Yet, the surge in battery demand raises alarming concerns about the disposal and environmental impact of spent batteries, as well as the ethical sourcing of energy transition materials for battery manufacturing. On the flip side, the problem of battery waste is a grand opportunity for the nation to build a supply of transition materials that can power all of its industrial decarbonisation efforts.

2023 Hyundai i20 Vs i20 N Line differences explained
Hyundai launched the facelifted i20 earlier this month and followed it up with the updated i20 N Line within a span of two weeks. Earlier, differences between the two models were minimal. With this latest update, the Korean brand has provided a clearer demarcation between the two premium hatchback siblings. 

Accelerating the transition to a green future: Ethanol-blended fuels and electric vehicles
This article is authored by Tushar Chhabhaya, Director, Aarya Automobiles

Empowering India: A glimpse into Battery Energy Storage Systems for a sustainable future

In line with global efforts to combat climate change, India has set an ambitious target of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. However, achieving this goal necessitates a reliable energy supply. This is where Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) step in, playing a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted energy flow.

Want to be the responsible financial solution partner to emerging India: Raul Rebello, M&M Finance
In an exclusive interview with businessline, Raul Rebello, MD & CEO – Designate, Mahindra Finance, spoke at length about how he sees the way ahead for the vehicle financier and plans for its subsidiaries.

Edited excerpts:

Volkswagen inaugurates two new touchpoints in Delhi NCR
Strengthening its presence in Delhi NCR, Volkswagen announces the inauguration of two new additional touchpoints in Faridabad and Sector 63, Noida. Bringing the brand closer to customers in strategically growing markets, the total network strength of Volkswagen in the region stands at 13 sales and eight service touchpoints.

SKIL Cabs and BluSmart partner to promote corporate car rentals in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru
SKIL Cabs, a prominent player in India's car rental industry, and BluSmart, a leading EV ride-hailing service, and EV charging infrastructure operator, are collaborating to redefine corporate car rentals with emphasis on sustainability, reliability, and innovation.

Ride-hailing platform ‘inDrive’ collaborates with Airattix to enhance car accessory management
Pune: Airattix, a first-of-its-kind marketplace providing end-to-end storage and parking solutions, announced its collaboration with inDrive, the California-based online ride-hailing platform. This partnership marks a significant milestone as it empowers inDrive to entrust the storage of its car accessories to Airattix. 

Honda India delivers 200 Elevate SUVs to customers in an event in Chennai on Tuesday
New Delhi: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), organised a delivery event in Chennai of their recently-launched mid-size SUV, the Honda Elevate, on sale at an introductory price ranging from INR 10,99,900 to INR 15,99,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi), for the top-tier variant. Over 200 Honda Elevate SUVs were delivered to customers during the event on Tuesday.

Maruti Suzuki tops SUV charts with new models
New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has surged ahead in the rapidly expanding SUV (sport utility vehicle) segment, marking a turnaround after several quarters of market share loss due to declining small car sales and lack of new SUV launches, following its exit from the diesel-engine market in 2020.

Kia India opens solar-powered Green Workshop in Rohtak, Haryana
Kia is also replicating its plant's water recycling model in this workshop by recycling 100% of the water used during the servicing process. In addition, it will also host a rainwater harvesting process to replenish the groundwater level. The workshop has also enhanced the car washing process with the introduction of Steam Wash technology, which saves 95% of water usage compared to the conventional car wash, the company said in a media release.

Officials in states continue to function like licence raj days, says Maruti Suzuki chairman
Despite the central government ushering in reforms, the manufacturing sector is yet to see enhanced growth rates as officials in the states continue to function in a way they used to during the "licence and control days", Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said on Tuesday. Speaking at an event here, the veteran industry leader noted that the central government over the last nine years has been bringing in a series of reforms and improvements in the business environment.

Nissan Micra EV concept teased as race car with scissor doors
Micra EV concept will be Nissan’s first big step to go all-electric in the next seven years. The Japanese auto giant has said that it will aim to manufacture only EVs by 2030 despite UK rolling back on deadline to ban petrol cars.

Mercedes Benz unveils 2024 AMG GLC Coupe globally– India launch on cards?
Mercedes Benz has officially taken the covers off the 20234 AMG GLC Coupe. Available in two trims–  43 4Matic and 63 S E PERFORMANCE, it is the latest luxury performance car to have undergone the brunt of stricter emission norms, as engineers at Affalterbach have downsized from a six-cylinder mill to a four-cylinder unit under its hood.

Mercedes on track to continue record sales in 2023 amid surging demand
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz expects 2023 to turn out to be its best year in terms of sales in India as the demand for high-end cars continues to grow post the Covid pandemic, according to a top company official. The carmaker, which sold 15,822 units in the Indian market in 2022, its highest ever in the country so far, anticipates the overall luxury car segment to post its best ever performance this calendar year.

Triton EV to launch 8.5 tonne e-truck in mid-November for India and Middle East market
Triton EV's Himanshu Patel reaffirms his commitment to deliver all-round EV and clean tech smart mobility for the logistics sector. In an exemplary announcement, Chairman and MD of Triton EV Himanshu Patel announced that his company is all set to introduce the 8.5-tonne EV Truck for India and the Middle East market.

Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up achieves one lakh production milestone in record time: Details
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has announced that its Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range has achieved one lakh production milestone in a short span of 16 months, setting a record in the commercial load segment.
 

Suzuki Motorcycle inaugurates new dealership in Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Suzuki Motorcycle expands its dealership network to Solan, Himachal Pradesh, inaugurating its Premium Dealership in the state. The new premium dealership located at Deonghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh was established by Goyal Suzuki and the dealership also showcases the latest models and accessories from Suzuki’s domestic product portfolio.

Royal Enfield Bobber 350 spied with accessory seat
Royal Enfield’s 350cc lineup currently comprises Classic, Meteor, Hunter and the recently launched new-gen Bullet. The Chennai-based bikemaker is planning to add a fifth model to the 350cc range in the form of Bobber 350. Test mules of this motorcycle have already been spotted on a few occasions recently.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India launches SP125 sports edition at INR 90,567
New Delhi: Gearing up for the festive season, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) Tuesday introduced the SP125 Sports Edition priced at INR 90,567 (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is a perfect amalgamation of sporty youthful character and comfortable riding experience. Bookings for the same are now open and it will be available at all Honda Red Wing dealerships across the country for a limited period, the company said.

Eicher Motors: Jefferies sees 22% upside potential; retains Buy with target at Rs 4150
Jefferies has retained a ‘Buy’ rating for Eicher Motors with a revised price target of Rs 4,150. This revised target sees a 22% upside target. The share price of Eicher Motors soared nearly 4% intra-day following this upside revision. “We believe time is ripe to buy EIM given alleviating competitive concerns, along with tailwinds of 2W demand recovery, industry premiumization and exports. We retain Buy and now prefer TVSL/Eicher over Bajaj Auto/HMCL in two-wheelers,” Jefferies explained in the report. 

Honda SP125 Sports Edition launched at Rs 90,567
Honda has launched the SP125 Sports Edition in India, priced at Rs 90,567 ex-showroom. Bookings for the same are now open and it will be available at all Honda Red Wing dealerships across the country for a limited period.

Bajaj Pulsar N150 launched at Rs 1.18 lakh
Bajaj Auto has added another Pulsar to its lineup— this time it’s the new Pulsar N150. Recent media reports revealed that Bajaj will launch as many as six new Pulsar models in India by the end of FY24. The first of them has come in the form of Pulsar N150 with a starting price of Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom).

2024 Royal Enfield Interceptor & Continental GT 650 launched in France. Check what’s new
 The 648 cc parallel-twin motor remains unchanged with 47 bhp and 52 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox

Eicher Motors may see a smooth ride on easing competition concern
The stock of Eicher Motors was the biggest Nifty50 gainer on Tuesday, up nearly 2.6 per cent to Rs 3,472 per share, on positive brokerage recommendations. 

More affordable Bajaj Chetak EV spied testing — Here’s what to expect
The revision in FAME II has made all electric scooter manufacturers rethink their product lines and innovate to make the scooters more affordable. Ather has come up with the 450S, which sports a smaller battery pack while Ola has launched an array of affordable scooters alongside the updated S1 Pro Gen 2.

Okaya EV offers free roadside assistance and accessories during festive season worth ₹5,000
The accessories on offer are a seat cover, a floor mat, a chrome kit and decals and graphics. The roadside assistance is applicable for one year and it comes with services such as flat tyre assistance, battery swap, minor repairs, custody service, key lockout, towing service and free ambulance support.

EV motorcycle startup Raptee raises USD 3 mln
Premium EV motorcycle startup Raptee on Tuesday said it has raised USD 3 million in a pre-Series A funding round. The all-equity funding round led by deep-tech VC fund BlueHill Capital, also saw participation from industry stalwarts as well as HNIs, Raptee said in a statement.

E-motorcycle startup Raptee raises USD 3 m in Pre-Series A round led by Bluehill Capital
New Delhi: Premium electric motorcycle Startup Raptee has raised USD 3 million in a Pre Series A round led by deep-tech VC fund Bluehill Capital.

Electric One launches E1 Astro Pro range of scooters at Rs 99,999 onwards
Electric One has introduced its inaugural two-wheeler series in India, which consists of the EV scooters E1 Astreo Pro and E1 Astro Pro 10, priced at Rs 99,999 onwards, ex-showroom.

Raptee raises $3 million in pre-Series A round
Chennai-based electric motorcycle startup, Raptee has raised $3 million (Rs 25 crore) in Pre Series A round led by deep-tech VC fund Bluehill Capital. The all-equity funding round saw participation from Eugene Mayne, Founder and CEO, Tristar Global (UAE); Lakshmi Narayanan, Former CEO, Cognizant; Ramesh Kannan, MD, Kaynes Technology; Chandu Nair, Director, Shankara Building Products and other HNIs from India and the UAE.

New Ather 450S HR (long range) to be launched soon
After launching the more affordable Ather 450S, the company is gearing up to launch a long-range version of the scooter, called the 450S HR. The details surfaced over a homologation document filed by Ather Energy.

APAC automotive steering systems market to expand at 2.7% CAGR over 2023-28: GlobalData
Additionally, combining electronic power steering with other fuel-efficient technology can improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency. Against this backdrop, the automotive steering systems market is forecast to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7% in Asia-Pacific (APAC) over 2023-28, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Kirloskar Pneumatic inaugurates new facility in Nashik, shares rise
Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Limited’s shares were up by 2.86 per cent after the company unveiled its new manufacturing facility in Nashik. The facility is equipped with a 32-ton forge hammer to produce High-Speed Gear Blanks, along with a fabrication unit for manufacturing base frames, pressure vessels, and a range of heat exchangers.

Amara Raja launches awards for rural entrepreneurs
Hyderabad: The Amara Raja Group announced ‘The Amara Raja Better Way Awards’ for individuals and entities that excel in innovative rural entrepreneurship. 

Tata Power collaborates with Kolkata Airport Authority to install EV chargers
Virendra Goyal, Head of Business Development (EV Charging), Tata Power, said, "Our collaboration with Kolkata Airport places us at the forefront of building a robust EV charging network in the city and the nearby areas. This underscores our unwavering dedication to sustainable mobility, with the ultimate aim of empowering individuals to embrace electric mobility confidently, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for everyone involved."

Oil prices slip as high interest rate outlook outweighs tight supply
Oil prices fell on Tuesday amid concerns that fuel demand will be crimped by major central banks holding interest rates higher for longer, even with supply expected to be tight.

Kirloskar Oil Engines launches CPCB IV+ compliant gensets for sustainable power solutions
Pune: Kirloskar Oil Engines (KOEL) announced the launch of its range of CPCB IV+ compliant gensets. With a focus on delivering high-performance, fuel-efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions, the new gensets meet the latest emission norms set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

New Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, GLC 63 S E Performance Coupes revealed
GLC 43 Coupe will launch in early 2024

Feature: Driving a Skoda Slavia, Kodiaq to India's three highest passes
Border Patrol

Next-gen Nissan Micra previewed as 20-23 EV concept
Source Credit: Autocar India

Nissan has revealed an all-new city EV concept called the 20-23. This is essentially a preview of the next-gen Micra that's been created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nissan’s European design centre in Paddington, London.

Bajaj Pulsar N150 launched at Rs 1.18 lakh, replaces P150
Source Credit: Autocar India

Just a day after leaked images emerged from a dealership, Bajaj has launched its latest Pulsar at Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom).

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid launched at Rs 5.25 crore
Source Credit: Autocar India

Bentley has launched the Flying Spur Hybrid at Rs 5.25 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi, before options). Powering the plug-in hybrid Bentley is a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, and combined, it has a range of up to 805km.

US asks Mexico for fresh workers' rights review at auto parts facility
The U.S. made another appeal to Mexico to review alleged labor violations under a regional trade pact on Monday, with the latest investigation centered on a Teklas Automotive facility in the Mexican state of Aguascalientes.

2024 Yamaha R15 V4 launched in Japan with new colours
The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 for Japan also gets the neon yellow and Dark Bluish Gray Metallic shade

Tesla’s China exports in crosshairs of EU anti-subsidy probe
Tesla shares fell 1.6% in premarket trading at 5:58 a.m. in New York.

Kolkata airport gets 4 EV charging points
Tata Power on Tuesday said it has installed four electric vehicle (EV) charging points at the Kolkata airport. The site selection for these charging stations underwent meticulous planning, prioritising convenience and accessibility for EV users who commute to the airport or nearby vicinity, Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Ltd said in a statement.

Renault, Nissan to Drop Common Alliance Purchasing Organization
Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. are letting go of their common purchasing organization in favor of a new, project-by-project set-up, a sign the carmakers are growing further apart after striking a broader deal to rebalance their troubled alliance.

Prices tumble for cobalt used for EV batteries
Prices of the cobalt hydroxide used to make chemicals for electric vehicle batteries have plummeted due to an upsurge of supplies from top producer Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nissan says all new models coming to Europe will be fully electric
Nissan Motor Co said on Monday all its new European models will be fully electric and it plans to sell only electric vehicles (EVs) on the continent by 2030, joining a growing number of carmakers shifting to electric by the end of the decade.

Rolls-Royce hydrogen research project sets new world industry with key milestone success
New Delhi, Rolls-Royce on Tuesday announced a further key milestone, a world industry first, has been achieved in its hydrogen research project.

Lexus teases EV concept with 800km range: Set to break cover at Tokyo Motor Show
Luxury carmaker Lexus has teased a new electric concept car, which is all set to break cover at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The concept car is expected to launch in 2026 and promises an 800 km range on a single charge.
 

Biden, Trump to woo union workers in Michigan as auto strikes grow
Joe Biden and Donald Trump will speak to striking auto workers in rare back-to-back events in Michigan this week, highlighting how important unions are to the 2024 presidential election, even though they represent a tiny fraction of U.S. workers.

Hyundai, Kia to cut Ioniq 5, EV6 prices in this country amid sluggish demand
Hyundai will cut the cost of the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Kona EV, while Kia will do the same for the EV6, Niro EV and Niro Plus, the companies said in separate statements. The discounts, which go into effect next month, will run through the end of 2023 to take advantage of the government’s temporary subsidy expansion, they said.

Ford stops construction of USD 3.5 billion Marshall EV battery plant in Michigan
Ford Motor, in the midst of tense contract negotiations with striking United Automobile Workers, said Monday that it was suspending construction of a battery factory in Michigan because of concerns that the plant might not be able to make products at a competitive price.
 

Ford pauses work on USD 3.5 bn battery plant in Michigan
Ford Motor said on Monday it has paused work on a USD 3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan, citing concerns about its ability to competitively operate the plant at a time when it remains locked in broader contract negotiations.

Mercedes S-Class, Porsche stand to lose most in China tariff row
For Germany’s high-end manufacturers, including Porsche AG, China has proven an insatiable market for their most expensive models, like the S-Class, 7-Series and Cayenne SUV. Those vehicles, however, are mainly imported, putting them in the line of fire if Beijing retaliates against any EU measures.

China's commerce chief unhappy at EU's anti-subsidy probe
China's commerce minister expressed strong dissatisfaction in a weekend meeting with the European Union's trade chief that the bloc will launch an anti-subsidy investigation over China's electric vehicles, his ministry said on Tuesday.

Canadian union Unifor names GM its second bargaining target among Detroit Three
Canadian union Unifor announced General Motors as its second bargaining target in contract talks with the Detroit Three on Monday, a day after ratifying a new three-year contract with Ford Motor.

Ford Tried to Sell the Electric Mustang to China the Tesla Way—It Didn’t Work
After years of sales troubles in China, Ford Motor saw a chance to ride the tide of electrification to arrest its demise.