Govt mulls subsidising carmakers investing in local EV production
To this end, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has started discussions to introduce a scheme for subsidising electric four-wheeler makers. The subsidy will be based on the investments made by these companies for producing vehicles in the country, senior officials familiar with the development were cited as saying in the ET report.
 

Tata Motors sells 9.9% stake in Tata Technologies to investors led by TPG Rise
Tata Motors Limited (TML) has announced the sale of a 9.9% stake in Tata Technologies Ltd (TTL) for a substantial INR 1,613.7 crore. The transaction, which is set to conclude within two weeks following standard procedures, is a significant step in TML's ongoing efforts to de-leverage its balance sheet.

Tata Motors shares hit record high on JLR's best-ever performance in H1FY24; sales surge 97%
Shares of auto major Tata Motors jumped over 4 percent to their record high on Friday after the company's arm Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India reported its highest-ever performance in the first half of financial year 2023-24 (FY24).

Should you buy a special edition car this festive season?
Renault launched the Urban Night special edition for its Kiger, Triber and Kwid models in India last month, with 300 units of each slated to be produced. These Urban Night special edition iterations are based on the top-end trim of the respective models. They come wearing a special black shade along with some cosmetic upgrades over the standard models like silver-finished skid plates, puddle lamps and ambient lighting.

Ratan Tata’s dream car Tata Nano EV launching soon? Here’s the truth behind viral post
Ratan Tata is one of the most celebrated Indian industrialists across the globe. The Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons is known for his wisdom, vision, philanthropy and business skills. Although Ratan Tata hasn’t been much active socially in the past few years, his quotes and ideology keep floating on social media platforms. But it is worth noting that not everything you see on social media platforms is true and some of the quotes that are attributed to Ratan Tata are misleading and so is the image of Ratan Tata’s dream car Tata Nano as an EV. A purported image of the upcoming Tata Nano EV is doing rounds on social media platforms with different captions. While some are claiming it to be Ratan Tata’s dream car Tata Nano in new Avatar’, some are claiming it to be under production with an unbelievable range.

Megatrends in the evolution of auto industry shape society, mobility: SAE India
New Delhi: Mega trends in the evolution of the mobility industry, from horse carts to electric to autonomous cars, have been shaping society and the industry. With a picture of horse carts from the 1900s, Tapan Sahoo, Executive Director - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. and Chairman - SAENIS, explained how this has been happening down the decades to the present state.

INR 20 trillion 20-year highway blueprint may replace Bharatmala-2 project
New Delhi: I is likely that the second phase of the Bharatmala highway development program might be replaced by a colossal INR 20 trillion, 20-year project. This potential transition is informed by two individuals with knowledge of the matter, according to a report in a business daily.

Amo Mobility eyes high-speed EV launch, equity funding, strategic M&As
New Delhi: Electric mobility startup Amo Mobility is gearing up for an aggressive plan for dealership expansion by the end of this fiscal year, backed by the introduction of high-speed vehicles, Managing Director Sushant Kumar told ETEnergyworld in an exclusive interview.

Tata Motors zooms 5% to fresh high; DVR shares jump 4% amid EV subsidy buzz
Mumbai: Shares of Tata Motors rallied 5 per cent on the BSE to a fresh high of Rs 665.50 in Friday’s intra-day trade. The stock surpassed its previous high of Rs 665.40 touched on July 26, 2023.

Tata Motors DVR (Differential Voting Rights) shares gained 4 per cent to Rs 443.10 on the back of heavy volumes. The shares were quoting close to the record high level of Rs 444 touched on September 15, 2023. The average trading volumes on the DVR counter more than doubled today.

A combined 3.8 million equity shares changed hands on the NSE and BSE. In comparison, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 0.02 per cent at 66,419 at 02:26 PM.

Montra Electric signs MoU with Ecofy to offer financing solutions
Chennai, Montra Electric, the electric vehicle brand of the diversified conglomerate Murugappa Group on Friday said it has inked a pact with Ecofy to offer financing solutions for the purchase of electric three-wheelers. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a sustainable future for the transportation sector as EV passenger vehicles recorded a 58 per cent growth, cargo vehicles registered 114 per cent year-on-year.

Auto industry Q2 preview: Product mix, commodity tailwinds to aid margins
Source Credit: Sohini Das, Business Standard

Mumbai: Automobile manufacturers are likely to report strong numbers for the September quarter of Financial Year 2023-24 (Q2 FY24), riding on growth across segments and offset by a marginal drop in overall two-wheeler (2W) volumes.
 

Mercedes-Benz R&D arm renews Bengaluru office lease

Bengaluru: Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India has renewed its lease for about 542,000 square feet of office space in Bengaluru.

Landmark Cars expands operations to Goa with MG dealership
Landmark Cars Limited is set to establish an MG Motor dealership in the state of Goa. MG Motor India Pvt Ltd has granted Landmark Cars Limited’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aeromark Cars Private Limited, a Letter of Intent for this dealership.

Jeep Care Festival announced with special offers and benefits. Check out
The Jeep Compass and Meridian are powered by diesel engines, while the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee get petrol-only powerplants

Hyundai Exter wins multiple accolades at India’s Best Design Awards 2023
The Hyundai Exter is the brand's most accessible SUV in its stable

2024 Toyota Crown sedan offers hybrid powertrain, advanced features
Built on Toyota's GA-K platform, the Toyota Crown stands tall with 19-inch or 21-inch wheels, enhancing its road presence. The large wheels also elevate the hip point for easy entry and exit.

Hyundai car discounts in October 2023 – Up to Rs 50,000 on i20
As the festive season gains momentum, carmakers are offering a host of discounts and offers on their products and Hyundai is in on it as well. The carmaker is offering a host of discounts in the form of exchange offers or just straight-up discounts. Here are the discounts on Hyundai cars in October 2023.

Slowing Kia plans to step on pedal in Indian market

Mumbai: After a strong sales run that lasted till the end of FY23, Kia India appears to have run out of steam. Sales are already on the decline and it is ceding position to rivals as well. However the Korean automotive brand is not deterred. It is continuing to pursue its ambition of pushing volumes up by 50% by the turn of the decade, work on tailored-made compact electric vehicles and expand its sales touch points to enhance sales and brand reach.

Toyota firmly believes hybrid cars are the 'optimal solution' to accelerate EV penetration: Here's why
"The hybrid electric vehicle we think is maybe an optimal solution to begin scale in terms of electrification..around 40 per cent of the distance and around 60 per cent of the time on a hybrid electric vehicle based on Indian statistical testing, is actually on zero emission," he noted.
 

BMW India records best ever Jan-Sept sales, takes lead in luxury EV segment
New Delhi: BMW Group India on Friday said it has recorded the best-ever sales for all three brands including BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad during the January to September 2023 period.

Audi India introduces 10-year roadside assistance program for customers
New Delhi: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, Thursday announced a comprehensive, 10-year Roadside Assistance program for customers. This will be applicable to cars sold starting October 01, 2023. The initiative is in line with Audi India’s Human-Centricity strategy that focuses on the customer-first approach.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4 Matic: A green SUV that offers luxury, performance
Kashmir is all that you imagine it to be: serene, splendid and surreal. Driving in the Buta Pathri district around Gulmarg is like being in heaven. The sky is a brilliant blue, with pine trees reaching high into the sky. The ample green fields and quiet surroundings have an instant calming effect on you. I can enjoy the surroundings more because I am driving something green, something silent—the latest EV from Mercedes-Benz, the EQE 500 4 Matic.

No plans to phase out diesel vehicles: BMW India president Vikram Pawah
He said the company's car sales in India rose by 10 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in the January-September period, reaching 9,580 units, amid better production due to an improvement in component supply.
 

BMW India's upward streak: 48% luxury EV market share, iX1 sold out in 180 minutes!
Leading brand in luxury EV segment:

One of every four vehicle sold in India to be an electric car: BMW

One out of every four vehicles sold by German luxury car maker BMW in the Indian market will be electric within the next two years, a top company executive said, citing better-than-expected demand.

Mercedes-Benz India getting track ready for smooth electric drive

Mercedes-Benz India will not chase volumes in electric vehicles, but will focus on creating an ecosystem for EVs such as lowering the cost of ownership, building charging infrastructure and offering a hassle-free experience that will likely help boost sales eventually, the company's top executive said.

Hydrogen Vehicle Systems unveils modular platform for commercial vehicles
Zero-emission, hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle company Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), has unveiled its modular platform, which it says offers heavy goods vehicle operators maximum flexibility from a single base vehicle. 

Odisha CM launches LAccMI public transport system
The Chief Minister flagged off the bus service during a special programme in Malkangiri.

TNSTC to run 270 special buses in central region
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) Kumbakonam division has announced that 270 special buses will be operated for devotees to reach various pilgrimage sites in the central region of the state to observe the Mahalaya Amavasya event on October 14 (Saturday).

Ashok Leyland bags Tamil Nadu STU order for 1,666 buses
New Delhi: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, on Friday announced that it has bagged an order from TN STU’s (Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings) for 1,666 buses. This is the single largest BSVI order received from any State Transport Undertaking, the company said.

Car Review: Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift : Can it 'easily shift' SUV buyers towards Nissan?
Let's start with prices. At Rs.6.5 lakh, ex-showroom, the Magnite EZ-Shift (pronounced easy shift) undercuts all automatic gearbox SUVs — a lakh cheaper than Tata Punch AMT (Rs.7.5 lakh), and con-siderably affordable than Hyundai Exter AMT (Rs.7.97 lakh) and Renault Kiger AMT (Rs.8.55 In fact, this Nissan automatic is priced even lower than Maruti Suzuki Wagon RAGS(Rs.6.54 lakh).

Anant Goenka on Ceat being the only tyre company in the world to get Deming Grand Prize
Anant Goenka, VC, RPG Group, says “post World War II, we found that Made in Japan started to become more and more important because of the high quality processes that were implemented at that time and companies like Toyota, Sony, etc. started to stand for high quality. Those are the practices that were adopted in a way by us which largely means we are highly customer centric as a company.”

Frees the left leg without burning a hole in your pocket
There has been so little action in the affordable, entry small car category that any new addition is welcome. For a country where the sub-four-metre hatch is still the lion’s share of the passenger car market, it is certainly disappointing to see so many buyers heading to the used car market because there just aren’t enough approachable, and yet exciting new options to choose from. The early years of the boom in the Indian passenger car market happened simply because a plethora of new vehicles brought on a range of new choices for car buyers. Increased competition and an expansion of options often leads to growth in any sector. Set a little in that context, comes the new Nissan Magnite with its affordable automatic AMT transmission. A new transmission option with its own range of trim variants that joins the existing range in what is quite literally the only model line in the brand’s portfolio.

International Tractors targets numero uno position in 25 markets by 2030
New Delhi: Hoshiarpur (Punjab)-based International Tractors (Sonalika) said on Friday that it will focus on export markets in the next seven years. The company targets to export 1 lakh units by 2030, from around 35,000 right now, to attain the leadership position in 25 countries. The company is also setting up an export-oriented plant at Hoshiarpur at an investment of around ₹800 crore over the next three years, and a capacity of 1 lakh units of tractors per annum, Gaurav Saxena, Director and Chief Executive Officer- International Business, International Tractors (ITL), told businessline.

Sonalika plans Rs 1,000 cr outlay to push exports

Sonalika Group, which manufactures tractors and agri equipment under the Solis brand, is looking at investing around Rs 1000 crore towards expanding its presence in international markets.

What's a scrambler motorcycle?
This Week, Triumph launched the Scrambler 400 X priced Rs.2.63 lakh, ex-showroom. It has the same engine as the Speed 400 launched in July (Rs. 2.33 lakh), but a different body type, called the’scrambler’ 

Relief for Hero MotoCorp chairman Pawan Munjal till December 6, Delhi High Court stays proceedings based on FIR
This move comes as a relief for India's biggest two-wheeler manufacturer and its key officials including chairman Pawan Munjal, against whom an FIR was filed with the Delhi Police on October 5 this year by one of the service providers of the automaker. The service provider named Brain Logistics accused the automaker of forgery and falsifying the accounts book. Hero MotoCorp too issued an official statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange immediately after that, saying that the auto company too had filed an FIR against the service provider in 2013. Hero MotoCorp also stated that the matter is ongoing before the court.

Royal Enfield Motoverse to be held in Goa from Nov 24: Key things to know
The Motosonic will be a lineup of music concerts. It will also include the celebration of the most epic year in hip-hop history, 50 Years of Hip-Hop,! Various artists from across the country such as Taba Chake - a multi-lingual independent artist from Arunachal Pradesh, Benny Dayal, the singer who has delivered over 3000 mesmerizing tunes and Gowri Lakshmi - a female musician known for her distinctive singing style will be performing in the event. Also, Ranj & Cliffr, an indie-pop duo, up-and-coming fan favourites Oaff x Savera and experimental Indian electronica artists, Tech Panda X Kenzani will perform in the Motosonic.

Moto Morini Calibro 650 cruiser breaks cover globally. Will rival Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Moto Morini Calibro 650 has been designed to get a distinctive American cruiser feel. It reminds us of the erstwhile Harley-Davidson Street 750

Royal Enfield's journey from a 'Desi Bullet' to an international lifestyle brand under Sid Lal, the brand's now worth...
Royal Enfield, once on the brink of collapse in the late '90s, found its savior in Siddhartha Lal in 2000. Taking the reins as CEO at just 26, Lal transformed the struggling ‘Desi Bullet’ motorcycle brand into an industry giant.

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Aurora launched at Rs 2.20 lakh: Gets LED headlight, spoke wheels and more
Royal Enfield has expanded the Meteor 350 lineup in India with the new Aurora variant, launched at Rs 2.20 lakh, ex-showroom. The Meteor 350 Aurora gets a few upgrades over its siblings and has been slated between the Stellar and Supernova variants of the cruiser motorcycle.
 

Ducati launches Multistrada V4 Rally at INR 29.72 lakh
Ducati introduced Friday the Multistrada V4 Rally in India at INR 29.72 lakh. This motorcycle is designed for long journeys and offers an adventure-filled experience. It's built for exploring the world, whether you're traveling alone or with a passenger.

JK Tyre to organise India’s first-ever Drift Challenge at BIC on October 16
The JK Tyre Drift Challenge will feature a grid of 25 rear-wheel drive cars driven by some of the most skilled drivers from across the country. The event will see the drivers compete on specially designed track layouts. The drivers will be judged by an international three-member panel of drifting experts comprising Alistair Woodham from India who was an ex-member of the Drift Commission of FIA, Cristiani Nanami Lazaro from Brazil and Tanakorn Lertyaovarit from Thailand. The judging criteria will centre on four main aspects - line, angle, style and speed.

AspenTech to focus on lithium recycling and carbon capture in India
Lithium battery recycling and optimizing carbon capture technologies will be the key areas in India for the global industrial software company, Aspen Technology Inc. AspenTech provides asset optimization software used by companies in capital-intensive industries to help them manage their operations.

How to purchase a car online: Key tips
Here are some key tips to follow if you are planning to buy a car online.

Pump up the tyres: R&D spend of India tyre industry is forecast to more than double to $151 million from $64 million
A remarkable transformation has unfolded in the Indian automotive industry. Once regarded as a laggard – characterised by dearth of innovation, lacklustre engineering, subpar manufacturing practices and inadequately skilled workforce – the industry has undergone a metamorphosis. Today, India is a global automotive manufacturing powerhouse.

Tata Steel plans to meet 25% of energy needs via green sources

Mumbai: Tata Steel, Asia's oldest manufacturer of the primary infrastructure alloy, plans to meet at least a fourth of its energy requirements through green energy by FY30 on its path to become net neutral on carbon emissions by 2045.

Oil rises USD 2 as US sanctions, stockpile forecasts raise supply worries
Oil prices jumped USD 2 on Friday after the U.S. tightened its sanctions programme against Russian crude exports, raising supply concerns in an already tight market, and global inventories are forecast to decline through the fourth quarter.

Servotech Power, Emcor Power Solutions to install 1,000 EV chargers in India
 

Flawed system gave unchecked vehicles licence to pollute air
While the earlier system required just a photograph of the vehicle’s registration plate, PUCC Version-2.0 will also require a landscape image of the vehicle at the emission testing centre, a live video of the emission test captured via the PUCC app and the geo-location of the mobile device capturing the photo and video.

TiE Delhi-NCR ignites Sustainability Mission: The Summit unites innovators to foster a greener future in line with India’s ‘Net Zero’ pledge
In alignment with India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, TiE Delhi-NCR recently hosted the Sustainability Summit, dedicated to promoting sustainability and eco-conscious practices. The event convened startup founders, investors, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to engage in discussions and explore innovative solutions aimed at fostering a sustainable future.

How new vehicle owners can get their motor insurance purchase right
Vehicle sales are on the rise. The festival season is leaving its imprint on auto sales with record numbers being sold in September —which reported a 20 per cent YoY growth. Car and two-wheeler purchases have been making new highs since the end of Covid, as mobility options are being prioritised. As the festival season progresses, the industry is expecting a bumper harvest in auto sales.

Mufin Green Finance partners with Snap-E Cabs to provide EV four-wheelers
New Delhi: Mufin Green Finance on Friday said it has partnered with Snap-E Cabs to provide a fleet of 100 electric four-wheelers to the aggregator. The battery-operated cars have been leased out for a period of five years, the climate financing solutions company said in a statement.

Motor Insurance: A floater policy works out better for your many cars
Individuals owning multiple vehicles such as private cars as well as two-wheelers can opt for a motor floater policy for convenience, flexibility and lower premium as compared to standalone policies. Such a cover solves the problem of keeping track of the renewal dates of all separate policies and paying multiple premiums.

Indian Bank signs inventory financing pact with Tata Motor’s arms
Chennai: Indian Bank Ltd signed an agreement with Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPVL) and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEML) to provide inventory financing solutions to their authorised dealers for electric as well as other passenger vehicles. The PSU lender will provide the two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tata Motors Ltd with inventory financing solutions through its digital SCF (supply chain finance).

Save up to 25% on this car insurance premium if you are a good driver; here's how to get it

Do you think you are a good driver? If yes, you may get some discount while paying for your motor insurance policy. Read on to find out how.

Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid heavier than Versys 650
Just a few days ago, we brought you the news of Kawasaki’s innovative Ninja 7 Hybrid. But back then, we didn’t have the answer to the most pertinent question at the time: how much more does a hybrid bike weigh than a conventional ICE one?

Communication among cars essential to make them safer: government panel
Source Credit: Autocar India

What if cars could talk to each other? Well, according to Reuters, an Indian government panel has recommended that vehicles with systems that can communicate with other vehicles, transport infrastructure and pedestrians, should be granted a higher safety rating under the new Bharat NCAP ratings. The panel has asked for the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems to be considered towards the ratings in the BNCAP tests.

Renault Kardian SUV global debut on October 25
Source Credit: Autocar India

Renault’s all-new compact SUV, christened Kardian, will debut on October 25, 2023, the brand has confirmed. Renault has officially revealed some teaser images of the SUV's design that'll initially go on sale in Brazil before making it to other emerging markets. However, a few months ago, patent images of the SUV had surfaced on the internet giving us an early look of the SUV's looks.

Kia working on EV2 city hatchback
Source Credit: Autocar India

Kia has begun work on an entry-level EV2 city hatch that will see the light of day in 2026. The model will first go on sale in Europe, followed by other markets. The new machine, which was confirmed at the company's first EV Day event in Seoul, South Korea, will follow the EV3 small SUV, EV4 saloon and EV5 family SUV, which will all go on sale within the next three years.

Defender, Range Rover line-up largest sellers for JLR in India
Source Credit: Autocar India

JLR India reported on Thursday that it has achieved its best ever H1 fiscal performance to date. During the April to September 2023 period, the company sold a record 2,356 units, representing a staggering year-on-year growth of 105 percent.

Feature: Coast to coast in a Q8 e-tron Sportback on a single charge
Source Credit: Autocar India

It seemed like a walk in the park when the idea was put forward in the edit meeting. I smirked as the cruise from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Varkala Beach in Kerala was lovely from what I could remember. Not impressed with the look on my face, a “caveat” was added – I would have to do it in an EV. 

Maruti Suzuki to export 5 door Jimny to Japan
Source Credit: Autocar India

Despite the immense local interest around the 3-door Jimny when it was unveiled in 2017, Maruti Suzuki did not launch it in the Indian market, choosing to develop a 5-door version instead. The company felt the additional doors would offer more practicality and would thus be a much better fit for the Indian market.

CFMoto previews two new multi-cylinder sportbikes
Source Credit: Autocar India

Chinese bikemaker CFMoto has used its 2023 CFMoto Day festival to preview two upcoming multi-cylinder sportbikes. The first is the 500SR (wrapped in blue), which draws power from an inline four-cylinder engine, and the second is the 675SR (wrapped in red), powered by an inline-triple motor.

Volkswagen's Europe and US sales offset China weakness in Q3
Volkswagen's group deliveries rose 7.4% in the third quarter as strong demand in Europe and North America offset a decline in top market China, the German carmaker said on Friday.

UAW, Detroit Three careen toward another Friday turning point
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain is expected to deliver a video address on Friday that could lead to another escalation of the union's strikes against the Detroit Three automakers, or to reprieves as rewards for more concessions to union demands.

Mercedes Benz launches E-Class all-terrain for European markets at INR 65.04 lakh
The E-Class All-Terrain joins the E‑Class family as the third member, following the Saloon and the Estate. The E 220 d 4MATIC, with a WLTP-rated combined fuel consumption ranging from 6.0 to 5.3 liters per 100 km and combined CO₂ emissions between 157 and 139 grams per km, starts at a price of EUR 74,077.50 (INR 65.04 lakh)

Tesla fights USD 230 mn fee sought by attorneys who sued over board pay
Tesla Inc will urge a Delaware judge on Friday to reject USD 230 million in legal fees requested by a team of shareholder attorneys who won a settlement in a dispute over director pay.

Taiwan minister says TSMC has received China chip waiver extension from US
Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC has received from the United States a waiver extension to supply U.S. chip equipment to the company's factories in China, Taiwan Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said on Friday.

Stellantis offers new share plan to French and Italian workers
Stellantis is offering a new stock investment plan to its French and Italian employees to help them with cost of living pressures and try to incentivise performance, two sources close to the company told Reuters.

Rolls-Royce unveils limited edition Black Badge Ghost inspired by solar eclipse
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has introduced the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection, inspired by a solar eclipse. These commissions explore the interplay of light and darkness, recreating the moment when the Moon obscures the Sun.

CNH completes purchase of Hemisphere GNSS, consolidates tech capabilities
New Delhi: CNH Industrial has completed its purchase of the global satellite navigation technology leader Hemisphere GNSS (Hemisphere) for a total consideration of USD 175 million – as announced on March 30, 2023.

Mercedes-Benz conducts world's first public EV crash test
Mercedes-Benz conducted the world's first public crash test using two fully electric vehicles, surpassing both the legal requirements and the industry standards.

Japan has serious work cut out with carbon cutting ambitions
Japan rolled out a carbon credit trading scheme this week as part of efforts to cut emissions and tackle climate change, but likely faces a tougher challenge than most peers when it comes to transitioning energy systems to fully run off clean power.

Will Consumers buy ‘Selfish’ Self-Driving Cars?
In 2016, a Mercedes-Benz executive said that in developing autonomous vehicles (AVs), the company would prioritize the safety of its customers over that of bystanders and other drivers: “If you know you can save at least one person, at least save that one. Save the one in the car." The company probably did not expect the media backlash that ensued. “Mercedes-Benz admits automated driverless cars would run over a CHILD rather than swerve and risk injuring the passengers inside," a Daily Mail headline announced. Within a week, the carmaker publicly backed away from its position, stating that “neither programmers nor automated systems are entitled to weigh the value of human lives."

Lithium-hungry France signs deal with Mongolia for exploration of critical metal
France signed a deal with Mongolia to search for lithium on Thursday and moved a step closer to mine uranium in the Asian country, as Paris steps up its hunt for critical metals needed for its clean energy shift.
 

Map maker TomTom shares slide as its biggest unit misses sales forecast
Digital mapping specialist TomTom reported lower than expected revenue at its main location technology business on Friday, sending its shares down 7%.

China lithium market gains for first time in six weeks on EV demand
Chinese lithium prices rose 0.9% this week, the first increase in six weeks, on improving demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Spot prices of lithium carbonate climbed to 166,500 yuan ($22,786.68) per ton, from 165,000 yuan last week, though the price remains at around a six-month low.
 

China lithium market gains for first time in 6 weeks on EV demand
Chinese lithium prices rose 0.9% this week, the first increase in six weeks, on improving demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Stockholm to ban gasoline and diesel cars from downtown commercial area in 2025
A ban on gasoline and diesel-fuelled cars from a commercial district of Stockholm's downtown in 2025 will be the first for a European capital, a city official said Thursday. The ban will take effect in a 20-block area of shops, pedestrian walkways and a few homes in order to curb pollution, reduce noise and encourage use of electric vehicles said Lars Stromgren, the city council member for the Greens who's in charge of the Swedish capital's transportation.

BMW designed the new-gen X2 SUV to make it look like an X4 on purpose. Here's why
 The second-generation BMW X2 that has just broken its cover comes 7.6 inches longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase too comes stretched by nearly an inch. This has resulted in a more spacious cabin offering more legroom for the rear seat occupants. Also, the cargo space has grown as well. The report claims that BMW has made the model significantly larger on purpose, as the new X2 would replace both the outgoing X2 and the current X4. Besides the larger size, the new X2 comes with styling elements that too justify the report.