🏢 Industry
VinFast inaugurates its first EV assembly plant in India — Should Tesla follow?
VinFast Tamil Nadu is the company’s third operational plant and the fifth project in its global manufacturing network, and is the first VinFast facility inaugurated outside Vietnam.
M&M closes in on Maruti in utility vehicle segment
Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has swiftly closed in on Maruti Suzuki in the utility vehicle (UV) space, inching closer to the leadership position on the back of some best-selling launches. From 53,500 units in the April-July of last year, the gap between the two has narrowed to just 12,700 units in the first four months of 2025. In July this gap was down to just 2,900 units.
Elon Musk's Tesla set to open 2nd India showroom on August 11 in this city, not Chennai, Bengaluru
Elon Musk's Tesla is set to expand its presence in India's electric vehicle market with the launch of its second retail outlet in the country. The new Tesla Experience Centre will open on August 11 at Aerocity's upscale Worldmark 3 complex in the national capital, catering to customers in the national capital region -- a key hub for India's electric mobility push.
NITI Aayog lays out a blueprint to fast-track EV adoption in India
Niti Aayog proposes stiffer taxes, stringent emission norms for fossil fuel vehicles to promote EVs
mint
Bosch acquires 26% in JSW Neo Energy, PAT for Q1FY26 zooms 140% to ₹1,115 crore
Delhi Government sets up high-level panels for transparent excise and EV policies
📝 India's semiconductor mission paves way for digital sovereignty: Experts
📝 Telangana car owners may not benefit from Centre's annual toll pass scheme
📝 Delhi, Maharashtra, Chandigarh frontrunners in the first India Electric Mobility Index: NITI Aayog
📝 Auto recap, August 4: VinFast opens first India EV plant, Tata Harrier EV delivery begins, new-gen Mahindra Bolero spied
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Electric Car/SUV
‘Open to full-fledged production in India,’ says Pham Sanh Chau
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast aims to turn its $2-billion manufacturing plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, to a full-fledged manufacturing setup. VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau tells Narayanan V that decision to scale up the facility will be based on volumes.
VinFast hopes for EV incentives
Thoothukudi: VinFast is still in discussion with the Central government on getting incentives for new car manufacturers and is hopeful that it will get some sops, Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia, told mediapersons on Monday. “We had a very long discussion with the Centre, and we are patient,” he said. “We missed out on getting the incentive because of some due dates. We still expect the government to announce some kind of an incentive for us,” he added. The $2-billion (₹16,000 crore) investment by Vietnam-based electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast in Tamil Nadu did not qualify for availing benefits under the scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India. The EV plant in Tamil Nadu became ineligible for India’s EV incentive scheme, as investment was capitalised before approval date.
BE 6, XEV 9e Pack Two variants deliveries begin, more affordable than Pack Three
Mahindra had introduced the first two of its Electric Origin range of SUVs — BE 6 and XEV 9e— late last year. However, deliveries for the coupe electric SUVs only began this year in a phased manner. The deliveries began with the Pack Three which came with the 79kWh battery pack followed by Pack Two with the 59 kWh battery pack.
Chandigarh leads in country’s electric mobility index
The NITI Aayog’s first India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI), which assessed the performance across three themes of EV adoption, has also ranked Delhi and Maharashtra among the frontrunners in the country.
📝 Vietnam automaker Vinfast to build factory in India, eyeing growth in Asia
📝 VinFast inaugurates Tamil Nadu EV plant, targets 1,50,000 annual capacity
📝 Tata Harrier EV deliveries begin in India, gets up to 627 Km range and AWD option
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🚗 Luxury
Tata Motors’ PB Balaji to head Jaguar Land Rover as CEO
Source Credit: Kriti Saraiya, The Economic Times
Tata Motors has announced the appointment of PB Balaji as the new Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), effective from November 2025, according to the company’s regulatory filings.
The appointment marks the first time an Indian executive will head the JLR operations since its acquisition by Tata Motors in 2008 in an all-cash deal.
He will succeed Adrian Mardell, who is retiring after a 35-year-long association with the UK-based luxury carmaker and who held the helm for three years. Mardell said, “These three years have been a great privilege. We have cemented JLR’s position in the automotive industry during a time of incredible change.”
The board of JLR approved the appointment on Monday. He is currently serving as Group Chief Financial Officer of Tata Motors.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors and JLR, said, “I would like to thank Adrian for the stellar turnaround of JLR and for delivering record results. I am delighted to appoint Balaji as the incoming CEO. He has been associated with the company for many years and has worked closely with the JLR leadership team. This move will ensure we continue to accelerate our journey to reimagine JLR.”
Educational qualifications
Balaji is an alumnus of IIT Madras and IIM Calcutta, and brings over three decades of experience across the automotive and consumer goods sectors. He joined Tata Motors in 2017 and has been instrumental in driving structural improvements in operations and financial performance.
He has led diverse global teams across finance and supply chain roles in Mumbai, London, Singapore, and Switzerland.
“I look forward to leading this incredible company. Over the past eight years, I have grown to know and love its iconic brands. I thank Adrian for his immense contributions and wish him well in his next innings,” said Balaji.
This appointment marks a significant step towards JLR’s electrification and sustainability goals under its ‘Reimagine’ strategy.
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/tata-motors-appoint-pb-balaji-as-new-ceo-of-jaguar-land-rover/123094197?utm_source=top_story&utm_medium=latestNews
Tata Motors names P B Balaji first Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover
The Economic Times
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/tata-motors-names-p-b-balaji-first-indian-ceo-of-jaguar-land-rover/articleshow/123099784.cms
P.B. Balaji to head Jaguar Land Rover
The Hindu Business Line
Uncertainty over UK-India FTA timeline stalls sales in India’s Rs 2,000-crore ultra-luxury car market
📝 Volvo XC60 facelift vs Mercedes-Benz GLC vs BMW X3: Price, features, specs compared
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
📝 Green push upstaged as e-bus crashes raise safety alarm, show training gaps
📝 OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & CGO
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🎤 Interviews & Features
📝 Rajesh Bhosale’s 2 top trading ideas: TCS & Ashok Leyland
📝 Next gen Mahindra Bolero spotted yet again ahead of its launch. Check details
📝 Renault Triber facelift rejuvenates Indian MPV market: Key 6 missing features it missed
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🏗 Construction & Agriculture
VST Tillers launches new range of fuel efficient compact tractors
VST Tillers Tractors Ltd has announced the launch of its FENTM Tractor Series, fuel-efficient, high-torque compact tractors designed for the evolving needs of modern farmers. FENTM, which stands for Fuel Efficient and Torque Max, represents a leap forward in compact farming. Merging advanced engineering with VST’s frugal innovation principles, the series delivers unmatched performance, agility, and durability, all within a compact footprint, the company said in a press release.
📝 Escorts Kubota Q1FY26 net profit surges over 4-fold to ₹1,400 crore
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
Hero Mavrick 440 discontinued: What led to its downfall?
While Hero MotoCorp is the undisputed leader in the budget two-wheeler segment, the brand had very little to offer in the premium segment. A couple years ago, Hero launched the Premia showrooms catering to its premium range of motorcycles which started with the launch of the new-gen Karizma XMR 210.
Triumph Thruxton 400 launch today: 3 things to expect
Triumph will launch its third motorcycle in the 400cc lineup tomorrow (if we discount Speed T4 and Scrambler 400 XC as additional variants of Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, respectively). Called Thruxton 400, the motorcycle will be the smallest cafe racer in the Thruxton lineup and will share a lot of commonalities with its other two 400cc siblings.
Indewheelers joins ISRL as new team for season 2
The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) has announced Indewheelers Motorsports as the newest franchise team to the Season 2 grid. As Pune’s second franchise, Indewheelers Motorsports is set to make the league more competitive. The second season is set to lick off this October.
📝 TVS Motor launches ‘TVS Indus’ platform to develop talent in mobility design space
📝 Two-wheeler sales July '25: Honda overtakes Hero MotoCorp, here's how others performed
📝 Honda Shine 100 DX vs Honda Shine 100: Is the extra ₹6,000 worth it?
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⚙ Components
VinFast eyes India for component sourcing as EV plant goes live in Tamil Nadu
Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast is in advanced talks with several component manufacturers to ramp up local sourcing in India, aiming to build a strong supply chain around its newly inaugurated manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The move aligns with the company’s broader strategy to turn India into both a key consumer market and a manufacturing-export hub.
Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, told Reuters that the company is engaging with a number of its existing global suppliers, many of whom are exploring shifting parts of their production to India. “We also have an inquiry from a manufacturer in Vietnam who would love to shift their plastic production to support our car,” Chau said, although he declined to name the companies involved.
Sona Comstar not informed who controls promoter family trust after Sunjay Kapur, CEO says
Mumbai: Automotive component maker Sona Comstar’s top executive said on Monday that the company has not been informed of the beneficial owner of the promoter family trust following the passing away of company chairman Sunjay Kapur.
One board seat can't alter company's course: Sona MD Vivek Vikram Singh
📝 Sona BLW reports 12% decline in Q1 net profit to ₹125 crore
📝 Turning trash into energy
📝 BorgWarner wins turbocharger contracts for global OEM’s compact and hybrid vehicles
📝 Bosch Q1 Results: Net profit surges over twofold to Rs 1,115 crore
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🌇 Allied Industries
Qualcomm’s new breakthrough tech could end India’s road accident nightmare
India faces a critical road safety crisis, with the highest number of road accidents globally, making it a collective responsibility for every citizen to address this issue urgently. The importance of road safety is so critical that Union Minister Kiran Rijiju said, “Road safety is very important for every citizen. When you go out on the road, there are many rules to prevent accidents. The highest number of road accidents in the world occurs in our country. This is a matter of concern.”
📝 Hindustan Zinc expands green logistics partnership with GreenLine Mobility
📝 Adani Group refutes reports of tie-up with BYD for battery manufacturing
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
Tesla sets up superchargers — Here’s how much a full charge costs
Tesla, the US electric carmaker, has opened its first charging station in India. Weeks after officially launching the Model Y in India, the carmaker has officially inaugurated its charging station at One BKC in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. The company plans to open three more in Mumbai soon.
Why is ethanol-blended fuel a hot topic?
In a mission towards cleaner emissions, the government has rolled out various plans, such as stricter emission norms, pushing for electric vehicles, and promoting hybrids. However, the larger plan is to curb pollution with existing ICEs, and one of them is ethanol-mixed petrol, which sounds all good.
📝 Indian Oil Corp buys 7 million barrels US, Mideast crude after Russian oil pause: report
📝 Oil slips as OPEC+ proceeds with September output hike
📝 Govt says 20% ethanol blended petrol doesn't have any negative impact on older vehicles
📝 Donald Trump's new salvo: Indian refiners may have to find new markets
📝 Trump says he will ‘substantially’ raise tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases; ‘unjustified and unreasonable’, says New Delhi
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
📝 Climate capital pours into India as clean tech hits cost parity
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💸 Finance & Insurance
📝 In motor accidents, claims not restricted to third party, says SC
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📖 Magazines
What to expect from two upcoming 300-400cc bike launches in August
With the 300-400cc segment witnessing strong growth and more manufacturers looking to tap into this aspirational space, it’s only fitting that August brings both an update to an existing bike and the introduction of a new motorcycle. The updated model in question is the Yezdi Roadster, while the new offering is the Triumph Thruxton 400.
VW Tiguan R Line gets Rs 3 lakh discount 4 months after launch
Volkswagen is rolling out attractive discounts and offers on the Virtus sedan, Taigun SUV, and even the new-gen Tiguan SUV throughout August. Depending on the variant and model year, customers can avail of a flat cash discount, an exchange or scrappage bonus, and a loyalty bonus on these Volkswagen cars.
Vinfast second showroom opens in Chennai; officially commences production
Vinfast, the Vietnamese EV maker, has officially commenced operations in India by rolling out the first vehicle from its assembly plant in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. The Vinfast VF7 was the first model to be rolled out of the factory. The carmaker will also be assembling the smaller VF6 at the same factory, and both cars are expected to launch later this month. Pre-bookings for the VF6 and VF7 commenced on July 15 in India.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Top 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is the only authentic old-school cruiser at around the Rs 4 lakh mark. Here are three reasons why you should consider it and two reasons you should keep in mind before buying one.
New Mercedes GLC EV teased ahead of September 7 debut
The new-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC EV SUV – officially dubbed the GLC with EQ Technology – has been officially previewed ahead of its full debut at the Munich Motor Show on September 7. While most design details remain under wraps, Mercedes-Benz has teased a brand-new grille design that will debut with the GLC EV and adorn the German luxury carmaker’s future line-up of electric cars.
EV sales July 2025: Tata Motors increases lead on MG and Mahindra
The Indian electric passenger vehicle segment retained 15,423 units in July 2025, thereby recording a robust 93 percent Y-o-Y growth compared to July 2024. Market leader Tata Motors has clocked 6,000-plus sales after eight months, while JSW MG Motor India and Mahindra pumped up the volumes with over 200 percent YoY growth. Luxury EV makers, with 2,562 units and 64 percent YoY growth, maintain their 3 percent share of overall sales. July 2025 EV sales were also the highest monthly sales recorded this calendar year. Let’s take a closer look at how each of the individual players have performed last month.
BMW F 450 GS patent leak confirms production spec design
The BMW F 450 GS has been spotted testing yet again in Europe along with a fresh design patent filing and it reveals some key details about what to expect.
2025 F1: Norris holds off Piastri to win Hungarian GP
Lando Norris made the alternative one-stop strategy work to win the Hungarian GP. In what is the closest finish so far this season, Oscar Piastri finished just 0.698 sec behind his McLaren teammate Norris. Mercedes’ George Russell passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to clinch the final spot on the podium
Honda pips Hero in July 2025 bike and scooter sales
July 2025’s sales figures for the heavyweights in the petrol-powered two-wheeler market have arrived and here’s how each brand performed.
Hero Mavrick 440 discontinued in India
It has been just 18 months since the Hero Mavrick 440 was launched and the company has decided to pull the plug on its most premium motorcycle yet.
TVS iQube leads electric 2W sales for July 2025
India’s electric two-wheeler market saw a mixed July 2025. While cumulative sales for the first seven months hit 7,08,905 units — 62 percent of CY2024’s total — monthly sales dipped 4 percent YoY to 1,02,924 units, ending a three-month growth streak. The drop is likely due to rare earth magnet shortages impacting production. Among 207 OEMs, the Top 10 accounted for 94 percent of sales. All Top 5 brands crossed 10,000 units, with Hero MotoCorp achieving this milestone for the first time. However, both TVS and Bajaj saw slowing demand, hinting at supply-side pressures that may affect future volumes.
Honda City, Elevate get discounts of up to Rs 1.22 lakh this month
Honda is rolling out compelling discounts and benefits on the Elevate SUV, City sedan, and Amaze compact sedan throughout August 2025. These offers include direct cash discounts, loyalty bonuses, buyback schemes, exchange offers, and corporate schemes, among other benefits. Here’s how much you could save on your new Honda SUV or sedan.
Harley Davidson Bets on Upcoming Sprint to Revive Global Growth
Harley-Davidson has confirmed that an entry-level model bearing the ‘Sprint’ name will debut in Q1 2026. In addition, an entry-level cruiser is also in development, slated for launch later next year.
2025 Rainforest Challenge India: Chow Ujjal Namshum, Chethan Chengappa win
Chow Ujjal Namshum from Arunachal Pradesh and co-driver Chethan Chengappa from Karnataka have won the 2025 edition of the Rainforest Challenge India (RFC India) in the headlining 4x4 Extreme category. As a result, Namshum has also earned a free automatic entry to the Rainforest Challenge Global finale, which will be held in Malaysia later this year.
MG Hector, Hector Plus prices slashed temporarily by up to 2.30 lakh
As part of its 6-year anniversary celebrations, MG Motor India has slashed prices of the Hector and Hector Plus SUVs. These reduced will prices will be applicable for a limited time period, varies from variant to variant and also depends on availability of the models.
Mahindra vs Hyundai vs Tata: battle for second bestselling carmaker intensifies in July
Hyundai has moved back to the second spot in the domestic passenger vehicle market during June, surpassing Mahindra in retail sales during the month. The Korean carmaker, which lost its position as the second-largest passenger vehicle seller in the Indian market in April, May, and June, retailed 42,661 vehicles in July, according to data from the Vahan portal.
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📰 International
Toyota, Honda brace for impact after Trump auto tariffs, stronger Yen
Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. earnings will paint a mixed picture as a stronger yen and US auto tariffs eat into profit, despite resilient unit sales. Toyota likely saw a dip in first-quarter operating profit, according to estimates. While the company posted record global sales in the first half driven by a surge in pre-tariff purchases, Bloomberg Intelligence said the automaker is likely weighed down by factors including supply chain costs.
BMW strikes back at Tesla with longer-range EVs
Next to BMW AG’s headquarters in the heart of Munich, a museum and glass-walled exhibition center showcase classics including the 507 convertible that Elvis Presley drove during his US Army tour in western Germany. Originally painted white, the king of rock and roll had the roadster resprayed red after his female fans kept writing on it with lipstick. There’s been another BMW parked on the campus lately, hidden from view behind sets of secure doors. This one’s covered in camouflage, because the future of the company is riding on it.
Tesla board approves 96 mn shares interim stock award for Elon Musk ahead of pay vote, stock jumps 2.6%
Chennai: Tesla Inc’s board has approved an interim stock award of 96 million shares for CEO Elon Musk, valued at approximately $29–30 billion, ahead of a fresh shareholder vote on his compensation plan, the company announced on Monday.
BYD sales sputter as competition, regulatory scrutiny grow
BYD Co.’s sales barely grew last month, raising doubts about whether the Chinese electric-vehicle maker will meet its annual target. The world’s biggest EV seller delivered 344,296 vehicles in July, it said Friday. That’s up 0.6% from a year earlier, but down 10% from June. While the slowdown isn’t unexpected given China new car sales are typically weak in the summer, BYD faces headwinds in hitting its annual goal of 5.5 million units. Chinese authorities have stepped up scrutiny on the nation’s auto sector, pledging to crack down on the heavy discounts that have fueled a price war.
Tesla faces loyalty crisis over Elon Musk’s endorsement of Donald Trump: Report
📝 Harley-Davidson names Topgolf's Arthur Starrs as CEO
📝 Lyft, China's Baidu to launch robotaxi service in Europe next year
📝 Foxconn sells Lordstown car factory for $375 million
📝 South Korean battery firms' market share drops in Jan-June
📝 Tesla's brand loyalty collapsed after Musk backed Trump, data shows
📝 Tesla grants Musk $29 bn in stock to 'keep Elon's energies focused'
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