Firms seeking rare earth magnets get Chinese visas
The Chinese authorities have issued visas to companies that are seeking to source rare earth magnets and their contacts with the government agencies in Beijing clearing these exports are on, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said Thursday.

Promoting EVs: Fragmented charging experience, payment barriers key challenges
New Delhi: Even as India’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network is expanding at an appreciable pace, the sector needs to address concerns, particularly fragmented charging networks and payment barriers, which impacts the overall consumer experience thereby having a bearing on vehicle purchase. The findings are part of TATA.ev’s India Charging Report 2025. It points to improvements in road coverage, highway access and consumer trust, while acknowledging challenges such as charger reliability, fragmented discovery and payment issues. “Customers are forced to juggle 17-20 separate apps to locate and pay for charging — a chaotic experience,” stated the report. Besides, owners of chauffeur-driven vehicles and elderly users report difficulties with digital payments, requesting cash/UPI options at the charger itself, it added.

Mahindra partners with Warner Bros to roll out BE 6 Batman Edition
Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra on Thursday launched BE 6 Batman Edition -- a limited-run electric SUV -- in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products.

Mahindra looks to acquire 350-acre land parcel in Igatpuri
Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra has submitted a letter of interest to the Maharashtra government to acquire 350 acres of land in Igatpuri, Maharashtra, according to a top company official.

Mahindra unveils Vision SUV concepts, eyes global expansion by 2027
Mumbai: Eyeing domestic and international expansion in the SUV segment, Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) unveiled its coupe SUV concept car. With a vision for 2027 and an aim to accelerate its global expansion plans, the automaker introduced four SUV concepts: Vision.S, Vision.T, and Vision.SXT, and Vision.X.

Passenger vehicle dispatches dip marginally in July on muted demand
Passenger vehicle sales see marginal dip in July as demand stays muted
The Financial Express

Made-in-India semiconductor chips to hit market by end of 2025: PM Modi
First made-in-India chips to hit market by end of year, says PM Modi
Business Standard

India actively engaging with China to ensure uninterrupted access to rare earth materials: Govt Official
Source Credit: ANI, The Tribune

VinFast's swift Tamil Nadu EV build signals bold ambition
 

Automobiles to pharma & healthcare: India Inc earnings stay in slow lane
 

Toyota clears the air around E20 usage in its cars
The use of ethanol-blended fuel in cars has become a popular topic, and some manufacturers, such as Tata Motors, have clearly said it’s okay to use E20 and their vehicles are optimised for it. Bajaj also clarified that its latest offerings (BS6) are good to run on E20 fuel, but the older vehicles may need a fuel system cleaner to keep the plumbing free of gunk.

Citroën C3X launched
As part of Citroen India’s ‘Shift Into the New’ strategy, the company has begun updating its models. The first of the launches is of the Citroen C3X, an updated iteration of the C3. The new C3 range now starts at ₹5.25 lakh, while the C3X is priced at ₹7.91 lakh, with the top-spec C3X Shine Turbo AT version listed at ₹9.89 lakh. New inclusions are LED lighting, cruise control, an optional 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, six airbags, TPMS, a new Garnet Red colour, etc. Bookings are now open and deliveries are scheduled to begin next month.

M&M plans world tour on multi-energy SUV platform
Mahindra unveils Vision X, Vision T, Vision S, And Vision SXT on independence day
The Financial Express

Mahindra introduces NU_IQ platform, unveils four new SUV design concepts
Big & bold: M&M gears up to launch 4 SUVs
The Financial Express

2025 Tata Punch EV updated with faster charging, new colours
Tata Motors is the market leader of electric passenger vehicles in the country but it has been facing some stiff competition from Mahindra, Hyundai, and MG Motor off late with the recent influx of electric vehicles (EVs) launched. The company has provided a crucial update for the Punch EV — one of its highest-selling battery-powered vehicles.

Rugged or refined? Mahindra’s Vision.T SUV and Vision.SXT pickup concepts show the future of electric vehicles
Mahindra has unveiled two new electric concept models, the Vision.T SUV and the Vision.SXT pickup, both built on its newly introduced NU_IQ global electric platform. The automaker says the versatile platform can support multiple powertrains and promises improvements in comfort, handling, and refinement compared with its traditional ladder-frame designs. It also enables features such as Level 2+ driver-assistance systems, connected cockpits, and multi-terrain drive modes.

Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition SUV launched in India at Rs 27.8 lakh. Check booking date, key features and more
M&M launches Batman Edition BE 6 at Rs 27.79L
The Financial Express

Audi's India line-up: Bold & Beautiful?
With increased presence in the luxury and performance car space, Audi India’s model line looks a lot different from how it did just a few years ago. The company hasn’t aimlessly followed others but has rather chosen segments and cars that cater to the needs of its customer base in India. This is evident through the wide range of SUVs, an ever-increasing line-up of electric vehicles, and even the driver-focussed ‘RS’ models. We got to sample its offering in the mid-sized luxury SUV space, the Audi Q5 in the top-spec Bold Edition avatar. It competes with similarly large luxury SUVs such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Range Rover Evoque, and Volvo XC60. So, clearly, the competition is tough, but is the Audi here ready to face it?

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe comes to India
Mercedes-Benz India has launched the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé, the 10th AMG model in the current portfolio. Powered by a combination of a 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which produces 449 bhp and 57.1 kg-m, the CLE 53 can hit 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.

In terms of positioning, the CLE model is slotted right in the middle of the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe (although neither of those models exists anymore). Priced at ₹1.35 crore, ex-showroom, the CLE 53 Coupe is now available, with deliveries scheduled to begin immediately.

Luxury cars shift gears: Mercedes-Benz India’s Santosh Iyer on premium push, EV uptake & E20 readiness
In this ET Auto exclusive, Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, unpacks the rapid transformation of the luxury car market. From surging top-end sales and rising demand in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to the growing allure of special editions, Iyer shares his perspective on shifting consumer trends. He details how EV penetration has doubled, why India holds promise as an EV manufacturing hub, and how the company is navigating pricing pressures with increased localization. Addressing the ethanol (E20) debate, Iyer assures that every Mercedes on Indian roads is ready — offering a frank look at the future of luxury mobility in India.

Luxury, muscle, and space for seven: Review: Land Rover Defender 130
How much can you stretch the capability and size of a potent and big SUV? We just drove the biggest Land Rover Defender — the 130.

Ashok Leyland reports 20% y-o-y rise in consolidated net profit in Q1FY26
 

Thrice as good?
Do you remember the XUV300? It was Mahindra’s version of the SsangYong Tivoli (on which it was based), positioned to take on other popular compact SUVs. Unlike the other compact SUVs from Mahindra, the XUV300 was more polished, distinctly more modern, and equipped with a longer list of features. What’s next? Its successor, the new Mahindra XUV 3XO.

2025 Yamaha Fascino, RayZR hybrid scooters updates: Here’s what’s new
Yamaha offers two 125cc scooters in India — Fascino and RayZR. Both scooters come with a partial hybrid powertrain which has seen some upgrades. Besides the powertrain, Yamaha has also updated these two scooters with some new features and colour options. Here’s a look at what all has changed for the 2025 Fascino and RayZR.

Royal Enfield Debuts ‘Himalayan Spirit’ exclusively for Himalayan riders
Royal Enfield has announced Himalayan Spirit—a curated off-road experience designed exclusively for Himalayan riders. This is not just another ride; it’s for riders who want to explore beyond the tarmac.

BSA Bantam 350 not likely to come to India anytime soon: Here’s why
A couple of weeks ago, Classic Legends announced the launch of BSA Bantam at the Bike Shed Moto Show in London in the United Kingdom. What surprised everyone was the fact that Bantam was built on the Classic Legends’ 350cc platform and not the 650cc platform that underpins the likes of Gold Star and the upcoming Scrambler.

Riding a Royal Enfield in California

The roar of a V-twin engine is unquestionably American, and the sight of huge Harley-Davidson motorcycles cruising down highways legendary. But a motorcycle from India offers a compelling alternative — minus the weight.

Bajaj Freedom 125 fails to spark commuter interest

A year after Bajaj Auto launched the world’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) motorcycle, sales of the Freedom 125 have fallen short of expectations. The bike has sold only 67,848 units since its debut. In July last year, managing director Rajiv Bajaj had projected monthly sales of around 40,000 units for the commuter segment vehicle by March 2025, volumes needed to be profitable. “We’re hoping it won’t take beyond this financial year (FY25) to reach full capacity, which by then could well be 40,000 motorcycles a month... I think it is a very large catchment area and we should (hit that sales),” Bajaj had said. CNG motorcycles, he said, could eventually account for 30–70% of the country’s monthly sales of 700,000.

JK Tyre unaffected by US Tariffs, to export from Mexico plant
New Delhi: JK Tyre & Industries will not be impacted by the US tariffs, as it will export to the US market from its manufacturing plants in Mexico. The company generates a high single-digit percentage of its revenue from the US market and expects this growth to continue, said Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries.

‘Right to charge’ holds the key to EV adoption
The promise of electric mobility meets a key challenge at this pivotal point in India’s transportation evolution: access to charging infrastructure at homes. Globally, 80-90 per cent of EV charging occurs at home or work, a pattern observed in countries leading EV adoption such as the U.S., the UK, the EU countries, and China. As EV adoption picks up, a noticeable gap is forming in India between individual homeowners who can install private chargers, and lakhs of urban residents living in apartment communities who struggle to access convenient charging points.

BPCL expects Russian crude to form 35% of imports for FY26
State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corp expects its Russian crude to form 35% of its total imports for the remaining year of FY26 as long as there are no new sanctions on Russian oil, the company said in an analyst call on Thursday.

Indian Oil misses quarterly profit estimate on inventory losses, lower margin
Indian Oil Q1 FY26 results: Profit jumps 82%, revenue stays flat at Rs 2,21,849 crore
The Financial Express

Business as Usual: India buys 2 mn bpd Russian oil in August
Business as usual: India’s Russian oil imports hit 2 million barrels per day in August

RBI considers reducing risk weights for auto loans
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering reducing the risk weights for auto loans and has initiated an internal study for the same, a senior official close to the matter said. Currently, even though auto loans fall under secured lending, the risk weightage applied for the loans is 100% whereas for a home loan it is between 35% to 50%, depending on the loan-to-value ratio.

Updated Yamaha Ray ZR and Fascino launched
Yamaha India has updated its 125cc hybrid scooter range – the Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid and Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid – with updates to their ISG system, dash and refreshed colour options for 2025, at starting prices of Rs 79,340 and Rs 80,750, respectively. 
 

Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid performance tested
The Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid wears the “Hybrid” badge proudly, promising a blend of petrol and electric assistance for better performance and efficiency. But in the real world, the bike’s character is still very much that of a traditional 150cc commuter. Let’s decode what the data has to say.

Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition launched at Rs 27.79 lakh
The first unveil at Mahindra’s Independence Day celebrations is the new BE 6 Batman Edition. The Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition has been launched at Rs 27.79 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings open on August 23 for a token amount of Rs 21,000, and deliveries begin on September 20, on International Batman Day. It is limited to just 300 units.

10 most affordable cars on sale in India
The entry-level car segment has historically been the core of the Indian car market. However, in recent years, thanks to premiumisation and increasing prices due to stricter safety and emission norms, it has been on a steady decline. And with most carmakers having vacated this space, buyers have become more inclined towards used car options these days. Still, if you are in the market for a brand-new car below Rs 10 lakh, here we have listed the 10 most affordable cars in India currently on sale. It is no surprise that Maruti continues to dominate this space, with as many as six models in the list.

Should you buy a 2025 Citroen C3? Pros and cons explained
The Citroen C3 has received a thorough update for 2025 that makes the French carmaker’s entry-level model more affordable yet much more feature-packed in higher trim levels. Now that the C3’s value proposition is stronger, many prospective buyers will likely be eyeing the Citroen hatchback. Below, we’ve listed the pros and cons of the C3 to help you decide whether it’s the right choice.

Everything you should know about the 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV
The Carens Clavis EV recently went on sale as Kia’s first mass-market EV for India. It’s a direct ICE-to-EV conversion of the Carens Clavis that launched a few months ago, which itself is the facelifted version of the original Carens MPV. With powertrains borrowed from the Hyundai Creta Electric, the Carens Clavis EV sits in a unique space as one of only three all-electric MPVs available in India. If you’re looking to buy a Carens Clavis EV, listed below is everything you need to know about it.

BYD Atto 2 midsize SUV spied testing in India
The all-electric BYD Atto 2 SUV was recently spotted on test in India. The midsize SUV, revealed earlier this year and already on sale in countries like the UK and Singapore, will rival the Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Creta Electric and the upcoming Maruti e Vitara if launched here.

2025 Indian Racing Festival guide: Tickets, where to watch, and more
The 2025 edition of the Indian Racing Festival gets underway at Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway this weekend, August 16-17. Racing will be spread across three series – the franchise-based Indian Racing League, the FIA-certified F4 Indian championship and the LGB F4 category of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship.

Best motorcycle for bad roads under Rs 2 lakh
Since you have not mentioned that seat height is a major priority for you we would recommend the new Hero Xpulse 210. It has fantastic suspension comfort, spacious seats and a peppy engine that is more than quick enough for daily commutes. The older Hero Xpulse 200 4V is also still on sale and it does cost less, but the Xpulse 210 is such a big step up (in almost all areas) from that bike that we would recommend that you go for the newer model.

2025 MotoGP Austrian GP schedule, India timings
MotoGP is back! With the summer break now over, the 2025 MotoGP championship resumes action at Austria’s Red Bull Ring circuit. Will Marc Marquez pick up where he left off and extend his winning streak, or will his Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia deliver another Austrian GP win?

Mahindra Vision SXT concept unveiled
Mahindra has unveiled the new Vision SXT concept at its annual Independence Day event this year. It is a derivative of the Vision T concept, which was also unveiled alongside it, and both concepts preview future models in the Thar family. A production version of the Vision SXT will materialise sometime after 2027.

Mahindra Vision X concept SUV revealed
Mahindra has finally taken the wraps off its Vision X concept SUV at its ongoing Independence Day event. The concept SUV is expected to preview a new model from either the XUV brand (joining the XUV700 and XUV 3XO) or the XEV range, joining the XEV 9e. The Vision X is based on Mahindra's new modular NU_IQ platform, which is capable of supporting ICE, hybrid and electric powertrains.

Top 3 reasons to buy MG Cyberster and 2 to skip it
Launched in July 2025, the MG Cyberster is a two-door, two-seater electric convertible sold exclusively through the brand’s Select showrooms. If this first electric roadster from MG catches your interest, read on as we break down its key strengths and shortcomings.

7 Mahindra XUV 3XO FAQs answered
If you are thinking of adding a compact SUV to your garage, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is worth a look. With its features and engine options, as well as aggressive pricing, there’s likely a 3XO variant that fits your needs. Keep reading as we answer seven common questions about the XUV 3XO.

Honda Transalp XL750 long-term review, 5400km report
I have always enjoyed owning adventure bikes, and after moving from a Himalayan 411 to a Hero Xpulse 200, to a Suzuki V-Strom SX, and most recently a Versys 650, I was finally ready to go for an even bigger one.

Hyundai Ioniq 2 EV to be revealed at Munich motor show
Hyundai is preparing to showcase its latest EV at the upcoming Munich motor show in September. Likely to be badged the Hyundai Ioniq 2, the small EV will rival the Renault 4, upcoming Kia EV2 and Skoda Epiq in international markets. The Ioniq 2 is expected to be a Hyundai Bayon-sized model.

Top 5 bikes priced from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh with highest power-to-weight ratio
Horsepower alone is seldom the best way to judge how quick a motorcycle is. A lighter bike with modest power can sometimes outshine a heavier, more powerful machine. In our previous list, we looked at bikes priced between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh, and this time, we’re stepping up to the Rs 4 lakh-6 lakh range. Here are the top five motorcycles based on their power-to-weight ratio.

BMW developing new hardcore off-roader to rival Defender, G-Wagon
BMW is readying a new flagship, hardcore off-road SUV to rival the likes of the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Wagon. Internally codenamed the G74, it will be a new 7-seater that will be sold alongside the existing X7 but with a clear focus on off-roading. It will be produced at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US and is expected to see the light of day sometime in 2029.

Ather Rizta, 450 Series now available with BaaS subscription
Ather Energy has just announced a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model for its two-wheelers, becoming the second two-wheeler major to do so after Hero MotoCorp, which recently launched the Vida VX2 range with BaaS.

Mahindra unveils all new platform with four SUV concepts
At its annual Independence Day extravaganza, Mahindra today debuted its all-new monocoque platform called NU_IQ. It is completely modular and will underpin a host of SUVs in the mid-segment, both above and below the 4-metre mark.

Ola S1 Pro Sport revealed along with future technology promises
At its annual 15th August event, the company announced new products, next-gen software and made many announcements about vehicles and technologies that are still some distance in the future.

Mahindra Vision S SUV concept revealed
After weeks of drip-feeding teasers, Mahindra has finally revealed the Vision S concept in full on Independence Day. Its production version will most likely join the Mahindra Scorpio family, which currently includes the N and Classic SUVs. The company also unveiled the X, T and SXT prototypes, all part of the Vision series.

Mahindra Vision T concept unveiled
After numerous teasers, Mahindra has finally taken the wraps off the Vision T concept at the brand’s Freedom NU event on Independence Day. The Mahindra Vision T concept is an evolution of the Thar.e concept showcased in August 2023. However, it is still in the concept stage, with a production version expected sometime in 2027. 

Mahindra Vision T exterior design details in pictures
Source Credit: Saptarshi Mondal, Autocar India

VinFast founder to invest $1.5 billion in exchange for R&D assets
VinFast’s founder Pham Nhat Vuong has agreed to buy the EV maker’s research and development arm for $1.52 billion, his latest cash injection into the loss-making Vietnamese company as it strives to break even by the end of 2026.The deal will involve Novatech Research and Development JSC, a Vietnam-incorporated entity, being carved out of VinFast Trading and Production JSC (VFTP), its domestic manufacturing arm, VinFast said in a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Jaguar Land Rover issues recall of over 1.2L units of Range Rover: Here’s why
Jaguar Land Rover has found itself on the news quite often lately. The Indian-owned British carmaker has once again found itself on the headlines and not for a good reason. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the company has recalled more than 121,500 vehicles in the United States of America. 

US retail sales rise 0.5% in July on strong auto demand, major promotions
US retail sales increased solidly in July, boosted by strong demand for motor vehicles as well as promotions by Amazon and Walmart, though a softening labor market and higher goods prices could curb growth in consumer spending in the third quarter.

Trump says semiconductor tariffs coming soon, could reach 300%
President Donald Trump said he would set levies on semiconductors in the coming two weeks, the latest indication he’s readying a substantial expansion of his tariff regime.