Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 23 Aug 2025,Saturday
🏢 Industry
Uber partners with NCRTC to boost last-mile connectivity on Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor
Uber has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to provide app-based last-mile connectivity along the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, India’s first regional rapid transit system. Designed as a high-speed, high-capacity commuter rail service, Namo Bharat aims to transform travel in the National Capital Region (NCR) by offering fast, comfortable, and reliable connectivity between regional hubs.
Force Motors Ltd leads losers in 'A' group
Star Cement Ltd, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, Nazara Technologies Ltd and J K Cements Ltd are among the other losers in the BSE's 'A' group today, 22 August 2025. Force Motors Ltd lost 7.28% to Rs 20300 at 14:45 IST.The stock was the biggest loser in the BSE's 'A' group.On the BSE, 14051 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 17327 shares in the past one month.
Kirloskar vs Kirloskar: Setback for Kirloskar Brothers in trademark suit; court cites ‘blatant forum shopping’
In a fresh setback for Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL), the Bengaluru Commercial Court removed the company from a trademark infringement suit over the ‘Kirloskar’ brand, and instead allowed Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd (KPL) to join the case as a plaintiff.
Amid safety concerns, dashcam market sees significant growth, say industry players
Chennai: With road accidents on the rise and a tendency to share incidents of road rage on social media, more people are turning to dashboard cameras to protect themselves and their vehicles.
Macquarie raises $405 mn for Indian EV platform Vertelo
Macquarie raises $405M for Indian electric vehicle platform Vertelo
The Hindu Business Line
Road ministry raises registration fee for vehicles older than 20 years
Govt doubles renewal fee of vehicles older than 20
Chip mission drive: Govt allocates 97% of semiconductor fund, leaves little scope for new projects
Government may announce 2-3 small semiconductor projects: MeitY
Centre slashes PM E-Drive e-rickshaw outlay by 75%
Govt help vital to ease EV raw material sourcing risks, says Tata Motors
When Swraj Paul met Maruti's R C Bhargava, setting stage for India foray
📝 Electric vehicles exempted from toll on Atal Setu
📝 EV manufacturers could lose edge if GST slashed on ICE vehicles: HSBC Report
📝 A tax cut with unintended impact for India’s EV momentum
📝 Auto recap, August 22: Citroen Basalt X pre-bookings open, Hyundai Exter Pro Pack launched and more
📝 Festive season auto sales could be hit as worried customers seek clarity on GST
Read More >>
🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Hyundai introduces PRO Pack in Exter
Hyundai introduces Pro Pack in Exter, gets new colour, updated styling
The Financial Express
📝 Jeep Cherokee revived for 2026 with hybrid power, modern design, and premium features
📝 Citroen Basalt X pre-bookings open in India
Read More >>
Electric Car/SUV
Leadership in the EV revolution, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India
The automotive industry is going through a similar change. The move from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs) is not just a technological evolution; it is a strategic and cultural revolution. This transition requires leaders to have specific qualities to ensure a successful transformation.
Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition production raised from 300 to 999 units
Mahindra unveiled the BE 6 Batman Edition last week which opened to overwhelming response. The company has now started accepting pre-bookings for the limited edition variant of the coupe electric SUV. Prospective buyers can register their interest for a token amount of Rs 21,000. Official bookings for the BE 6 Batman Edition open tomorrow, i.e., 23 August 2025.
📝 MG SELECT delivers eight MG Cybersters in Bengaluru
📝 Harrier.ev quad day off-road experience in Hyderabad
📝 MG starts deliveries of its most expensive car in India
Read More >>
🚗 Luxury
Car Review: Volvo EX30: Driving tomorrow’s electric car, today
I have driven cars as old as a 1920 Ford Model-T and as new as Tesla Model-X — but none confused me like this Volvo did.
Scandi Trick: Volvo SUV
The upcoming Volvo EX30 is bound to make owning a Volvo EV even easier. To be positioned below the existing C40 and EX40 Recharge, the EX30 is bound to be the smallest Volvo SUV yet. Does that mean it’ll be devoid of character, or that it’ll look boring? The answer to that is a reassuring ‘no’. This is Volvo’s first ground-up EV, built on the company’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. We drove the car ahead of its launch to see what Volvo has in store for the buyer.
📝 BMW India crosses 5,000 EV deliveries; unveils 4,000-km charging corridor
📝 BMW 3 Series Turns 50: Limited ‘50 Jahre’ Editions Launched in India
Read More >>
⛟ Commercial Vehicles
PPS Trucking expands BharatBenz servicing network in Uttar Pradesh; inaugurates outlets at Ayodhya, Gorakhpur & Gorakhpur Town
Ayodhya: PPS TRUCKING, a part of one of India's largest automobile retail conglomerates, today announced the inauguration of 3 new BharatBenz touch points in EasternUttar Pradesh strengthening its commitment to deliver world-class service, maintenance, and spares support to commercial vehicle owners in the region.The newly launched state-of-the-art workshop at Sohawal, Ayodhya, that will offer 24x7 vehicle breakdown and accidental support, was inaugurated by Mr. Gaurav Srivastava, Head Network Strategy and Dealer Development at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, and Mr. Anshuman Kumar, Zonal Manager (North & East Region), Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, in presence of senior officials from both organizations. The event witnessed the participation of over 50 prominent customers, fleet operators, and business partners.
📝 Flash-charging buses, hydrogen trucks to redefine India’s transport future: Gadkari
Read More >>
🎤 Interviews & Features
Big City Life: Honda City
The Honda City is no ordinary car. It arrived in the late 1990s, and since then, it has become a de facto choice for the discerning buyer. Through five generations, the City has proven why anyone looking for an extremely refined, reliable, and comfortable sedan ought to look no further. Despite the increased demand for SUVs, the Honda City has reaffirmed its position. Honda has — for the right reasons — been likened to the beacon of innovation, so we were keen to find out how the top-spec City e:HEV fares, especially with the recent pricing rejig that has made this unique hybrid model more accessible.
📝 This company is developing autonomous driving tech for Indian roads: Decoding the Quest Global QUAD car
Read More >>
🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
TVS Motor has resilient ABS supply chain for 2026 rollout, says MD
TVS Motor, the country’s third-largest two-wheeler maker, is diversifying its supply chain to mitigate concentration risks in sourcing Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) ahead of their mandatory rollout in January 2026.
Hero Glamour X vs Glamour Xtec: All key differences
Hero MotoCorp launched the Glamour X earlier this week which is touted as the most feature-packed 125cc motorcycle in India. It sits on top of Glamour Xtec and even though both models share the same moniker, they are very different from each other. Here’s a detailed rundown of all the key differences between Glamour X and Glamour Xtec.
📝 TVS-owned Norton Motorcycle establishes new Indian subsidiary
📝 Hero Xtreme 125R gets new single-piece seat variant: Price, details
📝 Norton teases carbon fibre touches ahead of new debut on November 4
📝 Brixton Crossfire 500XC gets a big price slash. Here's how much it costs now ₹4,92,000 in India.
📝 Ducati DesertX Rally gets benefits worth ₹1.5 lakh. Check details
Read More >>
⚙ Components
Court papers, Sebi letters lay bare Kapur siblings' long fight over Sona Comstar
Fresh questions by the late Sunjay Kapur's sister Mandhira Kapur over the transfer of ownership of the RK Family Trust, which controls the promoter entity of listed auto components major Sona Comstar, are not the first time that a dispute has emerged within the Kapur family over the division of the estate built by the late Surinder Kapur, according to documents seen by Mint.
Read More >>
🌇 Allied Industries
CEAT to ramp up tyre exports from Sri Lanka
Need to strengthen battery recycling norms
With India emerging as the third-largest e-waste producer in the world, the significance of a circular economy cannot be overstated. Batteries, powering electric vehicles (EVs) and various consumer electronics, constitute a significant share of this e-waste. Proper battery recycling is vital for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 98 per cent and supporting India’s efforts toward achieving Net Zero by 2070.
📝 Goodyear strengthens India focus to scale tyre intelligence
📝 Why China is not building NMC battery capacity anymore
📝 Maharashtra govt proposes to do away with attendants in DAS-equipped heavy vehicles
📝 Japan may Announce 10 Trillion Yen Investment in India
Read More >>
🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
'We did trials on old cars': Nitin Gadkari again calls out ‘petroleum lobby’ behind E20 fuel ‘misinformation’
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday once again called out the “petroleum lobby” for spreading “completely false” information over the use of Ethanol. In an interview with Moneycontrol, Gadkari dismissed the claims that E20 fuel is damaging the engines of many vehicles.
India eyes deeper oil ties with Brazil amid US tariff uncertainty: S&P
Amid the tariff uncertainty and rising trade concerns with the US, India is seen exploring opportunities to boost its oil trade with Brazil, as per S&P Global Commodity Insights. While Russian oil flows into the country continue, Indian refiners are continuing to diversify their sourcing – a move that could lead to Brazilian crude flows to India.
PIL in SC challenges Centre’s E20 fuel policy, seeks option of Ethanol-free petrol
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the government to ensure availability of Ethanol-free (E0) petrol at fuel stations in the country, a report said. The petition challenges Centre’s order for the Ethanol Blending Programme, which makes it mandatory to sell petrol blended with 20% Ethanol, it added.
MRPL Chairman endorses Govt’s views on buying Russian crude
📝 Valvoline Cummins Private Limited and Mahindra announce new strategic collaboration
📝 CBG, LNG to drive India's gas sector growth in next five years, says IGL's Sanjeev Bhatia
📝 Shell India launches new brand film ‘Shell Chale Ban Ke Saathi’ to celebrate its nearly 100-year legacy of trust and partnership in India
Read More >>
🌍 Emissions/Environment
📝 Environment Ministry clarifies stance on vehicle procurement, highlights shift to cleaner fleet
Read More >>
💸 Finance & Insurance
Car stuck in waterlogged road? Precautions that insurers suggest
📝 VinFast Auto joins hands with SBI for vehicle finance
Read More >>
📖 Magazines
Hero Xpulse 210 vs Kawasaki KLX230: Price and specifications compared
With its huge price reduction recently, owing to localisation, the Kawasaki KLX230 is now priced quite close to what is perhaps the most popular made-in-India dual-sport, the Hero Xpulse 210. Here, we’ve stacked these two machines up on paper to see what’s what.
Kawasaki KLX230 imported vs India-made: Differences explained
When we first rode the Kawasaki KLX230 last year, the verdict was unanimous that it was a supremely capable dual-sport machine, held back mostly by a steep price tag. Earlier this week, Kawasaki India addressed that, making an announcement that’s sure to have delighted off-road enthusiasts across the country – the KLX230’s price was slashed by a substantial Rs 1.30 lakh thanks to increased localisation.
Lamborghini Urus SE: Top 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip
When it launched in 2018, the Lamborghini Urus was the world’s first super SUV – loud, brash and blisteringly quick. But seven years on, the world is a very different place. To keep up, Lamborghini has given its bestseller a plug-in hybrid powertrain, creating the Urus SE. On paper, it’s the most powerful Urus ever, with even greater usability than before. But is it still the best super SUV? Here are three reasons why it is and two why it isn’t.
Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2: Update now improves performance
Ultraviolette recently launched its F77 in 10 European cities, and the company has now created an update based on feedback from bikes being used there. As it turns out, average speeds in Europe – particularly for those who regularly use Autobahn-style roads – are vastly higher than in India. With constant high-speed riding and regular acceleration at triple-digit speeds to make overtakes, riders were facing thermal-related performance throttling, which was not a known issue in India.
Eurogrip to launch superbike tyre in India in 2027
TVS’s subsidiary Eurogrip, which manufactures a huge line of tyres for diverse use cases, has recently announced that it is working on a superbike tyre to rival the likes of the Pirelli Supercorsa SP V4 that is slated to hit the market in 2027.
Is the Yamaha FZ-S Hybrid worth the extra money?
The Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid carries a Rs 10,000 premium over the standard model, and what you get in return are three main additions: the Smart Motor Generator with idle stop-start and mild electric assist, a new TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, and a basic traction control system. In use, the TFT is a big step up from the old LCD, with a suite of connected features. Traction control, though simple, is also rare in this price bracket. However, it doesn’t make any major difference, and it is something one can live without.
3 reasons to buy the Mahindra BE 6 and 2 not to
The Mahindra BE 6 is a radically styled EV that competes in the burgeoning midsize electric SUV space. Launched late last year, the BE 6 is available in a total of 7 variants, including the recently launched Batman Edition – which has a limited run of 999 units – and comes with two battery pack options. So, if you’re in the market for a new midsize electric SUV, here’s why you should buy the Mahindra BE 6, and a few reasons why you might want to consider its rivals: the MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, or the Hyundai Creta Electric.
We tested Kawasaki’s most affordable sportbike to find out its real-world fuel efficiency.
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has long been the entry point into Kawasaki’s faired sportbike family, combining sharp styling with a high-revving parallel-twin engine. For 2025, the bike remains largely unchanged and still has the same output figures as before. We put the Ninja 300 through our usual testing cycle to find out just how efficient this twin-cylinder machine can be when tested in real-world conditions.
Hardcore Bentley Continental Supersports to make a comeback
The current-gen Bentley Continental GT is set to get the hardcore Supersports treatment, like its predecessor did back in 2017. Our sister publication, Autocar UK, reports that the new Bentley Continental Supersports will make its debut soon and be the first of a new line-up of ‘extreme’ models.
Hero Glamour X review: Working class hero
The 125cc motorcycle segment is one that has seen tremendous growth in recent times, not just in terms of sales but also in new models joining the fray. And in this big category, there are broadly two types – the conventional, utilitarian one and the newer-age, flashy, relatively sportier and more feature-rich one. Enter the new Hero Glamour X, which aims to bridge the gap between these two and offer you the best of both worlds.
2025 MotoGP Hungarian GP schedule, India timings
MotoGP will venture into uncharted territory this weekend (August 22-24), with the first-ever race held at Hungary’s Balaton Park Circuit. Will Marc Marquez make it seven wins in a row, or will the new track deliver a surprise winner?
Mercedes could use a BMW engine for future petrol-hybrid models
Mercedes-Benz is reportedly in advanced talks with BMW to potentially use a 4-cylinder petrol engine from its German rival for a wide range of future cars, our sister publication Autocar UK has learnt. Should the deal go ahead, it will be a historic first where the two arch rivals will be sharing a common powertrain.
Hyundai Exter Pro Pack launched at Rs 7.98 lakh
Hyundai has launched a new Pro Pack for select Exter variants at an additional cost of Rs 5,000. The Hyundai Exter Pro Pack trims are priced from Rs 7.98 lakh (ex-showroom) and get a few exterior cosmetic upgrades. The brand has also made the dashcam available on more trims and introduced a new colour option, too.
Citroen Basalt X pre-bookings commence
Citroen has opened pre-bookings for the upcoming Basalt X for a token amount of Rs 11,000. While exact details haven’t been revealed yet, the Basalt X – like the recently launched C3 X – is expected to get cosmetic and equipment upgrades. Bookings can be made at Citroen dealerships or on the company’s website.
Jeep Cherokee debuts new 213hp hybrid powertrain
About 3 months after the new-gen Jeep Cherokee was unveiled, the American brand has now revealed details about the SUV’s hybrid powertrain. The 213hp petrol-electric system comprises a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and two battery-driven electric motors.
TVS Orbiter electric scooter India launch likely on August 28
A few months ago, we exclusively reported that TVS is readying an all-new electric scooter that will sit below the iQube in the company’s EV portfolio. This product is likely to be called the Orbiter and TVS has now issued invites for an EV launch on August 28, which is likely to be this new product.
Pros and cons of the Mercedes A-Class Limousine explained
Bajaj Chetak production resumes after rare-earth magnet shortage
Read More >>
📰 International
📝 Tesla raises price of most-expensive Cybertruck by $15,000 in US
📝 Hyundai, Kia partner with South Korean battery makers to boost EV safety
📝 Volkswagen to showcase new EV and special models at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich
📝 Tesla to integrate Deepseek, Doubao AI voice controls in China
📝 EU pushes for reduced US autos tariff from August 1 as joint text limits exemptions
📝 US labor, advocacy groups urge states to reject Tesla's $29 billion Musk pay
Read More >>