Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 10 Jan 2025,Friday
🏢 Industry
Surpassed Japan, now aim is to become no 1 in auto segment: Gadkari
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday highlighted the growth of the country's auto sector in the past few years, during which it became the third biggest player in the segment, and said the aim is to become number one. "...our number was seventh in the world but we are third in the automobile sector... we surpassed Japan and now our number is third," Union Road Transport and Highways Minister said while addressing a function at National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) here.
Two-wheelers, tractor volumes to outpace passenger vehicles and trucks in FY25-27
The volume of two-wheelers (2Ws) and tractors will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 to 15%, outpacing passenger vehicles (PVs) and trucks between financial year (FY) 2025-27, stated a report by Jefferies an investment banks and financial services company.
Visa Chinese checkers on, companies like BYD and Midea forced to enlist Indian players for board game
The local unit of electronic component and electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has sought security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to enable two Chinese executives on its board to get Indian visas.
TUV SUD partners with NATRAX to enhance automotive testing in India
The agreement leverages the expertise of both organisations in testing and certification, offering manufacturers a more efficient and cost-effective route to compliance. It also facilitates knowledge sharing in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity.
Mahindra reveals new state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility at Chakan
Mahindra has set the ground running when it comes with its extensive range of Electric Origin SUVs starting with the BE 6 and XEV 9e unveiled late last year. We got the opportunity to visit the company’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing and battery assembly facility in Chakan where these two models and other battery-powered models will be built.
97k vehicles registered in "Ernakulam" district in 2024: MVD data
Ernakulam district registered 97,052 new vehicles last year, according to data from the motor vehicles department. Thiruvananthapuram has topped Kerala's vehicle registration charts in 2024, recording 97,501 new registrations, slightly ahead of Ernakulam's.
Full-time RTOs in short supply, files in bottleneck at five RTAs
Amid rise in vehicle numbers and manifold increase in transactions, the regional transport authority (RTA) is experiencing shortage of regional transport officers (RTOs) in Hyderabad .
Motor & Mechanix: Revolutionising Car Care with a One-Stop Solution
Noida: Motor & Mechanix is setting a new benchmark in car care by offering a comprehensive one-stop solution for car servicing. Combining genuine spare parts, a state-of-the-art car servicing workshop, and now car insurance services, the company aims to make car ownership seamless and stress-free for its customers.
Volatile currency: Fall in rupee win some, lose some for auto industry
Tata Motors Group reports 1% growth in Q3 FY25 global wholesales
📝 MoEVing and Safexpress join hands for sustainable logistics solutions across India
📝 EV sales zoom 20% to nearly 1 lakh units in 2024 on price cuts
📝 Government plans incentives for battery component manufacturing to boost electric vehicle industry
📝 TVS Mobility raises Rs 1,800 cr debt from multiple investors
📝 Road accident victims in India to receive cashless treatment: Nitin Gadkari
📝 Budget 2025: Push for rooftop solar scheme, power infra likely
📝 The long wait that’s bleeding India’s USD170 billion road logistics industry
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Hyundai reveals interiors, features of Creta Electric ahead of 2025 launch
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) revealed the interiors of the upcoming Hyundai Creta Electric SUV, emphasising spaciousness, advanced technology, and refined design for customer comfort. The reveal occurred in anticipation of the vehicle's launch at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. HMIL aims to redefine the electric SUV market with Creta Electric, building on the success of the gasoline-powered model.
Skoda Auto India and BiUp.ai partner for enhanced customer experience with AI-driven technology
What does it indicate?
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Electric Car/SUV
Hyundai Creta EV new key details revealed: Boot Space, Comfort Features
Hyundai is firing on all cylinders as it gears up to reveal the highly anticipated Creta Electric, set to make its debut on January 17 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The South Korean automaker has just dropped new details about the interiors, features and luggage space of the upcoming electric SUV. Along with a sleek, modern look, the new Creta EV promises enhanced driving experiences and versatile luggage space, making it a game-changer in the electric vehicle market. Here’s everything we know so far about the new Creta EV.
📝 BYD Sealion 7 will be showcased at Bharat Mobility Expo. Here's what to expect from the electric SUV
📝 Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV: Compare price, range, battery and power
📝 Hyundai Creta Electric cabin revealed ahead of launch, gets new steering wheel and more. Check details
📝 MG M9 EV Limousine unveiled, will be showcased at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
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🚗 Luxury
Mercedes-Benz and BMW defy slowdown, achieve double-digit growth in India in CY24
Top luxury carmakers Mercedes Benz and BMW reported double-digit growth in sales last year (CY2024) even as the overall passenger vehicle (PV) industry grew at about 4.5%. Mercedes achieved its highest-ever annual sales in India at 19,565 units in CY2024, up 12.4% when compared to 2023 sales.
Mercedes-Benz has witnessed a demand coming from small emerging cities: Santosh Iyer
Pune: German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz in India witnessed over 12 per cent growth in 2024. The company that launched the Electric G wagon and EQS SUV in two variants is aiming to expand its presence with its dealers investing ₹450 crore over the next three years. Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India spoke to businessline on the sidelines of the launch.
Mercedes-Benz India announces 2025 expansion: 8 new models, including EQS 450 and electric G-Wagon
New Delhi: German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz on Thursday revealed its business plan for 2025, announcing the launch of 8 products in India. In 2024, it sold 19,565 units in the country, marking a growth of 12% over 17,408 units in 2023.
Bharat Mobility 2025: BMW to showcase these cars, bikes
It is an exciting time for all automotive enthusiasts with the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 just around the corner. Expect all auto OEMs— mainstream and luxury– to showcase a wide range of products including upcoming models both in production as concept form. BMW Group has announced the models it will showcase at the annual motoring exhibition.
BMW Group India gears up for a powerful showcase at Auto Expo 2025
Gurugram: BMW Group India is all set to showcase its pioneering mobility products at the upcoming Auto Expo 2025 (Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025). BMW Group India pavilion will be located at Hall No. 6, Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 17 - 22 January 2025.
Mercedes-Benz launches G580 with EQ Technology and EQS 450
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has launched two new electric SUVs in India, the G580 with EQS technology and EQS 450. The all-electric G-Wagon is priced at Rs 3 crore, ex-showroom, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 is priced at Rs 1.28 crore, ex-showroom. The latter is a five-seater variant of the SUV and will be sold alongside the EQS 580 in India.
Mercedes reports best-ever yearly sales in 2024; to roll out 8 models this year
Ultra luxury cars get snapped up at record pace
The Financial Express
Fast paced growth of top end models jack up Mercedes’ average selling price in 2024
Ultra luxury cars get snapped up at record pace
Lotus Emira, Emeya launch in India on Jan 16
With Lotus setting foot in India with the Eletre last year, the company now has plans to expand its portfolio in the country this year. The British luxury performance car manufacturer will kickstart the year by launching two new vehicles in India— Emira and Emeya. Both models will be hitting the Indian market on January 16.
📝 Mercedes to expand in India's smaller cities as younger generations splurge
📝 Mercedes G Wagon goes electric. And it is now in India. Check specs and pricing
📝 Mercedes EQS 450 SUV launched with mega 122 kWh battery. Check price, range and power
📝 Mercedes-Benz EQG 580 launched at Rs 3 crore: On-spot 360 degree-turning G now in India!
📝 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 launched in India at Rs 1.28 crores: Here’s how different it is from EQS 580
📝 BMW India hits all-time high with 15,721 units sold in 2024: Check best-seller
📝 Merc’s Rs 3 crore electric G-Glass sold out at launch
📝 Top-end cars drive 12% sales surge in 2024 for Mercedes
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
Omega Seiki Mobility to launch multiple products at Bharat Mobility Show 2025
Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM), an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer, is showcasing its innovations at the Bharat Mobility Show 2025, including the launch of the M1KA 1.0 and 3.0 electric trucks and the updated Stream City 2.0 electric three-wheeler. OSM focuses on sustainable mobility solutions with cutting-edge technology for both passenger and commercial electric vehicles. The company aims to revolutionise India's transportation sector through cost-effective, zero-emission vehicles with advanced features like telematics and battery swapping.
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🎤 Interviews & Features
📝 2025 Tata Tiago launched at ₹5 lakh with new features and variants. Check details
📝 Building a green future: Strategic policies to strengthen the EV ecosystem
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🏗 Construction & Agriculture
ICRA predicts 15% surge in construction equipment costs due to new emission standards
With the government’s focus on curbing pollution in India, the new emission standards set for construction equipment vehicles (CEVs) can raise the cost of vehicles by 12-15%. ICRA's report states that this cost increase can be passed on to buyers within the next 12-18 months.
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
Suzuki India launches OBD-2B compliant motorcycles with new colour options; price starts at INR 1.37 lakh
Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) has launched its OBD-2B compliant motorcycles for the 2025 that includes the V-Strom SX and the GIXXER series (GIXXER SF 250, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF, and GIXXER), all featuring new color options. This launch aligns the company with upcoming government regulations.
Updated 2025 KTM 790 Duke unveiled — Here’s what’s new
KTM has unveiled the updated ‘Scalpel’, the 790 Duke for the international markets. The new KTM 790 Duke gets a few design tweaks, updated instrumentation, added electronic aids, and more. The KTM 790 Dule retains its overall sharp design and here’s a more detailed look at what’s new on the 2025 KTM 790 Duke.
Hero Xtreme 250R caught testing ahead of launch: Details we know so far
Hero MotoCorp was recently spotted filming a TVC for its upcoming Xtreme 250R, which was officially revealed at EICMA 2024 in Milan, Italy. Set to compete in the 250cc segment, the Xtreme 250R will go head-to-head with rivals like the Pulsar N250, KTM 250 Duke, Suzuki Gixxer 250, and Yamaha FZ 25. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Xtreme 250R.
Hero to launch five two-wheelers this year — Xtreme 250R to Xoom 160
Hero MotoCorp has lined up several motorcycle launches this year, some of which were showcased either at EICMA or other events. These five two-wheelers, which include motorcycles and scooters, have either seen massive updates or are entirely new. Here are the five motorcycles and scooters Hero has lined up for this year.
Bajaj Pulsar RS200 update launched at Rs 1.84 lakh: All you need to know
Believe it or not, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 has finally received its first major update since its debut in 2015. The 2025 Pulsar RS200, now priced at Rs 1,84,115 (ex-showroom Delhi), comes packed with new features and design enhancements.
📝 Suzuki Gixxer Series & V-Strom SX updated to OBD-2B compliant norms for 2025
📝 Hero Xpulse 210 to debut at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: What you need to know
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🌇 Allied Industries
TCS, ePlane Company in partnership to build e-aviation ecosystem
The ePlane Company—an IIT Madras-incubated electric flying taxi startup—has signed a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop scalable solutions for passenger and cargo transportation using e-planes.
Tata Elxsi Q3 Results: Profit drops by 3.59% to Rs 199.01 crore, revenue up 2.73% YoY
Tata Elxsi Ltd on Thursday announced its fiscal third quarter results with profit at Rs 199.01 crore, posting a drop of 3.59 per cent in comparison to Rs 206.43 crore recorded during the same quarter of previous financial year. It posted revenue from operations at Rs 939.17 crore, up 2.73 per cent as against Rs 914.23 crore posted during the third quarter of FY24. The company EBIT stood at Rs 220.7 crore
Tata Technologies shares rally over 3% on signing deal with Telechips to make software-defined vehicles
Shares of Tata Technologies climbed as much as 3.4% on Wednesday to Rs 912 on the BSE after the company announced that it has signed a strategic deal with Telechips to develop innovative software solutions for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Domestic steel demand to buck global slump, grow 8-9% in 2025
INROAD project in North East secures ₹100 crore to enhance natural rubber quality
The INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project in the North East has received financial support of ₹100 crore for improving the quality of natural rubber.
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
ONGC expects additional revenue of up to $10.3 billion from BP’s intervention in Mumbai High field
New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) expects its partnership with UK-based energy giant BP to raise production from the Mumbai High field to add up to $10.3 billion to its revenue over the 10-year contract period, the Indian energy major said Thursday.
📝 Mufin Green Infra and Exicom partner to enhance EV charging infrastructure
📝 Oil prices extend losses on rising U.S. fuel inventories
📝 Centre raises supply of cheap gas to stave off CNG price hike in Delhi ahead of polls
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
GRAP 3 imposed again in Delhi-NCR as air quality dips: What’s allowed, what’s not
Delhi Pollution: Sub Committee on GRAP invokes all actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) of revised Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force.
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📖 Magazines
Toyota Hilux facelift spy shots preview new design
The Toyota Hilux is set for a major refresh later this year. The rugged pickup from Toyota has been spotted with interesting updates being tested in Thailand, where it is set to go on sale first. Sources tell us that the updated Hilux could get the “Hilux Travo” moniker upon debut.
Ola Electric receives warning from SEBI over breach of disclosure norms
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has warned Ola Electric against sharing company-related news on social media before disclosing it to investors, adding to the woes of the electric two-wheeler maker.
Mercedes, BMW see highest-ever India sales in 2024
The previous year seems to have been a good one for luxury carmakers in India, with the two most popular brands – Mercedes and BMW – announcing double-digit growth and reporting record sales figures. In 2024, the Indian luxury car market is estimated to have grown by 6 percent, breaking the 50,000 mark for the first time to rack up 51,500 units in sales.
MG M9 MPV India debut at Auto Expo; launch by March 2025
The MG M9 will be the brand’s second premium all-electric product at the recently announced MG Select outlets, with the first being the stylish Cyberster sports car. Both models will be displayed at the upcoming Auto Expo 2025 in New Delhi, which starts on January 17.
Porsche 911 Carrera S facelift revealed with 480hp
Porsche has revealed the 992.2 911 Carrera S, which receives styling inspired by the Turbo, along with a 30hp bump in power. Unveiled in coupe and convertible forms, the 911 Carrera S facelift slots between the Carrera and the 911 GTS T-Hybrid and is claimed to match the performance of the previous GTS.
Mercedes India to launch 8 new cars, SUVs this year
Mercedes-Benz India plans to roll out eight models this year, majorly comprising top-end and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Notably, the G 580 and EQS 450 SUVs were launched just today. Its current lineup starts with the A 200 priced at Rs 46.5 lakh, going up to Rs 3.64 crore for the AMG G 63. Last year, Mercedes launched 14 new cars in the country, including the locally produced EQS SUV and the Maybach EQS SUV.
Mercedes EQS SUV 450 launched at Rs 1.28 crore
Mercedes-Benz India has announced the prices for the relatively more affordable EQS 450 SUV. Priced at Rs 1.28 crore, this new variant costs Rs 13 lakh less than the Rs 1.41 crore EQS 580 SUV. Unlike the 580, the EQS 450 SUV is a 5-seater. Along with the Mercedes G 580 Edition One, the entry-level EQS SUV will be showcased at the Bharat Moblity Global Expo 2025.
Honda City, Elevate prices go up by Rs 20,000
Honda Cars India has increased the prices of its popular City sedan and the automatic variants of the Elevate SUV by Rs 20,000. Now, the Honda City’s starting price is Rs 12.28 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. Dealers tell us that the company took the decision due to rising input costs.
Hero Xoom 160, Xtreme 250R launching at Auto Expo 2025
Hero MotoCorp is gearing up to make a splash at the Auto Expo 2025. The company will launch four products at the show, all of which have already been revealed.
BMW R 1300 GSA, updated S 1000 RR launching at Auto Expo 2025
BMW Motorrad India has announced that it will be launching two large-capacity bikes at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 – the R 1300 GSA and the updated S 1000 RR. While the GSA is a new model that's also the company’s flagship adventure bike, the S 1000 RR is the most focused supersport BMW retails, outside of the M 1000 models.
Bajaj Freedom CNG sales cross 40,000 units in 6 months
Bajaj has sold over 40,000 units of the revolutionary Freedom CNG bike since its launch in July last year. Our sister publication, Autocar Professional, recently had the chance to sit down with Rakesh Sharma, executive director of Bajaj Auto, who shared some interesting insights into the Freedom's market acceptance.
Updated Bajaj Pulsar RS200 launched at Rs 1.84 lakh
Almost a decade after it first came out, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 has got its first update, and even then, it’s a rather minor one. Priced at Rs 1.84 lakh, an increase of Rs 10,000 from earlier, the RS200 now gets a new tail-lamp design, the same colour LCD dash as the NS400Z, riding modes and a slipper clutch.
Mercedes G Class electric launched at Rs 3 crore
After drip-feeding teasers for over a week, Mercedes-Benz has launched the G 580 Edition One at Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom, India). Officially known as the Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology, the electric G-Class will be sold alongside the AMG G 63 facelift (Rs 3.64 crore) in India. Bookings for the G 580 have been open since July 2024 and the SUV is sold out till Q3 2025. Mercedes has confirmed that it will showcase the G 580 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo next week in Delhi.
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📰 International
Workers at Ford joint-venture plant in Kentucky file to hold union election
The United Auto Workers union is petitioning the National Labor Relations Board to hold an election at a Ford Motor joint-venture battery plant in Kentucky, the union said in a release Wednesday.
Judge approves Tesla directors' deal to end excess pay case
Tesla directors including Chair Robyn Denholm and James Murdoch got court approval on Wednesday for a settlement worth up to USD 919 million that requires they return compensation to the carmaker to resolve allegations they overpaid themselves.
Volvo CEO says plan for Mexico truck factory ongoing despite US tariff threat
Sweden's Volvo Group is proceeding with its planned USD 700-million heavy-truck factory in Monterrey, Mexico, CEO Martin Lundstedt told Reuters on Wednesday, even as President-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose U.S. tariffs on imports of vehicles and other goods.
Trump's tariff threat spurs auto suppliers to rethink production plans
Most of those measures were aimed squarely at China, in particular a proposal by the Biden administration to bar Chinese software and hardware from cars on U.S. roads. But Trump has vowed to go much further, imposing a blanket tariff of 10% on global imports into the United States and a far higher 60% tariff on Chinese goods. In late November, he specifically pledged a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico when he takes office on January 20.
BP projects 44% jump in oil output from India's largest field, ONGC says
Global energy major BP has pledged to lift oil production by 44% and gas output by 89% from India's largest field off its west coast, under a decade-long contract, according to block operator Oil and Natural Gas Corp on Thursday.
China car sales maintain growth pace in 2024, EV and hybrid sales hit record
China's car sales maintained their growth pace in 2024 as sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the world's largest auto market hit a record high amid a brutal price war and with subsidised trade-ins for greener vehicles driving purchases.
Rolls Royce to invest USD 376 million in UK plant to focus on bespoke cars
British luxury automaker Rolls-Royce said on Wednesday it will invest 300 million pounds (USD 376 million) to expand its Goodwood plant to focus more on bespoke cars for high-end clients, featuring anything from gold sculptures to mother-of-pearl artwork.
📝 Northvolt owners vote to stay operating while seeking financial rescue
📝 Renault warns pooling CO2 emissions could weaken EU car industry, calls for clarity
📝 Tesla poised for $1 bn windfall from EU's emissions curbs
📝 From AI assistants to holographic displays, automakers showcase in-cabin experiences at CES
📝 Record EV, hybrid sales help Chinese car market grow 5.3%
📝 CES 2025: This electric car offers 640 km range and draws power from the Sun
📝 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S unveiled with more power and features
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