Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 19 July 2025,Saturday
🏢 Industry
Rare Earth crisis: PMO aims to break magnet deadlock
The rare earth crisis continues to brew as automobile manufacturers scramble to the government for a long-term solution. According to CNBC-TV18, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is likely to hold a high-profile meeting with various departments from different sectors to find a solution to the serious shortage of rare earth magnets. This severely affects the automobile sector, including electric vehicles, hybrids and regular internal combustion engines, as these materials are crucial components like electric motors, sensors, automatic transmission kits and power steering systems.
A glimmer of hope as Beijing processes rare-earth magnet requests
The export restrictions, which took effect on April 4, apply to rare earth magnets, which are critical components in industries ranging from automobiles and electronics to health care and defence. China introduced the curbs in response to heightened tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese goods.
Duty on auto, auto parts not safeguard measures: US on India’s claim in WTO
New Delhi: The US has rejected India’s claim that American tariffs on auto and auto parts qualify as safeguard measures under the WTO (World Trade Organization) rules, and asserted that the duties are imposed on national security grounds. It has added that, on these grounds, India has no basis to propose retaliatory tariffs against these duties. India has said it is reserving the right to impose retaliatory duties on US tariffs (25 per cent) on automobiles and auto parts, stating that the levies are safeguard measures that are harming its domestic industry. In a reply to this, the US has informed the WTO that US President Donald Trump imposed these tariffs to adjust imports of these articles as they threaten to impair the national security of America.
India’s rare earth rescue: Can e-waste recycling break China’s grip?
It has been months since countries across the world are scrambling and huddling together to find a solution for the rare earths crunch imposed by China. For India, the supply bottleneck for rare earths is threatening to put spanner in the ‘manufacturing wheel’ of the country, as they find usage in every modern industry– from EVs and mobile phones to fighter jets and wind turbines.
Top Auto Events & Conferences in India: The Ultimate List of Auto & EV Conferences
India’s automotive sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and shifting consumer preferences. In this dynamic environment, auto industry events and conferences serve as critical platforms for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
IFC invests $20 mn in Transvolt Mobility to boost commercial EV deployment in India
In a move aimed at accelerating India’s clean mobility transition, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced a $20 million (approximately ₹170 crore) equity investment in Transvolt Mobility. The funding will help scale up the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, particularly in the heavy commercial vehicle segment, PTI reports.
Delhi gets second automated vehicle testing centre, aims to ease fitness certification bottlenecks
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Union Territory's second Automated Testing Station (ATS) at the DTC Nand Nagri Depot in northeast Delhi. The new facility, expected to be fully operational in the coming months, will have the capacity to test up to 72,000 vehicles annually—significantly boosting the city’s limited vehicle inspection infrastructure, TNN reports.
China tightens grip on rare earth sector with silent quota release
📝 Auto recap, July 18: Maruti Suzuki eVitara launch date confirmed, Norton teases new bike and more
Read More >>
🚗 ICE Car/SUV
JSW MG Motor opens first MG Select experience centre in Delhi
JSW MG Motor India has inaugurated its first MG Select experience centre in Delhi as part of a wider plan to introduce 14 such centres in 13 cities by the end of the third quarter of calendar year 2025. The new-format outlets aim to provide a differentiated vehicle retail and ownership experience.
📝 Tata Punch clocks six lakh units in record time: Details, what makes it so popular
📝 All-new Mitsubishi Pajero caught testing overseas: Can it challenge the Toyota Fortuner?
Read More >>
Electric Car/SUV
Model Y versus India’s EV elite: Who will win the charge?
Tesla has finally entered India with the Model Y. It is priced from Rs 59.89 lakh (63 kWh battery) to Rs 67.89 lakh (83 kWh), is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) car, has a spacious cabin, claimed range of 500-622 km (WLTP), and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara India launch on Sept 3
Maruti Suzuki presented its first electric vehicle— the e Vitara — to the public at the Auto Expo earlier in January this year. Earlier expected to launch at the start of 2025, the launch was pushed to September this year. Now, we have got hold of the exact launch date for the electric SUV.
Read More >>
🚗 Luxury
Why future of customer service is experience-driven, not transactional
This interaction illustrates a fundamental shift occurring across the luxury automotive landscape. We're moving from a world where customer service was predominantly transactional—focused on resolving issues, scheduling services, and ensuring timely deliveries—to one where every touchpoint becomes an opportunity to create lasting emotional connections a unique experience. The modern luxury consumer doesn't simply want problem-solving; they seek immersive, personalised experiences that resonate with their lifestyle and values.
New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé: 2 fast, 2 furious
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is possibly the most stunning small sedan on Indian roads. It’s got a shark-like face, frameless doors, coupe-like design, and pronounced wheel arches.
Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover to axe 500 management jobs in UK
The domino effect of the Trump tariff is being felt by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in the UK, as the Tata Motors-owned company is forced to take drastic steps and slash 500 management jobs. The luxury automobile maker has blamed the drop in sales in the first quarter of FY26 on 15.1%. This is due to the temporary halt on exports for the US market and also pulling the plug on older Jaguar models. JLR has called this decision a ‘normal business practice’.
Tata Motors-owned JLR delays launch of Range Rover, Jaguar EVs
British luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover has delayed the launch of its electric Range Rover and Jaguar models to allow time for more testing and for demand to pick up, The Guardian reported on Friday.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Gran Coup
A four-door sedan marketed as a coupe is nothing new, and with a sloping roofline and stylish exterior, they’ve certainly got more appeal. BMW’s latest, the entry point to the world of luxury and performance cars, also boasts a coupe moniker. The 2 Series Gran Coupe, having undergone a generational upgrade, is now ready to lure the young and loaded Indian customer. We try out the latest from BMW to see what it offers despite being robbed of one thing that’s been most characteristic of BMWs: rear-wheel drive.
📝 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe arrives in India on August 12. Here's all you should know…
Read More >>
⛟ Commercial Vehicles
How electric LCVs are powering India's real economy and driving impact from the ground up
While transportation efficiency is essential, the true impact of logistics lies in its ability to enable economic inclusion. When goods move quickly and affordably, small businesses gain access to wider markets, rural entrepreneurs can reach urban consumers, and economic opportunities begin to flow across regions. India’s logistics backbone will ultimately determine whether growth remains confined to urban centres or spreads inclusively across the country’s diverse geographies.
Tata Motors approaches Italy's Agnelli family to buy controlling stake in Iveco
Italy's Agnelli family is in talks over the possible sale of truck maker Iveco, three sources told Reuters, with two mentioning Tata Motors as a potential buyer.
Ashok Leyland eyes 35% market share in M&HCV segment, bets on innovation
📝 Ashok Leyland bonus shares get credited to demat accounts; stock drops marginally
Read More >>
🎤 Interviews & Features
MG M9: Vanlife
The MG M9 will soon join the niche segment of luxury MPVs, which don’t just offer additional luxury, space and comfort than the conventional choices on the market, but also add a fair bit of charm through their distinct styling. MPVs are usually people movers, but these are for people who’ve made it in life already.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving costs more than a Maruti Alto: Smart investment or hatchback-sized gamble?
Tesla is finally here in India, and the high price of the Model Y has been the talking point. A vehicle, which many were hoping to be under Rs 40 lakh, is finally launched at Rs 59.89 lakh, ex-showroom. There are a couple of reasons for its pricy cost, starting with the import duties and Tesla having no immediate plans to manufacture or assemble its electric vehicles in India. The other issue is that the made in China Model Y is manufactured as a left-hand drive vehicle, which has to be switched to right-hand drive for India, which adds to the additional costs. If you thought that sounds unreasonable, then wait for it… the famous Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) is an optional feature that costs Rs 6 lakh, which is the price of a top-of-the-line Maruti Suzuki Alto.
Crushed by the machine: The hidden human cost of India’s auto boom
Employed at an auto-component factory in Faridabad, Haryana, Amjad was one of the thousands of workers maimed or killed in India’s booming automotive manufacturing sector, in 2024.
Meet man behind world's largest EV company, who is set to take on Elon Musk's Tesla in India
Source Credit: Varsha Agarwal, Daily News & Analysis
📝 Driving the Future
📝 Eyeing the Tesla Model Y? Here are all the colour options and costs explained
Read More >>
🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
TVS Apache RTR 310 then vs now: All key changes
TVS launched the updated Apache RTR 310 a couple of days ago. The flagship naked streetfighter has received plenty of updates over its predecessor including styling and feature upgrades. Let us take a look at every change that has been made in the 2025 Apache RTR 310.
Bajaj to tap into KTM’s global network to market own bikes
The planned takeover of the financially-troubled KTM will pave the way for Bajaj Auto to sell its own bikes in the developed markets by tapping into the global distribution network of the Austrian-bike maker.
Yuzvendra Chahal revs up Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: The real twist happens next
Pretty much every enthusiast has either dreamt of or once had a Royal Enfield motorcycle. The legendary nameplate is, in many ways, woven into the DNA of us Indians. Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal is no different. A YouTube video revealed that the leg spinner was hanging out with a well-known gamer, Parv Singh, popularly known as Soul Regaltos, where both were revving up a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. According to CarToq, the café racer belonged to another prominent Indian gaming content creator, Raj Varma, also known as Snax Gaming.
2025 Keeway RR300 launched in India — Here’s what’s new
Moto Vault, the brand that officially sells the Keeway brand in India, has launched the RR300 in India, priced at Rs 1.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The motorcycle features an aggressive design and looks similar to a rebranded Keeway K300 R that was on sale in India previously.
📝 Want power on a budget? 5 best motorcycles with over 40 bhp under ₹5 lakh in India
📝 Norton Motorcycles teases debut model, to be showcased on November 4
Read More >>
⚙ Components
Sona BLW shares surge 8.5% on potential EV component deal with BYD
Shares of Sona BLW Precision Forgings rose sharply on Thursday following reports that Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD is in advanced talks with the Indian auto component manufacturer for the supply of EV parts. The stock climbed as much as 8.5 per cent to ₹494 on the BSE during intraday trade, ETMarkets reports.
BatX Energies, Germany’s Rocklink tie up to build rare earth magnet recycling ecosystem
BatX Energies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German firm Rocklink GmbH to establish India’s first integrated ecosystem for rare earth magnet recycling and refining.
📝 Explained: Motherson Sumi, Samvardhana Motherson didn’t crash 32%. Bonus issue explains sharp price drop
Read More >>
🌇 Allied Industries
Wheels India bets big on exports biz; makes inroads in construction, tractor segments
Wheels India Ltd, a leading manufacturer of wheels for trucks, agricultural tractors, and passenger vehicles, is betting big on its exports business and has made inroads in the construction and tractor segments, a top official said.
Tyre industry to see 7-8% revenue growth this fiscal year on replacement demand: Report
India’s tyre industry is expected to post a revenue growth of 7-8 per cent in fiscal year 2026 (FY26), primarily driven by a strong replacement demand, according to CRISIL Ratings.
Everta aims to locally produce 3k DC chargers annually by 2027
EV charger manufacturing firm Everta on Thursday announced its plans to manufacture 3,000 DC chargers annually by 2027.
📝 CEAT Q1 profit slumps 27% to ₹112.3 cr amid rising raw material costs
Read More >>
🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
EU bans import of fuel made from Russian oil, sanctions Indian refiner Nayara, lowers price cap on Russian crude
The European Union (EU) Friday announced a ban on import of fuels made from Russian crude and coming from third countries with the exception of Canada, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The move could severely hit India’s fuel exports to Europe, given the significant share of Russian crude in India’s oil import basket. The EU is also sanctioning Indian crude oil refiner Nayara Energy, in which Russian oil giant Rosneft holds 49.13 per cent stake, as part of its tranche of actions in the latest bid to force the Kremlin’s hand to end the war in Ukraine.
India’s crude import bill down 19% in April-June
India’s crude import bill declined by 18.6% during the first three months of financial year 2025-26, reaching $30.6 billion compared to $37.6 billion in the same period of FY24, according to data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell. The decline in the import bill can be attributed to India’s heavy reliance on discounted Russian barrels.
AMC plans solar-powered EV charging stations for its buses
An AMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the electric bus charging stations at AMTS and BRTS bus terminals will be connected to solar panel systems.
India plans E27 ethanol fuel blend as push for alternative fuels intensifies
After achieving the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol, the Indian government is preparing to raise the bar to 27 per cent, with plans to introduce a new fuel blend labelled E27, The Times of India reports.
Russia will be forced to sell its crude at reduced rates to India, as EU lowers oil price cap
The European Union on Friday imposed sanctions on the Indian oil refinery of Russian energy giant Rosneft and lowered the oil price cap, as part of a new raft of measures against Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Petroleum dealers must become active partners in India's energy transition: Hardeep Puri
📝 MEA criticises EU sanctions on Russia that include Gujarat refinery
📝 EU fuels crude awakening for Nayara Energy, but Reliance feels the heat too
📝 Oil sanctions: What can India do without Russian crude?
Read More >>
🌍 Emissions/Environment
Smog showdown: How Delhi’s over-age vehicle ban became a strategic stalemate
Setting the Stage: A City Chokes, and an Order Drops
Read More >>
💸 Finance & Insurance
Policybazaar launches customised insurance for Tesla owners
Policybazaar has launched specialised electric vehicle insurance plans especially for Tesla vehicles in India. The insurance aggregator is the official insurance partner to the Elon Musk-led company and provides multiple options based on the customer’s requirements and offers plans from HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Reliance General Insurance and New India Assurance. The comprehensive protection allows the customers to opt for add-ons like Battery Protection cover, 24×7 Roadside Assistance, Zero Depreciation, consumables and Return to Invoice price cover.
Kotak Mahindra Prime becomes preferred financer for Tesla EVs in India
Kotak Mahindra Prime (KMPL), the auto financing arm of Kotak Group, on Friday said it has become a preferred financer, offering its seamless financing experience for Tesla's futuristic EVs.
📝 Insurance firms gear up for Tesla with EV-specific policies
Read More >>
📖 Magazines
Mahindra XEV 9e price, variants and features explained
While the Mahindra XEV 9e’s complete price list was revealed in February, the brand has recently added a new option to the Tata Harrier EV rival’s line-up. The all-electric SUV is available with two battery pack options and four variants. So without further ado, let’s take a look at which battery option, features, safety equipment and other bits are exclusive to each XEV 9e variant.
Creta vs Grand Vitara vs Elevate vs Astor: real world fuel economy compared
We compare the real-world fuel efficiency of India’s top mid-size petrol automatic SUVs to see how they stack up.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: 5 must know things before buying
The second-gen BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has finally been launched in India. It replaces the outgoing model as BMW’s most affordable offering in the Indian market. With all details of the 2025 2 Series Gran Coupe now out, let’s go over five aspects of the entry-level luxury sedan that prospective buyers should consider.
Porsche Taycan 4S Black Edition priced at Rs 2.07 crore
The Porsche Taycan 4S is now available in Black Edition avatar, priced at Rs 2.07 crore, ex-showroom, India, before options. Like the Cayenne Black Edition, the Taycan 4S Black Edition sports minor exterior and interior changes compared to the standard model. Interestingly, Porsche offers its Black Edition models with multiple exterior colours, and in the case of the Taycan 4S, the electric sedan gets 11 complementary options.
Mahindra BE 6 price, variants, features explained
The Mahindra BE 6 (formerly BE 6e) is available in five variants, prices of which start at Rs 18.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Mahindra offers two battery pack options with its mid-size electric SUV, spread across the variant lineup. Let us now see how well-equipped each BE 6 variant is.
Tesla Model Y to get 6 seater variant in China
Tesla has released teaser images of a 6-seater version of its Model Y crossover for the first time. “Model Y L, see you in the golden autumn!” the EV brand said on a social media platform while hinting at a China launch by November. According to a filing by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Tesla Model Y L will be built on a stretched wheelbase. The standard Model Y with five seats is Tesla’s bestselling model in China, but it reportedly has been losing ground to domestic manufacturers with fresher line-ups.
Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe Black Edition price starts at Rs 1.8 crore
Prices for the Porsche Cayenne Black Edition and the Cayenne Coupe Black Edition are now out. The Cayenne Black Edition costs Rs 1.8 crore while the Cayenne Coupe Black Edition is priced at Rs 1.87 crore. As the name implies, the SUV and the coupe-SUV feature blacked-out elements on the outside and inside.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 long term review, 22,210km report
It’s not often that a long-termer is this hard to let go of. But the Hyundai Ioniq 5 isn’t just any car – it’s one of those rare machines that leaves a lasting impression. It was our 2024 Autocar Car of the Year, and over the six months I’ve had it, it’s reaffirmed exactly why. At a glance, it’s the design that turns heads. The pixelated lights, origami-like lines and retro-futuristic vibe make it look like it’s straight out of Blade Runner. But what truly won me over was the cabin. Step inside, and it’s like entering a concept car that actually made it to production.
Mahindra Vision X teaser previews new design details
In its second round of teaser campaigns leading up to the Independence Day event, Mahindra has now given us a new look at the upcoming Vision X concept. Four new Mahindra concept SUVs, along with a new platform vision, will be showcased on August 15, and this one is expected to add to the XUV family.
Honda Activa electric could get home charging option
Honda recently launched the Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters in India, and one of our main complaints with the former was that you have to rely on Honda’s battery-swapping infrastructure exclusively for charging its batteries. Now, though, that problem has a potential solution.
2025 Aprilia SR 125 launched at Rs 1.20 lakh
Following the launch of the SR 175, Aprilia has introduced the SR 125 at Rs 1.20 lakh. Like the SR 175, it now gets the same TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity and uses an updated version of the 125cc motor.
Ather Rizta long term review, 2,300km report
Even in isolation, you’d be able to appreciate the niceties of the Ather Rizta, but having just come from my stiffly sprung Aerox, the effect was even more pronounced. This simple, no-nonsense e-scooter has been my daily commuter ever since Dinshaw and I swapped rides a couple of months ago, and for the most part, it has been a superbly pleasant experience. The performance is smooth, the ride is excellent, and it’s a very slick experience overall.
2025 MotoGP Czech GP schedule, India timings
Automotodrom Brno returns to the MotoGP calendar for the first time since 2020, with the Czech GP kicking off the second half of the season. It’s a classic track that has churned out some iconic race moments in the past.
Aprilia SR 175 launched at Rs 1.26 lakh
Aprilia has launched its SR 175 in India at a price of Rs 1.26 lakh. It replaces the earlier SR 160 in the brand’s portfolio.
Read More >>
📰 International
Uber to invest $300 million in Lucid for robotaxi deal
Uber will invest $300 million in electric vehicle maker Lucid in a robotaxi deal that aims to start with one major U.S. city late next year, the companies said on Thursday.
China quietly issues 2025 rare earth mining quotas, sources say
The government issued the first set of quotas for the year only last month, without the usual public statement, said the sources, with one of them saying the companies were told not to share the numbers for security reasons. These details are being reported here for the first time.
China moves to tame 'irrational competition' as EV price war persists
Chinese officials are seeking to tame the country's swelling electric vehicle industry with policies to prevent "irrational competition", state media said, as a brutal price war ensnares top automakers.
Stellantis expands production capacity at Morocco plant
Carmaker Stellantis plans to more than double production capacity at its plant in Kenitra, Morocco, in the coming months to 535,000 vehicles annually, its chief operating officer for the Middle East and Africa said on Wednesday.
📝 US Proposes Steep Tariffs on Critical EV Battery Material
📝 Japan voters see little hope for tariff reprieve in car maker Mazda's hometown
📝 US auto safety agency shedding more than 25% of employees
Read More >>