Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 26 July 2025,Saturday
🏢 Industry
India-UK FTA on vehicles: Not as simple as it sounds
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a welcome move on many fronts, and automotive enthusiasts have been especially eager owing to the massive price cuts the vehicles will see. Cars made by Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, and Mini will see a 50 percent reduction in price. While on paper this seems perfect, there are a number of criteria, and it’s not this simple. Let us explain.
Historic port to future hub: Thoothukudi's giant leap for global reach
Automakers clash over CAFE relief for LCVs, small cars at Siam meet
India-UK free trade agreement is going to reshape auto market: Siam
These five lesser-known EV stocks could future-proof your portfolio
Auto industry cheers free trade pact
“The commitments made by the government of India on automobile sector tariffs strike a thoughtful balance — addressing consumer interests while supporting the broader goals of Indian industry,” Shailesh Chandra, President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), said.
📝 Govt waits for global OEMs to make electric cars in India
📝 India likely to gain 5% additional market share in UK within 2 yrs
📝 Clean tech exports hit ₹54,000 crore; green jobs projected to touch 35 million by 2047
📝 Indian auto industry faces subdued FY26 growth amidst weak demand: Report
📝 India-UK trade pact supports auto sector, addresses consumers' interests: SIAM
📝 India Inc's rare earth magnet dependence
📝 Delhi's vehicles equal that of Mumbai, Kolkata & Chennai
📝 Chandigarh’s vehicle scrapping policy stuck in 1st gear
📝 India-UK FTA during PM Modi’s visit marks new Era for ‘Make in India’: TVS Motor
📝 Auto recap, July 25: MG Cyberster launched, TVS Ntorq 125 Super Soldier Edition launched and more
📝 India–UK FTA: These 10 cars & bikes will cost less soon
📝 Mahindra Logistics leases nearly 3 lakh sq ft industrial space in Pune
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🚗 Cars / SUVs
Nissan Magnite GNCAP safety rating updated to 5 stars. Here's how and why…
The Nissan Magnite has received a new and boosted safety rating, earning a full 5-star score for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP crash tests. This improvement follows several safety updates made by Nissan in response to earlier results. Initially, the Magnite received just 2 stars for both adult and child occupant safety under the updated testing protocols, which assess frontal and side impacts, electronic stability control (ESC), pedestrian safety, and seatbelt reminders.
From too many cooks to one chef : Stephane Deblaise, incoming CEO, Renault Group India
After years of disappointment, French carmaker Renault has decided to alter the way it will function in India in the hope of reviving its dwindling fortunes. Instead of having multiple entities report back to its headquarters in Paris, Renault will integrate all its India operations and put it under one roof, Renault Group India. By September, manufacturing, design, and research and development will be under the common umbrella. This, the company hopes, will streamline operations and help facilitate fusion among entities in the current structure.
📝 For Renault India, the time has come to walk the talk
📝 Maruti Suzuki mandates 6 airbags in Fronx, hikes prices
📝 Volkswagen Tayron spotted in India, will rival Toyota Fortuner
📝 Check out 5 reasons why the Maruti Suzuki Fronx has become popular
📝 This Ford SUV still king despite Maruti’s used-car market domination: Report
📝 Renault Triber 2025 Facelift launched at ₹6.30 lakh with visual upgrades and new features
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Electric-Cars / SUVs
Mahindra’s BE 6, XEV 9e level up: New variants bring more range
Mahindra and Mahindra are not easing off the accelerator pedal in the electric vehicle segment as it’s gearing up to launch new variants in the BE 6 and XEV 9e portfolio. The Indian automobile manufacturer is taking feedback from its customers and is quickly offering solutions. Recently, the company updated the middle trim with a bigger battery pack, and now it will introduce new trims in the top version.
BGMI Player from Thrissur wins Mahindra BE 6 in KRAFTON India’s first-of-its-kind in-game giveaway
📝 Subsidy on EVs below 40 lakh to be restored
📝 MG Cyberster launches in India at ₹72.49 lakh
📝 VinFast India plant to be inaugurated on July 31
📝 Kia Carens Clavis EV Review: India’s most affordable 3-Row electric MPV – Price, Features & Colors
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🚗 Luxury Cars
Volvo EX30 spotted on India roads ahead of launch next month
Volvo is gearing up to launch the EX30 in India next month. The EX30 is the Swedish carmaker’s most affordable electric car globally which sits below the EX40 and EC40 in the lineup. Like EX40 and EC40, Volvo is most likely to locally assemble the compact battery-powered SUV in India at the company’s facility in Hosakote, near Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Luxury cars not the biggest opportunity UK senses in India after FTA. It's this
The UK government expects bigger inroads of up to $240 million (about ₹2,076 crore) in auto parts and engine exports to India, surpassing luxury cars, after its free-trade agreement with India.
British-made luxury cars set to get cheaper
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to sharply reduce the price tags of ultra-luxury imported cars, but with a calibrated structure that protects domestic automakers, smaller vehicles, and emerging technologies like electric vehicles. Under the deal, import duties on high-end internal combustion engine (ICE) cars will be cut from 110% to 30% in the first year, bringing down the price of a Rs 5 crore fully built luxury car to around Rs 3 crore. By the fifth year, as tariffs fall further to 10%, the same car could retail at just around Rs 2.62 crore.
Joyride: Range Rover Electric : A hushed ascent into serenity
An Electric Car's cabin is far more silent than a conventional petrol/diesel car’s cabin, but the moment you step inside the Range Rover Electric, you might find EVs noisy. We recently took a ride in this “zen of a zero emissions car”, which will be launched in India next year.
India-UK FTA unlikely to have major price changes in JLR vehicles
📝 India-UK FTA opens fast lane for British-made luxury cars in India
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🎤 Interviews & Features
Kia Carens Clavis EV: Well-timed
The MPV segment isn’t as utilitarian as it once was, especially with well-rounded cars like the Innova/Hycross, Ertiga/XL6 and Kia Carens proving that one doesn’t have to compromise on style, features or even desirability if he wants a car that seats more people than the conventional SUV. Having said that, if there was one thing the MPV segment lacked, it was electrification.
New Toyota Fortuner Hybrid first drive review — The battle tank gets electric assist
The last of the premium ladder frame chassis SUVs one can buy in India is the Fortuner. The SUV has been on sale in India for a long time — 2009 onwards — the SUV has seen many updates over time, and has grown in size as well.
Here are the top 5 safest cars in India: Is your ride one of them?
The Indian automobile sector and the government policies have come a long way when it comes to building safer cars in India. What is interesting to note is that the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) started the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign in 2014, highlighting the adoption of safer vehicles through crash testing. Based on Global NCAP tests, we list the top five safest vehicles in India, which include a range of SUVs and sedans. Does your car break into our list? Find out.
Tata Harrier.ev: Top-spec
Following our rendezvous at the Buddh International Circuit on Tata’s Quad Day, where the company showcased the capabilities of its all-new Harrier.ev in a controlled environment, we were eagerly waiting to get our hands on this promising all-electric SUV. No matter how well a vehicle performs on the track, its real-world performance will always give a better picture of how it fares in tackling everyday challenges. Given that the Harrier.ev produces over 300 bhp, comes with an AWD system, and offers all this without any tailpipe emissions, it was natural for us to look forward to this.
Rare earths not rare, their concentration is: GSI chief
Against the backdrop of a severe shortage of rare earth permanent magnets due to China’s export curbs, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is planning to complete 100 ongoing exploration projects on rare earth by the end of the next financial year, a top official at the scientific government agency said.
India-UK FTA clears road for British cars, but with speed bumps ahead
📝 Volt face: EV
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🏍 2/3 Wheelers
Rare earth crisis: Bajaj may halt EV production in August
The export restriction of rare earth materials from China is taking a toll, and Bajaj may halt production of its EV, the Chetak, in August, as per an interview with the Economic Times. Rajiv Bajaj says that the Chetak EV and the recently-launched GoGo electric three-wheeler may see a ‘no-sales’ month in August owing to a severe shortage of rare earth materials.
Piaggio sues former employee for ‘Coldplay’ reference on CEO
Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited (PVPL), the Indian arm of Italian two-wheeler giant Piaggio, has filed a criminal complaint in a city court against a former employee. The company alleges that the ex-employee defamed its chairman, managing director and CEO Diego Graffi and women employees by dragging them into the Coldplay controversy.
This Hero commuter now gets cruise control!
Motorcycle tech is becoming increasingly accessible in India. KTM was the first to cram a ton of superbike technology into an accessible motorcycle like the 390 Duke, and then came TVS with the RTR 310. Now, it seems like commuters want the same as well, and proof is the new Hero Glamour, which has been seen testing with cruise control — yes, that’s right.
Honda’s flagship ADV to make a comeback in 2026!
Honda’s flagship adventure motorcycle, the Africa Twin, is set to make a comeback in 2026. The Honda Africa Twin was on sale in India previously, but as the BS6 norms crept in, Honda quietly pulled it away from the Indian market, leaving adventure enthusiasts with either the NX500 or the Transalp 750.
TVS Motor Company launches TVS NTORQ 125 Super Soldier Edition
Building on the successful collaboration with Marvel, the TVS NTORQ journey of re-creating legendary characters continues with the launch of the Super Soldier Edition, a reimagination of the fan-favourite Captain America. This edition elevates the style quotient of the TVS NTORQ with a striking camo inspired theme, designed to captivate the Gen Z riders, says a release.
📝 TVS Motor launches NTorq 125 Super Soldier edition at ₹98,117
📝 Hero MotoCorp launches HF Deluxe Pro at ₹73,550
📝 TVS Motor board to consider raising funds next week
📝 New Yezdi Roadster to be launched on August 12
📝 ‘Been hit quite hard…’: Bajaj Auto reels from China’s rare earth magnet curbs; Rajiv Bajaj says ‘looking at a zero month’
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🚲 Electric 2/3 Wheelers
📝 Kinetic is back! New electric scooter with 1980s charm set to launch on July 28
📝 VLF Tennis e-scooter updated, priced at Rs 1.30 lakh: Gets new features, more range
📝 Piaggio Ape E-City Ultra and Ape E-City FX Maxx launched in India, starting at ₹3.30 lakh
Read More >>
⚙ Components
Ownership battle explodes at Sona Comstar, Sanjay Kapur’s mother says, ‘people trying to wrest control’
Sanjay Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, has written a letter to the Board of Directors of Sona Comstar, where she alleged that some people are trying to wrest control of the company after the sudden death of the company Chairman and Non-Executive Director Sanjay Kapur, says a CNBC-TV18 report.
India's semiconductor vision gathers momentum with 3nm chip design and talent development initiatives
New Delhi: India is home to nearly 20 per cent of the world's chip design engineers and building on this strong talent base, the government is facilitating the development of a complete semiconductor ecosystem in India, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, informed Lok Sabha on Friday.
Auto parts, engines take pole position in UK’s India drive
New Delhi : The UK government expects bigger inroads of up to $240 million (about ₹2,076 crore) in auto parts and engine exports to India, surpassing luxury cars, after its free-trade agreement with India.
Schaeffler India Q1FY26 results: Net profit increases 14% to ₹294 crore
Auto parts maker Schaeffler India on Friday reported a 14 per cent rise in standalone profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 294.44 crore in the June 2025 quarter.
Sona BLW Precision Forgings holds AGM; clarifies Rani Kapur ‘not a shareholder at least since 2019’
Auto components major Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) on Friday went ahead with its annual general meeting (AGM) despite Rani Kapur, mother of late Sunjay Kapur who died last month, seeking postponement of the meeting. She was objecting to appointment of certain directors as a representative of the Kapur family.
Sona Comstar rejects Rani Kapur's call to defer AGM, cites compliance, governance norms
Rani Kapur seeks postponement of Sona Comstar AGM amid allegations of coercion, misrepresentation
The Hindu Business Line
📝 Sona Comstar shares continue to slide as leadership uncertainty looms
📝 Rani Kapur seeks delay of Sona Comstar AGM, raises concerns over governance after son’s death
📝 Uno Minda launches advanced LED blinkers for Royal Enfield motorcycles in India
📝 Sellowrap Industries IPO opens today; Check all details here
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🌇 Allied Industries
📝 Govt working on modalities to mandate green steel public procurement: Official
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants & Charging Stations
📝 Drop in vehicles on Aizawl streets due to fuel scarcity
📝 Reliance buys Abu Dhabi’s Murban oil on Futures Platform
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
📝 Delhi govt files review plea in SC against blanket ban on ELVs
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💸 Finance & Insurance
That rust bucket on wheels may cost a fortune in insurance, re-registrationG
The Centre is weighing higher fees to insure and re-register older cars, two officials aware of the discussions said, targeting so-called end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) that guzzle fuel and dirty the air.
Shriram Finance Q1 PAT up 9% on stable core income growth
Non-banking finance company (NBFC) Shriram Finance on Friday reported 9 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in net profit for the quarter ended June at ₹2,156 crore, led by stable core income growth. The NBFC’s net interest income (NII) grew 13 per cent on year to ₹6,026 crore in Q1, while net interest margin fell to 8.11 per cent in Q1 from 8.25 per cent in previous quarter. Assets under management (AUM) rose 17 per cent y-o-y to ₹2.72 lakh crore. Commercial vehicle and passenger vehicle loans contribute over 65 per cent of the NBFC’s total AUM.
📝 Bajaj Finance shares slide 6% after Q1 show fails to cheer D-Street
📝 Shriram Finance Q1 results: PAT up 9% at ₹2,156 cr on healthy loan growth
📝 Bajaj Finserv net profit up 30% on-year to Rs 2,789 crore
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📖 Magazines News
Suzuki e Vitara, made in India EVs to benefit from India UK FTA
We’ve already discussed how the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will potentially benefit buyers of imported (CBU) cars in India. On the other hand, made-in-India models will also benefit from this trade agreement.
TVS Ntorq 125 Captain America edition launched at Rs 98,117
TVS has launched a new Super Soldier Edition of its popular NTorq 125, inspired by Marvel’s Captain America. This variant is part of the Super Squad range, which features special editions themed around Marvel superheroes. It is priced at Rs 98,117 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Tesla Model Y: 5 tech highlights you just have to know
The Tesla Model Y recently launched in India at a price of Rs 59.89 lakh for the standard rear-wheel-drive version and Rs 67.89 lakh for the long-range version. This is an updated version of the bestselling car of 2023 and 2024; the car that actually deposed the mighty Toyota Corolla, and recently, the RAV4. This is the first time Toyota has been shifted off its peg in 25 years. Sure, China played a big role in its success, with 37 and 26 percent of the sales coming from that region in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Skoda Kylaq pros and cons: 3 reasons to buy, 2 to skip
The Skoda Kylaq was launched in November 2024 as the Czech carmaker’s most affordable model. It rivals compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. If you’re planning to buy a compact SUV, here are three reasons why the Kylaq should be at the top of your list, and two areas where Skoda’s competitors pull ahead.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 tubeless spoke wheel price hiked for new buyers
Royal Enfield recently hiked the price of its cross-spoke wheels substantially for existing owners – from Rs 12,424 to over Rs 40,000 – while continuing to offer them at the original price for new buyers. That’s changed now, with new customers also being charged a higher price – Rs 17,350 to be precise.
Kia Carnival: Top 6 questions on the MPV answered
Kia India launched the fourth-generation Carnival almost a year ago, and it is its flagship MPV. Keep reading as we answer the six most asked questions about the Kia Carnival, including its price, mileage, key features, seating configurations, and everything else you might want to know.
Every convertible car on sale in India
India's climate is not usually perfect for convertibles, with temperatures swinging between too hot and too cold, and the air quality often being poor. Still, on rare days when everything falls into place, driving with the top down feels truly special. And on a winding mountain road, every rupee feels well spent, despite these cars' hefty price tags. In our line-up of convertibles currently on sale in the country, we have three options each from Mercedes and Ferrari, two from Maserati and one each from BMW, McLaren and MG. Keep reading to find out what sets each of these drop-tops apart.
India UK FTA signed: Import duty on luxury cars to be cut by over 90 percent
India and the United Kingdom signed the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) about a month and a half after the trade deal was announced. The FTA was formalised in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer. India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, was also present at the formal signing ceremony.
2025 Ducati Panigale V4 S track review: Top of the game
I have always had a bit of a tortured love affair with the Ducati Panigale V4. It is, in my mind, the most exotic and violently exciting motorcycle of its kind. However, every ride on one over the years has left me feeling simultaneously blown away but also disappointed in myself. Unlike some rivals that instantly make you feel like a riding hero – particularly the one from Germany – the Panigale always left a lingering feeling that I just wasn’t good enough for it.
2025 F1 Belgian GP schedule, India timings
F1 is back this weekend, with the Belgian GP at the fan-favourite Spa Francorchamps Circuit. Just eight points separate championship leader Oscar Piastri from his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. So, will we see the championship lead change hands this time around?
Hero Glamour spotted with cruise control
An interesting spy shot has surfaced on the internet, showing the Hero Glamour with an LCD dash and switchgear that appears to have cruise control functionality. Here’s everything we can deduce.
Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive review: Fixing the unbroken
Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive Exterior Design & Engineering — 8/10
MG Cyberster price starts at Rs 74.99 lakh
MG Cyberster battery and range
📝 Hyundai i20 N Line vs Tata Altroz: which is the better driver’s car?
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📰 International News
LG Energy to ramp up energy storage arm as EV demand cools
LG Energy Solution Ltd. plans to ramp up its energy storage business in the US as it seeks to cushion the impact on its electric vehicle batteries arm from mounting tariffs and a global slowdown in consumer demand for the cars. The planned termination of US tax credits for EVs after Sept. 30 could further affect demand but the energy storage system business and the US advanced manufacturing credit will likely help keep momentum, Chief Financial Officer Lee Chang Sil said, speaking after the release of second-quarter earnings that beat estimates.
World’s number one EV maker to start local assembly in Pakistan in 2026
Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is setting up an assembly plant in Pakistan, and it is expected to start its local production sometime in mid-2026. According to a Reuters report, the company is looking to roll out locally assembled electric vehicles that aim to meet the demand and be able to price them competitively.
📝 Tesla plans to launch Robotaxis in San Francisco this weekend
📝 Renault Group's H1 2025 sales up 1.3% amid electrification push
📝 Rio Tinto weighs sale of titanium business, sources say
📝 Trump claims he’s not after Musk's companies as EV subsidies disappear
📝 Kia aims to win US market share as tariffs force rivals to pull back
📝 LG Energy Solution warns of slowing EV battery demand due to U.S. tariffs, policy headwinds
📝 Hyundai Motor warns of bigger hit from US tariffs after Q2 profit fall
📝 Volkswagen lowers guidance as tariffs hit profit in second quarter
📝 Mobileye raises annual revenue view on strong self-driving chip demand
📝 Tesla faces difficult road ahead as it hopes robotaxis will offset declining sales
📝 UK auto production to drop 15% in 2025, recovery expected in 2026, SMMT data shows
📝 European shares slip as auto stocks weigh, investors eye US-EU trade talks
📝 Trump offers support to Musk’s car company in surprising post as Tesla stock plunges
📝 Tesla beats Chinese rivals in some driving assisted tests, say China state media, Bytedance
Read More >>
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