Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 03 Jun 2025,Tuesday
🏢 Industry
Mahindra outpaces Hyundai, Tata Motors to secure second place
The month of April has been nothing short of a roll coaster ride in the automobile sector. Leading from the front is Maruti Suzuki registering 135,962 units in May, which is a 5.6% year-on-year decline as it sold 144,002 units in May 2024. In terms of month-on-month, the automobile company saw a drop as April managed 138,704 units. We focus on the number two position, which continues to be a three-way race, but Mahindra managed to build a comfortable lead over Hyundai and Tata Motors as both registered a decline.
India’s EV bait: Who’ll bite?
On Monday, India’s government notified the guidelines of a policy announced last March to lure foreign investment in electric vehicle (EV) making, with a five-year window of easy market access as its bait.
Govt plans coordinated approach for battery storage policy frameworks
New Delhi: The ministries of power, new and renewable energy (MNRE), and heavy industries (MHI) may come together for implementing policy measures for battery storage, a key energy transition space, in a coordinated and unified manner, said two people aware of the development.
May 2025 auto dispatches: PVs remain tepid, two-wheelers hold steady
New Delhi: Automobile dispatches to dealers in May 2025, the second month of the current financial year, painted a mixed picture. While passenger vehicles faced challenges due to inventory buildup and sluggish retail demand, two-wheeler sales continued their recovery, driven by strong rural demand and better access to financing.
China’s magnet export curbs won’t have immediate impact: Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki stated on Monday that there is no immediate disruption to its production due to China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth magnets, which are critical components in automobiles. The company is currently in discussions with the Indian government regarding the issue.
India's EV industry to create 2 lakh jobs by 2030
India to become a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles
Merc, Skoda-VW may make in India, Tesla to stay away: Musk’s electric car co only interested in setting up sales outlets, says Kumaraswamy
India Monday unveiled the guidelines for investment under its electric vehicle scheme that will allow carmakers to import 8,000 units at concessional import tariff if they set up a manufacturing facility in the country. The window for receiving formal requests will open soon.
Elon Musk’s Tesla is keen on setting up sales outlets but not to make cars in India while Mercedes Benz, and Skoda-Volkswagen, and Hyundai, and Kia have shown interest in manufacturing EVs under the scheme, Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy said Monday
India’s flagship EV policy to be a ‘non-starter’ for global giants
India is rolling out a new flagship electric vehicle policy that aims to lure global automakers into making cars locally. It knows Tesla Inc. may still not bite.
Ashwin Patil moves from Deputy CEO to Strategic Advisor at VinFast India
In a strategic leadership shift, Ashwin Patil, who recently served as Deputy CEO of VinFast India, has taken on a new role as Strategic Advisor, effective June 2.
Tesla unlikely to make in India, will focus only on imports: All you need to know
Electric vehicle maker Tesla, helmed by Elon Musk, is not keen on manufacturing in India despite the government wooing it aggressively through policy incentives.
As Tesla snubs overtures, govt opens lower duty regime to brownfield investments in EV manufacturing
And though no official in the ministry of heavy industries admitted that the policy and subsequent guidelines were waiting for Tesla’s green light, there had been enough indications that Tesla was indeed the principal intended beneficiary of this policy.
VinFast’s $2 bn Tamil Nadu EV plant misses out on lucrative incentive scheme, must invest Rs 4,150 cr more to qualify
Vinfast TN investment won't qualify for benefits under scheme to promote manufacturing of EVs: Official
The Hindu Business Line
Data centre equipment manufacturing Nidec inaugurates ₹600 cr plant in Hubballi
India-Pakistan conflict dented car sales in border states in May
India woos global EV makers with duty cuts; Tesla stays away
Indian auto delegation awaits Chinese visa to meet rare earth magnet suppliers
Govt not in talks with China to restore supply of rare earth minerals
Auto-makers, govt ‘working’ to ensure rare earth magnet supply
India's semiconductor ecosystem takes shape with $21 billion pipeline
Global majors keen to make electric cars in India; Elon Musk's Tesla quiet
May auto sales: Maruti, Hyundai see dip; Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj buck trend
📝 High road tax, off-track fuel policies hitting revenue & vehicle sales in MP
📝 Elon Musk's father Errol arrives in India, to witness green tech and EV growth
📝 Asian underdog & global biggies hit accelerator when Musk dodges desi market challenge
📝 India to open flagship EV making policy to lure global giants
📝 Hyundai overtakes Tata Motors to grab third spot in May
📝 India should focus closely on mobility electrification: IEA executive director
📝 ‘Ideal location, talent pool and govt. support drove VinFast’s decision to set up plant in T.N.’
📝 Auto recap, June 2: Toyota Fortuner receives 48V hybrid tech, automakers post mixed sales performance in May
📝 Auto companies flag China's magnet supply risks
Read More >>
🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Toyota Industries to discuss $42 bn Toyota Group takeover bid on Tuesday
Toyota Industries Corp. said its board will evaluate a buyout proposal Tuesday that will take the company private, a move that will strengthen the founding family’s grip over Japan’s biggest business empire.
Maruti Suzuki eyes 20% export growth in FY26 amid domestic market headwinds
To offset uncertain domestic market conditions, Maruti Suzuki is aiming to ramp up its exports in FY26. The company is targeting a 20 per cent year-on-year growth, with 4 lakh unit shipments in the ongoing fiscal year, said its top officials.
Maruti, Hyundai see dip in May sales
The country’s top two car makers, Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai Motor India, recorded a decline in domestic passenger vehicle sales in May, pointing to persistent challenges in the auto sector, especially in the small car segment.
Renault India introduces ‘discovery days’ campaign with exclusive offers from June 6
Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of the French automaker Renault Group, has announced the launch of Renault Discovery Days, a special customer-centric campaign running across India from June 6 to June 16, 2025. This nationwide initiative aims to showcase Renault’s innovation, offer compelling deals, and introduce retrofit CNG options across its vehicle range.
Fronx, Jimny drive Maruti’s export boom to Japan amid home market slowdown
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd’s exports nearly doubled in May, as its sales to its parent Suzuki Motor Corp's home market Japan surged amid a slowdown in the country's car market and global trade uncertainties.
Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid SUVs launched in India: Check prices, features, booking details and more
Toyota goes mild hybrid with 48V Fortuner, Legender: Price, Engine Specs, Safety
The Financial Express
Maruti Suzuki's May sales up 3% to 180,077 units
Car exports zoom even as domestic sales stall; Maruti eyes 50% share
Maruti Suzuki seeks govt help to revive small car demand in India
📝 Hyundai Motor India sales up 1% to 58,701 units in May
📝 Maruti Suzuki says no immediate hit from China curbs on magnet exports
📝 Car sales May 2025: Maruti retains top spot, how others performed
📝 Honda Cars India sees May sales slowdown, eyes recovery with improved market conditions
📝 Maruti Suzuki reports drop in domestic sales while exports continue to rise. Check details
Read More >>
Electric Car/SUV
VinFast aims to overcome challenges with determination and a resourceful talent pool
VinFast, Vietnam’s largest passenger vehicle OEM, is betting big on its India debut. It sells electric cars, about 1 lakh units annually (2024) and is part of the Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest conglomerate. Vingroup operates in the businesses of real estate, hospitality, EVs, software and running non-profits like schools and hospitals. VinFast is all set to accept bookings for its VF6 and VF7 EVs this month and at this juncture, businessline sat down with Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia for an interview.
VinFast eyes premium EV space in India, downplays competition with Tesla
(Source- PTI)
📝 Tata Harrier EV conquers Kerala’s Elephant rock: AWD, boost mode and more
📝 Tata Harrier EV to launch today. Here's what to expect
Read More >>
🚗 Luxury
📝 Huawei Maextro S800 is a ₹1.19 crore EV aiming to crack luxury car market; targets Mercedes-Benz, Bentley and others
Read More >>
⛟ Commercial Vehicles
📝 Ashok Leyland records 5% rise in sales of trucks, buses, LCVs in May 2025
Read More >>
🎤 Interviews & Features
INOXGFL Group lines up $5b capex for integrated energy solutions play
INOXGFL Group will incur a capex of around $5 billion in next three years as the chemicals-to-clean tech conglomerate ramps up its integrated energy solutions offerings, its Executive Director Devansh Jain said. Speaking to businessline, Jain emphasised that backward and forward integration will help the firm create a robust and efficient supply chain.
Excerpts:
Auto rally more defensive than explosive: Anshul Saigal
"On tariffs, yes, you are right that that could be the case that just some nervousness because of tariffs, but if you just step back and look at the fundamentals of metal, it does look like metals are setting up for a nice move over the coming few years. We are on a cyclical low and valuations also are really not stretched on stocks and demand globally seems to be picking up," says Anshul Saigal, Founder, Saigal Capital.
Logistics startup Porter to expand to 50 cities by 2030: Pranav Goel
📝 2025 Tata Altroz facelift bookings commence. Here's how to reserve yours
📝 Thar, Scorpio N, XEV 9e, BE 6 push Mahindra to pip Tata Motors for second consecutive month
📝 Government unveils electric car manufacturing plan: 10 things to know about the new scheme
Read More >>
🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
TVS Motor sales rise 17% to 431,275 units in May 2025
TVS Motor Company reported a 17 per cent increase in its monthly sales, rising from 369,914 units in May 2024 to 431,275 units in May 2025. The growth was witnessed across across two-wheelers, three-wheelers and international business, despite anticipated challenges in the electric vehicle supply chain.
Top 4 motorcycles under Rs 60,000 that’ll make your wallet smile
The two-wheelers are the backbone of our price-sensitive market most of the buyers are looking for a value-for-money motorcycle, which is fuel efficient, reliable and low maintenance. Here are four motorcycles under Rs 60,000 and still offer some creature comfort features that will surprise you. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned below are for entry-level motorcycles.
The reason why Royal Enfield will go ‘silent’ from next year
Few in the world of motorcycles achieved what Siddhartha Lal, managing director of Royal Enfield, did with the reinvention of the iconic Bullet. He rewrote the history of the brand by welding the sinking 20th century macho motorcycle with a trendy facelift. A quarter century later, he’s on a mission to remain relevant for the next generation.
Royal Enfield sales jump 26% to 89,429 units in May
Domestic sales were at 75,820 units last month, as against 63,531 units in May last year, up 19 per cent, Royal Enfield said in a statement.
Strong growth outlook for Bajaj Auto
Management expects industry growth of 5–6%, driven primarily by the 125cc segment. However, demand in larger cities remained sluggish due to inflationary pressures (e.g., higher rentals). 5–6 new Pulsar variants already rolled out. A new entry-level 125cc model is expected to launch soon.
Bajaj Auto sales up 8% in May at 3,84,621 units
Exports during the month under review jumped 22 per cent to 1,58,888 vehicles from 1,30,236 vehicles in the year-ago period, the company said.
Two-wheeler majors bounce back with strong double-digit growth in May
📝 Hero MotoCorp sales rise 2% in May
📝 Bajaj Auto sales up 8% in May at 3,84,621 units
📝 Suzuki Motorcycle sales up 16% in May
📝 Aprilia RS 457 gets standard warranty upgrade days after engine controversy
📝 Honda Goldwing 50th Anniversary Edition launched at Rs 39.9 lakh: What’s special
📝 Apache motorcycles and iQube help TVS post 16% sales uptick in May. Know more
Read More >>
🌇 Allied Industries
Amara Raja’s March quarter margin is an irritant. More trouble ahead?
There was an important takeaway from Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Ltd's management commentary in the March quarter (Q4FY25) earnings call.
Indian exporters worried over US tariff hikes on steel, aluminium goods
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has expressed concern over the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to double import tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, citing potential disruption to India's steel and aluminium exports, particularly in value-added and finished steel products and auto- components.
India must brace for steel trade diversion, say industry leaders
India needs to be watchful of any increased risk of trade diversion into the country due to changing global tariffs, top steel industry executives said reacting to the tariff-related announcement by the US.
Continental Tires exits truck tyres biz; to focus on passenger segment
In a major strategic shift in India, Continental Tires has announced that it will exit its its Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tyre business by June 2025 and will focus solely on Passenger Car and Light Truck (PLT) tyre segment. The TBR segment faces stiff competition and is highly price sensitivite.
Apollo Tyres achieves gold rating from EcoVadis for sustainability excellence
Apollo Tyres Ltd has been awarded the Gold Rating by EcoVadis, a leading business sustainability ratings provider, placing them in the top 5 per cent of companies globally.
Geopolitics, market opportunities drive Visteon to up investments in India
Disproportionate growth expected
📝 Genesys International net profit surges 160% in FY25
📝 Continental puts brakes on truck-bus radial tyre biz in India
📝 New steel tariffs mixed bag for Indian companies making in US
Read More >>
🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
IBA collaborates with Indian Oil to develop bioenergy, bio-hydrogen sector
The Indian Biogas Association on Sunday said it has signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) for development of bioenergy and bio-hydrogen sector.
Petrol sales climb 9% in May, diesel demand tepid
Petrol consumption spiked for the second month in a row in May as summer season travel pushed up demand but diesel sales remained tepid, according to provisional industry data.
📝 India emerges as key market for LNG, ranks fourth globally in 2024: TotalEnergies CEO
📝 Bengaluru airport gets 24/7 EV charging station powered by second-hand car batteries
📝 TotalEnergies to sell more LNG from US to India
Read More >>
🌍 Emissions/Environment
📝 Indian Auto LPG Coalition urges push for clean fuel policy
Read More >>
📖 Magazines
Every performance car priced at Rs 1-2 crore in India
When the conditions are right and a performance car is in its element, it can make for an incredibly thrilling experience. However, Indian road conditions and traffic often render performance cars impractical for daily driving, and many of them sport low-slung form factors, which require care when traversing our pockmarked streets. Still, the joys of owning a performance car are aplenty, and if you’re in the market for one in the Rs 1-2 crore ballpark, there are quite a lot of compelling options on the table.
Hero overtakes Honda to regain number one spot in May 2025, 2 wheeler sales
We have accumulated sales numbers for the top-six 2-wheeler manufacturers in India, Here’s how they fare.
Tata Harrier EV offroad features revealed
The upcoming Tata Harrier EV will be the first vehicle from the brand to feature an all-wheel drive system ever since the discontinuation of the Safari Storme in 2020. This is thanks to the Harrier EV’s dual-motor setup, which also makes it the first mainstream EV with a 4WD configuration. Ahead of its launch on June 3, Tata Motors has released a video of the Harrier EV undertaking an off-road challenge, previewing some of the off-road features on the electric SUV. Let’s take a closer look.
Ultraviolette Shockwave patent image hints at production design
The Ultraviolette Shockwave is a lightweight, dirt-oriented electric bike that is due to go on sale in 2026. A recently filed patent image now suggests that the production-spec bike will look very similar to the eye-catching prototype that was revealed in early March.
Toyota Fortuner mild hybrid launched at Rs 44.72 lakh
The Toyota Fortuner mild hybrid has launched in India, with prices starting at Rs 44.72 lakh. Badged as Neo Drive by Toyota India – the same nomenclature is used for the Hyryder and Glanza’s mild-hybrid variants – the mild-hybrid tech has also been introduced in the Legender variant, and is priced at Rs 50.09 lakh. The Japanese brand has confirmed bookings for the mild-hybrid variants open today, and deliveries are scheduled from the third week of this month.
BYD Sealion 7 real world performance vs rivals
The premium electric crossover space has been heating up in recent times. Formerly populated by the Volvo C40 Recharge, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the segment has seen two new contenders this year in the form of the BMW iX1 LWB and BYD Sealion 7. Let’s take a look at how all five EVs stack up against each other when it comes to performance.
Mahindra XEV 9e: 5 reasons to buy the electric SUV
The Mahindra XEV 9e serves as the brand’s flagship electric SUV and is priced between Rs 21.90 lakh and Rs 30.50 lakh, both ex-showroom. This all-electric model sits above the BE 6 in the born electric portfolio of Mahindra, and it comes with enhanced interior space, more features and a coupe SUV body style. Here are five reasons why you should consider buying or upgrading to the Mahindra XEV 9e electric vehicle.
Lamborghini Urus SE plug-in hybrid SUV: your questions answered
The Lamborghini Urus SE was launched in August 2024 as a replacement for the S and Performante trims. The Lamborghini Urus SE is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which now generates significantly more power than the aforementioned variants. Additionally, the Italian supercar brand gave the SE a refreshed exterior and interior styling, as well as an upgraded set of features. Here are answers to some of the most popular queries about the Lamborghini Urus SE.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs rivals: price and specifications compared
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been refreshed for 2025 with some minor cosmetic tweaks. Here, we’ve pitted this longstanding small-capacity sportbike against its rivals on paper.
2025 F1: Piastri wins Spanish GP; Verstappen penalised for Russell clash
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri extended his 2025 F1 championship lead after winning the Spanish GP. A late Safety Car resulted in a dramatic end to the race, with Max Verstappen making contact with both, Charles Leclerc and George Russell while battling for a podium result. The Red Bull driver ended up P10 after being penalised for making contact with Russell.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 image gallery
Kawasaki has updated the Ninja 300 and given it some feature enhancements and new colours for 2025. Its price remains unchanged at Rs 3.43 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It now gets a new pair of projector headlights. Kawasaki claims these are inspired by the erstwhile ZX-6R, though they appear to resemble the 2015 model year rather than the current one. In addition to the new headlights, the Ninja 300 also features a larger windshield, which should offer improved wind protection. This update brings with it three new colour options – a 2025 KRT-inspired livery, a green-and-black combination, and a black colourway with yellowish-green accents. At this price point, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 rivals the likes of the Yamaha R3 (Rs 3.60 lakh) and KTM RC 390 (Rs 3.23 lakh).
2025 Kawasaki Z900 launched at Rs 9.52 lakh
Kawasaki has launched the latest version of the Z900 naked at Rs 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom, India). For 2025, the popular Japanese middleweight naked gets overhauled with new styling, revised electronics and Euro5+ compliance.
Hyundai Venue discounts amount to Rs 85,000 this month
Discounts on a number of Hyundai cars have increased in the month of June. As part of Hyundai India’s new discounts campaign, the brand is offering a higher amount of benefits on select models to boost sales. Without further ado, here’s how much you could save on your new Hyundai Venue, i20, Nios, Aura, Verna, Alcazar or Exter.
Hyundai Tucson discounts in June 2025
Bajaj to launch a more affordable Chetak
Bajaj Auto is set to launch a new entry-level Chetak electric scooter in June. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to further strengthen its position in the rapidly growing electric mobility market. However, there is a chance that this product may be delayed going by a recent statement made by Bajaj about rare earth magnet supplies potentially running out by July 2025
Ather Rizta sales cross 1 lakh mark in less than one year
Ather Energy’s family electric scooter, the Rizta, launched on April 6, 2024, whose deliveries began in July last year, has surpassed wholesales of 1 lakh units in India. With total sales of 99,691 units between July 2024 and April 2025, Ather had to sell only an additional 309 units in May 2025 to achieve this milestone which was surpassed in the first couple of days of May 2025.
New Toyota SUV design patent previews future FJ Cruiser
At the global debut of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the brand had teased another rugged upcoming SUV by showing a boxy silhouette. Now, fresh patent images that have surfaced on the internet point at the same SUV and also give us a preview of its final design. Touted to be a min-Fortuner for the masses, this new SUV is likely to be called the Toyota FJ Cruiser upon global debut.
Aprilia RS 457, Tuono 457 now get an extended warranty in India
Aprilia India recently responded to concerns regarding the reliability of its parallel twin engine in the new RS 457 and the Tuono 457. Building on this, the company has improved the duration of its warranty and also improved one of the problematic terms associated with the warranty.
TVS iQube tops EV sales chart for second month running
After hitting record monthly sales of 92,345 units and 45 percent YoY growth in April 2025, the retail sales numbers for May 2025 are even better. At 1,00,266 units, demand rose 30 percent YoY (FY2024: 77,330 units) albeit 5,307 units fewer than May 2023 (1,05,573 units), which remains the best-ever May for this sub-segment of the EV industry.
Read More >>
📰 International
Tesla executives questioned Musk after he denied killing $25,000 EV project - sources
Some senior Tesla executives were alarmed last year when Elon Musk denied a Reuters report that the company had killed a planned all-new $25,000 EV that investors had expected to drive explosive vehicle sales growth, according to people familiar with the matter.
General Motors invests $888 mn in US plant for next-gen V-8 engine production
General Motors is investing $888 million in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant to produce the sixth generation of its V-8 engines, which are used in full-size trucks and SUVs, with the goal of improved performance, fuel economy, and reduced emissions by 2027.
Olympics get Honda as auto sponsor for 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles
The organizing committee for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles signed Honda as a “founding partner” Monday (June 2, 2025), giving the upcoming Summer Games their sixth new sponsor this year and their first tier-one sponsor since 2021.
📝 Chinese EVs grab biggest mkt share in Europe in nine months
📝 South Korean US exports slump on auto tariffs
📝 Internal combustion at Tesla over low-cost EV
Read More >>
405, TSL Corner
contact@nurcmedianext.com
+91-11-49849324, +91-9958949710
