Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 08 March 2025,Saturday
🏢 Industry
Women take the wheel: 46% of first-time used car buyers are women
Women are making significant strides in India’s used car market as a report by Spinny highlights a steep rise in female buyers. According to the company, the number of women car buyers accounted for 26% in 2024, which saw a sharp increase to 46% in March 2025. This is a remarkable transformation considering that in 2023, there were only 16% women buyers.
For myTVS, livelihood entrepreneurs are key in its new digital drive
The myTVS booth at the recent held Bharat Mobility Global Expo in Delhi had some interesting products on display like myTVS Astra, a Car2Cloud platform, myTVS Hypermart, a massive parts catalogue and Nesh. Live, a fleet mobility solution for enterprises.
Auto dealers refuse fresh dispatches from OEMs as PV inventory piles up
Mumbai: Passenger vehicle inventory pile-ups with automobile dealers across the country have led to their declining fresh dispatches from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), industry officials said. In February, the passenger vehicle inventory held by dealers was in the range of 50-52 days. The Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA) has urged OEMs to align their production with the industry inventory and offtake. They pointed out that OEMs are dumping their excess inventory onto dealerships, which then bear the inventory costs and risks linked to unmanageable stock levels, given the cyclical nature of the automobile industry.
Electric passenger vehicle retail sales rise 19% in February
Electric passenger vehicle retail sales rose 19 per cent in February to 8,968 units with Tata Motors retaining the top slot in the segment, as per data released by dealers' body FADA. The total electric passenger vehicle retail sales stood at 7,539 units in the same month last year.
Dassault Systemes and BluMotiv partner to transform electric vehicle development
Dassault Systèmes on Friday announced a collaboration with BluMotiv, a deep-tech mobility company pioneering smart, scalable, and sustainable electrified transport.
Speed bumps: Why Tesla and global EV giants won’t shake up Indian market in medium term
Chennai: Despite growing speculation around Tesla’s entry into India and the expansion plans of global EV players like BYD, auto industry analysts believe their impact on the country’s passenger vehicle (PV) market will remain minimal in the near to medium term. High pricing, policy restrictions, and localisation challenges are expected to limit their market penetration. Tesla’s India entry is expected to be slow and limited due to high pricing. Its planned affordable M3/Y variant, expected at ~$30,000 post-subsidy in the US, remains expensive for India, especially with 15 per cent import duties. Local production is unlikely unless prices drop below $30,000 for it to have mass-market appeal, said Kumar Rakesh, Analyst – IT & Auto at BNP Paribas Securities India Pvt Ltd.
Carmakers dangle deep discounts to lure buyers back into showrooms
Electric vehicle sales down 1.9% in February due to challenges: Fada
📝 Gujarat attracts Rs 15,000 cr in semiconductor deals, aims to create integrated value chain
📝 Mahindra ranked among top 1% in S&P Global's 2025 Sustainability Yearbook
📝 Why global EV giants like Tesla, BYD can't challenge India's Tatas and Mahindras: Anand Rathi report cites key reasons
📝 India-bound Skoda Octavia RS joins the UK Police fleet to fight crime
📝 Automobile sales fall 7% in February, Dealers positive for March with upcoming festivals
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Hyundai slips to 4th spot in Feb car retail
Passenger vehicle (PV) sales in February showed a downturn, with three of the top five OEMs reporting a year-on-year decline, with the exceptions of Mahindra & Mahindra and Toyota Kirloskar Motor, according to the latest data shared by the industry body Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) on Thursday.
Kia Carens crosses two lakh unit sales milestone
Kia India, on Friday announced that it has sold over 2 lakh units of its Carens model within 36 months of its launch.
Hyundai Motor India Foundation empowers over 8 lakh women
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, has impacted the lives of over 8 lakh women through a variety of social initiatives aimed at improving their well-being. The foundation’s programmes, which focus on healthcare, education, economic independence, and employment generation, are designed to foster long-term positive change.
Toyota launches Hilux Black Edition at Rs 37.9 Lakh
Toyota Hilux Black Edition launched at Rs 37.90 lakh: Here’s what’s new
The Financial Express
Hyundai announces up to Rs 55,000 discounts on popular models
Hyundai discounts: Up to Rs 55,000 off on Venue, Exter, i20
The Financial Express
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Electric Car/SUV
Mahindra revises charging policy for eSUVs
Mahindra has revised its mandatory charging policy for its electric SUVs, allowing customers to opt out of the mandatory charger/installation requirement in certain situations. The auto major has adopted the policy based on customers' feedback. The company announced this change after receiving high demand for its newly launched XEV 9e and BE 6 electric SUVs.
📝 Olympic medallist Lalit Upadhyay brings home the MG Windsor EV
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🚗 Luxury
Volkswagen Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line confirmed for India
Volkswagen has announced that two of its global models will be brought to India, namely the Golf GTI hot hatch and the Tiguan R-Line sporty SUV. Further details are awaited, but it won’t be wrong to assume that both vehicles will be brought by the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route and will thus come with a heavy price tag owing to the import duty. Globally, the Golf GTI is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which makes 242 bhp and 37.72 kg-m, while the Tiguan R-Line’s 2-litre engine makes 187 bhp and 32.63 kg-m. The Golf GTI will be the second GTI to come to India, the first being the hugely revered Polo GTI, which was sold in India as ‘Volkswagen GTI’ a little less than a decade ago.
Punjab among fastest growing markets for Mercedes, says CEO
Punjab is among the fastest growing markets for Mercedes Benz India with singers and composers, women and youngsters propelling the growth. The state has seen a 40 per cent year-on-year growth in sales here during 2024, with Ludhiana recording the highest sales.
DPIIT signs MoU with Mercedes-Benz India for technological excellence
AMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Mercedes-Benz India Private Limited to advance India’s manufacturing ecosystem, road safety, and environmental sustainability.
📝 Can't stop thinking about the new Lexus LX 500d? Here are key highlights that make it special
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
AbhiBus enables bookings for India’s first women-only intercity bus service
AbhiBus (ixigo bus business), one of India’s leading bus ticketing platform, is now facilitating bookings for India’s first women-only intercity bus service, launched by YoloBus. The YoloBus service, exclusive for women, will operate on the Gurgaon-Chandigarh route starting March 8, 2025.
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🎤 Interviews & Features
`Gender-responsive mobility key to women's economic empowerment' : Chaitanya Kanuri, Mobility Expert
Excerpts:
Your report stated the fare-free public transport scheme in Delhi has resulted in a 20% rise in women's share of total daily ridership between 2019-2023.
Tiny titan. MG Comet review: Charged-up
MG launched the Comet in India nearly two years ago. Given its unique offering, there was some uncertainty on how the Comet would fare in the Indian market, but it has done quite well for itself. It may not have achieved the same success as, say, the recently launched Windsor but let’s not forget that the Comet is positioned to serve as an urban mobility tool. Apart from it being a good product, MG’s continued updates — from great offers and battery subscription plans to fast-charging capabilities — have kept the Comet interesting. So, how good does the Comet hold up now? We drive to find out.
Blue diamond. Aston Martin Vantage review: Emotional appeal
It’s always a special feeling when you drive an Aston Martin, especially when the car in question is the brand-new Aston Martin Vantage. You don’t need to be a James Bond fan to appreciate the carmaker or even follow their racing success to understand the value its badge holds. When you take the car’s key in your hand, you’ll have an idea that this is something very unique indeed. Earlier referred to as the Emotion Control Unit (a fitting name, we think), the key is now finished in matte black and feels like a luxury watch, thanks to its satisfying heft. One glance at the actual car, finished in an arresting shade of blue, is enough to tell you why the key feels so special — because nothing less would suffice.
📝 AI-powered battery passport: Shaping the future of battery management and innovation
📝 How data is transforming EV battery health monitoring: Peeyush Asati , CEO, Vecmocon
📝 Kia Syros: Value-for-money package that stands tall, literally!
📝 Honda City, Elevate and Amaze get benefits of up to ₹90,000
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
TVS updated the Jupiter 110 recently. Here's all that is new on the updated scooter
TVS Motor Company recently launched the updated Jupiter 110 in India, starting at ₹76,691 (ex-showroom). The TVS Jupiter rivals other 110cc scooters like the Honda Activa and Hero Xoom. This 2025 Jupiter retains much from its predecessor but now meets the updated OBD-2B emission standards. Here are the five main highlights of the newly enhanced Jupiter 110:
Looks regal, flies like an eagle : BSA Gold Star 650
There are sports bikes, amazing on a racetrack, and then there are retro-styled modern roadsters, for a relaxed riding experience. Seldom do they cross tracks. But the new BSA Gold Star 650 — a retro-roadster — is as comfortable on the road, as mean it is on a racetrack. We took it for a spin on the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) near Indore.
Ultra exclusive, super expensive Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR breaks cover
Automakers launch limited edition models of certain brands here and there, however, when there is one from a company such as Harley-Davidson, it garners attention. That’s the case with the new Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR. Limited to just 131 units globally, this bagger carries a massive engine and a colossal price tag — $111,000 (Rs 95 lakh)! Yup, you read that right.
BMW Motorrad India launches C 400 GT scooter at Rs 11.5 lakh
BMW launches C 400 GT at Rs 11.50 lakh
The Financial Express
📝 Ducati Panigale V4 vs Panigale V4 S: What are the differences?
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🌇 Allied Industries
How data is transforming EV battery health monitoring
The electric vehicle revolution is not just about sleek designs and impressive range figures—it's about ensuring that battery systems remain safe, efficient, and long-lasting. This can be done by leveraging advanced machine learning (ML) and statistical models, built on real-world battery data, to predict state-of-health (SoH) and state-of-charge (SoC), deliver timely alerts, and optimise battery performance.
Battery recycler Lohum plans public listing within 2 years
New Delhi: Battery recycler Lohum, which has secured private equity funding over the past six years, is preparing to go public within the next two years as part of its growth strategy.
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
Vikas Kaushal appointed as HPCL CMD
The government on Friday named private sector consultant Vikas Kaushal the chairman and managing director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) for a period of five years, according to an official order.
India bought Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth of Russian oil since Ukraine war
India, the world's third largest oil consuming and importing nation, spent 112.5 billion euro (about Rs 1.5 lakh crore) on buying crude oil from Russia since the start of the Ukraine war, a European think tank said on Thursday. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released a report on payments to Russia for fossil fuels since February 24, 2022.
Oil ministry to pursue $2.81 billion demand from Reliance Industries, partners till end: Hardeep Singh Puri
Source Credit: PTI, The Economic Times
📝 Bharat Petroleum Corp plans to buy US oil via 4-mth tender: Source
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💸 Finance & Insurance
Electrifi Mobility rebrands as Astranova Mobility, expands focus beyond EVs
Electrifi Mobility, an EV financing and asset management company, has rebranded as Astranova Mobility, reflecting its expansion beyond electric vehicles. The company plans to deploy $1 billion in sustainable transportation assets over the next five years.
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📖 Magazines
Ultraviolette Tesseract introductory price offer extended
Ultraviolette Tesseract was launched earlier this week, alongside the Shockwave bike. It was launched at a competitive price of Rs 1.2 lakh and this price was only valid for the first 10,000 bookings. Now, This offer has now been extended to the first 50,000 bookings.
Ultraviolette Shockwave introductory price offer extended
Ultraviolette Shockwave was launched earlier this week at an introductory price of Rs 1.5 lakh, reserved for the first one thousand bookings only. Now, Ultraviolette has extended this offer further for another one thousand bookings.
Toyota Hilux Black Edition launched at Rs 37.90 lakh
The Toyota Hilux has got a new Black Edition which has been priced at Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The all-black treatment on the pickup truck comes at no additional cost over the regular High diesel-AT variant it is based on. Bookings have commenced today, and deliveries will begin from this month itself. The Hilux Black Edition was recently also on display at the Auto Expo 2025.
Revolt RV BlazeX review: Revolt's latest electric commuter
The RV BlazeX is Revolt’s latest electric commuter, positioned as an alternative to 125cc motorcycles. Sitting between the RV 400 BRZ and RV 400 models, the RV BlazeX emphasizes practicality and daily usability. However, our test was confined to a go-kart track, limiting our overall riding experience.
KTM 125 Duke and RC 125 to be replaced with new 160 Duke and RC 160
The reason behind this move is to take on the highly successful Yamaha R15 V4 and the Yamaha MT-15 which collectively account for as much as 20,000 units per month.
Kia Carens petrol accounts for 58 percent of total sales
The Kia Carens has officially sold over two lakh units in India since it launched here three years ago. Alongside this sales milestone, Kia also revealed some notable statistics about Carens buyers, such as 58 percent of them opting for the MPV’s petrol engine options.
2025 BMW C 400 GT launched at Rs 11.50 lakh
The 2025 BMW C 400 GT maxi-scooter has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 11.50 lakh. This updated model is now Euro 5+ compliant, bringing in minor design updates along with feature additions and a new Exclusive variant.
Tata Curvv EV, Tiago EV get discounts of up to Rs 1 lakh
Tata Motors is offering attractive discounts for the Punch EV, Tiago EV, Nexon EV and Curvv EV throughout March 2025. Benefits are available on MY2024 stock of all four models but only on the Punch EV and Tiago EV for the newer MY2025 units. The discounts vary depending on the variant and have been split into “green bonus” and “exchange/scrappage” benefits.
Volvo EX60 seen for first time before 2026 debut
Sweden-based Volvo for the first time previewed its EX60, which is the electric equivalent of the XC60 SUV. Shown as a full-size clay model at the Volvo ES90 reveal event, the all-electric EX60 is set to launch overseas next year.
Stellantis debuts Eurorepar Car Service in India
Stellantis has launched its global multi-brand servicing network - Eurorepar Car Service (ERCS) - in India, formally marking the company's entry into India’s automotive aftermarket industry. The inaugural Eurorepar Car Service multi-brand workshop, dubbed Moto-R, is now open in Chennai.
5 most affordable off-roaders on sale in India
Off-road enthusiasts no longer need to spend a fortune for a big, burly full-size SUV, nor do they have to miss out on creature comforts when they buy something affordable. Even serious off-roading cars have become well-rounded for daily use and yet are great off the tarmac.
2026 Audi Q5 review: Back to business
Driving the new Audi Q5 after the deluge of EVs from luxury brands in the last few years, it’s nice to be behind the wheel of an honest-to-goodness midsize petrol luxury SUV once again. Don’t get me wrong; electric cars are superb, and they may well be the future. But it’s clear from the current global EV slowdown that the industry may have jumped the gun a little, and that future is still some time away. Internal combustion has several good years left in it, and it’s good to see big auto giants now reinvesting in keeping it alive.
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📰 International
Volkswagen’s new EV is half the price of a Tesla — Should Musk be worried?
Volkswagen is undoubtedly one of the prominent legacy OEMs in the electric vehicle (EV) besides EV giants like Tesla and BYD. The German carmaker has now unveiled its next venture in the EV space. The company has finally unveiled its entry-level EV called ID.Every1 which was teased earlier this year.
Trump hits the brakes on auto tariffs: Why the sudden shift?
U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to press pause on new tariffs on automakers operating out of Canada and Mexico. This one-month exemption applies to vehicles and components covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The decision came after speaking with the Big Three — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. The U.S. administration believes that the one-month delay will give the automobile manufacturers additional time to move their production facilities to the country. According to a report by the Associated Press, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump told the companies to “start investing, start moving, shift production here.”
Thyssenkrupp to cut 1,800 jobs on automotive weakness
Thyssenkrupp plans to slash around 1,800 jobs due to the prolonged weakness in the car sector it supplies, the German conglomerate said on Thursday, becoming the latest player in the automotive industry to cut staff.
Toyota launches its cheapest smart EV in China, aims to up market share
Japan's Toyota began selling a $20,000 smart electric car in China this week, aiming to attract buyers with its advanced features similar to Chinese rivals, as the automaker ups efforts to regain share in the world's largest auto market.
Elon Musk calls for Amtrak privatisation
Almost since Amtrak's creation in 1971, the 21,000-mile US intercity passenger rail service has been fighting calls that it should be privatised.
Tariffs could result in billions in losses for automakers, says Linamar CEO
Adding steel and aluminum tariffs to auto tariffs would cost carmakers billions of dollars and is “likely to shut the industry down,” says the head of Canada’s second-largest public car parts manufacturer, Linamar Corp.
“Elon Musk has got to go”: Activists launch 'Tesla Takedown' protests against Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s job cuts
A growing grassroots movement is targeting Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, in response to widespread federal job cuts under the Trump administration. Dubbed the "Tesla Takedown," the protest campaign aims to pressure Musk by encouraging people to boycott Tesla products, divest from the company, and picket at Tesla showrooms.
📝 US agency blocks vote to repeal California EV rules
📝 VW may avoid 25% Trump tariff, but BMW and others face trade levy
📝 Infineon signs pact with CDIL to supply chips for power semiconductors
📝 Who could be the next Nissan CEO after Uchida?
📝 Blast at Chuo Spring auto parts plant in Japan kills one
📝 Nissan board to meet on March 11, discuss potential CEO successors, sources say
📝 The politics of a car: The rise of ‘Co-President’ Elon Musk and the fall of Tesla
📝 VW to recall SUVs in US over egine issue
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