Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 15 March 2025,Saturday
🏢 Industry
PV domestic dispatches up 1.9% at 3.78 lakh units in February: SIAM
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has released its data for February 2025, highlighting mixed performances across different automotive segments in both domestic and export markets.
Tata Motors considers new ICE models as EV adoption slows, competition intensifies
Tata Motors Ltd, India’s largest electric car maker, is considering new petrol and diesel models, besides extending the life of existing fossil fuel-driven variants, as the adoption of battery-powered mobility slows in key markets, including the US and UK.
Tata Motors: Is the worst over for the auto giant?
India’s auto industry is booming, with annual vehicle sales surpassing 4 million, making it the world’s third-largest car market. The Nifty Auto Index has surged, delivering a 36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from pandemic lows, significantly outperforming the broader Nifty 50. Within Nifty Auto, Tata Motors holds the third-largest market share in India and has led the sector’s rally, posting an impressive 60% CAGR since April 2020.
Kolkata hosts UK EV delegation on clean transport mission
A UK electric vehicles delegation, comprising six innovative SMEs specialising in fleet telematics, battery energy storage systems, AI, IoT-based cybersecurity and modular decentralised generators, visited Kolkata on Tuesday to explore opportunities in India.
Passenger vehicle, two-wheeler exports grow by double digits in April-February
For instance, in the PVs segment, exports grew by 13.6 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to 6,92,311 units during April-February 2024-25 as compared with 6,09,505 units in the same period in 2023-24, the latest data shared by Society of India Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) indicated.
Tata Motors, the top R&D spender among Nifty100
Research and development expenditure is a prerequisite for driving business growth. Tata Motors has been spending the highest sum on research and development expenditure in FY24 and FY25 among Nifty 100 companies. Among sectors, autos and pharma lead.
📝 Maharashtra budget: CNG, LPG cars to cost more; high-end EVs face 6% tax hit
📝 Mitsubishi Chemical plans to join supply chain link in semiconductor, EV sectors in India
📝 Tata Motors marks return in Sri Lanka with all-new passenger vehicle portfolio
📝 Volkswagen's Skoda to invest in manufacturing EVs in India despite $1.4 billion tax demand overhang
📝 Tesla seeks certification for 2 EV models in India
📝 Auto recap, March 14: Mercedes-Benz CLA unveiled, Ola Electric gets benefits and more
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Car sales see marginal growth, but dealers warn of high inventory
Wholesales of cars, sedans and utility vehicles grew marginally, on a high base, last month and amid tepid customer demand in the local market. Retail sales last month though declined, as per data released by dealers lobby body Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) which cautioned automakers of build-up of high inventory across dealerships.
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line arrives in India on April 14. Here's what to expect from the sportier SUV
Volkswagen is set to introduce the Tiguan R-Line in India on April 14, 2025 as the sportier version of the SUV. This high-performance version of the Tiguan will arrive as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) making it an exclusive offering in the Indian market. Based on the latest MQB-Evo platform, the new-gen Tiguan R-Line comes with enhanced styling, advanced technology, and a powerful turbo-petrol engine. Here are the five key highlights of the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line:
2025 Tata Tiago NRG launched at Rs 7.20 lakh: Here’s what’s new
Earlier this year, Tata Motors updated the Tiago range with some improved equipment for both ICE and EV derivatives. The company has now silently launched an updated version of the Tiago NRG with prices starting at Rs 7.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices for Tiago NRG have increased since it’s now available in the XZ trim only.
New-gen Maruti WagonR to go full hybrid: Here’s what we know
A drastic drop in demand for small cars in the last 5-6 years has prompted an OEM like Maruti Suzuki, which is traditionally known for its affordable small cars, to look at a slightly premium segment of passenger vehicles. However, last month, parent company Suzuki assured that small cars will remain a strong area of focus for Maruti in India in the future.
📝 Skoda Auto Volkswagen rolls out 500,000th engine from India plant
📝 2025 Tata Tiago NRG vs Tata Tiago: Key changes that differ these two hatchbacks
📝 Tata Safari Stealth Edition deliveries commence
📝 Auto recap, March 13: Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line launch date confirmed, Mahindra XUV700 gets benefits and more
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Electric Car/SUV
New Tata Harrier EV teaser drops: Top features revealed
Tata Motors upped the ante in the electric vehicle segment by revealing the compatibilities and features of the upcoming Harrier EV all-wheel-drive. Tata dropped a teaser of the EV SUV on social media, which gave us a sneak peek on what to expect inside the cabin. First showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, the Harrier EV is set to make its official debut later this year.
📝 Skoda drops teaser for upcoming seven-seater electric SUV, will rival Kia EV9
📝 Tata Motors enters Sri Lankan market with Punch, Nexon, Curvv and Tiago EV
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🚗 Luxury
Jaguar Land Rover scraps EV production in India: What went wrong?
In a big development, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reportedly scrapped its plans to locally manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in India. This comes at a time when global OEMs like Tesla are pushing to enter into the Indian EV market amidst serious competition from Chinese EV brands.
Audi RS Q8 review: Q8 and left no crumbs
To an outsider, the Audi RS Q8 seems like a simple mix of raw power, brilliant tech and unending driver appeal, combined in a package that’s great to look at without compromising too much on practicality. It essentially offers a mix of sports-car thrills without having to give up on the ability to drive worry-free in the urban jungle. It packs in comfort and panache to be the top-level executive’s choice of wheels, while easily doubling as your weekend performance car.
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
Tata Steel introduces 20 EVs for Odisha plant
Tata Steel Meramandali (TSM) in Odisha's Dhenkanal has launched a fleet of 20 electric buses for eco-friendly transportation for its employees. This transition is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes of CO2 annually, aligning with Tata Steel's goal of net zero emissions by 2045, a company statement said.
Commercial vehicle industry steers the spotlight at 16th Apollo CV Awards 2025
(This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@timesinternet.in)
📝 Driving precision: How Ashok Leyland transformed manufacturing with MPAS
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🎤 Interviews & Features
Love Holi, hate car stains? Top hacks to keep it colour-free
Things can take a turn fast — from Happy Holi to Holy Moly in a few seconds. If you’re the kind of person who hates a scratch on your car or you get angry with paint fades or discolouration, you’re not alone. During this festival of colours – Holi 2025 – if your goal is to keep your car safe and away from colours, here’s your guide.
Tata Sierra spotted testing again, new details emerge
Tata Motors is gearing up to launch its next big product— the Harrier EV in the coming weeks. At the same time, the homegrown carmaker is working on the Sierra which hopefully will be launched sometime later this year. A near-production model of the Sierra made its debut at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025.
Want to buy a blacked-out SUV for your garage? Here are 5 options to consider
SUVs have dominated the Indian passenger vehicle market for an extended period. Among these taller, boxier and black models have recently gained significant popularity. Recently, various car manufacturers in India have introduced special editions of their existing SUVs to capitalize on the increasing demand for SUVs and crossovers. These 'Black Edition' models have been making a noteworthy impact.
How to Clean your car after Holi: A step-by-step guide
Holi, the festival of colors, is a time of joy and celebration. However, the aftermath can be messy, especially when it comes to cleaning your car. The colours, both dry and wet, can stain the exterior and interior of your vehicle, so proper cleaning is essential to prevent long-term damage. Here are some essential tips on how to clean your car after Holi.
Virtual Twins, AI, andIndustry 5.0 to propel India's manufacturing boom: Manish Kumar, CEO Solidworks
Excerpt:
📝 BE 6, XEV 9e aimed to add customers who may not’ve even considered a Mahindra earlier
📝 ET Graphics: Diesel runs aren't over yet
📝 Keep your car & bike spotless after Holi: Here’s how
📝 The role of hydrogen fuel cells in the next wave of clean transportation
📝 Mahindra XUV700 AX7 variants get offers of up to ₹75,000, hits 2.5 lakh sales milestone
📝 Mahindra Thar, Scorpio N, XUV 3XO available with major benefits, discounts range up to ₹1.40 lakh
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
TVS Motor and Petronas Lubricants enhance partnership to boost Indian motorsport
TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has announced that it has extended its partnership with Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) for another three years, with PLI continuing to be the title sponsor of TVS Racing – the country’s first factory racing team.
Google Trends 2025: Top five searched two-wheeler brands last month
The Indian automotive industry has been buzzing, especially given the numerous new launches — KTM to Aprilia and Yamaha’s first hybrid motorcycle, the FZ-S FI. That said these topics will continue to trend in the coming days as more news is expected from other automakers as well. Let’s take a look at the five big names above and what made them trend in the last 30 days on Google.
Hero Xpulse 421 launch likely in March next year: Report
Adventure bikes are gaining popularity quickly around the globe, especially the sub-500cc machines such as the new KTM 390 Adventure, CFMoto 450MT, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and the upcoming BMW F 450 GS. To cash in on the segment, Hero is also ready with the Xpulse 421, which we first saw at EICMA, and then the patent for the motorcycle. Now, as per reports, Hero plans to launch the motorcycle in March 2026.
The X factor. Hero Xoom 125 review: Better Late
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🌇 Allied Industries
Steelbird targets 3-fold revenue growth by 2030; to expand production
📝 US steel tariffs unlikely to hit Indian industry hard, says official
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
📝 India’s Lithium-Ion Battery Supply to Exceed Demand by 2030
📝 Indian refiners turn to Latin America, Africa to replace Russian oil in February, data shows
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💸 Finance & Insurance
NBFCs call for FAME-style incentives for EV finance
A lobby grouping of non-bank lenders on Tuesday said they have sought a scheme to incentivise electric vehicle finance in the country on the lines of FAME or production-linked incentive schemes.
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📖 Magazines
New Toyota hybrid engine to power future GR sports cars
Toyota is developing a new hybrid engine for its performance sub-brand, Gazoo Racing (GR), which will give its future models a chance to sell in markets with strict emissions regulations. Our sister publication, Autocar UK, reports that the next generation of sports cars from Toyota GR will use a hybrid powertrain based on a new engine that is being tested.
Porsche Taycan Turbo, Turbo S facelift review: Turbo-charged
Then Porsche first introduced the Taycan, the enthusiasts said it was sacrilege. How could Porsche, renowned for some of the best ICE sports cars in history, slap its crest on a four-door, two-tonne electric sedan? But as usual, Porsche has proven naysayers wrong, as the Taycan is now known as the enthusiasts’ EV of choice.
Volkswagen Tiguan R Line India launch on April 14
The Volkswagen Tiguan R Line India launch has been confirmed for April 14. The R Line is the range-topping variant of the latest-gen Tiguan, and it will arrive here as a full import. The Volkswagen Tiguan R Line is expected to be priced around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Revolt RV BlazeX vs Oben Rorr EZ: Price, range, specification compared
The Revolt RV BlazeX was recently launched and the Oben Rorr EZ recently received a price hike, stacking them closer than ever in terms of pricing and battery capacity. However, the Oben Rorr EZ is available in multiple battery options but to maintain a level playing field, we have only compared the similarly sized battery packs. Here’s how they fair against each other.
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish launch on March 22
The new Aston Martin Vanquish will launch in India on March 22. First revealed in 2024, the Aston Martin Grand Tourer is a replacement for the DBS Superleggera and directly rivals the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Mahindra Scorpio N, Classic waiting periods increase to 2 and a half months
The Mahindra Scorpio N and Scorpio Classic continue to be among the carmaker’s most popular offerings in the Indian market, and the waiting periods for these SUVs can extend up to two and a half months.
Hyundai Creta long term review, 9,800km report
The Hyundai Creta CVT has perhaps been the most in-demand car of the Autocar long-term fleet. Refined, comfortable and user-friendly, we’ve run this SUV for over 6,000km for shoots, commutes and road trips. Unfortunately, though, it’s now gone back to its maker, so I’m going to tell you what living with it was like.
Mahindra XUV700 waiting period halves in March
Mahindra XUV700 and 3XO continue to see robust demand. As per a dealer source, the waiting periods can go up to a month for the XUV700 and up to one year for its smaller sibling, depending on the trim and powertrain. However, the wait time is down for most of the variants of these SUVs. In February, Mahindra overtook Hyundai to become India’s second-largest-selling automaker thanks to rising SUV sales.
2025 Defender Octa price announcement on March 26
Land Rover has confirmed that the Defender Octa will be launched in India on March 26, 2025. Revealed in July 2024, the Octa is touted to be the most powerful and off-road-capable version of the Defender, courtesy of numerous mechanical upgrades. The carmaker did announce a Rs 2.65 crore starting price for the Defender Octa last year.
Mahindra Racing: New Formula E car designed for performance, not cost
Just four rounds into the current Formula E season, Mahindra Racing has already scored more points than it did in the first 12 rounds last year. The Indian squad currently stands sixth in the 2025 standings with 41 points.
2025 Mercedes CLA debuts with both electric and hybrid powertrains
First previewed by a concept in September 2023, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has now been officially revealed as the brand’s new entry-level sedan with both EV and hybrid powertrains. In a first for Mercedes, the CLA EV and the CLA hybrid will share a common model name. This marks an end to Mercedes’ strategy of entirely bespoke EVs being developed to sit alongside their combustion-engined equivalents.
CFMoto 675SR-R review: fantastically frugal fun
Chinese motorcycle giant CFMoto has been making waves in overseas markets with a series of well-equipped, good-to-ride motorcycles that are sold with enticingly low price tags. As the company gears up to re-enter the Indian market after a short-lived first attempt in 2019, it invited us to its global launch event to experience some of its latest products.
Raymond Autofest: Vintage cars, modern classics, JDM legends, and more
Celebrating its 100 years, Raymond Limited – the name famous for its fine suits – organised the Raymond Autofest, or, as I’d describe it, a five-star buffet for every auto enthusiast. Over the past century, the company has expanded beyond fabrics to real estate, engineering, and, of course, cars, and all because of its managing director, Gautam Singhania.
New Porsche petrol and hybrid SUV in the works
First drawings and concepts of the new SUV are being developed
Rather than confirming a new internal combustion-engine Macan, Porsche stated in its annual financial results that it is “currently evaluating an independent model line in the SUV segment with combustion and hybrid powertrains”. The brand added that the new SUV, which could be launched before 2030, would have “a new design” and “benefit from synergies”. This will help the company offer greater flexibility in its future line-up.
Hyundai Creta: should a 3-star GNCAP safety rating be a concern?
Opinion: Dark undertones in marketing black edition SUVs
“The dark side of daddy.” “Dark rules.” “Black storm.” These are not one-liners from a Batman movie or the Armageddon sequel. These are actual advertising lines for automobiles in India. They could have easily been mouthed by Hannibal Lecter or the Joker. But no, they have been thought out by advertising agencies against specific campaign briefs shared by marketers.
📝 Mahindra XEV 9e: best EV to buy under Rs 30 lakh?
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📰 International
VW works on back-up plans as US tariffs loom
Volkswagen's passenger cars brand is working on back-up plans in response to U.S. tariffs, its executives said on Thursday, and ruled out a last-minute dash to move vehicles over the Mexican border.
Tesla warns it could face retaliatory tariffs
U.S. automaker Tesla has warned that it and other major American exporters are exposed to retaliatory tariffs that could be leveled in response to President Donald Trump's aggressive use of tariffs.
Tesla plans Model Y costing at least 20% less to produce to defend China share, sources say
Tesla will make a lower-cost version of its best-selling Model Y in Shanghai, three people with knowledge of the matter said, aiming to regain ground lost during a price war in its second-largest market.
Tesla working with Baidu to improve assisted driving system in China
Tesla is working with Chinese tech giant Baidu to improve the performance of its advanced driving assistance (ADAS) system in China, two people with knowledge of the matter said, after a recent update drew customer criticism.
GM CEO met Trump amid tariff fight, White House says
President Donald Trump met General Motors CEO Mary Barra on Wednesday to discuss the automaker's investment plans amid his tariff war, a White House official told Reuters.
Mercedes-Benz unveils new CLA in Rome
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the much-anticipated new CLA in an event held at Miani in Rome. The global premiere, featured a mix of influential figures from music, fashion, film, and culture.
Its car profits down, Volkswagen has a new idea: Tanks
Germany's Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest carmaker, is now thinking of making military equipment, which could possibly include tanks, in its car plants as its auto business is going down amid several challenges. Oliver Blume, the chief executive of Europe’s biggest car manufacturer, said the company had not yet been approached by potential partners but was willing to “look at the concepts”, The Telegraph reported.
BMW expects big hit from tariffs after 2024 profits plunge
German automaker BMW warned Friday that it would take a big hit from trade wars between the United States, China and Europe this year, on top of weak Chinese demand, after profits plunged in 2024.
Xiaomi's electric crossover car YU7 to have range of up to 770 km, govt document shows
Chinese tech company Xiaomi's new electric crossover SUV, the YU7, will have a driving range of up to 770 kilometres (478 miles), a government document showed on Thursday.
BMW net profit dips on weaker China sales & delivery setback in Germany
Berlin: BMW's net profit crashed by over a third in 2024 to 7.68 billion euros ($8.32 billion), in line with an LSEG forecast, after a combination of weak sales in China and Germany as well as delivery hold-ups because of problems with a brake dented performance.
Tesla stock in freefall? JP Morgan predicts a 50% drop
According to JP Morgan Chase analysts, Tesla has taken a major blow to its reputation over the last few months. The company’s stocks have also plummeted by over 50% since December 2024, when it was valued at $480 per share compared to early March 2025’s $220 per share. In recent times, Tesla has been in the news for various reasons, from sales decline to acts of vandalism.
Tesla chair Robyn Denholm exits operating partner role at Australia's biggest VC firm
📝 Thailand approves $1 billion investment from China's Sunwoda for EV battery plant
📝 Mercedes Unveils €50k Electric Sedan in Swipe at Tesla
📝 Donald Trump joins the EV club, buys Tesla Model S: Check range, features & more
📝 Audi R8 expected to return in 2027 with hybrid power. Check details
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