Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 06 Sep 2025,Saturday
🏢 Industry
GST rate cut: Your passenger vehicles got cheaper by 2-9%, says report. Check what changes, and where do EVs stand?
Research firm Kotak Institutional Equities has in a sector report noted that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's decision on rate rationalisation for automobiles and components, has been “broadly in line with expectations”, with rates for most segments unified at 18 per cent, and 40 per cent for larger passenger vehicles and two-wheelers over 350 cc.
L&T Semicon acquires power module design assets of Japan’s Fujitsu General
New Delhi: Chip design firm L&T Semiconductor Technologies on Friday said it has acquired the power module design assets of Fujitsu General Electronics of Japan. As part of the deal, L&T Semiconductor Technologies (LTSCT) has acquired R&D equipment, design patents and various intellectual properties related to power module technologies of Fujitsu General Electronics (FGEL). “The acquisition of power module technology is a crucial step in LTSCT’s growth journey and an important step towards our vision of enhancing India’s presence in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
This significantly strengthens our global intellectual property portfolio, and enhances our design capabilities, thus reinforcing our commitment to delivering world-class semiconductor solutions globally,” LTSCT Chief Executive Sandeep Kumar said.
The acquisition will accelerate LTSCT’s foray in power electronics design and development and expand its product portfolio in the domains of industrial, energy and automotive applications. “We are pleased to see our power module business become a part of LTSCT -- a leading semiconductor company from India that shares our commitment to innovation and technological excellence. We are sure that this transfer will ensure the continued development and expansion of cutting-edge power module technologies, benefiting global customers and driving industry-wide advancements,” FGEL Director and COO Tadashi Hasegawa said.
Equity indices end flat as IT weakness offsets auto gains
Mumbai : Equity indices ended almost flat on Friday in choppy trading as weakness in information technology stocks hit by US tariff concerns offset gains in auto shares driven by optimism around GST cuts. For the week, the stock measures notched up 1% gains, rebounding from the previous week’s losses NSE’s Nifty gained 6.7 points to close at 24,741. BSE’s Sensex fell 7.25 points to end at 80,710.76.
GST cut to drive 200 bps boost in two-wheelers, 100 bps in PVs: Crisil
GST cuts on auto On Wednesday evening, the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reached a consensus to simplify the GST regime into two slabs – 5 per cent and 18 per cent, effective September 22.
Force Motors' domestic sales climb 7% YoY in August 2025
Force Motors said that its domestic sales jumped 6.60% to 2,295 units in August 2025, as against 2,153 units sold in August 2024. The companys exports tumbled 26.02% to 108 units in August 2025, compared with 146 units sold in August 2024. The company sold a total of 2,403 units of small commercial vehicles (SCVs), light commercial vehicles (LCVs), utility vehicles (UVs), and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) in August 2025, registering a growth of 4.52% compared to 2,299 units sold in August 2024.
Mobility sector sees signs of revival ahead of festive season: Shriram Mobility Bulletin
Chennai: There was a positive recovery in truck rentals across India’s logistics and mobility ecosystem with steady freight rates, rising digital toll collections, and sustained momentum in electric vehicle adoption, even as weather disruptions impacted trucking activity in Northern India, especially in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, says the September edition of Shriram Mobility Bulletin. The festive season is around the corner and with that the movement of goods to different parts of the country to meet consumer demand has resulted in truck rentals showing signs of recovery on key trunk routes.
Odisha identifies 1K acres for semiconductor cluster; work to begin soon
Chasing the semicon dream: Trip to Taiwan to woo chip foundries
Kaynes Semicon ties up 100% of capacity with global, Indian firms
Maruti to Tata Motors: Auto companies start passing on GST cut to buyers
Tata Motors first PV brand to announce price cut after GST reforms
📝 Mahindra & Mahindra is GST 2.0’s biggest auto winner. 5 reasons why
📝 GST rate changes are a strategic inflection point for India’s auto industry
📝 GST relief on cars, but dealers stare at Rs 2,500 cr hit
📝 Car makers likely to see pent-up demand over next two months on tax rationalisation: Stellantis official
📝 New GST rate on cars and other vehicles simplified; check old vs new GST on automobiles
📝 Companies may fire up output by 25% to feed festive frenzy
📝 Mahindra & Mahindra shares rally 8% on GST overhaul. Is it the auto sector’s biggest winner?
📝 GST overhaul: Steering Indian automotive sector into fastlane
📝 Mercedes-Benz R&D India, TERI launch EV charging skilling initiative
📝 GST Reset 2025: A Gearshift for India’s auto industry
📝 Transport department plans road safety dashboard based on Assam model
Read More >>
🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Tata Motors to slash car prices by up to Rs 1.45 lakh from September 22 under GST 2.0
Tata Motors to pass on full benefit of GST reduction, Nexon SUV will get cheaper by up to Rs 1.55 lakh
Citroën launches Basalt X with India’s first intelligent in-car assistant CARA, prices start at ₹7.95 lakh
Citroën Basalt X SUV launched in India with upgraded features and AI assistant: Prices, engine, features and more
mint
Renault Kiger stays firmly on the radar post facelift
For a carmaker that effectively kick-started the compact-SUV segment (with the Duster), Renault India’s current range of offerings seems surprisingly thin. The entry-level Kwid hatchback takes care of the economy-conscious buyer’s needs, the Triber is an affordable seven seater, whereas the Kiger caters to the sub-four-metre SUV buyer. The Kiger, which was introduced in 2021, has ensured that Renault stays relevant in the Indian market. We drove the recently refreshed compact SUV to understand what makes it a worthy choice in the highly competitive segment.
📝 Renault delivers 300 cars in Kerala during Onam, Triber sees strong demand
📝 Hyundai India updates Aura SX variant with new features
📝 Maruti Suzuki shares may climb 17% to Rs 17,000, says ICICI Securities citing two growth drivers
📝 Tax cuts to drive growth in small car segment, says Maruti Chairman RC Bhargava
Read More >>
Electric Car/SUV
Long-Term Review: Tata Curvv EV : Striking style, impressive range
The Tata Curvv EV is possibly India’s most underrated electric car — it’s so good and yet you see so few of these on Indian roads.
Battery price drop to be lynchpin of EV drive
India’s electric vehicle (EV) adoption is racing ahead, with over two million EVs sold in FY25—a sixfold jump in just four years. But while sales are surging, their higher upfront purchase price compared with petrol vehicles remains a major deterrent for mass adoption. While the government’s support for EVs through their 5% GST rate continues, EV makers can expect growing competition from small petrol and diesel cars with a 10 percentage point reduction in GST rate that will make them more affordable.
📝 Elon Musk's Tesla hits the Indian roads! First Model Y delivered in Mumbai
📝 Mahindra’s BE 6e, XEV 9e cross 20,000 owners; clock 9.3 crore km in five months
📝 Stellantis will launch China's Leapmotor range next fiscal, to target premium EV buyers
📝 Hema Malini adds the MG M9 luxury EV MPV to her garage
📝 Vinfast VF6 and VF7 India launch tomorrow: Here’s what to expect
📝 Volkswagen Polo to be revived in all-electric overalls: ID. Polo and GTI confirmed for 2026
Read More >>
🚗 Luxury
Luxury starts where necessity ends: Mercedes-Benz India CEO on luxury & leadership| ET Titan Talks
On this episode of ET Titan Talks, Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, is in conversation with Deepak Ajwani, Editor, The Economic Times Digital. Iyer opens up on the evolving Indian luxury car market and his leadership philosophy. He shares insights on the changing profile of the Indian luxury customer, the rise of premiumisation, and why Mercedes sells more EVs than the mass market. He also discusses tariffs, global trade shifts, retail of the future, and his personal leadership playbook. Watch this interview to know “How Mercedes-Benz is shaping India’s luxury and EV future”.
The Volvo EX30: Luxury that's not to impress others nut to express yourself
📝 Mercedes-Benz cuts E-Class LWB prices by up to ₹6 lakh after GST revision
📝 Mercedes-Benz India marks one year of new E-Class LWB, adds Verde Silver edition
📝 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Review: Sinister Charm Worthy Of Saving Gotham
Read More >>
🎤 Interviews & Features
Maruti Suzuki Victoris: What makes this Grand Vitara rival a 5-star rated car?
Maruti Suzuki unveiled its new C-segment compact SUV a couple of days ago. Although prices of the vehicle are yet to be revealed, the general consensus in the market is that it will be slightly more affordable than its sibling — Grand Vitara — with whom the Victoris shares its underpinnings.
‘India-UK FTA has come as a surprise help to Stellantis’, says Shailesh Hazela
Five years since entering the Indian market, carmaker Stellantis is gearing up to add more products, expand its reach, and step up production. Shailesh Hazela, MD and CEO, Stellantis India, spoke to Swaraj Baggonkar on the sidelines of the launch of the Basalt X, priced at Rs 7.95 lakh, about the company’s plans.
Excerpts:
Driving a Hyundai up America’s highest roads
Read More >>
🏗 Construction & Agriculture
📝 Sonalika Tractors domestic sales up 28% in August
Read More >>
🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
New TVS Ntorq 150: Top 3 highlights
After numerous teasers, TVS has launched the new Ntorq 150 in India, priced at Rs 1.19 lakh, ex-showroom. The new TVS Ntorq 150 is available in two variants and is loaded with features, while it competes with the Hero Xoom 160, Yamaha Aerox 155, and others in the segment. While we will see a comparison soon, let’s look at the top three highlights of the Ntorq 150.
Royal Enfield new GST rate: From Hunter 350, Classic to Himalayan, check full list of bikes getting cheaper or costlier after Sept 22
Expected prices of Royal Enfield bikes after New GST rate
Yamaha refreshes R15 range with bold new colours; prices start at ₹1.67 lakh
2025 Yamaha R15 Range updated: Here’s what’s new
The Financial Express
📝 2W sales expected to grow 5-6%, passenger vehicles by 2-3% in FY26 post GST rationalisation: Crisil
📝 From ₹1 lakh to nearly ₹3 crore: TVS Motor’s 27,852% rally has more steam left; here's why
📝 TVS Motor shares in focus after hyper scooter launch and Nomura upgrade
Read More >>
⚙ Components
Uno Minda conducts counterfeiting raids, busts warehouses across India
Uno Minda Limited, a tier-1 supplier of innovative automotive systems and solutions to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), has announced a significant escalation in its ongoing battle against counterfeit products, with a series of targeted raids across India.
Read More >>
🌇 Allied Industries
📝 Government to greenlight incentives to drive green steel output
📝 GST reforms will mitigate US tariff impact on Indian economy, says secondary steel industry body
Read More >>
🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
India’s diesel exports to Europe skyrocket in run-up to EU ban on fuels made from Russian oil
As the Europe Union prepares to ban petroleum products refined from Russian crude from January 2026, India’s diesel exports to Europe jumped to an 11-month high in August, according to vessel tracking data. Industry insiders and experts believe that India’s petroleum product exports to Europe, particularly diesel, should remain robust in the months leading up to the EU ban as the continent would be stockpiling fuels and mitigating anticipated supply shortfalls.
Nexgen Energia expands petrol, diesel, CNG & EV fuel stations across India in collaboration with leading oil & gas PSUs in fuel & Non-fuel business
📝 India will continue buying Russian oil; GST reforms to ease tariff burden: Sitharaman
📝 Indian Oil skips US crude, buys Nigerian, Mideast oil via tender, say sources
Read More >>
💸 Finance & Insurance
📝 Ashok Leyland signs vehicle financing agreement with Punjab Gramin Bank
Read More >>
📖 Magazines
2025 Yamaha R15 range launched with new colours in India
Yamaha has refreshed its R15 line-up in India with new colour options across the R15M, R15 V4 and R15S. Prices for the 2025 range begin with the R15S, priced at Rs 1.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
2 reasons to buy Hero Xtreme 250R and 2 to skip
The Xtreme 250R is currently the flagship model of Hero. It is powered by a 250cc engine that is essentially a stroked out version of the 210cc engine found in the Karizma XMR. Here are two reasons why you should consider the Xtreme 250R, and two reasons why you might want to look elsewhere.
Volkswagen Polo reborn as ID Polo EV
The Volkswagen ID 2all concept will enter production as the ID Polo EV, the German brand has confirmed. Set to be revealed in full production form in 2026, VW’s entry-level EV will be shown in near-production camouflaged form at the upcoming Munich motor show, alongside the performance-oriented ID Polo GTI, essentially the production-spec ID GTI concept. The names for the upcoming cars showcase Volkswagen’s intent to use the popular brands from its history for its all-electric range.
Hyundai Creta Electric price increased, gets higher range via OTA
The Hyundai Creta Electric line-up has been updated with new variants, more features, higher range figures, additional colour options, and mild price increases. Hyundai says the updates aim to offer greater choice and value to prospective Creta Electric buyers.
Hyundai Aura SX price increases by Rs 9,000 with new features
The higher-spec Hyundai Aura SX trim has received new features and an associated price increase of Rs 9,000. The SX trim slots below the top-spec Aura SX(O), and is available in petrol and CNG form.
Top 5 safest cars in India as rated by Bharat NCAP
Safety is a much bigger concern among Indian car buyers these days, and to help guide them towards the safest cars currently on sale, the government launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) back in 2023. Essentially a domestic adaptation of the long-running Global NCAP with full parity in testing standards, Bharat NCAP has evaluated 21 cars to date.
Mercedes E Class prices dropped by over Rs 5 lakh post GST reform
Mercedes India has announced reduced ex-showroom prices for its bestselling model, the E-Class long-wheelbase sedan (V214). The three E-Class variants sold here have now become less expensive by up to Rs 5.2 lakh. This comes days after the Union government announced revised GST rates for passenger vehicles.
2025 F1 Italian GP schedule, India timings
It’s going to be an action-packed weekend of racing with F1 heading to the Temple of Speed, Monza, for Round 16. Will Lando Norris bounce back and close the gap to his McLaren teammate Piastri? Or will Ferrari score a surprise win on home soil?
Top 5 highest mileage cars in India
Frugal cars – otherwise known as cars that are fuel-efficient and deliver a high mileage – are among those that find the highest demand in the Indian market. Every car that goes through the homologation process before going on sale gets an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figure, which carmakers quote on brochures and marketing material. Here, we take a look at the 5 highest mileage cars in India, regardless of whether they are powered by a petrol, diesel or hybrid powertrain. Do note that CNG options have not been considered for this list.
TVS Ntorq 150 review: Evolution not revolution
For many years now, the TVS Ntorq 125 has championed the cause of the sporty scooter and it's done so while not sacrificing practicality - a combination that has helped it soar past the 2 million unit sales milestone ever since its inception. As great as the 125cc Ntorq is, the market is maturing and the 150cc+ scooter space is slowly but surely seeing new entrants both from well-established Indian and foreign OEMs. To throw its hat in the ring, TVS has decided to create the new Ntorq 150, the rather striking yet also familiar scooter you see here.
Volkswagen Tiguan, Taigun, Virtus get up to Rs 3 lakh discount this month
During the ongoing festive season, Volkswagen cars are much more approachable as the brand has massive discounts, benefits and other offers on its models, making them cheaper to buy. In the month of September, customers can avail of a flat cash discount, an exchange or scrappage bonus, and a loyalty bonus on the Virtus sedan, and Taigun and Tiguan SUVs. Here’s how much you could save on your new Volkswagen car this month.
Citroen Basalt X launched at Rs 7.95 lakh
Citroen has rejigged the Basalt coupe SUV’s variant line-up, adding a new 'X' suffix to its name, feature improvements to its top-spec Max trim level, and price drops across the range. The Basalt X price starts at Rs 7.95 lakh (introductory). Pre-bookings for the Basalt X have been open since August 22 for a token amount of Rs 11,000.
Citroen EVs still on cards, hybrids a possibility
Citroen had promised an electric version of the Aircross SUV would follow the launch of the petrol-powered version in about a year’s time. However, it’s been nearly two years since, and an electric Aircross still hasn’t materialised. Speaking to Autocar India on the sidelines of the Basalt X launch, Shailesh Hazela CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, however, has assured that EVs are still on the cards.
Cara developed for all of Stellantis’ global brands, says Citroen India
Citroen debuted its new on-board AI driven digital assistant ‘Cara’ with the new Citroen Basalt X and the company say it is India’s first fully conversational on-board automobile assistant.
2025 BMW iX3 revealed as first Neue Klasse EV
BMW took the wraps off its second-generation iX3 electric SUV on Friday. Previewed by the 2024 Vision Neue Klasse X concept, the new iX3 is the first model in the BMW Neue Klasse (or new class) range of EVs, built to offer significant improvements in range and cost. BMW iX3 sedan, which will be introduced next in the Neue Klasse series, was also showcased by BMW.
TVS Ntorq 125 vs Hero Xoom 125: which sporty 125cc scooter to buy for daily commutes?
Read More >>
📰 International
Elon Musk in line for $1 trillion pay package if Tesla hits aggressive goals over next 10 years
Tesla CEO Elon Musk could be in line for a payout of $1 trillion if his electric car company meets a series of extremely aggressive targets over the next 10 years, according to documents released by the company.
BMW starts cashing in on over €10 billion investment in new EVs
BMW AG unveiled the first of a new range of electric vehicles meant to help the German carmaker push back against Chinese rivals and take back the lead in automotive engineering.
📝 BMW, the anti-Tesla, is playing the long game on EVs
📝 BMW unveils Neue Klasse iX3 electric SUV with 800 km range
📝 US immigration officers raid Georgia site where Hyundai makes electric vehicles
📝 Autonomous technology startup Avride to ramp up testing as part of Uber robotaxi rollout
📝 Japan welcomes Trump's order to implement lower tariffs on autos, other goods
📝 GM cuts output at a major EV factory, citing weak demand
📝 Tesla's UK car sales rise in August despite broader auto dip, data shows
📝 Malaysian carmaker Proton launches first EV plant
Read More >>