Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday
🏢 Industry
CarTrade tech unveils multi-agent AI Ecosystem
Mumbai: Business Wire India CarTrade Tech Limited today announced its Multi-Agent AI Ecosystem, set to be rolled out across platforms over the coming months, a transformative technology initiative designed to enhance customer experience across its platforms while accelerating margin expansion.
SUV makers seek relaxation under CAFE-3 norms after opposing small-car relief
Leading sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufacturers have sought a relaxation in emission limits under the proposed third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-3) norms, marking a shift after earlier opposing relief extended to small cars.
India aligns with global emission norms as WLTP rollout set for 2027
India’s move to adopt the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) for emission testing from April 1, 2027 marks an important step in aligning its automotive regulatory framework with global standards, prompting manufacturers to accelerate compliance preparations across their portfolios.
Tata Motors PV gains 9% thus far in February; what's driving auto stock?
Auto industry growth likely to be 3-6% in FY27 as high base kicks in: Icra
📝 India’s EV sales may touch 22 million units by 2035
📝 Indian consumers show strong willingness to pay for SDVs: Deloitte India
📝 Delhi Plugs Into EV 2.0 With PM E-Drive
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Nissan Gravite budget MPV launched in India at Rs 5.65 lakh. Check features, specs and offers
Nissan Motor India has launched the Gravite at an introductory price of ₹5.65 lakh (ex-showroom), marking the brand’s first new model launch since the Nissan Magnite debuted five years ago.
JSW MG Motor India bets big on hybrid and EVs with plans to invest $440 million
📝 Hyundai Motor India appoints Madhurendra Malu to head Genesis
📝 Key changes upcoming 2026 Renault Kwid facelift is expected to incorporate
📝 Maruti Suzuki to see big surge in exports from next fiscal
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Electric Car/SUV
Maruti to roll out dedicated EV line at Gujarat plant by July
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) will commission a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) production line at its Gujarat plant by July, as it moves to ease capacity constraints and accelerate its EV rollout across domestic and export markets.
Maruti Suzuki announces e VITARA prices starting at Rs 10.99 lakh
Maruti Suzuki enters EV market with sharp e-Vitara pricing, BaaS model
📝 Planning to buy Maruti Suzuki e Vitara? Key facts and numbers decoded
📝 John Abraham drives Mahindra BE 6 as safety car at Goa Street Race
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🚗 Luxury
Top 5 facts buyers must know about BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro
The BMW X3, which rivals competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and Lexus NX, has received an all-new variant. Christened as BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro, which is priced at ₹74.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the new variant of the X3 comes commanding a ₹2 lakh more compared to the BMW xDrive 20 trim. The BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro is positioned as the top-spec variant of the X3, sitting atop the lineup. It comes powered by a petrol engine and is priced on par with the diesel-run xDrive 20d variant.
📝 BMW X3 30 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Price, engine, features & more
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
SML Mahindra zooms 48% thus far in February, hits new high; here's why
📝 Telangana state road transport corporation to retrofit diesel buses to electric
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🎤 Interviews & Features
“Hybrids are being preferred, but EV interest remains”: Rajat Mahajan, Deloitte India
In an exclusive interaction with HT Auto, Rajat Mahajan of Deloitte India discusses the findings of the newly released 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study, highlighting India’s cautious EV shift, hybrid preference and rising demand for connected, software-led cars.
TVS Apache RTX 300 vs Yezdi Adventure: Which ADV offers better value for money?
Adventure tourer motorcycles in India have been witnessing a strong foothold in the country's bulging two-wheeler market. Popularly known as ADVs, these motorcycles, especially the entry-level models, have been recording surging demand and popularity, which is propelling the auto OEMs to push more products into the segment. A major player in the Indian two-wheeler market, the TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS Apache RTX 300 in the recent past, which grabbed a lot of eyeballs.
MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Battle of premium SUVs
MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Dimension
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
Two-wheeler industry seen growing 7–9% in FY27: Crisil
Two-wheeler industry is expected to clock 7–9% volume growth in FY27, taking total dispatches past the 29 million-unit mark, driven by steady domestic demand and strong export momentum, according to Crisil Ratings.
Service bottlenecks weigh on Ola Electric volumes; regional rebound visible, says Bhavish Aggarwal
The sales volume at Ola Electric have declined in recent quarters as service execution gaps dented customer confidence, Chairman and Managing Director Bhavish Aggarwal acknowledged during the company’s post-quarter analyst call. Aggarwal said delays in service accessibility and turnaround times weighed on demand and impacted brand trust. However, he noted that underlying demand remains strong.
Bhavish Aggarwal’s flip-flops raise questions about Ola Electric’s future
New Delhi: Ola Electric Mobility Ltd’s ever-changing commentary on every aspect of the business has left industry observers and analysts questioning the company’s future.
Jawa 42 gets new Ivory colour option with retro decals at ₹1.85 lakh
Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has introduced a new Ivory colour option for the Jawa 42. The motorcycle is priced at ₹1,84,950 (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and is available across more than 450 authorised dealerships in India.
Triumph Street Triple RX pre-bookings open
A few dealerships of Triumph India have started accepting pre-bookings for the Street Triple RX. The motorcycle was unveiled last year in the global market alongside the Moto2 Edition. As of now, we do not know the price of the Street Triple RX. For reference, the Street Triple RS in India is priced at ₹12.93 lakh ex-showroom. So, we can expect the RX version to be priced higher than this.
Delhivery shares gain 3% after EV partnership with RIDEV to deploy 150 EVs
Ola Electric slips 5% in trade, sink to record low; down 19% in a month
📝 Bhavish Aggarwal bailable arrest warrant: Will Ola Electric founder be arrested? All about the complaint against him
📝 Premium motorcycles gain speed as consumer sentiment shifts gears
📝 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 vs Triumph Speed T4 vs TVS Ronin
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⚙ Components
TVS Supply Chain shares gain 7% on signing MoU with Italy-based ALA Group
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🌇 Allied Industries
📝 Yokohama India plans tier-2, tier-3 push with eyes on SAARC and African markets
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
ONGC's Q3 profit hit by crude oil price fall, but future brightens with gas output push
Oil & Natural Gas Corp. Ltd (ONGC) posted rather muted December quarter (Q3) results, impacted by the continued drop in crude oil prices and stagnant volumes. Higher gas realization, though, brought some comfort.
Discount on Venezuelan oil to Indian refiners shrinks to lowest on record
Indian refiners are securing some of the lowest discounts in history for purchases of dirty Venezuelan crude oil grades, Indian Customs data showed and industry officials said. Discounts on Venezuelan Merey, a heavy, high sulphur, acidic crude oil, have dipped below $10 per barrel for the first time to as low as $6.50 per barrel, one-third of what Indian refiners have secured in the past, two traders said. The discounts are calculated off benchmark ICE Brent and on a delivered basis to
Crude falls 2% as progress in US-Iran talks raises market optimism
📝 Brent crude steadies as investors await outcome of diplomatic talks
📝 TIL Limited makes clean energy foray with 60% stake in Tulip Compression
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
IMD issues yellow alert for Capital
The department has forecast a generally cloudy sky with the possibility of a spell of very light rain at isolated places during the morning hours. Another spell of very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning is expected towards the forenoon, with gusty winds reaching speed of 30-40 kmph. A further spell of very light rain is likely at isolated places later in the day.
Delhi air quality worsens to 'poor' despite favourable weather; AQI at 259
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💸 Finance & Insurance
Exponent Energy's battery data intelligence will power its new EV financing push in India
Lightspeed-backed Exponent Energy, a maker of batteries and equipment that allow rapid charging of electric three-wheelers, is setting up a subsidiary that will offer an innovative pay-as-you-go financing model to help expand its business across the country, according to top company executives.
Ashok Leyland partners with Rajasthan Gramin Bank for providing vehicle finance facilities
Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, signed an MoU with Rajasthan Gramin Bank, the largest bank in the state by number of branches, to enter into a strategic vehicle financing partnership for its customers. This MoU will enable both Ashok Leyland and Rajasthan Gramin Bank to offer customised financial solutions to the customers.
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📖 Magazines
Govt to impound end-of-life vehicles in Delhi
The Government of NCT of Delhi has announced strict action against end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) operating or parked in public places across the capital. As per a public notice issued by the Transport Department, vehicles that fall under the ELV category will be impounded and scrapped without further notice, in line with existing court orders and pollution-control rules.
Ducati launches Factory Made customisation programme
Ducati has introduced Ducati Factory Made (DFM), a new customisation programme that allows buyers to personalise their motorcycle with options installed directly on the production line. The programme has debuted in Europe with Multistrada V4.
📝 BMW CE 02 price reduced by Rs 2.40 lakh at select dealerships
📝 7 features the MG Majestor gets over the outgoing Gloster
📝 Specifications and price compared: BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
📝 Aprilia patents fixed rear wing for road bikes
📝 Nissan launches Gravite at Rs 5.65 lakh
📝 Variants and features of Maruti e Vitara explained
📝 Hyundai Exter top-spec vs Venue mid-spec: Features, specs compared
📝 5 Most affordable scooters with 14-inch wheels
📝 Maruti launches e Vitara at Rs 10.99 lakh, battery rental extra
📝 5 most affordable cars with cruise control
📝 Audi India to launch SQ8 on March 17
📝 Jawa 42 Ivory colour launched at Rs 1.85 lakh
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📰 International
Ferrari tests a new hardcore racecar for the road: Is this the 296 Challenge Stradale?
While Ferrari is taking a new direction with its upcoming Luce EV, petrolheads still have something to wait for this year. A new camouflaged test mule was spotted out in the wild, looking like a race-bred machine that has managed to break out of the track onto public roads. But a hardcore, road-legal version of one of its racecars may be precisely what the Italian marque has in store for us.
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