Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 19 Feb 2026,Thursday
🏢 Industry
Steel, paint, power and cars: Inside JSW’s ‘Chaebol-style’ strategy to disrupt the auto market
New Delhi/Mumbai: In December 2024, industrialist Sajjan Jindal declared that steelmaker JSW would soon have its own automobile brand. “Our idea is not to be an outpost of a Chinese company to sell products in India," Jindal told the Financial Times. “We want to manufacture the products in India, value-add in India, and sell them in India."
India plugged in too late, nears bottom in 2025 ePV rankings, shows data
New Delhi: India is near the bottom of the global rankings for electric passenger vehicle (ePV) adoption, according to the latest research by Voronoi, based on data from the International Energy Agency and Ember. This comes despite the government’s target of a 30 per cent electric vehicle (EV) share in new vehicle sales by 2030. The Ministry of Heavy Industries now estimates ePV adoption to reach only around 10 per cent, suggesting the target may be overly ambitious.
What India’s uneven EV adoption means for the next phase of green mobility
India’s electric vehicle transition has firmly moved from policy ambition to measurable on-ground outcomes. More than a decade after the launch of the National Electric Mobility Mission, segment-wise adoption data now offers a clearer view of how the transition is unfolding.
Auto firms ready large-scale capacity expansion
Buoyed by the sharp rise in demand after the implementation of Goods and Services tax 2.0 and rising opportunities for exports due to trade deals, top auto companies have capex plans of over Rs 1 lakh crore in the next few years. This includes Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, Toyota Kirloskar and others.
📝 SIAM calls for systemic shift towards automotive circular economy
📝 Yotta to invest $2bn for AI hub with top Nvidia chips
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Nissan Gravite 7-seat MPV priced at ₹5.65 lakh — How it compares to Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Renault Triber, Hyundai Exter
Japanese auto major Nissan Motors has launched Gravite its seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle starting at ₹5.65 lakh in India.
Nissan revs up brand revival with bets on new models, sales infra boost
2026 will be year of brand resurgence for Nissan in India, says MD
Nissan targets 100k exports in FY27 as part of renewed India growth plan
📝 Cars24 introduces lifetime warranty programme for used cars
📝 Nissan Gravite launched at Rs 5.65 lakh: Check variant-wise prices
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Electric Car/SUV
Planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara? Here’s how to book one
Maruti Suzuki has introduced the e Vitara in India, reviving the well-known Vitara badge in an all-electric avatar. Priced from ₹10.99 lakh ex-showroom for BaaS, the new SUV enters the mid-size electric SUV space with bold styling, a well-equipped interior, and a choice of two battery pack options.
📝 VinFast rolls out ‘value assured’ programme for VF6, VF7
📝 Nissan to tailor India EV plans after studying speed of adoption, consumer wants
📝 Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara full price list revealed: Check variant-wise pricing, features
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🚗 Luxury
2026 Audi RS 5 teased ahead of debut, brings plug-in hybrid V6 thrills
The new generation of the Audi RS 5 is being readied to replace the RS 4 as the brand’s new performance flagship aimed directly at the heart of the BMW M3. In the run-up to its launch, the German luxury carmaker has dropped new teasers revealing that both sedan and wagon variants are on the table. What’s more, a series of leaked images, which have now taken down, has revealed the upcoming model in its entirety.
Ferrari 849 Testarossa set for India debut. Top 4 facts to know
Ferrari is gearing up to launch its new flagship sports car in India, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa. The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is scheduled to be launched in India on March 14. Upon launch, it will replace the Ferrari SF90 Stradale in the company's lineup in India. Expect the all-new Ferrari 849 Testarossa to be priced around ₹10 crore (ex-showroom).
chargeMOD ties up with Mercedes-Benz to enhance EV charging
chargeMOD, an energy tech start-up and a leading provider of EV charging solutions, has collaborated with Mercedes-Benz India to integrate its expansive network of over 500 charging points directly into the MB. CHARGE Public digital ecosystem for Mercedes-Benz owners.
📝 CEOs to HR: take fear out of AI, build trust, and re-engineer talent for agility—not layoffs
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles after the GST cut: What changes for the industry?
A GST-led price correction in the commercial vehicle segment changes one key variable: acquisition cost. In a price-sensitive industry like CVs, that single factor influences multiple downstream decisions.
📝 Madhya Pradesh Budget fuels metro expansion, 972 e-buses under PM e-Bus Seva
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🎤 Interviews & Features
Nissan Gravite vs Renault Triber spec comparison: what’s different?
Japanese automaker Nissan recently launched its B-segment three-row seven-seater MPV, the Gravite, in India. It marks the first affordable, budget-friendly car from Nissan after the launch of the Magnite. Not only that, but the Gravite is the third car in Nissan’s portfolio, including the Magnite and X-Trail. The Nissan Gravite, however, competes directly with its French counterpart, the Renault Triber, from which it takes its body design, owing to the partnership between Nissan and Renault.
“The Indian market continues to focus on low energy consumption”: Giovanni Mastrangelo, Marelli
Q: Marelli has commercialised a 1,000-bar GDI system, currently the highest pressure in the industry. From an engineering perspective, what were the biggest challenges in making such extreme pressures viable for real-world production engines, and where do you see the next gains coming from beyond pressure alone?
If I were buying a CNG car under ₹10 Lakh, these 5 would make my shortlist
CNG has become a popular option for customers as the prices of petrol and diesel fuels have skyrocketed. Another attribute which has helped CNG gain popularity is that automakers have now resorted to using dual CNG cylinders, keeping enough space for their luggage, thereby increasing boot storage capacity. One of the most important factors for buying a CNG car is that it offers better fuel economy than petrol and diesel, while being cheaper than both of them.
📝 Nissan Gravite vs Renault Triber vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Price, engine, variants, leg room and other specs compared
📝 Volkswagen Tayron R-line launch date confirmed: Expected price, features & specs
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
Ola Electric surges 4% after High Court stays Bhavish Aggarwal’s arrest warrant
The Ola Electric Mobility shares surged over 4.5% to a high of Rs 29.25 on the National Stock Exchange after the Bombay High Court at Goa stayed an arrest warrant issued against the company’s CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, by the District Consumer Commission of South Goa.
Suzuki announces benefits of ₹7,000 and extended warranty on its two-wheelers
Suzuki has announced that it is offering insurance benefits of up to ₹7,000 on its two-wheelers. Not only this, but the customers also get an extended warranty of 10 years, which gives them peace of mind. They can also get a loan of up to 100 per cent. If you are interested in these offers, then we would suggest that you get in touch with the nearest authorised dealership, as they would be able to give you full details.
Ola Electric is fixing its issues, but road to better volumes is stretched
Ola Electric Mobility Ltd’s shares fell to an all-time low of ₹27.36 on Tuesday after its December-quarter (Q3FY26) results underscored deeper operational strains—particularly around service quality and a high fixed-cost base.
Kawasaki W800 teased on social media, India launch on the cards?
Japanese automaker Kawasaki recently released a teaser for the W800 on its Indian social media platforms, signalling the potential arrival of the retro motorcycle as part of the W-series' 60th anniversary.
Ola’s battery of pivots tests investor patience
Few founders have promised as boldly — or pivoted as often — as Bhavish Aggarwal. From once speaking of selling millions of electric scooters annually to lowering expectations to 15,000 units a month for Ebitda breakeven, the journey of Ola Electric has been marked by sweeping ambition and sharp recalibration.
India's two-wheeler industry to grow 7-9% in FY27, volumes may touch 29 mn units: Crisil Ratings
Source Credit: ANI, The Tribune
New Delhi: India's two-wheeler industry is expected to grow 7-9 per cent in fiscal 2027, with total volumes likely to reach around 29 million units, according to a report by Crisil Ratings.
📝 TVS Motor Company reaches 1 million production milestone in Indonesia
📝 Jawa 42 gets new Ivory colour option: Price, details here
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⚙ Components
Valeo plans €200 million India investment, targets €700 million revenue by 2028
French automotive supplier Valeo on Wednesday said it plans to invest more than €200 million in India under its global Elevate 2028 roadmap. It plans to scale up its electrification and advanced driver assistance systems portfolio and target a jump in India revenues from roughly €220 million currently to €700 million by 2028, with a longer-term ambition of crossing €1 billion beyond that period.
Bharat Forge partners VVDN Technologies to develop next-gen defence, AI and data centre tech
Defence manufacturing company Bharat Forge has partnered with VVDN Technologies for strategic collaboration across key technology-driven sectors.
Satrac inaugurates its trailer and truck body manufacturing plant near Chennai; invests ₹250 crore
📝 Tata AutoComp expands European footprint with IAC Slovakia acquisition
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
India wants to diversify crude oil sources: Piyush Goyal
India wants to diversify its sources of crude oil and coking coal and the trade deal with the US would help in that endeavour, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Wednesday.
Nayara to add 300 fuel outlets in retail push
As India steadily recalibrates its oil sourcing away from Russia under growing geopolitical and trade pressure from the West, private refiner Nayara Energy is aggressively expanding its downstream footprint, preparing to add around 300 new fuel retail outlets across the country this year to strengthen margins and domestic market presence.
Bharat Petroleum, HPCL Mittal buy Venezuelan oil amid crude sourcing shift
New York/New Delhi: India's state-run Bharat Petroleum Corp has made its first-ever purchase of Venezuelan oil, and private refiner HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL) has bought the South American country's crude for the first time in two years, three sources familiar with the trade said on Wednesday.
India's crude oil import bill drops 19% in January on softer global prices
📝 Ethanol capacity surges but 20% blending cap limits demand
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EV Charging
📝 Statiq raises $18 million to expand EV charging network
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
Rising power demand could lead to higher emissions for India in 2026
CAQM revokes Grap II curbs in Delhi-NCR after air quality improves
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💸 Finance & Insurance
Innovating vehicle finance via energy!
Something I learned recently is that almost 60 per cent of light commercial vehicle (3W/4W) loans in India go into some form of default. While many are resolved, they often lead to the vehicle owners-operator going into a debt spiral - if you have ever been in credit card hell you know what this can mean.
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📖 Magazines
Kia Seltos IVT review: Smooth Operator
We’ve already covered the second-generation Kia Seltos, highlighting its spacious cabin, high-quality interior and the notably more pliant ride. We’ve also spoken about the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine’s strong performance and the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel’s relative lack of punch. This review, however, is focused squarely on the most sensible-sounding option in the line-up: the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol paired with a CVT (IVT in Kia speak) gearbox.
Windsor or Creta Electric? Understanding where the Maruti e Vitara fits
The prices of the Maruti e Vitara have just been announced, starting at Rs 15.99 lakh for the Delta variant with a 49kWh battery pack and going up to Rs 19.79 lakh for the top-spec Alpha variant with the larger 61kWh battery. Purely on pricing, it makes a strong first impression. Rather than taking on the Hyundai Creta Electric or the Mahindra BE 6 directly, the e Vitara is positioned much closer to the MG Windsor EV, which significantly changes how it should be viewed and evaluated.
5 things to know before buying the Bajaj Dominar 400
The Bajaj Dominar was launched back in 2016, it is positioned as the brand’s sporty tourer. To support this, it gets some touring specific accessories as well. Here are a few things to know about the Dominar 400, if it’s on your radar.
Every car with a twin from another brand under Rs 30 lakh
The automobile industry is highly capital-intensive, and developing a car from the ground up can take considerable time. By sharing features, powertrains and more, brands can cut costs and even benefit from economies of scale. And when the partnership clicks, badge engineering works just fine. For instance, Maruti Suzuki-rebadged models accounted for 53 percent of Toyota India sales in FY2025. Listed below are the popular badge-swap models under Rs 30 lakh in India.
Which trim of the 2026 Nissan Gravite should you buy?
Nissan launched the 2026 Gravite on February 17, a couple of months after its official teaser campaign first commenced. Constructed around the same CMF-A+ platform underpinning the Renault Triber, the Nissan Gravite tries to distinguish itself by offering prospective buyers a few brand-specific exterior and interior styling details. This includes a revised fascia, new bumpers, wheels and lights; changes to the interior mainly consist of a different dashboard layout. The trims on offer are Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna; we help you pick the right one.
Maruti e Vitara deliveries likely to remain constrained till July
Maruti Suzuki has said supply of its first electric SUV, the e Vitara, is likely to remain constrained in the near term, with production limitations expected to ease only after July. The company is currently balancing EV production with exports and strong demand for other models built on the same line.
What to expect from the India-bound Audi SQ8?
Audi India is adding another model to its Q8 line-up – the SQ8, which serves as a more potent version of the standard Q8 SUV and will be more affordable than the significantly more powerful RS Q8 Performance. Here is everything you can expect from the SQ8 ahead of its launch on March 17, 2026.
Maruti reveals full price list of e Vitara; starts from Rs 15.99 lakh
After revealing the base BaaS price of its first electric vehicle, Maruti Suzuki has now revealed the full price list of the e Vitara SUV. The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is priced between Rs 15.99 lakh and Rs 20.01 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available with two battery packs spread across three trims. The base Delta trim only gets the smaller 49kWh battery, while the Alpha and Zeta trims get a larger 61kWh battery.
Volkswagen to announce Tayron R-Line price
After commencing pre-bookings for the Tayron R-Line earlier this month, Volkswagen India is now set to disclose its ex-showroom price on February 19. The Tayron R-Line, which is essentially the 3-row version of the Tiguan R-Line, is being locally assembled in the country and will serve as the carmaker's new flagship SUV here. Both online and offline bookings are currently underway for a token amount of Rs 51,000, and we expect VW to price the Tayron R-Line at around Rs 46 lakh-48 lakh. A lower-spec Tayron variant is going to join the line-up later this year.
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📰 International
Trump approves tariff relief for US auto production, issues new truck duties
US President Donald Trump on Friday signed orders approving significant tariff relief for US auto and engine production and setting new 25 per cent tariffs on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and parts starting November 1.
Hype Luxury redefines global opulence: Indian billionaires now offered self-drive access to Rs 160-crore Hypercars in Monaco
Monaco : Hype Luxury, India’s premier global luxury mobility platform, today announced a landmark expansion of its elite fleet, introducing the world’s most expensive and rare hypercars for self-drive experiences in the Principality of Monaco. In a move that cements its status as a "New World Order" power in the luxury industry, Hype is now offering ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) the keys to automotive masterpieces like the Pagani Huayra (valued at approx. ₹160 Crores), the Pagani Zonda (approx. ₹150 Crores), and the Bugatti Chiron (approx. ₹30 Crores).
Jeep Wrangler Willys 392 limited edition makes global debut with Hemi V8
American automaker, Jeep has introduced the Wrangler Willys 392 as a specialised, limited-run entry within the Twelve 4 Twelve initiative, merging retro design cues with high-performance mechanicals.
📝 Polestar leans on revamped models to conserve cash and boost European sales
📝 Tesla avoids suspension by California regulator after corrective marketing changes
📝 Uber to invest over $100 million in autonomous vehicle charging amid robotaxi push
📝 BorgWarner secures first 48V electric cross differential programme with Chinese OEM
📝 Blackstone, EQT and CVC make offers for Volkswagen's Everllence: Reports
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