Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 20 Feb 2026,Friday
🏢 Industry
Amid growing complaints, govt auditing automated vehicle testing stations
New Delhi: With the growing number of complaints against the government’s automated testing stations (ATS) that assess vehicle fitness, the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) is auditing the 178 ATS to check data bleeding and manipulation to reduce the number of unfit and end-of-life vehicles on Indian roads, according to two people aware of the development.
Permanent magnet production to start by year-end: Govt
India will begin domestic production of permanent magnets by the end of this year, marking a strategic breakthrough aimed at reducing its overwhelming 95% dependence on imported critical minerals that power electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, electronics and defence manufacturing.
CAFE and the comeback car: Hybrids prep for the fast lane, leaving EVs behind
Hybrid cars may roar past their electric cousins in the coming years after trailing them in the green transition so far, mirroring a pattern set in the US, Europe and South Korea.
Auto firms mull price hike as metal costs hit margin
High prices of precious metals such as silver and platinum along with broader commodity inflation may force two-wheelers and commercial vehicles manufacturers to go for a price hike during the fourth quarter. These companies are likely to mix it up with volume growth and cost-cutting measures as they brace for another quarter of margin pressure.
South Asia’s largest trailer, truck body manufacturing plant begins operations in Chennai
Chennai: One of South Asia’s largest and most advanced trailer and truck body manufacturing facilities has begun operations in Chennai, reinforcing the city’s position as a major hub in India’s commercial vehicle and heavy engineering ecosystem.
📝 SIAM concludes sustainability week with global meet on material compliance
📝 India’s auto exports to EU rise to $2.2 billion in April–December period: Govt data
📝 Qualcomm to make India export hub for auto modules, backs AI push: Global CEO Cristiano Amon
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Volkswagen India rolls out Tayron R-Line at ₹46.99 lakh
New Volkswagen Tayron R-Line Priced at Rs 46.99 Lakh
Maruti looks at EVs to emerge as primary vehicle for retail passenger car buyers
📝 Škoda Auto Volkswagen India appoints Nitin Selot as Executive Director – finance, IT and legal affairs
📝 We want to be agile with our Re:Nissan strategy: Nissan India President
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Electric Car/SUV
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara complete variant-wise pricing revealed
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara was recently launched with Battery-as-a-Service for ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), with customers having to pay ₹3.99 per km for the battery. The first fully-electric vehicle from Maruti Suzuki has been launched in India with its starting price without BaaS set at ₹15.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The price tag of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara makes it more affordable than most competitors in the market, including the Hyundai Creta Electric and Mahindra BE 6, among others.
2026 Toyota C-HR electric compact SUV makes global debut, will it come to India?
Japanese automaker Toyota recently introduced the 2026 C-HR compact electric SUV as part of its growing electric portfolio in the US market. The Toyota C-HR model showcases an athletic, coupe-like profile and is powered by a dual-motor system that provides standard all-wheel drive. Delivering a combined 338 horsepower, the C-HR is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in a staggering 4.9 seconds.
📝 Tata Punch EV facelift launch today: What to expect
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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.
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
The CV sector rebound: Analyzing the growth trajectories of Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland
This is a sector that rides directly on the ‘India growth story’ and often also serves as a benchmark to study the cyclical nature of infrastructure development and business activity in the country.
Electric bus penetration rises to 4.5% in FY26
The electrification of India’s public bus fleet is gaining traction with electric buses accounting for 4.5% of total bus sales in FY26 so far, up from 3.5% in FY25, as central and state tenders begin translating into large-scale deployment.
Amid buoyant domestic focus, Montra Electric explores export markets for electric 3-wheelers
Montra Electric, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing arm of the Murugappa Group, is exploring exports of its electric three-wheelers (E3W), to Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
Ashok Leyland targets 25% market share in LCVs
Ashok Leyland (AL) is targeting a 25% market share in the light commercial vehicles (LCV) segment. The company plans to achieve this by launching new products and expanding its dealership network in growth markets, particularly in Western India.
Vijay Kedia’s 21% bet: Inside the EV transformation of this rural manufacturing giant
The 21% Conviction: Kedia’s Ultimate ‘SMILE’ Play?
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🎤 Interviews & Features
Nissan Gravite vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Which MPV offers better value for money?
Nissan India has launched its latest offering, Nissan Gravite, in India, which comes as a sub-four-metre MPV, positioned under the ₹10 lakh slab. Available at a price range of ₹5.65 lakh and ₹8.93 (introductory and ex-showroom), the Nissan Gravite targets the consumers who seek a three-row, seven-seater, family car offering ample space and practicality without burning a hole in the pocket.
The Rs 5.65 lakh disruptor: Here's everything about the all-new Nissan Gravite
Source Credit: The Tribune
New Delhi: The Indian automotive market has long been defined by a unique 'Indian math', a demand for hatchback-sized dimensions paired with the utility of a multi-purpose vehicle. At the launch of the Nissan Gravite, it became evident that Nissan has attempted to solve this equation with a product that prioritizes 'Desi' practicality over traditional segment norms.
📝 Volkswagen Tayron R-line launch date confirmed: Expected price, features & specs
📝 Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara: Variant-wise features, battery packs explained
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
A bike built for those long, rocky adventures
The first time I set eyes on the TVS Apache RTX 300, I stopped mid stride and stared in appreciation. Not surprising because the RTX has a captivating presence that made me momentarily wonder if it was truly powered by just a 299.1cc engine, rather than something closer to the 500cc mark.
Can Ola Electric recharge its fading spark?
An arrest warrant issued against Bhavish Aggarwal by a consumer court in Goa, later stayed by the Bombay High Court, has added to the turbulence engulfing Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. The episode is the latest in a series of setbacks for founder Aggarwal, who is battling service complaints, falling sales and a sharp reversal in investor sentiment.
Norton Atlas adventure tourer spied testing in India, brings 585cc parallel-twin power
The Norton Atlas aligns with the brand’s new design ethos, bringing sculpted body panels with clean surfacing. It features a wide, twin-pod LED headlamp that stretches across the cowl, fitted below a tall touring-friendly windscreen. The headlamp cowl blends into muscular tank extensions, which lend the motorcycle a bold on-road presence, while the gold-finished USD forks add a touch of premiumness.
📝 Greaves Electric Mobility set to launch Ampere 6th Gen e-scooter in FY27
📝 Ola Electric to cut store network to 550
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⚙ Components
📝 India targets rare earth permanent magnet production by year-end to cut import reliance
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🌇 Allied Industries
📝 Delhivery partners NVIDIA to build India-focused AI maps
📝 Waaree Energies set to develop Rs 8,000 crore lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
Oil rises to six-month high on concern over potential US-Iran conflict
New York: Oil prices rose around 2% on Thursday to their highest level in six months, as traders worried about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which have stepped up military activity in the oil-producing Middle East.
Higher crude prices and expansion plans may weigh on OMC performance
📝 India's oil purchases ensure global energy security: Russia claims India-US understanding on crude import volumes
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EV Charging
Statiq raises $18 million to expand EV charging network
Leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network Statiq on Thursday announced a fresh capital infusion of approximately $18 million. The funding round, blending equity and debt, was led by Tenacity Ventures, with key participation from Y Combinator, Shell Ventures, and RCD Holdings.
📝 Volvo Car India, ChargeZone open ultra-fast EV charging station on Mumbai–Nashik Highway
📝 MCG earmarks 20 spots for EV charging stations in Gurgaon
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
MSMEs can cut 87 MT of carbon emissions: NITI
India’s 69 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) could slash up to 87 million tonne of carbon emissions over the next decade by rapidly adopting rooftop solar, energy-efficient machinery and cleaner fuels, while unlocking more than ?2 lakh crore in private investment, according to NITI Aayog’s “Roadmap for Green Transition of MSMEs” report.
Delhi AQI 'moderate'; GRAP stage-II curbs revoked as air quality improves
New Delhi: Delhi residents woke up to a clear morning on Thursday as air quality showed marked improvement. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 8 am was 169, placing the national capital in the ‘moderate’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
10-Year diesel, 15-Year petrol? Delhi says scrap or shift them out
The Delhi government has issued a fresh warning to owners of ageing petrol and diesel vehicles, stating that qualifying vehicles found on city roads or parked in public places will be impounded and scrapped without further notice.
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📖 Magazines
Volkswagen launches Tayron R-Line at Rs 46.99 lakh in India
Volkswagen has launched the Tayron R-Line at an introductory price of Rs 46.99 lakh, making the SUV its flagship offering in India. Essentially an elongated 3-row version of the Tiguan R-Line, the Tayron gets the same 2.0-litre TSI engine but features some design changes to make it stand apart from the 5-door SUV.
Vinfast offering up to Rs 1.30 lakh exchange benefits on VF6 and VF7
Vietnamese EV maker Vinfast has announced a ‘Value Assured’ programme for the VF6 and VF7 electric SUVs. Under it, the carmaker is offering benefits of up to Rs 1.30 lakh on upgrading to a VF6 or VF7 in exchange for a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle.
Audi RS5 reborn as 639hp V6 PHEV
The 2026 Audi RS5 has just been revealed in both sedan and estate forms, and it is the first of a new generation of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) performance cars from Ingolstadt’s performance wing, Audi Sport. Pairing the previous RS5’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with a gearbox-mounted electric motor and a battery pack, the new-gen model sends an astonishing 639hp and 825Nm to the road to a new version of Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD system. Thanks to Audi’s recent model range consolidation, this new model at once replaces both the RS4 Avant and the RS5 Sportback and coupe globally.
Top 10 cheapest 7 seater cars in India
Seven-seaters are quite a popular vehicle category as they lend themselves perfectly well to the typical large Indian family, thanks to the space and flexibility they offer. With offerings from brands such as Nissan, Renault, Mahindra, Maruti, Toyota, Kia and Citroen, there’s plenty to choose from. We have put together a list of the 10 most affordable and best family-friendly cars that can seat up to seven people, ranked by their ex-showroom prices in descending order.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 gets revised side stand
Royal Enfield has introduced an updated side stand for the Himalayan 450, addressing one of the few notable shortcomings of the bike. The revised component features a straighter design and reduces the extent to which the bike leans when parked.
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📰 International
📝 US automakers caught in crossfire of Trump, California EV battle
📝 Trump rescinding rule incentivising EV production so automakers meet fuel economy requirements
📝 Renault to ramp up EV 'offensive' as sales climb
📝 Nissan to recall about 643,000 SUVs in US over engine, gear issues, says NHTSA
📝 German carmakers need China to compete globally, BMW CEO says ahead of Merz trip
📝 Online used-car retailer Carvana shares tumble as vehicle reconditioning costs climb
📝 Renault forecasts 2026 margin drop as price pressure dents profit
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