Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 07 Jan 2026,Wednesday
🏢 Industry
Cut tariffs, shift toward passenger vehicles to gain global share: Niti Report
To strengthen competitiveness and boost automotive exports, India must cut tariffs, boost two-way trade, join cross-border platforms, and shift production toward high-demand segments like passenger vehicles, Niti Aayog said in a report on Tuesday.
Rural demand drives 27% jump in PV retail sales in December
Passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales jumped 26.64% year-on-year (YoY) to 3,79,671 units in December 2025, up from 2,99,799 units in December 2024. The surge was driven by strong rural demand, which grew 32.40% YoY, significantly outpacing the 22.93% growth recorded in urban markets, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) on Tuesday.
AI can turn blue collar into gold: Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group
Mumbai: Artificial intelligence (AI) will elevate blue collar work to a new level of long-term relevance, said Anand G Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group in his year-end address. Noting fears of disruption as Al reshapes industries, Mahindra called Al an accelerator rather than a threat. Arguing that Al will bring about a fundamental shift in the value of “hands on” skills, he outlined the Group’s plan to “rediscover” the value of people who can build, craft, repair and operate the real machinery of life.
JSW MG Motor hits $1 billion in revenue in under 6 years, but losses surge
Homegrown conglomerate JSW Group’s first auto business, JSW MG Motor India, crossed the $1-billion revenue milestone in the financial year ended 31 March 2025, less than six years after launching its cars in the country.
CY2025 marks record year for auto sales: Shriram Mobility Bulletin
Chennai: India’s mobility sector closed 2025 on a strong note, with truck rentals soaring to the highest levels across major trunk routes and vehicle sales reaching unprecedented levels. December data reveals sustained freight momentum despite seasonal headwinds and weather disruptions, says Shriram Mobility Bulletin. Truck rentals remained firm in December, with rates increasing across most trunk routes. Round-trip rentals for 18-tonne payload vehicles surged, with the Delhi-Mumbai corridor leading gains at 12 per cent year-on-year. Demand for BS-VI compliant trucks remained particularly strong in the NCR region due to GRAP restrictions limiting older vehicle movement.
Govt may weigh new PLI Auto scheme for startups, small units
PLI-auto scheme needs rejig to boost India’s auto exports: NITI Aayog
Auto retails enter the fast lane as GST boost revs up local demand
GST rate cuts drive up auto retail sales in 2025
📝 Record India-made cars reach global destinations in 2025
📝 Govt initiates measures to make Telangana role model in EV adoption: Minister Prabhakar
📝 EVs – A powerful engine for India’s decarbonisation and industrial transformation
📝 Import tariff on steel items to hit construction, engineering, auto sectors
📝 KB Ganesh, Kerala Transport Minister, takes the Tata Sierra for a spin
📝 Minister Pralhad Joshi leads from the front, drives Hydrogen-powered car
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Mahindra bets on XUV 7XO to reset premium SUV play, lure luxury buyers
While the XUV700 is exported to markets such as South Africa and Australia, Mahindra will prioritise the domestic market for the 7XO. The company has an installed capacity of around 10,000 units a month for the XUV at its Chakan plant, against current sales of 6,500–7,000 units, providing comfortable headroom. The launch also coincides with M&M’s rise to the No.2 position in India’s passenger vehicle market, overtaking Hyundai Motor India and Tata Motors. This is largely driven by strong SUV demand. M&M has sold 600,000 vehicles (retail) in 2025, growing by around 20 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y). The mid-size UV2 segment — comprising SUVs and multi-utility vehicles (MUVs) typically between 4,400 mm and 4,700 mm — has emerged as a key growth driver. After growing at just 1.1 per cent between FY15 and FY19, the category has since clocked a 29 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), outpacing the mainstream SUV segment 23 per cent growth.
Tata Punch 2026 facelift: Finally gets turbo petrol engine, new design, check launch date
Tata Motors has officially unveiled the 2026 Tata Punch facelift, the most significant update to its bestselling micro-SUV since its debut in 2021. Borrowing styling cues from the electric Punch EV for a unified family look, the refreshed model also introduces a powerful new turbo-petrol engine option alongside cosmetic enhancements and upgraded features. Official pricing and bookings will commence on January 13.
Skoda Kylaq becomes costlier by upto ₹19,295. Variant-wise pricelist detailed
Skoda Auto India has increased the price of its Kylaq, which is the most affordable car of the brand in India. The Czech car manufacturer has increased price of the Skoda Kylaq by up to ₹19,295, with the minimum price hike amounting to ₹4,349. The price hike amount for the Skoda Kylaq varies across the variants.
📝 Mahindra expects sales momentum to sustain in 2026 as SUVs continue upward march
📝 Nissan India Records 15,372 Consolidated Sales Driven by Exports in December 2025
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Electric Car/SUV
Mahindra XUV 3XO takes an electric turn at ₹13.89 lakh: Check variants and specs
Mahindra eyes Nexon EV turf with new XUV 3XO EV
The Financial Express
Rahul Kanuganti leads India's heavy-duty EV shift in logistics and industrial transport
📝 Nissan's Hyundai Creta rival to be officially unveiled on Feb 4th
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
📝 Can Ashok Leyland sustain its rally after a 27% surge since November?
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🎤 Interviews & Features
‘After 7XO, M&M’s next major launch will be NU IQ late in FY27’: Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of M&M Automotive division
Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra, which has just launched the XUV 7XO, (an upgrade of the XUV 700) has more refreshes coming up this year, but the major launch will be later in FY27 of the first set of NU IQ products. businessline caught up with Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of M&M Automotive division to talk about the 7XO and other products.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari: Which premium 3-row SUV should buyers choose?
Mahindra has just launched the XUV 7XO, which is the new flagship ICE model of the brand. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is essentially the rebadged and revamped iteration of the Mahindra XUV700. The SUV is already available for booking since mid-December, and now the automaker has announced its complete price list. Available in six different trim options, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is priced between ₹13.66 lakh and ₹24.92 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the powertrain combination, seating layout and grades.
Simple Energy aims to scale sustainably, not chase volumes at any cost: CPO
With subsidies tapering, and legacy OEMs tightening, and cementing their leadership in the electric two-wheeler space, Simple Energy told businessline that it is focusing on sustainable growth, steering away from volume-at-all-costs play. Co-founder and CPO, Shreshth Mishra, explains how the company is betting on high-range scooters, localisation, and disciplined expansion as it looks to grow its footprint across North and Central India and build a sustainable EV business.
📝 Toyota’s Bidadi plant: Where the Toyota Production System comes alive
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🏗 Construction & Agriculture
Auto ancillary or EV auto ancillary? Clear distinction is key to finding a winner: 6 auto ancillary stocks with upside potential of up to 24%
After the GST rate rationalisation, the auto sector has been one of the best-performers on the street (even the December sales numbers have been good). Now, if the auto sector is doing well, auto ancillaries are also bound to do better. Right?
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
Simple Energy Gen 2, Simple Ultra with 400km range launched in India: Check price, battery, colours and more
Simple Energy has expanded its vehicle portfolio with the launch of the Gen 2 versions of its popular Simple One and Simple OneS electric scooters, alongside the new Simple Ultra. The Ultra is touted as India’s first electric scooter with an IDC-certified range of 400 km on a single charge. Powered by a massive 6.5 kWh battery – which is the largest ever in an Indian electric scooter – the Simple Ultra combines extreme range with strong performance, achieving a top speed of 115 kmph and 0-40 kmph acceleration in 2.77 seconds. This makes it the second-fastest electric scooter in India, behind only the company’s own Simple OneS.
KTM 390 Adventure bikes get free accessories worth ₹10,000 & more…
If you are planning to buy a KTM 390 Adventure or KTM 390 Adventure X, this January seems the best time to bring it home. The motorcycle manufacturer has announced a limited period New Year offer on the 390 Adventure range of motorcycles, under which the 390 Adventure and 390 Adventure buyers will receive genuine KTM accessories worth ₹10,000 along with an extended warranty package valued at ₹2,650, at no additional cost.
India’s two-wheeler market shifts upmarket as sub-125cc share declines
Premiumization to drive India's two-wheeler growth as sub-125cc share declines: Report
Victory Electric Vehicles International Limited, A trusted name in India's EV 3-wheeler segment, opens its IPO on 7th January 2026
📝 HMSI sales zoom 44.8% to 3.92 lakh units in December 2025
📝 Yezdi adventure and roadster now available on Amazon, Flipkart
📝 Honda Activa, Dio, Shine, CB350 Drive Growth by 45% in December 2025
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⚙ Components
Rs 11,000 crore alert: Why this ‘boring’ stock is undergoing a massive re-rating
For about half a century, if you walked into a workshop in Detroit or Stuttgart and picked up a heavy-duty crankshaft, chances are it was made by Bharat Forge. This Pune-based giant with a leadership position in the metal-bashers space, saw its fortunes rise and fall with the cyclical demand for American Class-8 trucks.
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🌇 Allied Industries
India’s EV battery recycling moment arrives as end-of-life volumes rise
Bengaluru: As India’s early-generation electric vehicles begin approaching the end of their usable life, the country is moving towards its first large wave of retired EV batteries marking a critical inflection point for battery recycling and second-life energy storage companies. India is already seeing strong EV penetration, with monthly sales of about 1.4 lakh electric two-wheelers, 17,000–18,000 electric three-wheelers, and 15,000–16,000 electric four-wheelers, according to industry estimates. Even before the first large replacement cycle begins, these volumes are building the base for a recycling market that could expand nearly ten-fold by 2030, led initially by commercial vehicles, said Utkarsh Singh, chief executive of BatX Energies.
📝 'Battery energy storage to jump 10x in 2026'
📝 Apollo Tyres’ Chennai, Limda plants win British Safety Council Sword of Honour
📝 Elektrobit unveils EB civion suite at CES 2026 to accelerate SDV cockpit development
📝 Steel import parity improves after safeguard duties; demand crucial – S&P
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
Why Falling Crude Prices Matter for India: SBI Research list 3 key factors to watch
The spotlight is on Crude oil following the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the Trump administration. Venezuela houses 18% of the world’s proven oil reserves but produces less than 1% of global crude output. With OPEC+ deciding to keep the output steady amidst an already existing supply glut in the market, SBI Research suggests that crude oil prices are expected to soften significantly by the first half of 2026.
Reliance denies Russian crude shipments to Jamnagar refinery
📝 India's January Russian oil imports may fall sharply as Reliance expects no deliveries
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EV Charging
📝 Telangana govt to ramp up EV procurement, expand charging network
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
Car status symbol, people saving money to buy them: CJI Surya Kant during pollution hearing
The CJI’s observation came while hearing a plea related to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
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📖 Magazines
8 features Mahindra XUV 7XO adds over the XUV700
With the 2026 mid-cycle update to the XUV700, Mahindra has renamed its ICE flagship as the XUV 7XO, and the changes extend well beyond a new name. The first-generation executive SUV, which was launched in 2021, has now gained new features with the facelift, building on what was already one of the most tech-laden offerings in the segment; the turbo-petrol and diesel engine duo has been carried over. Below, we discuss eight features that the XUV700 facelift adds. Do note that availability will vary by variant.
Volkswagen Virtus, Taigun get discounts of up to Rs 1.26 lakh in January 2026
Volkswagen dealerships across India are offering significant benefits and discounts on the Taigun SUV and Virtus sedan this month. Naturally, all discounts and benefits are only available on MY2025 models. The total benefits this month comprise direct cash discounts, exchange and corporate/loyalty bonuses and a scrappage incentive of up to Rs 20,000.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs rivals specifications compared
The XUV 7XO, launched at a starting price of Rs 13.66 lakh, ex-showroom, for the first 40,000 units, replaces the XUV700 nameplate as Mahindra’s ICE-powered flagship SUV. Essentially an XUV700 facelift, the 7XO brings a refreshed exterior design along with feature additions such as a triple-screen setup, electronically operated ‘boss’ mode for the front passenger seat, and a 540-degree surround-view camera, to name a few. In this article, we compare the XUV 7XO’s specifications against those of the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar.
Simple One Gen 2 vs Gen 1.5: Price and differences explained
The Simple One Gen 2 isn’t radically different from the erstwhile Gen 1.5. However, it aims to build on the Gen 1.5’s strengths and refine the overall package. Here are all the differences between the Simple One Gen 1.5 and Gen 2.
Mahindra XUV 7XO launched at Rs 13.66 lakh
The new Mahindra XUV 7XO has launched at a starting price of Rs 13.66 lakh, ex-showroom, applicable for the first 40,000 units. Pre-bookings for the 2026 Mahindra SUV, which is essentially the XUV700 facelift, were closed before the launch, and fresh bookings will now open on January 14, 2026. Deliveries for select variants will start on the same day, followed by a phased rollout for the remaining variants through April. The Mahindra XUV 7XO rivals the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar.
Skoda Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia prices hiked by up to Rs 34,000
Skoda has hiked the prices of its mass-market offerings in India, which include the Kylaq sub-4m SUV, the Kushaq midsize SUV and the Slavia midsize sedan. The biggest price increase – Rs 34,000 – is for the Slavia, followed by the Kylaq and Kushaq. Meanwhile, the Skoda Kodiaq continues to range between Rs 39.99 lakh and Rs 45.96 lakh.
New Renault Duster: All you need to know about the SUV launching in 2026
Renault has announced that the Duster SUV will return to India on Republic Day 2026. Launched in 2012, the first-gen Duster gave birth to the popular midsize SUV segment as we know it today, and inspired launches like the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, and so on. Renault will bring the globally available third-generation Duster to India, which will be a successor to the first-gen model. The Duster is built on the all-new CMF-B platform, which is being localised in India and shared with the upcoming Nissan Tekton. Here’s what we can expect from the upcoming India-spec Renault Duster.
Nissan Tekton Reveal on February 4
Nissan India, which confirmed the ‘Tekton’ name for its upcoming midsize SUV last October while also teasing some of its exterior and interior, will fully reveal the model on February 4. The Tekton is Nissan’s version of the upcoming Renault Duster and is expected to launch in India around June 2026. It will go up against models such as the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos.
Nissan Gravite to be unveiled on January 21
Nissan India has confirmed that it’ll pull the covers off its upcoming compact MPV, the Gravite, on January 21. With its full price announcement slated for March, the Gravite will be the first of three new Nissan launches for India by 2027.
Which Mahindra XUV 7XO trim should you buy?
Nearly five years after introducing the XUV700, Mahindra has launched the XUV 7XO as its thoroughly updated successor. The XUV 7XO’s exterior is an evolution over the XUV700’s design but retains the same dimensions as the latter. However, the facelift has brought along new styling cues both on the exterior and interior while extending the premium look and feel of the XUV700.
New Mahindra XUV 3XO EV launched at Rs 13.89 lakh
Mahindra has taken the wraps off its newest electric car, the XUV 3XO EV, expanding its eSUV portfolio to four models. The XUV 3XO EV is available in two variants: the AX5, priced at Rs 13.89 lakh, and the AX7L, priced at Rs 14.96 lakh (ex-showroom); a 7.2kW AC charger costs an additional Rs 50,000. Deliveries for the XUV 3XO EV are scheduled to begin on February 23.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs XUV700: Differences and similarities explained
Mahindra has launched the XUV 7XO SUV in India with introductory prices starting from Rs 13.66 lakh, ex-showroom. Essentially a Mahindra XUV700 facelift, the XUV 7XO gets some new design elements inside and out, making it look bolder and fresher. Additionally, it gets more modern-day convenience and safety features. Let’s lay out at all the similarities and differences between the two.
Mahindra seals second spot in 2025 car sales
Mahindra & Mahindra has moved up to the No. 2 position in India’s passenger vehicle market for CY2025, based on Vahan data till December 25. This is the first time the brand has finished ahead of both Hyundai and Tata Motors in annual numbers, with Maruti Suzuki continuing as the market leader, registering 17.50 lakh units.
KTM 390 Adventure range gets benefits worth Rs 10,000
KTM is offering complimentary accessories worth Rs 8,350 for its 390 Adventure and 390 Adventure X. Along with this, the brand is also offering a 10-year extended warranty for free, which otherwise costs Rs 2,650.
New Bajaj Chetak to launch on January 14
Bajaj is set to launch a new Chetak model on January 14. It will get a new taillight and likely to get a refreshed overall design among other differences. The Chetak has been a strong contender in the EV scooter market with a 21 percent market share.
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📰 International
Top global commercial vehicle OEM chooses Aptiv's Gen 6 ADAS platform
Schaffhausen: India (NewsVoir) • Scalable, turn-key solution tailored for India’s traffic and road conditions, delivers safe navigation and cost-effective regulatory compliance • Integrates Aptiv’s latest radar and smart camera - featuring STRADVISION’s AI-based vision technology - with Aptiv’s modular software solutions, all optimized for commercial vehicle applications Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV), a global industrial technology company, today announced that a leading commercial vehicle OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) has selected its Gen 6 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to equip its future trucks and buses in India.
Automakers face an ‘EV winter’ in 2026 as sales growth slows
Hyundai plans to deploy humanoid robots at American factory from 2028
Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots at its US manufacturing plant in Georgia starting in 2028, marking a step toward automating higher-risk and repetitive manufacturing tasks, the South Korean company said. Hyundai unveiled the production version of the Atlas humanoid robot, developed by its Boston Dynamics unit, at the CES consumer electronics show in Las Vegas on Monday, adding that it aims to build a factory capable of manufacturing 30,000 robots annually by 2028.
📝 EV maker VinFast's Vietnam deliveries nearly double in 2025
📝 New car sales are rising thanks to purchases by well-off
📝 Lower demand for electric cars dents GM's sales
📝 Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun livestreams five-hour teardown of YU7 EV to counter safety, quality concerns
📝 Have you seen their car?: Elon Musk laughed at BYD a decade ago; now it has toppled Tesla as world’s largest EV maker
📝 Lucid beats delivery estimates even as EV sales lag production growth
📝 JLR Q3 sales slide as cyber incident, Jaguar wind-down hit volumes
📝 Tesla UK car sales slump 29% in December as competition heats up, data shows
📝 China's Xusheng wins $1.1 billion auto part orders from North American automaker
📝 Nvidia details new AI chips and autonomous car project with Mercedes
📝 Mobileye secures deal with major US automaker, boosting production outlook
📝 Uber shows off its robotaxi heading for San Francisco
📝 Sony Honda mobility unveiled its new prototype EV at CES Event
📝 Mercedes to offer autonomous driving tech for U.S. city streets
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