Uber enters India’s corporate transport market, expands B2B play
Uber has launched an employee transportation service in India, marking its entry into the corporate commute segment with operations already live in Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai. The company’s initial focus will be to expand the service to other tier-1 cities where GCCs, BPOs, and IT firms are concentrated, with tier-2 cities to follow.

Auto majors allay fear over slowing EV adoption after tax cut for traditional cars
A festive-season jump in petrol and diesel car sales after the government cut goods and services tax (GST) rates briefly pulled down electric vehicle (EV) penetration, leading to concern that cheaper internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles could slow down India’s EV transition.

EV retail sales surge 16.37 pc to over 22.70 lakh units in 2025: FADA
The Tribune
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/ev-retail-sales-surge-16-37-pc-to-over-22-70-lakh-units-in-2025-fada/

Robust demand, operating leverage set to drive bumper Q3 for auto sector: Nuvama Report
Source Credit: ANI, The Tribune

New Delhi: India's automobile sector is set to deliver one of its strongest quarterly performances in years in Q3FY26, with robust demand growth coinciding with a sharp improvement in profitability across segments, according to a sector preview by Nuvama Institutional Equities.

Delhi may bring back app-based carpooling—why it was banned, and what’s changing now
Why Delhi may bring back app-based carpooling

Mahindra eyes 30 percent incremental demand from XUV 7XO within current capacity
Mahindra expects the newly launched XUV 7XO to drive up to 30 percent incremental demand without any immediate expansion in manufacturing capacity. According to R Velusamy, president of automotive business, Mahindra currently has installed capacity of around 10,000 units a month for the XUV 7XO and related platforms at its Chakan plant which should be sufficient to absorb the expected demand uptick. “With the transformation across lower, mid and top variants, we believe demand can go up by as much as 30%, and we are well placed to manage that within existing capacity.”

Visteon and Mahindra unveil next-generation SmartCore™ pro technology for India's best-selling SUV
Bengaluru:  Visteon Corporation (NASDAQ: VC), a global leader in automotive cockpit electronics, today announced at CES 2026 its expanded technology partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India's leading SUV manufacturer. The collaboration will bring the next-generation SmartCore™ Pro cockpit system to Mahindra's highly anticipated XUV7X0 vehicle lineup, launching in India in 2026.

Tata Motors launches petrol variants of Harrier, Safari; prices start from ₹12.89 lakh
(Price list) 

Toyota to launch Urban Cruiser EV in India on January 20
Toyota will formally enter India’s electric passenger vehicle market with the launch of the Urban Cruiser EV on January 20, marking the company’s first all-electric model for the country. The electric SUV is based on the upcoming Maruti eVitara and will be manufactured in Gujarat for both domestic sales and exports.

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV vs Tata Nexon EV: In specs comparison, which one wins the competition?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV has stepped into the Indian compact SUV market as a surprise, directly challenging the Tata Nexon EV. Launched as a replacement to the XUV400, this compact electric SUV is based on the XUV 3XO petrol variant and costs Rs 13.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on Mahindra’s claims, the XUV 3XO EV aims to disrupt Tata’s dominance in the sub-compact electric SUV segment with better performance, focused affordability, and a simpler variant lineup.

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV: Variant wise price and features explained
Mahindra XUV 3XO EV is the latest entrant in the Indian electric passenger vehicle market. The electric SUV comes as a rebadged and revamped iteration of the Mahindra XUV400 EV. The electric SUV is available at a starting price of ₹13.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Available in two variant options, the new Mahindra XUV 3XO EV comes revising the competition in the electric sub-compact SUV segment, where Tata Nexon leads the pack.

Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: Which SUV to pick
Mahindra XUV 7XO is the latest ICE-powered SUV in the automaker's lineup, which is essentially the rebadged and revamped version of the Mahindra XUV700. Besides the new nomenclature, the SUV comes carrying a completely new design philosophy, enhanced features. However, the powertrain remains same as the old XUV700. While the Indian SUV market is dominated by the sub-compact SUVs and compact SUVs, the premium three-row SUVs too have been witnessing growing number of takers.

Rural economy spurs tractor sales in 2025, tilling fertile ground for 2026
 

Victory Electric Vehicles IPO day 1: GMP, subscription status, review, other details about NSE SME IPO
Victory Electric Vehicles IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Victory Electric Vehicles has opened for subscription today, January 7, aiming to raise ₹34.56 crore through the maiden share sale.

HMSI sells 4.46 lakh units in December, up 45% YoY
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) reported a 45% year-on-year increase in December 2025. The brand managed to clock 4,46,048 units  driven by robust demand in both domestic and export markets.

Bajaj Chetak electric scooter to get a new variant on January 14. What to expect
Bajaj Auto is working on a new variant of the Chetak electric scooter. The two-wheeler manufacturer seems to be an affordable version of the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, the only offering from the brand in the Indian scooter market as well as, electric two-wheeler segment. The upcoming Bajaj Chetak variant will break cover on January 14. As it seems, the upcoming iteration of the Bajaj Chetak would rival the entry-level electric scooters in the market, like the TVS Orbiter.

Ather 450X gets adaptive cruise control tech
Ather Energy has rolled out its Infinite Cruise adaptive cruise control feature across the entire 450X electric scooter line-up, expanding a software-led riding aid that was earlier limited to the premium Ather 450 Apex. The feature will now be offered as standard on all new 450X scooters and enabled via over-the-air (OTA) updates for existing owners who purchased their vehicles from January 1, 2025 onwards.

Govt to rev up auto parts sector with Rs 5,000 crore push
The government is working on an incentive scheme of more than Rs 5,000 crore for the automobile component industry, aimed at scaling up domestic manufacturing and increasing the country’s share in the global automotive value chain, officials familiar with the matter told FE.

India’s natural rubber sector records steady growth in 2024-25
India’s natural rubber sector has shown significant progress in the 2024–25 fiscal year, marked by expansions in plantation area, increased productivity, and continued institutional and technological support.

Reliance denies report claiming it imports Russian crude oil
 

CAQM inspection finds most Noida roads low on dust despite persistent pollution
One of the most polluted cities that has seen no clean air day since Nov, has just a handful of dust bowls. Inspection of 142 road stretches, including Rajnigandha Chowk, Film City, Kalindi Kunj, and 7x sectors, by 10 teams of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Monday has found low or no visible dust at most of these spots.

According to CAQM, just four road stretches showed high levels of visible dust, while 24 recorded moderate dust. In contrast, 66 stretches were categorised as having low dust intensity, and 48 were found to be dust-free altogether.

"The findings indicate an encouraging overall scenario," the commission's report said, while directing authorities to take targeted measures at locations where dust levels remained high.

The teams covered key arterial roads, including the MP-1 stretch from Rajnigandha Chowk to Sectors 12 and 22, MP-2 from Film City to Sector 60, MP-3 from Kalindi Kunj to City Centre, and several internal roads across 7x sectors and along the Noida Expressway. Sources said most of these stretches are those that see regular mechanical sweeping.

Noida Authority general manager (health) SP Singh said the findings reflected sustained efforts on the ground. "Every day, we deploy 19 mechanical sweeping machines and cover around 340 km of roads. The inspection and the positive feedback show that these efforts are yielding results in keeping Noida clean and green," he said.

The CAQM teams, however, flagged higher dust levels in parts of Sector 122, largely due to ongoing construction activity in surrounding areas. Excess dust was also observed under the newly opened Bhangel elevated road. Another stretch highlighted as a dust hotspot was the Yamuna Pushta road, which officials said is in poor condition and damaged at several points. Noida Authority clarified that the Pushta road falls under the jurisdiction of the irrigation department.

The drive, conducted under ‘Operation Clean Air', involved 10 teams comprising officers from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the CAQM flying squad. The teams assessed the effectiveness of road cleaning and mechanical sweeping operations, as well as the overall upkeep of major corridors. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs were collected at each site and submitted to CAQM as part of a consolidated inspection report.

Officials said the exercise focused on identifying visible road dust, accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW), construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and instances of open burning, all key contributors to particulate pollution in urban areas.

CAQM noted that the few stretches showing high dust levels were often linked to waste accumulation, particularly under flyovers and along metro corridors, where sweeping and dust suppression tend to be less effective. "These observations underline the need for focused attention on identified hotspots to prevent the re-accumulation of dust and waste," the report said, adding that targeted sweeping and suppression measures would be required at such locations.

Noida Authority said the inspections were conducted as surprise checks by CAQM and UPPCB teams, without prior intimation or participation of their officials.

Residents, meanwhile, claimed several stretches across the city had cracked and uneven patches, potholes, dust and loose gravel that made the daily commute difficult. Clouds of dust rose every time a car roared past the Sector 71 underpass, a daily commuter said.

Road dust is the second highest contributor to Delhi-NCR's PM2.5 pollution, accounting for close to one-fifth (18%) of the fine and deadly particulate matter, according to a 2018 source-apportionment study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Automotive Research Association of India. The study identified transport as the biggest contributor (39%) to Delhi's pollution.

CAQM said similar inspection and enforcement drives under ‘Operation Clean Air' would continue across the NCR to ensure strict compliance with statutory directions and GRAP measures aimed at dust mitigation and the prevention of open burning.
https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/roads-highways/caqm-inspection-finds-most-noida-roads-low-on-dust-despite-persistent-pollution/126388102?utm_source=top_news&utm_medium=sectionListing

Delhi’s air quality deteriorates, AQI touches 300 in ‘Poor’ category
Earlier, the city had recorded an AQI of 288 on January 6. Despite the marginal decline, the air remained relatively clear, with a thin haze of fog enveloping the capital. Areas such as Kartavya Path were engulfed in dense fog due to a cold wave prevailing in the city this morning.

TCS refund on car purchase: Who can claim it, how it works, and key rules to know
Can you get a refund on TCS (Tax Collection at Source) on the car that you had purchased? TCS is levied if the sale value of the motor vehicle exceeds ₹10 lakh. The government levies a 1% TCS on the sale value (including GST) of the vehicle. But you can claim a refund for the entire TCS subject to certain conditions. Here is a guide on who is eligible for a TCS refund and how to claim it.

Verge TS Pro is world’s first production electric bike with solid state battery
You may not have heard of small Finnish electric bike maker Verge Motorcycles, but the company has debuted a radical new battery technology, marking a big step forward for electric motorcycles. Recently, Verge debuted the world’s first production motorcycle fitted with a solid-state battery, the TS Pro supernaked. Among many of its noteworthy features is the ability to support CCS2 fast-charging at up to 200kW, which can give it up to an 80 percent recharge in a claimed 10 minutes.

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.

5 things to know before buying the Bajaj Pulsar RS200
While the Pulsar RS200 shares its engine, frame and core fundamentals with the NS200, it sets itself apart with distinctly different styling. It was updated last year with a handful of feature additions and refreshed graphics. Here are a few things to know if you’re considering buying one.

Toyota Urban Cruiser EV first teaser out ahead of India launch
Toyota India has begun the teaser campaign for its first electric car, the Urban Cruiser EV. The first teaser of the India-spec Toyota Urban Cruiser EV provides some exterior design details, but not much else.

Top 10 carmakers in India in 2025 ranked by sales
The year gone by marked a shift in India’s passenger vehicle market, with Mahindra securing the second place. Maruti Suzuki retained its lead, while Hyundai and Tata Motors slipped in the rankings amid rising competition across key segments. Overall sales remained strong, led largely by SUVs.

Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari top trims: Which offers more features?
The Mahindra XUV 7XO was recently launched as the facelifted version of the XUV700 SUV, with some design changes and many new features. Its closest rival is the Tata Safari, which is also a very well-equipped SUV. So, which of these has the better-equipped top-spec trim? Let’s find out.

2026 Tata Punch facelift vs old model: Differences and similarities explained
Tata Motors has unveiled the Punch facelift ahead of its launch on January 13. The 2026 Punch gets a redesigned exterior and interior, along with a new turbo-petrol engine option and feature additions. We compare the Punch facelift with its predecessor to see what has changed.

Tata Safari Petrol launched at Rs 13.29 lakh
Tata Motors has launched the much-awaited Safari petrol at Rs 13.29 lakh. The automaker’s flagship SUV, earlier sold only with a diesel engine, now gets the in-house developed TGDI Hyperion turbo-petrol, which debuted on the Sierra. Tata has also introduced the same engine in the Harrier.

2026 Tata Harrier petrol price starts at Rs 12.89 lakh
Tata Motors has added a petrol engine option for the Harrier, which, until now, was only available with a diesel engine. The Tata Harrier turbo-petrol range is priced from Rs 12.89 lakh to Rs 24.69 lakh, ex-showroom. Developed in-house by the homegrown carmaker, this direct-injection motor debuted on the 2025 Tata Sierra. The same has also been introduced in the Tata Safari flagship SUV.

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.

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 all the similarities and differences between the two. 

Mahindra XUV 7XO price and features compared with XUV700
Mahindra has launched the XUV 7XO as the mid-cycle update to the XUV700 ICE flagship, and the changes go beyond a new badge. While the XUV 7XO carries over engine and gearbox options from the XUV700, it brings a revised interior, added technology and a reshuffled feature list across variants. The facelift also brings suspension revisions aimed at improving ride comfort. 

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV vs Tata Nexon EV price and specs compared
Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO EV as its entry-level electric car. The XUV 3XO EV is effectively positioned as an additional powertrain for the ICE-powered XUV 3XO compact SUV and therefore doesn’t sport many cosmetic and feature differences compared to its petrol and diesel counterparts. How does the XUV 3XO EV compare to its direct rival, the Tata Nexon EV, on paper, though? Let’s find out.

Upcoming Volkswagen Tayron for India teased for the first time
German auto major Volkswagen has commenced its teaser campaign for the upcoming Tayron. The first teaser reveals a VW SUV shrouded in a white veil, with only a few exterior details visible. However, the body’s silhouette and design of the LED lights all but confirm this to be the Tayron. We are expecting the brand to release several teasers via its official social media handles from now to the actual launch of the Tayron in India.

Triumph 400cc motorcycles get price hike across the range
Bajaj Auto had announced that it would raise prices for the Triumph 400cc range from January 2026, and the company has now done so across the line-up, although the hikes are modest. Triumph is also offering accessories worth Rs 11,500 with the Speed 400 and Speed T4.

Ather 450X gets cruise control
Ather Energy has announced the rollout of Infinite Cruise on the Ather 450X. While all new 450X scooters will come with it as standard, the feature will also be available for scooters purchased after January 1, 2025, as an OTA update.

Tata Sierra 1.5 NA petrol review: Comfort over performance
Arguably, the biggest launch of 2025 was the Tata Sierra, which racked up over 70,000 bookings on the very day the company began taking orders. It’s a defining moment, for Tata Motors has gone all out to bring back to life a celebrated name and has thrown everything it possibly can into the Sierra, which comes with three engine options – a 1.5 turbo diesel, a 1.5 direct-injection turbo-petrol and a 1.5 naturally aspirated (NA) petrol. 

Tata Punch facelift trims and features revealed
After revealing the exterior and interior of the Punch facelift earlier this week, Tata Motors has now shared details about the subcompact SUV’s trim line-up and features. The 2026 Tata Punch will be offered in six trim levels: Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+ S.

Afeela SUV revealed at CES 2026
Afeela, the car brand set up by Sony and Honda, has unveiled an SUV prototype at CES 2026. Called the Afeela SUV, it is based on the Vision-S 02 concept revealed three years ago and is planned for a launch in 2028.

2026 World Car of the Year finalists announced

The top 10 finalists for the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) 2026 award, chosen via a secret ballot, have been announced. Ninety-eight distinguished international automotive journalists from 33 countries are a part of the WCOTY jury, including Hormazd Sorabjee, editor, Autocar India, and Renuka Kirpalani, consulting editor, Autocar India.

Kia begins sales of updated compact truck Bongo with enhanced front-camera & safety features
 

Hyundai Motor Group to set up humanoid robot testbed in US this year for mass production