Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 23 Jan 2026,Friday
🏢 Industry
VinFast eyes expansion in tier-3 and tier-4 markets
Mumbai: Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast is eyeing smaller cities, mainly tier-3 and tier-4 markets, along with bigger cities, as it sets out to expand its products range and geographical presence, the company's Chief Executive Officer Tapan Ghosh has said. Part of the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, VinFast made its India debut last year and started selling its vehicles IN September. It has two e-vehicle models -- VF6 and VF7 SUV -- and both of them have received 5-star ratings by Bharat NCAP.
Global automotives coming to India for testing
In a notable shift, foreign automotive OEMs are now coming to India to test their vehicles. For many years, Indian automotive OEMs had to send their vehicles abroad for testing, but that trend is changing. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has observed an increase in global automotive companies seeking its testing services.
Tata group keen to invest in Telangana in various sectors, to associate in Musi Riverfront project
Hyderabad: The Tata Group on Wednesday expressed interest in associating with the Telangana government on the Musi Riverfront Project and indicated a positive outlook towards investments in areas such as AI data centres, semiconductor manufacturing and electric vehicles, official sources said. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy held a breakfast meeting with Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
‘India Inc delivers highest rate of return globally,’ Anand Mahindra hails Blackstone CEO’s praise for India
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group said that it is a proud moment that Indian business now delivers the highest rate of return for world’s most dominant private equity firms, Blackstone.
Nazara Tech CEO, others invest ₹12.25 crore in EV firm Hala Mobility
India-EU FTA: European auto lobby flags risks of 'restricted' access
Green auto industry must go beyond EVs
India’s automobile industry is at an inflection point. Electric vehicle sales are rising, with EVs accounting for nearly 7.5 per cent of national vehicle sales in our latest estimates, even as new manufacturing plants and aggressive EV line-ups are being flagged off across the country. As the Union Budget approaches amid tightening fuel-efficiency norms and debate around compliance costs, policymakers and industry alike are focused on accelerating clean mobility.
📝 Road safety is our top priority; technology will eliminate manual systems and office visits: Himachal DyCM Agnihotri
📝 Maharashtra clears ₹60 crore for EV incentives, toll waivers
📝 Indore auto sales slow down as buyers wait for Ujjain trade sweet ‘50%’ tax deal
📝 Pharma, autos & clean energy push AP exports
📝 Uber to double Black fleet in India by 2026, steps up focus on premium mobility
📝 Elon Musk’s Tesla is hiring interns in Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and other cities: Check eligibility criteria and how to apply
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV
Planning to buy 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift? Variant-wise colour options detailed
Skoda Auto India pulled the covers off the Skoda Kushaq facelift earlier this week. The facelift has brought a plethora of design and feature updates to the SUV, which has become a key revenue churner for the automaker since its launch in 2021. While the pricing of the 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is yet to be announced, the SUV is already available for booking. The pricing of the SUV will be announced on March 15.
📝 Nissan Gravite Launch Date Postponed: Japanese carmaker provides an update about the new MPV
📝 Kia Sonet crosses 5 lakh sales milestone in India
📝 Tata Motors PV deepens Harman tie-up to power connected cabin in new Sierra
📝 Volkswagen Tayron R-Line goes local: India assembly begins
📝 Key differences that set 2026 Jeep Meridian apart from outgoing model
📝 Skoda Octavia RS second batch to come to India in Q4, 2026
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Electric Car/SUV
Key safety features that helped VinFast VF7 secure 5-star Bharat NCAP rating
VinFast VF7, the premium electric SUV that was launched in India in 2025, alongside its sibling VinFast VF6, has secured a five-star safety rating at the Bharat NCAP crash test. Performed in November 2025, just two month after the pricing of these two EVs was announced, the crash test results have been published now. The VinFast VF7 has secured five-stars in both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) segments. Also, the top-notch safety rating is applicable on all the five variants of the VinFast VF7, which are: Earth, Wind, Wind Infinity, Sky and Sky Infinity.
📝 Kolkata Police plans green boost for its fleet with 200 new EVs
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🚗 Luxury
Driving in the slow lane
📝 MG Select introduces new exterior finish for Cyberster
📝 Planning to buy a Tesla? Here’s how you can own Model Y for Rs 49,000/month
📝 BMW unveils iX3 Long Wheelbase for China; India launch in the cards
📝 Upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift debuts January 29; Gets new flat-plane V8
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles
Government should consider incentives on scrappage of old trucks: Ashok Leyland MD
New Delhi: Major commercial vehicles (CV)-maker Ashok Leyland on Thursday said that government should consider offering incentives for scrapping of old trucks in the upcoming Budget as the current policy does not offer incentives to accelerate fleet replacement.
📝 Budget 2026-27: Ashok Leyland seeks incentive scheme for scrapping of old trucks
📝 Ashok Leyland revives TAURUS and HIPPO, re-enters MHCV space
📝 Mahindra sharpens pickup play with refreshed Bolero Camper and Pik-Up lineup
📝 Amazon India trains 80,000 delivery associates, truck drivers under road safety initiative
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🎤 Interviews & Features
📝 Skoda Kushaq facelift Monte Carlo vs Standard compared: Which should you buy
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🏗 Construction & Agriculture
📝 Mahindra Tractors launches limited-edition Yuvo Tech+ 585 DI 4WD models
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🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers
Hero HF 100, HF Deluxe, Passion Plus become pricier. Old vs new prices compared
Hero MotoCorp has quietly revised the prices across its commuter motorcycle lineup in India. First the two-wheeler giant that holds the lion's share in the Indian two-wheeler market, increased the pricing of the Hero Splendor Plus, the bestselling motorcycle of the brand. Now, it has also increased the price of ₹other commuter motorcycles like the Hero HF 100, Hero HF Deluxe and Hero Passion Plus.
📝 Ather, other electric 2W startups seek new PLI scheme with lower entry barriers
📝 Matter Motor plans $100 mn investment over next 3 years, targets 3 lakh annual sales by 2029
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⚙ Components
India's chip dream: A step-by-step approach is key, says Arvind Virmani
New Delhi : India needs long-term, step-by-step ecosystem-building, alongside sustained investment in research and development (R&D), to achieve semiconductor capabilities, essential for a major global economy given silicon chips’ role in the information age, according to economist and NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani.
IMPAL reports 6% increase in net profit in Q3’26
Shanthi Gears reports 38% decline in Q3 net profit in Q3’26
📝 Rani Kapur seeks cancellation of family trust in HC
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🌇 Allied Industries
India’s battery PLI lags on delivery, with just 2.8% capacity commissioned so far
More than four years after the Centre launched its flagship Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to build a domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem, progress on the ground remains sharply behind stated ambitions, with just 2.8 per cent of the targeted capacity commissioned so far.
📝 Softer domestic prices, rising input costs to weigh on steelmakers’ Q3 earnings
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🌢 Fuels, Lubricants
Oil and Gas PSUs becoming tech-driven, profitable and future-ready: Hardeep Singh Puri
New Delhi: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday underscored that India's oil and gas public sector undertakings (PSUs) are steadily evolving into technology-driven, profitable and future-ready energy institutions, in line with the transformative vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
📝 Oil edges up after Trump steps backs from tariff threats over Greenland
📝 Adani Total Gas posts first profit rise in five quarters as CNG sales grow
📝 HPCL to begin crude processing at Barmer refinery by January end
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EV Charging
📝 Chargeup bags ₹22 crore funding led by IAN Group
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🌍 Emissions/Environment
GRAP III curbs revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality expected to remain in ‘poor’ category
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage-III pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) after the region’s air quality showed consistent improvement, officials announced on Thursday.
Carmakers on edge over delays in notification of tougher emission norms
New Delhi : Carmakers are staring at a compliance window of less than 15 months to start getting close to stringent upcoming emission targets that are expected to come into effect from April 2027.
📝 CAQM names major pollutants in Delhi-NCR, gives action plan to Supreme Court
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📖 Magazines
Mercedes S-Class facelift to be revealed on January 29
With the global reveal set for January 29, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift has been partially unmasked. In a YouTube video featuring the German brand’s CEO Ola Kallenius, a near-production example was showcased wrapped in eye-catching camouflage. Kallenius highlighted that this update brings around 2,700 new components to the sedan. “The updated S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s most ambitious product launch programme,” the carmaker told Autocar UK.
Skoda Kylaq CNG under evaluation; EV plans still unclear
While most mainstream carmakers have already dipped their foot in the EV segment, Skoda’s India portfolio strictly remains petrol-only. The carmaker, however, has acknowledged that it needs more products and alternative fuel choices to keep pace with the rapidly changing automotive landscape in India, especially with the Cafe III norms approaching in 2027.
New Volvo EX60 revealed with up to 810km of range
Volvo has unveiled the EX60 for the European market. The first product built on Volvo’s new EV-dedicated SPA3 platform, the EX60 marks the carmaker’s entry into the luxury electric midsize SUV segment. The EX60 is an electrified counterpart to the ICE-powered XC60, and following European markets, it will launch in the US at a later date.
Volkswagen Tayron R-Line assembly begins in India
Volkswagen has commenced the local assembly of its upcoming flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line, at its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously Aurangabad) plant in Maharashtra. The 7-seater SUV will be launched in India by March 2026.
Vinfast to launch electric scooters in India later this year
Vietnamese electric vehicle maker Vinfast plans to enter our two-wheeler market in the second half of 2026 with India-specific electric scooters. The company also mentioned that it plans to build a dedicated two-wheeler manufacturing line with a long-term capacity target of one million units.
6 things you need to know about the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella
Toyota has debuted the Urban Cruiser Ebella, the Japanese carmaker’s inaugural EV for the Indian market. The Urban Cruiser Ebella is effectively a rebadged version of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki e Vitara but carries some notable changes. If you have your eye on the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella, we’ve compiled every relevant detail about the electric midsize SUV.
“There’s no reason not to look at a Punch diesel”: Tata product head
The Tata Punch finally has an engine befitting its name in the form of the 120hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit from the Nexon. However, Tata Motors is keeping the door open for other powertrains in the Punch sub-compact SUV, including the possibility of a diesel engine or even a turbo-petrol DCT in the future.
Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs top-spec Prestige: Differences explained
The Skoda Kushaq facelift finally broke cover recently, sporting numerous cosmetic differences, a longer list of features, a new 8-speed automatic gearbox option, and more. Unlike the pre-facelift Kushaq, the new model’s sportier Monte Carlo variants will be part of the line-up from day one, sitting at the top alongside the Prestige trim. Here’s what sets the new Kushaq Monte Carlo and Prestige trims apart.
5 things to know before buying the KTM 390 Duke
The KTM 390 Duke has long been the performance benchmark in the segment and also offers impressive levels of features and tech for its price. The latest-generation model, launched in 2023, brought some of the bike's most significant changes yet, making for a well-rounded, value-for-money, and exciting package. If you're considering one, here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs rivals: Price and specifications compared
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been refreshed for 2026 with fresh colour schemes. Here, we’ve pitted this longstanding small-capacity sportbike against its rivals on paper.
Toyota diesel engines to continue past 2027 in the Fortuner, Hilux
The diesel engine will continue to remain relevant for select segments, said Sabari Manohar, group head – customer service, Toyota Kirloskar Motor. The statement comes in response to a specific question about the future of diesel in India. He also indicated customer preference for diesel remains visible in larger SUVs such as the Fortuner. “There are hardcore fans for diesel,” he remarked, adding, “Diesel is diesel.”
How Skoda fixed the Kushaq’s weak AC
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is a significant model change for the midsize SUV, from the new 8-speed automatic gearbox option for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to the design updates and feature upgrades. Among the many changes, Skoda India also says that the AC unit has been upgraded to fix one of the pre-facelift model’s biggest gripes.
Pros and Cons of Tata Punch facelift explained
Tata Motors has brought in significant changes to its sub-compact Punch SUV. It not only gets a redesigned exterior but also new powertrain options and feature additions. The Punch rivals the likes of the Hyundai Exter, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. Based on our review, we have compiled a list of reasons to help you decide whether to buy the Punch facelift or not.
10 cheapest cars with a sunroof under Rs 10 lakh
Sunroofs have become a near-ubiquitous feature in India’s mass-market models owing to immense demand from buyers. They were mostly seen in the premium end of the price spectrum, but these days, sunroofs are available even in cars and SUVs priced under Rs 10 lakh. Here’s a list of the most affordable cars in India with a single-pane sunroof.
Royal Enfield sales in India surpass 1 million units in 2025
Royal Enfield has registered its highest-ever sales in 2025, selling a record 10,71,809 bikes, marking the first time that the Chennai-based company has achieved the million-units milestone in the domestic market in a calendar year. That’s a handsome 25 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth over 8,57,378 units achieved in 2024. The company also exported 1,32,132 motorcycles last year, a strong 36 percent increase over 2024’s 97,371 units. Currently, Royal Enfield sells 14 models across four different engine platforms.
Why Skoda opted for a new 8-speed AT gearbox with Kushaq facelift
One of the biggest updates on the new Kushaq is the introduction of a new Aisin 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox (AQ300) with the 1.0-litre TSI engine option, replacing the 6-speed torque converter unit (AQ250) that was available previously. Incidentally, Autocar India exclusively reported on the new AQ300 gearbox in November 2024. The reason behind Skoda opting for this new gearbox is quite straightforward – costs.
Mahindra Thar prices hiked by Rs 20,000
Mahindra has revised the prices of the Thar in India, with the lifestyle SUV getting a hike of Rs 20,000 across most variants. The price of the base AXT 2WD remains unchanged at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while all other variants are now more expensive by Rs 20,000. The hike is effective immediately.
Motor Vehicles Rules updated to counter pending toll fees
In an effort to prevent unpaid toll fees on national highways, the Government of India has recently updated the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for 2026. The revision aims to address this issue affecting all toll plazas in the country equipped with the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system, non-compliance with which will severely limit crucial vehicle-related services. Even vehicles registered with FASTag can, at times, clear toll plazas without the fee actually being collected, highlighting the need for such a revision in the Motor Vehicles Rules.
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📰 International
📝 GM to bring China-built Buick to US
📝 As Trump talks tariffs, his Argentine ally welcomes shipload of Chinese EVs for first time
📝 Why Ford’s return to F1 is personal
📝 Angola's Opaia launches country's only domestic vehicle assembly plant
📝 Edmunds tests the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE seeking the better luxury plug-in SUV
📝 Lemonade to halve Tesla insurance rates for miles driven with software assistant
📝 JLR–Chery’s Freelander EV to debut in the Middle East in 2026 instead of China
📝 Volvo EX60, EX60 Cross Country make global debut; 810 km range on offer
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