Top Indian Automobile Industry News & Updates - 31 March 2026,Tuesday

🏢 Industry

India’s electric mobility transition must be inclusive, economically sustainable: Kumaraswamy
The government on Monday said that India’s electric mobility transition must be inclusive and economically sustainable, with a focus on affordability and scalability across both urban as well as rural markets.
Auto sector faces Q1 headwinds, growth seen cooling after FY26 peak
India’s automobile sector is set for supply disruption at the start of FY2027, with analysts warning that production across segments could be hit in the first quarter due to the closure of certain Tier 3 and Tier 4 vendors, rising energy costs, and risks to key inputs. The agency also flagged potential disruptions in AdBlue supplies, critical for BS6 commercial vehicles, which could create operational bottlenecks for the road transport industry if geopolitical tensions persist for a prolonged period.
India's auto sales set to hit record 29.5 million; EVs charge ahead
 
Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland slip up to 9%; what's making Street nervous?
 
Industrial gas supply boost eases auto sector concerns; no disruption expected till mid-April
The Centre’s decision to ramp up industrial gas supplies has helped ease fears of production disruptions across the automobile sector, with manufacturers indicating that operations are secure at least until mid-April.
A year after scrapping EV levy, Karnataka's new tax raises concern over adoption
Karnataka’s move to impose a tax on electric cars, a year after waiving levies, could slow down adoption in one of India’s key electric vehicle (EV) markets by eroding their price competitiveness with petrol and diesel vehicles, industry experts said. The shift comes even as other states continue to offer tax breaks to push EV uptake.
Vaishnaw warns industry of payout curbs under components scheme
Electronics and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday warned the electronics components industry that future approvals and incentive disbursements under the electronics components manufacturing scheme (ECMS) could be halted if companies fail to step up efforts on product design, quality standards, talent development and local supply chains.
📝  Aadhaar authentication mandatory for PM E-DRIVE EV incentives
📝  Steel, auto, chemicals to gain from more LPG flow
📝  India weighs faster rollout of flexible-fuel vehicles as ecosystem gaps, mileage concerns persist
📝  India trims fuel efficiency penalties for automakers to Rs 2,728 crore from earlier estimates
📝  From Volkswagen Taigun to Mercedes CLA EV: Cars launching in April 2026
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🚗 ICE Car/SUV

PPS Motors launched new Renault Duster in Telangana; Turbo petrol price starts at INR 10.49 lakh
Hyderabad (Telangana): PPS Motors, part of one of India's largest automobile retail conglomerates, launched the all-new Renault Duster in Hyderabad, with turbo petrol prices starting at INR 10.49 Lakh (ex-showroom) and dispatches now underway nationwide. Renault India, the wholly owned subsidiary of French carmaker - Renault Group, built the new Duster on the advanced Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), with a clear focus on structural robustness, efficiency and future-readiness. Its true SUV proportions, best in segment approach and departure angles and high ground clearance reinforce off-road credibility while supporting everyday usability. The new duster was launched at PPS Motors' showrooms at Kukatpally and LB Nagar in Hyderabad.
 
Maruti Suzuki rolls out container-based 'Quickstop' service units in major cities
Maruti Suzuki rolls out container-based 'Quickstop' service units in major cities
JSW MG Motor India to hike prices by up to 2% on select models from April 1
 
📝  Hyundai Venue, Venue N Line secure 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating
📝  “Duster unveil in Chennai was a good gift to me from Renault”: Venkatram Mamillapalle
📝  Kia Seltos scores 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, nears perfect safety marks
📝  Volkswagen Taigun facelift launches April 9: Here’s what we expect
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Electric Car/SUV

5 things to know before buying the Tata Nexon EV
The Tata Nexon EV remains among the most prominent electric SUVs in India, combining familiar overalls with a feature-rich cabin and multiple battery options to cater to buyers with varying requirements. With a claimed range of up to 489 km, a comprehensive safety package, and competitive pricing, it remains a key contender in the mass-market EV space. If you are considering the Tata Nexon EV for your next purchase, here are five key points you should be aware of:
📝  Škoda sees policy-driven EV uptake; eyes Kylaq exports under FTA, sticks to localisation
📝  Skoda Peaq electric SUV unveiled in camouflage, gets 600 km of range
📝  U.S.-Israel-Iran war puts India’s EV gap in focus
📝  VinFast VF6 and VF7: Global EVs engineered for Indian roads
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🚗 Luxury

📝  Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna on India’s ‘sparkle,’ luxury demand and the EV future
📝  Hardik Pandya buys India’s first Mercedes V-Class worth Rs 1.4 Cr! Details
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⛟ Commercial Vehicles

Higher crude oil prices, uncertainty weigh on commercial vehicle sales
Shares of commercial vehicle (CV) makers Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland remained under pressure, falling up to 9 per cent on the BSE in Monday’s intraday trade. Tata Motors slipped 9 per cent to ₹389.05, while Ashok Leyland skidded 6 per cent to ₹153.75.
India’s e-bus market jumps 44%; Switch, PMI lead
Chennai: India’s electric bus (e-bus) market is expanding rapidly, with Vahan registrations rising 44 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), an increase of 1,325 units, to 4,341 buses in FY25-26 from 3,016 units in FY24-25, even as leadership changed hands.
Ministry of Heavy Industries, DFS plan financing push for e-buses, e-trucks
 
📝  Mangaluru e-auto drivers seek permits for 2,500 vehicles amid HC relief
📝  Over 100 e-buses idle in Nagpur amid charging infrastructure crunch
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🎤 Interviews & Features

📝  Hyundai Creta and i20 get benefits for March
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🏗 Construction & Agriculture

📝  Tractor makers bet on returning migrant workers to drive up sales
Read More >>

🏍 EV/ICE Two Wheelers

TVS overtakes Ola to lead EV FY26 Two-Wheeler market; Bajaj, Ather follow
TVS Motor Company has emerged as the market leader in India’s electric two-wheeler segment for FY 26 with sales of around 330,145 units, followed by Bajaj Auto at 276,518 units and Ather Energy at 229,565 units, according to Vahan data seen by businessline.
Eicher buoyed by domestic demand
Eicher Motors Presents a balanced investment case, marked by resilient domestic demand and persistent external uncertainties. While domestic demand remains robust—particularly in the mid-weight motorcycle segment—external headwinds and geopolitical risks continue to cloud the export outlook. At the core of the company’s performance is Royal Enfield, which continues to anchor growth through strong traction in India's mid-weight motorcycle segment. Demand in the 350cc category remains robust, with bookings exceeding wholesale dispatches—highlighting a supply-constrained environment. This sustained momentum is supported by favorable GST rates and ongoing product upgrades, reinforcing the brand's domestic dominance. The stock has corrected roughly 17% from its recent peak amid global macro volatility and currently trades at 29.8 times estimated earnings for FY 27 and 26 times for FY28, indicating a largely fair valuation. The brokerage has revised its rating to ‘Neutral’ with a target price of ₹6,960 apiece.
 
📝  Ultraviolette opens 40th UV Space Station in Nagpur, expands retail footprint
📝  Yulu cumulative fleet distance hits 2 billion km as EV-led logistics scales up
📝  TVS Motor launches 2026 Apache RTR 160 4V at ₹1.25 lakh, adds new variants and features
📝  Nitin Gadkari lauds Hero MotoCorp’s Surge S32 as modular EV innovation milestone
📝  War anxiety boosts E2W sales, penetration at 9.7%: Ather CBO Phokela
📝  Yamaha EC-06 first ride review: Gets a lot right, but not everything
📝  Royal Enfield Guerrilla 2026 updated with new tyres, riding modes tweaks and enhanced app features
Read More >>

⚙ Components

The 72-hour U-turn: Inside the boardroom drama at Sundaram Clayton
Venu Srinivasan, currently the Chairman Emeritus and Managing Director, Sundaram Clayton Ltd, has been re-designated as Chairman and Managing Director of the company with immediate effect. This follows the stepping down of R Gopalan as Chairman of the company.
Wheels India appoints Srivats Ram as Chairman
Srivats Ram, Managing Director of Wheels India, has been appointed as the company’s Chairman with effect from March 31, 2026. This came after the resignation of S Ram, Chairman and Non Executive Director of the company, on Monday, according to an announcement by the company to the stock exchanges.
Force Motors, GMDC, Ola Electrctric: Here's a look at FY26 gainers & losers
 
Motherson Sumi Wiring: Why Nuvama sees 58% upside despite copper price surge
The recent volatility in several metal prices has put the focus on key stocks that are dependent on industrial metals. Motherson Sumi Wiring India is one such stock. Nuvama Institutional Equities slashed the target price to Rs 60 from Rs 62 due to a rise in the cost of raw material, but is predicting scope for 58% upside from the current market price. The brokerage reiterated its ‘Buy’ rating on the stock.
📝  Tube Investments invests ₹250 crore in EV arm TICMPL via CCPS
📝  Uno Minda rejigs aftermarket leadership, elevates Vishal Kaul as CEO
📝  Valeo inaugurates electric powertrain manufacturing line at Pune plant
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🌇 Allied Industries

📝  Car hacking! How India's first vehicle cybersecurity rule AIS 189 may affect the auto industry
📝  SUN Mobility secures 'India's first' AIS-038 certification for swappable EV battery platform
📝  Bijliride partners Indofast Energy to scale EV rental business
Read More >>

🌢 Fuels, Lubricants

Indian refiners bought 60 million barrels of Russian crude oil since March 5
New Delhi: Indian refiners shifted back to Russian crude oil buying around 60 million barrels of the geopolitically sensitive commodity from Moscow since March 5th as closure of the strait of Hormuz (SoH) impacted 40 per cent of its imports.
Indian fuel exports slump as Europe shipments crash after sanctions, war
 
Oil rises for fourth day on supply cuts from widening West Asia conflict
 
📝  Reliance SEZ export duty clarity key under India's fuel tax rejig: Analysts
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EV Charging

📝  Bacancy Systems raises ₹40 crore in funding round led by Sabre Partners, Greenstone Capital
📝  Chandigarh plans EV charging expansion as electric car registrations surge in 2025
📝  Hero, Ather, IPEC and industry leaders unite to launch LEAF to standardise light EV charging
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💸 Finance & Insurance

Penalties for driving without third-party insurance
Driving without valid third-party car insurance is not just risky, it is a direct violation of the law in India. While some vehicle owners may overlook or delay renewing their policy, the consequences can be serious. From fines to legal complications and financial liabilities, skipping this basic requirement can lead to more trouble than expected. What is Third-Party Car Insurance? If you have ever explored car insurance online, you have likely come across third-party coverage as the most basic and mandatory form of insurance. It covers damages or injuries caused to another person, vehicle or property due to your car.
Motor insurance claims: Small lapses that can lead to costly rejections
 
📝  Nomura flags stress in MSME, vehicle loans as fuel shock hits NBFC sector
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📖 Magazines

📝  Skoda reveals key specs of the upcoming Peaq electric SUV
📝  Simple Arrive spied testing for the first time
📝  10 cheapest cars with a sunroof under Rs 10 lakh
📝  Royal Enfield crosses 1 million domestic sales in FY26
📝  Bajaj Pulsar 180 spotted ahead of imminent launch
📝  JSW MG Motor to hike car prices from April
📝  Hyundai Venue scores 5 star Bharat NCAP safety rating
📝  Every car tested by Bharat NCAP so far
📝  JLR briefly pauses production at Solihull amid supplier disruption
📝  Mercedes to reveal updated GLS, GLE and GLE Coupe tomorrow
📝  Kia Seltos scores 5-star safety rating in BNCAP crash tests
📝  Skoda recalls Kodiaq over compromised side airbag protection
📝  Mercedes-Benz CLA EV India launch confirmed for April 24
📝  PM E-drive subsidy extended until July 31 for electric two-wheelers
📝  Honda targets double-digit production growth in FY27
📝  3 reasons to buy the Audi SQ8; one to skip it
📝  2026 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V launched at Rs 1.25 lakh
Read More >>

📰 International

📝  BYD sees EV exports beating target by 15% as overseas demand drives growth
📝  Luxury carmakers' gold-leafed Gulf profits under threat from Iran war
📝  Toyota's global output falls for a fourth month in February on model change
📝  Rolls-Royce to Ferrari, Maserati, Iran war hits luxury carmakers’ Mideast gold mine
Read More >>


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