Source : PTI | Ola Electric has eliminated its regional warehouses across India, and will now leverage its 4,000 retail stores nationwide for maintaining vehicle inventory, spare parts, accessories, and last-mile deliveries. The strategic move is expected to boost EBITDA margins by almost 10 percentage points, besides improving inventory management and faster customer deliveries, sources directly familiar with the matter said.

Ola Electric is redesigning its distribution network and optimizing vehicle registration process as India’s largest electric two-wheeler maker chalks out roughly INR 30 crore monthly savings in an accelerated profitability drive.

Continue reading “Ola Electric accelerates profitability drive axing regional warehouses, optimising costs”

Source : PTI | Mahindra South Africa, the local subsidiary of the Indian automative giant, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to undertake an in-depth feasibility study on the potential establishment of a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle assembly facility in the country.

Mahindra South Africa is also in the process of increasing its productive capacity at its assembly facility operation by AIH Logistics in KwaZulu-Natal province as it enters a third decade in the country, which it often refers to as “Mahindra’s second home.” Continue reading “Mahindra looking to setup CKD assembly plant in South Africa”

Summary

• Xiaomi prices SU7 Ultra from 529,900 yuan, down from 814,900 yuan initially
• CEO says price cut aimed to expand appeal to more buyers
• SU7 Ultra initially priced to be on par with Tesla Model S Plaid

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s Xiaomi on Thursday slashed its initial sticker price for its luxury electric sedan SU7 Ultra by over a third to 529,900 yuan ($72,931.72), mounting a bigger challenge to the likes of Tesla and Porsche in the world’s largest auto market. Continue reading “China’s Xiaomi prices luxury electric sedan 35% lower than initially promoted”

Summary

• Trump says fentanyl inflows still too high, no deadline changes
• Trump vows to impose another 10% tariff on Chinese goods March 4
• White House sees insufficient progress curbing fentanyl deaths
• US foreign aid freeze sets back Mexico’s drug interdiction efforts

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect on Tuesday, along with an extra 10% duty on Chinese imports because deadly drugs are still pouring into the U.S. from those countries. Continue reading “Trump vows March 4 tariffs for Mexico, Canada, extra 10% for China over fentanyl”

(Reuters) – Tesla has applied for a permit typically associated with chauffeur-operated services, according to California regulators, marking the first phase of a series of regulatory approvals required for the electric car maker to eventually launch a promised robotaxi service.

The automaker currently has the approval to test autonomous vehicles with a safety driver in California, but does not have a permit for driverless testing or operations from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, which would be needed to apply for a driverless taxi service in the state. Continue reading “Tesla seeking first in series of approvals to offer robotaxi service in California”

Summary

• Mercedes-Benz China cutting workforce costs by 25% – source
• 10-15% of staff in sales, finance teams to be let go – source
• CFO said in earnings call wider cost-cutting drive was underway
• Mercedes-Benz China says figure is “not true”

(Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz is cutting 10-15% of sales and finance jobs in China and plans to reduce costs for office-based roles by a quarter in the country by 2027, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz China plans to cut workforce costs by 25% by 2027, source says”

Summary

• Management shake-up set to be unveiled on March 12
• CEO Uchida currently expected to keep his job
• Nissan directors are checking interest in potential CEO candidates, Bloomberg reports

TOKYO, (Reuters) – (This Feb. 27 story has been refiled to fix the link in paragraph 12)

Japan’s Nissan will unveil a shake-up in its top ranks next month, three people familiar with the matter said on Thursday, adding that embattled CEO Makoto Uchida is currently expected to hang on to his job. Continue reading “Nissan CEO Uchida’s future in focus as sources say management shake-up due soon”

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This was originally published in the India File newsletter, which is issued every Tuesday. Sign up here to get latest news from India and how it matters to the world.

Elon Musk’s Tesla seems to be nudging closer to selling its electric vehicles (EVs) in India, unnerving its automakers. How much of a headache will Tesla be for Indian automakers? That’s the focus of our analysis this week. Continue reading “India File: Tesla tremors hit automakers”

JSW MG Motor India has become the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in India to implement a Green Pretreatment Line in its Paint Shop. The initiative, developed in collaboration with PPG Asian Paints, significantly reduces carbon emissions by approximately 1,800 tonnes annually. The company has adopted ambient temperature phosphate technology in its Pretreatment Electrodeposition (PT-ED) line, reducing the process temperature to 38°C from the conventional 42-50°C.

Additionally, it simplifies operations, lowers maintenance costs, and enhances overall process efficiency. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy of integrating eco-friendly manufacturing practices to minimise its environmental impact. Continue reading “JSW MG Motor India Sets Industry Benchmark With Green Pretreatment Line”

(Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz and its subsidiaries plan to cut up to 15% of their workforce in China, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The job cuts will primarily impact its financing and sales units, Mercedes-Benz Automobile Finance Co and Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co, the report added. Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz plans to cut up to 15% jobs in China, Bloomberg News reports”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan Motor is expected to announce a planned streamlining of its executive line-up on March 12, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The struggling Japanese automaker is not currently expected to announce the resignation of Chief Executive Office Makoto Uchida as part of that reshuffle of its executive line-up, the people said. All three people declined to be identified because the information has not been made public. Continue reading “Nissan to announce streamlining of executive line-up on March 12, sources say”

Summary

• Toyota’s global production rose 6% y/y in January
• Domestic production up 22%, offsetting overseas decline
• North American demand strong despite snowfall impact

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor said on Thursday its worldwide production rose for the first time in a year in January, as it ramped up output in Japan after recovering from last year’s certification scandal in its home market. Continue reading “Toyota global output rises for the first time in a year in January”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan is due to unveil a shake-up in its top ranks next month with embattled CEO Makoto Uchida likely to hang on to his job, three people familiar with the matter said on Thursday, in the wake of failed talks to combine with Honda.

Nissan Motor is due to announce the management streamlining on March 12, the people said, declining to be identified because the information has not been made public. Continue reading “Nissan to announce management shake-up, sources say, as Uchida’s future in focus”

(Reuters) – Tesla’s stock tumbled 8% on Tuesday, pushing its market value below $1 trillion for the first time since November after data showed the electric car maker’s sales slumped in Europe in January.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association reported that Tesla sales dropped 45% in Europe, compared with a 37% jump in overall sales of EVs in Europe. Continue reading “Tesla’s market value tumbles below $1 trillion as its Europe sales slump”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan Motor is considering replacing its CEO Makoto Uchida following a worsening in the Japanese automaker’s business performance and the collapse of talks to combine with Honda Motor, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday citing people familiar with the matter.

Nissan directors are checking interest in potential candidates to succeed Uchida, who has been CEO since late 2019, Bloomberg News cited one of the people as saying. A Nissan representative declined to comment on the report. Continue reading “Nissan considers replacing CEO Uchida in wake of Honda deal collapse, Bloomberg News says”

Summary

• Quarterly dividend increases to 15 cents per share
• GM aims to reduce share count, balance investments in EVs

DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors said on Wednesday it would increase its quarterly dividend by 25% and undertake a new $6-billion share buyback program.

Shares of the automaker rose about 6% in morning trading. Continue reading “GM to increase dividend 25%, buy back another $6 billion of shares”

Source : PTI | Tata Steel’s managing director TV Narendran on Tuesday pitched for safeguard duties on steel imports to protect the domestic steel industry from the indirect impact of US tariff hikes. He said many countries have initiated similar actions on steel imports, pointing out that the last three days have seen Vietnam imposing an anti-dumping duty on Chinese steel imports, and South Korea has also taken a similar decision.

“We are asking for safeguard duties, which can be imposed immediately to help us,” Narendran told reporters on the sidelines of the tech industry lobby grouping Nasscom’s annual event NTLF here. Continue reading “US tariffs: Tata Steel pitches for safeguard duties on imports”

Source : PTI | India is looking at increasing its target to blend ethanol with petrol to more than 20 per cent and has formed a committee under the NITI Aayog to look into it, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep S Puri said on Wednesday. Addressing the Advantage Assam 2.0 business summit, he said 19.6 per cent blending has already been achieved.

“We will be looking at more than 20 per cent blending of biofuel. Already a NITI Aayog group has been set up and they are looking into it,” he said. Continue reading “India looking at increasing ethanol blending with petrol to over 20%: Puri”

Source : PTI | Work on road projects worth Rs 80,000 crore will soon start in Assam, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. Addressing virtually a session on the road, railway and riverine infrastructure at the Advantage Assam 2.0 business summit, he said that in the 15 years till 2029, projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore under his ministry will be completed in the state.

Among the new projects for which work will start are the Guwahati ring road, a tunnel under the Brahmaputra river and an elevated corridor at Kaziranga National Park, Gadkari said. Continue reading “Work on road projects worth Rs 80,000 cr will soon start in Assam: Gadkari”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s market regulator held a symposium on fair competition with executives from seven companies, including Alibaba and LONGi Green Energy, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said on Wednesday in a statement.

The executives at the symposium on Tuesday discussed the market environment, competition, and difficulties they face, and put forward suggestions for opposing monopolies and unfair competition, the statement said. Continue reading “Chinese competition regulator holds talks with Alibaba, Mercedes-Benz”

Summary

• CEO Peter Rawlinson steps down
• Lucid expects to produce 20,000 vehicles this year
• Posts narrower quarterly loss

(Reuters) – Electric-vehicle maker Lucid Group said on Tuesday that Peter Rawlinson, its CEO for over 5 years, is stepping down from the role, and forecast its vehicle production will more than double this year, sending the company’s shares up 10% in extended trading. Continue reading “Lucid CEO steps down, company expects to more than double vehicle production this year”

Summary

• Guides for revenue growth, cash generation in 2025
• Sees mid-single digit adjusted EBIT margin this year
• Burnt through cash of 6 billion euros last year
• Proposes a 0.68 euro/share dividend
• Adjusted EBIT fell 98% in second half to 185 million euros

MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis gave a cautious outlook for 2025 after its annual results took a hit from a slump last year in its U.S. business that led to the ousting of Carlos Tavares as CEO. Continue reading “Stellantis cautious on turnaround time as it searches for new CEO”

Summary

• Delays first BEV launch to latter part of the decade
• Says tariffs, China continued risks
• Shares down more than 9% at 100 pence
• Stock on course for worst day in almost five months

(Reuters) – Britain’s Aston Martin will cut 5% of its workforce to save 25 million pounds ($31.61 million), its chief executive said on Wednesday, after a sharp rise in the luxury carmaker’s losses and debt and as sales volumes forecast missed expectations. Continue reading “Aston Martin cuts 170 jobs as losses, debt balloon”

• CarDekho’s integrated ecosystem, offering advertising, lead management, and digital content solutions, aims to enhance the car-buying experience for UAE consumers
• The company aims to bridge the gap between digital platforms and physical dealerships in the UAE
• The expansion follows the company’s ventures in the Southeast Asia region
• The platform’s AI-driven insights and lead management systems aim to meet the evolving preferences of UAE car buyers

Gurugram, February 25, 2025: CarDekho Group, the auto-tech and fintech solutions provider, has officially announced its entry into the UAE market in partnership with Raya Holdings under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Replicating its Indian playbook, the company will now cater to the specific needs of the UAE market, aiming to ensure a seamless experience for car buyers, brands, and dealers alike. Continue reading “CarDekho Group Expands into the UAE Market in Partnership with Raya Holdings, Bringing Its Automotive Ecosystem to the Region”

(Reuters) – New car sales in Europe were down by 2.1% in January, as a jump in fully electric and hybrid-electric car registrations in its main markets was not enough to compensate for falling petrol and diesel sales, industry data showed on Tuesday.

Overall sales in France, Italy, Germany and Britain were down from last year, with only Spain recording a year-on-year increase among top selling nations, data by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) showed. Continue reading “European car sales drop in January as falling combustion engines outweigh EV gains”

Summary

• Tesla owners say update falls short of expectations
• Elon Musk has said bringing FSD to China has been tricky
• Delays have left Tesla lagging behind Chinese rivals

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tesla on Monday made a long-awaited update to its autopilot software in China to add a city navigation feature, but the move disappointed Chinese owners who said it fell short of Elon Musk’s promises. Continue reading “Tesla updates autopilot software in China, owners says move falls short of hopes”

Source : PTI | Bajaj Auto Ltd on Friday said its board has approved an investment of up to Euro 150 million (Rs 1,364 crore) in its wholly-owned arm, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, Netherlands, to fund the needs of the latter towards investment opportunities. The board of directors at its meeting held on Friday have accorded approval to invest funds up to Euro 150 million in Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, Netherlands (BAIH BV), the company said in a regulatory filing.

The investment could be either in the form of equity capital, preference capital, loan — convertible or otherwise, as may be determined in the due course, in one or more tranches, it added. Continue reading “Bajaj Auto board gives nod to infuse Euro 150 million in Netherlands-based arm”

Source : PTI | Mumbai: India welcomes Tesla and also all the other global companies which want to invest and manufacture in the country, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday. Replying to a question on Elon Musk-promoted EV maker Tesla’s speculated entry into India, Goyal said the American company is welcome to set up a presence in India.

It is the give and take which creates mutually beneficial partnerships, the minister said, making it clear that India is not anti-imports. “We welcome Tesla and also all the other global companies who want to invest and manufacture in India,” Goyal said. Continue reading “Piyush Goyal says Tesla welcome to invest, manufacture in India”

LONDON, (Reuters) – BMW said on Saturday it is rethinking its timetable for manufacturing all-electric Mini cars in Britain, citing uncertainties facing the industry.

Mini announced in 2023 that it would invest 600 million pounds ($757.80 million) in the UK to make its Mini brand all-electric by 2030 with production due to start in Oxford in 2026. Continue reading “BMW says it will review timing of electric Mini production in UK”

Summary

• India to limit investment in charging infrastructure at 5% – document
• Charging cap to focus investment in manufacturing – source
• Government expected to finalise EV policy next month – source
• Tesla picks showroom space in Mumbai, Delhi

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – India’s EV policy, which offers import tax cuts for foreign automakers investing in the country, will restrict them from using funds spent on charging infrastructure for such relief, increasing their car manufacturing, a government document shows. Continue reading “India to cap investment in EV charging for tariff relief as Tesla entry looms, document shows”

Summary

• Stellantis operates 14 brands, more than major rivals
• Chairman Elkann steering while search for new CEO goes on
• Slumping sales, margins led to ouster of CEO Tavares
• Company will report full-year results on Wednesday

MILAN, (Reuters) – As Stellantis chairman John Elkann interviews CEO candidates, deciding how many of the automaker’s 14 brands have a viable future is a significant priority. Continue reading “Stellantis faces brands dilemma as it searches for new CEO”

Summary

• India to limit investment in charging infrastructure at 5% – document
• Charging cap to focus investment in manufacturing – source
• Government expected to finalise EV policy next month – source
• Tesla picks showroom space in Mumbai, Delhi

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – India’s EV policy, which offers import tax cuts for foreign automakers investing in the country, will restrict them from using funds spent on charging infrastructure for such relief, increasing their car manufacturing, a government document shows. Continue reading “India to cap investment in EV charging for tariff relief as Tesla entry looms, document shows”

Summary

• US negotiators told Ukraine US could shutoff Starlink if minerals deal not reached
• SpaceX-owned satellite internet service vital for Ukraine
• Zelenskiy says U.S. and Ukraine working on an agreement

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to Elon Musk’s vital Starlink satellite internet system, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: US could cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services over minerals, say sources”

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s Trump Media & Technology Group said on Friday it will propose reincorporating the company in Florida at its annual meeting in late April.

“We look forward to uniting our legal home with our physical home as we explore possibilities for mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and other growth,” said CEO Devin Nunes. Continue reading “Trump Media to propose reincorporation in Florida”

(Reuters) – Ford Motor is recalling 240,510 vehicles in the U.S. over potential seat belt issues, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday.

The recall affects certain 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Aviator vehicles where the seat belt buckle anchor bolts may be improperly secured. Continue reading “Ford to recall over 240,000 vehicles in US over potential seat belt issues”

Summary

• Japanese group draws up plans for Tesla to invest in Nissan, FT says
• Japanese group hopes Tesla will become a strategic investor in Nissan,
• Taiwan’s Foxconn proposes to partner up with Honda, Nikkei says

(Reuters) – A high-level Japanese group that includes a former prime minister has drawn up plans for Tesla to invest in Nissan after the collapse of its merger talks with Honda the Financial Times said on Friday. Continue reading “Japan seeks Tesla investment in Nissan, Foxconn approaches Honda, reports say”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Italy’s competition authority said on Friday it was investigating BYD, Stellantis, Tesla and Volkswagen for allegedly misleading consumers on the performance of their electric vehicles.

The investigations for possible unfair commercial practices concern information “on EV driving range, battery capacity degradation and limitations on standard battery warranties, potentially in breach of the Consumer Code”, the watchdog said in a statement. Continue reading “Italy investigates Stellantis, Tesla, VW and BYD over EV consumer info”

(Reuters) – Rivian said on Friday it is recalling 17,260 vehicles in the U.S. due to a headlight issue that could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall affects certain 2025 R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck vehicles, the company said in a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading “Rivian to recall over 17,000 vehicles in US over headlight issue”

(Reuters) – Ford Motor is recalling 240,510 vehicles in the U.S. over potential seat belt issues, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday.

The recall affects certain 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Aviator vehicles where the seat belt buckle anchor bolts may be improperly secured. Continue reading “Ford to recall over 240,000 vehicles in US over potential seat belt issues”