Stellantis to temporarily lay off 900 US workers as tariffs bite

Stellantis to temporarily lay off 900 US workers as tariffs bite

Summary

  • Stellantis pauses production in Mexico and Canada due to tariffs
  • Automakers face 25% import tax on imported autos
  • UAW criticizes Stellantis for unnecessary layoffs
  • US automaker shares fall sharply

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Stellantis NV said on Thursday it was temporarily laying off 900 workers at five U.S. facilities and pausing production at one assembly plant each in Mexico and Canada, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs were announced. Continue reading “Stellantis to temporarily lay off 900 US workers as tariffs bite”

Exclusive: GM to increase truck production in Indiana following Trump’s tariffs

Exclusive: GM to increase truck production in Indiana following Trump’s tariffs

Summary

  • GM to increase truck production at Fort Wayne plant
  • 225-250 jobs to be added at Fort Wayne plant
  • Temporary workers to be hired for operational adjustments

DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors plans to increase production of light-duty trucks at its Fort Wayne, Indiana, assembly plant, it said in a webcast sent to plant employees on Thursday and viewed by Reuters, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on auto imports. Continue reading “Exclusive: GM to increase truck production in Indiana following Trump’s tariffs”

BMW India sales up 7% at 3,914 units in Q1 2025

BMW India sales up 7% at 3,914 units in Q1 2025

Source : PTI | German luxury carmaker BMW on Thursday reported a 7 per cent increase in its car sales in India at 3,914 units in the January-March period of 2025, its best ever first quarter sales, riding on its sports activity and electric vehicles. The group, which had sold 3,675 units in the first quarter of 2024, is looking at a double digit sales growth in 2025.

The BMW brand clocked 3,764 units while MINI recorded 150 units in the first quarter of 2025, BMW Group India said. Continue reading “BMW India sales up 7% at 3,914 units in Q1 2025”

Rising input costs to meet safety norms, consumer demand force carmakers to hike prices

Rising input costs to meet safety norms, consumer demand force carmakers to hike prices

Source : PTI | Rising input costs to meet mandatory safety requirements as well as growing consumer preference for features such as six airbags in all variants are making carmakers increase prices despite sluggish demand, according to industry players. Marker leader Maruti Suzuki India on Wednesday announced that it will increase prices of various models by Rs 2,500-62,000, from April 8, the second hike this year after increasing by up to Rs 32,500 across various models from February 1. Continue reading “Rising input costs to meet safety norms, consumer demand force carmakers to hike prices”

ICRA says US tariffs not to have any impact on passenger vehicle exports

ICRA says US tariffs not to have any impact on passenger vehicle exports

Source : PTI | The latest tariff measures by the US administration will not have any material impact on India’s passenger vehicle exports due to meagre volumes of such shipments, ICRA said on Thursday.

As part of reciprocal tariffs on about 60 countries to counter higher duties on American products imposed globally, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced 27 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India, saying New Delhi imposes high import duties on American goods. Continue reading “ICRA says US tariffs not to have any impact on passenger vehicle exports”

Don’t see any significant impact on Indian auto industry by US reciprocal tariff: SIAM

Don’t see any significant impact on Indian auto industry by US reciprocal tariff: SIAM

Source : PTI | The Indian automobile industry does not expect to have any significant impact by US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement as autos are not covered in it, besides there are limited exports to the US, industry body SIAM said on Thursday. It is to be noted that automobiles are not covered in this order since they are already subject to Section 232 tariffs at 25 per cent, announced earlier in President Trump’s order on March 26, 2025, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Director General, Rajesh Menon said in a statement.

“We don’t expect any significant impact on the Indian automobile industry since there are limited exports to the US, but we will continue to monitor the situation,” he noted. Continue reading “Don’t see any significant impact on Indian auto industry by US reciprocal tariff: SIAM”

BMW, Mercedes-Benz call for free trade based on low tariffs, reduced trade barriers

BMW, Mercedes-Benz call for free trade based on low tariffs, reduced trade barriers

Source : PTI | With US President Donald Trump revving up the tariff war, German luxury carmakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz in India on Thursday called for more free trade based on low tariffs and reduced trade barriers, saying it will be a win-win situation for all.

As part of reciprocal tariffs on about 60 countries to counter higher duties on American products imposed globally, the US on Wednesday announced 27 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India saying New Delhi imposes high import duties on American goods. Continue reading “BMW, Mercedes-Benz call for free trade based on low tariffs, reduced trade barriers”

Ford offers across-the-board discounts, jumping on recent tariff-induced sales bump

Ford offers across-the-board discounts, jumping on recent tariff-induced sales bump

Summary

  • Ford offers employee discount to all customers
  • Ford builds 80% of U.S.-sold vehicles domestically
  • Ford’s inventory exceeds industry average, boosting sales before price hike

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor announced discounts across multiple models starting Thursday, leaning on its healthy inventory to offer customers thousands of dollars off as competitors hike prices to absorb tariff costs. Continue reading “Ford offers across-the-board discounts, jumping on recent tariff-induced sales bump”

Progressive beyond performance, safety beyond features; the all-new Tiguan R-line

Progressive beyond performance, safety beyond features; the all-new Tiguan R-line

Summary

  • Beyond performance, powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine the all-new Tiguan R-Line features the 2.0-litre TSI EVO engine that delivers segment leading 204 PS of power and 320 Nm torque
  • Beyond performance, experience unfiltered adrenalin while driving the all-new Tiguan R-Line, offered with a powerful engine mated to a 7-Speed DSG transmission coupled with 4MOTION all-wheel drive capability
  • Beyond performance, redefine agility and comfort, with the all-new Tiguan R-Line, which comes equipped with DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) Pro. The Tiguan R- Line also features a vehicle dynamics manager to control electronic differential lock (XDS) and lateral dynamics components of the shock absorbers
  • Beyond safety, the all-new Tiguan R-Line is packed with advanced technology for a reassuring driving experience with 21 Level2 ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance System) features

Beyond safety, the cabin of the all-new Tiguan R-Line offers a world of safety with segment leading 9-airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, Front & Rear Disc Brakes and much more Continue reading “Progressive beyond performance, safety beyond features; the all-new Tiguan R-line”

Indian auto parts makers with plants in Canada, Mexico face no significant impact of US tariffs

Indian auto parts makers with plants in Canada, Mexico face no significant impact of US tariffs

Source : PTI | Indian auto component makers having manufacturing facilities in Canada and Mexico will face no significant impact of US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff war as the two countries have been exempted from additional duties. Due to the existing order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) related to fentanyl and migration, the White House confirmed that the new tariffs announced on Wednesday will not apply to Canada and Mexico.

Subsequently, US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) compliant goods from both the countries will attract zero duty while non-compliant items will face a 25 per cent tariff.

Continue reading “Indian auto parts makers with plants in Canada, Mexico face no significant impact of US tariffs”

Can Any Car Company Overtake Maruti Suzuki in India?

Can Any Car Company Overtake Maruti Suzuki in India?

by WAF THINK TANK

 

For decades, Maruti Suzuki has dominated the Indian automobile market. With an extensive lineup of affordable, fuel-efficient cars and a widespread service network, the brand has built an almost unshakable presence. However, as competition grows and consumer preferences evolve, one question arises: Can any car company surpass Maruti Suzuki in India?

Maruti Suzuki’s Market Dominance

Maruti Suzuki has been India’s largest car manufacturer for over 40 years, consistently holding a 40–50% market share. Models like the Alto, Swift, WagonR, Baleno, and Brezza have become household names. The company’s strengths include: Continue reading “Can Any Car Company Overtake Maruti Suzuki in India?”

How will Trump’s reciprocal tariffs impact Indian exports?

How will Trump’s reciprocal tariffs impact Indian exports?

(Reuters) – India was slapped with a reciprocal tax by the United States on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump raised trade barriers on all goods entering America.

Below are some of the key points:

TARIFF RATE AND COMMENTS ON INDIA

A flat 26% tariff was imposed on all goods being exported by India to the United States, amidst reciprocal tariffs in the range of 10%-49% unveiled by Trump for other countries. Continue reading “How will Trump’s reciprocal tariffs impact Indian exports?”

China’s main auto show cast in unwelcome spotlight as government backers clash

China’s main auto show cast in unwelcome spotlight as government backers clash

Summary

  • CCPIT, CCPIT Shanghai in dispute over who has organising rights
  • Automaker sources say conflict has sowed confusion
  • Auto China is China’s showpiece auto event

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – The government backers of China’s largest auto show have clashed over who has the rights to organise it, sowing confusion among automakers and would-be attendees just weeks before the opening of the showpiece event in the world’s biggest auto market. Continue reading “China’s main auto show cast in unwelcome spotlight as government backers clash”

Exclusive: India backs EV tariff cuts for Trump trade deal, defying autos lobby, sources say

Exclusive: India backs EV tariff cuts for Trump trade deal, defying autos lobby, sources say

Summary

  • India to lower EV tariffs in trade deal with the US, sources say
  • Duty cut a boost for Tesla, setback for India’s Tata, Mahindra
  • Carmakers fear immediate cuts will hurt investments, sources say
  • Fear US deal will set precedent for EU, UK talks, sources say

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – India plans to lower import tariffs on electric cars, rejecting requests from local automakers to delay such cuts by four years, as New Delhi prioritises closing a trade deal with the United States, government and industry sources told Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: India backs EV tariff cuts for Trump trade deal, defying autos lobby, sources say”

US tariffs upend Japanese carmakers’ Mexico gambit – and add to Nissan’s woes

US tariffs upend Japanese carmakers’ Mexico gambit – and add to Nissan’s woes

Summary

  • Nissan’s US sales reliant on Mexican production
  • Japanese automakers face profit challenges from US tariffs, Goldman Sachs says
  • Weak yen could offset some tariff impact for Japanese automakers

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japanese automakers have long relied on the “dependable and affordable” appeal of their economy cars to drive U.S. sales, thanks in part to low-cost production in Mexico. Now, U.S. President Donald Trump is turning that business model on its head. Continue reading “US tariffs upend Japanese carmakers’ Mexico gambit – and add to Nissan’s woes”

Exclusive: Ford to offer across-the-board discounts, jumping on recent tariff-induced sales bump

Exclusive: Ford to offer across-the-board discounts, jumping on recent tariff-induced sales bump

Summary

  • Ford to offers employee discount to all customers
  • Ford builds 80% of U.S.-sold vehicles domestically
  • Ford’s inventory exceeds industry average, boosting sales before price hike

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor plans to announce discounts across multiple models starting Thursday, three sources said, leaning on its healthy inventory to offer customers thousands of dollars off as competitors hike prices to absorb tariff costs. Continue reading “Exclusive: Ford to offer across-the-board discounts, jumping on recent tariff-induced sales bump”

Tesla quarterly sales plunge as Musk backlash grows

Tesla quarterly sales plunge as Musk backlash grows

Summary

  • Tesla’s sales drop to the weakest in nearly three years
  • Sales decline was more pronounced than analysts’ expectations
  • Tesla faces competition from BYD, Volkswagen, and BMW
  • Shares fall 7% in after-market trading after Trump tariff announcement

(Reuters) – Tesla’s quarterly sales plunged 13% to the weakest in nearly three years, hurt by a backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s politics, rising global competition and people waiting for a refresh to its highest-selling electric vehicle Model Y. Continue reading “Tesla quarterly sales plunge as Musk backlash grows”

Trump’s auto tariffs to cover more than $460 billion of US vehicle, parts imports

Trump’s auto tariffs to cover more than $460 billion of US vehicle, parts imports

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% auto tariffs will cover more than $460 billion worth of imports of vehicles and auto parts imports annually, according to a Reuters analysis of tariff codes included in a federal register notice on Wednesday.

The update of Trump’s auto tariff proclamation from last week included nearly 150 auto parts categories that will face tariffs starting on May 3, a month after Thursday’s midnight activation of 25% tariffs on vehicle imports. Continue reading “Trump’s auto tariffs to cover more than $460 billion of US vehicle, parts imports”

Toyota reports best-ever sales in FY25 at 3,37,148 units

Toyota reports best-ever sales in FY25 at 3,37,148 units

Source : PTI | Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Tuesday reported its highest ever sales in a financial year 2024-25 driven by robust demand for both SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles. The company said it dispatched 3,37,148 units to dealers last fiscal year, a growth of 28 per cent as compared with 2,63,512 units in FY24.

In March, the company sold 30,043 units, a growth of 11 per cent, as compared with 27,180 units in the same month last year. Continue reading “Toyota reports best-ever sales in FY25 at 3,37,148 units”

Honda Cars sales up 2% to 7,228 units in March

Honda Cars sales up 2% to 7,228 units in March

Source : PTI | Honda Cars India on Tuesday said its domestic sales increased 2 per cent year-on-year to 7,228 units in March. The automaker dispatched 7,071 units to dealers in March last year.

Export declined to 4,656 units last month as compared with 6,860 units in March last year.

The company said it registered total sales of 1,26,151 units in FY25 against 1,24,173 units in FY24. Continue reading “Honda Cars sales up 2% to 7,228 units in March”

Suzuki Motorcycle sales rise by 11% to 12.56 lakh in FY25

Suzuki Motorcycle sales rise by 11% to 12.56 lakh in FY25

Source : PTI | Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle on Tuesday reported its highest-ever annual sales in India at 12,56,161 units for 2024-25, growing by 11 per cent year-on-year compared to 11,33,902 units sold in the financial year ended in March 2024. The total sales for FY 2024-25 include record domestic sales of 10,45,662 units, a 14 per cent rise from 9,21,009 units sold in FY24, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd said.

The company also exported 2,10,499 two-wheelers in 2024-25 against 2,12,893 two-wheelers in 2023-24. Continue reading “Suzuki Motorcycle sales rise by 11% to 12.56 lakh in FY25”

Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor and Changan Auto hold merger talks, NYT reports

Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor and Changan Auto hold merger talks, NYT reports

(Reuters) – Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor and Chongqing Changan Automobile are in advance discussions to combine their operations, the New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The two companies, both controlled by the central government, have conducted detailed discussions on how to merge their operations and informed their foreign partners of the merger discussions, the report said. Continue reading “Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor and Changan Auto hold merger talks, NYT reports”

South Africa plans US meeting on looming auto tariffs

South Africa plans US meeting on looming auto tariffs

Summary

  • US auto tariffs override AGOA duty-free benefits
  • Industry body assesses impact of tariffs on car industry
  • US tariffs could impact South African economy, says minister
  • South Africa’s vehicle exports to U.S. valued over $2 billion

JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) – South Africa will seek a meeting with U.S. authorities on auto tariffs, Trade Minister Parks Tau said on Tuesday, noting the levies are a concern as the country has preferential trade status with the United States. Continue reading “South Africa plans US meeting on looming auto tariffs”

Xiaomi will cooperate with investigation into fatal EV crash, says founder

Xiaomi will cooperate with investigation into fatal EV crash, says founder

HONG KONG, (Reuters) – The founder of Chinese electric vehicle maker Xiaomi said on Tuesday he was “heavy-hearted” after three people were killed in an accident involving one of the company’s SU7s, and said it would fully cooperate with a police investigation.

The incident on March 29 marks the first major accident involving the SU7 sedan, which Xiaomi launched in March last year and which since December has outsold Tesla’s Model 3 on a monthly basis. Continue reading “Xiaomi will cooperate with investigation into fatal EV crash, says founder”

Volkswagen, Stellantis and other carmakers hit with $495 million EU cartel fine

Volkswagen, Stellantis and other carmakers hit with $495 million EU cartel fine

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – Volkswagen, Stellantis, 13 other carmakers and their car association were fined a total of 458 million euros ($495 million) by EU antitrust regulators on Tuesday for taking part in a vehicle recycling cartel.

The European Commission, which raided the companies three years ago, said the cartel, which involved end-of-life vehicles, took place from May 2002 to September 2017, with automakers association ACEA organising meetings and contacts between the companies. Continue reading “Volkswagen, Stellantis and other carmakers hit with $495 million EU cartel fine”

US first-quarter auto sales get a lift from looming Trump tariffs

US first-quarter auto sales get a lift from looming Trump tariffs

Summary

  • GM’s first-quarter sales up 17%, Ford’s drop 1.3%
  • Tariffs may slow auto sales — Cox Automotive
  • Potential tariff-related price hikes likely helped

(Reuters) – U.S. buyers snapped up more pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles in the first quarter from a year earlier in the run-up to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on auto imports, which could raise prices by thousands of dollars. Continue reading “US first-quarter auto sales get a lift from looming Trump tariffs”

Aston Martin gets $162 million funding boost to counter losses, Trump tariffs

Aston Martin gets $162 million funding boost to counter losses, Trump tariffs

Summary

  • Yew Tree Consortium to invest 52.5 million pounds
  • Chairman Stroll’s stake to rise to 33%, eyes up to 35%
  • Aston Martin revises volumes forecast due to tariff impact

(Reuters) – Aston Martin will raise more than 125 million pounds ($161.9 million) through funding from its chairman and the sale of its stake in his Formula One team as it battles ballooning losses and tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Continue reading “Aston Martin gets $162 million funding boost to counter losses, Trump tariffs”

Musk says ‘terrorism’ behind fire at Rome Tesla dealership
Dude, where’s my car? Toyota buyers face long waits amid hybrid boom

Dude, where’s my car? Toyota buyers face long waits amid hybrid boom

Summary

  • Toyota’s hybrid demand outpaces supply, causing global delivery delays
  • Tight supply of components affecting Toyota suppliers Aisin, Denso
  • Toyota says making efforts to boost production to respond to demand

NEW DELHI/AUSTIN, (Reuters) – Soaring demand for Toyota’s gasoline-electric hybrids has left suppliers struggling to keep pace, leading to shortages of parts and months-long waits for car buyers, according to four people familiar with the situation. Continue reading “Dude, where’s my car? Toyota buyers face long waits amid hybrid boom”

Trump’s auto tariffs will lead to autoworker pain, two Michigan business groups say

Trump’s auto tariffs will lead to autoworker pain, two Michigan business groups say

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Two Michigan business groups urged President Donald Trump to halt plans to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, saying it would lead to dramatic price hikes, supply-chain disruptions and pain in the auto-heavy state.

“The increased costs would cause significant disruption throughout the supply chain and, perhaps most importantly, lead to significant price increases to the cost to American consumers for vehicles,” the Detroit Regional Chamber and MichAuto, an automotive and mobility association, said in a letter. Continue reading “Trump’s auto tariffs will lead to autoworker pain, two Michigan business groups say”

Volvo goes back to car industry basics with surprise CEO switch

Volvo goes back to car industry basics with surprise CEO switch

Summary

  • Samuelsson safe bet amid rising trade tensions
  • Volvo vulnerable to Trump auto tariffs
  • Chairman Li Shufu under investor pressure
  • Shares down 70% since 2021 listing

STOCKHOLM/LONDON, (Reuters) – Volvo Car’s abrupt decision to tap Hakan Samuelsson as its CEO puts the car industry veteran back in charge of steering the automaker through U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff turbulence and a wobbly transition to electric cars, analysts and investors said. Continue reading “Volvo goes back to car industry basics with surprise CEO switch”