Source : PTI | The Indian tyre industry stands to gain from the government’s steps to enhance spending on infrastructure announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) said on Monday.

The tyre sector is closely linked to the performance of the transport and infrastructure ecosystem and the substantial increase in public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore is a significant positive for long-term demand growth, ATMA said in a statement.

Continue reading “Public capex, infra development focus in Budget to help tyre industry: ATMA”

Source : PTI | The focus in the Union Budget 2026-27 on scaling manufacturing in strategic sectors, building value chain in critical minerals and rare earths will be vital enablers for the future of electric vehicles, electronics and next-generation mobility, according to industry players.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had proposed dedicated corridors in mineral-rich states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu and import duty exemption on capital goods needed for processing critical minerals to boost mining and processing activities.

Continue reading “Focus on building value chain in critical minerals in Budget vital enabler for EVs, next-gen mobility: Industry”

Source : PTI | CIAL is set to create a national first by introducing hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transportation, marking a major step towards clean and green mobility in the aviation sector.

The move follows the exchange of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) on February 1.

The agreement paves the way for the procurement and operation of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses at Kochi airport, a CIAL release said here on Monday. Continue reading “Kochi airport to run India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger buses”

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – Electric vehicles are likely to make up 85% of new car sales in the EU from 2035, based on its plans to drop an effective ban on new combustion-engine models, although that share could drop as low as 50%, clean transport advocacy group T&E said.

Under pressure from carmakers, the European Commission in December proposed a 90% cut in CO2 emissions in 2035 from 2021 levels, instead of zero for all new cars and vans.

T&E has criticised the EU’s biggest retreat from its green policies in years, saying the proposals will allow continued sales of high CO2-emitting vehicles, while Chinese producers race further ahead in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Continue reading “EU proposals set to limit EV sales from 2035, says campaign group”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor did not exercise a buyback option for its former manufacturing plant in Russia, the company said on Monday, amid the continuing war in Ukraine.

Along with its affiliate Kia, Hyundai was once the biggest foreign carmaker in Russia.

However, Chinese brands have gained significant market share over the past four years, as South Korean and other carmakers suspended local production after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine provoked Western sanctions and disrupted supply chains and payments. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor did not exercise option to buy back Russian auto factory”

Summary

• Program limited to first-time EV buyers, requires automaker matching funds
• Newsom criticized GM CEO for undermining California’s EV progress
• Automakers face challenges with declining EV sales and regulatory changes

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – California’s proposed $200 million electric vehicle incentive program will be limited to first-time buyers and require participating manufacturers to contribute matching incentives, the administration of California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday.

The proposal would allow incentives to defray the upfront purchase costs for new or used EVs but the incentive amounts have not yet been announced. Eligible vehicles will face price caps adopted by Congress in 2022. Continue reading “California’s $200 million EV incentive program to require matching funds from automakers”

(Reuters) – Investors in Elon Musk’s xAI will receive 0.1433 shares of SpaceX for every share of xAI as part of the satellite company’s purchase of the billionaire entrepreneur’s artificial intelligence company, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

As part of the deal, some xAI executives may also opt for cash instead of SpaceX stock, receiving $75.46 per share for each xAI share, the source added.

SpaceX was not immediately available for comment. Continue reading “Exclusive: SpaceX, xAI set share exchange ratio at 0.1433, source says”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s Denso, a major auto parts supplier to Toyota, slashed its full-year operating profit forecast by nearly a fifth, reflecting a drag from U.S. import tariffs and a hit from rising material and fixed costs.

The company cut its forecast for the fiscal year ending in March by 17.8% to 535 billion yen ($3.44 billion) from a previous estimate of 651 billion yen.

The world’s second-largest maker of vehicle parts generates about 56% of its revenue from Toyota group companies. Continue reading “Toyota supplier Denso slashes full-year operating profit forecast on higher costs”

(Reuters) – Alphabet (GOOGL.O) unit Waymo said it had raised $16 billion in its latest fundraising round that valued the self-driving car startup at $126 billion, nearly tripling its valuation in less than two years.

As one of the most sought-after applications of artificial intelligence, leading autonomous vehicle companies are investing heavily in commercializing their technology, with a focus on safety and regulatory collaboration to gain market share. Continue reading “Waymo valued at $126 billion in latest financing as robotaxis gather steam”

Summary

• Biden had sought truck fleet mileage of 35 mpg by 2035
• Trump’s NHTSA says those standards were unrealistic
• Revised rules expected to cut lvehicle costs, raise refueling costs

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Department said Friday it plans to propose rolling back fuel economy standards for heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans, the latest effort to unwind stringent vehicle standards set by former President Joe Biden.

In 2024, Biden’s administration finalized rules to require heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans to increase fuel efficiency by 10% per year for model years 2030-2032 and 8% per year for model years 2033-2035. Continue reading “US to propose unwinding Biden-era heavy truck fuel economy rules”

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – SpaceX generated about $8 billion in profit on $15 billion to $16 billion of revenue ​last year, two people familiar with the company’s results said, providing fresh insight ‌into the financial health of Elon Musk’s space company that is expected to go public later this year.

SpaceX’s most recent financials, which have not been previously reported, led some banks to estimate that the company could raise more than $50 billion at a valuation exceeding $1.5 trillion, said the ‌people, who asked not to be named to discuss private conversations.

Reuters reported on ​Thursday that SpaceX is also in talks with Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, about a merger ahead of the IPO. Continue reading “Exclusive: SpaceX generated about $8 billion in profit last year ahead of IPO, sources say”

Summary

• SpaceX-Tesla merger seen as less likely in short term, analysts and investors say
• Potential advantages include satellites powering robots and robotaxis
• Many Musk investors want more opportunities to make bets across empire

(Reuters) – Elon Musk fans and the man himself have long mused about Musk Inc, a merger of companies owned by the world’s richest man. But with SpaceX expected to go public later ​this year, and Tesla facing a challenging transition from human-driven EVs to robotaxis and robots, even some proponents of a sprawling Musk conglomerate want to start smaller.

Reuters reported on ‌Thursday that SpaceX is close to a deal to buy xAI, a move that would pave the way for Musk’s plans to launch data centers in space, which he calls the best place for the power-hungry machines. Continue reading “Combining SpaceX with xAI may be simple for Musk Inc, but Tesla isn’t so easy”

New Delhi : The Board of Directors of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) today approved the financial results for the third Quarter (October-December) FY2025-26.

Highlights: Q3 (October-December), FY 2025-26

Owing to the GST reform, there was a sharp recovery in the Indian car market, primarily led by the small car segment. The Company achieved its highest-ever Quarterly domestic sales of 564,669 units as compared to 466,993 units in Q3 the previous year, an increase of 97,676 units. Out of this increase, the small car segment in the 18% GST bracket accounted for 68,328 units. The Company clocked record total sales of 667,769 units including exports of 103,100 units. In the same period last year, the total sales were at 566,213 units, comprising domestic sales of 466,993 units and exports of 99,220 units. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki India Limited Financial Results Q3 and 9M FY 2025-26”

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A joint venture of Kirloskar Systems, TSSF Group, and Toyota Kirloskar Motor, launches a new customer-centric service platform.

Bengaluru, 29^th January 2026: Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Automotive Solutions Pvt Ltd today announced the inauguration of “TSERV Select”   , its first multi-brand retail service outlet in Bengaluru. Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Automotive Solutions Pvt Ltd is a joint venture between Kirloskar Systems Pvt Ltd, Trichur Sundaram Santhanam Family (TSSF Group), and Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (TKM).

The new company has been established in response to the continued growth of the Indian automobile market and evolving customer expectations, with rising demand for organized, transparent, and trusted service solutions across brands. Despite this expanding demand, a significant portion of India’s automotive servicing market remains fragmented and unorganized, presenting a huge opportunity to serve customers. Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Automotive Solutions will offer comprehensive multi-brand vehicle service solutions, supported by trained technicians, robust quality systems, and customer-centric processes. Continue reading “Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Automotive Solutions inaugurates first “TSERV Select” multi-brand service outlet in Bengaluru”

(Reuters) – Chinese robovan developer Zelostech said on Thursday that e-commerce giant Alibaba’s logistics arm, Cainiao, will take a stake in the company.

The deal will create a business valued around $2 billion, the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news, said.

A spokesperson for the robovan developer said “Cainiao will not become a controlling shareholder of Zelostech.” Continue reading “Alibaba’s logistics arm to buy stake in Chinese robovan developer Zelostech”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday it is opening an investigation after a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California last week, causing minor injuries.

The auto safety agency said the child ran across the street on January 23 from behind a double parked SUV towards the school and was struck by the Alphabet-unit Waymo autonomous vehicle during normal school drop off hours. The agency said there were other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles in the vicinity. Continue reading “US opens probe after Waymo self-driving vehicle strikes child near school, causing minor injuries”

LONDON, (Reuters) – Tesla shares rose 1.8% in Frankfurt on Thursday, a day after the company said it will invest $2 billion in CEO Elon Musk’s artificial-intelligence company xAI and that production plans for its Cybercab robotaxi were on track for this year.

The move was roughly in line with where Tesla’s U.S. shares ended in after hours trading. They had initially risen about 3.5% in after-hours trading, but pared gains following details of Tesla’s capital expenditure plans. Continue reading “Tesla shares up 1.8% in Frankfurt day after results”

(Reuters) – Hyundai Motor is recalling 568,576 Palisade sports utility vehicles in the U.S. over improper deployment of side curtain airbags, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Thursday.

NHTSA said the side curtain air bags for third-row occupants in these SUVs may deploy improperly in a crash, adding that the remedy is currently under development.

NHTSA said that the air bags involved in the recalls were supplied to Hyundai by Sweden’s Autoliv, which is the world’s largest producer of air bags and seatbelts. Continue reading “Hyundai to recall about 569,000 SUVs in US over faulty deployment of air bags”

LONDON, (Reuters) – U.S. robotaxi company Waymo said on Wednesday it was aiming to launch its fully driverless ride-hailing service in London by the fourth quarter of 2026.

The company, a unit of Google parent Alphabet, has grown slowly but steadily over the years in the United States despite tough regulations and expensive technology, enabling it to look at scaling up its presence abroad. Continue reading “US robotaxi group Waymo aims to launch in London by fourth quarter of 2026”

Summary

• Tesla’s $2 billion investment in xAI supports autonomous driving ambitions
• Cybercab production plans crucial for investor confidence amid past missed targets
• Energy and storage business a bright spot with record $3.84 bln revenue in Q4
• Capex will more than double this year, CFO says

(Reuters) – Tesla said on Wednesday it will invest $2 billion in CEO Elon Musk’s artificial-intelligence company xAI – and that production plans for its ​Cybercab robotaxi were on track for this year.

The news supported Musk’s plan to pivot Tesla from an electric vehicle maker to an AI company, which is key to the company’s roughly $1.5 trillion valuation, while ‌reassurance of production plans is critical for investor confidence as Tesla has repeatedly fallen short of promises made by Musk. Continue reading “Tesla invests $2 billion in Musk’s xAI and reiterates Cybercab production starts this year”

Summary

• Raises truck market forecasts for Europe and North America
• Shares up more than 2% in early trade

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Volvo Group raised its forecasts for stabilising European and North American markets on Wednesday despite a drop in fourth-quarter profit that prompted a dividend cut.

Profit continued to tumble as the sector contends with a more than three‑year slump in the United States owing to lower freight volumes in the face of policy and tariff uncertainty. Continue reading “Truckmaker Volvo flags improved outlook after quarterly profit drop”

Summary

• Investors list China, software as top challenges
• Volkswagen turns to foreign partners to plug gaps
• Porsche crisis looms over Blume’s legacy
• Top shareholder awaiting ‘implementation’ of strategy

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume faces a defining test this year, investors say: to prove he can stem a slide in China and close a tech gap to rivals, regarded as the essential elements for a successful turnaround of the German automaker.

Forced to end his dual-role as boss of both Volkswagen and Porsche from January following the sports car division’s slide into crisis, Blume got a vote of confidence in the form of a five-year extension to his group CEO contract. Continue reading “Volkswagen CEO Blume, free of Porsche role, under pressure to deliver on turnaround”

Source : PTI | In its bid to strengthen checks on polluting vehicles in the city, the transport department has directed all PUC centres to strictly enforce norms set by the government, officials said on Tuesday.

According to an order issued by the Delhi transport department, after routine checks of the pollution under check (PUC) centres, it was found that video clips of vehicle emission testing are not being uploaded in the prescribed format.

Continue reading “Delhi Transport department issues directive for proper checks at PUC centres”

Source : PTI | Essar Green Mobility is targeting to deploy 30,000 LNG and electric trucks supported by a network of 100 alternative fuel and charging hubs across the country as part of India’s largest clean freight initiatives, an official said.

The expansion is expected to cut around one million tonnes of CO2 annually from freight operations – a key contributor to transport emissions – marking a significant step in decarbonising the logistics sector.

Continue reading “Essar’s Green Mobility eyes 30,000 clean trucks, 100 fuel-charging hubs in India”

Source : PTI | Maruti Suzuki India on Wednesday posted 4 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 3,879 crore for the December quarter FY26, hit by one-time provision of Rs 594 crore on account of the new Labour Codes.

The country’s largest carmaker reported a net profit of Rs 3,727 crore for the October-December period last fiscal.

Total revenue from operations rose to Rs 49,904 crore in the third quarter from Rs 38,764 crore in the year-ago period, the company said in a regulatory filing. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki Q3 profit up 4 pc at Rs 3,879 cr; total revenue at Rs 49,904 cr”

Source : PTI | The India-EU free trade agreement will unlock opportunities for domestic two-wheeler manufacturers to expand their footprint in the European market, according to industry leaders.

Hero MotoCorp CEO Harshavardhan Chitale said the conclusion of the trade agreement between India and EU “heralds more than a commercial milestone” but it is a strategic partnership shaping resilient economies.

Continue reading “India-EU FTA to unlock opportunities for domestic 2W makers to expand in Europe: Industry”

Summary

• Volkswagen is proud to announce its exciting plans for 2026 with new product interventions in every quarter of the year
• Product actions will include SUV, Sedan and Hatchback body styles
• Tayron R-Line marks the first product intervention, 4 more actions to follow through the year for an action packed and definitive brand calendar

Mumbai: Volkswagen India today showcased its first product for 2026 – Tayron R Line. The brand also announced its plans for product interventions in every quarter of the year, aimed at preserving relevance and market excitement through the calendar year 2026.

The 5 product interventions planned in 2026 will be based on SUV, Sedan and Hatchback body styles, each catering to a different premium customer audience. For 2026, the brand has outlined its macro-objectives that are defined by Aspirational Premium products, enhanced Customer Engagement and exclusive Experiences. Continue reading “An exciting year ahead: Volkswagen India plans 5 product interventions for 2026”

Source : PTI | Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed officials to prioritise the setting up of Electric Vehicle charging stations at all retail fuel outlets proposed on MSRTC premises.

He also emphasised that a phased transition to electric buses is already underway.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting held at the office of the minister who heads the State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). Continue reading “EV charging stations will be mandatory at fuel pumps on MSRTC land: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik”

Source : PTI | India has blocked China’s request for the setting up of a dispute panel at the WTO in a case that Beijing has filed against New Delhi’s incentive schemes for auto, battery and electric vehicles, an official said on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, China has requested the WTO’s dispute settlement body to set up the panel after bilateral consultations failed to resolve the dispute.

Continue reading “India blocks China’s request for setting up panel in WTO against India’s auto scheme”

(Reuters) – German automaker Volkswagen will recall 44,551 ID.4 electric vehicles in the U.S. in two separate recalls tied to potential battery-related fire risks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday.

In the larger recall, involving 43,881 vehicles from model years 2023–2025, the high‑voltage battery may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire, NHTSA said.

Dealers will update the battery software and replace the battery pack if needed, free of charge, the agency said. Continue reading “Volkswagen to recall over 44,000 US vehicles over battery fire risk, NHTSA says”

(Reuters) – Shares of India’s top carmakers dropped as much as 5% on Tuesday after India and the European Union announced sharp tariff cuts on European car imports as part of a trade deal, potentially the most aggressive opening yet of a protected sector.

Mahindra and Mahindra’s stock fell as much as 5.1% to its lowest since August 2025, leading losses on the Nifty auto index which was down 2.1%.

Maruti Suzuki India fell as much as 2.95% and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles was down 2.3%. Continue reading “Indian carmakers slide on sharp tariff cuts for European imports”

Summary

• Renault revives plans for India to regain market share
• Import tariffs on cars from EU to drop
• Renault betting on India to grow outside Europe

CHENNAI/PARIS, (Reuters) – India has become a top priority for Renault because of the market’s potential for growth and increasing accessibility for European Union firms after their trade deal, the French carmaker’s chief growth officer said on Tuesday.

Renault is making a comeback in India with a new strategy as it looks to the world’s third-largest car market for growth outside Europe. Continue reading “Renault says India’s growth potential and EU trade deal make it a priority”

Summary

• EU-India trade deal to slash car import tariffs to 10%
• Local brands, Suzuki, Hyundai dominate Indian market
• India’s car market expected to grow to 6 million units by 2030

BERLIN, (Reuters) – European carmakers, squeezed by U.S. tariffs and price wars in China, will get a welcome boost from an EU-India trade deal that sharply drops tariffs on car imports, but face a tough market dominated by homegrown firms and compact Japanese ‘kei’ cars.

India and the European Union signed a trade deal on Tuesday, including slashing tariffs on imports of EU-made cars to 10% from as high as 110%, the biggest opening yet of India’s vast market for Volkswagen and Renault. Continue reading “EU carmakers face tough India market even after trade deal”

Summary

• GM raises 2026 profit outlook on strong US truck and SUV sales
• Quarterly profit rises 13%, tops estimates despite EV challenges
• Dividend boosted 20%, approves $6 billion share buyback
• GM maintains EV strategy amid cost pressures

(Reuters) – General Motors said on Tuesday it expects to log higher profits in 2026 despite nagging tariffs, as easing U.S. environmental rules brighten the outlook for its big pickup trucks and SUVs.

The largest U.S. automaker by sales spent last year navigating fast-shifting U.S. tariffs and supply chain snags, which inflated costs and cut its core profit. Continue reading “General Motors’ core profit rises on higher demand for SUVs, pickup trucks”

Taking forward the brand’s commitment of democratising European technology for Indian roads, the new Kushaq is #EasytoLove

• Easy to Flaunt: Interprets Škoda’s Modern Solid design philosophy while carrying forward the brand’s distinctive European design legacy; Monte Carlo badge available from launch
• Easy to Drive: Offers a range of real automatics, with turbocharged engines across all variants
• Segment-first transmission: Introduces an all-new eight-speed torque converter automatic paired with the powerful yet efficient 1.0 TSI, alongside a six-speed manual and the proven seven-speed DSG automatic with the 1.5 TSI
• Easy on the Experience: Elevates comfort with feature-rich offerings, including segment-first Rear Seat massage function and a Panoramic Sunroof, introduced on the Kushaq for the first time
• Host of features standard from base variant: Alloy wheels, electric sunroof, Climatronic Auto AC, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper and defogger, auto-dimming IRVM, LED headlamps and taillamps, among others
• Easy to Trust: Carries forward a 5-star Global NCAP rating; Equipped with six airbags and over 25 active and passive safety features as standard, extending up to 40 features on the top-end variant
• Easy to own: Led by the new Škoda Super Care package that includes best-in-class standard 4-year warranty & roadside assistance, and 4 labour-free services
• Pre-bookings & Deliveries: Open for the new Kushaq on Škoda Auto India’s official website at ₹ 15,000; deliveries will commence by the end of March 2026

Kochi, January 20, 2026 – Škoda Auto India has introduced the new Kushaq, redefining value, safety, dynamics and furthering its strategy of democratising European technology. The Kushaq is the brand’s first car under the India 2.0 strategy and has driven the company’s growth surge in India. With segment-first technologies like an all-new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, Rear Seat Massage function, and numerous all-new features and standard equipment, the new Kushaq follows Škoda Auto India’s strategy of making European engineering more accessible on Indian roads. Continue reading “Škoda Auto unveils the new Kushaq in India”

Source : PTI | Carraro India, a manufacturer of transmission systems for off-highway vehicles and other agricultural and construction equipment, on Friday said it plans to set up three more authorised service centres this year as part of its aftermarket expansion roadmap.

The company has inaugurated its authorised service centre in Faridabad (Haryana).

Through these service centres, the company said, it aims to ensure reliable access to genuine components, while reducing downtime and operating costs in a market poised for growth driven by infrastructure development and farm mechanisation. Continue reading “Carraro India plans to set up three more service centres in India this year”

Source : PTI | Policy continuity, infrastructure growth and a stronger electric vehicle ecosystem in the upcoming Union Budget will be critical for sustaining momentum in the automotive sector, according to Škoda Auto Volkswagen India MD and CEO Piyush Arora.

The Pune-based brand, which manages the Indian operations of six brands, Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche, also emphasised the importance of customs reforms and bilateral trade agreements to support global integration.

Continue reading “Union Budget 2026: Škoda Auto Volkswagen says GST continuity, EV push key for auto sector growth”