Liontown Resources amends loan and supply deals with Ford Motor; shares advance

Liontown Resources amends loan and supply deals with Ford Motor; shares advance

(Reuters) – Liontown Resources said on Thursday it amended its loan and spodumene supply agreements with Ford Motor aiming to bolster near-term liquidity and gain more flexibility in marketing output as production ramps up at its Kathleen Valley lithium project in Western Australia.

Under the revised terms, Liontown said principal and interest payments due to Ford over fiscal 2026 would be deferred by 12 months; all other loan conditions remained unchanged. Continue reading “Liontown Resources amends loan and supply deals with Ford Motor; shares advance”

Exclusive: Ford F-150 Lightning plant hit by aluminum fire-related shutdown, union official says

Exclusive: Ford F-150 Lightning plant hit by aluminum fire-related shutdown, union official says

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor is pausing production next week at the Dearborn, Michigan, plant that makes its F-150 Lightning electric pickup, a change a union official at the plant says is related to a disastrous fire at a supplier’s New York aluminum factory.

The September 16 fire at a Novelis plant is expected to disrupt production of Ford’s best-selling F-150 vehicles for months, and potentially sap $1 billion from its bottom line, according to an analyst estimate. Continue reading “Exclusive: Ford F-150 Lightning plant hit by aluminum fire-related shutdown, union official says”

Exclusive: GM backtracks on plan to claim last-minute EV tax credits

Exclusive: GM backtracks on plan to claim last-minute EV tax credits

Summary

  • GM cancels EV lease tax credit program after concerns from Senator Moreno
  • Program aimed to ease impact of tax credit expiration on dealers
  • Ford’s similar program status unclear, spokesperson declined to comment

(Reuters) – General Motors is scrapping a program aimed at allowing its dealers to continue offering a $7,500 tax credit for several months on electric-vehicle leases following the September 30 expiration of the federal subsidy, the company said on Wednesday.

Toward the end of last month, GM devised a plan to have its in-house lending arm initiate the purchase of EVs in its dealers’ inventory. The company planned to apply for the federal $7,500 credit on those cars and then roll that money into EV lease terms for customers through the end of the year. Continue reading “Exclusive: GM backtracks on plan to claim last-minute EV tax credits”

Skoda Auto India evaluating electric car launch with localised supplier base

Skoda Auto India evaluating electric car launch with localised supplier base

Source : PTI | Skoda Auto India, part of the Volkswagen group, is evaluating the launch of electric car in the country with localised supplier base, an official said on Wednesday.

The company plans to enter the fast-growing Indian electric car market by 2027-28, according to the official. Skoda has a global portfolio of electric cars positioned in the premium segment.

Continue reading “Skoda Auto India evaluating electric car launch with localised supplier base”

Auto AI firm Intangles raises $30 mn in funding led by Avataar Venture Partners

Auto AI firm Intangles raises $30 mn in funding led by Avataar Venture Partners

Source : PTI | Predictive AI start-up Intangles has raised $30 million (about ₹266 crore) in a funding round led by Avataar Venture Partners, the company said on Tuesday.

The Pune-based firm received follow-on investments from Baring India Private Equity and Cactus Partners in the funding round. Continue reading “Auto AI firm Intangles raises $30 mn in funding led by Avataar Venture Partners”

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India posts record ₹3,726.8 crore profit in FY25

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India posts record ₹3,726.8 crore profit in FY25

Source : PTI | Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, the unlisted two-wheeler arm of Japan’s Honda Motor Co, posted a 37.77 per cent rise in consolidated profit after tax to ₹3,726.8 crore for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, its highest in five years, according to financial data accessed by business intelligence platform Tofler.

The company had posted a consolidated profit after tax of ₹2,705.15 crore in the financial year ended March 31, 2024.

Continue reading “Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India posts record ₹3,726.8 crore profit in FY25”

BASF’s Rodim India names Amresh Khar as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing

BASF’s Rodim India names Amresh Khar as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing

Rodim India, a brand of BASF, announces the appointment of Amresh Khar as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing (India). In his new role, Khar will lead Rodim’s expansion strategy, drive sales initiatives, finance & warranty and strengthen the company’s leadership presence in both Indian and international automotive markets.

With over 22 years of experience in the automotive industry, Amresh Khar has held leadership positions at Mahindra First Choice Wheels, Volkswagen Group Sales, Castrol India and Honda Cars, and also founded Mad About Wheels. An alumnus of IIM Bangalore, Khar holds an MBA from UBI Brussels and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Maharashtra. He is credited with building one of India’s fastest-expanding automotive installation teams, with a workforce of over 200 skilled professionals. Continue reading “BASF’s Rodim India names Amresh Khar as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing”

Nissan bets on mid-size SUV Tekton for resurgence in India, launch slated for mid-2026

Nissan bets on mid-size SUV Tekton for resurgence in India, launch slated for mid-2026

Source : PTI | Japanese automaker Nissan will kickstart the resurgence of the brand in India with its entry into the fast-growing but highly competitive mid-size SUV segment next year with its new model Tekton, which will also be exported to other countries, top company officials said on Tuesday.

The Tekton, which will compete with the likes of market leader Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq among others, has been designed and developed through a three-way collaboration by Nissan’s global teams in Japan, London and India.

Continue reading “Nissan bets on mid-size SUV Tekton for resurgence in India, launch slated for mid-2026”

5 buses broke down every hour, every day in Delhi in 2 years: Official data

5 buses broke down every hour, every day in Delhi in 2 years: Official data

Source : PTI | New Delhi, Over 112 DTC buses broke down on average every day in Delhi over the last two years, with more than 81,000 breakdowns reported by different depots of the public transporter, according to data obtained through an RTI query by PTI.

According to the data, 81,869 cases of bus breakdowns were reported over a span of two years between 2023 and 2024 — an average of nearly five buses breaking down every hour and every day for two years.

Continue reading “5 buses broke down every hour, every day in Delhi in 2 years: Official data”

Automaker BMW cuts 2025 earnings forecast
Mercedes-Benz third quarter sales drop, dragged by China and US

Mercedes-Benz third quarter sales drop, dragged by China and US

(Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz reported declining sales for the third quarter on Tuesday, as U.S. import duties and intensifying competition in China dented the German luxury carmaker’s deliveries.

It delivered 441,500 vehicles between July and September, 12% fewer than in the same quarter last year, with sales in the U.S. and China falling by 17% and 27% respectively. Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz third quarter sales drop, dragged by China and US”

Instant view: Reactions to Tesla’s launch of cheaper Model Y and Model 3

Instant view: Reactions to Tesla’s launch of cheaper Model Y and Model 3

(Reuters) – Tesla unveiled more affordable versions of its best-selling Model Y SUV and its Model 3 sedan on Tuesday at $39,990 and $36,990, respectively, as the electric-vehicle maker seeks to reverse falling sales and waning market share amid rising competition.

MARKET REACTION:

Tesla shares dropped 3.6% in afternoon trading.

The S&P 500 was down 0.4% while the Nasdaq fell 0.6%. Continue reading “Instant view: Reactions to Tesla’s launch of cheaper Model Y and Model 3”

Toyota explores small drone system for off-road vehicle use

Toyota explores small drone system for off-road vehicle use

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor said on Tuesday it is exploring the development of a small drone system primarily to support vehicle operations on unpaved roads and trails.

The Japanese automaker said in a filing with the Federal Aviation Administration that the potential system aims to boost situational awareness in places where it is unsafe to exit the vehicle. Continue reading “Toyota explores small drone system for off-road vehicle use”

How Tesla’s cheaper models compare with other electric vehicles
US may revoke $1.1 billion in auto plant funding for Stellantis, GM

US may revoke $1.1 billion in auto plant funding for Stellantis, GM

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Energy Department is considering revoking nearly $1.1 billion awarded in retooling grants to Chrysler-parent Stellantis and General Motors last year by the administration of President Joe Biden, according to a document seen by Reuters.

The projects are among a list of $12 billion in awards that could be canceled as the partial government shutdown persists. Continue reading “US may revoke $1.1 billion in auto plant funding for Stellantis, GM”

Tesla debuts ‘affordable’ Model Y and 3 that strike some as too expensive

Tesla debuts ‘affordable’ Model Y and 3 that strike some as too expensive

Summary

  • Cars open for orders now; many locations show deliveries in December, January
  • Pricing disappoints some investors and analysts
  • Cars drop some premium features but offer over 300 miles of range
  • Musk emphasizes affordability amid rising competition and sales challenges

(Reuters) – Tesla rolled out “affordable” versions of its best-selling Model Y SUV and its Model 3 sedan, but the starting prices of $39,990 and $36,990 were too high, some said, to attract a new class of buyers to the electric vehicle brand. Continue reading “Tesla debuts ‘affordable’ Model Y and 3 that strike some as too expensive”

Trump imposing new 25% large truck tariff starting Nov. 1

Trump imposing new 25% large truck tariff starting Nov. 1

Summary

  • Trump says tariff aims to protect U.S. truck manufacturers from foreign competition
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes tariffs, citing allies as top import sources
  • Mexico largest exporter of medium- and heavy-duty trucks to U.S

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said Monday that all medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States will face a 25% tariff rate starting November 1, a significant escalation of his effort to protect U.S. companies from foreign competition. Continue reading “Trump imposing new 25% large truck tariff starting Nov. 1”

Ferrari completes e-Vortex test circuit near Fiorano

Ferrari completes e-Vortex test circuit near Fiorano

(Reuters) – Ferrari has completed the construction of e-Vortex, the new test circuit next to its Fiorano test track in less than four months, the sports car maker said on Monday.

The infrastructure is about 2 kilometers long, covers 37,000 square metres and is divided into sectors: two banked curves with longitudinal slope, a central straight and handling curves for dynamic behaviour studies. Continue reading “Ferrari completes e-Vortex test circuit near Fiorano”

Tesla’s German car sales fall in September though wider EV sales jump

Tesla’s German car sales fall in September though wider EV sales jump

(Reuters) – Tesla’s sales volume in Germany fell by 9.4% in September, the German road traffic agency KBA said on Monday, although overall sales of battery electric vehicles rose by 31.9% year on year.

Registrations of new Tesla cars had risen in parts of Europe in September, lifted by its updated Model Y. But the U.S. electric vehicle maker continues to face pressure from growing competition, political backlash against CEO Elon Musk and an ageing lineup. Continue reading “Tesla’s German car sales fall in September though wider EV sales jump”

Foreign companies eye US expansion to lessen fallout from tariffs
EV maker Lucid’s quarterly deliveries rise but fall short of expectations

EV maker Lucid’s quarterly deliveries rise but fall short of expectations

(Reuters) – Lucid reported a 46.6% jump in third-quarter deliveries on Monday, driven by a rush of demand for electric vehicles before lucrative tax credits expired last week, but it still missed Wall Street expectations.

The EV maker and its rivals are bracing for a sharp drop in sales in the last three months of the year without the $7,500 in credits. While some have cut prices and found mechanisms to extend the benefits of the credit, others have cut production plans in anticipation of a slump. Continue reading “EV maker Lucid’s quarterly deliveries rise but fall short of expectations”

Russia to remain India’s No 1 crude oil supplier: Analysts

Russia to remain India’s No 1 crude oil supplier: Analysts

Source : PTI | India’s crude oil imports from Russia saw a marginal decline in September, but continued to account for over one-third of the country’s total oil purchases, despite US pressure to curb the trade over concerns that it supports Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

India’s crude imports in September were around 4.7 million barrels per day, up 2,20,000 bpd month-on-month and flat year-on-year. Continue reading “Russia to remain India’s No 1 crude oil supplier: Analysts”

Renault plans to cut 3,000 jobs in support functions, French newsletter reports

Renault plans to cut 3,000 jobs in support functions, French newsletter reports

Summary

  • Plan for support staff numbers to be cut by about 15%
  • Human resources, finance and marketing jobs targeted
  • Renault says considering cost cuts, no comment on jobs

PARIS, (Reuters) – French carmaker Renault plans to cut 3,000 jobs through a voluntary redundancy offer for staff in support functions, French newsletter L’Informe reported on Saturday. Continue reading “Renault plans to cut 3,000 jobs in support functions, French newsletter reports”

Automaker Stellantis planning $10 billion in US investments, Bloomberg News reports

Automaker Stellantis planning $10 billion in US investments, Bloomberg News reports

(Reuters) – French-Italian-American automaker Stellantis, is planning to invest about $10 billion in the United States, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Stellantis may announce in the coming weeks about $5 billion in fresh investment on top of a similar amount earmarked earlier in the year, the report said. Continue reading “Automaker Stellantis planning $10 billion in US investments, Bloomberg News reports”

National industrial policies can be effective, but they carry risks, IMF says

National industrial policies can be effective, but they carry risks, IMF says

Summary

  • IMF looked at data from Brazil, South Korea, China and EU
  • Structural reforms should accompany industrial policy, IMF says
  • Such policies can be costly to governments, drive up consumer prices, it says

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – More countries are seeking to reshape their economies using public support for specific firms and sectors, but subsidies and other industrial policies can be costly and may not be effective unless carefully utilized, the IMF said on Friday. Continue reading “National industrial policies can be effective, but they carry risks, IMF says”

EU’s Von der Leyen urges European push on AI-driven cars

EU’s Von der Leyen urges European push on AI-driven cars

(Reuters) – NissanTURIN, (Reuters) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Friday for a continent-wide push to develop self-driving cars, saying artificial intelligence could help revive the region’s struggling automotive sector and improve road safety.

Speaking at the Italian Tech Week in Turin, Italy’s automotive hub, von der Leyen urged the European Union to adopt an “AI first” strategy across strategic industries, with a focus on mobility. Continue reading “EU’s Von der Leyen urges European push on AI-driven cars”

Toyota to resume production at two Brazilian plants after weather disruption

Toyota to resume production at two Brazilian plants after weather disruption

SAO PAULO, (Reuters) – Japanese carmaker Toyota is set to resume vehicle production at two Brazilian plants, both in Sao Paulo state, starting November 3, after damages and disruptions from heavy rain and winds halted operations last month, the company said on Friday.

In a statement, Toyota added it still has no forecast for resuming operations at its Porto Feliz plant, as the firm is still assessing the destruction caused by the weather conditions. Continue reading “Toyota to resume production at two Brazilian plants after weather disruption”

Exclusive: Trump considering significant tariff relief for US vehicle production, senator says

Exclusive: Trump considering significant tariff relief for US vehicle production, senator says

Summary

  • Tariff relief could eliminate costs for major car companies
  • Commerce Department plans import adjustment offset for U.S. vehicles
  • Trump’s decision on tariff relief expected soon, Moreno says

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump is considering significant tariff relief for U.S. auto production that could effectively eliminate much of the costs major car companies are paying, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno and auto officials told Reuters on Friday. Continue reading “Exclusive: Trump considering significant tariff relief for US vehicle production, senator says”

India to emerge as next petrochemicals powerhouse with $37 bn capex push: S&P

India to emerge as next petrochemicals powerhouse with $37 bn capex push: S&P

Source : PTI | India is poised to become the next major player in the global petrochemicals industry, backed by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion aimed at boosting self-sufficiency, S&P Global Ratings said in a new report.

The report, ‘First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply’, warns that India’s aggressive capacity expansion – following similar moves by China – will intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical sector. Continue reading “India to emerge as next petrochemicals powerhouse with $37 bn capex push: S&P”

Tesla posts record deliveries, concerns mount over EV demand post-tax credits

Tesla posts record deliveries, concerns mount over EV demand post-tax credits

Summary

  • Tesla deliveries boosted by U.S. tax credit expiry
  • Company delivers record number of cars in a quarter
  • Deliveries of 497,099 vehicles in Q3 exceed estimates

(Reuters) – Tesla announced record quarterly deliveries on Thursday, but concerns that an expiration of the U.S. tax credit for EVs would turn a rush of buying into a trickle weighed on its shares.

The Elon Musk-led carmaker went all in to drive sales before the withdrawal of the $7,500 federal tax credit, using a combination of discounts, financing deals, social media ads and customer emails. Continue reading “Tesla posts record deliveries, concerns mount over EV demand post-tax credits”

Tesla begins selling Cybertrucks in Qatar

Tesla begins selling Cybertrucks in Qatar

(Reuters) – Teslahas begun selling its Cybertruck in Qatar, the U.S. electric vehicle maker said in a post on X on Friday, following the launch of its operations in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

The move underscores Tesla’s drive to widen its international reach as it faces slowing demand and intensifying competition in its core U.S. and Chinese markets. Continue reading “Tesla begins selling Cybertrucks in Qatar”

Nissan to recall over 19,000 US vehicles, citing quick charging fire risk
Overall September 2025 – Broad Trends | Weak first 3 weeks, sharp revival during Navratri

Overall September 2025 – Broad Trends | Weak first 3 weeks, sharp revival during Navratri

Weak first 3 weeks, sharp revival during Navratri

According to Vahan registration data, total vehicle registrations as of early October were ~1.51 million units, down ~13.28% from ~1.74 million in the same period last year. This is as on Tuesday, 30 Sept 2025 and it is known that Vahan figures takes a few days to get updated.

  • The early part of September saw subdued consumer activity: many buyers delayed decisions, waiting for festive season offers or clarity on new GST rates.
  • But from ~22 September onwards (start of Navratri and the effective date for the GST cut), demand surged, reviving hopes for better monthly totals.

Thus, the month exhibits a “U-shaped” pattern: weak start, strong finish driven by festival factors and tax stimulus. Continue reading “Overall September 2025 – Broad Trends | Weak first 3 weeks, sharp revival during Navratri”

Maruti Suzuki sales in September 2025

Maruti Suzuki sales in September 2025

New Delhi: In September 2025, Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 189,665 units. Total sales in the month include domestic sales of 135,711 units, sales to other OEM of 11,750 units and exports of 42,204 units. Notably, the exports reached an all-time monthly high.

The GST reform has significantly improved the customer sentiment as reflected in the highest-ever deliveries of 165,000 units (first 8 days) during the ongoing Navratri festive period. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki sales in September 2025”

Tesla beats delivery estimates on sales boost before EV tax credit expiry

Tesla beats delivery estimates on sales boost before EV tax credit expiry

(Reuters) – Tesla’s third-quarter deliveries beat analysts’ estimates on Thursday as a rush to buy EVs in the U.S. before the expiry of a popular tax credit more than offset slumping demand for its vehicles in Europe.

Shares of the Austin, Texas-based automaker were up 3% in premarket trading. Continue reading “Tesla beats delivery estimates on sales boost before EV tax credit expiry”

Rivian tops quarterly delivery estimates as sales jump before tax credit expiry

Rivian tops quarterly delivery estimates as sales jump before tax credit expiry

(Reuters) – Rivian Automotive reported a nearly 32% surge in third-quarter deliveries, beating analysts’ estimates, as more U.S. car buyers rushed to secure tax credits before their expiry by purchasing new electric vehicles.

Despite the jump in deliveries, the EV industry faces uncertainty over the next few quarters after the U.S. Congress, through sweeping legislation, moved to abolish tax credits on leasing that EV makers had long relied on to bolster sales. Continue reading “Rivian tops quarterly delivery estimates as sales jump before tax credit expiry”

Stellantis, Volvo Cars shares rise as US sales defy tariff fears

Stellantis, Volvo Cars shares rise as US sales defy tariff fears

Summary

  • Volvo Cars and Stellantis shares rise 5% and 7% respectively
  • Stellantis posted first quarterly sales growth in US this year.
  • Automakers continue to adjust models they sell in the US

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Shares in European automakers Volvo Cars and Stellantis jumped on Thursday after stronger than expected U.S. sales figures helped ease concerns that tariffs might dent demand.

Investors have been bracing for a slowdown in U.S. car buying due to higher import duties imposed by President Donald Trump, part of his broader push to boost domestic manufacturing. Continue reading “Stellantis, Volvo Cars shares rise as US sales defy tariff fears”

BMW South Africa CEO calls for joint EV battery strategy with Europe

BMW South Africa CEO calls for joint EV battery strategy with Europe

Summary

  • South Africa seeks to join global EV supply chain
  • Europe is South Africa’s largest export market for cars
  • South African auto leaders urge coordinated national EV strategy

GQEBERHA, South Africa, (Reuters) – South Africa and Europe should collaborate on building an alternative “value chain” for electric vehicle components such as batteries, to reduce dependence on China, the CEO of BMW South Africa said, calling for a national-level strategy.

South Africa, which accounts for 51% of Africa’s vehicle output, is seeking to position itself as a player in the global EV supply chain. But industry leaders say more policy clarity and investment are needed to unlock its potential. Continue reading “BMW South Africa CEO calls for joint EV battery strategy with Europe”

JSW MG Motor India Sales Up 34% in September 2025

JSW MG Motor India Sales Up 34% in September 2025

In a strong performance for the month, JSW MG Motor India reported wholesales of 6,728 units in September 2025, marking a 34 % year-on-year growth compared to 5,021 units in September 2024.

Key Drivers Behind the Surge

1. Festive Season Tailwinds

The onset of Navratri and other festival buying sentiment typically lifts car demand in India. JSW MG appears to have benefited from this seasonal uptick, with increased footfalls and quicker inventory turnarounds at dealerships.

2. GST / Tax Adjustments Encouraging Demand

The company notes that reductions in GST across several internal combustion engine (ICE) models improved the effective buying cost for customers. 
MG passed on tax-cut benefits of up to ₹4.48 lakh on ICE variants like Astor, Hector, and Gloster. Continue reading “JSW MG Motor India Sales Up 34% in September 2025”