(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”

Source : PTI | With international automakers deciding to go ahead with their investments despite uncertain global geopolitical and economic environment, Tata Technologies Ltd is looking forward to a “very strong year” in the next fiscal from an aggregate growth perspective, according to its CEO and MD Warren Harris.

The company – a global product engineering and digital services firm, which had last year acquired Germany-based ES-Tech group, also expects the acquired entity to add to its overall growth trajectory, Harris told PTI in an interview.

Continue reading “Looking forward to a strong year next fiscal despite global uncertainty: Tata Technologies CEO & MD”

Source : PTI | Visiting Rajasthan’s desert city of Jaisalmer is set to become slightly costlier, with the municipal council deciding to levy a passenger tax on vehicles entering the city.

Tourists arriving in private vehicles or taxis will have to pay the tax at designated entry points.

The move has received approval from the state’s Local Self-Government Department, according to an official. Continue reading “Jaisalmer to levy passenger tax on vehicles entering city”

Source : PTI | Reliance Industries Ltd, India’s biggest buyer of Russian crude oil, has not bought any barrels from Kremlin in January so far while state-run refiners have stepped up imports prompted by discounts hitting some USD 7 per barrel, almost triple the level seen in mid-2025.

Reliance, which was touted as the world’s biggest buyer of seaborne Russian oil at around 600,000 barrels per day in 2025, did not buy any Russian crude oil in first three weeks of January, industry sources said, and ship-tracking data showed. Continue reading “Reliance stays away from Russian oil, public sector firms lap it up”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s BYD and U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil will deepen their partnership in hybrid technology, the Chinese electric vehicle maker said in a statement on Tuesday.

Under a long-term strategic Memorandum of Understanding agreement signed on Monday, the two companies will explore customised product research and development, collaborative possibilities in new material applications, among other fields, the statement said.

BYD launched engine oil jointly with Exxon Mobil specifically designed for its plug-in EVs last year. Continue reading “China’s BYD, Exxon Mobil to deepen hybrid technology partnership”

(Reuters) – Fully electric car sales in December overtook petrol for the first time in the European Union, even as policymakers proposed to ​loosen emissions regulations, data showed on Tuesday.

U.S. battery-electric brand Tesla continued to lose market share to competitors including China’s BYD and Europe’s best-selling group Volkswagen data from the European auto lobby ACEA showed.

Car sales throughout Europe sustained a sixth straight month of year-on-year growth, with overall ‌registrations, a proxy for sales, hitting their highest volumes in ​five years in Europe in 2025, though they remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Continue reading “Fully electric vehicle sales in EU overtake petrol for first time in December”

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – India and the European Union have finalised a landmark trade deal, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, as the two sides seek to hedge against fickle ties with the U.S..

After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market, the world’s most populous, to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its biggest trading partner. Continue reading “India, EU finalise landmark trade deal, PM Modi says”

BERLIN/FRANKFURT, (Reuters) – German companies’ investments in China hit a four-year high in 2025, according to data compiled for Reuters, underscoring how U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war is pushing industries and governments to boost ​business ties elsewhere.

The data, from the IW German Economic Institute and previously unreported, showed investments in ‌China climbed to over 7 billion euros ($8 billion) between January and November last year, up 55.5% from the 4.5 billion euros in 2024 and 2023. Continue reading “Exclusive: German firm’s investments in China boomed in 2025 on US trade war worries”

Summary

• India, EU to announce conclusion of trade talks on Tuesday
• Lower tariff is for some imported cars priced over 15,000 euros, sources say
• EVs will see no tariff cut for first five years – sources
• Tariff cuts a boost for VW, Renault, Mercedes, BMW

NEW DELHI/BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – India plans to slash tariffs on cars imported from the European Union to 40% from as high as 110%, sources said, in the biggest opening yet of the country’s vast market as the two sides close in on a free trade pact that could come as early as Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has agreed to immediately reduce the tax on a limited number of cars from the 27-nation bloc with an import price of more than 15,000 euros ($17,739), two sources briefed on the talks told Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: India to slash tariffs on cars to 40% in trade deal with EU, sources say”

Summary

• Tesla’s Q4 revenue expected to drop 4% due to lower deliveries
• Investors seek signs of stabilizing demand and margin protection
• Standard trims of Model 3 and Y to attract price-sensitive buyers

(Reuters) – Tesla investors head into earnings on Wednesday looking for evidence that Elon Musk’s long-promised self-driving bet is beginning to materialize even as results show growing strain on the company’s electric-vehicle business.

Competition and brand controversy have pressured the EV business that brings in a majority of Tesla’s revenue. The company’s deliveries shrank in 2025 and fourth-quarter sales and adjusted profit are expected to have dropped 3.6% and 40%, according to data compiled by LSEG. Continue reading “Musk’s self-driving ambitions key for Tesla results”

(Reuters) – Toyota said on Friday that it was conducting a safety recall involving around 162,000 vehicles in the United States over a faulty multimedia display.

The recall includes certain model year 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles. Continue reading “Toyota to recall around 162,000 US vehicles over faulty display screen”

Summary

• Renault turns to India for its international game plan
• Will target middle-class rather than entry-level drivers
• To bring back Duster which has greater brand recall than Renault
• Duster SUV launching January 26 followed by at least 2 more cars

PARIS/NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – France’s Renault is banking on the cult following of its Duster SUV to help revive its Indian business, bringing back a nameplate that had better brand-recognition than the automaker itself before regulatory change led to its demise.

The smallest by sales of so-called legacy automakers plans to elevate its line-up to more premium models under new CEO Francois Provost, who is tasked with growing Renault globally as Chinese rivals make inroads into its core European market. Continue reading “Renault’s India comeback relies on new strategy, old nameplate”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Friday it is opening an investigation into self-driving car company Waymo after its robotaxis illegally passed stopped school buses in Austin, Texas, at least 19 times since the start of the school year.

The Alphabet unit in December recalled more than 3,000 vehicles to update the software that had caused vehicles to drive past stopped school buses that were loading or unloading students, increasing the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe in October into Waymo vehicles near school buses. Continue reading “US safety board opens probe into Waymo robotaxis passing stopped school buses”

Summary

• Judge rules against Trump administration’s suspension of EV charger program
• 20 Democratic-led states and District of Columbia sued over suspension
• Environmental groups praise decision as a win for clean energy investment

(Reuters) – A federal judge on Friday ruled President Donald Trump’s administration unlawfully suspended funding awarded to support the expansion of electric vehicle charger infrastructure, in a victory for 20 Democratic-led states that sued over the action.

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin in Seattle ruled in favor of 20 states as well as the District of Columbia, which had filed their lawsuit after the U.S. Department of Transportation in February suspended an EV charger infrastructure program enacted by Congress in 2021 under Democratic President Joe Biden. Continue reading “Trump administration unlawfully suspended EV charger infrastructure program, US judge rules”

Summary

• Head of office that tackles threats from foreign technology resigns
• Liz Cannon departure comes after administration drops plan to restrict Chinese drones
• Other restrictions on China have been put on hold
• Cannon among numerous Commerce officials who have left government under the Trump administration

(Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s administration has pushed out a Commerce Department official whose office effectively barred nearly all Chinese cars from the U.S. market for national security reasons, according to people familiar with the matter.

Elizabeth “Liz” Cannon has resigned as executive director for Information and Communications Technology and Services, an office created in 2022 to investigate threats to the supply chain from foreign adversaries, the people said. Continue reading “Trump administration pushes out official whose unit banned Chinese vehicles, sources say”

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Global supply chains enter era of structural volatility: WEF WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (23rd January 2026)”

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 Continue reading “Škoda Auto unveils the new Kushaq in India”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor’s labour union in ​South Korea warned the automaker on Thursday against deploying humanoid ‌robots without union approval, saying the robots would bring “employment shocks”.

Hyundai’s plan to deploy humanoid robots starting in 2028 has sent its shares rallying to record highs, but it was not welcome news for workers, the ‌union said in an internal letter reviewed by Reuters. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor’s Korean union warns of humanoid robot plan, sees threat to jobs”

LONDON, (Reuters) – Mercedes announced a major new sponsorship deal with Microsoft on Thursday as they revealed images of the W17 Formula One car that the former champions hope will take them back to the top this season.

No financial details were given, although Sky News cited an unnamed sponsorship expert as suggesting the deal could be worth $60 million a year for the team. Continue reading “Mercedes reveal images of 2026 F1 car, announce Microsoft deal”