National Road Safety Confluence at IIT Delhi Unites Government, Industry and Civil Society for Measurable Action.

India has committed to reducing road fatalities and serious injuries by at least 50% by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving Zero Preventable Road Fatalities, under the newly launched New Delhi Road Safety Declaration at IIT Delhi.

The Declaration aligns with the WHO Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030) and marks a decisive shift from awareness-driven campaigns to measurable, accountable implementation. Continue reading “New Delhi Road Safety Declaration launched at IIT Delhi Targets 50% Cut in Fatalities by 2030”

Gurugram: BMW India Foundation is advancing its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development by supporting and upskilling traditional artisans across India. Guided by the vision to preserve the authenticity of indigenous art forms while connecting artists to contemporary resources and markets, the Foundation’s initiatives aim to enable sustainable livelihoods and enhance upward social mobility for artisan communities.

Launched in 2025, the artisan empowerment programme addresses long-standing challenges faced by traditional artists, including limited access to structured skilling, contemporary design exposure, and organised market platforms. Through partnerships with experienced implementation organisations, BMW India Foundation is creating pathways that allow artisans to strengthen their craft, respond to evolving consumer demand, and build resilient income streams. Continue reading “BMW India Foundation supports traditional Indian artisans’ journey to sustainable livelihoods.”

Source : PTI | New vehicle registrations in Sri Lanka increased to 55,000 in January, up from 48,000 in December with imports from India seeing a 15 per cent surge, analysts JB Securities said on Thursday.

Indian-origin imports surged to 30,766 units in January, up from 26,631 units in December.

Two-wheelers accounted for the bulk of new vehicle registrations at 24,163 units, followed by three-wheelers (3,441 units), SUVs (2,100 units), and trucks (237 units), a release by JB Securities said. Continue reading “Sri Lanka vehicle imports increase with surge in Indian imports”

Source : PTI | The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation is set to induct 8,300 new buses this year to bring down the revenue deficit and make the corporation financially strong, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Thursday.

Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of the MSRTC, said in a statement that the primary obstacle of bus shortage is being addressed to eliminate the current daily revenue deficit of ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore.

Continue reading “MSRTC to add 8,300 new buses this year with aim to bring down revenue deficit: Transport Minister”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated an investigation into the automotive rules of origin under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, the commission said in a statement on Thursday.

The probe will examine the “impact on the U.S. economy, effect on U.S. competitiveness, and relevancy considering recent technology changes,” the statement said.

The rules of origin under USMCA boosted the regional value content requirements in order for manufacturers building cars in any of the three countries to qualify for free-trade status. This required North American manufacturers to source more inputs from within the USMCA region, fundamentally altering their supply chains. Continue reading “US trade commission launches review of USMCA automotive rules of origin”

(Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr will enter the Italian market starting from Thursday, the company said in a press release, the latest in a string of announced European launches.

Zeekr, fully-owned by heavyweight Geely Holding Group will start deliveries of its four EV line-up and open retail locations in the spring, it said in the note together with its distributing partner Jameel Motors.

Calling Italy a “key market” in the brand’s European expansion, acting CEO of Zeekr Europe Lothar Schupet said the timing coincides with rapidly growing demand for premium EVs and continued investment in charging infrastructure. Continue reading “China’s Zeekr premium brand enters Italian car market”

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Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (20th February 2026)”

Summary

• California lawsuit alleges Trump illegally stripped state’s power to restrict auto pollution
• If California wins, automakers could face conflicting federal and California EV regulations
• Eleven other states follow California’s zero-emission vehicle mandates, raising the legal stakes

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – A legal clash between the Trump administration and California over auto-pollution rules is coming to a head, with enormous financial implications for EV makers including Tesla and traditional automakers dependent on fossil-fuel vehicles.

California is challenging an unorthodox move by congressional Republicans to kill a waiver allowing the state to enact its own emissions regulations. If California wins, it could force U.S. automakers to comply with two diametrically opposed regulatory schemes: President Donald Trump’s anti-EV policy and California’s pro-EV regime, which 11 other states have adopted. Continue reading “US automakers caught in crossfire of Trump, California EV battle”

Summary

• Renault operating profit drops 15% on higher revenues
• Carmaker facing tough commercial environment in Europe
• Margins for 2026 seen around 5.5% vs 6.3% last year
• Dividend stable at 2.2 euros
• Shares fall almost 6% after initial rise

PARIS, (Reuters) – Renault Group forecast lower margins for 2026 on Thursday as it reported a 15% fall in operating profit last year, denting its shares as the French carmaker grapples with growing price pressure from Chinese and traditional rivals.

Shares in Renault were down almost 6% at 1050 GMT as the market digested results from the group, which has been led by new chief executive Francois Provost since the summer. Continue reading “Renault forecasts 2026 margin drop as price pressure dents profit”

Thousands of companies around the world have filed lawsuits challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and sought refunds on duties paid.

The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet released opinions in argued cases. On February 3, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said The Supreme Court is taking its time to rule on a case challenging the legality of Trump’s tariffs given the “enormous” stakes involved. Continue reading “Global companies that have sued the US government for tariff refunds”

Source : PTI | Trailer and truck body manufacturerSATRAC Engineering Pvt Ltd has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in neighbouring Sriperumbudur, marking a significant milestone in its growth in the commercial vehicle body-building segment, an official said.

The new factory has been set up to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality trailers, tippers and special purpose vehicles across the logistics, infrastructure, industrial and government sectors. Continue reading “SATRAC opens mega manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur”

Source : PTI | Waaree Energies, a renewable energy company, will set up an integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh at an outlay of over ₹8,000 crore.

The project will come up at Rambilli in Anakapalli district and is expected to generate around 3,000 direct jobs, said an official release on Thursday.

“Waaree Energies will establish India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh. The project will come up at Rambilli in Anakapalli district with an investment of ₹8,175 crore,” said the release.

Continue reading “Waaree Energies to set up ₹8,000 crore lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra”

(Reuters) – Nissan is recalling 642,698 Rogue SUVs in the U.S. as part of two separate recalls, over issues that could cause loss of drive power, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday.

Nissan is recalling 318,781 Rogue SUVs over broken throttle body gears, the regulator said.

Separately, the Japanese automaker is recalling 323,917 Rogue SUVs due to damaged engine bearings, which could lead to the discharge of hot oil, increasing the risk of an engine fire and loss of drive power. Continue reading “Nissan to recall about 643,000 SUVs in US over engine, gear issues, NHTSA says”

Announces further democratisation of features across the range with more variants, greater choice and unmatched value

• Kylaq range grows from four variants to six, available at 11 price points
• Introduces New Classic+ variant, making Kylaq the most accessible car with a full-fledged torque converter automatic in its segment
• Equipped with electric sunroof, cruise control, Auto IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function steering, LED lights, and more, as standard
• Signature and Signature+ variants now get Electric Sunroof and several other upgrades
• Prestige+, an all-new variant, added at the top of the Kylaq line
• Introduces special anniversary offers on select variants, service packages, and assured gifts on purchase of the Kylaq for a limited period

Mumbai, Škoda Auto India, after registering its most successful year of sales in 2025 and introducing the new Kushaq, continues to keep its foot on the pedal with its growing product portfolio. The brand has furthered its strategy to democratise European technology on Indian roads by expanding the variant mix of its best-selling car, the Kylaq, and offering customers more variants, more choice and more value. Continue reading “Škoda Kylaq marks one year landmark by celebrating 50,000 sales milestone”

WARSAW, (Reuters) – Poland has barred Chinese-made vehicles from entering military facilities due to concerns their onboard sensors could be used to collect sensitive data, the Polish Army said on Tuesday evening.

The army said in a statement that such vehicles may still be allowed onto secured sites if specified functions are disabled and other safeguards required under each facility’s security rules are in place. Continue reading “Poland bars Chinese-made cars from military sites over data security fears”

(Reuters) – Tesla will avoid a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses in California after the U.S. electric vehicle maker stopped using the term “autopilot” in marketing of its vehicles in the state, a regulator said on Tuesday.

The reprieve from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) comes as Tesla and other EV makers grapple with a plunge in demand following the expiration of key tax credits that had boosted sales. Continue reading “Tesla avoids suspension by California regulator after corrective marketing changes”

Summary

• Environmentalists had long criticized the Energy Department rules
• Rules seen as assigning unrealistically high fuel-economy values to EVs
• Energy Department says will remove provision known as fuel content factor

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The Trump administration said Wednesday it is rescinding a rule that incentivized automakers to produce electric vehicles to meet fuel economy requirements by overstating energy savings.

Environmentalists have long criticized the Energy Department rules for assigning unrealistically high fuel-economy values to electric vehicles, which are then used to calculate fleetwide averages under Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules. Continue reading “Trump rescinding rule incentivizing EV production so automakers meet fuel economy requirements”

(Reuters) – Online used-car retailer Carvana missed Wall Street estimates for fourth-quarter profit on higher costs, sending the company’s shares tumbling 15% after the bell on Wednesday.

The miss marks a disappointing end to a stellar year for the retailer known for its iconic vehicle vending machines. Its shares more than doubled in 2025 and the company entered the benchmark S&P 500 index.

Carvana cited bigger-than-expected expenses on the inspection, repair, and detailing of vehicles at several production sites during the quarter, along with higher retail depreciation rates that further pressured per-unit cost. Continue reading “Carvana shares tumble as fourth-quarter profit misses on higher costs”

Summary

• Polestar to roll-out refreshed versions of Polestar 2 and 4
• Polestar aims for over 100,000 annual sales
• Geely keen on supporting Polestar despite financial problems

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, (Reuters) – Electric vehicle maker Polestar will roll out refreshed versions of its top-selling sedan Polestar 2 and SUV 4 models over the next year to support European sales, it said on Wednesday, choosing quick, lower-cost updates over all-new models to stem its cash bleed.

A Europe-focused reset, including a shift to a traditional dealer-led model, helped push Polestar’s annual sales to over 60,000 cars. But European Union and U.S. tariffs, tougher competition and softer-than-expected EV demand have made the road to profitability steeper. Continue reading “Polestar leans on revamped models to conserve cash and boost European sales”

(Reuters) – Uber Technologies said on Wednesday it would invest more than $100 million to develop autonomous vehicle charging hubs, underscoring the ride-hailing company’s latest push to scale up self-driving operations.

The move includes building DC fast charging stations at its autonomous depots where Uber runs day-to-day fleet operations, and at pit stops throughout priority cities.

Uber has made autonomous vehicles a key strategic priority, partnering with more than 20 firms across the world on self-driving freight, delivery and taxi services, as it races to secure market share and fight competition from companies such as Tesla. Continue reading “Uber to invest over $100 million in autonomous vehicle charging amid robotaxi push”

New Delhi, February 18, 2026: Marking the third day of SIAM Sustainable Mobility Week 2026, The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today organised the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Circularity at the India Habitat Centre. Held under the theme, “Accelerating India’s Systemic Transition to an Automotive Circular Economy: Policy Leadership, Innovation and Collaborative Action,” the conference highlighted the importance of embedding circular economy principles into India’s automotive growth through strong policy support, innovation and collaborative action across the value chain.

SIAM Sustainable Mobility Week 2026 is being held from February 16–19, 2026, which also includes the Sustainable Mobility Zone showcasing next-generation vehicle platforms, advanced safety systems, alternative fuels and enabling infrastructure solutions. The four-day initiative has brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, researchers and technology innovators to chart a clear roadmap for sustainable mobility in India. Continue reading “SIAM Hosts 4th International Conference on Sustainable Circularity, Calls for Systemic Shift to Automotive Circular Economy”

Tata AutoComp, through its subsidiary, Artifex Interior Systems, has strengthened its presence in the European Union with the successful completion of the acquisition of IAC Slovakia, a key supplier to Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda.

Pune, India – 18 February 2026

Tata AutoComp Systems Limited, through its British subsidiary Artifex Interior Systems, has completed the acquisition of the 100% share capital of IAC Group (Slovakia) s.r.o Continue reading “Tata AutoComp, Through Its Subsidiary, Artifex Interior Systems, Successfully Completes Acquisition of IAC Slovakia, to be renamed as ‘Artifex Systems Slovakia s.r.o’”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany’s IG Metall has filed a criminal complaint against the manager of Tesla’s factory near Berlin, accusing him of “spreading false allegations”, the union said on Tuesday, in another sign of its souring relations with the U.S. automaker.

The union said it had also applied to a labour court for a temporary injunction to prohibit Andre Thierig from further making the allegations. Tesla did not respond immediately to an emailed request for comment. Continue reading “German union files defamation complaint against Tesla factory manager”

Summary

• Port of Los Angeles exports fell 8% in January, lowest in nearly three years
• Soybean exports from Port of Los Angeles to China dropped 80% last year
• First-quarter total port volume expected to fall less than 10% year-over-year

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Exports from the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest U.S. gateway for ocean trade, fell 8% in January to the lowest monthly output in nearly three years, Executive Director Gene Seroka said on Tuesday.

“Exports to China look dismal,” Seroka said after the Port of Los Angeles handled 104,297 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of loaded export containers in January. Continue reading “‘Exports to China look dismal,’ leader of busiest US seaport says”

(Reuters) – Tesla will avoid a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses in California after the U.S. electric vehicle maker stopped using the term “autopilot” in marketing of its vehicles in the state, a regulator said on Tuesday.

The reprieve from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) comes as Tesla and other EV makers grapple with a plunge in demand following the expiration of key tax credits that had boosted sales. Continue reading “Tesla avoids suspension by California regulator after corrective marketing changes”

Source : PTI | Business Wire India CarTrade Tech Limited today announced its Multi-Agent AI Ecosystem, set to be rolled out across platforms over the coming months, a transformative technology initiative designed to enhance customer experience across its platforms while accelerating margin expansion.

This announcement follows the Company’s strongest quarterly performance to date, with record quarterly revenue of ₹ 228 crore and a best-in-class 37 per cent EBITDA margin in Q3 FY26. Building on this operating momentum, the Company is providing an update on the core strategic levers driving CarTrade Tech’s next phase of margin expansion and market dominance.

Continue reading “CarTrade tech unveils multi-agent AI ecosystem”

(Reuters) – Shares of Australia’s Qube Holdings shot to a record high on Monday after it agreed to an A$11.7 billion ($8.26 billion) buyout offer from a consortium led by Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) to take the logistics firm private.

Qube shares jumped as much as 4.1% in early trading to an all-time high of A$5.05. The stock remained below the consortium’s A$5.20 a share offer. Continue reading “Qube shares hit record high after agreeing to $8.3 billion Macquarie-led buyout”

Source : PTI | There is a lot of scope for AI integration in the road and transport industry to help avoid accidents and check issues of vehicular pollution, a government official said on Monday.

Measures such as a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system and adding driving-in-school curriculum can help in this direction, Pankaj Aggarwal, an officer in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said while speaking at the India AI Impact Summit in the national capital. Continue reading “AI integration in road, transport can help avoid accidents, curb pollution: Govt official”

Source : PTI | JSW MG Motor India is planning to drive in four new models this year, including a plug-in hybrid SUV, under its five-year plan to drive the next phase of growth, according to its Managing Director Anurag Mehrotra.

The company, which has unveiled premium SUV ‘MAJESTOR’, will be hiking its production capacity to 3 lakh units annually from the current 1.2 lakh units, and increase localisation, besides bringing new models, entailing a total investment of up to ₹5,000 crore, Mehrotra told PTI in an interview. Continue reading “JSW MG Motor India plans plug-in hybrid SUV among 4 new models this year”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen plans to cut costs by 20% across all brands by the end of 2028, Manager Magazin reported on Monday, as the German automaker looks to shore up its finances to counter the impact of higher costs, a tough Chinese market and U.S. tariffs.

CEO Oliver Blume and finance chief Arno Antlitz presented a “massive” savings plan at a closed-door meeting with the company’s top executives in Berlin in mid-January, the business publication added. Continue reading “Volkswagen plans to cut costs by 20% by end 2028, Manager Magazin reports”

Revenue Rs. 12,328 Crore (+21%) & Normalized PAT at Rs.1,439 Crore (+20%)

Declares Interim Dividend of Rs. 110 Per Share (5500%)

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, continues its strong financial performance for the third quarter (October – December 2025) of FY’26 and YTD FY’26 (April-December 2025), reporting highest ever Revenue & PAT. Continue reading “Hero Motocorp Reports Highest Ever Quarterly Revenue & Normalized PAT in its 25th Year of Leadership”

Summary

• Avoided 87,904 metric tonnes* of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emission and saved more than 687 lakh (68.7 million) litres of fuel
• Share of rail dispatches has increased more than fivefold, from 5.1% in 2016 to ~26% in 2025
• Rail-based vehicles dispatch volumes have grown over 7.5 times, reaching over 5.85 lakh units in 2025 from nearly 77,000 units in 2016

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) has set a new benchmark in green logistics by dispatching over 5.85 lakh vehicles through railways in CY 2025, a growth of 18% over CY 2024. Interestingly, in the past decade, Maruti Suzuki’s share of rail mode in outbound logistics has grown exponentially, rising from 5.1% in 2016 to ~26% in 2025, significantly reducing carbon emissions, country’s oil imports and easing road congestion. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki achieves record rail dispatch of over 5.85 lakh vehicles in CY 2025”

Source : PTI | The Delhi Traffic Police has launched a dedicated ‘Digital Lok Adalat’ application aimed at ensuring faster and more convenient settlement of traffic challans, an official said on Saturday.

The system has been developed in coordination with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) as part of a technology-driven push to streamline traffic enforcement-related services and reduce delays faced by citizens, the official said. Continue reading “Delhi Traffic Police launches ‘Digital Lok Adalat’ for faster challan disposal”

(Reuters) – For American buyers, affordable cars have not been this hot since the Gulf War sent gas prices climbing and Japanese automakers took market share by offering a simple proposition: “fill it, forget about it”.

Steep sticker prices on new cars are pushing Americans to opt out of premium trims for basic models, lifting sales of entry-level variants and prompting some automakers to adjust production. Continue reading “Americans ditch premium trims for entry-level cars as affordability takes a hit”

Summary

• Rivian forecasts 53% jump in 2026 deliveries
• Focus on cheaper EV reflects broader industry strategy shifts
• Stock set to add over $4 billion in market value, if gains hold

(Reuters) – Rivian’s projection that its cheaper models would attract more buyers this year drove a 25% stock jump on Friday, the latest sign of electric vehicle makers betting on affordable cars to revive sales after a key U.S. federal subsidy expired.

The company plans to roll out a new R2 model in the second quarter starting at nearly $45,000, similar to Tesla’s Model Y, marking a significant step down from the high-end R1 family of vehicles that Rivian is known for. Continue reading “Rivian shares surge as upcoming affordable SUV powers EV delivery forecast”

Summary

• German firms hold votes for labour representatives in March-May
• Far-right movements seen making inroads in key car sector
• Could provide a greater platform for AfD party
• Votes come as AfD seeks broad institutional footholds

STUTTGART, Germany, (Reuters) – On a dark February morning at Mercedes-Benz’s vast Untertuerkheim plant, workers arriving for the early shift are met by activists from Zentrum, a self-styled union affiliated with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

“Game-changer,” reads the pamphlet they are handing out ahead of elections to the factory’s works council, at which Zentrum aims to challenge mainstream unions it says have failed to shield the automotive industry from thousands of job cuts. Continue reading “Germany’s far-right woos unhappy car workers”

Summary

• Stellantis reintroduces 7 diesel models in Europe amid disappointing EV sales
• Diesel cars offer competitive edge over Chinese EV rivals
• Stellantis focused on customer demand, wants to generate growth

PARIS, (Reuters) – Fiat-to-Jeep owner Stellantis is quietly resurrecting diesel versions of at least seven car and passenger van models across Europe as it retreats from electric vehicles, according to a review of dealer websites and company statements to Reuters.

In a previously unreported strategic shift, world No. 4 automaker Stellantis began in late 2025 to reintroduce diesel versions in Europe for models ranging from various passenger vans to the Peugeot 308 and premium DS No. 4 hatchback. Continue reading “Exclusive: Stellantis resurrects diesel cars across Europe amid EV retreat”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s repeal of the foundation for federal climate regulation will immediately free automakers from costly tailpipe emissions standards, but the move could spark lawsuits and force businesses to navigate an uncertain future of multiple state and regional rules.

Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday finalized its repeal of the “endangerment finding” for vehicles, a 2009 determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health. The finding gave the agency authority to regulate emissions from vehicles, as well as other sectors that burn or produce fossil fuels. Continue reading “Trump EPA ends emissions limits for US automakers; state rules, lawsuits could follow”

Production: The total production of Passenger Vehicles1 , Three Wheelers, Two Wheelers, and Quadricycle in January 2026 was 29,27,394 units

Domestic Sales:
• Passenger Vehicles2 sales were 4,49,616 units in January 2026.
• Three-wheeler sales were 75,725 units in January 2026
• Two-wheeler sales were 19,25,603 units in January 2026.

Commenting on January 2026 performance, Mr Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM said, “Passenger Vehicles, Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers posted their highest ever Sales of January in 2026, with double digit growth, compared to January 2025. 4.50 Lakh units of Passenger Vehicles were sold in January 2026, with a growth of 12.6%, as compared to January 2025. Three-Wheelers witnessed a strong growth of 30.2% compared to January of previous year, with sales of 0.76 Lakh units, while Two-Wheelers grew by 26.2% in January 2026 as compared to January 2025, with sales of 19.26 Lakh units. The new year has begun on a positive note, extending the strong momentum seen in the previous quarter, supported by sustained demand following the GST rate reduction. The initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026 to strengthen India’s manufacturing base, along with existing policy tailwinds, are expected to deliver long-term benefits for the sector and support growth in the medium term.” Continue reading “Indian Auto Industry Performance in January 2026 | SIAM”