(Reuters) – Chrysler-parent Stellantis paid $190.6 million in penalties this year for not meeting U.S. fuel economy requirements, according to a government report and the Italian-U.S. automaker.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in an annual report that Stellantis paid $112.3 million in June and $78.3 million in March in payments for shortfalls from the 2019 and 2020 model years. In total, Stellantis has paid $773.5 million since 2018. Continue reading “Stellantis paid $190.6 million in US fuel economy penalties this year, agency says”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – The pension trust of German automaker Mercedes-Benz has sold its entire stake in Japan’s Nissan Motor for 47.83 billion yen ($324.65 million), a source with direct knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.

Shares in the Japanese automaker ended the day more than 6% lower, following Mercedes-Benz’s announcement on Monday that it would sell its 3.8% stake. The decline marked the stock’s biggest one-day drop since early July. Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz offloads Nissan stake for $325 million, source says”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group said in a statement on Tuesday it is increasing U.S. investment to $26 billion from a previously planned $21 billion.

Hyundai Motor Group added that it will establish a state-of-the-art robotics facility with an annual capacity of 30,000 units in the U.S. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor Group increases US investment to $26 billion”

Source : PTI | Vedanta group firm Hindustan Zinc Ltd is actively exploring opportunities in rare earth elements and seeking global partners for AI and drone-based exploration of critical minerals, Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar on Monday said.

Addressing the shareholders during the 59th Annual General Meeting, Hebbar said, “Further, we are actively pursuing exploration opportunities in copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, potash, and rare earth elements, while also looking at neodymium from monazite, antimony, graphite, and germanium.” Continue reading “HZL eyes rare earth elements, seeks global partners for AI, drone-led mineral exploration”

(Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening a probe into more than 1.4 million Honda vehicles sold in the United States over concerns that connecting rod bearing failures in their engines could lead to complete engine failure.

In a letter dated August 20, the regulator said it received 414 reports of the issue in various Honda and Acura vehicles’ 3.5-liter V6 engine. Continue reading “US probes into more than 1.4 million Honda vehicles over engine failure”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – German carmaker Porsche AG has scrapped plans to produce high-performance batteries at its Cellforce unit, citing slow demand for electric vehicles and changed conditions in China and the United States.

The move, which according to a person familiar with the matter will see about 200 of the nearly 300 jobs at the subsidiary cut, is a further blow to European efforts to challenge Asia’s dominance in automotive battery manufacturing. Continue reading “Porsche scraps battery production plans at Cellforce unit”

TOKYO/BERLIN, (Reuters) – The pension trust of Mercedes-Benz will sell off its roughly $346 million shareholding, a 3.8% stake, in Nissan Motor a spokesperson for the German carmaker said on Monday, adding to pressure on the Japanese automaker’s share price.

Japan’s third-largest automaker has been hit by U.S. tariffs, restructuring and lower sales volumes that have contributed to a 24% slide in its share price this year. Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz Pension Trust to sell its 3.8% stake in Nissan Motor”

(Reuters) – Startups worldwide are racing to develop new battery technologies using materials like sodium and sulfur or other innovative chemistries, aiming to cut costs and reduce reliance on some critical minerals to supply electric vehicles (EVs).

China controls 85% of the global battery cell production, and 90% of processing of raw materials used in two lithium-ion variants that dominate today’s EV market. Continue reading “Competing battery technologies shape the EV industry”

Summary

• Lyten to restart Northvolt’s halted production plants -CEO
• Lyten CEO: Deal will speed up lithium-sulfur production
• BMW says Lyten will only be considered for future projects
• FACTBOX: Competing battery technologies shape EV industry

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Silicon Valley startup Lyten will need to convince carmakers it can succeed where bankrupt Swedish EV battery maker Northvolt failed – creating a European champion to reduce the region’s reliance on China.

Lyten, which develops lithium-sulfur batteries, unexpectedly announced on August 7 it was buying Northvolt’s assets, offering a lifeline to future European battery production for electric vehicles. Continue reading “Battery startup Lyten yet to convince carmakers over Northvolt revival”

New Delhi, 25th August 2025: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the 2nd SIAM Automotive Taxation Conference 2025, themed “Drive with Policy Reforms and Innovation to Build Viksit Bharat.” The conference included insightful discussions related to critical role of taxation policies in supporting the growth of India’s automotive sector while contributing to the nation’s economic development; GST compliance – best practices and challenges; and the role of AI & analytics for ease of compliance.

Mr. Shashank Priya, Special Secretary & Member (GST, CX&ST), CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India, said, “The Government is working towards GST rate rationalization, towards substantially controlling disputes and boost consumer sentiments. We are looking at early refund of inverted duty structure, focus at more auto-filled data and working on time frame for reconciliation of credit notes.” Continue reading “SIAM Deliberates on Policy Reforms for Automotive Taxation”

(Reuters) – Tesla has raised the price of its most-expensive Cybertruck pickup truck model by $15,000 in the United States despite softer-than-expected sales and recalls.

The sharp increase follows a long-delayed rollout in which the pickup has struggled to meet Tesla’s early promises, with sales so far trailing expectations. Continue reading “Tesla raises price of most-expensive Cybertruck by $15,000 in US”

Summary

• US to levy 15% tariff on most EU goods, 50% on steel, aluminum
• US to cut car tariffs once EU introduces legislation to reduce levies on US goods
• EU will seek to secure retroactive car tariff reduction
• Tariff relief could come in weeks, US official says

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – The European Union will work to ensure lower U.S. tariffs on its car exports are applied retroactively to August 1, the bloc’s trade chief said on Thursday, as the transatlantic partners set out details of a framework trade deal struck in July. Continue reading “EU pushes for reduced US autos tariff from August 1 as joint text limits exemptions”

Source : PTI | VinFast Auto India on Friday said it has joined hands with State Bank of India to facilitate loans for customers.

The agreement aims to offer a seamless suite of credit solutions ahead of the electric automaker’s first product rollout in the country. Continue reading “VinFast Auto partners with SBI for vehicle finance”

Source : PTI | The domestic tyre industry is likely to register a 7-8 per cent growth in the current fiscal on the back of replacement demand, according to people tracking the sector.

JK Tyre & Industries MD Anshuman Singhania said the Indian tyre industry remains an export-heavy manufacturing sector, with outbound shipments surpassing ₹25,000 crore in FY25. Continue reading “Tyre industry likely to see 7-8% growth in FY26”

Source : PTI | Electric vehicles are exempted from paying toll on the Atal Setu (formerly Mumbai Trans Harbour Link or MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge, an official said on Friday.

The state Urban Development Department, in a notification on Thursday, said that the exemption will apply to electric four-wheelers and electric buses, including those operated by state transport undertakings and private operators.

Continue reading “Electric vehicles exempted from toll on Atal Setu”

Summary

• Separate probe covers 2.4 million Teslas after four collisions, one fatal
• Some crash reports arrived months after those incidents-NHTSA

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. auto safety agency said Thursday it would investigate Tesla’s delays in submitting crash reports involving advanced driver-assistance systems or self-driving vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it had identified numerous incident crash reports from Tesla that arrived several months or more after those incidents. Continue reading “US probes delays in Tesla crash reports involving driver-assistance systems”

(Reuters) – Alphabet’s robotaxi unit Waymo has received its first permit to begin testing its autonomous vehicles in New York City with a trained specialist behind the wheel, helping the company advance its self-driving ambitions.

Waymo can now begin testing a limited number of its self-driving cars in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said on Friday. Continue reading “Waymo gets first permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s Dongfeng Motor has put its 50% stake in Dongfeng Honda Engine Company up for sale, according to a stock exchange filing on the Guangdong United Assets and Equity Exchange on Monday.

A reserve price has yet to be set. Continue reading “China’s Dongfeng Motor puts its 50% stake in Dongfeng Honda Engine up for sale”

WAF THINK TANK

Top Fleet Folks, Auto Makers & Dealers in the Hall. Can you Miss it ? WAF

Buying a Car with ADAS? Here’s What Smart Drivers Should Look For CarPhD

Global HQ of M&A at Auto & Mobility is … WAF

Continue reading “AI Premier League is here | MG Cybersters Invade Bglr Roads | VW’s Flash Red takes Kerala by Storm | E20 is here – Should you be Worried ? | Japan Exports lowest in 4 yrs, US Tariffs impact | US – EU Trade Deal Explained | What’s up at Lyft ? | Auto Makers line up at S Africa | WAF Yellow Plate Dialogues”

JSW MG Motor India’s luxury channel, MG SELECT, has officially handed over the first batch of the MG Cyberster, the brand’s all-electric roadster, to eight customers in Bengaluru.

The Cyberster, billed as the world’s fastest MG, brings supercar-level performance to the electric era. Equipped with a dual-motor setup generating 503 bhp and 725 Nm of torque, the two-seater convertible can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds Continue reading “MG SELECT Delivers India’s First Cybersters In Bengaluru”

Reuters – Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro closed its late-stage funding round on Thursday, raising $203 million at a $6 billion valuation from new investors Uber (UBER.N), and Nvidia (NVDA.O), alongside returning backers.

The latest tranche of $97 million follows the $106 million announced in April, which included investors such as T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, and Tiger Global. Continue reading “Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro valued at $6 billion in late-stage funding round”

Source : PTI | TVS Motor Company on Thursday expanded its electric commercial vehicle range with the introduction of a three-wheeler for the cargo segment.

The company had forayed into the electric three-wheeler segment earlier this year with the launch of the King EV MAX to cater to the passenger segment. Continue reading “TVS expands electric 3-wheeler portfolio; drives in model to cater to cargo segment”

Source : PTI | JSW Group firm JSW Sarbloh Motors on Thursday said it has formed a joint venture with Tomcar USA for local production of the TX range of all-terrain vehicles in India.

Phoenix, Arizona-based Tomcar is a manufacturer of high-performance all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) designed for military, commercial, and industrial operations. Continue reading “JSW Sarbloh Motors forms JV with Tomcar USA for production of ATV in India”

• The new ‘Flash Red’ colour will be available exclusively on GT Line variants of both Taigun and Virtus
• This bold new shade adds a vibrancy to the dynamic designs of Virtus and Taigun, blending standout design with signature performance
•  Almost every second premium sedan being sold in Kerala is a Volkswagen Virtus with a current segment share of 49%
•  Volkswagen also celebrated festivities with its customers, delivering a 106 cars on the auspicious occasion of Chingam 1^st

Kochi: Volkswagen India announced the launch of a new ‘Flash Red’ colour option for Virtus and Taigun in Kerala. With the festive season commencing on the auspicious occasion of Onam, Volkswagen has introduced the new bold ‘Flash Red’ colour, Continue reading “Volkswagen India introduces new ‘Flash Red’ colour on Virtus and Taigun in celebration of Onam in Kerala”

Reuters – KKR (KKR.N), is the leading candidate to buy the Yokohama headquarters of automaker Nissan Motor (7201.T), and has offered around 90 billion yen ($609.80 million), a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

KJR Management, a real estate unit owned by KKR, submitted the highest bid but negotiations are ongoing, said the person, who declined to be named because the matter is not public. Continue reading “KKR is lead bidder for Nissan $610 million headquarters sale, source says”

Reuters – Mitsubishi Motors (7211.T), is recalling 91,697 Outlander and Outlander hybrid SUVs in the U.S. over risks of the rear hatch falling unexpectedly, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday. Continue reading “Mitsubishi to recall over 91,000 US vehicles over rear hatch issues, NHTSA says”

Reuters – Hertz Global Holdings (HTZ.O), said on Wednesday its car sales unit was partnering with Amazon.com’s (AMZN.O), automotive retail platform, Amazon Autos, to sell pre-owned vehicles, sending the car rental company’s shares up 7% in early trading.

Shares of used-car retailers fell, with Avis Budget Group (CAR.O), down 6%, Carvana (CVNA.N), losing 4.2% and CarMax (KMX.N), shedding 1.4%. Continue reading “Hertz partners with Amazon Autos to sell used vehicles online”

Summary

• Epsilon targets US battery makers amid duties on Chinese imports
• Epsilon plans $650 million Carolina plant, operational mid-2027
• Seeks local buyers amid China dominance in graphite materials

Reuters – India’s Epsilon Advanced Materials is moving swiftly to close deals to supply critical components to Japanese and South Korean battery makers in the U.S., a top executive said, after Washington imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports. Continue reading “US tariffs on Chinese graphite spark opportunity for India’s Epsilon”

Source : PTI | Environment ministry has set up a separate category on its online clearance portal to speed up approvals for mining projects involving critical minerals, a move aimed at boosting domestic supply of resources considered essential for clean energy and advanced technologies, the government informed Parliament on Monday.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said the mines ministry had in Feb requested faster clearances for such projects, following which the new facility was added to the Parivesh 2.0 portal on Mar 13. Continue reading “Faster approvals online for critical mineral: Centre”

Reuters – The U.S. Commerce Department said on Tuesday it is hiking steel and aluminum tariffs on more than 400 products including wind turbines, mobile cranes, appliances, bulldozers and other heavy equipment, along with railcars, motorcycles, marine engines, furniture and hundreds of other products.

The department said 407 product categories are being added to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products covered by sectoral tariffs, with a 50% tariff on any steel and aluminum content of these products plus the country rate on the non-steel and non-aluminum content. Continue reading “US hikes steel, aluminum tariffs on imported appliances, railcars, EV parts”

Reuters – Tesla (TSLA.O), must face a certified class action by California drivers who said Elon Musk misled them for eight years about the self-driving capabilities of his company’s electric vehicles.

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin said the common question of whether Tesla lacked sensors to achieve high-level autonomy plus its inability to “demonstrate a long-distance autonomous drive with any of its vehicles” justified group lawsuits by two sets of drivers who bought its Full Self-Driving technology package. Continue reading “Tesla drivers can pursue class action over self-driving claims, judge rules”

Summary

• July exports -2.6% yr/yr vs forecast -2.1%
• Drop largest since Feb 2021
• Imports -7.5% yr/yr vs forecast -10.4%
• U.S.-bound shipments down 10.1% yr/yr

Reuters – Japan’s exports posted the biggest monthly drop in about four years in July, government data showed on Wednesday, as the impact of U.S. tariffs intensified, raising concerns about the outlook for the export-reliant economy. Continue reading “Japan’s exports log biggest drop in 4 years as US tariff impacts intensify”