Source : PTI Kotak Mahindra Prime (KMPL), the auto financing arm of Kotak Group, on Friday said it has become a preferred financer, offering its seamless financing experience for Tesla’s futuristic EVs.
Kotak Mahindra Prime is the first among financers to be appointed as a Preferred Financer for Tesla in India, the company said in a statement. Continue reading “Kotak Mahindra Prime becomes preferred financer for Tesla EVs in India”
(Reuters) – Alphabet’s Waymo is expanding its service in Austin, Texas, to 90 square miles from 37 square miles earlier, the software giant’s self-driving unit said on Thursday, seeking to protect its top position in the city from rivals such as Tesla.
Waymo, which has over 100 vehicles on the Uber platform in Austin, will now cover new neighborhoods such as Crestview, Windsor Park, Sunset Valley and Franklin Park, the company said. Continue reading “Waymo expands coverage in Austin, Texas, as robotaxi competition heats up”
(Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday asked owners of some vehicles of Swedish automaker Volvo to urgently complete a safety recall over a brake failure issue.
Volvo issued a recall in June for 11,469 vehicles of a number of models due to a loss of brake function.
The remedy for the Volvo recall is to update vehicle software through an over-the-air download, which as of July 15 has not been done by about 1,000 vehicles, the NHTSA said in a statement. Continue reading “NHTSA urges Volvo owners to complete urgent brake recall”
Summary
(Reuters) – Railroad operator Union Pacific is exploring a deal to buy smaller rival Norfolk Southern, the Wall Street Journal reported, in a merger that would bolster the industry leader’s heft and likely draw intense regulatory scrutiny. Continue reading “Union Pacific exploring deal to buy Norfolk Southern, WSJ reports”
Summary
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. auto safety agency is shedding more than 25% of its employees under financial incentive programs to depart the government offered by the Trump administration, according to data provided to Congress seen by Reuters. Continue reading “US auto safety agency shedding more than 25% of employees”
Source : PTI | Pune-based Kinetic Green Energy and Italy-originated Tonino Lamborghini SpA have joined hands to make electric golf carts for both Indian and global markets. The companies have launched their electric golf and lifestyle carts, which will be manufactured at Kinetic Green’s Pune-based plant, company executives confirmed during the launch event.
The carts–designed in Italy– are available in two series: the Genesis Range, a tribute to the legacy of the brand, and the Prestige Range, which represents a more ultra-premium, futuristic design. Continue reading “Kinetic Green eyes large global footprint in JV with Tonino Lamborghini”
Source : PTI | Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) on Thursday confirmed plans to cut hundreds of managerial roles as part of a “limited” voluntary redundancy programme, which it says is aimed at better aligning its leadership workforce with the luxury car brand’s business strategy.
The UK-based car manufacturer, which has been under pressure from US President Donald Trump’s tariff wars, welcomed the recent trade deal that eases some pressure on its automotive exports to the American market.
Continue reading “Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover to cut hundreds of managerial roles in UK”
WAF THINK TANK
Scarcity of Rare Earth Materials, Lithium, Copper, Cathode — Finally Over! WAF
Buying a Car with ADAS? Here’s What Smart Drivers Should Look For CarPhD
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INDIA
MG M9 launch in India on July 21, to be sold from MG Select dealerships moneycontrol
Musk’s Tesla marks formal India entry with Mumbai launch event WAF
Hyundai, IIT Madras to set up ₹180 Cr green hydrogen R&D hub in Tamil Nadu HTAuto
Auto Industry Sales Performance of June 2025 and Q1 (April–June 2025) WAF
Global EV sales jump 24% in June though North American market struggles, research firm says WAF
Planning to buy a FASTag annual pass? Here are answers to all your questions and confusions HTAuto
Delhi govt mulling to extend EV policy as new policy still in works WAF
Japan eyes bigger role in Gujarat’s semiconductor, EV sectors; Envoy meets CM Patel WAF
West Bengal gears up for rare earth mining in Purulia WAF
Pricol joins hands with Italian firm for two-wheeler control technologies WAF
Wheels India infuses 50,000 euros in its subsidiary ‘WIL Europe GmbH’ WAF
Meghalaya govt to make driver info display inside commercial vehicles mandatory: Tourism minister WAF
Welcome to the n-Shield Family | Our 1st Distributor
Grand Vitara Review | Strong Hybrid SUV with Style & Efficiency | Car PhD
ASIA
Japan’s exports drop as US tariffs hit automobiles, pressure set to intensify WAF
Despite tariffs, it’s still America first for Asia’s legacy automakers WAF
China’s Chery denies improper subsidy declarations WAF
Nissan Motor raises $4.5 billion in bond sales, term sheet shows WAF
USA
Uber to invest $300 million in EV maker Lucid as part of robotaxi deal WAF
US auto safety nominee calls for active oversight of self-driving cars WAF
Ford recalls over 694,000 SUVs in US after year-long fuel leak probe WAF
Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles in US over fuel pump defect WAF
GM outlines $4 billion plan to expand production of gas trucks and SUVs WAF
GM to produce lower-cost battery cells at Tennessee plant WAF
Musk suggests Tesla investor vote on xAI investment, rules out merger WAF
US safety regulator opens recall query into over 27,000 Polestar 2 vehicles WAF
Jaguar Land Rover North America recalls about 21,000 US vehicles over torn passenger airbags WAF
Tesla to hold annual shareholder meeting in November as investor scrutiny mounts WAF
EUROPE
Jaguar Land Rover-backed battery recycling project gets UK government funding WAF
Renault shares tumble on profit warning as interim CEO named WAF
Volvo Cars quarterly operating profit beats expectations despite tariff hit WAF
Stellantis discontinues hydrogen fuel cell programme and van production WAF
Britain offers discounts on electric cars to boost demand WAF
BMW CEO hopeful for ‘manageable’ deal on US auto import tariffs WAF
Ford agrees voluntary redundancies for troubled e-car site in Cologne WAF
LATIN AMERICA
Exclusive: GM pickup-truck plant in Mexico pauses output for several weeks WAF
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Summary
Mumbai: Volkswagen India reaffirms its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction with the rollout of its annual Monsoon Service Camp. Designed to help customers navigate the challenges of the rainy season with confidence and ease, this Monsoon Service Camp is available across all authorized service facilities in India. The initiative offers expert vehicle care, exclusive savings, and a seamless ownership experience. Continue reading “Volkswagen India reaffirms its safety first focus, launches Monsoon Service Camp for confident drives this rainy season”
Summary
(Reuters) – Swedish truckmaker Volvo reported higher than expected quarterly earnings on Thursday, as signs of recovery in Europe helped it offset sluggish demand in North America.
Truck orders in North America have fallen more than 40% in recent months compared to last year, adding to the pressures on pricing and sentiment across the sector. Continue reading “Truckmaker Volvo counts on improving Europe to offset North America slump”
RABAT, (Reuters) – Carmaker Stellantis plans to more than double production capacity at its plant in Kenitra, Morocco, in the coming months to 535,000 vehicles annually, its chief operating officer for the Middle East and Africa said on Wednesday.
The plant aims to step up production of supermini electric cars – including the Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks-e, and Fiat Topolino – to 70,000 from 20,000, Samir Cherfan said at the inauguration of the plant’s expansion. Continue reading “Stellantis expands production capacity at Morocco plant”
Summary
SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – Uber will invest $300 million in electric vehicle maker Lucid in a robotaxi deal that aims to start with one major U.S. city late next year, the companies said on Thursday.
Over six years starting in 2026, Uber will acquire and deploy over 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs that will be equipped with autonomous vehicle (AV) technology from startup Nuro, the three companies said in a statement. Continue reading “Uber to invest $300 million in EV maker Lucid as part of robotaxi deal”
(Reuters) – An EV battery recycling project backed by Jaguar Land Rover has received British government funding to recover critical minerals from end-of-life batteries, startup Mint Innovation said on Thursday.
The project to recover lithium, nickel and cobalt from used batteries is part of the 2.5-billion-pound ($3.35 billion) DRIVE35 programme that the UK Department for Business and Trade launched on Sunday to support the transition to electric cars. Continue reading “Jaguar Land Rover-backed battery recycling project gets UK government funding”
For years, the global automotive and clean energy sectors have been haunted by a common nightmare: the scarcity of rare earth materials, lithium, copper, and cathode components essential for electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and renewable energy storage. But in a major shift this year, industry observers are declaring that the age of critical mineral bottlenecks may finally be coming to an end.
Summary
PARIS, (Reuters) – Shares in Renault plunged as much as 18% on Wednesday after the French automaker surprised investors with a profit warning just a month after CEO Luca de Meo announced his departure.
The company said late on Tuesday that June sales volumes were weaker than expected and it was now aiming for a full-year operating profit margin of 6.5%, below a previous target of at least 7%. Continue reading “Renault shares tumble on profit warning as interim CEO named”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s exports fell for a second straight month as sweeping U.S. tariffs took a toll on the country’s manufacturers, with its fragile economy exposed to greater risks from the global trade war in coming months. Continue reading “Japan’s exports drop as US tariffs hit automobiles, pressure set to intensify”
Summary
STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars reported a sharp decline in second-quarter operating profit on Thursday that nonetheless exceeded analyst expectations, sending shares up, though the company continues to face headwinds from tariffs and softening demand. Continue reading “Volvo Cars quarterly operating profit beats expectations despite tariff hit”
Summary
STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars said it has scaled back its U.S. model lineup this year, among the first examples of a major automaker halting U.S. shipments as President Donald Trump’s tariffs make it harder to sell a broad range of vehicles profitably. Continue reading “Volvo Cars pauses sales of some cars in US as tariffs pinch profits”
Source : PTI | In a bid to enhance passenger safety, the Meghalaya government will soon make displaying drivers’ details inside commercial vehicles mandatory, a minister said on Tuesday.
All commercial vehicle owners will have to display drivers’ information, including their names, licences and contact numbers and addresses, inside their cars, state Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said. Continue reading “Meghalaya govt to make driver info display inside commercial vehicles mandatory: Tourism minister”
Source : PTI | Wheels India Ltd, a manufacturer of steel wheels and cast iron-wheels has infused 50,000 euros into its newly formed entity and subsidiary WIL Europe GmbH, the company said on Sunday.
GmbH is in the process of formation and is yet to commence operations. It is being developed to expand and do business activities in Europe, Wheels India said. Continue reading “Wheels India infuses 50,000 euros in its subsidiary ‘WIL Europe GmbH’”
Source : PTI | Automotive components maker Pricol on Tuesday said it has inked a pact with Italy-based Domino S.R.L. for two-wheeler handlebar control technologies.
The partnership aims to expand advanced two-wheeler control technologies such as throttles, switches, and allied products across India and Southeast Asia, Pricol Ltd said in a statement. Continue reading “Pricol joins hands with Italian firm for two-wheeler control technologies”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the nation’s auto safety regulator will argue on Wednesday that the agency must actively oversee self-driving vehicle technology, a potential sign of a tougher approach than some critics expected.
Jonathan Morrison, chief counsel of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the first Trump administration, will testify to the U.S. Senate that autonomous vehicles offer potential benefits but also unique risks. Continue reading “US auto safety nominee calls for active oversight of self-driving cars”
Summary
PARIS, (Reuters) – Renault named finance chief Duncan Minto as interim CEO on Tuesday, and said it will step up cost cutting measures after lowering its forecast for full year operating margins.
The French carmaker said its first half free cash flow would amount to just 47 million euros ($54.49 million), hit by a negative working capital requirement of around 900 million euros, due to delayed billings and a decline in both the passenger car and van market in Europe. Continue reading “Renault lowers 2025 guidance, names finance chief Minto as interim CEO”
ROME, (Reuters) – Carmaker Stellantis said on Wednesday it would discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology programme and no longer launch hydrogen-powered vehicles this year, raising questions about the future of hydrogen subsidiary Symbio.
The group said the decision was due to the limited availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, high capital requirements and the need for stronger purchase incentives for customers. Continue reading “Stellantis discontinues hydrogen fuel cell programme and van production”
(Reuters) – Ford is recalling 694,271 crossover SUVs in the United States due to a fuel leak issue that could increase the risk of a fire, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday, following a year-long investigation.
The NHTSA said fuel injectors in affected vehicles may crack, causing fuel to leak into the engine compartment and potentially ignite. Drivers may notice a strong fuel smell inside or outside the vehicle, dashboard warnings, smoke, or visible flames. Continue reading “Ford recalls over 694,000 SUVs in US after year-long fuel leak probe”
Summary
(Reuters) – Shares in Renault plunged as much as 18% on Wednesday after the French automaker surprised investors with a profit warning just a month after CEO Luca de Meo announced his departure.
The company said late on Tuesday that June sales volumes were weaker than expected and it was now aiming for a full-year operating profit margin of 6.5%, below a previous target of at least 7%. Continue reading “Renault shares tumble on profit warning as interim CEO named”
DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors said on Tuesday it will move production of the Cadillac Escalade to a Michigan assembly plant, while adding new capacity for gas-powered Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups at the same facility.
The production shifts are part of GM’s $4 billion investment plan announced in June at three U.S. facilities in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee, a move that expands production of gasoline-powered trucks and SUVs. Continue reading “GM outlines $4 billion plan to expand production of gas trucks and SUVs”
Key Highlights from Q1 (April–June 2025)
Continue reading “Auto Industry Sales Performance of June 2025 and Q1 (April–June 2025)”
Source : PTI | Wheels India Ltd, a manufacturer of steel wheels and cast iron-wheels has infused 50,000 euros into its newly formed entity and subsidiary WIL Europe GmbH, the company said on Sunday.
The subsidiary WIL Europe GmbH is in the process of formation and is yet to commence operations. It is being developed to expand and do business activities in Europe, Wheels India said. Continue reading “Wheels India infuses 50,000 euros in its subsidiary ‘WIL Europe GmbH’”
DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors is planning to produce lower-cost battery cells at its joint-venture plant with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution in Tennessee.
The Detroit automaker is rolling out production of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, a technology that is gaining popularity at other automakers in the U.S. including at cross-town rival Ford Motor. GM will begin converting battery cell lines at its Spring Hill, Tennessee facility later this year, and commercial production is expected to begin by late 2027, the company said Monday. Continue reading “GM to produce lower-cost battery cells at Tennessee plant”
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden-based Volvo Cars is booking a impairment charge of 11.4 billion crowns ($1.2 billion) in the second quarter related to its ES90 and upcoming EX90 models, due to tariffs and launch delays, it said on Monday.
The group, which is controlled by China’s Geely Holding, said it is currently unable to sell its Volvo ES90, which is built in China, profitably in the United States due to import tariffs, while profit margins for the same model are also under pressure in Europe for the same reason. Continue reading “Volvo Cars books $1 billion impairment charge due to tariffs, launch delays”
(Reuters) – Global sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles jumped 24% in June from a year ago, as a switch to electric vehicles maintained momentum in China and Europe, market research firm Rho Motion said on Tuesday.
Still, EV sales in the United States were down 1% in the month and will struggle to pick up this year, after President Donald Trump’s spending bill cut tax credits sooner than anticipated, Rho Motion’s data manager Charles Lester said. Continue reading “Global EV sales jump 24% in June though North American market struggles, research firm says”
Summary
SEOUL/TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota and Hyundai Motor may have a beef with U.S. protectionism, but they have one thing in common with President Donald Trump: when it comes to global car markets, it’s America first for Asia’s legacy automakers. Continue reading “Despite tariffs, it’s still America first for Asia’s legacy automakers”
LONDON, (Reuters) – The British government will offer discounts worth up to 3,750 pounds ($5,037.00) to buyers of electric cars priced at 37,000 pounds or below, it said on Monday, under a new scheme that aims to better align consumer demand with net zero emissions targets.
The government will spend 650 million pounds on the discount scheme, which will be available from Wednesday to consumers once carmakers sign up for the scheme. Continue reading “Britain offers discounts on electric cars to boost demand”
Summary
(Reuters) – India’s Ola Electric on Monday forecast improved gross margins for fiscal 2026 after posting a narrower sequential loss for the first quarter, helped by stronger sales of its newer, more cost-efficient scooter models.
Shares of the company, which listed in August last year, jumped over 14% after the results and were on track to snap a five-session losing streak. Continue reading “India’s Ola Electric forecasts margins improvement; shares rise”
Summary
July 14 (Reuters) – Elon Musk ruled out a merger between Tesla and xAI but said he plans to hold a shareholder vote on investment in the artificial intelligence startup by the automaker, in the latest step to deepen integration across his business empire.
His comments followed a Wall Street Journal report on Saturday that SpaceX, Musk’s rocket firm, will invest $2 billion in xAI as part of a $5 billion funding round aimed at keeping pace with rivals in the capital-intensive AI race. Continue reading “Musk suggests Tesla investor vote on xAI investment, rules out merger”
(Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday it had opened a recall query covering 27,816 of Sweden-based EV maker Polestar’s Polestar 2 vehicles over a loss of rear-view camera image.
A recall query is an investigation opened by safety regulators when a remedy to solve an issue appears inadequate. Continue reading “US safety regulator opens recall query into over 27,000 Polestar 2 vehicles”
SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Chinese automaker Chery on Saturday denied assertions that it had improperly claimed government subsidies for environmentally friendly vehicles.
An audit by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology disqualified declarations by Chery and BYD for a combined $53 million in government subsidies for thousands of vehicles sold in the five years to 2020, accounting for nearly 60% of such improper claims. Continue reading “China’s Chery denies improper subsidy declarations”
July 12 (Reuters) – Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling 20,999 vehicles in the United States due to torn passenger airbags that may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Saturday. Continue reading “Jaguar Land Rover North America recalls about 21,000 US vehicles over torn passenger airbags”
Source : PTI | Japan’s Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono and Japan’s Minister of Economic and Development Affairs Koyoko Hokugo met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday.
During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted Japan’s intent to deepen ties with the state and appreciated Gujarat government’s support to over 350 Japanese companies operating here, said a government release. Continue reading “Japan eyes bigger role in Gujarat’s semiconductor, EV sectors; Envoy meets CM Patel”
