BEIJING, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor said on Friday it would roll out 20 new models in China over the next five years as it seeks to revive its fortunes in the world’s largest auto market.
The South Korean automaker has struggled in China after years of weak market share and intense competition from domestic electric-vehicle makers. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor to launch 20 models in five years in new China offensive”
WAF THINK TANK
Road Safety Recognised as a Fundamental Right by Supreme Court of India WAF
India’s EV Reality Check: Hype vs Adoption in 2026 CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (24th April 2026)”
New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) has achieved its highest-ever annual production volume of 23.4 lakh units in FY 2025-26. This makes Maruti Suzuki the only OEM in India* to achieve such record production volume of passenger vehicles. In addition, Maruti Suzuki became the only Company among Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global automobile manufacturing facilities, to achieve this landmark volume. Dzire, Fronx, Swift, Ertiga and Baleno were the most produced models# during the year, with each crossing the 2 lakh unit mark. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki records an all-time high production of over 23.4 lakh units in FY 2025-26”
(Reuters) – Union Pacific said on Thursday it expects a surge in fuel prices, triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, to pressure the railroad operator’s margins, especially in the current quarter.
Fuel prices skyrocketed after the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, squeezing margins for companies across sectors ranging from trucking firms to airlines, making it one of the biggest disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading “Union Pacific warns higher fuel prices to pressure margins”
(Reuters) – Mobileye Global raised its annual revenue forecast on Thursday, buoyed by robust demand for its advanced driver-assistance systems as automakers placed more orders after working through an inventory glut last year.
Shares of the self-driving tech company jumped nearly 14% in early trading, after it also topped Wall Street estimates for first-quarter results and said it expects upbeat demand in the current quarter as well. Continue reading “Mobileye lifts annual revenue forecast as auto industry demand recovers”
Source : PTI | The Maharashtra government will design a training curriculum to teach Marathi to auto and taxi drivers in the state as part of its decision to make the language compulsory for them from May 1, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Wednesday.
The move has prompted the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to begin putting stickers on autorickshaws in Mumbai stating that the driver knows Marathi. Continue reading “Govt to design training module to teach Marathi to auto, taxi drivers: Minister Sarnaik”
Source : PTI | Pune-based HackersEra has announced the launch of its Vehicle Security Operations Centre (VSOC), which will provide continuous monitoring of vehicle security across entire fleets, among others, to help automobile manufacturers meet upcoming cybersecurity regulations.
With India expected to have over 10 million connected vehicles on the road by 2028, the need for strong cybersecurity systems is increasing, Vikash Chaudhary, CEO of HackersEra, said.
Continue reading “HackersEra opens Vehicle Security Operations Centre”
Summary
PARIS, (Reuters) – French automaker Renault on Thursday said first-quarter sales rose 7.3% from a year earlier, well above expectations, as a jump in sales to partners including Nissan and China’s Geely more than offset a disruption in production for its low-cost Dacia brand.
Sales of 12.53 billion euros ($14.66 billion) came in much higher than an expected 0.1% increase to 11.69 billion euros in a company-provided consensus. Continue reading “Renault Q1 sales beat forecasts on strong demand from partners”
(Reuters) – Jaguar Land Rover is recalling 170,169 vehicles in the U.S. due to loss of drive power, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday.
The recall affects multiple models including Range Rover, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Defender, etc., NHTSA said.
A failure of the DC-DC converter will stop the vehicle’s 12-Volt system from charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting, the auto regulator said. Continue reading “Jaguar Land Rover to recall over 170,000 US vehicles over loss of drive power”
(Reuters) – Strong sales of electric vehicles more than offset diminishing sales of petrol and diesel cars in March, pushing up new car sales in Europe as Tesla extended a comeback, official data showed on Thursday.
Overall car registrations, a proxy for sales, in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association were up 11.1% to 1,581,169 vehicles sold in the month, according to the European auto lobby ACEA. Continue reading “European car sales grow in March as EV rise offsets combustion engine decline”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk is asking investors to take a leap of faith on his costly bets in self-driving technology and humanoid robots that have yet to generate meaningful revenue.
It raises a key question for investors: whether Tesla’s rising spending can be justified without the kind of established, high-margin cash engines that allow Big Tech peers to fund bigger investments. Continue reading “Tesla’s $25 billion spending plan tests investor faith in unproven AI bets”
Summary
BEIJING, (Reuters) – From robotaxis to flying cars, China is on the road to bringing more of its cutting-edge vehicle technology overseas – a strategy that reflects both its global ambition and hard economic realities.
The world’s second-largest economy is also home to the world’s biggest and most advanced car market. But a brutal, multi-year price war has left the country filled to the brim with vehicles, including electric ones pumped out by scores of companies that are unknown in the West. Continue reading “China’s global EV push reflects its ambition – and harsh economics at home”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng expects to start large-scale production of its “flying” cars next year and of its humanoid robots in the fourth quarter of 2026, President Brian Gu told Reuters on Thursday.
Gu also said there is “tremendous potential” to increase cooperation with German automaker Volkswagen which last month began mass production of its first EV model, developed jointly with Xpeng. Continue reading “China’s Xpeng expects to start delivering ‘flying’ cars in 2027”
Summary
(Reuters) – Early signs of a shift toward electric vehicles have emerged for U.S. car rental companies as customers become wary of paying more at the pump due to the conflict in the Middle East.
At Hertz which rents cars to Uber and Lyft drivers on a longer-term basis than traditional rentals, requests for EV reservations increased nearly 25% in March compared with February. The strongest uptick in demand for EV rentals has occurred on the West Coast, where gas prices tend to run highest, according to Doria Holbrook, executive vice president of Hertz’s mobility division. Continue reading “US drivers turn to EV rentals as gasoline prices surge”
Sai Giridhar is a veteran automotive entrepreneur with over 28 years of experience in dealership operations, network expansion, and customer experience excellence.
He currently serves as Vice President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), contributing to national-level industry advocacy, dealer representation, and policy engagement across India. Continue reading “Sai Giridhar”
C S Vigneshwar is a prominent automotive retail leader and third-generation entrepreneur from Coimbatore, with deep involvement in India’s automobile dealership ecosystem and industry bodies.
Born into a business family, C S Vigneshwar spent his early years in Chennai, where he completed his schooling at Don Bosco. He graduated in Commerce from Loyola College, Chennai, followed by an MBA from GRD College, Coimbatore, and an MSc in International Business from Manchester Metropolitan University. Continue reading “C S Vigneshwar”
Dinesh P S is a business professional associated with TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, one of India’s leading tractor manufacturers. He brings experience in business operations, customer value creation, and strategic execution.
Dinesh P S has been involved in roles that focus on enhancing customer value, operational efficiency, and business performance within the agricultural and equipment sector. His work reflects a strong emphasis on aligning products and services with customer needs while driving sustainable growth. Continue reading “Dinesh P S”
Tutu Dhawan is a renowned Delhi-based automotive expert, classic car restorer, and enthusiast with over 48 years of experience in the vintage and performance automotive space. He is widely recognized for his craftsmanship in restoring rare and iconic automobiles to their original glory.
Tutu Dhawan operates Engineers Corporation, a specialized automotive workshop offering end-to-end restoration services. His expertise lies in rebuilding vintage and classic cars from bare metal, combining traditional techniques with modern engineering precision. Continue reading “Tutu Dhawan”
Nikita Sinha is an accomplished automotive professional specializing in customer experience, after-sales strategy, and service planning within the passenger vehicle segment.
Nikita Sinha currently serves as Head of Customer Experience and Service Planning at JSW MG Motor India, where she leads after-sales business strategy, digital innovation in service, and customer experience ownership programs. Her role focuses on enhancing customer satisfaction, improving retention, and optimizing the end-to-end service lifecycle. Continue reading “Nikita Sinha”
Micheal Hajj is a highly experienced global leader in automotive engineering and adhesive technologies, with over 25 years of expertise in vehicle repair, maintenance solutions, and technical product development.
Micheal Hajj currently serves as Global Head of Application Engineering – Vehicle Repair & Maintenance (VRM) at Henkel, where he leads global strategy, product application engineering, and technical innovation for Henkel’s automotive repair solutions, including LOCTITE® and TEROSON® product lines. Continue reading “Micheal Hajj”
Vitaly Chebotarenko is a senior automotive aftermarket and industrial solutions leader, currently serving as Country Manager – Vehicle Repair & Maintenance at Henkel India.
In this role, Vitaly Chebotarenko is responsible for driving Henkel’s vehicle repair and maintenance (VRM) business in India, focusing on expanding market presence, strengthening OEM and workshop partnerships, and delivering advanced adhesive-based repair solutions across the automotive ecosystem. Continue reading “Vitaly Chebotarenko”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Tesla has registered its voice assistant feature, which is powered by a generative artificial intelligence (AI) model, with China’s cyberspace administrator in Shanghai, the city’s local authority said on Tuesday.
Tesla’s voice assist is among a total of 158 AI-powered functionalities and applications that have completed the filing in Shanghai, a process which is part of the Chinese government’s efforts to regulate the rapidly developing technology. Continue reading “Tesla registers its AI-driven voice assistant in Shanghai”
DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors is indefinitely delaying its next-generation full-size electric truck program, including the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, which was set to start in 2028, Crain’s Detroit Business reported on Tuesday, citing sources.
GM was planning for lower-cost new electric versions of the Sierra, Silverado, Escalade IQ and Hummer SUV and pickup, but suppliers were recently told the program has been halted and no new timetable has been issued, according to the business publication. Continue reading “GM delays next-gen EV truck program, Crain’s Detroit reports”
Ford is recalling 140,201 Ranger vehicles in the U.S. as damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday.
The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires, the regulator said. Continue reading “Ford to recall over 140,000 US vehicles over damaged wires”
Summary
BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s automakers have a message for premium German brands Porsche, Mercedes and BMW: We’re coming for your customers.
After years of churning out the world’s most technologically advanced, low-cost electric vehicles, Chinese companies like Geely and Nio are now unleashing a number of premium models that are packed with features and priced significantly lower than those offered by German rivals. Continue reading “At Beijing car show, Chinese automakers take aim at Europe’s premium brands”
Summary
MUMBAI, (Reuters) – U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla has launched a six-seater version of its best-selling Model Y in India as it tries to attract buyers in the world’s third-largest car market where it has struggled to grow sales.
Tesla has sold just 350 Model Ys in India since starting deliveries in September, government data showed, with rivals including BYD, Mercedes-Benz and BMW far outselling the U.S. company over the same period. Continue reading “Tesla launches new six-seater Model Y in India in attempt to boost tepid sales”
Summary
AMSTERDAM, (Reuters) – When Tesla released its annual report for U.S. regulators in January, the Texas-based automaker, led by the world’s richest man, reported a federal tax bill of zero dollars for 2025.
That was nothing new. For all but one of the past 20 years, a period in which Tesla reported U.S. revenues totaling $264 billion, the electric-vehicle manufacturer has declared owing no taxes to the American government. The most obvious reason for the low bill is a history of tax deductions related to losses Tesla incurred during more than a decade without profits. Green energy tax breaks offered by the federal government also cut Tesla some slack. Continue reading “Musk scorned “shady” loopholes, yet offshore tax tricks likely saved Tesla hundreds of millions”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla vehicle registrations in California dropped 24.3% in the first quarter, marking the steepest decline in the state, according to a report released on Tuesday by the California New Car Dealers Association.
The drop comes as California’s broader electric vehicle market shrinks, highlighting a loss of momentum for the sector in its most critical U.S. region. Continue reading “Tesla California registrations slide as incentives fade, industry body says”
Summary
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars expects to build up to 40,000 of its new flagship electric model this year, with demand exceeding initial expectations, its CEO told Reuters as the automaker started production of the EX60 SUV in Sweden on Wednesday.
Volvo, which unveiled the model in January, said it is considering adding an extra week of production during the summer to meet demand. Continue reading “Volvo Cars says demand for new EX60 electric SUV exceeds expectations”
Source : PTI | Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department Director General Vikram Singh Mann on Wednesday conducted an extensive field inspection of EV charging infrastructure here.
The visit covered the rapidly developing Kokapet corridor, including the ChargeZone EV public charging station, as well as a nearby residential enclave, a press release said. Continue reading “Telangana conducts safety audit of EV charging hubs”
Yes! Finally road safety is now recognised as a fundamental right in India under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). In a landmark ruling in April 2026, a Supreme Court bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar held that the “safety of a commuter” is an integral part of the right to live with dignity.
The Court declared that safe travel is not just a policy matter but a positive mandate for the State to ensure environments where life is preserved. High-speed expressways were specifically warned against becoming “corridors of peril” due to administrative or infrastructural failures.
Continue reading “Road Safety Recognised as a Fundamental Right by Supreme Court of India”
Rajeev Chauhan is a senior automotive professional with extensive experience across strategy, operations, and electric mobility, having worked with leading global automotive brands.
Rajeev Chauhan is currently leading the Electric Passenger Vehicle Business at BYD India, where he is responsible for driving growth, market expansion, and strategic direction for the company’s EV portfolio in India. He also serves as Vice President – Product & Retail Network, overseeing product strategy and retail network operations, including dealer expansion and performance optimization. Continue reading “Rajeev Chauhan”
Ramesh Rajagopalan is an accomplished automotive industry leader with over 30 years of experience across sales, after-sales, and international marketing. His career spans leading global and Indian brands including TVS-Suzuki, Mahindra-Navistar, BharatBenz, Mitsubishi Fuso, and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles.
Ramesh Rajagopalan has managed operations across Pan-India as well as international markets in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, bringing a strong global perspective to automotive business strategy and execution. A University Gold Medalist in Automobile Engineering, he combines deep technical knowledge with strategic leadership. Continue reading “Ramesh Rajagopalan”
Dimple Mehta is a seasoned automotive industry professional with nearly three decades of experience in after-sales operations, customer experience, and service strategy across leading OEMs.
Dimple Mehta most recently served as Head – Service & Parts (Domestic & International Business) at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, where he led after-sales operations, customer support, and parts management across both domestic and global markets. During his tenure, he played a critical role in strengthening customer experience frameworks and service delivery across the organization. Continue reading “Dimple Mehta”
Datta Mahajan is an experienced automotive professional with strong expertise in after-sales operations, service strategy, and network development across two-wheeler and electric vehicle segments.
Datta Mahajan is currently serving as Head – Service & Parts (2W) at Kinetic Green, where he leads service operations, parts business, and customer experience initiatives. His role focuses on strengthening service networks, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting the company’s growth in the electric mobility ecosystem. Continue reading “Datta Mahajan”
Source : PTI | French auto major Renault is adopting a two-platform strategy in India to address the segment below ₹10 lakh while pursuing a full multi-energy flexibility for vehicles longer than 4 metres, as it looks to expand its product portfolio to seven by 2030.
The company, which offered models, such as Kwid, Kiger and Triber on its CMFA platform in the past, is evolving into a new RGEP — Renault Group Entry Platform — as it aims to address customer expectations like native factory-fitted CNG, newer powertrains, and next-generation digital and electronic architecture, according to Renault Group in India CEO Stephane Deblaise.
Source : PTI | The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has said it would immediately implement the revised environment compensation charges (ECC) for commercial vehicles entering the city, in line with a recent order of the Supreme Court.
The revised rates, aimed at discouraging polluting vehicles, have significantly increased across categories, according to officials. Continue reading “MCD to roll out revised green charges for commercial vehicles entering Delhi”
Source : PTI | Commuters across the Kashmir Valley faced a harrowing time on Monday as private buses and inter-district cabs stayed off roads in protest against the government’s proposal to expand Smart City bus services in other districts.
The All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters’ Welfare Association on Saturday called for a Valley-wide ‘chakka jam’ (road blockade) over fears that the move may threaten their livelihoods. Continue reading “Kashmir commuters suffer as transporters protest Smart City bus expansion”
JAKARTA, (Reuters) – Indonesia is in talks with Japan’s Toyota Motor Asia on a potential joint investment in bioethanol production in the Southeast Asian country, a government official and executives from Toyota told reporters on Monday.
Here are some details: Continue reading “Indonesia, Toyota in talks on potential bioethanol project”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla’s solar and energy business is likely to outshine the EV maker’s challenged core business when it reports quarterly results this week, a sign of resilience as Tesla progresses slowly in its turn to robots and self-driving technology.
CEO Elon Musk’s plans to build new assembly lines and produce robots are expected to cost $20 billion this year and drive Tesla to its first quarter of negative cash flow in two years. Continue reading “Tesla’s energy storage division to pick up slack as car margins drop and credits fade”
