Summary

• Robotaxis seen as key to Tesla’s future as company pivots from mass-market, cheaper EVs
• Texas’ regulation-free stance raises safety concerns for autonomous vehicles
• Musk says company will use geofencing and remote monitoring
• NHTSA seeks details on unanswered questions about Austin rollout
• Tesla to use remote backup drivers, limit area where taxis operate

(Reuters) – Tesla faces an existential test this month as it aims to launch self-driving “robotaxis” in its home base of Austin, Texas, where public-safety officials are increasingly concerned about the state’s anti-regulation stance toward autonomous vehicles. Continue reading “Elon Musk’s robotaxi launch in Texas tests his vision of Tesla’s future”

Summary

• BYD, Chery, Geely and Xiaomi among automakers to make pledges
• Pledges follow steel association outcry, regulatory pressure
• China suppliers hurting from brutal price war that has cut profits

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Major Chinese car manufacturers have pledged to make payments to suppliers within 60 days, responding to a recent outcry from steelmakers over long payment times as well as regulatory pressure as the backlash to a brutal price war grows. Continue reading “Chinese carmakers vow to make supplier payments within 60 days as backlash grows”

Summary

• Maruti to cut production in first half of FY25-26 by two-thirds
• Aims to make up lost ground later to meet full-year target
• China’s curbs on rare earth exports have hit global car industry
• Indian auto companies yet to see magnet supplies resume

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Maruti Suzuki has cut near-term production targets for its maiden electric vehicle e-Vitara by two-thirds because of rare earths shortages, a document showed, in the latest sign of disruption to the auto industry from China’s export curbs. Continue reading “Exclusive: India’s Maruti Suzuki cuts near-term EV production amid rare earths crisis”

Summary

• Automaker told investors it expects no near-term rare earths-related disruptions-source
• Hyundai managed to boost rare earths inventory recently when China export curbs relaxed slightly-source
• Automaker also holds about a one-year inventory of rare earths-related magnets-source

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor has a rare earths stockpile that can last about a year and it does not expect any near-term impact from global supply chain disruptions caused by China’s export curbs, said a person who attended a company investor call. Continue reading “Exclusive: Hyundai Motor has a rare earths stockpile that can last about a year, source says”

Summary

• China’s ruling Communist Party mouthpiece condemns “zero-mileage used cars”
• Resale of brand new cars as second-hand cars a growing problem in China’s car industry
• People’s Daily newspaper says practice used by Chinese car makers to inflate sales data
• State-run newspaper urges stricter car tracking and other “tough regulatory action”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – The Chinese practice of selling brand new cars as heavily discounted second-hand vehicles to get rid of inventory should be ended, the official newspaper of the country’s governing Communist Party said in an article published on Tuesday. Continue reading “Chinese state media calls for crackdown on ‘zero-mileage used cars’”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Some investors in Toyota Industries voiced disapproval of a $33 billion buyout offer on Tuesday, adding to criticism that the bid from Japanese parent Toyota Motor was unfair to minority shareholders.

The 4.7 trillion yen ($33 billion) offer to take the forklift maker private has already come under fire from international shareholders including London-based Zennor Asset Management and Hong Kong-based Oasis Management. But on Tuesday, domestic shareholders at what is likely to be the company’s last annual general meeting before it is taken private, also expressed their concerns about the plan. Continue reading “Toyota supplier hit with criticism at shareholder meeting over $33 billion deal”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s car sales rose for a fourth consecutive month in May, but slower increases across major automakers highlighted concerns over aggressive price competition in the world’s largest auto market.

Sales grew 13.9% from a year earlier to 1.96 million vehicles last month, slowing from 14.8% growth in April, China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data showed on Monday. Continue reading “China’s car sales rise in May, but price wars cloud outlook”

BEIJING/SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Fierce competition among China’s leading EV makers has intensified, with a long-running dispute between BYD and Great Wall Motor over emissions compliance escalating after Geely joined in to criticise BYD’s aggressive price cuts.

The row dates back to 2023, when Great Wall Motor reported BYD to Chinese regulators, alleging that its two best-selling hybrid models failed to meet emissions standards. Continue reading “China’s EV makers turn on BYD as price war escalates”

Summary

• Global automakers worry China’s rare-earths curb is next global supply crisis
• Auto industry efforts to find alternative magnet supplies have floundered
• Bottleneck has auto companies stockpiling, considering workarounds

BERLIN/LONDON/DETROIT, (Reuters) – Frank Eckard, CEO of a German magnet maker, has been fielding a flood of calls in recent weeks. Exasperated automakers and parts suppliers have been desperate to find alternative sources of magnets, which are in short supply due to Chinese export curbs.

Some told Eckard their factories could be idled by mid-July without backup magnet supplies. “The whole car industry is in full panic,” said Eckard, CEO of Magnosphere, based in Troisdorf, Germany. “They are willing to pay any price.” Continue reading “Auto companies ‘in full panic’ over rare-earths bottleneck”

Summary

• VinFast Q1 net loss $712 million vs forecast $616 million
• VinFast has received around $2 billion from founder, parent firm
• Revenue jumped 150% to $656.5 million in Q1
• VinFast to offer e-buses in Asia and Europe

(Reuters) – Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast reported on Monday its sixth consecutive quarterly net loss as it continues to ramp up spending to boost sales volumes.

VinFast reported a net loss of $712.4 million for the first quarter, less than the $1.3 billion loss in the previous quarter but 20% more than a year earlier. Analysts’ average forecast was for a $616.3 million loss, according to LSEG data. Continue reading “EV maker VinFast’s Q1 loss widens on higher spending as deliveries rise”

MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – Tire maker Michelin will close a plant in the state of Queretaro in central Mexico by the end of this year, the company announced on Monday.

The decision was a “last resort,” prompted by changes in the passenger car and light truck tire market, the company said, adding that it affects 480 employees will be affected. Continue reading “Tire maker Michelin announces plant closure in central Mexico”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis has started a voluntary redundancy plan for 610 workers at its Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, after introducing the scheme at other Italian facilities, the automaker said on Monday.

Stellantis is so far cutting up to 1,600 staff in total across Italy this year through the voluntary redundancy scheme. At Mirafiori, the scheme “is aimed at supporting early retirement or different career opportunities,” a company spokesperson said, adding workers at Mirafiori can sign up for it until the end of July. Continue reading “Stellantis offers voluntary redundancy scheme at Turin plant”

Summary

• Key assisted driving equipment costs 20-40% lower in China: study
• BYD, others offer advanced driver-assistance as standard feature
• Tesla charges 64,000 yuan (nearly $9,000) for FSD in China
• BYD’s scale seen as advantage in ‘training’ assisted driving system

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Chinese electric-vehicle makers led by BYD beat Tesla in the competition to produce affordable electric vehicles. Now, many of those same fierce competitors are pulling into the passing lane in the global race to produce self-driving cars.

BYD shook up China’s smart-EV industry earlier this year by offering its “God’s Eye” driver-assistance package for free, undercutting the technology Tesla sells for nearly $9,000 in China. Continue reading “Tesla’s self-driving future under threat from China’s auto, tech giants”

SHANGHAI, June 7 (Reuters) – Geely’s chairman and founder Li Shufu said on Saturday that the global automotive industry was facing “serious overcapacity” and that the Chinese automaker had decided not to build new manufacturing plants or expand production in existing facilities.

Li made the comments at an auto forum in the central city of Chongqing, according to the company. Geely Holding owns multiple automotive brands including Geely Auto (0175.HK), Zeekr (ZK.N) and Volvo (VOLVb.ST) Continue reading “Geely chairman says global auto industry faces ‘serious overcapacity’”

Source:PTI | China, which holds the global monopoly over the precious rare earth metals needed for manufacturing of phones, automobiles and missiles, continues to play hardball over lifting export restrictions of the precious metals warding off pressures from a host of countries, including, the US, EU and India.

“China’s export control measures are consistent with universal practices,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said responding to a question during a media briefing here on Thursday that Japanese automaker Suzuki has suspended production of its main small cars in Japan because of delays due to to rare earth restrictions. Continue reading “China silent about lifting export curbs on rare earth metals amid growing concerns in India, world”

Source : PTI | In a first-of-its-kind action, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has suspended the trade licenses of 25 automobile dealers across the state for a month, citing continued failure to comply with vehicle registration procedures.

A senior transport department official on Friday confirmed that this is the first time such disciplinary action has been taken against dealers for violating registration norms. Continue reading “In a first in UP, 25 automobile dealers lose trade licenses for a month”

MILAN, June 6 (Reuters) – Stellantis’ (STLAM.MI) new CEO Antonio Filosa will earn at least $4 million annually in his first two years at the helm, rising to up to $23 million a year from 2028, including bonuses, a document showed, although his remuneration will be lower than predecessor Carlos Tavares.

Filosa officially becomes CEO of the owner of brands such as Chrysler, Peugeot and Jeep at the end of this month, tasked with turning around the carmaker’s performance and recovering lost U.S. market share. Continue reading “Stellantis’ new CEO Filosa set to earn up to $23 million a year”

BERLIN, June 6 (Reuters) – Porsche (P911_p.DE) has no plans to shift any part of its production process to the U.S., a spokesperson said on Friday, dismissing a Bloomberg report saying the company was considering such a move to mitigate the effects of tariffs.

The luxury carmaker, like Volkswagen’s Audi (VOWG.DE), does not produce vehicles in the U.S., leaving it heavily exposed to tariffs at a time when it faces the challenges of falling demand, fierce competition in China and slow uptake of its electric models. Continue reading “Porsche not planning to shift final assembly of cars to US”

Summary

• Japan faces tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum, impacting economy
• G7 summit may influence Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations
• Japan proposes auto tariff reduction mechanism based on industry contribution

TOKYO, June 7 (Reuters) – Japan had made some progress in a fifth round of trade talks with U.S. officials aimed at ending tariffs that are hurting Japan’s economy, Tokyo’s chief tariff negotiator said. Continue reading “Japan trade negotiator Akazawa says he made progress in US tariff talks”

June 6 (Reuters) – Tesla is trying to prevent the city of Austin, Texas, from releasing public records to Reuters involving the EV maker’s planned launch of self-driving robotaxis in the city this month.

The news agency in February requested communications between Tesla and Austin officials over the previous two years. The request followed CEO Elon Musk’s announcement in January that Tesla would launch fare-collecting robotaxis on Austin public streets. Continue reading “Tesla seeks to block city of Austin from releasing records on robotaxi trial”

Summary

• Tesla lost $152 billion in market cap due to Musk-Trump spat
• Trump not interested in talks with Musk, White House official says
• Broader market hit by feud

June 6 (Reuters) – Tesla shares recouped some losses that had been triggered by a spat between CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump, even though a truce appeared uncertain on Friday as a White House official said the president was not keen on talking to his former ally. Continue reading “Tesla shares gain after $152 billion selloff, but Trump-Musk truce uncertain”

Summary

• Tesla shares sink 14% in heavy volume
• Political tensions have hurt Tesla sales in key markets
• Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ would cut EV subsidy
• Musk’s political stance affects Tesla’s market perception

(Reuters) – Tesla shares went into free-fall on Thursday as President Donald Trump publicly feuded with the electric vehicle maker’s billionaire CEO Elon Musk, his self-proclaimed “First Buddy.”

Investors watched the unfolding drama with growing worry about what the fracas could mean for Musk’s business empire. The carmaker’s shares ended the day down 14%, wiping off $150 billion in market value on a day absent other news about the company. Continue reading “Trump-Musk row slams Tesla shares, $150 billion in market value wiped out”

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Diplomats, automakers push Beijing to loosen rare earth magnet export restrictions WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (6th June 2025)”

Continue reading “Maserati ready to present new business plan very soon, brand boss says”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Suzuki Motor’s suspension of production of its flagship Swift subcompact is due to China’s rare earth restrictions, two people familiar with the matter said, becoming the first Japanese automaker to be affected by the export curbs.

The small car maker halted production of the Swift, excluding the Swift Sport version, from May 26 citing a shortage of components. Continue reading “Suzuki Motor halted Swift production due to China’s rare earth curbs, sources say”

Summary

• China introduced new rare earth export controls in April
• Export permits must be approved by bureau in Commerce Ministry
• Staff levels were only recently boosted to 60, sources say
• Slow pace of approvals hitting the auto industry worldwide

BEIJING, June 5 (Reuters) – In a hulking grey building just east of Tiananmen square in Beijing, a small team in China’s Ministry of Commerce is deciding the fate of the global auto industry, one rare earth magnet export permit at a time. Continue reading “The world’s auto supply chain is in the hands of a few Chinese bureaucrats”

Source : Mobility Outlook Bureau | TVS Motor Company announced today that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved the appointment of Sudarshan Venu as the incoming Chairman and Managing Director of the company, effective August 25, 2025. The move recognises his significant contributions to the company’s sustained growth and strategic evolution during his tenure as Director and Managing Director.

The current Chairman, Sir Ralf Speth, has informed the Board that he will not be seeking reappointment as a Director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 22, 2025, and will step down from his role at the conclusion of the meeting. However, he will continue his association with TVS Motor Company as Chief Mentor for a period of three years, beginning August 23, 2025. Continue reading “Sudarshan Venu To Take Over As CMD TVS Motor Company From August”

Summary

• 5.18 lakh vehicles dispatched through railways are about one-fourth of the Company’s total dispatches in FY 2024-25
• Avoided over 1.8 lakh tonne* of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emission and saved more than 630 lakh (63 million) litre of fuel
• Around 24 lakh (2.4 million) vehicles dispatched cumulatively through railways, since FY 2014-15

New Delhi: Strengthening its commitment to green logistics, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (hereinafter “Maruti Suzuki”) dispatched 5.18 lakh vehicles through Indian Railways in FY 2024-25, its highest-ever. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki has dispatched over 5 lakh (half a million) vehicles through Indian Railways in FY 2024-25 – A new record in Green Logistics”

Source : Mobility Outlook Bureau | On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored his vision of a Green Viksit Bharat with the dual launch of two impactful sustainability initiatives—flagging off 200 electric buses by PMI Electro Mobility in Delhi and planting a Banyan sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park.

These symbolic yet powerful actions reflect the government’s focus on accelerating the adoption of clean mobility solutions while fostering a culture of environmental consciousness. The electric buses, manufactured by PMI Electro, represent a major leap towards zero-emission public transportation and are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions in urban centres. Continue reading “PM Flags Off 200 PMI Electric Buses, Plants Sapling To Champion Green Viksit Bharat”

Summary

• Toyota Industries shares fall 12%
• Toyota Motor’s $33 billion offer is below market expectations
• Market participants say offer undervalues Toyota Industries’ real estate

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Investors gave a thumbs-down to Toyota Motor’s $33 billion take-private offer for Toyota Industries on Wednesday, highlighting concerns minority shareholders would be short-changed in a landmark restructuring for Japan Inc. Continue reading “Toyota Industries sinks after parent’s takeover bid misses expectations”

ROME, (Reuters) – More than 500 jobs are at risk in Italy after automaker Stellantis changed oil supplier from a local brand owned by Malaysia’s Petronas to France’s Total, a trade union said on Wednesday.

Stellantis was not immediately available for comment.

Petronas owns the Selenia brand of motor oils, an Italian supplier which was previously part of the Fiat group and marketed products including under the “Olio Fiat” name. Continue reading “More than 500 jobs at risk in Italy as Stellantis changes oil supplier, union says”

(Reuters) – Tesla’s sales dropped for the fifth straight month in Britain, Germany and Italy in May, underscoring the challenges the electric vehicle-maker faces over CEO Elon Musk’s politics and its model line-up.

Demand for the company’s new version of the Model Y – Europe’s best-selling car as recently as 2023 – will boost sales in June when UK deliveries start, a British company spokesperson said. Continue reading “Tesla May sales fall in big European markets ahead of new Model Y deliveries”

Source : PTI | Delhi Transport MinisterPankaj Kumar Singh on Tuesday said the government plans to roll out the Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 by next month.

He was speaking at the Urban Adda 2025, a three-day national urban dialogue hosted by Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, supported by Nagarro.

Continue reading “Delhi govt plans to roll out EV Policy 2.0 by next month”

Source : PTI | The country’s first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station integrated with second-life battery storage was launched at the BESCOM EV Hub Charging Station here on Tuesday.

The pilot project, Renewable Energy to Electric Vehicle (RE2EV), which marks a major milestone in clean energy and green transport infrastructure, was inaugurated by Karnataka’s Energy Minister K J George. Continue reading “India’s first solar-powered, second-life battery integrated EV charging station is in Bengaluru”

Source : PTI | The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Wednesday declined to grant an immediate stay on the National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) order that directed the freezing of assets belonging to Gensol Engineering, its promoters, and related entities, PTI reports. The appellate tribunal has instead directed the affected companies to approach the NCLT’s Ahmedabad bench, which is scheduled to hear the matter on June 12.

The decision came in response to appeals filed by two Gensol Group entities—BluSmart Premium Feet and Matrix Gas and Renewable—challenging the NCLT’s May 28 order. The companies argued that the asset freeze was ordered without granting them a fair hearing, which they claimed violated principles of natural justice. Continue reading “NCLAT refuses interim relief to Gensol in asset freeze case”

Source : ANI | New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): As per an ongoing analysis of the damage inflicted upon by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan Air Force, it is emerging that 6 PAF fighter jets, two high value aircraft, over 10 UCAVs, one C-130 transport aircraft along with multiple cruise missiles were destroyed by Indian air-launched cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles.

Sources who were involved in the operations launched against Pakistani aggression told ANI that as per the technical analysis of the data available with the IAF, six of the Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft were shot down in air during operations. Continue reading “6 Pakistan fighter jets, one C-130 aircraft, multiple cruise missiles, UAVs destroyed during IAF retaliation in Op Sindoor”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen’s restructuring of its Wolfsburg plant from 2027 to make way for EV-only production could result in a temporary four-day working week at the plant, works council chief Daniela Cavallo told workers on Tuesday.

Cavallo, a central figure in negotiations with management last year over cost cuts, said unions had agreed minimum capacity utilisation for the transition period, but urged workers to take extra shifts in the run-up to compensate for the likelihood of fewer working hours in years to come. Continue reading “VW’s Wolfsburg plant may move to four-day week from 2027, works council says”

Summary

• China has not issued enough licences to ensure production, lobby group says
• Mercedes-Benz says does not have experience of disruption yet
• Comments are strongest warning yet from the lobby group

BERLIN, (Reuters) – China’s export restrictions on rare earths that are widely used by the auto industry could disrupt, or even halt, German car production, Germany’s VDA auto industry lobbying group said on Tuesday. Continue reading “Exclusive: Germany lobby group says China’s rare earth curbs could halt auto output”