Summary | Elon Musk’s EV company is struggling as he plunges into politics. Robyn Denholm, the Australian chair of Tesla, is thriving after cashing in half a billion dollars of the stock. Investors are clamoring for her to rein in the world’s richest man – but some question whether she has the independence to do so.

SYDNEY – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is drawing political flak as he champions right-wing causes in Europe and leads President Donald Trump’s slashing of the U.S. federal workforce. The controversy is pummeling sales at Tesla, the electric-vehicle giant Musk runs. Its stock has plunged – down 15% on March 10 alone – and investors are yelping in pain. Continue reading “As Tesla tanks, Musk’s hand-picked board chair is doing just fine”

Source : PTI | Traffic violations surged by more than 100 per cent during Holi celebrations this year, an official said on Saturday. A total of 7,230 challans were issued on Holi this year, marking a sharp increase from 3,589 violations recorded in 2024, he said.

According to a police statement, the number of people caught for drunken driving surged to 1,213 in 2025 compared to 824 in 2024. Similarly, helmet-related violations increased by 56 per cent to 2,376 this year from 1,524 challans in 2024. Continue reading “Traffic violations surge over 100% during Holi in 2025”

LONDON, (Reuters) – Tech companies must start putting in place measures to protect users from child sexual abuse images and other illegal content in Britain from Monday as enforcement of its online safety regime ramps up.

Media regulator Ofcom said Meta’s Facebook, ByteDance’s TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and other companies must now implement measures such as better moderation, easier reporting and built-in safety tests to tackle criminal activity and make their platforms safer by design. Continue reading “Tech firms must start protecting UK users from illegal content”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – BYD on Monday unveiled a new platform for electric vehicles (EVs) that it said could charge EVs as quickly as it takes to pump gas and announced for the first time that it would build a charging network across China.

The so-called “super e-platform” will be capable of peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts (kW), enabling cars that use it to travel 400 km (249 miles) on a 5-minute charge, founder Wang Chuanfu said at an event livestreamed from the company’s Shenzhen headquarters. Continue reading “BYD unveils new super-charging EV tech, to build charging network in China”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Automaker Stellantis is investing 38 million euros ($41 million) in its Verrone plant in Northern Italy to manufacture parts for electric engines for its upcoming small-size models, it said on Monday.

The plant will manufacture steel components for electric drive modules Stellantis currently makes in other European facilities, the company said in a statement, adding production is expected to start at the end of 2027. Continue reading “Stellantis invests $41 million in Italy to make EV engine parts”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – The joint venture of Volkswagen and FAW Group (SASACJ.UL) said on Monday it will launch 11 new Volkswagen and Jetta branded models tailored for the China market from 2026.

The new models, as part of a deal signed in Wolfsburg between FAW and VW, include six electric vehicles, two plug-in hybrids, two extended-rangers and one gasoline, the joint venture said in a statement. Continue reading “Volkswagen, FAW venture to launch 11 new models tailored for China from 2026”

(Reuters) – Automakers Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki India said on Monday that they will increase the prices of vehicles to offset raw material and operational costs.

Tata Motors will hike prices of its commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, by up to 2% from April, while Maruti Suzuki said it will increase car prices by as much as 4% next month. Continue reading “India’s Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki to hike vehicle prices”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – BMW Group will integrate Huawei (HWT.UL) HiCar, the Chinese tech conglomerate’s car mobile app connecting devices with vehicles, into its locally produced new models in 2026, the German automaker said on Monday.

BMW is teaming up with Huawei to develop smart applications based on the Harmony operating system for drivers of its vehicles using the tech conglomerate’s devices in China, according to a company statement. Continue reading “BMW to integrate Huawei smart-connect system into its China-made cars in 2026”

Summary

• Chinese car-makers seek to boost sales in Europe as Chinese market slows
• No decision taken yet as BYD weighs labour costs, productivity
• Germany’s new government expected to encourage auto sector investment

MILAN, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is considering Germany for a possible third assembly plant in Europe, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, after the region’s biggest economy and car market opposed EU tariffs on China-made EVs last year. Continue reading “Exclusive: BYD considers Germany for third plant in Europe”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese tech company Xiaomi new electric crossover SUV, the YU7, will have a driving range of up to 770 kilometres (478 miles), a government document showed on Thursday.

The car will be Xiaomi’s first SUV and is expected to hit the market this summer, to take on Tesla Model Y. Continue reading “Xiaomi’s electric crossover car YU7 to have range of up to 770 km, govt document shows”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Samsung SDI said it would issue new shares worth 2 trillion won ($1.38 billion) in a regulatory filing on Friday and use the proceeds to invest in a U.S. joint venture with General Motors and expand its factory capacity in Hungary among others.

($1 = 1,452.6800 won) Continue reading “Samsung SDI to issue new shares and invest in U.S. joint venture with GM”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Donald Trump met General Motors CEO Mary Barra on Wednesday to discuss the automaker’s investment plans amid his tariff war, a White House official told Reuters.

In meetings with automakers, Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have said they want the industry to move more assembly and production of parts to the United States. Continue reading “GM CEO met Trump amid tariff fight, White House says”

Summary

• BMW expects 1 billion euro hit from tariffs
• Central bankers call Trump policies a tragedy for U.S. economy
• European stocks outperforming U.S. peers
• EU trade chief says has ‘better understanding’ of US counterparts

FRANKFURT/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – German carmaker BMW said on Friday it expected tariffs to cost it 1 billion euros ($1.09 billion) this year, while European officials warned the U.S. economy would be the biggest loser if President Donald Trump pursues an “idiotic” trade war. Continue reading “BMW sees earnings hit from US tariffs as EU warns against escalation”

Source : PTI | The Tamil Nadu government on Friday announced Rs 20,000 subsidy for buying new e-scooter to 2,000 internet-based service workers who are registered with the Gig Workers Welfare Board. In his 2025-26 Budget speech, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, referring to a large number of young people being engaged in internet-based services and the state setting up the Tamil Nadu Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board to promote their welfare said: “A new scheme will be launched to support the livelihood of workers registered with the welfare board by providing a subsidy of Rs 20,000 each to 2,000 internet-based service workers for purchasing a new electric vehicle (e-scooter).” Continue reading “Tamil Nadu to subsidise Rs 20,000 for buying e-scooters for some gig workers”

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India Automobile Sales Performance – February-25 WAF

Electric passenger vehicle retail sales rise 19% in February WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (14th March 2025)”

Exotel, a leader in customer engagement solutions, has announced its collaboration with JSW MG Motor India to enhance communication systems and drive superior customer experiences across the automotive giant’s network.

The solution provided by Exotel ensures:Seamless customer experience with a single national number; Brand consistency through virtual dealership numbers; Real-time feedback collection and efficient issue resolution. Continue reading “Exotel Joins JSW MG Motor India To Augment Customer Engagement”

Monthly Performance: February 2025

Production: The total production of Passenger Vehicles , Three Wheelers, Two Wheelers, and Quadricycle in February 2025 was 23,46,258 units

Domestic Sales:

• Passenger Vehicles sales were 3,77,689 units in February 2025.
• Three-wheeler sales were 57,788 units in February 2025
• Two-wheeler sales were 13,84,605 units in February 2025.

Commenting on February-2025 performance, Mr Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM said, “Passenger Vehicles segment remained resilient and posted its highest ever sales of February in 2025 of 3.78 Lakh units, with a growth of 1.9% as compared to February 2024. Continue reading “India Automobile Sales Performance – February-25”

Summary

• JLR had plans to source parts locally for EVs, sources say
• There were problems with price-quality mix in procuring parts, sources say
• JLR’s decision expected to delay Tata’s India EV plans
• Tata making design changes to Avinya EV range, sources say

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Jaguar Land Rover has shelved plans to build electric vehicles at parent company Tata Motor’s upcoming $1 billion factory in southern India, four people with knowledge of the matter said. Continue reading “Exclusive: Jaguar Land Rover shelves plan to build EVs at Tata’s India plant, sources say”

Summary

• Partnership would include VW’s Skoda cars in Europe
• Looking at launching cars with Ecarx technology in the US
• Western carmakers turning to Chinese smart driving technologies

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Volkswagen is in talks with digital cockpit system developer Ecarx to put the Chinese company’s technologies in cars it sells in developed markets, such as Europe and United States, Ecarx’s CEO said on Wednesday. Continue reading “Exclusive: Geely-backed Ecarx in talks with VW to develop smart cars for Europe, US, CEO says”

SYDNEY, (Reuters) – When Australian Dick Friend bought a Tesla in 2015, he was so impressed with its environmental credentials and performance that he and his wife bought two more of the electric vehicles, plus shares in the Elon Musk-led company.

Now, however, he is selling his Tesla stock and will not replace one of his cars, wrecked in an accident last year, citing his objections to Musk’s right-wing tilt and his growing role in the administration of Donald Trump. Continue reading “Vandalism, weak sales hit Tesla in Australia and New Zealand”

(Reuters) – German automaker BMW is telling dealers in the U.S. it will absorb the added cost of new tariffs on its imports from Mexico, at least for the next several weeks, a spokesperson for the company said on Wednesday.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the news.

BMW said it would “price protect” certain Mexican-built models that would be subject to tariffs – the 3 Series sedan and 2 Series coupe – until May 1, WSJ reported , citing a message to the company’s U.S. dealers. Continue reading “BMW to absorb tariff costs on some Mexican-built models”

Summary

• Bankruptcy filing is one of Sweden’s largest
• Debt of more than $8 billion as of end-January, documents show
• North America, German operations not filing for bankruptcy

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Battery cell maker Northvolt has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden, the company said on Wednesday, marking one of the country’s largest corporate failures and effectively ending Europe’s best hope of developing a rival to challenge China. Continue reading “Europe’s would-be battery champion Northvolt files for bankruptcy”

Source : PTI | Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL) on Tuesday said the company is in the process of investing Rs 700 crore in decarbonisation projects to achieve its net-zero goals by 2050. The investments will continue over next five years to set up various environment-friendly projects, which include renewable energy, green hydrogen, biodiversity conservation, waste management and adoption of carbon capture technologies, JSL said in a statement.

“By investing Rs 700 crore in decarbonisation projects over the next five years…aim is to achieve financial and environmental goals, significantly reducing GHG emissions and carbon intensity by 50 per cent by FY35, and accomplishing net-zero emissions by 2050,” the company said. Continue reading “Jindal Stainless investing Rs 700 crore on decarbonisation projects”

Source : PTI | A UK electric vehicles delegation, comprising six innovative SMEs specialising in fleet telematics, battery energy storage systems, AI, IoT-based cybersecurity and modular decentralized generators, visited Kolkata on Tuesday to explore opportunities in India. The delegation, facilitated by Connected Places Catapult and supported by Global Business Inroads (GBI) in association with the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I), aims to foster bilateral trade and investment between the UK and India, particularly in the 2- and 3-wheeler EV segments.

Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, said, “This EV delegation marks a major step in advancing EV innovation and forging new partnerships. By working together, we can unlock opportunities, drive investment, and accelerate the adoption of clean mobility solutions.” Continue reading “UK team visits Kolkata to explore EV opportunities, FIDC stresses challenges for clean mobility”

Source : PTI | A lobby grouping of non-bank lenders on Tuesday said they have sought a scheme to incentivise electric vehicle finance in the country on the lines of FAME or production-linked incentive schemes. In a recent meeting with the central government’s think tank Niti Aayog, the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) said while a shift to electric vehicles is pivotal to achieving decarbonisation goals, EV financing is a “bottleneck”.

“Just as the government supported and incentivised manufacturing of EVs through FAME (Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) and PLI (production-linked incentives) schemes, a similar initiative for the financiers is the need of the hour,” the FIDC said in a memorandum. Continue reading “NBFCs seek FAME, PLI-like scheme to incentivise EV finance”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: The Delhi government has announced key highlights of the proposed Delhi EV Policy 2.0, aiming to make 95 per cent of new vehicle registrations electric by 2027. The policy, reviewed by Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, outlines a roadmap to accelerate the city’s transition to electric mobility while strengthening its position as India’s leader in EV adoption, an official statement of the Delhi Transport Ministry said on Monday.

Under the new policy, all CNG auto-rickshaws, taxis and light commercial vehicles will be replaced by electric vehicles (EVs) in a phased manner. The government has also committed to a full transition to electric buses to ensure a sustainable public transport system.

Continue reading “Delhi govt proposes EV policy 2.0, aims for 95% EV adoption by 2027”

Summary

• Mercedes did not immediately provide comment
• Decision followed long deliberation given Trump’s stance on China – source
• Hesai is China’s largest lidar maker, competes with US-based Luminar

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz will develop smart driving cars for global markets equipped with Hesai’s lidar sensors, a person with direct knowledge said, the first time a foreign automaker has sought to use such Chinese-made technology for models sold outside China. Continue reading “Exclusive: Mercedes to develop smart cars for global markets with China’s Hesai lidar”

Summary

• Volkswagen expects 5.5-6.5% operating profit margin in 2025
• Outlook does not factor in impact of possible US tariffs
• Expanding EV, battery production to weigh on costs
• Operating margin of 5.9% in 2024, in line with estimates
• Shares up 1.6%

WOLFSBURG, Germany, (Reuters) – Volkswagen, Europe’s top carmaker, forecast another challenging year of ramping up EV sales, cutting costs, and navigating trade tensions as it seeks to streamline its operations in Europe and catch up with cheaper and faster rivals in China. Continue reading “Volkswagen sees flat margin as cost cuts, trade tensions weigh”

(Reuters) – Toyota said on Wednesday that it will launch a total of nine fully-electric models in Europe in 2025 and 2026 for its Toyota and premium Lexus brands to compete in a large EV market.

The Japanese automaker said it will launch three Toyota brand electric SUVs this year – new versions of the bZ4X, Urban Cruiser and C-HR+ – followed by three more in 2026. Continue reading “Toyota plans nine EVs for Europe for this year and 2026”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis-owned Maserati has cancelled plans for an electric version of its MC20 sports car because of expected poor demand, the struggling luxury carmaker said on Tuesday.

The MC 20 Folgore had been due to debut this year. Continue reading “Stellantis’ Maserati brand cancels plans for electric sports car”

Summary

• Car sales +26.1% in Feb vs -12% in Jan
• EV, PHEV sales dwarfed by gasolines for third straight month
• Automakers scramble under BYD-led smart EV price war

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s car sales inched up 1.3% in the first two months of 2025 from the same period a year earlier, as an expanded customer subsidy programme spurred auto demand while a new smart electric vehicle price war unfolds. Continue reading “China’s car sales rise 1.3% in first two months of 2025”

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Scania said on Monday it had secured a new supply of battery cells in addition to its deal with Northvolt, as the Swedish truckmaker warned it will miss its 2025 targets to cut emissions due in part to problems with electric battery deliveries.

Northvolt, once considered Europe’s best hope for an electric vehicle battery champion, filed for U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last November and is seeking to raise cash and restructure its debt. Continue reading “Northvolt shareholder Scania gets additional battery cell supply”

Summary

• Ford’s German unit has 5.8 bln euros of debt
• Deal replaces agreement that saw Ford cover unit’s losses
• IG Metal: Ford Germany could face insolvency in future

FRANKFURT, (Reuters) – Ford will inject up to 4.4 billion euros ($4.8 billion) into its struggling German operations as it tries to revive its European business, the U.S. carmaker said on Monday. Continue reading “Ford to inject up to $4.8 billion to shore up cash-strapped German unit”

Summary

• Not clear if Uchida will immediately depart, sources have said
• CFO, heads of planning and performance seen as possible successors
• Details of restructuring efforts may also emerge

YOKOHAMA, Japan, (Reuters) – Nissan’s board of directors will meet on Tuesday to discuss potential successors to CEO Makoto Uchida, who is under pressure to step down due to the Japanese automaker’s worsening earnings performance and failed merger talks with Honda. Continue reading “Nissan board meets Tuesday to discuss whether to replace CEO Uchida”

Summary

• Tesla’s stock keeps falling, losing post-election gains after Musk backed Trump
• Shares drop more than 15%, making it the worst S&P performer on Monday
• Investors still question whether stock is overpriced as EV business falters
• Most of Tesla’s sky-high value is based on robotaxis and robots it hasn’t yet produced

(Reuters) – Tesla’s stock has dropped by nearly half in three months. Even so, investors are still debating whether Elon Musk’s electric-vehicle maker remains overpriced. Continue reading “Tesla’s stock defied gravity for years. Is Elon Musk’s EV party over?”

Source : PTI | The Maharashtra government on Monday proposed a 6 per cent tax on electric vehicles priced more than Rs 30 lakh in the budget for the fiscal 2025-26. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, tabled the budget and announced a 1 per cent hike in the Motor Vehicle Tax on CNG and LPG vehicles.

The government has also proposed a 7 per cent tax on vehicles used for construction activities, which will generate additional revenue of approximately Rs 180 crore. Continue reading “Budget 2025-26: Maharashtra govt proposes 6% tax on EVs costing more than Rs 30 lakh”

LISBON, (Reuters) – Dozens of demonstrators gathered at the Tesla showroom in Lisbon on Sunday to protest against CEO Elon Musk’s support for far-right parties in Europe as Portugal heads toward a likely snap election.

Musk has used his X platform to promote right-wing parties and figures in Germany, Britain, Italy and Romania. He has not waded into politics in Portugal where the far-right Chega party has surged to become the third largest force in parliament. Continue reading “Dozens protest at Tesla showroom in Portugal ahead of likely snap election”

Source : PTI | Ride-hailing app Rapido is in the midst of a 500-city expansion this year in India, a market where “vastness and depth” of mobility opportunity offers a high-growth upside, according to cofounder Pavan Guntupalli.

On whether the company is eyeing an IPO in the near term, Guntupalli told PTI that Rapido is clocking healthy growth, is well capitalised and “will take a call depending on situation”. The focus, for now, is on growth, he asserts. Continue reading “Rapido in midst of 500-city expansion; mobility opportunity offers strong upside: Cofounder P Guntupalli”