Source : PTI | India’s share in the global mobility supply chains is increasing due to the sector’s cost-competitiveness and focus on product quality, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. Speaking at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 here, he said by the next year this expo will become the biggest auto show in the world and will emerge as the one-stop destination for the automobile sector for the world.

At present, it is the second-largest automotive expo in the world. Continue reading “India’s share in global mobility supply chains increasing: Piyush Goyal”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen is considering ways to deepen its partnership with U.S. electric car maker Rivian, the German company’s CEO told Spiegel magazine in comments published on Friday.

“For example, we are thinking about sharing modules and bundling purchasing volumes,” Oliver Blume said. “The Volkswagen group offers great opportunities for a small brand like Rivian.” Continue reading “Volkswagen looking to deepen partnership with U.S. EV maker Rivian, Spiegel reports”

(Reuters) – Canoo (GOEV.O), said on Friday it would file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and cease operations, effective immediately.
The EV startup has been dealing with rapid cash burn and has struggled to raise additional funding amid uncertain demand for its microbus-inspired cargo vans.

(Reuters) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Friday sued two large automakers, accusing General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab and the United Auto Workers of age discrimination and the Stellantis (STLAM.MI), opens new tab unit that includes Chrysler of subjecting female employees to sexual harassment.
GM and the UAW were accused of having since October 2019 maintained a sickness-and-accident benefits policy under their collective bargaining agreement that reduces payouts to older employees who receive Social Security benefits. Continue reading “US agency sues two automakers, alleging discrimination and harassment”

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Over 40 new product launches expected at Auto Expo: Government official CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (17th January 2025)”

(Reuters) – Several European and North American car factories are at risk of being closed or sold this year as automobile brands struggle with overcapacity and price competition, research and advisory firm Gartner said in a report on Thursday.

Automakers will likely cut production capacity on the two continents in 2025 as they face emissions targets and tariffs, while China’s electric vehicle (EV) dominance will increase due to its edge in software and electrification, the firm said. Continue reading “Car plants in Europe, North America face closures in 2025, Gartner says in report”

Continue reading “NHTSA closes probe on 313,101 Daimler US trucks over engine wiring concern”

Summary

• Vianode to supply synthetic graphite for GM’s EVs from 2027 to 2033
• Vianode will supply GM from North American plant
• Vianode says talks underway on plant location

LONDON, (Reuters) – General Motors has signed a multi-year, multi-billion dollar agreement for Norway’s Vianode to provide the U.S. automaker with synthetic graphite anode materials for its electric vehicle batteries, the companies said on Wednesday. Continue reading “GM signs supply deal with Vianode for synthetic graphite for EV batteries”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. auto safety regulators on Wednesday closed a probe into whether General Motors’ self-driving unit Cruise robotaxis were taking sufficient precautions to safeguard pedestrians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which opened the probe in October 2023, said it was aware of five incidents involving a collision between a Cruise vehicle and a pedestrian, including three that involved injuries. NHTSA said the Cruise vehicle unsuccessfully tried to avoid each collision. Continue reading “US closes probe into GM Cruise self-driving vehicles over pedestrian risks”

WASHINGTON/DETROIT, (Reuters) – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer warned on Wednesday that potential 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada suggested by President-elect Donald Trump could harm the U.S. auto sector, increase vehicle prices and benefit China.

The Democratic governor said in a speech in Detroit that imposing tariffs would damage supply chains and slow production lines and would cut “jobs on both sides of the border. Continue reading “Michigan governor warns Trump tariffs on Mexico, Canada could harm US auto sector”

Summary

• Hino to plead guilty to submitting fraudulent engine emission data
• Truckmaker will pay $521.76 million criminal fine, serve five-year probation
• Settlement stems from California probe opened in 2019

(Reuters) – Toyota Motor unit Hino Motors has agreed a $1.6 billion settlement with U.S. agencies and will plead guilty over excess diesel engine emissions in more than 105,000 U.S. vehicles, the company and U.S. government said on Wednesday. Continue reading “Toyota unit Hino Motors reaches $1.6 billion US diesel emissions settlement”

Summary

• Carmakers in India to launch at least a dozen new EVs in 2025
• VinFast, BYD, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki to showcase new EVs
• EV sales in India grew 20% in 2024, outpacing total car sales

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Automakers operating in India plan to launch close to a dozen new electric car models this year, many in the premium market, with longer driving ranges and faster charging times, to attract buyers as demand for EVs slows down globally. Continue reading “Carmakers in India plan EV onslaught in 2025 despite slowing global demand”

Source : PTI | India will achieve its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in the next two months, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. The practice of blending ethanol with petrol began in 2001 as a pilot project.

“We will achieve this target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in the next two months. Use of E20 (petrol with 20 per cent ethanol) will help in reducing pollution,” Gadkari said while speaking at an event. Continue reading “India to achieve 20% ethanol blending target in 2 months: Nitin Gadkari”

Source : PTI | There is a strong case for GST reduction on two-wheelers up to 125 cc as these cater to non-sin goods but mobility option for masses in the country, Hero MotoCorp CEO Niranjan Gupta said on Wednesday.

The government should also continue on the path for long-term growth, stability and investments, he added.

Continue reading “Strong case for GST reduction on two-wheelers up to 125 cc to 18%, says Hero MotoCorp CEO”

(Reuters) – German truckmakers Daimler Truck and Traton reported on Tuesday declining 2024 sales mainly due to tepid demand in Europe, in particular in their home country Germany.

The world’s biggest truckmaker, Daimler Truck, reported a 12% annual sales drop to 460,409 units sold, also weighed down by a sharp decline in sales in Asia, which was in line with the company’s reduced guidance. Continue reading “German truckmakers report drop in 2024 sales on weak European demand”

Summary

• Rules will effectively bar nearly all Chinese cars, trucks
• Final decision on rules to be left up to Trump administration

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration is finalizing rules on Tuesday that will effectively bar nearly all Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market, as part of a crackdown on vehicle software and hardware from China. Continue reading “Biden administration finalizes US crackdown on Chinese vehicles”

Source : PTI | Renewable energy platform O2 Power on Tuesday said that it has secured an 800-MWh battery energy storage (BESS) project in Rajasthan. The project comprises installed capacities of 800 MWh battery energy storage system, a strategic mix of solar and components to ensure non-solar peak hour power supply, O2 Power said in a statement.

The company said it secured the renewable energy project through a competitive bidding conducted by Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) – FDRE VI. Continue reading “O2 Power bags 800-MWh battery storage project in Rajasthan”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany’s top-end carmakers took a battering at home and in China in 2024, sales volume data showed, as wealthier consumers held back on purchases amid an uncertain economy and on slower than expected electric vehicle sales.

BMW on Monday reported a 2.3% drop in overall vehicle sales at its BMW brand, compared to a 3% drop at Mercedes-Benz Cars and Porsche, and a 12% drop at Volkswagen’s Audi. Continue reading “German premium carmakers’ sales battered in China and Germany amid slowdown”

Summary

• Sells remaining shares of Hydrovolt for $6.79 million
• Hydro looking for new partners for the company
• Hydro not interested in buying Northvolt’s other recycling business
• Northvolt in need of new cash as loan soon to run out

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Norsk Hydro became the sole owner of battery recycler Hydrovolt on Monday after the Norwegian aluminium maker agreed to buy the remaining shares from ailing Swedish battery maker Northvolt for 78 million Norwegian crowns ($6.79 million). Continue reading “Struggling Northvolt sells remaining stake in battery recycler to Hydro”

Source : PTI | Hyundai Motor India Ltd sees a triggering of acceleration in the electrification of the passenger vehicles market in the country in 2025 and 2026, according to company COO Tarun Garg. Set to enter the mass market electric vehicle segment with the EV version of its popular SUV Creta, the company, which plans to bring four EVs in the future, is also looking at different segments, even below the mid-sized SUV segment.

“India is at an early stage of electrification. Last year, we ended with about 2.4% electrification. I personally feel that 2025 and 2026 are going to be great trigger points in terms of electrification, and Creta EV is going to drive it,” Garg told PTI video here. Continue reading “See acceleration of EV penetration in India in 2025-26: Hyundai COO Tarun Garg”

Source : PTI | The contractual employees of a private operator hired by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking went on a flash strike at one of the depots in Mumbai early Monday morning, partially affecting the BEST bus services. While BEST did not disclose the reason for the strike, sources said it was triggered by the alleged mistreatment of a pregnant woman conductor by officials of the private operator.

A BEST official said the services were affected on a few routes as the strike was limited to the Pratiksha Nagar depot, while a union leader claimed more than 100 buses of the private operator remained off the road.

Continue reading “BEST wet lease bus staff go on flash strike in Mumbai; services partially hit”

Source : PTI | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin flagged off the test drive of Mahindra’s electric SUV designed and developed in Tamil Nadu at an event held at the Secretariat here on Monday. Mahindra launched its BE 6e priced at INR 26.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and XEV 9e for INR 30.5 lakh (ex-showroom) at Cheyyar and Chengalpattu in November 2024.

The SUVs would be available for test ride from January 14, President – Automotive Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, R Velusamy, said.

Continue reading “Stalin launches test drive of electric SUV designed, developed in TN”

Source : PTI | Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions on Monday said it has collaborated with battery-as-a-service operator Yuma Energy, for deploying 1 lakh electric vehicles over the next four years to accelerate last-mile e-mobility in the country. The rollout will start from Pune next month with approximately 1,000 E- Luna being offered under the strategic partnership to select fleet operators, the company said. The E-Luna caters to various last-mile delivery applications such as food, groceries, e-commerce and quick commerce delivery.

The partnership will then be scaled nationally to 1 lakh electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in next four years. Continue reading “Kinetic Green ties up with Yuma Energy to deploy 1 lakh EVs in 4 years”

Source : PTI | Indichip Semiconductors Ltd along with its joint venture partner Yitoa Micro Technology (YMTL) from Japan, on Saturday inked an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish India’s first private semiconductor manufacturing facility with an investment of INR 14,000 crore. This cutting-edge facility will focus on manufacturing Silicon Carbide (SiC) chips, contributing to India’s technological advancement and sustainability goals.

The southern state pledged to provide land at Orvakal mega industrial hub in Kurnool, along with the necessary infrastructure and ecosystem to make this project a success. Continue reading “Indichip Semiconductors inks deal with Andhra govt to set up INR 14,000 crore facility”

Source : PTI | The MSRTC on Saturday launched 17 electric buses to mark National Road Safety Month, an official said. The 17 buses were pressed into service at an event in Khopat in Thane, which was attended by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik. “A proposal to add 2500 new buses and 5000 electric buses on lease is in progress. After the launch of these 17 buses, another 150 buses will be deployed in the next two months.

MSRTC must work towards ensuring technical upkeep and punctual operations and strictly adhere to road safety norms,” Sarnaik said. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation managing director Madhav Kusekar said the state-run undertaking will carry out initiatives for the mental wellbeing of its drivers, along with increasing cleanliness of facilities and improvement in their working conditions. Continue reading “National Road Safety Month: 17 e-buses launched by MSRTC”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Electric vehicle maker OPG Mobility, formerly Okaya EV, is seeking to raise around INR 400 crore within the next 18-24 months to fuel its growth plans as it embarks on product portfolio and network expansion drive, according to its Managing Director Anshul Gupta. The company, which underwent a rebranding exercise recently, will house its two-wheeler division under the ‘Ferrato’ brand and plans to launch two new electric scooters and one electric motorcycle with two variants this year, Gupta told PTI.

Besides, the three-wheeler division under ‘OTTOPG’ will see foray into electric passenger segment this year and the company is working to enhance its sales and service network expansion across India as it prepares to rope in investors to prepare for the long term, he added.

Continue reading “OPG Mobility looks to raise INR 400 cr; gets into product portfolio, network expansion drive”

Source : PTI | A one-of-its-kind app developed by an Indian-origin entrepreneur to empower people with disabilities, a flavour-enhancing electric salt spoon, an aircraft that can fit in a car’s trunk — technological advancements shaping the world’s future took centre stage at the biggest tech showcase here.

CES 2025, the world’s largest technology showcase produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), displayed cutting-edge innovations across sectors – Artificial Intelligence, mobility, quantum, digital health, energy transition and sustainability. The trade show, hosted at the gigantic Las Vegas Convention Centre and other venues in the city from January 7-10, featured over 4,500 exhibitors, including about 1,400 startups, with over 141,000 attendees, of which 40 per cent were international — from over 150 countries, regions, and territories — gathering at CES for a week-long deep dive in technological breakthroughs and solutions.

Continue reading “App to empower people with disabilities, flying cars: tech advancements take centre stage at CES 2025”

Source : PTI | The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has proposed a strict “no helmet, no fuel” policy across cities in the state in an effort to reduce road accidents and fatalities involving two-wheelers. Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh issued an official letter on January 8 directing the fuel station operators not to sell fuel to two-wheeler riders, who are not wearing helmets, including the pillion.

The letter sent to the district magistrates of all 75 districts in the state and also marked to the divisional commissioners emphasizes the urgency of the measure, citing data that shows a significant number of two-wheeler accident victims do not wear helmets. Continue reading “UP govt proposes ‘no helmet, no fuel’ policy to curb road accidents”

Source : PTI | Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday highlighted the growth of the country’s auto sector in the past few years, during which it became the third biggest player in the segment, and said the aim is to become number one. “…our number was seventh in the world but we are third in the automobile sector… we surpassed Japan and now our number is third,” Union Road Transport and Highways Minister said while addressing a function at National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) here.

Continue reading “Aim to become no. 1 country in auto segment: Nitin Gadkari”

Summary

• New Model Y in China priced 5% higher than current version
• Tesla also taking orders in Asia-Pacific; plans for US, Europe unclear
• Tesla has lost ground to Chinese rivals, new Model Y will have strong competitors

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tesla launched a new version of the Model Y, its best-selling car, in China on Friday, hoping that a redesigned exterior and upgraded features inside will help it regain market share taken by rivals such as Xiaomi. Continue reading “Tesla launches redesigned Model Y in Asia, seeking to fend off rivals”

(Reuters) – BYD will launch its new Atto 2 compact SUV in Europe in February, the Chinese EV giant said on Friday, adding to competition in Europe’s electric car market.

The Atto 2, which complements the larger Atto 3 released in 2022, is the group’s most accessible SUV yet and will compete in the B-SUV segment, a company spokesperson told Reuters. Continue reading “BYD steps up Europe expansion with new compact SUV”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Automaker Stellantis achieved its goal of cutting U.S. inventories by more than 100,000 vehicles late last year, its North American chief said on Friday at the Detroit Auto Show.

Antonio Filosa, who has led the carmaker’s North American operations since last October, detailed efforts to turn around a slumping regional business in the wake of former CEO Carlos Tavares’ abrupt departure. Continue reading “Stellantis reaches goal of cutting US inventory by 100,000 units”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration plans to finalize rules next week cracking down on Chinese vehicle software and hardware, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told Reuters.

In September, the department proposed prohibiting key Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles on American roads due to national security concerns. That move would effectively bar Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market. Major global automakers would have to remove key Chinese software and hardware from vehicles sold in the U.S. in the years ahead. Continue reading “US to finalize Chinese vehicle crackdown rules next week, Raimondo says”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla said on Friday it is recalling about 239,000 vehicles in the United States because rear-view cameras may fail to work.

The development comes days after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles in the U.S. over reports of crashes involving a feature that allows users to move their cars remotely. Continue reading “Tesla recalls 239,000 US vehicles over rear-view camera issue”

CHIBA, Japan, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor said on Friday it would introduce the cheapest compact electric car in Japan, to penetrate a market dominated by local giants with established petrol and hybrid vehicle technologies.

The Japan launch of the Hyundai Inster follows attempts by Tesla and other foreign brands to enter a country seeing a slow take-up of EVs. With the Inster, Hyundai will take a low-price strategy akin to China’s leading EV maker, BYD. Continue reading “Hyundai launches $18,000 EV in Japan to penetrate EV-wary market”

(Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz’s core car sales fell in 2024, a tough year for the auto industry marked by waning demand in a weak economy, especially in China, the German luxury carmaker said on Friday.

Despite this, Mercedes stock inched higher after the results and was up 4% by 1120 GMT, topping the German blue-chip index DAX. The shares had lost around 15% in value in 2024. Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz 2024 car sales fall in tough year for automakers”