Gandhinagar, 18^th September 2026: Reaffirming the shared responsibility of building safer roads and a safer mobility ecosystem, the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), hosted the 27th SAFE Annual Convention, under the Safe Journey (सुरक्षित सफर) initiative in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Themed ‘Safe Journey: A Collective Journey Towards Safety with Responsibility’ (सुरक्षित सफ़र: सुरक्षा और ज़िम्मेदारी की ओर एक सांझी यात्रा) in association with Transport Department and Gujarat Road Safety Authority, Government of Gujarat. The convention brought together policymakers, industry leaders and road safety experts to drive dialogue on responsible road use, stronger safety practices and collaborative action towards safer mobility in India. Continue reading “A Collective Drive Towards Safer Roads: 27th SAFE Annual Convention”

Summary

• BYD aims to buy, not share, a factory
• Spain, France lead race for BYD’s next site
• Italy is now ‘plan B’ for BYD
• Group eyes four plants in Europe over long term

TURIN, (Reuters) – As Chinese automakers search Europe for production ​sites ahead of expected EU local content rules, BYD’s European adviser says he’s always running into ‌rivals’ executives in airport lounges on the same quest. Continue reading “Chinese automakers scour Europe for factories ahead of EU local content rules, says BYD adviser”

(Reuters) – US EV maker Lucid Group and European shared mobility platform Bolt said on Thursday they are teaming ​up to roll out self-driving ride services across Europe, ‌as they seek to tap into the region’s emerging robotaxi market.

Lucid shares rose 5.5% in premarket trading. Continue reading “Lucid, Bolt team up to deploy 25,000 robotaxis across Europe”

Summary

• Xpeng courts new tech partners beyond Volkswagen
• Higher-margin software and AI services in focus
• Robotaxis, robots also part of expansion strategy

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng plans to offer its technology to foreign automakers beyond partner Volkswagen as it seeks new revenue ​streams, according to two people familiar with the matter. Continue reading “China’s Xpeng plans to offer tech solutions to foreign automakers”

Summary

• Waiver lets Boeing sell 35 more 777F freighters through 2030
• 777-8F replacement is not expected to enter service until approximately 2029
• FAA says 35 planes could raise fuel burn about 8% versus 2024 global freighter operations

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday it approved a ‌waiver of airplane emissions rules to allow Boeing to sell another 35 777F freighters after 2028. Continue reading “FAA waives emissions rules to let Boeing sell 35 additional 777F freighters”

Summary

• GM to offer improved diesel engine in its redesigned pickup trucks
• GM’s diesel strategy diverges from hybrid route taken by Ford, Stellantis
• Federal estimates show higher diesel prices can raise annual fuel costs despite better mileage

(Reuters) – General Motors ​is sticking with a diesel engine to maximize fuel efficiency as it rolls out a next-generation pickup truck, diverging from ‌rivals’ hybrid offerings. Continue reading “GM doubles down on diesel pickups as rivals tap hybrids”

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Fleet Car Cos Buy in Bulk in Sept via CarPhD CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (18th September 2026)”

Paint preparation inside a Bodyshop network is rarely visible at the level network-quality standards operate — it sits several layers below the metrics that get reported upward, treated as a technician-level detail rather than a brand-standard one. That assumption becomes harder to defend as networks formalize the shift to water-based paint systems across authorized dealers.

Continue reading “Clean Mix, Healthy Profit: The Compliance Line That Pays You Back”

• Japan is Maruti Suzuki’s second-largest export market^{^}
• Driven by Made-in-India models, Suzuki is Japan’s No. 1 vehicle importer^{^^}

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) today announced that cumulative exports of the Made-in-India Jimny 5-door, FRONX and e VITARA to Japan have surpassed 1 lakh units. This assumes a special place in the Company’s export journey as Japan is one of the world’s most competitive and advanced automobile markets. Continue reading “Made-in-India Jimny, FRONX and e VITARA together drive 1 lakh exports to Japan”

(Reuters) – The European Union has asked China to voluntarily restrict exports of hybrid cars as ​part of efforts to prevent a trade war, the Financial ‌Times reported on Thursday.

Brussels wants Beijing to limit Chinese hybrid vehicles sales to around 15% of the EU market, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the matter. Continue reading “EU seeks China curbs on hybrid car exports to avert trade row, FT reports”

Summary

• Product push aims to lift EBIT margin above 8% from 3.5% in 2025
• Six models for China, seven for Western markets planned by 2030
• Deeper Geely sourcing ties aim to raise parts commonality

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars plans to ‌launch 13 new models between now and 2030 as it seeks to broaden its range and double its market share, the Sweden-based automaker said ahead of an investor day in Stockholm on Thursday. Continue reading “Volvo Cars to launch 13 new models this decade, eyes earnings boost”

Best Car for Indian Family: Thoughtful Features of the Škoda Kushaq

The search for the best car for Indian family has evolved. Today’s families aren’t simply looking for a vehicle that gets them from one destination to another—they’re looking for one that fits seamlessly into the way they live. From navigating weekday routines to planning festive road trips and spontaneous weekend escapes, the right SUV should feel equally at home in every moment. Continue reading “Best Car for Indian Family: Škoda Kushaq Features”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Labour representatives at auto supplier Bosch (ROBG.UL) demanded on Wednesday political action at ​EU level to stem job losses ‌in the industry by drawing up regulations to promote local production.

“The transformation of our industry will only ​succeed if we keep value creation ​and jobs in Europe,” said Frank Sell, ⁠head of the general work’s council ​at Bosch’s Mobility unit, representing around 70,000 German ​workers. Continue reading “Workers at German auto supplier Bosch call for EU action to stem job losses”

LONDON, (Reuters) – Japanese automaker Nissan on Wednesday it would build a new hybrid ​small SUV for Europe at its UK ‌plant in Sunderland and would invest £170 million ($229 million) to assemble it there.

The company said the Kicks e-POWER hybrid would be made ​in Sunderland alongside the Qashqai, Juke ​and electric Leaf models, but it did not ⁠provide a timeline for production. Continue reading “Nissan to build new hybrid SUV model for Europe at its UK plant”

Summary

• McLaren investing $675 million in manufacturing, including new car factory
• Sports car maker to launch first SUV model
• McLaren targeting best profit margins in luxury segment
• Company sees no customer demand for electric model

LONDON, (Reuters) – British supercar maker McLaren said on Tuesday it would invest £500 million ($675 ​million) in its UK manufacturing and engineering operations and add new models, including its first-ever SUV, to lift sales and ‌pursue far higher profit margins to rival the likes of Ferrari. Continue reading “McLaren to invest $675 million to expand UK manufacturing, launch SUV model”

Summary

• GM’s U.S. market share drops to 16.8% in first half from 17.6% a year earlier Supplier sources and forecasting firms project GM will not have a hybrid on sale in US until near decade’s end
• Hybrids make up 19% of August US vehicle sales, up from 16% before the war

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Florida car dealer Bill Wallace says the majority of customers lately ​are asking about hybrid options, eager for relief from high gasoline prices. Continue reading “Hybrid-vehicle sales are on a tear. GM is missing the ride.”

(Reuters) – Sweden-based Volvo Cars said on Tuesday it had launched ​new variants, with longer electric ‌ranges, of its hybrid XC60 and XC90 models for the European ​and American markets. Continue reading “Volvo Cars launches longer-range versions of its hybrid XC60 and XC90 models”

PARIS, (Reuters) – Automakers Renault and ​Geely said on Tuesday they ‌will make a new €319 million investment in Brazil, through their joint venture, reinforcing ​their industrial partnership in the ​largest Latin American market, where rival ⁠BYD has been gaining ground with ​its affordable pure electric and plug-in ​hybrid models. Continue reading “Renault, Geely to invest €319 million in Brazil, expand partnership”

Summary

• GAC to buy part of FAW Toyota’s stake, state media reports
• Deal comes as Toyota streamlines its China operation as sales under pressure
• China’s overcrowded auto industry to accelerate consolidation

BEIJING/SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – A potential tie-up between Toyota’s two main Chinese partners could be a sign the long-standing foreign joint-venture model in China is entering a new phase as a shrinking market and brutal ​competition force automakers to become more efficient. Continue reading “Toyota revamp hints of wider industry shake-up in China”

Source : PTI | Twenty-one years after the State Road Transport Corporation’s operations were suspended, a new passenger bus service will be launched in Madhya Pradesh on September 25 under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, with plans to operate 15,000 buses in a phased manner.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav made the announcement at a conference in Indore on Friday. Continue reading “Madhya Pradesh to relaunch bus services after 21 years under PPP model”

Source : PTI | Automobile dealers apex body FADA on Friday said it has reappointed Sachin Vasantrao Mahajan as the chairperson for the Maharashtra wing for the third consecutive term.

Along with this, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) also released its vehicle retail data for the state for August. Continue reading “Maharashtra auto retail grows 11.66% in August; FADA reappoints Sachin Mahajan”

Source : PTI | The Odisha government has secured proposals worth over ₹2.43 lakh crore across various sectors during its three-day investment outreach in the United Arab Emirates, a statement said on Friday.

The outreach, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, resulted in 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and investment intents following 32 one-to-one investor meetings and round-table engagements in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it said. Continue reading “Odisha secures investment proposals worth ₹2.43 lakh crore during UAE outreach”

Source : PTI | The European Union will allow 2.5 lakh Indian-made passenger vehicles to enter its market annually at a concessional duty of 8 per cent under a bilateral free trade agreement, with the quota rising to 4 lakh vehicles, according to the draft text released by the EU.

These import duty concessions cover Indian-origin internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger cars and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) priced up to Euro 50,000 on a CIF (cost, insurance, freight) basis. Continue reading “EU to allow 2.5 lakh Indian cars annually at 8% duty under FTA”

HANOI, (Reuters) – U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla has established a subsidiary in ​Vietnam, according to a newly ‌published business registration filing, marking its formal entry into one of Southeast Asia’s ​fastest-growing EV markets.

The new entity, ​Tesla Motors Vietnam Limited Liability Company, ⁠was registered in Ho Chi Minh ​City with charter capital of 77.667 ​billion dong ($3 million), according to the filing reviewed by Reuters. Continue reading “Tesla sets up Vietnam unit, registration filing shows”

SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Global technology investor, Ark Investment Management founder Cathie Wood, said on Tuesday the AI leaders’ pledge to slow the ​technology’s rapid progression was a positive step to help secure ‌and safeguard the industry’s development.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called on AI companies on the weekend to slow the rate at which model capabilities were being advanced, amid ​rising global concerns the technology is being misused. Continue reading “Ark’s Wood says global AI leaders’ pledge is positive for technology development”

(Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD plans to launch its first heavy-duty truck in Europe next year ​and ultimately manufacture trucks locally, a senior ‌executive said at the IAA trade fair in Hanover on Monday.

“For the long term, we will produce everything we sell ​in Europe here locally,” said Stella Li, BYD’s ​executive vice president and head of international ⁠business. Continue reading “BYD to produce trucks in Europe in bid to become “European company””

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) autonomous driving unit Waymo, Japanese taxi app operator GO and taxi company Nihon Kotsu ​said on Tuesday they aim to launch ‌Japan’s first fully autonomous commercial taxi service in Tokyo in 2027.

The companies said they planned to start with a small ​fleet before expanding to about 100 vehicles ​across key Tokyo neighbourhoods, subject to regulatory approvals ⁠and the ongoing validation of Waymo’s technology and ​operating model. Continue reading “Waymo, Japanese partners target driverless taxi service in Tokyo in 2027”

(Reuters) – Self-driving truck company Einride and supermarket chain Lidl have put the ​first cab-less autonomous truck into regular ‌service on public roads in Germany, the companies said on Tuesday.

The level 4 ​driverless vehicle is transporting goods ​between a Lidl distribution center and ⁠a retail store under an official ​permit from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport ​Authority (KBA), the first authorization of its kind granted in the country. Continue reading “Einride, Lidl deploy first cab-less autonomous truck in Germany”

Summary

• Canada’s talks have been a cautionary tale for Mexico
• Goal is interim bilateral deal as USMCA faces uncertainty
• Tariffs on autos, steel are key focus

MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Mexico and the United States are racing to reach a bilateral trade deal before the U.S. midterm elections in less than eight weeks, according to six sources in both countries familiar with the talks, an effort made more urgent by the collapse of Canadian negotiations with Washington. Continue reading “Mexico, Washington sprint toward bilateral trade deal before US elections”

Summary

• Gulf of Oman to China rate hits record, Baltic Exchange data shows
• Rate jump follows escalation in Middle East war, tanker attacks
• Increase in Middle East rates spills over to other routes

LONDON, (Reuters) – The cost ‌of shipping oil in the largest tankers hit record highs this week following the biggest wave of attacks on shipping since the U.S.-Iran war began in late February.

The shipping rate for supertankers – also called very large crude carriers or VLCCs – loading oil from the Gulf of Oman for shipment to China reached around 450 ⁠on a Worldscale basis, equaling roughly $11.50 per barrel, according to Baltic Exchange data. This is the highest since the rate was launched earlier this year, after the start of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Continue reading “Oil tanker rates hit record highs following Iran, US shipping attacks”

(Reuters) – Tesla (TSLA.O) plans to bring its Semi electric truck to Europe, broadening its reach beyond North America as it seeks foothold in a heavy-duty market where rivals already sell ‌battery-powered models.

The Elon Musk-led automaker will disclose European specifications and launch details at the IAA Transportation trade fair in Hanover, Germany, next week, it said in a post on X. Continue reading “Tesla eyes European freight market with long-delayed Semi truck”

(Reuters) – Ford (F.N) is recalling 223,472 vehicles ‌in the U.S. due to leaky and improperly secured fuel tanks that may detach from the vehicle while ⁠driving, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Saturday.

Here are some more details from the NHTSA advisory:

• A detached tank can create a road hazard, increasing the risk ‌of ⁠a crash, while a fuel leak can cause an engine stall or increase the risk of ⁠a fire. Continue reading “Ford to recall about 223,500 US vehicles over fuel tank issues”

Summary

• In-house automated driving software originally slated for late-2027 debut
• Hyundai, Nvidia will partner to launch advanced driver-assistance systems in 2028
• Hyundai will co-design the technology with Nvidia, executive says

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor Group will launch vehicles equipped with its ‌proprietary driver-assistance software in late 2029, two years later than planned, turning to Nvidia (NVDA.O) in the interim to accelerate deployment. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor to roll out in-house driver-assist system in 2029”

(Reuters) – Tesla (TSLA.O) CEO Elon Musk said on Saturday the electric-vehicle ‌maker would unveil its long-delayed Roadster on October 1, nearly a decade after first revealing a next-generation version of its original sports car.

Here are some of the details:

• Tesla’s account on social media platform X – also owned by Musk – posted “Go ⁠for launch” alongside a graphic displaying the date. Musk later replied to the post, saying, “New Tesla Roadster Unveil 10.01”
• The Information reported in August that Tesla planned to unveil a redesigned Roadster as early as that month. Continue reading “Tesla to unveil long-delayed Roadster on Oct. 1, Musk says”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not oppose Chinese automakers building cars in the United States despite widespread opposition from U.S. lawmakers ‌and car companies.

“If China wanted to come in and open a plant to build their cars here, I’d be okay with that,” Trump said in an interview on the Fox News program “The Ingraham Angle.” Continue reading “Trump says he would be OK with China building cars in US”

GUYANCOURT, France, (Reuters) – Renault on Thursday unveiled its new Niagara pickup truck, a model that would look out of ​place on the streets of Paris but is central ‌to the French automaker’s growth strategy in Latin America.

Renault is targeting Latin America, India and South Korea to reduce its reliance on Europe, which accounted ​for more than 70% of its sales in the first ​half of 2026 but where it faces intense competition ⁠from Chinese brands. Continue reading “Renault to build pickup truck in Argentina aimed at South America’s car buyers”

(Reuters) – Global demand for electric vehicles rose for a sixth consecutive ​month in August, with Europe leading ‌the growth, data from UK-based research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence showed on Friday.

Sales of battery-electric and ​plug-in hybrid vehicles show growing differences ​between major markets. Subsidies support demand in ⁠Europe, while the U.S. market has been ​affected by the removal of federal EV ​tax credits in September 2025, and Chinese automakers increasingly rely on exports for growth. Continue reading “Europe drives global EV sales growth in August, offsetting China, North America weakness”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s industry ministry unveiled on Thursday a roadmap to strengthen its smart electric vehicle ​industry, targeting large-scale deployment of autonomous-driving vehicles ‌by 2030 and greater global influence for its auto sector.

Key targets and policy measures include: Continue reading “China targets mass deployment of self-driving vehicles by 2030”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said at an analyst conference on Thursday that there is a ​clear split in the global automotive market today: ‌the U.S., and everywhere else.

The chief of the automaker, which produces Jeep and Ram vehicles, spoke about how the company is navigating a ​U.S. trade and policy landscape that is diverging from ​other regions including Europe, especially in regard to ⁠how automakers can partner with the Chinese. Continue reading “Stellantis CEO highlights diverging US and global strategies”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A Democratic lawmaker called on a U.S. auto safety agency on Thursday to take action to ​address misuse of Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, citing dozens of videos that ‌appear to show drivers asleep or disengaged from driving.

In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois cited an NBC News report that identified 43 videos appearing to show individuals asleep in ​the driver’s seat of moving Teslas, including 17 this year. Continue reading “House Democrat urges US action over sleeping Tesla drivers”