Source : PTI | Domestic commercial vehicle industry is showing “amazing” resilience despite the challenges emanating from the West Asia war that has led to fuel price hikes, Ashok Leyland Managing Director & CEO Shenu Agarwal said on Thursday.

The boost from the GST rate cut and replacement of ageing fleets continue to drive demand momentum, but it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds “as the decisions on this war are taken”, he told reporters during an earnings call. Continue reading “CV industry showing resilience, not much impact of fuel price hike on demand: Ashok Leyland MD”

Summary

• USTR seeks 50% US content in North American-built cars and trucks under USMCA
• US autos demands more onerous than current trade deal, no Canada-specific provision
• “Not even a hint” of US threat to quit USMCA, Mexican official says

WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – The Trump administration issued a sweeping demand to Mexico to raise the level of regional content in North American-built cars and trucks to 82% ‌to qualify for preferential trade deal access, with 50% of that value produced in the United States, four people familiar with the U.S. negotiating stance said on Friday.

The proposed new thresholds were revealed to automakers during two days of bilateral talks to revise the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade that concluded on Friday. Canada was excluded from the negotiations in Mexico City. Continue reading “Trump administration wants to raise North American auto content to 82%, with half from US”

(Reuters) – Cheniere Energy Partners said on Thursday it signed a contract with Bechtel Corp for engineering, ​procurement and construction of the first phase of its Sabine Pass ‌LNG expansion project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

Here are more details: Continue reading “Cheniere signs $4.69 billion deal with Bechtel to expand LNG export capacity”

Summary

• Mexico, US open detailed negotiations to revise USMCA
• USTR wants minimum US content in Mexican-built vehicles, sources say
• US eyes preferential treatment for North American ‘melted and poured’ steel

MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – U.S. and Mexican negotiators began formal talks to revamp the North American trade deal on ​Thursday, with Washington demanding stricter regional rules of origin, including a U.S.-specific minimum level of content for cars and trucks built in Mexico.

The new standard is contained ‌in proposed texts to modify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, two people familiar with the U.S. negotiating position told Reuters. Continue reading “US, Mexico launch formal trade talks, haggle over automotive content rules”

Summary

• Samsung begins shipping its latest HBM samples to global customers
• New chip delivers more than 20% higher-speed performance than previous-generation HBM4 products
• Shares rise on HBM4E rollout, optimism over foundry opportunities tied to Anthropic partnership

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Samsung Electronics on Friday ​said it started shipping samples of its latest high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chip to customers, pulling ahead of rivals in distributing ‌a new version of the product critical to AI data centers and sending its shares higher.

The South Korean tech company said the new chip, the 12-layer HBM4E, is more than 20% faster than its previous-generation HBM4 products. Continue reading “Samsung Electronics ships faster HBM4E chip samples to customers; shares jump”

Source : PTI | Gulf Oil Lubricants India is steadily building a scalable EV ecosystem amid rising adoption of electric vehicles and demand for charging infrastructure in the domestic market.

This comes as EV penetration in the two-wheeler segment is nearing 7 per cent, the company said on Thursday.

According to the company, its EV subsidiary Tirex revenue crossed ₹100-crore mark during the previous fiscal. Continue reading “Gulf Oil expands EV play as Tirex crosses ₹100 crore revenue mark”

Source : PTI | State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) posted a combined net profit of ₹77,821 crore in FY 2025-26, but the earnings reflect a return to normal profitability rather than a crisis-driven windfall, according to government and industry data reviewed amid criticism over fuel price hikes following the West Asia conflict.

The profit pool, spread across Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, amounts to a net margin of roughly 3-4 per cent on combined turnover estimated near ₹20 lakh crore, broadly in line with global commodity refining benchmarks. Continue reading “OMC profits hit ₹77,821 crore in FY26; govt says gains reflect normal margins, not windfall”

Source : PTI | President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday flagged off buses exclusively for women in Gangtok.

The ‘Pink City Runner – Aama Didi Bahini Bus Sewa’ was launched at Ridge Park in the presence of Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

Continue reading “President Murmu flags off exclusive bus service for women in Gangtok”

Source : PTI | Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday inaugurated an electric bus depot in Panipat and flagged off 80 electric city buses.

On this occasion, Saini said that a new era of clean, modern and environment-friendly transport has begun in Haryana from the historic and sacred land of Panipat. Continue reading “Haryana CM inaugurates electric bus depot in Panipat, flags off 80 electric buses”

“WAF AutoNews” is World’s No.1 in World Auto News,  Auto Think Tank & Auto Awards !!
Click Here to See for yourself.

WAF THINK TANK

How to own a Luxury car without paying for a down payment, service, or insurance renewal? CarPhD

Enough of Road Safety Rallies, Seminars, Conferences & Charters! Time for “On Road Action & Transformation” WAF

Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (29th May 2026)”

New Delhi, 27 May 2026: Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s (Maruti Suzuki) service network has set a new benchmark of attending over 2.84* crore vehicles in a single financial year. This is the highest-ever service load managed in the Company’s history.

The milestone has been enabled by Maruti Suzuki’s expansive service network of 5,926 service touchpoints across India, supported by trained manpower, robust processes, and technology-enabled service operations. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki’s after-sales network creates a new record of attending over 2.84 crore vehicles”

• Starting at just ₹ 4.69 lakh, Tiago redefines the hatchback segment with a decisive leap in design, technology and value
• Starting from ₹ 6.99 lakh (full ownership) and BaaS pricing of ₹ 4.69 lakh + Battery EMI of ₹ 2.6 / km, Tiago.ev makes EVs truly accessible with smart economics, everyday practicality, faster charging and a Lifetime HV Battery Warranty

New Delhi, 28 May 2026: Built on a decade of legacy and trust of over 700,000 customers, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), today launched the Next Gen Tiago, holistically reimagining what the hatchback can offer, elevating customer expectations from the segment. Available across Petrol, iCNG, and Electric powertrains and priced from just ₹ 4.69 lakh for the ICE version and ₹ 6.99 lakh (full ownership) for the electric version, the new Tiago brings together aspiration, practicality and advanced technology, delivering two distinct ownership experiences anchored in a common design philosophy and a shared promise of value. Continue reading “Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Sets New Benchmark for Hatchbacks with Next Gen Tiago & Tiago.ev”

(Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday ​it has opened a preliminary probe into 114,922 ‌Rivian vehicles over an issue with the rear toe link.

The issue relates to the company’s R1S and R1T electric vehicles.

The ​agency’s office of defects investigation received two vehicle ​owner questionnaires reporting that the left rear toe ⁠link separates while driving, causing vehicles to swerve ​across multiple lanes of traffic, NHTSA said. Continue reading “US auto safety regulator opens probe into nearly 115,000 Rivian vehicles”

Source : PTI | More than half of the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations allotted under the MCD are yet to become operational due to delays in obtaining approvals from the Public Works Department, officials said on Wednesday.

According to official data, a total of 1,047 EV charging stations have been allotted across the city, including 185 at the civic body’s parking sites and 809 at roadside locations. However, only over 460 stations have so far been made operational. Continue reading “Over 50% of MCD-allotted EV charging stations yet to become operational in Delhi: officials”

(Reuters) – Taiwanese battery maker ProLogium Technology will go public in New York through a merger with ​blank-check vehicle Translational Development Acquisition Corp in a $3.8 ‌billion deal, the companies announced on Wednesday.

Here are some details of the deal:

• The deal will provide ProLogium with funds ​to scale the production of its fourth-generation ​solid-state batteries and the construction of its new ⁠gigafactory in Dunkirk, France.
• It will also allow ProLogium ​to expand into growth markets such as data centers, ​aerospace, robotics and defense.
• Construction at ProLogium’s Dunkirk facility is expected to begin later in 2026, followed by formal mass production and ​deliveries in the second quarter of 2029.
• Founded in ​2006, ProLogium makes lithium ceramic batteries for electric vehicles, and ‌has ⁠shipped over 2.4 million battery cells to customers since 2013.
• A SPAC is a shell company that raises money through an IPO to merge with a ​private business, allowing ​it to ⁠go public without a traditional IPO.
• The deal is expected to close in the ​second half of 2026. The combined ​company ⁠will be listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PRLG”.
• Cohen & Company Markets advised ProLogium on the deal, while ⁠BTIG ​advised TDAC. Crédit Agricole Corporate ​and Investment Bank acted as the placement agent to ProLogium.

Continue reading “Battery maker ProLogium to list on Nasdaq in $3.8 billion SPAC deal”

Summary

• Kering’s de Meo is a former Renault CEO
• Italian is also an old friend of Alpine boss Briatore
• Gucci will replace BWT as title partner

PARIS, (Reuters) – Gucci will become title partner to Renault’s Alpine Formula One team ​from the 2027 season, the Italian luxury brand said on Wednesday.

Alpine, whose current title partner is Austrian ‌water treatment company BWT, will race as Gucci Racing Alpine Formula One Team. Continue reading “Gucci to become title partner of Renault’s Alpine F1 team from 2027”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars majority owned by China’s Geely Holding(GEELY.UL), said on Tuesday it received approval from the U.S. ​government allowing it to continue selling vehicles.

In January 2025, President Joe Biden’s administration finalized rules ‌effectively barring 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 “Volvo Cars wins US approval to keep importing vehicles with ‘connected car’ technology”

(Reuters) – Demand for electrified cars kept Europe’s auto market growing in April, offsetting weaker petrol and ​diesel demand and helping Chinese brands extend their market ‌share, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association showed on Wednesday.

Registrations in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association ​rose 7% to 1,152,315 vehicles in April, taking the ​total for January through April 4.8% above a year ⁠earlier, according to the data. Continue reading “Chinese brands gain as Europe car sales rise”

Summary

• Luce’s design baffles fans, politicians and former executives
• Social media flooded with unflattering memes
• Analysts say publicity welcome, but sales will determine success

ROME, (Reuters) – If Ferrari wanted to grab the world’s ​attention with the Luce, its first all-electric car, mission accomplished – even if much of the ‌reaction has been shock and outrage.

The new model is a four-door, five-seat family car that looks nothing like the Italian marque’s usual fare of low-slung, petrol-powered sports cars. Continue reading “Ferrari aims to prove doubters wrong after divisive EV debut”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s auto industry has likely moved past its “golden era,” NIO Chief Executive William ​Li said on Thursday, as a downturn in domestic car sales ‌extended into May.

A rebound in the world’s largest auto market has yet to materialise, despite the sector’s continued export strength, Li told reporters in Beijing. Continue reading “China’s auto industry is unlikely to return to ‘golden era,’ NIO CEO says”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor on Thursday said global vehicle sales ​fell for a third consecutive ‌month in April, hit by sharp declines in China and the ​Middle East.

• Global sales dropped ​3.1% from a year earlier to ⁠849,306 vehicles. Overseas sales ​slumped 7.5%, while those in Japan ​rose 24.2%, as sales rebounded after earlier purchase delays occurred ahead of ​an environmental tax change.
• By region, ​sales in the Middle East plunged 33.7% ‌to ⁠just over 31,000 vehicles and fell 25.4% in China amid tough market conditions. In the ​U.S., ​Toyota’s biggest ⁠market, they slipped 4.6%.
• Global production rose 2.0% in ​April from a year ​earlier, ⁠as a 12.9% rise in Asia helped offset declines in ⁠the ​U.S. and Japan.
• Toyota’s ​figures include its luxury Lexus brand.

Continue reading “Toyota sales drop for third month on declines in China, Middle East”

Newest brand campaign redefines the iconic G.O.A.T (‘Greatest of All Time’) as ‘Greatest On A Track’, reinforcing Škoda’s performance-led strengths 

• Kick-starts campaign with an India and Asia Book of Records for the ‘Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit’

• Campaign furthers brand’s motorsport legacy and product portfolio’s dynamic abilities across the spectrum 

Mumbai, May 20, 2026 – Amidst its rapid product actions and continuous network expansion, Škoda Auto India has launched its newest campaign anchoring Škoda’s performance story. The campaign launches with a record, which is one of multiple initiatives that establish that the ‘Greatest On A Track’ is a ‘Škoda On A Track’. 

With its 130-year global heritage and 125 years in motorsport, Škoda Auto furthers its racing legacy with this benchmark-setting brand narrative. The brand also celebrates more than half a century of the RS (Rally Sport) badge in its cars. Furthering its key strategy pillar of Differentiation, this new campaign highlights the dynamic capabilities and safety of the Škoda Auto India range. Continue reading “‘G.O.A.T – Greatest On A Track’: Škoda Auto India puts its performance DNA in motion”

Source : PTI | Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday flagged an unusual spike in petrol and diesel demand across the state, saying that the government suspects hoarding and is probing if fuel is being illegally diverted for commercial use.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said that while additional supplies are being routed through fuel pumps, the government is investigating whether fuel meant for regular retail consumption is being hoarded or diverted for unauthorised commercial use. Continue reading “Maharashtra govt probing fuel hoarding, diversion amid spike in petrol, diesel demand: Fadnavis”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: India and the US on Tuesday firmed up a key framework for cooperation in ensuring steady supplies of critical minerals, a move that comes amid growing concerns over China’s export controls on rare earth elements and strategic metals vital for global technology supply chains.

The framework on securing supplies of mining and processing of critical minerals was signed on the sidelines of the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. Continue reading “India, US ink pact on critical minerals”

Source : PTI | Haryana has adopted a comprehensive and technology-driven approach to tackle air pollution, with a strong focus on sustainable mobility, enhanced environmental monitoring and improved urban infrastructure.

As part of its strategy, the state plans substantial augmentation of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS), with all identified gaps targeted to be addressed by September 2026. Continue reading “Haryana steps up clean air plan; major push for EV buses, no fuel policy in NCR from October 1”

ROME, (Reuters) – Ferrari renowned for its roaring V8 and V12 engines, is unveiling its first fully electric model, the Luce.

Here is a summary of how the Italian sports car maker got there ​after first using hybrid technology in its Formula One racing cars more than a ‌decade ago.

2014

Hybrid powertrains introduced in Formula One. Systems to recover kinetic energy when braking had been used since 2009. Continue reading “The long road to Ferrari’s first electric car”

Summary

• Ferrari to unveil its first EV in Rome on May 25
• Luce to cost more than €500,000
• Sources describe it as a large, distinctive car
• Launch marks strategic move despite uncertain demand
• Sports car rivals delay or scrap EV plans

ROME, (Reuters) – As its sports car rivals tap the brakes on a shift ​to EVs, Ferrari will take a leap into an uncertain era on Monday with the launch of its first fully-electric car, betting ‌it can connect with drivers even without a throaty engine roar.

With a top speed of 310 kph (193 mph), Ferrari’s four-door Luce – meaning ‘light’ in Italian – will carry a price tag of more than €500,000 ($586,000). Continue reading “Ferrari’s Luce leads bold leap into uncertain electric era”

Summary

• Investors question design and alignment with brand
• Electrification strategy targets new markets and buyers
• Ferrari’s challenge is to preserve exclusivity and pricing power

ROME, (Reuters) – Ferrari shares plunged by more than 8% on Tuesday as investors ‌and critics reacted coolly to the Italian luxury sports carmaker’s new Luce electric car, questioning whether it remained true to the brand’s identity.

The four-door, five-seat family car, costing €550,000 ($640,000), is a radical departure for the prancing horse marque. It was developed with the help of former Apple design chief ​Jony Ive and his collective LoveFrom. Continue reading “Critics give Ferrari Luce EV a cool response, shares fall”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars majority owned by China’s Geely Holding said ​on Tuesday it received approval from the U.S. government allowing it to continue selling vehicles.

In ‌January 2025, President Joe Biden’s administration finalized rules effectively barring 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 “Volvo Cars wins US approval to keep importing vehicles with ‘connected car’ technology”

Bangalore – May 26^th, 2026: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) yesterday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to expand its operations in India by establishing the “TKM Bizintel Hub” at KWIN City, Bangalore. This initiative reflects the strong collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening engineering capabilities and digital innovation.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Shri. Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Dr. M.B. Patil, Honorable Minister, Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka and senior ministers along-with senior officials from Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Continue reading “Toyota Kirloskar Motor Signs Strategic MoU with Government of Karnataka to Establish “TKM Bizintel Hub””

Source : PTI | The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is stepping up efforts to strengthen last-mile connectivity across its network, with nearly 92,000 commuters using services such as e-autos, bike taxis, public bicycles and e-rickshaws every day.

Speaking about the challenge of ensuring seamless travel beyond metro stations, DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar said the corporation has partnered with several mobility providers and is exploring newer alternatives to make commuting more convenient for passengers. Continue reading “DMRC expands last-mile network, eyes more commuter-friendly mobility options”

Source : PTI | India’s transportation fuel demand growth is expected to slow sharply in the second half of 2026 as government-led fuel conservation measures, elevated crude oil prices and a weakening rupee weigh on mobility and consumption trends, according to energy analysts.

Petrol and diesel prices have been hiked by about ₹5 per litre each in three instalments since May 15 as oil companies passed on a part of soaring international oil prices to consumers. The price hikes came just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and government departments to conserve fuel, encourage remote working and reduce non-essential travel as elevated energy prices pressure foreign exchange reserves and threaten to widen the current account deficit.

Continue reading “Fuel austerity clouds demand outlook; India’s annual product growth forecast cut 40%”

Source : PTI | Hindalco Industries on Monday said its aluminium exports to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, have marginally gone up after the company filled the supply gaps created by West Asia crisis.

Nearly 70 per cent of the company’s aluminium is absorbed by the robust domestic market and exports are 25-30 per cent.

As per the company, outbound shipments have inched up as the company took the opportunity from the West Asia crisis, exporting aluminium at good prices. Continue reading “Aluminium exports to Japan, Korea and Taiwan rise marginally after West Asia supply gaps: Hindalco”