JAKARTA, (Reuters) – Indonesia is in talks with Japan’s Toyota Motor Asia on a potential joint investment in bioethanol production in the Southeast Asian country, a government official and executives from Toyota told reporters on Monday.
Here are some details: Continue reading “Indonesia, Toyota in talks on potential bioethanol project”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla’s solar and energy business is likely to outshine the EV maker’s challenged core business when it reports quarterly results this week, a sign of resilience as Tesla progresses slowly in its turn to robots and self-driving technology.
CEO Elon Musk’s plans to build new assembly lines and produce robots are expected to cost $20 billion this year and drive Tesla to its first quarter of negative cash flow in two years. Continue reading “Tesla’s energy storage division to pick up slack as car margins drop and credits fade”
(Reuters) – Sales of fully electric cars in Europe’s main auto markets jumped by almost a third in the first quarter of 2026, as drivers looked for alternatives to combustion engines after the war in Iran caused the highest spike in petrol prices in years.
New battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, a proxy for sales, rose 29.4% from a year ago to almost 560,000 in the quarter and were up 51.3% at over 240,000 in March alone in 15 European markets, data collected by trade association E-Mobility Europe and research firm New Automotive showed on Monday. Continue reading “EV sales soar in main European markets as drivers shun expensive petrol”
MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – Mexico’s economy minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Monday that formal negotiations to review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact, known as the USMCA, are due to begin the week of May 25.
“Tomorrow and this afternoon we will hear the U.S. side’s views. Once that is done, we will move on to the next phase, which is formal negotiations. We expect formal negotiations to begin the week of May 25,” Ebrard said following a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Continue reading “Mexico expects formal USMCA talks to start week of May 25”
MILAN, (Reuters) – Hyundai will not manage to fully make up for lost sales in the Middle East due to the crisis in the region, as manufacturing constraints will not allow the automaker to quickly reallocate sales to other areas, its CEO said on Monday.
Unveiling Hyundai’s new Ioniq 3 EV model at the Milan Design Week in Italy, CEO Jose Munoz said the Middle East was the highest-margin market for the South Korean automaker, although not bringing “mass” profits. Continue reading “Hyundai faces challenge replacing lost Middle East sales, CEO says”
Summary
AMSTERDAM, (Reuters) – As Kees Roelandschap navigates down the narrow canal-side streets of Amsterdam, flanked by the city’s many bicycle riders, it takes a second to realise what’s different: he doesn’t have his hands on the wheel of his dark grey Tesla.
The U.S. electric carmaker gained surprise approval this month in the Netherlands for its supervised full self-driving (FSD) system, in a European first for city streets that could open the door for more near-autonomous vehicles in Europe. Continue reading “Inside one of Amsterdam’s first supervised self-driving Teslas”
Summary
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Tesla has settled a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida stemming from a 2018 high-speed crash that killed a teenager riding in one of the electric vehicle maker’s sedans, court records show.
A trial in the lawsuit was set to begin today in Florida state court in Fort Lauderdale against the estate of the driver of the Tesla sedan that crashed. Continue reading “Tesla settles wrongful death lawsuit over crash that killed Florida teenager”
(Reuters) – General Motors recruited new product chief Sterling Anderson last year with a pay package totaling as much as $40 million, a regulatory filing on Monday showed.
GM hired Anderson last year from autonomous-trucking company Aurora, where he was a co-founder and chief product officer. The former Tesla executive has been put in charge of large swaths of GM’s business, including development of new electric and gasoline-powered vehicles, as well as software. Continue reading “GM lured new product chief with pay package totaling $40 million”
Summary
(Reuters) – A federal jury in North Carolina on Monday said Uber should pay $5,000 to a woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted by a driver she booked through the app, as the company faces thousands of similar claims.
The Raleigh, North Carolina, jury verdict followed a trial that began April 14. It comes after a separate jury in Arizona earlier this year awarded $8.5 million to a woman who claimed an Uber driver had raped her when she was 19. Continue reading “Uber loses another US driver sex assault trial, ordered to pay $5,000”
Summary
AMSTERDAM, (Reuters) – When Tesla released its annual report for U.S. regulators in January, the Texas-based automaker, led by the world’s richest man, reported a federal tax bill of zero dollars for 2025.
That was nothing new. Continue reading “Musk scorned “shady” loopholes, yet offshore tax tricks likely saved Tesla hundreds of millions”
Rajesh Mehrotra is a seasoned automotive industry professional with over three decades of experience in after-sales operations, service strategy, and customer experience. He is currently serving as Founder and Automotive Consultant at RM Consultancy, where he advises organizations on improving service performance and operational efficiency.
Rajesh Mehrotra has held several senior leadership roles across leading automotive organizations. Most recently, he served as Director and National Head – Aftersales Service at Morris Garages India, where he led nationwide service operations and customer experience initiatives. Continue reading “Rajesh Mehrotra”
Arindam Lahiri is a senior leader in India’s automotive and skill development ecosystem, serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC). He is widely recognized for driving large-scale skilling initiatives aligned with the evolving needs of the mobility industry.
Arindam Lahiri leads ASDC, a joint initiative of the Government of India and the automotive industry, focused on bridging the skill gap and enhancing workforce capabilities across the sector. His role involves shaping national-level skilling strategies, industry partnerships, and training frameworks that support employment and future mobility readiness. Continue reading “Arindam Lahiri”
Arun Malhotra is a seasoned professional with experience across business strategy, operations, and organizational development. His career reflects a strong focus on driving growth, improving efficiency, and delivering sustainable business outcomes.
Arun Malhotra is currently engaged in a professional role where he contributes to strategic planning, operational execution, and stakeholder management. His work involves aligning business functions with market needs, ensuring process optimization, and supporting organizational performance. Continue reading “Arun Malhotra”
Dr. Dinesh Bhasin is a distinguished automotive industry veteran with over 35 years of experience across leading global automobile companies. He is widely recognized for his contribution to after-sales service, customer experience, and automotive service excellence.
Dr. Dinesh Bhasin served as Vice President – Passenger Vehicles at Tata Motors, where he led after-sales operations across domestic and international markets. Continue reading “Dr. Dinesh Bhasin”
Vikrantt Mohan is a veteran automotive service industry leader with over four decades of hands-on experience in vehicle service, workshop management, and customer experience. He is the Founding President of the All India Automobile Workshops Association (AIAWA), a key body representing independent automobile workshops across India.
Vikrantt Mohan began his journey in the automobile service industry in the early 1980s, gaining practical experience through managing operations at a family-run petrol pump and service setup. Over the years, he has developed deep expertise in workshop operations, customer satisfaction frameworks, and service process optimization. Continue reading “Vikrantt Mohan”
SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI said on Monday it has signed a multi-year agreement with Mercedes-Benz to supply batteries for electric vehicles, marking its first EV battery supply deal with the automaker.
The batteries will feature high-nickel NCM (nickel, cobalt, and manganese) chemistry, powering Mercedes-Benz’s next generation EVs, Samsung SDI said in a statement. Continue reading “Samsung SDI signs first EV battery supply deal with Mercedes-Benz”
Source : PTI | French auto major Renault is adopting a two-platform strategy in India to address the segment below ₹10 lakh while pursuing a full multi-energy flexibility for vehicles longer than 4 metres, as it looks to expand its product portfolio to seven by 2030.
The company, which offered models, such as Kwid, Kiger and Triber on its CMFA platform in the past, is evolving into a new RGEP — Renault Group Entry Platform — as it aims to address customer expectations like native factory-fitted CNG, newer powertrains, and next-generation digital and electronic architecture, according to Renault Group in India CEO Stephane Deblaise.
Source : PTI | The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has launched a QR code-based passenger feedback rating performance system to improve their convenience and enhance service efficiency, officials said on Wednesday.
The transport corporation recorded an overall passenger satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 for March 2026, based on 1,702 feedback responses, an official release said. Continue reading “Gujarat road transport body launches QR code-based passenger feedback system”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis and Microsoft said on Thursday they agreed to a five‑year strategic partnership to co-develop artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and engineering capabilities, as the automaker races to keep pace with technology-focused rivals.
Software and data-driven services have become central in the automotive companies’ long-term strategies, especially as Chinese automakers accelerate their development of features to entice customers domestically and abroad. Continue reading “Stellantis, Microsoft sign five-year partnership for AI push”
Summary
(Reuters) – Ford is recalling about 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. following a U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into reports of unexpected downshifts, the regulator said on Friday.
The NHTSA said Ford was aware of two “potentially” related injuries and one accident, and that dealers would update the trucks’ powertrain control module software as a remedy. Continue reading “Ford recalls about 1.4 million pickup trucks over gearshift issue, NHTSA says”
Jatin Tiwari is a seasoned automotive customer service leader with over 23 years of experience in after-sales operations, service strategy, and customer experience within the automotive industry. He currently leads Field Service Operations at Hyundai Motor India.
Jatin Tiwari serves as Associate Vice President and Vertical Head – Field Service at Hyundai Motor India, where he is responsible for driving service excellence, network performance, and customer satisfaction across the company’s extensive service ecosystem. Continue reading “Jatin Tiwari”
Garima Mittal Misra is a prominent leader in India’s automotive retail sector, serving as Managing Director at Group Landmark. With over two decades of experience, she has played a key role in scaling one of India’s leading automobile dealership networks.
Garima Mittal Misra is part of the founding team at Group Landmark and leads key verticals including Volkswagen and Jeep business, along with finance, insurance, and corporate investment functions within the organization. Continue reading “Garima Mittal Misra”
Charu Kaushal is a senior business leader in India’s insurance and assistance services sector, currently serving as Managing Director of Allianz Partners India. She is known for driving growth, customer-centric innovation, and strategic transformation within the organization.
Charu Kaushal joined Allianz Partners India in 2014 as Chief Sales Officer and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s expansion and business strategy in the country. Over the years, she progressed to Chief Executive Officer and was later appointed Managing Director, reflecting her strong leadership and consistent performance. Continue reading “Charu Kaushal”
Shekhar Bhide is a senior automotive industry leader with extensive experience in customer service, aftersales operations, and network management. He is associated with Mercedes-Benz India, where he plays a key role in driving customer-centric initiatives and service excellence.
Shekhar Bhide serves as Vice President – Customer Services at Mercedes-Benz India, overseeing aftersales strategy, dealer network performance, and customer experience across the brand’s operations in India. His role focuses on enhancing service quality, strengthening customer engagement, and ensuring premium ownership experiences aligned with the brand’s global standards. Continue reading “Shekhar Bhide”
Vikas Kuthiala is a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor with over 35 years of global leadership experience across FMCG, healthcare, emergency medical services (EMS), and 24×7 assistance services. He is the Co-founder of Global Assure, where he plays a key role in driving innovation, expansion, and long-term strategic direction.
Vikas Kuthiala has built a distinguished career spanning India and international markets, with deep operational expertise across diverse sectors including consumer products, healthcare services, travel assistance, and safety solutions. He has hands-on experience in launching and scaling multiple startups, having held executive leadership roles in four ventures over two decades. Continue reading “Vikas Kuthiala”
Atul Arora is a business leader specializing in market research, analytics, and consulting, with a strong background in helping organizations drive growth and strategic decision-making.
Atul Arora is currently associated as a Partner at Wiserfeed and Co-founder at Ensnacks, where he focuses on leveraging data-driven insights, consumer analytics, and strategic consulting to help companies scale and improve market performance. Continue reading “Atul Arora”
New Delhi | 17 April 2026: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today successfully concluded the 3rd Edition of Vyapar Delhi and 22nd Vyapar conclave nationally at Le Méridien, New Delhi. Held under the theme “Vyapar Delhi – Badalti Dilli”, the high-level industry forum brought together over 200 automobile dealers, senior policymakers, OEM leaders, financial institutions and domain experts to deliberate on the future of automotive retail and mobility in the National Capital Region.
The conclave was graced by Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, as the Chief Guest, highlighting the critical role of the automobile retail sector in Delhi’s economic growth, employment generation, road safety and environmental transition. Continue reading “Vyapar Delhi 2026 Concludes in New Delhi; Auto Retail, Government & OEM Leaders Chart the Roadmap for a Greener, Inclusive Mobility Transition”
Source : PTI | Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will flag off 200 additional electric buses on Friday, its third such launch this year, Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said on Thursday.
In a push for green mobility in the capital, the new government, since its formation, has launched around 2,184 electric buses into service, taking the total fleet strength to around 6,300 buses, including 4,538 electric buses and 1,759 CNG buses. Continue reading “Delhi CM to launch fresh batch 200 electric buses on Friday”
(Reuters) – Investors pressed Mercedes-Benz on its recovery plans for China on Thursday, warning that a luxury-focused strategy could hurt the German brand’s chances of winning back Chinese consumers after a slump in sales.
Like rivals BMW and Audi , Mercedes has lost ground in the world’s largest car market, struggling to keep pace with fast-moving local brands such as BYD, NIO and Li Auto, which offer tech-laden premium cars at lower prices. Continue reading “Mercedes investors warn luxury focus could hamper China recovery”
TAIPEI, (Reuters) – Tesla is seeking semiconductor engineers in Taiwan for its Terafab artificial intelligence chip complex, according to job postings on its website.
Taiwan is home to the world’s largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, and has a highly specialised workforce with experience in leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing.
Tesla has posted nine engineering roles in Taiwan for its Terafab project, seeking candidates with more than five years of experience in advanced chipmaking processes. Continue reading “Tesla seeks Taiwan chip engineers for Terafab project”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Volkswagen’s Audi will deepen its partnership with China’s SAIC for future generations of models under their co-owned new brand, with four to be launched in China in the coming years, the German premium automaker said on Friday.
The automakers, which rolled out the EV brand that drops Audi’s iconic four-ring logo and carries only the Audi name in 2024, will also cooperate to build an innovation and technology centre in Shanghai, Audi said in a statement. Continue reading “Audi, SAIC will jointly develop future models under new China brand”
Bengaluru,17 April 2026: Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Mobility Pvt Ltd (TKSM), today announced the inauguration of its first multi-brand pre-owned car retail business outlet under the UTrust brand in Whitefield, Bengaluru.
The launch of multi-brand pre-owned car retail business marks the next phase in creating a trusted, transparent, and customer-centric mobility ecosystem spanning the entire vehicle lifecycle. Continue reading “Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Mobility Pvt Ltd inaugurates its first Multi-Brand Pre-Owned Car Retail Business Outlet in Bengaluru”
WAF THINK TANK
World Auto Forum organises 3rd WAF Sunday Brunch, launches WAF First – ‘Top Leaders Only’ WAF
India now checks Car Service Centre’s Rating on CarPhD before Car Service CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (17th April 2026)”
Source : PTI | State-owned NHAI on Wednesday said it has issued directions to all FASTag issuer banks to undertake immediate validation of vehicle registration numbers to enhance the accuracy and reliability of data in the electronic toll collection system.
NHAI, in a statement, said the decision follows receipt of complaints regarding instances where the VRN (vehicle registration number) captured by FASTag readers does not match the actual registration number displayed on the vehicle number plate. Continue reading “NHAI asks FASTag issuer banks to validate vehicle registration numbers to enhance accuracy”
SEOUL, (Reuters) – Michael Orange, the Hyundai Motor executive responsible for sales in all of the automaker’s seven U.S. regions, left the company on Tuesday, Automotive News reported.
The automaker was not immediately available for comment. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor’s US sales chief has left the company, Automotive News reports”
BERLIN, (Reuters) – Chinese car brands such as BYD are gaining traction among German consumers who are increasingly looking to buy electric cars amid rising fuel prices, according to online marketplace data seen by Reuters on Thursday.
BYD was one of the fastest-growing brands in Germany in the first quarter of the year, online marketplace Carwow said, citing a 135% rise in purchase queries for the Chinese EV heavyweight during that period. Continue reading “German car buyers keen on Chinese EV maker BYD in first quarter, data shows”
Summary
SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Interest in electric trucks has picked up in Australia, one of the most road-freight dependent countries in the world, as the Middle East crisis disrupts fuel supply and sends prices soaring.
Electric truck companies told Reuters they have experienced an increase in inquiries from customers and investors since the Iran war began. Continue reading “Faced with fuel crisis, Australia’s trucking industry eyes electric options”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis and Microsoft said on Thursday they agreed to a five‑year strategic partnership to co-develop artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and engineering capabilities, as the automaker races to keep pace with technology-focused rivals.
Software and data-driven services have become central in the automotive companies’ long-term strategies, especially as Chinese automakers accelerate their development of features to entice customers domestically and abroad. Continue reading “Stellantis, Microsoft sign five-year partnership for AI push”
Delhi, April 16, 2026: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today announced the launch of TWIN FUEL variants of its popular Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) – DOST and DOST+ XL. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable customer-centric mobility solutions in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment.
The vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Amandeep Singh, President – LCV, IO, Defence & Power Solutions, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of Mr. Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland. Continue reading “Ashok Leyland Launches TWIN FUEL Variants of DOST and DOST+ XL”
