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AI is Transforming Automotive Customer Experience – Here’s How ODIO is Leading the Shift WAF
Software-Defined Cars: The Future of Mobility in India CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (1st May 2026)”
Source : PTI | The Odisha government has requested the Centre to set up 190 EV charging infrastructure across 190 locations in six key cities under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) scheme, officials said on Wednesday.
The State Transport Authority (STA) under the Commerce and Transport Department has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Heavy Industries in this regard.
Source : PTI | The Delhi government has notified an increase in the environmental compensation charge (ECC) on commercial vehicles entering the national capital, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Wednesday, calling it a major step in the fight against air pollution.
According to an official statement, the decision follows directions of the Supreme Court and is based on recommendations of the Commission for Air Quality Management to restore the deterrent value of the charge and discourage polluting commercial vehicles from entering Delhi. Continue reading “Higher environmental compensation charge notified for commercial vehicles entering Delhi”
(Reuters) – Royal Caribbean cut annual profit forecast on Thursday, signaling that surging fuel costs linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East are weighing on the cruise operator’s margins.
Cruise operators, heavily dependent on fuel oil and marine gas oil, are navigating a tougher environment as stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations raise concerns about prolonged disruptions to the Middle Eastern supply, driving up oil prices. Continue reading “Royal Caribbean cuts annual profit forecast, sees higher fuel costs”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis reported a near tripling in first-quarter adjusted operating income on Thursday, helped by U.S. tariff refunds, but a disappointing cash flow result sent shares in the Franco-Italian carmaker sharply lower.
The results underscore the challenges still facing Chief Executive Antonio Filosa, who was appointed last year to revive the automaker after several quarters of falling sales. Continue reading “Stellantis sinks on weak cash flows as tariff refunds lift profit”
Summary
DETROIT/BERLIN, (Reuters) – Some automakers this week got a first-quarter profit boost – at least on paper – from future refunds of tariff payments they made to the U.S. government, risking potential ire from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Companies that were hit with import duties began applying for refunds last week, following a February U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down some of the Trump administration’s tariffs. A total of up to $166 billion in reimbursements is due to importers who paid tariffs in a process that could take several months, with the auto industry among the hardest-hit sectors by Trump’s tariff regime. Continue reading “Carmakers bank on $2.3 billion in future tariff refunds, risking Trump’s ire”
Summary
New Delhi: The Board of Directors of Maruti Suzuki India Limited today approved the financial results for the year ended 31st March 2026.
This performance was made possible because of steep growth in the domestic market in the second half of the year owing to the GST reduction. The Company sales were restricted by a limitation in the production capacity as evidenced by about 190,000 pending customer orders at year end, including nearly 130,000 orders in the small car segment (18% GST bracket). In addition, the dealer inventory was at a low of about 12 days’ stock. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki announces Financial Results for FY2025-26”
Summary
BERLIN, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz reported a sharp drop in operating profit at the start of 2026, a year set to bring higher raw material costs and further tariff pressures, weighing on the German carmaker as it overhauls its model lineup to boost sales.
The Middle East conflict has driven up global industry costs, compounding pressure on European automakers already hit by high U.S. import tariffs. Continue reading “Mercedes profit tumbles in Q1 on China competition, tariff pressures”
Summary
BERLIN, (Reuters) – German sports car maker Porsche saw its profit erode further in the first quarter of 2026 as it doubles down on cost-cutting to deal with mounting challenges from tariffs, geopolitical turmoil and gaps in its model lineup.
Porsche was hit by another 200-million-euro ($234 million) U.S. tariff charge in the first quarter, while Chinese consumers continued to turn away from the German brand in favour of cheaper local alternatives. Continue reading “Porsche adds Middle East to list of problems as first-quarter profit falls”
Summary
STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars said on Wednesday that it had underestimated the impact of scrapped U.S. EV subsidies, but cost savings had helped contain a drop in first-quarter earnings squeezed by price pressure and tariffs.
Like other European carmakers, Volvo Cars has endured a year of rising tariffs, adverse currency moves and geopolitical shifts, leaving its shares languishing near record lows. Continue reading “Volvo Cars aims to retain premium pricing as US tariffs pile on pressure”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Two U.S. senators on Wednesday introduced legislation to toughen a U.S. government ban on Chinese automakers from entering the American market, weeks before President Donald Trump heads to China for talks.
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan proposed legislation to codify a regulation imposed by the Biden administration that effectively bans all Chinese automakers from selling passenger vehicles in the U.S. and take other steps to prevent China from entering the U.S. light duty market. Continue reading “Senators propose legislation to tighten US ban on Chinese vehicles”
DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors is investing about $1.4 billion in three U.S. factories and one Canadian plant that produce gas engines, transmissions and metal castings, the automaker said on Wednesday, bolstering its ability to make combustion-engine cars as demand for electric vehicles wanes.
The investments also come as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to pressure companies to invest more in the United States. GM noted it has invested $6 billion in the past year on factories in the U.S. Continue reading “GM earmarks over $1 billion toward gas-engine output in US, Canada”
(Reuters) – Tesla said on Wednesday its first Semi truck has begun rolling off a high-volume production line as the electric vehicle maker remains on track to launch large-scale manufacturing of several new products in 2026.
Here are the details: Continue reading “First Tesla Semi rolls off high volume production line”
Summary
DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor lifted its annual guidance on Wednesday by $500 million, aided by significant tariff refunds, but said it still faces rising materials costs as it works to source aluminum for its lucrative F-150 pickup trucks.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in February that struck down some of the Trump administration’s tariffs provided $1.3 billion in relief to Ford. The company booked a paper gain on that expected refund in the first quarter, bolstering its bottom line, while acknowledging uncertainty around how quickly it will be reimbursed by the government. Continue reading “Ford raises profit outlook for 2026 despite nagging aluminum supply costs”
From lead generation to after-sales service, every interaction today is becoming a critical differentiator. And increasingly, this transformation is being powered by AI-driven conversational technologies.
Globally, automakers are embedding AI across the value chain—from in-car assistants to predictive maintenance and customer engagement systems.
At the same time, conversational AI is enabling more personalized, real-time interactions, helping brands improve engagement, marketing efficiency, and customer satisfaction
(Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its probe into Jaguar Land Rover vehicles to an engineering analysis, the agency said on Tuesday, following reports that the front aluminum steering knuckles could fracture.
The auto safety regulator said the investigation covers 331,559 vehicles, and includes Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models from the 2014 to 2022 model years. Continue reading “US agency upgrades probe into JLR vehicles’ steering troubles”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – More than 70 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives urged President Donald Trump on Tuesday not to permit Chinese automakers to build or sell cars in the United States.
The lawmakers, led by Representative Debbie Dingell and Ro Khanna, urged Trump to keep a ban in place that has the strong backing of U.S. and foreign carmakers and other auto groups. Continue reading “House Democrats urge Trump to keep US ban on Chinese cars”
NAGOYA, Japan, (Reuters) – Japanese parts suppliers to automakers including Toyota face mounting cost and supply uncertainties due to the Iran war, warning that oil-related product price rises could dent profits.
Shortages of hard-to-substitute materials such as naphtha-derived products and aluminium could have an outsized impact on production, suppliers said, potentially rippling through manufacturing far beyond their cost base. Continue reading “Toyota suppliers feeling profit pressure from Iran war”
A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Gregor Stuart Hunter
It’s Fed Day, and it looks increasingly certain that it will be Jerome Powell’s curtain call as chair. By the time the Federal Open Market Committee wraps up, the Senate is expected to be voting on Kevin Warsh’s confirmation, setting the stage for one of the most consequential periods at the world’s most powerful central bank. Continue reading “Morning Bid: Fed sails into unchartered waters as Powell bows out”
Summary
BERLIN, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz reported a sharp 17% drop in operating profit in the first quarter, but the premium carmaker said new model launches and cost controls should lift momentum even as competition and tariffs squeeze margins, especially in China.
Tariffs, fierce China competition and a rocky EV transition have impacted German carmakers like Mercedes, spurring CEO Ola Kaellenius to cut costs and jobs while accelerating new model launches. Continue reading “Mercedes profit slumps in early 2026 but new-model push aims to revive margins”
Source : PTI | The Delhi Traffic Police penalised over 11,800 motorists during a special three-hour enforcement drive conducted across the city, targeting improper parking and wrong-side driving, officials said.
The intensive drive was carried out on Saturday across all traffic ranges and districts as part of efforts to curb congestion and enhance road safety, they said.
Continue reading “Delhi Police books over 11,000 for traffic violation in 3-hour drive”
Source : PTI | Thousands of motorists thronged fuel retail outlets in Andhra Pradesh on Monday, fearing a shortage, even as the government assured that there would be “no shortage of petrol and diesel”.
Several two-wheelers, cars, trucks and other vehicles were seen lined up at a petrol pump in Rajahmundry. People were also seen carrying plastic containers to buy petrol and diesel. Continue reading “Thousands of motorists throng fuel outlets fearing petrol, diesel shortage in Andhra”
(Reuters) – Foreign automakers have warned the Trump administration that they could pull their cheapest car models from the U.S. market if the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is not renewed or is watered down, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Trump’s economic advisers have been told that some foreign automakers might not be able to build and sell cheaper cars for the U.S. market if the USMCA no longer exists or a renewed version does not significantly reduce tariffs on cars and auto parts made in North America, the report said, citing people familiar with the discussions. Continue reading “Foreign automakers threaten to pull cheapest models from US without trade deal, WSJ reports”
SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Kia Corp has reduced price gaps with Chinese rivals in Europe this year, its CEO said, signalling a price war as Chinese carmakers ramp up their push into a key overseas market amid slowing growth at home.
The strategy helped Kia, which together with Hyundai Motor is ranked third in global vehicle sales, increase its global revenue and buck a broader market decline, Kia CEO Song Ho-sung said at the company’s Investor Day event held earlier this month. Continue reading “Kia CEO signals price cuts in Europe to fend off Chinese competition”
Summary
OAKLAND, California, (Reuters) – A trial that could help shape the future of artificial intelligence begins on Tuesday, with billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman at odds over the evolution of ChatGPT maker OpenAI from a nonprofit to a profit-seeking juggernaut worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Opening statements in Musk’s civil lawsuit against OpenAI and Altman will take place in the Oakland, California, federal court, following the selection on Monday of nine jurors. Continue reading “OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against Sam Altman kicks off”
Summary
(Reuters) – General Motors posted on Tuesday a 22% rise in first-quarter core profit and lifted its full-year earnings forecast, bolstered by a resilient U.S. car market and an expected tariff refund.
The Detroit automaker reported earnings before interest and taxes of $4.3 billion, or $3.70 per share, which beat analysts’ estimate of $2.62, according to LSEG data. Shares rose about 5% in premarket trading. Continue reading “GM lifts profit outlook as US truck sales boost first quarter”
Summary
WUHU, China, (Reuters) – Chery, China’s largest car exporter, is taking inspiration from two very different automakers – Toyota and Tesla – as it pursues expansion in Europe and beyond, its top executive told Reuters.
Chery is considering adding production capacity in Barcelona, Spain, where it has a joint venture. It is also looking for more opportunities to share production facilities with European car companies, Chairman Yin Tongyue said in an interview on Monday. Continue reading “China’s Chery seeks to be ‘Toyota plus Tesla’ as it targets global expansion”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Call it a different kind of sticker shock.
The Beijing Auto Show that opened to the public this week is a showcase for how hypercompetition in China has driven new car prices in the world’s largest car market to a fraction of the level of the next-largest market, the U.S. Continue reading “For the average price of a car in the US, you could buy 5 new Chinese EVs”
Summary
BEIJING, (Reuters) – An American YouTuber is giving foreign visitors a first-hand look at the Chinese high-tech cars many U.S. consumers can only see online.
At the Beijing Auto Show, which opened on Friday, 34-year-old Ethan Robertson shepherded more than a dozen people from Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere through sprawling halls packed with electric SUVs, pickup trucks and futuristic concept cars — offering an up-close look at the vehicles making China’s auto industry increasingly hard to ignore. Continue reading “American YouTuber guides foreigners around Chinese cars U.S. buyers can’t get”
Source : PTI | In a bold leap toward a cleaner tomorrow, PURPLE BUS proudly announces the launch of Maharashtra’s first electric intercity bus service by a private operator, now operating on the high-demand Pune – Mumbai – Pune shuttle route-redefining how the state travels: Silently, Sustainably, and Smartly.
The newly launched fleet comprises 14 State-Of-The-Art Electric Buses, manufactured by Switch Mobility and owned and operated by PURPLE BUS. This milestone marks a decisive shift toward electric mobility, aligning with India’s broader vision of reducing emissions and building future-ready transportation ecosystems. Continue reading “PURPLE BUS drives Maharashtra’s first private EV revolution”
Mahesh Babu is a distinguished leader in India’s electric mobility ecosystem, currently serving as the Managing Director at Olectra Greentech Limited. With over two decades of experience in the automotive and mobility sector, he has been at the forefront of driving technology-led transformation and accelerating the adoption of electric mobility solutions in India.
At Olectra Greentech Limited, Mahesh is leading the organization’s strategic growth in sustainable transportation, with a strong emphasis on electric buses and clean mobility infrastructure. His leadership focuses on integrating advanced technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and delivering reliable, customer-centric solutions that cater to evolving urban mobility needs. He has been instrumental in positioning the company as a key player in India’s transition towards greener public transport systems. Continue reading “Mahesh Babu”
Satish Kannan is an accomplished automotive professional with over 23 years of experience across aftersales, customer experience, dealer operations, and service business management within the passenger vehicle segment. Currently serving as Director Aftersales at Stellantis India, Satish Kannan is responsible for driving aftersales excellence, strengthening dealer network performance, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction across the organization.
With a strong technical foundation and deep operational expertise, Satish Kannan has built a career spanning the entire automotive value chain, including service planning and marketing, parts warehouse management, dealer development, and new car sales. This extensive exposure enables Satish Kannan to effectively align evolving customer expectations with business goals, ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Continue reading “Satish Kannan”
Anuj Tyagi is a seasoned automotive leader with nearly three decades of experience in customer experience transformation, after-sales operations, sales, and dealer network development across India.
Anuj Tyagi currently serves as Head – After Sales at JSW Motors Limited, where he leads after-sales strategy, service operations, and customer experience transformation initiatives. His role focuses on building scalable service ecosystems, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving operational excellence in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape. Continue reading “Anuj Tyagi”
Atul Aggarwal is a seasoned automotive professional with over 25 years of experience in after-sales operations, customer quality, and dealer network development across leading global automotive brands.
Atul Aggarwal currently serves as Director – Aftersales & Dealer Network at Nissan Motor India, where he leads nationwide after-sales strategy, service operations, and dealer network performance. His role focuses on enhancing customer satisfaction, strengthening service ecosystems, and driving operational excellence across the network. Continue reading “Atul Aggarwal”
Jayant Rawal is an experienced automotive professional with a strong background in regional sales leadership, dealer network management, and business operations within the passenger vehicle segment.
Jayant Rawal currently serves as Zonal Head – North at Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, where he is responsible for driving regional sales performance, strengthening dealer network operations, and enhancing market presence across North India. His role involves aligning dealership performance with brand strategy, improving retail execution, and ensuring consistent customer experience delivery. Continue reading “Jayant Rawal”
Sanjay Shejwal is an experienced automotive professional with over two decades of expertise in after-sales operations, customer experience, and service strategy within the two-wheeler and passenger vehicle segments.
Sanjay Shejwal currently serves as Head of Customer Experience at Hero MotoCorp, where he leads initiatives focused on enhancing customer satisfaction, strengthening service networks, and driving end-to-end customer journey transformation. Continue reading “Sanjay Shejwal”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis will focus the majority of its investment on its core Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat brands under CEO Antonio Filosa’s strategic plan due to be announced in May, five sources said, with a “material increase” to their funding.
The world’s fourth-largest automaker by sales is set to outline its long-term strategy, which will concentrate on its most popular and profitable international brands, in Detroit. Continue reading “Exclusive: Stellantis to focus funding on core car brands as CEO drives turnaround, sources say”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – NIO is betting that in-house chip development will sharpen its technological edge and improve profitability, Chief Executive William Li said on Friday, as the Chinese premium EV brand pushes to reduce reliance on suppliers such as Nvidia.
Li said NIO developed its own silicon so its chips could better match the company’s algorithms and sensor layout, particularly for AI functions such as advanced driver-assistance. Continue reading “Chinese EV maker NIO bets on in-house chips to cut reliance on Nvidia”
Summary
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Caocao Inc the ride-hailing arm of Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group (GEELY.UL), plans to deploy thousands of robotaxis globally next year, its CEO said on Friday, setting up a potential rivalry with Tesla’s Cybercab.
Large-scale delivery and deployment of the Geely-made purpose-built robotaxi Eva Cab is expected in 2028 before the fleet expands to 100,000 by 2030, Caocao CEO Gong Xin told Reuters during the Beijing auto show. Continue reading “Geely’s Caocao to deploy thousands of fully customised robotaxis in 2027”
Summary
BEIJING, (Reuters) – It took China 25 years to dominate the market for electric vehicles.
Now, the country’s auto industry is hurtling toward the next disruption: Embedding artificial intelligence in cars that will make the next generation of EVs not just network-connected, but self-reasoning machines running on Chinese chips and software. Continue reading “After call from Beijing, China’s auto industry races to embed AI in just about everything”
