Summary

• Manufacturing production increases 0.2% in December
• Slump in motor vehicles output is offset by jump in primary metals
• Industrial production rises 0.4% as utilities provide a boost

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. factory production unexpectedly increased in December amid a surge in primary metals output that offset a decline at motor vehicle assembly plants, but activity contracted in the fourth quarter against the backdrop of challenges from import tariffs.

Some improvement in manufacturing is ​expected this year as the drag from President Donald Trump’s sweeping import duties eases and tax legislation, which made bonus depreciation permanent among other perks, takes effect. An artificial intelligence ‌investment boom is also seen providing support, though some economists warned the environment for manufacturers remained fragile, citing weak factory surveys. Continue reading “US manufacturing production rises on primary metals surge, outlook unclear”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group said on Friday it plans to appoint Milan Kovac, the former head of Tesla’s humanoid robot program, as an adviser as it seeks to bolster its competitiveness in robotics and artificial intelligence.

The auto group also plans to nominate Kovac as an outside director of the firm’s U.S. subsidiary Boston Dynamics.

Kovac, who announced plans to leave Tesla last June, became the lead of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid program in 2022 when he was appointed director of Optimus and Autopilot Engineering. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor Group to appoint former head of Tesla’s humanoid robot program as adviser”

Summary

• Canada allows import of 49,000 Chinese EVs, U.S. officials criticize decision
• U.S. officials cite tariffs as protection against Chinese cars
• Trump open to Chinese automakers building plants in U.S

AVON LAKE, Ohio, (Reuters) – Trump administration officials said on Friday that Canada would regret its decision to allow China to import up to 49,000 Chinese EVs, and that those cars would not be allowed to enter the United States.

“I think they’ll look back at this decision and surely regret it to bring Chinese cars into their market,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at an event with other government officials at a Ford factory in Ohio to tout efforts to make vehicles more affordable. Continue reading “US says Canada will regret decision to allow Chinese EVs into their market”

Summary

• Porsche’s China sales drop 26% in tough luxury market
• EU regulations impact European sales
• North American sales flat
• Shares down 1.3%

(Reuters) – German sports car maker Porsche suffered its biggest annual sales decline in 16 years in 2025, joining fellow Volkswagen subsidiary Audi and Mercedes-Benz in struggling with weak demand and fierce competition in China.

The company delivered 279,449 vehicles last year, down 10% overall compared to 2024. That was its steepest drop since 2009, when the global economic crisis hurt demand around the world, and Porsche sales slumped 24% year on year. Continue reading “Porsche reports worst sales drop since 2009 on weak China demand”

(Reuters) – British drivers turning to EVs are leading a change in colour preferences, as green-tinted cars sold in 2025 reached their highest volume in 20 years, industry body SMMT said on Friday.

Car colours rarely matter as a business metric, but they can reflect shifting tastes. In recent years those tastes have narrowed to plain shades of grey, prompting Fiat CEO Olivier Francois in 2023 to launch a campaign promoting more cheerful tones. Continue reading “EV shift repaints Britain’s car market green, industry body says”

(Reuters) – U.S. auto safety regulators have granted Tesla a five-week extension to respond to an investigation into whether its vehicles violated traffic laws while the Elon Musk-led company’s Full Self-Driving system was engaged.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday it has extended the deadline for key responses until February 23 after Tesla requested more time to manually review thousands of records to identify incidents that may be relevant. Continue reading “Tesla gets 5-week extension in US probe of Full Self-Driving traffic violations”

Source : PTI | Changes in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles in the upcoming Budget could help in removing barriers for the electric vehicle manufacturers, enabling more participation and enhanced adoption of green mobility in the country, according to Deloitte India.

In a pre-Budget interaction with PTI Videos, Deloitte India Partner Sheena Sareen stated that sales momentum is likely to continue into 2026, particularly for EVs, which already benefit from a concessional GST rate of 5 per cent. Continue reading “PLI scheme revamp for automobiles may enhance green mobility adoption: Deloitte India”

(Reuters) – Ford is in discussions with BYD to purchase batteries for its hybrid models, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, at a time when the Detroit automaker deals with waning demand for electric vehicles.

The two companies are still discussing how the arrangement would work, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. One option being considered is for Ford to use BYD batteries in markets outside the U.S., the report said. Continue reading “Ford, BYD in talks for hybrid vehicle battery deal, WSJ reports”

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The People’s Car, now lies under a Peepal Tree WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (16th January 2026)”

AkzoNobel and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team have extended their highly successful long-running partnership – which includes expanding into the world of endurance racing.

In addition to continuing as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s exclusive Official Partner: Coatings Solutions, AkzoNobel has also become one of the first partners to join the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team ahead of its entry into next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship. Continue reading “AkzoNobel and McLaren Racing extend partnership to accelerate shared passion for performance and innovation”

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz grew its revenues in India in 2025 thanks to strong demand for its high-end luxury cars, its CEO said, even as stiff competition from rival BMW in the entry-level part of the luxury market pulled down the carmaker’s overall sales in the country.

Mercedes India’s leading luxury carmaker, sold 19,007 vehicles in 2025 versus 19,500 a year earlier, Santosh Iyer told Reuters on Wednesday, reducing its lead against BMW which sold 18,000 cars last year. Continue reading “Mercedes India’s revenue hits fresh record on strong top-end luxury sales”

Mumbai: Volkswagen India revealed the design philosophy of its upcoming flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line, offering a first look at how the brand is entering the premium 7-seater space. 12 months after its European launch, the Tayron R-Line makes its way to India, underscoring the brand’s intent to bring globally relevant products to Indian customers without delay.

The Tayron R-Line marks a clear evolution of the brand’s global SUV design, combining strong proportions with the sporty sophistication of the R-Line trim. Continue reading “Packed with Substance the German-engineered Tayron R-Line, coming soon”

Source : PTI | The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in line with the vision of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, will introduce Integrated Last Mile Connectivity services to enhance passenger convenience and ensure seamless end-to-end urban mobility across the National Capital Region.

In this regard, DMRC has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd (STCL), a multi-state cooperative society and a mobility service provider operating the platform branded as ‘Bharat Taxi’.

Continue reading “DMRC to introduce integrated last mile connectivity in collaboration with Sahkar Taxi”

Source : PTI | In an effort to improve road safety, the Delhi transport department is considering giving unregistered e-rickshaw operators a one-month window to complete vehicle registration, officials said on Wednesday.

Initially introduced as an eco-friendly transport option, e-rickshaws have increasingly become a problem on city roads due to their slow movement, contribution to traffic congestion and safety concerns. Continue reading “Delhi govt considers one month registration window for unregistered e-rickshaws”

Summary

• Toyota lifted bid by 15% to 18,800 yen per share after criticism
• Elliott says Toyota Industries worth over 25,000 yen per share
• Tender offer runs until February 12

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor may have revised its offer for Toyota Industries 15% higher, but that hasn’t satisfied activist shareholder Elliott, which said on Thursday that the planned buyout “very substantially” undervalued the forklift maker.

Elliott Investment Management, which disclosed a stake in Toyota Industries in November and raised its holding to 5% last month, said it would not be tendering its shares under the improved terms and would be encouraging other shareholders to follow its lead. Continue reading “Toyota’s sweetened bid for group forklift maker opposed by Elliott”

Source : PTI | Royal Enfield and Krafton India on Tuesday announced a partnership to launch Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 as rideable bikes in the popular online game Battleground’s Mobile India (BGMI).

Both motorcycles will make their debut in the game from January 19, 2026, as part of the BGMI 4.2 update that goes live on January 15, 2026.

“Partnering with BGMI is about more than just presence; it’s about meeting our community in their element and amplifying the shared values of thrill, freedom, and self-expression,” Royal Enfield Head- Custom & Motorsports Adrian John Sellers said. Continue reading “Royal Enfield, Krafton partner to bring Bullet 350 and GT 650 to BGMI”

Source : PTI | SAVWIPL also marked a major landmark in its internationalisation strategy as cumulative exports surpassed 7,15,000 units, firmly establishing the country as a strategic global production base for the group, it said.

The group expanded its global footprint by exploring and entering new markets in GCC and ASEAN regions.

The year also saw Volkswagen retained leadership in the premium sedan category, with Virtus commanding a 38 per cent share, while the first batch of the Golf GTI sold out within days of its launch, the company said. Continue reading “Skoda Auto Volkswagen India sales surge 36% to 1,17,000 units in 2025”

Summary

• Offer price raised to 18,800 yen per share from 16,300 yen
• Toyota Industries urges shareholders to tender shares
• Tender offer to start from January 15, Denso filing shows

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor said on Wednesday it had agreed to raise its offer for group firm Toyota Industries to 18,800 yen ($118.11) per share as part of the plan to take the forklift maker private.

The Japanese automotive giant had previously offered 16,300 yen per share in a deal announced in June. Continue reading “Toyota agrees to hike offer for Toyota Industries by 15%”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is targeting sales of 550,000-600,000 vehicles this year, Chinese tech portal 36Kr reported on Wednesday, citing a recent internal strategy meeting.

That would translate into around a 28-40% increase from its sales last year, when the automaker delivered 429,445 cars, up 126% from 2024.

A company source confirmed the 36Kr report. Continue reading “China’s Xpeng aims to sell up to 600,000 vehicles in 2026”

Summary

• Toyota lifted bid by 15% after criticism
• New terms seen as fairer but investors await Elliott’s response
• Tender offer runs until February 12

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Shares of forklift maker Toyota Industries surged to a record high on Thursday after a sweetened bid from Toyota Motor trading slightly above the new offer on hopes that a better price might be forthcoming.

The initial deal to take Toyota Industries private that will strengthen the Toyoda founding family’s control of the Toyota group had been criticised by global investors for what they called an opaque valuation. Continue reading “Toyota Industries’ shares hit record on sweetened bid, Elliott’s response awaited”

(Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday that the electric vehicle maker’s full self-driving (FSD) software will only be available as a monthly subscription after February 14.

Currently, Tesla allows its electic vehicle owners to purchase FSD (Supervised) for a one-time payment of $8,000 or a subscription of $99 per month in the U.S.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last year opened an investigation into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with its FSD system, based on over more than 50 reports of traffic-safety violations and a series of crashes. Continue reading “Tesla to offer self-driving software only on monthly basis from Feb 14, Musk says”

Summary

• New rules would cut commission caps to 10% from 20%
• Platforms to pay full accident and death insurance for drivers
• President may enforce new rules through decree
• Industry fears insurance costs unsustainable, source says

JAKARTA, (Reuters) – Millions of Indonesian ride-hailing drivers would receive major increases to financial and social benefits under a draft decree being considered by President Prabowo Subianto, two sources said, threatening profitability of ride-sharing platforms in their largest market in Southeast Asia.

Prabowo is under pressure to respond to drivers’ demands for better pay and conditions, particularly after their involvement in widespread student-led protests in August demonstrated the political clout of the sector’s workforce. Continue reading “Exclusive: Indonesian ride-hailing industry set for shake-up under draft presidential decree”

(Reuters) – Tesla agreed to enter mediation that could resolve the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s lawsuit accusing Elon Musk’s electric car maker of tolerating severe and widespread harassment of Black employees at its Fremont, California, assembly plant.

The EEOC said it is working with Tesla to choose a mediator, and negotiations could begin in March or April. It also said both sides will make a proposal to the presiding judge by June 17 on what to do if settlement discussions and mediation are unsuccessful. Continue reading “Tesla agrees to mediation that could resolve US agency’s racism lawsuit”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Shriram Automall Dhanbad commenced operations on 12th January 2026
• New Automall launched to address growing regional demand for organised auctions
•  Strengthens SAMIL’s footprint in Jharkhand and eastern India
•  Strong participation from local trade, transport, and buyer communities
•  Opening-day auction recorded 120+ active bidders
•  Over 70 pre-owned assets offered across multiple segments
•  Expands access to transparent and technology-enabled auctions in emerging markets

Dhanbad, Jharkhand | Shriram Automall India Limited (SAMIL), India’s largest phygital marketplace for pre-owned vehicles, equipment, and other assets, launches its new Automall in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The opening marks a significant step in SAMIL’s expansion strategy aimed at strengthening organised asset auction infrastructure in high-potential regional markets.

The newly opened Dhanbad Automall has been established to cater to the increasing demand for structured, transparent, and professionally managed auctions in the region. With Jharkhand emerging as an important commercial and industrial hub, the facility is designed to support local businesses by offering improved accessibility, robust infrastructure, and seamless auction operations. Continue reading “Shriram Automall Opens New Dhanbad Automall to Strengthen Organised Auction Ecosystem in Jharkhand”

Bengaluru, India – The future of electric mobility isn’t just about building vehicles – it’s about building the ecosystem that helps them thrive.

Together, Yuma Energy and e-Sprinto have entered into a partnership setting out to do just that, as the two companies announced today that they intend to deploy swappable-battery electric two-wheelers at scale, a bold step set to supercharge fleet electrification across India’s cities. Continue reading “Yuma Energy and e-Sprinto Announce Partnership to Deploy Swappable-Battery EVs Across India”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Renault will sell its new Filante car in South Korea from March before launching sales in Latin American and Gulf countries by early 2027, it said on Tuesday.

The hybrid SUV crossover is based on the Compact Modular Architecture of Chinese partner Geely and will be produced at Renault’s plant in the South Korean city of Busan, the automaker said on its WeChat account. Continue reading “Renault to sell Geely-based Filante SUV in South Korea from March”

Summary

• Volvo Cars pauses operations at battery project
• Conversations with potential partners continue
• EU support crucial to attracting partners, Volvo Cars exec says

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Sweden’s Volvo Cars has halted operations at its battery startup Novo Energy, which had already been sharply scaled back, as its search for a partner drags on, Novo Energy said on Tuesday.

The move comes as several battery projects in Europe have been cancelled or delayed over the past two years amid spiralling costs and slowing demand for electric cars. Continue reading “Volvo Cars pauses Novo battery project as partner search drags on”

Summary

• Trump addresses Detroit Economic Club, says ‘growth is exploding’
• Factory employment fell nationwide by 8,000 jobs in December
• Trump’s approval on cost-of-living issues at 27% in December, Reuters/Ipsos poll shows

DETROIT, Michigan, (Reuters) – President Donald Trump touted his economic record in Detroit on Tuesday, aiming to refocus attention on U.S. manufacturing and his efforts to tackle high consumer costs as the White House strives to show it is addressing the economic anxieties gripping U.S. households.

In remarks to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump boasted that he had rebuilt the U.S. economy in the span of 11 months. His sprawling speech was marked by his typical stream-of-consciousness discursions. Continue reading “Trump touts economic record during Detroit trip, seeking to ease voter anxieties”

Source : PTI | The Delhi government is planing to install around 7,000 new electric vehicle charging stations by the end of the year to promote clean mobility and boost EV adoption, officials said on Monday.

According to the officials, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate vehicular emissions, a primary driver of air pollution in the national capital. Alongside the charging infrastructure, the government is planing to strengthen public transport by expanding the bus fleet. Continue reading “Delhi govt to add 7,000 EV charging stations, 2,000 buses this year to curb air pollution”

Source : PTI | The Punjab government on Monday approved a major expansion of state-run public transport system, adding 1,279 buses to its fleet.

Officials said the move is aimed at improving affordability, safety and last-mile connectivity across the state.

The government currently operates 2,267 buses, including 1,119 under the Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited (PUNBUS). To ensure faster deployment and financial prudence, the new fleet will be added through a combination of direct purchase and leasing. Continue reading “Punjab govt to expand state bus fleet with 1,279 new vehicles”

New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (“IOCL”), India’s leading energy company, to establish vehicle service facilities at several IOCL fuel retail outlets across the country.

Customers can get routine maintenance, minor repairs, and even major services* at these facilities, making car care easier and more accessible. The initiative will further strengthen Maruti Suzuki’s service network, which already spans over 5,780 service touchpoints across 2,882 cities in India. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki collaborates with Indian Oil Corporation Limited to further expand nationwide service reach”

Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki said on Monday it plans to add up to 1 million units of annual production capacity after buying land worth about $550 million, expanding manufacturing to meet rising domestic auto demand.

The country’s top carmaker by sales has an order backlog of about one-and-a-half months for its entry-level models, its marketing and sales head Partho Banerjee said on January 1. The company had also said then that its sales to domestic dealers were up 37% in December to a record 178,646 units. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki to boost capacity by 1 million units in India expansion”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – The European Union will issue guidelines on submitting minimum price plans for Chinese exporters of electric vehicles, China’s commerce ministry said on Monday. Continue reading “EU to issue guidelines on Chinese EV minimum price plans, China says”

Summary

• GM adapts product plans due to regulatory shifts
• Barra emphasizes EVs as superior product despite challenges
• Automakers, including Ford, pull back from EV investments

DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the Trump administration’s push to loosen fuel-economy rules has affected the automaker’s business even more than its fast-changing trade policies.

Speaking at an Automotive Press Association event ahead of this week’s Detroit auto show, Barra said the administration’s regulatory shifts, such as killing a $7,500 electric-vehicle tax credit and moving to roll back tailpipe-emissions rules, prompted GM to rapidly adapt its product plans. Continue reading “GM CEO says EVs still the ‘end game’ despite industry pullback”

(Reuters) – German carmaker Volkswagen saw a 4.9% decline in vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by lower demand in North America and China, the company said on Monday.

The company delivered 2.38 million vehicles in the quarter, compared with 2.50 million units the same period a year ago. Continue reading “Volkswagen’s fourth-quarter deliveries decline as Chinese, US demand softens”

Summary

• Uber faces over 3,000 similar lawsuits, but trial is first in US federal court
• Outcome could impact resolution of remaining lawsuits
• Uber argues drivers are independent contractors, says it is not liable for their actions

(Reuters) – Uber is set to face trial this week in Phoenix, Arizona, in a lawsuit brought by a woman who says she was sexually assaulted by a driver she booked through the app.

The trial will be the first test of Uber’s efforts to shield itself from liability for alleged assaults committed by its drivers, with thousands of cases pending in U.S. federal court. Continue reading “Uber faces sexual assault trial in Arizona that puts its safety record under scrutiny”

Source : PTI | Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived in Washington DC on Sunday to participate in a critical minerals meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Bessent will host a meeting of the Group of Seven finance ministers in Washington to discuss critical minerals. The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union. Continue reading “Ashwini Vaishnaw arrives in Washington to participate in critical minerals meeting”