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Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Debuts in India: Incremental Evolution or Strategic Reset? WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (10th April 2026)”
Summary
(Reuters) – Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said on Thursday used-car sales were exceeding those of new vehicles, as a jump in gasoline and diesel prices from the war in Iran drives customers toward less-expensive EV options.
Used electric vehicles sales in Europe have been boosted by the war in Iran, online car platforms told Reuters last month. Continue reading “Polestar CEO talks up used-car market as higher fuel prices spur shift to cheaper EVs”
Source : PTI | German auto major Volkswagen group is targeting 5 per cent market share in the Indian passenger vehicles market before the turn of the decade with alternative fuel technologies slated to play a key role in achieving the target, a senior company official said on Thursday.
The group, which in 2018 announced its India 2.0 strategy led by group brand Skoda had set a target to achieve 5 per cent market share by 2025 but missed it due to events like the COVID-19 pandemic, currently has about 2.5 per cent share in India.
Summary
SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Kia Corp said on Thursday it had delayed plans to build “software-defined vehicles” by about one year to 2028, and announced a hefty hike in investment plans, underscoring its struggles to catch up with the likes of Tesla.
Shares in the automaker tumbled on the plans announced in an investor presentation, closing down 5.5% compared with a 1.6% drop for the broader market. Continue reading “Kia delays launch of software-focused cars, unveils big hike to investment plans”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla is developing an all-new smaller, cheaper electric SUV, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The automaker has contacted suppliers in recent weeks to discuss details of the plan for the compact SUV – which would be a new vehicle and not a variant of Tesla’s current Model 3 or Y, the people said. The conversations involved the manufacturing process and specifications for various components, they said. Continue reading “Tesla is developing a new smaller, cheaper EV, sources say”
BERLIN, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz reported a sales slump at the start of 2026 as the tough Chinese market continued to pressure the German premium carmaker during an overhaul of its model lineup to regain lost ground.
First-quarter sales in the company’s core car business fell 6% to 419,400 vehicles globally from the same period a year ago, it said in a statement on Thursday. Continue reading “Mercedes Q1 sales down in tough ‘transition year’ for China business”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Car exports, an increasingly important source of growth for China’s hyper-competitive auto sector, picked up pace in March despite shipment disruptions from the crisis in the Middle East, one of the industry’s key overseas markets.
Exports grew 73.7% from a year earlier to nearly 700,000 vehicles last month, faster than the 54.1% in the first two months, data from the China Passenger Car Association showed on Thursday. Continue reading “China’s car exports accelerate despite disruption from Mideast crisis”
The Context: India’s Most Brutal Battleground
The mid-size SUV segment in India is no longer just competitive—it is hyper-competitive. Dominated by players like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and newer challengers like the Renault Duster (reborn), this segment defines brand relevance in India.
Into this arena steps the refreshed Volkswagen Taigun, a product that has always stood for German engineering, safety, and driving dynamics—now aims for perceived feature richness and mass-market appeal.
The facelift, therefore, is not just cosmetic—it is strategic.
(Reuters) – General Motors is recalling 271,770 cars in the U.S. over an issue with the rearview camera, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday.
Here are some details:
Continue reading “General Motors recalls over 270,000 cars in US over rearview camera issue”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese electric truck startup Windrose said it had made the first delivery of its long‑haul electric heavy truck in the United States, marking a key step in its global expansion.
The vehicle, priced at $285,000, was handed over to Texas logistics firm Allogic and charging partner Greenspace through Windrose’s American partner on April 1, the company said in a statement on April 3. Continue reading “Chinese electric truck maker Windrose makes first US delivery”
Summary
SHANGHAI/MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis is in advanced talks with Leapmotor to jointly develop an Opel-branded electric SUV that would use the Chinese automaker’s technology and be produced at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain, three sources told Reuters.
The deal, if finalised, would help Stellantis cut the cost and time to develop a new EV model, as the French-Italian automaker shifts focus to petrol-electric hybrid cars. Earlier this year it announced a $25 billion writedown related to scaling back its EV plans. Continue reading “Stellantis in advanced talks to develop Opel EV with China’s Leapmotor, sources say”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. carmakers say rules under consideration by Brussels could keep full-size pickup trucks including the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado and the Ram 1500 off European roads, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
Andrew Puzder, the U.S. ambassador to the bloc, told the Financial Times that the EU plans to change safety rules that could breach the spirit of the trade deal struck in August between the United States and the EU if they prevented some American vehicles from being sold in Europe. Continue reading “US carmakers say proposed EU rules could block large pickup trucks from Europe”
SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korean automaker Kia Corp plans to boost its investment plan over the next four years by 30% to boost vehicle electrification, software and other new businesses, according to an investor presentation on Thursday.
The company plans to raise its investments to 41.4 trillion won ($27.95 billion) from 2026 to 2029, it said. Continue reading “Kia boosts investment plan by 30% over the next four years; shares fall”
Source : PTI | China on Tuesday announced an increase in gasoline and diesel prices for the second time in about a fortnight due to rising international oil prices triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia.
China’s top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced that the new round of price hikes will take effect from Wednesday. Continue reading “China hikes gasoline, diesel prices for second time in fortnight”
Source : PTI | Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that Vietnam-based Vingroup has committed to investing $8.5 billion in the state over the next two years in projects, including electric mobility solutions, social and public infrastructure, tourism and entertainment.
The projects have the potential to create nearly 24,700 jobs, he said. Continue reading “Vietnam’s Vingroup to invest $8.5 billion in Maharashtra: Fadnavis”
Source : PTI | Interest rate-sensitive realty, auto and bank stocks were in high demand on Wednesday, a day when the Reserve Bank of India kept its key policy rate unchanged, adopting a wait-and-watch stance as policymakers assessed the fallout from the Iran conflict on energy supplies, inflation and growth.
A sharp rally in the broader equity market also aided buying in these stocks. Continue reading “Auto stocks surge up to 12% after RBI holds rates steady”
Source : PTI | Cash payments at toll plazas will be discontinued for travellers on national highways from April 10, the road transport and highways ministry has said.
In a gazette notification, the ministry has said that in cases where a vehicle enters a fee plaza without a valid FASTag, users can still pay via Unified Payment Interface (UPI), but at a higher charge of 1.25 times the applicable toll fee. Continue reading “No cash at toll plazas from April 10; UPI payments to cost 1.25 times more”
Source : PTI | At least 25 companies, including JSW Group and NLC India, participated in a pre-bid conference for the ₹7,280-crore scheme to promote the manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magncalled by the heavy industries ministry on Tuesday, sources said.
The government will select maximum of five entities through the bidding process, with each entity setting up facilities of up to 1,200 MTPA, aggregating to a total of up to a maximum capacity of 6,000 MTPA. Continue reading “JSW Group, NLC India among 25 companies in pre-bid meet for ₹7,280 cr rare earth magnet scheme: Sources”
Summary
ISLAMABAD/SINGAPORE, (Reuters) – Days after Iran effectively blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following the start of U.S. and Israeli attacks in late February, two Pakistani electric motorbikee outlets 1,400 km (875 miles) away found themselves overwhelmed with enquiries.
Haseeb Bhatti, who retrofits petrol-fuelled bikes with battery-powered motors in the northern city of Rawalpindi, said his March sales surged 70%. For Ali Gohar Khan, who owns a 7-year-old electric motorbike retail franchise with branches across Pakistan, the recent surge in sales is the steepest ever. Continue reading “Soaring costs, fuel shortage fears drive Pakistan to electric motorbikes”
(Reuters) – Tesla’s vehicle registrations in Germany more than quadrupled in March from a year earlier, data from the German road traffic agency KBA showed on Tuesday.
Newly registered Tesla cars jumped 315.1% year-on-year to 9,252 units in March, the KBA said. Registrations in the first quarter rose 160% to 12,829 vehicles. Continue reading “Tesla registrations in Germany quadruple in March, KBA says”
(Reuters) – The U.S. government has so far rejected requests from Ford Motor and other U.S. automakers for relief from aluminum tariffs after fires at a Novelis plant created supply bottlenecks for vehicles, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
Last week, Ford petitioned the Trump administration for assistance, asking officials for relief from duties at least until Novelis’ aluminum rolling plant in Oswego, New York returns to full service, the report said, citing people with knowledge of the conversations. Continue reading “US rejects aluminum tariff relief request from Ford, WSJ reports”
(Reuters) – Ford Motor is recalling 422,613 vehicles in the U.S. over a failure of the windshield wiper, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday.
Here are some details:
Continue reading “Ford recalls over 420,000 vehicles in US over windshield wiper failure”
Summary
RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) – Brazil has put China’s BYD on a registry of employers who have subjected workers to conditions similar to slavery, after a 2024 scandal in which Chinese workers were said to have been victims of human trafficking and abusive contracts.
The list, published by Brazil’s Labor Ministry, carries further reputational risk for the automaker in its biggest market after China. Continue reading “Brazil puts China’s BYD on list of shame for workers’ past slavery-like conditions”
New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) announced addition of a record 502 new service touchpoints in FY 2025-26. This marks the highest-ever network expansion in a single financial year by the Company. With this, Maruti Suzuki’s total after-sales service network has reached to 5,926 touchpoints, covering 3,000 cities and towns in India.
The Company, dedicated to providing peace of mind to customers in their vehicle ownership journey, has been expanding its after-sales network across metros, small towns, and up-country locations. The newly added service touchpoints comprise a mix of formats including ARENA and NEXA workshops, Maruti Suzuki Sales and Service Points (MSSSP), Service-on-Wheels and Bodyshop-on-wheels. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki activates a record 502 service touchpoints in FY 2025-26”
Mumbai: Volkswagen India today teased the new Taigun and confirmed its April 2026 debut. Carrying forward the legacy of being one of India’s favourite driver’s SUVs, the new Taigun embodies Volkswagen’s global design with looks that are bold, aspirational and unmistakably dynamic.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India said, “The new Taigun represents a powerful evolution of everything that has made this SUV loved by enthusiasts. With bolder, more expressive design, best-in-segment technology, and thrilling performance our customers expect from Volkswagen, the new Taigun will redefine driving dynamism. Engineered locally and crafted with purpose, the new Taigun is built to inspire confidence, capability, and excitement, every single day.” Continue reading “Volkswagen teases the new Taigun ahead of its India debut”
Summary
PYEONGTAEK, South Korea, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor said on Friday that exports to Europe and North Africa, which typically transit through the Middle East, were being disrupted by the conflict in the region, underscoring growing strains on global supply chains.
The disruption highlights how the conflict is choking key shipping routes, driving up logistics costs, delaying deliveries and adding pressure on the automaker and its suppliers. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor flags export disruptions as Middle East conflict hits shipping”
(Reuters) – India’s auto dealers on Monday warned of possible supply or dispatch disruptions in the near term as the West Asia conflict drove up raw material costs, even as the fiscal year’s total sales hit a record high.
The broader operating environment is clouded by the conflict, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said in a statement. Continue reading “India auto dealers say Iran war to hit supplies”
Source : PTI | Deployment of 2,300 electric autos at metro stations, installing of mist sprayers at 13 pollution hotspots and audit of PUCC centres every six months — these are some of the features of the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 launched by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday.
The chief minister stressed that clean and healthy Delhi is the government’s dream and said air pollution directly affects people’s health. Continue reading “Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launches Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025”
Source : PTI | Suzuki Motorcycle India aims to increase its contribution to the global two-wheeler sales of parent Suzuki Motor Corporation to over 50 per cent, with its new manufacturing facility expected to enhance both domestic and export volumes, according to company Managing Director Kenichi Umeda.
In 2025-26, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd (SMIPL) clocked its highest-ever annual sales of 14,39,415 units, registering a growth of 15 per cent over 12,56,155 units sold in FY25. Continue reading “Expect Suzuki Motorcycle India to contribute more to parent’s global 2W sales: MD Kenichi Umeda”
Source : PTI | Premium motorcycle maker Classic Legends, owner of iconic brands Yezdi, Jawa and BSA, , is embarking on a portfolio expansion with plans to introduce new bikes in the scrambler segment to carry forward its growth momentum.
The company, which had broken into the top ten two-wheeler makers in the country by sales by volume in February this year, is seeking to consolidate its legacy of being a leader in scrambler bikes — built for off-road and street use.
Source : PTI | In a first since fuel price deregulation, Indian state-run oil marketing companies will pay refineries a discounted price for petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and kerosene to limit mounting losses from a self-imposed freeze on retail fuel prices, sources said.
The oil marketing companies (OMCs) on March 26 fixed rates for petroleum products that are at a discount of up to ₹60 per litre to their imported cost, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. The discounted rates, which are applicable with effect from March 16, will hit standalone refiners such as MRPL, CPCL and HMEL the most. Continue reading “India OMCs to pay discounted rates to refiners amid fuel price freeze”
(Reuters) – Lucid Group missed expectations for first-quarter vehicle deliveries on Friday, hurt by a temporary sales halt and recall tied to an unauthorized supplier change.
Deliveries of its electric luxury SUV Lucid Gravity were disrupted for 29 days during the quarter due to a supplier quality issue with second-row seats, limiting the company’s ability to meet customer demand.
The company said it produced 5,500 vehicles and delivered 3,093 in the quarter ended March 31. Analysts at Visible Alpha had expected Lucid to produce 5,967 vehicles and deliver 5,237 vehicles. Continue reading “Lucid misses first-quarter vehicle delivery estimates on supplier disruptions”
Summary
NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Major automakers unveiled new electric vehicles at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday, despite lagging consumer demand and a sharp downturn in sales after Washington eliminated a $7,500 EV tax credit.
Kia said it would begin selling its lower-priced EV3 in the United States later this year, while Subaru offered a new three-row EV named the “Getaway” that can seat seven. The Japanese automaker’s family EV SUV will go on sale later this year or next year, its fourth EV model in the U.S. market. Continue reading “Automakers unveil new EVs for US market despite sales downturn”
Summary
PYEONGTAEK, South Korea, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor said on Friday that exports to Europe and North Africa, which typically transit through the Middle East, were being disrupted by the conflict in the region, underscoring growing strains on global supply chains.
The disruption highlights how the conflict is choking key shipping routes, driving up logistics costs, delaying deliveries and adding pressure on the automaker and its suppliers. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor flags export disruptions as Middle East conflict hits shipping”
Summary
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Three Democratic senators on Friday urged President Donald Trump to bar Chinese automakers from building vehicles in the United States and to prevent Chinese cars assembled in Mexico or Canada from entering the United States.
Senators Tammy Baldwin, Elissa Slotkin and Chuck Schumer cited Trump’s comments in January in Detroit that he is open to Chinese automakers building U.S. factories. Currently, high barriers already exist for Chinese autos in the United States, including tariffs of around 100%, but U.S. consumers have become more interested in the vehicles, according to recent surveys. Continue reading “Senators urge Trump to bar Chinese automakers from building cars in US”
Source : PTI | The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has commissioned the largest fast electric vehicle (EV) charging station on the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor at Anand Vihar station.
According to a statement, the newly installed facility offers advanced fast-charging services to EV users and is aimed at promoting clean mobility while improving convenience for commuters in the region.
Source : PTI | Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd is closely watching situation in West Asia for its possible impact on sales, having witnessed good sales growth in the last fiscal, a senior company offical said on Tuesday.
The company, which launched its all-new Burgman Street scooter with prices starting at ₹1.01 lakh, has also increased prices on some select models to offset the impact of rising commodity prices, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd (SMIPL) Vice President- Sales & Marketing, Deepak Mutreja, told PTI. Continue reading “Closely watching West Asia situation for possible impact on two-wheeler demand: Suzuki Motorcycle India official”
(Reuters) – Ford Motor reported a near 9% drop in first-quarter U.S. sales on Thursday, as persistent affordability pressures prompt consumers to rethink big-ticket purchases.
Higher financing costs, elevated sticker prices and the expiry of federal tax credits for electric vehicles have hampered demand for new cars across the U.S.
Ford’s truck sales declined 11.3% in the quarter ended March 31, while sport utility vehicles fell 7.8%, reflecting weaker showroom traffic across its core lineup. Continue reading “Ford first-quarter US auto sales fall as affordability concerns weigh on demand”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Tesla plans to expand in Japan to at least 60 stores as it seeks to become the country’s biggest imported car brand by as early as next year, the head of its Japan business said on Friday.
Expanded store and service centre coverage and investment in training over the past two years have helped drive Tesla’s sales growth in Japan, said country manager Richi Hashimoto, even as electric-vehicle adoption in the country remains modest. Continue reading “Tesla eyes Japan’s top imported-car spot as it expands store, service network”
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CarPhD: Transforming Car Buying with Real Customer Ratings CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (3rd April 2026)”
