US car buyers face higher prices, less choice under Trump’s tariffs

US car buyers face higher prices, less choice under Trump’s tariffs

Summary

  • Automakers may stop selling affordable models, impacting U.S. consumers
  • Tariffs could add $3,000-$6,000 to vehicle costs, Cox Automotive predicts
  • Automakers face tough decisions on production and supply chains

LONDON/WHITE LAKE, Michigan, (Reuters) – Major automakers can deal with President Donald Trump’s tariffs on U.S. auto imports in a number of ways, but all of them lead to higher prices, fewer choices of models or limits on features for consumers, industry experts said. Continue reading “US car buyers face higher prices, less choice under Trump’s tariffs”

US Imposes additional tariffs on steel and aluminium : Govt

US Imposes additional tariffs on steel and aluminium : Govt

Source : PTI | The US has imposed additional import duties on steel and aluminium and the government is evaluating its impact, Parliament was informed on Friday. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said there has been the imposition of these duties on steel and aluminium imports by the US from all countries without any exemption.

“The impact of these duties which are an enhancement over existing such additional duties is being closely evaluated due to the fact that there are no exemptions as compared to exemptions earlier to certain major exporting countries in this sector,” he said.

Continue reading “US Imposes additional tariffs on steel and aluminium : Govt”

Trump’s 25% auto tariffs cast uncertainty over India’s $7 bn component exports

Trump’s 25% auto tariffs cast uncertainty over India’s $7 bn component exports

Source : PTI | US President Donald Trump’s decision to slap a 25 per cent tariff on all auto imports has cast uncertainty over India’s nearly USD 7 billion of exports to America, which industry fears could squeeze margins. Automobiles and car parts imported to the US would face a 25 per cent tariff starting April 2.

While India is not a big exporter of cars to the US, Tata Motors’ luxury car subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is deeply entrenched in the American market. About 23 per cent of JLR’s over 4,00,000 units sold in FY24 were in the US. These were all exported from its UK plants. Continue reading “Trump’s 25% auto tariffs cast uncertainty over India’s $7 bn component exports”

Canada will respond to Trump auto tariffs with its own trade actions

Canada will respond to Trump auto tariffs with its own trade actions

Summary

  • Long-promised duties on autos seen driving up prices, slowing production
  • Auto stocks fall on tariff worries; Tesla gains
  • Allies consider retaliatory action
  • Canada’s Carney pledges to fight US tariffs

OTTAWA/BERLIN, (Reuters) – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday that he would respond with unspecified trade actions if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes new auto tariffs that have expanded a global trade war and hammered stocks. Continue reading “Canada will respond to Trump auto tariffs with its own trade actions”

Toyota’s global output rises for second month in February on solid Japan sales

Toyota’s global output rises for second month in February on solid Japan sales

Summary

  • Toyota’s global production, sales rose 6% y/y in February
  • Domestic production up 16%, overseas output less than 1% higher
  • Sales in Japan rise 28%, overseas sales up 2%

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor said on Friday its global production rose for the second consecutive month in February, driven by higher output and stronger sales in Japan after recovering from a certification scandal in its home market last year. Continue reading “Toyota’s global output rises for second month in February on solid Japan sales”

Volkswagen India commences pre-bookings for the all-new Tiguan R-Line, launching in April 2025

Volkswagen India commences pre-bookings for the all-new Tiguan R-Line, launching in April 2025

Summary

  • Pre-bookings open for the all-new Tiguan R-Line, the latest generation of the brand’s premium SUV and global best-seller now in India with striking R-inspired design and top of the line features
  • Volkswagen will also launch the Golf GTI Mk 8.5 in Q2’2025, customers can now express their interest to purchase the most powerful Golf GTI yet, which will be available for purchase through online channels exclusively
  • The Tiguan R-Line offers stylish performance with a powerful 2.0 l TSI petrol engine with 4 MOTION technology that produces 204 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque

Mumbai: Volkswagen India has today opened pre-bookings for the highly anticipated all-new Tiguan R-Line, bringing this global best-seller from the brand closer to Indian customers. Customers can secure their pre-bookings at Volkswagen dealerships nationwide or through the company’s official website. In addition, the company has also commenced accepting customer interest for the Golf GTI on its official website. The launch of these iconic models in India, underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering advanced and global cars for Indian customers that embody superior engineering, performance and innovation. Continue reading “Volkswagen India commences pre-bookings for the all-new Tiguan R-Line, launching in April 2025”

Trump’s 25% car tariff ignites international criticism

Trump’s 25% car tariff ignites international criticism

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks starting next week, widening the global trade war he kicked off upon regaining the White House this year in a move auto industry experts expect will drive up prices and stymie production.

Here is some global reaction.

ELON MUSK, TESLA CEO

“Important to note that Tesla is not unscathed here. The tariff impact on Tesla is still significant. Continue reading “Trump’s 25% car tariff ignites international criticism”

Planned US auto tariffs shake global industry as price hikes, job losses loom

Planned US auto tariffs shake global industry as price hikes, job losses loom

Summary

  • Tariffs could reduce auto trade by 15% at key port, provider says
  • Carmakers, suppliers call for political solution
  • Foreign automakers warn costs in US will rise, jobs at stake
  • Shares in US, European automakers slide

BERLIN/DETROIT, (Reuters) – The United States’ announcement of a 25% tariff on auto imports rippled throughout the world on Thursday, as global vehicle suppliers warned of immediate price hikes and dealers raised fears of job losses in countries with a large car industry. Continue reading “Planned US auto tariffs shake global industry as price hikes, job losses loom”

Trump auto tariffs: President slaps 25% duties on car imports to US

Trump auto tariffs: President slaps 25% duties on car imports to US

Summary

  • Long-promised duties on autos seen driving up prices, slowing production
  • Auto stocks fall on tariff worries
  • Allies consider retaliatory action
  • German minister calls for tough response
  • US-Europe ties already under strain

WASHINGTON/TOKYO/BERLIN, (Reuters) – Governments from Ottawa to Paris threatened retaliation on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, expanding a global trade war, hammering stocks and testing already strained ties with allies. Continue reading “Trump auto tariffs: President slaps 25% duties on car imports to US”

Looking at import continuity for PV tyres till production ramps up at Chennai plant: Michelin CEO

Looking at import continuity for PV tyres till production ramps up at Chennai plant: Michelin CEO

Source : PTI | French tyre major Michelin is seeking continuity in passenger vehicle tyre imports into India till production ramps up at its upcoming Chennai-based plant over the next few years, according to CEO Florent Menegaux. The Clermont-Ferrand-based firm, which reported a revenue of 27.2 billion euro last year, is in talks with the Indian government to extend its import licence for passenger vehicle tyres till the time local production matures in the country.

The company is setting up production capacity for passenger vehicle tyres at its Chennai facility at an investment of Rs 564 crore. Continue reading “Looking at import continuity for PV tyres till production ramps up at Chennai plant: Michelin CEO”

India to expand 25,000 km of highways to four lanes for enhanced road safety

India to expand 25,000 km of highways to four lanes for enhanced road safety

Source : PTI | A total of 25,000 km of two-lane highways in the country will be converted into four lanes for ₹10 lakh crore, and it will help reduce accidents on the roads significantly, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said in Lok Sabha on Thursday. Gadkari also said that 16,000 km of national highways will also be converted into six lanes for ₹6 lakh crore.

‘We are planning to convert 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four-lane highways at a cost of ₹10 lakh crore. The DPRs (detailed project reports) of the projects are getting ready and we are hopeful to complete the work in two years,’ he said during Question Hour. Continue reading “India to expand 25,000 km of highways to four lanes for enhanced road safety”

Musk says impact of auto tariffs on Tesla is ‘significant’
Trump uses 2019 national security probe to justify tariffs on auto imports

Trump uses 2019 national security probe to justify tariffs on auto imports

Summary

  • Trump announced 25% tariffs on autos, components on Wednesday
  • US Commerce probe in 2019 found imports harmed national security
  • US imported $474 billion of autos and parts in 2024

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced25% tariffs on auto and auto parts after concluding that automotive imports continue to threaten the country’s industrial base and national security. Continue reading “Trump uses 2019 national security probe to justify tariffs on auto imports”

Canada will react to Trump’s ‘attack’ soon, could impose tariffs, says Carney

Canada will react to Trump’s ‘attack’ soon, could impose tariffs, says Carney

Summary

  • Canada could impose retaliatory tariffs against US, Carney says
  • Carney to convene cabinet meeting for response strategy
  • Ontario Premier Ford advocates strong response to US tariffs

OTTAWA, (Reuters) – Canada will soon respond to new tariffs on imported vehicles announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and could impose retaliatory measures against the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday. Continue reading “Canada will react to Trump’s ‘attack’ soon, could impose tariffs, says Carney”

Reactions to Trump auto tariffs
Auto industry rocked by Trump’s 25% tariffs on US imports

Auto industry rocked by Trump’s 25% tariffs on US imports

Summary

  • Foreign automakers warn costs in US will rise, jobs at stake
  • US car plants could see 30% drop in output – analyst
  • Canada, Mexico car plants face hit to profits – analyst
  • GM, Ford, Stellantis, Asian carmakers’ shares slide

DETROIT/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. automakers and their global rivals were rocked on Wednesday by President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose 25% tariffs on all vehicles and foreign-made auto parts imported into the United States. Continue reading “Auto industry rocked by Trump’s 25% tariffs on US imports”

Trump auto tariffs: President slaps 25% duties on car imports to US

Trump auto tariffs: President slaps 25% duties on car imports to US

Summary

  • Long-promised duties on autos seen driving up prices, slowing production
  • Auto stocks lead market fall on tariff worries
  • Allies in Canada, Asia consider retaliatory action
  • Car tariffs to go into effect after midnight April 3, White House official says

WASHINGTON/TOKYO, (Reuters) – Asian auto stocks led markets lower on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, expanding a global trade war and prompting criticism and threats of retaliation from affected U.S. allies. Continue reading “Trump auto tariffs: President slaps 25% duties on car imports to US”

Cryptocurrency holdings of US companies

Cryptocurrency holdings of US companies

(Reuters) – U.S. videogame retailer GameStop said on Tuesday it would include bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset to diversify its corporate holdings, betting on the world’s biggest cryptocurrency to help turnaround its struggling primary business.

U.S. President Donald Trump had signed an executive order earlier this month to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve using tokens already owned by the government. Continue reading “Cryptocurrency holdings of US companies”

Turkey says Chery Auto’s partners to invest $1 bln in plant to make 200,000 cars/year

Turkey says Chery Auto’s partners to invest $1 bln in plant to make 200,000 cars/year

ANKARA/BEIJING, (Reuters) – Turkey said on Wednesday that Chery Automobile’s partners will invest $1 billion in a manufacturing facility in the country with an annual capacity to produce 200,000 vehicles a year.

The Chinese company, one of the world’s top automakers, immediately issued a statement denying that it planned to build a factory in Turkey. Continue reading “Turkey says Chery Auto’s partners to invest $1 bln in plant to make 200,000 cars/year”

EU trade chief meets with Trump officials to try to head off ‘harmful’ tariffs

EU trade chief meets with Trump officials to try to head off ‘harmful’ tariffs

Summary

  • EU, India negotiating with Trump team to avoid April 2 tariffs
  • EU’s Sefcovic says US tariffs unjustified, ‘hard work goes on’
  • Canada not rushing to table, wants serious talks, Carney says
  • White House cautious about early relief from reciprocal tariffs

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The European Union’s trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic met with U.S. President Donald Trump’s top trade officials on Tuesday to try to avoid steep U.S. tariffs on EU goods next week, but results of the talks were unclear. Continue reading “EU trade chief meets with Trump officials to try to head off ‘harmful’ tariffs”

Tesla’s sales and market share in Europe drop again in February

Tesla’s sales and market share in Europe drop again in February

Summary

  • Tesla’s market share falls to 1.8%, down from 2.8% last year
  • Tesla sold fewer than 17,000 cars in Europe in February, versus over 28,000 in February 2024
  • Elon Musk’s political controversies may have impacted Tesla’s European sales
  • Overall BEV sales in Europe rise despite Tesla’s decline

(Reuters) – Tesla’s market share in Europe continued to shrink in February as sales of the all-electric car maker dropped for a second month even as EV registrations overall on the continent grew. Continue reading “Tesla’s sales and market share in Europe drop again in February”

China’s CATL Hong Kong listing approved, sources say it could raise at least $5 billion

China’s CATL Hong Kong listing approved, sources say it could raise at least $5 billion

SYDNEY/BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese battery giant CATL said it had received approval from China’s securities regulator for a share sale in Hong Kong that sources have said could raise at least $5 billion, the largest listing in the city for four years.

The Shenzhen-listed firm plans to issue not more than around 220 million shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, it said in a statement on Tuesday. Continue reading “China’s CATL Hong Kong listing approved, sources say it could raise at least $5 billion”

Volkswagen shareholder Porsche SE eyes defence, infrastructure for new investments

Volkswagen shareholder Porsche SE eyes defence, infrastructure for new investments

Summary

  • Porsche SE could add new core investment – chairman
  • New investments should benefit existing holdings – board member
  • Defence, infrastructure possible areas of interest
  • No plans to sell shares in Volkswagen, Porsche AG – chairman

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Porsche SE Volkswagen’s largest shareholder, is eyeing defence and infrastructure as possible new long-term investment areas, it said on Wednesday, adding there were no plans to sell shares in Volkswagen or Porsche AG. Continue reading “Volkswagen shareholder Porsche SE eyes defence, infrastructure for new investments”

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia as Musk and the kingdom mend relations

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia as Musk and the kingdom mend relations

Summary

  • Rift opened in 2018 during Musk bid to take Tesla private
  • Saudi Arabia’s PIF invested in EV startup Lucid after rift
  • Kingdom is the Gulf region’s largest market
  • Feud started easing after Trump elected

RIYADH, (Reuters) – Tesla will start sales in Saudi Arabia next month, the electric carmaker said on its website, signalling CEO Elon Musk and the kingdom have healed a rift that dates back to the billionaire’s short-lived bid in 2018 to take the company private. Continue reading “Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia as Musk and the kingdom mend relations”

Goldman Sachs buys Samvardhana Motherson International’s shares for Rs 87 cr

Goldman Sachs buys Samvardhana Motherson International’s shares for Rs 87 cr

Source : PTI | Goldman Sachs on Tuesday bought shares of auto components major Samvardhana Motherson International for Rs 87 crore through an open market transaction. American multinational Goldman Sachs through its arm — Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte — purchased 65.48 lakh shares of Samvardhana Motherson International, as per the block deal data on the BSE.

The shares were picked up at an average price of Rs 132.7 apiece, taking the transaction value to Rs 86.90 crore. Continue reading “Goldman Sachs buys Samvardhana Motherson International’s shares for Rs 87 cr”

Vehicle Scrapping Policy may reduce auto component prices by 30% : Gadkari

Vehicle Scrapping Policy may reduce auto component prices by 30% : Gadkari

Source : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said the Vehicle Scrapping Policy is expected to reduce the prices of auto components by 30 per cent, which may reduce the rate of vehicles to benefiting consumers. The Minister for Road, Transport and Highway made the remarks while addressing the Times Drive Auto Awards 2025 in the national capital.

The demand for EVs will grow as the government is taking various steps to improve the charging infrastructure in cities and on highways, he noted. Continue reading “Vehicle Scrapping Policy may reduce auto component prices by 30% : Gadkari”

FBI says it is probing ‘increase in violent activity toward Tesla’

FBI says it is probing ‘increase in violent activity toward Tesla’

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – FBI Director Kash Patel said on Monday the bureau was probing what he called “the increase in violent activity toward Tesla,” adding the bureau had taken steps in recent days to crackdown on such incidents.

“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response. This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice,” Patel said in a post on X. Continue reading “FBI says it is probing ‘increase in violent activity toward Tesla’”

Hyundai Steel to build plant in Louisiana with annual output of 2.7 million tonnes

Hyundai Steel to build plant in Louisiana with annual output of 2.7 million tonnes

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Steel will invest $5.8 billion along with Hyundai Motor Group to build a plant in Louisiana in the United States with an annual capacity of 2.7 million tonnes, the company said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

This is part of Hyundai Motor’s $21 billion investment in the United States, which was announced by the company on Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House. Continue reading “Hyundai Steel to build plant in Louisiana with annual output of 2.7 million tonnes”

Tesla halts driving-assistance software trial in China, pending approval

Tesla halts driving-assistance software trial in China, pending approval

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Tesla said on Monday it would release its smart driving-assistance feature in China after completing regulatory approval, following complaints that a limited-time free trial of its Full Self-Driving service had been temporarily paused.

“All parties are actively advancing the relevant process and we will push it to you as soon as it is ready. We are also looking forward to it, please wait patiently,” Tesla’s customer support said on social media platform Weibo. Continue reading “Tesla halts driving-assistance software trial in China, pending approval”

Tesla jumps as possible tariff leeway, lower share price draw investors

Tesla jumps as possible tariff leeway, lower share price draw investors

(Reuters) – Tesla shares surged 10% on Monday after this year’s steep decline following reports the Trump administration is likely to exclude a set of sector-specific tariffs while applying reciprocal levies on April 2.

Traders also took advantage of the near 40% decline in the stock so far this year to buy into the EV maker. Continue reading “Tesla jumps as possible tariff leeway, lower share price draw investors”

Chinese EV giant BYD’s fourth-quarter profit leaps 73%

Chinese EV giant BYD’s fourth-quarter profit leaps 73%

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD’s net profit leapt 73.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to a record 15 billion yuan ($2.1 billion), it said on Monday, reaping the rewards of lower prices and higher sales than rivals.

Fourth-quarter revenue was up 52.7% at 274.9 billion yuan, the company said in a stock market filing. Continue reading “Chinese EV giant BYD’s fourth-quarter profit leaps 73%”

US opens probe into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks over unexpected gear shift

US opens probe into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks over unexpected gear shift

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks in the United States over reports of an unexpected gear downshift accompanied by a temporary rear wheel lock-up.

NHTSA said Monday it is opening a preliminary evaluation into some Ford F-150 pickup trucks from the 2015 to 2017 model years after receiving complaints from 138 consumers. Continue reading “US opens probe into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks over unexpected gear shift”

Stellantis initiates new round of buyouts for some US factory workers

Stellantis initiates new round of buyouts for some US factory workers

DETROIT,(Reuters) – Jeep-maker Stellantis is offering a new round of buyouts for some of its U.S. factory workers as the automaker looks to cut costs following a difficult 2024.

The automaker confirmed on Friday that it is offering voluntary buyouts to some workers at facilities in Detroit, Ohio and Illinois. Continue reading “Stellantis initiates new round of buyouts for some US factory workers”

Exclusive: Tesla trade-ins on pace for record high amid Musk backlash

Exclusive: Tesla trade-ins on pace for record high amid Musk backlash

Summary

  • Tesla brand loyalty questioned due to Musk’s government involvement
  • Tesla backlash may create opportunity for competitors

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – Motorists have traded in a record number of Tesla electric vehicles this month, Edmunds data showed, amid a wave of protests against CEO Elon Musk’s work as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump. Continue reading “Exclusive: Tesla trade-ins on pace for record high amid Musk backlash”

US Secret Service meets with GM execs on next-generation armored SUVs

US Secret Service meets with GM execs on next-generation armored SUVs

Summary

  • GM working on next-generation presidential limousine
  • Secret Service says too far out to detail costs, dates
  • GM CEO, Trump discussed armored SUVs last week – source

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The head of the U.S. Secret Service met with General Motors executives this week in Michigan to discuss next-generation armored SUVs as the automaker works on the upcoming version of the presidential limousine, the agency said Friday. Continue reading “US Secret Service meets with GM execs on next-generation armored SUVs”

Govt says 12.55 lakh refunds made for faulty toll collection on NH in 2024

Govt says 12.55 lakh refunds made for faulty toll collection on NH in 2024

Source : PTI | The government on Thursday said 12.55 lakh refunds were made in 2024 for faulty toll collections on National Highways. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said penalties of more than Rs 2 crore have been levied so far on the user fee collecting agencies for incorrect user fee deduction cases.

“National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), which provides the Central Clearing House (CCH) services of National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) Programme, has reported 12.55 lakh transactions where refunds were made due to incorrect user fee (toll) deductions in the year 2024 out of a total of 410 crore FASTag transactions in the same year which represents 0.03 per cent of all FASTag transactions,” Gadkari said. Continue reading “Govt says 12.55 lakh refunds made for faulty toll collection on NH in 2024”

Govt asks ARAI to probe Ola Electric’s sales figure mismatch, consumer complaints

Govt asks ARAI to probe Ola Electric’s sales figure mismatch, consumer complaints

Source : PTI | The Heavy Industries Ministry has directed Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to probe the mismatch between Ola Electric’s reported sales figures and actual vehicle registrations along with numerous consumer complaints against the Bhavish Aggarwal-owned electric two-wheeler maker and submit a report within 15 days, sources said. While the total number of registrations by Ola Electric on the Vahan portal for February stood at 8,652, the company had reported sales of over 25,000 units during February 2025. As of March 20, the company’s registrations stood at 11,781 on the Vahan portal.

Ola Electric is a beneficiary of the FAME II and PM E-DRIVE schemes and its eligibility certificate has been provided by ARAI, a certification and testing agency under the administrative control of the ministry. Continue reading “Govt asks ARAI to probe Ola Electric’s sales figure mismatch, consumer complaints”

Adani Energy Solutions bags Rs 2,800 cr power transmission project in Gujarat

Adani Energy Solutions bags Rs 2,800 cr power transmission project in Gujarat

Source : PTI | Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) on Friday said it has bagged a Rs 2,800 crore power transmission project in Gujarat. The project will supply green electrons for manufacturing of Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia at Mundra in Gujarat, AESL said in an exchange filing.

For the company, this is its sixth order win this fiscal year, taking its order book to Rs 57,561 crore, the company said. Continue reading “Adani Energy Solutions bags Rs 2,800 cr power transmission project in Gujarat”

India crosses 1 billion tonnes coal output; PM Modi says proud moment for country

India crosses 1 billion tonnes coal output; PM Modi says proud moment for country

Source : PTI | India crossed a record milestone of 1 billion tonnes of coal production in the current fiscal, a landmark, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a proud moment for the country, showing its commitment to energy security and self-reliance. Coal, which is predominately used to produce electricity as well as fuel in several industries, is the mainstay energy source for the world’s fifth largest economy.

India produced 997.83 million tonnes of coal in 2023-24 (April 2023 to March 2024). Continue reading “India crosses 1 billion tonnes coal output; PM Modi says proud moment for country”