Electric vehicles exempted from toll on Atal Setu

Electric vehicles exempted from toll on Atal Setu

Source : PTI | Electric vehicles are exempted from paying toll on the Atal Setu (formerly Mumbai Trans Harbour Link or MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge, an official said on Friday.

The state Urban Development Department, in a notification on Thursday, said that the exemption will apply to electric four-wheelers and electric buses, including those operated by state transport undertakings and private operators.

Continue reading “Electric vehicles exempted from toll on Atal Setu”

US probes delays in Tesla crash reports involving driver-assistance systems

US probes delays in Tesla crash reports involving driver-assistance systems

Summary

  • Separate probe covers 2.4 million Teslas after four collisions, one fatal
  • Some crash reports arrived months after those incidents-NHTSA

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. auto safety agency said Thursday it would investigate Tesla’s delays in submitting crash reports involving advanced driver-assistance systems or self-driving vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it had identified numerous incident crash reports from Tesla that arrived several months or more after those incidents. Continue reading “US probes delays in Tesla crash reports involving driver-assistance systems”

EU pushes for reduced US autos tariff from August 1 as joint text limits exemptions

EU pushes for reduced US autos tariff from August 1 as joint text limits exemptions

Summary

  • US to levy 15% tariff on most EU goods, 50% on steel, aluminum
  • US to cut car tariffs once EU introduces legislation to reduce levies on US goods
  • EU will seek to secure retroactive car tariff reduction
  • Tariff relief could come in weeks, US official says

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – The European Union will work to ensure lower U.S. tariffs on its car exports are applied retroactively to August 1, the bloc’s trade chief said on Thursday, as the transatlantic partners set out details of a framework trade deal struck in July. Continue reading “EU pushes for reduced US autos tariff from August 1 as joint text limits exemptions”

Waymo gets first permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City

Waymo gets first permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City

(Reuters) – Alphabet’s robotaxi unit Waymo has received its first permit to begin testing its autonomous vehicles in New York City with a trained specialist behind the wheel, helping the company advance its self-driving ambitions.

Waymo can now begin testing a limited number of its self-driving cars in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said on Friday. Continue reading “Waymo gets first permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City”

China’s Dongfeng Motor puts its 50% stake in Dongfeng Honda Engine up for sale
MG SELECT Delivers India’s First Cybersters In Bengaluru

MG SELECT Delivers India’s First Cybersters In Bengaluru

JSW MG Motor India’s luxury channel, MG SELECT, has officially handed over the first batch of the MG Cyberster, the brand’s all-electric roadster, to eight customers in Bengaluru.

The Cyberster, billed as the world’s fastest MG, brings supercar-level performance to the electric era. Equipped with a dual-motor setup generating 503 bhp and 725 Nm of torque, the two-seater convertible can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds Continue reading “MG SELECT Delivers India’s First Cybersters In Bengaluru”

Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro valued at $6 billion in late-stage funding round

Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro valued at $6 billion in late-stage funding round

Reuters – Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro closed its late-stage funding round on Thursday, raising $203 million at a $6 billion valuation from new investors Uber (UBER.N), and Nvidia (NVDA.O), alongside returning backers.

The latest tranche of $97 million follows the $106 million announced in April, which included investors such as T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, and Tiger Global. Continue reading “Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro valued at $6 billion in late-stage funding round”

TVS expands electric 3-wheeler portfolio; drives in model to cater to cargo segment

TVS expands electric 3-wheeler portfolio; drives in model to cater to cargo segment

Source : PTI | TVS Motor Company on Thursday expanded its electric commercial vehicle range with the introduction of a three-wheeler for the cargo segment.

The company had forayed into the electric three-wheeler segment earlier this year with the launch of the King EV MAX to cater to the passenger segment. Continue reading “TVS expands electric 3-wheeler portfolio; drives in model to cater to cargo segment”

JSW Sarbloh Motors forms JV with Tomcar USA for production of ATV in India

JSW Sarbloh Motors forms JV with Tomcar USA for production of ATV in India

Source : PTI | JSW Group firm JSW Sarbloh Motors on Thursday said it has formed a joint venture with Tomcar USA for local production of the TX range of all-terrain vehicles in India.

Phoenix, Arizona-based Tomcar is a manufacturer of high-performance all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) designed for military, commercial, and industrial operations. Continue reading “JSW Sarbloh Motors forms JV with Tomcar USA for production of ATV in India”

What’s in Trump’s trade deal with Europe?
EU pushes to secure lower U.S. car tariff from Aug 1

EU pushes to secure lower U.S. car tariff from Aug 1

Summary

  • US to levy 15% tariff on most EU products
  • US to lower car tariffs once EU introduces legislation to cut tariffs on US goods
  • EU will seek to secure retroactive car tariff reduction
  • Tariff relief could come in weeks, US official says

Reuters – The European Union will strive to ensure lower U.S. tariffs apply to its car exports retroactively, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said on Thursday, as the transatlantic partners set out details of their framework trade deal struck in July. Continue reading “EU pushes to secure lower U.S. car tariff from Aug 1”

Volkswagen India introduces new ‘Flash Red’ colour on Virtus and Taigun in celebration of Onam in Kerala

Volkswagen India introduces new ‘Flash Red’ colour on Virtus and Taigun in celebration of Onam in Kerala

  • The new ‘Flash Red’ colour will be available exclusively on GT Line variants of both Taigun and Virtus
  • This bold new shade adds a vibrancy to the dynamic designs of Virtus and Taigun, blending standout design with signature performance
  •  Almost every second premium sedan being sold in Kerala is a Volkswagen Virtus with a current segment share of 49%
  •  Volkswagen also celebrated festivities with its customers, delivering a 106 cars on the auspicious occasion of Chingam 1st

Kochi: Volkswagen India announced the launch of a new ‘Flash Red’ colour option for Virtus and Taigun in Kerala. With the festive season commencing on the auspicious occasion of Onam, Volkswagen has introduced the new bold ‘Flash Red’ colour, Continue reading “Volkswagen India introduces new ‘Flash Red’ colour on Virtus and Taigun in celebration of Onam in Kerala”

Tesla evacuates part of Germany plant after fire, HB reports
KKR is lead bidder for Nissan $610 million headquarters sale, source says

KKR is lead bidder for Nissan $610 million headquarters sale, source says

Reuters – KKR (KKR.N), is the leading candidate to buy the Yokohama headquarters of automaker Nissan Motor (7201.T), and has offered around 90 billion yen ($609.80 million), a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

KJR Management, a real estate unit owned by KKR, submitted the highest bid but negotiations are ongoing, said the person, who declined to be named because the matter is not public. Continue reading “KKR is lead bidder for Nissan $610 million headquarters sale, source says”

Mitsubishi to recall over 91,000 US vehicles over rear hatch issues, NHTSA says
Hertz partners with Amazon Autos to sell used vehicles online

Hertz partners with Amazon Autos to sell used vehicles online

Reuters – Hertz Global Holdings (HTZ.O), said on Wednesday its car sales unit was partnering with Amazon.com’s (AMZN.O), automotive retail platform, Amazon Autos, to sell pre-owned vehicles, sending the car rental company’s shares up 7% in early trading.

Shares of used-car retailers fell, with Avis Budget Group (CAR.O), down 6%, Carvana (CVNA.N), losing 4.2% and CarMax (KMX.N), shedding 1.4%. Continue reading “Hertz partners with Amazon Autos to sell used vehicles online”

US tariffs on Chinese graphite spark opportunity for India’s Epsilon

US tariffs on Chinese graphite spark opportunity for India’s Epsilon

Summary

  • Epsilon targets US battery makers amid duties on Chinese imports
  • Epsilon plans $650 million Carolina plant, operational mid-2027
  • Seeks local buyers amid China dominance in graphite materials

Reuters – India’s Epsilon Advanced Materials is moving swiftly to close deals to supply critical components to Japanese and South Korean battery makers in the U.S., a top executive said, after Washington imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports. Continue reading “US tariffs on Chinese graphite spark opportunity for India’s Epsilon”

Faster approvals online for critical mineral: Centre

Faster approvals online for critical mineral: Centre

Source : PTI | Environment ministry has set up a separate category on its online clearance portal to speed up approvals for mining projects involving critical minerals, a move aimed at boosting domestic supply of resources considered essential for clean energy and advanced technologies, the government informed Parliament on Monday.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said the mines ministry had in Feb requested faster clearances for such projects, following which the new facility was added to the Parivesh 2.0 portal on Mar 13. Continue reading “Faster approvals online for critical mineral: Centre”

US hikes steel, aluminum tariffs on imported appliances, railcars, EV parts

US hikes steel, aluminum tariffs on imported appliances, railcars, EV parts

Reuters – The U.S. Commerce Department said on Tuesday it is hiking steel and aluminum tariffs on more than 400 products including wind turbines, mobile cranes, appliances, bulldozers and other heavy equipment, along with railcars, motorcycles, marine engines, furniture and hundreds of other products.

The department said 407 product categories are being added to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products covered by sectoral tariffs, with a 50% tariff on any steel and aluminum content of these products plus the country rate on the non-steel and non-aluminum content. Continue reading “US hikes steel, aluminum tariffs on imported appliances, railcars, EV parts”

Tesla drivers can pursue class action over self-driving claims, judge rules

Tesla drivers can pursue class action over self-driving claims, judge rules

Reuters – Tesla (TSLA.O), must face a certified class action by California drivers who said Elon Musk misled them for eight years about the self-driving capabilities of his company’s electric vehicles.

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin said the common question of whether Tesla lacked sensors to achieve high-level autonomy plus its inability to “demonstrate a long-distance autonomous drive with any of its vehicles” justified group lawsuits by two sets of drivers who bought its Full Self-Driving technology package. Continue reading “Tesla drivers can pursue class action over self-driving claims, judge rules”

Japan’s exports log biggest drop in 4 years as US tariff impacts intensify

Japan’s exports log biggest drop in 4 years as US tariff impacts intensify

Summary

  • July exports -2.6% yr/yr vs forecast -2.1%
  • Drop largest since Feb 2021
  • Imports -7.5% yr/yr vs forecast -10.4%
  • U.S.-bound shipments down 10.1% yr/yr

Reuters – Japan’s exports posted the biggest monthly drop in about four years in July, government data showed on Wednesday, as the impact of U.S. tariffs intensified, raising concerns about the outlook for the export-reliant economy. Continue reading “Japan’s exports log biggest drop in 4 years as US tariff impacts intensify”

China’s Xpeng expects quarterly revenue to double on strong demand for its EVs

China’s Xpeng expects quarterly revenue to double on strong demand for its EVs

Reuters – Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (9868.HK), on Tuesday forecast third-quarter revenue would double, betting on surging deliveries of its cars despite challenging economic conditions.

The Guangzhou, China-based company’s U.S.-listed shares rose over 4%. Continue reading “China’s Xpeng expects quarterly revenue to double on strong demand for its EVs”

Chinese firms in legal battle over Brazil food delivery

Chinese firms in legal battle over Brazil food delivery

Reuters – A Brazilian subsidiary of China’s ride-hailing company DiDi Global (92Sy.D), sued Chinese rival Keeta on Monday in a Sao Paulo court alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition, according to court documents seen by Reuters.

The lawsuit comes days after Keeta, which is entering the Brazilian market, sued DiDi’s Brazilian unit, 99, in Brazil, alleging its food delivery app 99Food was trying to restrict restaurants from working with more than two delivery platforms. Continue reading “Chinese firms in legal battle over Brazil food delivery”

Tesla starts taking orders for its new Model Y L in China from around $47,200

Tesla starts taking orders for its new Model Y L in China from around $47,200

Reuters – Tesla Inc (TSLA.O), started accepting orders for its new Model Y L in China on Tuesday with a starting price of 339,000 yuan ($47,184), its website showed, as it refreshes its line-up in the world’s largest auto market to battle growing competition.

Tesla first launched the Model Y in 2020 and it became the world’s best-selling car in 2023. The ageing model lost some sales momentum last year, hurt by competition from local rivals in China such as Xiaomi’s (1810.HK), YU7, while in other markets demand for electric vehicles has weakened. Continue reading “Tesla starts taking orders for its new Model Y L in China from around $47,200”

UK motor finance ruling could fuel M&A

UK motor finance ruling could fuel M&A

Summary

  • UK court ruling may trigger motor finance M&A wave
  • Ruling slashed estimates for industry compensation bill
  • Uncertainty over final cost may delay deals until 2026

Reuters – A ruling from the United Kingdom’s top court that will likely save car finance companies billions in compensation payouts could clear the way for a wave of consolidation in the sector.

The Supreme Court this month overturned much of a lower court ruling on car loan sales practices, leading some industry experts to say the compensation bill could be less than half of initial estimates of about 30 billion pounds ($41 billion). Continue reading “UK motor finance ruling could fuel M&A”

Germany says written EU-US trade deal requires lower car duties

Germany says written EU-US trade deal requires lower car duties

Reuters – Germany said on Monday that the United States would have to follow through on agreed lower tariffs on Europe-made cars before a wider agreement on trade can be finalised in writing.

“In particular, car tariffs must be reduced quickly as agreed. We are also aware of the considerable burden on the export-orientated economy. … Our role here is to continue to fully support the European Commission in this process,” a German government spokesman said in a press conference. Continue reading “Germany says written EU-US trade deal requires lower car duties”

Tesla says Model Y L is ‘coming soon’

Tesla says Model Y L is ‘coming soon’

Reuters – Tesla’s (TSLA.O) Model Y L is “coming soon”, the electric car company said on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Monday, having previously registered plans to introduce the new model in China.

The Model Y L is a six-seat version of its best-selling Model Y with a longer wheelbase. Tesla also shared a video of the new model in its Weibo post. Continue reading “Tesla says Model Y L is ‘coming soon’”

Proposed GST rate tweaks on automobiles to end classification disputes

Proposed GST rate tweaks on automobiles to end classification disputes

Source : PTI | In upcoming sweeping reforms, the GST on automobiles – currently in the highest tax bracket – will be restructured to resolve classification disputes related to engine capacity and vehicle size, ultimately benefiting the common man, according to government sources.

Presently, automobiles are taxed at 28 per cent, which is the highest GST slab. A compensation cess, ranging from 1 to 22 per cent, is levied on top of this rate, depending on the type of vehicle. Continue reading “Proposed GST rate tweaks on automobiles to end classification disputes”

₹1 cr fines imposed on 10,000 vehicles in Mumbai for flouting norms

₹1 cr fines imposed on 10,000 vehicles in Mumbai for flouting norms

Source : PTI | Mumbai Police have imposed challans on more than 10,000 vehicles with fines of over ₹ 1 crore for violation of traffic rules during the Dahi Handi festival in the city, officials said on Sunday.

The festival, held to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated on Saturday wherein a large number of troupes comprising young men and women formed human pyramids to break dahi handis (pots of curd) suspended in the air with ropes. Continue reading “₹1 cr fines imposed on 10,000 vehicles in Mumbai for flouting norms”

Tesla almost halves UK monthly lease fee as sales slump, The Times reports

Tesla almost halves UK monthly lease fee as sales slump, The Times reports

(Reuters) – British motorists can now lease a Tesla (TSLA.O) electric vehicle for just over half of what they would have paid a year ago, The Times reported on Monday, citing industry sources.

Tesla has been forced to offer discounts of up to 40% to car leasing companies to shift more units, the report said. Continue reading “Tesla almost halves UK monthly lease fee as sales slump, The Times reports”

Toyota to enter South Africa’s EV market with three models in 2026

Toyota to enter South Africa’s EV market with three models in 2026

Summary

  • Toyota leads South Africa’s new energy vehicle market with 67% share in 2024
  • Local automakers propose policies to support industry
  • Auto sector faces flat production and rising imports

GQEBERHA, South Africa, (Reuters) – Toyota plans to introduce three fully-electric models in South Africa in 2026, a senior executive said on Thursday, entering a nascent EV market where Chinese rivals such as BYD are already competing with European carmakers. Continue reading “Toyota to enter South Africa’s EV market with three models in 2026”

Lyft co-founders to step down from ride-hailing firm’s board

Lyft co-founders to step down from ride-hailing firm’s board

(Reuters) – Lyft said on Thursday its co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer are stepping down from the ride-hailing services provider’s board, following the completion of a two-year transition plan.

Green and Zimmer began serving as the chair and vice chair of Lyft’s board in 2023 after stepping down as CEO and president, respectively, handing the reins to David Risher, who has been a board member since 2021. Continue reading “Lyft co-founders to step down from ride-hailing firm’s board”

No pause on Russian oil imports, India continues imports based on economic rationale

No pause on Russian oil imports, India continues imports based on economic rationale

Source : PTI | India has not halted oil purchases from Russia in response to the US President’s tariff threat and continues to buy based solely on economic considerations, said AS Sahney, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest oil firm.

Purchase volumes may fluctuate monthly based on the discounts offered on Russian crude grades like Urals. While discounts had previously reached as high as $ 40 per barrel, they have narrowed to just $ 1.5 late last month, resulting in reduced offtake. Discounts have since widened to about $ 2.70. Continue reading “No pause on Russian oil imports, India continues imports based on economic rationale”

MG Windsor Sets Monthly Sales Record, Boosts EV Market Share

MG Windsor Sets Monthly Sales Record, Boosts EV Market Share

By Mobility Outlook

JSW MG Motor India has announced that the MG Windsor, India’s best-selling electric vehicle, achieved a new sales record in July with 4,308 units sold in a single month. Since its launch, the company has sold nearly 36,000 units of the Windsor, cementing its leadership in the Indian 4W-EV segment.

The strong performance helped the brand expand its EV market share by 4 percentage points, climbing from 28% in Q1 CY’25 to 32% in Q2 CY’25. During the same period, average monthly sales of the Windsor grew by 17%, while overall EV wholesales rose 28%. Continue reading “MG Windsor Sets Monthly Sales Record, Boosts EV Market Share”

VinFast founder to inject another $1.5 billion in exchange for R&D assets

VinFast founder to inject another $1.5 billion in exchange for R&D assets

Summary

  • VinFast to spin off R&D arm in $1.52 billion deal
  • Founder Pham Nhat Vuong to buy shares in the R&D arm
  • To lease back IP to VinFast as needed

(Reuters) – VinFast’s founder Pham Nhat Vuong has agreed to buy the EV maker’s research and development arm for $1.52 billion, his latest cash injection into the loss-making Vietnamese company as it strives to break even by the end of 2026. Continue reading “VinFast founder to inject another $1.5 billion in exchange for R&D assets”

Auto Industry Performance of July-2025

Auto Industry Performance of July-2025

Production: The total production of Passenger Vehicles, Three Wheelers, Two Wheelers, and Quadricycle in July 2025 was 26,98,519 units

Domestic Sales:

  • Passenger Vehicles2 sales were 3,40,772 units in July 2025.
  • Three-wheeler sales were 69,403 units in July 2025
  • Two-wheeler sales were 15,67,267 units in July 2025

Commenting on July-2025 performance, Mr Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM said, “All vehicle segments posted stable performance in July 2025, though overall sentiments in the Passenger Vehicles segment has remained subdued so far which de-grew marginally by (-) 0.2%, as compared to July of 2024, posting sales of 3.41 Lakh units in July 2025. Three Wheelers posted their highest ever sales of July in 2025 of 0.69 Lakh units, with a growth of 17.5% as compared to July 2024. Two-Wheeler segment grew by 8.7% in July 2025, as compared to July 2024, with sales of 15.67 Lakh units. With the advent of the festive season beginning with Onam festivities in the latter part of August, the Indian Auto Industry remains cautiously optimistic for the demand momentum to pick up in the coming months.” Continue reading “Auto Industry Performance of July-2025”

South Africa’s auto sector hit by job losses and company closures

South Africa’s auto sector hit by job losses and company closures

Summary

  • 12 company closures, 4,000 job losses in past 2 years
  • Industry faces challenges from U.S. tariffs, low localization
  • Domestic sales much lower than 2035 master plan

GQEBERHA, South Africa, (Reuters) – Low domestic sales of locally made cars, an influx of imports and low levels of local content have led to 12 company closures and over 4,000 job losses in the South African motor industry over two years, the trade minister said on Wednesday. Continue reading “South Africa’s auto sector hit by job losses and company closures”

US container imports may have peaked in July, chief of busiest seaport says

US container imports may have peaked in July, chief of busiest seaport says

Summary

  • Port of Los Angeles imports up 8% year-on-year in July
  • Many holiday goods are already in the US
  • August imports relatively steady but down from a year ago

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Ocean imports to the United States may have peaked in July after retailers raced to bring in goods from China and elsewhere to avoid potentially hefty tariffs on holiday-related products, logistics executives said on Wednesday. Continue reading “US container imports may have peaked in July, chief of busiest seaport says”