New Delhi, India: World Auto Forum (WAF) is delighted to induct Kovax Abrasives as its Annual Gold Partner. The association brings together one of the world’s leading and Japan’s No.1 Surface Finishing solution provider with the automotive industry’s most influential thought leadership platform. Continue reading “World Auto Forum Inducts Kovax as Annual Gold Partner”
Source : PTI | Petrol and diesel sales by India’s three state-run fuel retailers rose sharply in the first half of July, helped by below-normal monsoon rainfall that boosted fuel demand from farmers and motorists, preliminary sales data showed on Thursday.
Petrol sales by Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) climbed 22.9 per cent to 1.63 million tonnes during July 1-15, compared with 1.33 million tonnes in the corresponding period a year earlier. Continue reading “Petrol, diesel sales jump in first half of July on delayed monsoon boost”
Summary
LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) – Global hedge funds bet heavily against manufacturing stocks in June, data from Hazeltree shows, as investors grew more concerned about supply-chain disruption from renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Continue reading “Shortsellers take aim at manufacturing in June amid supply chain stress, Hazeltree data shows”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Thursday said it was denying a 2024 petition filed by Tesla to avoid a recall fix for nearly 20,000 vehicles with headlights that may exceed maximum lighting levels.
Tesla argued the issue was inconsequential to motor vehicle safety and did not require a recall or notification to consumers. NHTSA said it disagreed with Tesla’s conclusion that there is no increased risk of glare for surrounding traffic or the driver of the vehicle. The recall covers about 19,900 2017-2023 model year Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y vehicles, NHTSA said. Continue reading “US agency denies Tesla petition to avoid recall fix over headlight issue”
Summary
(Reuters) – China can stabilise economic growth this year by accelerating already-budgeted national infrastructure investment projects, economists and one government adviser said, reducing the likelihood of large-scale fiscal stimulus. Continue reading “China bets on faster state-backed projects to shore up growth, avoid broad stimulus”
WAF THINK TANK
Why Customer Experience Is Becoming the Biggest Differentiator for Car Dealers CarPhD
Global EV demand rises again as Europe offsets China, U.S. weakness WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (17th July 2026)”
India’s public transport sector is quietly witnessing one of its biggest technology transformations.
At Prawaas 5.0, held in Gandhinagar, leading bus manufacturers showcased a new generation of products that go far beyond simply moving passengers from Point A to Point B. The event reflected an industry that is rapidly embracing electrification, cleaner fuels, intelligent safety, digital connectivity and premium passenger experiences.
The exhibition floor resembled a technology battleground.
Established giants like Tata Motors, Volvo Buses, JBM, BharatBenz, Switch Mobility, and emerging challenger EKA Mobility all unveiled products aimed at winning India’s next decade of public mobility.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Volkswagen India has announced the inauguration of a new Dealership in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. With the recent inauguration the brand’s network in the state now stands at 17 sales and 16 service facilities. Continue reading “Volkswagen India expands its network in Maharashtra with the inauguration of a new Dealership in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar”
LONDON, (Reuters) – The full implementation of China’s rare earth export restrictions could put $6.5 trillion of downstream production outside the country at risk, the International Energy Agency warned on Thursday.
China, the world’s largest producer of rare earths, expanded export controls in October last year to cover additional materials and introduced new licensing requirements, but later agreed to delay implementation for a year. Continue reading “China’s rare earth curbs endanger $6.5 trillion of Western industry, IEA says”
(Reuters) – Vertical Aerospace on Thursday it will partner with Near Earth Autonomy to equip its Valo aircraft with autonomous flight capability, as the British electric aviation company expands into uncrewed defense and commercial operations.
The companies said Near Earth’s autonomous flight technology will be integrated with Honeywell Aerospace’s Anthem avionics system, already slated for the Valo aircraft. Continue reading “Vertical Aerospace taps Near Earth for autonomous aircraft tech”
Summary
SEOUL, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor Group on Thursday disclosed that it would make U.S. robotics company Boston Dynamics a wholly owned subsidiary by acquiring SoftBank Group’s stake of around 10%, a move it said would help it deploy advanced robotics across its operations. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor Group to own Boston Dynamics in full with SoftBank stake buy”
BERLIN, (Reuters) – BMW has appointed Dorothea von Boxberg as its new board member for human resources, the German carmaker said in a statement on Thursday, outlining her experience in “transformation processes” at a challenging time.
The executive board change, which was approved by the supervisory board, comes after BMW issued a shock profit warning under new CEO Milan Nedeljkovic last month and pledged further belt-tightening. Continue reading “BMW appoints new HR chief as it moves ahead with cost-cutting drive”
MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis’ premium brand Alfa Romeo will launch the first of its planned new models by the end of next year, the automaker’s head for Europe, Emanuele Cappellano, said on Tuesday at an auto representative meeting at Italy’s Industry Ministry.
The new model, a mid-sized SUV, will be produced at Stellantis’ Melfi plant in southern Italy. Continue reading “Stellantis’ Alfa Romeo plans launch of new mid-sized SUV by end 2027”
Summary
(Reuters) – Australia’s Perpetual said on Wednesday it received a sweetened A$2.5 billion ($1.75 billion) takeover proposal from Sweden’s EQT AB, less than two weeks after rejecting the private equity firm’s earlier offer, deeming it inadequate. Continue reading “EQT sweetens pursuit of Australia’s Perpetual with $1.75 billion bid”
Summary
(Reuters) – Electra said on Wednesday it has signed a production agreement with France’s Safran Helicopter Engines for turbogenerators, as the hybrid-electric aircraft startup looks to advance certification efforts. Continue reading “Electra taps Safran for 250 turbogenerators to power hybrid-electric EL9”
Summary
PARIS, (Reuters) – Countries applying a global minimum tax on multinational companies saw corporate tax revenues rise without a corresponding loss of jobs or investment, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said on Wednesday. Continue reading “OECD says global minimum tax boosted revenue, not job losses”
Summary
BEIJING, (Reuters) – China has an increasingly important buffer against oil price shocks: electric taxis.
Across Chinese cities, taxi usage and ridesharing are booming. In May, people took 3.05 billion trips, with government data showing trips have grown 6% since the Iran war began at the end of February, versus March to May last year. Continue reading “China turns to electric taxis to soften Hormuz oil shock”
Source : PTI | Mumbai’s iconic Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus service, which began with just 24 buses on a single route in 1926, will complete 100 years on Wednesday.
The first service, connecting Afghan Church in Colaba and Crawford Market, began on July 15, 1926. Continue reading “BEST completes 100 years, continues to anchor Mumbai’s public transport network”
Gujarat, July 15, 2026 – Škoda Auto India has inaugurated three new Customer Touchpoints in Ahmedabad and Himmatnagar, in Gujarat, further strengthening its network presence in the state and the western region of India. These new facilities, launched in partnership with PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd., include a new sales and service facility at Naroda, a new sales facility at Maninagar, and a new Compact 3S facility in Himmatnagar. Continue reading “Škoda Auto India expands footprint in Gujarat with three new Customer Touchpoints”
Pune (Maharashtra), July 14, 2026: PPS Motors, part of one of India’s largest automobile retail conglomerates, today announced the inauguration of a new Mahindra touchpoint in Pune. This further strengthens its presence in Maharashtra reinforcing its commitment to deliver enhanced customer experiences and accessibility. The facility was inaugurated by Mahindra & Mahindra officials Aman Malik, National Sales Head, Gaurav Beohar, Zonal Sales Head (West), Prabhakar Jakkan, Regional Sales Manager, Pakshal Shah, Chief of Staff, PPS Group, along with other senior officials from both organizations. Continue reading “PPS Motors – Mahindra’s Largest Dealer in India – Expands its operations in Maharashtra; Inaugurates a new showroom at Camp, Pune”
Key Highlights from Q1 (April–June 2026)
Continue reading “Indian Auto Industry Performance in June 2026 | SIAM”
New Delhi, India – World Auto Forum (WAF) is delighted to annouce Allianz Partners India as its Annual Gold Partner. The association brings together one of the world’s leading assistance and insurance service organizations with the automotive industry’s most influential thought leadership platform.
Charu Kaushal, Managing Director, Allianz Partners India, said:
“At Allianz Partners India, our purpose is to deliver peace of mind through innovative assistance solutions, seamless customer experiences, and a strong focus on digital and connected services. As mobility continues to evolve, we remain committed to supporting customers and partners with reliable, future-ready solutions that address changing needs across journeys. We are pleased to engage with World Auto Forum, which will provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives and contribute to conversations shaping the future of mobility”. Continue reading “World Auto Forum is delighted to announce Allianz Partners India as its Annual Gold Partner”
(Reuters) – Trump administration policies that scaled back federal support for clean energy have led to the cancellation or delay of $83 billion in investment across hundreds of projects, according to a report released on Tuesday by labor and environmental coalition BlueGreen Alliance.
The report was unveiled as labor leaders met with Senate Democrats on Tuesday to discuss the clean energy workforce. Continue reading “Trump cuts to clean energy linked to $83 billion in delayed or canceled projects”
Source : PTI | Over 10,000 trucks have gone off the road in Rajasthan as transporters have launched an indefinite strike against the implementation of new regulations, including the mandatory installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs), permit-related issues, fitness certificate renewals and e-detection challans.
New bookings have been suspended. Those in transit are not part of the strike and will join the strike after unloading goods. Continue reading “Rajasthan truckers’ strike takes over 10,000 vehicles off roads”
Source : PTI | New Delhi, State run fuel retailers Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) said they have intensified fuel quality inspections across their nationwide retail networks, as they sought to reassure consumers amid concerns over fuel quality circulating on social media.
IOC said it conducted nearly 10,000 surprise inspections and more than 8,500 quality tests across its retail outlets over the past week, deploying hundreds of special inspection teams to verify compliance with prescribed quality standards. Continue reading “IOC, BPCL, HPCL step up fuel quality checks amid social media concerns”
Source : PTI | Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary S P Goyal on Tuesday directed all government departments and authorities to identify suitable land under their control for setting up public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under the Centre’s PM e-Drive scheme.
The directions were issued during a meeting chaired by the chief secretary to review availability of land for establishment of public EV charging infrastructure across the state, according to an official statement. Continue reading “UP asks departments to identify land for public EV charging stations under PM e-Drive scheme”
Summary
BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s exports surged in June, buoyed by orders for chips to fuel the global AI boom and automobiles, deepening producers’ reliance on overseas buyers as policymakers in the world’s No. 2 economy continue to grapple with how to boost demand at home. Continue reading “China’s exports ride AI boom as domestic economy struggles”
Summary
(Reuters) – Lucid Group on Tuesday denied as “completely false” a blog post saying it was considering a potential take-private transaction or a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, after the electric-vehicle maker’s shares tumbled more than 50% in what would be their steepest one-day decline. Continue reading “Lucid rejects take-private, bankruptcy report after shares plunge”
New Delhi, 14 July 2026: Renault India, the wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, today announced the launch of the Renault Duster Adventure Edition, a special edition of its iconic SUV, with prices starting at ₹12.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
Inspired by one of the themes most closely associated with the Duster nameplate in India, the Adventure Edition celebrates the spirit that helped make Duster a defining SUV for a generation of Indian customers. Over the years, the vehicle earned a reputation for its ride and handling, and the ability to inspire journeys well beyond the daily commute, making “Adventure” a natural expression of the Duster legacy. Continue reading “Renault launches Duster Adventure Edition, honouring the spirit that made Duster an Icon”
Mumbai: Volkswagen India has introduced the new Tayron Life, a premium 5-seater SUV that brings together spaciousness, comfort and technology with the brand’s hallmark German engineering. The Tayron Life has been launched at INR 41.99 Lacs (ex-showroom). Developed for urban customers who value refined design, everyday space and practicality, the Tayron Life offers exceptional comfort and performance, while delivering a superlative mobility experience. Continue reading “Volkswagen India launches the Tayron Life, a spacious 5-seater SUV for premium lifestyle & mobility experiences”
Mumbai, July 2026 – Škoda Auto India has completed one of the longest overland drives ever undertaken by a Made-in-India passenger vehicle, with the Kylaq travelling 19,351 km from Pune to Prague over 70 days. Beginning at the Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. manufacturing facility in Pune, the journey concluded in Prague, symbolically connecting the birth country of Škoda Auto India’s newest SUV with the home country of the global brand. Continue reading “Born in Pune. Celebrated in Prague: The Škoda Kylaq completes an extraordinary cross-continental drive”
Summary
DETROIT, (Reuters) – German auto component and chip maker Bosch is beginning sample production at its first U.S. semiconductor factory, the company said Monday, finalizing a $225 million agreement with the U.S. Commerce Department to strengthen domestic manufacturing of silicon carbide chips. Continue reading “Bosch begins sample production at its first US semiconductor plant”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis said on Monday preliminary second-quarter vehicle shipments rose 10% from a year earlier to nearly 1.6 million units, driven by strong growth in North America, its most important market. Continue reading “Stellantis vehicle shipments rise 10% in the second quarter, led by North America”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Monday creating state rebates of $3,500 on new electric vehicles for first-time buyers later this summer as U.S. sales have slowed.
The $270 million rebate program for California residents is funded by the state budget and automakers. It applies to new vehicles with a suggested retail price of up to $50,000. It also includes a separate $1,750 rebate for used EVs costing up to $25,000. Continue reading “California offering $3,500 EV rebates to first-time buyers”
Summary
SHANGHAI/BERLIN, (Reuters) – BMW is betting on its long-awaited Neue Klasse electric cars to revive its fortunes in China after two years of declining sales. The problem for the German automaker is that China’s EV race may have already moved on without it. Continue reading “BMW races to catch up in a Chinese EV market that won’t slow down”
Source : PTI | Crude oil futures jumped ₹384 to ₹7,198 per barrel on Monday as renewed military confrontation between the US and Iran reignited fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), crude futures for July delivery jumped by ₹384, or nearly 6 per cent, to ₹7,198 per barrel in a business turnover of 19,274 lots. Continue reading “Crude oil futures surge up to 6%, jump ₹384 amid US-Iran tensions”
Source : PTI | Nexon Geochem, a Hyderabad-based advanced materials company, on Monday said it has joined hands with Russia’s Giredmet to use its technology and research expertise to build integrated rare-earth processing and downstream facilities.
Nexon Geochem has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Giredmet, the State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry under Russia’s Rosatom State Corporation, to this effect, a company statement said. Continue reading “Nexon Geochem ties up with Russia’s Giredmet for rare-earth processing”
Source : PTI | Traffic management in Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur will soon shift from the conventional fixed-timer system to a fully AI-based mechanism, following the successful completion of a pilot project at Rambagh Circle, officials said on Monday.
They said the 39-day trial of the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) at Rambagh Circle achieved “100 per cent success”, prompting plans to expand the system across the capital city. Continue reading “Jaipur to shift toward fully AI-based Traffic management: Officials”
(Reuters) – Ford Motor said on Saturday it has reached a tentative agreement with Canadian auto union Unifor on a three-year national labor contract.
The contract covers more than 5,000 unionized employees in Canada, the company said. Continue reading “Ford, Canada’s Unifor reach tentative deal on labor contract”
Source : PTI | The two-wheeler category presents a bigger challenge for the recently announced Delhi EV policy, which will ban the registration of conventional-engine bikes and scooters from April 2028, with electric penetration in the segment at just 7.3 per cent in Delhi in FY26, according to Crisil Ratings.
While the ‘April 2028 EV-only registration’ requirement provides a clear roadmap for the two-wheeler industry to accelerate investments in electric products, capacity and distribution, internal combustion engine (ICE) models are expected to remain relevant in the near term, Crisil Ratings Director Poonam Upadhyay told PTI. Continue reading “Two-wheelers present bigger challenge for Delhi EV policy: Crisil Ratings”
