WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (8th August 2025)

WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (8th August 2025)

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What Are the Top‑Rated Cars on CarPhD.com in the ₹10–₹15 Lakh Price Range? CarPhD

Trump’s higher tariffs hit major US trading partners, sparking defiance and concern WAF


Top Policy Makers, Fleet Folks, Auto Makers & Dealers in the Hall 

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INDIA

JSW MG Motor India Records 46% Year-on-Year Sales Growth in July autoX

PB Balaji, CFO of Tata Motors, Becomes the First Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover WAF

After Mumbai, It’s Gurugram for Tesla in India! WAF

Tesla launches first charging facility at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai WAF

Auto Retails Declined By 4.31% In July 2025: FADA car&bike

Indian auto dealers hopeful ahead of festive season, US tariff fears persist WAF

Tata AutoComp, Through Its Subsidiary, to Acquire IAC Slovakia WAF

VinFast Rolls Out First Car from its Production Plant in India WAF

Wheels India eyes growth in Europe with new subsidiary: Official WAF

Toyota Innova Completes 20 Glorious Years in India, Trusted by 12 Lakh Plus Customers WAF

River Mobility Clocks Best-Ever Sales in July 2025, Records 68% Year-on-Year Growth WAF

Battery leasing, better charging, and financing key to EV growth: NITI Aayog CNBC

Currently not looking at getting benefits of EV promotion scheme: Volvo Car India MD WAF

Mahindra to pursue engineering actions to address rare earth magnet shortage issue: CFO Amarjyoti Barua WAF

Audi India Appoints Industry Veteran, Nipun Mahajan as Head of Sales & Network WAF

Audi India introduces 10 year extended warranty and 15 year RSA plan HTAuto

Uber India launches Motorhome pilot for intercity travel, Expands to over 3,000 routes HTAuto

Uno Minda Q1 FY26 Performance and Future Outlook WAF

Bajaj Auto begins work on electric motorcycles; Boxer for commute, Pulsar for sports CNBC


ASIA

China rare earth exports slid in July after hitting peak in prior month WAF

Japan urges US to swiftly implement auto tariff cut WAF

Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs, but lifts full-year forecast WAF

Toyota, Honda brace for profit falls as US tariffs, strong yen weigh WAF


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EUROPE

Trump wants more American pick-ups in Tokyo and London. That may be a hard sell WAF

Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office WAF

Lyft, China’s Baidu to launch robotaxi service in Europe next year WAF

Italy’s new car sales down 5.11% in July WAF


USA

General Motors, Hyundai to develop five vehicles amid rising competition WAF

Uber bets on loyalty program to drive growth, unveils $20 billion buyback plan WAF

GM signs rare earth magnet deal with Noveon Magnetics WAF

Major developments in Trump’s trade war WAF

Rivian, Lucid warn of bumpy road ahead as policy changes hurt WAF

Autopilot verdict deals Tesla a ‘black eye’, threatens Musk’s robotaxi ambitions WAF

Exclusive: Tesla’s brand loyalty collapsed after Musk backed Trump, data shows WAF

Harley-Davidson names Topgolf’s Arthur Starrs as CEO WAF


AUSTRALIA

TPG to buy Australian automotive software firm Infomedia for over $420 million WAF


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Uno Minda Q1 FY26 Performance and Future Outlook

Uno Minda Q1 FY26 Performance and Future Outlook

by WAF Think Tank 

Uno Minda delivered a strong top-line performance, reporting consolidated revenue from operations of approximately ₹4,489 crore, marking a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 17–18% from around 3,818 crore in Q1 FY25 . This growth was bolstered by a one-time ₹69 crore incentive income from a prior period.

EBITDA & Margins

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) surged by 33% YoY to ₹543 crore, resulting in an improved margin of ~12.1%, up approximately 142 basis points from the previous year. Normalised EBITDA (adjusting for one-offs) stood at ₹474 crore, maintaining margins around 10.7% Continue reading “Uno Minda Q1 FY26 Performance and Future Outlook”

Tata AutoComp, Through Its Subsidiary, to Acquire IAC Slovakia

Tata AutoComp, Through Its Subsidiary, to Acquire IAC Slovakia

Tata AutoComp, through its subsidiary Artifex, is set to strengthen its presence in the EU by acquiring IAC Slovakia, a key supplier to Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen.

Tata AutoComp Systems Limited, through its British subsidiary Artifex Interior Systems Limited (Artifex), has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of IAC Group (Slovakia) s.r.o.

This strategic acquisition will strengthen Tata AutoComp’s capabilities and will lay the foundation for deeper expansion across the UK and EU markets. The move supports Tata AutoComp’s ambitious growth plans, positioning the company as a significant player in the European automotive industry, in line with its vision to become the partner of choice for global OEMs. Continue reading “Tata AutoComp, Through Its Subsidiary, to Acquire IAC Slovakia”

China rare earth exports slid in July after hitting peak in prior month

China rare earth exports slid in July after hitting peak in prior month

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Rare earth exports from China slumped 23% in July after hitting a record a month earlier, customs data showed on Thursday, although the preliminary data is too incomplete to draw firm conclusions about Beijing’s commitment to speed up shipments.

The world’s largest producer of rare earths exported 5,994.3 metric tons in July, down 23% from June, when exports hit the highest level since at least 2014, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. Continue reading “China rare earth exports slid in July after hitting peak in prior month”

Indian auto dealers hopeful ahead of festive season, US tariff fears persist

Indian auto dealers hopeful ahead of festive season, US tariff fears persist

(Reuters) – India’s upcoming festive season is expected to lift near-term sentiment among auto dealers, but U.S. tariffs could dent consumer confidence, prompting higher household savings and weighing on discretionary spending, including vehicles, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said on Thursday.

Vehicle dealers expect major festivals, including Rakhi, Janmashtami, Independence Day and Ganesh Chaturthi, along with targeted promotional schemes and healthy stock levels to drive sales. Continue reading “Indian auto dealers hopeful ahead of festive season, US tariff fears persist”

Trump’s higher tariffs hit major US trading partners, sparking defiance and concern

Trump’s higher tariffs hit major US trading partners, sparking defiance and concern

Summary

  • Higher tariffs likely to impact global supply chains and inflation
  • Several major trading partners secure reduced tariff rates
  • Tariffs increase US federal revenues, further sectoral duties possible
  • Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil and India still seeking better terms
  • India’s Modi and Brazil’s Lula adopt defiant stances

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s higher tariffs on imports from dozens of countries kicked in on Thursday, raising the average U.S. import duty to its highest in a century and leaving major trade partners such as Switzerland, Brazil and India hurriedly searching for a better deal. Continue reading “Trump’s higher tariffs hit major US trading partners, sparking defiance and concern”

VinFast’s core differentiator lies beyond the vehicle in India’s EV race

VinFast’s core differentiator lies beyond the vehicle in India’s EV race

Source : PTI | VinFast aims to carve out a distinct space in India’s crowded automarket by building a full-fledged ecosystem-spanning manufacturing, service, charging, and recycling-to foster long-term trust with customers Gurugram, Haryana, India.

The upstart EV maker VinFast recently unveiled its electric vehicle factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, backed by a $500 million initial investment and aiming to produce 50,000 units per year in the first phase. This move isn’t a tentative market trial. Instead, VinFast is digging roots deep into India’s automotive landscape, blending manufacturing with nationwide dealer and service networks, charging infrastructure, and battery recycling initiatives. In a market where product launches often draw the spotlight, VinFast is placing equal emphasis on customer care and lasting relationships. Continue reading “VinFast’s core differentiator lies beyond the vehicle in India’s EV race”

Japan urges US to swiftly implement auto tariff cut

Japan urges US to swiftly implement auto tariff cut

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa urged the U.S. to swiftly implement measures agreed upon in a bilateral trade deal, including lowering automobile and auto parts tariffs, Japan’s government said on Thursday.

The request was made during Akazawa’s 90-minute meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington on Wednesday, Japan’s government said in a statement. Continue reading “Japan urges US to swiftly implement auto tariff cut”

Trump wants more American pick-ups in Tokyo and London. That may be a hard sell

Trump wants more American pick-ups in Tokyo and London. That may be a hard sell

Summary

  • Trade deals lower tariffs on U.S. car imports, some safety rules also eased
  • Roads in Europe and Japan narrower than in U.S. fuelling compact-car culture
  • Experts say Detroit must adapt to market needs to sell cars

TOKYO/STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Donald Trump is right that Japan and Europe buy few American-made cars – but it has little to do with trade barriers. From Tokyo to London, many consumers see Detroit’s offerings as simply too big and too gas-guzzling.

That view has made Chevrolets and Cadillacs a hard sell, and a rare sight, in cities full of slimmer cars from the Toyota Corolla to Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Renault Clio. Continue reading “Trump wants more American pick-ups in Tokyo and London. That may be a hard sell”

General Motors, Hyundai to develop five vehicles amid rising competition

General Motors, Hyundai to develop five vehicles amid rising competition

Summary

  • Hyundai,GM to develop compact SUV/car/pickup, mid-sized pickup for Latin America
  • In North America, they will develop electric vans

(Reuters) – General Motors and Hyundai Motor on Wednesday outlined plans to develop five vehicles as they seek to lower costs amid growing competition from nimble Chinese rivals.

Four of the vehicles — a compact SUV/car/ pickup, and a mid-size pickup — are targeted at Central and South American markets and will support both internal combustion and hybrid powertrains. Continue reading “General Motors, Hyundai to develop five vehicles amid rising competition”

After Mumbai, It’s Gurugram for Tesla in India!

After Mumbai, It’s Gurugram for Tesla in India!

by WAF Think Tank 

Gurugram, NCR (India) – After its high-profile retail debut in Mumbai three weeks back, Tesla Inc., the world’s most valuable electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has now leased a massive retail and experience space in Gurugram, Haryana, part of the National Capital Region (NCR). This marks Tesla’s aggressive northward expansion in India as it prepares for a full-fledged launch of its globally popular EV models.

Prime Location & Significant Investment

Industry insiders reveal Tesla has leased around 33,475 sq ft retail and service center space at Orchid Business Park, Sohna Road, Gurgaon at a monthly rental of Rs 40 lakh for a tenure of 9 years, highlighting the EV maker’s premium positioning and long-term commitment to India.

Continue reading “After Mumbai, It’s Gurugram for Tesla in India!”

Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs, but lifts full-year forecast

Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs, but lifts full-year forecast

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Honda Motor reported a 50% drop in first-quarter operating profit on Wednesday, as a stronger yen and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs took its toll, but the company raised its full-year forecast.

Japan’s second-biggest car maker said quarterly operating profit was 244.2 billion yen ($1.66 billion) in the April-June period, more than a fifth below the average estimate of 311.7 billion yen in a survey of seven analysts by LSEG. Continue reading “Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs, but lifts full-year forecast”

Uber bets on loyalty program to drive growth, unveils $20 billion buyback plan

Uber bets on loyalty program to drive growth, unveils $20 billion buyback plan

Summary

  • Uber One program boosts user engagement, bookings
  • Company announces $20 billion stock buyback program
  • Uber projects Q3 bookings above estimates

(Reuters) – Uber unveiled a $20 billion stock buyback program and forecast its third-quarter bookings above Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, as the ride-hailing and delivery services company benefits from growing adoption of its paid loyalty program. Continue reading “Uber bets on loyalty program to drive growth, unveils $20 billion buyback plan”

GM signs rare earth magnet deal with Noveon Magnetics

GM signs rare earth magnet deal with Noveon Magnetics

(Reuters) – General Motors has entered into a multi-year deal under which Noveon Magnetics will supply rare earth magnets for use in components of the automaker’s full-size SUVs and trucks, the magnet maker said on Wednesday.

China controls more than 90% of global rare earth processing capacity and imposed new export licensing rules in April, tightening supply to Western manufacturers of everything from cars and fighter jets to household appliances. Continue reading “GM signs rare earth magnet deal with Noveon Magnetics”

Major developments in Trump’s trade war

Major developments in Trump’s trade war

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff decisions since he took office on January 20 have shocked financial markets and sent a wave of uncertainty through the global economy.

Here is a timeline of the major developments:

February 1 – Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Mexican and most Canadian imports and 10% on goods from China, demanding they curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the U.S. Continue reading “Major developments in Trump’s trade war”

TPG to buy Australian automotive software firm Infomedia for over $420 million

TPG to buy Australian automotive software firm Infomedia for over $420 million

(Reuters) – Australia’s Infomedia said on Wednesday it had agreed to be acquired by the Asia-focused private equity arm of asset manager TPG for an equity value of A$651 million ($421.33 million).

Under the deal, shareholders in the ASX-listed firm would receive A$1.72 per share, reflecting a more than 30% premium as compared to the stock’s closing price on Tuesday. Continue reading “TPG to buy Australian automotive software firm Infomedia for over $420 million”

Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office

Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office

Summary

  • Nissan employs 560 at Europe regional office
  • Negotiations expected to conclude in October
  • Nissan has embarked on a sweeping restructuring

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan Motor has begun negotiations with the union representing staff at its European regional office about changes that will include job losses, according to a company document and internal emails. Continue reading “Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office”

Rivian, Lucid warn of bumpy road ahead as policy changes hurt

Rivian, Lucid warn of bumpy road ahead as policy changes hurt

Summary

  • China export curbs hurt Rivian’s production in Q2, raising costs
  • Regulatory credit revenue decline affects Rivian’s loss forecast
  • Lucid cuts FY production forecast
  • Lucid’s tariff-related costs hurt profit margin

(Reuters) – Rivian and Lucid posted disappointing quarterly earnings on Tuesday and provided a grim outlook for the year as the electric vehicle makers take a hit from policy shifts and trade tensions that have disrupted the industry. Continue reading “Rivian, Lucid warn of bumpy road ahead as policy changes hurt”

Wheels India eyes growth in Europe with new subsidiary: Official

Wheels India eyes growth in Europe with new subsidiary: Official

Source : PTI | Wheels India Ltd on Tuesday said its decision to establish a subsidiary in Europe is aimed at driving business growth in the region over the next three to five years.

In July, the company announced plans to set up a European arm with a share capital of 50,000 Euros to support its expansion strategy and strengthen customer engagement in the region. Continue reading “Wheels India eyes growth in Europe with new subsidiary: Official”

Autopilot verdict deals Tesla a ‘black eye’, threatens Musk’s robotaxi ambitions

Autopilot verdict deals Tesla a ‘black eye’, threatens Musk’s robotaxi ambitions

Summary

  • Convincing regulators about Autopilot safety could be tough after verdict
  • Jury decision follows years of Autopilot-related probes, recalls
  • Robotaxi success crucial for Tesla amid cooling EV demand

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – A court verdict against Tesla last week, stemming from a fatal 2019 crash of an Autopilot-equipped Model S, could hurt its plans to expand its nascent robotaxi network and intensify concerns over the safety of its autonomous vehicle technology. Continue reading “Autopilot verdict deals Tesla a ‘black eye’, threatens Musk’s robotaxi ambitions”

P B Balaji, CFO of Tata Motors, Becomes the First Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover

P B Balaji, CFO of Tata Motors, Becomes the First Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover

By WAF Think Tank

 

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the iconic British luxury carmaker owned by Tata Motors, has named P B Balaji its new Chief Executive Officer — a historic moment, as he becomes the first Indian to lead the company. His appointment, effective mid-November 2025, marks a significant milestone for both JLR and its parent company.

A New Era Begins

Balaji takes over from Adrian Mardell, who retires after a 35-year tenure—three of those as JLR’s CEO—and will support the transitional phase through the end of his contract. The JLR board approved Balaji’s appointment on August 4, 2025, with formal assumption of the role set for approximately November 17, 2025. Continue reading “P B Balaji, CFO of Tata Motors, Becomes the First Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover”

Toyota Innova Completes 20 Glorious Years in India, Trusted by 12 Lakh Plus Customers

Toyota Innova Completes 20 Glorious Years in India, Trusted by 12 Lakh Plus Customers

Bengaluru, : Marking a proud milestone in its journey in India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today celebrated 20 remarkable years of the Toyota Innova, a name that has grown to become a trusted companion for millions of Indian families and businesses. With over 12 lakh plus units sold across its three offerings, Innova, Innova Crysta, and Innova HyCross, the brand stands as a symbol of unwavering customer trust and lasting value. Over the past two decades, the Innova has continuously evolved to reflect the changing aspirations of the customers in India, while staying rooted in Toyota’s core philosophy of Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR). This is not just a milestone of numbers, but a celebration of innumerable journeys, memories, and moments made possible by Innova that has truly stood the test of time. Continue reading “Toyota Innova Completes 20 Glorious Years in India, Trusted by 12 Lakh Plus Customers”

VinFast Rolls Out First Car from its Production Plant in India

VinFast Rolls Out First Car from its Production Plant in India

By WAF Think Tank

THOOTHUKUDI, India | Vietnamese automaker VinFast has officially commenced production at its first manufacturing plant in India, marking the rollout of the very first car from the facility located in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The project represents the initial phase of a larger US $2 billion investment strategy, with US $500 million committed over the first five years.

Spread across 400 acres within the SIPCOT industrial park, the plant is VinFast’s third globally and its first outside Vietnam. The facility is currently assembling two premium electric SUV models, the VF 7 and VF 6, tailored for the Indian market in right-hand drive configuration. Production began with a capacity of 50,000 units per year, expandable to 150,000 units based on demand. Continue reading “VinFast Rolls Out First Car from its Production Plant in India”

Tata AutoComp and Ichikoh Industries to Partner for Automotive Lighting in India

Tata AutoComp and Ichikoh Industries to Partner for Automotive Lighting in India

Pune, India – Tata AutoComp Systems Limited (TACO) announces with Japan’s Ichikoh Industries Limited (Ichikoh), a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and owned at 61.2% by Valeo, the project to acquire Valeo’s lighting business in India through the acquisition of the Valeo Lighting Systems (VLS) business of Valeo India Private Limited. The acquisition would be consummated through a 50:50 Joint Venture company (JVC) to be formed between TACO and Ichikoh Industries.

The JVC should cater to the automotive lighting market in India. The definitive agreements are in the process of being finalized between TACO and Ichikoh regarding the formation of the JVC and the acquisition of the VLS Business and shall be subject to procurement of necessary statutory and regulatory approvals. Continue reading “Tata AutoComp and Ichikoh Industries to Partner for Automotive Lighting in India”

Exclusive: Genstar explores $5 billion sale of automotive software maker OEConnection, sources say

Exclusive: Genstar explores $5 billion sale of automotive software maker OEConnection, sources say

Summary

  • Genstar taps Evercore for OEConnection sale process
  • Sale process expected to launch in Q4 2025
  • Ford and GM hold minority stakes in OEConnection

(Reuters) – Genstar Capital is exploring a sale of OEConnection, which it aims to value the automotive software provider also backed by Ford and General Motors at as much as $5 billion, including debt, people familiar with the matter said. Continue reading “Exclusive: Genstar explores $5 billion sale of automotive software maker OEConnection, sources say”

Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office

Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office

Summary

  • Nissan employs 560 at Europe regional office
  • Negotiations expected to conclude in October
  • Nissan has embarked on a sweeping restructuring

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan Motor has begun negotiations with the union representing staff at its European regional office about changes that will include job losses, according to a company document and internal emails. Continue reading “Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office”

Toyota, Honda brace for profit falls as US tariffs, strong yen weigh

Toyota, Honda brace for profit falls as US tariffs, strong yen weigh

Summary

  • Toyota’s operating profit forecast to drop 31% y/y, Honda’s by 36%
  • Both companies continue to benefit from robust hybrid demand
  • Investors eye guidance on pricing, wider strategy

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor and Honda Motor are expected to report weaker first-quarter earnings this week, as U.S. import tariffs and a stronger yen weigh on profits despite solid demand for hybrids in their biggest overseas markets. Continue reading “Toyota, Honda brace for profit falls as US tariffs, strong yen weigh”

Tesla launches first charging facility at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai

Tesla launches first charging facility at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai

Source : PTI | Global EV giant Tesla on Monday launched its first charging facility in the country weeks after entering the Indian market with an Experience Centre in the financial capital.

The Tesla charging station set up at One BKC in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, features four V4 supercharging stalls (DC charging) and four destination charging stalls (AC charging), the company said. Continue reading “Tesla launches first charging facility at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai”

Exclusive: Tesla’s brand loyalty collapsed after Musk backed Trump, data shows

Exclusive: Tesla’s brand loyalty collapsed after Musk backed Trump, data shows

Summary

  • Household vehicle-registration data shows fewer Tesla owners are opting for another one
  • The EV maker for years had the highest customer loyalty in the industry
  • Tesla also loses ground in its ability to win over customers from other brands

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Tesla for years had more repeat U.S. customers than any other major automotive brand but its loyalty has plunged since CEO Elon Musk endorsed President Donald Trump last summer, according to data from research firm S&P Global Mobility shared exclusively with Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: Tesla’s brand loyalty collapsed after Musk backed Trump, data shows”

Tesla approves share award worth $29 billion to CEO Elon Musk

Tesla approves share award worth $29 billion to CEO Elon Musk

Summary

  • Tesla grants 96 million new shares to Musk
  • Award vests only if Musk remains in a key executive role for two years
  • New shares will be forfeited if court restores Musk’s voided 2018 pay package
  • Stock rises 2% as analysts say it removes uncertainty over future

(Reuters) – Tesla has granted CEO Elon Musk shares worth about $29 billion in a new pay deal aimed at keeping the billionaire entrepreneur at the helm during a crucial pivot from its struggling core auto business to robotaxis and humanoid robots. Continue reading “Tesla approves share award worth $29 billion to CEO Elon Musk”

Lyft, China’s Baidu to launch robotaxi service in Europe next year

Lyft, China’s Baidu to launch robotaxi service in Europe next year

Summary

  • Lyft partners with Baidu for European robotaxi deployment
  • Firms aim to scale robotaxi fleet to thousands across Europe
  • Lyft to manage customer services while Baidu supplies vehicles

(Reuters) – U.S. ride-hailing company Lyft said on Monday it will partner with China’s Baidu to deploy robotaxis across Europe starting next year, marking the Chinese search engine giant’s first foray into the European self-driven taxi sector. Continue reading “Lyft, China’s Baidu to launch robotaxi service in Europe next year”

Foxconn agrees $375 mln Lordstown plant sale to pivot towards data centres

Foxconn agrees $375 mln Lordstown plant sale to pivot towards data centres

TAIPEI, (Reuters) – Taiwan’s Foxconn said on Monday it had struck a deal to sell a former car factory at Lordstown, Ohio, for $375 million, including its machinery, but said it would continue to use the site to make a broader range of products aligned with its strategic priorities.

Foxconn, which makes data center products for Nvidia and assembles iPhones for Apple did not elaborate on products to be manufactured at the plant, but said the cloud and networking product business in particularly showed “significant growth”. Continue reading “Foxconn agrees $375 mln Lordstown plant sale to pivot towards data centres”

VinFast in talks to boost India sourcing as its first overseas plant swings into gear

VinFast in talks to boost India sourcing as its first overseas plant swings into gear

Summary

  • Indian plant has initial capacity to build 50,000 vehicles annually
  • Plant has received orders from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius
  • Indian market to be key test for struggling automaker

THOOTHUKUDI, India, (Reuters) – Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast began operations at a new plant in India, its first overseas factory, on Monday, and said it hopes to source more parts locally and that it had received orders from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Mauritius. Continue reading “VinFast in talks to boost India sourcing as its first overseas plant swings into gear”

Exclusive: Genstar explores $5 billion sale of automotive software maker OEConnection, sources say

Exclusive: Genstar explores $5 billion sale of automotive software maker OEConnection, sources say

Summary

  • Genstar taps Evercore for OEConnection sale process
  • Sale process expected to launch in Q4 2025
  • Ford and GM hold minority stakes in OEConnection

(Reuters) – Genstar Capital is exploring a sale of OEConnection, which it aims to value the automotive software provider also backed by Ford and General Motors at as much as $5 billion, including debt, people familiar with the matter said. Continue reading “Exclusive: Genstar explores $5 billion sale of automotive software maker OEConnection, sources say”

Harley-Davidson names Topgolf’s Arthur Starrs as CEO

Harley-Davidson names Topgolf’s Arthur Starrs as CEO

(Reuters) – Harley-Davidson said on Monday Topgolf’s Arthur Starrs would succeed Jochen Zeitz as CEO, to help steer the storied motorcycle maker through U.S. tariffs and slowing demand for its cruiser bikes.

Starrs, currently the CEO of sports entertainment company Topgolf International, is taking the reins at Harley as the sector faces cost pressures on imported parts and components due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs. Continue reading “Harley-Davidson names Topgolf’s Arthur Starrs as CEO”

River Mobility Clocks Best-Ever Sales in July 2025, Records 68% Year-on-Year Growth

River Mobility Clocks Best-Ever Sales in July 2025, Records 68% Year-on-Year Growth

By WAF Think Tank  | Email – hi@waf.bz

 

Bengaluru, August 4, 2025 – Electric two-wheeler manufacturer River Mobility has achieved its best-ever monthly sales performance in July 2025, registering sales of 7,200 units, a 68% increase compared to the same month last year. The surge reflects growing demand for electric mobility solutions and River’s expanding presence in urban and semi-urban markets.

The company’s flagship models, River Indie and River Flow, continued to drive demand, appealing both to individual commuters and fleet operators engaged in last-mile delivery. The brand’s focus on functional design, robust build quality, and improved after-sales support has been cited as key differentiators in a highly competitive EV two-wheeler segment. Continue reading “River Mobility Clocks Best-Ever Sales in July 2025, Records 68% Year-on-Year Growth”

Kia America recalls 201,149 US Telluride vehicles
Currently not looking at getting benefits of EV promotion scheme: Volvo Car India MD

Currently not looking at getting benefits of EV promotion scheme: Volvo Car India MD

Source : PTI | Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo is currently not looking at availing of benefits under India’s scheme to promote passenger electric vehicles due to existing scale of the industry and will consider bringing plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country if the tax structure is conducive, a top official of its Indian arm said on Friday.

Volvo Car India, which launched the refreshed version of its best selling model XC60 in India at an introductory price of ₹71.9 lakh, believes that the entry of new players like Tesla is good for popularising electric vehicles. Continue reading “Currently not looking at getting benefits of EV promotion scheme: Volvo Car India MD”

Mahindra to pursue engineering actions to address rare earth magnet shortage issue: CFO Amarjyoti Barua

Mahindra to pursue engineering actions to address rare earth magnet shortage issue: CFO Amarjyoti Barua

Source : PTI | Mahindra & Mahindra plans to manage rare earth magnet supplies through alternative sourcing channels for the next nine months and will pursue ‘engineering efforts’ to address the raw material shortage situation amid growing product portfolio, according to a senior company executive.

The imposition of export restrictions by China on key rare earth magnets has resulted in supply chain bottlenecks, impacting the user industries, including the auto and electronics sectors. Continue reading “Mahindra to pursue engineering actions to address rare earth magnet shortage issue: CFO Amarjyoti Barua”

Audi India Appoints Industry Veteran, Nipun Mahajan as Head of Sales & Network

Audi India Appoints Industry Veteran, Nipun Mahajan as Head of Sales & Network

by WAF Think Tank 

New Delhi, Aug 3,  Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has officially named Nipun Mahajan as the new Head of Sales & Network for Audi India, effective from August 1, 2025. He will report directly to Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director of Audi India  .

A Leader with Nearly Three Decades of Automotive Expertise

Mahajan joins Audi India with nearly 30 years of experience across both global and Indian automotive markets. Most recently, he served as ASEAN Regional Sales & Marketing Director for Stellantis Malaysia, spearheading commercial operations across Southeast Asia. His earlier leadership roles include tenures at Fiat Chrysler, Harley‑Davidson India, Honda Cars, Volkswagen, and Porsche .

Continue reading “Audi India Appoints Industry Veteran, Nipun Mahajan as Head of Sales & Network”