Summary

• Baden-Wuerttemberg faces economic challenges amid auto industry crisis
• Rising insolvencies and unemployment signal distress in the region
• Economists urge infrastructure investment to revive sluggish economy

MOESSINGEN, Germany, (Reuters) – Dostech, a small supplier of sealant technology in Germany’s industry-rich Baden-Wuerttemberg region, shifted focus in 2018 when a surge in automotive enquiries prompted it to embark on a major electric transport project.

The move initially paid off, fuelling rapid growth and enabling the company to buy the building that now houses its headquarters in Moessingen, south of Stuttgart. But it also exposed them to Germany’s carmakers, which are now mired in crisis. Continue reading “Germany’s once-vibrant auto heartland falls on hard times”

Summary

• Lucid expects to produce 25,000-27,000 vehicles in 2026 vs 17,840 in 2025
• Production of midsize platform to start in Saudi Arabia — CEO
• Supply-chain disruption led to bigger-than-expected Q4 loss
• 2026 capex projected between $1.2 bln and $1.4 bln

(Reuters) – Lucid forecast 2026 production to grow at a slower pace than last year, and reported a larger-than-expected loss for the fourth quarter on Tuesday, as various supply-chain setbacks and tariffs disrupted manufacturing plans and exacerbated costs.

Lucid’s shares were down 5% in after-market trading. Continue reading “Lucid sees slower 2026 production growth as fear of supply-chain snags lingers”

(Reuters) – A U.S. judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit accusing Tesla of discriminating against American citizens in hiring so it can pay less to foreign workers, but said he was skeptical that the software engineer who sued would prevail.

U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco said in a brief order late Monday that Scott Taub, who filed the proposed class action in September, had offered up “just enough facts” about Tesla’s hiring practices for the case to move forward. Continue reading “Tesla must face lawsuit alleging anti-American bias in hiring, US judge rules”

Source : PTI | Odisha’s critical minerals sector is set to hit $18-20 billion by 2032 from $8 billion currently, while the processing and manufacturing share will quadruple, a study by an industry body said.

According to new projections by the Net Zero Energy Transition Association (NETRA) released at the recently concluded Global Cleantech Expo-Odisha 2026, the state is set for a transformative leap in the critical minerals sector.

Continue reading “Odisha’s critical mineral sector to hit $20 bn mark by 2032: Study”

Source : PTI | The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association on Monday flagged issues ranging from alleged regulatory gaps to rising compliance costs, and announced a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on February 28.

According to a statement released by the association, they are seeking government intervention to address what they call long-pending problems of the transport sector. Continue reading “Delhi taxi operators to protest at Jantar Mantar on Feb 28 over fares, e-challans”

Source : PTI | In a move aimed at strengthening surveillance and crime prevention in crowded urban pockets, the Delhi Police on Monday launched a high-tech vehicle with facial recognition system (FRS) in Delhi’s Shahdara.

The vehicle, named ‘DP-DRISTHI’ – Delhi Police Dynamic Real-time Identification and Surveillance for Human Tracking Initiative – was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam in the Gandhi Nagar market area.

Continue reading “Delhi Police unveils surveillance vehicle with facial recognition system”

Source : PTI | Hundreds of truck operators on Monday took to the streets in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district against the hike in toll charges collected at entry points from vehicles registered outside the state and warned of blocking the national highway if the decision is not rolled back.

The Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during a cabinet meeting held on February 13, approved the toll tax barrier policy 2026-27, according to which the light motor vehicles (LMVs), including cars, jeeps and vans would be charged ₹170 instead of ₹70 from April 1. Continue reading “Truck operators protest against steep hike in toll tax at entry in Himachal”

Source : PTI | The Jammu and Kashmir government has recorded a 13.6 per cent decline in road accidents over the past three years, with the number of incidents falling from 6,120 in 2023 to 5,287 in 2025, officials said on Monday.

The downward trend is attributed to improved enforcement, extensive road safety awareness programmes and the strengthening of road safety mechanisms across the Union Territory. Official data show that accidents dropped to 5,726 in 2024 before further decreasing in 2025.

Continue reading “Jammu & Kashmir: Road accidents decline 13 per cent over three years to 5,287 in 2025”

Marelli, a global technology supplier to the automotive sector, together with its joint venture partner Motherson, inaugurated today a new manufacturing facility for automotive lighting in Sanand in the Indian state of Gujarat. The new plant marks an important expansion of the Marelli Motherson Lighting India (MMLI) joint venture’s presence in the country. Continue reading “Marelli joint venture opens new lighting plant in Sanand, India, bringing several first-of-its-kind technologies to the country”

Source : PTI | More than one lakh motorists who were caught up in a massive traffic gridlock on Mumbai-Pune Expressway earlier this month after a gas tanker mishap will get toll refund cumulatively valued at ₹5.16 crore, a senior Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation official said on Sunday.

On February 3, a gas tanker turned turtle on the Khopoli stretch of the Expressway, leading to a 33-hour disruption which saw traffic come to a standstill for several kilometres, leaving many motorists and passengers facing shortage of water, food and other basic amenities.

Continue reading “Over 1 lakh motorists to get ₹5.16 crore toll refund after Mumbai-Pune Expressway gridlock”

Source : PTI | The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses of the union ministries on a proposal for shifting all coal-based industries out of Delhi-NCR to ensure better air quality.

In a bid to deal with the persistent air quality crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR), a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi Vipul M Pancholi said it will examine the issue of vehicular air pollution on March 12 based on the suggestions made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

It also sought responses of all the stakeholders on the measures suggested by the CAQM to deal with dust due to construction and demolition activities. Continue reading “SC seeks Centre’s plan to move coal units out of Delhi-NCR amid pollution crisis”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Elliott Management has offered to pay around market price to buy Toyota Industries shares from holders who have agreed to a tender offer that the U.S. activist said undervalues the forklift truck maker, two people familiar with the matter said.

Elliott has approached shareholders including suppliers and financial institutions that have backed the Toyota group’s take-private bid, the people said, declining to be identified as the information is not public.

Reuters is reporting details of Elliott’s offer for the first time. Elliott and Toyota declined to comment. Continue reading “Exclusive: Elliott woos shareholders backing Toyota Industries buyout, sources say”

(Reuters) – The European Union should make companies include more environmentally friendly vehicles in their corporate fleets, and exclude low-emission vehicles and plug-in hybrids from quotas, environmental group Transport & Environment said on Monday.

The European Commission proposed in December that EU states introduce new zero- and low-emission quotas for corporate cars and vans from 2030, after long negotiations with the industry resulted in a plan to backtrack on its effective ban on new combustion-engine cars from 2035. Continue reading “EU lobby group calls for tighter emission rules for corporate cars”

Feb 23 (Reuters) – Tariff uncertainty is back after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 15% duty following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his broader levies last week.

Domestic lumber product makers fell on Monday on fears of pricing pressure from cheaper imports while Wall Street analysts expected emerging market-focused exchange-traded funds and retailers to eventually benefit. Continue reading “Stocks to watch as Trump’s new tariffs spell more uncertainty”

(Reuters) – U.S. companies borrowed 30.1% more to finance equipment purchases in January than a year earlier, reaching the highest dollar amount in the last two decades, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association said on Monday.

New loans, leases and lines of credit signed up by companies in January were $11.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, an increase of 7.8% from the prior month.

The Washington-based trade association — which tracks economic activity in the equipment sector, valued at more than $1 trillion — said activity at banks was down 11.7% from December. Continue reading “US business equipment borrowings rise more than 30% in January, ELFA says”

Summary

• Questions over safety and liability persist around Level 3 tech
• High development costs deter some automakers from eyes-off driving
• Chinese automakers’ progress pressures global carmakers

(Reuters) – Automakers are racing toward a key milestone on the long road to fully driverless cars: systems that let drivers take their eyes off the road – to shoot a text or peck away on a laptop – unless the car alerts them to retake control.

Car companies for years have been enhancing driver-assistance systems, which automatically control speed and steering. Letting drivers tend to other things while behind the wheel could be a next step that helps automakers monetize their sizable investments in autonomy. Continue reading “Carmakers push toward ‘eyes-off’ driving, raising questions of safety, liability”

Summary

• Volvo to replace high-voltage battery packs in 40,323 EX30s
• Batteries to be replaced by same supplier
• Volvo’s safety reputation at risk, industry analysts say

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Volvo Cars will recall over 40,000 of its flagship electric EX30 SUVs because their battery packs risk overheating, it told Reuters on Monday, a move that could dent the automaker’s hard-earned reputation for safety and cost it millions of dollars.

The previously unreported recall involves replacing modules in the high-voltage battery packs of the compact SUV, a crucial model in Volvo’s push to compete with cheaper Chinese brands. Battery safety is a highly sensitive issue for EV makers and consumers. Continue reading “Exclusive: Volvo Cars to recall 40,000 electric SUVs over battery fire risk”

Summary

• Judge says evidence at trial supported verdict
• Autopilot-equipped Model S crashed into victims
• Tesla not available for comment, expected to appeal

(Reuters) – A federal judge rejected Tesla’s request to overturn a $243 million jury verdict over the 2019 crash of an Autopilot-equipped Model S, which killed a 22-year-old woman and severely injured her boyfriend.

In a decision made public on Friday, U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom in Miami said the evidence at trial “more than supports” the August 2025 verdict, and Tesla raised no new arguments to set the verdict aside. Continue reading “US judge upholds $243 million verdict against Tesla over fatal Autopilot crash”

(Reuters) – Lucid has laid off 12% of its U.S. workforce, the company said on Friday, as it seeks to boost profitability amid softening demand for higher-priced electric vehicles.

“We are streamlining our organization so we can operate with greater efficiency and deliver on our commitments to gross margin improvement and long-term growth,” CEO Marc Winterhoff said in a memo seen by Reuters.

The cuts will not impact hourly production employees at its manufacturing facility in Arizona, a company spokesperson said in a statement. It did not provide details about the number of people impacted. Continue reading “Lucid trims 12% of US workforce in profitability push”

(Reuters) – Workers at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday voted 96% in favor of a labor deal negotiated by the United Auto Workers union, marking one of the most significant victories of UAW President Shawn Fain’s tenure.

The South has been tough for the union to crack, and Fain has made it a mission to organize plants in the region and across the United States since he was elected president in 2023.

Under the four-year pact, workers are set to receive 20% wage increases, as well as improvements in healthcare and job security. Continue reading “Volkswagen workers ratify first UAW contract, marks win for labor in the South”

Source : PTI | Tata Motors on Friday launched the facelift version of the Punch EV and said it expects the latest offering to democratise the adoption of entry-level EVs, which account for almost two-thirds of electric car demand.

The company, which commanded 40 per cent of the total 1.76-lakh electric car sales in India in the 2025 calendar year, also said that the entry of more players, including bigger players in the space, will be beneficial to the country’s overall EV mission of green mobility. Continue reading “Tata Motors expects new Punch.ev to democratise adoption of entry-level EVs”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: India’s recalibration of crude oil imports marks a structural shift from opportunistic discount buying to disciplined geopolitical risk management, according to analytics firm GlobalData.

With oil accounting for roughly a quarter of India’s primary energy consumption and import dependence at about 87 per cent, the country is prioritising compliance resilience, supply diversification and stronger US energy linkages as part of a more strategic energy security doctrine, the firm said. Continue reading “India’s oil import shift signals structural energy security pivot: GlobalData”

Source : PTI | India now faces a lower tariff rate of 10 per cent, down from 18 per cent, after US President Donald Trump announced a new global levy on items imported into America in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict against his sweeping tariffs.

In a proclamation titled ‘Imposing a Temporary Import Surcharge to Address Fundamental International Payments Problems’, Trump said he is imposing, for a period of 150 days, a “temporary import surcharge of 10 per cent ad valorem” on articles imported into the United States, effective February 24. Continue reading “India faces lower tariff rate of 10% as Trump issues proclamation on new levies”

Source : PTI | Motherson Group remains on course to achieve its target of $108 billion in revenue by 2030, according to Chairman Vivek Chaand Sehgal.

The group, which has over 425 manufacturing facilities across the globe catering to diverse businesses, including auto components and aerospace, posted $25.7 billion revenue in FY25.

“I think the options, the opportunities are there. We have to be the guys who are going to convert it,” Sehgal said when asked about crossing the revenue target by 2030. Continue reading “Motherson remains on course to achieve $108 billion turnover by 2030: Chairman”

National Road Safety Confluence at IIT Delhi Unites Government, Industry and Civil Society for Measurable Action.

India has committed to reducing road fatalities and serious injuries by at least 50% by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving Zero Preventable Road Fatalities, under the newly launched New Delhi Road Safety Declaration at IIT Delhi.

The Declaration aligns with the WHO Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030) and marks a decisive shift from awareness-driven campaigns to measurable, accountable implementation. Continue reading “New Delhi Road Safety Declaration launched at IIT Delhi Targets 50% Cut in Fatalities by 2030”

Gurugram: BMW India Foundation is advancing its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development by supporting and upskilling traditional artisans across India. Guided by the vision to preserve the authenticity of indigenous art forms while connecting artists to contemporary resources and markets, the Foundation’s initiatives aim to enable sustainable livelihoods and enhance upward social mobility for artisan communities.

Launched in 2025, the artisan empowerment programme addresses long-standing challenges faced by traditional artists, including limited access to structured skilling, contemporary design exposure, and organised market platforms. Through partnerships with experienced implementation organisations, BMW India Foundation is creating pathways that allow artisans to strengthen their craft, respond to evolving consumer demand, and build resilient income streams. Continue reading “BMW India Foundation supports traditional Indian artisans’ journey to sustainable livelihoods.”

Source : PTI | New vehicle registrations in Sri Lanka increased to 55,000 in January, up from 48,000 in December with imports from India seeing a 15 per cent surge, analysts JB Securities said on Thursday.

Indian-origin imports surged to 30,766 units in January, up from 26,631 units in December.

Two-wheelers accounted for the bulk of new vehicle registrations at 24,163 units, followed by three-wheelers (3,441 units), SUVs (2,100 units), and trucks (237 units), a release by JB Securities said. Continue reading “Sri Lanka vehicle imports increase with surge in Indian imports”

Source : PTI | The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation is set to induct 8,300 new buses this year to bring down the revenue deficit and make the corporation financially strong, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Thursday.

Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of the MSRTC, said in a statement that the primary obstacle of bus shortage is being addressed to eliminate the current daily revenue deficit of ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore.

Continue reading “MSRTC to add 8,300 new buses this year with aim to bring down revenue deficit: Transport Minister”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated an investigation into the automotive rules of origin under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, the commission said in a statement on Thursday.

The probe will examine the “impact on the U.S. economy, effect on U.S. competitiveness, and relevancy considering recent technology changes,” the statement said.

The rules of origin under USMCA boosted the regional value content requirements in order for manufacturers building cars in any of the three countries to qualify for free-trade status. This required North American manufacturers to source more inputs from within the USMCA region, fundamentally altering their supply chains. Continue reading “US trade commission launches review of USMCA automotive rules of origin”

(Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr will enter the Italian market starting from Thursday, the company said in a press release, the latest in a string of announced European launches.

Zeekr, fully-owned by heavyweight Geely Holding Group will start deliveries of its four EV line-up and open retail locations in the spring, it said in the note together with its distributing partner Jameel Motors.

Calling Italy a “key market” in the brand’s European expansion, acting CEO of Zeekr Europe Lothar Schupet said the timing coincides with rapidly growing demand for premium EVs and continued investment in charging infrastructure. Continue reading “China’s Zeekr premium brand enters Italian car market”

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Summary

• California lawsuit alleges Trump illegally stripped state’s power to restrict auto pollution
• If California wins, automakers could face conflicting federal and California EV regulations
• Eleven other states follow California’s zero-emission vehicle mandates, raising the legal stakes

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – A legal clash between the Trump administration and California over auto-pollution rules is coming to a head, with enormous financial implications for EV makers including Tesla and traditional automakers dependent on fossil-fuel vehicles.

California is challenging an unorthodox move by congressional Republicans to kill a waiver allowing the state to enact its own emissions regulations. If California wins, it could force U.S. automakers to comply with two diametrically opposed regulatory schemes: President Donald Trump’s anti-EV policy and California’s pro-EV regime, which 11 other states have adopted. Continue reading “US automakers caught in crossfire of Trump, California EV battle”

Summary

• Renault operating profit drops 15% on higher revenues
• Carmaker facing tough commercial environment in Europe
• Margins for 2026 seen around 5.5% vs 6.3% last year
• Dividend stable at 2.2 euros
• Shares fall almost 6% after initial rise

PARIS, (Reuters) – Renault Group forecast lower margins for 2026 on Thursday as it reported a 15% fall in operating profit last year, denting its shares as the French carmaker grapples with growing price pressure from Chinese and traditional rivals.

Shares in Renault were down almost 6% at 1050 GMT as the market digested results from the group, which has been led by new chief executive Francois Provost since the summer. Continue reading “Renault forecasts 2026 margin drop as price pressure dents profit”

Thousands of companies around the world have filed lawsuits challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and sought refunds on duties paid.

The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet released opinions in argued cases. On February 3, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said The Supreme Court is taking its time to rule on a case challenging the legality of Trump’s tariffs given the “enormous” stakes involved. Continue reading “Global companies that have sued the US government for tariff refunds”

Source : PTI | Trailer and truck body manufacturerSATRAC Engineering Pvt Ltd has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in neighbouring Sriperumbudur, marking a significant milestone in its growth in the commercial vehicle body-building segment, an official said.

The new factory has been set up to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality trailers, tippers and special purpose vehicles across the logistics, infrastructure, industrial and government sectors. Continue reading “SATRAC opens mega manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur”

Source : PTI | Waaree Energies, a renewable energy company, will set up an integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh at an outlay of over ₹8,000 crore.

The project will come up at Rambilli in Anakapalli district and is expected to generate around 3,000 direct jobs, said an official release on Thursday.

“Waaree Energies will establish India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh. The project will come up at Rambilli in Anakapalli district with an investment of ₹8,175 crore,” said the release.

Continue reading “Waaree Energies to set up ₹8,000 crore lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra”

(Reuters) – Nissan is recalling 642,698 Rogue SUVs in the U.S. as part of two separate recalls, over issues that could cause loss of drive power, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday.

Nissan is recalling 318,781 Rogue SUVs over broken throttle body gears, the regulator said.

Separately, the Japanese automaker is recalling 323,917 Rogue SUVs due to damaged engine bearings, which could lead to the discharge of hot oil, increasing the risk of an engine fire and loss of drive power. Continue reading “Nissan to recall about 643,000 SUVs in US over engine, gear issues, NHTSA says”

Announces further democratisation of features across the range with more variants, greater choice and unmatched value

• Kylaq range grows from four variants to six, available at 11 price points
• Introduces New Classic+ variant, making Kylaq the most accessible car with a full-fledged torque converter automatic in its segment
• Equipped with electric sunroof, cruise control, Auto IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function steering, LED lights, and more, as standard
• Signature and Signature+ variants now get Electric Sunroof and several other upgrades
• Prestige+, an all-new variant, added at the top of the Kylaq line
• Introduces special anniversary offers on select variants, service packages, and assured gifts on purchase of the Kylaq for a limited period

Mumbai, Škoda Auto India, after registering its most successful year of sales in 2025 and introducing the new Kushaq, continues to keep its foot on the pedal with its growing product portfolio. The brand has furthered its strategy to democratise European technology on Indian roads by expanding the variant mix of its best-selling car, the Kylaq, and offering customers more variants, more choice and more value. Continue reading “Škoda Kylaq marks one year landmark by celebrating 50,000 sales milestone”

WARSAW, (Reuters) – Poland has barred Chinese-made vehicles from entering military facilities due to concerns their onboard sensors could be used to collect sensitive data, the Polish Army said on Tuesday evening.

The army said in a statement that such vehicles may still be allowed onto secured sites if specified functions are disabled and other safeguards required under each facility’s security rules are in place. Continue reading “Poland bars Chinese-made cars from military sites over data security fears”

(Reuters) – Tesla will avoid a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses in California after the U.S. electric vehicle maker stopped using the term “autopilot” in marketing of its vehicles in the state, a regulator said on Tuesday.

The reprieve from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) comes as Tesla and other EV makers grapple with a plunge in demand following the expiration of key tax credits that had boosted sales. Continue reading “Tesla avoids suspension by California regulator after corrective marketing changes”