Summary

• Hongqi fell out of favour but has gained new younger Chinese fans
• Has retaken crown of favoured brand for Chinese officials from Audi
• Hongqi seeking to expand in Europe, Mexico and the Middle East

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tired of being driven around in Soviet-built sedans in the 1950s, Chinese leader Mao Zedong wanted China, a rising power globally, to have its own state limousine and commissioned a locally produced car.

The brand, Hongqi or Red Flag, became a national champion and ferried high-ranking officials for decades before it fell out of favour as foreign competitors entered the Chinese market and Hongqi’s gas-guzzling engines became untenable. Continue reading “Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets”

Summary

• Alternative plan for 90% reduction in CO2 emissions
• EU Commission to present plans on December 16
• Automakers have lobbied to drop combustion engine ban
• Electric vehicle boom is behind expectations
• European auto shares rise

HEIDELBERG, Germany, (Reuters) – The European Commission will move to scrap plans for an effective ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035, a senior EU lawmaker said on Friday, in what would be a major victory for Germany which has been pressing to protect its automakers.

Manfred Weber, president of the largest party in the European Parliament, the EPP, suggested in an earlier statement there would be an alternative proposal for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions for automakers’ fleet targets from 2035. Continue reading “EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says”

Source : PTI | A decision of Mexico to increase tariffs will severely hit India’s exports of automobiles, auto components, electronics, metals and chemicals to the South American country, experts say.

For India, the measures affect nearly three-quarters of its $5.75 billion exports to Mexico in FY 2025, fundamentally altering the commercial logic of accessing the Mexican market, they said.

Mexico’s Senate approved the new tariff measure on December 11, 2025, and it has since been cleared by both chambers of Congress. Continue reading “Mexico’s tariffs to hit India’s auto, auto components, metal, electronics exports: Experts”

Summary

• Renault to cut 80 jobs in Mobilize division
• Company shuts down car-sharing services in Milan and Madrid
• Charging network plans scaled back, projects in Belgium and Spain abandoned

(Reuters) – Renault (RENA.PA), is shutting down car‑sharing services and slowing the rollout of fast‑charging stations at its Mobilize unit, which focuses on new transport solutions, as it seeks to funnel investments into more profitable ventures. Continue reading “Renault exits car-sharing, scales back EV charging as it puts profits first in tough market”

RIVOLI, Italy, (Reuters) – Chinese automaker Changan Automobile (000652.SZ), is expanding into Italy and Spain with the launch of two fully electric models, followed next year by their plug-in hybrid versions.

Chongqing-based Changan is part of the second wave of Chinese automakers entering the European market, after forerunners including China’s No. 1 car company BYD (002594.SZ), and the country’s top exporter Chery (9973.HK). Continue reading “China’s Changan Automobile adds Italy and Spain to its European markets”

RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) – Brazil’s federal government plans to hold the auction of Santos port’s massive Tecon 10 container terminal in the first half of March, Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said on Friday.

The auction has drawn interest from more than 10 potential bidders, he said, citing Philippines-based ICTSI and groups including JBS (Z98.F), and JSL (JSLG3.SA), as well as unnamed Arab investors. Continue reading “Brazil to auction massive Santos container terminal in early March, minister says”

MARTORELL, Spain, (Reuters) – The European Commission’s expected decision to reverse its ban on selling new cars with combustion engines from 2035 could help Spanish automaker SEAT, a unit of Volkswagen (VOWG.DE), transition to electric vehicles, its CEO told Reuters on Friday.

Markus Haupt said that while the company was convinced the future was electric, customer uptake has been slower than expected, forcing SEAT to be more flexible to cater to demand from other markets. Continue reading “SEAT says EU’s rethink on 2035 combustion-engine ban could help EV transition”

Summary

• Hongqi fell out of favour but has gained new younger Chinese fans
• Has retaken crown of favoured brand for Chinese officials from Audi
• Hongqi seeking to expand in Europe, Mexico and the Middle East

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tired of being driven around in Soviet-built sedans in the 1950s, Chinese leader Mao Zedong wanted China, a rising power globally, to have its own state limousine and commissioned a locally produced car.

The brand, Hongqi or Red Flag, became a national champion and ferried high-ranking officials for decades before it fell out of favour as foreign competitors entered the Chinese market and Hongqi’s gas-guzzling engines became untenable. Continue reading “Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets”

Summary

• Alternative plan for 90% reduction in CO2 emissions
• EU Commission to present plans on December 16
• Automakers have lobbied to drop combustion engine ban
• Electric vehicle boom is behind expectations
• European auto shares rise

HEIDELBERG, Germany, (Reuters) – The European Commission will move to scrap plans for an effective ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035, a senior EU lawmaker said on Friday, in what would be a major victory for Germany which has been pressing to protect its automakers. Continue reading “EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says”

• ASDC Appoints Prabhu Nagaraj as Vice Chairperson, Rama Shankar Pandey as Treasurer

New Delhi: Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the apex body for skill development in the Indian automotive sector, has announced two major leadership appointments aimed at accelerating India’s skilling readiness in emerging mobility technologies. Mr. Prabhu Nagaraj, Operating Head – Corporate Affairs at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), has been appointed Vice Chairperson, while Mr. Rama Shankar Pandey, CEO of Tata Green Batteries and ASDC Governing Council Member, has been appointed Treasurer. Continue reading “ASDC Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Strengthen India’s Automotive Skilling Ecosystem”

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BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s commerce ministry on Thursday said negotiations with the European Union over a minimum price plan for China-made electric vehicles have restarted and would continue into next week, while urging the bloc not to talk independently with manufacturers.

The 27-member bloc approved duties of up to 45.3% in October 2024 after the European Commission began investigating whether China’s EV makers were benefiting from unfair subsidies that could lead to a supply glut in Europe. Continue reading “China says talks with EU on electric vehicle minimum price plan resumed”

Source : PTI | Flagging vehicular pollution as one of the most significant contributing sectors to the generally poor air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to review its August 12 order that ordered no coercive steps be taken against the owners 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in the national capital.

In an over 300-page affidavit filed in a plea seeking measures to curb air pollution, the CAQM said, “Vehicular pollution is one of the most significant contributing sectors to the generally poor air quality in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). Abatement of vehicular pollution thus has been one of the main focus areas of the Commission in its deliberations with the NCR State Governments and GNCTD.” Continue reading “Flagging vehicular emission significant to Delhi’s air pollution; CAQM in SC seeks review of order”

Source : PTI | The Maharashtra Transport Commissioner has issued a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), in which Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities have been asked to undertake a “review” of the motor vehicle inspectors’ work if less than 10 per cent of permanent licence seekers failed in the driving tests.

Several incumbent and former officers, however, raised question marks over the 10 per cent failure criteria, calling it the directive as “strange” and “unjustified”, and said the transport department should focus more on improving the quality of infrastructure required to conduct driving tests at the RTOs, and providing basic facilities. Continue reading “RTOs asked to ‘review’ vehicle inspectors’ work if less than 10% licence seekers fail driving test”

Summary

• Mexico increased tariff on China, India, other nations
• India’s auto group lobbied government to prevent hike, letter shows
• Mexico is India’s third-largest car export market
• Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan most impacted from tariff hike
• India’s total exports to Mexico at around $5.3 bln

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Mexico’s decision to raise tariffs as high as 50% will affect $1 billion worth of shipments from major Indian car exporters, including Volkswagen and Hyundai, despite industry lobbying to persuade New Delhi to prevent such a move, according to two sources and a letter from an industry group reviewed by Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: Mexico tariff hike to hit $1 billion India car exports despite automaker lobbying”

Leading Indian companies like Tata Steel have joined hands with Swedish technology innovators to launch seven projects to drive decarbonisation in the domestic steel and cement sectors.

As India advances towards its 2070 net-zero target, reducing emissions from these hard-to-abate sectors will be essential to support the country’s infrastructure development, industrial growth, and long-term climate ambitions, a press statement has said. Continue reading “India, Sweden join hands to drive decarbonisation in steel, cement sectors”

Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday said the collection of toll from electric vehicles on Mumbai-Pune and Samruddhi expressways was “illegal”, and asked the government to implement the waiver system within eight days.

Responding to questions on the toll waiver for Electric Vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway and Atal Setu in Mumbai, Minister Dada Bhuse admitted that toll had been deducted from some EV users despite the waiver. Continue reading “Toll collection from EVs on key highways ‘illegal’; enforce waiver in 8 days: Maharashtra Speaker”

DMK leader K R N Rajeshkumar on Wednesday urged the government to allow commercial truck owners to replace old engines instead of scrapping entire vehicle under the vehicle scrappage policy.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Rajeshkumar acknowledged that the government’s goal of reducing pollution and improving road safety through the scrappage policy was “certainly an excellent work”. Continue reading “Scrapping vehicle too costly for truck owners, allow them to replace engines: DMK MP in RS”

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said negotiations for the India-EU free trade agreement are progressing, and a rough outline of the pact has been prepared.

He said both sides are committed to an early conclusion of the deal.

“Ek free trade agreement ki motee-motee roop rekha taiyaar ho gayee hai (a rough outline of a free trade agreement has been prepared),” Goyal told reporters here. Continue reading “India, EU committed for early conclusion of FTA negotiations: Goyal”

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will acquire 8,000 new buses by 2026, of which the tender process for 3,000 vehicles has already been completed, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Wednesday.

The bus organisation will also get ₹2,893 crore through supplementary demands, and it will include the amount provisioned for staff salaries and clearing their pending dues, he said in the legislative council. Continue reading “MSRTC to get 8,000 new buses by 2026: State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik”

BEIJING/SINGAPORE, (Reuters) – ByteDance and Alibaba (9988.HK), have asked Nvidia (NVDA.O), about buying its powerful H200 AI chip after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would allow it to be exported to China, four people briefed on the matter told Reuters.
The Chinese companies are keen to place large orders for Nvidia’s second most powerful artificial intelligence chip, should Beijing give them the green light, two of the people said. However, they remain concerned about supply and are seeking clarity from Nvidia, one added. Continue reading “Exclusive: ByteDance, Alibaba keen to order Nvidia H200 chips after Trump green light, sources say”

Summary

• Trump administration vehicle efficiency rule rollback would reduce upfront car costs by $930
• Upfront car cost savings would evaporate quickly due to fuel, repair costs, analysts say

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The Trump administration’s proposal to roll back Biden-era vehicle fuel-efficiency standards may save automakers in the U.S. tens of billions of dollars and potentially lower upfront purchase costs for American car buyers. Continue reading “Trump fuel economy rollback may make cars cheaper, but higher gas bills will absorb savings”

Summary

• Govt says proposal aims to strengthen domestic production and address trade imbalances
• Tariffs may be softened on auto parts and steel products, sources say
• Experts warn tariffs could disrupt supply chains, impact electronics and automotive industries

MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – Mexican lawmakers are slated to begin debate this week on a bill to raise tariffs on goods from China and other Asian countries, three ruling party lawmakers told Reuters, amid fierce opposition from China and Mexican business groups. Continue reading “Mexican lawmakers to debate China tariffs proposal, may soften blow on steel and auto parts”

(Reuters) – Car buyers worldwide are returning to combustion engines as a result of policy reversals, trade wars and growing skepticism about EV infrastructure and costs, a report by professional services group EY showed on Tuesday.

In a push to ease sales of gasoline-powered cars, U.S. President Donald Trump last week proposed slashing fuel economy standards finalised by his predecessor, while the European Union might soon unveil a watered-down version of its 2035 combustion engine phase-out. Continue reading “Combustion engine cars regain popularity worldwide, EY says”

Source : PTI | India, a sovereign nation, is free to buy oil from sources it considers beneficial, the Kremlin said on Monday, while expressing confidence that New Delhi will stick to the policy of ensuring its economic interests.

On August 6, the US imposed additional 25 per cent tariffs on India for its purchase of oil and petroleum products from Russia. At the end of August, US tariffs on imports of Indian goods and services were increased to 50 per cent. Continue reading “India free to buy oil from sources it considers beneficial: Kremlin”

BERLIN, Dec 8 (Reuters) – Only a handful of automotive companies are likely to sustain ambitious artificial intelligence investment in the coming years, a study released on Monday showed, raising doubts over whether current industry “euphoria” will deliver lasting benefits.

By 2029, just 5% of automakers will maintain strong AI investment growth, down from over 95% today, technology research firm Gartner said in its report on 2026 predictions for the sector. Continue reading “Only a few automakers to keep up AI push, Gartner says”

FRANKFURT, (Reuters) – Volkswagen Group plans to invest 160 billion euros ($186 billion) through 2030, its CEO Oliver Blume said, reflecting belt-tightening as Europe’s top automaker faces a major crisis in its two key markets, China and the United States.

Total spending, updated annually as part of Volkswagen’s rolling five-year investment plan, compares with 165 billion euros for the 2025-2029 period and 180 billion for 2024-2028, with 2024 marking a peak. Continue reading “Volkswagen to invest $186 billion through 2030, CEO says”

Source : PTI | Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the current system of toll collection will come to an end within a year, replaced by an electronic system that will ensure a seamless experience for motorists on highways.

The new system has been rolled out in 10 places and will be extended across the country within a year, the Union minister of road transport and highways said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour. Continue reading “New barrier-free highway toll collection system to be in place within a year: Gadkari”

WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) – A U.S. agency said on Thursday it has asked Waymo to answer more questions after Texas officials said the Alphabet (GOOGL.O),  unit’s self-driving vehicles had illegally passed school buses 19 times in recorded incidents since the start of the school year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe in October after an incident in Georgia in which a Waymo car did not remain stationary when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm deployed. Continue reading “US probes reports Waymo self-driving cars illegally passed school buses 19 times in Texas”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Alphabet (GOOGL.O), unit Waymo said Friday it would issue a recall for its self-driving vehicles after Texas officials said they illegally passed school buses at least 19 times since the start of the school year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which opened a probe in October into Waymo vehicles near school buses, had asked the self-driving car company on Wednesday to answer questions about the Texas incidents by January 20. Continue reading “Waymo to issue recall over self-driving vehicles driving past stopped school buses”

(Reuters) – Ford (F.N), has recalled 108,762 vehicles in the U.S. over issues with an improperly secured liftgate hinge cover that could detach from the vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.

The recall covers certain 2020–2022 Escape and 2025 Escape models. Dealers will inspect and reinstall or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as needed, free of charge, the regulator said. Continue reading “Ford recalls nearly 109,000 vehicles, NHTSA says”

Source : PTI | Amid air pollution in Delhi, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the central government is giving priority to alternative fuels, and he has started using Toyota’s ‘Mirai’ hydrogen fuel-cell car.

“The futuristic fuel is hydrogen.. I have also got a car, which is hydrogen, and the car is from Toyota … It gives the same comfort as Mercedes. The name of the car is Mirai, which is a Japanese word meaning future,” Gadkari said during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Continue reading “Nitin Gadkari says using Toyota’s ‘Mirai’ car running on futuristic hydrogen fuel”