Summary

• Woman claimed driver groped her
• Different jury awarded $8.5 million to alleged rape victim
• Cases are tests for more than 3,300 other lawsuits

(Reuters) – A federal jury in North Carolina on Monday said Uber should pay $5,000 to a ​woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted by a driver she booked through the app, as ‌the company faces thousands of similar claims.

The Raleigh, North Carolina, jury verdict followed a trial that began April 14. It comes after a separate jury in Arizona earlier this year awarded $8.5 million to a woman who claimed an Uber driver had raped her when she ​was 19. Continue reading “Uber loses another US driver sex assault trial, ordered to pay $5,000”

Summary

• Tesla likely shifted $18 billion in profits offshore, saving at least $400 million in U.S. taxes
• Tax experts say Tesla’s Dutch and Singapore units almost certainly acted as conduits for profit shifting
• A recent Tesla filing suggests possible change in offshore structure, but likely tax savings remain significant

AMSTERDAM, (Reuters) – When Tesla released its annual report for U.S. regulators in January, the Texas-based automaker, led by the world’s richest man, reported a federal tax bill of zero dollars for 2025.

That was nothing new. Continue reading “Musk scorned “shady” loopholes, yet offshore tax tricks likely saved Tesla hundreds of millions”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korean battery maker Samsung ​SDI said on ‌Monday it has signed a multi-year agreement ​with Mercedes-Benz to ​supply batteries for electric ⁠vehicles, marking its ​first EV battery supply ​deal with the automaker.

The batteries will feature high-nickel ​NCM (nickel, cobalt, and ​manganese) chemistry, powering Mercedes-Benz’s next ‌generation ⁠EVs, Samsung SDI said in a statement. Continue reading “Samsung SDI signs first EV battery supply deal with Mercedes-Benz”

Source : PTI | French auto major Renault is adopting a two-platform strategy in India to address the segment below ₹10 lakh while pursuing a full multi-energy flexibility for vehicles longer than 4 metres, as it looks to expand its product portfolio to seven by 2030.

The company, which offered models, such as Kwid, Kiger and Triber on its CMFA platform in the past, is evolving into a new RGEP — Renault Group Entry Platform — as it aims to address customer expectations like native factory-fitted CNG, newer powertrains, and next-generation digital and electronic architecture, according to Renault Group in India CEO Stephane Deblaise.

Continue reading “Renault plans dual-platform strategy, targets 7 models and EV push in India by 2030”

Source : PTI | The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has launched a QR code-based passenger feedback rating performance system to improve their convenience and enhance service efficiency, officials said on Wednesday.

The transport corporation recorded an overall passenger satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 for March 2026, based on 1,702 feedback responses, an official release said. Continue reading “Gujarat road transport body launches QR code-based passenger feedback system”

Summary

• Legacy automakers lean on Big Tech in software, AI race
• Deal to co-develop 100+ AI initiatives at Stellantis
• Stellantis eyes 60% data centre footprint cut by 2029

MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis and ​Microsoft said on Thursday they agreed to a five‑year strategic partnership to ‌co-develop artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and engineering capabilities, as the automaker races to keep pace with technology-focused rivals.

Software and data-driven services have become central in the automotive companies’ long-term strategies, especially as Chinese automakers ​accelerate their development of features to entice customers domestically and abroad. Continue reading “Stellantis, Microsoft sign five-year partnership for AI push”

Summary

• NHTSA began investigating 2015–2017 F-150 trucks with 6R80 transmissions in March last year
• Ford attributes ​the malfunction to heat and vibration degrading ‌sensor connections
• Incorrect sensor signals can trigger sudden gear downshifts, NHTSA says

(Reuters) – Ford is ​recalling about 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks ⁠in the U.S. following a U.S. National ​Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into reports of ​unexpected downshifts, the regulator said on Friday.

The NHTSA said Ford was aware of two “potentially” related injuries and one ​accident, and that dealers would update the ​trucks’ powertrain control module software as a remedy. Continue reading “Ford recalls about 1.4 million pickup trucks over gearshift issue, NHTSA says”

New Delhi | 17 April 2026: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today successfully concluded the 3rd Edition of Vyapar Delhi and 22nd Vyapar conclave nationally at Le Méridien, New Delhi. Held under the theme “Vyapar Delhi – Badalti Dilli”, the high-level industry forum brought together over 200 automobile dealers, senior policymakers, OEM leaders, financial institutions and domain experts to deliberate on the future of automotive retail and mobility in the National Capital Region.

The conclave was graced by Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, as the Chief Guest, highlighting the critical role of the automobile retail sector in Delhi’s economic growth, employment generation, road safety and environmental transition. Continue reading “Vyapar Delhi 2026 Concludes in New Delhi; Auto Retail, Government & OEM Leaders Chart the Roadmap for a Greener, Inclusive Mobility Transition”

Source : PTI | Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will flag off 200 additional electric buses on Friday, its third such launch this year, Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said on Thursday.

In a push for green mobility in the capital, the new government, since its formation, has launched around 2,184 electric buses into service, taking the total fleet strength to around 6,300 buses, including 4,538 electric buses and 1,759 CNG buses. Continue reading “Delhi CM to launch fresh batch 200 electric buses on Friday”

(Reuters) – Investors pressed Mercedes-Benz on its recovery plans for ​China on Thursday, warning that a luxury-focused strategy could hurt the ‌German brand’s chances of winning back Chinese consumers after a slump in sales.

Like rivals BMW and Audi , Mercedes has lost ground in the world’s largest car market, struggling to keep pace ​with fast-moving local brands such as BYD, NIO and Li Auto, which ​offer tech-laden premium cars at lower prices. Continue reading “Mercedes investors warn luxury focus could hamper China recovery”

TAIPEI, (Reuters) – Tesla is seeking semiconductor engineers in Taiwan for its Terafab artificial intelligence chip complex, according to job ​postings on its website.

Taiwan is home to the world’s largest ‌contract chipmaker, TSMC, and has a highly specialised workforce with experience in leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing.

Tesla has posted nine engineering roles in Taiwan for its Terafab ​project, seeking candidates with more than five years of experience ​in advanced chipmaking processes. Continue reading “Tesla seeks Taiwan chip engineers for Terafab project”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Volkswagen’s Audi will deepen its partnership with China’s ​SAIC for future generations of models under their ‌co-owned new brand, with four to be launched in China in the coming years, the German premium ​automaker said on Friday.

The automakers, which rolled ​out the EV brand that drops Audi’s ⁠iconic four-ring logo and carries only ​the Audi name in 2024, will also ​cooperate to build an innovation and technology centre in Shanghai, Audi said in a statement. Continue reading “Audi, SAIC will jointly develop future models under new China brand”

Bengaluru,17 April 2026: Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Mobility Pvt Ltd (TKSM), today announced the inauguration of its first multi-brand pre-owned car retail business outlet under the UTrust brand in Whitefield, Bengaluru.

The launch of multi-brand pre-owned car retail business marks the next phase in creating a trusted, transparent, and customer-centric mobility ecosystem spanning the entire vehicle lifecycle. Continue reading “Toyota Kirloskar Sundaram Mobility Pvt Ltd inaugurates its first Multi-Brand Pre-Owned Car Retail Business Outlet in Bengaluru”

“WAF AutoNews” is World’s No.1 in World Auto News,  Auto Think Tank & Auto Awards !!
Click Here to See for yourself.

WAF THINK TANK

World Auto Forum organises 3rd WAF Sunday Brunch, launches WAF First – ‘Top Leaders Only’ WAF

India now checks Car Service Centre’s Rating on CarPhD before Car Service CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (17th April 2026)”

Source : PTI | State-owned NHAI on Wednesday said it has issued directions to all FASTag issuer banks to undertake immediate validation of vehicle registration numbers to enhance the accuracy and reliability of data in the electronic toll collection system.

NHAI, in a statement, said the decision follows receipt of complaints regarding instances where the VRN (vehicle registration number) captured by FASTag readers does not match the actual registration number displayed on the vehicle number plate. Continue reading “NHAI asks FASTag issuer banks to validate vehicle registration numbers to enhance accuracy”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Michael ​Orange, the ‌Hyundai Motor ​executive ​responsible for sales ⁠in ​all of ​the automaker’s seven ​U.S. ​regions, left the ‌company ⁠on Tuesday, Automotive News ​reported.

The ​automaker ⁠was ​not immediately ​available ⁠for comment. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor’s US sales chief has left the company, Automotive News reports”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Chinese car brands such as BYD are gaining traction among German consumers who are increasingly ​looking to buy electric cars amid rising fuel prices, according ‌to online marketplace data seen by Reuters on Thursday.

BYD was one of the fastest-growing brands in Germany in the first quarter of the year, online marketplace Carwow said, citing ​a 135% rise in purchase queries for the Chinese EV heavyweight ​during that period. Continue reading “German car buyers keen on Chinese EV maker BYD in first quarter, data shows”

Summary

• Crucial freight industry reliant on imported diesel
• War has caused shortages, high prices in Australia
• Electric truck firms report surge in interest

SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Interest in electric trucks has picked up in Australia, one of the most road-freight dependent countries in the world, as the ​Middle East crisis disrupts fuel supply and sends prices soaring.

Electric truck companies told Reuters they have experienced an ‌increase in inquiries from customers and investors since the Iran war began. Continue reading “Faced with fuel crisis, Australia’s trucking industry eyes electric options”

Summary

• Legacy automakers lean on Big Tech in software, AI race
• Deal to co-develop 100+ AI initiatives at Stellantis
• Stellantis eyes 60% data centre footprint cut by 2029

MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis and ​Microsoft said on Thursday they agreed to a five‑year strategic partnership to ‌co-develop artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and engineering capabilities, as the automaker races to keep pace with technology-focused rivals.

Software and data-driven services have become central in the automotive companies’ long-term strategies, especially as Chinese automakers ​accelerate their development of features to entice customers domestically and abroad. Continue reading “Stellantis, Microsoft sign five-year partnership for AI push”

• Renault Group is launching futuREady India, the local rollout of its new strategic plan to drive growth both locally and globally while strengthening engineering and manufacturing capabilities to ensure long-term competitiveness for the Group worldwide.
• With futuREady India, Renault aims to make India one of the brand’s top three global markets by 2030. The Group is entering its largest-ever product renewal cycle in India, with a portfolio expanding to seven multi-energy models by 2030, all designed specifically for local market needs, using a next generation digital and electronic architecture.
• Through its new strategic plan, Renault Group is positioning India as a cornerstone of its global value chain, transforming the country into a technology centre of excellence for local market and worldwide. The Group’s ambition is to generate €2 billion in annual exports by 2030 in vehicles, R&D, and components. Continue reading “Renault Group unveils FutuREady India to power its next phase of international growth”

Delhi, April 16, 2026: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today announced the launch of TWIN FUEL variants of its popular Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) – DOST and DOST+ XL. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable customer-centric mobility solutions in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment.

The vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Amandeep Singh, President – LCV, IO, Defence & Power Solutions, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of Mr. Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland. Continue reading “Ashok Leyland Launches TWIN FUEL Variants of DOST and DOST+ XL”

(Reuters) – Greetings from London! Six weeks after the war in the Middle East began, unless a peace deal is in the offing then it looks like a prolonged oil shock for all of us.

High fuel prices and rising inflation could hurt car sales overall, but in the short term we have already seen a spike in interest in used EVs in Europe, Asia and the United States as consumers seek ways to ​avoid pain at the pump. Continue reading “The incredible shrinking Nissan”

(Reuters) – Honda is recalling ‌440,830 Odyssey minivans in the ​U.S. over a ​software error that ⁠may unexpectedly deploy ​airbags, the U.S. ​National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on ​Wednesday.

Here are ​some details:

• A software programming error ‌can ⁠cause the side and side-curtain airbags to deploy ​unexpectedly, ​according ⁠to the auto regulator.
• The ​agency said ​that ⁠dealers will reprogram the software, as ⁠required.

Continue reading “Honda to recall over 440,000 minivans in US over faulty deployment of airbags”

ROME, (Reuters) – Franco-Italian automaker Stellantis said on Wednesday its global ​shipments rose 12% year-on-year in the first ‌quarter to an estimated 1.4 million vehicles, consolidating a sales rebound that started in the second half ​of 2025.

CEO Antonio Filosa, appointed last year, ​is focusing on regaining market share as ⁠part of turnaround efforts for a company that ​posted a net loss of 22.3 billion euros ($26.3 billion) ​last year. Continue reading “Stellantis first-quarter shipments up 12% year-on-year”

Summary

• Energy storage demand rising, but won’t offset EV battery overcapacity
• Factory conversions to storage batteries are costly, time-consuming
• Traditional automakers lag Tesla, whose storage business is more profitable than its auto division

(Reuters) – Carmakers and battery companies facing a weak U.S. market for electric vehicles are scrambling to repurpose battery factories to make energy-storage systems to fuel AI’s thirst for power instead. But converting plants to new types of batteries won’t be easy, ​nor will the demand for energy storage materialize fast enough to absorb a glut of unused factory space for EV batteries.

The expected surge in demand for electricity and energy storage comes at ‌an opportune time for automakers like General Motors and Ford Motor and their battery suppliers — Asian manufacturers that include Japan’s Panasonic Holdings and South Korea’s Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution. These companies over the past decade spent or earmarked more than $100 billion toward battery factories to feed a U.S. electric-vehicle market that has been decimated by the Trump administration’s pro-fossil-fuel policies. Continue reading “Carmakers navigating the costly and tricky transition to battery storage systems”

(Reuters) – Senior U.S. defense officials have held talks about producing weapons and other military supplies with top executives ​of companies including General Motors and Ford Motor the ‌Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the discussions.

The preliminary and wide-ranging talks, which started before the war in Iran, come as the Trump ​administration wants automakers and other American manufacturers to play a ​larger role in weapons production, the Journal said. Continue reading “Pentagon approaches automakers, manufacturers to boost weapons production, WSJ reports”

Summary

• Doug Field exits after leading Ford’s EV and tech transformation since 2021
• Many Field-led EV programs were canceled amid shifting demand
• Ford merges tech and industrial teams under Kumar Galhotra to accelerate product launches

(Reuters) – Doug Field, a Tesla and ​Apple veteran who has led Ford Motor’s electric-vehicle and technology efforts for nearly five years, is leaving ‌the automaker.

Ford said Wednesday that Field, who most recently was the chief EV, digital, and design officer, is leaving Ford next month. Field said he looks forward to sharing what he’s learned in his career with others. Continue reading “Ford’s advanced EV-and-tech chief to leave the company”

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – The UK’s automotive industry group SMMT said on Thursday carmakers need clarity now on whether Britain will count as ‘Made in ​EU’ in the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) policy as the ‌ambiguity risks delaying investments.

The trade uncertainty comes at a time when both Britain and the EU face stiff competition from cheap Chinese electric vehicles. Continue reading “British carmakers seek clarity on ‘Made in EU’ rule as trade risks grow”

Summary

• Soaring diesel prices threaten to idle independent drivers and small fleets
• Diesel price rise outpacing that of gasoline, putting more pressure on truckers
• US trucking industry dominated by small firms

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – The more than 3 million U.S. truckers who move goods for everything from grocery stores to factories to construction sites are grappling with the highest diesel prices in years, compounding pressure on the industry as Iran war-related ​oil price spikes also threaten to weaken freight demand.

Diesel is the second-largest operating expense for truckers and the national average retail price has jumped $1.89, or 50%, since the start of the ‌Iran war effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy flows. Crude oil prices, which underpin diesel and gasoline, also surged, driving up transportation costs and prices for many consumer goods. Continue reading “US truckers’ diesel spending hits record high on Middle East conflict”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen is expected to take a hit to first-quarter earnings from ​the decision to end production of ‌its ID.4 electric SUV at the German carmaker’s Tennessee plant, analysts said on Tuesday ​after a call with management.

Volkswagen will ​book a charge equivalent to 60% to 75% ⁠of its original $800 million investment to ​retool the Chattanooga plant to produce ​the model, Bernstein analysts said.

A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed that Bernstein’s calculations were correct. Continue reading “Volkswagen faces Q1 charge after halting EV production in Tennessee, analysts say”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korean AI chip startup DEEPX will expand its partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to develop a computing platform for generative AI robots using its ​second generation of low-power chips, its top executive said, as it gets set ‌for an IPO.

DEEPX is in talks with the government and investors to raise more than 600 billion won ($408 million) in an ongoing funding round, in the run-up to a potential IPO in South Korea, DEEPX CEO ​Lokwon Kim said. Continue reading “Korean AI chip startup DEEPX, Hyundai work on robots powered by generative AI”

(Reuters) – Uber has committed more than $10 ​billion to buying thousands of autonomous vehicles ‌and taking stakes in their developers, breaking from its asset-light “gig economy” business model to avoid disruption from robotaxis, ​the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

Reuters could ​not immediately verify the report. Uber did not immediately ⁠respond to a Reuters request for comment. Continue reading “Uber commits $10 billion to robotaxis in strategy shift, FT says”

(Reuters) – Used car retailer CarMax reported a fourth-quarter loss on Tuesday, hurt by a goodwill impairment charge and ​shrinking margins from used vehicles.

Shares of the Richmond, ‌Virginia-based company fell 6.8% in premarket trading.

The used-car sector has struggled to move inventory at profitable prices, with softening consumer demand ​and import tariffs squeezing margins across the industry. Continue reading “CarMax posts quarterly loss on goodwill charge, weak used-car demand”

(Reuters) – Lucid on Tuesday named former Schindler top boss Silvio Napoli as its next CEO and said it is raising more than $1 ​billion as the electric vehicle maker shores up liquidity during a crucial ‌and costly manufacturing ramp-up.

Shares of the company closed down about 5% as some analysts said the fundraise, made up of stock offerings and investments, would do little to ease liquidity pressures and more money would have ​to be raised at terms that dilute existing shareholders. Continue reading “Lucid taps former Schindler chief as CEO, raises $1 billion to shore up liquidity”

Saitama, Japan – Marelli, a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, today announced the appointment of Frederick “Fritz” Henderson as the company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.  Henderson succeeds David Slump, who will continue to serve on Marelli’s Board of Directors through the company’s emergence from the ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring process.

Separately, the Ad Hoc Group of lenders to Marelli today announced their plan to appoint Laurent Favre as Marelli’s future Chief Executive Officer at the conclusion of Henderson’s tenure as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading “Marelli Announces Leadership Appointments”

(Reuters) – Electric vehicle company Slate Auto on Monday said it has raised $650 million in ​a Series C funding round, as ‌the Jeff Bezos-backed firm gears up to deliver its first vehicles late this year.

The company has ​touted its pickup trucks as being affordable ​and hopes to capitalize on the ⁠lower price tag to draw in customers ​grappling with high cost of living.

Slate did not ​immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on its valuation. Continue reading “Bezos-backed EV firm Slate Auto raises $650 million”

Summary

• Case could help shape settlement talks in over 3,000 cases
• Uber recently lost the first case to go to a federal jury
• Plaintiff accused driver of groping her, suggestive comments

(Reuters) – After a key setback in the first trial of its kind before a federal jury, Uber ​is expected to return to court on Tuesday to face a second woman’s claims that she was sexually assaulted by ‌a driver she booked through the app.

The jury trial in Charlotte, North Carolina federal court, which is expected to last about three weeks, will help determine whether a recent $8.5 million verdict in Arizona was a fluke or a sign of real trouble for Uber as it faces more than 3,300 similar lawsuits that have been consolidated ​in federal court. Continue reading “Uber faces second driver sexual assault trial following $8.5 million verdict”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Electric vehicle maker ​BYD said a fire broke out at ‌a parking garage in a Shenzhen industrial park on Tuesday morning.

The garage was a parking ​area for “test and scrapped vehicles” and ​the fire had been extinguished, the carmaker ⁠said in a statement on Tuesday.

No ​casualties were reported, the company added. Continue reading “China’s BYD says fire broke out at parking garage in Shenzhen; no casualties”

(Reuters) – High petrol prices in Europe steered car buyers towards EVs in a record-beating March, and led to the first month of global ​EV sales growth this year, data by consultancy Benchmark Mineral ‌Intelligence showed on Tuesday.

Governments worldwide have capped fuel prices to shield motorists from soaring costs after the war in Iran, which erupted on Feb. 28, disrupted a key shipping route carrying ​about 20% of global oil supplies. Continue reading “Surging petrol prices drive record EV sales in Europe in March”