WAF THINK TANK
The Secret Weapon Behind the World’s Boldest Auto & Mobility M&A Plays WAF
As a Customer: What to Evaluate During a Car Test Drive CarPhD
AkzoNobel and Axalta to Combine in All-Stock Merger of Equals, Creating a Premier Global Coatings Company WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (21st November 2025)”
Q2FY’26 REVENUE OF Rs. 12,126 Cr; A GROWTH OF 16% AND PAT AT Rs. 1,393 Cr; A GROWTH OF 16%
GAINS MARKET SHARE, ACCELERATES EV BUSINESS AND CONTINUES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH ENTRY IN EUROPEAN MARKETS Continue reading “Hero MotoCorp reports highest ever revenue and Profit After Tax (PAT) for Q2FY’26 AND H1FY’26”
The Parts and Accessories Distributor network is spread across ~760 cities nationwide
New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) announced the inauguration of its 1,500th* Parts and Accessories distributor touchpoint in the country in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The facility was inaugurated by Maruti Suzuki officials Mr. S. D. Chhabra, Executive Officer and Mr. Kohsuke Hattori, Executive Vice President – Parts, Accessories and Logistics. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki Parts and Accessories Distributor network expands to 1,500 touchpoints”
Source : PTI | Against the backdrop of the rising road accident fatalities in Maharashtra and vulnerability of children, experts have called for declaring road crashes a public health crisis and bringing stakeholders together to brainstorm preventive measures and awareness.
Maharashtra recorded 36,084 road accidents and 15,335 fatalities in 2024, averaging 99 crashes and 43 deaths per day, according to official data cited by organisers of a workshop. Continue reading “Road accidents in Maharashtra be declared public health crisis”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla’s (TSLA.O), gaudy $1 trillion executive-compensation package for CEO Elon Musk has obscured a more pressing concern: Musk’s 2018 pay package — still tied up in court — could eat up years’ worth of the electric vehicle maker’s future profits. Continue reading “Forget Musk’s latest pay package, his last one could wipe out years of Tesla profits”
(Reuters) – Kia America (000270.KS), is recalling 250,547 K5 vehicles in the U.S. over a damaged fuel tank posing a fire risk, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday. Continue reading “Kia America to recall over 250,000 US vehicles over fuel tank leak”
(Reuters) – Archer Aviation said on Wednesday it has signed a deal with The Helicopter Company and luxury developer Red Sea Global, both owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, to develop, test and potentially deploy electric aircraft in the Kingdom.
Western air taxi makers have been stepping up efforts to expand beyond their home markets, with the Middle East emerging as a key target thanks to its fast-growing tourism sector, supportive regulators and willingness to invest early in next-generation transport technologies. Continue reading “Archer partners with Saudi entities to develop and test air taxi operations”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will take part in a discussion on advances in artificial intelligence and technology at a U.S.-Saudi Arabia investment forum in Washington on Wednesday, according to a document seen by Reuters.
“This conversation will explore the emerging forces shaping the next wave of technological progress, highlighting the architectures, models, and investments powering a more intelligent and interconnected future,” the document said. Continue reading “Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum”
(Reuters) – Ford is recalling 229,609 Bronco vehicles in the U.S. due to a failure in the instrument panel display, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday.
The regulator said the instrument panel’s software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Continue reading “Ford to recall nearly 230,000 US vehicles over instrument panel display failure, NHTSA says”
NEW YORK, (Reuters) – A U.S. bankruptcy judge on Wednesday ordered an independent investigation into auto parts maker First Brands, allocating a $7 million budget to probe allegations of fraud involving the company’s use of third-party financing for customer invoices.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston, who is overseeing the bankruptcy, did not decide who would conduct the investigation, instead directing the U.S. Department of Justice’s bankruptcy watchdog to make an appointment. Continue reading “Court orders independent probe into First Brands fraud allegations”
Source : PTI | Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off 40 electric buses and accused the previous AAP government of not working to address the pollution issue in the national capital.
She inaugurated the newly redeveloped state-of-the-art DTC bus terminal at Azadpur.
She said every transformation visible in Delhi today is the result of the people’s trust and mandate. Continue reading “1,400 buses flagged off in just eight months: Delhi CM”
By WAF Think Tank
In a landmark moment for India’s fast-accelerating electric mobility journey, MG Motor’s Windsor has shattered records to become the fastest-selling electric vehicle to cross 50,000 units. What began as a bold experiment in accessible, future-ready mobility has now turned into a full-blown success story—one that is reshaping how Indian consumers perceive and adopt EVs.
A Milestone That Signals Mainstream EV Adoption
Surpassing the 50,000-unit sales mark isn’t just a number. It’s a strong signal that the Indian EV market has reached a tipping point. The MG Windsor, with its mix of thoughtful design, advanced tech, and dependable real-world range, has clearly struck the right chord with families, first-time EV buyers, and urban commuters alike. Continue reading “MG Windsor Becomes the Fastest-Selling EV to Cross 50,000 Units”
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s Nissan will cut production by another 1,400 vehicles at its Kyushu plant next week, as the fallout from chip supply disruptions linked to Chinese-owned Nexperia continues to affect its domestic operations, a person familiar with the matter said.
The move follows a 900-vehicle reduction in output last week. Cuts this time will include the Serena minivan, as well as the Rogue SUV, known locally as the X-Trail, said the person, who declined to be named because the information is not public. Continue reading “Exclusive: Nissan to cut more output at Kyushu plant on chip supply troubles”
Summary
BERLIN, (Reuters) – German automotive suppliers are still struggling with a global chip supply shortage triggered by a trade dispute over manufacturer Nexperia, with thousands of workers facing production disruptions at Bosch, the company said on Tuesday.
China and the Netherlands have been locked in a battle for control of Nexperia, although there are hopes of some easing in the stand-off with the Dutch government sending a senior delegation to Beijing this week to try to find a compromise. Continue reading “Auto sector grapples with Nexperia disruption amid hopes for Dutch-China talks”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The CEOs of the Detroit Three automakers and a senior Tesla executive have been invited to appear at a Jan. 14 Senate hearing on the impact of auto regulations and vehicle prices, Reuters has learned.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Jim Farley, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa and Tesla Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy have been asked to appear at the previously unreported Senate Commerce Committee hearing that will review the impact of vehicle emissions and electric vehicle regulations on auto prices. Continue reading “Detroit Three CEOs, Tesla VP asked to testify at US Senate hearing”
(Reuters) – Amazon’s self-driving unit Zoox started offering free rides to some early users in parts of San Francisco, it said on Tuesday, as it steps up expansion amid rising competition in the autonomous ride-hailing sector.
Tesla’s launch of its robotaxi service this year and accelerated expansion by Alphabet’s Waymo have renewed focus on commercializing autonomous vehicles, even as high investments, tight regulations and federal investigations have forced many to shut down. Continue reading “Amazon’s Zoox opens free robotaxi rides for early users in parts of San Francisco”
(Reuters) – Tesla has received a permit to operate a ride-hailing service in Arizona, a state regulator said on Tuesday, in a step toward the electric vehicle maker’s plans of running a self-driving robotaxi service.
Tesla this year launched a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a safety monitor in the front passenger seat, followed by a ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area with human drivers using a version of its Full Self-Driving software. Continue reading “Tesla gets permit for ride-hailing service in Arizona”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will take part in a discussion on advances in artificial intelligence at a U.S.-Saudi Arabia investment forum in Washington on Wednesday, according to a document seen by Reuters.
“This conversation will explore the emerging forces shaping the next wave of technological progress, highlighting the architectures, models, and investments powering a more intelligent and interconnected future,” the document said. Continue reading “Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Within days of China urging its citizens not to travel to Japan due to a diplomatic dispute, Tokyo-based tour operator East Japan International Travel Service had lost 80% of its bookings for the remainder of the year.
The small firm, which specialises in group tours largely for Chinese clients, is at the sharp end of a backlash that threatens to deal a sizeable blow to Japan’s economy, the world’s fourth largest. Continue reading “Japan counts cost of China’s travel boycott as tensions flare”
Source : PTI | Showcasing significant progress in its fight against air pollution, the Haryana government on Tuesday highlighted major achievements and new initiatives during a review meeting held by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forests & Wildlife, Sudhir Rajpal apprised the Ministry of the state’s strengthened measures across NCR-linked districts at the meeting chaired by Tanmay Kumar, Secretary at MoEF&CC. Continue reading “Haryana presents intensified action plan for pollution control”
AMSTERDAM and PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Akzo Nobel N.V. (AKZA; AKZOY) (“AkzoNobel”) and Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE:AXTA) (“Axalta”) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals, creating a premier global coatings company with an enterprise value of approximately $25 billion. Continue reading “AkzoNobel and Axalta to Combine in All-Stock Merger of Equals, Creating a Premier Global Coatings Company”
(Reuters) – Data analytics firm Databricks is in talks to raise funds at a valuation of more than $130 billion, about 30% higher than its last financing round two months ago, The Information reported on Monday, citing two people familiar with the discussion.
The company declined to comment on the report.
Databricks has not signed a term sheet with any investment firms, the report added. Continue reading “Databricks in talks to raise capital at above $130 billion valuation, The Information reports”
DETROIT, (Reuters) – Amazon shoppers can browse and buy Ford Motor vehicles on the e-commerce platform starting on Monday, joining Hyundai in adding online options for customers who want to avoid dealership lots.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker and the tech company said customers will be able to shop a participating dealer’s inventory of used vehicles directly through Amazon. Continue reading “Ford to sell used vehicles on Amazon, joining Hyundai”
Summary
(Reuters) – A California state judge has ruled that more than 6,000 Black workers at Tesla’s flagship assembly plant cannot sue over alleged racial harassment as a class, reversing an earlier ruling in a major victory for CEO Elon Musk’s electric vehicle maker.
California Superior Court Judge Peter Borkon ruled on Friday that the 2017 lawsuit could not move forward as a class action because many of the 200 workers chosen at random to testify ahead of a trial scheduled for 2026 were unwilling to do so. Continue reading “Tesla wins bid to undo race bias class action by Black factory workers”
FRANKFURT, (Reuters) – China’s biggest automaker BYD is planning to double it sales network in Europe by the end of next year, a senior executive said on Monday, as part of an aggressive push into the continent’s market.
“By the end of 2025, we will be present with 1,000 points of sale in Europe, and next year we’re going to double (that),” Maria Grazia Davino, regional managing director for Europe at BYD, said at an event in Frankfurt. Continue reading “BYD aims to double European sales network by end-2026, executive says”
(Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng forecast fourth-quarter revenue below estimates on Monday, as a prolonged price war and intensifying competition in the world’s largest auto market threaten to slow its growth.
The company’s U.S.-listed shares , which have more than doubled this year, fell nearly 8% in early morning trading. Continue reading “Chinese EV maker XPeng forecasts weak fourth quarter revenue amid fierce competition”
Summary
MONTEVIDEO/LIMA, (Reuters) – When Peruvian green energy entrepreneur Luis Zwiebach wanted to buy an electric vehicle in 2019, he flew 4,000 miles to California to test drive Tesla’s Model 3 sedan. But Tesla lacked an official importer and he couldn’t find a way around Peru’s complex vehicle import procedures.
He was not deterred. “There was a gentleman who had already imported one and wanted to sell it,” Zwiebach said. “So I went to see it, and I bought it.” Continue reading “Electric vehicle sales are booming in South America — without Tesla”
Source : PTI | The next round of negotiations between India and Chile on the proposed free trade agreement is expected to be held in December, an official said.
The pact with the the South American nation may help India access critical minerals, which are key inputs for electronics, auto, and solar sectors. Continue reading “India, Chile to likely hold talks on proposed trade pact in December”
Source : PTI | Mahanagar Gas (MGL) on Monday said compressed natural gas supply to pumps in the financial capital will be restored by Tuesday noon.
Nearly 60 per cent, or 225 of the 389 CNG pumps supplying gas to the megapolis, are operational, the gas utility said in a statement. Continue reading “CNG supply to get restored by Tuesday noon, 60% pumps operational: MGL”
Source : PTI | Tyre maker MRF Ltd on Friday reported an 11.7 per cent rise in consolidated net profit from continuing operations at ₹525.64 crore in the second quarter ended September 30, 2025.
The company had posted a consolidated new profit from continuing operations of ₹470.7 crore in the same quarter last fiscal,
Consolidated revenue from operations in the second quarter stood at ₹7,378.72 crore, as against ₹6,881.09 crore in the corresponding period a year ago, it added. Continue reading “MRF Q2 net profit up 11.7% at ₹525.64 crore”
Source : PTI | Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha expects exports from India to grow 25 per cent this year and is making its Chennai factory the export hub for global market, especially to advanced countries, according to a top company official.
The company, which exports to around 55 countries from India, will be exploring more international markets in a bid to increase exports from India, Yamaha Motor Co Ltd Senior Executive Officer and Yamaha Motor India Group Chairman, Itaru Otani told PTI. Continue reading “Expect export to grow 25% this year, making Chennai plant global hub: Yamaha Motor India”
SEOUL, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor Group will invest 125.2 trillion won ($86.47 billion) in South Korea from 2026 to 2030, the automaker said on Sunday after Seoul finalised a trade deal reducing U.S. tariffs on South Korean autos to 15% from 25%.
That compares with investments by Hyundai Motor and its group affiliate Kia Corp of 89.1 trillion won from 2021 to 2025, according to the group. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor announces $86 bln investment in South Korea after US trade deal”
Summary
SEOUL, (Reuters) – Samsung Electronics , Hyundai Motor and other major South Korean manufacturers on Sunday unveiled domestic investment plans, as a U.S. trade deal raised concern investment in the U.S. could weaken manufacturing at home.
Samsung Electronics will add a chip production line at its plant in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek to meet rising demand amid the global boom in artificial intelligence, as part of the parent group’s 450 trillion won ($310.79 billion) investments at home over the next five years, the company said. Continue reading “Samsung, Hyundai announce domestic investments after US-South Korea trade deal”
(Reuters) – Australia’s Syrah Resources said on Monday that it had agreed with Tesla to extend the deadline to tackle an alleged default of their graphite supply agreement for the second time in two months as the miner works to keep its U.S. operations buoyant.
The Elon Musk-led automaker issued a default notice in July after Syrah allegedly failed to deliver conforming active anode material samples from its Louisiana processing facility for Tesla’s electric vehicle batteries. Continue reading “Australia’s Syrah Resources, Tesla to further extend graphite supply deal deadline”
TOKYO, (Reuters) – S&P Global Ratings said on Friday it has downgraded its rating of Nissan Motor’s credit by one notch on continuing pressure on its profitability, while taking a negative view of the outlook for the Japanese automaker.
The credit-rating firm cut its long-term rating on the company and its overseas subsidiaries to “BB-” from “BB”. It noted that the company’s competitiveness in key markets and operational efficiency have diminished. Continue reading “S&P lowers Nissan’s rating to BB- from BB”
(Reuters) – Sweden’s Polestar on Friday said it would conduct a one-for-thirty reverse stock split of its American Depository Shares as the electric vehicle maker seeks to avoid a Nasdaq delisting.
The reverse split, which consolidates multiple shares into fewer, will not change the value of investors’ overall holdings but can mechanically lift the share price above $1 to regain compliance. Continue reading “Swedish EV maker Polestar announces one-for-thirty reverse stock split to maintain Nasdaq listing”
Summary
(Reuters) – China’s BYD has told some suppliers it wants to stop using in-house financial notes to pay them, people briefed on the matter said – a seismic shift away from a practice that helped power its rise but has been criticised for disadvantaging its parts makers.
BYD, one of the world’s biggest electric vehicle makers, now wants to use commercial paper or bank notes to pay suppliers rather than promissory notes issued on Dilian, an electronic platform it launched in 2018, the people said. Continue reading “BYD shifts away from in-house payment system that strained suppliers, sources say”
Summary
UTZENSTORF, Switzerland, (Reuters) – Norbert Steuer, a logistics worker at Swiss precision machinery maker K.R. Pfiffner, has been at the firm for over three decades. Now he is one of 80 out of 105 staff due to be let go as it reels from U.S. tariffs and a struggling auto industry.
The firm, which makes million-dollar machinery used by carmakers including Mercedes-Benz and suppliers such as Robert Bosch (ROBG.UL), is at the sharp end of a tough European car market that has been buffeted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and a slowdown in key export market China. Continue reading “Swiss machine maker feels heat from auto sector slowdown, Trump’s tariffs”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles cut its fiscal 2026 margin goal for Jaguar Land Rover on Friday after a cyberattack disrupted production at the luxury automaker, adding to pressure from soft demand in China and chip supply constraints.
JLR, which generates most of Tata Motors’ profits, is grappling with falling demand for premium cars in China and component shortages after chipmaker Nexperia B.V. warned it could no longer guarantee deliveries due to a political standoff between China and the Netherlands. Continue reading “Tata Motors cuts Jaguar Land Rover margin forecast after cyberattack, China woes”
(Reuters) – Chrysler-parent Stellantis is recalling 112,859 U.S. vehicles over possible engine failure or compartment fire, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.
The NHTSA pointed to debris inside the engine as a cause but did not offer more details. Continue reading “Stellantis to recall nearly 113,000 US vehicles, NHTSA says”
