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Big Tech’s $600 billion spending plans exacerbate investors’ AI headache WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (13th February 2026)”
Summary
STUTTGART, Germany, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz said on Thursday that the profit margin at its autos division could fall further this year, indicating tough months ahead as the luxury carmaker grapples with high costs, a tough Chinese market and global tariffs.
The premium German automaker is pinning its hopes on new product launches in the coming years as it endeavours to win back customers in China – the world’s largest car market – and revive its dwindling margins. Continue reading “Mercedes flags more margin pressure ahead, tough road in China”
Summary
YOKOHAMA, Japan, (Reuters) – Nissan sharply trimmed its outlook for a full-year loss on Thursday and reported a surprise profit in the third quarter, as the struggling Japanese automaker’s turnaround appears to be gaining traction.
Nissan is fighting to right itself after years of turmoil. Under CEO Ivan Espinosa it has laid out a sweeping turnaround plan that includes reducing its global manufacturing footprint and cutting its workforce by 15%. Continue reading “Nissan sees smaller full-year operating loss as turnaround efforts bear fruit”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – A Toyota Motor tender offer for Toyota Industries has been extended until March 2 after it appeared to fall short of the necessary shareholder votes in the face of staunch opposition from activist shareholder Elliott Investment.
News of the extension boosted expectations that the offer price will be lifted again, and sent shares in the forklift manufacturer to a record high. Continue reading “Toyota extends bid for group forklift maker after Elliott’s opposition”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s commerce ministry shifted its stance on Thursday by accepting that Chinese electric vehicle makers can negotiate independently with the European Union, after Volkswagen secured a tariff reprieve for one of its China-made SUV models.
The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-strong bloc, this week approved a request by the German auto giant’s Cupra brand to exempt the Tavascan SUV coupe from import tariffs in exchange for an agreed minimum price and a sales quota – the first exemption since the duties’ adoption in 2024. Continue reading “China softens stance on EV makers negotiating with EU individually”
Summary
(Reuters) – Two of China’s leading automakers, BYD and Geely, are among the finalists vying to purchase a Nissan–Mercedes-Benz plant in Mexico, according to a person familiar with the matter, as China seeks a manufacturing foothold in a country where U.S. tariffs are fueling factory closures and layoffs.
The finalists emerged from nine companies expressing interest in acquiring the factory, including at least two other major Chinese manufacturers: Chery and Great Wall Motor according to two sources familiar with the matter. Vietnamese electric-vehicle maker VinFast is the third finalist, one of the people said. Continue reading “Exclusive: Seeking Mexico foothold, China’s BYD and Geely bid to buy car plant”
New Delhi — 12 February 2026
JSW MG Motor India today officially unveiled the MG Majestor — a flagship, full-size SUV positioned to redefine MG’s presence in the Indian SUV market. The launch event marks a decisive moment in the premium SUV segment, signaling MG’s intent to challenge entrenched competitors and elevate its brand stature.
Anuj Guglani, CEO, WAF said, ‘The MG Majestor’s unveiling today is more than a product launch — it’s a strategic inflection point for JSW MG Motor India. It represents a deliberate push toward premiumisation, technological leadership, and broader segment engagement beyond traditional expectations. For industry observers, its journey from bookings to market acceptance will offer key insights into the future shape of India’s SUV ecosystem.”
Source : PTI | Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd on Tuesday said it plans to set up several additional plants across India this year to strengthen its footprint and capacity to meet future requirements..
The company, which had inaugurated two new manufacturing plants in Sanand on January 30, said it now operates more than eight plants at Sanand in Gujarat.
“We are expanding our capabilities to deliver world-class quality and operational excellence to our customers. Building on this momentum, we plan to establish several additional plants across India this year, further strengthening our footprint and capacity to meet the future needs of the automotive industry,” Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd, Vice-Chairman, Arvind Goel, said in a statement.
Summary
LONDON, (Reuters) – The Trump administration’s decision to overturn an Obama-era legal analysis underpinning greenhouse gas rules will sow confusion and add costs for businesses and investors alike, shareholder advocates and portfolio managers say.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called climate change a “hoax,” plans on Thursday to formally rescind the 2009 scientific findings that tied carbon dioxide to health dangers – data that has guided pollution standards for more than 15 years. Continue reading “Trump’s rollback on greenhouse gases will cause confusion, could add costs, investors say”
(Reuters) – Singapore’s Grab forecast fiscal 2026 revenue below Wall Street expectations on Wednesday, signaling slower momentum in the tech firm’s core businesses of ride hailing and deliveries as consumers grapple with economic uncertainty.
Shares of the company fell around 4% in extended trading.
Sticky inflation levels amid major Southeast Asian markets, paired with the fallout of the U.S. tariff policies, has prompted consumers to become more selective with spending, as they curb discretionary budgets and look for cost-saving options for regular purchases. Continue reading “Grab Holdings forecasts annual revenue below estimates as platform momentum slows”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s market watchdog on Thursday released guidelines for the auto industry aimed at regulating pricing behaviour, curbing price wars and preventing unfair competition.
The guidelines from the State Administration for Market Regulation apply to car makers, part suppliers and dealers involved in car production and new vehicle sales in China. Continue reading “China issues auto industry guidelines to curb price wars”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tens of thousands of cars are being exported from China to Russia under gray-market schemes that often circumvent Western and Asian government sanctions and automakers’ commitments to exit the Russian market, according to registration data reviewed by Reuters and interviews with five people involved in the trade.
The sanctions and company pledges came in reaction to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. But a thriving trade in these vehicles – from Toyotas and Mazdas to German luxury models – continues partly through informal networks enabling Russian dealers to order them through Chinese intermediaries, the interviews and data from Russian research firm Autostat show. Continue reading “Foreign cars flow to Russia through China, skirting Ukraine war sanctions”
TOKYO, (Reuters) – A group company of Toyota Motor said on Thursday that the tender offer period for its buyout of forklift maker Toyota Industries will be extended until March 2 to increase the chances of the bid succeeding.
The deadline was extended from February 12 to give shareholders a fresh opportunity to decide whether to tender, Toyota Asset Preparatory, which is the entity through which the bid is being made, said in a filing. Continue reading “Toyota group firm extends Toyota Industries tender offer to boost buyout’s chances”
Summary
DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley told employees in a town hall on Wednesday that companywide bonuses would be set to 130%, according to four people familiar with the matter, as the automaker delivered on its goal to improve vehicle quality.
Farley told attendees that the higher payouts are mainly due to the automaker’s improved initial vehicle quality, which measures repairs in the first 90 days of ownership. Farley said the metric is the best it has been in a decade, two of the people said. Continue reading “Exclusive: Ford boosts companywide bonus as initial quality improves, sources say”
Summary
(Reuters) – Florida trucking company owner David Armellini is paying about 20% more this year for each of the roughly 200 extra drivers he is hiring to haul fresh-cut Valentine’s Day flowers to wholesale florists and grocery distribution centers around the country.
That could mean a small increase in the price of a bouquet this weekend if sellers pass along the higher cost. For Armellini, it could be a sign that the longest and deepest U.S. trucking slump is ending. Continue reading “US trucking market sees signs of recovery as Valentine’s Day flower shipments arrive”
In a landmark development for India’s automotive sector, Mahindra & Mahindra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to set up a 1,500-acre automotive and tractor manufacturing facility in Nagpur. The proposed mega investment is poised to significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s manufacturing ecosystem, generate large-scale employment, and position Nagpur as a key automotive hub in Central India.
The project marks a major step in reinforcing Maharashtra’s status as one of India’s most investment-friendly industrial states. With the automotive industry undergoing rapid transformation, the establishment of this plant is expected to create a ripple effect across the value chain — from ancillary units and MSMEs to logistics providers and service industries — thereby contributing to sustainable, long-term economic development in the Vidarbha region. Continue reading “Mahindra & Mahindra to Establish Mega Auto & Tractor Plant in Nagpur, Boosting Maharashtra’s Industrial Growth”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump plans to formalize on Thursday a move to overturn the Obama-era legal basis for federal greenhouse gas rules, which will lead to the repeal of vehicle emissions rules, the White House said on Tuesday.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump will be joined at an event by Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin to formalize the rescission of then-President Barack Obama’s 2009 scientific finding that carbon dioxide endangers human health. Continue reading “White House says Trump plans to rescind climate change finding key to auto rules”
(Reuters) – Harley-Davidson outlined plans for a sharper product lineup and tweaks to its e-commerce strategy under its new chief on Tuesday, as the storied motorcycle maker navigates slowing sales amid a broader consumer pullback on big-ticket purchases.
Executives described 2026 as a “transition year”, a narrative that helped steady investor sentiment, lifting its shares up 2% after they had tumbled in premarket trading on news of a wider fourth-quarter loss. Continue reading “Harley-Davidson rides turnaround plan as weak demand deepens quarterly loss”
Summary
(Reuters) – Lyft forecast first-quarter adjusted core profit below expectations on Tuesday, hit by severe U.S. winter weather, seasonal cost pressures, and posted a surprise operating loss for 2025, sending its shares down 16% in after-hours trading.
The forecast marks a setback for the ride-hailing provider’s comeback, fueled by a year of improving bookings growth, higher margins and expansion into new regions, and also overshadows a $1 billion share repurchase program. Continue reading “Lyft’s weak adjusted core profit forecast, surprise 2025 loss send shares tumbling”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Ferrari forecast 2026 core earnings growth of at least 6% on the back of last year’s five new model launches and its forthcoming electric car debut, driving its shares as much as 11% higher on Tuesday after exceeding fourth quarter expectations.
Milan-listed Ferrari will launch a further five new models this year, including the Luce EV in May. While pre-orders for the new EV will only open next month, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said feedback from clients was “very positive”. Continue reading “Ferrari’s new sports cars, electric debut lift 2026 forecast”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Honda Motor posted a 61% drop in third-quarter profit on Tuesday, hit by U.S. tariffs and restructuring costs tied to its electric-vehicle business, becoming the latest automaker to rack up fresh EV losses as demand for the technology cools.
The company’s grim results follow warnings from global automakers including Ford and Stellantis which have recently flagged massive writedowns related to their EV operations. Continue reading “Honda third-quarter profit slumps over 60% as EV restructuring bites”
Summary
DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor’s quarterly core profit fell about 50% to $1 billion as it absorbed higher-than-expected costs from a fire at an aluminum supplier, but CEO Jim Farley predicted strong performance this year as the automaker slashes costs and works to produce globally competitive models.
Ford reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $11.1 billion following substantial, previously disclosed writedowns on its EV programs. Adjusted earnings per share of 13 cents for the quarter missed analyst forecasts of 19 cents per share. Continue reading “Ford’s quarterly earnings miss forecasts, CEO sees stronger year in 2026”
Pune, India |10th February, 2026 — Stellantis, a leading global automaker, and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, India’s leading manufacturer of cars and SUVs, commemorated 20-years of successful partnering via their 50:50 joint venture, Fiat India Automobiles Private Limited (FIAPL). To mark the occasion, both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to explore further opportunities for collaboration across manufacturing, engineering and supply chain in India and overseas. Continue reading “Stellantis and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Celebrate 20 years of Partnership by Signing MOU to Explore Further Collaboration”
Sanand, Gujarat – February 10, 2026 – Tata AutoComp Systems Limited, a leading automotive component manufacturer, inaugurated two new manufacturing plants in Sanand, Gujarat, on 30 January 2026—one each for its business units, TM Automotive Seating Systems Private Limited and TACO Air International Thermal Systems Private Limited.
With these additions, Tata AutoComp Systems now operates more than eight plants in Sanand. The expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey and underscores its commitment to supporting various OEMs, including Tata Motors Limited (TML), as well as its export business. Continue reading “Tata AutoComp Inaugurates Two State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Plants in One Day in Sanand, Gujarat”
New Delhi, 10th February 2026: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) successfully hosted the highly anticipated 5th edition of Global Electrification Mobility Summit (GEMS) in New Delhi, centred on the inspiring theme “विद्युतीकरण (Electrification): Scaling India’s Mobility Revolution through Electrification for Growth, Sustainability & Global Leadership”. This landmark gathering brought together top policymakers, visionary industry leaders, and distinguished experts from across the globe to shape the roadmap for India’s accelerating transition to electric mobility and sustainable transportation.
The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Mr. H. D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Heavy Industries, Government of India, and Guest of Honours, Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India; Mr. Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA and Ms. Padma Jaiswal IAS, Secretary to Govt. of NCT Delhi, along with leading industry leaders. Continue reading “SIAM Leads the Charge for Electrification at the 5th Global Electrification Mobility Summit”
February 9, 2026 – Autoverse Mobility today announced a strategic integration with GetAFix, a leading garage management platform developed by Evenforce Technologies, with a shared vision of building a deeply connected automotive aftermarket ecosystem. The integration brings together workshop operations and parts procurement into a single, seamless digital workflow, benefiting every participant in the value chain; from manufacturers and distributors to garages, mechanics, and end customers.
Commenting on the integration, Mihir Mohan, Founder and CEO of Autoverse Mobility, said,
“The automotive aftermarket has traditionally operated in silos, with manufacturers, distributors, garages, and mechanics working on disconnected systems. This integration with GetAFix is a step toward changing that reality by building a connected ecosystem where information, demand, and fulfilment flow seamlessly from the factory floor to the mechanic’s bay.” Continue reading “Autoverse Mobility and GetAFix Join Hands to Build a Connected Aftermarket Ecosystem Linking Manufacturers to Mechanics”
Source : PTI | The India-EU deal is expected to reshape competitive dynamics and market access on both sides while providing better access to European markets for Indian auto and component exports, aiding the sector’s long-term growth prospects, according to a report by Icra.
It is expected to give a boost to premium vehicle imports, but have limited disruption to the mass market, it added.
The sharp reduction in duties on EU-made vehicles (completely built units) is expected to drop from as high as 110 per cent to 10 per cent over time for a fixed quota/annum, above an import price of Euro 15,000/vehicle, the report said, adding that this will open India’s car market to European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Continue reading “India-EU FTA to provide better access to European markets for Indian auto component firms: Icra”
Source : PTI | Jaguar Land Rover on Friday reported a loss of 310 million pounds for the October-December quarter, hit by a production pause due to the cyber attack incident.
The Tata Motors-owned British marquee automaker posted a profit before tax of 523 million pounds in the year-ago period.
Revenue for the third quarter stood at 4.5 billion pounds, down 39 per cent year-on-year (YoY), the automaker said in a statement. Continue reading “JLR reports loss of 310 million pounds in Oct-Dec quarter”
Source : PTI | Drivers of app-based taxis and autorickshaws on Saturday observed a day-long strike in Maharashtra and other parts of the country to draw the government’s attention to various demands, including a ban on “illegal” bike taxis and action against “arbitrary” fare policy.
The protest affected commuters to some extent as most of the cabs and rickshaws linked to aggregator apps remained off roads. State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik warned of taking action against the ride aggregator companies if they behave unfairly with the drivers and indulge in “injustice” against them. He said the govt was ready to support the drivers on their genuine issues. Continue reading “Fare policy: App-based cab, auto drivers hold 1-day strike”
Summary
NEW YORK/LONDON, (Reuters) – A planned $600 billion artificial intelligence spending splurge by big tech firms in 2026 is adding to investor unease as they assess the implications for profitability as well as a potential existential threat to software firms.
Shares of Amazon which had announced a $200 billion capital expenditure outlay, slid 7% on Friday, while Alphabet lost 3% after the company said on Wednesday that capital spending could double this year. Meta Platforms was down 1.3%. Continue reading “Big Tech’s $600 billion spending plans exacerbate investors’ AI headache”
Summary
Tesla hiring to pursue Musk plan for 100 GW of US solar manufacturing
Goal far exceeds current US solar manufacturing capacity
Job post says plan is to meet solar manufacturing goal by end of 2028
(Reuters) – Tesla is hiring to support founder Elon Musk’s recently announced plan to become the biggest U.S. manufacturer of solar energy components, according to online posts by senior executives at the company.
The posts show the company is acting on Musk’s new vision of setting up 100 gigawatts of domestic solar production, a target he announced last month. Continue reading “Tesla executives say company is hiring to support Musk’s expanded solar strategy”
(Reuters) – BMW North America is recalling 87,394 vehicles in the U.S. as the engine starter may overheat, causing a fire risk, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Saturday.
Dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge, the auto regulator said. Continue reading “BMW North America to recall over 87,000 U.S. vehicles over engine starter overheating issue”
ROME, (Reuters) – The Stellantis-backed Automotive Cells Company (ACC) told unions it had dropped plans to build gigafactories in both Italy and Germany, the Italian metalworkers’ union UILM said in a statement on Saturday.
ACC, a battery joint venture in which Stellantis is the largest investor, had plans for three gigafactories in Europe — in France, Germany and Italy. Continue reading “Stellantis-backed ACC drops plans for Italian, German gigafactories, union says”
Summary
NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – India will slash tariffs on high-end American cars to 30% from as high as 110% and eliminate duties on Harley-Davidson bikes under an interim trade pact, an official said, but will not make concessions for electric vehicles, a move that pointedly leaves Tesla out.
The U.S. and India moved closer to a trade pact after releasing an interim framework on Friday, days after President Donald Trump said duties on Indian exports would be cut to 18% from 50% in exchange for New Delhi halting purchases of Russian oil. Continue reading “India-US trade deal gives tariff-free access to Harley bikes, no reprieve for Tesla”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis announced 22.2 billion euros ($26.5 billion) of charges on Friday as it scales back its electric-vehicle ambitions, hammering its shares as traditional automakers pay the price of misjudging the switch to cleaner driving.
The move is the biggest in a series of writedowns, including at Ford and General Motors as some automakers pull back from EVs in response to the Trump administration rolling back subsidies and weaker-than-expected demand. Continue reading “Stellantis plunges on $27 billion bill for EV pullback”
Summary
(Reuters) – Toyota Motor’s surprise CEO switch comes as global automakers confront a tumultuous industry landscape – one that the Japanese automaker has been navigating more adeptly than most.
The world’s No. 1 carmaker by sales said on Friday that it is moving away from CEO Koji Sato after a three-year stint, a relatively short tenure for the man hand-picked by Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda. Taking the reins on April 1 will be finance chief Kenta Kon, a close ally and former secretary of Toyoda. Continue reading “Toyota changes CEO despite its strength through industry turmoil”
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As a Customer: What to Evaluate During a Car Test Drive CarPhD
Union Budget 2026 Highlights | Key Announcements, Tax Changes & Reforms WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (06th February 2026)”
Summary
CAMACARI, (Reuters) – Chinese automaker BYD is aiming to produce and source 50% of its vehicle components locally at its new Brazilian factory by the end of 2026, the company’s top executive in the country told Reuters, amid concerns about the EV giant undercutting the local industry.
Senior Vice President Alexandre Baldy said in an interview this week at the plant in Bahia state that BYD is transitioning to a local supply chain as quickly as possible, with the aim of becoming Brazil’s top carmaker in sales volumes by 2030. Continue reading “Exclusive: BYD shifts to local parts in Brazil factory in bid for market leadership”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor is expected to report a third straight decline in quarterly operating profit on Friday, as rising costs and U.S. import tariffs weigh on earnings despite record global vehicle sales and strong demand for hybrids.
The world’s best-selling automaker is forecast to post operating profit of 1.09 trillion yen ($6.95 billion) for the October-December quarter, down 10% from a year earlier, the average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by LSEG showed. Continue reading “Toyota expected to post third straight quarterly profit drop as costs, tariffs bite”
India’s mobility landscape is witnessing a quiet but powerful disruption — not driven by venture capital alone, but by cooperation, inclusion, and collective ownership. The launch of Bharat Taxi, a cooperative cab platform joined by over 3 lakh drivers and inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, marks a historic moment in the evolution of India’s gig economy.
Unlike conventional ride-hailing platforms dominated by private corporations, Bharat Taxi represents a driver-owned, cooperative digital mobility model — aligned with the Government of India’s vision of Sahakar se Samriddhi (Prosperity through Cooperation).
