TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan Motor CEO Ivan Espinosa said the automaker plans to reduce its stake in French partner Renault, the Nikkei business newspaper reported on Monday.

Nissan and Renault had said in March they had agreed to reduce their required minimum stake in each other to 10% from 15%. Under their agreement, any share sale has to be coordinated with the other party and includes a right of first-refusal. Continue reading “Nissan plans to reduce stake in Renault, CEO Espinosa tells Nikkei”

Summary

• De Meo oversaw post-pandemic turnaround at Renault
• Le Figaro reports he will take over from Pinault as Kering CEO
• Pinault has been mulling splitting CEO, chairman roles, source says
• Kering’s Gucci label has been struggling

PARIS, (Reuters) – Renault CEO Luca de Meo is leaving the French carmaker to pursue a role outside the auto industry, the company said on Sunday, and newspaper Le Figaro reported he would become the new chief executive of Gucci-owner Kering. Continue reading “Renault boss De Meo quits; report says he will head Gucci-owner Kering”

Source : PTI | Tyre maker Continental is looking to expand its passenger vehicle and light truck tyres business in India, as it aims to focus on products catering to the robustly growing utility vehicle segment, according to a top company official.

The company expects strong growth potential in larger-inch and ultra-high-performance tyres designed for SUVs, 4x4s, and sporty vehicles, aligning seamlessly with current market trends.

Continue reading “Continental to scale up passenger vehicle tyre biz to meet evolving consumer demand”

Source : PTI | In a relief to Japanese automobile company Yamaha, the Bombay High Court has set aside an order refusing it a trademark similar to one already registered by Honda Motor Company and directed the registrar, Trade Marks, to adjudicate the issue afresh.

A bench of Justice Manish Pitale on June 13 said while a bare perusal of the two trademarks – Yamaha’s WR and Honda’s WR-V – may cause confusion in the minds of the public, the authority ought to have considered the case as exceptional circumstances and issued an advertisement seeking objections from the public before rejecting Yamaha’s application. Continue reading “Bombay HC quashes order refusing Yamaha trademark similar to Honda’s; directs authority to decide afresh”

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Swedish pension fund AP7 said on Friday it has blacklisted and sold all its shares in U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla, citing violations of union rights in the United States.

“AP7 has decided to blacklist Tesla due to verified violations of labor rights in the United States,” the pension fund said in a statement. Continue reading “Swedish pension fund AP7 blacklists Tesla, has sold entire stake”

(Reuters) – Ford Motor Co is struggling with supplies of rare earth magnets, the automaker’s CEO Jim Farley told Bloomberg News in an interview on Friday.

China, which controls more than 90% of global rare earth processing capacity, imposed new export licensing rules in April, tightening supply to Western manufacturers of everything from cars and fighter jets to household appliances. Continue reading “Ford struggles with supply of rare earth magnets, CEO tells Bloomberg News”

Summary

• May imports to Port of Los Angeles down 9% year-on-year
• Incoming cargo due to rebound after China tariffs lowered to 30% from 145%
• Industry expects 2025 forecasts to decline from 2024 level

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Imports to the busiest U.S. seaport at Los Angeles dropped 9% year-on-year in May and could remain muted through the remainder of 2025, after companies responded to President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs on China by canceling or putting holds on shipments, according to port officials. Continue reading “Busiest US seaport takes hit from 145% China tariffs, worries remain”

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Private equity firms including Blackstone and Apollo Global Management have expressed interest in acquiring U.S. trucker Forward Air, people familiar with the matter said.

They signed confidentiality agreements with the company, allowing them to review documents and receive other information to shape a potential bid. Platinum Equity and Clearlake Capital are also able to review material after having signed agreements, the sources said. Continue reading “US trucker Forward Air attracts takeover interest from buyout firms, sources say”

Summary

• States say U.S. Senate action was unlawful
• Trump says California EV rules a ‘disaster’
• Automakers praise action calling EV rules unworkable

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A group of 11 states led by California on Thursday filed suit challenging a repeal by Congress of the state’s 2035 electric vehicle rules and heavy duty truck requirements.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed three resolutions approved by lawmakers barring California’s electric vehicle sales mandates and diesel engine rules, including its landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. Continue reading “California, 10 other states sue to block Trump from killing 2035 EV rules”

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Auto companies ‘in full panic’ over rare-earths bottleneck WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (13th June 2025)”

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announces the launch of factory-fitted air conditioning systems across its entire truck range. This significant upgrade spans the SFC, LPT, Ultra, Signa, and Prima cabins, while also extending to cowl models for the first time. Tata Motors also introduces a series of value additions, including power output enhancements, reinforcing its commitment to set new benchmarks in performance and drivability. Continue reading “Tata Motors Elevates Driver Comfort, Launches Air Conditioned Cabins and Cowls across its Truck Range”

Summary

• Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways presented the Bharat NCAP certificate to Maruti Suzuki
• Maruti Suzuki will be having all models across all variants with 6 airbags as standard within this year
• All variants of MSIL models are already equipped with Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP®) – the widest portfolio* in the industry and well ahead of regulatory requirement

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited, India’s passenger vehicle market leader, was presented a comprehensive 5-star rating for the All-New Dzire in Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways. With the 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, the All-New Dzire becomes India’s first sedan to receive this recognition. The other model tested under Bharat NCAP, the New Age Baleno scored an impressive 4-star#. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki’s All-New Dzire becomes India’s first 5-star Bharat NCAP-rated sedan, sets a new safety benchmark”

TURIN, Italy, (Reuters) – Stellantis is currently unaffected by supply bottlenecks for rare earths from China, but the automaker had past difficulties in managing the situation, the head of its European operations said on Thursday.

China, which controls over 90% of global processing capacity for rare earths used in everything from automobiles and fighter jets to home appliances, imposed restrictions in early April requiring exporters to obtain licenses from Beijing. Continue reading “Stellantis ‘fine for June’ on rare earth supplies, top manager says”

Summary

• First year in three Toyota chair not opposed by proxy advisers
• Firm seeks $33 billion Toyota Industries buyout to improve ties
• Deal would strengthen family control at expense of minority holders, critics say

TOYOTA CITY, Japan, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor shareholders re-elected Akio Toyoda as chairman on Thursday, highlighting support among mom-and-pop investors even as the Japanese automaker’s $33 billion buyout of a group company draws criticism from overseas shareholders. Continue reading “Toyota chairman re-elected against backdrop of $33 billion buyout bid”

Source : PTI | India’s ethanol production capacity has jumped more than four times in the last 11 years of the Modi government to 1,810 crore litres annually with the help of favourable policy initiatives, according to a senior official.

With an enhanced installed production capacity, the blending of ethanol with petrol has surged to nearly 19 per cent from 1.53 per cent in 2013, leading to huge saving in foreign exchange — more than ₹1.10 lakh crore — as well as benefits to sugarcane and foodgrain farmers. Continue reading “Ethanol production capacity jumps over 4-fold to 1,810 cr litres in 11 yrs of Modi govt: Official”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – An influential consumer organization on Wednesday urged Republican lawmakers to drop a plan to impose a proposed $250 annual fee on electric cars to pay for road repairs.

Consumer Reports, which also tests and rates new vehicles, noted that Republican Senator Bernie Moreno has called for boosting the proposed yearly fee to $500 for EVs and $250 for plug-in hybrids versus the tax and budget bill over the fee in the bill approved by the U.S. House in May. Continue reading “Consumer Reports urges Congress to drop electric vehicle tax proposal”

Summary

• Marelli says 80% of lenders signed deal supporting its restructuring
• Says 100% of its secured debt would be eliminated
• Nissan says it is committed to supporting Marelli

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan supplier Marelli Corp filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States on Wednesday, the Japanese auto parts company said in a statement, after months of uncertainty about its talks with creditors. Continue reading “Nissan supplier Marelli files for Chapter 11, secures $1.1 billion in new financing”

Summary

• Polestar launching in French market after expansion delays
• Orders open on Wednesday with first deliveries due in October
• Aims for France to become one of top European markets, UK currently largest

PARIS, (Reuters) – Swedish premium carmaker Polestar will start delivering its electric vehicles in France this year with the goal of making it one of its three main European markets, its top executive for the country told Reuters. Continue reading “Polestar restarts market expansion with France”

Summary

• Musk says he regrets some of his posts, does not say which
• Comments follow bitter public dispute
• Trump on Monday said he wished Musk well
• Tesla shares down 19% this year

(Reuters) – Billionaire businessman Elon Musk backed off digs he took at President Donald Trump after extensive outreach from administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, with Musk saying on Wednesday he had gone “too far.” Continue reading “Musk backtracks on Trump criticism after White House outreach”

Summary

• First time in 3 years Toyoto chair not opposed by proxy adviser
• But $33 billion Toyota Industries deal faces criticism
• Some investors unhappy over treatment of minority shareholders

TOYOTA CITY, Japan, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda is likely to face scrutiny over a $33 billion take-private deal of a key supplier when shareholders assemble for the Japanese automaker’s annual general meeting on Thursday.

This year’s gathering, set to kick off at 10:00 a.m. (0100 GMT), marks the first time in three years that Toyoda isn’t being opposed by a shareholder proxy adviser. Continue reading “Toyota chairman to face scrutiny over $33 billion deal at shareholder meeting”

Summary

• Robotaxis seen as key to Tesla’s future as company pivots from mass-market, cheaper EVs
• Texas’ regulation-free stance raises safety concerns for autonomous vehicles
• Musk says company will use geofencing and remote monitoring
• NHTSA seeks details on unanswered questions about Austin rollout
• Tesla to use remote backup drivers, limit area where taxis operate

(Reuters) – Tesla faces an existential test this month as it aims to launch self-driving “robotaxis” in its home base of Austin, Texas, where public-safety officials are increasingly concerned about the state’s anti-regulation stance toward autonomous vehicles. Continue reading “Elon Musk’s robotaxi launch in Texas tests his vision of Tesla’s future”

Summary

• BYD, Chery, Geely and Xiaomi among automakers to make pledges
• Pledges follow steel association outcry, regulatory pressure
• China suppliers hurting from brutal price war that has cut profits

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Major Chinese car manufacturers have pledged to make payments to suppliers within 60 days, responding to a recent outcry from steelmakers over long payment times as well as regulatory pressure as the backlash to a brutal price war grows. Continue reading “Chinese carmakers vow to make supplier payments within 60 days as backlash grows”

Summary

• Maruti to cut production in first half of FY25-26 by two-thirds
• Aims to make up lost ground later to meet full-year target
• China’s curbs on rare earth exports have hit global car industry
• Indian auto companies yet to see magnet supplies resume

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Maruti Suzuki has cut near-term production targets for its maiden electric vehicle e-Vitara by two-thirds because of rare earths shortages, a document showed, in the latest sign of disruption to the auto industry from China’s export curbs. Continue reading “Exclusive: India’s Maruti Suzuki cuts near-term EV production amid rare earths crisis”

Summary

• Automaker told investors it expects no near-term rare earths-related disruptions-source
• Hyundai managed to boost rare earths inventory recently when China export curbs relaxed slightly-source
• Automaker also holds about a one-year inventory of rare earths-related magnets-source

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor has a rare earths stockpile that can last about a year and it does not expect any near-term impact from global supply chain disruptions caused by China’s export curbs, said a person who attended a company investor call. Continue reading “Exclusive: Hyundai Motor has a rare earths stockpile that can last about a year, source says”

Summary

• China’s ruling Communist Party mouthpiece condemns “zero-mileage used cars”
• Resale of brand new cars as second-hand cars a growing problem in China’s car industry
• People’s Daily newspaper says practice used by Chinese car makers to inflate sales data
• State-run newspaper urges stricter car tracking and other “tough regulatory action”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – The Chinese practice of selling brand new cars as heavily discounted second-hand vehicles to get rid of inventory should be ended, the official newspaper of the country’s governing Communist Party said in an article published on Tuesday. Continue reading “Chinese state media calls for crackdown on ‘zero-mileage used cars’”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Some investors in Toyota Industries voiced disapproval of a $33 billion buyout offer on Tuesday, adding to criticism that the bid from Japanese parent Toyota Motor was unfair to minority shareholders.

The 4.7 trillion yen ($33 billion) offer to take the forklift maker private has already come under fire from international shareholders including London-based Zennor Asset Management and Hong Kong-based Oasis Management. But on Tuesday, domestic shareholders at what is likely to be the company’s last annual general meeting before it is taken private, also expressed their concerns about the plan. Continue reading “Toyota supplier hit with criticism at shareholder meeting over $33 billion deal”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s car sales rose for a fourth consecutive month in May, but slower increases across major automakers highlighted concerns over aggressive price competition in the world’s largest auto market.

Sales grew 13.9% from a year earlier to 1.96 million vehicles last month, slowing from 14.8% growth in April, China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data showed on Monday. Continue reading “China’s car sales rise in May, but price wars cloud outlook”

BEIJING/SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Fierce competition among China’s leading EV makers has intensified, with a long-running dispute between BYD and Great Wall Motor over emissions compliance escalating after Geely joined in to criticise BYD’s aggressive price cuts.

The row dates back to 2023, when Great Wall Motor reported BYD to Chinese regulators, alleging that its two best-selling hybrid models failed to meet emissions standards. Continue reading “China’s EV makers turn on BYD as price war escalates”

Summary

• Global automakers worry China’s rare-earths curb is next global supply crisis
• Auto industry efforts to find alternative magnet supplies have floundered
• Bottleneck has auto companies stockpiling, considering workarounds

BERLIN/LONDON/DETROIT, (Reuters) – Frank Eckard, CEO of a German magnet maker, has been fielding a flood of calls in recent weeks. Exasperated automakers and parts suppliers have been desperate to find alternative sources of magnets, which are in short supply due to Chinese export curbs.

Some told Eckard their factories could be idled by mid-July without backup magnet supplies. “The whole car industry is in full panic,” said Eckard, CEO of Magnosphere, based in Troisdorf, Germany. “They are willing to pay any price.” Continue reading “Auto companies ‘in full panic’ over rare-earths bottleneck”

Summary

• VinFast Q1 net loss $712 million vs forecast $616 million
• VinFast has received around $2 billion from founder, parent firm
• Revenue jumped 150% to $656.5 million in Q1
• VinFast to offer e-buses in Asia and Europe

(Reuters) – Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast reported on Monday its sixth consecutive quarterly net loss as it continues to ramp up spending to boost sales volumes.

VinFast reported a net loss of $712.4 million for the first quarter, less than the $1.3 billion loss in the previous quarter but 20% more than a year earlier. Analysts’ average forecast was for a $616.3 million loss, according to LSEG data. Continue reading “EV maker VinFast’s Q1 loss widens on higher spending as deliveries rise”

MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – Tire maker Michelin will close a plant in the state of Queretaro in central Mexico by the end of this year, the company announced on Monday.

The decision was a “last resort,” prompted by changes in the passenger car and light truck tire market, the company said, adding that it affects 480 employees will be affected. Continue reading “Tire maker Michelin announces plant closure in central Mexico”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis has started a voluntary redundancy plan for 610 workers at its Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, after introducing the scheme at other Italian facilities, the automaker said on Monday.

Stellantis is so far cutting up to 1,600 staff in total across Italy this year through the voluntary redundancy scheme. At Mirafiori, the scheme “is aimed at supporting early retirement or different career opportunities,” a company spokesperson said, adding workers at Mirafiori can sign up for it until the end of July. Continue reading “Stellantis offers voluntary redundancy scheme at Turin plant”

Summary

• Key assisted driving equipment costs 20-40% lower in China: study
• BYD, others offer advanced driver-assistance as standard feature
• Tesla charges 64,000 yuan (nearly $9,000) for FSD in China
• BYD’s scale seen as advantage in ‘training’ assisted driving system

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Chinese electric-vehicle makers led by BYD beat Tesla in the competition to produce affordable electric vehicles. Now, many of those same fierce competitors are pulling into the passing lane in the global race to produce self-driving cars.

BYD shook up China’s smart-EV industry earlier this year by offering its “God’s Eye” driver-assistance package for free, undercutting the technology Tesla sells for nearly $9,000 in China. Continue reading “Tesla’s self-driving future under threat from China’s auto, tech giants”

SHANGHAI, June 7 (Reuters) – Geely’s chairman and founder Li Shufu said on Saturday that the global automotive industry was facing “serious overcapacity” and that the Chinese automaker had decided not to build new manufacturing plants or expand production in existing facilities.

Li made the comments at an auto forum in the central city of Chongqing, according to the company. Geely Holding owns multiple automotive brands including Geely Auto (0175.HK), Zeekr (ZK.N) and Volvo (VOLVb.ST) Continue reading “Geely chairman says global auto industry faces ‘serious overcapacity’”

Source:PTI | China, which holds the global monopoly over the precious rare earth metals needed for manufacturing of phones, automobiles and missiles, continues to play hardball over lifting export restrictions of the precious metals warding off pressures from a host of countries, including, the US, EU and India.

“China’s export control measures are consistent with universal practices,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said responding to a question during a media briefing here on Thursday that Japanese automaker Suzuki has suspended production of its main small cars in Japan because of delays due to to rare earth restrictions. Continue reading “China silent about lifting export curbs on rare earth metals amid growing concerns in India, world”

Source : PTI | In a first-of-its-kind action, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has suspended the trade licenses of 25 automobile dealers across the state for a month, citing continued failure to comply with vehicle registration procedures.

A senior transport department official on Friday confirmed that this is the first time such disciplinary action has been taken against dealers for violating registration norms. Continue reading “In a first in UP, 25 automobile dealers lose trade licenses for a month”

MILAN, June 6 (Reuters) – Stellantis’ (STLAM.MI) new CEO Antonio Filosa will earn at least $4 million annually in his first two years at the helm, rising to up to $23 million a year from 2028, including bonuses, a document showed, although his remuneration will be lower than predecessor Carlos Tavares.

Filosa officially becomes CEO of the owner of brands such as Chrysler, Peugeot and Jeep at the end of this month, tasked with turning around the carmaker’s performance and recovering lost U.S. market share. Continue reading “Stellantis’ new CEO Filosa set to earn up to $23 million a year”

BERLIN, June 6 (Reuters) – Porsche (P911_p.DE) has no plans to shift any part of its production process to the U.S., a spokesperson said on Friday, dismissing a Bloomberg report saying the company was considering such a move to mitigate the effects of tariffs.

The luxury carmaker, like Volkswagen’s Audi (VOWG.DE), does not produce vehicles in the U.S., leaving it heavily exposed to tariffs at a time when it faces the challenges of falling demand, fierce competition in China and slow uptake of its electric models. Continue reading “Porsche not planning to shift final assembly of cars to US”