Summary

• Volvo to lay off up to 800 workers due to market uncertainty
• Trump’s tariffs impact global trading and consumer confidence
• Heavy-duty truck orders hit by freight rate uncertainty and tariffs

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Volvo Group plans to lay off as many as 800 workers at three U.S. facilities over the next three months due to market uncertainty and demand concerns in the face of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, a spokesperson said on Friday. Continue reading “Volvo to cut up to 800 US jobs as Trump’s tariffs bite”

Summary

• Ford halts SUV, truck shipments to China due to tariffs
• Exports of engines, transmissions to China continue despite vehicle pause
• Ford may raise vehicle prices if tariffs persist, internal memo reveals

(Reuters) – Ford Motor said on Friday it has halted shipments of its SUVs, pick-up trucks and sports cars to China, as it starts to face the heat from retaliatory tariffs that have seen vehicles face taxes as high as 150%. Continue reading “Ford halts shipments of vehicles to China amid tariffs”

Summary

• Tesla’s plans for affordable Model Y delayed by at least several months, sources say
• Tesla aims for 250,000 cheaper Model Ys in US in 2026
• Tesla faces challenges: aging models, Musk political activity, tariffs

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW DELHI/SEOUL (Reuters) – Tesla’s long-awaited plans for an affordable car include a U.S-made, stripped-down version of its best-selling electric SUV, the Model Y, but the production launch has been delayed, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: Tesla to delay US launch of affordable EV, a lower-cost Model Y, sources say”

(Reuters) – Tesla has settled a racial discrimination lawsuit by a Black female employee who claimed a manager at its Fremont, California, plant sometimes greeted workers by saying “welcome to the plantation” or “welcome to the slave house.”

Raina Pierce, who installed latches on car doors, and the automaker led by billionaire Elon Musk agreed to a settlement proposed by a mediator, according to a joint filing on Thursday in San Francisco federal court. Continue reading “Tesla settles Black employee’s lawsuit alleging pervasive harassment”

Source : PTI | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she will lay the foundation stone for a 1,600 MW super/ultra-supercritical thermal power plant at Salboni in Paschim Medinipur district on April 21 to be developed by JSW Energy Ltd.

The Rs 16,000 crore project, comprising two units of 800 MW each, was awarded to JSW Energy through a competitive bidding process conducted by the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL). The greenfield thermal power plant is scheduled for commissioning within five years. Continue reading “Mamata Banerjee to lay foundation stone of JSW’s 1600 MW Salboni power plant on April 21”

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Source : PTI | The government has cut the supply of lower-cost APM gas to city gas distributors such as Indraprastha Gas Ltd, Mahanagar Gas Ltd, and Adani Total Gas Ltd, by up to 20 per cent, replacing the shortfall with more expensive fuel. GAIL (India) Ltd, the state-owned nodal agency for gas supply, has intimated about a cut in supply of gas from legacy fields, called Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas, the three city retailers said in separate stock exchange filings.

The production of APM gas, which is currently priced at USD 6.75 per million British thermal unit, is declining at the rate of 9-10 per cent annually as recovery from old and ageing fields falls. Continue reading “Govt cut cheaper APM gas supply to CNG retailers IGL, MGL, Adani Total Gas”

Source : PTI | Hero MotoCorp on Thursday said it will suspend production at four of its plants from April 17 to April 19 in order to undertake short-term supply alignment. The company will utilise the period to carry out maintenance activities at the facilities.

“We would like to inform you that production will be temporarily paused from April 17 to 19, 2025, at four of our manufacturing plants, Dharuhera, Gurugram, Haridwar, and Neemrana, as we navigate a short-term supply alignment,” the country’s largest two-wheeler maker said in a statement. Continue reading “Hero MotoCorp halts production at 4 plants to navigate supply alignment”

Source : PTI | Czech auto major Skoda Auto India needs to have a higher share in the group’s overall exports with a better planning even as it remains “committed” to more overseas shipments from the country, a top company official has said. Skoda Auto India, which on Wednesday rolled out the second generation luxury 4X4 full-size SUV Kodiaq in the country with a starting price of Rs 46.89-lakh, also said that the domestic market is far from a trend where people chose electric car as the only car in the family and that there must be a certain period in transitioning from one type of fuel to another type.

“We need to fight more for the export (as) the main export is still because of the Volkswagen brand. But we have opened a lot of new markets,” Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, told PTI. Continue reading “Skoda India says it needs to increase share in group’s overall exports with better planning”

(Reuters) – Ford Motor is recalling more than 148,000 vehicles in the United States as part of two recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday.

The automaker will recall 123,611 vehicles due to a fluid leak that could reduce braking performance and increase stopping distance. This affects certain 2017–18 Ford F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator models. Continue reading “Ford recalls more than 148,000 vehicles, NHTSA says”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard is to step down from Nissan’s board of directors, the Japanese automaker said on Thursday, as the company tackles its declining performance.

Senard, who served as Nissan’s vice chairman, will resign at the end of the annual general meeting of shareholders scheduled for June, a company statement said. Continue reading “Renault chairman Senard to step down from Nissan’s board”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor plans to temporarily suspend production of some of its electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea due to slow demand and U.S. tariffs, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday, citing unnamed industry sources.

The South Korean automaker is expected to halt operations on some production lines from April 24-30 at its Ulsan complex, where it makes Ioniq 5 and Kona electric vehicles, Yonhap said. Continue reading “Hyundai to suspend EV production in S Korea due to slow demand, US tariffs – Yonhap”

Summary

• Automakers have been rushing to launch driving assistance features
• New rule comes after fatal accident involving Xiaomi car
• China will also require approvals of remote ADAS software upgrades

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – China is banning automakers from using the terms “smart driving” and “autonomous driving” when they advertise driving assistance features, and it will tighten scrutiny of such technology upgrades. Continue reading “China bans ‘smart’ and ‘autonomous’ driving terms from vehicle ads”

Summary

• Co-founder of Indian rival to Uber faces regulatory setback
• BluSmart halts operations, drivers stressed
• Investigation finds co-founder misused EV funds, bought luxury home
• Indian electric cab company became popular over years

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Indian electric cab service BluSmart, seen as a rival to Uber, suspended services on Thursday, two days after the country’s market regulator alleged its co-founder misused funds at an affiliate company and bought a luxury apartment with money allocated for electric vehicles. Continue reading “India’s BluSmart, rival of Uber, suspends operations after co-founder probed”

Summary

• March exports +3.9% yr/yr vs forecast +4.5%
• Imports rise 2% yr/yr
• US tariffs upending Japan’s industrial supply chains

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s exports rose for a sixth straight month in March, data showed on Thursday, as the threat of sweeping U.S. tariffs drove Japanese companies to ramp up shipments while sparking concerns about the outlook of the country’s export-reliant economy. Continue reading “Japan’s exports expand in March as US tariffs feared to hit economy broadly”

Summary

• To unveil first fully-electric model on October 9
• Will keep investing in petrol, hybrid and EV cars
• Hybrids made 51% of Ferrari sales in 2024

MILAN, (Reuters) – Ferrari has been preparing for years for electrification, starting with Formula One powertrains, as it nears the launch of its first fully electric (EV) model in October, Chairman John Elkann said on Wednesday. Continue reading “Ferrari prepared for years for its first EV, chairman says”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Volkswagen confirmed Wednesday that it is joining the growing group of automakers committing to keeping prices steady to ease car shoppers’ concerns around tariffs.

Automakers have provided stability, and even deep discounts, to consumers amid worries that tariffs will drive up prices on dealer lots. In a flurry of announcements earlier this month, U.S. and foreign-owned carmakers offered a variety of deals or price assurances, looking to capitalize on a surge of nervous shoppers hoping to clinch a deal. Continue reading “Volkswagen to keep vehicle prices steady through May”

Summary

• Tesla loses majority EV market share in California
• Backlash against Musk’s politics impacts Tesla’s image
• California’s EV sales rise 7.3% despite Tesla’s decline

(Reuters) – Californians further soured on Tesla in the first quarter, pulling down the electric-vehicle maker’s registrations by 15% as backlash against Elon Musk’s company intensified in the state that has embraced EVs most across the United States. Continue reading “Tesla registrations slump 15% in EV-loving California”

(Reuters) – Ford Motor may raise prices on its new vehicles if U.S. President Donald Trump’s auto tariffs continue, according to a memo sent to dealers on Wednesday that was reviewed by Reuters.

The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker offered deep discounts across its lineup starting earlier this month through June 2. The program will continue, but pricing on new models produced in May and beyond may change, the memo said. Continue reading “Ford Motor may hike prices if Trump’s auto tariffs persist, memo says”

Source : PTI | Ace cricketer Mahindra Singh Dhoni-backed aerospace startup Garuda Aerospace on Wednesday said it has raised Rs 100 crore in its series B funding round from Venture Catalysts. The fresh funds, raised at a valuation of USD 250 million, will significantly enhance the company’s capabilities in producing drone systems, Garuda Aerospace said.

The funds will also be allocated to scaling up the platform’s current production facility and fast-tracking the completion of an R&D and testing centre dedicated to advanced defense drone design, it said. Continue reading “Garuda Aerospace raises ₹100 crore in series B funding from Venture Catalysts”

Source : PTI | Diversified engineering firm Greaves Cotton Ltd on Monday announced the appointment of Parag Satpute as its new Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Arup Basu, who resigned from the position of Managing Director of the company, and whose employment contract will come to an end on the close of business hours of May 9, 2025, the company said in a statement.

In his new role, Satpute will oversee the strategy and operations of Greaves Engineering, Greaves Retail, Greaves Technologies, and Excel Controlinkage Pvt Ltd, the company said. Continue reading “Greaves Cotton appoints Parag Satpute as managing director & Group CEO”

Source : PTI | European auto major Skoda Auto Volkswagen India on Monday said while it does not support the new reciprocal tariff imposed by the Trump Administration, which have now been paused for 90 days on non-retaliating countries, the move may open up opportunities for the industries in the long term. Earlier, the group, which is battling a ₹11,000-crore tax show cause notice for alleged customs duty fraud related to the import of cars as completely knocked down units, rolled out the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan R Line at an introductory price of ₹49 lakh.

“Of course, we do not support the (reciprocal) tariffs but at the same time there are a lot of discussions about opening up the economy even in India through bilateral trade or free trade agreements,” Piyush Arora, Managing Director at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India told PTI here at the launch event.

Continue reading “Trump tariffs may open new opportunities for India, says Skoda Auto Volkswagen official”

Source : PTI | Mobility firm Atul Auto’s subsidiary Atul Greentech has joined hands with battery maker Amara Raja for development and supply of electric vehicle batteries and chargers, a statement said on Tuesday. The collaboration aims to develop and supply LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery packs and chargers for electric vehicles (EVs), it said.

The partnership also extends to development of cells, including advanced chemistry cells for Atul Greentech’s upcoming offerings in line with India’s vision of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”, the statement said. Continue reading “Atul Greentech ties up with Amara Raja for EV batteries, chargers”

Source : PTI | The Delhi government on Tuesday approved an extension of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy by three months and continuation of power subsidy in the national capital, officials said. Till the time the new EV Policy 2.0 is implemented, the existing policy will remain in force, they said.

A Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also approved the continuation of the existing power subsidy for four categories — domestic consumers, farmers, lawyers with chambers, and victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Continue reading “Delhi govt approves 3 month extension of EV policy, continues power subsidy”

Summary

• Shortlist candidates all men, includes three external
• Previous CEO Tavares left behind unhappy shareholders
• Shares hit all-time low amid leadership and market challenges

PARIS/MILAN, (Reuters) – French-Italian carmaker Stellantis has reduced its shortlist of CEO candidates to five, said two people familiar with the matter, as it nears a decision on who will lead the company through one of the industry’s most tumultuous periods. Continue reading “Stellantis closing in on new CEO with shortlist of five candidates, sources say”

Summary

• Company says teams focusing on launch of midsize SUV
• Prepares assembly lines, vendor collaborations
• Plans to mitigate tariff impact with US supplier agreements

(Reuters) – Lucid is on track to launch its midsize electric SUV in 2026, company executives said on Tuesday, as the EV maker looks to tap an increasingly competitive segment dominated by rival Tesla’s bestselling Model Y crossover. Continue reading “Lucid says it is on track to enter midsize electric SUV market next year”

OTTAWA, (Reuters) – Canada will allow some relief to domestically-based automakers and manufacturers in specific sectors from counter-tariffs provided they meet certain conditions, the Finance Ministry said on Tuesday.

Canada has slapped a range of counter-tariffs on the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars and auto parts. Some industry groups and companies have said the counter-measures could be detrimental. Continue reading “Canada to spare automakers, other sectors from some tariffs on US imports”

Summary

• Brazil’s auto market has struggled with protectionism
• Local production, employment still well below 2013 peak
• Brazilians pay far more for cars than regional peers
• High taxes and costs hinder auto competitiveness

SAO PAULO,  (Reuters) – When Brazil hiked trade barriers in its auto market over a decade ago, the government promised more local manufacturing, reliable jobs and better cars. Continue reading “Brazil auto market offers warning for US tariff policy”

HONG KONG, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng said on Wednesday that it had done a “thorough analysis” of its supply chain to ensure it would not be impacted by the current turmoil caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and tensions with China.

Xpeng’s President Brian Gu told reporters in Hong Kong that their current sales were not impacted, but that the company was closely monitoring the situation as it was difficult to escape economic volatility. Continue reading “China’s Xpeng says it reviewed supply chain to insulate it from tariff turmoil”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Honda Motor will shift production of its U.S.-bound five-door Civic hybrid model from Japan to Indiana, a company spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Production of the model in the Yorii factory, near Tokyo, is likely to end in June or July, the spokesperson said. Continue reading “Honda to shift production of US-bound 5-door Civic hybrid to Indiana from Japan”

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tesla plans to ship components from China for Cybercab and Semi electric trucks in the United States were suspended after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods amid a trade war, said a person with direct knowledge.

The move could disrupt Tesla’s plan to start mass production of the much-anticipated models, which its CEO Elon Musk has been touting to investors as major innovations providing growth momentum of the U.S. automaker. Continue reading “Exclusive: Trump’s tariffs on Chinese parts for Cybercab, Semi disrupt Tesla’s US production plans, source says”

Summary

• Trump indicates new tariffs on smartphones, computers and some other electronics
• Trade war has sparked most volatile markets in five years
• Senator Warren criticizes Trump’s tariff policy as chaotic

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would be announcing the tariff rate on imported semiconductors over the next week, adding that there would be flexibility with some companies in the sector. Continue reading “Tariffs on imported semiconductor chips coming soon, Trump says”

Source : PTI | Italian super luxury automaker Automobili Lamborghini on Monday said it has appointed Nidhi Kaistha as Head of Lamborghini India. In her new role, Kaistha will oversee sales, marketing and after-sales operations in India, the sixth-largest market in the Asia Pacific region, the automaker said in a statement.

With over 25 years of experience across hospitality, aviation, and automotive industries, she brings extensive expertise and leadership to her new position, it stated. Continue reading “Nidhi Kaistha appointed as Head of Lamborghini India”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Electric vehicle maker Jitendra EV plans to invest up to ₹125 crore in the next five years on research & development (R&D), product development and enhancing manufacturing capacity, its Co-Founder Samkit Shah said. The company, which had showcased its Hydrix — a hybrid vehicle targetted for launch in 2028 — is also looking to double its sales in the ongoing fiscal year, up from a total of 4,200 units sold in 2024-25, Shah told PTI.

“In the next five years we are planning to invest around ₹80 crore to ₹100 crore on R&D and product development and another ₹25 crore on manufacturing,” he said. Continue reading “Jitendra EV plans to invest up to ₹125 cr in 5 years”

Summary

• Beyond Design: the all-new Tiguan R-Line features sporty ‘R’ themed exteriors and interiors, epitomizing the signature Volkswagen-R design language with expressive character lines and improved aerodynamics.
• Beyond Comfort: the all-new Tiguan R-Line offers sporty comfort seats with massage function & lumbar support, Air-Care Climatronic (3-zone air-conditioning), Park Assist Plus, inductive charging for two smart phones and much more.
• Beyond Performance: powered by a 2.0-litre TSI EVO petrol engine the all-new Tiguan R-Line delivers segment leading 204 PS of power and 320 Nm torque mated to a 7-Speed DSG transmission. 4MOTION all-wheel drive capability and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Pro) further enhance performance on every terrain.
• Beyond Safety: the all-new Tiguan R-Line packs advanced technology for a reassuring driving experience with 21 Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance System) features, 9-airbags as standard, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, Front & Rear Disc Brakes among other segment leading features.
• Beyond Technology: equipped with a class-leading 38.1cm infotainment system, new multi-function driving profile selection experience switch with integrated TFT LCD display and a 26.04 cm Digital Cockpit, the all-new Tiguan R-Line sets new benchmarks for premium mobility.
• Beyond Convenience: for a seamless driving experience, the Head-up Display unit provides information on the speed and driver assistance systems, while the IDA voice assistant on the all-new Tiguan R-Line enables numerous infotainment functions.

Continue reading “Volkswagen India Introduces the All-new Tiguan R-line – Beyond betteR”

Summary

• After unsuccessfully courting Trump, Beijing takes hardline stance on trade
• China orders foreign affairs and commerce officials to cancel vacations
• Trump says China has panicked
• China tried to rally international support against tariffs

BEIJING/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – China has put civilian government officials in Beijing on “wartime footing” and ordered a diplomatic charm offensive aimed at encouraging other countries to push back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, according to four people familiar with the matter.

Communist Party propaganda officials have played a leading role in framing China’s response, one of the people said, with government spokespeople posting defiant clips on social media featuring former leader Mao Zedong saying “we will never yield.” Continue reading “How China went from courting Trump to ‘never yield’ tariff defiance”

Source : PTI | The Centre is planning to invest ₹10 lakh crore over the next two years to strengthen highways across the country, with special focus on the Northeast, where roads will rival those in the US, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. In an interview to PTI, he said the Centre is working to transform the country’s infrastructure drastically in the next two years so that it matches the best in the world.

“We plan to take up projects worth ₹10 lakh crore in the next two years to strengthen highways across the country, with special emphasis on enhancing infrastructure in the Northeast and the border areas. In the coming two years, highways in the Northeast will be on a par with US roads,” Gadkari said.

Continue reading “Centre planning ₹10 lakh cr investment to rewire highways, NE roads will match US standards: Gadkari”

Source : PTI | Smart EV charger startup Plugzmart has received ARAI certification for its electric vehicle charger for heavy vehicles, featuring its own indigenously developed controller and Power Line Communication (PLC) modules, a top official said. The IIT-Madras-incubated startup has become the first Indian company to receive EV charger certification for its controller and PLC modules, rather than relying on imported components. This development could significantly contribute to reducing India’s import dependency in the EV sector, a press release stated.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is the country’s leading automotive R&D organisation, established by the automotive industry in collaboration with the Government of India. Continue reading “Plugzmart becomes first Indian startup to get ARAI nod for indigenous EV charger tech”

Source : PTI | Delhi’s electric vehicle (EV) policy 2.0 may generate up to 20,000 jobs and will also set up battery collection centres while establishing a city-wide network of charging and swappable battery stations. Speaking to PTI about the newly proposed policy, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday said the purpose of this policy is to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce pollution.

The focus will be on mass categories such as two-wheelers, buses, three-wheelers and goods carriers with the aim of transitioning them to electric vehicles. Continue reading “Delhi’s EV policy may create 20,000 jobs; focus on battery swapping and charging network”