BERLIN, (Reuters) – The CEO of Mercedes-Benz criticised the European Union’s plan to ban CO2-emitting vehicles from 2035 in a media interview on Monday, joining a chorus of voices calling the target into question as it comes up for review this year.

The ban, which supporters say is crucial to Europe’s green ambitions, is up for review in the second half of 2025, with critics saying it would handicap European carmakers already struggling with weak demand, Chinese competition and disappointing electric vehicle sales. Continue reading “Mercedes CEO calls for ‘reality check’, slamming EU combustion engine ban”

Summary

• Ford aims to compete with cost-efficient Chinese EVs
• Automaker says new midsize pickup will target $30,000 price
• Company has scaled back EV goals and delayed launches

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford plans to start rolling out its new family of affordable electric vehicles in 2027, including a midsize pickup truck with a target starting price of $30,000, the company said on Monday, as it aspires to the cost efficiency of Chinese rivals. Continue reading “Ford’s new line of affordable EVs to start at about $30,000”

(Reuters) – Money transfer company Western Union said on Sunday it will acquire Intermex, a U.S. firm that focuses on payment transfers to Latin America and the Caribbean, for about $500 million in cash.

Western Union will pay $16 for each Intermex share, representing a premium of over 70% to Intermex’s last close of $9.28 on Friday. Continue reading “Western Union to acquire Intermex for about $500 million”

Source : PTI | In a sweeping enforcement action, the Uttar Pradesh State Transport Department on Friday said it has cancelled over 8,000 transport permits and suspended over 700 for violations ranging from expired validity to breach of statutory conditions.

The move, aimed at tightening compliance and improving road safety, also saw three permits linked to fatal crashes — each involving four to five deaths — revoked with a one-year ban on fresh issuance to the operators concerned, it said. Continue reading “Uttar Pradesh cancels over 8,300 transport permits in road safety drive”

Source : PTI | Truck rental charges on major routes stayed largely stable in July, reflecting a balanced demand-supply environment across the country, a report said on Friday.

Freight rates remained unchanged between June and July for most key routes such as Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi, Delhi-Kolkata-Delhi, and Mumbai-Chennai-Mumbai. Continue reading “Truck rental charges for major routes stay stable in July: Report”

Source : PTI | Zypp Electric and Gurugram Traffic Police Launch “Green Hai Toh Zypp Hai” Campaign for Safer, Greener Mobility Gurugram (Haryana) [India], August 9: In a major step towards advancing electric vehicle adoption and promoting safer roads, Zypp Electric, India’s leading EV logistics platform, has partnered with the Traffic Police, Gurugram, under the “Green Hai Toh Zypp Hai” campaign. The initiative, which unites the core themes of sustainability and road safety, was officially launched today at Zypp HQ, Sector 66, Gurugram, during a special EV awareness rally. The event was honoured by the presence of Dr. Rajesh Mohan, DCP Traffic Gurugram, who joined as the Chief Guest. Continue reading “Zypp Electric and Gurugram traffic police launch ‘Green Hai Toh Zypp Hai’ campaign to promote EV adoption and road safety”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: The government is considering further easing the norms for setting up petrol pumps in the world’s fastest-growing fuel market, in light of the evolving energy security paradigm and commitment to decarbonisation, according to an official order.

The government had in 2019 relaxed the norms for setting up petrol pumps, opening the door for non-oil companies to enter the fuel retailing business.

Continue reading “Govt to review petrol pump licensing norms”

Source : PTI | Rare earth magnets shortage issue has had no impact on production of Tata Motors and JLR’s electric vehicles and is unlikely to affect in the foreseeable future, although there are a few challenges in the coming quarters, Tata Motors Group CFO P B Balaji said on Friday.

In an earnings call, he said teams are working to sort out the problem and the company is continuing to de-risk itself, and is confident of de-risking itself completely. Continue reading “No impact of rare earth magnets supply issue on production: Tata Motors Group CFO PB Balaji”

Summary

• Bloomberg News says Dojo supercomputer team being disbanded
• Musk says doesn’t make sense to divide resources on AI chips
• Focused on Tesla AI5, AI6 and subsequent chips, Musk says

(Reuters) – Tesla will streamline its AI chip research to focus on its development of inference chips used to run AI models and make real-time decisions, CEO Elon Musk said, after a media report he had ordered the closure of the in-house Dojo supercomputer team.

Bloomberg News on Thursday cited people familiar with the matter as saying Musk had ordered the Dojo team to be disbanded, with team leader Peter Bannon departing the company. Continue reading “Tesla to streamline its AI chip design work, Musk says”

(Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it had opened an audit into 137,256 Kia America vehicles on Friday to assess the effectiveness of the automaker’s remedy for defective piston oil rings in some Seltos and Soul models.

In February, Kia America launched a recall of the said Seltos and Soul vehicles, model year 2021-2023, over concerns that piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage causing a loss of motive power or an increased fire risk. Continue reading “NHTSA opens audit query into more than 137,000 Kia America vehicles”

Summary

• Northvolt production had reached up to 30,000 high-quality battery cells weekly – COO
• Quality an important factor behind deal – Lyten CEO
• Creditors, including Goldman Sachs and Volkswagen, face heavy losses.

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Bankrupt Swedish battery maker Northvolt had stepped up production of high-quality battery cells at its Skellefteå plant before operations were halted, a former executive said on Friday, a major factor in sealing a deal to sell the company. Continue reading “Northvolt ramped up production of quality batteries before halting operations, former COO says”

(Reuters) – General Motors will import electric vehicle batteries from Chinese battery giant CATL, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

The arrangement is a stopgap for GM in the next couple of years as it works to manufacture its own lower-cost batteries made with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, the source said. Continue reading “GM to import EV batteries from China’s CATL, source says”

SAO PAULO, (Reuters) – Brazil’s auto exports are set to grow much more than previously expected in 2025, automakers’ association Anfavea said on Thursday, crediting strong demand from neighboring Argentina for the upward revision to its forecast.

The higher exports should help the industry offset the weaker than previously expected local sales, as high interest rates and uncertainties linked to U.S. tariffs weigh on the Brazilian market. Continue reading “Brazil auto exports to jump driven by Argentina; tariffs affect local sales”

(Reuters) – Ford Motor is delaying the launch of two next-generation electric vehicles as it shifts its focus to smaller and more affordable models, the company said on Thursday.

The automaker said it recently informed suppliers that a full-size electric pickup, scheduled for production at its BlueOval City assembly plant in Tennessee, will be delayed from 2027 to 2028. In addition to this long-awaited successor to the F-150 Lightning electric pickup, Ford also delayed production of its E-transit van in Ohio from 2026 to 2028. Continue reading “Ford delays electric pickup, van to 2028 as it chases smaller, affordable options”

(Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk has ordered to shut down its Dojo supercomputer team, with team leader Peter Bannon departing the company, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Dojo supercomputer was designed around custom training chips to process vast amounts of data and video from Tesla EVs to train the automaker’s autonomous-driving software. Continue reading “Tesla shuts down Dojo supercomputer team, reassigns workers amid AI shift, Bloomberg News reports”

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – China’s car sales growth slowed in July partly due to weaker demand for hybrids, as regulators in the world’s biggest auto market crack down on a price war that has bruised the industry.

Sales rose 6.9% from July 2024 to 1.85 million cars, down from an 18.6% year-on-year increase in June, data from the China Passenger Car Association showed on Friday. Continue reading “China’s car sales growth slows in July, with weaker hybrid demand”

Source : PTI | A settlement reached here on Thursday at the Court of Appeal would see Sri Lanka Customs releasing nearly 1,000 Chinese BYD brand electric vehicles held for alleged faulty representation of their engine power.

The importer John Keells CG Auto had petitioned the court seeking redress as the Customs continued to hold 991 cars. Continue reading “Lanka Court settlement allows release of Chinese EVs”

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INDIA

JSW MG Motor India Records 46% Year-on-Year Sales Growth in July autoX

PB Balaji, CFO of Tata Motors, Becomes the First Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover WAF

After Mumbai, It’s Gurugram for Tesla in India! WAF

Tesla launches first charging facility at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai WAF

Auto Retails Declined By 4.31% In July 2025: FADA car&bike

Indian auto dealers hopeful ahead of festive season, US tariff fears persist WAF

Tata AutoComp, Through Its Subsidiary, to Acquire IAC Slovakia WAF

VinFast Rolls Out First Car from its Production Plant in India WAF

Wheels India eyes growth in Europe with new subsidiary: Official WAF

Toyota Innova Completes 20 Glorious Years in India, Trusted by 12 Lakh Plus Customers WAF

River Mobility Clocks Best-Ever Sales in July 2025, Records 68% Year-on-Year Growth WAF

Battery leasing, better charging, and financing key to EV growth: NITI Aayog CNBC

Currently not looking at getting benefits of EV promotion scheme: Volvo Car India MD WAF

Mahindra to pursue engineering actions to address rare earth magnet shortage issue: CFO Amarjyoti Barua WAF

Audi India Appoints Industry Veteran, Nipun Mahajan as Head of Sales & Network WAF

Audi India introduces 10 year extended warranty and 15 year RSA plan HTAuto

Uber India launches Motorhome pilot for intercity travel, Expands to over 3,000 routes HTAuto

Uno Minda Q1 FY26 Performance and Future Outlook WAF

Bajaj Auto begins work on electric motorcycles; Boxer for commute, Pulsar for sports CNBC

ASIA

China rare earth exports slid in July after hitting peak in prior month WAF

Japan urges US to swiftly implement auto tariff cut WAF

Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs, but lifts full-year forecast WAF

Toyota, Honda brace for profit falls as US tariffs, strong yen weigh WAF

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EUROPE

Trump wants more American pick-ups in Tokyo and London. That may be a hard sell WAF

Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office WAF

Lyft, China’s Baidu to launch robotaxi service in Europe next year WAF

Italy’s new car sales down 5.11% in July WAF

USA

General Motors, Hyundai to develop five vehicles amid rising competition WAF

Uber bets on loyalty program to drive growth, unveils $20 billion buyback plan WAF

GM signs rare earth magnet deal with Noveon Magnetics WAF

Major developments in Trump’s trade war WAF

Rivian, Lucid warn of bumpy road ahead as policy changes hurt WAF

Autopilot verdict deals Tesla a ‘black eye’, threatens Musk’s robotaxi ambitions WAF

Exclusive: Tesla’s brand loyalty collapsed after Musk backed Trump, data shows WAF

Harley-Davidson names Topgolf’s Arthur Starrs as CEO WAF

AUSTRALIA

TPG to buy Australian automotive software firm Infomedia for over $420 million WAF

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Tata AutoComp, through its subsidiary Artifex, is set to strengthen its presence in the EU by acquiring IAC Slovakia, a key supplier to Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen.

Tata AutoComp Systems Limited, through its British subsidiary Artifex Interior Systems Limited (Artifex), has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of IAC Group (Slovakia) s.r.o.

This strategic acquisition will strengthen Tata AutoComp’s capabilities and will lay the foundation for deeper expansion across the UK and EU markets. The move supports Tata AutoComp’s ambitious growth plans, positioning the company as a significant player in the European automotive industry, in line with its vision to become the partner of choice for global OEMs. Continue reading “Tata AutoComp, Through Its Subsidiary, to Acquire IAC Slovakia”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Rare earth exports from China slumped 23% in July after hitting a record a month earlier, customs data showed on Thursday, although the preliminary data is too incomplete to draw firm conclusions about Beijing’s commitment to speed up shipments.

The world’s largest producer of rare earths exported 5,994.3 metric tons in July, down 23% from June, when exports hit the highest level since at least 2014, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. Continue reading “China rare earth exports slid in July after hitting peak in prior month”

(Reuters) – India’s upcoming festive season is expected to lift near-term sentiment among auto dealers, but U.S. tariffs could dent consumer confidence, prompting higher household savings and weighing on discretionary spending, including vehicles, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said on Thursday.

Vehicle dealers expect major festivals, including Rakhi, Janmashtami, Independence Day and Ganesh Chaturthi, along with targeted promotional schemes and healthy stock levels to drive sales. Continue reading “Indian auto dealers hopeful ahead of festive season, US tariff fears persist”

Summary

• Higher tariffs likely to impact global supply chains and inflation
• Several major trading partners secure reduced tariff rates
• Tariffs increase US federal revenues, further sectoral duties possible
• Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil and India still seeking better terms
• India’s Modi and Brazil’s Lula adopt defiant stances

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s higher tariffs on imports from dozens of countries kicked in on Thursday, raising the average U.S. import duty to its highest in a century and leaving major trade partners such as Switzerland, Brazil and India hurriedly searching for a better deal. Continue reading “Trump’s higher tariffs hit major US trading partners, sparking defiance and concern”

Source : PTI | VinFast aims to carve out a distinct space in India’s crowded automarket by building a full-fledged ecosystem-spanning manufacturing, service, charging, and recycling-to foster long-term trust with customers Gurugram, Haryana, India.

The upstart EV maker VinFast recently unveiled its electric vehicle factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, backed by a $500 million initial investment and aiming to produce 50,000 units per year in the first phase. This move isn’t a tentative market trial. Instead, VinFast is digging roots deep into India’s automotive landscape, blending manufacturing with nationwide dealer and service networks, charging infrastructure, and battery recycling initiatives. In a market where product launches often draw the spotlight, VinFast is placing equal emphasis on customer care and lasting relationships. Continue reading “VinFast’s core differentiator lies beyond the vehicle in India’s EV race”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa urged the U.S. to swiftly implement measures agreed upon in a bilateral trade deal, including lowering automobile and auto parts tariffs, Japan’s government said on Thursday.

The request was made during Akazawa’s 90-minute meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington on Wednesday, Japan’s government said in a statement. Continue reading “Japan urges US to swiftly implement auto tariff cut”

Summary

• Trade deals lower tariffs on U.S. car imports, some safety rules also eased
• Roads in Europe and Japan narrower than in U.S. fuelling compact-car culture
• Experts say Detroit must adapt to market needs to sell cars

TOKYO/STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Donald Trump is right that Japan and Europe buy few American-made cars – but it has little to do with trade barriers. From Tokyo to London, many consumers see Detroit’s offerings as simply too big and too gas-guzzling.

That view has made Chevrolets and Cadillacs a hard sell, and a rare sight, in cities full of slimmer cars from the Toyota Corolla to Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Renault Clio. Continue reading “Trump wants more American pick-ups in Tokyo and London. That may be a hard sell”

Summary

• Hyundai,GM to develop compact SUV/car/pickup, mid-sized pickup for Latin America
• In North America, they will develop electric vans

(Reuters) – General Motors and Hyundai Motor on Wednesday outlined plans to develop five vehicles as they seek to lower costs amid growing competition from nimble Chinese rivals.

Four of the vehicles — a compact SUV/car/ pickup, and a mid-size pickup — are targeted at Central and South American markets and will support both internal combustion and hybrid powertrains. Continue reading “General Motors, Hyundai to develop five vehicles amid rising competition”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Honda Motor reported a 50% drop in first-quarter operating profit on Wednesday, as a stronger yen and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs took its toll, but the company raised its full-year forecast.

Japan’s second-biggest car maker said quarterly operating profit was 244.2 billion yen ($1.66 billion) in the April-June period, more than a fifth below the average estimate of 311.7 billion yen in a survey of seven analysts by LSEG. Continue reading “Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs, but lifts full-year forecast”

Summary

• Uber One program boosts user engagement, bookings
• Company announces $20 billion stock buyback program
• Uber projects Q3 bookings above estimates

(Reuters) – Uber unveiled a $20 billion stock buyback program and forecast its third-quarter bookings above Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, as the ride-hailing and delivery services company benefits from growing adoption of its paid loyalty program. Continue reading “Uber bets on loyalty program to drive growth, unveils $20 billion buyback plan”

(Reuters) – General Motors has entered into a multi-year deal under which Noveon Magnetics will supply rare earth magnets for use in components of the automaker’s full-size SUVs and trucks, the magnet maker said on Wednesday.

China controls more than 90% of global rare earth processing capacity and imposed new export licensing rules in April, tightening supply to Western manufacturers of everything from cars and fighter jets to household appliances. Continue reading “GM signs rare earth magnet deal with Noveon Magnetics”

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff decisions since he took office on January 20 have shocked financial markets and sent a wave of uncertainty through the global economy.

Here is a timeline of the major developments:

February 1 – Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Mexican and most Canadian imports and 10% on goods from China, demanding they curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the U.S. Continue reading “Major developments in Trump’s trade war”

(Reuters) – Australia’s Infomedia said on Wednesday it had agreed to be acquired by the Asia-focused private equity arm of asset manager TPG for an equity value of A$651 million ($421.33 million).

Under the deal, shareholders in the ASX-listed firm would receive A$1.72 per share, reflecting a more than 30% premium as compared to the stock’s closing price on Tuesday. Continue reading “TPG to buy Australian automotive software firm Infomedia for over $420 million”

Summary

• Nissan employs 560 at Europe regional office
• Negotiations expected to conclude in October
• Nissan has embarked on a sweeping restructuring

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan Motor has begun negotiations with the union representing staff at its European regional office about changes that will include job losses, according to a company document and internal emails. Continue reading “Nissan begins talks with union to cut jobs at European regional office”

Summary

• China export curbs hurt Rivian’s production in Q2, raising costs
• Regulatory credit revenue decline affects Rivian’s loss forecast
• Lucid cuts FY production forecast
• Lucid’s tariff-related costs hurt profit margin

(Reuters) – Rivian and Lucid posted disappointing quarterly earnings on Tuesday and provided a grim outlook for the year as the electric vehicle makers take a hit from policy shifts and trade tensions that have disrupted the industry. Continue reading “Rivian, Lucid warn of bumpy road ahead as policy changes hurt”

Source : PTI | Wheels India Ltd on Tuesday said its decision to establish a subsidiary in Europe is aimed at driving business growth in the region over the next three to five years.

In July, the company announced plans to set up a European arm with a share capital of 50,000 Euros to support its expansion strategy and strengthen customer engagement in the region. Continue reading “Wheels India eyes growth in Europe with new subsidiary: Official”

Summary

• Convincing regulators about Autopilot safety could be tough after verdict
• Jury decision follows years of Autopilot-related probes, recalls
• Robotaxi success crucial for Tesla amid cooling EV demand

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – A court verdict against Tesla last week, stemming from a fatal 2019 crash of an Autopilot-equipped Model S, could hurt its plans to expand its nascent robotaxi network and intensify concerns over the safety of its autonomous vehicle technology. Continue reading “Autopilot verdict deals Tesla a ‘black eye’, threatens Musk’s robotaxi ambitions”