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
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
(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
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”
Summary
TOKYO, June 7 (Reuters) – Japan had made some progress in a fifth round of trade talks with U.S. officials aimed at ending tariffs that are hurting Japan’s economy, Tokyo’s chief tariff negotiator said. Continue reading “Japan trade negotiator Akazawa says he made progress in US tariff talks”
June 6 (Reuters) – Tesla is trying to prevent the city of Austin, Texas, from releasing public records to Reuters involving the EV maker’s planned launch of self-driving robotaxis in the city this month.
The news agency in February requested communications between Tesla and Austin officials over the previous two years. The request followed CEO Elon Musk’s announcement in January that Tesla would launch fare-collecting robotaxis on Austin public streets. Continue reading “Tesla seeks to block city of Austin from releasing records on robotaxi trial”
Summary
June 6 (Reuters) – Tesla shares recouped some losses that had been triggered by a spat between CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump, even though a truce appeared uncertain on Friday as a White House official said the president was not keen on talking to his former ally. Continue reading “Tesla shares gain after $152 billion selloff, but Trump-Musk truce uncertain”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla shares went into free-fall on Thursday as President Donald Trump publicly feuded with the electric vehicle maker’s billionaire CEO Elon Musk, his self-proclaimed “First Buddy.”
Investors watched the unfolding drama with growing worry about what the fracas could mean for Musk’s business empire. The carmaker’s shares ended the day down 14%, wiping off $150 billion in market value on a day absent other news about the company. Continue reading “Trump-Musk row slams Tesla shares, $150 billion in market value wiped out”
WAF THINK TANK
Top Environment-Friendly Initiatives Auto Dealers Can Take in 2025 CarPhD
Diplomats, automakers push Beijing to loosen rare earth magnet export restrictions WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (6th June 2025)”
New Delhi, June 5, 2025: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organized its 5th International Conference, themed “Revolutionizing Mobility: Driving the Automotive Industry Towards a Clean and Circular Future,” on the occasion of World Environment Day 2025. The conference was graced by dignitaries from the Government of India, industry leaders, think tanks, and engineering converged to deliberate on environment-conscious mobility systems, circularity, accelerate change, and empowering responsible action.
The program also featured a short street play by students of Gyan Mandir Public School, Naraina Vihar, highlighting the issue of plastic pollution, and aimed at raising awareness among the audience. This was followed by a felicitation ceremony, where in prizes were presented to students for a painting competition, titled “Nature’s Palette”, organised on the occasion of World Environment Day. A total of 9 students were awarded the prizes from various schools of Delhi NCR. Continue reading “SIAM Hosts 5th International Conference on World Environment Day 2025 to Drive Circular Mobility”
Continue reading “Maserati ready to present new business plan very soon, brand boss says”
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Suzuki Motor’s suspension of production of its flagship Swift subcompact is due to China’s rare earth restrictions, two people familiar with the matter said, becoming the first Japanese automaker to be affected by the export curbs.
The small car maker halted production of the Swift, excluding the Swift Sport version, from May 26 citing a shortage of components. Continue reading “Suzuki Motor halted Swift production due to China’s rare earth curbs, sources say”
Summary
BEIJING, June 5 (Reuters) – In a hulking grey building just east of Tiananmen square in Beijing, a small team in China’s Ministry of Commerce is deciding the fate of the global auto industry, one rare earth magnet export permit at a time. Continue reading “The world’s auto supply chain is in the hands of a few Chinese bureaucrats”
Source : Mobility Outlook Bureau | TVS Motor Company announced today that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved the appointment of Sudarshan Venu as the incoming Chairman and Managing Director of the company, effective August 25, 2025. The move recognises his significant contributions to the company’s sustained growth and strategic evolution during his tenure as Director and Managing Director.
The current Chairman, Sir Ralf Speth, has informed the Board that he will not be seeking reappointment as a Director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 22, 2025, and will step down from his role at the conclusion of the meeting. However, he will continue his association with TVS Motor Company as Chief Mentor for a period of three years, beginning August 23, 2025. Continue reading “Sudarshan Venu To Take Over As CMD TVS Motor Company From August”
Summary
New Delhi: Strengthening its commitment to green logistics, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (hereinafter “Maruti Suzuki”) dispatched 5.18 lakh vehicles through Indian Railways in FY 2024-25, its highest-ever. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki has dispatched over 5 lakh (half a million) vehicles through Indian Railways in FY 2024-25 – A new record in Green Logistics”
Source : Mobility Outlook Bureau | On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored his vision of a Green Viksit Bharat with the dual launch of two impactful sustainability initiatives—flagging off 200 electric buses by PMI Electro Mobility in Delhi and planting a Banyan sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park.
These symbolic yet powerful actions reflect the government’s focus on accelerating the adoption of clean mobility solutions while fostering a culture of environmental consciousness. The electric buses, manufactured by PMI Electro, represent a major leap towards zero-emission public transportation and are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions in urban centres. Continue reading “PM Flags Off 200 PMI Electric Buses, Plants Sapling To Champion Green Viksit Bharat”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Investors gave a thumbs-down to Toyota Motor’s $33 billion take-private offer for Toyota Industries on Wednesday, highlighting concerns minority shareholders would be short-changed in a landmark restructuring for Japan Inc. Continue reading “Toyota Industries sinks after parent’s takeover bid misses expectations”
ROME, (Reuters) – More than 500 jobs are at risk in Italy after automaker Stellantis changed oil supplier from a local brand owned by Malaysia’s Petronas to France’s Total, a trade union said on Wednesday.
Stellantis was not immediately available for comment.
Petronas owns the Selenia brand of motor oils, an Italian supplier which was previously part of the Fiat group and marketed products including under the “Olio Fiat” name. Continue reading “More than 500 jobs at risk in Italy as Stellantis changes oil supplier, union says”
(Reuters) – Tesla’s sales dropped for the fifth straight month in Britain, Germany and Italy in May, underscoring the challenges the electric vehicle-maker faces over CEO Elon Musk’s politics and its model line-up.
Demand for the company’s new version of the Model Y – Europe’s best-selling car as recently as 2023 – will boost sales in June when UK deliveries start, a British company spokesperson said. Continue reading “Tesla May sales fall in big European markets ahead of new Model Y deliveries”
Source : PTI | Delhi Transport MinisterPankaj Kumar Singh on Tuesday said the government plans to roll out the Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 by next month.
He was speaking at the Urban Adda 2025, a three-day national urban dialogue hosted by Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, supported by Nagarro.
Continue reading “Delhi govt plans to roll out EV Policy 2.0 by next month”
Source : PTI | The country’s first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station integrated with second-life battery storage was launched at the BESCOM EV Hub Charging Station here on Tuesday.
The pilot project, Renewable Energy to Electric Vehicle (RE2EV), which marks a major milestone in clean energy and green transport infrastructure, was inaugurated by Karnataka’s Energy Minister K J George. Continue reading “India’s first solar-powered, second-life battery integrated EV charging station is in Bengaluru”
Source : PTI | The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Wednesday declined to grant an immediate stay on the National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) order that directed the freezing of assets belonging to Gensol Engineering, its promoters, and related entities, PTI reports. The appellate tribunal has instead directed the affected companies to approach the NCLT’s Ahmedabad bench, which is scheduled to hear the matter on June 12.
The decision came in response to appeals filed by two Gensol Group entities—BluSmart Premium Feet and Matrix Gas and Renewable—challenging the NCLT’s May 28 order. The companies argued that the asset freeze was ordered without granting them a fair hearing, which they claimed violated principles of natural justice. Continue reading “NCLAT refuses interim relief to Gensol in asset freeze case”
Source : ANI | New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): As per an ongoing analysis of the damage inflicted upon by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan Air Force, it is emerging that 6 PAF fighter jets, two high value aircraft, over 10 UCAVs, one C-130 transport aircraft along with multiple cruise missiles were destroyed by Indian air-launched cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles.
Sources who were involved in the operations launched against Pakistani aggression told ANI that as per the technical analysis of the data available with the IAF, six of the Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft were shot down in air during operations. Continue reading “6 Pakistan fighter jets, one C-130 aircraft, multiple cruise missiles, UAVs destroyed during IAF retaliation in Op Sindoor”
BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen’s restructuring of its Wolfsburg plant from 2027 to make way for EV-only production could result in a temporary four-day working week at the plant, works council chief Daniela Cavallo told workers on Tuesday.
Cavallo, a central figure in negotiations with management last year over cost cuts, said unions had agreed minimum capacity utilisation for the transition period, but urged workers to take extra shifts in the run-up to compensate for the likelihood of fewer working hours in years to come. Continue reading “VW’s Wolfsburg plant may move to four-day week from 2027, works council says”
Summary
BERLIN, (Reuters) – China’s export restrictions on rare earths that are widely used by the auto industry could disrupt, or even halt, German car production, Germany’s VDA auto industry lobbying group said on Tuesday. Continue reading “Exclusive: Germany lobby group says China’s rare earth curbs could halt auto output”
(Reuters) – U.S. auto sales for Ford Motor and South Korea’s Hyundai Motor rose in May, the companies reported on Tuesday, as concerns over potential tariff-related price hikes prompted buyers to act fast on their purchases of cars and SUVs.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have fueled uncertainty across the auto industry, driving up supply costs, pressuring margins and pushing some automakers to pass the expenses on to consumers. Continue reading “Ford, Hyundai post higher US sales in May on strong SUV, truck demand”
Summary
NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Two former Kia India workers are under investigation over accusations that they colluded with scrap dealers to steal 1,008 engines from the carmaker’s factory over three years, police investigation documents showed. Continue reading “Former Kia India workers, scrap dealers face probe over theft of 1,008 engines”
Source : PTI | IndianOil Group company Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd coinciding with its Diamond Jubilee year has embarked on a journey to set up retail outlets to sell petrol and diesel, a top official said on Tuesday.
The company, which has been producing fuel at its refineries located near the city, has earmarked ₹400 crore as capital expansion towards this cause. Continue reading “Chennai Petroleum to set up retail fuel outlets; commits ₹400 cr capex”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun said on Tuesday that he expected the company’s auto business to turn profitable in the second half of the year, according to a company spokesperson.
Xiaomi’s loss from its smart electric vehicles, AI and other new projects amounted to 0.5 billion yuan ($69.5 million) in the quarter ended March 31, with its EV business revenue reaching 18.1 billion over the same period. Continue reading “China’s Xiaomi founder expects EV business to turn profitable in H2”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles entered the list of 124 electric vehicle and hybrid models in a Chinese government-backed campaign to promote sales in rural areas, the industry ministry statement on Tuesday.
BYD best-selling cars that made the list of 99 such cars last year largely remain, while Tesla models, absent in the annual campaign held at least since 2020, made their debut this year. Continue reading “Tesla’s Model 3, Model Y make list of China’s campaign to boost rural EV sales”
BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen’s plan to cut 35,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 is on track, with over 20,000 workers agreeing to end their contracts early, its human resources chief Gunnar Kilian told a works council meeting at the carmaker’s Wolfsburg headquarters on Tuesday. Continue reading “Volkswagen job cuts on track as 20,000 agree to early redundancy”
Summary
BEIJING/NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Diplomats, automakers and other executives from India, Japan and Europe were urgently seeking meetings with Beijing officials to push for faster approval of rare earth magnet exports, sources said, as shortages threatened to halt global supply chains. Continue reading “Diplomats, automakers push Beijing to loosen rare earth magnet export restrictions”
