WAF THINK TANK
Top 10 Cars in India with the Lowest Cost of Service (2025) CarPhD
Why Are Companies Like Renault and Nissan Struggling in the Indian Car Industry? CarPhD Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (20th June 2025)”
Source : OutLook | In a significant move to make its electric SUV more accessible, JSW MG Motor India has slashed the prices of the MG ZS EV by up to Rs. 6.14 lakh. With this revision, the Hyundai Creta EV rival now starts at Rs. 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it more competitively in the growing electric vehicle market.
The updated price list covers five variants: Executive, Excite Pro, Exclusive Plus, 100-Year Edition, and Essence, with the top-spec Essence Dual Tone Iconic Ivory receiving the biggest price cut of Rs. 6.14 lakh. Here’s a look at the variant-wise new pricing and reductions: Continue reading “MG ZS EV Gets Up to Rs. 6.14 Lakh Price Cut; New Prices Start at Rs. 17.99 Lakh”
PARIS, (Reuters) – Stellantis has asked for 82,000 Citroen C3 and DS3 vehicles in France with faulty Takata airbags to be removed from roads, a company spokesperson said on Thursday, one week after a woman in Reims died from injuries sustained by one of the airbags in a 2014 Citroen C3.
All C3 and DS3 vehicles produced between 2014 and 2019 are now subject to the “stop drive” recall, the spokesperson said. To date, the company has repaired 481,000 cars in France with the airbags out of 690,000. Continue reading “Stellantis asks for thousands of Citroen cars with faulty airbags to be removed from roads”
BEIJING, (Reuters) – A Xiaomi unit has won a tender to buy a plot of land in Beijing close to its existing car factory for 635 million yuan ($88 million), which it plans to use for a smart connected car and components project, a city regulator said on Thursday.
The win for a 50-year lease to the 485,134 square metre-large plot of land was announced by Beijing’s municipal planning and natural resources commission. Continue reading “Xiaomi unit wins land tender in Beijing for EV manufacturing”
Summary
BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – European officials are increasingly resigned to a 10% rate on “reciprocal” tariffs being the baseline in any trade deal between the United States and the European Union, five sources familiar with the negotiations said. Continue reading “EU increasingly resigned to 10% baseline tariff in US trade talks, European sources say”
(Reuters) – Honda Motor-backed Helm.ai on Thursday unveiled its camera-based system to interpret urban environments, dubbed Helm.ai Vision, and said it was in talks with other automakers to deploy its self-driving technology in mass-market vehicles.
Helm.ai is working with the Japanese automaker to integrate its technology in the upcoming 2026 Honda Zero series of electric vehicles, which will allow users to drive hands-free and take their eyes off the road. Continue reading “Honda-backed Helm.ai unveils vision system for self-driving cars”
Summary
(Reuters) – The world’s largest car-carrying ship – with the equivalent of 20 football fields of vehicles – completed its maiden journey late last month to dock in Brazil’s Itajai port.
But not everyone is cheering its arrival. Continue reading “China floods Brazil with cheap EVs triggering backlash”
Source : PTI | The appellate tribunal NCLAT has directed the NCLT to hear and pass an order on the plea moved by former Gensol Engineering independent director Harsh Singh against the tribunal verdict for investigation against individuals associated with the company, including him.
The appellate tribunal, in its order passed on June 16, granted the former independent director two days time to file a vacation application for a stay of the order passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
Continue reading “NCLAT directs NCLT to hear, pass order on Gensol’s former ind Director plea”
Source : PTI | The Delhi High Court has restrained the infringement of the trademark of Swedish vehicle manufacturer, Volvo. In an order dated May 30, Justice Amit Bansal further restrained two transporters from the unauthorised use of the mark for their bus services. The Swedish vehicle maker filed a plea seeking a permanent injunction against the defendants from infringing its Volvo trademark.
The defendants, the plea alleged, were Udaipur-based Ganesh Motor Body Repairs, a manufacturer and fabricator that made buses nearly identical or deceptively similar to the original Volvo buses, Rishabh Bus Private Limited in Delhi, which purchased buses from the maker and lured customers for its inter-city bus services by advertising its fleet of buses as Volvo buses.
Continue reading “Delhi HC restrains infringement of Volvo trademark”
Source : PTI | Birla Tyre on Wednesday unveiled its new brand identity, including a redesigned logo and corporate website, marking a fresh strategic direction under its new promoters a consortium led by Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd and Dalmia Bharat Refractories.
The rebranding comes as the Kolkata-based tyre maker, once part of the BK Birla Group, aims to reposition itself as a high-performance, future-ready brand for the Indian and global markets, after being acquired through the corporate insolvency process.
Continue reading “Birla Tyre unveils new brand identity under Himadri-led consortium”
Summery
Mumbai: Volkswagen India has inaugurated the country’s first Performance Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, catering to an enhanced retail experience for customers interested in purchasing the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line. The new Performance Centre inaugurated at Mount Road, Chennai is the first amongst multiple new touchpoints that will be launched across India. The brand also inaugurated Volkswagen Chennai as its second Performance Centre in the state. Continue reading “Volkswagen India inaugurates its first performance centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu”
Bengaluru-based Oben Electric has successfully raised INR 100 crore in Series A funding, including a fresh INR 50 crore infusion in May 2025 through an extended round. The EV startup, known for its vertically integrated electric motorcycle offerings, has now raised a total of INR 200 crore to date. Key investors in the extended round include Helios Holdings, Sharda family office, Kay family, and other new and existing stakeholders. Continue reading “Oben Electric Secures INR 100 Cr in Series A Round to Drive National Expansion and Product Innovation Mobility Outlook Bureau”
(Reuters) – VinFast said on Wednesday its first dealership in San Diego, California, is set to begin operations this month, as the Vietnamese electric-vehicle maker doubles down on the dealer model in a bid to boost sales.
Backed by Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, Vingroup, VinFast has faced challenges including softer demand, stiff competition and the fallout of U.S. tariffs. Continue reading “EV maker VinFast sets up first dealership in California”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A U.S. auto safety agency on Wednesday closed a seven-year-old investigation into 2.03 million Nissan Motor vehicles over issues related to rear suspension control arm failure without seeking a recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation, which covered 2013-2018 Nissan Altima and 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima vehicles, was opened in 2018 and upgraded to an engineering analysis in 2019. Continue reading “US closes probe into 2 million Nissan vehicles without seeking recall”
(Reuters) – Amazon’s Zoox has opened its first robotaxi serial production facility, it said on Wednesday, marking a crucial step towards launching a commercial robotaxi service that will compete with Alphabet’s, Waymo and Tesla Zoox is testing in various U.S. cities with more than 20 vehicles and plans to launch the commercial services in Las Vegas this year, followed by San Francisco, where it seeks to expand areas of operation. Continue reading “Zoox launches its first robotaxi production facility, taking on Tesla and Waymo”
(Reuters) – Alphabet’s self-driving unit Waymo said on Wednesday its vehicles will be back in New York City next month for autonomous testing, as it continues to scale operations in the U.S.
The race to deploy robotaxis is picking up pace as Waymo expands testing and Tesla prepares to begin limited trials of its autonomous taxi service with as few as 10 cars this weekend — a sign of growing momentum in self-driving vehicle development. Continue reading “Waymo brings its cars to NYC for testing, applies for autonomous driving permit”
(Reuters) – A group of Democratic Texas lawmakers has asked Tesla to delay its much-anticipated robotaxi launch in Austin until September, when a new autonomous-driving law is scheduled to take effect.
The group of Austin-area lawmakers said in the letter sent on Wednesday that delaying the launch, which CEO Elon Musk said could “tentatively” happen this Sunday, “is in the best interest of both public safety and building public trust in Tesla’s operations.” Continue reading “Tesla asked to delay robotaxi launch by Democratic Texas lawmakers”
(Reuters) – Honda Motor is recalling 259,033 vehicles in the U.S. due to a faulty brake pedal that can shift out of position and hinder braking, raising the risk of crashes or injury, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday.
The company is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles, NHTSA said. Continue reading “Honda to recall over 259,000 US vehicles over brake pedal issue, NHTSA says”
Summary
SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – At least six cities and municipalities across China have suspended trade-in subsidies for car buyers in June, according to Reuters’ review of government announcements, which could slow new car sales in the world’s second-biggest economy. Continue reading “Some Chinese cities pause car-buying subsidies as funds run out”
Source : PTI | Tractor sales in India are likely to see a moderate growth of 4-7 per cent in 2025-26 on the back of a favourable monsoon forecast, which is expected to support agricultural production, ratings agency ICRA said on Wednesday.
Pre-buying ahead of the TREM V emission norms, proposed to take effect from April 1, 2026, could further aid volume growth, ICRA said in a statement. Continue reading “Tractor sales in India likely to see 4-7% growth in FY26: ICRA”
Gadkari said the pass is valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said the government will introduce a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles, priced at ₹3,000, effective from August 15, in a step towards hassle-free highway travel. Continue reading “Govt to launch FASTag-based annual pass of ₹3,000 for private vehicles from Aug 15: Gadkari”
Source : Maruti Suzuki
Manesar/ New Delhi : Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, today inaugurated India’s largest automobile in-plant railway siding at Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s (“MSIL”) Manesar facility. Continue reading “India’s largest automobile in-plant railway siding at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility starts operation”
PARIS, (Reuters) – French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has requested that all Citroen C3 and DS3 vehicles subject to a Takata airbag recall be taken off the roads, French media reported on Tuesday, after reports that a woman died after her airbag was triggered.
The French government has said that vehicles built between 1998 and 2019 are likely to be subject to a recall campaign over faulty airbags, which can explode when they are deployed. The explosion can throw metal fragments and cause serious injury or death. Continue reading “France asks for some Citroen cars with faulty airbags to be taken off roads, report says”
(Reuters) – Chinese automakers are rapidly pulling ahead in the global zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market, according to research firm International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).
The global EV market is currently experiencing intense competition among its key players. Continue reading “Chinese automakers build significant leads in zero-emission vehicle market, research finds”
Summary
LONDON, (Reuters) – Luca de Meo’s abrupt departure as Renault CEO has kicked off a search for his successor, with analysts mentioning longtime insider Denis Le Vot and Maxime Picat of rival Stellantis as suitable fits to continue the French automaker’s turnaround. Continue reading “Renault’s CEO search may include insider Le Vot, Stellantis’ Picat, analysts say”
Summary
MILAN, (Reuters) – Ferrari has delayed plans for its second fully-electric model that was due out in 2026 to at least 2028, because of a lack of demand for high-performance luxury EVs, two sources close to the matter told Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: Ferrari delays second EV model to at least 2028 because of weak demand, sources say”
Summary
TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s exports fell in May for the first time in eight months as big automakers like Toyota were hit by sweeping U.S. tariffs, and the failure of the Asian nation to clinch a trade deal this week will likely pile pressure on its fragile economy. Continue reading “Japan’s exports post first drop in 8 months as auto firms hit by US tariffs”
Summary
MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – When China restricts exports of a key mineral, sometimes the pain is sudden and even crippling – enough to spur a major outcry almost immediately. Other times, it takes longer to be felt.
For the world’s makers of lead-acid batteries, China’s restrictions on critical mineral antimony that were put in place late last year have become a major headache – one that their customers also now have as sky-high procurement costs are passed on. Continue reading “Battery makers sweat as antimony shortage hits after China’s export curbs”
DETROIT, (Reuters) – The federal monitor overseeing the United Auto Workers union has found that its president, Shawn Fain, retaliated against the union’s secretary-treasurer after disagreements over spending.
Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock had some of her duties reassigned for her refusal or reluctance to authorize certain expenditures for Fain’s office, New York attorney Neil Barofsky said in a report released on Tuesday. Continue reading “UAW President Fain found to have retaliated against top officer in expenses feud”
Source : PTI | The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday cleared Mahindra & Mahindra’s proposed acquisition of a nearly 59 per cent stake in commercial vehicle maker SML Isuzu for ₹555 crore.
Mahindra & Mahindra in April announced the acquisition of a 58.96 per cent stake in SML Isuzu for ₹555 crore. Continue reading “CCI approves Mahindra’s ₹555 crore acquisition of 59% stake in SML Isuzu”
VINFAST SIGNS GLOBAL ASSURE TO STRENGTHEN CUSTOMER SERVICE NETWORK ACROSS INDIA
Gurugram, June 17, 2025 – VinFast, a leading global electric vehicle manufacturer, today announced its collaboration signing ‘Global Assure’ to strengthen customer service network across India. Global Assure is India’s one of the most trusted customer service providers. This collaboration is designed to deliver comprehensive customer support and innovative mobility solutions across the Indian market, reinforcing VinFast’s commitment to exceptional customer experience in the rapidly growing electric vehicle segment. Continue reading “VinFast Signs Global Assure to Strengthen Customer Service Network Across India”
KANANASKIS, Alberta (Reuters) – In a surprise move, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday he had agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump that their two nations should try to wrap up a new economic and security deal within 30 days.
The announcement came only a few hours after Canadian officials said the two sides still had plenty of work ahead before they could seal the agreement. Continue reading “Carney says he and Trump are aiming for a Canada-US deal inside 30 days”
KANANASKIS, Alberta, (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday said they had finalized a trade deal reached between the two allies last month.
Trump, standing alongside Starmer at the Group of Seven summit in Canada, said the relationship with Britain was “just fantastic,” as he waved, and briefly dropped, a document which he said he had just signed. Continue reading “Trump, Starmer say US-UK trade deal finalized”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Republicans on Monday proposed a tax and budget bill that would end the $7,500 tax credit on new electric vehicle sales 180 days after the measure is signed into law and immediately end the credit for leased EVs made outside North America.
Republicans have taken aim at EVs on a number of fronts, a u-turn from former President Joe Biden’s policy that encouraged electric vehicles and renewable energy to fight climate change and reduce emissions. Continue reading “Senate Republicans seek to kill $7,500 EV tax credit”
(Reuters) – British luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover lowered its fiscal 2026 earnings before interest and taxes margins forecast to 5%-7% on Monday from 10% earlier, amid uncertainty in the global auto industry as U.S. tariffs loom.
Shares in the company’s Indian parent Tata Motors slumped as much as 5.2% in early trade following the announcement. Continue reading “British carmaker JLR trims FY26 margin forecast on US tariff concerns”
Source : PTI | Home-grown Tata Steel, which is adopting low carbon emitting steel making technologies in India and Europe, aims to have 10-15 million tonnes of production through recycling route in the next 10-15 years, the company’s CEO and MD T V Narendran has said.
In FY25, Tata Steel produced 30.92 million tonnes of steel out of its total capacity of 35 million tonnes spread over India, the UK, the Netherlands and Thailand. Continue reading “Tata Steel targets 15 MTPA green steel via recycling by 2040”
(Reuters) – Tesla said on Thursday it upgraded its Model S and Model X cars in the U.S. and raised their prices by $5,000, according to the electric vehicle maker’s post on X and its website.
Prices were hiked for all configurations of the two models by $5,000, Tesla’s website showed. Continue reading “Tesla upgrades its Model S and X cars in US, raises prices by $5,000”
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
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.
