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”

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is recalling certain units of CB300R motorcycle to rectify an issue with headlight. Aligned with the global market action, the company has announced a voluntary recall for CB300R motorcycle, manufactured between 2018 to 2020, the two-wheeler major said in a statement.

The company has identified a concern in the internal PCB structure of the motorcycle’s headlight, it added. Continue reading “HMSI recalls CB300R motorcycles to rectify headlight issue”

Source : PTI | JSW MG Motor India on Friday said it expects up to 65 per cent of its total sales to come from electric vehicles by the end of this year. The company, whose all-electric crossover utility vehicle Windsor has crossed 20,000 units cumulative sales milestone in six months, had 50 per cent of its sales from EVs in 2024.

It had sold a total of 60,000 vehicles in 2024. At present, JSW MG Motor India sells three EV models — ZS, Comet and Windsor — and three internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles — Hector, Astor and Gloster. Continue reading “JSW MG Motor India expects 65% of total sales to be EVs by 2025 end”

Source : PTI | The Delhi government is likely to provide a subsidy of up to ₹36,000 on purchase of an electric two-wheeler to women under its proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, officials on Friday said. The benefit can be availed by the first 10,000 women, who are holding a driving license, according to the policy draft accessed by PTI.

The proposal is under the government’s consideration and it will be approved soon. Continue reading “Delhi govt likely to offer up to ₹36,000 subsidy to women under EV Policy 2.0”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Carmaker Stellantis remains committed to its ailing luxury brand Maserati even as U.S. tariffs complicate the situation for the automotive industry in general, the brand’s head said on Friday.

A spokesman for Stellantis said earlier this week the group had hired consultant McKinsey to advise on the effects of the recently announced tariffs for Maserati and Alfa Romeo as the two brands prepare future plans. Continue reading “Maserati CEO says Stellantis remains committed to brand”

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden’s Volvo Cars, which is controlled by Chinese auto maker Geely (GEELY.UL), will need up to two years to expand its U.S. car production in order to avoid hefty import tariffs, CEO Hakan Samuelsson told daily Dagens Nyheter (DN) on Friday.

Volvo Cars is one of the most exposed automakers to U.S. President Donald Trump’s auto tariffs as it imports most of its hybrid and electric models from Europe. Continue reading “Volvo Cars may take up to two years to expand US production to avoid tariffs, CEO tells daily DN”

PARIS, (Reuters) – Sales are brisk at the Villiers-Sur-Marne Harley-Davidson dealership outside Paris, where French bikers reckon they had better hurry if they want the American motorcycle of their dreams before trade war puts them out of reach.

“It’s now or never,” said 55-year-old carpenter Stephane Roger as he inspected the gleaming machines. He had been thinking about buying a Harley anyway, he said. But when he heard the news of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, he figured he had better hurry. Continue reading “French bikers race to buy Harleys before possible tariffs”

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – A dozen former OpenAI employees filed a legal brief on Friday backing co-founder Elon Musk’s lawsuit aimed at keeping the non-profit status of OpenAI, marking the latest development in the dispute over the future of the artificial intelligence firm.

Corporate leaders want to give investors control, drawing a host of concerns and a lawsuit from Musk and others who say business interests must be subordinated to humanitarian goals. Continue reading “Group of ex-OpenAI employees back Musk’s lawsuit to halt OpenAI restructure”

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Volkswagen’s truckmaker Scania said on Friday it had agreed to buy bankrupt Northvolt’s division that makes battery packs for heavy industry, reviving a transaction first presented in February, for an undisclosed price.

Sweden’s Northvolt filed for bankruptcy last month in one of the country’s largest corporate failures, bringing to an end Europe’s best hope of developing a rival to Asian electric vehicle battery makers. Continue reading “Volkswagen’s Scania buys bankrupt Northvolt’s heavy industry battery packs unit”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – GM is temporarily halting production of its electric commercial van at its assembly plant in Ontario due to slow sales, the company and the union representing workers there said.

The Detroit automaker is temporarily laying off 1,200 workers at the plant as a result, according to Unifor, the union representing the workers. The shutdown is not related to recently imposed auto tariffs, the company said. Continue reading “GM to halt EV van production in Ontario to adjust for market demand”

(Reuters) – A Harley-Davidson director has resigned after expressing “grave concerns” about the current state of the company in a letter to the motorcycle maker’s board.

Shares of the company tumbled about 11% in morning trading on Thursday. Continue reading “Harley-Davidson board member resigns, cites ‘grave concerns’ about company”

BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazil will pursue trade negotiations with the U.S. while reaffirming its support for multilateralism and seeking to expand its network of trade agreements, Foreign Trade Secretary Tatiana Prazeres said on Thursday.

“Our approach (with the U.S.) is to negotiate, negotiate, and negotiate – that’s what we’ve been doing,” Prazeres said at an event organized by the Brazil-China Business Council (CEBC). Continue reading “Fishing boats tied up in Bay de Verde, Newfoundland, Canada”

Summary

• Allianz Trade in Canada seeing almost 10% jump in inquiries
• Trade credit insurance taken up by very few Canadian exporters
• Uncertainty around tariffs holding up insurance sales
• Insurers expect higher demand in a few months

OTTAWA, (Reuters) – A little-known insurance product is gaining traction in Canada as exporters seek to guard against losses and bankruptcies of their suppliers and customers due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, insurers said. Continue reading “Canadian exporters inquire on trade insurance as Trump’s tariffs heighten risk”

Summary

• EU, China explore setting minimum prices on Chinese EVs
• Negotiations set to start immediately
• German auto industry supports negotiations

BERLIN, (Reuters) – The European Union and China have agreed to look into setting minimum prices of Chinese-made electric vehicles instead of tariffs imposed by the EU last year, a European Commission spokesperson said on Thursday. Continue reading “EU, China will look into setting minimum prices on electric vehicles, EU says”

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(Reuters) – Electric vehicle maker Polestar’s first-quarter sales jumped 76% on Thursday as discounts and offers helped offset stiff competition and an uncertain economic outlook.

It sold around 12,304 vehicles in the quarter, compared with 6,975 vehicles a year ago, when the Swedish company was navigating a rough patch caused by poor demand. Continue reading “EV maker Polestar’s quarterly sales jump on offers, discounts”

Summary

• Tesla launches car sales in Saudi Arabia on Thursday
• Comes ahead of Donald Trump’s expected visit to Riyadh
• CEO Musk’s relations with Riyadh have improved since 2018 feud

RIYADH/DUBAI, (Reuters) – Tesla starts selling cars in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, a country where on a 900-kilometre (559 mile) stretch of its main east-west highway linking the capital Riyadh and the holy city of Mecca there isn’t a single charging station. Continue reading “In Saudi debut, Tesla faces desert heat, few chargers, but no Musk protests”

(Reuters) – Some companies have said they are looking at expanding their presence or setting up shop in the United States to mitigate the costs of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

Below are some of the plans companies have flagged, in alphabetical order. Continue reading “Companies eye US expansion to lessen fallout from tariffs”

(Reuters) – Autonomous driving technology startup Nuro said on Wednesday it fetched a valuation of $6 billion after raising $106 million in its latest funding round, as investors bet on what is often touted as the future of mobility.

The funding — backed by T Rowe Price Associates, Fidelity Management and Research, Tiger Global, Greylock Partners and XN — comes more than three years after Nuro’s last round that valued it at $8.6 billion at the height of venture-capital frenzy. Continue reading “Nuro secures $6 billion valuation in latest funding round”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Around 4,000 employees of the U.S. Transportation Department have applied to take a new buyout offer that offers pay and benefits through Sept. 30, a department official told Reuters.

The figure is not final because it may include employees who are not eligible or some who sent more than one email seeking the buyout, the official said. Continue reading “Around 4,000 US transportation employees seek to take buyout, says official”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China and the European Union have exchanged views on strengthening their economic and trade cooperation in response to U.S. tariffs, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday.

In a video call on Tuesday, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao discussed with European trade and economic security commissioner Maros Sefcovic the restart of talks on trade relief and to immediately carry out negotiations on electric vehicle price commitments, the Chinese ministry statement said. Continue reading “China and EU discuss trade in response to U.S.’ punitive tariffs”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Donald Trump on Wednesday paused for 90 days many tariffs but is not halting 25% tariffs on automotive imports and looming tariffs on auto parts, drawing criticism from Michigan business and auto groups.

The Detroit Regional Chamber and MichiganAuto called on Trump to protect the automotive industry’s complex international supply chain framework from harmful fragmentation that weakens its global competitiveness. Continue reading “Trump draws criticism from Michigan business and auto groups as auto tariffs remain”