Source : PTI | Czech automaker Skoda looks to expand its model range, including an electric car, in India while also leveraging its manufacturing footprint in the country to cater to various global markets, including Europe, as India nears a free trade pact with the EU, a senior company executive said on Tuesday.

Terming India as the most important non-European market for the Mlada Boleslav-headquartered firm, he noted that the group is “looking at it with a lot of hope and good perspective”, while trying to figure out which products to introduce to the world’s third-largest automobile market.

Continue reading “Skoda bets on India growth story; looks to expand product range, diversify export markets”

(Reuters) – The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and lightweight torpedoes and related equipment to Singapore in a deal valued at an estimated $2.3 billion, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

The principal contractor is Boeing according to the Pentagon. Continue reading “State Department approves potential sale of aircraft, torpedoes to Singapore for $2.3 billion, Pentagon says”

(Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday that early production rate of the company’s Cybercab robotaxi and its humanoid robot Optimus will be “agonizingly slow” before accelerating over time.

Much of Tesla’s $1.39 trillion valuation hinges on investor expectations for its self-driving technology and humanoid robots, even as the company’s core revenue and profit continue to come from electric vehicle sales. Continue reading “Tesla’s Cybercab, Optimus output to start ‘agonizingly slow’, ramp up later, Musk says”

(Reuters) – Italian luxury sports carmaker Lamborghini said on Tuesday it delivered 10,747 vehicles worldwide in 2025, slightly improving on its prior-year performance and achieving an all-time record.

Lamborghini, part of Germany’s Volkswagen group attributed the strong performance to its hybridisation strategy and solid results across all regions, with Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region leading with 4,650 cars delivered, followed by the Americas with 3,347 and Asia Pacific with 2,750 deliveries. Continue reading “Lamborghini flags record deliveries at 10,747 cars in 2025 worldwide”

Summary

• Passenger car volumes rose 5.9%, driven by Clio and Sandero demand
• International markets saw 11.7% growth, offsetting European van sales decline
• Sales of hybrids and electric vehicles increased by 35% and 77% respectively

PARIS, (Reuters) – French automaker Renault Group said on Tuesday that its sales volumes rose 3.2% in 2025, as strong demand for its passenger vehicles, particularly overseas, helped offset a plunge in European van sales.

The group, which sells predominantly in Europe, said it sold 2.34 million vehicles in total, with growth of just 0.5% in Europe compared with 11.7% in its international markets, which include South Korea, Morocco and Latin America. Continue reading “Renault 2025 volumes up 3% as Clio, Sandero boost sales”

Summary

• Toyota Industries’ climb above revised offer price
• Elliott proposes growth plan to double Toyota Industries’ value by 2028
• Toyota Motor aware of Elliott’s letter, continues to monitor situation

(Reuters) – Activist investor Elliott Investment Management on Sunday said the Toyota Group’s bid to take Toyota Industries private undervalues the forklift maker by almost 40% and proposed a growth plan that it said would more than double the company’s value by 2028.

Elliott called on shareholders not to tender into last week’s revised 18,800 ($119.24) yen per share offer by Toyota Motor, group company Toyota Fudosan and Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda. Continue reading “Elliott says offer for Toyota Industries is 40% undervalued, proposes alternative plan”

Summary

• China’s exports to U.S. fall, but rest of the world compensates
• Managing high volumes of smaller and cheaper orders challenges Chinese salespeople
• Hardship of Chinese salespeople is potential warning that Beijing relies too heavily on exports

(Reuters) – China sold more goods to the world than ever in 2025, but export saleswoman Aimee Chen says it was the hardest of her roughly two-decade career.

After U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes led to U.S. orders plunging by a third, Chen’s pet products company moved to diversify geographies, chasing new and often lower-income markets like South America. The response mirrored China’s official trade policy, which led to a record $1.2 trillion surplus for 2025 despite new trade barriers. Continue reading “As U.S. orders fade, Chinese salespeople face tough grind in new markets”

(Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Monday it opened a recall query into about 597,571 vehicles from General Motors over engine failure.

The recall affects GM vehicles equipped with a L87 6.2L V8 gas engine that experienced engine damage or failure, it said.

The auto safety regulator said it had received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging engine failure in vehicles subject to the prior recall. Continue reading “NHTSA opens probe into about 600,000 GM vehicles over engine failure issue”

Summary

• Tesla equipped its Shanghai plant to export to Canada in 2023
• China auto exports stopped after Canada imposed a 100% tariff
• China-made cars now face only a 6.1% tariff after US-Canada deal

BEIJING/SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tesla is poised to be one of the first automakers to benefit from Canada’s move to remove 100% tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, thanks to its early efforts to ship cars from its Shanghai plant there and its established Canadian sales network, experts say.

Under the deal announced last Friday, Canada will allow up to 49,000 vehicles to be imported annually from China with a tariff of 6.1% on most-favoured nation terms. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the quota could rise to reach 70,000 vehicles within five years. Continue reading “Tesla poised to be early winner as Canada opens door to Chinese-made EVs”

Source : PTI | Electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast India is planning to introduce three new models and double its sales infrastructure in the country this year, company CEO Tapan Ghosh said on Saturday.

The new products are designed around real usage patterns and premiumness, not just specifications on paper, and aim to deliver strong value for price-conscious Indian consumers, he stated. Continue reading “VinFast targets doubling outlets, 3 model launches this year”

Source : PTI | The Uttarakhand Transport Department is going to launch the ‘e-detection’ system from Monday, through which vehicles entering the state without the necessary valid certificates for driving will be automatically issued e-challans, officials said.

Accoriding to the officials, the ‘e-detection’ system has been installed at seven toll plazas in the state. Continue reading “Uttarakhand govt to launch ‘e-detection’ system from Monday to monitor vehicles entering state”

Summary

• Strategic partnerships enable flexible, digital and nationwide finance options for Kinetic DX and DX+ customers
• Supports phased market expansion and accelerates EV adoption across metro and emerging markets
• Reflects growing confidence of leading financial institutions in Kinetic’s EV comeback

Pune, Maharashtra, 19^th January, 2026: Kinetic Watts & Volts Ltd., the electric mobility arm of the Kinetic Group, has announced a comprehensive retail finance ecosystem for its electric scooter range through strategic partnerships with Hero FinCorp Ltd, Bajaj Finserv Ltd, and CleverPe.

These collaborations are aimed at making ownership of the Kinetic DX+ and DX electric scooters more accessible by offering a wide range of financing solutions, from traditional EMI-based lending to digital-first, technology-enabled payment options. Together, the three partners provide customers with flexibility, speed, and choice at Kinetic’s expanding network of authorised EV dealerships across India.  Continue reading “Kinetic Watts & Volts Strengthens Retail Financing with Hero FinCorp, Bajaj Finserv and CleverPe for Kinetic DX EV Range”

Source : PTI | Delhi ranked third among states and Union territories in adopting electric vehicles, with EV penetration in the national capital reaching 11.6 per cent in the financial year (FY) 2024-25, according to a study.

Chandigarh topped the list with 12.1 per cent EV penetration in the financial year, followed closely by Goa at 11.9 per cent, as per the study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). Continue reading “Delhi among top three in electric vehicle penetration: Study”

Source : PTI | A rationalisation of customs duties on imported luxury cars would help stimulate demand in the premium segment, leading to higher overall tax revenue for the government, according to Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer.

Besides, a more stable macroeconomic policy and improved fiscal management to arrest the ongoing decline of the rupee would help luxury car makers, which have been forced to increase prices due to rising input costs that, in turn, have had an impact on demand, Iyer told PTI when asked about expectations in the upcoming Union Budget. Continue reading “Rationalise customs duty on imported luxury cars: Mercedes-Benz India CEO”

Source : PTI | Tata Motors has sought targeted incentives for entry-level electric vehicles and support to the electric cars used in the fleet segment under the PM E-DRIVE scheme in the upcoming Union Budget.

In an interaction with PTI, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD & CEO Shailesh Chandra said that while government interventions such as GST 2.0, repo rate reduction and tax regime changes have revived demand in the passenger vehicle industry, entry-level EVs continue to face pressure. Continue reading “Tata Motors seeks incentives for entry-level EVs in upcoming Budget”

Source : PTI | Electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast India is planning to introduce three new models and double its sales infrastructure in the country this year, company CEO Tapan Ghosh said on Saturday.

The new products are designed around real usage patterns and premiumness, not just specifications on paper, and aim to deliver strong value for price-conscious Indian consumers, he stated.

Continue reading “VinFast targets doubling outlets, 3 model launches this year”

Summary

• Trump officials promote rollback of EV regulations to lower car prices
• Average new car prices hit record high, driven by SUV and pickup demand
• Critics argue rollback benefits oil industry, increases fuel costs for Americans

DETROIT, – The Trump administration’s top auto policy officials on Saturday touted federal efforts to lower car prices by eliminating vehicle emissions regulations, as affordability remains a key concern among Americans.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer toured the annual Detroit Auto Show to wrap up a two-day Midwestern swing that included stops at a Ford truck factory and Stellantis Jeep plant in Ohio on Friday. Continue reading “Trump administration touts push to lower car prices, de-emphasize EVs”

JERUSALEM, (Reuters) – An Israeli ministerial committee on Sunday approved a law that would allow shared ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft to operate in Israel in a bid to lower taxi costs.

Under a reform promoted by the Transportation Ministry, the law – which still needs full parliamentary approval – would regulate and enable “technology-based transportation operators” using models successfully used globally. Continue reading “Bill to allow Uber, Lyft in Israel gains committee approval”

(Reuters) – Australia’s Syrah Resources said on Monday it agreed with Tesla to extend for the third time a deadline to resolve an alleged breach of their graphite supply agreement.

The 2021 agreement to supply 8,000 metric tons of graphite a year over four years is key to Syrah’s Vidalia, Louisiana operations and the company’s strategy to become the first major non‑Chinese supplier of the metal to the United States. Continue reading “Australia’s Syrah Resources buys more time for Tesla graphite supply deal”

Summary

• Manufacturing production increases 0.2% in December
• Slump in motor vehicles output is offset by jump in primary metals
• Industrial production rises 0.4% as utilities provide a boost

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. factory production unexpectedly increased in December amid a surge in primary metals output that offset a decline at motor vehicle assembly plants, but activity contracted in the fourth quarter against the backdrop of challenges from import tariffs.

Some improvement in manufacturing is ​expected this year as the drag from President Donald Trump’s sweeping import duties eases and tax legislation, which made bonus depreciation permanent among other perks, takes effect. An artificial intelligence ‌investment boom is also seen providing support, though some economists warned the environment for manufacturers remained fragile, citing weak factory surveys. Continue reading “US manufacturing production rises on primary metals surge, outlook unclear”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group said on Friday it plans to appoint Milan Kovac, the former head of Tesla’s humanoid robot program, as an adviser as it seeks to bolster its competitiveness in robotics and artificial intelligence.

The auto group also plans to nominate Kovac as an outside director of the firm’s U.S. subsidiary Boston Dynamics.

Kovac, who announced plans to leave Tesla last June, became the lead of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid program in 2022 when he was appointed director of Optimus and Autopilot Engineering. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor Group to appoint former head of Tesla’s humanoid robot program as adviser”

Summary

• Canada allows import of 49,000 Chinese EVs, U.S. officials criticize decision
• U.S. officials cite tariffs as protection against Chinese cars
• Trump open to Chinese automakers building plants in U.S

AVON LAKE, Ohio, (Reuters) – Trump administration officials said on Friday that Canada would regret its decision to allow China to import up to 49,000 Chinese EVs, and that those cars would not be allowed to enter the United States.

“I think they’ll look back at this decision and surely regret it to bring Chinese cars into their market,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at an event with other government officials at a Ford factory in Ohio to tout efforts to make vehicles more affordable. Continue reading “US says Canada will regret decision to allow Chinese EVs into their market”

Summary

• Porsche’s China sales drop 26% in tough luxury market
• EU regulations impact European sales
• North American sales flat
• Shares down 1.3%

(Reuters) – German sports car maker Porsche suffered its biggest annual sales decline in 16 years in 2025, joining fellow Volkswagen subsidiary Audi and Mercedes-Benz in struggling with weak demand and fierce competition in China.

The company delivered 279,449 vehicles last year, down 10% overall compared to 2024. That was its steepest drop since 2009, when the global economic crisis hurt demand around the world, and Porsche sales slumped 24% year on year. Continue reading “Porsche reports worst sales drop since 2009 on weak China demand”

(Reuters) – British drivers turning to EVs are leading a change in colour preferences, as green-tinted cars sold in 2025 reached their highest volume in 20 years, industry body SMMT said on Friday.

Car colours rarely matter as a business metric, but they can reflect shifting tastes. In recent years those tastes have narrowed to plain shades of grey, prompting Fiat CEO Olivier Francois in 2023 to launch a campaign promoting more cheerful tones. Continue reading “EV shift repaints Britain’s car market green, industry body says”

(Reuters) – U.S. auto safety regulators have granted Tesla a five-week extension to respond to an investigation into whether its vehicles violated traffic laws while the Elon Musk-led company’s Full Self-Driving system was engaged.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday it has extended the deadline for key responses until February 23 after Tesla requested more time to manually review thousands of records to identify incidents that may be relevant. Continue reading “Tesla gets 5-week extension in US probe of Full Self-Driving traffic violations”

Source : PTI | Changes in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles in the upcoming Budget could help in removing barriers for the electric vehicle manufacturers, enabling more participation and enhanced adoption of green mobility in the country, according to Deloitte India.

In a pre-Budget interaction with PTI Videos, Deloitte India Partner Sheena Sareen stated that sales momentum is likely to continue into 2026, particularly for EVs, which already benefit from a concessional GST rate of 5 per cent. Continue reading “PLI scheme revamp for automobiles may enhance green mobility adoption: Deloitte India”

(Reuters) – Ford is in discussions with BYD to purchase batteries for its hybrid models, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, at a time when the Detroit automaker deals with waning demand for electric vehicles.

The two companies are still discussing how the arrangement would work, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. One option being considered is for Ford to use BYD batteries in markets outside the U.S., the report said. Continue reading “Ford, BYD in talks for hybrid vehicle battery deal, WSJ reports”

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The People’s Car, now lies under a Peepal Tree WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (16th January 2026)”

AkzoNobel and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team have extended their highly successful long-running partnership – which includes expanding into the world of endurance racing.

In addition to continuing as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s exclusive Official Partner: Coatings Solutions, AkzoNobel has also become one of the first partners to join the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team ahead of its entry into next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship. Continue reading “AkzoNobel and McLaren Racing extend partnership to accelerate shared passion for performance and innovation”

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz grew its revenues in India in 2025 thanks to strong demand for its high-end luxury cars, its CEO said, even as stiff competition from rival BMW in the entry-level part of the luxury market pulled down the carmaker’s overall sales in the country.

Mercedes India’s leading luxury carmaker, sold 19,007 vehicles in 2025 versus 19,500 a year earlier, Santosh Iyer told Reuters on Wednesday, reducing its lead against BMW which sold 18,000 cars last year. Continue reading “Mercedes India’s revenue hits fresh record on strong top-end luxury sales”

Mumbai: Volkswagen India revealed the design philosophy of its upcoming flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line, offering a first look at how the brand is entering the premium 7-seater space. 12 months after its European launch, the Tayron R-Line makes its way to India, underscoring the brand’s intent to bring globally relevant products to Indian customers without delay.

The Tayron R-Line marks a clear evolution of the brand’s global SUV design, combining strong proportions with the sporty sophistication of the R-Line trim. Continue reading “Packed with Substance the German-engineered Tayron R-Line, coming soon”

Source : PTI | The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in line with the vision of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, will introduce Integrated Last Mile Connectivity services to enhance passenger convenience and ensure seamless end-to-end urban mobility across the National Capital Region.

In this regard, DMRC has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd (STCL), a multi-state cooperative society and a mobility service provider operating the platform branded as ‘Bharat Taxi’.

Continue reading “DMRC to introduce integrated last mile connectivity in collaboration with Sahkar Taxi”

Source : PTI | In an effort to improve road safety, the Delhi transport department is considering giving unregistered e-rickshaw operators a one-month window to complete vehicle registration, officials said on Wednesday.

Initially introduced as an eco-friendly transport option, e-rickshaws have increasingly become a problem on city roads due to their slow movement, contribution to traffic congestion and safety concerns. Continue reading “Delhi govt considers one month registration window for unregistered e-rickshaws”

Summary

• Toyota lifted bid by 15% to 18,800 yen per share after criticism
• Elliott says Toyota Industries worth over 25,000 yen per share
• Tender offer runs until February 12

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor may have revised its offer for Toyota Industries 15% higher, but that hasn’t satisfied activist shareholder Elliott, which said on Thursday that the planned buyout “very substantially” undervalued the forklift maker.

Elliott Investment Management, which disclosed a stake in Toyota Industries in November and raised its holding to 5% last month, said it would not be tendering its shares under the improved terms and would be encouraging other shareholders to follow its lead. Continue reading “Toyota’s sweetened bid for group forklift maker opposed by Elliott”

Source : PTI | Royal Enfield and Krafton India on Tuesday announced a partnership to launch Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 as rideable bikes in the popular online game Battleground’s Mobile India (BGMI).

Both motorcycles will make their debut in the game from January 19, 2026, as part of the BGMI 4.2 update that goes live on January 15, 2026.

“Partnering with BGMI is about more than just presence; it’s about meeting our community in their element and amplifying the shared values of thrill, freedom, and self-expression,” Royal Enfield Head- Custom & Motorsports Adrian John Sellers said. Continue reading “Royal Enfield, Krafton partner to bring Bullet 350 and GT 650 to BGMI”

Source : PTI | SAVWIPL also marked a major landmark in its internationalisation strategy as cumulative exports surpassed 7,15,000 units, firmly establishing the country as a strategic global production base for the group, it said.

The group expanded its global footprint by exploring and entering new markets in GCC and ASEAN regions.

The year also saw Volkswagen retained leadership in the premium sedan category, with Virtus commanding a 38 per cent share, while the first batch of the Golf GTI sold out within days of its launch, the company said. Continue reading “Skoda Auto Volkswagen India sales surge 36% to 1,17,000 units in 2025”

Summary

• Offer price raised to 18,800 yen per share from 16,300 yen
• Toyota Industries urges shareholders to tender shares
• Tender offer to start from January 15, Denso filing shows

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor said on Wednesday it had agreed to raise its offer for group firm Toyota Industries to 18,800 yen ($118.11) per share as part of the plan to take the forklift maker private.

The Japanese automotive giant had previously offered 16,300 yen per share in a deal announced in June. Continue reading “Toyota agrees to hike offer for Toyota Industries by 15%”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is targeting sales of 550,000-600,000 vehicles this year, Chinese tech portal 36Kr reported on Wednesday, citing a recent internal strategy meeting.

That would translate into around a 28-40% increase from its sales last year, when the automaker delivered 429,445 cars, up 126% from 2024.

A company source confirmed the 36Kr report. Continue reading “China’s Xpeng aims to sell up to 600,000 vehicles in 2026”

Summary

• Toyota lifted bid by 15% after criticism
• New terms seen as fairer but investors await Elliott’s response
• Tender offer runs until February 12

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Shares of forklift maker Toyota Industries surged to a record high on Thursday after a sweetened bid from Toyota Motor trading slightly above the new offer on hopes that a better price might be forthcoming.

The initial deal to take Toyota Industries private that will strengthen the Toyoda founding family’s control of the Toyota group had been criticised by global investors for what they called an opaque valuation. Continue reading “Toyota Industries’ shares hit record on sweetened bid, Elliott’s response awaited”