NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Harley-Davidson on Wednesday beat back investor H Partners’ proposal to remove three directors, including the CEO, the company said in a statement.
The victory for Harley comes roughly one month after H Partners, the second-largest investor in the motorcycle maker with a stake of 9.1%, stepped up its campaign to immediately push out Jochen Zeitz, who has run the company since 2020. Continue reading “Harley Davidson scores victory in board battle aimed at removing CEO”
WASHINGTON/DETROIT, (Reuters) – A group representing General Motors, Ford and Stellantis blasted President Donald Trump’s trade deal announced with the United Kingdom, saying it would harm the U.S. auto sector.
British carmakers will be given a quota of 100,000 cars a year that can be sent to the United States at a 10% tariff rate, almost the total Britain exported last year, compared to 25% for Mexico and Canada and nearly all other countries. Continue reading “Detroit Three automakers blast Trump UK trade deal”
By WAF Think Tank
WAF mourns the passing of Amit Pradhan , a seasoned auto professional who in the last 25 years+ worked across many auto companies like General Motors , Ola Electric , Bounce , EVamp Technologies amongst many more!
He also worked with Raytheon Training, Inc. , NOVO Consulting , Shreem Hyundai , B. Braun Group, GE , ITM Group of Institutions during his long & illustrious career!
Amit had always been one of the most passionate, energetic and joyful person in the room.
With a twinkle in the eye, his signature smile, gentle demeanour, and of course his deep knowledge, he could win any situation!
Source : PTI | Even before US president Donald Trump announced a 25per cent tariff on all imported cars, European automakers had been facing a multitude of challenges. Sales have slumped and manufacturers face rising costs, while Chinese rivals have rapidly been gaining market share. The day before the tariffs announcement, the combined market capitalisation of Europe’s five major automakers (Volkswagen, Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Renault) stood at around US$212 billion (£159 billion). This total is less than a quarter of the value of Tesla alone.
Yet the five European giants sell 25 million vehicles annually, accounting for a third of all cars purchased worldwide. Tesla, despite losing half of its market value since the beginning of the year, only just makes the top 15 automakers. It sells less than a third of what Stellantis alone delivers. Continue reading “Three strategies to help European carmakers regain edge”
Summary
(Reuters) – Tesla’s board on Thursday rushed to defend its chief executive, Elon Musk, assuring he had the board’s confidence amid rising investor worries about his prolonged absences, polarizing politics and the EV maker’s plunging sales and profit. Continue reading “Tesla without Musk? Board faces unique challenge whether he stays or goes”
Summary
DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor has killed a program to develop next-generation electrical architecture – the brain of modern cars – that its executives have called pivotal to competing with electric-vehicle pioneers such as Tesla, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: Ford kills project to develop Tesla-like electronic brain”
Summary
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Major automakers want Congress to bar California’s landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 that has been adopted by 11 other states, warning the rules could begin impacting vehicle shipments in a few months. Continue reading “Major automakers want Congress to bar California 2035 electric vehicle plan”
Summary
(Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s April 9 decision to hike tariffs on China hit as Steve Egan, a promotional product distributor in Tampa, Florida, was in the middle of ordering 5,000 rubber ducks from a Chinese vendor. Continue reading “After 100 days, Trump voters feel tariffs, but most see long-term gain”
Source : PTI | A complete shift from older vehicles to electric vehicles in 44 Indian cities with a population of at least 10 lakh could avoid 11.5 tonnes of PM2.5 emissions every day by 2035 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 61 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to a new study. The study, published by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), said it would also save more than 51 billion litres of petrol and diesel and reduce India’s oil import bill by an estimated Rs 9.17 lakh crore (USD 106.6 billion) by 2035.
The authors said the number of older vehicles in these cities could grow from 4.9 million (49 lakh) in 2024 to 7.5 million (75 lakh) by 2030. Continue reading “‘Shift from old vehicles to EVs in 44 cities with 10L people may cut oil import bill by $106 bn’”
(Reuters) – Tesla faces a proposed class action claiming it speeds up odometers on its electric vehicles so they fall out of warranty faster, saving Elon Musk’s company from having to pay for repairs.
The plaintiff Nyree Hinton alleged that Tesla odometer readings reflect energy consumption, driver behavior and “predictive algorithms” rather than actual mileage driven. Continue reading “Tesla speeds up odometers to avoid warranty repairs, US lawsuit claims”
Today, India mourns the loss of Madhur Bajaj, a distinguished industrialist and former Vice Chairman of Bajaj Auto, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 73. Born on August 19, 1952, he was the grandson of Jamnalal Bajaj, the founder of the Bajaj Group, and cousin to the late Rahul Bajaj.
Madhur Bajaj’s career was marked by significant contributions to the Bajaj Group and the broader Indian industry. He held key positions across various group companies, including Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Electricals, Bajaj Finance, and Maharashtra Scooters. His leadership extended beyond the corporate realm as he served as president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). Continue reading “India Mourns the Loss of Shri Madhur Bajaj, former Vice Chairman, Bajaj Auto”
by WAF THINK TANK
For decades, Maruti Suzuki has dominated the Indian automobile market. With an extensive lineup of affordable, fuel-efficient cars and a widespread service network, the brand has built an almost unshakable presence. However, as competition grows and consumer preferences evolve, one question arises: Can any car company surpass Maruti Suzuki in India?
Maruti Suzuki’s Market Dominance
Maruti Suzuki has been India’s largest car manufacturer for over 40 years, consistently holding a 40–50% market share. Models like the Alto, Swift, WagonR, Baleno, and Brezza have become household names. The company’s strengths include: Continue reading “Can Any Car Company Overtake Maruti Suzuki in India?”
(Reuters) – Vehicle thefts in the United States recorded their biggest yearly drop in four decades as automakers, mainly Hyundai and Kia, bolstered anti-theft measures, while easing supply chain constraints made stealing vehicles for parts less lucrative.
Hyundai and Kia cars topped the list of the most stolen vehicles in 2021 and 2023 as their lack of immobilizers made them easy targets for stealing, fuelling viral social media trends such as the “Kia Boys”. Continue reading “Hyundai, Kia’s anti-theft measures fuel steep dip in US vehicle thefts”
Source : PTI | Prices of electric vehicles (EVs) will be equal to those of petrol vehicles in the country within six months, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. Addressing the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India Expo, Gadkari further said the construction work of the 212-km Delhi-Dehradun access-controlled expressway will be complete in the next three months.
“Within six months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to the cost of petrol vehicles,” he said. Continue reading “Prices of EVs to be same as petrol cars in 6 months, says Gadkari”
SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – China’s BYD has unveiled a megawatt charging system that it says can charge an EV as quickly as filling up a fuel tank, and said it will build a network across China, igniting a new super charging race.
Here are more details about the Chinese electric vehicle giant’s new technology and why the fast-charging space is attracting interest: Continue reading “Why are Chinese automakers like BYD launching fast-charging EV systems?”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it is starting efforts to reverse the Biden administration’s vehicle emissions rules that would force automakers to build a rising number of electric vehicles.
The action is the latest in the Trump administration’s sweeping moves to undo the prior administration’s efforts to prod automakers to build electric vehicles after rescinding a push to make EVs at least 50% of new vehicles by 2030. Continue reading “Trump administration takes aim at Biden electric vehicle rules”
PARIS, (Reuters) – Renault Group will cut 300 jobs at a van factory in northern France, the carmaker said on Tuesday, responding to slowing European demand for commercial vehicles in the face of growing economic uncertainty.
The French company, which is the European van market leader under its Renault brand, makes about 14% of its sales from the vehicles used by delivery companies and tradesmen. Continue reading “Renault cuts 300 jobs at van factory as European market slows”
Source : PTI | New Delhi: The pollution crisis in Delhi calls for a large-scale shift in agricultural waste management and compressed biogas (CBG) offers a sustainable solution by tackling both stubble burning and vehicular emission, according to a report. While vehicles contribute 20% to Delhi’s pollution in summers and stubble burning 16%, these numbers rise to 30% and 23% in winters respectively, as per the report by Nomura Research Institute Consulting & Solutions India.
“Worse, during peak stubble-burning season, biomass- burning emissions frequently exceed 30%,” it said, adding that although the city’s toxic air comes from multiple sources’ — vehicle emissions, construction dust, biomass burning, including paddy straw stubble burning, and industrial emissions.
‘So long my baby, I shall really miss you!’ whispered Suresh to himself, as he struggled to handover the keys of his gleaming white VW Vento diesel to Anil, the car exchange officer at the VW showroom at Gurgaon. Suresh’s car had turned 10 and the law of the land had made it redundant for it to be driven on NCR-Delhi roads.
‘Doc sahb, your car is actually in mint condition. It doesn’t seem like a decade old. No wonder, we have a special demand for doctors’ cars from all over the country,’ exclaimed Anil to Suresh aka Dr Suresh Chandra, the leading cardiologist of the country and a die hard fan of VW cars!
Suresh’s VW Vento actually didn’t look more than an year old!
Continue reading “What is So Special About A Volkswagen that Customers get so emotionally attached?”
Summary
(Reuters) – Automakers and alcoholic beverage companies pared early session losses on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump paused new tariffs on Mexico for one month. Continue reading “Car makers, brewers pare losses as Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico”
Finance Minister M Nirmala Sitharaman’s eight consecutive budget:
Our economy is the fastest growing economy. The next five years presents a unique opportunity to India.
Budget focuses on growth infrastructure and middle class. Continue reading “Union Budget 2025 -26 Demystified by India’s Leading CA”
OSLO, (Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk has clashed with Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, one of the automaker’s top investors, according to a record of the conversation released on Tuesday.
Last June, the fund voted against Musk’s $56 billion pay package, the largest for a chief executive in corporate America, at Tesla’s annual general meeting, over concerns about its size and structure, among other things. Continue reading “Elon Musk clashes with Norway wealth fund CEO; ‘friends are as friends do’”
Summary
SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor said on Thursday it is in talks with General Motors to supply commercial electric vehicles to its U.S. peer, as it expects sales growth to halve this year due to softening demand. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor nears GM tie-up deal; sees revenue growth slowing in 2025”
Source : PTI | Industry body India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) has projected USD 500 million investment in Indian battery and mobility startup ecosystem within a year. This investment will drive new innovations, research and development, and advancements in products manufactured by these startups, IESA said in a release.
Besides, this investment will also benefit a range of companies involved in Battery Management Systems (BMS), safety management, and component manufacturing. Continue reading “IESA projects over USD 500 mn investment in Indian battery, mobility startup ecosystem in one year”
Source : PTI | The entry of more players in the EV segment will help in breaking barriers and accelerate adoption of electric mobility in the Indian market, according to leading automobile manufacturers. More product introductions will help in catering to diverse customer needs with competition leading to expansion of the market, they noted. Continue reading “Entry of more players to help break barriers, accelerate adoption of EVs”
TOKYO/SEOUL, (Reuters) – Shares of Japanese automakers and South Korean battery makers declined on Tuesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he could impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico soon and revoked the previous administration’s executive order on electric vehicles.
But Chinese manufacturers bucked the trend, with stocks opening higher after Trump did not target China in his inauguration speech or immediately impose tariffs on Beijing as previously promised. Continue reading “Some Asian car and battery makers hit as Trump gets to work”
Source : PTI | JSW MG Motor India on Friday announced their foray into the ‘accessible luxury’ electric car segment with the unveiling of two new models – MG Cyberster, India’s first all-electric Roadster and the MG M9, the first electric three-row limousine, slated to be launched this year. Accessible luxury is usually referred to high-quality products that are priced lower than traditional luxury goods.
The two models were unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and the debut was under its new luxury brand channel, MG Select. Continue reading “JSW MG Motor forays into ‘accessible luxury’ electric car segment”
2024 was a groundbreaking year for JSW MG Motor India, marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. As the year closed, the company celebrated an impressive 55% year-on-year growth in December sales, with 7,516 units sold compared to 4,848 units in December 2023. This extraordinary leap underscored the company’s rapid rise in the competitive Indian automotive market.
Continue reading “JSW MG Motor India Leads EV Sales with 55% Growth in Dec 2024”
According to sources, the tax department has accessed the entire passenger data captured on the Digi Yatra app, and the same is being reconciled with tax filings to check for discrepancies in the declared income. The tax department would start issuing notices in 2025 based on the Digi Yatra data, said sources.
Digi Yatra app is a civil aviation ministry led initiative to make air traveller’s journey seamless and paperless. It uses facial recognition technology, and collects passengers ID, biometrics, and details of air tickets to give easy access at airports. It is, however, not mandatory for fliers to download or use the app.
According to sources, the tax department will first go after those who don’t file tax returns, and then target those who under-report their income to avoid paying taxes.
Digi Yatra data holds immense potential as an alternative to the government’s earlier attempts to gather travel data through loyalty pro-grammes of air travel companies, a move constrained by privacy concerns.
Continue reading “How Tax & Govt Authorities in India are harnessing Digital to Catch Defaulters”
New Delhi, Delhi, India
The 10th edition of IVASS – India Vehicle After Sales Summit, the world’s longest-running program on Vehicle After Sales Service, was recently held in New Delhi. Organized annually by the World Auto Forum (WAF), the summit brought together top leaders from the country’s After Sales Service community under one roof.
The theme this year was “Best Practices for Customer, Profitability, Digital & Growth”
WAF is thankful to the IVASS 24 partners who ensured it goes on to its 10th edition-
Gold OEM Partners
LONDON, (Reuters) – Carmakers said on Tuesday they will have to pay out nearly 6 billion pounds ($7.52 billion) in discounts and compliance costs to meet Britain’s electric vehicle sales mandate for 2024.
“Profitability and viability are in jeopardy and jobs are on the line,” Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) CEO Mike Hawes warned in a statement. Continue reading “Carmakers say British EV sales mandate to cost them $7.5 bln in 2024”
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla generated nearly 34 million metric tons of greenhouse gas credits in the 2023 model year by selling electric vehicles, as the auto industry racked up significant credit deficits in the face of more stringent emissions standards.
In a report first seen by Reuters, the Environmental Protection Agency said Monday new vehicle fuel economy increased by 1.1 miles (1.8 km) per gallon in 2023, reaching a record high 27.1 mpg (43.6 kpg). The EPA said fleetwide fuel economy is preliminarily projected to rise to 28 mpg (45.1 kpg)in the 2024 model year. Continue reading “Tesla racked up greenhouse emissions credits in 2023 as other automakers lagged”
Source : PTI | New Delhi, Transport assets worth approximately USD 575 billion in South Asia, including USD 400 billion in India, are exposed to climate hazards and rapid deployment of resilience measures needed to prevent risk to the sector which contributes significantly to the region’s GDP, according to a report. The South Asian region faces cascading economic losses due to climate risks, with disruptions in transport having cascading effects on key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services among others, as per the report jointly published by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Continue reading “Transport assets worth USD 400 bn in India exposed to climate hazards: Report”
Summary
STOCKHOLM/GDANSK, (Reuters) – Northvolt’s financial collapse deals a blow to Europe’s plan to set up its own battery industry to power electric cars, stirring a debate about whether it needs to do more to attract investment as startups struggle to catch up with Chinese rivals. Continue reading “Northvolt crisis may be make or break for Europe’s EV battery ambitions”
STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Sweden’s Northvolt said on Thursday it will seek U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as the cash-strapped battery start-up seeks to sort out its finances.
The company went in a matter of months this year from being Europe’s best shot at a home-grown electric-vehicle battery champion to racing to stay afloat, hobbled by production problems and as funding ran out. Continue reading “Northvolt goes from Europe battery promise to crisis”
Source : PTI | India is set to enter a transformative “smartphone era” for cars in 2025, with the introduction of vehicles featuring 5G M2M connectivity and advanced AI technologies, according to the latest findings from Techarc’s India Connected Consumer Report 2025. The report said the automotive sector will skip 4G and will enable connectivity using the latest 5G cellular technology.
It observed that consumers are interested in spending money on improving the value proposition in terms of features, quality and experience rather than exploring too many smart devices.
SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – China has told its automakers to halt big investment in European countries that support extra tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles, two people briefed about the matter said, a move likely to further divide Europe.
The new European Union tariffs of up to 45.3% came into effect on Wednesday after a year-long investigation that divided the bloc and prompted retaliation from Beijing. Continue reading “Exclusive: China tells carmakers to pause investment in EU countries backing EV tariffs, sources say”
DETROIT,(Reuters) – Ford Motor stock has tumbled about 8% so far this week after the company faltered on CEO Jim Farley’s mission to improve efficiency in its traditional gasoline-engine operations, whose profits the company needs to fund its expensive electric vehicle plans.
Quality and warranty problems, supplier issues and waste in the automaker’s 121-year legacy business have obscured its progress, Farley told analysts during a call to discuss quarterly earnings Monday. The automaker said annual results would be in the lowest range of its previous outlook. Continue reading “Ford investors impatient for the automaker to boost efficiency efforts”
