BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s overseas shipments of rare earth magnets halved in May from April, tumbling to their lowest levels in more than five years due to export curbs.

Beijing said this month that it would speed up its approval process, a concession made after the U.S. and China agreed to dial back trade tensions. In the meantime, however, industry sources say Chinese customs officials have become increasingly cautious about processing rare earth cargoes. Continue reading “China’s rare earth magnet shipments halve in May due to export curbs”

Summary

• China’s BYD Shenzhen, the world’s largest car-carrying ship, made its maiden voyage to Brazil
• Brazil has become a top target for Chinese EV exports, according to shipping data
• Industry groups want Brazil to raise tariffs to protect its auto industry
• Chinese automakers have pledged to build local factories in Brazil

(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”

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”

by Abhijeet Singh, Mobility Outlook

MG SELECT of JSW MG Motor India has launched a new initiative called ‘The SELECT Art’ merging the realms of contemporary art and automotive design. In collaboration with OffBeet Media Group and mentored by visual artist Sidhant Gandhi, known as ‘toosid’, the project offers a fresh perspective on how art, community, and electric mobility can co-exist meaningfully. The campaign has been rolled out across 14 cities, with each MG SELECT retail space now doubling as an art gallery.

At the core of the project lies the work of 14 emerging artists from 13 different Indian cities, each commissioned to create an artwork around themes of self-expression, innovation, and identity. These pieces will not only be displayed at MG SELECT centres but will also serve as the creative pulse of these reimagined automotive showrooms. This shift in approach underscores MG SELECT’s intention to go beyond conventional vehicle retail and establish itself as a cultural space. Continue reading “MG SELECT Launches Art-Led Retail Experience”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Department is expected to declare that fuel economy rules issued under then President Joe Biden exceeded the government’s legal authority by including electric vehicles in setting the rules, automaker officials said Monday.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday submitted its interpretive rule, “Resetting the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program” to the White House for review. Continue reading “US expected to declare Biden fuel economy rules exceeded legal authority”

Summary

• Now sees EVs accounting for 20%, not 30%, of sales by 2030
• Cuts planned investment in electrification and software by 30%
• To launch 13 next-generation hybrid models in the four years from 2027

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Honda Motor said on Tuesday that it was scaling back its investment in electric vehicles given slowing demand and would be focusing on hybrids, now far more in favour, with a slew of revamped models. Continue reading “Japan’s Honda to scale back on electric vehicles, focus on hybrids”

Source : PTI | A fleet of clean, comfortable and silent electric buses has brought about a paradigm shift in public transport in Panaji city, amid a growing number of residents embracing the change. As part of the Centre’s Smart City Mission, 48 such e-buses are crisscrossing the length and breadth of Goa’s capital, ferrying thousands of commuters daily, under the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) project.

Jove Costa, Public Engagement Officer at IPSCDL, told PTI that several residents are ditching their private vehicles in favour of these electric buses. Continue reading “With e-buses, daily commute gets a quiet makeover in Panaji”

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

Below are some of the plans flagged by those companies. Continue reading “Which companies are looking at US expansion to lessen tariff fallout?”

by Abhijeet Singh, Mobility Outlook

JSW MG Motor hit a home run with the Windsor. It entered the electric vehicle space as a lifestyle-focused, executive electric MPV that offered more than just green creds. Now the company has upped the ante with the new Windsor Pro with a bigger battery pack returning a longer range for all the sceptics amongst you. With a starting price of INR 18.09 lakh (ex-showroom), and also available under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model at an introductory INR 12.49 lakh (BaaS) + INR 4.5/km, the Pro variant edges towards customers who want to go longer distances for lesser charges. Continue reading “MG Windsor Pro Review: Digital Lounge On Wheels”

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!

Continue reading “The Industry Shall Miss Amit Pradhan. A Great Person & Professional Gone Too Early”

Key Highlights of CarPhD.com

1. “Gaadi Ka Asli Report Card”

• This is the platform’s signature feature.
• CarPhD aggregates and publishes detailed report cards on cars—based on authentic customer reviews, safety ratings, performance feedback, and actual user experiences.
• It consolidates data from various leading platforms as well as user submissions directly on CarPhD.com.

Continue reading “CarPhD.com – Gaadi Ka Asli Report Card “

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

• Tesla board defends Musk amid investor concerns, report it considered replacing him
• Finding a new CEO would be extremely difficult, investors say
• Tesla’s stock value relies mostly on Musk’s promises of robotaxis, robots

(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

• Ford abandons ‘fully networked vehicle’ project to build next-generation electrical architecture – sources
• Project was a priority for CEO Jim Farley and top deputy Doug Field, a former Apple and Tesla exec
• Goals were to cut costs, boost quality and offer software-enabled subscription features
• Project killed over delays, ballooning costs, sources told Reuters

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

• California rules would require 80% EVs in 2030
• Automakers warn they could soon stop shipping some vehicles to states with rules
• California requires 35% EVs for 2026 model year

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

• Tariffs impact Trump voters’ businesses and personal finances
• Voters divided on how soon they expect to see tariffs’ benefits
• Federal cuts and immigration policies also concern Trump voters

(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.

Continue reading “Compressed biogas offers a sustainable solution to Delhi’s pollution crisis: Report”

Summary

• Trump’s Mexico tariff pause eases market fears
• Auto and beverage sectors partly recover from early losses
• Goldman Sachs predicts temporary impact on S&P 500 earnings

(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”

by CA Jatin Minocha

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

• In talks with GM on EV supply, parts purchases, other deals
• Sees 2025 revenue growth at 3-4% vs 7.7% in 2024
• Sees 2025 operating profit margin at 7.0-8.0% vs 8.1% in 2024

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”