India’s automotive sector saw a week marked by policy-driven electrification, fresh capacity investments and aggressive product planning, even as global uncertainties continued to weigh on sentiment in select segments.
The week’s biggest policy signal came from Delhi, which proposed allowing only electric vehicles for new registrations in the two- and three-wheeler segments over the next few years. Under the draft EV Policy 2026-2030, new three-wheeler registrations will be limited to EVs from January 2027, followed by two-wheelers from April 2028. While existing vehicles are unaffected, the proposal, currently open for public consultation, signals a clear regulatory push to accelerate electrification in high-volume segments.
On the manufacturing front, TVS Motor Company is evaluating plans to set up a new plant as it prepares for the next phase of volume growth. The company is exploring multiple locations, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, as part of its ambition to scale production to around 10 million units annually by the end of the decade.
Product activity remained intense during the week, led by Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s aggressive roadmap. The group plans as many as 18-19 product interventions in 2026 across segments, spanning locally developed models, imports and component updates. Within this, Volkswagen is set to roll out four models, while also aiming to drive higher volumes through refreshed offerings like the Taigun facelift, which is expected to lift volumes by up to 20-25%.
In the luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz India signalled a more measured outlook for the year ahead. The company expects the luxury passenger vehicle market to grow in single digits in FY27, citing geopolitical tensions, forex volatility and price increases as key headwinds. While underlying demand remains intact, with no signs of order cancellations, purchase decisions are becoming more calibrated as affluent buyers remain sensitive to global uncertainties.
Here is a detailed round-up of the key developments that shaped the automotive industry during the week:
Delhi Proposes EV-Only New 3Ws by 2027, 2Ws by 2028
Delhi has proposed allowing only electric vehicles for new registrations in the two- and three-wheeler segments, effectively restricting new petrol two-wheelers and internal combustion engine (ICE) three-wheelers under its draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030.
Under the proposal, only electric three-wheelers will be permitted for new registration in the national capital from January 1, 2027, followed by a similar requirement for two-wheelers from April 1, 2028. The proposals are open for public consultation for 30 days, after which the policy will be finalised. Existing vehicles are not covered by these proposed registration restrictions
New Cafe 3 Draft Eases Emission Limits; Small Cars To Benefit More From Flatter Curve
The new draft of Corporate Average Fuel Consumption (CAFE) Stage 3 norms proposes softer emission limits, more for small cars, compared to the draft released in September, while dropping a specific 3 g CO₂/km relaxation that had earlier been proposed for small cars.
Compared with the September draft, the latest draft keeps the same formula for calculating fuel-efficiency targets but revises the constants that determine the steepness of the curve. The multiplier has been reduced, the reference vehicle weight has been raised, and the baseline consumption level increased for each year.
India Launches ₹7,280 Crore Scheme to Build Domestic Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing Capacity
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) took a significant step toward reducing India's dependence on imported rare earth permanent magnets, hosting a pre-bid conference in New Delhi for its 'Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets.'
The conference, held at India Habitat Centre, drew participation from at least 25 companies. Officials presented the scheme's contours, key provisions of the Request for Proposal (RFP), and the procedural framework of the bidding process. Prospective bidders were informed that queries may be submitted via email until April 22, 2026, as per details outlined in the RFP.
Haryana Raises Minimum Wage 35% After Iran War-Driven Factory Unrest
India's auto-making state of Haryana has ordered a 35% increase in minimum wages, following days of worker protests and factory boycotts over rising living costs linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
The state government said it would raise the monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers to $165, up from roughly $120, effective April 1. The move is expected to provide relief to factory workers while adding to cost pressures on India's automobile industry, already contending with higher raw material prices and disrupted supply chains stemming from the Iran conflict.
Exclusive: TVS Motor to Set Up a New Plant; Explores Multiple New Locations
TVS Motor Company is evaluating plans to set up a new manufacturing facility for both two and three-wheelers as it prepares to support strong growth in volumes expected over the next few years, according to sources familiar with the matter. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the states under consideration for the new plant.
Sources said the plans for a new plant come as the automaker is working toward a mid-term aspiration of increasing annual production to about 10 million units by the end of the decade. TVS has also been ramping up its three-wheeler production, and also has an MoU with Hyundai to manufacture last-mile mobility-focused electric three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers under the partnership.
Royal Enfield Enters EV Space With Flying Flea C6 at ₹2.79 Lakh; BaaS Option Lowers Entry to ₹1.99 Lakh
Royal Enfield on Thursday entered the electric motorcycle segment with the launch of the Flying Flea C6 at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.79 lakh, becoming the first traditional motorcycle maker in the country to roll out an electric motorcycle.
In a bid to lower the upfront cost, the company is offering the motorcycle at Rs 1.99 lakh under a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) option. Bookings will open on April 10 in Bengaluru, with deliveries scheduled from end-May, the company said.
Ather Energy Reaches 700 Retail Outlets Across India
Ola Electric Says LFP Battery Cell Ready, Product Integration from Next Quarter
Triumph Motorcycles Cuts Prices by up to ₹21,500 After Crossing 1 Lakh Units in India
Triumph Motorcycles, in partnership with Bajaj Auto, on April 6 announced revised ex-showroom prices across its India range offering on-road savings of up to ₹21,500 — after the brand crossed one lakh cumulative retail units in the country, with the reduction enabled by the 18% GST applicable on its new 350cc engine lineup.
The revised pricing (ex-showroom Delhi) is as follows: Speed T4 at ₹1,95,000; Speed 400 at ₹2,31,890; Scrambler 400 at ₹2,59,241; Thruxton 400 at ₹2,65,538; and Scrambler 400 XC at ₹2,89,534.
Triumph Motorcycles Launches Tracker 400 in India at ₹2,46,225
60,000 EVs and an Urban Overhaul: Inside the Vingroup-Maharashtra Mega-Deal
Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup has inked a staggering $6.5 billion memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Maharashtra. The deal, presided over by Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, outlines a "sweeping sustainable transformation" of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) that blends automotive manufacturing with large-scale urban development.
For Vingroup, which has labeled India its “second home,” this isn’t just a play for market share, it is an attempt to export its entire vertically integrated ecosystem.
Tesla Developing New Smaller, More Affordable Electric SUV
Tesla is working on an all-new compact electric SUV that would be significantly cheaper than its current lineup, according to four people with direct knowledge of the matter who spoke to Reuters. The development marks a potentially significant turn in the automaker's strategy as it navigates declining sales and an ambitious pivot toward autonomous vehicles.
According to Reuters' sources, Tesla has been in active contact with suppliers in recent weeks to discuss the specifications and manufacturing details of the planned compact SUV. The vehicle would not be a derivative or variant of the existing Model 3 or Model Y — it would be an entirely new model.
Tesla Opens First In-Mall Supercharger Station in Navi Mumbai at Nexus Seawoods
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Plans 19 Product Launches in 2026; Volkswagen to Roll Out 4 Models
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) is gearing up for an aggressive product push in 2026, with as many as 19 product interventions planned across its portfolio, even as it navigates global uncertainties and evolving customer sentiment.
"We are talking about 18-19 product interventions across the group. And this is what we are looking at for this year and these product interventions are in the local product, parts and components, cars, FBUs, all kinds of segments of the complete portfolio which we have," Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India said.
Volkswagen India Eyes up to 20–25% Higher Taigun Volumes With Facelift: Nitin Kohli
Volkswagen India is targeting up to 20-25% higher volumes from the facelifted Taigun, as it looks to strengthen its position in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment, a senior company executive said.
“Any model intervention typically drives 18% to 22% growth in the industry. Our goal is to outperform that benchmark with the new Taigun,” Nitin Kohli, the brand director of Volkswagen, told reporters on the sidelines of the unveiling of the new Taigun in Mumbai.
The pricing of the updated Taigun, which is expected to be revealed later this month, is a key factor for the German carmaker in India, where it is seeking to drive volumes through its locally developed portfolio.
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Begins Production of Refreshed Taigun at Pune Plant
Hyundai Motor India to Raise Car Prices by Up to 1% from May 2026
Hyundai Motor India Limited has announced that it will increase prices of its cars by up to 1 percent across its portfolio effective May 2026. The exact quantum of increase will differ across models and variants.
Hyundai occupies a strong position in India’s passenger vehicle market, consistently ranking among the top three manufacturers by volume. Its portfolio spans entry‑level hatchbacks, mid‑segment sedans, and a wide range of SUVs, with models such as the Creta and Venue among the country’s best‑sellers.
Hyundai Motor India Launches CRETA Summer Edition Variants with Technology and Safety Upgrades
Nissan Motor India Opens 54 Customer Touchpoints in Q1 2026, Targets 400 by End of FY27
Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. added 54 new customer touchpoints across India in the first quarter of calendar year 2026,as part of an ongoing network expansion drive aimed at reaching 400 touchpoints by the end of FY27.
The new facilities span 25 cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, among others. They comprise a mix of 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts), 2S, and 1S outlets, built to Nissan's global retail standards.
Simple Energy Opens Five New Stores Across Four Cities
Bentley Targets 100 Cars per Year Milestone in India, Banks on New Set-up to Accelerate Sales
With a new National Sales Company structure, three dealer partners, and a sharper focus on pricing transparency, Bentley is laying the groundwork to scale up its India operations. Abbey Thomas, Head of Bentley India operations, outlines how the brand plans to move towards the landmark 100-unit mark annually, up from its historical highs of 60–70 units.
This aggressive roadmap comes close on the heels of the much-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could significantly lower import duties for completely built units and reset pricing for ultra-luxury cars, thereby offering a significant boost to demand.
Mercedes-Benz India Expects Single-Digit Growth in Luxury PV Sales in FY27
Mercedes-Benz India expects the luxury passenger vehicle market in India to grow in single digits in FY27, as geopolitical conflicts, forex volatility, and price hikes are expected to weigh on consumer sentiment.
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, said the outlook reflects a calibrated approach amid a complex global environment. “We maintain that the total market will grow in single digits. But exchange rate pressures, price hikes and geopolitical factors are weighing on sentiment,” he said.
Value Important Over Volume, Market Share Race Is Self-Created: Mercedes-Benz India
Even as competition intensifies in India’s luxury car market, Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, has made it clear that the company is not chasing the top spot purely on volumes, but on customer value and brand desirability.
“For us, the number 1 position matters not for volumes, in view of us being number one in terms of customer value. If you see years back, we would never have shifted to a direct-to-consumer model if we were so fixated about volumes," he told Autocar Professional.
BMW Group India to Launch 8 Products in Apr–Jun; Sees Double Digit Growth in 2026
After record sales in the January–March quarter, BMW has overtaken Mercedes‑Benz to become India’s number one luxury car brand. Building on this momentum, the company is planning an aggressive product rollout, with eight launches scheduled in the April–June quarter of this year.
“2026 will be marked by our most ambitious product offensive, with a total of 27 products planned for launch during the year. Four products were launched in the first quarter, eight more will be introduced in the second quarter, and the remaining launches will follow in the second half of the year,” said BMW Group India President and Chief Executive Officer Hardeep Singh Brar.
India's Luxury Car Market May Reach 5% Share by 2030: BMW India
Bosch to Acquire Bosch Chassis Systems India for up to ₹9,068.68 Crore
Bosch Ltd has approved the acquisition of a 100% stake in Bosch Chassis Systems India Pvt Ltd (RBIC) from its existing shareholders, Robert Bosch Investment Nederland B.V. (RBNI), Netherlands, and Robert Bosch LLC, USA.
The acquisition will be executed through a share purchase agreement among Bosch Ltd, RBNI, Robert Bosch LLC, and RBIC, for a total consideration not exceeding ₹9,068.68 crore. The transaction will involve both cash and non-cash components.
Bosch and Qualcomm Expand Partnership to Cover ADAS
JBM Auto Captures 24% of India's Electric Bus Market in FY26
JBM Auto Limited registered 1,282 electric buses across Telangana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Assam in FY26, securing a 24% share of India's electric bus market and emerging as the country's top e-bus manufacturer by volume.
The New Delhi-based company also commands over 79% of the electric tarmac bus segment and more than 50% of the intercity luxury coach market. Its current order book stands at over 10,000 electric buses.
Tata Motors Launches Electric Pickup Truck at Rs. 11.95 Lakh
Tata Motors Delivers First Electric Prima E.55S Trucks to BillionE Mobility
Olectra Greentech Rebrands as It Expands Beyond Electric Buses
Olectra Greentech Limited announced a new brand identity in Hyderabad, signalling a strategic shift in the company's scope — from electric bus manufacturing to a broader play in mobility and energy solutions, targeting both domestic and global markets.
The rebrand introduces a new tagline, "Transforming Everyday," and is anchored in three stated pillars: Pragmatic Futurism, Accessible Innovation, and Trusted Guide. The company has also reinterpreted its existing logo elements — the central triangle is now called the Olectra Prism, representing structural integrity, while the surrounding circle, termed the Olectra Universe, represents the ecosystem of cities, stakeholders and infrastructure the company operates within.
SWITCH Mobility Deploys First 10 Electric Intercity Coaches for Prasanna Purple on Mumbai–Pune Route
Mahindra and Swaraj Tractors Announce Price Hikes, Citing Rising Input Costs
Two of India's leading tractor brands, Mahindra Tractors and Swaraj Tractors, have announced separate price increases within a day of each other, both citing escalating input commodity costs as the primary driver. The announcements, made on April 7, 2026, point to growing cost pressures across the agricultural machinery sector.
Mahindra Tractors, the farm equipment arm of the Mahindra Group and the world's largest tractor company by volume, will implement its revised pricing effective April 8, 2026, just one day after the announcement. The company stated that the quantum of the hike will differ across tractor models and geographies, though it did not disclose specific percentage figures.
Escorts Kubota Limited Announces Price Hike on Kubota Brand Tractors Effective April 15, 2026
Yokohama India to Rely on Digital-First, Hyper-Local Strategy for Growth, Says Marketing Head
Yokohama India Pvt Ltd is sharpening its focus on a digital-first and hyper-local marketing strategy to drive growth in India, deliberately avoiding high-decibel mass advertising adopted by competitors.
“We are a premium brand, and we are not competing with local players in terms of advertising. You will not see us on cricket platforms like IPL or World Cup,” said Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing and OE Sales at Yokohoma India. “Our approach is to let the product speak for itself. The customer experience and journey matter more than just visibility.”
Yokohama India Opens New Dealer Outlet in Visakhapatnam to Expand Andhra Pradesh Retail Network
'US Section 301 Probe Could Lead to Penalty Tariffs Above 10%’: Vinnie Mehta
A new US trade probe could affect India’s auto component exports, as authorities review concerns around overcapacity and government support in manufacturing, Vinnie Mehta, Director General of ACMA said.
“The US has started an investigation under Chapter 301. They have identified 16 countries, including India, on the premise that these countries have overcapacity and that their industries are subsidised by governments. If that is proven, they can put a tariff over and above the 10% as a penal rate,” said Mehta.
Valeo Opens Camera Production Line in Sanand
Centrum Forecasts Revenue Surge for Auto Component Sector
The automotive supply chain is shifting into high gear as the 2026 fiscal year has recently ended. According to the latest analysis from Centrum Institutional Research, the firm’s automotive and ancillary coverage universe is projected to report a robust 26.3% year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth for Q4FY26E.
The primary engine behind this growth is a massive production ramp-up across almost every vehicle category. Analysts expect double-digit volume expansion in passenger vehicles (PV), commercial vehicles (CV), and two-wheelers (2W). This momentum is supported by better financing options for buyers and "festive tailwinds" that have kept dealerships busy. For instance, the nation’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, is expected to see its revenue jump by 27%, fueled by an 11.8% increase in vehicles sold.
IAC Calls for Auto LPG Inclusion in India's Clean Fuel Policy as Climate Investment Crosses $2 Bn
The Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC) has urged policymakers in New Delhi, to include Auto LPG in India's national clean fuel strategy, citing the scale of petrol and diesel vehicle use and the fuel's existing global deployment as reasons for immediate adoption.
The IAC's push comes against the backdrop of India attracting more than $2 billion in climate-focused investment over the past year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Despite this, over 33 crore vehicles in India continue to run on petrol and diesel, which the coalition identifies as a primary source of urban air pollution.
Sugar Lobby Pushes for E22 Transition, Flex-fuel Policy as Ethanol Overcapacity Bites
India's ethanol blending programme is at a crossroads. With production capacity running at roughly double the current consumption level, and global crude prices surging past $110 a barrel amid the war in the Middle East, the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is making a pointed case: the country must move beyond E20, and it must create the right policy environment for flex-fuel vehicles to scale.
In an interview with Hormazd Sorabjee, ISMA Director General Deepak Balani laid out the association's position and the hard numbers behind it.
Steelbird Reports ₹869 Crore Revenue, Nears 10 Million Helmet Production Mark
Steelbird Hi-Tech India produced 9.85 million helmets in the current fiscal year, the New Delhi-based company announced in April 2026, reporting a topline revenue of ₹869 crore as it targets ₹1,000 crore in FY 2026-27 and plans to launch 12 new models across mid and premium segments.
The company has raised its daily production capacity to 60,000 helmets, a scale-up attributed to automation, process optimisation, and capacity enhancement at its manufacturing facilities. Steelbird describes itself as the world's largest helmet manufacturer.
Sales Analysis
India Auto Retail Hits All-Time High of 2.97 Crore Units in FY26, Five of Six Segments Set Records
India's automobile retail industry closed FY 2025-26 at a historic high of 2,96,71,064 units, registering a broad-based 13.30 per cent year-on-year growth that brought the market tantalisingly close to the 3-crore milestone. Five of six vehicle categories set all-time annual records, with only construction equipment bucking the trend.
The year, however, was a tale of two halves. The April-August period saw muted growth of 2-5 per cent monthly as consumers adopted a wait-and-watch approach ahead of anticipated GST 2.0 reforms. The inflection point came in September when the revised GST structure reduced effective tax burdens on mass-segment two-wheelers, small cars, three-wheelers and select commercial vehicle categories.
FY27: Dealers Expect 3-7% Growth but Flag West Asia, Fuel Prices as Key Risks
FY26: When India’s EV Market Found Scale
If there was a year that suggested India’s electric vehicle transition was no longer experimental, it was FY26, as demand scaled, supply matured, costs started bending, and perhaps most importantly, consumer intent turned into actual purchases at a pace the industry had only been projecting until now.
A deep dive into retail sales since FY18 shows that India has cumulatively sold 8.30 million EVs. What’s striking is that 7.28 million units, or 88% of all EVs sold in India, came in just the last four years. FY26 added another powerful layer to that curve.
India's Electric Passenger Vehicle Market Nearly Doubles in FY2026
India's electric passenger vehicle (EPV) segment delivered its strongest performance yet in Financial Year 2026, with total retail registrations rising 83.63% year-on-year to 1,99,923 units, up from 1,08,873 units in FY2025, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). The segment's share of the overall passenger vehicle market expanded significantly, climbing from 2.6% in FY2024 to 4.2% in FY2025, with FY2026 data suggesting continued momentum.
The retail data was collated in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, covering 1,463 out of 1,466 RTOs as of April 2, 2026.
Electric car and SUV sales double in Maharashtra to 34,139 units in FY2026
India's E2W Market Surges 21.81%, Crosses 14 Lakh Units in FY2026
India's electric two-wheeler (E2W) segment closed Financial Year 2026 on a strong note, with total retail registrations climbing to 14,01,818 units, a year-on-year increase of 21.81%, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). The sector's share of the overall two-wheeler market also expanded, rising from 6.1% in FY2025 to 6.5% in FY2026, underlining a steady consumer shift toward electric mobility.
The data, collated in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, was gathered from 1,463 out of 1,466 RTOs as of April 2, 2026.
Nearly One in Ten Two-Wheelers Sold in India Is Now Electric
Over 6000 Two-Wheeler EVs Sold Every Day in March’26, EV Penetration in 2W Mkt Crosses 9%
India's e-2W industry registered retail sales of 1,90,941 units in March 2026, a daily run rate of 6,159 units, marking 45% YoY growth over March 2025's 1,31,460 units and beating the previous monthly best by nearly 46,000 units.
The growth was driven by a confluence of structural factors, while discounts were largely not present in the market. The PM E-Drive Scheme was set to close on March 31, prompting urgency among buyers, though the government extended it by four months to July 31, 2026, with a reduced subsidy, four days before the deadline.
From Slow Start to Strong Finish: India PV Sales Cross 47 Lakh in FY26
India’s passenger vehicle (PV) market closed the financial year 2025-26 on a historic note, with retail sales crossing the 47-lakh mark for the first time. However, this record performance was shaped by sharp contrasts, with a subdued first half followed by a strong policy-led rebound in the second.
Much of the growth in the second half of the year was driven by the government’s push to boost consumption through policy interventions, improving macroeconomic conditions, and tactical industry actions.
Mahindra Emerges as the New No.2 in FY26
Tata Nexon reclaims No. 1 SUV crown in FY2026
Tata Motors PV Closes in on No.2 Spot as Compact SUVs Drive Steady Gains
CNG Surges Past Diesel, Now Fuels Nearly One in Four Cars
While the electric vehicle narrative commands headlines, a quieter but arguably more consequential shift has been unfolding in India's passenger vehicle market. CNG's share of PV retail climbed to 21.98 per cent in FY 2025-26, up from 19.60 per cent in FY25 — and in March 2026, the monthly reading hit 23.76 per cent. Nearly one in four passenger vehicles sold in India now runs on compressed natural gas.
To put that in absolute terms: of the 47,05,056 PVs retailed in FY26, approximately 10.34 lakh were CNG vehicles. This makes CNG a larger powertrain category than diesel (18.08 per cent share) and nearly five times the size of the EV segment (4.25 per cent) in the PV space.
Mercedes-Benz Retains Top Spot in Jan-Mar Luxury Retail Sales
Mercedes-Benz India retained its position as India’s largest luxury car maker in the January–March quarter based on company-reported retail sales, even as vehicle registration data showed a shift in luxury car market leadership to rival BMW India for the first time.
BMW Group on Wednesday said it recorded its highest-ever January-March sales, delivering 4,567 cars and posting 17% year-on-year growth. A day later, Mercedes-Benz reported sales of 5,131 cars, up 7%, allowing it to maintain the top spot in the country’s luxury vehicle market based on retail numbers announced by the companies.
Mercedes-Benz India Clocks 19,363 Units in FY26, Up 2% YoY; Top-End Vehicles and EVs Drive Growth
BMW Group India Delivers 4,567 Units in Q1 2026, Records 17% Growth
TVS Motors Races Ahead, Biggest Share Gainer in FY26
TVS Motor Company has emerged as FY26's biggest share gainer among India's top five two-wheeler manufacturers, climbing to 18.89 per cent retail market share from 17.49 per cent a year earlier — a 140-basis-point jump that translates into 40,46,666 units retailed, up from 33,03,633 in FY25, a 22.5 per cent growth rate that significantly outpaced the industry's 13.40 per cent.
In March 2026, TVS retailed 3,74,602 units at a 19.20 per cent share — the highest monthly reading in recent years — up from 2,76,276 units (18.22 per cent) a year earlier, a 35.6 per cent YoY surge.
Royal Enfield Rides Past 12 Lakh, 350cc Models Lead the Charge
The Million-Unit Milestone: FY26 Redefines India’s Tractor Market
Few years in recent memory have brought together as many tailwinds for Indian tractor makers as fiscal 2026. An above-normal monsoon refilled rural cash flows. State governments in poll-bound Maharashtra and Bihar opened the subsidy taps. An unexpected cut in the Goods and Services Tax on tractors from 12 to 5 percent in late September lowered sticker prices overnight. And as the deadline for stricter TREM 5 emission norms drew closer, dealers and farmers pulled forward purchases they might otherwise have made later. By the close of March, the industry had sold more tractors than ever before.
Domestic wholesale dispatches are estimated to have risen by 23.47 percent to 11,60,231 units in FY26. Retail registrations tracked by FADA reached 10,50,077, up from 8,82,825 a year earlier. Both numbers are the highest the Indian tractor industry has recorded, and the first time wholesale volumes have crossed one million in a single fiscal year.
Tractor Industry Ends FY26 On a High; March Domestic Sales Rise 29% on Festive Demand
India’s tractor industry ended FY26 on a strong note, with wholesale volumes recording robust double-digit growth in March 2026. Total sales rose 24% year-on-year to 1,12,468 units, supported by favourable agricultural conditions, a full Navratri purchasing window falling in March, and improved credit access for farmers.
According to Tractor and Mechanization Association data, domestic tractor dispatches grew 29% to 1,03,193 units during the month, while exports declined 14% year-on-year to 9,275 units. Production stood at 1,09,967 units, up 28.6% from 85,500 units a year earlier.
EV Share of 3-Wheeler Sales Jumps to 61%, CNG Falls to 24% in FY2026
The smart growth of India’s electric 3-wheeler industry, which continues to witness the fastest transition from conventional fuels to electric mobility amongst all vehicle segments, continues to eat into the CNG-powered 3W market. In FY2026, e-3W sales hit a record 830,819 units as compared to CNG 3Ws whose sales at 327,958 units (down 4% YoY) have dropped to their lowest level since FY2024 when they registered their highest sales.
Entry & Exits
Mahindra & Mahindra names Aman Malik Auto Division National Sales Head; Dinesh Kurup to Lead Sales Planning
Mahindra & Mahindra has reorganised its sales and marketing set-up in the automotive division, naming Aman Malik as National Sales Head and assigning Dinesh Kurup to lead sales planning, following the transition of Baneswar Banerjee to the group’s financial services arm.
Instead of a like-for-like replacement, the company has split Banerjee’s earlier role, separating frontline sales execution from planning and support functions.
Mahindra Auto Veteran Baneswar Banerjee to Head Auto Loans at MMFSL
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has appointed Baneswar Banerjee as Business Head – Auto Loans at Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd (MMFSL), effective April 9, 2026, marking his transition from the group’s automotive business into its financial services arm.
Banerjee, who most recently served as Vice President and National Business Head (Operations) in Mahindra’s Auto division, brings over 20 years of experience within the company, having held multiple roles across sales and operations. His tenure has spanned frontline execution as well as national-level responsibilities, making him one of the more seasoned leaders within the automotive business.
Continental Tires India Names Nevin Aslan-Özkan as Managing Director
Continental Tires India has appointed Nevin Aslan-Özkan as its new Managing Director, effective April 6, 2026. She succeeds Samir Gupta, who stepped down from the position on April 5, 2026, for personal reasons.
Aslan-Özkan joined Continental in 2017 and has held several leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, with responsibilities spanning mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and business development. Since May 2025, she served as Chief Financial Officer for Continental Tires India, where she oversaw the company's financial strategy and performance.
Numeros Motors Names Arun Srivastava as New CEO
Numeros Motors has named Arun Srivastava as its Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2, 2026. The appointment marks a leadership transition for the Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer as it moves into an expanded phase of operations and market growth.
Srivastava succeeds Shreyas Shibulal, who founded the company in 2020 and will remain on the board, continuing to contribute to strategy and expansion in close coordination with the incoming CEO.
Insights &Interpretation
Carbon Dreams, Policy Gridlock: India’s Decarbonisation Push Faces Delays
For many years, the global climate community, focusing on key sectors including green mobility has pointed toward Article 6 of the Paris Agreement as the holy grail of decarbonization. But as the agreement moves into its long-awaited operational phase, a stark reality is setting in: the path from high-level policy to actual pavement is riddled with potholes.
For the Indian automotive and energy sectors, the stakes could not be higher. The industry is currently locked in a high-stakes struggle to transform carbon compliance from a 'cost center', a burdensome tax on doing business into a 'profit center' that rewards…
How Radar And Lidar Work Together To Make Autonomous Vehicles Safer
Autonomous vehicles are advancing at a remarkable pace, but their true promise lies in one thing above all: safety. For self-driving cars to operate reliably, they must perceive their surroundings under every possible condition, from bright sunlight to dense fog, from crowded city streets to open highways.
No single sensor can do this alone. That’s why modern autonomous systems rely on multiple sensing technologies working in concert, with radar and LiDAR forming the foundation of vehicle perception. Together, they create a robust safety net that enables machines to make smarter, faster, and safer decisions.
How Code Is Powering the Cars of Tomorrow
Historically, a car's worth was defined by its powertrain and physical body, but today, value is dictated by the software that powers it. Reports indicate that by 2026, software will comprise 50% of a vehicle's total value, and revenues from software-driven mobility services are projected to double by 2035.
This shift is driven by the rise of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), which offer levels of personalization, convenience, and intelligence impossible to achieve through hardware alone.
India’s Road Safety Imperative: How Helmet Innovation and Premiumization Can Save Thousands of Lives
India’s mobility story is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Two-wheelers remain the backbone of personal transportation for millions of Indians. From daily commuting in cities to essential mobility in rural markets, motorcycles and scooters enable livelihoods, education and economic participation.
Yet the growth of mobility brings with it a critical responsibility. Safety must keep pace with scale.
In January 2026 alone, India recorded more than 19.25 lakh two-wheeler sales, representing a 26 percent increase compared to January 2025 and the highest-ever January performance for the segment. As this mobility ecosystem expands, improving road safety outcomes becomes an urgent national priority.