Weekly News Wrap: EV push intensifies with Maruti’s eVitara pricing, Tata Punch.ev, Valeo India bet
Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors launch new electric models as foreign suppliers and domestic manufacturers commit fresh capital to India's evolving mobility market.
22 Feb 2026
1 Views
Share -
India’s auto industry sharpened its focus on electrification and advanced technologies this week. Maruti Suzuki announced pricing for its first battery electric vehicle, the e Vitara, marking a significant step in its electric vehicle journey, while Tata Motors rolled out the facelift of Punch.ev, aimed at making entry-level electric mobility more accessible through competitive pricing.
JSW MG Motor India mapped out fresh investments and a slate of upcoming launches, as Nissan India outlined plans for three new models and an expansion of its retail network, underlining its export-led strategy.
On the supplier side, German component maker Valeo committed €200 million investment to India as part of its Elevate 2028 strategy. Qualcomm partnered with Tata Electronics for local module manufacturing in Assam, and JSW Greentech received type approval for its 12-metre electric bus. Policy developments included additional hydrogen truck and bus pilot programmes, while ICRA projected industry volume growth of 3-6% in 2026–27.
Here’s the detailed round-up of all major developments from this week:
Maruti Suzuki announces prices of e Vitara in India
After months of anticipation, India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has finally announced the pricing of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) - e Vitara. The price starts from Rs 15.99 lakh, while under the Battery-as-a-Service model, the e Vitara is priced from Rs 10.99 lakh, with battery rental charged separately.
Maruti Marks 45 Years with EV Pivot, Says e-Vitara Launch Begins ‘Industry Transformation’
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd said its entry into the electric vehicle segment, with the rollout of the eVitara, marks the start of a new phase for the company and could reshape the domestic auto industry.
Maruti’s EV Rollout May Face Near-term Capacity Limits; Expansion Due After July
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd said supplies of its first electric SUV, the eVitara, may remain constrained until July, as the company balances production across exports, domestic demand and contract manufacturing for other OEMs.
Tata Motors Bets on New Punch.ev to Drive Entry-level EV Adoption
Tata Motors launched the refreshed Punch.ev at Rs 9.69 lakh, positioning it as an affordable entry point into electric mobility. The company says the vehicle brings EV ownership close to price parity with comparable petrol-powered cars in the entry-level segment.
Punch EV Pushes Closer to the Mainstream With 355 km Real-World Range: Anand Kulkarni
With a real-world range of up to 355 km and faster charging, Tata Motors says the Punch.ev is now positioned as a credible primary car capable of intercity travel and long-distance use with a single short stop.
Tata Motors PV Expects 30–50% Jump in Punch.ev Volumes After New Launch
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd expects Punch.ev volumes to grow between 30–50% over the next year, following the launch of the upgraded model, which addresses key barriers to EV adoption in the entry segment.
India EV Sales Seen Topping 200,000 in FY26
India’s electric car (EV) market is expected to cross 200,000 units in FY26, with penetration holding steady at around 4–5 percent of total car sales, as adoption in higher-priced segments remains strong and the industry seeks to unlock demand in the mass-market sub-₹12 lakh category, said Shailesh Chandra, managing director of India’s largest-selling EV maker.
Margin Trade-Off Needed to Some Extent to Drive EV Adoption: Tata Motors PV
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has sacrificed margins to some extent on EVs to accelerate adoption and drive long-term growth, a senior executive said. Despite pressure, the EV division’s profitability remains close to that of its internal-combustion passenger vehicle business.
BaaS isn’t really a service, it’s a financing tool: Tata Motors' Shailesh Chandra
The Punch.ev pushes electric ownership closer to parity with ICE cars in the entry-level segment. The more interesting move lies in the alternative pricing structure offered alongside it. Under a Battery-as-a-Service option, the upfront cost drops to ₹6.49 lakh, with the battery payment structured separately at roughly ₹2.6 per kilometre.
JSW Greentech gets CMVR Type Approval from ARAI for 12m Electric Bus
JSW MG Motor India Plans ₹3,000–4,000 Crore Investment, Explores Funding Options; IPO Aspirations Intact
As it aims to accelerate its new energy vehicles play and volume expansion, JSW MG Motor India plans to invest ₹3,000–4,000 crore over the medium term toward new product development, localisation, and manufacturing expansion, and is actively evaluating multiple funding options with its shareholders, even as the company keeps IPO as a longer-term aspiration tied to profitability milestones.
JSW MG Motor to Launch Half a Dozen New Models in 2026–27, Eyes 75% Sales from New Energy Vehicles
Having grabbed the No. 2 position in electric car sales, JSW MG Motor India plans to sustain the product excitement and introduce around six new models between 2026 and 2027, with majority of launches in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
JSW MG Motor Lines up Majestor to take on Fortuner in India’s Premium SUV Segment
To grab a bigger slice of the premium SUV market, JSW MG Motor India has unveiled the Majestor D-segment SUV to replace the Gloster. Positioning it as the biggest, widest, and longest D-segment SUV, JSW MG Motor is preparing to mount a fresh challenge to the long-dominant Toyota Fortuner with the Majestor.
JSW MG Readies ‘Starlight 560’ C-SUV to Take on Mahindra XUV 7XO with EV, Plug-in Hybrid Options
With a strong presence in the B SUV space with the Windsor, JSW MG Motor India has now set sight on the growing D and C segment SUV market. While the Majestor will look to challenge the Toyota Fortuner in the D SUV space, what follows will be an aggressive entry into India’s high-volume midsize SUV battleground with the upcoming Starlight 560 C SUV.
Tenneco In Talks With Multiple OEMs For DaVinci Dampers
Tenneco is positioning its patented DaVinci DCx dampers as a multi‑OEM suspension platform, with Mahindra as the first customer but not the only one. "Mahindra happens to be the first customer, but it is not exclusive. The DaVinci DCx is patented by Tenneco," said Arvind Chandra, CEO of Tenneco Clean Air India.
Qualcomm and Tata Electronics to Manufacture Automotive Modules in India
Qualcomm Technologies and Tata Electronics have forged a manufacturing partnership to produce Qualcomm automotive modules in India for the first time. Production will begin at Tata’s semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam, supplying modules for digital cockpits, infotainment, connectivity and intelligent vehicle systems.
Valeo to invest €200 million in India under Elevate 2028 plan
Over the next three years, the French Tier 1 will channel investments into electrification and ADAS localisation, targeting a threefold revenue jump by 2028.
India Entering Tech Acceleration Phase Seen Earlier in China: Valeo CEO
For Valeo, India and China operate under the same strategic philosophy. Both follow a strict local-for-local model. Both rely on domestic manufacturing, local suppliers and indigenous engineering teams. What differs, according to Christophe Périllat, CEO of Valeo, is not the approach, but the stage of technological evolution.
Software at the core of Valeo's future India growth
Valeo is increasingly operating as a software-centric company in India, according to its global CEO Christophe Périllat, as electrification and advanced driver assistance systems drive higher embedded intelligence per vehicle.
Nissan India's 2026 Plans - 3 New Products, Retail Network Expansion
Nissan Motor India will launch three new vehicles over the next 12 months and expand its retail network to more than 250 showrooms by financial year 2026–27, as it looks to rebuild scale in the domestic market after years of operating with a single-product portfolio.
2026 Will be Year of Resurgence for Nissan India, says MD Saurabh Vatsa
Nissan outlines product expansion, export growth and network strengthening strategy for 2026 as it targets portfolio diversification and higher domestic volumes in the Indian market.
Nissan exports from India to cross 1 lakh cars in 2026-27
Nissan Motor India expects to surpass 100,000 vehicle exports from the country in the next financial year with an expanded product portfolio. This underscores India’s growing role as a global export hub for the Japanese carmaker. India is already Nissan's second-largest export base after the UK.
Nissan India Launches the Gravite MPV; Prices Start at Rs 5.65 Lakh
Nissan Motor India launched the Gravite, a compact seven-seater MPV as the Japanese automaker looks to widen its portfolio in a market dominated by sport utility vehicles. The Gravite is based on the CMF-A+ platform, the same architecture that underpins the Renault Triber, but features Nissan-specific styling and branding.
Why Japan’s Kyokuto is Doubling Down on India’s Commercial Vehicle Surge
Standing amidst the gleaming robotic welding arms and high-precision laser cutters of what is now South Asia’s largest trailer manufacturing facility, MC Bantwal, Managing Director of Satrac, remembers a time when the stakes were considerably lower.
Hero Motocorp Stops Using ‘AERA’ Trademark After Trademark Dispute With Matter Motor
In a trademark dispute, Hero MotoCorp undertook to stop using “AERA” after Matter Motor alleged infringement of its registered mark. Hero said it ceased AERA-Tech use from January 9, will withdraw related applications; the suit continues.
Hyundai India Appoints Madhurendra Malu as Head of Genesis
As Hyundai prepares to launch its luxury brand Genesis in India, the automaker appointed Madhurendra Malu as the vertical head of Genesis brand in India.
India Could Halve Road Transport Emissions by 2050 if EV Targets Are Met: ICCT
India could cut its road transport carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 50 per cent by mid-century if it fully meets its existing national and state-level electric vehicle targets, according to new research published by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).
Govt to Sanction 30 More Hydrogen Trucks, Buses for Pilot Under Hydrogen Mission
The government will sanction an additional 30 hydrogen-powered trucks and buses under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to expand pilot deployments in the transport sector, according to Abhay Bakre, Mission Director of the government’s Green Hydrogen Mission.
IGL to Set up Three LNG Stations in NCR in 3 Months
Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) will commission three liquefied natural gas (LNG) filling stations in the National Capital Region over the next three months as part of pushing cleaner fuels for heavy-duty and long haul, Managing Director Kamal Kishore Chatiwal said.
Indian Auto Sector Expected to See 3-6% Volume Growth in 2026-27: ICRA
India's automotive industry is on track for volume growth of 3–6% in the 2026–27 fiscal year, according to ICRA, as demand normalises after a period of above-trend expansion in the latter half of 2025–26. The ratings agency cited the end of GST reform tailwinds and a higher comparison base as the main factors behind the expected deceleration.
Interview: Renault CEO Cambolive says 'India Is Renault' - Targets 3–5% Market Share by 2030
The French carmaker is committing to accelerating product launches across multiple powertrains after years of declining market presence. The automaker is targeting a return to 3–5% market share by 2030. On electrification, Renault is adopting a measured approach, prioritising hybrid powertrains in the near term while keeping full-scale EV deployment as a longer-term objective.
Gulf Oil, Mahindra Tractors Renew Multi-Year Partnership
Gulf Oil Lubricants India and Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Business have renewed their decade-long partnership through a multi-year agreement. Gulf Oil will remain the largest lubricant supplier to Mahindra Tractors, focusing on technology collaboration, supply chain integration and customer support.
Bharat Forge, VVDN Technologies Sign MoU for Collaboration
Bharat Forge and VVDN Technologies have signed an MoU to explore collaboration across automotive, defence, AI infrastructure and data centre platforms, combining VVDN’s electronics and software expertise with Bharat Forge’s advanced manufacturing and precision engineering capabilities.
ThunderPlus, Indofast Energy Partners to Build Integrated EV Hubs
Indofast will deploy battery-swapping stations at ThunderPlus charging locations, starting in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi NCR, before expanding the model to over 250 sites across India.
ZF India Secures Supply Deal for Country's First Low-Floor Electric Axle for City Buses
ZF India has secured a business nomination from a leading Indian OEM to supply the AxTrax 2 LF, an electric portal axle that the company describes as India's first fully integrated low-floor e-axle for city buses.
SATRAC Opens 15-Acre Manufacturing Plant in Sriperumbudur
SATRAC Engineering has inaugurated a trailer and truck body manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai. The plant, which spans 15 acres with 3.5 acres of covered production space, is designed to produce over 800 units per month.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Names Nitin Selot as Executive Director for Finance
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India appointed Nitin Selot as Executive Director — Finance, IT and Legal Affairs. In this role, Selot will oversee financial planning and governance, IT systems, and legal affairs for the group's Indian operations, which span six brands — Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche.
Greaves Electric Mobility to Launch New Ampere Electric Scooter in FY27
Greaves Electric Mobility plans to enter the high-volume sub-₹1 lakh scooter category with a new Ampere model engineered to compete directly with petrol scooters on performance, running costs, and technology features.
Statiq Raises $18 Million to Expand EV Charging Network
EV charge point operator Statiq has raised approximately $18 million in a blended equity and debt round to expand its charging infrastructure across India and enter international markets. The round was led by Tenacity Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, Shell Ventures, and RCD Holdings.
Pluto Mobility Raises $2 Million to Fund Last-Mile Delivery Vehicle Development
Delhi-based electric vehicle start-up Pluto Mobility has raised $2 million in seed funding to develop and deploy electric vehicles purpose-built for last-mile logistics in India. The round was led by Version One Ventures, with participation from Grad Capital and angel investors from companies including Delhivery, OfBusiness, Pixxel, and Boom Supersonic.
The World's Most Tech-Hungry Car Market Still Can't Find a Charger
Seven in ten Indian car owners plan to switch brands the next time they buy a vehicle. According to the 2026 Deloitte Global Automotive Consumer Study led by Rajat Mahajan, Partner and Automotive Sector Leader at Deloitte India, it remains the highest figure of any market surveyed globally. That number is the entry point.
Vervesemi Raises $10 Million in Series A to Scale Semiconductor Ambitions Globally
Mumbai-based fabless semiconductor startup Vervesemi Microelectronics has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by veteran market investor Ashish Kacholia and venture firm Unicorn India Ventures.
Volkswagen Launches Tayron R-Line SUV in India at ₹46.99 Lakh
Volkswagen India enters the premium SUV segment with its feature-rich Tayron R-Line, offering Level 2 ADAS technology, all-wheel drive, and a Harman Kardon sound system at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 46.99 lakh.
Tillmann Olsen Named Bosch Limited's New CFO as Karin Gilges Exits
Bosch Limited announced CFO Karin Gilges’ resignation, effective May 31, 2026, after her appointment to a global Bosch role. The board named Tillmann Olsen as her successor.
RELATED ARTICLES
India EV Sales Seen Topping 200,000 in FY26 as PV Market Nears 4.6 Million Units
Autocar Professional Bureau
22 Feb 2026
As adoption in higher-priced segments remains strong, the next leg of growth will hinge on accelerating electrification ...
Hero Motocorp Stops Using ‘AERA’ Trademark After Trademark Dispute With Matter Motor
Mukul Yudhveer Singh
21 Feb 2026
Delhi High Court accepts undertaking by Hero MotoCorp to stop using AERA marks, following trademark dispute with electri...
Gulf Oil, Mahindra Tractors Renew Multi-Year Partnership
Arunima Pal
20 Feb 2026
Gulf Oil to continue to supply lubricants to Mahindra’s tractor division and hold the largest share of business for the...
