Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

Ashok Leyland, IIT Madras Launch 40-City Electric Truck Drive

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:29:47

Ashok Leyland and the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET) at IIT Madras have launched the ‘GET ZET – Electric Truck Awareness to Acceptance’ initiative, a 40-city demonstration drive aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance of battery electric trucks.

The initiative began in Chennai on September 29, 2026, and will run through February 2027 across logistics hubs and industrial corridors in 14 states and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The programme will bring together fleet owners, logistics operators, financiers, load providers, infrastructure partners, policymakers and industry experts.

The events will include demonstrations of Ashok Leyland’s electric mobility solutions. The company’s BOSS Electric truck, along with its charger setup, will be showcased to give participants an opportunity to experience the vehicle and associated charging infrastructure.

Ashok Leyland, IIT Madras To Cover 40 Cities

The programme will cover Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The events are intended to address the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition to zero-emission commercial transportation.

Participants will be able to gain first-hand exposure to electric commercial vehicles and the wider zero-emission transportation ecosystem through awareness sessions and demonstrations.

Ashok Leyland MD and CEO Shenu Agarwal said the initiative is intended to build user confidence by bringing electric truck technology closer to customers and other stakeholders. He added that the 40-city programme will allow participants to experience the technology in real-world settings.

CoEZET Focuses On Battery Electric Truck Acceptance

According to Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean (ICSR), IIT Madras, CoEZET has been working on zero-emission truck adoption since 2022, covering areas including policy, technology, skilling and outreach. The current initiative builds on earlier awareness activities and focuses on allowing stakeholders to experience and evaluate battery electric trucks.

The programme will also include hands-on trial rides intended to address driver concerns and provide direct experience of electric trucks. CoEZET said these interactions are aimed at building greater acceptance among the trucking community.

Highway Roop Acquires Chamundi, Adds Aluminium Die-Casting Capabilities

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:23:48

Highway Roop Precision Technologies, backed by Carlyle, has completed the acquisition of Chamundi Die Cast, an Indian manufacturer of precision-machined aluminium die-cast components for automotive and industrial applications.

The acquisition adds aluminium die-casting and precision-machining capabilities to Highway Roop’s existing forging and machining operations across steering, transmission and powertrain applications. The company said the deal will broaden its manufacturing capabilities and expand its lightweight engineered-component portfolio.

Chamundi also brings a portfolio of electric vehicle components and customer relationships across India, North America and Europe. Its manufacturing base in South India expands Highway Roop’s manufacturing footprint beyond its existing operations.

Highway Roop Expands Aluminium Die-Casting Capabilities

Chamundi has integrated capabilities covering tool design and manufacturing, high-pressure and gravity die-casting, precision machining, powder coating and assembly. The company was founded in 1985 and manufactures complex aluminium die-cast components for automotive and industrial applications.

Highway Roop said the acquisition complements its existing forging and precision-machining capabilities and enables it to offer a broader range of engineered components. The company manufactures components and assemblies for steering, transmission and powertrain systems used in electric, hybrid and internal-combustion engine vehicles.

Chamundi Adds EV Components And Export Operations

Chamundi has a growing portfolio of components for electric vehicle applications and serves customers across India, North America and Europe. Its South India facility provides Highway Roop with an additional manufacturing base and an established export-oriented operation.

Highway Roop Group CEO and director Dharmesh Arora said the acquisition expands the company’s capabilities in aluminium die-casting and precision machining while adding a South India manufacturing base. He said the combination is intended to bring the company closer to customers and diversify its manufacturing network.

Chamundi managing director Yasin Khan said the company will continue to hold a stake in the combined entity following the transaction. He said Highway Roop’s manufacturing capabilities and scale would support the company’s next phase of operations.

The acquisition forms part of Highway Roop’s plan to build a diversified precision-manufacturing platform focused on torque and control applications for automotive and industrial customers.

Exclusive: Hyundai India Scouts Third Manufacturing Location For Next Phase Of Growth

Ketan Thakkar — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:15:00

Hyundai Motor India has started exploring a third manufacturing location in the country as it prepares for an aggressive product expansion and sustained growth in a highly competitive market, people familiar with the discussions told Autocar Professional.

India is expected to be among Hyundai Motor Group’s fastest-growing markets over the coming decade. The carmaker will need additional capacity to participate in the expanding domestic market and increase exports, with around 30% of its India output expected to be allocated to overseas markets.

According to people familiar with the company’s volume plans, Hyundai is likely to fully utilise its manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra by 2030. It has therefore begun assessing the next phase of capacity expansion to support products expected to bring incremental volumes.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra and Sanand in Gujarat are among the locations under consideration. The discussions are at an early stage, and Hyundai has yet to decide on the site, initial capacity, investment schedule or product allocation.

The proposed project could attract an investment of more than $2 billion over time, over and above Hyundai Motor India’s ₹45,000 crore investment commitment through FY2030. The facility is likely to come up around 2030, with capacity being added in phases over five to seven years. At full scale, it could add around 500,000 units to Hyundai’s annual production capacity.

In an official response to Autocar Professional, Hyundai Motor India said: “We do not comment on market speculation or industry rumours. Should there be any material developments requiring disclosure, we will communicate them through the appropriate official and regulatory channels.”

The plan comes as Hyundai prepares for an aggressive product cycle in India. The carmaker has lined up 26 model launches through FY2030, covering new products, full model changes and updates. SUVs, hybrids and electric vehicles will play a larger role in the portfolio.

The proposed facility is expected to produce future mid-size SUVs, MPVs and electric vehicles for India and overseas markets, according to the people cited above.

Hyundai’s Talegaon plant is being expanded in stages and will supplement its long-standing manufacturing base at Sriperumbudur near Chennai. The two locations are expected to meet its requirements over the next few years, but the planned product expansion will require more capacity over the longer term.

The pressure on capacity is already beginning to show. Autocar Professional reported earlier that Hyundai had revised its production plan for calendar year 2026 from around 770,000 units to approximately 820,000 units, an increase of 50,000 units.

The increase is supported by demand for the Creta and Venue, festive sales, growth in rural markets and incremental volumes expected from two upcoming SUVs.

SUVs account for nearly 70% of Hyundai’s domestic sales. Rural markets contributed 25.9% of its sales in the first quarter of FY2027 and grew by 23% year on year.

Investment in the proposed facility is expected to be spread across phases. A part of its output is likely to be exported, expanding Hyundai’s use of India as a production base for overseas markets.

India is among Hyundai’s three largest markets globally. The choice of a third manufacturing location will depend on land availability, state incentives, access to suppliers, logistics and port connectivity.

Hyundai could also evaluate other locations before taking a final investment decision. The eventual scale and timing will depend on demand, utilisation of the Sriperumbudur and Talegaon facilities and the rollout of future products.

Energy In Motion Opens Rewari EV Station, Plans 40 Across India

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:14:27

Energy In Motion Ltd (EIM) has inaugurated a heavy-duty battery swapping-cum-charging station at Rewari, Haryana, along the NH-48 Delhi-Mumbai corridor. The facility is part of EIM’s network serving electric freight movement on the route.

The Rewari station joins EIM’s existing facilities at Palwal and Kotputli. The company said each of the three stations has a connected load of 2.5MW. EIM plans to establish 40 such stations across India in the current financial year, with eight already operational and seven more at various stages of installation.

According to EIM managing director Narendra Murkumbi, the Rewari facility can swap a discharged battery in an electric heavy commercial vehicle (e-HCV) in around seven minutes, compared with the company’s stated 55-60-minute charging time using a conventional charger. The station is designed to serve more than 150 vehicles a day, the company said.

EIM Rewari Station To Serve Electric Freight On NH-48

The Rewari facility is intended to provide battery-swapping and charging infrastructure closer to the NH-48 freight corridor. EIM said its swapping model allows a depleted battery to be replaced with a charged unit, reducing the time heavy electric vehicles remain stationary for energy replenishment.

EIM said the station uses its battery-swapping model alongside a 350kWh battery. Murkumbi said the combination could increase monthly return trips on a corridor by 10% for logistics service providers, although this is a company estimate rather than an independently verified figure.

EIM Plans 40 Heavy-Duty Swapping Stations

EIM plans to set up 40 heavy-duty battery swapping-cum-charging stations across India during the current financial year. The company said eight are currently operational, while seven additional stations are in different stages of installation.

The Rewari station forms part of the company’s broader network alongside facilities at Palwal and Kotputli, each with a connected load of 2.5MW.

EIM also operates its ‘Maitryi’ Battery as a Service (BaaS) model. The company said this model can reduce a customer’s upfront capital deployment when purchasing a heavy-duty electric truck by 40%.

EIM Battery Swapping Model Targets Heavy Commercial Vehicles

EIM’s stated focus is on electric heavy commercial vehicles, battery swapping infrastructure, charging and energy solutions, and operational support systems for high-utilisation freight fleets. The company is targeting applications across ports, logistics hubs and industrial freight corridors.

Ultraviolette Shockwave Gets 100V Architecture, Q1 2027 Launch Confirmed

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:43

Ultraviolette has confirmed that its upcoming Shockwave electric motorcycle will use the company’s newly developed 100V architecture and will launch in the first quarter of 2027. The architecture is expected to enable stronger power delivery, improved thermal efficiency and faster charging on the lightweight motorcycle platform.

The Shockwave, also referred to as FUNDURO, is positioned as a lightweight motorcycle focused on riding dynamics, with its design concept drawing inspiration from classic two-stroke motorcycles.

Ultraviolette Shockwave Production Preparations Underway

Ultraviolette has started setting up a production line for the Shockwave at its existing manufacturing facility. The company has also confirmed that the motorcycle will be offered in both single-seat and dual-seat configurations.

According to co-founder and CEO Narayan Subramaniam, the Shockwave and Tesseract have been developed in parallel over the past year, with work already underway on the Shockwave production line.

Shockwave 100V Architecture Follows Tesseract

The Shockwave’s move to the 100V architecture follows Ultraviolette’s earlier announcement that the Tesseract would also adopt the technology. The company says the two motorcycles are intended for different riding experiences, despite sharing the architecture.

Ultraviolette has not yet disclosed the Shockwave’s final specifications. Further details, including additional launch information, will be announced closer to its Q1 2027 introduction.

Why 30% Of Indian Car Owners Would Prefer Buses, And Intercity Mobility Firms Race To Serve Them

Anurag Chaturvedi — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:20:11

A last-minute change in a pickup point can cause panic for a family with children and luggage or even a solo traveller commuting to another city. Then they find that the "Volvo" sleeper bus they expected to board doesn't even have a proper logo to imitate the brand.

"You were rolling the dice before you left home. Will I get what I paid for?" says Surya Khurana, Managing Director of FlixBus India. "Volvo manufactures maybe 100 to 200 buses a year in India. Three years ago, if you opened a booking app, you'd see one route running fifteen 'Volvos.' The seams were different, the configuration was different, the lights were different," Khurana says.

That is one of the diagnoses Khurana found during the months he spent at bus terminals before FlixBus launched in India in 2023. But the biggest shortfall was an industry built on family-run operations that had simply outgrown what a family could manage. FlixBus India bets on technology to fix both without owning a single bus.

A Trade That Outgrew The Family Firm

"Up to 20 buses, you can run it like a small company. The owner, a child, a relative, they run it together," says Khurana. Above that number, he adds, the job changes shape entirely. Pricing has to flex by route and season, drivers need rosters, buses need depots, and someone has to answer when a pickup point moves. "It's difficult to scale above 20, and the difficulties that fifteen-to-twenty-bus operators face, tech can solve. That's where we come in."

By his own estimate, 97 to 98 per cent of India's private bus operators run fewer than 15 vehicles. IntrCity SmartBus, another asset-less network reshaping this market, puts the unorganised share of the industry at 60 to 65 per cent. The two companies use different numbers. However, they agree on the shape of the problem. Most of the country's bus capacity still runs at a scale technology has never touched.

FlixBus India works with 50-plus fleet partners supplying an average of eight to ten buses each, to a 400-plus bus network built since the company entered India in 2023. IntrCity SmartBus runs 670-plus routes across 17 states. Both operate on the same model. They manage network planning, pricing, branding and safety compliance, while the partner keeps the vehicle and most of the operational risk.

What Travellers Want

The IntrCity SmartBus Intercity Mobility Survey 2026 reports whether Indian travellers are actually buying into this shift, and not just being supplied more of it. Over 13,000 people answered via IntrCity's WhatsApp and email channels through existing bookers, searchers and app visitors. Nearly two-thirds of respondents came from the six metro cities, 74.3 per cent were aged 18 to 43, and 65.9 per cent were salaried professionals, the demographic core IntrCity is presumably already selling to.

Asked to choose, hypothetically, between a premium bus, a personal car, a train or a flight for a 400 to 600 km trip at identical cost, 69.6 per cent picked the bus. Among car owners in the sample, 30.4 per cent said they'd still rather not drive that distance themselves.

Asked what matters most in choosing a shared mobility service, with up to three answers allowed, 43 per cent picked safety, ahead of affordability at 42.5 per cent and cleanliness at 40.5 per cent. Among women, who accounted for about 39 per cent of the total survey, 64 per cent named safety as an important factor, though the survey doesn't say it was their top or only concern. Comfort and amenities, digital access and avoiding driving stress were the main reasons for using shared mobility more.

On price, 71.2 per cent said they'd pay more for better safety, comfort and reliability, but that figure blends three answers. Some 22.9 per cent said yes outright, 17.3 per cent were willing to pay up to 20 per cent more, and 31 per cent said it depends on the journey. Add only the first two, and the firm premium-payers are closer to 40 per cent than 71.

"The Indian intercity traveller has evolved significantly," Manish Rathi, co-founder and CEO at InterCity and its sister company RailYatri (a leading Indian multi-modal mobility platform for train journeys), said when the survey was released. "Today's passengers are looking beyond affordability and are placing equal importance on reliability, comfort, safety and digital convenience."

Separately, when asked what stops them from using shared mobility more, safety again topped the list, named by a third of respondents as the single biggest barrier. The two answers sit uncomfortably together. Safety is both the reason people choose a service and the reason they hesitate to use one more.

An independent read on that claim comes from redBus, one of the largest tech-driven bus ticketing platforms, with a network of private and government bus operators. Its BusTrack Report covers private-bus inventory connected to its own platform between April and September 2025, not the industry at large. It counted 140 million passengers, a 25 per cent rise on the same six months a year earlier, generating ₹13,200 crore in ticketing value. Prakash Sangam, CEO of redBus, attributes the growth to "existing bus operators adding inventory, new operators starting businesses on traditional routes and digitisation of inventory in long tail and new routes," rather than to any single platform's push.

The comfort preference IntrCity describes shows up in redBus's numbers too. Air-conditioned services accounted for 71 per cent of seats sold, and sleeper or hybrid coaches for 85 per cent of all journeys. Non-metro towns drove 61 per cent of bookings, indicating that this shift isn't confined to big cities, even if most of the survey data measuring it is. However, standardisation hasn't reached every state equally. Pan-India seat occupancy averaged 76 per cent, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana filled 84 per cent of seats and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh managed only 63, a 21-point gap between the platform's best and weakest markets.

Demand, in short, is broad but unevenly served, which leaves the quality of supply as the open question.

The Price Of Admission

For potential partners, meeting compliance and quality standards to get into these tech-enabled platforms isn't a cakewalk either. FlixBus India's records put its partner rejection rate at roughly 72 per cent, screened on vehicle standards, safety compliance and service history. Khurana describes an audit covering financial profiling, loan terms, the operator's credit relationship with the vehicle maker and bodybuilder, even whether the yard has a mechanic on staff. The company records that its current partner buses meet BS-VI norms, have an average fleet age below 1.5 years and undergo recorded pre-departure checks. The company also says its control team monitors driver alerts from dashcams and driver-monitoring systems. Of those alerts, Khurana said, "99% are false positives."

On the governance front, the government's safety data show why procedures need to be checked on the road as well as written into company standards. As of 6 February 2026, India had 49,616 registered sleeper coaches and 886 accredited bus-body builders, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. After multiple fatal sleeper-coach fires between 2025 and 2026, the ministry said it had advised states and union territories to check AIS-052 and AIS-119 compliance during registration and fitness inspections. Its account of the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur fire investigation listed defects including emergency doors that did not meet minimum dimensions, seats obstructing an exit and missing fire-detection and suppression equipment. The ministry's reply said these issues should have been detected during certification.

Nonetheless, for the operators who get through, the pitch is economics and cash flow. Khurana describes a 70-30 revenue split cushioned by a minimum guarantee, so a partner's income doesn't collapse on a slow route. "Whatever revenue comes, we split 70-30," he says. "But to cover the risk of the bus partner, we give them a minimum guarantee. You will definitely get this much."

Traditional contract work, staff shuttles, runs on 60-to-90-day payment cycles; charter bookings typically pay 20 per cent upfront, the rest after the trip, says Khurana. The German-headquartered company settles with partners weekly, seven days after a ticket sells. Its bulk relationships with vehicle makers and bodybuilders can also cut a new bus's delivery time from three or four months to two, shortening the gap between taking a loan and earning against it. "Net-net, there is no capex increase," he says. "It's actually a capex reduction, with the ability to scale up much faster." That's one executive's account of his own model, but it explains why he says the harder job wasn't convincing operators to join. It was managing how many wanted in.

Where Control Ends

What none of this standardisation reaches, on FlixBus's own account, is the pickup point. "There are instances where it goes out of our control as well," Khurana said. Fewer than 1 per cent of its pickup points give it access to a public, government-run bus terminal, and Delhi's Kashmiri Gate ISBT and one site in Chennai are the examples he names. A rebuilt terminal changes that instantly, in his account, with kerbside entry, a covered waiting area, a digital screen showing when the bus arrives and a direct link to the metro. He argues that cities benefit from recurring revenue, easier security and less congestion.

Everywhere else, passengers still meet the bus on a roadside kerb or an unpaved yard, the same setup Khurana describes from Kashmiri Gate before it was rebuilt. "First rain, and the yard used to turn into sludge. A family of five, a lady with one kid on her hip, two more kids, three bags to carry, and they have to walk through that just to find their bus, in an area with no platform, no curbside, nothing."

FlixBus, launched here only in 2023, expects India to become Flix's largest market globally within a few years, by both passengers and kilometres driven. FlixBus said in September that it planned to add 120 buses across its South India network in the third and fourth quarters of 2026; the company said more than half its Indian network was already in the region. Its announcement is a capacity target, not a count of buses already deployed. On the ground, an internal FlixHost app gives boarding staff route changes, weather alerts and performance ratings, in English and Hindi.

Asked which Indian practices are now used in its global operations, Khurana said gender-based seating and WhatsApp-based passenger updates, both built for the Indian market, have fed into product conversations in the broader Flix network.

Ola Electric Board To Consider ₹1,000 Crore Rights Issue

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:34:05

Ola Electric Mobility’s board of directors is scheduled to meet on October 5, 2026, to consider and decide on a proposed rights issue of partly paid-up equity shares worth up to ₹1,000 crore. The meeting will be held on October 5 or after the company receives in-principle approval from the stock exchanges or other required regulatory authorities, whichever is later.

The proposed issue will comprise partly paid-up equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each. The company has not yet disclosed the issue price, rights entitlement ratio, record date or payment mechanism. These matters are among those to be considered by the board.

Ola Electric Rights Issue Details

The board will consider the specific terms of the rights issue, including the price at which the shares will be offered and the ratio determining shareholders’ rights entitlements.

It will also consider the payment mechanism, record date and timing of the issue, along with other related matters. The proposed rights issue is for an amount not exceeding ₹1,000 crore.

The company’s latest filing was made on September 28, 2026, under the relevant provisions of the SEBI Listing Regulations governing such disclosures.
Further details of the proposed rights issue are therefore subject to the board’s decision and the required regulatory and stock exchange approvals.

Gotion To Invest $1.25 Billion In Volkswagen’s Spain Battery Plant: Reuters

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:23:03

China’s Gotion High-tech will invest €1.1 billion (US$1.25 billion) in Volkswagen’s battery plant in Valencia, Spain, as part of a broader agreement to develop a European battery supply chain, Reuters reported.

The investment will give Gotion a 49% stake in the Valencia facility, with Volkswagen’s battery business PowerCo retaining the majority stake. The plant is planned to become a European production hub for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, according to Volkswagen.

Under the agreement, PowerCo will also invest €470 million in two Gotion facilities. These include a battery cell factory in Šurany, Slovakia, and a new cathode-material production facility in Kenitra, Morocco. PowerCo will take a 49% stake in each facility.

Gotion And Volkswagen Expand European Battery Partnership

The agreement expands the existing relationship between Volkswagen and Gotion. Volkswagen is currently Gotion’s largest single shareholder, with a 24% stake. Volkswagen has also agreed to sell a 5.3% stake in Gotion to an unnamed buyer, valued at about $373 million based on LSEG data, Reuters reported.

Volkswagen Chief Technology Officer Thomas Schmall said the agreement represents a further step in the companies’ battery cooperation and European electric vehicle supply-chain plans.

The investment comes as Chinese battery and electric vehicle manufacturers increase their presence in Europe, while the European Union considers measures aimed at protecting local industry from lower-cost imports.

Valencia Plant To Focus On LFP Battery Production

The Valencia facility will focus on the production of LFP batteries, a battery chemistry increasingly used in electric vehicles. The plant will form part of Volkswagen’s broader battery manufacturing strategy in Europe.

Gotion’s investment gives it a significant minority position in the facility, while PowerCo will retain control through its 51% stake.

The agreement also links battery-cell production in Spain with upstream material and cell manufacturing activities in Slovakia and Morocco, creating a supply-chain structure spanning several European and neighbouring markets.

Volkswagen is currently restructuring its operations and has been reducing its investment portfolio as part of a wider cost-cutting programme. Reuters reported that the German automaker is also planning significant workforce reductions.

Tata Motors Arm Acquires 26% Stake In Mateshwari E-Smart Mobility

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:14:04

Tata Motors’ wholly owned subsidiary, TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Limited (TSCMSL), has acquired a 26% stake in Mateshwari E-Smart Mobility (Hyderabad) Private Limited (MEMHPL) for ₹2.6 lakh. The acquisition is linked to operations and maintenance of electric buses under the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC).

TSCMSL acquired 26,000 equity shares of ₹10 each in MEMHPL at par, giving it a 26% stake in the company. The transaction was completed on September 28, 2026, with the consideration paid in cash through the transfer of shares from MEMHPL’s existing shareholder.

The acquisition follows a tender awarded to TSCMSL and Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions Private Limited, the holding company of MEMHPL, for the operation and maintenance of electric buses under TSRTC. Tata Motors said the acquisition of MEMHPL is intended to facilitate the electric bus operations and maintenance activity.

Tata Motors Electric Bus Operations In Telangana

TSCMSL participates in tenders issued by municipal corporations for the operation and maintenance of electric buses. The company said the MEMHPL acquisition falls within Tata Motors’ existing business objectives relating to electric bus operations and maintenance.

About Mateshwari E-Smart Mobility (MEMHPL)

MEMHPL was incorporated on August 11, 2026, under the Companies Act, 2013, with the stated objective of carrying out e-mobility business. It has an authorised share capital and paid-up capital of ₹10 lakh each. As the company was incorporated only in August, its turnover was not applicable at the time of the disclosure.

MEMHPL Becomes a Tata Motors Associate Company

The acquisition itself does not fall under a related-party transaction. However, following the acquisition, MEMHPL becomes an associate company of Tata Motors and consequently a related party. No government or regulatory approvals were required for the transaction, according to the filing.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Launches Hayabusa Special Edition at Rs 19.90 Lakh

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:06:27

Suzuki Motorcycle India announced the launch of the Hayabusa Special Edition at Rs 19,90,000 (ex-showroom), alongside introducing refreshed colour options and electronic revisions for the standard model priced at Rs 18,99,000.

The new Special Edition variant is finished in a Pearl Vigor Blue paint scheme and features dedicated decals, a bespoke wheel finish, a 3D fuel tank emblem and a factory-fitted single-seat cowl.

Hayabusa Updates: Lithium-Ion Battery and Revised Electronics

Mechanical and electronic revisions across both the standard motorcycle and the Special Edition include the adoption of an ELIIY Power lithium-ion battery, replacing the conventional unit with a lighter and more compact pack. The motorcycle continues to be powered by its 1,340 cc liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine.

Suzuki said it has also updated the software calibration for the Launch Control System and Power Mode Selector, while also reconfiguring the Smart Cruise Control system to remain operational during clutchless gear changes without disengaging road speed settings.

Suzuki Hayabusa New Dual-Tone Colour Options

In addition to the Special Edition, the standard Hayabusa receives three dual-tone paint schemes: Candy Daring Red with Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Galaxy Gray with Candy Burnt Gold, and Pearl Vigor Blue with Pearl Brilliant White.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited, said, "With the launch of the Hayabusa Special Edition and the introduction of new colour options, we aim to offer customers an even more exclusive and premium ownership experience while preserving the iconic character that has made the Hayabusa a global legend. The latest updates further enhance its appeal for enthusiasts who seek a perfect balance of performance, technology and distinctive styling."

Tata Motors Expands BaaS Across Entire EV Line-Up

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:23:58

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles announced that it has expanded its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program across its full electric vehicle line-up. Initially introduced for the Tiago.ev hatchback and Punch.ev compact SUV, the dual-loan financing framework now covers the Nexon.ev, Curvv.ev, Sierra.ev, and Harrier.ev.

Introductory prices for the EVs see a considerable drop with the BaaS programme, starting from Rs 4.69 lakh for the Tiago.ev, Rs 6.59 lakh for the Punch.ev, Rs 8.99 lakh for the Nexon.ev, Rs 10.99 lakh for the Curvv.ev, Rs 11.99 lakh for the Sierra.ev and Rs 14.49 lakh for the Harrier.ev.

Tata EV BaaS Per-Km Cost by Model

Per-kilometre BaaS prices (based on an estimated 60 km daily run) start at Rs 2.6 per km for the Punch.ev, Rs 4.4 per km for the Nexon.ev, Rs 5 per km for the Curvv.ev, Rs 5.5 per km for the Sierra.ev and Rs 5.9 per km for the Harrier.ev. The Tiago.ev is priced at Rs 2.6 per km albeit on an estimated 44 km daily run.

How Tata's Battery-as-a-Service Dual-Loan Model Works

Under the structure, the car and its battery are financed through separate loan accounts with independent tenures, lowering initial vehicle acquisition costs across segments. Tata said battery equated monthly instalments are determined by pack capacity, down payment terms, and loan duration, with operational charging expenses, maintenance, and vehicle repairs excluded from the battery fee.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at Tata Motors, said, "As BaaS becomes an increasingly visible construct in the EV market, we want to ensure that customers evaluating a TATA.ev have complete flexibility to make a fair and transparent comparison. Extending BaaS across our portfolio gives them precisely that choice."

Mahindra Plans Up To Rs 25,000 Cr Capex by FY2028 as ICRA Reaffirms AAA Rating

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:49:06

ICRA has estimated that Mahindra plans to deploy capital expenditure between Rs 20,000 crore and Rs 25,000 crore across its automotive and farm equipment segments over FY2027 and FY2028, as the credit rating agency reaffirmed its ratings for the automaker.

ICRA upheld its AAA rating with a stable outlook for the long-term borrowing programmes of Mahindra, alongside reaffirming its A1+ rating for short-term facilities.

The capital expenditure will be financed via internal accruals and liquid reserves to support product development, scaling electric vehicles and manufacturing footprint additions, including a proposed greenfield facility at Nagpur.

Mahindra SUV Market Share and Key Risks Flagged by ICRA

ICRA also highlighted operational and financial headwinds, led by intense competition in the SUV segment where entry of rival models and limited initial presence in the compact segment saw M&M's share decline from 25.4% in FY2018 to 15.0% in FY2022 before rising to 20.3% in Q1 FY2027. In addition, select international subsidiaries and loss-making overseas operations continue to require funding support.

Mahindra's Rs 1,150 Crore Rated Debt Facilities

The ratings review covers total rated debt and bank facilities aggregating Rs 1,150 crore, comprising a Rs 500 crore non-convertible debenture programme, Rs 6.25 crore in long-term non-fund based facilities, and Rs 643.75 crore in short-term non-fund based instruments.

Why ICRA Reaffirmed Mahindra's AAA Rating

The reaffirmation reflects the company's healthy operational cash flows, positioning across domestic tractors and utility vehicles, and strong liquidity backed by sizeable cash reserves and an extensive quoted investment portfolio.

Carraro India Names Dheeraj Kumar Rai as Director of Manufacturing

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:29:13

Carraro India announced that it has appointed Dheeraj Kumar Rai as its new Director of Manufacturing, designating him as Senior Management Personnel of the company effective October 1, 2026.

The appointment, cleared by the board of directors follows the superannuation of outgoing Director of Manufacturing Sanjay Kumar, who leaves office on September 30, 2026.

Dheeraj Kumar Rai's Role as Carraro India Director of Manufacturing

In his executive role, Carraro said Rai will oversee manufacturing operations, factory floor operational excellence, and overall equipment effectiveness across the company's production facilities.

Dheeraj Kumar Rai's Career: Tata Cummins, Meritor India, Suzlon

Prior to joining Carraro India, Rai handled manufacturing and engineering leadership responsibilities at automotive and industrial companies including Tata Cummins, Meritor India, Suzlon Energy, and Asia Motor Works.

BRANDED CONTENT: The Silicon Backbone of Next-Gen Mobility

Autocar Pro Branding Feature — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:10:52

The future of mobility is increasingly being shaped not by mechanical engineering alone but by software and the silicon that powers it. As vehicles evolve into intelligent, connected platforms capable of receiving over-the-air updates, running artificial intelligence workloads and delivering continuously improving user experiences, the semiconductors have emerged as the foundation of automotive innovation.

This transformation is driving the industry's transition toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) vehicles whose capabilities are determined as much by software as by hardware. For automakers, however, this shift presents a significant challenge that how to accelerate innovation and software development while managing unprecedented levels of system complexity.

The importance of semiconductor innovation in this transition is reflected in broader industry trends. Semiconductor revenue worldwide grew by 21% in 2025 to reach approximately $793 billion. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly becoming part of this demand curve as vehicles require more powerful chips to support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connectivity, infotainment, AI-enabled features and autonomous driving functions.

Against this backdrop, automotive development methodologies are being fundamentally reimagined.

Software Complexity Is Reshaping Vehicle Development

For decades, vehicle development followed a largely hardware-centric approach. Today, that model is rapidly giving way to software-defined architectures where functionality can be updated, enhanced and even monetized long after a vehicle leaves the factory floor.

While this shift opens new opportunities for innovation, it also introduces substantial complexity. Modern vehicle platforms integrate millions of lines of code running across multiple electronic control units, processors and increasingly sophisticated System-on-Chips (SoCs). Development teams are expected to deliver new capabilities faster than ever before, even as software and system complexity continue to increase.

The result is a growing mismatch between traditional development processes and the realities of SDV engineering. Software delays can impact launch schedules, limit feature rollouts and in some cases, jeopardize entire vehicle programs.

To address these challenges, many organizations are embracing "shift-left" development strategies, allowing software design, integration and testing to begin long before physical hardware becomes available. This approach relies heavily on virtualization and digital twin technologies that enable engineers to simulate real-world systems in virtual environments.

However, creating meaningful virtual representations of increasingly complex vehicle architectures remains a significant undertaking.

The Challenge of the Automotive Integration Storm

Complexity is only part of the problem. Equally challenging is the integration effort required to bring together software, hardware and system-level components developed by different teams across the automotive value chain.

In many organizations the hardware and software development continue to occur in parallel which are often within separate teams and workflows. As a result, critical interdependencies frequently remain hidden until late in the development cycle, when integration begins.

The consequences can be significant. Unforeseen interactions between software modules, silicon platforms and system architectures can create what many engineers describe as an "integration storm" a cascade of issues that emerges when disparate components are finally brought together.

As vehicles become increasingly dependent on advanced silicon platforms, the complexity of these interactions continues to grow. Today's automotive SoCs integrate heterogeneous processing architectures, AI engines, graphics processors and specialized accelerators on a single platform. Ensuring that software behaves as expected across these environments requires a level of system-level visibility that traditional development approaches often struggle to provide.

Without a continuous approach to design, validation and testing, integration risks can quickly become one of the biggest barriers to SDV success.

Why Silicon and Software Must Evolve Together

One of the defining characteristics of next-generation mobility is the growing interdependence between software and silicon.

Historically, hardware decisions often dictated software development. Increasingly, however, the software workloads are shaping hardware requirements. Automakers now need computing platforms capable of supporting advanced AI functions, immersive in-vehicle experiences and evolving software ecosystems throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

This trend mirrors broader developments across the semiconductor industry. The AI infrastructure and advanced computing platforms are among the key drivers of semiconductor market growth, underscoring the expanding role of high-performance silicon in enabling digital transformation across sectors.

For automotive organizations, this means software and hardware can no longer be developed in isolation. Development environments must allow teams to evaluate software performance, system behaviour and architectural decisions long before silicon is physically available.

This is where virtualization is becoming increasingly valuable.

Building a Holistic Digital Twin for the SDV Era

Digital twins have long been used across various stages of automotive development. However, many implementations remain fragmented, focused on individual components or isolated engineering domains rather than the complete vehicle system.

To unlock the full benefits of virtualization, organizations need a holistic approach one that enables engineers across disciplines to collaborate within a shared environment.

Such an environment must support multiple stakeholders:

Systems architects evaluating vehicle and SoC architectures.
Software developers building applications and firmware.
Validation and testing teams responsible for quality, safety and compliance.
Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) engineers seeking to reduce expensive physical testing cycles.

A holistic digital twin enables these teams to work from a common system view, identify issues earlier and continuously validate software and hardware interactions throughout development.

Perhaps most importantly, it allows organizations to begin meaningful software development and testing before hardware becomes available, significantly reducing development risk and accelerating time-to-market.

The Road Ahead

The future of mobility will be defined by the seamless integration of software, silicon and systems engineering. As vehicles become more intelligent, connected and autonomous, the semiconductor platforms underpinning them will become increasingly critical to innovation.

Yet advanced silicon alone is not enough. The complexity of next-generation vehicle architectures requires new development methodologies capable of bringing software and hardware together earlier, faster and more effectively.

India is simultaneously strengthening its automotive manufacturing capabilities and expanding its semiconductor ecosystem. Multiple semiconductor projects have been approved across the country, with investments targeting applications including automotive, electric vehicles and advanced electronics. As software-defined mobility gains momentum, closer collaboration between automakers, software developers and semiconductor providers will become increasingly important.

Organizations that successfully combine advanced semiconductor platforms with holistic digital twin strategies will be better positioned to reduce development risk, accelerate innovation and deliver the software-defined experiences that consumers increasingly expect.

In that sense, silicon is no longer just a component of the vehicle it is rapidly becoming the backbone of next-generation mobility.

Ruchir Dixit is Vice President and Country Manager at Siemens EDA.

Oben Electric Reaches 10,000-Unit Production Milestone at Bengaluru Plant

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:29:24

Oben Electric announced that it has rolled out its 10,000th motorcycle from its manufacturing plant in Bengaluru, marking a cumulative production milestone for its Rorr electric two-wheeler line.

"Rolling out our 10,000th electric motorcycle is a proud milestone for Oben Electric and a reflection of the trust our customers have placed in us," Madhumita Agrawal, Founder and CEO, Oben Electric, said.

Rorr Evo Bookings Cross 25,000 as Deliveries Get Underway

Oben said the production ramp-up comes as the company works through an order backlog for its latest offering, the Rorr Evo, which has crossed 25,000 bookings with nationwide customer deliveries currently underway.

"The response to Rorr Evo has reinforced that belief, with strong demand translating into production and deliveries at scale," Agrawal stated.

Oben Electric Dealership Expansion Plans for FY27

Oben also added that it plans to establish 200 additional dealerships across the country by the end of FY27.

NSRCEL, Maruti Suzuki Launch Seventh Mobility Startup Cohort

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:59:02

NSRCEL, the startup hub at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), and Maruti Suzuki India have launched the seventh cohort of their incubation programme for mobility startups. The six-month programme is aimed at startups at the early-revenue to scale stage across mobility and allied sectors.

The programme will focus on startups working in vehicle technology, clean tech, mobility and mobility infrastructure, digital transformation covering Industry 4.0 and 5.0, and green manufacturing. It is intended to help participating companies strengthen their solutions, validate use cases in real-world environments and progress towards market deployment.

Selected startups will receive incubation support from NSRCEL and access to paid pilot opportunities with Maruti Suzuki, along with need-based mentoring from industry experts and industry and ecosystem connections. Winners will also be eligible for a Maruti Suzuki car, international immersion opportunities and prize money.

Mobility Startup Programme Focuses On OEM Pilots

The programme is designed for startups seeking to work with OEMs and demonstrate their solutions in real-world operating environments. The stated focus is on creating pathways towards commercial deployment and scaling beyond experimentation and validation.

The current ecosystem associated with the NSRCEL-Maruti Suzuki collaboration includes startups working across areas such as artificial intelligence, manufacturing, accessibility, electric mobility and battery recycling. The companies cited include Sarvam AI, TRUEassist, Switch On, Volar Alta, Zen Mobility and MiniMines.

NSRCEL-Maruti Suzuki Collaboration Expands Industry Engagement

Beyond the incubation programme, the collaboration has enabled technology companies to explore business engagements with the automotive and mobility ecosystem. These include EaseworkAI, which works on procurement and supply-chain intelligence for manufacturing; Woloo, a hygiene network providing access to washrooms; and Siftly, which focuses on brand visibility across AI search engines.

Other companies that have engaged with Maruti Suzuki include Innovate Labs, which develops AR, VR and XR solutions, and Sand Logic, which develops AI infrastructure and technology stacks.

NSRCEL CEO Rasika Prashant said the seventh cohort will provide startups with opportunities to engage with the mobility industry and work towards real-world applications. The collaboration will bring together entrepreneurs, domain experts, corporate stakeholders, investors and ecosystem partners.

One Hack Could Put an Entire Electric CV Fleet at Risk, Say Cybersecurity Experts

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:55:43

A cyberattack on a connected electric commercial vehicle could potentially extend beyond a single vehicle and expose an entire fleet, as the growing use of telematics and connected systems creates new cybersecurity risks for fleet operators.

Speaking in Episode 4 of Autocar Professional’s Cybersecurity Dialogues, Karthik Anantha, Head of R&D at Omega Seiki Mobility, and Vikash Choudhary, Founder and CEO of HackersEra, discussed how cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as electric three-wheelers add connected features.

“For me, a cyberattack is not on a vehicle. When somebody attacks a three-wheeler or another commercial vehicle, it’s on the whole fleet,” the discussion noted, highlighting the possibility of an attack disrupting fleet operations.

Why EV Charging Stations Are a Cybersecurity Risk

The potential attack surface is also expanding beyond the vehicle. Choudhary pointed to charging infrastructure as another area of concern, particularly as chargers increasingly interact with vehicles, data and payment systems. A compromised charging station, he said, could potentially be used to access vehicle data or manipulate charging and payment parameters.

Anantha said awareness around cybersecurity has increased following recent incidents. Omega Seiki Mobility is also looking at how connected systems and future capabilities need to be secured as vehicle connectivity increases.

Automotive Supply Chain Cybersecurity and the AI Threat

The discussion extended to the automotive supply chain, with the two speakers highlighting the need for cybersecurity responsibilities to be defined across OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Choudhary said independent testing is also important, arguing that the organisation developing a product should not be solely responsible for certifying its cybersecurity.

Artificial intelligence could add another dimension. While AI can help companies analyse vehicle data and identify problems, Choudhary said hackers could also use AI to improve their techniques and identify vulnerabilities.

Could a 'Hack NCAP' Rate Vehicle Cybersecurity?

The conversation concluded with the possibility of cybersecurity eventually becoming a vehicle differentiator. With vehicles already subjected to crash tests and safety ratings, the speakers discussed whether the industry could eventually have an independent cybersecurity rating system, or a “Hack NCAP”, to assess how well vehicles withstand cyberattacks.

Watch Episode 4 of Autocar Professional’s Cybersecurity Dialogues.

GARC Upgrades Automotive Testing Infrastructure Under PM E-DRIVE

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:28:30

The Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) in Oragadam, Chennai, is upgrading its automotive testing infrastructure under the government’s PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme, with new facilities planned for electric vehicles, batteries, advanced safety systems and other emerging technologies.

GARC, which operates under the National Automotive Board of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is an authorised testing agency under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Its existing capabilities cover vehicle and component testing, research and development, homologation and certification across areas including powertrains, emissions, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), fatigue, electric vehicles and safety testing.

The government has allocated ₹221.13 crore to GARC for the infrastructure upgrades, with purchase orders issued for almost all the proposed equipment. The PM E-DRIVE scheme has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, including ₹780 crore for upgrading testing agencies, and is operational until March 31, 2028.

GARC Adds EV, ADAS And Crash Testing Capabilities

The upgrades include electric vehicle and EV battery testing facilities compliant with AIS-156, as well as EV electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing under AIS-004 Part 3 Rev.1.

GARC is also establishing a heavy commercial vehicle testing facility and upgrading its powertrain laboratory. Other additions include advanced passive safety testing equipment, including dummies and dummy calibration equipment, along with ADAS testing equipment and soft targets. Automotive component testing facilities are also being established or upgraded.

Installation of the procured equipment has begun. One of the additions is a high-speed, high-resolution imaging system featuring UHD-4K cameras capable of recording at up to 750 frames per second (fps) and Full HD footage at up to 3,000 fps.

The system will be used during frontal, side and rear crash testing to record vehicle deformation, occupant movement and airbag deployment. The resulting footage will support safety analysis and homologation activities.

PM E-DRIVE Supports Expanded Automotive Certification

The infrastructure being developed at GARC under PM E-DRIVE is intended to expand domestic testing and certification capabilities for EVs, batteries, advanced safety systems, ADAS, heavy commercial vehicles and other emerging automotive technologies.

The investment also expands GARC's role as an automotive testing and research centre, with the upgraded facilities covering technologies across electrification, vehicle safety and advanced automotive systems.

Renault India Sees Hybrids As Major Volume-Generating Powertrain In Medium Term

Kiran Murali — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:19:19

Strong hybrid vehicles are likely to emerge as a major volume-generating powertrain in the Indian market over the medium term, as diesel demand declines and electric vehicles take longer to become the dominant technology, according to Renault India's Vice President for Sales and Marketing Francisco Marques.

Renault is set to introduce its first strong hybrid model with the Duster next month, as the French automaker enters a market where hybrid sales remain limited. Marques said the company expects the technology to play a much larger role as India's auto market moves through an energy transition.

“Now hybrid is the perfect transition. And when I talk about transition, it is not for a short time or about one year or two years. Hybrid is going to be the main volume-making technology probably for the next 10, 15 or 20 years to come,” Marques said.

Why Diesel Is Declining and EV Adoption Is Slower in India

He said diesel vehicles would decline and electric vehicles are still not ready to become the only technology in the market. At the same time, the availability of charging infrastructure and charging capacity would limit the pace of EV adoption.

“Until EVs become something more, then there will be hydrogen. So I see diesel declining, I see a strong hybrid growing very fast. And it's related to the offer,” he said.

India's car market is increasingly seeing multiple powertrain technologies develop alongside each other, including hybrids, CNG and electric vehicles, rather than one single technology replacing another immediately.

Renault Skips Diesel for Strong Hybrid With E-Tech Localisation

“So we have decided to go straight into hybrid, jumping over diesel. And that will have the first-mover advantage,” Marques said.

Marques said the company believes the technology can attract customers who would otherwise consider diesel vehicles. Renault plans to localise its E-Tech hybrid technology in India.

Renault India's Seven-Model Portfolio and Upcoming SUVs

The company is also preparing to expand its product portfolio here. Renault has announced plans to expand its product portfolio to seven models. That will include a new seven-seater SUV, a sub-4-metre SUV based on its Bridger concept and another model that has not yet been disclosed.

Renault Dealership Network to Reach 500 Showrooms by 2027

The automaker also plans to expand its retail network to nearly 500 showrooms by the end of 2027 from more than 350 currently. It has added more than 50-60 touchpoints this year and plans to continue expanding the network as new models are introduced.

Renault India Eyes 500 Showrooms By End Of 2027

Kiran Murali — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:14:55

Renault India plans to expand its retail network to nearly 500 showrooms by the end of 2027 as the French carmaker prepares to add several new models to its portfolio here, according to Renault India's Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Francisco Marques.

Renault currently has more than 350 showrooms in India and has added more than 50-60 touchpoints this year, including new showrooms and workshops. The company plans to keep expanding the network as it introduces new products, Marques said.

“Every time we are going to be launching a car, it [addition of 50-60 touchpoints] will continue,” he said. “By the end of 2027, we will have launched all the new cars.”

Renault India Upcoming Cars: Seven-Seater SUV And Bridger-Based SUV

Renault has announced plans to expand its product portfolio to seven models. Currently, it has four models – the Kwid, Kiger, Triber and Duster. Three new products will include a seven-seater SUV, a sub-4-metre SUV based on its Bridger concept and another model that the company has not yet disclosed.

Why Renault Is Moving To Smaller Showrooms In Big Cities

The showroom expansion will not simply involve adding outlets, with Renault also planning to change the format and location of some dealerships. The company is moving towards smaller showrooms, particularly in large cities where rental costs have increased, while using digital displays to showcase a wider range of vehicles.

“The future is not so much into having a lot of sales points. It's not so much about the volume and the quantity, but about the quality and being right at the right place,” Marques said.

The company also plans to adjust its retail strategy to match different customer groups and its expanding product range, he said. Customers are increasingly researching vehicles online before visiting dealerships, making showroom visits more focused on pricing, testing and experiencing the vehicle.

Renault's E-Tech Hybrid Plan For India

Renault is also betting heavily on strong hybrid technology as it expands its portfolio. Marques said the company expects hybrids to become a major volume-generating technology in India as diesel demand declines and electric vehicles take more time to become the dominant technology.

“Hybrid is going to be the main volume-making technology probably for the 10, 15 or 20 years to come,” he said.

Renault plans to localise its E-Tech hybrid technology in India and is targeting customers who may otherwise consider diesel vehicles. “We have decided to go straight into hybrid, jumping over diesel. And that will have the early mover advantage,” Marques said.

SWITCH Mobility Secures 840 Electric Bus Order Under PM E-Drive

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:37:19

SWITCH Mobility has secured an order for 840 electric buses from Antony Road Transport Solutions under the Government of India’s PM E-Drive scheme Phase I tender. The buses will be deployed with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Transport Department, Delhi.

The order comprises 420 9-metre and 420 12-metre AC electric buses. Antony Road Transport Solutions has been selected as the operator for Delhi under the CESL PM E-Drive scheme Phase I tender. The agreement for the deployment has been signed between SWITCH Mobility and Antony Road Transport Solutions.

SWITCH Mobility CEO Ganesh Mani said the order will involve the deployment of both 9-metre and 12-metre buses across Delhi through DTC and the Transport Department. He added that the mix of bus sizes is intended to address different passenger transport requirements.

Antony Road Transport Solutions director Jimmy John said the company's existing relationship with Ashok Leyland and its association with the Hinduja Group contributed to the decision to place the order.

SWITCH Mobility Electric Buses For Delhi

The 9-metre and 12-metre buses are based on SWITCH Mobility's EiV platform, which incorporates modular battery configurations, electric powertrains and regenerative braking. The buses also feature dual-gun fast charging aimed at reducing charging turnaround time and improving fleet utilisation.

Passenger-oriented equipment listed by the company includes low-floor access, USB charging and seating, while safety features include fire detection and suppression systems and multi-level battery protection. The buses are equipped with SWITCH iON for real-time vehicle monitoring, diagnostics and fleet management.

The order brings together SWITCH Mobility as the electric bus manufacturer, Antony Road Transport Solutions as the fleet operator and Delhi's public transport authorities for deployment of electric buses in the capital.

Renault Triber 100PS Launched At Rs 7.84 Lakh, Debuts RGEP

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:25:40

Renault India has launched the Triber 100PS in India at an introductory price of Rs 7.84 lakh (ex-showroom), with the model becoming the first vehicle in the country to use Renault Group’s new Renault Group Entry Platform (RGEP). The Triber 100PS is available in Evolution, Techno and Emotion variants, with prices extending up to Rs 8.99 lakh.

The new version is powered by Renault’s turbocharged TCe 100 petrol engine, producing 100hp and 180Nm. Renault says the Triber 100PS has a certified fuel efficiency of 21kpl while retaining the existing model’s sub-four-metre footprint and five-, six- and seven-seat configurations.

Unlike a powertrain-only update, Renault says the Triber 100PS has been comprehensively re-engineered around the new platform. Changes include a new Renault Engine Management System (R-EMS), revised thermal management, structural enhancements, suspension revisions, anti-roll bars, MTV Damper Technology, braking calibration and vehicle-dynamics tuning for Indian road conditions.

Renault Triber 100PS Gets New RGEP Architecture

The Triber 100PS is the first Renault India model based on the Renault Group Entry Platform. According to Renault, the architecture has been developed to accommodate different powertrain solutions and evolving regulatory requirements, while providing the basis for changes to performance and ride and handling characteristics.

The engineering changes extend to the vehicle’s thermal-management system. The Triber 100PS uses a Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) cooling fan, which Renault says allows more precise cooling management and improved energy efficiency.

The company says the combination of the new powertrain and engineering revisions enables 21kpl certified fuel efficiency. Renault has positioned the 100PS version as a higher-output petrol option while retaining the Triber’s existing modular seating layout.

Triber 100PS Retains Five-, Six- And Seven-Seat Layouts

The Triber 100PS retains the model’s modular seating system, allowing configurations for five, six or seven occupants. Equipment includes Easy-Fix third-row seats, slide-and-recline second-row seats and one-touch tumble access, with multiple passenger and luggage configurations.

The sub-four-metre vehicle uses a 1.0-litre petrol engine and qualifies for the 18 percent GST rate applicable to small petrol cars, according to Renault. The company says more than 2.5 lakh Triber units have been sold in India.

Renault lists a 625-litre boot capacity with five seats, 182mm of ground clearance and 23 litres of interior storage. The model also gets roof rails with a stated load-carrying capacity of up to 50kg.

Renault Triber 100PS Features And Safety Equipment

Depending on the variant, the Triber 100PS is equipped with an eight-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital LED instrument cluster, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, wireless charging, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and a Smart Access Card.

Independent rear air-conditioning with vents for the second and third rows is also available. Safety equipment includes six airbags and 21 safety features as standard. Higher variants add features such as front parking sensors, a rear-view camera with guidelines and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Renault Triber 100PS Price In India

The Triber 100PS is available with the turbo TCe 100 engine and manual transmission in three variants:

Variant	Price (ex-showroom)
Triber 100PS Evolution	Rs 7,84,900
Triber 100PS Techno	Rs 8,53,900
Triber 100PS Emotion	Rs 8,99,900

The standard Triber range continues to include Energy petrol variants, with prices listed from Rs 5,80,875 for the Authentic Energy MT to Rs 8,52,950 for the Emotion Energy AMT.

Renault India said the Triber 100PS forms part of its futuREady India strategy, under which the company plans to introduce new products, architectures and technologies adapted for the Indian market. The company has also described the Triber 100PS as part of a programme covering 12 product interventions over 18 months.

Renault India Head of Engineering Dr Vikraman Vellandi said the development involved integrating the engine, thermal-management, structural, suspension, braking and vehicle-dynamics systems rather than simply adding the new powertrain.

The Triber 100PS is manufactured at Renault India’s Oragadam facility in Chennai.

Amara Raja Opens Nominations For 4th Better Way Awards, Adds Student Category

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:14:32

Amara Raja Group has announced the fourth edition of its Better Way Awards, with nominations open to rural and women entrepreneurs across India. The 2026 edition introduces a new category, Changemaker of Tomorrow, for graduate and postgraduate students developing ideas, solutions or business models focused on rural development.

Applications are open until November 11, 2026, with entries being accepted through Amara Raja's website. Each of the four award categories carries a Rs 3 lakh cash prize and one year of structured mentoring covering finance, HR, marketing, IT and supply chain.

The awards were instituted in 2023 and are intended to recognise businesses contributing to rural income generation, employment and innovation. The company said the programme has recognised nine entrepreneurs and enterprises across its first three editions.

Amara Raja Better Way Awards 2026 Categories

The fourth edition will recognise entries across four categories:

Amara Raja Better Way Award for Women Employment
Amara Raja Better Way Award for Rural Income Generation
Amara Raja Better Way Award for Best Agri-Based Business
Amara Raja Better Way Award for Changemaker of Tomorrow

The newly introduced Changemaker of Tomorrow category is open to graduate and postgraduate students whose ideas, solutions or business models offer scalable approaches to rural development and upliftment.

Selection Process And Award Benefits

Entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of experts based on their social and community impact and contribution to local employment.

Winners in each category will receive Rs 3 lakh and a year of structured mentoring across finance, HR, marketing, IT and supply chain. Applications close on November 11, 2026.

Previous Better Way Awards Winners

Across the first three editions, the programme has recognised nine entrepreneurs and enterprises, including Thanima Products and Marketing in Kerala, Siyanjali Retails in Himachal Pradesh, Farm2Fam in Maharashtra, Resham Sutra in Ranchi, Bhaumya Innovations in Telangana and Shreeja Mahila Milk Producer Company in Tirupati. Other recipients include Anuttama Products, Ilaagri Services and Ayurarogya Saukhyam Foundation.

Park+ Moves Core Infrastructure To Akamai Cloud, Targets 50-60% Cost Reduction

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:53:32

Park+, an Indian auto-tech platform, has migrated its core infrastructure to Akamai Cloud, with the company expecting the move to reduce infrastructure costs by 50–60 percent. The migration is intended to simplify its multi-cloud operations and support the expansion of its digital services.

The migration covered more than 150 microservices running on Kubernetes, over 100 SQL databases across more than 20 clusters, as well as multiple Redis, Elasticsearch and Kafka clusters. It also involved transferring more than 100TB of structured data and more than 600TB of object storage.

Akamai and Park+ implemented the migration in phases, with parallel environments used to gradually shift workloads while maintaining business continuity. The process also included data-migration tools and approaches intended to maintain data consistency and integrity. Akamai’s Professional Services team provided round-the-clock support during critical stages of the migration.

Park+ To Evaluate Additional Workloads On Akamai

Hitesh Gupta, Co-founder and CPTO+ at Park+, said simplifying infrastructure while maintaining reliability and cost efficiency had become a priority as the platform expanded. He said Akamai’s pricing model, platform stability and engineering support were factors in the migration and that the move would allow Park+ teams to focus on further development of its platform.

Mitesh Jain, Regional Vice President, India, Akamai Technologies, said the migration demonstrates how cloud infrastructure can be modernised while maintaining the requirements associated with operating at scale.

Park+ is also evaluating the migration of additional workloads, including content delivery and security, to Akamai. The company said this could further streamline its operations and support platform performance.

New Skoda Slavia Production Begins Ahead Of Festive Season

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:42:20

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has commenced production of the new Škoda Slavia at its Chakan manufacturing plant in Pune. Production has begun ahead of the 2026 festive season, a period when passenger vehicle purchases typically increase.

The new Slavia receives updates to its design, technology, comfort and safety equipment. The sedan has recorded nearly 80,000 units in sales in India since its launch, with the company stating that it holds around a 30 percent share of its segment.

The updated model retains its existing safety credentials while gaining an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission paired with the 1.0 TSI engine. Other additions include a rear-seat massage function, a 360-degree Area View camera and next-generation infotainment with an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud.

New Skoda Slavia Gets Eight-Speed Automatic

The new Slavia continues with its existing European engineering and five-star Global NCAP safety credentials. The major mechanical update listed by Škoda is the introduction of an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox with the 1.0 TSI engine.

The sedan also gains a segment-first rear-seat massage function and a 360-degree Area View camera. Its infotainment system has been updated with an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud.

Skoda Slavia Production At Chakan Plant

The new Slavia is being manufactured at SAVWIPL's Chakan facility in Pune. The company operates two manufacturing facilities in India with a combined annual production capacity of 315,000 units.

SAVWIPL crossed two million locally produced vehicles in 2025. Under its 'Made in India for India and the World' approach, the company has exported more than 725,000 vehicles to over 40 countries.

The company also operates an expanded Technology Centre in Pune, which supports localisation, product development and adaptation for Indian and international markets.

Škoda Auto's Chief Production Officer Andreas Dick said the start of Slavia production further reflects India's role within the company's global manufacturing network. Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, said production of the updated sedan demonstrates the company's local development and manufacturing capabilities.

100% Ethanol Vehicle Set For October Launch, IIT Delhi Paper

Eshisha Java — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:23:35

A Toyota Innova capable of running on 100% ethanol is expected to be launched in October, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. The development comes as India looks to move beyond petrol-ethanol blending towards wider adoption of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs).

The announcement coincides with the public availability of a white paper by the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) and IIT Delhi, titled Flex-Fuel Vehicles: Enabling Energy Security and Sustainable Mobility in India. The paper proposes a 10-point roadmap for increasing the adoption of FFVs and transitioning from E20 to higher ethanol blends such as E85 and E100.

According to the release, the white paper was unveiled at the AIDA Green Energy Seminar 2026 earlier this month. It covers vehicle technology, ethanol availability, retail infrastructure, pricing, feedstock sustainability, consumer adoption, financing and long-term market creation.

IIT Delhi White Paper Outlines E85 And E100 Roadmap

The paper argues that the next challenge for India's ethanol ecosystem is creating demand-side pathways through compatible vehicle technology and fuel infrastructure. Flex-fuel vehicles can operate on a range of ethanol-petrol blends, including fuels with higher ethanol content.

India's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle was launched in June 2026, according to the release. Gadkari's latest statement regarding the Toyota Innova adds a 100% ethanol vehicle to the ongoing discussion around higher-ethanol fuel use.

The white paper recommends engineering measures including ethanol-compatible seals such as FKM/Viton and PTFE, adaptive ECU calibration and higher-flow fuel injectors for vehicles operating with higher ethanol blends.

White Paper Proposes Cost-Per-Kilometre Ethanol Pricing

The study proposes moving from a pure per-litre pricing model towards cost-per-kilometre parity. It suggests dynamic E85 retail discounts to account for ethanol's lower energy density, citing a 25% discount against petrol as an example of a break-even price point.

The paper also identifies two-wheelers as a key segment for ethanol adoption, noting that they account for more than 60% of India's petrol consumption. It proposes a segment-specific ethanol strategy aimed at increasing crude oil import substitution.

The roadmap further calls for broader feedstock options, including maize and agricultural residues through second-generation ethanol, alongside sugarcane. The paper links this expansion to local value addition and rural income generation.

The report concludes that the transition to higher-ethanol mobility will require coordination between the automotive, energy, biofuel, agriculture and policy sectors.

India's Electric Tractor Market: Bottlenecks, Economics and Growth Pathways

Angitha Suresh — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 20:06:42

The Indian tractor industry is currently in a strong growth phase, with volumes expected to reach a new peak of around 1.2 million units in FY2027. Demand has remained healthy over the past three years, supported by stable farm output, favourable monsoon conditions, better financing availability and continued policy support, including initiatives such as GST 2.0.

While the sector will continue to be influenced by rural income trends and monsoon performance, it is also likely to undergo a gradual medium to long-term shift towards premiumisation, higher mechanisation and technology-led upgrades. In this evolving landscape, the growing emphasis on emission reduction is expected to shape future powertrain choices, with electrification emerging as one of the possible long-term pathways.

India’s vehicle electrification journey has so far been driven primarily by two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, passenger vehicles and, to a limited extent, small commercial vehicles. Adoption has largely been concentrated in urban mobility applications, while farm equipment has seen only limited traction. Although a few OEMs have introduced electric tractor models, supported by rising market interest and regulatory acceptance for select products, broad-based commercial adoption remains at a nascent stage.

From an economic perspective, electric tractors present a favourable total cost of ownership and payback proposition despite their materially higher upfront cost. The advantage is supported by lower running expenses, fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance requirements. As per ICRA estimates, TCO savings are estimated at around 15-20%, while the payback period for the incremental upfront cost, after factoring in battery replacement costs, is expected to be around 4-5 years. However, the actual savings may vary depending on the nature of tractor application and daily operating hours.

Industry feedback from OEMs and dealers indicates that adoption remains constrained by high acquisition costs, particularly for small and marginal farmers, limited product awareness, uncertainty around operating performance and battery economics, insufficient targeted incentives, weak rural charging infrastructure, residual value concerns and cautious lender appetite. Faster adoption of electric tractors will depend on improved affordability, reliable power and torque delivery under variable load conditions, longer operating hours and adequate battery capacity.

The shift towards electric tractors is expected to be gradual over the next few years. In the initial phase, small tractors with predictable daily usage patterns and more favourable cost economics could see relatively faster adoption. However, wider penetration across tractor segments will require a supportive ecosystem comprising targeted farmer incentives, an enabling financing environment, rural charging infrastructure and greater localisation of key components. Given the large installed base of tractors, retrofitting may offer a viable option for specific applications like horticulture and institutional fleets. However, scaling retrofit solutions more broadly could remain challenging because of the high torque requirements, battery-packaging limitations and varied operating conditions associated with tractor usage.

Overall, EV penetration in the tractor segment remains negligible, and mass adoption is unlikely in the near term. Nevertheless, electric tractors could develop into an important long-term decarbonisation pathway for Indian agriculture, provided cost economics improve, and the broader ecosystem evolves through targeted policy support, accessible financing, reliable rural charging infrastructure and stronger after-sales service networks.

Srikumar Krishnamurthy is the Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings at ICRA Limited. All views expressed are the author's own.

Weekly News Wrap: JSW’s Ampstar Launch, China-Linked Auto PLI, Ashok Leyland’s Battery Plan, Honda’s Engine Talks

Angitha Suresh — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 19:13:08

India’s automotive industry saw a busy week between September 21 and 27, with new products, manufacturing investments and technology plans taking centre stage.

Tata Motors launched the Aeris compact sedan as it seeks to attract buyers who might otherwise choose a premium hatchback or compact SUV. Suzuki outlined a wider technology roadmap for India, including lower-cost advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), new powertrains and faster vehicle development. Honda is in talks to source engines for a future compact SUV.

In commercial vehicles, JSW Group formally entered the electric truck and bus market with its Ampstar brand and outlined plans for a substantial manufacturing scale-up. Ather Energy, meanwhile, set out the volume and profitability expectations for its new entry-level scooter.

The week also brought fresh investments across automotive components and semiconductors, Hero Motors’ stock market debut and industry reflections on the first anniversary of GST 2.0.

Here is a round-up of the key developments during the week.

Passenger Vehicles

Tata Motors Launches Aeris to Bring Buyers Back to Sedans

Tata Motors launched the Aeris compact sedan , replacing the Tigor in its personal-buyer portfolio. Introductory prices start at ₹5.29 lakh for the petrol version and ₹6.29 lakh for the CNG version.

The company is positioning the Aeris as an alternative to premium hatchbacks, offering features including six airbags as standard, ventilated front seats and an integrated dashcam on select variants. Tata has also separated its private and fleet propositions, with the Aeris reserved for personal buyers and the Xpres range continuing to serve fleet operators.

An analysis of the product strategy examined how Tata hopes to retain customers who enter showrooms considering a sedan but eventually leave with an SUV.

Tata EV Demand Outpaces Supply, Commodity Costs Add Pressure

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles said electric vehicles now account for around 25% of its sales , compared with roughly 14% last year. Managing Director Shailesh Chandra said demand for its EVs is nearly three times the supply currently available.

The company also warned of further commodity cost pressure . Chandra said the impact could be equivalent to an additional 3% of revenue in the July-September quarter, following an increase equivalent to around 4% of revenue in the first quarter.

Honda Explores Engines; Renault Sets Duster Hybrid Launch

Honda Cars India is in talks with Horse Powertrain to source a 1.2-litre engine for a future compact SUV, with petrol, hybrid and CNG options under consideration. Honda has not confirmed the proposed sourcing arrangement or product programme.

Renault, meanwhile, confirmed October 17 as the launch date for the Duster strong-hybrid . The 1.8-litre petrol-electric powertrain will join the SUV’s existing turbo-petrol options.

Suzuki Plans Wider ADAS Adoption and New Powertrains

Suzuki Motor Corporation outlined plans to make core ADAS functions standard on future vehicles in India , including affordable models. It is developing a lower-cost system built around cameras and integrated electronics, although the company has not announced the first models or a rollout date.

The Japanese automaker also confirmed development of a plug-in range-extender system for compact cars and a new direct-injection turbocharged engine for markets including India. Its broader engineering roadmap includes cutting vehicle weight by around 100 kg by 2030 and halving new-model development time.

Mahindra Updates Thar; Maybach Facelift Set for India

Mahindra launched the Thar OG, an updated version of its three-door SUV, with introductory prices starting at ₹10.32 lakh. The model gets a revised platform, suspension and steering, along with additional equipment.

At the luxury end of the market, Mercedes-Benz confirmed an October 5 India launch for the facelifted Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The update brings revised styling, technology and personalisation options.

Stellantis Takes Full Control of India Assembly Venture

Stellantis acquired the CK Birla Group’s remaining stake in Stellantis Automobiles India, taking full ownership of its Thiruvallur assembly operation. The company plans to increase annual output at the facility from around 16,000 vehicles in 2026 to more than 43,000 by 2028.

Commercial Vehicles

JSW Unveils Ampstar, Outlines Electric CV Capacity Plans

JSW Greentech launched Ampstar, its electric commercial vehicle brand, showcasing a 55-tonne tractor-trailer and an electric bus.

Its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility has an initial installed capacity of 15,000 heavy electric commercial vehicles annually. The company is targeting production of 500-1,000 vehicles in the current financial year and has outlined an ambition to reach 100,000-truck capacity by 2030.

JSW said the ₹2,500-crore plant could generate ₹12,000 crore in annual vehicle revenue at full utilisation, which management expects to take five to seven years.

Chairman Sajjan Jindal also outlined a strategy to build automotive R&D capabilities in India, while drawing on technologies already proven in China’s electric vehicle market.

VECV’s New CEO Outlines Growth Strategy

In an interview with Autocar Professional, VECV Managing Director and CEO B. Srinivas outlined his plans for the company after spending 32 years in the organisation. His priorities include expanding Eicher’s presence in heavy-duty trucks, improving vehicle uptime through connected technologies and developing products across multiple fuel types.

Ashok Leyland Evaluates Battery Project in Maharashtra

Ashok Leyland is evaluating an EV battery manufacturing project in Bhandara, Maharashtra, which could involve an investment of ₹10,000-15,000 crore, according to a Times of India report citing Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The investment remains a proposal, with no final project commitment announced in the report.

Volvo CE Plans Localised Wheel Loaders for 2027

Volvo Construction Equipment said it plans to introduce locally manufactured medium wheel loaders in India in 2027 .

The move is part of a portfolio restructuring following its global exit from Chinese joint-venture partner SDLG. Volvo CE is seeking to address a gap between its existing premium wheel loaders and demand in the broader Indian market.

Cityflo Prepares to Expand Bus Operations

Premium commute operator Cityflo said 120 of its 150 routes are cash positive. The company expects revenue of around ₹300-320 crore this year, compared with about ₹130 crore last year. It plans to add roughly 1,000 buses annually over the next three years, including up to 250 electric buses.

The corporate vehicle leasing market presents a different growth opportunity. A report on India’s field workforce and fleet leasing explored why many companies continue to rely on employees’ personal two-wheelers rather than dedicated vehicle fleets. Leasing operator Ayvens pointed to corporate salary structures, regulatory hurdles and vehicle economics as barriers to wider adoption.

Electric Mobility and Two-Wheelers

Ather Bets on Konarc to Drive Its Next Growth Phase

Ather Energy expects the ₹99,999 Konarc to account for around 50-60% of its portfolio over the next two years as it targets buyers currently using petrol scooters.

Chief Business Officer Ravneet Phokela also said the new scooter delivers better margins than the Rizta, supported by the lower cost structure of Ather’s EL platform.

Its initial rollout remains limited by supply, with production expected to improve after the commissioning and ramp-up of its new manufacturing facility.

Honda Announces Prices for QC3 Electric Scooter and CB500

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India announced pricing for its QC3 electric scooter, CB500 motorcycle and updated CB350 range.

The QC3 is priced at ₹1.35 lakh, while the CB500 starts at ₹2.75 lakh. The refreshed CB350 range starts at ₹1.95 lakh. The launches mark the retail rollout of products introduced as part of Honda’s expanded portfolio earlier this year.

Ultraviolette Raises $85 Million; Zelio Plans ₹168-Crore Fundraise

Electric motorcycle maker Ultraviolette raised $85 million in fresh funding to support production expansion, next-generation EV platforms and international growth. The company is targeting entry into the US market in 2027 and has outlined plans for manufacturing capacity of up to five lakh vehicles annually.

Zelio E-Mobility also received board approval to raise up to ₹167.96 crore through equity shares and convertible warrants, subject to the required approvals. The proposed funds will support manufacturing expansion, including a planned electric three-wheeler facility in Patan, Haryana, and a wider retail network.

Electric Scooter Exports Jump 450%

Exports of made-in-India electric scooters rose nearly 450% year-on-year to 15,418 units in April-August 2026. TVS Motor led with 6,702 units, followed by Bajaj Auto with 4,818 and Ather Energy with 3,573. Together, the three companies accounted for around 98% of electric scooter exports during the period.

Tata Power and Mahindra Outline Charging Network Expansion

Tata Power has deployed more than 2.5 lakh home chargers and operates over 6,700 public charging points across India, according to Virendra Goyal, Head of Business Development, EV Charging. In a video interview with Autocar Professional, Goyal discussed charging costs, utilisation and the company’s targets of 10,000 public chargers and 7.5 lakh home chargers by 2030.

Mahindra, meanwhile, said its Charge_iN network has reached 50 operational stations, with more than 200 live charging points. The company has also commissioned its first joint fast-charging site with HPCL on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It aims to expand to 250 stations and approximately 1,000 charging points by December 2027.

Components, Tyres and Investments

JK Tyre and CEAT Prepare for the Next Expansion Phase

JK Tyre is undertaking a ₹4,980-crore brownfield expansion in passenger-car and truck and bus radial tyres, alongside ₹1,130 crore of projects already under implementation. The new programme is expected to increase combined capacity by about 24% through 2029. Management said capacity constraints had prevented it from fully servicing some export orders, while it continues to focus on premium tyres and fleet services.

CEAT Specialty, meanwhile, is preparing to raise capacity at its Ambernath plant from 105 tonnes per day to 160 tonnes per day. The expansion comes as CEAT integrates the CAMSO business acquired from Michelin, giving it access to construction tyres, tracks, new customers and distribution channels. The next task is to increase utilisation across the acquired operations.

Kaynes Plans $50 Million Automotive Chip Lab

Kaynes Semicon is investing around $50 million in a reliability and failure-analysis laboratory as it builds its automotive semiconductor business. The facility is expected to become operational in December and will initially focus on automotive chip qualification before expanding into space-grade applications.

Bharat Forge Raises ₹2,000 Crore Through QIP

Bharat Forge raised approximately ₹2,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement, allotting about 1.06 crore equity shares. The fundraising adds to a week of capital-raising activity among companies preparing for manufacturing and technology investments.

Endurance and Sedemac Add Manufacturing Capacity

Endurance Technologies commenced production at its approximately ₹401-crore facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The plant has an initial casting capacity of 900 tonnes per month, scalable to 1,100 tonnes.

Powertrain and mechatronics supplier Sedemac also began limited commercial production at its third Pune manufacturing facility, with the remaining lines to be operationalised in phases.

Hero Motors Makes Market Debut

Hero Motors listed at ₹82.10 on the BSE, below its IPO issue price of ₹84 per share, before recovering during the first trading session. The ₹1,000-crore offering had been subscribed 6.66 times. The company closed its debut session with a BSE market capitalisation of around ₹4,474 crore.

Policy and Industry Developments

Auto Industry Marks One Year of GST 2.0The industry reflected on one year of GST 2.0, with automakers and dealers pointing to stronger demand following last year’s rate rationalisation.

FADA said vehicle retail exceeded three crore units during October 2025-August 2026, growing nearly 20% year-on-year, compared with growth of less than 5% in the corresponding earlier period. Industry executives also highlighted improving demand for entry-level cars.

Auto PLI Applications Involving Chinese Investment Could Be Considered

The government is likely to consider existing auto PLI applications involving Chinese investment once the necessary foreign direct investment approvals are secured, according to a media report.

The report said the move could cover applications involving JSW MG Motor India and Tata AutoComp’s joint ventures with Chinese companies. The government is not planning to reopen the scheme for fresh applications.

Proposed EU Scrap Restrictions Raise Supply Concerns

India’s automotive recycling chain could face a new raw-material challenge after the European Commission proposed excluding India from the list of non-OECD markets authorised to receive EU metal waste.

If adopted, the proposed restriction would take effect from May 2027. It could affect access to imported metal scrap used by India’s secondary aluminium industry, an important supplier to automakers. The proposal has not yet completed the EU adoption process.

New Rules for Mobile CNG and CBG Refuelling

The government notified rules for mobile CNG and compressed biogas refuelling units, setting out conditions covering ownership, operation, safety systems and permitted applications.

Separately, Maruti Suzuki commissioned a 300kW green hydrogen pilot plant at Manesar. The facility uses surplus solar power to produce hydrogen that is blended with natural gas for manufacturing operations.

Overall, the week brought together near-term product activity and longer-term industrial investment. Automakers are widening their product and powertrain choices, electric mobility companies are working to scale volumes and infrastructure, and suppliers are adding capacity for the next phase of demand. Rising input costs and the need to turn investment into profitable growth remain important issues across the sector.

India's Top Six Automakers Tighten Grip on Market as Smaller Players Fight for Survival

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 16:57:07

India's six largest passenger vehicle manufacturers have continued to consolidate their hold on the country's car market in 2024, collectively accounting for 92.1% of sales through August — up from 90.7% in the full calendar year 2023. The 1.4 percentage point shift, in a market approaching five million units annually, translates to roughly 60,000 units of market share moving away from smaller players.

Speaking on the latest episode of Autocar India's Deep Drive podcast, Hormazd Sorabjee and Ketan Thakkar noted that the six automakers — Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Toyota — are each in the midst of large-scale capacity expansions.

Announced investments across the group total approximately ₹1.87 lakh crore, with planned capacity additions ranging from 1.7 million to 2.4 million units. Maruti Suzuki alone has added two plants this year, increasing capacity by half a million units, and has outlined a target of 3.5 million vehicles by around 2030, including exports. Hyundai is reportedly studying the feasibility of a third factory in India — in Gujarat or Maharashtra — as it targets 1.2 million units of domestic production.

By contrast, the brands outside this group — including Volkswagen, Skoda, Renault, Nissan, Citroen, Jeep and Stellantis — are collectively producing fewer than three lakh units for the Indian market annually, with multiple brands competing for that volume. Analysts note that at this scale, companies lack the resources to invest in new products or powertrains, further weakening their competitive position.

Structural Disadvantages Compound the Problem

A key factor cited for the underperformance of European brands is their reliance on turbocharged petrol engines, which represent a relatively small segment of the Indian market. High-volume sales in India are driven largely by naturally aspirated petrol engines, CNG variants and diesel — powertrains that Skoda, Volkswagen, Renault and Citroen have limited or no presence in. Maruti Suzuki, whose portfolio is built around naturally aspirated and CNG engines, remains the market leader with a share estimated at around 40%.

The top players' product decisions have also been more closely aligned with Indian buyer preferences. Kia's launch of a diesel variant of the Sorento in 2026 — despite diesel's declining long-term outlook globally — is one example of tailoring to local demand. Hyundai's upcoming large SUV offering with both diesel and strong-hybrid options reflects a similar approach.

Smaller Players Turn to Partnerships for Survival

Faced with limited scale and constrained investment capacity, several smaller automakers are pursuing alliances with Indian companies. Volkswagen and Skoda are in discussions for a joint venture with JSW Group, though the deal has not been finalised. Stellantis has engaged Tata Motors for product co-development. Honda, meanwhile, is reported to be outsourcing platform development to Tata Technologies, infotainment to TCS, and is in discussions to source engines from Horsepowertrain — a departure from its historical identity as an engine manufacturer. Honda currently produces around 100,000 vehicles annually in India from its Tapukara facility.

JSW MG Motor is the one outlier among the smaller players, maintaining volume momentum through electric vehicles, though it remains an unproven long-term force at scale.

Export Routes Offer Limited Relief

Exports have provided some cushion for manufacturers outside the top six, but the volumes remain modest. Attempts to access European markets have largely stalled. Skoda's Kushaq, developed specifically for India, was considered as a potential export candidate for Europe but that plan has been set aside, with regulatory compliance for Euro 7 standards and adaptation costs cited as barriers. European brands manufacturing in India have also lacked sufficient volume to build the cost base needed for competitive export pricing.

With capacity investments by the top six on track to push their combined share toward 95–98% by the early 2030s, the structural gap between market leaders and fringe players is expected to widen. For companies outside the dominant group, alliances and partnerships are increasingly the primary path to remaining viable in the Indian market.

Industry observers have noted that the Indian government expects more global competition to enter the market, with several Chinese automakers reported to be seeking entry — a development that could either intensify competition further or provide partnership opportunities for struggling brands.

Mumbai Driving Scores Fell During Ganeshotsav, Data Shows

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:36:06

Driving scores recorded by Zuno SmartDrive among Mumbai motorists declined during the first eight days of Ganeshotsav 2026, with the share of trips classified as clean runs falling from 73.7% to 56.2%, according to an analysis of 219 scored car trips from drivers across two comparable periods. The analysis was published on 22 September 2026 and covers trips made during 14 to 21 September — the period beginning on Ganesh Chaturthi — set against those recorded in the days immediately before the festival.

The data comes from Zuno SmartDrive, a driving-score feature of Zuno General Insurance. The comparison is internal: the analysis measures Mumbai against itself, not against another city or a national average. Figures described as findings cleared a two-proportion z-test at the 95% confidence level; other figures are noted in the published methodology as descriptive.

The analysis draws on 114 scored car trips from 42 Mumbai drivers in the pre-festival period and 105 trips from 40 drivers during the eight festival days. Percentages are calculated only among trips carrying a driving score, as the proportion of recorded trips that receive a score was still changing as SmartDrive adoption grew in the period.

Key Findings

How the scoring system works

The SmartDrive score is measured on a scale of 0 to 100 and reflects five aspects of how a car was driven: speed, braking, acceleration, cornering and phone use. A score of 95 or above is classified as a clean run, defined as a drive with no sharp or sudden events across any of those five dimensions. A single hard brake or a tight corner can move a trip that would otherwise score a 96 down to a 93, dropping it from clean-run to the next band.

The system does not assess road conditions, traffic density or whether a route was diverted. It records the car's movements and scores them against consistent thresholds regardless of context. This matters for interpreting Ganeshotsav findings: what the data records is how the car moved, not why it moved that way.

Where the missing clean runs went

When a city-level average falls, the common assumption is that more drivers were performing badly. The Ganeshotsav data does not support that reading for Mumbai. Trips scoring below 85 rose from 7.0% to 8.6%, a shift of under two trips in a hundred that did not reach statistical significance.

The band that grew was the 90-to-95 range, which nearly doubled from 12.3% to 24.8% of all trips. Drives that had previously cleared the clean-run threshold by a small margin appear to have slipped below it, while trips at the lower end of the scale did not increase materially. The analysis describes the conclusion in direct terms: the drives that left the top band went one step down, not to the bottom.

This distinction carries practical weight. A city where scores dropped because more drivers were braking sharply and handling phones at speed tells a different story from one where the distribution shifted because congested roads and tighter corners introduced single events into otherwise smooth drives. The Mumbai data is more consistent with the latter.

What individual score components showed

For a smaller subset of trips — those that Mumbai customers opened in the app — the five components of the driving score could be examined separately. This group comprised 281 trips from 58 drivers before the festival and 152 trips from 41 drivers during it. Because this is a more self-selected and engaged group than the headline sample, the analysis treats component-level figures as showing direction only, not magnitude.

Braking scores improved from 89.25 to 91.43 across the two periods. Phone-use scores improved from 94.02 to 95.81. Speed scores showed almost no movement, going from 95.07 to 95.03. Acceleration scores fell slightly, from 91.71 to 90.87. Cornering scores fell from 93.32 to 90.9.

The braking improvement is notable given that the overall clean-run rate declined. It suggests drivers were braking earlier and more gently — a pattern consistent with anticipating pedestrians stepping into traffic near pandals or procession routes. Cornering scores fell, which the analysis attributes to turns being physically tighter during the festival, rather than drivers taking corners more aggressively. Speed, which is the component most directly controlled by the driver independently of road conditions, did not change.

Late-night driving and the shift in timing

The single largest proportional shift in the dataset was in trips beginning between midnight and 4am. One trip in 114 fell in that window in the pre-festival period. During the festival, 10 trips in 105 did. The analysis notes this is the sharpest single change in the data and is consistent with festival observances — particularly the aarti, which can run late into the night — creating journeys that would not otherwise occur.

The distribution of driving across the day changed in other ways. Trips taking place between 11am and 5pm fell from 34.2% of all recorded drives to 23.8%, though this figure did not reach the significance threshold used in the analysis and is noted as descriptive. Evening and night driving rose correspondingly. The shift indicates that during Ganeshotsav, Mumbai's driving activity moved later in the day across the sample, with afternoon activity giving way to drives concentrated in the early evening and beyond.

Longer trips and what they may reflect

Trips of 15 kilometres or more rose from 19.3% of Mumbai's recorded drives to 33.3% during the festival. Short trips under 2 kilometres declined. The median trip distance moved from 4.6 km to 6.6 km, though that specific change only reached a p-value of 0.10 under the Mann-Whitney test used for distance data — above the 0.05 threshold — and is not presented as a standalone finding. The share of longer trips did clear the test.

The analysis identifies two plausible explanations for the increase in longer drives but does not claim to distinguish between them. Roads closed around procession routes or pandals would add distance to journeys that would ordinarily be shorter, routing drivers around sections of the city they would normally pass through. Separately, people driving further across the city to visit family or attend specific pandals would also produce longer trip distances. Both effects may be present simultaneously, and the data — which carries no route, pin code or locality information — cannot separate them.

The analysis carries no locality or sub-city information. There is no Lalbaug figure, no Andheri figure, and no ward or pin-code breakdown. The data records a city and nothing finer, so no area-level conclusion can be drawn and none is offered.

The data also does not constitute evidence of worse driving in any general sense. The proportion of trips scoring below 85 — the range that would indicate consistently poor driving events — was statistically unchanged. The analysis is explicit about this: the sample measured how cars moved, not how the city was arranged. Conclusions are confined to the four findings in the table and do not extend to broader assessments of driver behaviour or road safety.

Weekend-specific figures are published in the methodology appendix rather than the main analysis. Weekend trips scoring 95 or above fell from 55.2% to 43.6%, and weekend driving after dark rose from 37.9% to 59.0%, but both figures are drawn from counts in the teens and thirties and are presented for completeness rather than as reportable findings.

The analysis uses a two-proportion z-test at the 95% confidence level for all percentage-based comparisons, Welch's t-test for average scores, and the Mann-Whitney test for trip distance, given that distances are skewed and a mean would be misleading. A test result below 1.96 — or a p-value above 0.05 — means the sample cannot separate the observed change from noise. The analysis does not claim this means the change is absent, only that the sample is insufficient to establish it.

Percentages are calculated over trips that carry a driving score. Roughly half of recorded trips receive a score, and that proportion varied between the two periods. Using a denominator that mixed scored and unscored trips would introduce distortions that are not present in the underlying driving patterns.