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Mahindra Group Appoints Shveta Arya as Group Chief Strategy Officer

Shruti Shiraguppi — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:42:26

Mahindra Group has announced the appointment of Shveta Arya as Group Chief Strategy Officer, effective September 15, 2026. She will also form part of the Senior Management of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

In this role, Arya will lead the Group Strategy Office, working across Mahindra's portfolio of businesses to identify growth opportunities, unlock value and drive long-term strategic advantage. She will be part of the Group Executive Board and will report to Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group.

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, "We are pleased to welcome Shveta Arya as Group Chief Strategy Officer. Shveta brings over two decades of leadership experience across business and strategy, as well as management consulting across diverse sectors. Her experience in driving growth, shaping strategy and leading through change will be valuable as we work with our portfolio of businesses to drive growth and create long-term value across our portfolio of businesses. Her passion for constructive change and holistic progress also resonates strongly with Mahindra's purpose. I wish her the very best in this key leadership role."

Arya joins Mahindra Group after a career spanning more than 23 years across publicly listed multinational organisations and management consulting, with experience across the automotive, travel, financial services and telecom sectors.

In her most recent role as Managing Director of Cummins India Limited, Arya was responsible for driving Cummins' growth, ensuring customer success, nurturing talent and fostering a positive, inclusive and ethical work culture. Prior to joining Cummins, she led Strategy and M&A at Thomas Cook India and held roles at Kearney and Infosys.

Arya holds a Master of Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering in Information Technology from Delhi University.

She has also been involved in diversity, inclusion and women's empowerment initiatives, serving as program sponsor for Cummins' initiative focused on the lives of girls and women in India.

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group employs over 324,000 people across more than 100 countries. It holds a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India, and is the world's largest tractor company by volume. The group also has a presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality and real estate

Weekly News Wrap: JSW-Skoda VW JV Talks Advance, Hero Sets 2027 E-Motorcycle Entry, E20 Row Deepens

Darshan Nakhwa — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:36:14

India’s automotive industry saw a busy week between August 3 and 9, 2026, with developments spanning potential joint ventures, new electric products, manufacturing investments, fuel policy, exports and fundraising.

One of the biggest developments came from Skoda Auto Volkswagen India and the JSW Group. The two companies are in the final stages of discussions for a manufacturing joint venture and are likely to sign a non-binding memorandum of understanding within the next two months. The structure under discussion is a 51:49 venture, with JSW Group expected to hold the majority stake. Senior global executives from Skoda Auto and Volkswagen are also expected to visit India in the second half of August.

Electric motorcycles also moved higher on the industry agenda. Hero MotoCorp indicated that its first electric motorcycle is expected to arrive in 2027 as India’s largest two-wheeler maker expands its EV portfolio beyond scooters. The plan stood in contrast with Ather Energy, whose chief executive Tarun Mehta said an electric motorcycle from the company was probably more than two years away, with Ather currently focused on products based on its new EL scooter platform.

The week also saw a sharp see-saw around E20 petrol. Media reports initially said the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers had raised concerns over chloride and moisture contamination and an increase in the replacement of some fuel- and emissions-related components. The petroleum ministry responded by saying state-run oil marketing companies were regularly monitoring fuel quality. SIAM subsequently withdrew its earlier communication, saying some of the numbers referred to required authentication. Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL later released test results that they said did not support reports of unusually high chloride or water contamination in E20 petrol.

Away from these developments, Maruti Suzuki laid out a more ambitious growth roadmap, Audi prepared for a product and localisation-led comeback, Hyundai highlighted India’s growing role in its global operations, and EV retail sales touched an all-time high in July. The supplier industry remained equally active, with Michelin beginning passenger car tyre production in India, Motherson retaining a ₹6,000-crore capex programme, Dhoot Transmission preparing for expansion and an IPO, and several EV companies raising fresh capital.

Here is a detailed round-up of the key developments that shaped the automotive industry during the week:

Passenger Vehicles

JSW Group Eyes Majority in Proposed JV with Skoda Auto Volkswagen

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India and JSW Group moved closer to a potential manufacturing partnership during the week. The proposed venture is being discussed as a 51:49 structure, with JSW expected to hold the controlling stake. A non-binding MoU could be signed within two months.

The discussions come as Skoda evaluates a larger role for its Indian operations in its global strategy. Separately, the carmaker is studying the possibility of exporting the India-developed Kylaq compact SUV to Europe. The proposal remains at an early stage, with the company examining homologation, emissions requirements and engine options.

Maruti Suzuki Sees Faster Path to Next Million Sales

Maruti Suzuki said its journey towards the next million units of annual sales could be faster than previously expected. Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said the momentum generated in FY26 had put the company at an inflection point. The carmaker plans to introduce seven SUVs over the next five years.

The company is also reassessing its longer-term targets as it expects India’s passenger vehicle market to reach 6.1-6.3 million units by FY2031. Chairman RC Bhargava said stronger demand following GST reforms had prompted a fresh assessment of the next five years.

CNG will remain a major pillar of Maruti’s strategy. The company has set a target of selling nine lakh CNG vehicles in FY27 after volumes jumped 58% in the first quarter. It sold 2.2 lakh CNG vehicles during April-June, following sales of 7.46 lakh units in FY26.

Exports are another growth engine. Maruti is targeting higher overseas shipments in FY27 despite challenges in the Middle East. Japan has emerged as its third-largest export market, while Maruti now accounts for almost half of India’s passenger vehicle exports.

The carmaker is also making its manufacturing network more flexible. All new production lines will be designed to switch between platforms and models as demand changes, an approach intended to prevent capacity mismatches such as those created by the decline in small-car demand and the rise of SUVs.

At the same time, Maruti is increasing localisation and alternate sourcing as geopolitical uncertainty and dependence on specialised materials, semiconductors, batteries and electronics raise supply-chain risks. It is also expanding the use of software and generative AI in product development and manufacturing.

Audi Plans India Reset; BYD Readies Denza

Audi laid out a fresh plan to rebuild its position in the Indian luxury-car market. The company is preparing a three-model offensive led by the next-generation Q3 in the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by the A5 in the first half of 2027 and the flagship Q9 SUV. Audi India wants to double its market share over the medium term.

Globally, Audi is also moving away from an earlier all-electric-only strategy. CEO Gernot Döllner said the company will maintain a broader mix of battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and combustion-engine models as EV adoption progresses at different speeds across markets. EV assembly is also planned in India.

Greater localisation, more local assembly and quicker introduction of global products will form part of Audi’s India reset. Döllner said the country was becoming increasingly important to the company.

Meanwhile, BYD is preparing to introduce its premium Denza brand in India. The D9 executive MPV is expected to lead the rollout, with a launch being targeted around Diwali 2026, although it could be pushed to the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in February 2027.

Kia also moved further upmarket by opening pre-bookings for the Sorento, which will become its flagship SUV in India.

Hyundai: India Takes a Bigger Global Role

Hyundai Motor India said the country could become Hyundai Motor Company’s second-largest market globally by 2030, supported by economic growth, rising vehicle ownership and demand for technology-led mobility.

The automaker also disclosed that localisation at the OEM level reached 83% in FY26. Hyundai said greater localisation of high-value components and higher use of locally sourced steel were improving cost competitiveness and reducing import dependence.

Two-Wheelers

Hero Sets 2027 Electric Motorcycle Entry

Hero MotoCorp emerged as one of the key companies to watch in the electric motorcycle space after saying its first battery-powered motorcycle is expected in 2027.

CEO Harshavardhan Chitale said the electric motorcycle programme was progressing and more details would be shared over the coming months. The product will take Hero’s EV portfolio beyond scooters.

Hero also turned more bullish on the overall two-wheeler market, saying industry growth could approach double digits in FY27. Demand remained strong through July across ICE and electric vehicles, although the high base created by the GST-led recovery last year could moderate growth in the second half.

The company also strengthened its premium business by appointing Anuj Dua as Chief Business Officer for the premium segment. The newly created role will oversee portfolio expansion, strategic partnerships, premium retail and rider engagement.

Bajaj Auto, meanwhile, expanded the Pulsar N160 range with the N160 S and N160 SS. The variants receive a revised 165cc engine, electronic throttle control and four riding modes, while the N160 SS also gets traction control and a TFT display.

Ather Holds Back on Motorcycle, Ola Embraces Dealers

While Hero plans an electric motorcycle for 2027, Ather Energy has no near-term plan to enter the segment. Tarun Mehta said an electric motorcycle was probably more than two years away as Ather first focuses on expanding its scooter portfolio around the EL platform.

Ather is, however, considering accelerating Phase 2 of its Aurangabad manufacturing facility if current EV demand continues. The company recently raised ₹2,500 crore, giving it flexibility to bring forward investment if Phase 1 capacity comes under pressure.

Ola Electric also made an important shift in its business model by opening its sales and service network to dealer partners. Company-owned stores will increasingly focus on brand and product experience, while dealers will take a larger role in sales and aftersales. Ola expects the dealership programme to gain meaningful scale by Diwali 2026.

E3 Electric Ai entered the market with the Trion electric scooter, designed so that a damaged wheel and hub motor can be repaired at a local workshop. The company has signed around 30 dealers and plans to establish a presence in at least 90 markets within its first year.

July Retail Crosses 3.27 Lakh Units

India’s electric vehicle market reached a new high in July. EV retail sales rose 66.2% year on year to 327,901 units, according to FADA, taking EV penetration across the overall vehicle market to nearly one in eight sales.

Electric two-wheelers were the largest contributor, while electric three-wheelers continued to account for more than 65% of their segment. Passenger EV sales also grew strongly, although supply constraints on popular models continued to restrict volumes.

E20 Seesaw

Contamination Report Triggers Claim, Counter-Claim and Withdrawal

Fuel quality became one of the week's most closely watched policy issues. A media report said SIAM had written to the petroleum ministry citing high chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol. The report also said automakers had seen a sharp rise in replacements of fuel injectors, pumps, EGR valves, exhaust components and other parts exposed to fuel or emissions.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas responded that state-run OMCs regularly monitor fuel quality. SIAM later withdrew its earlier communication, saying the figures being referred to in media reports required authentication and that parts of its communication had been selectively quoted.

The issue took another turn when Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL released results from a nationwide testing exercise. The companies said chloride levels in samples collected across the supply chain were between zero and 3 parts per million and that reports of levels as high as 500 ppm could not be validated.

The sequence kept the E20 debate alive even as the industry body stepped back from the figures that had triggered the controversy.

Tractors and Construction Equipment

Escorts Kubota Turns More Bullish

Escorts Kubota raised its FY27 outlook for the tractor industry to mid-single-digit growth after a stronger-than-expected first quarter.

The tractor industry sold a record 3.39 lakh units in Q1 FY27, up 18.6%. Escorts Kubota’s domestic volumes grew 22.9% to 35,457 units, its best first quarter, while July sales rose another 23.7%.

The company also expects the construction equipment market it serves to expand 12-15% in FY27. Cranes and mini excavators are expected to lead growth.

Escorts Kubota has budgeted ₹850-900 crore of capex in FY27, including ₹450-500 crore for a new greenfield project where groundbreaking is expected this month.

Tyres

Michelin Localises Passenger Tyres; JK Tyre Faces Cost Pressure

Michelin started producing passenger car tyres in India with the launch of the Primacy 5 from its Chennai plant. The tyre is aimed at sedans and SUVs and can be used on ICE, hybrid and electric vehicles. It will be sold through Michelin Tyres & Service outlets and around 800 authorised dealers.

The French tyre maker also outlined a larger role for India as a global hub for manufacturing, tyre development, AI and sourcing. More than ₹3,486 crore has been committed to Chennai, while Pune supports product development for North America and Asia and houses global AI, digital and corporate-service capabilities.

Michelin, however, made clear that local production was primarily about market access rather than lower manufacturing costs.

For JK Tyre, the week highlighted the other side of the tyre industry's operating environment. Raw-material prices rose about 20% between Q4 FY26 and Q1 FY27 and are expected to rise another 8-9% in Q2. Its consolidated EBITDA margin fell to 6.8%, from around 10.9% a year earlier.

The company’s Mexico operations were also hit hard by geopolitical disruption, with segment revenue falling 82% year on year to ₹89 crore in Q1 FY27.

Apollo Tyres, meanwhile, completed a production shutdown at its Netherlands plant in June as part of a restructuring that shifts more production towards India and Hungary. The full transition is expected to be completed by October.

Auto Components

Capex, Capacity and New Segments Take Centre Stage

Samvardhana Motherson International retained its FY27 capex guidance at ₹6,000 crore, plus or minus 10%. Three plants were commissioned during Q1, taking its expansion pipeline to 13 facilities, of which 10 are expected to become operational during FY27.

Motherson Wiring said its new greenfield projects had reached breakeven after maintaining a revenue run-rate of around ₹450 crore in Q1. Profit contribution is expected to improve over the next one to two quarters as volumes scale.

Tenneco said its share of India’s passenger vehicle shock absorber and strut market had increased from 48% to 55% in eight months, helped by new programmes and growing demand for premium ride quality.

Dhoot Transmission also emerged as a company in expansion mode. It plans to increase capacity by 23% through two IPO-funded wiring-harness plants at Jhajjar and near Hosur, while other facilities are also under construction.

The company is additionally evaluating entry into passenger vehicle wiring harnesses and may seek government incentives for future products if they qualify under applicable schemes.

Godrej Enterprises opened a new material-handling equipment facility at Khalapur in Maharashtra with an initial capacity of 6,000 units annually, scalable to 15,000 units.

Meanwhile, Ardee Industries said it would first raise utilisation of its 156,950-tonne annual capacity to 75-80% before deciding on further brownfield or greenfield expansion.

Funding and M&A

EV Companies Raise Capital, Dhoot Heads for IPO

Capital continued to flow into electric mobility and auto components. Greaves Electric Mobility raised ₹530 crore through a fully subscribed rights issue to fund new products, battery management systems, powertrains and technology development.

River Mobility closed a $120 million Series C round comprising equity and venture debt, one of the larger private fund raises in India’s electric two-wheeler sector.

Matel Motion raised ₹130 crore in Series B funding to expand manufacturing, R&D and engineering capabilities and increase its presence in commercial EV powertrains.

Dhoot Transmission raised ₹918.27 crore from anchor investors ahead of its IPO, with domestic mutual funds taking a large share of the allocation.

Belrise Industries, meanwhile, acquired Hyva India’s tipper-body business for about $5.65 million. The transaction includes three manufacturing plants in Pune, Jamshedpur and Bengaluru.

Manufacturing and Digitalisation

India’s growing role as a manufacturing and engineering base remained a common thread across several developments.

Siemens Digital Industries Software said India was already among its top 10 markets globally and could move towards the top five as the automotive and manufacturing sectors increase digitalisation.

Across OEMs and suppliers, the same themes were visible: localisation, flexible manufacturing, software, AI and greater supply-chain resilience. Maruti is preparing flexible production lines and alternate sourcing, Hyundai has pushed localisation to 83%, Michelin wants India to serve global manufacturing and R&D needs, and Motherson continues to add capacity.

Together, these developments showed that the industry’s current investment cycle is not only about adding factories. Automakers and suppliers are also changing where they source, how flexible their plants are, how much software they use and how much of their technology can be developed locally.

Leadership Changes

The week also brought several senior appointments. Hero MotoCorp appointed Anuj Dua to lead its premium business. JLR named Adam Constable as the first dedicated head of Discovery as the brand prepares for repositioning. Pininfarina appointed Davide Loris Amantea as Chief Creative Officer.

Pankaj Doval joined JSW Motor as senior vice president for corporate affairs and public policy, while Schaeffler India named Amit Bhalerao as Chief Operating Officer.

Varroc Engineering appointed Eric Hamon as Chief Technical Officer, Remsons Industries named Rahul Prabhakar Desai as CEO, and the Automotive Skills Development Council appointed Prasanna Pahade as its new chief executive.

The Week in Perspective

The August 3-9 week reflected several shifts happening simultaneously across the Indian automotive market.

At the OEM level, the potential JSW-Skoda Auto Volkswagen alliance showed how ownership structures and localisation strategies are being reconsidered as global carmakers seek greater scale in India. At the product level, Hero MotoCorp’s 2027 electric motorcycle plan signalled the next phase of competition in electric two-wheelers, even as Ather chose to wait.

At the policy level, the E20 episode moved rapidly from reported contamination concerns to government assurances, SIAM’s withdrawal and an OMC-led rebuttal, highlighting the scrutiny surrounding India's transition towards higher ethanol blending.

And underneath these headline developments, investment remained strong. Automakers were adding products and flexible capacity, suppliers were committing thousands of crores to expansion, EV companies were raising fresh capital and India was assuming a larger role in global manufacturing, sourcing, R&D and exports.

Taken together, the week showed an industry preparing simultaneously for higher domestic demand, greater exports, electrification and a more uncertain global supply-chain environment.

Scrapping Your Car in India: What You Get vs What It's Actually Worth

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:02:34

Vehicle scrappages has made headlines again as the Delhi Government proposes incentives linked with scrappage under its Electric Vehicle Policy draft. As per NITI Aayog estimates, only around 2-3% of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) enter India's formal scrappage ecosystem currently. Such incentives though domicile to the national capital, will play a significant part of a country-wide shift in behaviour and perception; that scrapping a vehicle is not only about disposing of an old vehicle anymore it is transforming into a smart financial decision.

Owners of vehicles that are over 15 yearsthat are unfit, facing rising maintenance costs, repair requirements, fitness renewal fees and falling resale valueare often evaluating whether to sell their vehicle or scrap it. Consumers believe that the only value in scrapping comes from the money one gets for the value of metals from the scrapped vehicle. Although scrap value provides immediate financial return, typically calculated based on weight of the vehicle and materials that can be extracted, it only forms a fraction of the overall financial value unlocked through scrapping.

Scrapping via an authorized Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) gives you a Certificate of Deposit (COD), enables tax exemptions on your next vehicle as per the respective state policies and permits. This can then be coupled with exchange bonus or purchase incentives, provided by select automobile makers, against the validity of the COD.

One can also save on future fitness renewal fees, green taxes and maintenance costs as additional benefits, eliminating any liability associated with the vehicle in the future by means of legal transfer of the ownership.

The True Value of Scrapping a Car

Component	Illustrative Benefit*
Scrap value	₹25,000
Certificate of Deposit (COD) benefit	₹20,000
Dealer incentive	₹30,000
Total potential value realised	₹75,000

*Illustrative only. Actual benefits may vary depending on the vehicle, state policies and OEMs' offerings.

It is important to understand one thing with clarity: scrapping decisions should be judged based on the total value of the deal and not merely the cheque that is offered by the scrapping facility.

Why Is It Different from Selling?

Unlike selling your old vehicle that involves finding a buyer and negotiating with them; scrappingis more institutionalised. Selling gives you real-time gratification, scrapping enables incentives by means of tax exemptions, which proved to be more advantageous for vehicles with low resale value.

But the selection of the facility is crucial factor as well. Authorized RVSFs meet certain environmental and safety standards, depollute hazardous materials and provide complete documentation of the process. In doing so, they protect you as a consumer while responsibly extracting the value from the material resources.

As India’s vehicle scrappage ecosystem of develops further with increased infrastructure, OEM participation and evolving state policies, the discussion is slowly shifting from disposal to value realization.Widespread awareness will be critical in helping people realize the financial gains from the formal scrappage process. It will also be pivotal in increasing the adoption rates and propelling the success of the system.

Another factor is the ownership profile of ageing vehicles. Many ageing vehicles have been passed on multiple times over the years and thus have a second, third or even fourth owner. For these consumers, affordability plays an important role in their replacement decision. Proper incentives from scrappage could make it financially easier for them to upgrade to a newer vehicle while motivating them to use the formal scrappage ecosystem and not the informal route. A tradable certificate of deposit with direct monetary benefits would play a pivotal rolein helping encourage such consumers participate in the formal scrappage ecosystem.

Thus, there is an urgent need for all stakeholders to develop a cohesive national framework comprised of some uniform principles that help build a stronger scrapping infrastructure. Apart from Delhi, some of the other states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have also launched scrapping incentivizes aimed at increasing public awareness and large scale adoption. Additionally, most of these ageing vehicles belong to the lower income pyramid of the economy, thus policies should be drafted that focus on helping scrapping be a financially rewarding exercise

The industry players should focus on increasing public awareness and helping bring about a change in the consumer’s mindset when it comes to scrapping. They need to recognize the holistic value of a formal scrappage system that helps balance environmental and economical value, effectively.

Nitin Chitkara is CEO, Meta Materials Circular Markets. Views expressed are the author's personal.

Escorts Kubota Guides 12-15% Construction Equipment Growth for FY27

Anurag Chaturvedi — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 12:04:20

Escorts Kubota expects the construction equipment market it serves to expand 12-15% in FY27. Growth will be uneven across the range, with cranes and mini excavators leading while backhoe loaders add 5-7% and compactors 5-6%.

The company enters that year from a strong quarter. Volumes rose 27.4% to 1,344 machines in Q1 FY27 and segment revenue rose 39.2% to Rs 419.6 crore. July was stronger again, with volumes up 49.2% to 534 machines. The market it addresses, covering pick-and-carry cranes, backhoe loaders, mini excavators and compactors, grew around 23 percent during the quarter, led by cranes at 46%.

Sanjeev Bajaj, chief officer of the construction equipment business division, discounted much of that on the Q1 FY27 earnings call. The year-ago quarter was disrupted by the BS-V changeover, when manufacturers were pushing costlier machines into a market wary of the new technology. Stripped of that base, he put sustainable crane growth closer to 20 percent.

Demand drivers

What is left, he argued, is a genuine recovery in project execution. "The last financial year, the rate at which roads were constructed was almost half of what it was in the year 2024 and 2025," Bajaj said. "So there is a renewed focus by the government to push these infrastructure projects."

He pointed to development activity in Andhra Pradesh following the new capital city, a pickup in West Bengal, and traction in solar power and metro rail. Corporate buyers are taking higher-capacity cranes where execution speed matters to project timelines.

Escorts Kubota gained about 2.7 percentage points of segment market share last year and intends to stay aggressive, Bajaj said. Backhoe loaders and compactors, the two lines still to move to BS-V, arrive from September and will be repriced at that point. Models aimed at specific applications and at entry-level buyers follow from October.

Pricing

Emission-linked increases came through in two bands. Machines that went from BS-III straight to BS-V carried a 6-7% rise, while those moving from BS-IV to BS-V took 3.5-4.5%. Most of that was passed on in January 2025.

Commodity costs have since forced several smaller increases through the first half of this year. Including the January revision, the cumulative rise is about 5%, or closer to 6% once adjustments to channel discounts are counted.

"There is a pushback from the customer to the tune of they are taking longer time to decide, and it is taking a deeper negotiation," Bajaj said. He expects prices to settle during the second quarter, with demand acting as the leveller.

Heavy monsoon rain is the other near-term risk, supporting tractor demand while suppressing construction activity.

E20 Contamination Claims Don't Hold up to Testing, Oil Marketers Say

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:17:21

India's state-run oil marketing companies including Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL have together mounted a detailed public defense of the country's 20% ethanol-blended petrol, releasing results from an intensive nationwide testing drive that they say disproves media reports of chloride contamination and water in the fuel.

The companies said samples drawn from every stage of the supply chain, which includes refineries, ethanol distilleries, storage depots, tanker trucks and retail pumps, showed chloride levels between zero and 3 parts per million, far below the several-hundred-ppm figures that had circulated in recent reports. Claims of chloride concentrations as high as 500 ppm, they said, could not be validated.

The stakes for the automotive industry are considerable. Chloride is corrosive to fuel-system components, and elevated levels in petrol can attack fuel pumps, injectors and metal fuel lines over time. Water in fuel, meanwhile, is a particular concern with ethanol blends because ethanol absorbs moisture readily; beyond a threshold, the fuel can separate into layers, starving engines of a consistent air-fuel mixture and accelerating corrosion. Vehicle manufacturers calibrated their engines for E20 on the assumption that the fuel would meet government specifications, and any credible evidence of contamination would reopen a debate the industry considered settled.

That debate has simmered since India accelerated its ethanol blending programme, which reached the 20% target ahead of schedule. Automakers had earlier flagged that vehicles built before 2023 were not designed for E20, prompting consumer concerns about mileage loss and component wear. The latest contamination reports threatened to compound that unease, which likely explains the speed and granularity of the oil companies' response.

According to the release, more than 100 randomly selected petrol samples from refineries showed chloride at or below 1 ppm. A joint task force of the oil companies and the Centre for High Technology, the petroleum ministry's technical arm, tested ethanol from 80 distilleries over ten days, all returning readings below 3 ppm. More than 80 samples from terminals and over 160 from retail outlets fell within the same range of 0-3 ppm.

The companies did acknowledge two isolated cases of elevated chloride at retail outlets. Supplies at those locations were suspended, investigated and restored only after corrective measures.

On the moisture question, the companies said roughly 90,000 fuel stations have begun mandatory inspections of underground storage tanks, checked 8 to 12 times daily, with no water intrusion detected so far. Mobile testing laboratories have been deployed, and results are being cross-checked by independent fuel laboratories. Tabulated results are being published on the Centre for High Technology's website and will be updated as more data arrives.

For automakers and component suppliers, the episode underscores a structural feature of the ethanol era: fuel quality is now a shared reputational risk. When consumers experience drivability problems, the blame can land on the vehicle, the fuel or both. For now, the message to India's motorists is : keep filling up with E20.

Samvardhana Motherson International Outlays Rs 6,000 Crore Capex for FY27

Shahkar Abidi — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:25:52

Samvardhana Motherson International (SAMIL), the flagship company of Samvardhana Motherson Group (SMG), on Thursday confirmed that three plants were commissioned during Q1FY27, bringing the group's expansion pipeline to 13 facilities at various stages of completion, with 10 of those expected to become operational during the current fiscal year. Full-year capital expenditure guidance was maintained at Rs 6,000 crore, plus or minus 10%, with Q1 capex of Rs 1,600 crore tracking in line, the company noted during a post-results conference call with analysts.

The third consumer electronics greenfield facility, a Rs 6,500 crore investment targeting 40 million units of annual capacity, remains on schedule for commissioning in Q3FY27. The division's JV partner, BIEL, holds a 10% equity stake with an option to increase its holding to 49%, a structure that gives the business both a technology anchor and a pathway to deeper partnership as volumes scale.

The commercial vehicle outlook for North America was described as remaining favourable through FY27, while planned European OEM model launches were flagged as expected to support light vehicle industry growth in the coming quarters, a signal directed at industry observers concerned about the 3.3% year-on-year decline in European LV production in Q1FY27.

The most forward-looking moment in the call came when management disclosed that Motherson is actively studying opportunities across robotics, industrial automation, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The group is, management said, already supporting humanoid robot production, currently a niche market.

Envalior Opens EV Skilling Centre at MM Polytechnic in Pune Under CSR Initiative

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:16:39

Envalior India has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in EV Technology at Marathwada Mitra Mandal's (MM) Polytechnic in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The facility has been established in collaboration with BroadArks Foundation to provide practical training in electric vehicle technologies for technical students.

NSDC-Certified EV Service and Diagnostics Courses on Offer

The Centre is expected to train around 250 learners annually and will offer NSDC-certified programmes in EV Service, Safety & Maintenance (Level 4) and EV Diagnostics & Systems (Level 5). The courses are open to eligible ITI and Polytechnic students from disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics and Computer Science.

What the EV Training Curriculum Covers

According to the company, the Level 4 programme covers EV architecture, battery fundamentals, charging systems, workshop safety, routine maintenance and basic diagnostics. The advanced Level 5 curriculum focuses on battery management systems, thermal management, high-voltage safety, motors and controllers, power electronics, charging infrastructure and advanced diagnostics.

Hands-On Training with EV Labs and Capstone Projects

The training will combine classroom instruction with laboratory sessions using EV cut-sections, battery systems, motors, controllers, charging equipment and diagnostic tools. Students will also undergo practical assessments, industry exposure and complete a capstone project as part of the programme.

"The transition to electric mobility is creating a fundamental shift in the skills expected from the automotive workforce. For us, this Centre of Excellence is about ensuring that technical education keeps pace with that change. By giving students the opportunity to work directly with EV systems, understand advanced diagnostics and build capabilities through structured, certified training, we are helping create a stronger bridge between what young technicians learn and what the industry will increasingly expect from them," said Nileshkumar Kukalyekar, Business Director – South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Envalior.

Envalior said the initiative is intended to strengthen the connection between technical education and evolving industry requirements while creating a scalable model for developing EV-related technical skills.

SIAM Tax Conference Focuses on AI, GST Reforms and Future Tax Framework for Auto Industry

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:40:25

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) convened the third edition of its Automotive Taxation Conference, bringing together industry executives, tax professionals, and policymakers to discuss reforms to modernise India's automotive taxation framework. The conference focused on policy reforms, digital transformation, and global taxation trends, alongside topics such as transfer pricing, Pillar Two regulations, TDS reforms, dispute resolution, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in tax administration.

Speaking at the event, SIAM Direct Tax Group Chairman and BMW India Head of Taxation & Customs Sanjeev Agarwal said taxation is increasingly becoming a strategic business function rather than being limited to compliance. He noted that tax policies should support investment decisions, supply chain resilience, governance and competitiveness, while emphasising the need for seamless compliance and agile policymaking.

Tax Emerges as a Strategic Business Function Amid EV, SDV Shift

Vivek Johri, Senior Advisor at KPMG India, said the rapid transformation of the automotive industry presents an opportunity to align India's tax framework with emerging technologies and evolving business models. He added that closer collaboration between industry and the government could help create a more streamlined tax environment.

BMW Group India Chief Financial Officer Carsten Lammers said software, artificial intelligence, connectivity and sustainability are reshaping the automotive sector, making tax functions increasingly important in business decision-making. He also pointed to India's manufacturing capabilities and expanding consumer market as factors supporting future growth.

Maruti Suzuki Pushes for 'One Nation, One Governance' Under GST 2.0

Maruti Suzuki India Chief Financial Officer Arnab Roy called for building on the Goods and Services Tax framework by moving towards what he described as "One Nation, One Governance". He said seamless input tax credit, faster dispute resolution, greater tax certainty and continued government-industry engagement would be important for improving the ease of doing business.

AI Reshaping Tax Risk Detection and Compliance in Auto Sector

The conference also examined the impact of software-defined vehicles, electric vehicles and increasingly data-driven regulations on taxation. Veeresh Prasad, Co-Chairman of the SIAM Taxation Policy Group and General Manager (Indirect Taxation & Impex) at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said artificial intelligence is shifting tax functions towards identifying risks, prioritising transactions requiring attention and preventing disputes.

On tax administration, Anil Sahani, Co-Chairman of the SIAM Taxation Procedure Group and Vice President (Finance), Head of Tax at Maruti Suzuki India, said the industry has moved towards a system focused on voluntary compliance and greater certainty. He added that future reforms should make audits more collaborative while limiting litigation to cases where it is necessary.

Global Tax Alignment and Industry-Government Collaboration Ahead

Meanwhile, Sanjay Seth, Co-Chairman of the SIAM Direct Tax Group and Head of Taxation at Hero MotoCorp, said both domestic and international tax systems are evolving to curb tax evasion while reducing compliance burdens for legitimate taxpayers. He noted that the growth of the automotive industry has also influenced how companies manage pricing and transactions across global operations.

The event also featured discussions by representatives from organisations including the Income Tax Department, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, JSW MG Motor, Mahindra & Mahindra, Deloitte India, PwC India, KPMG India and ClearTax. SIAM said the conference concluded with an industry commitment to continue engaging with the government on developing a globally competitive taxation framework for the sector.

IndiaRF Acquires Majority Stake in Ashok Iron Works' Casting and Machining Business

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:20:48

India Resurgence Fund (IndiaRF), an India-focused investment platform promoted by Piramal Finance and Bain Capital, has acquired a majority stake in Fine Edge Engineering Private Limited, which houses the iron casting and machining business of the Ashok Iron Works Group.

Fine Edge Engineering's Foundry Capacity and Product Range

The transaction gives IndiaRF a controlling interest in the Belagavi-based manufacturer, which produces machined iron castings for industrial engines, farm equipment and automotive applications. Founded in 1974, the company operates four foundries with a combined installed capacity of 144,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) and seven machine shops capable of producing around 600,000 parts annually.

Ashok Iron Works manufactures engine blocks, engine heads and transmission housings weighing between 20 kg and 5,000 kg. The company says it has the capability to manufacture machined engine blocks ranging from one-cylinder to 18-cylinder configurations and supplies both domestic and global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

According to the companies, the integrated casting and machining setup supports new product development and capacity expansion, while its customer base includes long-standing relationships with OEMs across multiple end markets.

IndiaRF's Investment Plans for Ashok Iron Works

IndiaRF said it intends to support the business through investments in capacity expansion, research and development, new product development and operational improvements following the acquisition.

Investec acted as the exclusive sell-side adviser to the Ashok Iron Works Group and its shareholders for the transaction.

"We will support the business through investments in capacity expansion, R&D, new product development and operational excellence, while building on its long-standing customer relationships," said Shantanu Nalavadi, Managing Director, IndiaRF.

Cabinet Approves Rs 23,731 Crore GOBARdhan Scheme for Compressed Biogas

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:26:29

The Union Cabinet has approved GOBARdhan, the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, with a total financial outlay of Rs 23,731 crore to scale up domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production. The scheme, administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, will run from FY 2026-27 through FY 2035-36, aiming to expand domestic CBG production nearly ten-fold by processing agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, and municipal organic waste into clean fuel and organic manure.

To achieve this scale, the government says that GOBARdhan will integrate six core operational pillars directly into its national execution framework. Under the assured offtake component, City Gas Distribution entities must comply with a notified blending trajectory of 3% in FY 2026-27, rising to 4% in FY 2027-28 and 5% from FY 2028-29 onward across CNG and domestic PNG segments, creating a predictable market demand signal. Revenue certainty is further reinforced by a government-backed pricing framework establishing an administered price of Rs 2,110 per Metric Million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU) with a minimum ten-year horizon.

CBG Capital Assistance: Up to Rs 2 Crore Per Ton/Day for Greenfield Plants

Eligible greenfield projects will receive capital assistance of up to Rs 2 crore per ton per day of installed capacity—extending to feedstock aggregation and organic manure processing assets—alongside support for brownfield expansions. Distribution bottlenecks are addressed through targeted funding for cluster-based and standalone pipeline connections linking CBG facilities to main trunk lines and city gas networks.

Autocar Professional's August 1, 2026 Edition is out!

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:15:52

India’s automotive transition is accelerating, but no single powertrain is set to dominate. EVs and CNG vehicles are scaling rapidly, hybrids are gaining ground, petrol remains dominant, and diesel continues to serve SUVs and high running needs. JSW MG Motor India has added plug in hybrids to the mix, while Mahindra, Tata Motors, Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Renault are preparing for multiple outcomes.

The industry’s long term goal remains zero emission mobility, yet internal combustion engines still have a long road ahead. Customer needs, infrastructure gaps and affordability pressures mean the transition will move at different speeds across regions and segments. Flexible architectures, such as JSW MG’s ADAPT platform, allow carmakers to support electric, hybrid, plug in hybrid, range extender and conventional powertrains, cutting costs and shortening product cycles.

Plug in hybrids promise efficiency gains but face higher costs and no tax benefits in India. The economics of flexibility depend on scale, localisation and supplier readiness. Upcoming CAFE norms, bank funding, Tata Motors’ Sierra EV, Ashok Leyland’s gearbox strategy and geopolitical tensions will further shape technology choices and pricing.

The move towards multiple powertrains does not weaken the zero emission goal. It reflects India’s diverse realities — balancing emissions reduction with affordability while giving customers freedom to choose the technology that works best for them.

Autocar Professional magazine is available through all good newsagents and for download from Magzster.

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NHAI Penalises Contractor, Bars Officials Over Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway Road Failure

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:07:58

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a multi-pronged disciplinary and financial response against the concessionaire, independent engineer, and several project officials following a pavement failure on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway.

The incident in question involves a slippage spanning approximately 300 metres, observed near kilometre 64 on the right-hand side of the 63-km expressway on July 26, 2026. Restoration works were initiated promptly, and traffic at the site has since been diverted and is moving without disruption. NHAI simultaneously ordered a technical assessment of the affected location while setting in motion disciplinary proceedings against all stakeholders found responsible.

Non-Performer Notice to PNC Infratech

The most consequential action targets the concessionaire. NHAI has issued a notice proposing the declaration of M/s PNC Infratech Ltd. as a non-performer — a designation that would render the firm ineligible to participate in bidding for future NHAI projects. The implications of this classification extend beyond the current project and could affect the company's standing across the national highways programme.

Alongside the non-performer notice, a show cause notice has been served on the concessionaire covering three specific measures: a levy of 2% of the performance security as a financial penalty; initiation of debarment proceedings for up to three years against the Head of Pavement/Highways and other responsible staff; and a downgrade of the concessionaire's rating under the Pavement Condition Index, which would adversely affect its eligibility for future NHAI projects.

On the physical remediation side, the concessionaire has been directed to carry out complete rectification of the affected stretch entirely at its own expense, with costs estimated at approximately Rs. 3 crore at present, and with no financial liability to be borne by NHAI.

Officials Removed, Debarred, and Charge-Sheeted

NHAI has also moved against individual officials for lapses in project monitoring and supervision. Three have been removed from the project outright — Vivek Kumar Gupta, Project Manager of the construction agency; Surendra Kumar, Team Leader of the Independent Engineer; and Yatendra Kumar, Resident Engineer. All three have additionally been debarred for a period of two years from participating in any projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI, and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.

The present Project Director, Nakul Prakash Verma, has been repatriated to his parent department. Charge sheets are being issued against both Verma and former Project Director Saurabh Chaurasia — during whose tenure substantial construction on the project took place — for alleged negligence in the discharge of their responsibilities. The action against the former project director is notable, as it signals NHAI's intent to hold accountable those whose oversight failures may have predated the visible failure.

Independent Engineer Faces Debarment

The independent engineer for the project, M/s Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., is also facing action. NHAI is issuing a notice proposing the firm's debarment from participation in future NHAI projects. Independent engineers are engaged to provide third-party oversight of construction quality, and the proposed debarment reflects NHAI's view that the firm did not adequately fulfil that function.

Laser-Based Assessment and IIT Kharagpur Investigation

On the technical front, NHAI has initiated two parallel processes to understand the extent of the damage and its underlying causes. Laser Profilometer technology is being deployed to conduct a detailed assessment of pavement conditions across the full project stretch — a method that provides precise surface data across long road sections.

Separately, a panel of pavement experts led by Professor K. S. Reddy of IIT Kharagpur has been engaged to carry out an in-depth technical investigation. The expert committee is tasked with examining the root causes of the failure and recommending suitable corrective measures. The findings of this investigation are expected to inform both the remediation plan and any further accountability measures.

Toll Collection Suspended Until Rectification

In a measure affecting commuters directly, toll collection on the expressway has been suspended for the duration of the rectification period. No toll will be charged to users of the expressway until the affected stretch is fully restored. Any revenue forgone during this period is to be recovered from the concessionaire, ensuring the financial burden of the disruption does not fall on NHAI or the public exchequer.

Veteran Auto Journalist Pankaj Doval Joins JSW Motor as the Head of Government, Corporate Affairs

Ketan Thakkar — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:05:05

Veteran automotive journalist Pankaj Doval has moved to JSW Motor as senior vice president for corporate affairs and public policy, joining the new energy vehicle maker as it ramps up hiring ahead of its planned market entry and expansion.

Doval joins JSW Motor after nearly two decades with The Times of India, where he most recently served as senior editor covering the automotive, government policy, consumer electronics, telecommunications and information technology sectors.

Before joining the Times Group, Doval worked with leading media organisations, including The Financial Express, Press Trust of India and United News of India.

His appointment comes as JSW Motor accelerates work on establishing itself as a full-fledged automotive manufacturer focused on new energy vehicles.

The company is building a greenfield manufacturing facility and plans to establish a dedicated R&D centre as part of its long-term strategy. It aims to expand its engineering workforce to about 2,000 by 2029 to support vehicle development, product engineering and technology capabilities.

Recently, JSW Motor also secured an Rs 8,000 crore funding arrangement from SBI to support its new energy vehicle venture. The financing is expected to back investments in manufacturing, product development and related infrastructure as the company prepares to enter India's passenger vehicle market.

The company is part of the JSW Group's broader push into the automotive sector and is positioning itself as a domestic manufacturer of new energy vehicles. It is investing in manufacturing, engineering and product development capabilities as it prepares to launch its operations over the coming years.

JSW Motor has been steadily strengthening its leadership team as it prepares to enter the Indian passenger vehicle market later this year. Over the past few months, the company has hired senior executives across engineering, product development, manufacturing, design, purchasing, quality, sales and marketing, many of whom have previously worked at leading automakers, including Tata Motors, MG Motor and Hyundai.

Most recently, it appointed former Tata Motors executive Rajesh Khatri as vice president and head of strategy and planning to oversee corporate strategy, business planning and transformation initiatives. The leadership build-out has been led by Chief Executive Officer Ranjan Nayak, who has been tasked with steering the JSW Group's entry into the passenger vehicle market.

Exclusive: JSW Group Eyes Majority in Proposed JV with Skoda Auto Volkswagen; Non-Binding MoU Likely Within Two Months

Ketan Thakkar — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:57:29

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India and the JSW Group are in the final stages of discussions for a manufacturing joint venture, Autocar Professional learns. The two companies are likely to sign a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) within the next two months. The proposed venture is currently being discussed as a 51:49 joint venture, with the JSW Group expected to hold the majority stake.

Emails seeking comments were sent to Skoda Auto Volkswagen India and the JSW Group on Tuesday. Neither company had responded till the time of publishing. Autocar Professional understands senior global executives from Skoda Auto and Volkswagen are expected to visit India in the second fortnight of August.

The proposed alliance with the JSW Group is expected to be among the key subjects on the agenda as the two sides work towards signing the non-binding MoU.

The proposed partnership comes as Skoda Auto Volkswagen India prepares its next round of investments in electrification and localisation.The equity infusion from the JSW Group is expected to fund the development and localisation of electric vehicles and support future product programmes.

A large part of the investment is expected to go towards vehicles based on the India Main Platform (IMP), Volkswagen Group's EV architecture for India.The IMP is derived from the China Main Platform (CMP), allowing the group to use an existing EV architecture and adapt it to Indian regulations, the local supplier base and localisation requirements.

The platform is expected to underpin multiple electric SUVs for the Skoda and Volkswagen brands over the next few years. Higher localisation will be key to bringing down costs and reducing dependence on imports.

The scope of discussions goes beyond manufacturing. Autocar Professional understands the sales and marketing operations across the group's brands are also part of the talks. A few years ago, the sales organisations of Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini were integrated with the manufacturing business under Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. This has also brought the premium brands within the scope of the discussions.

For the JSW Group, the proposed venture is part of a broader effort to build an integrated automotive business across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, batteries, manufacturing and exports.

Unlike JSW MG Motor India, the proposed Skoda Auto Volkswagen venture will have no Chinese participation, allowing the group to further de-risk its automotive business from China-linked partnerships. Autocar Professional understands the alliance will also help diversify JSW Group's passenger vehicle operations while creating a Make in India manufacturing base serving both domestic and export markets by leveraging Volkswagen Group's global production and distribution network.

The proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is also expected to strengthen the business case for exports from India to Europe over the longer term, making exports an important part of the proposed alliance.

The partnership also fits into the group's wider automotive plans. JSW already has its joint venture with MG, has set up JSW Motors as a separate passenger vehicle business for products outside the MG alliance, operates JSW Greentech for buses and commercial vehicles, and is investing in cell manufacturing and localisation.

The group is looking to connect these businesses with its existing strengths in steel, paints and energy, creating greater vertical integration across its automotive operations.

Autocar Professional understands the alliance will also look to leverage manufacturing assets across the JSW Group wherever feasible. This includes the JSW Motors facility at Sambhaji Nagar, formerly Aurangabad, where higher localisation of products such as the Skoda Kodiaq and select Audi models is being evaluated. The aim is to improve localisation levels while making better use of the group's existing manufacturing footprint.

Autocar Professional understands the alliance is also evaluating the localisation of the next-generation Kodiaq platform. If approved, it could underpin a locally manufactured three-row SUV positioned in the Mahindra XUV700 segment. Localising the platform would allow Skoda Auto Volkswagen to compete in one of the country's largest SUV segments with significantly higher local content.

Following the signing of the non-binding MoU, the two sides are expected to finalise the equity structure, including the shareholding pattern, before moving towards definitive agreements and the required approvals.

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s official statement: “India is a key market in Škoda Auto’s internationalisation plans. The company is leading the operation on behalf of the Volkswagen Group and its brands in the country. To fully explore the country’s growth potential, we are always considering new business opportunities and are evaluating various options to ensure the best possible solution to implement our strategy in the highly dynamic Indian market.

Although we do not comment on market speculation, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers.”

SIAM withdraws communication on E20 petrol contamination

Kiran Murali — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 23:44:59

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has clarified that media reports on its communication to the government regarding E20 fuel quality had selectively quoted excerpts. The industry body withdrew the communication, saying some of the figures referred to in it require authentication.

"The referred numbers reported in the Media need authentication as mentioned above and therefore SIAM is withdrawing its earlier communication," SIAM said in a statement late on Tuesday night.

The clarification comes after media reports that SIAM has raised concerns with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas over contamination in E20 petrol, citing higher chloride and moisture levels and an increase in the replacement of fuel system and exhaust-related components.

"SIAM has taken note of certain media reports that have cited excerpts from a SIAM communication, with specific and selective focus on chloride and sulphur content in fuel. SIAM wishes to clarify the matter and place it in its correct context for the benefit of the public and all stakeholders," the industry body said.

SIAM said the communication referred to in the reports was part of routine discussions among industry stakeholders.

"SIAM communication in question was part of routine and ongoing technical deliberations that take place between various stakeholders, including industry bodies, oil marketing companies, auto OEMs and testing agencies," it said.

The industry body said the figures referred to in the communication required further verification.

A news report published by a leading business channel on Tuesday morning, which has now been removed, said SIAM has flagged a rise in replacement of fuel injectors, fuel pumps and other components. One of the key points in SIAM's letter reportedly includes a chloride spike, fuel samples showing chloride contamination up to 500 mg/kg, causing corrosion and component wear.

"Some numbers quoted in the communication needs authentication through collection of elaborate data from various regions across the country followed by a comprehensive consultation with our member OEMs," it said.

It added that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had already introduced a 3 ppm guideline for chloride and sulphur in ethanol blended into petrol and that oil marketing companies had strengthened quality checks across the fuel supply chain.

"All of these steps fully meet the needs of the automobile industry," SIAM said. The industry body also sought to reassure consumers over the rollout of E20 fuel.

"SIAM would like to reassure consumers and the general public that the automobile industry has always been fully supportive of this initiative of the Government of India on E20 which is important from an energy security perspective. There is no cause for concern arising from the matter reported as these issues have been routinely addressed over the past several decades between Auto Industry and OMCs," it said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Petroleum Ministry said fuel quality is monitored regularly by state-run oil marketing companies and highlighted enhanced testing protocols, after reports emerged on SIAM's communication regarding E20 fuel quality concerns.

Amid Reports on E20 Contamination, Govt says OMCs Monitoring Fuel Quality Regularly

Kiran Murali — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:09:24

Following a media report that said the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) had raised concerns with the government over contamination in E20 petrol, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has come out with a statement saying fuel quality is being monitored regularly by state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs).

A CNBC-TV18 report today said SIAM had written to the ministry, citing high chloride and moisture contamination in E20 fuel. The industry body reportedly said its members had observed a "huge increase" in the replacement of components including fuel injectors, fuel pumps, exhaust gas recirculation valves, exhaust components and other parts that come into direct contact with fuel or engine emissions.

Responding to the report, the ministry said existing fuel quality monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened with additional checks across the country. "Certain media reports have cited issues of fuel adulteration or contamination. It is hereby clarified that fuel quality is monitored on a regular basis by Oil Marketing Companies," the ministry said on social media platforms.

It said OMCs have put in place "advanced and elaborate testing protocols" and have introduced additional measures, including water ingress testing conducted eight to 12 times a day at more than 87,000 retail outlets.

The ministry said more than 2,000 fuel samples have also been tested for chloride and sulphide contamination. "Only 2 cases of chloride contamination have been found in the entire country till now and sales from those pumps were suspended immediately," it said.

The ministry said strict action would be taken if contamination or fuel adulteration is detected at any retail outlet. "Strict action will be taken in case any contamination or adulteration is found in any retail outlet," it said. The statement added that OMCs have been directed to take proactive measures to detect any possible contamination across the fuel supply chain.

The ministry also highlighted the quality assurance measures followed across the ethanol supply chain. It said every batch of ethanol is tested before dispatch and must comply with BIS IS 15464 specifications, including a minimum purity of 99.6%. Every dispatch is accompanied by a certified quality report, while dedicated storage infrastructure is used to prevent contamination before blending with petrol.

According to the ministry, quality checks continue throughout the supply chain. Every ethanol tanker is sampled from both the top and bottom before being accepted, and fuel quality is monitored regularly to ensure consistency. It said 302 tank trucks carrying nearly 10,500 kilolitres of ethanol were rejected between July 2024 and June 2026 after failing to meet quality standards, underscoring that consignments not meeting prescribed specifications are prevented from entering the fuel distribution network.

The clarification comes amid concerns raised by the automobile industry over the quality of E20 fuel, which contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol. The government has been promoting higher ethanol blending as part of its strategy to reduce crude oil imports and cut emissions, while vehicle manufacturers have been introducing E20-compatible models in line with the rollout of the blended fuel.

Dhoot Transmission May Seek Government Incentives if Future Products Qualify

Shahkar Abidi — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:19:26

Dhoot Transmission may apply for PLI-like government incentive schemes if the products it is developing qualify in the future, Naveen Kumar, Group CEO of the company, said during an interaction with Autocar Professional.

When asked whether the company plans to seek PLI-like incentive schemes, the top executive said, "It depends upon the type of product you want to develop. We are in the strategy right now. So, once we finalise something and if it falls under the scheme, we will definitely go for that."

The gap is not for want of standing. Dhoot held 44.64 percent of India's two-wheeler and three-wheeler wiring harness market by value in FY25, placing it among the top two suppliers in the country. Its share of electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler harnesses was above 70 percent. A programme built to promote electric mobility does nothing for the company that supplies most of the wiring in India's electric two-wheelers.

Much of the distance is structural. The wiring harness is a conventional component and accounts for most of Dhoot's revenue. The production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles and auto components is designed around battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and its incentive period ends this financial year. The government has not said what will replace it.

The newer side of the business sits closer to what such schemes reward. Dhoot makes sensors, controllers, on-board chargers and charging ports, and assembles battery packs. It is also backwards integrated into cables, connection systems and insulation, which helps it meet the domestic value addition requirements these programmes are based on.

The company has grown from Rs 900 crore in FY19 to Rs 4,626 crore in FY26 without any of it.

ASDC Appoints Prasanna Pahade as Chief Executive Officer

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:02:15

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) has appointed Prasanna Pahade as its Chief Executive Officer, effective August 3, 2026.

Pahade, who brings over 25 years of experience across the automotive, manufacturing, logistics, and engineering sectors, succeeds Arindam Lahiri, who held the executive position since 2019. Pahade previously held executive positions at Mahindra Logistics, Tata Strategic Management Group, and Voltas, and co-founded the startup Making Champs. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the College of Engineering, Pune, and a postgraduate diploma in management from IIM Calcutta.

ASDC Chairperson Vinkesh Gulati stated that Pahade's appointment comes as the automotive sector faces structural transitions toward automation, digital integration, and electric mobility. In his new role, Pahade will oversee industry-led training standards, academic partnerships, and skill certification initiatives aligned with the national Skill India Mission.

RoadGrid Receives ₹13 Crore TDB Support to Set Up Universal EV Charger Manufacturing Facility

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:43:53

RoadGrid India Pvt Ltd has secured ₹13 crore in financial assistance from the Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), to establish a manufacturing and assembly facility for its patented Universal EV Charger.

₹27.5 Crore Project to Enter Production by March 2027

The government support forms part of a ₹27.5 crore project aimed at commercialising the company's charging technology and expanding domestic manufacturing of EV charging equipment. The facility, expected to begin commercial production in March 2027, will have an annual production capacity of up to 2,000 chargers.

RoadGrid said the project includes an investment of ₹18 crore towards manufacturing infrastructure and is expected to generate more than 100 direct jobs.

Universal EV Charger: Specs and Applications

The company's Universal EV Charger integrates a 140 kW dual DC charging system supporting CCS2 and Type 6 connectors, along with AC charging capability. Designed as a single platform, the charger is intended to serve electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial EVs.

The new facility will undertake manufacturing and assembly of power electronics, thermal management systems, embedded software, communication modules, metering systems, control hardware, enclosure fabrication, testing, calibration and final system integration. According to the company, the project is based on fully localised manufacturing.

"The Technology Development Board's support is a strong validation of our vision to build advanced EV charging technology in India. It will help us scale manufacturing of our patented Universal EV Charger and accelerate deployment of interoperable charging infrastructure," said Shashank Narayan, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, RoadGrid India Pvt Ltd.

RoadGrid Eyes ₹100 Crore Revenue as India's Charging Demand Grows

Earlier this year, the company raised ₹12 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Venture Catalysts to support product development, manufacturing and charging infrastructure expansion.

RoadGrid said the manufacturing facility is expected to generate annual revenue of around ₹100 crore at an initial production level of 1,000 chargers. The company will initially focus on serving demand within the domestic market.

India is projected to require more than 400,000 public EV chargers by 2030, creating demand for locally manufactured charging infrastructure, the company said.

Hero MotoCorp Names Anuj Dua to Lead Premium Business, Expands Premium Retail Network

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:35:33

Anuj Dua Appointed to Lead Hero MotoCorp's Premium Business

Hero MotoCorp has appointed Anuj Dua as Chief Business Officer – Premium Segment as it sharpens its focus on the premium motorcycle and scooter market through dedicated leadership, a broader product portfolio and an expanded retail network.

The company said the newly created role will oversee portfolio expansion, strategic partnerships, exclusive retail experiences and rider engagement initiatives as premium mobility becomes a key area of focus for its business. Dua has previously held leadership roles at Hero MotoCorp, Royal Enfield and Bajaj Auto.

Hero Premia Network Expands Past 130 Outlets Amid FY26 Premium Launches

Hero MotoCorp said it strengthened its premium portfolio during FY26 with launches including the Glamour X, Xtreme 125R, Xtreme 250R, Xoom 160, XPulse 210 and Harley-Davidson X440 T. The company has also expanded its Hero Premia retail and service network to more than 130 outlets across India to support sales and after-sales services for its premium range.

Connected Tech and Neemrana Factory to Drive Hero MotoCorp's Premium Push

The company added that it is integrating connected technologies, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, intelligent rider interfaces and advanced electronic architecture across its premium portfolio. It also said learnings from Hero MotoSports are being applied to areas such as chassis development, electronic rider aids, powertrain performance and durability.

Hero MotoCorp said it also plans to progressively extend manufacturing capabilities developed at its Neemrana "Garden Factory", including automated manufacturing, digital quality control and sustainable operations, across its production footprint.

"The global mobility landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, led by rising consumer aspirations for premiumization, including curated premium experiences," said Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp.