Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

Video: Auto Sector Scales 7-Year Peak, EV Adoption Surges, but West Asia Risk Looms, Says Shailesh Chandra, President SIAM

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:49:09

Shailesh Chandra, MD, CEO Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & President, SIAM, discusses India’s automotive sector reaching a 7-year high amid geopolitical headwinds from the West Asia crisis. While the sector has managed current challenges effectively, he warns that a prolonged conflict could pose significant risks to the industry.

In this insightful conversation, Chandra reveals there is marked shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in India and the growth trend is expected to continue. He also shares perspectives on Delhi’s draft EV policy, emphasizing that policy frameworks should be enabling rather than mandated to foster sustainable growth.

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Video: Over 6000 Two-Wheeler EVs Sold Every Day in March’26, EV Penetration in 2W Mkt Crosses 9%

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:23:58

India's e-2W industry registered retail sales of 1,90,941 units in March 2026, a daily run rate of 6,159 units, marking 45% YoY growth over March 2025's 1,31,460 units and beating the previous monthly best by nearly 46,000 units.

The growth was driven by a confluence of structural factors, while discounts were largely not present in the market. The PM E-Drive Scheme was set to close on March 31, prompting urgency among buyers, though the government extended it by four months to July 31, 2026, with a reduced subsidy, four days before the deadline.

Festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, the new year for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, which are two of the top e-2W buying states, and Navratri in many parts of the country helped carry the momentum. Meanwhile, the Iran oil crisis accelerated EV adoption as ICE fence-sitters moved toward zero-emission mobility.

March also saw a new ownership model emerging in the 2W EV space, BaaS. What was confined mostly to the 4-wheeler space has started trickling down to 2W EVs. TVS rolled out Battery-As-A-Service across its EV portfolio on March 12, lowering upfront costs without traditional discounting, and launched the Orbiter V1 at ₹49,999 under the BaaS model. Hero MotoCorp had already announced BaaS for its products.

The full-year picture is encouraging too. The electric two-wheeler (E2W) segment recorded strong growth in Financial Year 2026 (FY26), crossing the 14 lakh unit mark. Growth was supported by new product launches, improving charging infrastructure, and rising consumer acceptance.

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Video: BMW Breaks Sales Records in CY2026, Plans 23 More Product Launches This Year

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:52:03

BMW India has achieved a historic milestone, outpacing Mercedes-Benz to become the number one luxury car brand in the January–March 2026 quarter. In this exclusive interview, Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, breaks down the company's ambitious product offensive that led to record sales of 4,567 units.

We discuss BMW’s massive plan to launch 27 products in 2026, including 15 from BMW, 10 from Mini, and 2 from BMW Motorrad. BMW has already launched 4, the company plans to launch 8 products in Q2CY26. Mr. Brar also provides a candid look at how global geopolitical tensions, specifically the West Asia war, are impacting the luxury segment and why high-net-worth buyers are currently "reserving their cash flow."

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VIDEO: India's Auto Industry Posts Record Sales in FY26 Across All Vehicle Segments

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:51:55

India's automobile industry ended the financial year 2025–26 with record sales across every major vehicle category, including passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, tractors, and three-wheelers, marking the sector's strongest performance to date. The recovery was uneven across the year. Sales momentum picked up sharply in the second half of FY26, driven in part by reductions in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that lowered vehicle costs and stimulated consumer demand.

Within the passenger vehicle segment, the shift toward premiumisation and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) continued to gather pace. Buyers are moving toward higher-specification models, a trend that has reshaped product strategies across manufacturers.

Market concentration in the passenger vehicle space has increased, with a small number of established players accounting for a dominant share of sales. Industry observers note this consolidation raises the barriers to entry for new manufacturers seeking to build scale in the segment.

Electric vehicle sales grew during the year, but overall penetration across the industry remained at low levels. The trajectory raises questions about the pace at which EVs can achieve mainstream adoption in the Indian market, where affordability and charging infrastructure continue to be considerations.

Alternative fuels retained a significant presence in the broader energy mix. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and ethanol-blended fuel options continued to feature in India's multi-fuel approach, offering consumers choices outside both conventional petrol and diesel and full electrification.

On the international front, export volumes recorded growth, though the industry continued to navigate supply chain pressures and uncertainty around the regulatory environment. Stakeholders are watching policy developments closely as the sector looks ahead to FY27.

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VIDEO- India's Car Protection Market Poised for Growth as Adoption Lags Global Peers

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:12:37

India sells more than four million cars annually, yet fewer than one in fifty carries any form of paint protection film (PPF) — a gap that industry executives say reflects both an awareness problem and a significant commercial opportunity.

By comparison, roughly 28% of new cars in the United States and 37% in China receive PPF treatment. The disparity places India near the bottom of global adoption rates despite conditions that, according to CarzSpa CEO Anckur Sama, make paint protection more necessary there than in many markets where it is already standard.

In a recent conversation with automotive journalist Hormazd Sorabjee, Sama pointed to India's road conditions, air quality, and seasonal monsoons as factors that accelerate paint degradation faster than in temperate climates. Airborne pollutants, abrasive dust, and prolonged exposure to moisture contribute to surface damage that conventional car washes do not address — and may worsen.

Sama cautioned that routine washing practices common across Indian households, including daily cleaning by building security staff using dry or coarse materials, can cause micro-scratches that accumulate over time and dull a vehicle's finish.

On the technical side, Sama drew a distinction between ceramic coatings, which form a chemical bond with the paint surface to repel contaminants, and PPF, a physical polyurethane film that absorbs impact and resists scratches. The two products serve different protective functions and are not direct substitutes, he noted.

CarzSpa, which operates a chain of car detailing and protection centres across India, is among the companies looking to expand the domestic market. Sama said growing consumer awareness of vehicle resale value and the increasing cost of premium car paint finishes were beginning to shift attitudes among Indian buyers.

India's automotive sector has seen sustained volume growth over the past decade, with the country now ranked among the world's top five passenger vehicle markets. Whether the protection and detailing segment follows a similar trajectory will depend, analysts say, on price accessibility and consumer education.

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Lexus to Tap Toyota Customer Base in India, Deepens Multi-Fuel Play: Hikaru Ikeuchi

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:11:12

Lexus has officially entered India’s luxury EV space with the ES 500e but unlike its German rivals, the brand isn’t rushing into an all-electric future. In this video interview with Autocar Professional's Prerna Lidhoo, Hikaru Ikeuchi, President of Lexus India, explains why the company is taking a measured, multi-pathway approach to electrification balancing hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs based on customer demand. Priced at ₹89.99 lakh, the ES 500e brings a 580 km claimed range, AWD capability, and a new Lexus design language. But the bigger story lies in Lexus’ strategy prioritising customer choice over aggressive EV expansion.

The discussion examines the Lexus ES 500e in detail, unpacking its specifications and market positioning while placing it within Lexus India’s broader strategy. It explores why hybrids continue to remain central to the brand’s approach in the country, even as electrification gains momentum, and analyses how Lexus intends to compete with established German rivals such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.

The interview also delves into the company’s distinctive “guest-first” philosophy and boutique retail model, while assessing whether the Indian market is truly ready to embrace luxury EVs at scale. Ultimately, it raises a key question: could Lexus’ measured, slow-and-steady EV strategy prove to be the smarter play for India?

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Video: Renault Bets on Duster, Hybrid Tech for India Comeback

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:32:20

With the launch of Duster, Renault is gearing up for a renewed push in India. It has drawn a fresh product strategy with focus on localisation. In this conversation with Autocar Pro, Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Renault India, outlines how the company plans to rebuild its presence in one of the world’s most competitive car markets.

The launch of Renault Duster marks the beginning of a broader product offensive rather than a standalone launch. Renault is betting on hybrid technology as a key growth driver, positioning it as a practical alternative to diesel, especially in urban conditions. Duster Hybrid is expected to be launched in India by Diwali this year.

Hidalgo also highlights plans to scale up production at Renault’s Chennai facility and improve cost competitiveness through localisation. With a multi-energy platform and a more structured approach to growth, Renault is looking to steadily expand its footprint in India.

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Video: Motul Bets on EV and Hydrogen as It Reinvents Itself for a Multi-Technology Mobility Future

Prerna Lidhoo — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:13:29

How does a 170-year-old lubricants company stay relevant as the automotive industry hurtles toward electrification and new energy technologies? According to Julien Plet, Head of R&D at Motul, the answer lies in staying technology-agnostic while doubling down on sustainability and innovation.

Plet says that the French lubricants major is preparing for a multi-technology mobility future that includes electrification, hydrogen and advanced thermal management. The company is expanding beyond traditional lubricants into areas such as battery cooling technology for electric vehicles, while also exploring the potential of solid-state batteries and hydrogen for heavy-duty mobility.

Motul has also strengthened its global brand visibility through motorsport, recently partnering with McLaren Racing in Formula One. Nearly 70% of Motul’s emissions originate from the base oils used in its products.

To address this, the company has launched its NGEN range of lubricants made using re-refined base oils, which can deliver up to 40% lower CO₂ emissions compared with conventional virgin oils. In India, Motul has also begun using packaging with 30% recycled plastic.

While the brand remains dominant in the powersports segment, passenger vehicles represent a key growth focus in the coming years. On the technology front, Plet says thermal management will become critical for EV performance. Motul expects its EGEN battery cooling technology to reach mid-tier cars by around 2030. The company is also closely tracking solid-state battery developments, which could significantly reshape EV design and performance.

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Video: Women Make Up 40% of Workforce at JSW MG Motor India's Halol Plant

Prerna Lidhoo — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:48:41

Women are increasingly reshaping India’s automotive manufacturing landscape at JSW MG Motor India’s Halol plant. In this conversation with Autocar Professional’s Prerna Lidhoo, Biju Balendran, Deputy Managing Director at JSW MG Motor India, explains how greater female participation on the shopfloor is improving collaboration, precision and overall workplace culture.

With women now accounting for around 40% of the workforce at the Halol facility, the discussion explores how diverse teams enhance precision-driven manufacturing tasks, while also challenging long-held perceptions about women working in areas such as the body shop. Balendran also highlights initiatives like dedicated hostels for women employees, the “Drive Her Back” programme that supports women returning after career breaks, and the company’s efforts to expand female representation in its sales force.

The conversation also touches on attrition trends among entry-level employees and the importance of continuous training and skilling to build a future-ready workforce, underscoring how women are playing a growing role in shaping the future of automotive manufacturing.

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Video- Nidhi Kaistha’s Inspiring Journey | Women Leading in the Auto Industry | Women's Day Special

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:29:23

In this conversation, Nidhi Kaistha, Head of Lamborghini India, shares insights from her career, the lessons she has learned along the way, and her perspective on building resilience, confidence and leadership in a fast-evolving industry.

She also talks about how women are shaping the future of mobility and why representation in leadership roles matters.

This special conversation celebrates women who are driving change and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

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Video- The Next Step is to Scale Mahindra’s Electric SUVs Without Losing the Soul: Reeti Nageshri

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:53:21

In this conversation, Reeti Nageshri, Head of Business – Electric SUVs at Mahindra & Mahindra, shares insights on Mahindra’s EV strategy, leadership philosophy and how the company is building the next phase of electric mobility. She talks to Autocar Professional's Prerna Lidhoo about her unconventional career path—from working on the digital side to the CEO’s office. With the auto industry evolving beyond its traditional mechanical roots, it has created more opportunities for women, she says.

Reeti also discusses Mahindra’s EV momentum, revealing that the company sold 41,000 EVs in the last 10 months and that 8 out of 10 customers are new to the brand. Beyond business, she highlights Mahindra’s initiatives to support women employees, including programs that help women return to the workforce after motherhood.

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Oben Electric CEO Calls for Mindset Change and Policy Support to Bring More Women into India's Workforce

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:46:39

How can India bring more women into the workforce? And what does it take to build an electric vehicle startup as a woman founder?

In this conversation, Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO of Oben Electric, shares her perspective on women’s participation in the workforce, the importance of skills, and why mindset change and policy support are critical to unlocking more opportunities with Autocar Professional's Prerna Lidhoo.

She also talks about why the label of “women founder” shouldn’t be seen as a limitation, and how women working outside the home can create a multiplier effect by generating employment for others.

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Women Make Up 80% of Battery Assembly Workforce at JSW MG Motor India's Halol Plant

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:30:17

In this Women’s Day special, Autocar Professional's Prerna Lidhoo visits JSW MG Motor India's Halol plant in Gujarat, where women make up 80% of the workforce in the battery assembly unit.

From cell inspection to final pack assembly, women play a critical role across maintenance, production and quality. We also speak with Khushbu Patel and Lekshmi Makwana from the battery assembly line to understand how EV battery packs are built, from checking individual cells to assembling cells into a single battery pack.

The plant also produces multiple ICE and EV models, including the MG Comet EV and MG Windsor EV, with daily production running into hundreds of units. The video talks about how the company is expanding its EV footprint, with plans to invest ₹3,000–4,000 crore while strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing EV market.

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India Auto Sales Surge In February: Strong Retail Momentum Across Segments, But Global Risks Loom

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:02:48

India’s automobile industry delivered an exceptional performance in February, with strong growth recorded across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, tractors and commercial vehicles. In the latest episode of the AP Trends Podcast, auto industry expert Arun Malhotra highlights how robust retail demand, stable pricing, and continued benefits from GST rationalisation have driven a sharp upswing in the market. February auto sales - both wholesale and retail, signal a strong recovery in consumer sentiment and dealership momentum.

However, while February’s numbers reflect powerful demand, global uncertainties could influence the trajectory ahead. Rising crude prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could affect supply chains, consumer sentiment, and costs in the coming months. Silver lining is that dealer inventories are currently at comfortable levels and most OEMs have strong bookings in the pipeline. Despite headwinds, the industry is expected to close FY26 with record volumes, particularly in two-wheelers and tractors, making GST rationalisation the defining catalyst behind this year’s growth story.

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Electronics to Drive 90% of Future Automotive Technologies, Says Infineon’s Girish Kamala

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:24:28

Electronics is rapidly emerging as the central force behind India’s automotive transformation, with nearly 90% of upcoming automotive technologies expected to depend on it, according to Girish Kamala, Senior Director and Head of Automotive, India, at Infineon Technologies.

Speaking at SIAT 2026, Kamala pointed out that the scale and intensity of discussions around electronics have grown sharply across the ecosystem. Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers today are discussing electronic content nearly 20 times more frequently than they did five years ago, reflecting how deeply semiconductor and power electronics technologies are reshaping vehicle development.

From infotainment and connectivity to ADAS, inverters and battery management systems, the electronic bill of materials in vehicles is expanding steadily. In a ₹10 lakh car, electronics already account for 10–15% of the total cost. In premium vehicles and EVs, that proportion is rising even faster as safety, performance and digital functionality become critical differentiators.

Kamala emphasised that the foundation of software-defined vehicles lies in a strong electronic architecture. Without advanced semiconductor content and integrated power electronics, the transition to software-centric mobility cannot be fully realised.

He also noted that India’s customer requirements differ from those in developed markets, demanding cost-optimised yet robust solutions.

As regulations tighten and demand for safety and connectivity increases, the shift towards electronics-led vehicles is accelerating across segments.

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Video: e-Vitara India Output Fixed at 2,000/Month Till July; Nexa Expansion to 700 Studios

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:42:19

Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer (Sales & Marketing) Partho Banerjee reveals that the company can only allocate 2,000 to 2,500 e-Vitara units per month for the Indian market until July 2025, citing production capacity constraints.

The company manufactures the e-Vitara at its Gujarat plant, which also caters to exports and OEM partner Toyota. Banerjee adds that Maruti is receiving 2,000–2,500 inquiries per day post-launch and is prioritising test drives and customer experience over aggressive sales targets.

He also shares that Maruti plans to expand its Nexa studio network to 600-700 outlets by 2031, targeting tier 2 and tier 3 cities to drive EV and premium car penetration in emerging markets. Watch the full interview for insights on Maruti’s EV strategy, Nexa studio expansion, and charging infrastructure rollout.

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Video: Ganesh Mani on Switch Mobility’s $1 Billion Revenue Target

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:50:52

Switch Mobility is aiming to cross the $1 billion revenue mark within the next five years, signalling an aggressive scale-up in India’s electric commercial vehicle market.

In a video interaction with Autocar Professional on the sidelines of the launch of Delhi’s first electric double-decker bus, Ganesh Mani, CEO, Switch Mobility and COO, Ashok Leyland, said the milestone would mean growing nearly four times from current levels.

The company expects to close the current financial year with over 1,500 electric buses, almost double last year’s volumes. It already has an order book of around 2,500 buses for the next financial year, providing strong visibility on growth.

Switch has deployed more than 100 electric double-decker buses across Indian cities including Mumbai, Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad, with Delhi now joining the list.

However, Mani pointed to high upfront capital costs, battery pricing, financing access and charging infrastructure as the key hurdles in scaling electric mobility. While electric buses turn operationally positive within four to five years compared to diesel, bridging the initial investment gap remains critical.

With a billion-dollar ambition and a growing order pipeline, Switch Mobility is positioning itself for the next phase of India’s electric bus transition.

Watch the full video interaction below for detailed insights into Switch’s growth roadmap and the economics of electric buses.

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Video: India Could Emerge Among Top 5 Markets For FEV Group As EV Transition Accelerates: Norbert W. Alt

Prerna Lidhoo — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:44:18

Why is India becoming a critical growth market for global automotive engineering companies? In this conversation, Dr. Norbert W. Alt, Executive Vice President and COO of FEV Group, explains why India is central to FEV’s global strategy and how the India-EU FTA, electrification, localisation, and new technologies like range extenders are shaping that outlook.

Speaking with Autocar Professional's Features Editor Prerna Lidhoo, Dr. Alt outlines how FEV expects India to deliver strong double-digit growth, potentially entering its top five global markets in the coming years.

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Video: Diesel Still Matters As EV Adoption Remains Uneven: Pierpaolo Antonioli Of Dumarey Automotive

Prerna Lidhoo — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:37:27

Why is diesel still part of the future even as EVs dominate the headlines? In this candid conversation with Autocar Professional's Prerna Lidhoo, Pierpaolo Antonioli, CTO/CEO of Dumarey Automotive Italia breaks down why clean diesel, hybrid diesels and alternative fuels remain critical, especially for India.

From the European Union–India FTA to the realities of EV affordability and the case for hybrids in trucks and CVs, Antonioli lays out a pragmatic, market-by-market strategy. He also discusses hydrogenation of diesel engines, the role of CNG and hydrogen in India and why local partnerships are essential to build a resilient ecosystem.

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Video: First-time Buyers To Fuel Tata’s EV Push; Punch.ev Volumes Expected To Grow 30–50%

Prerna Lidhoo — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:15:43

In this candid conversation, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, explains why India’s EV adoption hinges on first-time car buyers and how Tata Motors plans to win them over.

Srivatsa tells Autocar Professional's Prerna Lidhoo about the thinking behind Punch.ev’s positioning, how it tackles battery life misconceptions and how a quick “tea break” charge can unlock up to 250 km of added range. He also outlines why Tiago.ev is being positioned as a city car, why charging infrastructure alone can’t solve adoption challenges and how Tata’s multi-fuel strategy will continue alongside EVs.

The discussion also dives into service network expansion, battery-as-a-service limits, EV design conservatism and Tata’s expectations of a 30–50% volume jump for Punch.ev without cannibalising Nexon.ev.

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