Author: Central Desk

Maruti Suzuki India has increased price for its Brezza SUV, starting at Rs 8.69 lakh (ex-showroom). The LXi trim now costs Rs 15,000 more, while the VXi and ZXi variants have increased by Rs 5,500 and Rs 11,500, respectively. Prices for the top-tier ZXi+ variants remain unchanged. The hike reflects the addition of new standard safety features across all Brezza models. Key enhancements include six airbags, three-point ELR rear center seatbelts, height-adjustable front seatbelts, 60:40 split rear seats, a rear center armrest with cupholders, and adjustable rear headrests. Powertrain Options The Maruti Suzuki Brezza continues to feature a 1.5-litre naturally…

US automakers are facing mounting uncertainty as President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade tariffs drive up costs and disrupt supply chains. Since returning to the White House last month, Trump has announced a series of tariff measures, creating pressure across the auto industry. A 10% tariff on Chinese auto parts, a key supplier for US manufacturers, has already taken effect. Additionally, a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, set to begin on March 12, is expected to raise supply and manufacturing costs. Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that the cumulative impact of these measures could be severe. “It’s like, a…

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) has inaugurated a $14 million Care Center aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of its 4,000 team members. The new facility underscores Hyundai’s commitment to its Alabama workforce. The advanced Care Center features an HMMA medical clinic, a physical therapy clinic, an Emergency Response Team, a fitness center, and a team wear store, providing comprehensive services to employees. HMMA President and CEO Chris Susock emphasized the facility’s importance, stating that it serves as a resource for wellness, fitness, physical therapy, fire prevention, and emergency response, reflecting the company’s investment in its dedicated team members.…

Chinese Car Maker BYD is incorporating with DeepSeek AI to advance it’s self-driving features, to bring top-tier autonomous cost-effective EVs more accessible to broader market. BYD shares hit a record high on Wednesday following the announcement of a collaboration with AI firm DeepSeek earlier in the week. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu announced on Monday that the company’s aim is to make autonomous driving a standard safety feature rather than a luxury. This marks a shift from the company’s previously cautious approach to autonomous driving. The new technology, named ‘God’s Eye,’ will be available in vehicles priced as low as 69,800…

Ford CEO Jim Farley has issued a stark warning against the potential imposition of a 25% tariff on automotive imports from Canada and Mexico, stating that such a move would have devastating consequences for the U.S. auto industry. Speaking at the Wolfe Research Auto, Auto Tech, and Semiconductor Conference in New York, Farley expressed deep concerns over the potential fallout from President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs. Industry Chaos and Competitive Disadvantages While Trump has framed the tariffs as a measure to strengthen domestic auto production, Farley argued that the reality would be far different. “So far what we’re seeing is…

Nissan Motor plans to expand its use of green steel in Japan, increasing consumption by five times the 2023 level by the end of fiscal year 2025. The initiative is part of the automaker’s broader decarbonization strategy, which aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company highlights that steel production is one of the largest contributors to industrial CO2 emissions due to the traditional blast furnace process. Green steel, produced using directly reduced iron with a lower carbon footprint or electric arc furnaces, helps to mitigate these emissions. Since steel…

Rivian Automotive has officially opened sales for its Rivian Commercial Van to fleets of all sizes across the United States. The vehicle, which serves as the platform for Amazon’s custom electric delivery van (EDV), has been designed with a strong emphasis on safety, driver comfort, sustainability, and total cost of ownership. Engineered for safety, the Rivian Commercial Van includes advanced features such as automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, and 360-degree visibility, positioning it among the safest commercial vehicles on the market today. Following the conclusion of Rivian’s exclusivity agreement with Amazon, the company has been conducting trials with large fleet…

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest entry-level battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to employees at its Wolfsburg plant in Germany, offering a preview of its front-end design. The announcement, attended by Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, highlights the company’s ongoing transition toward an all-electric lineup and its future plans for its global manufacturing headquarters. The new BEV, previously referred to internally as the ID.1, is expected to be priced at approximately €20,000 ($20,850). While Volkswagen has yet to confirm its official production name, industry insiders suggest it could revive the Up badge, previously used for a small urban vehicle discontinued in 2021. This…

China’s rapid growth in the global auto industry is reshaping market dynamics, with domestic manufacturers outperforming major international automakers. A sales analysis by Chosun Ilbo highlights that BYD and Geely Group secured the eighth and tenth spots among the world’s top automakers in 2024. BYD’s sales surged 41.5% year-on-year, climbing two places, while Geely Group saw a 22% increase, entering the top 10 for the first time. Traditional industry leaders faced setbacks. Toyota Group’s sales declined by 3.7%, Volkswagen Group by 2.3%, and Hyundai Motor Group by 1%. Automakers more reliant on the Chinese market were hit harder, while Ford,…

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is set to enhance the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure ahead of the launch of its e VITARA, with a strategic goal to establish the model as a household’s primary vehicle. The initiative includes a comprehensive ecosystem of fast chargers, after-sales support, leasing models, and financing options to encourage adoption, according to a senior company executive. Addressing a key concern among potential EV buyers, MSI plans to install fast chargers every 10 kilometers across the top 100 cities, which currently account for nearly 97 percent of India’s total EV sales. “One of the major concerns…