Author: Central Desk

The Indian auto industry is on track to cut imports by ₹25,000 crore (approximately $3 billion) by the end of the current fiscal year through increased localization of advanced components like electric motors, airbags, and automatic transmissions. This ambitious target aligns with a push to reduce dependence on imported parts and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. Industry bodies, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), have spearheaded initiatives to localize up to 20% of components compared to FY20 levels. These efforts focus on critical areas such as drive transmissions, engines, steering systems, and…

Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly preparing for merger talks to strengthen their position in the fast-evolving global automotive market. According to a report by the Nikkei newspaper, the companies aim to operate under a holding company structure, potentially including Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan holds a 24% stake. If realised, the merger could result in a combined entity selling over 8 million vehicles annually, placing it among the world’s leading automakers. However, it would still trail Japan’s Toyota Motor, which sold 11.2 million vehicles in 2023, and Germany’s Volkswagen, which recorded 9.2 million sales last year.…

Audi FAW NEV Company, a joint venture between Audi and its long-standing partner FAW, has commenced production of all-electric Audi models at its new state-of-the-art plant in Changchun, China. The facility marks Audi’s first site in China dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), beginning with the Q6L e-tron and Q6L Sportback e-tron. A China-specific variant of the Audi A6 e-tron will follow. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, described the milestone as a major step forward in Audi’s electrification strategy, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to China’s growing market. The Q6L e-tron, tailored specifically for…

BYD has officially ventured into humanoid robotics, launching a global recruitment campaign to build its Embodied Intelligence Research Team. Targeting master’s and doctoral graduates from the class of 2025 at top universities worldwide, BYD is offering roles such as Senior Algorithm Engineers, Senior Structural Engineers, and Senior Simulation Engineers. The team will focus on cutting-edge research in humanoid and bipedal robotics. BYD’s Embodied Intelligence Research Team leverages the company’s industrial applications to enhance robotic capabilities. The team has already developed advanced robotic products, including industrial, collaborative, mobile, and humanoid robots, with a focus on improving robotic perception and decision-making. BYD…

The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has urged the government to prioritise EV exports to maximise economic benefits and address challenges in the domestic adoption of EVs. In its policy advice, PIDE recommended targeting the export of 10% of EVs and 5% of auto parts produced in Pakistan by 2030, with a long-term goal of exporting 50% of EVs and auto parts by 2040. This recommendation aligns with the Prime Minister’s directives to implement a robust EV policy aimed at reducing oil imports and improving Pakistan’s current account balance. According to PIDE, transitioning to EVs presents a dual opportunity:…

Japanese automaker Nissan has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, with plans to expand operations and increase workforce despite global challenges. According to Frank Torres, President of Nissan India Operations, the company remains focused on strengthening its presence in India, even as it undertakes significant restructuring measures globally. Nissan has recently added 600 employees at its Chennai manufacturing plant to support the introduction of a third production shift. This move comes as part of its strategy to expand production capacity for two new models, which are slated for release soon. Torres confirmed that the global job cuts of 9,000…

Vehicle prices hike in India as major automakers announce price adjustments starting January 1, 2025. Leading brands like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, Toyota, and Kia have confirmed increases ranging between 2% to 5%, with some premium models facing even steeper hikes. This move is attributed to rising production costs driven by higher raw material prices, global inflation, and supply chain challenges. Tata Motors, a key player in the electric vehicle market, has confirmed that the revised prices will take effect from the beginning of the year. Over 10 automakers, including Mahindra and Kia, have also announced similar price…

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has officially commenced production of its new sub-4-meter SUV, the Kylaq, at its advanced manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. The announcement, made via an official release, highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation, localisation, and customer-focused offerings tailored to the Indian market. The Kylaq is developed on the highly adaptable MQB-A0-IN platform, known for its robust design and alignment with the highest localisation standards. The vehicle embodies Škoda’s focus on four key pillars: comfort, safety, quality, and global design. The company has also expanded its local supplier base by 10%, a move aimed at reducing ownership…

Tata Motors, one of India’s premier automotive manufacturers, has announced an increase of up to 2% in the prices of its commercial vehicle lineup, effective from January 1, 2025. This decision comes as the automotive sector grapples with persistent challenges, including elevated global commodity prices and supply chain disruptions. In its official announcement, Tata Motors underscored the necessity of the price hike, attributing it to rising production costs amid a volatile economic environment. The adjustment will affect its commercial vehicle portfolio, encompassing trucks and buses, which are integral to the logistics and transportation sectors. The move aligns with a broader…

Volkswagen, Europe’s leading carmaker, is grappling with escalating labor unrest, cost-cutting challenges, and rising competition that threaten its foothold in the global automotive market. On December 9, approximately 68,000 workers across nine German Volkswagen plants staged strikes, marking a significant escalation in industrial action led by the IG Metall union. Union leaders warned of potential 24-hour or indefinite walkouts if upcoming negotiations on December 16-17 fail to produce progress. The strikes reflect deep frustration with Volkswagen’s proposals for wage reductions and potential plant closures, measures the automaker argues are necessary to combat declining European demand and intensified competition from low-cost…