BUSINESS
Maruti’s parent Suzuki to partner Toyota for new electric vehicles
The partnership between Toyota and Suzuki in electric vehicles is keenly watched in India, where the Japanese majors have made a big impact in with their conventional vehicles but have lagged behind rivals in emission-free vehicles.
BUSINESS
India gets its first 'designated officer' to oversee vehicle recalls
The appointment ushers change in the vehicle recall procedure, which till now lacked any government intervention; official will have powers to initiate proceedings against an auto maker, if so warranted
BUSINESS
This week in Auto: Maruti raises prices; Bajaj opens and shuts bookings of Chetak; Govt clears development of hydrogen fuel and many more
Here is the complete look at what made headlines in the auto space during the week
TRENDS
Maharashtra COVID-19 curbs: Automotive companies keep plants running with limited workforce
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government is allowing manufacturing units to continue production but with riders.
TRENDS
EV pioneer M&M fails to produce even a single electric four-wheeler in 2021
The company has invested around Rs 1,000 crore in the EV space. Even the eVerito, the only electric 4W sold by M&M, is being made against confirmed orders now. This means the company is manufacturing only the electric three-wheelers Alfa and Treo now.
TRENDS
Confusion over Maharashtra lockdown guidelines; are auto units allowed to remain operational?
Maharashtra, by far the State worst affected by the Covid outbreak, has imposed these restrictions to contain the rapidly proliferating coronavirus at a time when the automotive sector is witnessing robust demand. The curbs are likely to impact production, leading to extended waiting periods for customers.
TRENDS
Maharashtra hotels fear devastation, mass exodus of migrants if govt imposes lockdown
The hospitality sector was limping back to normalcy after a tumultuous year when the pandemic and lockdowns forced many to shut shop permanently, but new curbs after the alarming rise in infections has killed the nascent recovery.
BUSINESS
This week in Auto: Triumph launches Trident 660, Hyundai unwraps Alcazar, do we really need huge 7-seaters?
Here is what made headlines during the week in the auto space
BUSINESS
Covid-19 fails to deflate used car market
Slowdown in new car sales, higher preference for used cars in place of public transport and ride hailing due to the pandemic, act as triggers to push up market; financing for old cars sees major jump during FY21
BUSINESS
Weekend parties gone, weddings postponed, Maharashtra hotels prepare for the lockdown
Hotels depend on food and beverage revenue to the extent of 40-50 percent, while rooms account for 25-30 percent of revenue and the balance comes from meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and other events. The lockdown takes away the bulk of the revenue, especially corporate business, as office parties and celebratory events are usually held on weekends.
BUSINESS
Automakers double down in Covid-19 fight to keep plants rolling
Companies are working hard to ensure employee safety, especially with plants operating at peak capacity to meet robust demand. Last month, passenger vehicle sales shot up 126%, preceded by 24% growth in February and 25% growth in January. There has been no impact on production as factory workers are able to travel to their units and report for duty
BUSINESS
Auto dealers brace for Lockdown 2.0 as Maharashtra battles with COVID-19 surge
Partial lockdown will hit retail demand; weekend auto deals account for 40 percent of the sales and 45 percent of the walk-ins
BUSINESS
Here’s how to get a learner’s driving licence under the new rules
This new process eliminates the need for applicants to physically visit RTOs. Applicants will have to take a tutorial on safe driving online within a week. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also said that the Central Government will notify and maintain a portal, the National Register of Driving Licences, which will serve as a repository with details on every licence issued and renewed in the country.
BUSINESS
This week in Auto: Auto makers hike prices again, Honda launches new bikes, the upward spike in auto sales, and more
Here is a brief of all the important news development that happened during the week in the auto space
BUSINESS
We are keen on EVs and hybrids, but want more clarity on tax: Gurpratap Boparai, MD, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India
In an interview with Moneycontrol, Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, shared his views on India's tax structure on cars, the future of older models such as the Polo and Vento and electric and hybrid vehicles. Edited excerpts.
BUSINESS
Auto companies set to hike prices of cars, bikes, for second time in four months
Spiraling domestic steel and aluminum prices force manufacturers’ hands; the latest increase might not deflate the demand surge, say market watchers
BUSINESS
Venu Srinivasan: The man who took TVS from mopeds to BMW
We profile the TVS Motor Chairman, who announced last week that he would step down in 2023 and hand the reins over to former Jaguar Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth. Accolades have poured in for Srinivasan, who transformed the company that was once known only for making the simple 50-cc moped.
BUSINESS
This Week in Auto | TVS chairman to step down; Jaguar I-Pace launched; no change in emission norms deadline and more
Take a look at what made headlines in the automotive space this week.
BUSINESS
Volkswagen's India reboot plans don't include a hatchback. Here's why
German giant hopes that the government will relook the definition of small cars and pave the way for a level playing field for all automakers; wants changes in the Sub 4-metre regulation that offers lower duty
BUSINESS
Here’s why Suzuki Motorcycle may have to invest in new capacity soon
With demand outstripping supply, the company’s existing plant is already being pushed beyond the limits. Suzuki’s Gurugram-based plant has an installed annual capacity of 750,000 units; however, based on its February production rate, the facility is operating at 116 percent utilisation level.
BUSINESS
Volkswagen Taigun to debut in festive season, take on Hyundai Creta
Built on a localised version of the MQBA0 platform the Taigun is first of the many launches VW has lined up for India using the common platform
BUSINESS
Will Llistosella’s sudden refusal to lead Tata Motors hurt the company?
The last time when Tata Motors faced a leadership vacuum, it lost market share. Llistosella’s abrupt rejection of the top job comes at a time when Tata Motors is on a smooth ride, with its shares being among the top performers in the Nifty index this year.
BUSINESS
Piaggio could consider getting an electric Aprilia scooter to India
Though plans of launching the battery powered scooter in India is under investigation, its maker has kept the option open for bringing in an electric Aprilia too
BUSINESS
This week in Auto: New Tata Motors CEO won’t join Co; Scrappage incentive scheme rolled out; No toll booths anywhere in 1 year
Here's what made headlines in the automotive space this week.
