Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

Citroën India Reports Three-Fold Sales Increase in Q4 2025

Shruti Shiraguppi — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:52:24

Citroën India recorded a three-fold increase in Q4 2025 sales compared to Q3, driven by its Citroën 2.0 "Shift Into The New" strategy that focuses on localisation, dealer expansion, and customer experience improvements across the country.

The Citroën 2.0 strategy, unveiled in August 2025, outlines a roadmap to deepen localisation, expand dealer and service networks, and enhance product and ownership experiences. The company's vehicle exports also grew 18.8 percent in 2025, supported by demand from Africa and ASEAN markets.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO & Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, "Citroën 2.0 – 'Shift Into The New' strategy is leading the steady growth in India. With sharp focus on localisation, enhancing India-first product interventions, and expanding customer accessibility, we have created a strong and sustainable growth path. The impact is visible; Citroën delivered 3X sales in Q4 vs Q3 and contributed significantly to Stellantis India's 18.8% export growth in 2025. With the Basalt set to join our global export portfolio in 2026, India is rapidly becoming a core pillar of Citroën's long-term strategy for product development, manufacturing, and technology."

The automaker strengthened its product lineup in 2025 with the C3 Dark Edition, Aircross, C3X, Basalt, and Aircross X. The Basalt X introduced CARA, an intelligent in-car assistant that handles music control, navigation, hands-free calling, weather updates, reminders, web search, and flight tracking.

Citroën formed partnerships with HDFC Bank, IndusInd General Insurance, and Sundaram Finance in 2025 to provide financing options, digital loan approvals, and insurance solutions. The company also partnered with mobility providers to integrate electric vehicles into urban fleets.

The Basalt model is scheduled to begin exports in 2026, expanding India's role as a manufacturing and export hub within Citroën's operations. The company plans to continue expanding its retail presence, accelerate India-focused product development, scale exports, and develop electric vehicle solutions.

Record 599,000 cars, SUVs exported in April-November, upcoming Mexico tariff hike casts a shadow

Ajit Dalvi — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:45:41

Led by Maruti Suzuki, overseas shipments of made-in-India cars, sedans, SUVs and MPVs have hit a new high of nearly 600,000 units in the first 8 months of FY2026. As per SIAM export sales data, 599,276 passenger vehicles were dispatched to key global markets, up by a strong 20% YoY (April-November 2024: 498,763 units), which translates into an additional 100,513 units.

With four months left to go in the current fiscal year, this performance puts the PV industry in close sight of the highest export total yet: 770,364 units in FY2025. In the first eight months of FY2026, monthly PV exports have crossed the 80,000-units mark thrice: September (87,762 units), November 84,646 units) and August (82,246 units).

However, the recent decision by Mexico, which is India’s third-largest PV export market after South Africa and Saudi Arabia, to substantially raise import tariff on made-in-India PVs to 50% from 20% starting January 1, 2026, will cast a shadow over the future rate of growth of made-in-India PV exports. Mexico, which imported around 194,000 cars and SUVs from India in FY2024, accounted for 25% of the record 770,364 PVs shipped overseas last fiscal. This represents business worth $1.9 billion (around Rs 15,800 crore).

Saharsh Damani, CEO, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), has called Mexico's new 35-50% tariff on Indian automobiles a "serious challenge" as the Latin American country prepares to implement duties on imports from countries without free-trade agreements (FTAs) from January 1, 2026. "Industry and government's task is cut out as they need to swiftly activate their diplomacy to set things right," said Damani.

The stiff tariff increase will expectedly adversely impact major Indian automakers across both the PV and two-wheeler markets. According to Damani, Maruti Suzuki India exports 66,000-70,000 units annually to Mexico — representing 22-25% of its total exports — including popular models like the Baleno, Swift, Dzire, and Brezza. Hyundai Motor India ships 25,000-30,000 units including the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, Venue, and Creta, while the Volkswagen Group ships 55,000-60,000 units of the Virtus, Slavia, Taigun, and Kushaq. Nissan India also exports several thousand Magnite SUVs, sold as the Kicks in Mexico.

Let’s take a quick look at how India’s 16 PV exporters have fared in the April-November 2025 period.

With exports of 282,749 PVs in the past eight months, Maruti Suzuki has already achieved 86% of its record FY2025 shipments. The company is eyeing an 400,000 export milestone in FY2026.

Maruti Suzuki India, India’s No. 1 passenger vehicle exporter for the past four fiscals, has taken a strong lead in FY2026 with shipments of 282,749 units, up 36% YoY. The car, SUV and MPV manufacturer, which exported a record 330,081 vehicles in FY2025, has already achieved 86% of that in the first eight months of the current fiscal. Maruti Suzuki is targeting 400,000 vehicle exports in FY2026, but Mexico’s upcoming stiff hike in tariffs could prove to be a dampener since the country is a leading market in the key Latin American region. Mexico, along with Africa, Japan, Chile and Saudi Arabia are key growth markets for the company.

In April-November 2025, while Maruti’s car exports rose 32% YoY to 135,358 units, demand for its SUVs and MPVs jumped 39% YoY to 140,601 units. This strong performance is reflected in export market share which has risen to 47% from 42% a year ago.

Hyundai Motor India has exported 132,142 units, up 18% YoY. This total comprises 112,271 cars and sedans, up 22% YoY, and 19,871 SUVs, down 1.48% YoY. The Verna sedan, now in its sixth generation, continues to be its best export model – the 44,315 units exported are a 24% YoY increase. In FY2025, Hyundai had exported 52,615 Vernas.

Nissan Motor India, ranked No. 3 on the PV exporter scale, has shipped 51,676 vehicles in the past eight months, up 22% and sees a resultant increase in export market share to 9% from 8% a year ago. While demand for the Sunny sedan is down sharply by 46% YoY (April-November 2024: 34,556 units), that decline is more than made up by the 330% YoY increase in export sales of the Magnite SUV. Nissan India has shipped 32,991 Magnites, an additional 25,331 units (April-November 2024: 7,660 Magnites) catering to both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets. Like Maruti and Hyundai, key export regions for Nissan India include Africa, the Middle East, Latin America. Southeast Asia is also a growing market for the Magnite. India is a global manufacturing hub for the Magnite, whose export sales (32,991 units) outstrip domestic market sales (13,379 units in April-November 2025, down 28% YoY)

Volkswagen India, with exports of 31,207 units, is down 14% YoY which sees its market share reduce to 5% from 7% a year ago. Demand is down 13% YoY (22,539 units) for its main model – the Virtus sedan as well as for the Taigun SUV at 8,668 units, down 17% YoY.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has risen one rank to No. 5 with 25,182 vehicle exports, up 56% YoY. This mainly due to strong demand for the Hyryder midsize SUV whose sales are clubbed with the Rumion MPV (25,100 units, up 55% YoY). The company also shipped 77 Innova MPVs and five other SUVs.

Kia India has seen a 3% increase in exports to 19,478 units comprising 9,787 units of the Sonet and Syros compact SUVs, 5,095 Carens MPVs, and 4,596 Seltos midsize SUVs.

Honda Cars India, which was the No. 2 PV exporter a year ago, has slid to No. 7 with 19,351 units, down sharply by 54% YoY (April-November 2024: 42,030 units). This is mainly due to the 64% fall in export demand for the Elevate midsize SUV to 11,152 units from 30,813 units a year ago. Honda also exported 7,536 City and 663 Amaze sedans, whose sales are also down year on year.

Mahindra & Mahindra, which is on a roll in the domestic market and set to achieve 600,000 sales in both CY2025 and FY2026v, has also witnessed strong export sales. At 14,398 units, exports are up 85% YoY. Shipments of its compact SUVs led by the 3XO rose 160% YoY to 10,614 units. Exports of midsize SUVs (Scorpio, Thar Roxx, XUV700 and Bolero Neo) were down 3% to 3,484 units. M&M also exported 262 units of the BE 6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs.

Renault India has exported 10,485 vehicles in the past eight months, up 48% YoY. This comprises 5,965 units of the Kiger and Triber SUVs, and 4,520 Kwid hatchbacks.

Will Mexico, which itself is a target of American president Donald Trump’s high tariffs, reduce the proposed 50% tariff on Indian-made goods and vehicles? That’s difficult to say but it is understood that a number of Indian business and trade bodies including apex auto industry association SIAM have urged the Indian government to call upon Mexico to maintain the status quo on vehicle tariffs.

ALSO READ: SUV and Car Makers Sell 388,000 Units in November, Mahindra Regains No. 2 Position From Tata

TVS leads electric 2W market in first-half December, industry sales cross 1.2 million in CY2025

Ajit Dalvi — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:42:29

The first fortnight of the last month of CY2025 has seen the Indian electric 2-wheeler industry cross the 1.2 million units mark for the first time. At 47,205 e-scooters, e-motorcycles and e-mopeds delivered, the retail sales in the past 15 days are somewhat slow though compared to the past couple of months, which can be attributed to new e-2W buyers delaying their purchase to the new year 2026.

Nevertheless, with 16 days still left to go before CY2025 turns into CY2026, this December could yet turn out to be the best year-ending month for the e-2W industry, beating the previous best (December 2023: 75,950 units). The gap at present is 28,745 units, which should be surpassed in the last week of the month.

Meanwhile, cumulative sales from January 1 to December 15 at 12,29,356 units are up 7% YoY, pointing the industry towards total CY2025 sales of a record 1.25 million units.

The Indian e-2W industry is headed for record annual retail sales of over 1.25 million units in CY2025.

TVS Motor Co, which wrested back the No. 1 e-2W OEM title from Bajaj Auto in November, maintains its numero uno position with 13,297 units. It is the only e-2W manufacturer to have sold in excess of 10,000 units and is ahead of Bajaj Auto by 3,773 units. While the iQube remains its main sales force, the company has begun the phased rollout of the new Orbiter e-scooter. Priced at Rs 99,900 (ex-showroom Bengaluru), inclusive of PM E-Drive Scheme subsidies, Orbiter sales have commenced in Karnataka and the company is now expanding into Maharashtra. This pricing places the Orbiter — which has a 3.1 kWh battery pack — on par with the base iQube variant that features a smaller 2.2 kWh battery pack. The Orbiter, which has a top speed of 68kph, is designed for urban commuting and has an IDC range of 158 km per charge.

Bajaj Auto has delivered 9,524 Chetaks to new buyers in the December 1-15 period. The company, which currently sells the Chetak and Yulu e-scooters is readying the launch of a brand-new model early in CY2026, which could mean potential Chetak buyers would be awaiting that model. Bajaj Auto continues to expand its Chetak network, which now stands at 390 exclusive stores and 4,000 points of sale in 800 cities.

Ather Energy, which has made the No. 3 position its very own has retailed 8,376 e-scooters in the past fortnight. This puts it 1,148 units behind Bajaj Auto. The e-2W start-up, which is fast reducing the sales gap with the Puune-based legacy OEMs, continues to witness surging demand for its Rizta family scooter, which recently surpassed cumulative sales of 200,000 units and accounts for 70% of monthly volumes which include the 450X or 450S models. The company has reported strong sales traction for the high-range (160km) options on the 450S and Rizta S, which has helped expand sales and market share. What’s more, the Battery as a Service (BaaS) option has enabled a reduction of the upfront price of the Rizta S to Rs 76,000, making the premium family scooter far more affordable.

Hero MotoCorp, which outsold Ola Electric for the first time in November to take the No. 4 position, has delivered 5,418 units. The world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer continues to be an EV newsmaker as a result of the robust demand for its new Vida VX2 model. The company looks set to exceed the 10,000-units mark in December, which will make for six straight months of 10,000-plus e-scooter sales for Hero MotoCorp and its Vida e-2W brand including the highest in October 2025 (16,014 units).

Ola Electric, as in November. is currently ranked No. 5 with retail sales of 3,079 units in the December 1-15 period. Clearly, Ola Electric will have to come up with an aggressive sales and product strategy if it is to regain the vigour and shine it had displayed not very long ago as the e-2W market leader. Earlier this month, the company began deliveries of vehicles equipped with its indigenously manufactured 4680 Bharat Cell battery packs. The S1 Pro+ scooter with a 5.2kWh battery is the first product to use these domestically produced cells, making Ola Electric the first Indian company to control both cell and battery pack manufacturing internally.

Greaves Electric Mobility (GEM), the EV arm of Greaves Cotton which markets the Ampere brand of e-scooters, remains the firm No. 6 on the OEM ranking list with retails of 1,939 units. GEM and Ampere Vehicles, which are witnessing a revival of demand driven by new products like the Nexus, Magnus Neo and the Grand, recently surpassed cumulative retail sales of 250,000 units.

Bgauss Auto, a Mumbai-based startup spawned by electrical solutions major RR Kabel, is ranked seventh amongst the Top 10 e-2W OEMs with 894 units of the RUV 350 and Max C12. Bengaluru-based River Mobility, now rebranded River EV, which has a single product – the River Indie – is now a regular fixture in the Top 10 e-2W listing. It gets eighth rank with 857 units.

Quantum Energy, which has recently partnered with battery swapping solutions provider Indofast Energy to power its new Bziness XS electric scooter, takes ninth position with 375 units, and electric motorcycle maker Revolt Motors wraps up the Top 10 list for the December 1-15 period with 298 units.

TVS leads electric 2W market in first-half December, industry sales cross 1.2 million in CY2025

Ajit Dalvi — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:42:29

Meanwhile, cumulative sales from January 1 to December 15 at 12,29,356 units are up 7% YoY, pointing the industry towards total CY2025 sales of a record 1.25 million units.

The Indian e-2W industry is headed for record annual retail sales of over 1.25 million units in CY2025.

Tata Group Reviews Clean Energy and EV Manufacturing Plans in Uttar Pradesh

Angitha Suresh — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:38:52

The review covered several operational and planned initiatives across Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state with over 240 million residents and growing industrial demand. The Bara thermal power plant in Prayagraj, with a capacity of 1,900 MW operating in a 360×3 configuration, was identified as a key contributor to the state's power supply and industrial energy needs. The facility forms part of the state's baseload power infrastructure, which supports both urban centers and industrial zones.

The conglomerate confirmed development of two 50 MW solar power plants in Bundelkhand and Prayagraj, adding to the state's renewable energy infrastructure. Bundelkhand, a region spanning parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, has been a focus area for solar development due to its high solar irradiation levels. Separately, rooftop solar installations are being implemented across 50 of the state's 75 districts as part of decentralized energy initiatives aimed at reducing transmission losses and improving energy access in rural areas.

Construction is underway on four to five Tata buildings in Noida, scheduled for completion in phases by December 2026. The facilities are expected to strengthen the city's position as a commercial center. Noida, located in the National Capital Region adjacent to Delhi, hosts offices of numerous domestic and multinational corporations and has emerged as a hub for information technology, manufacturing, and business services.

Discussions between the Chief Minister and Tata Sons representatives included the company's interest in expanding vehicle manufacturing operations in Uttar Pradesh. The talks explored the possibility of establishing electric vehicle manufacturing capacity in the state, aligned with the state government's EV subsidy policy. Tata Motors currently operates manufacturing facilities in several Indian states and has become one of the country's leading electric vehicle manufacturers in recent years.

The engagement also covered the introduction of new EV models, deployment of electric buses for public transportation, and development of supporting infrastructure for electric mobility, including charging networks. India has set targets to increase electric vehicle adoption as part of its emissions reduction commitments, with several states offering incentives to manufacturers and consumers.

Both parties reviewed opportunities related to the state's defence manufacturing sector, focusing on manufacturing capabilities and industrial diversification. The Indian government has been promoting domestic defense production through various initiatives aimed at reducing imports and building indigenous manufacturing capacity.

Uttar Pradesh has been working to expand its clean energy portfolio and attract manufacturing investments as part of its industrial development strategy. The state offers various incentives for companies establishing operations in renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors. With a large consumer base and improving infrastructure connectivity, the state has positioned itself as a destination for industrial investment across multiple sectors including automotive, electronics, and renewable energy equipment manufacturing.

Hyundai NEXO Receives Top Safety Rating from Euro NCAP

Angitha Suresh — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:27:03

Hyundai Motor Company announced on December 16, 2025, that its all-new NEXO has received a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme. The hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV achieved scores of 90 percent in adult occupant protection and 85 percent in child occupant protection during the independent safety evaluation.

The NEXO demonstrated stable performance across Euro NCAP's four assessment categories: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assistance technologies. In adult occupant tests, the vehicle's passenger compartment remained intact during frontal offset testing, with effective protection for knees, femurs, and other body regions. The SUV received maximum points in side barrier tests and provided whiplash protection rated as good for both front and rear seats.

Child safety tests showed effective protection for six- and ten-year-old test dummies in frontal and side-impact scenarios, earning maximum points. The vehicle includes a front passenger airbag deactivation system with status indication and supports installation of approved child restraint systems.

This marks the fourth consecutive five-star Euro NCAP rating for Hyundai's electrified vehicle lineup, following similar results for the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9 models. The previous generation NEXO became the first fuel-cell electric vehicle tested by Euro NCAP in 2018 and also received five stars under evaluation standards at that time.

The NEXO operates as a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle, emitting only water vapor during operation. Hyundai has positioned the model as part of its zero-emission vehicle strategy alongside its battery-electric offerings.

Euro NCAP, established in 1997, conducts independent crash and safety assessments of new vehicles sold in Europe. The organization receives support from European governments, consumer groups, and mobility organizations to provide comparable safety information to vehicle buyers.

Motovolt Opens First Dealership in Bihar

Sarthak Mahajan — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:17:17

Electric two-wheeler solutions provider Motovolt Mobility has opened its first exclusive dealership in Bihar, marking a significant step in the company's expansion across India's eastern markets.

The new dealership, operated by Prism Motocorp, is located at Prism Complex in Chitkohra, Patna. The 1,800 square foot facility will display Motovolt's complete product lineup, including the KIVO for daily commuters, HUM for cargo and heavy-duty applications, URBN for urban riders, and the M7 and M7 Lite high-speed e-scooters.

The expansion comes as Patna experiences growing adoption of electric mobility, driven by lower total ownership costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles and state incentives supporting the transition to electric transport.

Tushar Choudhary, Founder and CEO of Motovolt Mobility, stated that the company aims to provide sustainable mobility solutions across India through innovative products. He emphasized that the dealership would offer consumers access to electric vehicle solutions supported by comprehensive after-sales service.

Jay Prakash Prasad, Managing Director of Prism Motocorp, said the partnership with Motovolt would help bring accessible electric mobility solutions to Patna residents. He noted Bihar's rapidly developing electric vehicle ecosystem as a key factor in the dealership launch.

Motovolt Mobility, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Kolkata, manufactures electric cycles, e-mopeds, and scooters designed for Indian market conditions. The company reports having delivered over 32,000 vehicles that have collectively traveled more than 65 million kilometers, resulting in fuel savings of approximately 1.7 million liters and carbon emission reductions of 3.71 million kilograms.

The Bihar dealership opening is part of Motovolt's broader strategy to expand its retail presence nationwide through dedicated sales and service locations.

Video: Inside JSW MG’s Playbook for Profitable EVs in India

Shahkar Abidi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:08:09

In this in-depth conversation with Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, we unpack what it will take to make electric vehicles profitable and scalable in the Indian market.

Mehrotra explains how declining EV costs are pushing adoption beyond tier-1 cities, why localisation and in-house battery assembly are critical to achieving sustainable margins, and how JSW MG’s Halol manufacturing plant is gearing up to scale from 70,000 units to a 100,000-unit capacity with more products on the way.

The discussion also explores how global parent backing and shared capabilities are reshaping EV economics in India — and why scale, not demand, will decide the next phase of EV leadership.

Video:

Pankaj Gupta Resigns as Sterling Tools CFO

Sarthak Mahajan — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:00:57

Sterling Tools Limited has announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer, Pankaj Gupta, who will step down from his position effective December 31, 2025.

The company informed stock exchanges BSE and NSE through regulatory filings that Gupta submitted his resignation to pursue other professional opportunities aligned with his long-term career goals. He confirmed there were no other material reasons for his departure.

Gupta served as Group Chief Financial Officer for approximately five years at the Faridabad-based fasteners manufacturer. In his resignation letter addressed to Managing Director Atul Aggarwal, he expressed gratitude for the trust and support extended during his tenure and committed to ensuring a smooth transition.

The company disclosed this information pursuant to Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Sterling Tools trades on BSE under scrip code 530759 and on NSE under the symbol STERTOOLS.

As a Key Managerial Personnel, Gupta's departure will require the company to appoint a new CFO in compliance with regulatory requirements. The company has not yet announced a successor.

Sterling Tools Limited, incorporated in 1979, manufactures automotive fasteners and operates from its industrial facility in Faridabad, Haryana, with its registered office in New Delhi.

Dylect Launches Flow Prime Pressure Washer at ₹5,499

Shruti Shiraguppi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:04:30

Dylect, an Indian lifestyle tech brand, has launched Flow Prime, a pressure washer priced at ₹5,499, available on its website and Amazon. The product targets household and small business cleaning needs with an 1800W copper-winding motor that delivers 130 Bar pressure and a 6.5L/min flow rate.

The pressure washer works with tap or bucket water sources and includes IPX5 waterproofing. It features automatic shut-off, heat protection, a protective motor cover, and an integrated exhaust system. The unit ships with accessories including a spray gun, 5m inlet hose pipe, 8m outlet hose pipe, extension rod, soap bottle, tap connector, quick connector, water filter with needle, and 3m inlet hose with filter.

Flow Prime is designed for cleaning cars, bikes, balconies, terraces, patios, storefronts, outdoor furniture, and general household surfaces. The compact design allows for storage and portability.

"Responsible innovation has always shaped the way we build our products. With Flow Prime, our focus was to deliver powerful, high-quality cleaning while promoting more mindful water usage. Its optimised flow technology significantly reduces water consumption compared to conventional methods, enabling homes and small businesses to adopt cleaner, more sustainable practices without sacrificing performance," said Anuj Bhatia, Founder of Dylect.

Dylect currently serves over 100,000 customers across India. The company offers seven pressure washer models ranging from ₹4,499 to ₹11,500: Ultra Clean Plus, Ultra Clean Pro, Ultra Flow Plus, Ultra Power Max, Ultra Force, Ultra Force Pro, and now Flow Prime.

The brand operates in the D2C and e-commerce space, selling automotive essentials such as pressure washers, dashcams, tyre inflators, car vacuum cleaners, portable fans, and solar outdoor lights. Founded by Anuj Bhatia, who also founded eTrade, an e-commerce aggregator, Dylect focuses on direct customer relationships and sells primarily through Amazon while developing an omni-channel strategy.

India's EV Sales Projected to Reach 22 Million Units by 2035: KPMG

Shruti Shiraguppi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:53:33

India's electric vehicle sales are projected to reach 22 million units by 2035, with penetration crossing 50 per cent across most vehicle segments, according to a report by KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP titled "Securing the Supply Chain: Preparing for the Electric Vehicle Raw Material Challenge."

The report analyzes the critical mineral supply chain challenges facing India's EV transition and outlines strategies for building resilience. EV sales reached approximately 1.5 million units in FY25, with penetration rising from 0.7 per cent in 2020 to 5.9 per cent in 2025.

The two-wheeler segment dominates the EV market with 80-85 per cent of sales due to affordability and ease of use in urban areas. The passenger vehicle segment is gaining momentum, with premium electric vehicles having driving ranges exceeding 500 kilometers capturing roughly 27 per cent of segment sales by mid-2025.

EVs currently offer total cost of ownership advantages over internal combustion engine vehicles in several categories, including scooters, three-wheelers, and intracity buses. For four-wheelers, cost parity has been achieved for commercial usage and is expected for personal vehicles before the end of this decade.

Public charging infrastructure has expanded from roughly 5,000 stations in 2022 to over 26,000 by early 2025. Government programs including FAME and PM E-DRIVE, launched in September 2024 with INR 10,900 crore funding, have been instrumental in driving adoption.

The report identifies significant supply chain vulnerabilities for critical minerals required for EV batteries and motors. On average, EVs require six times more mineral inputs than conventional vehicles, primarily due to battery systems.

Global reserves of key battery minerals are highly concentrated geographically. Lithium is sourced primarily from Australia, Chile, and Argentina, while cobalt and nickel come predominantly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia. China controls 70-80 per cent of lithium and cobalt refining, 30 per cent of nickel processing, and nearly 90 per cent of rare earth element separation.

Recent Chinese export restrictions on critical minerals underscore supply risks. In December 2024, China banned exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the U.S. and imposed stricter restrictions on graphite exports. In February 2025, controls were expanded to include tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, indium, and molybdenum. In April 2025, export controls were introduced on seven rare earth elements.

Price volatility presents another challenge. Over the past five years, lithium, cobalt, and nickel prices experienced sharp fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions, pandemic-related disruptions, and surging demand. After rising eight times during FY22, lithium prices have declined by more than 80 per cent since 2023.

India possesses mineral-bearing resources for lithium, cobalt, and nickel but lacks proven reserves and large-scale processing capabilities. Lithium resources of 5.9 million tons have been identified in Jammu & Kashmir, though these are in the inferred category. The country has estimated mineral-bearing resources of 45 million tons of cobalt and 189 million tons of nickel.

For rare earth elements, India holds the third largest reserves globally after China and Brazil, but production accounts for less than 1 per cent of global output, and processing capacity is minimal.

The report outlines global mitigation strategies focused on supply chain diversification, recycling, and material innovation. Countries including the U.S. and EU are expanding local mining operations, building refining facilities, and incentivizing investments through tax credits and subsidies.

Technological innovation is addressing resource constraints. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries increased from under 10 per cent market share in 2020 to nearly 50 per cent by 2024, reducing reliance on cobalt and nickel. Sodium-ion batteries, which eliminate lithium, are emerging for low-cost EVs and grid storage, while solid-state batteries are expected to enter commercial production by 2027.

In motor technology, developments in magnet-free designs such as wound rotor synchronous motors, synchronous reluctance motors, and switched reluctance motors are reducing dependence on rare earth elements.

India's Strategy

The report recommends a four-pronged strategy for India combining short-term measures for supply security with medium and long-term initiatives for domestic capability development.

Short-term priorities include signing trade deals with mineral-rich countries and fast-tracking approvals via Government-to-Government agreements. A dedicated company has been established under the Ministry of Mines to acquire overseas assets. Strategic collaborations are underway with Argentina for lithium block development and with Australia's Critical Mineral Office.

Medium-term priorities focus on scaling processing capabilities for battery-grade materials and recycling, establishing mineral parks, and fostering academia-industry-government partnerships for research and development.

The National Critical Mineral Mission, launched in January 2025, allocates INR 16,300 crore with an expected INR 18,000 crore in public sector investment for FY25-FY31. The Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 and a planned INR 1,500 crore incentive scheme aim to boost domestic recycling capabilities.

Production Linked Incentive schemes are catalyzing investments in advanced chemistry cells and battery components. The report projects that by 2040, advanced recycling could recover up to 95 per cent of key materials and cut manufacturing emissions by 30-40 per cent.

Outlook

The report emphasizes that EVs represent the most practical and scalable pathway for India's clean mobility transition, outperforming hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on cost, infrastructure readiness, and emissions reduction.

The shift to EVs is expected to drive a 20-30 per cent increase in renewable electricity generation by 2035. Long-term success will depend on advancements in battery chemistries and motor technologies, supported by skill development programs and integrated supply chains spanning mining, refining, manufacturing, and recycling.

India's EV Sales Projected to Reach 22 Million Units by 2035: KPMG

Shruti Shiraguppi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:53:33

For rare earth elements, India holds the third largest reserves globally after China and Brazil, but production accounts for less than 1 per cent of global output, and processing capacity is minimal.

India's Strategy

The report recommends a four-pronged strategy for India combining short-term measures for supply security with medium and long-term initiatives for domestic capability development.

Outlook

Volvo Car India to Plant 20,000+ Trees in Aravalli Range

Shruti Shiraguppi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:46:18

Volvo Car India announced an expansion of its Reverse Project with a plantation initiative at Matri Van along the Gurugram-Faridabad Highway. Under its CSR initiative for FY25-26, the company will support the plantation of 20,000+ native trees over 20 acres of Aravalli land as part of the Community Barren Land Transformation Project, led by SankalpTaru Foundation in partnership with the Haryana Forest Department.

The initiative follows last year's Reverse Project, where Volvo Car India converted an urban dump yard in Ghaziabad into a forest by planting over 35,000 trees. Participants in the current project will be allocated 2-3 geo-tagged saplings planted on their behalf.

The Aravalli range serves as a green barrier protecting Delhi-NCR from desertification and air pollution. However, decades of quarrying, urbanization, and ecological stress have resulted in significant land degradation. The Matri Van site features semi-arid terrain, eroded soils, sparse vegetation, and limited water availability.

The project aims to revive the deteriorated landscape into a self-sustaining forest ecosystem through scientifically planned plantation of climate-resilient native species, supporting cleaner air, enhanced biodiversity, and improved soil and water quality.

"At Volvo Car India, sustainability is central to our purpose. Our efforts under the Reverse Project continue to demonstrate how corporate responsibility can contribute meaningfully to the environment and local communities. The Matri Van plantation reflects our long-term commitment towards building a greener future for all and supporting India's climate goals," said Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India. The project uses geo-tagging of all plants, IoT-enabled monitoring, and community engagement to transform degraded land.

"Volvo Car's support strengthens our mission to restore the Aravallis through scientifically planned, biodiversity-rich afforestation initiatives. With geo-tagging of all the plants, IoT-enabled monitoring and community engagement, the Matri Van project is transforming degraded land into a resilient, thriving ecosystem. This collaboration reflects how technology and purpose-driven partnerships can accelerate meaningful climate action," said Apurva Bhandari, Founder of SankalpTaru Foundation.

Volvo Cars established its presence in India in 2007. The company currently markets products through 25 dealerships across Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi NCR (South Delhi, West Delhi, Gurgaon), Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai (West and South), Pune, Raipur, Surat, Vishakhapatnam, and Vijayawada.

JSW MG Motor India Launches Hector Facelift at ₹11.99 Lakh

Sarthak Mahajan — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:43:45

JSW MG Motor India on Monday launched the facelifted MG Hector at a starting price of ₹11.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The introductory price is applicable for a limited number of units.

The updated Hector will be offered in both five- and seven-seat configurations. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, available with manual and CVT gearbox options. The engine produces 143 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. Standard safety features include ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, hill-hold control and brake assist.

Inside, the Hector gets refreshed cabin themes. The seven-seat variants feature a dual-tone Urban Tan interior, while the five-seat version comes with a dual-tone Ice Grey theme. Key features include a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, i-SWIPE touch gesture controls for AC, music and navigation, and a digital Bluetooth key with key-sharing functionality.

Anurag Mehrotra, managing director, JSW MG Motor India, said the Hector remains central to the brand’s India strategy. “The Hector was our maiden nameplate and quickly became synonymous with the MG brand, emerging as one of India’s most loved SUVs with 1,50,000 customers since its debut. With the All-New MG Hector, we take this legacy a notch higher by enhancing its design, comfort, and technology, offering an unmatched value proposition,” he said.

The facelift also offers features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, an eight-colour ambient lighting system and MG’s i-SMART connected technology with over 70 features. It also gets an advanced ADAS suite, along with convenience features such as push-button start, powered tailgate, air purifier with PM2.5 filter, front parking sensors and remote functions via the i-SMART app.

Available across multiple trims and seating layouts, the refreshed Hector aims to strengthen MG’s position in India’s highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.

Between April and November this year, India’s utility vehicle (UV) market continued to outperform the broader passenger vehicle segment. UV sales rose 5.1% year-on-year to 1.85 million units, compared with a 2.9% growth in overall PV volumes, underlining the segment’s role as the primary growth engine of the market.

Against this backdrop, JSW MG Motor India’s wholesale volumes have remained under pressure. So far in FY26, the company produced 5,672 units, a sharp decline from 20,957 units in the same period last year, according to SIAM data. The Hector, traditionally MG’s mainstay in India, accounted for 4,702 units during the period, down from 12,736 units a year ago, reflecting intensifying competition and slower traction in the core mid-size SUV space.

In contrast, the company’s retail performance told a different story. JSW MG Motor India reported retail sales of 41,505 units during the period, up 19% year-on-year from 35,022 units, indicating stronger off-take at the dealership level despite weaker wholesale dispatches.

Launched in India in 2019, the MG Hector is yet to receive a full generational update, even as rivals have refreshed or replaced their line-ups with newer platforms, powertrains and feature upgrades. The mid-size SUV segment, which includes models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Mahindra XUV700, has expanded rapidly over the past few years and remains central to passenger vehicle growth. However, this expansion has also brought heightened competition, shorter product cycles and rising buyer expectations, making sustained relevance increasingly challenging for older nameplates.

Battery Electric Vehicles Cut Emissions Over Lifecycle: IIT Madras

Shruti Shiraguppi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:42:42

Researchers at the Centre for Excellence in Energy and Telecommunications (CEET), IIT Madras, and Immersive Technology and Entrepreneurship Labs (ITEL) have found that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) significantly outperform petrol-powered internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions over their full lifecycle, even under India's current grid conditions.

The study, titled "The March Towards Zero-Emission Transport: To Preserve Life on Earth by Eliminating Fossil Fuels and GHG Emissions," was led by Dr Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Founder of IITM Research Park and IITM Incubation Cell.

The research employed a dynamic model that accounts for evolving scenarios of renewable energy integration and enhanced recycling rates, examining the entire lifecycle from raw material extraction through manufacturing, operation, and end-of-life disposal over a standardized 300,000-kilometer lifespan.

Key Findings

The study found that an ICEV emits 53.84 tons of CO2e over 300,000 km, compared to 33 tons for a BEV with India's current 28% renewable grid. With fully renewable electricity, BEV operational emissions drop to 0.03 tons.

In manufacturing, without renewables or recycling, ICEV manufacturing emits 8.66 tons of CO2e, while BEVs emit 9.66 tons. With 100% renewable energy and recycling, these figures drop to 2.89 tons for ICEVs and 2.54 tons for BEVs.The research also found that BEVs convert approximately 90% of electricity into traction energy, compared to less than 25% for petrol engines.

"This study arrives at a moment when India can no longer afford to delay decisive action on transportation emissions. Our cities are choking, our citizens are suffering health consequences, and questions continue to be raised about whether electric vehicles are truly the answer. This analysis settles that debate with rigorous, India-specific data — BEVs are not just marginally better, they are decisively superior to petrol vehicles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, even with our current electricity mix. Further, the report emphasizes that the transition to EVs must go hand-in-hand with moving electricity generation to renewables and complete recycling of all subsystems of a vehicle, including battery," said Dr Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, Immersive Technology and Entrepreneurship Labs.

Context and Implications

The study comes as Indian cities face air quality challenges. Recent analysis shows that India's biggest cities have endured a decade of unhealthy to hazardous air, with none meeting safe AQI standards between 2015 and November 2025. Delhi remained the most polluted city across the entire assessment period.

The report states that ICEVs are fundamentally constrained by their carbon-intensive combustion process, with about 80% of their lifecycle emissions occurring during operation and limited potential for efficiency improvements.

"EVs represent a fundamental shift toward a sustainable future. Unlike petrol vehicles, which are locked into fossil fuel dependence and emit over 80% of their lifecycle emissions during operation, EVs improve with every megawatt of renewable energy added to the grid and every advancement in battery recycling. The choice is clear: EVs offer a pathway to near-zero emissions, while petrol vehicles offer at most incremental improvements to an inherently polluting technology," added Dr. Jhunjhunwala.

Projections and Recommendations

The report projects that by 2040, advanced recycling could recover up to 95% of key materials and cut manufacturing emissions by 30-40%. The shift to EVs is expected to drive a 20-30% increase in renewable electricity generation by 2035.

The findings highlight a dual-action strategy for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and policymakers: prioritizing grid decarbonization and investing in circular battery ecosystems. "It is not just adopting BEVs, but also greening of electricity and adopting full recycling, that will enable the earth to deal with global warming," the report concludes.

Mahindra Opens Pre-Bookings for XUV 7XO Premium SUV Ahead of January Launch

Shristi Ohri — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:18:58

Mahindra & Mahindra has commenced pre-bookings for its upcoming premium SUV, the XUV 7XO, with customers able to reserve the vehicle from 12:00 PM on December 15, 2025. The company is accepting advance reservations with a booking amount of Rs 21,000 through its dealership network across India and online channels.

The XUV 7XO represents a comprehensive update to the popular XUV700, which has accumulated over 300,000 customers since its launch four years ago. The company describes the vehicle as a hi-tech, premium SUV that builds upon the foundation of its predecessor with improvements in design, technology, comfort, and performance.

At the time of pre-booking, customers will have the flexibility to select their preferred dealership, fuel type, and transmission option. The XUV 7XO will be offered in both petrol and diesel variants, with each fuel option available in manual and automatic transmission configurations. The early booking system is designed to secure a place in the delivery queue for interested customers.

The company has scheduled the world premiere of the XUV 7XO for January 5, 2026, when full pricing details and variant specifications are expected to be announced. The updated model adopts Mahindra's newer nomenclature for internal combustion engine vehicles, following the pattern established by the XUV 3XO.

Based on recent teasers and spy photographs, the XUV 7XO is expected to feature significant exterior updates. These include a redesigned front grille, new dual-pod LED headlamps with updated daytime running lights, reworked taillights inspired by the XEV 9S electric SUV, and fresh alloy wheel designs. A new maroon color option has also been revealed in promotional materials.

Interior updates are anticipated to include a triple-screen dashboard setup similar to that found in Mahindra's electric vehicles, the XEV 9e and XEV 9S. This configuration would comprise a digital instrument cluster, central infotainment screen, and passenger display. Other expected features include a dual-spoke steering wheel with illuminated branding, improved ambient lighting, and upgraded upholstery materials.

The XUV 7XO is likely to continue with the proven powertrain options from the XUV700. These include a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 200 horsepower and 380 Newton-meters of torque, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine available in multiple states of tune, delivering up to 185 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters. Both engines are expected to be paired with six-speed manual and automatic transmission options, with the diesel variant also offering an all-wheel-drive system.

The current XUV700 is positioned in the premium SUV segment with prices ranging from Rs 13.66 lakh to Rs 23.71 lakh (ex-showroom). The XUV 7XO is expected to be priced in a similar range, with possible adjustments to account for the additional features and updates. The vehicle will compete with rivals including the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and Jeep Meridian.

Mahindra has indicated that production of the current XUV700 will conclude with the arrival of the XUV 7XO. Test drives and detailed variant information will become available closer to the January launch date.

Founded in 1945, Mahindra Group operates across multiple sectors and employs 324,000 people in over 100 countries. The company holds the position as India's leading SUV manufacturer and the world's largest tractor manufacturer by volume.

Tired of Uber/Ola Cancellations? Jindal Group May Have an Answer

Shristi Ohri — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:24:47

Anyone who has tried booking a cab through Uber or Ola in an Indian metro city knows the drill all too well. You enter your destination, find a driver, watch the app show "Driver is on the way"—and then, minutes later, your phone rings. The driver wants to know where you're going. When you tell him, there's a pause. "Sorry sir, please cancel the ride," he says, or, "You'll have to pay extra."

The ride you thought was confirmed now becomes a negotiation, and the convenience of app-based cab-hailing suddenly feels no different from haggling with an auto-rickshaw driver at a railway station.

This frustrating experience has become endemic to India's urban mobility landscape. The problems are twofold and deeply ingrained. First, drivers routinely cancel rides after accepting them once they see the destination details—perhaps the route has too much traffic, the fare is too low for the distance, or it takes them away from a more lucrative area. Second, and arguably more infuriating, drivers often call passengers before pickup demanding extra payment over and above the app-quoted fare. Refuse, and the driver cancels. Agree, and you pay in cash what was supposed to be a transparent, app-mediated transaction.

The root cause of this dysfunction lies in the fundamental structure of aggregator platforms. Uber and Ola function as intermediaries connecting independent driver-partners with passengers. These drivers, operating as gig workers with their own vehicles, enjoy a significant degree of autonomy. While both platforms officially prohibit arbitrary cancellations and extra charges, enforcement remains challenging. Drivers can game the system by cancelling rides in ways that avoid penalties, and the sheer volume of daily rides makes it impossible for these companies to police every transaction. For millions of urban Indians, the result is an unreliable service that promises convenience but often delivers frustration.

Enter Trevel, a new mobility startup co-founded by Sahil Jindal, Managing Director of the DS Jindal Group, that proposes a fundamentally different approach to solving this problem. Launched in Gurugram earlier this month, Trevel positions itself as a "mass-premium" electric mobility platform where quality isn't enforced after complaints—it's designed into the system from the ground up.

"For years, urban mobility has trained us to compromise," Jindal wrote in a recent LinkedIn post announcing the venture. "Late arrivals. Last-minute cancellations. Dirty cars. Awkward calls asking for the drop location. We accepted it because we were told this was 'how the system works.' At Trevel, we decided not to accept that."

There are several Jindal groups in India, including the DP Jindal Group (Jindal Pipes Limited, Maharashtra Seamless), the Jindal Steel and Power group associated with O.P. Jindal's descendants, and the JSW Group.

Sahil Jindal is a third-generation leader of the DS Jindal Group, a diversified conglomerate founded over seven decades ago by his grandfather, Debi Sahai Jindal. The group built its reputation in the steel and piping industry, becoming one of India's largest manufacturers of ERW pipes before diversifying into Multi-Layer Composite (MLC) pipes, PVC pipes, CPVC pipes, GFRP rebars (under the Flujo brand), and more recently, cement and hardware fittings.

Sahil Jindal, born in 1982, completed his schooling at Springdales School in Delhi before earning a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Greenwich, London, in 2005. He joined the family business immediately after graduation and has since driven the group's diversification and technological advancement. An active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, where he has served as President of the Noida chapter, Jindal is also an angel investor with interests spanning multiple sectors. His foray into mobility with Trevel represents his most ambitious departure yet from the group's manufacturing core.

Solving the Uncertainty Principle

What distinguishes Trevel from existing ride-hailing platforms is its ownership and employment model. Unlike Uber and Ola, which aggregate independent drivers, Trevel operates a 100 percent self-managed fleet. All vehicles are company-owned, and all drivers are on the company's payroll as full-time employees rather than gig workers. This seemingly simple structural change has profound implications for service quality.

When a driver is an employee rather than an independent contractor, the company has direct control over their conduct. Cancelling a ride or demanding extra money isn't just a terms-of-service violation that might go unpunished—it's grounds for disciplinary action from an employer. The incentive structure changes fundamentally. A salaried driver with job security and benefits has far less motivation to game the system than a gig worker optimising for short-term earnings.

Trevel has built its pitch around this difference, offering what it calls a "Zero Cancellation Policy" and a "100% On-Time Guarantee." The company uses AI-powered scheduling and route optimisation to ensure punctuality, and its fleet consists of luxury electric vehicles that promise a premium experience. Current services include city trips, airport transfers, and hourly rentals, with outstation services planned for the near future.

The choice of Gurugram as the launch market is strategic. The city's dense corporate ecosystem, extensive airport connectivity requirements, poor to non-existent public transport and digitally sophisticated population make it an ideal testing ground.

The company has ambitious growth plans, targeting a fleet of 500 luxury electric vehicles by 2026. It is working with city authorities and ecosystem partners on EV charging infrastructure, route safety, and fleet optimisation as it scales across Gurugram's various zones.

Of course, Trevel's model comes with trade-offs. Operating company-owned vehicles with salaried drivers is capital-intensive and limits scalability compared to the asset-light aggregator approach. Pricing will likely be higher than budget cab services, positioning Trevel more as an alternative to premium segments than a mass-market solution. The "mass-premium" positioning suggests an attempt to bridge this gap, but whether the economics work at scale remains to be seen.

There's also the question of whether structural reliability alone can carve out a sustainable niche in a market dominated by well-funded incumbents. Uber and Ola have name recognition, vast driver networks, and the ability to compete on price. Trevel is betting that a segment of urban Indians—business travellers, corporate commuters, airport-bound passengers—will pay a premium for predictability.

For now, the launch represents an interesting experiment in Indian urban mobility: a bet that the solution to the aggregator model's failures lies not in better enforcement but in fundamentally different ownership and employment structures. Whether Trevel succeeds or fails, Sahil Jindal has identified a genuine pain point that millions of Indians experience daily. In a market where ride-hailing has become synonymous with haggling and uncertainty, the promise of "mobility that feels predictable, professional, and respectful of your time" is, at minimum, a compelling pitch.

Here’s What Maruti Suzuki Thinks About EV Adoption Hurdles in India

Ketan Thakkar — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:19:39

Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch its first battery electric vehicle – eVitara – in India, where the adoption of EVs is yet gain significant momentum. The automaker believes that people’s interest in EVs is growing, but the market is still held back by three major issues - real-world driving range, charging infrastructure, and uncertainty around resale value.

Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer for marketing and sales at Maruti Suzuki, believes that early EV experiences in India have had some negative impact on consumer confidence. “There have been concerns that the range that is being promised is not delivered. This creates a huge problem when consumers are making travel plans. That is one of the big concerns. Many customers believe that the electric vehicles’ range is not in line with the announced range,” he said.

Maruti Suzuki claims that the eVitara, offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options and an ARAI-certified range of up to 543 km, is capable of delivering over 500 km on a single charge in real-world conditions. The company said it has focused on demonstrating usable range rather than making optimistic claims. Banerjee noted that the vehicle has been extensively driven by independent users, not just tested internally.

Charing Infra
The second bigger challenge for EV adoption is the lack of widespread charging infrastructure. While most of the major automakers in India have rolled out their fully electric vehicles, limited charging infrastructure is seen as another biggest barriers to faster adoption of EVs in the country. India currently has fewer than 30,000 public charging stations, a number widely seen as inadequate for mass EV adoption.

Banerjee said most EV buyers today use their cars as secondary vehicles, largely because they do not trust the availability of public chargers for longer or unplanned journeys. “Today, since the public infrastructure is not there, consumers do not want to take a chance. So, if they are going to buy their first vehicle, it happens to be an ICE vehicle, for EV,” he said. “If a customer believes the vehicle is good but not the ecosystem, he will still not buy it.”

Maruti Suzuki is attempting to break this by setting up charging stations ahead of demand. The company has partnered with 13 charge-point operators and has already installed around 2,000 exclusive charging points across more than 1,100 cities. Its plan is to scale this to over one lakh charging points by the end of the decade, with a particular focus on highways and expressways. In key corridors across the top 100 cities, the company is working towards an average spacing of one charger every 5–10 km.

To simplify access to its charging infra, Maruti Suzuki has integrated multiple charging networks into a single digital platform, allowing users to locate, access and pay for charging through one app.

The government and the industry have also been pushing for higher charger-to-vehicle density, advocating that it is critical to encourage more consumers to transition to electric vehicles by alleviating range anxiety. Other OEMs, including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai, are also setting up electric vehicle charging stations across the country to gain consumer confidence.

Resale value, after-sales support
The third biggest concern is resale value and after-sales support. Unlike internal combustion engine cars, where resale values are broadly predictable, electric vehicle buyers remain uncertain about what their cars will be worth after a few years, largely due to concerns over battery degradation. The battery accounts for roughly 40% of an EV’s cost, and Banerjee said this lack of clarity on long-term value has made many consumers hesitant to commit to electric cars.

Although EVs inherently require less servicing than their ICE vehicles, Banerjee feels that OEMs need to establish robust workshop networks capable of swiftly addressing any unexpected technical issues. The reliable availability of these specialized EV services is essential for building consumer confidence.

To address these concerns, Maruti Suzuki will launch an assured buyback program for its electric vehicles, a move the company believes will significantly alleviate consumer worries about resale value. The company has also readied around 1,500 EV-enabled workshops across 1,100 cities, covering not just major urban centres but also surrounding regions within a 250-km radius. The network, Banerjee said, will continue to expand as EV volumes rise.

Production of the eVitara began in August at the company’s Gujarat plant. Initially, the vehicle is being sold in the UK and is slated for export to Japan in January. While the company has not disclosed the exact timeline for India launch, Banerjee said Maruti Suzuki will start dispatching some units to dealerships in December, making the vehicle available to consumers for test drives. ENDS

Maruti Suzuki to Reassess FY30 EV Sales Outlook After GST Cut on ICE Vehicles

Ketan Thakkar — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:10:20

India’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki, is reassessing the passenger vehicle industry’s forecast of electric vehicle penetration by the end of the decade after recent GST rationalisation widened the price gap between ICE models and EVs.

GST 2.0 reduced the tax on small ICE cars [up to 4 metres in length] to a flat rate of 18%, compared with 31% (including cess) earlier, while the tax on mid- and large-sized ICE cars [with a length of over 4 metres] has been reduced to 40%, as against 43%-50% (including cess) earlier.

However, the GST on EVs continues at 5%. While the lower tax on petrol and diesel cars has boosted overall vehicle demand, it has made EVs appear relatively more expensive to value-conscious buyers.

Maruti Suzuki had earlier projected electric vehicle penetration in passenger vehicle sales to be in the range of 13-15% by 2030. Partho Banerjee, the company’s senior executive officer for marketing and sales, said the estimate was made before the GST changes, and it needs to be reassessed now.

“We had given a forecast that by 2030, the industry volume will be in the range of 5.5 to 6 million units and electric vehicle penetration will be around 13-15%. But that was before GST 2.0. Now, we need to study the market again,” he said, while adding that recent months have shown a softening in EV penetration even as overall passenger vehicle sales remained strong.

Industry data shows that electric car penetration has slipped below earlier levels despite year-on-year growth in volumes. For instance, electric car sales rose 63% year-on-year in November to 14,700 units. But the penetration stood at just 3.7%, well below the pre-GST level of 5%.

Currently, the Indian electric car market is dominated by Tata Motors, which holds the largest market share, followed by JSW MG Motor and Mahindra & Mahindra.

Maruti Suzuki has already begun production of its first battery electric vehicle, the eVitara, at its Gujarat plant, with units currently being exported to the UK, and slated for Japan in January and India in the coming months.

While Maruti Suzuki has not yet disclosed the exact launch timeline for the domestic market, the management noted that eVitara dispatches to dealerships will commence in December, making the vehicle available to consumers for test drives.

The automaker believes EV adoption in India is constrained by gaps between claimed and real-world range, limited charging infrastructure, and uncertainty over resale value, which together have weakened consumer confidence.

To address this, the carmaker is focusing on real-world driving range and building a comprehensive EV ecosystem before its launch. This includes installing 1 lakh charging points by 2030, and has already readied 1,500 EV-enabled workshops. The company will also introduce an assured buyback program.

Banerjee said the EV market will reach an inflection point once the ecosystem is strong enough to give consumers the confidence to buy an electric vehicle as their primary car, rather than limiting it to a second vehicle. ENDS

Maruti Suzuki to Introduce Assured Buyback Program, BaaS for eVitara

Ketan Thakkar — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:06:12

In a bid to make electric vehicles more attractive to consumers by addressing resale value concerns and higher initial acquisition cost, Maruti Suzuki plans to offer an assured buyback program and introduce Battery as a Service (BaaS) and subscription model for its first battery electric vehicle - eVitara.

Partho Banerjee, the company’s senior executive officer for marketing and sales, said concerns over the resale value of electric vehicles remain one of the major factors weighing on consumer confidence in EVs, apart from limited charging infrastructure, and the company plans to address this concern through an assured buyback program.

Unlike the broadly predictable resale values of ICE vehicles, EV buyers face significant uncertainty about future valuation for their vehicle. This concern is largely due to uncertainty over battery degradation, a critical issue since the battery accounts for approximately 40% of an EV’s total cost.

JSW MG Motor, some of the luxury carmakers and a few two-wheeler makers have also started offering assured buyback programs on their EVs to boost consumer confidence. For instance, JSW MG Motor offers an assured buyback plan for the MG Windsor PRO, which ensures that it will retain 60% of its value after three years.

Meanwhile, the higher upfront cost of electric vehicles continues to deter buyers in India’s price-sensitive market, even though EVs can offer a lower total cost of ownership over the long term.

Although the price gap between EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles had been narrowing, the introduction of GST 2.0 has altered that trajectory. The tax cut on petrol and diesel cars, while retaining the existing rate for EVs, has lifted overall vehicle demand but made electric models appear relatively more expensive to value-conscious buyers.

Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) is a business model that aims to make electric vehicles more affordable and competitive with ICE models by separating the ownership of the battery from the ownership of the vehicle. The model consumers pay for battery usage on a subscription basis or per kilometre driven. This reduces the upfront cost of an electric vehicle as the battery accounts for 30-40% of the cost of an electric vehicle.

Maruti Suzuki believes BaaS could be attractive for consumers who do not want to pay a higher initial cost for an EV, and Banerjee confirmed that the company will launch the BaaS model for eVitara, which is expected to start sales in India in the coming months.

In the mass-market EV space, JSW MG Motor has introduced the BaaS with its Windsor EV, while two-wheeler manufacturers such as Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy are offering similar schemes for their electric products.

Earlier this year, JSW MG launched the Windsor at a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 9.99 lakh, which excludes the battery cost. Under the BaaS model, the battery is provided on a rental basis at an additional cost of Rs 3.5 per kilometer.

However, some automakers are skeptical about the viability of the BaaS model for EVs, citing financial, logistical, and consumer value concerns. The country’s largest electric car maker Tata Motors, which had evaluated the potential of the BaaS model, sees it more of a marketing strategy than a practical solution, adding unnecessary complexity and cost to consumers.

However, Maruti Suzuki believes the BaaS could help address a key customer concern, noting that EV residual values largely depend on battery deterioration—an issue that can be mitigated through the BaaS model. ENDS

Tata Sierra Accomplished and Accomplished+ Variants Priced Starting at ₹17.99 Lakh

Shristi Ohri — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:28:22

Tata Motors has announced pricing for the top-tier Accomplished and Accomplished+ variants of the Sierra SUV, with prices beginning at ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The launch marks the return of the iconic nameplate with a comprehensive range spanning five trim levels.

The Accomplished variants feature over 230 features and are available in six color options across four powertrain configurations. Key highlights include a Horizon View Triple Screen Infotainment Experience, HypAR HUD, Dolby Atmos audio, and a 12-speaker JBL Black sound system with subwoofer and SonicShaft Soundbar.

The range includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with 22 key features, along with connectivity options such as iRA connected car suite with 75 features and powered tailgate with gesture control. Comfort features include a six-way powered driver seat with memory function and welcome mode, plus dual rear USB-C charging ports.

The Accomplished variant with the 1.5 Revotron MT engine starts at ₹17.99 lakh, while the top-spec Accomplished+ with 1.5 Kryojet AT is priced at ₹21.29 lakh. The 1.5 TGDI Hyperion engine options are available at ₹19.99 lakh for the AT Accomplished and ₹20.99 lakh for the AT Accomplished+ variants.

Below the Accomplished tier, the Sierra lineup includes Adventure and Adventure+ variants starting at ₹15.29 lakh, offering 95+ features and five powertrain options. The Pure and Pure+ variants begin at ₹12.99 lakh with 75+ features, while the entry Smart+ variant starts at ₹11.49 lakh.

Weekly News Wrap: Mexico’s Tariff Shock, Kia’s Hybrid Push, Ferrari’s EV Plan and Volkswagen’s Workforce Reset

Darshan Nakhwa — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:07:44

The Indian auto industry closed the second week of December navigating a mix of geopolitical disruption, strategic realignment and technology transition. A sudden tariff hike by Mexico threatened to disrupt nearly $1 billion worth of Indian vehicle exports, underscoring how trade policy risks are resurfacing as a major variable for automakers. At the same time, manufacturers recalibrated their long-term bets on hybrids, electric vehicles and workforce costs.

Hybrids returned firmly to the centre of India’s powertrain debate, with Kia confirming that a Seltos Hybrid is on its roadmap, though its launch hinges on aggressive localisation to protect affordability. Luxury and performance brands, meanwhile, used India as a platform to articulate broader strategic thinking. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna outlined how the iconic brand plans to add electric cars without abandoning ICE or hybrids, framing electrification as an emotional, customer-led evolution rather than a regulatory compulsion.

Cost pressures also moved into sharper focus. Volkswagen Group initiated a voluntary early retirement programme across its Indian manufacturing operations, signalling a deeper restructuring effort in a market where scale has remained elusive despite long-standing presence. Meanwhile, post-festive demand moderation, cooling EV adoption in price-sensitive segments, and renewed investor focus on fewer but larger EV bets highlighted how the industry is entering a more measured phase of growth.

Here’s the detailed round-up of all major developments from this week:

Mexico's Tariff Increase to Affect $1 Billion in Indian Car Exports

Mexico's tariff increase will affect $1 billion worth of shipments from major Indian car exporters, including Volkswagen and Hyundai, despite industry lobbying efforts to prevent the move, according to two sources and an industry letter reviewed by Reuters.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government approved Wednesday raising import tariffs next year on hundreds of items from countries without trade agreements, including China and India. The import duty on cars will rise to 50% from 20%.

Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

Citroën India Reports Three-Fold Sales Increase in Q4 2025

Record 599,000 cars, SUVs exported in April-November, upcoming Mexico tariff hike casts a shadow

TVS leads electric 2W market in first-half December, industry sales cross 1.2 million in CY2025

TVS leads electric 2W market in first-half December, industry sales cross 1.2 million in CY2025

Tata Group Reviews Clean Energy and EV Manufacturing Plans in Uttar Pradesh

Hyundai NEXO Receives Top Safety Rating from Euro NCAP

Motovolt Opens First Dealership in Bihar

Video: Inside JSW MG’s Playbook for Profitable EVs in India

Pankaj Gupta Resigns as Sterling Tools CFO

Dylect Launches Flow Prime Pressure Washer at ₹5,499

India's EV Sales Projected to Reach 22 Million Units by 2035: KPMG

India's Strategy

Outlook

India's EV Sales Projected to Reach 22 Million Units by 2035: KPMG

India's Strategy

Outlook

Volvo Car India to Plant 20,000+ Trees in Aravalli Range

JSW MG Motor India Launches Hector Facelift at ₹11.99 Lakh

Battery Electric Vehicles Cut Emissions Over Lifecycle: IIT Madras

Key Findings

Context and Implications

Projections and Recommendations

Mahindra Opens Pre-Bookings for XUV 7XO Premium SUV Ahead of January Launch

Tired of Uber/Ola Cancellations? Jindal Group May Have an Answer

Solving the Uncertainty Principle

Here’s What Maruti Suzuki Thinks About EV Adoption Hurdles in India

Maruti Suzuki to Reassess FY30 EV Sales Outlook After GST Cut on ICE Vehicles

Maruti Suzuki to Introduce Assured Buyback Program, BaaS for eVitara

Tata Sierra Accomplished and Accomplished+ Variants Priced Starting at ₹17.99 Lakh

Weekly News Wrap: Mexico’s Tariff Shock, Kia’s Hybrid Push, Ferrari’s EV Plan and Volkswagen’s Workforce Reset

Why Clearer Vision Could Be the Next Big Leap in Road Safety

TVS Apache Rules 150-200cc Segment, Set for Record Sales of 550,000 in FY2026

Made in India: The Next Frontier of Tech Sovereignty

Ferrari’s EV Play Will Complement, Not Replace ICE Vehicles: CEO Vigna

Emotion Before Technology

Making Electric Ferrari Feel Like a Ferrari

Carbon-Neutral Fuels Still Matter

Ferrari CEO to IIT Bombay Students: “Redefine the Limits of What’s Possible”

A Brand Built Like a Nut

Technology as a Tool, Not the Identity

Why People Choose Ferrari

EXCLUSIVE: Ferrari Sees Long-Term Opportunity in India Despite Small Supercar Base: CEO Vigna

Infrastructure, Changing Buyer Profiles

A Market Ferrari Has Known Before

How Owners Use Ferraris

Scooter Sales Cross 5 Million in April-November, EVs help TVS, Hero, Ather Grow Market Share

HONDA SHARE REDUCES TO 40%, TVS SHARE INCREASES TO 28%

SCOOTER INDUSTRY HEADED FOR RECORD 7 MILLION SALES IN FY2026

Scooter Sales Cross 5 Million in April-November, EVs help TVS, Hero, Ather Grow Market Share

HONDA SHARE REDUCES TO 40%, TVS SHARE INCREASES TO 28%

SCOOTER INDUSTRY HEADED FOR RECORD 7 MILLION SALES IN FY2026