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Mahindra Sells Half-a-Million SUVs in Jan-Oct; Set to Surpass 600,000 in CY2025

Ajit Dalvi — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:59:00

Mahindra & Mahindra, which registered its highest-ever monthly wholesales of 71,624 SUVs in October 2025, has driven past the half-a-million mark in the first 10 months of the current calendar year. Between January and December 2025, M&M has dispatched 518,321 units (up 18% YoY) to its dealers across India, marking strong 18% YoY growth (January-October 2024: 440,814 units).

Having already achieved 98% of its CY2024 sales and 67% of its FY2025 dispatches, M&M is well set to set hit the 600,000 milestone for the first time in both CY2025 and FY2026.

M&M, which sold over half-a-million SUVs (528,460 units) for the first time in a calendar year in CY2024 and also in FY2025 (551,487 units) is now headed towards breaking both these records. After the first 10 months of CY2025, the company needs to sell just 10,140 SUVs more to drive past the CY2024 total. And for FY2026, total wholesales for the first seven months at 369,194 units (up 17% YoY) are already 67% of the FY2025 total, with another five months to be counted in the current fiscal year.

Given the current strong sales momentum, particularly after the GST 2.0-driven price reductions and two months left to go this year, expect M&M to register record wholesales of around 620,000 SUVs (up 17% YoY) in CY2025.

While the Scorpio twins account for the largest share of M&M sales, the Thar Roxx and the two Born Electric SUVs have turned out to be the growth accelerators in the first seven months of FY2026.

SCORPIO, THAR COMMAND 47% SHARE OF M&M SALES IN APRIL-OCTOBER

New models, which prove successful in the market, always make a mark both within their own stable as well as in the overall segment. That’s just what the Thar Roxx and the two Born Electric SUVs (BE 6 and XEV 9e) have done for M&M.

A deep dive into model-wise wholesales numbers for the company’s SUVs reveals that though the Scorpio twins (Classic and N) sold 102,514 units with 6% YoY growth, their share of total SUV sales of 369,194 units in the first seven months of FY2026 has reduced to 27.76% from 30.81% a year ago (see data table above).

The Thar brand, comprising the 3-door Thar and 5-door Thar Roxx, has moved up three ranks in M&M’s model line-up to take No. 2 position in the current fiscal. With combined sales of 71,351 units (up 67% YoY), the Thar’s share of M&M’s sales has jumped to 19% from 13% in the year-ago period. Between the two models, the Thar Roxx with an estimated share of over 65% accounts for the bulk of the Thar brand’s sales. October 3 saw the launch of the new face-lifted 3-door Thar, which has a number of cosmetic changes inside and out.

October also saw the launch of the new Bolero and Bolero Neo – factory dispatches of 14,343 Bolero SUVs last month are likely to be the highest monthly wholesales for this indefatigable SUV. The last time when Bolero sales had crossed the 10,000 mark was in February 2024 (10,113 units) and March 2024 (10,347 units). Cumulative seven-month Bolero sales of 57,512 units (up 2%) give it a 15% share of M&M SUV dispatches, albeit this is down from the 18% they had a year ago.

The XUV 3XO compact SUV, with 56,637 units (down 9% YoY)), is ranked model No. 4 for the company with a share of 15% versus nearly 20% a year ago.

Flagship model XUV700 is next with 51,357 units (down 5% YoY) which results in its share of M&M sales reducing to 14% from 17% a year ago.

M&M has received a growth accelerator in the form the two new zero-emission SUV launched early this year. While the BE 6 and XEV 9e’s 10-month calendar-year sales of 36,104 units in India translate into a 7% share of the 518,321 M&M SUVs sold, their share of the first seven months of FY2026 improves to 8% of the 369,194 SUVs M&M has dispatched to its showrooms across the country. In October, these two Born Electric SUVs clocked best-ever monthly sales of 4,842 units and contributed 7% to M&M’s record SUV sales of 71,624 units last month.

ALSO READ: India’s UV Market Records Strong October: 10,218 SUVs and MPVs Sold Daily

Hero MotoCorp Enters Spanish Market, Expands Presence to 50 Countries

Arunima Pal — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:58:49

Hero MotoCorp has officially entered the Spanish market through a distribution partnership with Noria Motos, part of the ONEX Group. This marks the company’s presence in its 50th international market, strengthening its footprint in Europe following its earlier expansion into Italy.

Under the partnership, Noria Motos will offer Hero’s models through over 30 sales and service outlets in major Spanish cities, with plans to expand to 50 locations by 2026 and complete the full network by 2028. Hero MotoCorp’s authorized dealers will provide after-sales service and technical support across these locations.

The initial lineup includes the Hunk 440 and Xpulse 200 family of motorcycles. The Hunk 440, compliant with Euro 5+ standards, targets city commuting and highway use, with 27 BHP of power and 36 Nm torque, dual-channel ABS, USD forks, a fully digital display, and wide tyres. Pricing starts at €3,488. The Xpulse 200 series, including the Xpulse 200 4V and Xpulse 200 4V Pro, combines urban commuting with off-road capabilities. The 4V Pro delivers 18.9 BHP and 17.35 Nm of torque, with multiple ABS modes, touring-ready features, and digital instrumentation. Prices range from €2,592 to €2,792.

Hero MotoCorp will offer a standard three-year warranty, extendable to five years as part of a special launch offer.

Headquartered in New Delhi, Hero MotoCorp has operated for over 24 years, serving more than 125 million customers globally. The company has eight manufacturing facilities, two R&D centres, and strategic partnerships with Harley-Davidson, Zero Motorcycles, Ather Energy, and Euler Motors. Its electric mobility arm, VIDA, focuses on sustainable transport solutions.

BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme EV Hits 496 kph to Become World’s Fastest Production Car

Ajit Dalvi — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:41:28

Yangwang, the luxury sub-brand of Chinese EV maker BYD, has set a new global production-car top-speed record of 496.22 kph (308.4 mph) at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany.

The feat was achieved with Yangwang’s latest U9 Xtreme hypercar on 14 September 2025, surpassing its previous EV benchmark and the 490.484 kph (304.48 mph) maximum of the quickest petrol-powered model to become the world’s fastest car overall. This modern milestone in engineering sets a new standard in electric mobility, combining unrivalled power and speed with zero emissions.

Originally known as the U9 Track/Special Edition, and now officially confirmed as the Yangwang U9 Xtreme in production guise—or U9X for short—the fastest car on the planet takes the existing technical architecture of the U9 currently on sale in China and builds on it with a number of key evolutions.

These include, but are not limited to: an upgraded powertrain with 1200V ultra-high-voltage electrics (compared with 800V), a lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a remarkable discharge rate of 30C, four ultra-high-speed motors that operate at up to 30,000 rpm and produce a total of more than 3000 PS, track-level semi-slick tyres, and revised DiSus-X suspension with specific tuning to cope with the increased stresses of circuit driving.

Commenting on the world record, BYD executive vice-president Stella Li said:
“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in the research and development division. Yangwang is a brand that does not recognise the impossible. I extend my gratitude to the whole team, and my thanks to the driver, Marc Basseng, for his skill and technical input. It’s terrific that the fastest production car in the world is now electric.”

The driver for the U9X’s record-breaking run was Marc Basseng, a German track specialist with a long history in sports-car racing and endurance motorsport. He said:
“This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance. Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”

The U9 Xtreme is now being made available to customers, with a limited series production run of no more than 30 units. Its name is derived from the English word Extreme, meaning “limit” and “ultimate,” with added emphasis on the “X,” which represents the unknown.

Ford to Cut Up to 1,000 Jobs in Germany Amid Slowing EV Demand

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:37:48

Ford Motor Co. will cut as many as 1,000 jobs at its electric vehicle plant in Cologne, Germany, citing weaker-than-expected demand for battery-powered cars, Fortune reported Tuesday. The company said the reductions would be carried out primarily through voluntary departures and buyouts.

The move comes on top of a restructuring announced in November 2024 that targeted 4,000 job cuts across Europe and the UK, including 2,900 positions in Germany. Ford said it is “continually evaluating production volumes and adjusting them to demand,” noting that demand for electric cars in Europe is falling significantly short of industry forecasts.

The Cologne facility, which manufactures the electric version of the Explorer SUV, will shift from two production shifts to a single shift starting in January, according to the company’s statement, as stated by Fortune.

Electric vehicles accounted for 15.6% of the European market in the first seven months of the year, compared with 12.5% in the same period last year. Growth, however, has been slower than projected, partly due to the removal of purchase subsidies in Germany.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, Ford sold 260,000 vehicles of all types in the first seven months of the year, a 0.7% increase, maintaining its 3.3% market share.

Adidas Partners with Audi's F1 Team in Multi-Year Deal

Anurag Chaturvedi — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:20:04

Adidas has signed a multi-year partnership with Audi's Formula 1 team ahead of the German carmaker's debut in the 2026 season. The deal positions the sportswear giant as an official team partner, extending its motorsport presence as F1 experiences rapid global growth.

The partnership will produce technical gear for Audi's drivers and mechanics, alongside a consumer collection launching in February 2026. Adidas recently entered F1 with a Mercedes partnership, replacing Puma as the German team's apparel supplier, while Puma maintains its role as F1's official provider for licensed merchandise.

Audi will compete with a factory team and hybrid power unit developed in Germany when new FIA regulations take effect in 2026. The regulations mandate sustainable fuels and increase the electric component of hybrid systems to nearly 50 percent of total power output.

Strategic Timing for Market Entry

The collaboration capitalizes on F1's expanding commercial appeal. Viewership has surged globally, particularly in key demographics that both brands target. Adidas CEO Bjoern Gulden described the partnership as part of the company's "ongoing commitment to F1" and emphasized plans to "engage a new generation of motorsport fans."

The timing aligns with regulatory changes that emphasize sustainability, matching both companies' environmental messaging. Audi's entry coincides with F1's push toward hybrid technology and sustainable fuels, potentially attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

Operational Structure

Audi's F1 operation spans three locations: power unit development in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany; chassis development and race operations in Hinwil, Switzerland; and technical support in the UK's Motorsport Valley. This distributed structure reflects the complexity of modern F1 operations and Audi's commitment to the project.

The Adidas collection will include apparel, footwear, and accessories available globally before Audi's first race. This consumer-facing component represents a significant revenue opportunity, as F1 merchandise sales have grown substantially alongside the sport's popularity.

Jonathan Wheatley, Audi's team principal, highlighted the partnership's dual focus on performance equipment and fan engagement. The collaboration brings together "two iconic brands" with established track records in their respective markets, potentially creating synergies beyond traditional sponsorship arrangements.

Suzuki Swift Global Sales Cross 10 Million Units, India Largest Market With 60% Share

Ajit Dalvi — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:36:45

The Suzuki Swift hatchback has achieved cumulative global sales of 10 million units as of July 2025, according to Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). The milestone comes 20 years and 8 months after the Swift was first launched in November 2004 in Japan. While the first five million Swifts were sold in 11 years and five months, the last five million units have taken 9 years and three months.

India is the world’s largest market for the car, where it is sold as the Maruti Swift by the passenger car market leader, Maruti Suzuki India. According to SMC, of the 10 million units sold worldwide, 60% have come from India, 14% in Europe, 8% in Japan, and 18% in other countries.

In India, since its launch in 2005, it has sold approximately six million units. In FY2025, the Maruti Swift clocked sales of 179,641 units, down 8%. Now, with the Goods & Services tax on small cars slashed to 18% from 28%, the Swift along with other small cars should see a revival in demand in FY2026 in the Indian market.

While the first five million Swifts were sold in 11 years and five months, the last five million units have taken 9 years and three months.

Since its launch in 2004 as a global strategic car, the Swift has won ‘Car of the Year’ awards in Japan and other countries around the world. The Swift has been produced in a number of countries including Japan, India, Hungary, China, Pakistan and Ghana, and sold in more than 170 countries and regions including Japan, India and Europe.

Commenting on the mega sales milestone, SMC president Toshihiro Suzuki said: “Thanks to our customers around the world who have chosen the Swift, we are proud to announce that its accumulated global sales have reached 10 million units. We extend our heartfelt gratitude.

Launched in 2004 as a compact car designed to meet global standards, the Swift has grown to become one of Suzuki’s flagship models. It was also the first new model to be produced almost simultaneously in four countries, marking a major milestone in our global expansion.”

Kia sells its millionth vehicle in Australia, last 500,000 in seven years

Ajit Dalvi — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:32:06

Kia Corporation is celebrating its one millionth sale in Australia. The milestone vehicle is a Tasman X-Pro Dual Cab pickup.

Kia first entered the Australian market in 1988 with the launch of the Rocsta. It took three decades to reach 500,000 cumulative sales in 2018. Yet in just seven years, Kia has doubled that figure, reaching the one-million mark.

Tae-Hun (Ted) Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Operations Division at Kia, said, “This milestone reflects the growing strength of Kia in Australia and the significant role the market plays in our global success. The Tasman’s strong reception shows the value of developing vehicles tailored to the needs of each region. With the continued rollout of our Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) and an expanding EV range, we are well positioned to build on this achievement in the years ahead.”

Damien Meredith, CEO of Kia Australia, added, “Kia has thrived in a competitive and dynamic market, backed by products that have evolved to meet changing expectations and a brand that has earned the trust of Australian customers.”

Kia’s recent accomplishments in Australia include topping the nationwide Dealer Satisfaction Survey in 2022, a testament to the brand’s reliability and customer service. Meanwhile, in 2024, the brand surpassed 80,000 sales in a single year for the first time.

Kia has a growing electrified line-up and award-winning models such as the segment-leading Picanto, the Carnival – Australia’s best-selling people mover — and the newly launched Tasman pickup.

ALSO READ: Kia clocks best-ever first-half global sales of 1.58 million, India share at its highest: 9%

Forvia Hella and Tau Motors to develop advanced charging solutions for EVs

Ajit Dalvi — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:22:15

The purely virtual insulation reduces the installation space and volume of the onboard charger by up to half and its weight by around a third. (Image: Forvia Hella & Tau)

International automotive supplier Forvia Hella and Tau Motors, a pioneer in software-defined power conversion, are working on advanced charging solutions in the context of a strategic development cooperation.

The focus is on the development of a ‘virtually isolated Onboard Charger (viOBC)’ for electric vehicles, aiming to bring it into series production within the next two to three years. By dispensing with a transformer, the viOBC has a high-power density and energy efficiency on the one hand; on the other, the weight and required installation space can be significantly reduced. The product also enables advanced energy management in vehicles, including vehicle-to-grid integration with bidirectional charging. The development partnership also includes an investment in Tau via the venture capital arm Hella Ventures.
In this partnership, Forvia Hella contributes extensive expertise in the field of high-voltage and power electronics as well as industrialization capabilities. Tau brings its software-defined technology platform alongside deep expertise in power electronics, controls, and innovative product design capability to the table.
"We are very pleased with the partnership with Tau and the joint development of this outstanding Onboard Charger with an exceptionally high degree of innovation. The collaboration takes onboard charging to the next level and creates a product that sets new standards in power density. With this, we are also expanding our portfolio of high-performance key components for electrification. viOBCs represent another significant contribution to sustainable mobility and strengthens our position as an innovation leader," said Jörg Weisgerber, Managing Director Electronics at Forvia Hella.
Wesley Pennington, Founder and CEO of Tau, added: "This advanced technology partnership brings together Tau’s software-defined power conversion platform and Forvia Hella’s global scale in product, quality, and safety. More importantly it aligns groundbreaking technology with industrial excellence to deliver the next generation of high-voltage power electronic and energy management solutions for clean, intelligent mobility."

Transformer-less design

Compared to conventional charging solutions, the virtually isolated Onboard Charger requires no transformer for galvanic separation (isolation) between the AC grid and the DC vehicle system thanks to innovative software and hardware design. Despite this, it fully ensures electrical and functional safety while maintaining the range of functions found in transformer-based designs. By eliminating the transformer, the viOBC achieves a very high-power density of up to 7 kW per litre of installation volume. The virtual isolation technology enables the space requirements and volume for vehicle’s OBC to be reduced by up to half, and its weight by around a third.
Moreover, the transformer-less design enables an energy efficiency of more than 98 percent during the charging process. This subsequently enables CO2 savings through weight reduction as well as lower electricity costs due to higher efficiency. A viOBC prototype has now successfully completed its technological and commercial concept testing; series production is expected to begin within the next two to three years.

Hyundai Mobis Future Growth Strategy Targets High-Growth China and India Markets

Ajit Dalvi — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:18:42

South Korean automotive components manufacturer Hyundai Mobis and a key part of the Hyundai Motor Group recently unveiled its future growth roadmap at its 2025 CEO Investor Day.

Held on August 27, the event brought together investors, analysts, and credit rating agencies to present its long-term growth strategy under the new vision of leading the future mobility paradigm.

President and CEO Lee Gyu-suk outlined strategic directions focused on three pillars: strengthening technology competitiveness, improving profitability, and expanding its global customer base.

To support sustainable growth, Hyundai Mobis is restructuring its business portfolio with a focus on profitability. It aims to achieve over 8% annual sales growth and a 5-6% operating profit margin by 2027 through product specialization and resource reallocation toward future core technologies.

The company is currently evaluating the competitiveness of around 60 products and enhancing its profit management system across all stages from development to mass production.

Hyundai Mobis also plans to strengthen its global presence by increasing the share of global customers in core parts sales to 40% by 2033. It will deepen partnerships in North America and Europe and expand orders in high-growth markets like China and India through localized product strategies and supply chain reinforcement. The heightened growth outlook on China and India is part of a strategic plan to strengthen profitability by focusing on high-value-added products.

The highlight of the next-gen holographic windshield display technology is that it transforms the vehicle’s front window into a transparent screen, without any additional device.

Pushing the technology envelope
Hyundai Mobis is currently building a lineup of leading-edge technologies, including windshield displays and SDV solutions. The company is currently concentrating on advanced technologies in key future mobility areas – electrification, electronics, semiconductors, and robotics.

A standout innovation is its next-generation windshield display, which uses holographic optical film to transform the windshield into a transparent screen. First unveiled at CES 2025, this technology is being co-developed with German optics firm ZEISS and is expected to launch around 2029.

In the software-defined vehicle (SDV) sector, Hyundai Mobis is developing a standardized platform based on its advanced E/E architecture, enabling software-based control across various vehicle types.

Full-scale commercialisation is targeted after 2028, following platform development and vehicle demonstrations.In electrification, the company is enhancing battery safety with systems that block heat transfer between cells using fire-resistant materials, and an automatic fire suppression system that activates upon ignition.

The company has also announced plans to strengthen its competitiveness in next-generation automotive semiconductors and robotics. In semiconductors, it is pursuing a two-track strategy: system semiconductors and power semiconductors.

The company is developing Communication SoCs and Battery Monitoring ICs, while accelerating in-house mass production of power semiconductors - critical components for EV drive systems.

To date, Hyundai Mobis has developed 16 types of semiconductors and plans to produce 20 million units this year. Its R&D process has earned the highest ISO 26262 safety rating, and it is currently developing 11 next-generation chips.

The company is also working to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem through partnerships with automakers, fabless firms, and foundries, and will host a dedicated forum next month.

In robotics, Hyundai Mobis announced its entry into the actuator market, leveraging its expertise in vehicle steering systems. Actuators, which control robot movement, share core components with electronic steering systems and account for over 60% of humanoid robot production costs. Starting with actuators, the company plans to expand into sensors and controllers.

Mahindra & Mahindra Stake Falls to 78.11% in Electric Vehicle Unit MLMML

Anurag Chaturvedi — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:49:40

Mahindra & Mahindra's stake in its electric vehicle unit fell from 100% to 78.11% on September 1st after two investors converted preference shares into equity. The Indian carmaker's subsidiary, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML), allotted 25.25m shares to the International Finance Corporation and India Japan Fund under agreements signed in 2023 and 2024.

IFC received 15.73 million equity shares from converting ₹600 crores worth of preference shares, while IJF obtained 9.52 million shares from converting ₹400 crores of preference shares. Despite the reduced stake, MLMML remains a Mahindra subsidiary.

Financial Performance

According to Mahindra's disclosure, MLMML contributed ₹3,767.02 crores or 2.4% to the parent company's consolidated turnover for the financial year ending March 2025, after eliminating intercompany transactions. The unit reported a net worth of ₹967.63 crores, representing 1.5% of Mahindra's consolidated net worth.

The company disclosed that it operates in India's electric three-wheeler segment, providing last-mile passenger and cargo transport solutions. MLMML commenced commercial operations in September 2023 following asset transfers from its parent company.

Both investors bring development finance expertise to MLMML's operations. IFC, a World Bank Group member, focuses on private sector investments in emerging markets and operates in more than 100 countries. Meanwhile, IJF represents a bilateral fund between India and Japan, with the Government of India contributing 49% and Japan Bank for International Cooperation holding 51%.

IJF concentrates on environmental preservation sectors including renewable energy and e-mobility businesses. The fund also promotes Japanese company investments in India across various sectors.

Regulatory Context

Mahindra disclosed the stake changes through regulatory filings to stock exchanges in Mumbai, Luxembourg, and London, complying with Securities and Exchange Board of India listing requirements. The company noted that no direct sale transaction occurred, as the dilution resulted from mandatory preference share conversions.

Neither IFC nor IJF belong to Mahindra's promoter group, and the conversions do not constitute related party transactions under current regulations. The preference share conversions represent the completion of investment rounds designed to provide additional capital for MLMML's growth in India's electric commercial vehicle market.

Tata Motors Reports Global IT Security Incident at JLR Operations

Anurag Chaturvedi — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:15:57

Tata Motors Limited has disclosed a significant IT security incident affecting its UK-based subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc (JLR), according to a regulatory filing made with Indian stock exchanges on Sunday.

The disclosure contained a brief statement from JLR: "We are working at pace to resolve global IT issues impacting our business. We will provide an update as appropriate in due course." The company has not provided specific details about the nature or scope of the incident.

IT Infrastructure

JLR operates a complex global IT infrastructure spanning 128 sites worldwide. The company has undergone significant digital transformation through strategic partnerships within the Tata Group ecosystem.

In September 2023, JLR signed a five-year deal valued at £800 million with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which provides comprehensive services including application development, enterprise infrastructure management, cloud migration, and cybersecurity across all JLR facilities globally. Additionally, the company partnered with Tata Technologies in March 2023 to accelerate digital transformation as part of its "Digital 2024" programme.

Furthermore, JLR maintains internal IT capabilities at its headquarters in Whitley, Coventry, and the Gaydon Centre in Warwickshire, alongside its partnership with Tata Communications for enhanced digital infrastructure transformation.

Previous Security Challenges

This incident follows previous cybersecurity challenges faced by the luxury automaker. Most notably, in March 2025, JLR was reportedly targeted by the HELLCAT ransomware group, which claimed responsibility for leaking approximately 350GB of sensitive data, including proprietary documents and employee information. Earlier, the company experienced a data breach in 2018 involving 647 agency staff members.

Consequently, these recurring incidents underscore the ongoing cybersecurity challenges facing the automotive industry as vehicles become increasingly connected and manufacturers rely heavily on digital systems for operations.

As a material subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, any significant operational disruption at JLR could potentially impact the parent company's performance. Tata Motors has committed to providing additional disclosure as information becomes available from JLR, though no timeline for resolution has been provided.

Renault Group revamps Management Structure

Anurag Chaturvedi — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:37:03

Renault Group has announced a reorganization of its executive leadership structure, marking the first strategic move by new CEO François Provost since his appointment on July 31. The changes affect positions across the company's operations, from brand management to engineering and procurement.

The most notable change involves the creation of a Chief Growth Officer position, filled by Fabrice Cambolive, who will retain his role as CEO of the Renault brand. In this expanded capacity, Cambolive will oversee both the Renault and Dacia brands, aiming to create synergies while maintaining distinct brand identities at the national sales company level.

Moreover, the appointment represents a shift toward unified brand management while preserving individual market positioning. Cambolive will also spearhead Renault Group's international expansion efforts, with particular focus on growth markets in India, Latin America, and Korea.

"To meet the challenges ahead, we need an organization that decides faster, executes smarter and stays closer to our customers," Provost stated in the announcement.

At the same time, Katrin Adt has been appointed as the new CEO of Dacia, succeeding Denis Le Vot, who has chosen to leave the company. Adt will report to the new Chief Growth Officer and joins the company's Leadership Team.

New roles created for Technology and Supply Chain

In engineering, Philippe Brunet takes on the newly created role of Chief Technology Officer, where he will manage engineering operations for both Renault Group and its electric vehicle subsidiary Ampere. The position is designed to streamline innovation processes and improve coordination across product planning, quality control, procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.

Consequently, Brunet succeeds Philippe Krief in engineering responsibilities, though Krief remains as CEO of Alpine and continues as a Leadership Team member, focusing on the luxury performance brand's development.

Meanwhile, Anthony Plouvier, formerly VP of Procurement Strategy and Transformation, has been promoted to Chief Procurement Officer, replacing François Provost in this role. With two decades of procurement experience across France, Turkey, and Japan, Plouvier will lead the transformation of the company's supplier relationships and cost optimization efforts.

Simultaneously, Thierry Charvet's responsibilities have expanded to include supply chain management, building on his existing role overseeing industry operations and quality control.

In human resources, Claire Fanget, previously Head of HR for the Renault brand, has been appointed Chief People & Organisation Officer, replacing departing executive Bruno Laforge. Her appointment comes with a mandate to adapt the company's workforce skills to meet evolving industry demands and develop managerial capabilities.

Additionally, Christian Stein, the company's Chief Communications Officer, has been elevated to the Leadership Team, while CEO Provost will continue to directly oversee partnerships and public affairs.

The organizational restructuring appears designed to address challenges facing the automotive industry, including the transition to electric vehicles, supply chain optimization, and international market expansion. The creation of unified leadership roles across previously separate functions suggests an emphasis on breaking down operational silos.

Furthermore, the focus on growth markets in Asia and Latin America aligns with global automotive trends, as European manufacturers seek to expand their presence in emerging economies with growing middle-class populations and increasing vehicle demand.

Renault Group operates through four brands: Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize. The company maintains operations in 114 countries and reported sales of 2.265 million vehicles in 2024. With over 98,000 employees globally, the group has committed to achieving carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 as part of its environmental strategy.

The leadership changes take effect immediately and represent the most organisational shift at Renault Group in recent years, signaling the new CEO's intent to restructure operations for improved efficiency and market responsiveness.

Future Mercedes models could use BMW-sourced engines

Akbar Merchant — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:03:39

Mercedes-Benz is in advanced talks with its direct German rival BMW for an engine sharing agreement where BMW will supply its 2.0-litre B48 four-cylinder petrol engine to be used in a large number of future Mercedes SUVs and cars.

According to reports from our sister publication Autocar UK and Manager Magazin, the move comes as Mercedes starts to rework its internal combustion engine (ICE) plans amid slower-than-expected EV adoption.

If finalized, Mercedes models like the recently unveiled CLA, the GLA and GLB SUVs, the next-gen C-Class, the popular E-Class, the GLC SUV and the upcoming ‘Little G’SUV that will be inspired by the G-Class will see engines sourced from BMW.

The partnership is seen as a cost-cutting and compliance strategy, giving Mercedes access to a Euro 7-ready powertrain while enabling more plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options without heavy in-house investment.

Mercedes has recently introduced its new 1.5-litre M252 four-cylinder engine in the latest-gen CLA line-up. This engine is produced in China and is better suited to mild-hybrid use and not designed for PHEV or range-extender applications. The BMW B48 engine is engineered for both transverse and longitudinal layouts, offering greater flexibility.

Production of the engines would likely be handled at BMW’s Steyr plant in Austria, with discussions also exploring a possible shared facility in the US to avoid rising tariffs.

If agreed, this would represent the first-ever engine-sharing deal between BMW and Mercedes, two of Germany’s fiercest luxury rivals — and could even pave the way for gearbox collaboration in the future.

China Agrees to Lift Export Restrictions on Rare Earth Magnets, Critical Items to India- Report

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:32:55

In a significant diplomatic development, China has agreed to address India's pressing concerns regarding export restrictions on three critical items - fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel boring machines, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The breakthrough came during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to India, where he held crucial talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the newspaper said.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, as reported by the Economic Times (ET), Beijing has not only committed to easing fertilizer export restrictions but has also conveyed its readiness to allow shipments of rare earth magnets, minerals, and tunnel boring machines to India. These were the three key requests that New Delhi had consistently flagged in bilateral talks, ET sources revealed.

The Background

China had imposed unofficial trade restrictions on these critical items over the past several months, creating significant challenges for India's industrial and agricultural sectors.

The Economic Times had earlier reported that China stopped shipments of specialty fertilizers to India for over two months, adding to a growing list of trade restrictions that also affected rare-earth magnets and tunnel boring machines.

The fertilizer restrictions particularly impacted India's agricultural sector, which relies heavily on specialty fertilizers for high-yield crops. India imports approximately 80% of its specialty fertilizer supplies from China, making the restrictions especially concerning for farmers and the broader agricultural economy.

Strategic Importance

The lifting of these curbs holds immense strategic significance for India. Rare earth minerals are crucial for various industries including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense manufacturing. As ET has previously highlighted, India's dependence on Chinese rare earth imports has been a key concern in bilateral trade discussions.

Tunnel boring machines are essential for India's ambitious infrastructure projects, including metro rail systems and mountain tunnels. The restriction on these machines had the potential to delay several critical infrastructure developments across the country, according to industry sources quoted by ET.

Diplomatic Success

The assurance from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi represents a significant diplomatic success for India. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had raised these concerns during his visit to China in July, and the Chinese response during Wang Yi's visit indicates positive momentum in bilateral relations.

In his opening remarks during the meeting, EAM Jaishankar emphasized that the talks would cover "economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges," as reported by ET sources.

Market Impact

The news has already begun to impact Indian markets, with fertilizer companies showing positive movement. FACT (Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore) shares jumped nearly 3% following reports of China lifting fertilizer export curbs, reflecting investor optimism about improved supply chains.

Industry analysts believe that the easing of Chinese export restrictions will help stabilize domestic prices and improve availability, directly benefiting fertilizer producers and ultimately Indian farmers.

Moving Forward

Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart that the differences between the two countries should not become disputes, emphasizing the need for a "candid and constructive approach from both sides." He stressed that this endeavor must be guided by the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest.

The Chinese Foreign Minister's visit comes at a crucial time, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to China to attend the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

As ET has consistently reported, this development marks a positive step in India-China trade relations, which have faced various challenges in recent years. The resolution of these three critical export issues could pave the way for broader improvements in bilateral economic cooperation.

The actual resumption of shipments will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, with reports indicating that some shipments may have already begun, according to sources cited by ET.

Gestamp targets Japanese automakers with new safety innovations

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 27 May 2025 07:59:03

Gestamp, which specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of highly engineered metal components for the automotive industry, recently participated in the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025, a key event for the Asian automotive industry, which took place from May 21-23 in Yokohama.
At AEA 2025, the company showcased its latest technological innovations and developments designed to reduce vehicle weight, improve structural performance, and optimize production processes.

Through its participation, Gestamp underlined three of its strategic pillars: innovation, safety, and sustainability. By driving innovation, the company promotes the creation and development of products that are designed from the outset to protect occupants, reduce emissions, and optimize production in terms of both time and cost. Drawing on its leadership in hot stamping and proprietary tailored technologies, Gestamp develops lighter, safer, and more efficient solutions to meet the challenges of the new mobility.

Ges-Gigastamping: a new family of structural products
Gestamp presented Ges-Gigastamping to the Japanese market, an innovative product family of large-format structural components that integrate multiple body parts into a single unit. These products are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce material weight and thickness, simplify production and assembly processes, and improve overall safety.

Its Body-in-White (BIW) design strategy aligns with their modular concept, in which Ges-Gigastamping components serve as the foundation for assembling other modules, tailored to the preferences of each OEM's assembly line. The products presented include Ges-One Piece Floor, a single-piece floor panel that enhances impact performance and simplifies assembly, and also Wave Rocker, which maximizes energy absorption and controlled deformation in the event of a side impact.

With these solutions, the company ensures optimal energy absorption and structural performance in crash, contributing to the safety and comfort of both occupants and passengers.

Advanced chassis solutions: Highpertube and Control Arm
Gestamp also had on display its latest chassis innovations in Yokohama. The Highpertube chassis, made from high-strength tubular materials, is designed to enhance vehicle safety and performance in the event of a collision, while significantly reducing weight. This highly engineered product is manufactured using state-of-the-art processes, such as hydroforming technology, to deliver optimal quality and cost efficiency.

In addition to this innovation, Gestamp also presented for the first time at the Automotive Engineering Exposition in Yokohama its new Control Arm — a chassis component developed from high-strength steel that combines its lightweight design with exceptional fatigue resistance. Its efficient design reduces emissions by up to 15%, contributing to more sustainable mobility.

Edscha’s Active Frunk system for EVs
Edscha Gestamp introduced its innovative Active Frunk system, specifically developed for electric vehicles. This mechanism combines the automatic opening and closing of the front hood with an active pedestrian protection system, reinforcing its position as a strategic partner for Japanese manufacturers.

Innovation in welding technologies
Gestamp unveiled its proprietary laser welding technologies, developed to optimize weld thickness distribution, enable lighter structures, and enhance component performance. These advanced solutions reduce the number of parts and shorten assembly times, thereby improving efficiency and competitiveness in manufacturing.

Ges-Wired, a proprietary laser welding technology, uses a specialized filler wire that enables the creation of high-quality joints without removing material coatings. This improves durability and minimizes intermediate processes.

G-Weld Overlap, meanwhile, is an alternative to traditional spot welding for patch and overlap patch blanks. It delivers up to five times the welding speed, simplifies assembly, and lowers overall process costs.

These technologies are part of Gestamp’s custom-engineered solutions, designed to meet OEMs requirements for lightweight construction, cost reduction, and efficient development.

Gestamp began its operations in Japan in 2009 and operates a production plant in Matsusaka, equipped with state-of-the-art hot stamping lines, as well as an R&D centre in Tokyo that works closely with local manufacturers.

India Ranks 4th in Global Optimism, Faces Inflation and Emerging Challenges: IPSOS Survey

Arunima Pal — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:39:27

India retains its position as the fourth most optimistic nation globally, with 62% of its citizens believing the country is moving in the right direction, according to the April 2025 wave of the Ipsos What Worries the World survey. The survey, conducted across 29 countries, reveals that global south nations dominate the top ranks for optimism, while Peru, South Korea, and Japan emerge as the most pessimistic markets. Inflation continues to be the top global and local concern, with new economic and geopolitical challenges looming.

Optimism in the Global South

The survey highlights strong optimism among global south countries, particularly APEC markets. Singapore leads with 85% of citizens optimistic about the future, followed by Malaysia (70%), Indonesia (67%), India (62%), and Thailand (55%). Argentina also ranks high, with 55% expressing positive sentiment. In contrast, global citizens overall, as well as those in Peru, South Korea, and France, show greater pessimism about their countries’ trajectories.

Amit Adarkar, CEO of Ipsos India, attributes India’s optimism to its geographic distance from conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza, a robust domestic consumption-driven economy, and a demographic dividend fueling economic growth. However, he notes that the survey, conducted before recent developments, may not reflect heightened public anxiety. These include a terror attack in Pahalgam and the announcement of potential reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration, with a 90-day pause, which could impact India’s economic fortunes.

Inflation as the Top Concern

Inflation remains the dominant worry for both global and Indian citizens, driven by the high cost of living amid a global economic slowdown and ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Adarkar warns that new measures under the Trump administration, including job cuts and reciprocal tariffs, could exacerbate economic challenges. The Pahalgam terror attack and India’s response are likely to further strain citizens through rising prices of essential commodities and a potential slowdown in foreign tourist arrivals, which could hurt the economy.

Adarkar urges governments to prioritize local concerns to provide relief, as these issues weigh heavily on citizens. The survey includes graphs illustrating the top worries of Indian and global citizens, though specific details from these visuals are not provided in the report.

Outlook

India’s resilience as a strong economy positions it to navigate challenges, but Adarkar cautions that border unrest and looming tariffs could significantly impact its trajectory. As governments grapple with local and global issues, addressing citizen concerns like inflation will be critical to sustaining optimism and economic stability.

Mahindra South Africa Unit Posts New Annual Sales Record In FY25 On Strong Retail Demand

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:24:28

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.'s South African unit has registered its highest-ever annual sales of 15,088 vehicles in the financial year that ended March 2025, driven by a record-breaking performance in March. The company sold 2,253 vehicles last month—its best monthly tally to date—marking a 40% year-on-year surge and breaching the 2,000-unit milestone in a single month for the first time.

The March performance helped Mahindra South Africa cement its position as one of the fastest-growing vehicle brands in the country. The company also set new benchmarks across segments during the month, selling a record 1,000 SUVs, its highest ever monthly bakkie sales at 1,256 units, and delivering 145 Scorpio-N SUVs—the most in any month to date.

Strong traction among retail buyers throughout the year underpinned Mahindra’s growth trajectory and reinforced its rising popularity in the competitive South African automotive market.

With the new sales benchmarks, Mahindra has become the eighth-largest vehicle manufacturer in the country, just two months after it entered the top ten. “A detailed analysis of the naamsa sales figures for the financial year to end-March shows that Mahindra is the fastest-growing vehicle brand among the high-volume (more than 500 units per month) brands,” said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

Mahindra has occupied this top spot three times in the past decade, in 2018, 2022, and now in 2025. “We are more than thrilled about our sales performance over the past 12 months, but especially by the underlying story told by these numbers,” said Gupta.

"This remarkable feat marks Mahindra’s third time emerging us fastest growing brand in a year, solidifying its position as one of the top three best-performing brands in South Africa over the past seven years, with a consistent seven-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17%," said Gupta.

“The overwhelming majority of sales in the past month and past year were made to individuals and not as bulk sales to fleet buyers. This is a true reflection of the health of the Mahindra brand.”

Capacity Expansion
Mahindra aims to continue growing its footprint in South Africa. In the past year, the group has broken ground on a new manufacturing hub at the Dube Tradeport in Durban.

This new facility with a monthly production capacity of over 1,000 units, will replace the existing factory which produces 700 units a month. The new facility will offer the automaker advanced assembly capabilities for its range of Pik Up bakkies.

Recently, Mahindra has also taken a new parts distribution warehouse and training facility in Midrand, Gauteng. The location more than doubles its previous holding capacity of parts and components, and it will soon house the brand’s parts storage, training centre, and special fitment centre under one roof.

Further, the automaker has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for a fully-fledged manufacturing facility for completely knocked-down vehicles in South Africa. At the moment, the company produces semi knocked-down Pik Up vehicles on local soil.

A completely knocked-down vehicles refers to when a car is built from scratch in one factory, and it represents a much bigger investment into a country than the semi knocked-down route.

Mahindra and the IDC have also agreed to investigate the manufacturing of parts for fully built-up electric vehicles in South Africa.

These initiatives signal to South Africa, “our second home outside of India,” that Mahindra is here for the long haul, according to Gupta. “We are here to stay, and we will continue to invest in the country to grow our market share and develop the country in general.”

ZF Blames 'Enormous Pressure' on Auto Industry on Back of 1 Billion Euro Loss: Report

Autocar India — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:32:45

ZF reported a 1 billion euro loss the previous year, as it earmarked hundreds of millions of euros for a restructuring to address what it called the "enormous pressure" facing its industry, Reuters reported.

Europe's auto sector is facing increasing trade tensions, weak demand, cheap competition from China and a high cost of shifting to EVs, the newswire noted.

The German auto supplier noted that it had set aside 600 million euros for restructuring costs last year, primarily for staff reductions. Its debt rose to 10.5 billion euros in 2024, Reuters reported.

ZF aims to slash up to 14,000 jobs in Germany by 2028, resulting in one in four jobs. A number of smaller plants have already shut down. The previous year, the workforce in Germany reduced by 4000 positions, the newswire noted. ZF lowered its annual sales forecast twice last year.

"The outlook for the 2025 financial year remains cautious. Economic growth is once again expected to be weak, particularly in the euro zone and Germany, and vehicle markets could remain below the previous year's levels," ZF said.

Valeo’s EvenLED technology wins 2025 Road Safety Innovation Award

Autocar India — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:44:53

Valeo, a global leader in automotive lighting systems, has won the 2025 Innovation award in the ‘Infrastructure and Vehicle Improvement’ category from Sécurité Routière — the French national road safety authority — for its innovative EvenLED technology used in the design of vehicle front and rear signaling systems.

Effective vehicle lighting systems play a crucial role in road safety, including rear-end collisions prevention. According to Valeo, its EvenLED technology significantly improves visibility and makes it easier for drivers to communicate their intentions to other road users. With a homogeneity of over 80%, it offers a unique and distinctive visual appearance.

Compact and flexible, it blends harmoniously with all types of vehicles, whatever their design. Versatile, it can be used both in red for the rear signaling system, and in white for the front lights. Moreover, it meets the growing demand for lightweight and less consuming solutions for electric vehicles.

Commenting on the award, Maurizio Martinelli, CEO of Valeo Light Division, said: “We are extremely honoured by this award that recognizes our effort to develop technologies for more safety on the road. With its outstanding optical performance, Valeo’s EvenLED technology provides drivers with increasingly visible, safer solutions, while offering automakers limitless styling possibilities to create unique and recognizable light signatures.”

EvenLED: an advanced solution for all safety signals
Valeo EvenLED technology utilizes specific patented technology that ensures high homogeneity and efficiency while meeting regulatory photometric standards. It can be used for all safety signals, both at the rear of the vehicle—tail, stop, and turn indicators—and at the front—daytime running lights, and position lights. With its highly uniform luminous appearance, Valeo EvenLED technology can be applied to light and heavy goods vehicles, and complies with all international regulations.

The Road Safety Innovation Awards are organized annually by the French Authority for Road Safety and Traffic. They honour entrepreneurs, companies, or start-ups that leverage creativity to enhance road safety. The jury recognizes products or services that promote behavioural change or raise awareness about road safety, particularly those featuring new or groundbreaking aspects that are accessible to a broad audience.

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Indians Show Progressive Views on Gender Equality, Ipsos Survey Finds

Angitha Suresh — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:26:35

Indians demonstrate some of the most progressive attitudes toward gender equality globally, with 78% of citizens personally believing in its importance, according to a new Ipsos survey released ahead of International Women's Day 2025.

The 30-country study found that Indian men and women are closely aligned in their support for gender equality, with 77% of men and 80% of women endorsing its importance. This stands in contrast to countries like South Korea and the Netherlands, where only 52% and 54% of respondents respectively supported the concept.

The research also revealed balanced perspectives on domestic responsibilities, with 48% of Indians viewing housekeeping and cooking as shared responsibilities rather than gender-specific tasks. Only 28% attributed these responsibilities solely to women, while 18% associated them with men.

"According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it would take until 2158, roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity," said Amit Adarkar, CEO of Ipsos India. "What is heartening to see is that both men and women in India are aligned in their views on equal treatment and opportunity for women."

The survey, conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, highlighted that 69% of Indians believe women holding positions with responsibilities in business and government represents a major step in accelerating gender equality. However, an equal number feel that India has already done significant work in providing women with equal rights.

Paradoxically, the research also found that 66% of Indians perceive increased stress on men to support gender equality, with 64% believing that efforts to promote gender parity sometimes result in discrimination against men.

The survey revealed a notable contradiction in attitudes: while supporting gender equality broadly, 60% of Indians still view men who stay at home to care for children as "less of a man" — an increase from 39% who held this view in 2019.

On specific responsibilities, Indians demonstrated progressive views by attributing various tasks to both genders: 53% believe unpaid family care applies to both genders, 48% say both genders face gender-based violence, and 52% think both genders have similar access to healthcare.

The Ipsos survey included approximately 2,200 respondents from India, with about 1,800 interviewed face-to-face and 400 online. It is part of a broader study interviewing 24,269 people across 30 countries for International Women's Day, which is observed annually on March 8.

This research comes as global discussions around gender equality continue to evolve, with the United Nations and other international organizations emphasizing the need for accelerated action to address systemic barriers to women's equality. The theme for International Women's Day 2025, "#AccelerateAction," calls for increased momentum in addressing these challenges.

India's position as having some of the most progressive views on gender equality presents an interesting contrast to often-reported gender disparities in economic participation, educational attainment, and political representation within the country.