Page 28 - Auto

Govt proposes green-blue number plates for hydrogen fuel vehicles

In case of private vehicles, the number plate's top half will be green and bottom half will be blue, while figures will be in white

Strong EV lineup pushes hybrids to the back seat; penetration hits 4.4%

EVs are taxed at 5% while hybrid vehicles attract an overall tax rate of 43%

Rare earth magnet shortage will be resolved soon: Toyota's Vikram Gulati

India's automobile industry is currently facing a rare earth magnet shortage after China -- which supplies over 80 per cent of India's magnet imports

Tata Motors plans new Ace diesel variant without DEF, targets SCV recovery

Tata Motors plans to reintroduce its Ace diesel mini-truck without SCR tech to reduce total cost of ownership, while expanding rural presence with Intra range

India opens new application window to invite global EV manufacturers

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy launched a new portal inviting global electric vehicle manufacturers to invest and set up local units, aiming to make India as a global hub for EV manufacturing

Trust deficit drives first-time car buyers to new models, says new study

Most first-time car buyers last year preferred new over used cars, citing mistrust in the used market. Many feel used car prices are inflated, sometimes matching or exceeding new car costs

FASTag annual pass may cut toll road operators' revenues by 4-8%: Crisil

Crisil sees revenue loss of 4-8 per cent for toll road operators due to new FASTag annual pass scheme; compensation from NHAI will be key to limiting credit impact

Tata Motors has 'comfortable' stocks, supplies of rare-earth magnets

Company open to hybrids if market demands but thinks it is not a destination tech

Chennai-based Raptee lines up its own operating system for T30 bikes

Chennai-based Raptee.HV will begin delivery of India's first high-voltage EV motorcycle, the T30, featuring its own Linux-based OS and price parity with ICE rivals

Maruti Suzuki Escudo to launch this Diwali, set to challenge Creta, Seltos

Maruti Suzuki's new Escudo SUV, codenamed Y17, is expected to debut during Diwali 2025 with petrol, hybrid, and CNG options - poised to rival Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos

Renault, Volkswagen, Skoda continue to struggle to boost sales in India

Renault, Skoda, and Volkswagen have encountered multiple challenges in India despite their long presence in the market, said JATO Dynamics India President Ravi G Bhatia

Fearing China rivals, Stellantis and Renault lobby EU for fewer rules

Over the last two months, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and Renault CEO Luca de Meo have engaged in a rare public campaign to get the European Union to consider the matter

Tata Motors expects to achieve 30% EV penetration ahead of target: Chandra

Looking for alternative sourcing for Rare earth magnets and focussing on right level of inventory, Chandra says

No fuel in Delhi for old vehicles registered anywhere in India from July 1

The Commission for Air Quality Management has formulated the plan to close the loophole Delhi residents use by registering their overage vehicles in other states

Rare earth-free EV motor 3 years away, says Montra MD Jalaj Gupta

India's automobile industry is currently facing a rare earth magnet shortage after China -- which supplies over 80 per cent of India's magnet imports -- imposed stricter export controls in April 2025

Tesla to launch India showrooms in July with China-made Model Y EVs

Tesla will open its first showrooms in India in July, starting with Mumbai and New Delhi, bringing in China-made Model Y EVs as it seeks growth amid slower sales in Europe and China

TI Clean Mobility aims for $1 billion turnover by FY30 with EV push

The company has completed raising of Rs 3,000 crore and currently investments are ongoing in various aspects, including new product development, Managing Director Jalaj Gupta said

Govt may raise motor third-party insurance premiums by up to 10% soon

The hike, likely to take effect by October 2025 or April 2026, aims to ease pressure on insurers facing rising claims, especially from commercial vehicles and pandemic-era payouts

Tractor sales in India may grow 4-7% in FTY26 on monsoon boost: ICRA

Pre-buying ahead of the TREM V emission norms, proposed to take effect from April 1, 2026, could further aid volume growth, ICRA said in a statement

Govt announces annual FASTag pass for ₹3,000, effective August 15

Union minister Nitin Gadkari said the pass will be valid for a year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips