19 Essential Automotive Stories for Industry Professionals
1. EU Allows 2.5 Lakh Indian Car Imports
A front-page report in Millennium Post says the European Union will permit an initial quota of 2.5 lakh Indian-made passenger vehicles to enter its market annually under the India-EU free trade agreement. The concessions apply to internal combustion and hybrid electric vehicles priced up to 50 thousand euros, with tariffs starting at 8 per cent and phasing out completely by the fifth year. Annual quotas will gradually increase to 4 lakh vehicles by the tenth year, while separate tariff quotas apply to battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and select agricultural exports. The EU will permit an initial quota of 2.5 lakh Indian-made passenger vehicles annually under the India-EU free trade agreement, with tariffs starting at 8 percent and phasing out by the fifth year. Quotas rise to 4 lakh vehicles by the tenth year, with separate provisions for battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, this deal reshapes global automotive trade flows and benefits Indian OEMs targeting European markets.
2. BMW i5 LWB Launched In India First Electric Sedan Locally Produced At Rs 279 60 Lakh
A front-page report in Free Press Journal says BMW India has launched the first-ever BMW i5 Long Wheelbase, marking the company's first locally produced electric sedan in India. Manufactured at BMW Group's Chennai plant, the luxury EV is priced at an introductory Rs 279.60 lakh ex-showroom with deliveries set to begin soon. The sedan features an 81.6 kilowatt-hour battery delivering a MIDC-certified range of up to 669 kilometres, and an exclusive First Edition limited to 99 units was sold out before the official launch. BMW India launched the first-ever BMW i5 Long Wheelbase, the company's first locally produced electric sedan, manufactured at the Chennai plant. Priced at Rs 279.60 lakh ex-showroom, it features an 81.6 kWh battery with a MIDC-certified range of up to 669 kilometres. The exclusive First Edition limited to 99 units sold out before the official launch, signalling strong demand for premium EVs in India.
3. Alternative Fuel Cars Overtake Petrol in India
A front-page report in Times of India says alternative-fuel vehicles may have overtaken petrol cars in India in August 2026, but only if hybrids are counted as alternatives. FADA registration data shows petrol's share declining to 40.8% while CNG, electric and hybrid vehicles together reached 41.9%. JATO Dynamics analysis notes that mild and strong hybrids still require petrol, so petrol-powered cars remain about half the market. Alternative-fuel vehicles may have overtaken petrol cars in India in August 2026 if hybrids are counted as alternatives. FADA registration data shows petrol's share declining to 40.8 percent while CNG, electric, and hybrid vehicles together reached 41.9 percent. JATO Dynamics analysis notes that mild and strong hybrids still require petrol, so petrol-powered cars remain about half the market.
4. 8% Duty On 2.5 Lakh Indian Cars
A front-page report in Economic Times says that the European Union will allow 2.5 lakh Indian-made passenger vehicles to enter its market at a concessional duty of 8 percent under a bilateral free trade agreement, with the quota rising to 4 lakh vehicles over ten years. The duty will gradually fall to 6 percent in the second year, 4 percent in the third, 2 percent in the fourth and zero in the fifth year. The European Union will allow 2.5 lakh Indian-made passenger vehicles to enter its market at a concessional duty of 8 percent under a bilateral free trade agreement. The duty falls to 6 percent in the second year, 4 percent in the third, 2 percent in the fourth, and zero in the fifth year, with the quota rising to 4 lakh vehicles over ten years.
5. India Slashes Tariffs On EU Cars
A front-page report in Financial Express says India has offered European automobile makers significantly deeper tariff reductions for its protected passenger vehicle market under the proposed India European Union free trade agreement. In return, Brussels grants Indian car manufacturers substantially expanded duty-free export opportunities alongside more liberal import quotas. India has offered European automobile makers significantly deeper tariff reductions for its protected passenger vehicle market under the proposed India-EU free trade agreement. In return, Brussels grants Indian car manufacturers substantially expanded duty-free export opportunities alongside more liberal import quotas.
6. India Offers EU Deep Duty Cuts Under FTA
A front-page report in Financial Express says India has offered European automobile makers a significantly deeper opening of its protected passenger-vehicle market under the proposed India-EU free trade agreement with sharp duty cuts. New Delhi will put restrictive quantitative limits on car imports from the EU, while Brussels offers Indian car manufacturers a much larger duty-free export opportunity with more liberal quotas. India has offered European automobile makers a significantly deeper opening of its protected passenger-vehicle market under the proposed India-EU free trade agreement with sharp duty cuts. New Delhi will put restrictive quantitative limits on car imports from the EU, while Brussels offers Indian car manufacturers a much larger duty-free export opportunity with more liberal quotas.
7. Tata, Bajaj, JSW Gain EU-India FTA Edge
A front-page report in Business Line says India’s proposed free trade agreement with the European Union will phase in lower automotive tariffs, benefiting Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, and JSW Group. Under the deal, qualifying European passenger vehicle duties fall to ten percent by the fifth year, while motorcycle tariffs above eight hundred cubic centimetres drop significantly within two years. The accord additionally allocates six lakh nine thousand four hundred eighty-three tonnes of annual steel export quotas for Indian manufacturers targeting the European market. India's proposed free trade agreement with the European Union will phase in lower automotive tariffs, benefiting Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, and JSW Group. Qualifying European passenger vehicle duties fall to ten percent by the fifth year, while motorcycle tariffs above 800 cubic centimetres drop significantly within two years. The accord allocates 6 lakh 9 thousand 483 tonnes of annual steel export quotas for Indian manufacturers.
8. India Secures 1.64 Million Tonne EU Steel Quota
A front-page report in Indian Express says India has secured one point six four million tonnes of steel export quota across sixteen categories to the European Union under the free trade agreement amid tensions over Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism regulations. The draft deal also grants the European Union a first-year tariff-rate quota of one hundred thousand completely built-up internal-combustion and non-plug-in hybrid cars, nearly six times current imports, with concessions on electric vehicles beginning in the fifth year for vehicles priced above twenty thousand euros. Think tank Global Trade Research Initiative noted the European Union becomes only the second major trade partner after the United Kingdom to secure automotive tariff concessions from India. India has secured 1.64 million tonnes of steel export quota across sixteen categories to the European Union under the free trade agreement amid tensions over Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism regulations. The draft deal grants the EU a first-year tariff-rate quota of 100,000 completely built-up internal-combustion and non-plug-in hybrid cars, nearly six times current imports. The European Union becomes only the second major trade partner after the United Kingdom to secure automotive tariff concessions from India.
9. Volvo EX9O Electric SUV Launch
A front-page report in Morning Standard says Volvo India has launched its flagship electric SUV, the EX9O, replacing the XC90 as the company's highest model. Built on Volvo's dedicated SPA2 platform, the vehicle features a dual-motor setup with a 106-kilowatt hour battery promising a range of over 600 kilometres. The design follows Scandinavian minimalism with advanced safety features. Volvo India launched its flagship electric SUV, the EX9O, replacing the XC90 as the company's highest model. Built on Volvo's dedicated SPA2 platform, the vehicle features a dual-motor setup with a 106-kWh battery promising a range of over 600 kilometres. The design follows Scandinavian minimalism with advanced safety features.
10. Hyundai Delays Driver-assist To 2029
A front-page report in Economic Times says Hyundai Motor Group will launch vehicles with its driver-assistance software in late 2029, two years later than originally planned. The South Korean automaker will partner with Nvidia to roll out advanced driver-assistance systems in 2028, according to a Hyundai executive. Hyundai Motor Group will launch vehicles with its driver-assistance software in late 2029, two years later than originally planned. The South Korean automaker will partner with Nvidia to roll out advanced driver-assistance systems in 2028, according to a Hyundai executive.
11. Tesla Roadster Debut, Hyundai Nvidia Software Deal
A front-page report in Financial Express says Tesla has teased an October first event to showcase its long-delayed next-generation Roadster, prompting speculation regarding a potential merger with the rocket firm SpaceX. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group revealed a collaborative technology initiative with chipmaker Nvidia. Led by recent hire Park, the project aims to develop shared systems and train the automaker's proprietary Atria software framework, marking a strategic shift following leadership changes. Tesla has teased an October first event to showcase its long-delayed next-generation Roadster, prompting speculation regarding a potential merger with SpaceX. Hyundai Motor Group revealed a collaborative technology initiative with chipmaker Nvidia to develop shared systems and train the automaker's proprietary Atria software framework.
12. Tesla Unveils Delayed Roadster In October
A front-page report in Financial Express says that Tesla will showcase its next-generation Roadster at an October 1 event, a vehicle first unveiled by CEO Elon Musk in November 2017. The Austin-based automaker aims to build customer enthusiasm while facing speculation regarding a potential merger with SpaceX. This launch is part of Tesla's strategy to solidify its position in the autonomous vehicle market alongside its current model lineup. Tesla will showcase its next-generation Roadster at an October 1 event, a vehicle first unveiled by CEO Elon Musk in November 2017. The Austin-based automaker aims to build customer enthusiasm while facing speculation regarding a potential merger with SpaceX. This launch is part of Tesla's strategy to solidify its position in the autonomous vehicle market.
13. Hyundai Delays Driver-Assist Launch to 2029
A front-page report in Business Standard says Hyundai Motor Group will launch vehicles equipped with its proprietary driver-assistance software in late 2029, delaying the original timeline by two years. In the interim, the South Korean automaker will partner with United States chipmaker Nvidia to deploy advanced driver-assistance systems starting in 2028. This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate technology rollout before the full in-house platform release. Hyundai Motor Group will launch vehicles equipped with its proprietary driver-assistance software in late 2029, delaying the original timeline by two years. The South Korean automaker will partner with United States chipmaker Nvidia to deploy advanced driver-assistance systems starting in 2028.
14. Mercedes-Benz BMW India FTA localisation
A front-page report in Business Standard says European carmakers will receive concessional access to import up to 100,000 internal combustion engine and hybrid cars into India in the first year of the India-European Union free trade agreement. The deal opens export opportunities for Indian automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors while renewable energy vehicle concessions are delayed. Luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW state their localisation strategies will remain unchanged despite the new import quotas. European carmakers will receive concessional access to import up to 100,000 internal combustion engine and hybrid cars into India in the first year of the India-European Union free trade agreement. The deal opens export opportunities for Indian automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors while luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW state their localisation strategies will remain unchanged.
15. BMW 7 Series i7 at Rs 1.95 Crore
A front-page report in Financial Express says BMW priced both the 7 Series and i7 at Rs 1.95 crore, matching the road presence and cabin quality of the petrol 7 Series. This strategy contrasts with Mercedes-Benz, which priced the EQS at Rs 1.55 crore, Rs 5 lakh less than the S-Class, but offered a distinctly different design. BMW's approach treats luxury as a single identity regardless of powertrain, removing the traditional divide between ICE and EV. BMW priced both the 7 Series and i7 at Rs 1.95 crore, matching the road presence and cabin quality of the petrol 7 Series. This strategy contrasts with Mercedes-Benz, which priced the EQS at Rs 1.55 crore, Rs 5 lakh less than the S-Class, but offered a distinctly different design. BMW's approach treats luxury as a single identity regardless of powertrain.
16. Bajaj Revives Pulsar L25 L50
A front-page report in Financial Express says Bajaj has launched the refreshed Pulsar L25 and Pulsar L50 motorcycles in India. The new models blend classic Pulsar styling with modern upgrades including LED headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, and a lighter diamond tubular frame. Starting at Rs 92,990 for the L25 and Rs 1.15 lakh for the L50, they target daily commuters and highway riders. Bajaj has launched the refreshed Pulsar L25 and Pulsar L50 motorcycles in India. The new models blend classic Pulsar styling with modern upgrades including LED headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, and a lighter diamond tubular frame. Starting at Rs 92,990 for the L25 and Rs 1.15 lakh for the L50, they target daily commuters and highway riders.
17. Petrol Cars Lose Ground To CNG
A front-page report in Mint says petrol cars' market share fell to 40 percent from 49.9 percent in August, while CNG vehicles rose from 19.67 percent to 25.28 percent. Diesel cars also declined but held ground better than petrol, particularly among large SUV buyers. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Hyundai saw CNG share increase in their portfolios. Petrol cars' market share fell to 40 percent from 49.9 percent in August, while CNG vehicles rose from 19.67 percent to 25.28 percent. Diesel cars also declined but held ground better than petrol, particularly among large SUV buyers. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Hyundai saw CNG share increase in their portfolios.
18. Rs 34,300 Crore Mineral Mission for India
A front-page report in Millennium Post says India is advancing its National Critical Mineral Mission, backed by Rs 34,300 crore over seven years, to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains. The initiative aims to conduct 1,200 exploration projects, auction 100 mining blocks, and secure 50 overseas assets by 2030-31 while incentivising battery recycling. Policymakers stress that establishing domestic refining capacity and strategic stockpiles are essential for national security amid global green transitions. India is advancing its National Critical Mineral Mission, backed by Rs 34,300 crore over seven years, to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains. The initiative aims to conduct 1,200 exploration projects, auction 100 mining blocks, and secure 50 overseas assets by 2030-31 while incentivising battery recycling.
19. Citroen Expands Into Smaller Indian Cities
A front-page report in Business Standard says Citroen, the Stellantis-owned brand, expects three-fourths of its sales in India to come from Tier-II, Tier-I, and smaller cities within five years, up from around 55 percent currently. Stellantis India chief executive officer Shailesh Hazela outlined a market-tailored retail strategy and confirmed healthy growth expectations for the fiscal year twenty-seven period, while the company also plans to substantially increase exports of Citroen vehicles from India to markets in South Africa, Indonesia, and beyond. Citroen, the Stellantis-owned brand, expects three-fourths of its sales in India to come from Tier-II, Tier-I, and smaller cities within five years, up from around 55 percent currently. Stellantis India chief executive officer Shailesh Hazela outlined a market-tailored retail strategy and confirmed healthy growth expectations for the fiscal year twenty-seven period.
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