[6] Key Automobile Manufacturer Stories for Industry Readers

According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, this press review highlights the top 6 automobile manufacturer stories from today's print media monitoring. These stories capture the latest developments across commercial vehicles, EV adoption, luxury cars, trade policy, and industry leadership — news on automobile manufacturers that matters to business and policy audiences.

1. Mahindra Launches BLAZO i-TRK Truck

A front-page report in Statesman says Mahindra Truck and Bus launched the all-new BLAZO i-TRK, a next-generation Heavy Commercial Truck, in Kolkata on Friday. The truck is engineered around the promise of Profit Ka Rocket and combines fuel efficiency, high-performance powertrain, intelligent connected technologies, and an industry-leading uptime guarantee. It is equipped with iMAXX 2.0, Mahindra's next-generation connected vehicle platform. Mahindra Truck and Bus unveiled the all-new BLAZO i-TRK, a next-generation Heavy Commercial Truck engineered around Profit Ka Rocket. Equipped with iMAXX 2.0, Mahindra's connected vehicle platform, it promises fuel efficiency, high-performance powertrain, and industry-leading uptime. Why it matters: commercial fleet operators gain a new benchmark for total cost of ownership. Tracked by Press Monitor via Statesman.

2. FADA Reappoints Mahajan as Chairperson

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations has reappointed Sachin Vasantrao Mahajan as chairperson of its Maharashtra wing for a third consecutive term. The apex body also published state-level vehicle retail figures for August. Mahajan, a Nashik-based executive, continues to lead multiple commercial vehicle and electric mobility dealership operations under his companies. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations reappointed Sachin Vasantrao Mahajan as chairperson of its Maharashtra wing for a third consecutive term. The apex body also published August state-level vehicle retail figures, underscoring robust commercial and electric mobility dealership momentum. Why it matters: leadership continuity signals stability in India's auto retail network. Tracked by Press Monitor via Free Press Journal.

3. EU Gets Tariff Quota for 4 Lakh Cars

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says the India-EU free trade agreement draft text released on Friday allows European Union car-makers to export up to 1 lakh passenger vehicles a year to India initially at concessional import duties, with the quota rising gradually to 1.6 lakh vehicles from the 10th year. The tariff-rate quota covers EU-origin internal combustion engines and hybrid electric vehicles, with the concessional duty varying according to the vehicle's CIF value, and applies only to cars priced above Euro 15,000. The India-EU free trade agreement draft allows EU car-makers to export up to 1 lakh passenger vehicles a year to India at concessional import duties, rising to 1.6 lakh from the 10th year. The tariff-rate quota covers internal combustion engines and hybrid EVs, applying to cars priced above Euro 15,000. Why it matters: this reshapes import economics for European automakers entering India. Tracked by Press Monitor via Free Press Journal.

4. BMW Raises Prices Again

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says BMW Group India announced its fourth vehicle price hike of 2026, citing rupee depreciation and rising commodity costs. President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar indicated the next increase could arrive as early as October, while new 7 Series models launch in India. BMW Group India announced its fourth vehicle price hike of 2026, citing rupee depreciation and rising commodity costs. President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar indicated the next increase could arrive as early as October, alongside the launch of new 7 Series models. Why it matters: luxury segment pricing power remains intact despite macro headwinds. Tracked by Press Monitor via Free Press Journal.

5. 41.95% of India's Car Registrations Go Non-Petrol

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says that in August 2026, CNG, hybrid, and electric passenger vehicles jointly captured 41.95% of registrations in India, overtaking petrol and ethanol at 40.85%. The shift marks a fragmentation of the powertrain market rather than a single-technology revolution, with total vehicle registrations reaching 24,23,201 units, up 17.51% year-on-year. FADA data highlights robust rural demand growth of 19.79% and notes that every EV category hit record registrations, though passenger vehicle inventory levels remain elevated at 38 to 40 days. In August 2026, CNG, hybrid, and electric passenger vehicles captured 41.95% of registrations, overtaking petrol and ethanol at 40.85%. Total registrations reached 24,23,201 units, up 17.51% year-on-year, with every EV category hitting record numbers. Why it matters: the powertrain market is fragmenting, not following a single-technology path. Tracked by Press Monitor via Free Press Journal.

6. BMW 7 Series i7 Rs 2.95 Crore

A front-page report in Asian Age says BMW introduced the updated 7 Series and i7 luxury sedans on Friday, both priced at Rs 2.95 crore. The mid-life update arrives four years after the G70 generation launched, with petrol and all-electric versions now locally assembled at BMW's Chennai plant, making India the second nation outside Germany to assemble the i7. BMW introduced the updated 7 Series and i7 luxury sedans, both priced at Rs 2.95 crore. The mid-life update arrives four years after the G70 generation, with petrol and all-electric versions now locally assembled at BMW's Chennai plant, making India the second nation outside Germany to assemble the i7. Why it matters: local assembly deepens India's position in the global EV supply chain. Tracked by Press Monitor via Asian Age.

Which of these automobile manufacturer developments will shape the next quarter of Indian industry? Share your view in the comments.