Automobile News Roundup

1. Extortion Call to Automobile Dealer in Delhi

Days after a shooting incident at a car showroom, another automobile dealer in Delhi received an extortion call from a Portugal-based number. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter¹.

2. Surge in Automobile Retail Sales in India

In April, India witnessed a 27% year-on-year increase in total vehicle retail sales, reaching 2,206,070 units. All segments, including passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, contributed to this growth².

3. Geely Automobile Reports Strong Sales

Geely Automobile reported a 39% increase in total sales volume for April, with 153,267 units sold. The Chinese automaker continues to expand its presence globally³.

4. New Car Launches and Special Editions

• MG introduced special editions of the Hector, ZS EV, Astor, and Comet as part of its centenary celebrations.
• Kia’s upcoming compact SUV, internally named Clavis, is expected to hit the market early next year.
• Honda unveiled the all-new Freed MPV with two distinct styling packages.
• Tata Altroz Racer, a sportier hatchback, is set to launch next month.
• Volkswagen Virtus is now available with discounts of up to Rs 1.40 lakh.
• Bentley plans to replace its W12 engine with a 750hp hybrid V8⁴.

5. Insights and Reports

• Cholamandalam sees a rural demand boom in vehicle financing.
• Maruti Suzuki invests Rs 1,450 crore in the fourth-gen Swift.
• SAIC Motor plans to invest up to USD 2 billion in India by the end of the decade.
• Honda Motor opens a new R&D facility in Bengaluru.
• L&T Tech and Forvia collaborate on ultra-low IC engine emissions engineering

What are the key trends in electric vehicles?

Let’s explore some of the key trends in electric vehicles (EVs):

1. Advancements in Battery Technology:
   • Over the last decade, battery technology has significantly improved, leading to an 85% decrease in costs.
   • This advancement has made EVs more affordable and practical for consumers¹.
2. Competitive Edge Due to High Fuel Prices:
   • Rising fuel prices continue to give EVs a competitive advantage.
   • As consumers seek cost-effective alternatives, EVs become an attractive option¹.
3. Expansion of Charging Infrastructure:
   • The availability of charging stations is crucial for EV adoption.
   • Governments and private companies are investing in expanding charging networks globally².
4. AI-Powered Vehicle Health Checks:
   • Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to monitor EV health, predict maintenance needs, and optimize performance.
   • This ensures better reliability and efficiency¹.
5. Smart Grid Technologies:
   • EVs can play a role in balancing energy demand through smart grid integration.
   • Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows EVs to supply power back to the grid during peak demand or emergencies