The Economic Times
Elections 2026Automobile / The Economic Times
CNH Industrial India will invest Rs 2,000 crore by 2030. This includes a new tractor plant near Greater Noida to double manufacturing capacity. Additional funds will support research and product development for global markets. The company aims to double its market share and enter the top four tractor makers.
An Indian court will re-hear Volkswagen's challenge to a significant tax demand. This decision comes more than a year after arguments in the case were concluded. Indian tax authorities allege the automaker mis-declared auto component imports over a period. The German automaker has defended its import valuation practices for many years. No verdict has been announced in this ongoing tax dispute.
The year 1866 marked a pivotal moment in communication history with Christopher Sholes' invention of the QWERTY keyboard layout. This groundbreaking design not only reshaped how people wrote but also facilitated quicker business transactions. The Sholes and Glidden typewriter emerged after its patent by E. Remington & Sons, showcasing the importance of the QWERTY system, which continues to endure amidst ongoing technological evolution.
Anil Rego, Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer at Right Horizons PMS, believes the worst of the valuation-led correction may be behind us, while a broadening earnings recovery could provide the catalyst for the next leg of the market.
Bajaj Auto will launch three new products and two brands by mid-October. Updated Pulsar 125 and 150 models were recently introduced to the market. The company anticipates strong demand during the upcoming festive season. Near-term trends in the 125cc motorcycle segment show softer performance. Bajaj Auto aims to attract new buyers and retain existing customers.
India will amend regulations and introduce new rules within two months for manufacturers. The minister assured companies that their concerns were resolved during recent discussions. The government has simplified the Bureau of Indian Standards framework and approval processes. India aims to seed $50 billion in semiconductor and associated industries soon. This initiative is part of a long-term journey for India's manufacturing ecosystem.
Quote of the Day by Peter Coyote: Peter Coyote's famous quote, I spent ten years de-educating myself... challenges conventional assumptions about security and success. Drawing from his time in the 1960s counterculture movement, Coyote examines the tension between institutional conditioning and authentic independence. He argues that external safety nets can obscure innate resourcefulness, trapping people in comfortable compliance.
Indian car makers see strong sales volumes, but profits are declining. Rising commodity prices and currency shifts are impacting manufacturer margins. Maruti Suzuki's profits fell despite record sales, showing margin erosion. Tata Motors and Hyundai also reported lower profits due to cost pressures. Automakers are investing heavily in new technologies and plants, affecting current earnings.
On August 21, five Nifty500 stocks that gained over 4% were highlighted in the RSI Trending Up scan, based on data from StockEdge.com. An uptrend signal is generated when the RSI value crosses above 50 from below, indicating strengthening price momentum and potential upward movement in the stocks.
After relocating to India, an ex-NRI prefers to travel by auto-rickshaw for her short commutes. Concerned about the hazardous paths and fast-moving traffic, she opts to spend around one hundred rupees daily to sidestep the stress associated with her return. This decision showcases her sensible method of dealing with urban life's hurdles, prioritizing safety over discomfort.
People who naturally lower their voice when someone nearby does the same may be responding to a combination of social cue detection, vocal accommodation, conversational entrainment and unconscious mimicry. A change in another persons voice can provide a subtle social signal that the brain quickly interprets. In response, your communication style may adjust automatically, sometimes before you consciously realize that you are doing it.
Indias passenger vehicle market has seen a sharp rise in the number of variants offered by automakers, making cars more customisable but also making purchase decisions more complicated.
Tesla and eight automakers are recalling 4.3 million vehicles in China. This recall addresses concerns about doors being difficult to open in emergencies. The remedies include software updates and improved warning labels for door handles. This action marks China's largest automotive recall to date. Regulators are increasing scrutiny of safety defects in the electric vehicle industry.
BMW expects electric vehicles to account for more than 30% of its India sales by year-end, up from 26% currently. The luxury carmaker is also considering local assembly of the BMW i5 LWB as it expands its EV and long-wheelbase portfolio.
Tata Motors will increase prices for its cars and SUVs by up to Rs 25,000. This price adjustment will affect both internal combustion engine and electric vehicle models. The company cites rising input and commodity costs as the primary reason for this decision. This move follows similar announcements made by other major automobile manufacturers. The price revision aims to partially offset increased operational expenses for the automaker.
Overseas investors showed strong buying in early August, marking four consecutive fortnights of inflows. Financial services and automobiles attracted the highest foreign investment during this period. Broader markets demonstrated resilience, with investors favoring mid-cap names within key sectors. Foreign investors net bought shares worth
Bain Capital is in discussions with JBM Auto to invest up to 2,850 crore for a significant minority stake in its electric vehicle business, people familiar with the matter said. The investment could support JBMs expansion in electric buses, batteries and charging infrastructure, while discussions also include a potential joint-control structure.
Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of the Veanta Group, has launched two new alloys for the automotive sector. The Copper-Doped Alloy enhances durability for high-performance engine components. The Vedanta Foundry Alloy offers lightweighting and improved strength for vehicles. These advanced materials support the industry's demand for efficient and resilient vehicles. The company aims to be the world's largest primary billet producer.
Used car financing grew faster than auto loans over five years. The used car finance portfolio reached Rs 1.3 lakh crore by June 2026. Auto loans portfolio grew to Rs 9.9 lakh crore during the same period. Financiers funded used cars despite facing higher stress levels. Overall asset quality in the wheels finance segment is now stabilising.
Korean automaker Hyundai announced a price increase for its vehicle range. Prices will rise by up to one percent across all models. This adjustment takes effect from September of the year 2026. Rising input and operational costs necessitate this marginal price revision. Hyundai continues efforts to absorb escalating expenses for its customers.
Escorts Kubota is targeting a spot among Indias top three tractor makers by the end of the decade, backed by new products, capacity expansion and a 2,000 crore-plus manufacturing facility in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. The company also plans to make India a global manufacturing, engineering and export hub, including for North America.
Hyundai Motor India will implement a price increase of up to one percent. This adjustment will affect all vehicles across its extensive portfolio. The automaker cited rising input and commodity costs as the primary reason. Continuing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties also contributed to this decision. The price revision is scheduled to take effect in September 2026.
Auto components maker Spark Minda will create approximately 6,440 jobs. This expansion involves two new manufacturing units in the YEIDA region. The company is investing Rs 1,166 crore in these new facilities. These plants will produce ignition switch-cum-steering locks and mechatronic components. A joint venture with Toyodenso will also establish a new plant in Noida.
Indian consumer companies are increasing festive marketing budgets by up to 20% as demand shows signs of strengthening and dealers build inventory ahead of the key consumption season. Automakers, FMCG and electronics firms are boosting advertising and consumer engagement despite margin pressures from higher input costs and rupee depreciation.
This 16-year-old built an autonomous AI-powered robot turtle that detects microplastics in water. The Canadian student created the turtle-inspired robot to scan water for tiny plastic particles using 3D holographic imaging and artificial intelligence. The innovative system can detect microplastics with high accuracy and won a major award and scholarship at an international science fair. The invention could offer a promising new way to monitor water pollution.
Apologizing when someone else bumps into you does not necessarily mean you lack confidence or believe everything is your fault. It may simply demonstrate how powerful social learning and conversational habits can become.
Pune auto fare hiked: Pune commuters report autorickshaw drivers charging higher fares before September 1. Passengers claim drivers cite revised tariffs and add arbitrary amounts to meter readings. Some drivers also demand extra money for CNG refueling time, causing disputes. Commuters booking through apps also face demands exceeding displayed fares. The RTO states no major complaints have been received regarding pre-implementation fare hikes.
Skoda will launch the Slavia facelift on August 18 with exterior and interior revisions. The updated sedan may feature revised headlights and a redesigned front grille. Inside, a larger digital display and new upholstery are anticipated for the cabin. The 1.0 TSI engine could receive an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission. This facelifted Slavia will continue its rivalry with established segment competitors.
A container truck collided with an auto-rickshaw and a motorcycle. The tragic accident occurred in Jharkhand's Latehar district on Saturday evening. Five individuals, including a minor, lost their lives in the collision. The incident took place in the Dedh Tangawa valley area. Post-mortem examinations will be conducted after the rescue operation concludes.
Keeping a wallet in the same place every time may have less to do with a deliberate preference and more to do with the brain learning a familiar cue-and-response pattern. Instead of repeatedly deciding where to put it, a person develops a consistent routine that makes the behavior automatic and reduces the need for conscious effort.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography on Wednesday. He recalled his long association and guidance from the former President. The book is titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles'. Kovind expressed that sharing his journey in the book was emotional. He urged the younger generation to read and learn from his experiences.
A woman from Gurgaon recently took to Instagram to express her frustration after an auto rickshaw driver charged her eight hundred rupees for a mere seven-kilometer ride. This incident, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, has led to widespread complaints among commuters, who are grappling with inflated travel fares during the challenging monsoon season, further amplifying the struggles faced by city dwellers.
Rockstar Games will reveal an extended look at Grand Theft Auto 6 on August 28. The highly anticipated game is officially slated for a November 19, 2026 console release. Indian PC players are still awaiting an official announcement for their platform. This extended look will offer more details about the game's world and characters. Fans should await official confirmation regarding any PC version release.
Indian defence firm VTDS has partnered with Czech company DEUS Automation. This collaboration focuses on the small-calibre ammunition sector. The agreement facilitates technology transfer and indigenous production capabilities. VTDS will gain access to advanced international manufacturing technologies and expertise. This partnership strengthens long-term defence manufacturing cooperation between the two nations.
The India-UK CETA agreement enhances agricultural exports by reducing tariffs on processed food products. This pact improves India's price competitiveness against non-FTA suppliers, supporting export diversification. Automotive exports will see UK tariffs eliminated, boosting Indian manufacturers' market access. India's import duties on passenger vehicles will also decline over fifteen years.
Federal regulators are allowing robotaxis to operate without steering wheels and potentially brake pedals. Amazon's Zoox vehicles received approval to charge customers for rides in Las Vegas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is updating rules for autonomous vehicle technology. Concerns about safety data and reporting standards for robotaxis remain. The robotaxi industry is rapidly expanding nationwide with companies like Waymo and Tesla.
In a recent statement, Arvind Kejriwal highlighted the apprehensions of auto manufacturers regarding the Centre's E20 fuel initiative. He asserts that these manufacturers, fearing backlash due to compensation demands, have confided that E20 could damage older cars. Kejriwal challenges the Centre's endorsement of E20, emphasizing that ethanol is not just pricier, but it also yields inferior mileage compared to traditional petrol.
Bryan Johnson announced cloning himself as a newborn for future medical advancements. He believes this technology will revolutionize healthcare and reverse aging processes. The cloned cells could test therapies and grow replacement organs for transplantation. This ambitious project follows his recent autoimmune gastritis diagnosis.
A US Senate committee approved legislation to ban Chinese automakers from the American market. This bill could affect German automaker Mercedes-Benz due to its Chinese investment. The proposed rules aim to protect American manufacturing and industrial bases from foreign competition. Some automakers are shifting production to the United States to comply with new regulations. These measures also address national security concerns related to vehicle data collection.
An independent autopsy commissioned by Nolan Wells' family found his death undetermined. Forensic pathologist Dr. Robert Mitchell noted red discoloration but no fractures or bruising. Foul play has not been ruled out pending further investigation into the circumstances. Wells disappeared after a July 4 boat trip and his body was found two days later. The family continues seeking answers while authorities investigate the teenager's death.
Bryan Johnson revealed his Autoimmune Gastritis diagnosis, which he believes sparked global negative reactions. He suggests this response stems from a deep-seated human need for challengers of mortality to fail. Johnson draws parallels to ancient myths and religious figures who confronted death. He argues that people need the challenger to lose to maintain their own worldview. Johnson questions if he is an ally rather than a threat.
Arvind Kejriwal has written to 29 auto manufacturers regarding E-20 fuel concerns. He questioned companies about compensation for mileage drops or component damage. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed reports of customer problems with E20 fuel. India is gradually increasing ethanol blending, with E20 already in use. The government is not rushing decisions on higher ethanol blends like E25.

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