2nd Fortnight - Jan 2026 Read online
Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI)

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Key Press Reports
Automotive Industry

Maruti Suzuki begins export of Victoris to Latin America, Africa & Middle East

Business Line | 17 January 2026

  • Maruti Suzuki started exporting its premium SUV Victoris, shipping over 450 units to global markets including Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
  • The model has received strong domestic response with 70,000 bookings, of which 35,000 units have already been dispatched.
  • The exports support the company’s global expansion strategy and reinforce its position as India’s largest passenger vehicle exporter.

Bharat Forge gets ₹300 crore defence contracts for unmanned systems

Business Line | 17 January 2026

  • Bharat Forge secured defence contracts worth about ₹300 crore under the Emergency Procurement framework to supply indigenous unmanned systems for the Army and Navy.
  • The systems include ISR platforms and loitering munitions like Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver for diverse operational requirements.
  • The development strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Auto, ancillary sectors to see strong earnings momentum

Business Standard | 19 January 2026

  • The auto and auto-ancillary sectors are expected to report strong Q3FY26 performance due to festive demand, GST rationalisation, easing interest rates, and improved rural sentiment.
  • Passenger vehicle sales reached a record 1.27 million units, up 20.6% YoY, while exports rose 11.7% supported by demand from West Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
  • Two-wheeler volumes also surged to 5.7 million units, reflecting strong overall industry growth despite higher input costs.

ZF Group opens electric parking brake line at its Oragadam plant near Chennai

Business Line | 21 January 2026

  • ZF Group inaugurated an electric parking brake (EPB) production line with an annual capacity of 8 lakh units, supporting passenger vehicle safety technologies.
  • The company plans to increase localisation of EPB components from 40% to 80–90% within two years.
  • The investment is part of ZF’s $200–250 million India expansion, reflecting rising demand and region-specific engineering development.

US Automakers’ Troubles Extend to Canada

The Economic Times | 26 January 2026

  • Canada’s decision to reduce tariffs on limited Chinese vehicle imports could increase competition for US automakers already losing global market share.
  • Chinese firms like BYD and SAIC are expanding globally, threatening US manufacturers’ dominance in North America and Latin America.
  • US automakers risk becoming niche players focused mainly on large SUVs and pickup trucks if global competitiveness declines.

Two-wheeler OEMs set to expand EU footprint

Business Line | 29 January 2026

  • The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to boost exports of Indian two-wheelers by reducing tariffs and strengthening regulatory cooperation.
  • Companies like Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor, and Royal Enfield anticipate stronger access to European markets and deeper integration into global supply chains.
  • The agreement may also help Indian auto component manufacturers become preferred sourcing partners for global motorcycle production.

Auto firms eye India to take on Chinese rivals

Business Standard | 29 January 2026

  • Global carmakers are looking to use India’s cost-effective manufacturing base to export vehicles to Europe and compete with Chinese brands.
  • Companies such as Renault and Volkswagen may increase production of left-hand-drive vehicles tailored for European customers.
  • Maruti Suzuki has already started exporting electric vehicles to Europe, highlighting India’s growing role as an export hub.

Auto exports hit top gear in FY26 backed by policy push

Business Line | 30 January 2026

  • India exported over 53 lakh vehicles in FY25, with strong growth continuing in FY26 due to global demand for India-made vehicles.
  • Government initiatives like the PLI-Auto Scheme and ACC battery manufacturing incentives are accelerating EV ecosystem growth.
  • EV registrations in India have grown at a CAGR of 62.5% over the last five years.

Exports, premium bikes take Bajaj Auto profit up 19% in Q3

The Economic Times | 31 January 2026

  • Bajaj Auto reported a 19% rise in quarterly profit supported by strong exports and premium motorcycle sales.
  • Revenue increased due to record vehicle sales and growing demand across domestic motorcycles, electric two-wheelers, and three-wheelers.
  • Export volumes crossed 6 lakh units, reflecting recovery in overseas markets and improved profitability margins.
Electric Vehicles

Canada to cut tariffs on Chinese EVs for lower levies on farm products

The Economic Times | 17 January 2026

  • Canada agreed to gradually reduce tariffs on Chinese EV imports in exchange for reduced tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports.
  • The agreement may weaken US automotive market influence in Canada and increase Chinese EV presence.
  • US vehicle export share in Canada has already declined due to tariff conflicts and shifting trade dynamics.

Auto Cos See Red in Delhi's Green Push

The Economic Times | 18 January 2026

  • Delhi government announced incentives of ₹50,000 for the first 1,000 vehicles retrofitted from internal combustion engines to EVs to reduce pollution. 
  • Major automobile manufacturers expressed concerns over safety, structural integrity, and technical feasibility of EV retrofitting compared with CNG/LPG conversions. 
  • Retrofitting firms have demanded GST reduction, simplified approvals, extended vehicle validity, and scrappage-linked incentives to boost adoption.

Railways speeds up shift towards clean engines

The Economic Times | 19 January 2026

  • Indian Railways plans to replace or retrofit around 2,500 diesel locomotives with battery, hydrogen, or other clean-fuel propulsion systems. 
  • The initial focus is on yard operations, shunting services, and last-mile freight movement, which still depend on diesel traction. 
  • Pilot projects include hydrogen train testing, lithium-ion battery locomotives, and development of hydrogen-fuel propulsion systems for coal transport.

E-trucks reach diesel cost parity in 3-5 yrs: TaMo CV

The Economic Times | 21 January 2026

  • Tata Motors stated that customers can recover the higher upfront investment in e-trucks within approximately three to five years, after which operational costs become lower compared to diesel trucks. 
  • The company did not secure orders in the government’s 10,900 e-bus tender, which was awarded largely to emerging EV manufacturers such as PMI Electro Mobility, Eka Mobility, and Olectra Greentech. 
  • Tata Motors explained that its tender pricing was based on long-term operational cost estimates over 12 years, focusing on sustainable business economics rather than aggressive bidding strategies

Toyota enters India’s EV market

The Economic Times | 21 January 2026

  • Toyota Kirloskar Motor has entered India’s EV segment with the Urban Cruiser Ebella, developed in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki and based on the e-Vitara platform. 
  • The partnership combines Toyota’s electrification technology with Suzuki’s strength in compact vehicle manufacturing and global supply collaborations. 
  • Toyota plans to follow a multi-technology electrification strategy, focusing on hybrids and EVs together to suit India’s varied consumer and decarbonisation requirements.

Tata Motors to bid for govt e-Bus schemes

Business Line | 21 January 2026

  • Tata Motors launched 17 commercial vehicle products across 7-55 tonne segments, including the new Azura series and electric truck range, to strengthen its market presence. 
  • The company plans to participate in upcoming government tenders, including a 6,000-bus electric bus procurement programme, to expand its EV footprint. 
  • Tata Motors aims to grow EV adoption through product upgrades while avoiding aggressive price discounting seen in recent e-bus tenders. 

Buybacks, battery subscriptions among plans on offer to make EV ownership risk-free

The Economic Times | 22 January 2026

  • Automakers are introducing assured buybacks, battery subscription models, exchange programmes, and stronger charging infrastructure to reduce ownership risks and attract EV buyers.
  • EV sales in India grew 77.4% in 2025, with market penetration expected to rise from 4% to around 7% in 2026, driven by ecosystem support rather than just new model launches.
  • Companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Toyota, MG, and VinFast are focusing on lifetime battery warranties, service readiness, resale value assurance, and financing flexibility to build consumer confidence in EV adoption.

Will opt out of PM E-DRIVE scheme for e-ambulances

Business Line | 24 January 2026

  • Ashok Leyland decided not to participate in the government’s PM E-DRIVE scheme for electric ambulances, focusing instead on strengthening its core electric bus segment. 
  • The company stated that demand visibility and long-term viability are stronger in the electric bus market compared to specialised ambulance EV segments. 
  • Ashok Leyland continues to expand its EV commercial vehicle portfolio through Switch Mobility and other electric mobility initiatives.

EV sales overtake petrol cars in EU for first time in December

The Economic Times | 28 January 2026

  • Electric vehicle sales in the European Union surpassed petrol car sales for the first time, reflecting rapid consumer shift towards electrification. 
  • Chinese EV manufacturers gained market share in Europe, intensifying competition for global automakers. 
  • Despite easing emission norms in some regions, strong policy support and consumer demand are expected to sustain EV growth.
Raw Material

Steel minimum import price: SC overturns 2018 Delhi HC order

Business Standard | 22 January 2026

  • The Supreme Court ruled that steel import price regulations become legally enforceable only after official Gazette notification publication. 
  • The judgment overturned a Delhi High Court order that treated online publication as valid notification. 
  • The ruling provides clarity for importers and strengthens legal interpretation of government trade notifications. 

Hindalco to invest in EV component manufacturing expansion

Business Line | 23 January 2026

  • Hindalco plans to expand aluminium component manufacturing capacity to cater to rising EV demand and lightweight vehicle requirements.
  • The investment will strengthen domestic supply chains for battery enclosures, structural components, and lightweight mobility solutions.
  • The expansion supports India’s EV manufacturing growth and global supply chain integration.

World will soon run short of copper due to power demand, AI data centres

Business Line, 30 January 2026

  • The Economic Survey warns of a potential global copper shortage due to rising demand from AI-driven data centres, renewable energy, and electrification.
  • Producing copper is becoming more resource-intensive, with massive ore processing required and renewable projects like wind power needing thousands of tonnes of copper.
  • Supply risks are increasing due to mine disruptions, lower ore grades, trade restrictions, and growing competition for critical minerals essential for energy transition.
Government Policies

Niti Proposes Merger of Similar MSME Schemes

The Economic Times | 16 January 2026

  • NITI Aayog proposed merging overlapping MSME schemes across ministries to improve efficiency, implementation, and beneficiary outreach through better coordination. 
  • The report recommended creating a centralised portal and integrating cluster, marketing, innovation, and skill development schemes to streamline support for MSMEs. 
  • It advised retaining flagship and targeted schemes (such as SC/ST and North-East MSME programmes) separately to avoid dilution of their intended impact. 

Niti suggests ₹13,000 cr schemes for MSME decarbonisation

Business Line | 23 January 2026

  • NITI Aayog recommended ₹6,000 crore viability gap funding and ₹7,000 crore solar subsidy scheme to help MSMEs shift to energy-efficient and green technologies.
  • MSMEs contribute ~30% to India’s GDP, 46% exports and employ over 250 million people, but face rising global compliance pressure to reduce emissions.
  • The schemes could cut 27–36 million tonnes of emissions over a decade and initially target energy-intensive industrial clusters.

Trusted Aerospace looks beyond US with Sriperumbudur plant for exports to Europe

Business Line | 23 January 2026

  • TASE Global inaugurated a ₹150 crore aerospace components facility in Tamil Nadu to boost exports, especially to Europe.
  • The company expects additional revenue of nearly €300 crore in three years and will supply parts to Dassault’s Tier-1 vendors.
  • The move helps reduce dependence on the US market and expands manufacturing capacity with advanced precision machining technology.

CBAM rules strain India’s steel MSMEs

Business Standard | 28 January 2026

  • EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has led to shipment delays, order cancellations and rising compliance costs for Indian steel MSMEs.
  • Compliance costs have increased production expenses by 5–8%, with carbon levies rising to 240–300 euros per tonne.
  • Nearly 25,000–30,000 MSMEs indirectly exporting to Europe face risk due to lack of emissions data and supply-chain compliance challenges.

₹18,000-crore metro rail link to connect Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports

Business Line | 28 January 2026

  • Maharashtra approved a 35-km metro corridor connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports under PPP mode.
  • The project includes 25 stations with underground and elevated sections and aims to be completed in about 3.5 years.
  • The corridor is expected to ease congestion, improve connectivity and support the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport operations.

India proposes opening of automobile market to EU in phased manner

Business Standard | 29 January 2026

  • India proposed quota-based and phased tariff reductions for EU automobile imports under FTA negotiations to protect domestic industry.
  • EV import concessions may begin after five years, while CKD imports are preferred to promote local assembly.
  • The plan could allow limited entry of premium European vehicles while supporting technology collaboration and supply chain development.

Ashok Leyland bats for more scrappage boost

Business Line | 29 January 2026

  • Ashok Leyland urged stronger government incentives to accelerate vehicle scrappage and fleet modernization.
  • The company plans to establish multiple scrappage centres and reintroduced upgraded Taurus and Hippo heavy-duty truck models.
  • Demand for commercial vehicles is expected to remain strong due to economic growth and ageing fleet replacement requirements.

Need to bridge gaps in aircraft component manufacturing

Business Line | 30 January 2026

  • Industry experts highlighted gaps in India’s aircraft component ecosystem, especially in raw materials, hardware and niche manufacturing capabilities.
  • Airbus and Boeing emphasised strengthening supply chains and improving leadership capabilities to support aerospace growth.
  • India is witnessing strong aerospace sourcing growth but needs deeper ecosystem development to capture larger global opportunities.

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