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Renault Group completes acquisition of 51% stake in Chennai plant from Nissan
Business Line | 2 August 2025
- Renault acquired Nissan’s 51% stake in the Chennai plant, now fully owning Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd, making India a key hub for growth.
- The move supports Renault’s plan to launch 4 new vehicles and expand exports, with a new CEO, Stéphane Deblaise, to lead from September 2025.
- Renault-Nissan will continue joint projects, with the Chennai plant still producing Nissan cars; India remains a strategic growth hub for both brands.
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Bosch Acquires 74.2% Holding in Johnson Controls-Hitachi India
The Economic Times | 5 August 2025
- Bosch bought a 74.2% stake in JCHAI, part of its $8 billion global deal with Johnson Controls, its biggest acquisition ever.
- The move strengthens Bosch’s position in India’s home appliances and AC market, competing with LG, Samsung, Voltas, Daikin, and Blue Star.
- JCHAI posted ₹2,756 crore revenue in FY25 (up 44% YoY) and turned profitable; Bosch plans an open offer for the remaining 25.75% shares.
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TaMo Re-enters South Africa's PV Market after 6 Yrs
The Economic Times | 21 August 2025
- Tata Motors re-entered South Africa’s passenger vehicle market, launching Punch, Curvv, Tiago, and Harrier models.
- It will operate via 40 dealerships (expanding to 60 by 2026) with Motus Holdings as the exclusive distributor.
- The launch is seen as a milestone in Tata’s global journey, targeting safety, quality, and innovation for South African consumers.
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Ashok Leyland set to rev up its West Asia growth plans
Business Standard | 21 August 2025
- Ashok Leyland plans a new plant in Saudi Arabia to assemble electric buses, light trucks, and conventional vehicles.
- Exports surged 30% YoY in FY25 to 15,255 units, with GCC markets contributing 40%; Q1 FY26 exports grew another 29%.
- The move follows closure of its UK EV facility; the Saudi unit will supplement its Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) plant nearing full capacity.
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Auto firms split over GST rejig impact
Business Standard | 22 August 2025
- Auto companies are divided over GST reforms (moving to 5% and 18% slabs); some fear buyers will delay purchases until final clarity.
- Maruti’s RC Bhargava said small cars could benefit from a cut to 18% GST, but uncertainty about cess on larger cars remains.
- Experts warn sales in August–September may drop as consumers wait; firms want quick decisions to avoid festive slowdown.
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TaMo seeks govt help to ease EV raw material sourcing
Business Standard | 23 August 2025
- Tata Motors urged the government to diversify EV raw material sourcing, especially lithium-ion cells and rare earths, beyond China.
- Localisation of EV batteries is critical but challenging; Tata says government must support industry through incentives and streamlined bureaucracy.
- Benefits of localisation include reduced geopolitical risks and cost savings; Tata calls for urgent action to achieve high localisation levels.
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Festive retail sales get hit, buyers await GST, price cut
The Times of India | 23 August 2025
- Festive demand for cars, two-wheelers, and consumer goods slowed as buyers wait for GST cuts to reduce prices.
- Retailers and companies (LG, Samsung, Sony, auto dealers) face high inventories, with some buyers even canceling bookings.
- FADA warned banks may raise interest charges on unsold inventory; GST Council to meet on Sept 3–4 for final decision.
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Suzuki to invest 70,000 cr in India over next 6 years
Business Line | 27 August 2025
- Suzuki announced a ₹70,000 crore investment plan, including a new EV line at Hansalpur (capacity: 2.5 lakh EVs annually).
- PM Modi flagged off the first e-Vitara, which will be a global model exported to over 100 countries from India.
- Suzuki also launched India’s first lithium-ion battery production with Toshiba-Denso-Suzuki JV, boosting localisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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TVS Motor enters goods movement segment, launches 'King Kargo HD EV priced at ₹3.85 lakh
Business Line | 22 August 2025
- TVS launched its first electric cargo three-wheeler under PM E-DRIVE scheme, priced at ₹3.85 lakh with a 156 km range.
- The company plans to double production to 1,000 units/month and expand availability to SAARC countries.
- E-3W cargo segment is growing fast; TVS sees EVs capturing 60% of India’s three-wheeler market by 2030.
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Bajaj Auto restarts production of Chetak e-scooters on stable rare minerals supply
Business Line | 23 August 2025
- Bajaj resumed Chetak EV production after securing a stable supply of rare earth magnets, which earlier caused delivery delays.
- Chetak remains India’s top-selling e-scooter; Bajaj plans to scale up production to meet festive demand.
- While rural demand stays steady, metro demand is weak due to inflation; Bajaj expects up to 6% industry growth in FY26.
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EV spark fires up R&D spending by legacy 2W majors
Business Standard | 26 August 2025
- Hero MotoCorp, TVS, Bajaj, and Eicher doubled R&D spending in 5 years (₹3,304 cr in FY25 vs ₹1,595 cr in FY21), driven by EV push.
- Focus areas include AI-based design, digital innovation, augmented reality displays, and new EV technologies.
- TVS crossed ₹1,000 cr R&D for the first time; Hero filed 170+ patents; Eicher preps first EV launch “Flying Flea C6” by 2026.
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Europe Car Sales Gain Most in 15 Months as Buyers Warm to EVs
The Economic Times | 29 August 2025
- EU new-car sales rose 5.9% in July 2025, with plug-in hybrids up 52% and EVs up 33%.
- Growth was driven by strong demand in Germany and Spain, though France and the UK declined.
- Tesla sales slumped 40%, while VW, Ford, BMW posted double-digit gains; BYD deliveries tripled.
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Escorts Kubota to set up 4,500 crore tractor manufacturing plant on Yamuna Expressway
Business Standard | 19 August 2025
- Escorts Kubota allotted 200 acres on Yamuna Expressway for a ₹4,500 cr tractor and equipment manufacturing unit.
- Phase 1 investment: ₹2,000 cr with 4,000 jobs; Phase 2 expansion based on demand.
- The plant will serve both domestic and global markets; R&D services for Kubota’s global network will also be set up.
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JSW Steel, Posco sign pact for steel plant in India
Business Standard | 19 August 2025
- JSW Steel and South Korea’s Posco signed an MoU for a 50:50 JV to build a 6 MTPA integrated steel plant, likely in Odisha.
- A detailed feasibility study will decide location, investment, and resources; Odisha favored for its raw material base.
- The venture combines JSW’s execution strength with Posco’s steel technology, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
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Aluminium demand to double to 16 mtpa in 10 yrs
Business Line | 22 August 2025
- Hindalco projects India’s aluminium demand will double to 16 MTPA in 10 years, driven by transport, energy, railways, and construction.
- Company plans record ₹18,000 cr capex, including new alumina refinery and expansions at Aditya and Mahan smelters.
- Copper demand also rising due to EVs, urbanization, and clean energy; Dahej copper expansion to make it world’s largest smelter outside China.
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Steel trade deficit narrows to 1,195 cr in July; exports pip imports after 14 months
Business Line | 26 August 2025
- India became a net steel exporter in June–July 2025 after 14 months, helped by higher exports and falling imports.
- April–July exports rose 8% YoY to 1.7 MT (₹13,996 cr), while imports fell 40% to 1.67 MT (₹17,041 cr).
- Belgium, Spain, and Nepal saw strong import demand for Indian steel; imports from Japan and China fell sharply.
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Tata Steel, JSW Steel reported strong earnings while SAIL underperformed
The Economic Times | 28 August 2025
- Tata Steel and JSW Steel posted strong Q1 FY26 earnings, benefiting from firm domestic prices and lower coking coal costs.
- SAIL underperformed due to inventory drawdowns, despite overall steel sector profits rising sharply.
- Non-ferrous firms like Hindalco and Vedanta faced weaker results due to falling aluminium and zinc prices.
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Siam makes a case for N1 commercial vehicles' inclusion in PM E-DRIVE
Business Standard | 18 August 2025
- SIAM urged the government to include N1 category (sub-3.5T) trucks in the PM E-DRIVE scheme, citing benefits for last-mile delivery.
- Electrifying this segment could cut emissions, reduce fuel dependency, and lower operating costs for SMEs and farmers.
- SIAM noted N1 vehicles were covered earlier under FAME-II but excluded from PM E-DRIVE, creating a policy gap.
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Govt seeks to revamp entire tax system with GST reform, I-T Bill
Business Standard | 18 August 2025
- The Centre is overhauling both GST and income tax; new GST slabs proposed at 5%, 18%, and 40% for luxury/sin goods.
- Cement and auto parts may see GST cut from 28% to 18%, reducing costs for infra, housing, and vehicles.
- The move aims to ease compliance, simplify ITC, strengthen GST tribunals, and boost consumption before Diwali.
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'Fresh round of PLI for speciality steel on cards'
Business Line | 18 August 2025
- Govt plans PLI 2.0 for speciality steel, shifting base year to FY25 and easing norms to attract more investment.
- New scheme to support brownfield expansions, include 25+ new product categories, and be MSME-friendly.
- Earlier PLI rounds drew ₹44,000 cr investments; govt expects another ₹4,000 cr in the next 5 years.
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China assures India of rare earth, fertilizer supplies
Business Line | 20 August 2025
- China promised to ease supply of rare earths, fertilizers, and tunnel boring machines after Indian EV makers faced shortages.
- The assurance came during talks between Wang Yi and S. Jaishankar; Xi Jinping also invited PM Modi to SCO summit.
- Rare earth supply relief is crucial for EV sector, as India was hit by China’s April export restrictions.
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I-T Bill gets Presidential assent, new Act to be effective from April 1
Business Line | 23 August 2025
- The Income Tax Act 2025 received presidential assent and will replace the 1961 Act starting April 1, 2026.
- Key changes: MAT and AMT separated, LLPs with only capital gains exempt from AMT, and more flexible refund provisions.
- Simplifies deductions, pension/gratuity rules, and aligns taxation of anonymous donations for nonprofits.
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India-UK FTA to boost aluminium exports
Business Standard | 26 August 2025
- The India–UK FTA removes duties on aluminium, expected to triple exports to 65 KTPA by 2030 (worth ~$220 mn).
- Gains could be offset by UK’s CBAM (carbon tax) from 2027, imposing a 14–35% tariff on high-emission aluminium.
- Experts call for India to adopt carbon pricing and certify “green aluminium” to stay competitive.
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Govt to demand concessions on carbon tax in EU trade deal
The Times of India | 28 August 2025
- India will push the EU for carbon tax concessions, similar to its deal with the US, during FTA talks scheduled for Sept 8–12.
- Govt aims to finalize the FTA by year-end, covering exports in textiles, aluminium, and other key sectors.
- Strategy includes diversifying exports to 50 countries, offering incentives, and supporting exporters hit by US tariffs.
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No impact on vehicles due to E20 fuel, say oil companies, automakers, ARAI
Business Line | 31 August 2025
- Automakers, oil companies, and ARAI confirmed E20 (20% ethanol blend) fuel has no negative effect on vehicles.
- SIAM assured vehicle warranties remain unchanged, with automakers taking full responsibility for any issues.
- Oil companies (IOC, BPCL, HPCL) and FIPI emphasized misinformation was causing unnecessary consumer concern.
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