2nd Fortnight - Dec 2025 Read online
Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI)

www.indianforging.org | +91 9322450873

Key Press Reports
Automotive Industry

India remains both a growth driver & strategic hub: Nissan AMIEO head

Business Line | 19 December 2025

  • Nissan plans to launch three new models in India over the next 14–16 months, starting January, and expand sales outlets to 250 by FY27.
  • India is positioned as a key growth driver and export hub, with Made-in-India models like Magnite exported to 65 markets.
  • Upcoming launches include the Gravite MPV, Tekton mid-size SUV (2026), and a premium seven-seater SUV (2027).

2W wholesales may grow 6–9% in FY26: Icra

Business Standard | 20 December 2025

  • Two-wheeler wholesale volumes are expected to grow 6–9% in FY26, driven by replacement demand, GST cuts, and rural income support.
  • Wholesale volumes rose 19% YoY in November, though retail sales declined due to a high base and early festive season.
  • Exports remained strong (+27.9% YoY), while EV two-wheeler retail sales dipped marginally.

Premium bike sales defy GST hike, register 4% growth

Business Standard | 20 December 2025

  • Premium motorcycles (>350cc) recorded 4% YoY growth in Oct–Nov despite GST being raised to 40%.
  • Growth was led by the 350–500cc segment, while 500–800cc bikes saw moderation in November.
  • Sub-350cc motorcycles benefited from lower GST (18%) and supported overall industry growth.

Passenger car exports grew 20% in April-Nov on strong demand

Business Line | 24 December 2025

  • Passenger vehicle exports grew 20% YoY to nearly 6 lakh units during April–November 2025, led by Maruti Suzuki.
  • Compact cars and UVs drove growth, while mid-size sedan exports declined.
  • Potential tariff hikes by Mexico may impact exports, pushing OEMs to explore alternative markets.

SUVs set to overtake cars in exports

The Times of India | 24 December 2025

  • Utility vehicle exports overtook passenger car exports in November for the first time.
  • UV exports surged sharply in Apr–Nov 2025, reflecting global demand for higher-value vehicles.
  • Maruti Suzuki dominates both car and UV exports, with sub-4-metre SUVs forming the bulk.

2W exports remain buoyant in Apr-Nov with 24% growth

Business Line | 25 December 2025

  • Two-wheeler exports rose 24% YoY to 4.24 million units, driven by Latin America and Africa.
  • Motorcycles accounted for 87% of exports; Bajaj Auto led with a 35% market share.
  • TVS and Hero MotoCorp gained market share due to strong demand for commuter models.

Engineering exports cross $11 b in November

Business Line | 26 December 2025

  • Engineering exports crossed $11 billion in November, rising 23.8% YoY after an October dip.
  • Strong growth came from the US and EU markets, aided by a low base.
  • Exporters were advised caution due to global trade volatility despite positive momentum.

MSRTC to focus on 8k diesel buses next year; EV Fleet Promotion Plan Suffers Setback

The Times of India | 26 December 2025

  • MSRTC plans to add 8,000 diesel buses due to delays in electric bus procurement.
  • Only 600 of the planned 5,150 e-buses have been delivered so far under a private contract.
  • Slow EV rollout has forced reliance on diesel buses to maintain fleet strength and service reliability.

Rolls-Royce plans to make India its 3rd ‘home market’

Business Standard | 29 December 2025

  • Rolls-Royce plans major investments in India across aero engines, defence, and advanced engineering.
  • Development of next-generation jet engines for India’s AMCA programme is a key focus.
  • India is seen as having scale, policy clarity, and strong defence manufacturing potential.

Auto PLI favours large OEMs, Ather tells PMO

Business Standard | 31 December 2025

  • Ather Energy flagged that the auto PLI scheme disproportionately benefits large OEMs.
  • High eligibility thresholds and rigid rules limit startup participation and innovation.
  • Ather suggested multi-window applications and reallocation of incentives for non-performing firms.

Hyundai enters dedicated taxi segment, starting at ₹6 lakh

Business Line | 31 December 2025

  • Hyundai launched Prime HB and Prime SD taxi models, entering the commercial mobility segment.
  • Vehicles are designed for low operating cost, high uptime, and predictable maintenance.
  • Backed by Hyundai’s service network, warranty, and finance solutions for fleet operators.
Electric Vehicles

Ford to take $19.5 bn hit due to EV overhaul

Business Standard | 17 December 2025

  • Ford will take $19.5 billion in charges after scaling back unprofitable EV investments.
  • The company is cancelling some EV projects and shifting focus to hybrids and ICE vehicles.
  • Ford expects EV operations to turn profitable by 2029, with hybrids driving near-term growth.

Foreign EV cos must create jobs

The Times of India | 14 December 2025

  • Tata Motors said foreign EV companies entering India must invest in localisation, job creation, and capability building, not just tap domestic demand.
  • The government will take a holistic view, including technology transfer and local value addition, before allowing market access to global players, including Chinese firms.
  • Tata Motors plans to invest up to ₹18,000 crore by FY30, launch five new EV models (including Sierra.ev and Avinya), and aims to retain a 45–50% market share in the EV segment.

Ola Electric secures ₹367 cr incentive under PLI-auto scheme for FY25

Business Standard | 26 December 2025

  • Ola Electric received ₹366.78 crore under the PLI-Auto scheme for FY25.
  • The incentive recognises Ola’s scale, localisation, and integrated EV manufacturing.
  • The company reaffirmed its commitment to making India a global EV manufacturing hub.

TN extends 100% road tax exemption for EVs

Business Line | 31 December 2025

  • Tamil Nadu extended 100% road tax exemption on EVs till December 31, 2027.
  • The move aims to sustain EV adoption momentum, currently at ~7.8% penetration.
  • Industry welcomed the decision but urged focus on local component manufacturing.

Target hit, govt ends subsidy for electric three-wheelers

The Times of India | 31 December 2025

  • The Centre ended subsidies for electric three-wheelers after achieving ~32% penetration.
  • Support for electric two-wheelers may continue as penetration remains lower (~7.5%).
  • States are expected to take the lead with local EV incentive schemes.
Tractor

ICRA revises tractor industry growth forecast upwards to 15-17% for FY26

Business Line | 27 December 2025

  • ICRA raised FY26 tractor growth outlook to 15–17%, up from 8–10% earlier.
  • Growth is driven by GST reduction to 5%, lower prices, and favourable monsoon conditions.
  • Pre-buying ahead of new emission norms may further boost near-term demand.
Raw Material

Copper Poised for its Best Year Since 2009 After December Surge

The Economic Times | 26 December 2025

  • Copper prices surged nearly 40% in 2025, crossing $12,000 per tonne due to supply disruptions and tariff fears.
  • Major mine accidents and shipment front-loading to the US tightened global supply.
  • Strong demand from power grids, energy transition and AI infrastructure is supporting long-term price strength.

Global steel production down 4.6 per cent in November

Business Line | 27 December 2025

  • Global crude steel output fell 4.6% YoY in November 2025, led by a sharp 10.9% drop in China.
  • India stood out with a 10.8% rise in steel production, while the US also reported growth.
  • Production trends were mixed across regions, with declines in Asia and Europe offset by gains elsewhere.

EU’s CBAM to dent margins of steel and aluminium exporters

Business Line | 31 December 2025

  • EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will tax steel and aluminium imports based on carbon emissions.
  • Indian exporters face margin pressure due to high-emission blast furnace production and existing US duties.
  • The move may accelerate decarbonisation and shift exports to Africa and West Asia.
Government Policy

EPFO urges employers to use EES-2025 to enroll employees

Business Line | 19 December 2025

  • EPFO launched EES-2025, offering a six-month window to regularise past EPF non-compliance.
  • Employers can enrol eligible employees from July 2017 to October 2025 with reduced penalties.
  • The scheme aims to expand social security coverage and encourage voluntary compliance.

Auto dealers knock at SC door on compensation cess

Business Line | 23 December 2025

  • Auto dealers approached the Supreme Court seeking refund of ₹2,500 crore in accumulated GST compensation cess.
  • FADA challenged government notifications that lapse unused cess credits without transition provisions.
  • The SC issued notice to the Centre, marking a key step for MSME dealers facing liquidity stress.

China issues rare earth licences to a few more Indian companies

Business Line | 25 December 2025

  • China granted rare earth magnet export licences to a limited number of Indian firms.
  • Over 50 applications remain pending, impacting EV, electronics and defence supply chains.
  • Slow approvals are easing marginally amid improving diplomatic engagement between India and China.

ICAI clarifies accounting norms under new labour codes

Business Standard | 29 December 2025

  • ICAI directed companies to recognise increased gratuity liability immediately as an expense.
  • New labour codes extend gratuity benefits to fixed-term employees after one year of service.
  • Firms must reflect these changes in December-quarter financial results.

Higher Gratuity Liability Due to Labour Codes Must be Treated as Expense: ICAI

The Economic Times | 29 December 2025

  • ICAI reiterated that higher gratuity liability under labour codes is a past service cost.
  • Companies must recognise the impact immediately in profit and loss statements.
  • The change may temporarily impact corporate profitability.

Labour codes: Industry seeks clarifications

The Times of India | 29 December 2025

  • Industry bodies sought clarity on wage definitions, gratuity calculations and retroactive application.
  • ICAI advised provisioning for higher gratuity and leave liabilities in the December quarter.
  • Uncertainty persists due to pending central and state rules.

Defence forces get ₹79,000-cr boost to sharpen firepower

Business Line | 30 December 2025

  • Defence Acquisition Council approved proposals worth nearly ₹79,000 crore.
  • Key purchases include loitering munitions, missiles, radars and surveillance systems.
  • The approvals aim to enhance combat readiness across Army, Navy and Air Force.

Access all press reports in a single PDF document.

View PDF
Recent Activities

 

      • Western Region Meeting, 19th Dec 2025, Pune
      • Northern Region Meeting, 7th Jan 2026, Chandigarh
      • Training on “Maintenance of Induction Billet Heater”, 8th Jan 2026, Ludhiana
Upcoming Activities

 

    • Training on ''Problem Solving Of Forging Defects & Die Life Improvement",13th Jan 2026, Pune
    • Training on "Maintenance Of Hammer, Forging Press and Triming Press",20th Jan 2026, Bengaluru
    • AIFI Information Booth At IMTEX FORMING 2026 & TOOLTECH 2026
    • Western Region Meeting,30th Jan 2026, Pune
facebook  linkedin  whatsapp 
Unsubscribe   |   Manage your subscription   |   View online