us automakers

Ford CEO Jim Farley warns that Chinese electric vehicles entering the US market would be 'devastating' for American manufacturing. He argues for maintaining high tariffs, citing China's massive production capacity and potential cybersecurity risks. Farley also highlighted a critical shortage of skilled trades workers in the US, a concern he believes China addresses more effectively.

German robotics giant Kuka is pivoting towards Asia and the US, citing slow AI adoption and modernization among European industrial firms, particularly in Germany's automotive sector. CEO Christoph Schell highlighted intense competition and shrinking profit margins in Europe. The company is seeking growth in markets like China, India, and Southeast Asia, alongside the US, which benefits from import tariffs.

Three Democratic senators urged President Trump to block Chinese automakers from entering the U.S. market, citing economic and national security risks. They highlighted concerns over unfair competition, state-backed subsidies, and potential data security threats from connected vehicles. The senators also called for preventing Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S. via Canada and Mexico.

Analysts say the extent of the Iran conflict’s impact will depend on its duration and whether it fuels inflation, prompting central banks to maintain or raise interest rates. “The current Middle East conflict adds tremendous amount of uncertainty to the vehicle market,” said Cox Automotive economist Charlie Chesbrough.

Chinese battery giant CATL asserts that the US cannot produce electric vehicles without China's involvement, citing its global dominance. Despite US lawmakers' efforts to block Chinese batteries, CATL and BYD remain unfazed, believing protectionist measures will hinder the American auto market. CATL's technology and low costs have propelled its leadership, with a significant portion of global EVs using its batteries.

JSW MG Motor India will increase prices by up to 2% on select models starting April 1, 2026, to manage rising input costs. This price revision affects both ICE and electric vehicles in the mainline portfolio, excluding premium EVs sold via MG Select. Customers are advised to book before March end to avoid the hike.

All powertrains come paired with an updated ISG 2.0 mild-hybrid system. The 48-volt integrated starter-generator supports power boost, energy recuperation and engine-off coasting. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission takes gearbox duties. The Indian market is expected to get only 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engine options.

Sony and Honda have cancelled their Afeela 1 sedan and its unnamed SUV concept, ending a six-year project that came agonisingly close to the finish line. The Afeela 1 was already in trial production at Honda's Ohio plant and weeks from its first California deliveries. Honda's sweeping EV retreat—a $15.7 billion writedown that will hand the automaker its first annual loss since 1957—left the joint venture with no platform to build on and no path forward.

The range-topping S 680 will vary by market. The US and UAE are expected to retain the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 with 630hp and 900Nm, while markets such as India are likely to get a higher-output version of the 4.0-litre V8 with 612hp and 850Nm. A right-hand-drive V12, if offered globally, could be brought to India as a CBU.

In December, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents several major automakers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Stellantis, said China presents a growing challenge to the US auto industry and urged Washington to prevent Chinese state-backed automakers and battery companies from establishing manufacturing facilities in the country.

Some businesses are already seeing a shift. A used EV dealer near London reported record sales shortly after the conflict began and is increasing inventory amid expectations of continued demand, as buyers anticipate further fuel price hikes. However, analysts say such price increases may not immediately change broader car-buying behaviour.

Citi has revised its Nifty target to 27,000 from the earlier estimate of 28,500. The new projection suggests a potential upside of about 17 percent from the index’s last closing level.

Global conflicts, from the Middle East to Ukraine, are directly impacting Indian households. Expect higher grocery bills due to rising LPG, cooking oil, and pulse prices. Commuting costs are increasing with fuel surcharges on flights. Even education abroad and consumer electronics are becoming more expensive, while stock market losses affect savings. The ripple effects are undeniable.

SK has invested heavily in Jackson County in recent years as automakers expanded plans to develop and produce electric vehicles and the federal government under former President Joe Biden backed efforts to build a domestic EV supply chain. In June 2020, the company also announced plans to invest $940 million to expand battery manufacturing in the Atlanta area.

Honda’s decision to cancel three EV models in North America indicates a shift in strategy that could influence its approach in India. The company has said it will strengthen its focus on hybrid vehicles while expanding its presence in growth markets such as India. For the Indian market, this suggests Honda may prioritise hybrid technology instead of accelerating a full-scale EV rollout.

Thomas Dmytryk, a key architect of Tesla's over-the-air update system and Robotaxi software, has departed after over a decade. Citing family priorities, Dmytryk's exit follows a string of senior departures, raising concerns about institutional knowledge as Tesla pushes its autonomous ambitions. His departure marks the end of a significant era for the company's software development.

The scarcity of commercial LPG has emerged after shipments from the Gulf region were disrupted amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India relies heavily on imports from this region for its LPG requirements.

Himachal Pradesh mandates electric vehicle charging stations in new commercial, public, and real estate projects, aligning with national green energy goals. This move supports the booming EV market, driven by government incentives and widespread automaker participation. The state aims to integrate sustainable urban development with the growing EV adoption, paving the way for a greener future.

Indian auto component firms are boosting investments and acquisitions. Free trade agreements are opening new export markets, particularly for US and European destinations. Companies like Tenneco India and Valeo are expanding their presence. This positions India as a competitive manufacturing and export hub for global automakers seeking diversified supply chains.

The Trump administration's latest trade deal with Britain unfairly penalizes us automakers that have partnered with Canada and Mexico, a trade group representing Detroit automakers said Thursday. The Detroit companies organized their supply chains around the 2020 US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump negotiated in his first term.

Tesla ceded its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle seller in 2025 after posting weaker-than-expected sales in the fourth quarter. China’s BYD surpassed the US automaker in annual EV volumes, underscoring changes in global demand, intensifying competition and growing pressure on Tesla in key markets.

Tesla's European sales continued their decline in January, with registrations falling 17% year-on-year and market share dropping to 0.8%. This downturn is attributed to increased competition from affordable rivals like BYD, a focus on autonomous driving over mass-market models, and a flood of used Teslas.

The data comes as Europe’s auto industry faces pressure from lower-cost Chinese competitors and a delayed shift toward decarbonisation. The sector is also contending with trade uncertainty after most U.S. tariffs were ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court of the United States on Friday.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD Co Ltd, will supply EV batteries to US automaker Ford Motor Co, a document on the website of the ministry of industry and information technology showed on Monday.

Country is becoming an export hub for US automaker Ford Motor Co, said Joginder Singh, president and MD of Ford India Pvt Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of the company.