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  • Khattar unveils new scheme to promote use of e-cars for govt use

    New Delhi: Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar launched the ‘EV as a Service’ programme of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), aimed at boosting e-mobility in government offices with the deployment of 5,000 e-cars in government departments over the next two years.

    The Union Minister flagged off an EV rally comprising vehicles in multiple segments with the call to action on adopting clean mobility alternatives to reduce emissions. The programme held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here, marks a significant step forward in advancing the adoption of electric cars in Central and State Government ministries/departments, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and institutions.

    CESL, a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), as part of its E-Services drive, is leveraging a flexible procurement model, the programme allows for the deployment of a variety of e-car models, enabling government offices to choose e-cars that best align with their operational requirements.

    It not only supports the government’s environmental sustainability vision but also aligns with India’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, according to an official statement. Enabling EV adoption within government fleets, CESL is contributing significantly to cutting carbon emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and bolstering India’s energy security.

    The CESL has already deployed nearly 2000 nos. of E-Cars across India and is also facilitating the deployment of approximately 17,000 e-buses. The minister said, “The ‘EV as a Service’ programme exemplifies CESL’s dedication to sustainable innovation and showcases its ability to address the urgent need for clean mobility solutions.”

    “I commend CESL for not only driving change but for setting an inspiring example in our nation’s journey toward greener transportation. With initiatives like these, India moves closer to a future where clean energy is the norm, creating a lasting impact for generations to come,” the minister added.

    “The launch of ‘EV as a Service’ follows the recent introduction of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, a national initiative aimed at fast-tracking India’s shift to electric mobility,” said Vishal Kapoor, MD & CEO, CESL.

    “At CESL, the future of transportation is electric, and by facilitating EV adoption in government fleets, we are enabling large-scale emissions reduction and enhancing energy security for India. This programme aligns stakeholders – from manufacturers and fleet operators to policymakers and users – creating a collaborative ecosystem poised for growth,” he explained.

    The launch event saw an impressive turnout and featured an EV Exhibition and an EV rally comprising more than 100 electric vehicles from a wide array of segments, including e-bicycles, electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, e-tractors, e-mobile charging vans, e-cargo pickups, e-buses, and e-trucks.

    Senior officers from Central Government Ministries and Departments such as the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Department of Revenue, and Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs attended the event. Further, various E-Mobility Original Equipment Makers (OEMs), think-tanks and EV enthusiasts attended the event.

  • A new era of safety

    Maruti Suzuki has achieved a milestone by securing its first-ever five-star Global NCAP crash safety rating. This accomplishment marks a significant shift for a brand often criticized for its subpar safety ratings, with many of its models previously earning only one or two stars. This breakthrough is pivotal for Maruti Suzuki as it seeks to enhance its reputation for producing safer vehicles.

    Why This Matters

    The model that earned this coveted rating is not a high-end vehicle but the mass-market, sub-four metre Dzire. This distinction highlights Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to improving the crashworthiness of its more affordable cars, rather than focusing solely on its premium models like the Grand Vitara. By achieving this rating, Maruti Suzuki aims to demonstrate that passenger safety is a top priority, countering past perceptions of negligence in this area.

    What This Means for Customers

    The latest generation of the Dzire stands out due to the standardization of numerous safety features, which were previously optional or unavailable. These enhancements include:

    Six airbags as standard, including side head curtain airbags and side chest airbags for both the driver and front passenger.

    Increased use of “Ultra and Advanced High Strength Steel” for improved structural integrity, contributing to greater overall safety.

    These advancements have come at a cost, with the base model of the new Dzire now priced at ₹6.59 lakh ex-showroom. While this increase may be a concern for some, it reflects the broader industry trend towards prioritizing safety over cost-cutting measures.

    Context and Implications

    Maruti Suzuki’s Chairman, RC Bhargava, has previously expressed concerns about the financial impact of mandatory safety features, particularly for entry-level buyers transitioning from motorcycles to cars. However, with the entry-level segment shrinking and competitors like Hyundai exiting this market, Maruti Suzuki’s strategic shift towards safety is an effort to rebuild its image and customer trust.

    This move is also timely, considering the growing consumer awareness and demand for safer vehicles. According to McKinsey’s Automotive Consumer Survey, 58% of respondents are willing to pay more for safety, and 70% now consider it the most important factor in their purchasing decisions.

    Why Safety Ratings Matter

    The Global NCAP’s “Safer Cars for India” initiative has significantly influenced Indian car buyers, pushing manufacturers to prioritize crashworthiness. In the past, many popular models from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai were criticized for not including essential safety features, often reserved for their international counterparts to manage costs.

    This initiative has highlighted the disparity between the safety standards of cars sold domestically and those exported, forcing manufacturers to rethink their strategies. The increased focus on safety is further supported by government efforts to reduce road fatalities and enhance vehicle safety standards.

    Looking Ahead

    Maruti Suzuki’s journey towards improved safety is just beginning. The upcoming assessments of its other models by Bharat NCAP, which follows similar UN-based crash safety regulations, will be crucial. It remains to be seen whether models like the Swift, WagonR, and Alto will also see enhanced safety features becoming standard.

    For now, Maruti Suzuki can celebrate this achievement, having set a new benchmark for safety in India’s automotive industry. This accomplishment not only elevates Maruti Suzuki’s standing but also sets a precedent for other manufacturers, including Hyundai and Kia, which have yet to secure a five-star Global NCAP rating for their India-made cars.

    This step towards prioritizing safety signifies a broader transformation within the industry, where safer truly means better.

  • Hyundai Pips Volkswagen To Become 2nd-Largest Automaker

    Seoul: Hyundai Motor Group has outperformed Volkswagen Group to become the world’s second-largest automaker in terms of operating profit, industry data showed on Thursday. According to automotive industry data, Hyundai Motor Group achieved sales of 69.4 trillion won ($49.6 billion) and an operating profit of 6.5 trillion won during the third quarter.

    For the period from January to September, the South Korean automaker’s cumulative sales reached 208.9 trillion won, while operating profit was recorded at 21.4 trillion won, reports Yonhap news agency.

    In terms of operating profit alone, Hyundai Motor Group ranked second among global competitors after Toyota Group. The Japanese automaker reported an operating profit of 1.15 trillion yen ($7.4 billion) for the third quarter, and an operating profit of 32.4 trillion won for the January-September period. For the third quarter, Volkswagen Group has reported an operating profit of 4.3 trillion won. For the first nine-month period, Volkswagen’s operating profit stood at 19.36 trillion won. With Volkswagen Group facing challenges in the Chinese market, many industry watchers see Hyundai Motor Group as being poised to secure the No. 2 position in terms of operating profit after Toyota Group for the entirety of 2024.

    Hyundai Motor Group, however, is likely to take some time before surpassing Volkswagen Group in global sales volume.

  • New Dzire from Maruti Suzuki Achieves Five-Star Rating

    Maruti Dzire Crash Test Rating: The new Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which debuted in India this week, received five stars for adult and four stars for kid occupant safety. The new Dzire is the first Maruti Suzuki to receive a five-star Global NCAP certification.

    Now, what is Global NCAP certification?

    It is a crash test that assesses frontal and side impact protection, ESC, and pedestrian safety, all of which are required for top-star ratings.

    David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, said, “The new Dzire’s five-star rating sets a significant safety benchmark for Maruti Suzuki compared to the previous version of this model and others from Maruti we have tested. Global NCAP warmly welcomes this milestone voluntary test result.”

    “We are optimistic that going forward Maruti will seek to achieve this high level of safety performance across their model range. If they do, it will be a vehicle safety game changer for Indian consumers.”

  • Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM Duke 250: Detailed Specs Comparison

    Hero MotoCorp Unveils Xtreme 250R to Rival KTM Duke 250 in Streetfighter Segment

    Hero MotoCorp has launched the flagship model of its Xtreme range, the Xtreme 250R. This naked motorcycle introduces a new 250 cc liquid-cooled engine, building on the concept design of the Xtunt 2.5R that was showcased in 2023. Positioned to compete with the KTM Duke 250, the Xtreme 250R brings a fresh edge to Hero’s lineup. Here’s a comparison of the Xtreme 250R and the KTM Duke 250 across key features.

    Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM Duke 250: Engine

    The Xtreme 250R debuts Hero’s latest 250 cc engine, which will also power the upcoming Karizma XMR 250. This 250 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve engine, developed from Hero’s existing 210 cc version, features an extended bore length. The engine produces 29.5 bhp and 25 Nm of torque, achieving 0-60 km/h in just 3.25 seconds and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

    The KTM Duke 250, on the other hand, sports a 250 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, delivering 30.5 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. It also features a 6-speed gearbox, with the added advantage of a bidirectional quick-shifter for smoother gear changes.

    Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM Duke 250: Hardware

    Both bikes use a trellis frame, providing stability and balance. The Xtreme 250R features a 43 mm upside-down front suspension and a 6-step adjustable mono-shock rear suspension, achieving a 50-50 weight balance. It rides on 17-inch wheels and includes disc brakes at both front and rear.

    The Duke 250 is equipped with 43 mm USD forks and a 10-step adjustable mono-shock rear suspension. It also features 17-inch wheels, with a 320 mm front disc brake and a 240 mm rear disc brake. The Duke 250’s seat height is 820 mm, and it offers a ground clearance of 176 mm.

    Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM Duke 250: Features

    The Xtreme 250R includes a modern LED projector headlight with LED DRL, a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument cluster, and connected features like navigation, music control, lap timer, and drag timer.

    The Duke 250 now comes with a 5-inch color TFT display with advanced cube switches, providing information such as the rev counter, lap timer, and gear display. Additional features include navigation, headset pairing, SuperMoto mode, and two riding modes — Track and Street.

    With the Xtreme 250R, Hero MotoCorp offers a compelling alternative in the streetfighter segment, challenging the Duke 250 with a mix of advanced features and a powerful engine upgrade.

  • EV sales penetration for leading 4W OEMs • EVreporter









    EV sales penetration for leading 4W OEMs • EVreporter


























































    In the luxury segment, BMW has been making the highest sales and recorded an impressive 10.8% EV penetration in its sales in CY 2023.

    % EV penetration for Mercedez Benz sales has been gradually increasing every year and currently stands at 4.6%.

    Observations:

    • Tata Motors has consistently made the highest EV sales in the 4W segment, with 51,892 electric cars for YTD CY 2024. This year, 11.7% of their total car sales have been electric, the same as CY 2023.
    • A distant second in overall EV sales, JSW Morris Garages India registered the highest EV penetration (33.4%) for YTD 2024. The company has been recording an impressive EV sales penetration year on year, as seen in the graph below. Every third car they have sold this year is electric.
    • Mahindra & Mahindra EV sales remain low at 1.5% penetration this year.
    • Citroën India sold 5,949 cars in YTD 2024; of which were 1,953 electric, amounting to 32.8% EV penetration in sales. Fun fact – Citroen has sold more EVs than ICE cars in Telangana in YTD 2024.
    • In the luxury segment, BMW Motors India has been making the highest sales and recorded an impressive 10.8% EV penetration in its sales in CY 2023, and 6.8% in YTD 2024.
    • Volvo Car India sold 387 EVs YTD 2024 (total sales 1550), amounting for ~25% EV penetration in its sales.
    • % EV penetration for Mercedes-Benz AG India sales has been gradually increasing y-o-y and stands at 4.6% for YTD 2024.

    Also read: India’s Electric Vehicle sales trend | October 2024

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  • Mahindra Q2 PAT Rises 35% To Rs 3,171 Cr In 3 Months

    Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd on Thursday reported a 35 per cent on-year growth in consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) at Rs 3,171-crore in three months to September. The company had posted a consolidated PAT of Rs2,348 crore in the second quarter of FY’24. Consolidated revenue for the September quarter was at Rs37,924 crore, up 10 per cent from Rs 34,436 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago, the company said in a statement. “Our businesses have delivered a solid operating performance this quarter. Auto and farm continued to strengthen market leadership by gaining market share and expanding margins,” said Anish Shah, Managing Director & CEO at M&M Ltd.

    Shah further noted “M&M Financial Services Ltd (MMFSL) GS3 remained under 4 per cent and end losses have improved structurally. Tech Mahindra delivered a good quarter and the long-term focus remains on reverting to past profitability.”

    Auto and farm segment delivered robust operating results with profits during the quarter under review growing at 23 per cent, it said, adding that auto consolidated revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 21,755 crore up 15 per cent year-on-year, while auto consolidated PAT was recorded at Rs 1,423 crore, growing 40 per cent year-on-year. The company said in the auto segment it delivered the highest-ever quarterly volumes at 2.31 lakh, up 9 per cent year-on-year, while the utility vehicle volumes were also the highest-ever during the quarter at 1.36 lakh. In the farm sector, the September quarter saw the company delivering the highest-ever Q2 market share at 42.5 per cent, while the volumes grew 4 per cent year-on-year at 92,000.

  • Hero MotoCorp Looks To Scale Up EV Biz

    Earlier this week, Hero MotoCorp reported a 13 per cent rise in sales during the festive period in India this year at 15.98 lakh units compared to the year-ago period

    Milan: Hero MotoCorp is looking to scale up its presence in the electric two-wheeler space as it gears up to introduce affordable models over the next few months, according to a top company executive.

    The two-wheeler major is also looking to bolster its presence in Europe as it looks to enter markets like the UK, France, Spain and Italy next year. “In the next six months, there will be a lot of action in the product portfolio (in the EV space). We will be launching products (under VIDA range) in the more affordable segments as well,” Hero MotoCorp CEO Niranjan Gupta told PTI in an interaction here on the sidelines of EICMA. Hero MotoCorp’s VIDA electric scooter range is currently priced between Rs 1-1.5 lakh, including state subsidies, in India.

    The company currently sells the VIDA range in over 230 cities and towns in the country, with over 400 sales touchpoints. Gupta noted that the company has done well in the electric segment, having sold 11,600 units in the just concluded 32-day festive period. Emphasising the importance of having a physical sales and service infrastructure on the ground, he noted that it helps in gaining customer trust. “There’s a physicality to customer service that is required. I think, as Hero, we are into every nook and corner of the country, and therefore, we have an advantage there,” Gupta said.

    He also noted that being cost-competitive also works out in the company’s favour. “So, I would say cost and customer service is the differentiator between winners and losers in the long run (EV space),” he added. When asked about the overall sales scenario in the domestic market, he said urban centres were doing better, and now rural areas have also started to pick up pace. “So, I would say that there’s a positive momentum that can come up from the rural market as you move forward. We do know that the monsoon has been good.

    We do know that the government has increased the MSP… So, I think all of these, in the fullness of time, will percolate down in terms of income at the bottom of the pyramid and the employment,” Gupta said. “So, we are seeing green shoots, and therefore, moving forward, we do see positive momentum coming back.” Earlier this week, Hero MotoCorp reported a 13 per cent rise in sales during the festive period in India this year at 15.98 lakh units compared to the year-ago period.

  • Mahindra clocks 13 pc jump in Q2 net profit as SUV, tractor sales surge

    New Delhi, Nov 7: Auto major Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) on Thursday reported a 13 per cent rise in its standalone net profit for the July-September quarter at Rs 3,841 crore, driven by higher sales of SUVs and a revival in the demand for tractors.

    M&M said its automobile segment, which produces the popular Thar and Scorpio SUVs, recorded the highest-ever quarterly volumes at 2,31,038 units in the quarter, up 9 per cent over the same period of the previous year.

    The company’s tractor sales during the quarter rose 4 per cent YoY to 92,382 units with its highest-ever Q2 market share at 42.5 per cent for the farm equipment segment.

    M&M, India’s market leader for tractors, reported a double-digit rise of 10 per cent revenue increase in the farm equipment segment. Its tractor sales rose 3.6 per cent as a good monsoon led to higher crop yields and incomes for farmers. Tractor sales have gone up for a second straight quarter, after a 7 per cent fall in 2023-2024 when erratic weather had hit the country’s agricultural sector.

    The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) shot 30 per cent to Rs 3,908 crore from Rs 2,993 crore during the second quarter, while the EBITDA margin improved by 190 basis points (bps) to 14.2 per cent from 12.3 per cent in the same quarter last year.

    “In Q2 FY25, we gained market share across both our auto and tractor businesses. SUV volumes increased by 18 per cent year-on-year, maintaining leadership in revenue market share, with an increase of 190 bps YoY on the back of two successful launches. Volume market share for LCVs stands at 52.3 per cent, a rise of 260 bps YoY. The auto standalone PBIT margin was 9.5 per cent, a gain of 140 bps YoY,” M&M Ltd’s Executive Director & CEO, Auto and Farm Sector, Rajesh Jejurikar said.

  • Total Vehicle Retail Sales In Oct Sees 32% Rise: FADA

    Mumbai: The total vehicle retail sales in India witnessed a 32 per cent on-year rise in October to 28,32,944 units with all segments including two-wheelers and passenger vehicles registering strong growth, Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA) said on Wednesday.

    The total vehicle retail sales in October 2023 stood at 21,43,929 units, as per FADA. The strong growth in October this year was largely driven by the rural market, especially boosting two-wheeler and passenger vehicles sales, supported by increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops, FADA said. Passenger vehicle sales grew 32.38 per cent to 4,83,159 units, from 3,64,991 units retailed in October 2023, it stated.

    Two-wheeler sales for the previous month were recorded at 20,65,095 units, as compared to 15,14,634 units in October 2023, registering a growth of 36.35 per cent, while three-wheeler sales were up 11.45 per cent year-on-year to 1,22,846 in in October 2024, it said. Tractor sales, according to FADA, increased 3.08 per cent during October to 64,433 units, from 62,542 units a year ago.