AUTO

India’s new trade pact with the UK will drop customs duties on high-end imported cars from 110% to 30% starting July 15, with savings of up to Rs 3 crore per vehicle and a potential doubling of luxury car sales.

July 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster month for India's car market, with Renault launching the updated Kwid at Rs 4.53 lakh and a flurry of SUV debuts from Tata, Maruti, MG, and Nissan.

Ferrari has officially launched its first electric vehicle, the Luce, in China at a price of 3,988,000 yuan ($586,600), with all 88 units quickly selling out amid controversy and fierce debate among enthusiasts.

BMW Group India’s chief, Hardeep Singh Brar, has confirmed that existing vehicles in India cannot be retrofitted to run on E30 ethanol fuel, raising compatibility concerns as the government pushes higher ethanol blends.

McLaren faces technical setbacks and controversy after Oscar Piastri drops from fourth to fifth in Monaco due to Pierre Gasly’s reversed penalty, leading to curfew exemptions and major car updates ahead of the 2026 Barcelona GP.

India’s green mobility push accelerates as Maruti Suzuki rolls out the Wagon R flex fuel, the country’s first car to run on high-ethanol E85 petrol. With more E85 stations coming and other brands poised to follow, flex-fuel technology is set to reshape the Indian auto market.

Mitsubishi has officially confirmed the return of the Pajero SUV in fall 2026, five years after discontinuing the model. The new Pajero will debut as a flagship off-roader, built on a ladder frame derived from the Triton pickup, and will anchor a family of rugged SUVs.

India is moving ahead with higher ethanol blends in petrol, setting new fuel standards and paving the way for E25 and even E100-powered vehicles, sparking concerns about efficiency and engine wear on older cars.

Tata Motors has officially confirmed the Tata Sierra EV will launch in India between July and September 2026, starting at around INR 17.5 lakh. The SUV will offer 55kWh and 65kWh battery options, advanced tech features, and will play a key role in Tata’s expanding EV lineup.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga dominated India’s 7-seater segment in April 2026 with a 22.6% market share, while Mahindra Scorpio followed with 14,719 units sold despite a slight YoY dip. The segment saw strong growth, fueled by families and fleet buyers.