India has notified the CAFE-III norms for passenger vehicles, effective from April 1, 2027. The new rules introduce progressively stricter fleet-level fuel-efficiency and CO₂ targets through 2032, while encouraging EVs, hybrids, flex-fuel, CNG and other efficiency technologies.

Artificial intelligence could help India’s automotive manufacturers address shop-floor workforce challenges through smarter recruitment, improved shift planning, workforce analytics, employee support and personalised skill development.

The India–EU Free Trade Agreement will allow up to 1 lakh European ICE and hybrid cars to enter India at lower import tariffs in the first year. The deal introduces phased duty reductions, price thresholds and separate quotas for CKD vehicles and electric cars.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India’s automobile industry to focus on innovation, excellence, sustainability and global competitiveness as the country advances towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

India has proposed stricter vehicle headlight regulations to reduce glare and improve nighttime road safety. The changes may include automatic low beam for new two-wheelers, lower high-beam intensity limits, a 6,500 K colour-temperature cap and high-beam warning systems.

Karnataka has revised PUC testing fees from August 15, 2026. Two-wheelers now pay ₹80, petrol, LPG and CNG cars ₹150, while diesel vehicles pay ₹200.

India could emerge as a major global automotive innovation hub within the next three to five years, driven by rapid developments in AI, software-defined vehicles, connected-car technologies and advanced connectivity, according to Harman India MD Krishna Kumar.

Hyundai Motor India has crossed 8 lakh connected cars on Indian roads and is targeting 10 lakh cumulative connected-car sales by 2027, highlighting the rapid adoption of connected and software-driven vehicle technologies in India.

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre, MoRTH and IRDAI to develop a “No Insurance, No Fuel” pilot project to improve compliance with mandatory third-party motor insurance. The proposal aims to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles, strengthen road safety and ensure better financial protection for road accident victims.

Michelin has launched the Made-in-India Primacy 5, its first locally manufactured passenger car tyre, designed for premium hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs. Built for Indian road conditions, the new tyre offers improved safety, ride comfort, durability and compatibility with both conventional and electric vehicles, while strengthening Michelin’s localisation strategy and premium tyre presence in India.

The Indian passenger vehicle market remained strong in H1 2026, with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire emerging as the country’s best-selling car. SUVs continued to dominate the market as Tata Punch, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Creta and Mahindra Scorpio featured among the top performers, reflecting changing consumer preferences toward practical and feature-rich vehicles.

Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover is a valuable motor insurance add-on that protects new car owners from depreciation-related losses. If your car is stolen or declared a total loss, RTI helps bridge the gap between the Insured Declared Value (IDV) and the original invoice price, making it one of the most useful add-ons during the first 3–5 years of ownership.

Learn how crumple zones protect passengers by absorbing crash energy, why modern cars are designed to deform, and what happens in vehicles without crumple zones.

Maruti Suzuki is revamping its strategy to meet changing customer preferences in India. With buyers demanding premium features, SUVs and advanced technology, the company is accelerating R&D, shortening development timelines and planning seven new SUVs by 2030 to strengthen its market position.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has stressed the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity across India’s automotive industry as connected and software-defined vehicles become increasingly common. With modern vehicles relying on cloud connectivity, ADAS, telematics and OTA updates, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect vehicles, users and manufacturers from evolving cyber threats.

A Raipur consumer court has directed Maruti Suzuki and its dealer to rectify defects in a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid and compensate the owner within 45 days in a dispute involving E20 petrol compatibility. If they fail to comply, they must either replace the vehicle with a new E20-compatible model or refund its on-road cost, making the ruling a significant consumer rights development.

The government has directed automakers to replace damaged rubber components in older petrol cars affected by E20 fuel, while reiterating that E20 does not damage engines.

India’s passenger vehicle market reached a historic milestone in June 2026 as CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles together captured 40.35% of retail sales for the first time. The shift highlights changing consumer preferences driven by lower running costs and improved fuel efficiency.

The body frame forms the foundation of every car, affecting its strength, safety, handling and durability. Learn the differences between monocoque, body-on-frame, space frame and carbon fibre monocoque construction, along with their advantages, disadvantages and real-world applications.

No Claim Bonus (NCB) is a valuable reward offered to safe drivers who do not make own-damage insurance claims during a policy year. Learn how NCB works, the standard discount structure, transfer rules, NCB Protection add-ons, and practical tips to maximise savings on your car insurance renewal.