In May Maruti Suzuki India reported record monthly sales of 242,688 units

With overall deliveries increasing 34.76 percent year over year to a record 242,688 units in May, Maruti Suzuki India posted its highest-ever monthly sales on Monday. According to Maruti Suzuki India, the business sold 180,077 vehicles in the same month the previous year.In May 2026, domestic sales also hit a record high of 193,535 units, up from 138,690 units in the same month the previous year. In May, 7,239 units were sold to other OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Sales of minicars, which include the Alto and S-Presso, increased from 6,776 units in May 2025 to 16,275 units last month. Mini car sales, which include the Alto and S-Presso, increased from 6,776 units in May 2025 to 16,275 units last month.Sales of compact cars, such as the Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR, increased from 61,960 units in May 2025 to 81,555 units last month. Utility vehicle sales, which include the Brezza, Ertiga, e Vitara, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, Vitara, and XL6, increased to 79,267 units in the reviewed month from 54,899 units in the same month the previous year. In a similar vein, Eeco van sales in May 2026 were 13,240 units, up from 12,327 units in the same month the previous year. According to Maruti Suzuki India, sales of the light commercial vehicle (LCV) Super Carry were 3,198 units, up from 2,728 units in the same month the previous year.  

The UAW demands a midnight strike at the supplier of GM pickup truck axles

Late on Sunday, Dauch was not immediately available for comment. GM stated that it was keeping a careful eye on the situation and "assessing any potential impact." After workers made concessions to keep the plant operational in 2008, the UAW is advocating for wage hikes, according to the union. After a five-year progression period, wages at the facility peak at $22 per hour, down from as much as $29 per hour in 2008, according to the union. 98% of workers voted in support of allowing a strike if necessary at the beginning of May."These members have created you a profitable enterprise for eighteen years while being treated like dirt. On a livestream announcing the midnight strike, Fain stated, "They've taken wage cuts, benefit cuts, and they poured their souls into this plant."DETROIT, May 31 (Reuters) - On Sunday, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain called for a walkout at a Michigan plant that produces axles for General Motors pickup trucks, some of the company's most lucrative cars. The Detroit union announced late on Sunday that employees at the Dauch Corp. plant in Three Rivers, Michigan, will go on strike at midnight (0400 GMT). According to the UAW, Dauch, formerly known as American Axle, is a significant supplier of driveline parts and employs over 1,000 unionized workers at the plant.Dauch was unavailable for comment late on Sunday. GM stated that it was keeping a careful eye on the situation and "assessing any potential impact." According to the union, workers made sacrifices to keep the facility operational in 2008, which is why the UAW is advocating for wage hikes. After a five-year progression period, the plant's highest wage was $22 per hour, down from as much as $29 per hour in 2008, according to the union. 98% of workers voted in support of allowing a strike if necessary at the beginning of May."These members have created a profitable business for you over the past eighteen years while being treated like dirt. During a livestream announcing the midnight strike, Fain stated, "They've taken wage cuts, benefit cuts, they poured their souls into this plant."  

The logistics sector is exhausted due to fuel tensions

India’s logistics and transport industry is facing growing pressure due to rising fuel prices and supply tensions, with several reports highlighting disruptions across trucking and freight operations. A recent report titled “Fuel tensions leave logistics industry tyred out” noted that bulk diesel consumers are increasingly turning to retail fuel pumps because of a major price gap between institutional and retail diesel rates, leading to supply stress at fuel stations. The situation has been worsened by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have pushed global crude oil prices higher and increased transportation and insurance costs. Industry experts say trucking companies, fleet operators, and logistics providers are struggling with higher operating expenses, reduced margins, and uncertainty in fuel availability. Freight operators have warned that prolonged diesel shortages could disrupt supply chains, delay cargo deliveries, and increase the prices of essential goods across the country. According to transport associations, nearly 20% of commercial trucks in some regions have reportedly been affected by diesel shortages, creating a supply-demand imbalance in freight movement. The crisis is also expected to increase inflationary pressure because higher transportation costs eventually raise the prices of food, industrial products, and consumer goods. Logistics firms are now reassessing routes, fuel surcharge mechanisms, and fleet utilization strategies to reduce the financial burden.

After a ding to profit, Volkswagens controlling families urge an overhaul.

Porsche SE (PSHG_p.DE), the holding company of the Porsche-Piech auto dynasty and Volkswagen's largest investor, reported a 21% decline in adjusted profit after tax of 382 million euros ($469 million) for the January-March period. The German company's ongoing issues caused a decline in first-quarter profit at their holding group. On Wednesday, the controlling family shareholders increased pressure on Volkswagen to restructure its business model. The holding company of the Porsche-Piech car family and the biggest investor in Volkswagen, Porsche SE (PSHG_p.DE), reported a 21% decrease in adjusted profit after tax of 382 million euros ($469 million) for the January-March period. After suffering a 1.1 billion euro loss the previous year, Porsche SE's unadjusted result after tax was a 923 million euro loss due to a 1.3 billion euro non-cash writedown on its Volkswagen stake. As its core automotive holdings struggle with declining profits in a global market under pressure from tariffs, Chinese competition, and a difficult transition to electric vehicles, Porsche SE is turning to defense and artificial intelligence investments, which still make up a small portion of its portfolio. In the first quarter, the company reported earning 60 million euros from the sale of semiconductor startup Celestial AI. As its core automotive businesses see declining profitability in a worldwide market under pressure from tariffs, Chinese competition, and a difficult transition to electrified vehicles, Porsche SE is looking to invest in defense and artificial intelligence. These investments still make up a minor portion of Porsche SE's portfolio; the company reported that the sale of its stake in semiconductor startup Celestial AI brought in 60 million euros in the first quarter.  

Hyundai eyeing monthly Creta sales of 16,000 units with introduction of N Line version

Hyundai Motor India is aiming to sell almost 16,000 units of the Creta every month with the introduction of the N Line version, according to a senior company official.Already the mid-size SUV segment leader, the Creta clocked wholesales of 13,212 units in January and 15,276 units in February, the best-ever monthly sales recorded by the vehicle since its inception in India in 2015. "With N Line, the Creta volume is going to be around 15,000-16,000 units," Hyundai's Chief Operating Officer Tarun Garg said during the February 2024 sales call. "We feel that the Creta N Line will be a very strong product for us, considering the profile of young Indian customers. It will have a dynamic driving experience. It will also be unique in terms of people wanting a customised car. The Creta N Line will provide that kind of feeling," he added. Regarding the response to the Creta, Garg said it has already garnered 75,000 bookings with the petrol variants receiving 57% of bookings and 43% going for the diesel. Depending on the variant, the waiting period on the Creta is from 8-24 weeks. It is slightly higher for the diesel automatic variants.Garg also pointed out that the demand continued to be robust for top variants of the Creta with the entry-level variants witnessing less than 10% of the bookings. Overall, Hyundai has 97,000 pending bookings with almost 50% in favour of Creta. Apart from the Creta, Hyundai sells SUVs like the Exter, Venue, Venue N Line, Alcazar, Tucson, Kona Electric and Ioniq 5. "This year, we are looking at a 65% contribution to our domestic volume from SUVs. We have started on a very strong note and are already close to 67% during the first two months. For the industry, the SUV share was 52% for January and February combined," Garg said. Hyundai recorded its highest-ever annual volume in the domestic market in 2023 at 602,111 units with the SUV segment contributing 60%.In February, the company sold 50,201 units in the domestic market with the rural areas making up over 20% of the volume for the first time. "The rural penetration crossed 20% for the first time in the history of Hyundai in February. Before that, we were hovering around 17-18-19%. The rural market is slowly becoming a very strong contributor to the company's volume," Garg observed. Terming the company's current inventory level as 'optimum', he said: "We are on an inventory of three weeks. Our inventory is around 40,500 units."  

BYD’s Yangwang U9: New electric supercar rivals Ferrari, Lamborghini with 1,287 BHP

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing company BYD has globally unveiled its latest creation, the Yangwang U9. This new electric supercar is set to challenge established brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. The U9 is priced at 1,680,000 yuan ($233,400), making it a competitive option in the supercar market.Yangwang is BYD’s recently launched sub-brand. The unveiling of the U9 supercar and the U8 off-road SUV marked the brand’s debut. The U8 has already hit the Chinese market, retailing for around $140,000 and competing with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender.The U9 supercar boasts dimensions similar to the Lamborghini Aventador, measuring 4,966 mm in length, 2,029 mm in width, and 1,295 mm in height. It’s powered by four electric motors, delivering a total power output of 1,287 BHP and 1,680 Nm. This allows the U9 to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 2.36 seconds.While BYD has yet to release the exact range of the U9, the company claims that its 800V architecture allows for fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 10 minutes. This quick charging capability could be a game-changer in the EV market.The U9 is equipped with 12 sets of multifunctional aerodynamic kits, an active diffuser, a 4-step adjustable rear wing, and a first-of-its-kind “self-developed racing assistant” covering 30 tracks across China. These features enhance the driving experience and performance of the U9.Inside, the U9 features three screens: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central infotainment unit, and a 10.25-inch passenger screen. These high-tech features provide a luxurious and interactive experience for both the driver and passengers.  

Mahindra Thar Earth edition launched, price starts at Rs 15.40 lakh

Homegrown SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Thar Earth edition at a starting price of Rs 15.40 lakh (ex-showroom). This special edition model is being offered in both petrol and diesel options with manual and automatic transmission choices in the top-spec LX Hard Top 4x4 variant.The Thar Earth edition gets a 2.0-litre mStallion 150 TGDi petrol engine (150bhp/320Nm) and a 2.2-litre mHawk 130 CRDe diesel engine (130bhp/300Nm). The transmission options include 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT. While 4WD is standard in the Thar Earth edition, there is no option for RWD. The Thar Earth edition is being offered in a satin matte 'Desert Fury' finish. There are dune-inspired decals on the doors and rear fender with silver alloys and matte black badges. You find 'Earth Edition' badge on the B-pillars.The interior of the Thar Earth edition is inspired by dunes, having a black coloured base and light beige accents. You get beige leatherette seats, featuring dune designs on the headrests. The cabin is further enhanced with 'Desert Fury' inserts on the AC vents, steering wheel, centre console accent and the Thar branding on doors. Each of the Thar Earth edition SUVs will come with a unique numbered decorative VIN plate starting with serial number 1.    

Hero Mavrick 440 review, first ride

Hero MotoCorp has been the number-one player in the world for a while now. But that has been solely on the premise of sales basis, which are dependent on entry-level commuter motorcycles. However, the company also aspires to become a strong player in the premium segment. As a result, we have seen the emergence of bikes like the Xpulse, Karizma XMR, and even the Harley-Davidson X440. But now comes the time to take on the king of the middleweight motorcycles with the Mavrick 440.The Mavrick 440 shares the same platform as the Harley-Davidson X440 which was co-developed by Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp. However, the Harley was conceptualised as a cruiser compared to the Hero which is more of a roadster. As far as the design is concerned, the Mavrick 440 looks better proportioned. The bike rides on 17in alloy wheels and features chunky 43mm telescopic forks up front. The headlamp is an all-LED affair and also comes with a sensor that activates the headlights when it goes dark. The instrument panel is an all-digital affair and comes with numerous functionalities, including Bluetooth connectivity. However, the unit is a bit small, and especially the tacho is hard to read on the go. Coupled with a wide handlebar, a comfortable 803mm seat height, and neutrally placed footpegs, the Mavrick 440 promises long hours of comfortable riding. The fuel tank is quite a large unit and can take in 13.5 litres of fuel. This promises a long range for the Mavrick 440. The fuel tank also houses a small USB charging port. With a phone mounted on the handlebar, this comes in handy for keeping devices charged on the go. At the back, the design is minimalist and is finished off with a small but bright H-pattern LED taillight. The rear mudguard though is quite a large one and a tail tidy would make this bike quite a looker. When it comes to the chassis, the Mavrick 440 uses the same Trellis frame as seen on the Harley X440. However, the rear section has been reworked to suit the roadster design. The engine too remains identical. The air-oil cooled 2 valve single displaces 440cc and offers 27bhp and 36Nm of torque. Hero has also worked on the exhaust note of the bike and not only does the exhaust look better designed, but also gets its unique soundtrack. The rear suspension is a twin-shock setup that is adjustable. The bike weighs in at 187kg which is a comfortable number for most to handle.      

BYD Seal EV launch in India on March 5, here are important details you should know

Chinese EV manufacturer BYD will launch its electric sedan, the BYD Seal, in India on March 5. This will be the company's third model here after the BYD e6 electric MPV, which starts at Rs 29.15 lakh (ex-showroom) and the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV, which begins at Rs 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom).The BYD Seal EV will reportedly enter India via the completely built-up (CBU) route. With its price close to Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom), we might see it competing against the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is priced at Rs 46.05 lakh (ex-showroom). According to a report by Autocar India, the BYD Seal EV will have an 82.5kWh battery pack paired with a 230hp/360Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor, which will be mounted on the rear axle.The BYD Seal EV will have a claimed range (WLTP) of 570km on a single full charge. The 0-100kmph acceleration will be in 5.9 seconds. With blade technology, the BYD Seal EV's battery will have a 10-80% charge time of roughly 37 minutes using a 150kW charger. A 0-100% charge can be achieved in 8.6 hours with a regular 11kW AC charger. While the aforementioned specifications are for the entry-level RWD variant of the BYD Seal EV, the electric sedan could also have a higher 530hp dual-motor AWD variant with a claimed range of 520km.  

2025 Renault Kwid: Old vs New Compared

Recently, Dacia unveiled the Spring EV globally, an entry-level all-electric hatchback that previews the next-gen Renault Kwid sold in our market. Following its reveal, we expect Renault to introduce not only the new-gen Kwid but also an all-electric version of it. In this report, we compare the next-gen Kwid to the current model sold in India.When viewing both the 2025 Kwid and the current model, you'll notice a significant transition in the design. The new-gen Kwid gets a sharp and sleek grille at the front, a departure from the chunkier appearance of the existing model. Additionally, the 2025 Kwid boasts a Y-shaped DRL signature that enhances the modern design of the hatchback. Moving to the profile, the next-gen Kwid maintains a similar silhouette but introduces new 15-inch alloy wheels. The side body cladding that you see with the current Kwid is retained with a slight design tweak. However, the roof rails, found on the current Kwid, are absent in the new-gen model. The rear profile of the 2025 Kwid undergoes significant update as well, diverging from the current model's simple oval-shaped taillight design to updated ones with a Y-shaped taillight signature. Its fresh design is further accentuated by a chunky plastic trim adorned with 'Dacia' badging. The interior of the 2025 Kwid undergoes a complete revamp, replacing the dated cabin of the current model with a more modern design. The large and chunky dashboard of the current Kwid is replaced by a more minimalist one. While there are new touch controls for important functions, the air-con is thankfully operated using physical controls. It also features sleeker AC vents along with a new 10-inch infotainment system that enhances the fresh appearance of the cabin. In terms of features, the new-gen Kwid is equipped with a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It also includes a 7-inch digital driver’s display, connected car technology, Type-C charging ports, and cruise control. Additionally, features such as power windows, steering-mounted controls, and a 12V power socket are carried over from the current model. Safety features in the 2025 Kwid include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, reverse camera with parking sensors, and select ADAS features such as lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition. The current Kwid is offered only with two airbags along with other standard safety kit. In India, Renault is expected to offer the 2025 Kwid with the current 68 PS/91 Nm 1-litre naturally aspirated engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT transmission. Later, they will likely introduce the Kwid EV with Spring EV’s powertrain specifications.    

Kia Seltos recalled over faulty electronic oil pump controller | Is your SUV affected?

Kia India has announced a recall of 4,358 units of the Seltos to replace faulty electronic oil pump controller. The recall is for the Smartstream 1.5-litre petrol-IVT variants of the popular mid-size SUV that were manufactured between February 28 and July 13, 2023.The Indian arm of the South Korean auto major introduced the Seltos facelift on July 21, 2023. The SUV has three engine options -- Smartstream 1.5-litre Turbo-GDi petrol (160PS/253Nm), Smartstream 1.5-litre petrol (115PS/144Nm) and Smartstream 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel (116PS/250Nm). The turbo petrol unit can be paired either with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT, the petrol unit with a 6-speed MT or an IVT, and the diesel unit with a 6-speed iMT or a 6-speed AT. According to a PTI report, the company said that there might be a potential error in the electronic oil pump controller, which may impact the performance of the electronic oil pump in the specified transmission variant. Kia will directly reach out to the owners of the affected vehicles to update them about the voluntary recall and replace the electronic oil pump controller. The Kia Seltos is currently priced between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom). It rivals the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor. Apart from the Seltos, Kia sells models like the Sonet compact SUV, the Carens MPV and the EV6 in the Indian market.  

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 debuts in India at ₹5.24 lakhs

India Kawasaki Motors has introduced the eagerly awaited 2024 Ninja 500 to the global motorcycle market, positioning it as a successor to the Ninja 400 series. Set to make its mark on Indian roads, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 arrives as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), flaunting an enticing introductory price tag of ₹5.24 lakh (ex-showroom). Motorcycle enthusiasts will be able to revel in the sleek Metallic Spark Black variant as the bike's sole color option. The heart of the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 beats with a robust 451 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, firmly planted within a trellis frame. This enhanced powertrain features a significant boost in torque, churning out 42.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm, an upgrade from its predecessor's 37 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Moreover, power delivery remains steady at 45 bhp, attainable earlier at 9,000 rpm, a shift from the previous 10,000 rpm threshold. A 6-speed gearbox, complemented by a slip-and-assist clutch, promises riders an exhilarating experience on the road. In terms of mechanics, the Ninja 500 boasts telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, ensuring optimal handling and comfort. Braking prowess is delivered through a 310 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, fortified with dual-channel ABS for added safety. An LCD digital instrument console, equipped with smartphone connectivity, adds a modern touch to the rider's interface. Notable features such as the Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS) and a Type-C charging port enhance the overall riding experience.