Mahindra & Mahindra has officially expanded its popular compact SUV lineup with the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG, its first-ever mainstream CNG passenger vehicle at an introductory starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mahindra introduces the XUV 3XO ZNG, a compact SUV with a factory-fitted twin-cylinder CNG setup that aims to overcome common compromises in performance, drivability, and boot space. This first drive review highlights its turbocharged engine, clever packaging, refined performance, and robust ride quality, positioning it as a strong contender in the CNG SUV market.
Mumbaikars are set to face a significant financial burden as the prices of milk, CNG, and taxi-rickshaw fares have all seen a substantial increase from September 1, 2026, impacting household budgets ahead of the crucial festive season.
Skoda Auto is strategically navigating the competitive Indian automotive market by prioritising profitable growth, exploring new powertrain options like CNG and a limited diesel return, and gearing up for a locally produced electric SUV, all while expanding its retail footprint.
Three people were killed, and as many were injured, after the cylinder of a truck exploded while it was being refilled at a CNG station in the Tikri Kalan area in outer Delhi on Wednesday, the police said.
Bajaj Auto, the sole player in India's CNG-powered motorcycle segment, has seen a dramatic drop in registrations for its Freedom 125 CNG bike, from a peak of 12,167 in November 2024 to just 1,211 in May this year, primarily due to reduced price arbitrage between petrol and CNG and growing availability challenges.
The Tata Aeris iCNG, evolving from the Tigor, offers a modernized exterior and a feature-rich interior. It boasts innovative twin-cylinder CNG technology for maximum boot space, premium comfort features like ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera, and a smooth driving performance. Priced competitively, it aims to challenge rivals in the segment while offering enhanced practicality.
India's sedan market is experiencing a notable divergence: affordable entry-level sedans are gaining market share, while midsize sedans are seeing a significant decline as buyers increasingly opt for SUVs in higher price brackets.
TATA.CARS Launches All-New Aeris Compact Sedan, a facelifted version of the Tata Tigor, at a starting price of 5.29 lakh ex-showroom.
The new Tata Aeris, a sub-compact sedan, which replaces the Tigor, promises enhanced features, superior ride quality, and advanced technology.
With features usually seen in more expensive cars and segment-first paddle shifters, the Tiago offers excellent value for money, says Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com.
The Indian Road Transport Ministry has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to permit flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on up to E100 (nearly pure ethanol), a move aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil and promoting alternative fuels.
The Road Transport Ministry has updated the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 to allow flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on up to E100 (nearly pure ethanol). These amendments include E100 alongside E85 for emission certification and raise the vehicle weight limit for light petrol and diesel vehicles. This move supports India's strategy to reduce crude oil import dependence, with major automakers already developing flex-fuel models for the Indian market.
Automobile dealers in India are reporting healthy bookings ahead of Navratri and Dussehra, with the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada) indicating strong confidence in a pickup in deliveries from mid-October, despite a high base from last year's GST-led surge.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested for opening fire at a CNG pump in the Narela area of Delhi after a dispute with staff.
CNG prices in Delhi have been increased by Re 1 per kg, marking the second increase in less than a week, according to Indraprastha Gas Ltd.
Indian automobile retail sales reached a record 25,36,920 units in September, marking a 31.82 per cent year-on-year growth, with passenger vehicles recording their highest-ever September sales at 4,27,213 units, according to the Federation of Indian Automobile Dealers (FADA).
The fourth price rise takes the cumulative hike to Rs 4 per kg.
In August, Hyundai recorded its highest ever domestic sales for the month with 54,396 units sold, marking a 23.6 per cent Y-o-Y increase. The Creta Electric currently anchors Hyundai's mass-market electric portfolio, while the Ioniq 5 caters to the premium end
Delhi Police have dismantled an inter-state truck theft and dismantling racket, arresting three individuals including the alleged mastermind. The operation led to the recovery of dismantled parts of a stolen truck from a Punjab godown. The investigation involved technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and digital payment tracking, revealing the accused's involvement in multiple truck thefts across Delhi.
A 17-year-old boy driving a rented Audi car allegedly crashed into three vehicles in southwest Delhi's Kishangarh, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old pedestrian. Police have apprehended the juvenile, seized the vehicles, and are investigating the car rental company for leasing the luxury car to a minor.
India's current account deficit could widen to 1.7 per cent of GDP, or about $71 billion, if crude oil prices stay above $90 a barrel for a significant part of the second half of FY27.
India's automobile retail sales reached an unprecedented 24.23 lakh units in August, marking a 17.51 per cent year-on-year growth, with alternative fuels (CNG, hybrid, and electric) collectively surpassing petrol in the passenger vehicle segment for the first time.
India remains one of the Hyundai Motor group's most important and strategic markets globally. The initiative positions India as a strategic core market for the group's growth, emerging market expansion, and next-generation automotive innovation.
Suzuki Motor Corporation is set to revolutionise its operations by halving vehicle development times and significantly boosting efficiency by 2030, while committing to a diverse multi-powertrain strategy that includes BEVs, hybrids, and carbon-neutral fuels.
Bhandara-Gondiya MP Prashant Padole escaped serious injury after his SUV collided with a CNG truck near Nagpur. The incident occurred early Monday morning while Padole was en route to the airport to attend Parliament.
Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), stated that the uncertainty surrounding how long commodity costs will remain elevated is a greater concern for the company than the actual price increases. He noted that commodity prices have risen significantly over the past five to six months, impacting margins and necessitating faster cost-reduction efforts, though no major production or supply-side issues are currently foreseen.
The Indian government's proposal to extend the operating life of certain battery-electric, CNG, and hydrogen vehicles under national permits by five years could significantly improve their total cost of ownership (TCO) and residual values, according to industry experts.
Hyundai Motor India is set to outpace the broader passenger vehicle market, projecting an 8-10 per cent domestic sales growth in H2FY27, fueled by strategic launches of a new mid-size SUV and a dedicated electric vehicle, alongside increased production capacity.
Commuting by CNG-run black and yellow cabs and auto-rickshaws in Mumbai will become more expensive from September 1, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) approving a fare hike of Rs 2 for taxis and Rs 1 for auto-rickshaws.
The refreshed Brezza will target first-time, replacement and additional-car buyers as Maruti responds to changing preferences and intensifying competition in compact SUVs.
Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.
Total automobile retail sales in India surged by 25.89 per cent year-on-year to 25,91,138 units in July, driven by GST rationalisation, ease of retail finance, and favourable festival timing, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). This marks the first time all vehicle categories recorded their best-ever July sales.
The Indian government has revised its natural gas allocation priorities, placing LPG production alongside CNG and piped cooking gas at the top, due to disruptions in imported gas supplies caused by the conflict in West Asia.
A major gas pipeline damage has disrupted CNG supply in Mumbai, leading to long queues at refuelling stations and affecting autorickshaws, taxis, and other CNG-run vehicles. The disruption is expected to impact transport availability throughout the day.
India is significantly expanding its crude oil sourcing to Latin America, with Venezuela emerging as a major supplier, as geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz compel the world's third-largest oil consumer to diversify its energy supplies.
Passenger vehicle sales in India are estimated to have surged by nearly 25 per cent in June 2024, reaching approximately 4 lakh units, with Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors PV, and Mahindra & Mahindra leading the growth, despite concerns over geopolitical tensions and monsoon impact.
Tata Motors' 2026 Tiago facelift is a tech-loaded and safety-focused entry-level hatchback, with prices starting at Rs 4.69 lakh.
Most CNG pumps, including those operated by Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), saw long queues from early morning, particularly of black-yellow taxis and autorickshaws, with several drivers reporting wait times of three to four hours, compared to the usual 15 to 30 minutes.
Maruti Suzuki India reported a significant 147 per cent year-on-year increase in mini-car sales (Alto and S-Presso) during April-May 2026, reaching 32,341 units, driven by eased production constraints and a surge in demand for CNG vehicles amidst rising fuel prices.
