News for 'Wheelers'

How NITI Aayog got 5 cities to agree to new purchase model of e-buses

How NITI Aayog got 5 cities to agree to new purchase model of e-buses

Rediff.com26 May 2022

Five cities -- Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Surat -- ceded their power of procurement and agreed to a different procurement model to operate state-run buses.

Analysts see more pain ahead for auto firms

Analysts see more pain ahead for auto firms

Rediff.com15 Mar 2022

What has hit sentiment further is a draft proposal by the government to increase vehicle insurance premiums for financial year 2022-23 (FY23). Third-party motor insurance premiums have not been increased over the last two years and if this is approved, insurance costs for specific segments could rise by a fifth. The worst impacted is the 350cc and above two-wheeler segment, where premiums are up 21 per cent. Royal Enfield (Eicher Motor) is the market leader in the segment. The premiums in the 150-350cc two-wheeler category are also being inc

Why EV makers are flocking to Tamil Nadu

Why EV makers are flocking to Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com5 Apr 2023

At Prestige Polygon Towers in Chennai's Teynampet, hectic preparations are on for a mega global investors' meet under the aegis of Guidance Tamil Nadu (the state investment promotion agency) scheduled for January 2024. Asked about the key focus areas of the meet, the agency's managing director and chief executive officer, V Vishnu, said the state was betting big on electric mobility. This is no surprise, given that the state has signed electric vehicle (EV)-related memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with several companies in the recent past that may bring in investments worth around Rs 33,000 crore with the potential to create over 43,000 job opportunities.

Afwaah Review: Thrilling Take On Rumour Mongering

Afwaah Review: Thrilling Take On Rumour Mongering

Rediff.com5 May 2023

Afwaah is a sum of Sudhir Mishra's thought-provoking reflections and appeal to question what's real, what's rumour, notes Sukanya Verma.

What Auto Sales Tell Us About Economy

What Auto Sales Tell Us About Economy

Rediff.com21 Sep 2021

Retail sales of cars are back to January 2018 levels in August 2021. Two-wheeler retail sales are 22 per cent lower, nearly four years down the line.

Muslim men found charred to death, family blames Bajrang Dal

Muslim men found charred to death, family blames Bajrang Dal

Rediff.com17 Feb 2023

Two men were found charred to death in a car in Haryana's Bhiwani district Thursday after they were allegedly abducted from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan by men said to be cow vigilantes.

Ola likely to price its e-scooter in the range of Rs 85,000-1.1 lakh

Ola likely to price its e-scooter in the range of Rs 85,000-1.1 lakh

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

The entry of SoftBank-backed Ola into the electric scooter (e-scooter) segment is set to power up the overall market and perhaps fast-track the adoption of battery-operated vehicles. But for manufacturers of internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered two-wheelers, such as Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, and TVS Motor, it will be a double whammy. Not only will they have to contend with the aggressive pricing of Ola's scooter and incur a loss at each unit of the e-scooter sold, the volumes of their regular (ICE) models, too, could feel the squeeze, observed analysts. Ola is expected to price its e-scooter in the range of Rs 85,000-1.1 lakh.

Auto exports recover in Q1 amid improved pandemic situation

Auto exports recover in Q1 amid improved pandemic situation

Rediff.com18 Jul 2021

Automobile exports from India recovered in the first quarter with all vehicle segments, including passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, witnessing growth following an improvement in the pandemic situation across various international markets. As per the latest SIAM data, total vehicle exports during the April-June quarter this fiscal stood at 14,19,430 units as compared with 436,500 units in the same period of 2020-21 which saw massive disruptions due to the COVID lockdowns across the country, hampering sales as well overseas shipments. SIAM director general Rajesh Menon told PTI that while two-wheeler shipments were better than previous three years, passenger vehicles, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles export numbers were yet to catch up with numbers in the first quarter of 2018-19 fiscal.

Electric vehicle retail sales zoom over three-fold in FY22

Electric vehicle retail sales zoom over three-fold in FY22

Rediff.com10 Apr 2022

Electric vehicle retail sales in the country witnessed over three-fold jump last fiscal with two-wheeler offtake leading the segment, according to data compiled by automobile dealers' body FADA. Total electric vehicle (EV) retails reached 4,29,217 units in 2021-22, a rise of three-fold from 1,34,821 units in the financial year 2020-21, the industry body said. Total EV sales had stood at 1,68,300 units in the 2019-20 fiscal, it noted.

Stop questioning Kanjhawala victim's 'character': DCW chief

Stop questioning Kanjhawala victim's 'character': DCW chief

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

'She died a painful death. She was dragged on Delhi's roads for 12 kilometres and her body was found naked. The claims of her friend need to be investigated. Anjali should not be blamed for what happened to her. The accused should be hanged'

Lithium reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir put on bidding block

Lithium reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir put on bidding block

Rediff.com3 May 2023

The central government is expected to complete the auction of the 5.9-million tonne (mt) lithium reserves discovered in the Reasi district of the northern Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) by the end of this calendar year, Union Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj said on the sidelines of the launch of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) report on 'New-Age Energy Minerals' on Tuesday. "Auction will be over by the end of this year," said Bharadwaj, adding, "We have already recommended a transaction advisor to the J&K government for the auction of lithium reserves." However, the exact timeline for an auction will be decided by J&K authorities, Union mines minister Pralhad Joshi said in Parliament last month.

Ola to enter electric car segment; to launch first model by 2024

Ola to enter electric car segment; to launch first model by 2024

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

Ola Electric on Monday said it will foray into the electric car segment with plans to launch its first model by 2024. The company, which struggled with deliveries for its electric scooters after it announced entry into the segment exactly a year ago, has set an ambitious target of selling 10 lakh electric cars by 2026-2027. In a press conference, Ola founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said Ola Electric aims to provide a range of electric two-wheelers to electric cars which are priced in the range of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

CBI searches home of Satya Pal Malik's ex-aide, others in insurance scam

CBI searches home of Satya Pal Malik's ex-aide, others in insurance scam

Rediff.com17 May 2023

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday conducted searches at the premises of Sunak Bali, who was an aide of Satya Pal Malik when he was the governor of Jammu and Kashmir, and 11 other locations in Delhi and Rajasthan in the alleged insurance scam case, officials said.

Wife of Sarabjit Singh, who died in Pak jail in 2013, killed in road accident

Wife of Sarabjit Singh, who died in Pak jail in 2013, killed in road accident

Rediff.com13 Sep 2022

Sarabjit Singh (49) had died following an attack on him by the inmates of a Lahore prison in April 2013.

PV makers to see cumulative earning loss of Rs 2,000 crore in FY22: Icra

PV makers to see cumulative earning loss of Rs 2,000 crore in FY22: Icra

Rediff.com23 Dec 2021

Passenger Vehicle makers are likely to see their cumulative earnings at an operating level erode by Rs 1,800-2,000 crore in the year ending March 2022 on account of the shortage of semiconductors, rating agency Icra said at a webinar on Wednesday. The industry, it pointed out, is estimated to lose production of 500,000 units at the end of FY22 due to the chronovc shortage the chip, which is critical in safety, entertainment and the various other smart features of a car. "In absence of the chip crisis, the industry volumes are likely to have exceeded the all-time peak annual volumes." Icra has pared its growth estimates for the PV market from the earlier 10-14 per cent to 8-11 per cent now in FY22.

EVs to drive auto capex up by Rs 70,630 crore in 5 years

EVs to drive auto capex up by Rs 70,630 crore in 5 years

Rediff.com13 Jun 2022

Automobile manufacturers, new and old, as well as ancillary suppliers are set to spend a combined Rs 70,630 crore over the next five years on either entering the electric vehicle segment or stepping up their presence in it. Data culled from announcements made by firms shows India, the world's fifth largest automobile market, is poised to receive one of the biggest capex pushes ever to fuel the transition from internal combustion engines to electric motors and batteries as part of a green drive. The EV push, egged on by the government's emphasis on electric mobility to meet its net zero targets, is expected to yield at least 25 electric vehicles - new ones as well as electrified versions of existing vehicles running on internal combustion engines.

Two key factors that will drive gains for Bosch stock

Two key factors that will drive gains for Bosch stock

Rediff.com8 Apr 2023

The stock of auto component major Bosch was up 2.5 per cent on Wednesday and in the process hit its 52-week high. Expectations of higher volumes of medium and heavy commercial vehicles' (M&HCV), rise in content supplies on account of BS VI stage 2 implementation from April, and improved profitability are some of the positives for the stock. In addition to this, the company appointed a new managing director and joint managing director last week, which will come into effect from July 1.

Passenger vehicle sales slide 13% in December on chip shortage

Passenger vehicle sales slide 13% in December on chip shortage

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

Passenger vehicle dispatches from factories to dealers declined 13 per cent to the lowest level in five years in December last year as the industry continued to face production issues due to semiconductor shortage, auto industry body SIAM said on Friday. Passenger vehicle dispatches last month stood at 2,19,421 units compared to 2,52,998 units in December 2020. While acknowledging that the chip shortage situation is not expected to dramatically change in the short term, the industry body expressed hope that things will improve soon.

Kanjhawala case: Cops on duty at 3 PCR vans, 2 pickets face suspension

Kanjhawala case: Cops on duty at 3 PCR vans, 2 pickets face suspension

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

Officials said the MHA also directed the city police to serve show-cause notices to the supervisory officers of the PCR vans and police pickets for their alleged dereliction of duties.

When Will Sri Lanka's Fuel Shortage End?

When Will Sri Lanka's Fuel Shortage End?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2022

Sri Lanka watchers were startled on Tuesday evening to see an anti-government protestor being dragged off a Sri Lankan Airlines flight by police personnel at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike airport.

Passenger vehicle industry to grow at lower 8-11% in FY22

Passenger vehicle industry to grow at lower 8-11% in FY22

Rediff.com15 Dec 2021

Ratings agency ICRA on Wednesday revised downwards growth forecast for the domestic passenger vehicles industry to 8-11 per cent in the ongoing fiscal from the earlier estimate of 14-17 per cent on account of the ongoing semiconductor shortage. Similarly, for the two-wheeler segment, it said the volumes are expected to contract by 1-4 per cent in FY2022 against an earlier prediction of 6-8 per cent growth as affordability and demand sentiments of target clientele was hit sharply by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. With around 5 lakh units of production lost by various automakers in the passenger vehicles segment due to the semiconductor shortage, ICRA said the earnings loss for the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) could be around Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore for the ongoing fiscal.

Delhi car drag victim's friend was arrested in 2020 in drugs case

Delhi car drag victim's friend was arrested in 2020 in drugs case

Rediff.com7 Jan 2023

Nidhi was arrested in Agra in a Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, (1985) case according to an FIR registered in December 2020.

As EVs rise in India, a requiem for Kolkata's electric trams

As EVs rise in India, a requiem for Kolkata's electric trams

Rediff.com4 Jul 2023

Kolkata trams -- now in their 150th year -- are the last to survive modernity in Indian cities, writes Ishita Ayan Dutt.

Chip woes dent festive mood for auto firms

Chip woes dent festive mood for auto firms

Rediff.com25 Oct 2021

The first leg of the 35-day festive period, which ended with Dussehra, failed to bring any cheer for auto companies. While makers of passenger vehicles struggled to meet demand due to the persistent shortage of semiconductors, a recovery in demand remained elusive for two-wheeler manufacturers despite offers and schemes. The overall season, which ends two days after Diwali, is unlikely to bring any turnaround in either the supply or the demand scenario, said dealers and officials at auto companies.

Gadkari gets tough with EV companies

Gadkari gets tough with EV companies

Rediff.com21 Apr 2022

With increasing incidents of electric two-wheelers catching fire, Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the companies found negligent will be penalised and a recall of all defective vehicles will be ordered after receiving the report of an expert panel that has been formed to enquire into the matter. In a series of tweets, Gadkari said several mishaps involving electric two-wheelers have come to light in the last two months. "We have constituted an expert committee to enquire into these incidents and make recommendations on remedial steps.

India sees 28% excess rainfall in pre-monsoon season; no heatwave since Apr 21

India sees 28% excess rainfall in pre-monsoon season; no heatwave since Apr 21

Rediff.com5 May 2023

East and northeast India recorded 29 per cent rain deficit -- 141.5 mm against the normal of 199.9 mm -- from March 1 to May 3.

Woman dragged by car: Delhi LG, Kejriwal express shock

Woman dragged by car: Delhi LG, Kejriwal express shock

Rediff.com2 Jan 2023

While Saxena said his head hangs in shame over the 'inhuman' crime, Kejriwal called the incident 'shameful' and said the culprits should be 'punished severely'.

Chip woes: Passenger vehicle sales drop 41% in Sep

Chip woes: Passenger vehicle sales drop 41% in Sep

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

Passenger vehicle wholesales in India witnessed a decline of 41 per cent year-on year in September as automobile manufacturers struggled to produce adequate units owing to semiconductor shortage, auto industry body SIAM said on Thursday. Passenger vehicle sales last month stood at 1,60,070 units as compared with 2,72,027 units in the year-ago period. As per the latest data by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), two-wheeler dispatches to dealers also witnessed a dip of 17 per cent at 15,28,472 units, compared to 18,49,546 in September 2020.

Amritpal's mentor Papalpreet gets I-T dept notice over 'unaccounted' income

Amritpal's mentor Papalpreet gets I-T dept notice over 'unaccounted' income

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

The Income Tax notice was recovered from the house of Baljeet Kaur at Shahabad in Kurukshetra in Haryana where Papalpreet and Amritpal had taken shelter on March 19 and 20 before fleeing from there.

Chip shortage continues to hurt automakers; car sales dip 8%

Chip shortage continues to hurt automakers; car sales dip 8%

Rediff.com4 Mar 2022

Domestic passenger vehicle retail sales declined eight per cent in February as the companies continued to suffer production loss due to chip shortage, automobile dealers' body FADA said on Friday. The passenger vehicle (PV) sales dropped to 2,38,096 units last month, down 7.84 per cent from 2,58,337 units in February 2021. "Even though the passenger vehicle (PV) segment saw some launches and slight respite in supply due to better production, it was not enough to meet customer demand. "Vehicle waiting period thus remains similar to what it was in the past few months," FADA president Vinkesh Gulati stated.

The Elephant Who's A TV & SM Star

The Elephant Who's A TV & SM Star

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

As media phenomenon, Arikomban is in a different league. Efforts to capture the elephant were telecast live. Local three-wheeler drivers started a fans association for the pachyderm. A film has now been announced based on Arikomban's life.

How Toyota India will tackle it's slow growth

How Toyota India will tackle it's slow growth

Rediff.com17 Jan 2023

'In terms of semiconductors, challenges do remain in the pan industry, but I think we are much better than where we were a year or so back.'

Tata Motors bags India's largest electric vehicle fleet order from Uber

Tata Motors bags India's largest electric vehicle fleet order from Uber

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Tata Motors, India's largest electric passenger vehicle manufacturer, has signed an agreement with ride-hailing company Uber to supply 25,000 electric vehicles (EVs), the company said. The agreement is the largest EV commitment between an automotive manufacturer and a ride-sharing platform in India. Under the agreement, Uber will deploy Tata Motors' XPRES-T EVs by partnering fleet operators in Delhi National Capital Region, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.

Tata Motors bags largest EV fleet order from Uber

Tata Motors bags largest EV fleet order from Uber

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Tata Motors, India's largest electric passenger vehicle manufacturer, has signed an agreement with ride-hailing company Uber to supply 25,000 electric vehicles (EVs), the company said. The agreement is the largest EV commitment between an automotive manufacturer and a ride-sharing platform in India. Under the agreement, Uber will deploy Tata Motors' XPRES-T EVs by partnering fleet operators in Delhi National Capital Region, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.

Ola Electric will miss its production target

Ola Electric will miss its production target

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

Ola Electric will miss its target to fully utilise installed production capacity in next six to eight months and will achieve only 50 per cent of it by November 2023, founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said on Friday. At the time of launch of the new S1 Air electric scooter ahead of Diwali last month, he had said the company was already producing more than 1,000 a day at its 'future factory' and would be scaling it up significantly beyond that.

When The Party Ends And Reality's Cold Light Shines Through...

When The Party Ends And Reality's Cold Light Shines Through...

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

There will be a lot to repair and rejuvenate -- if that opportunity even presents itself, warns Rathin Roy.

Ola keen to build cell manufacturing plant

Ola keen to build cell manufacturing plant

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

SoftBank Group-backed Ola Electric is in talks with multiple global suppliers to build a battery cell manufacturing plant in India with a capacity of up to 50-gigawatt hours, sources said. As part of its broader electrification push, the firm plans to invest in companies with advanced cell and battery technology, alongside the 50 Gwh battery plant. Ola Electric needs 40 Gwh of battery capacity to power 10 million electric scooters annually. The remainder will be for its electric cars, which the company plans to manufacture in the future.

Automakers staring at lacklustre festive season

Automakers staring at lacklustre festive season

Rediff.com7 Sep 2021

Automobile dealers' body FADA on Tuesday expressed concern that the chip shortage issue could derail passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales during the festive season, as automakers are struggling with an adequate supply of vehicles to dealers due to production challenges. Terming semiconductor shortage as a "full-blown crisis", the industry body warned of a lacklustre festive season, especially for the passenger vehicle dealer fraternity, with low inventory levels and non-availability of the fast-moving model variants ahead of the peak festive period.

Odisha city under security blanket for Hanuman Jayanti, internet suspended

Odisha city under security blanket for Hanuman Jayanti, internet suspended

Rediff.com14 Apr 2023

The security personnel conducted a flag march on Thursday in Odisha's violence-hit Sambalpur city, where internet services were suspended and security tightened as the district administration geared up to organise a peaceful Hanuman Jayanti.

Time to book profit now; buy when Nifty hits 16,000: BofA Securities

Time to book profit now; buy when Nifty hits 16,000: BofA Securities

Rediff.com12 May 2023

With the Nifty50 just about 3 per cent away from its all-time closing high of 18,812 points, analysts at BofA Securities suggest investors book profit. Their reasons for the advice include risks like the possibility of a cut in corporate earnings growth forecasts, high valuation (one-year forward P/E of 19.5x), interest rates staying elevated for longer-than-expected and credit tightening. Going ahead, they expect the Nifty50 index to drop to 16,000 levels - down nearly 12 per cent from the current level of 18,255 points, which they believe would be a good time to buy.