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Zomato Q3FY25: Strong GOV Growth Amid Profitability Pressures

Amid hopes for a tariff reprieve, auto and ancillary stocks rise.

Amid hopes for a tariff reprieve, auto and ancillary stocks rise.

 

When U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a possible temporary waiver of auto import tariffs in April 2025, shares of auto and related companies surged sharply on international markets. Investors and industry participants are feeling more optimistic as a result of this move, which has caused auto-related equities to rise on key markets.

A Tariff Reprieve Encourages Market Hope

The latest market surge has been sparked by President Trump’s declaration that he is considering pausing the 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts. Originally imposed to promote domestic production, the tariffs had sparked worries about higher automotive costs and possible supply chain disruptions worldwide.
Automobile manufacturers that depend on intricate global supply chains are seen to benefit from the prospect of a tariff suspension. It gives them the chance to modify their business practices without being immediately impacted by rising expenses, preserving their competitiveness in the global market.

International Auto Stocks React Favorably

Global stock markets have responded favorably to the prospect of a possible tariff respite, especially among automakers and related businesses. The shares of major automakers in the United States, including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, increased by 5.1%, 5%, and 6.8%, respectively. Gains were also seen by electric car makers such as Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, which reflected increased investor confidence in the industry.

This optimism was reflected in Asian markets, where shares of Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota saw notable increases. These businesses, who have sizable export operations to the United States, have benefited most from the possible reduction of trade hostilities.

The Indian Auto Ancillary Industry Is Growing

The sentiment throughout the world has helped the auto ancillary business in India. The stock prices of companies like Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (SAMIL), Bharat Forge, and Sona BLW Precision Forgings have increased by as much as 8%. These businesses stand to gain from any lowering of trade barriers because of their significant exposure to global markets, especially those in North America.

Investor confidence has been further bolstered by the recent approval by the Indian government of a ₹26,000 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile industry. The plan is in line with the global trend toward localized production since it seeks to increase domestic manufacturing and lessen reliance on imports.

Effects on the Automobile Sector

The global auto sector is anticipated to be affected in a number of ways by the possible suspension of tariffs:
• Supply Chain Stability: Automakers may continue to produce and distribute goods by maintaining their current supply chains without having to immediately restructure them.
• Cost management: Reducing manufacturing costs through the avoidance of additional tariffs might be essential for setting prices and preserving market share.
• Strategic Planning: In line with long-term objectives of supply chain resilience, the respite gives businesses a window to plan ahead and make investments in local manufacturing capabilities.

Prospects for the Future

Even though recent advancements show promise, the car industry is still wary. Companies must continue to keep a careful eye on policy changes and be ready for any changes because the tariff suspension is only temporary. Navigating the changing trade landscape will need investments in regional manufacturing, supply chain diversification, and policy advocacy.
To sum up, the recent spike in the stock prices of car and related companies highlights how vulnerable the sector is to trade regulations and how crucial strategic flexibility is in adapting to changes in the world economy.

Summary :

Auto and ancillary stocks surged globally after Trump’s tariff pause hint, boosting investor optimism and supporting supply chain stability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trump’s 245% Tariff Shock: Trade War Reloaded

Ola Electric's Roadster X: India's Next Big Leap in Electric Mobility.

Ola Electric’s Roadster X: India’s Next Big Leap in Electric Mobility

Ola Electric’s Roadster X: India’s Next Big Leap in Electric Mobility

Introduction: New Roads Ahead for Ola Electric

Ola Electric has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) vision with the introduction of the Roadster X, a motorcycle designed to redefine city travel. After carving a niche in the electric scooter segment, this launch marks a bold step toward capturing a broader share of the two-wheeler EV market in India.

Design: Built for the Bold

The Roadster X arrives with a design that’s sharp, aggressive, and clearly aimed at a younger generation of riders. It combines a sporty frame with modern aesthetics—a compact structure, dynamic stance, and stylish lighting all contribute to its street-ready appeal. Unlike traditional electric bikes that lean conservative in form, this one aims to stand out visually.

Technology: A Smart Machine on Two Wheels

Beyond looks, the Roadster X is expected to deliver advanced tech features. From a digital dashboard and wireless connectivity to navigation support and remote diagnostics, Ola continues to blur the line between vehicles and smart devices. Riders can likely expect app integration, ride analytics, and software updates delivered over the air.
Such features indicate that this motorcycle isn’t just about transportation—it’s about a connected experience tailored for tech-savvy users.

Performance: Urban Efficiency Meets Agility

Although Ola has not released complete specifications, the Roadster X is believed to be engineered for daily commuting. It’s expected to offer strong low-end torque, smooth throttle response, and a city-friendly top speed. With an estimated range around 150 kilometers on a single charge, the motorcycle should be ideal for work commutes and urban exploration alike.
The inclusion of fast charging support would allow users to top up quickly, minimizing downtime and maximizing daily usability.

Affordability: Positioned for Volume

Ola is known for making electric vehicles affordable without compromising quality, and early signals suggest the Roadster X will follow that trend. Market watchers believe the bike may be priced in the ₹1.5 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh range—affordable enough to compete with high-end petrol bikes and a few other electric rivals.
A balance of performance, features, and pricing may allow the Roadster X to appeal to both early adopters and value-conscious buyers looking to switch from fuel to electric.

Market Reaction: Positive Vibes from Investors

Ola Electric’s announcement of the Roadster X was received with enthusiasm. The company’s stock saw a modest rise, signaling confidence in its growth strategy. Analysts suggest that expanding into the motorcycle space can help Ola diversify its product offerings and reduce reliance on scooters alone.
This diversification could strengthen its position in the broader EV ecosystem and build long-term investor trust.

Strategic Expansion: More Than a Bike

The Roadster X isn’t just another new product—it’s a key move in Ola’s larger mission to dominate the EV segment. Alongside this launch, the company is developing charging infrastructure across cities, investing in battery innovation, and scaling its production capabilities.
These efforts are meant to support a more integrated ecosystem where every Ola vehicle—whether scooter or motorcycle—fits seamlessly into a user’s life.

Impact: A Push for Electric Motorcycling in India

Electric scooters have gained popularity in India, but motorcycles remain the more common mode of transport. Ola’s move into this segment may push the market forward, encouraging others to innovate and giving consumers more viable choices. With improved design, growing infrastructure, and rising awareness, the Roadster X could help speed up EV adoption among motorbike users.

Conclusion: Roadster X Signals Ola’s Ambition

By entering the motorcycle category, Ola Electric is clearly thinking beyond short-term wins. The Roadster X is not just about one bike—it’s about setting a standard for what electric two-wheelers can look and feel like. With intelligent features, user-friendly performance, and a strong design language, this motorcycle has the potential to make a big impact on India’s EV future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sun Pharma Shares surge 5% as U.S. court clears Launch of key Autoimmune Drug

Auto industry anticipates boost in demand by wedding season and recovery of infra projects

Auto industry anticipates boost in demand by wedding season and recovery of infra projects

Indian automobile industry anticipates boost in demand by wedding season and recovery of infra projects

 

The Indian automobile industry is looking forward to the upcoming marriage season and also recovery of public infrastructure projects. The auto industry believes that it will lead to growth in sales of the vehicles, particularly affordable cars and two-wheelers. 

 

Challenges faced by Automobile industry

Following the festive season, the automakers in India faced issues in sales growth. It is also due to gradual removal of discounts. In recent times, the automakers are paying attention to two crucial factors which are overall demand trends and surge in price levels in the market. It will aid them in anticipating the future outlook of the auto industry and company as well. 

 

Higher rural demand

In terms of rural and urban demand, the demand for vehicles by rural region was higher in the range of 200 to 300 bps compared to the urban growth in the third quarter of FY25. This demand trend in rural areas highlights that people living in rural regions are showcasing higher interest in buying vehicles against the people living in urban regions. Despite strong growth from rural areas, the auto industry required a stronger boost in order to have complete revival of demand in the industry.

 

Factors contributing to revival of demand

As per the past trends, the auto industry recorded higher demand for vehicles in the wedding or festive season.  As the wedding season is coming up, many automakers anticipate that it will lead to higher demand for autos in the market as many purchase vehicles for personal use or as gifts. 

 

Apart from wedding and festive season, government incentives and infrastructure projects play a crucial role in strengthening the auto demand in the industry. In recent times, the auto industry believes that recovery in the infrastructure project by the government of India would lead to a boost to the auto sector. These plans will lead to faster infrastructure growth, expansion in income generation, mainly in rural regions. This will ultimately lead to strengthening of sales in the auto industry.

 

Additionally, other factors like interest rates and income tax cuts can also help in boosting demand for vehicles in the market. In case of contraction in interest rates, it will encourage people to take more loans for purposes like auto purchases as they have to repay less amount of loan. 

 

In the Budget 2025, the government of India announced income tax cuts up to Rs.12.75 lakhs of income. It led to expansion in disposable income of the people. It resulted in marginally easier for consumers to purchase new vehicles. 

 

International demand trend

In the third quarter of the financial year 2025, many automakers recorded robust strength demand in the international market which was higher than earlier estimates. In contrast to this, automobile component players recorded slowdown in demand trends in this third quarter. This current trend is anticipated to remain in the future quarters as well. 

 

In present times, the automobile industry in India is in a situation of uncertainty. The driving factors like contraction in interest rates, wedding season, and higher rural demand can lead to a boost to the revival of demand and sales in the auto industry in the upcoming terms.

 

 

 

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Adoption of high speed rails can aid in growth of India’s EV adoption rate like China

 

 

 

 

Maruti Suzuki sets the target of regaining 50 percent auto market share in India

Maruti Suzuki sets the target of regaining 50 percent auto market share in India

Maruti Suzuki sets the target of regaining 50 percent auto market share in India

 

Maruti Suzuki is considered as the largest automaker in India. It aims to regain 50 percent of its market share in the Indian passenger vehicle segment by the year 2030. 

 

Market share of the company

In the financial year 2019, the company had a market share of 50 percent in the Indian auto market. In the last few years, it faced strong competition from its peers like Kia, Tata, and Hyundai. In recent times, the company recorded a market share of about 41.6 percent in India.

 

Performance of the company in 3QFY25

The company was successful in achieving its revenue and profit targets due to better sales portfolio, quality, and better condition of exchange rates. However, the company recorded a contraction in achieving its volume sales growth. It was driven by contraction in its market share in the Indian auto market and also strong competition in the EV sector. 

 

Roadmap of Maruti Suzuki

The company’s mid-term management plan is to accelerate the production capacity to around 4 million units per annum which will be twice its current production capacity.  It targets to become the top auto manufacturer in the domestic market, export segment, and also in the Electric Vehicle (EV) segment in the upcoming five years. To put this plan in implementation, the company is developing two production facilities in Gujarat and Kharkhoda. 

Maruti Suzuki highlights that India is a crucial market for automakers. It will continue to progress in the future as well. It will act as an engine for the progress of Suzuki in the future. In recent times, the auto industry is recording a highly competitive environment and also rising demand of consumers for high quality of equipment, services, and product functions in their vehicles. 

SMC, a parent company of Maruti Suzuki main focus is to expand product portfolio and develop its capabilities in order to meet the preference of the Indian auto market. The company plans to expand and improve its product portfolio in terms of medium and large Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). It also focuses on quick development and launching of affordable vehicle segments in the market which will satisfy the consumer preferences.

The company plans to launch vehicles in various segments like battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and fossil fuel vehicles. It will be designed and manufactured as per the geographic conditions and consumer preference in various regions of India.

 

Launch of e Vitara

In the month of January 2025, the company launched its first BEV e Vitara at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. It is set to be sold in both domestic and international markets.  Further, the company plans to launch about 4 BEV auto models by the financial year 2030. Its peer companies like Tata Motors already have a strong market and portfolio in terms of EV models. This entry of Suzuki in EV is considered to be a late entry. Despite this, it is important to understand that India’s EV market is still in the growing phase compared to other nations in the world. The company aspires to achieve a strong position in the EV market with the advantage of a large consumer base and extensive network of touchpoints.

 

The company will join hands with FinDreams, which is a subsidiary company of China’s BYD for the purpose of purchasing batteries for its EV model vehicles. In the upcoming years, it plans to localize the production which will align with the progress in the EV market. 

 

It also has plans to upscale the Nexa into a premium brand and Arena addressing a broader customer base. This will help in achieving the company’s goal to adhere to better customer experience. 

 

Collaboration with Toyota

Maruti Suzuki’s strategic collaboration with Toyota continues to remain strong by working as equal partners and competitors. Both the companies plan to create a carbon-neutral space with cooperation and aims to progress in the future. The company has the goal of achieving carbon emission reduction of around 42 percent by the financial year 2030.

 

Future Outlook

The company aims to achieve market share of 50 percent in the Indian market by the year 2030. Additionally, it targets operating profit margin of higher than or equal to 10 percent and return on equity of higher than or equal to 15 percent in the initial half period of the 2030s.

 

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Larsen & Toubro recorded strong revenue and PAT growth with highest quarterly orderbook in 3QFY25

 

 

 

 

Hyundai Q3 FY2025 Sees 19% Profit Drop Amid Lower Sales and Rising Costs

Hyundai Q3 FY2025 Sees 19% Profit Drop Amid Lower Sales and Rising Costs

Hyundai Q3 FY2025 Sees 19% Profit Drop Amid Lower Sales and Rising Costs

Overview
On 28th January 2025, Hyundai published its third quarter reports of the financial year 2025 recording a contraction of 19 percent of consolidated net profit on a year-on-year basis. The PAT for the third quarter was about Rs.1,161 crore lower than the Rs. 1,425 crore for the previous financial year in the third quarter only. The reason for this is the fall in exports and sales at domestic level.

Performance of the company
In the third quarter of the financial year 2025, the company recorded a fall in total income to about Rs. 16,892 compared to its total income of about Rs. 17,244 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year.

The company is popular for manufacturing hatchback models such as i20, Grand i10. It is also known for manufacturing Creta, which is a SUV model. In the third quarter of the financial year 2023-2024, the revenue of Hyundai was about Rs. 16,875. In the third quarter of the current financial year, it declined to about 1.3 percent which accounts to about Rs.16,648 crore of revenue.

After its earnings report was released, the stock price of Hyundai Motor declined.

Further, the company recorded a contraction in net profit by about 16 percent consecutively. Its net profit was about Rs. 1,375 crore in the second quarter of the financial year 2025. Also, its topline was about Rs. 17,260 crore in the second quarter which declined to about 3.5 percent in the third quarter of the current financial year.

While, its EBITDA margin was around 11.27 percent in the third quarter lower than 12.88 percent in the previous year of the same quarter. The reason for contraction in margins is due to slowdown in demand as well as rising geopolitical concerns.
Sales performance of the company
In terms of volume, Hyundai Motors was successful in selling about 1,86,408 units of passenger vehicles in the third quarter. From this total volume sales of passenger vehicles, volume sales in the domestic market was about 1,46,022 units. It is mainly driven by demand for SUV vehicles.

The company was also able to register its highest sales of CNG-based vehicles in terms of volume which accounts to growth of about 15 percent in the third quarter compared to 12 percent in the past financial year of the same period.

In terms of sales volume in rural areas, it surged to about 21.2 percent in the third quarter, higher than 19.7 percent recorded in the same quarter of the previous financial year. Also, the exports level of the company was recorded to about 40,386 units of sales volumes in the third quarter.

Future Perspective of the company
Hyundai Motors firmly believes that it will be able to expand its future growth by using its full potential and also search for new opportunities to expand profitability and sales volume of the company.

The company is optimistic about the development of the Electric vehicle segment in India. It is taking steps towards making electric vehicles with a broader view.

The company also states that the recent launch of Creta Electric model will promote growth and also acts as a breakthrough in the Electric vehicle sector.

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India’s export in auto industry reach 19 percent

Auto industry anticipates boost in demand by wedding season and recovery of infra projects

India’s export in auto industry reach 19 percent

India’s export in auto industry reach 19 percent

Overview
In the year 2024, the Indian automobile industry recorded a growth of about 19 percent in exports on a year-on-year basis. The main reason for this is strong demand in auto segments such as commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, and passenger vehicles.

The total volume of shipments of India in the auto industry surged to about 50,98,810 units in the year 2024. It is higher by about 19 percent compared to 42,85,809 units of shipments in the year 2023.

In the year 2024, the Indian auto industry saw recovery in demand from developing economies such as Africa and Latin America. It resulted in the growth in the export levels of the auto industry in India.

Export in different auto segments
The export of the passenger vehicle segment surged to about 10 percent in the calendar year 2024. It accounts for about exports of 7,43,976 units higher than the previous year’s export of about 6,77,956 units.

Similarly, an uptrend was recorded in exports of the utility vehicle segment of about 33 percent on a year-on-year basis. In terms of volume of exports, it was about 3,23,621 units. Also, the unit of export in the van segment was about 8,207 units which accounts for 14 percent growth on yearly basis.

In contrast to this, the passenger vehicles segment registered a fall of about 4 percent. In terms of volume of shipments, it was 4,12,148 units in the year 2024 in relation to 4,27,876 units in the year 2023.

The export growth of the two-wheelers segment was driven by expansion of export growth in moped, scooter and motorcycles. Overall, the export levels of two-wheelers in the year 2024 was about 23 percent higher which accounts to 39,77,162 units of exports in relation to 32,43,673 units of export in the calendar year 2023. While, the units of export of motorcycles was about 33,97,586 units in the year 2024 and it raised the export growth by about 24 percent. In the year 2024, the exports of moped vehicles increased by about 6,346 units of exports leading to yearly export growth of around 89 percent. Apart from this, the scooter recorded a growth in export units in the year 2023 was about 4,91,329 which later increased to 5,73,230 units of exports in the calendar year 2024.

The commercial vehicle segment also recorded a hike in export levels in the year 2024 by about 6 percent. It was higher in terms of volume export in the year 2024 by about 72,511 units compared to export levels of about 68,473 in the previous year.

The three-wheeler segment of the Indian auto industry recorded an export growth of about 2 percent in the year 2024. In terms of volume exports, it was 2,91,919 units of export in the year 2023 and raised to 2,98,235 units of export in the year 2024.

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Budget needs to focus on local infrastructure

Maruti Suzuki India to hike prices from Feb

Maruti Suzuki India to hike prices from Feb

Maruti Suzuki India to hike prices from Feb

Overview
The market leader in automobiles, Maruti Suzuki India, declared on Thursday that it will begin raising prices for a number of models by up to Rs 32,500 on February 1, 2025. This change is a reaction to the rising operational and input costs the business has been dealing with. This decision comes after the corporation said in December 2024 that it will raise prices by up to 4% in January 2025 in order to offset growing expenses. Each model has a different rise in magnitude.

Price Hikes on Specific Models
The company is unable to pass on part of the higher costs to the market, despite its dedication to cost optimization and minimizing the impact on customers, according to the regulatory filing.

The company’s small car, the Celerio, would experience an ex-showroom price hike of up to Rs 32,500 under the new pricing, while the luxury variant, the Invicto, will see a price increase of up to Rs 30,000. The price of Swift will increase by Rs 5,000, while that of the company’s well-known Wagon-R model will increase by up to Rs 15,000. Price increases of up to Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 would be implemented for the SUVs Brezza and Grand Vitara, respectively.

According to the filing, the Alto K10 and S-Presso, two entry-level small cars, will see price increases of up to Rs 19,500 and Rs 5,000, respectively. It further stated that the price of the premium small model Baleno, the compact SUV Fronx, and the compact sedan Dzire would increase by much to Rs 9,000, Rs 5,500, and Rs 10,000, respectively. Currently, the company offers a variety of automobiles, ranging from the entry-level Alto K-10, which starts at Rs 3.99 lakh, to the Invicto, which costs Rs 28.92 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Past Sales Record
The company revealed that overall passenger vehicle sales increased significantly from 134,158 units sold in November 2023 to 141,312 units sold in November 2024. With 144,238 sold domestically, 8,660 sold to other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and 28,633 sold abroad, the total number of vehicles sold was 181,531.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. announced that its total wholesale sales in December 2024 increased by 30% to 178,248 units from 137,551 units in the same month the previous year. According to a regulatory statement from Maruti Suzuki India, total domestic sales, including light commercial vehicle sales and deliveries to Toyota Kirloskar Motor, were 132,523 units last month, up 24.44 percent from 106,492 units in December 2023. Further, domestic passenger vehicle (PV) sales increased by 24.18% to 130,117 units in December 2024 from 104,778 units in the same month the previous year.

Sales of small cars, including the Alto and S-Presso, increased to 7,418 last month from 2,557 during the same period last year. In a same vein, sales of small cars including the Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR increased to 54,906 units from 45,741 units in December 2023. According to the firm, sales of utility cars, including as the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, and XL6, increased to 55,651 units in December 2024 from 45,957 units in the same month the previous year. Ciaz mid-sized sedan sales decreased to 464 units from 489 units in December 2023.

According to MSI, its exports in December increased to 37,419 units from 26,884 units in the same month the previous year.

Q2 Results were largely flat
Maruti Suzuki India’s Q2 FY25 net profit of Rs 3,069 crore fell 17.4% year over year, falling short of the Rs 3,710 crore forecast. Revenue met the Bloomberg estimate of Rs 37,229 crore, up 0.4% year over year to Rs 37,203 crore. EBITDA dropped 7.7% from the same time last year to Rs 4,417 crore, which was also less than the Rs 4,712 crore expectation. At 11.9%, the EBITDA margin decreased 100 basis points year over year. A significant increase in tax outgo, which increased to Rs 1,015 crore in Q2 from Rs 67 crore in Q1 of last year, was the main cause of the decline in profit.

Maruti Suzuki Share Price History
Over the past five sessions on the NSE, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.’s shares have essentially remained unchanged, down 0.74%. The stock price has increased 9.67% in the last six months, while shares have increased more than 20% on the NSE in the last year. On January 24, Maruti Suzuki India’s stock fell 0.80% during the day to a low of Rs 11,949.35 a share. At 23,092.20, the benchmark Nifty 50 was down 0.49%.

Q3 Result Date announced
The results for the quarter that concluded on December 31, 2024, will be released shortly by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. The biggest automaker in the nation, Maruti Suzuki India, offers a variety of sedans, hatchbacks, MUVs, and SUVs. The company wants to be the top EV manufacturer in the nation and recently unveiled the eVitara, its first electric vehicle. Maruti Suzuki was founded in 1981 and is currently valued at about Rs 3.75 lakh crore. The stock exchanges have previously been notified by the business of the release of its Q3 results.

In an exchange filing on January 13, Maruti Suzuki India stated that its board of directors will meet on Wednesday, January 29, to approve and announce the financial results for the quarter ending in December 2024. In a stock exchange filing, the firm announced that its board of directors will meet on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to review and approve, among other things, the unaudited financial statements for the quarter that concluded on December 31, 2024.

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Budget needs to focus on local infrastructure

Auto industry anticipates boost in demand by wedding season and recovery of infra projects

JLR Leads Tata Motors’ Q3FY2025 Recovery, But Domestic Challenges Persist

JLR Leads Tata Motors’ Q3FY2025 Recovery, But Domestic Challenges Persist

Jaguar Land Rover Ltd (JLR), the global subsidiary of Tata Motors Ltd, has shown signs of recovery in Q3FY2025, driven by improved wholesales and a better product mix. However, challenges in Tata Motors’ domestic business and uncertainties in the global auto market may limit the upside.

JLR: A Positive Turnaround in Q3FY2025
After a subdued performance in the first half of FY2025, JLR’s wholesales grew by 3% year-on-year (YoY) in Q3FY2025, reflecting an improvement in demand across key developed markets. While demand for premium and luxury vehicles remained tepid in retail channels, higher wholesale dispatches and an improved average selling price (ASP) indicate better revenue and profitability prospects.

Regionally, JLR’s performance was bolstered by strong demand in the US and parts of Western Europe. However, challenges persisted in the UK and China, where demand moderated. An increase in the contribution of JLR’s power brands to 70% of total sales, up from 64% six quarters ago, highlights a favorable shift towards premium models, which bodes well for margins.

Supply-side constraints that impacted JLR in earlier quarters have eased, as evidenced by reduced inventory levels and higher dispatches. Analysts anticipate a sequential improvement in JLR’s EBITDA margin for Q3FY2025, though it may still lag YoY levels. Importantly, the company remains on track to achieve £1 billion in free cash flows (FCF) for FY2025, supported by a net-cash balance sheet—a significant positive for Tata Motors’ consolidated financials.

The premium product mix in JLR’s sales continues to boost profitability prospects. As JLR’s power brands increasingly dominate the sales portfolio, the company benefits from higher margins. This trend, along with easing supply constraints, has led to improved inventory management. Analysts believe that these positive developments mark a crucial step in rebuilding investor confidence.

Domestic Business: A Mixed Bag
While JLR’s revival brings optimism, Tata Motors’ domestic operations face headwinds. The commercial vehicle (CV) segment has seen flat volume growth, reflecting a challenging demand environment. Meanwhile, Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle (PV) business has been losing market share, with electric vehicle (EV) sales failing to meet expectations amidst rising competition.

The domestic PV market is undergoing a significant transformation, with multiple new entrants and rising competition in the EV space. Tata Motors, despite its early lead in EVs, faces challenges in maintaining its growth momentum. Increased competition from both established players and startups is pressuring market share. Additionally, the company’s focus on expanding EV offerings has yet to deliver the desired results in terms of volume and profitability.

In the CV segment, economic factors such as rising interest rates and uneven demand recovery are limiting growth. Infrastructure development and government spending on large projects, which typically boost CV sales, have been slower than anticipated. Consequently, Tata Motors’ CV business has struggled to deliver strong results this quarter.

Consolidated Outlook: Recovery with Caution
Improved operating leverage in JLR and the standalone entity is expected to drive a recovery in Tata Motors’ Q3FY2025 consolidated profit margins and net profit compared to Q2FY2025. However, the path to sustainable growth will hinge on several factors:

Global Luxury Auto Market: The global premium car market’s recovery remains uneven, with concerns around whether discounts will be needed to stimulate demand in 2025. Prolonged economic uncertainties and geopolitical risks could further impact consumer sentiment in key markets like Europe and the US.

EV Ramp-Up: Both JLR and Tata Motors’ domestic EV businesses need to accelerate growth to capture emerging opportunities. JLR’s transition to electric models will require significant investments and strategic partnerships to ensure competitiveness in the evolving global market.

Macroeconomic Uncertainty: Changes in US policies on duties, taxes, and oil prices could impact demand dynamics in key markets. Rising energy costs and inflationary pressures could further complicate the operating environment for global automakers.

While JLR’s progress in Q3FY2025 is encouraging, sustaining this momentum will require consistent execution and strategic clarity. Tata Motors must address its domestic challenges while leveraging JLR’s global recovery to build a stronger consolidated performance. The coming quarters will be critical in determining whether Tata Motors can achieve sustainable growth and enhance shareholder value.

Tata Motors’ ability to navigate these challenges will define its performance in 2025 and beyond. Its strategic focus on premium vehicles, EV transition, and operational efficiency will be key to overcoming headwinds and delivering long-term growth. Investors and stakeholders will closely monitor the company’s efforts to address domestic market weaknesses while capitalizing on JLR’s improving trajectory in global markets.

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Upcoming Budget: Real estate Industry seeks Stamp duty cuts and revised home loan limits

Maruti Suzuki's new facility faces short delay; 2025-26 production kick-off

Toyota's Bid to Badge Engineer Jimny and Swift Faces Rejection from Maruti Suzuki

Toyota’s Bid to Badge Engineer Jimny and Swift Faces Rejection from Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki has firmly rejected Toyota’s proposal to badge engineer two of its iconic models, the Jimny and Swift, citing their integral role in the brand’s identity. While the two automakers have previously collaborated successfully on models like the Baleno and Glanza, Ertiga and Rumion, and Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki is adamant about retaining exclusivity for the Jimny and Swift.

Toyota had expressed a keen interest in creating its versions of the popular Jimny and Swift, envisioning a Toyota-badged Jimny as an affordable 4×4 alternative to the relatively expensive Fortuner. Despite a recent decline in Jimny sales, Maruti Suzuki remains committed to preserving the iconic status of these models, emphasizing that core brand identity models are not meant for sharing.

The Swift, a consistent best-seller for Maruti Suzuki, averages over 17,100 units sold monthly. Toyota, having only retailed Maruti Suzuki’s premium Nexa products under its own brand, saw potential for significant sales growth by introducing a Toyota-badged Swift. The Glanza and Rumion, both badge-engineered Maruti models, currently contribute 25 percent to Toyota’s total monthly sales.

Maruti Suzuki drew a parallel between the request for Toyota to badge engineer the Jimny and Swift and asking the same for the Land Cruiser, highlighting a shared commitment to respecting core models defining their brand identity.

Rumors about Toyota’s plans to rebadge both the Jimny and Swift had surfaced soon after the Jimny’s launch. Suzuki declined the offer, stating that both models are integral to the brands’ DNA, and sharing them would dilute their iconic status. This decision impacted Toyota’s potential benefits in the Indian market, as a rebadged Jimny could have served as an affordable 4×4 SUV option.

The Swift, a consistently popular hatchback, could have further boosted Toyota’s monthly sales. Currently, rebadged Baleno and Ertiga models contribute 25 percent to total sales. If the Swift were added, it could potentially add another 25 percent. Although the Jimny faces pricing challenges in India, Maruti Suzuki has implemented discounts and introduced a Thunder Edition to stimulate sales.

In addition to this development, Maruti Suzuki is actively working on an electric vehicle (EV) expected to launch next year. Toyota is also set to receive a different version of this EV, likely an SUV comparable to the current Grand Vitara, with pricing estimated between Rs 20-25 lakh. This collaboration exemplifies the ongoing partnership between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota in developing diverse automotive solutions.

The image added is for representation purposes only

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Auto industry needs to provide flexi-fuel vehicles at various price points to accelerate blended fuel technology adoption .

Auto industry needs to provide flexi-fuel vehicles at various price points to accelerate blended fuel technology adoption .

In an event organised by the auto industry body, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers [SIAM], the union ministers of petroleum and natural gas and housing and urban affairs stated that the Indian automobile industry needs to provide flexi-fuel vehicles at various price points quickly to accelerate the adoption of blended technology.The government will provide comprehensive support from the supply , policy and demand side for the sale of the flexi-fuel E10, which is a blend of 10 percent ethanol with the petrol, and the E20, which is a blend of 20 percent ethanol with the petrol.

Vehicles are the auto industry’s viable business proposition;

we need more options at various price points, including two-wheelers and three-wheelers, and we need them quickly. Hardeep Singh Puri, the minister for petroleum and natural gas, as well as housing and urban development, used the launch of Toyota’s first-of-its-kind pilot project on the flexi-fuel [FFV-SHEV] that can run on 100 percent ethanol in India last week to demonstrate how things are progressing on the blended fuel front.He also said the government is ready from the supply side to launch the E20 .

The union minister, Nitin Gadkari, launched this first pilot project on flex fuel strong hybrid electric vehicles [FFV–SHEV] on October 20, 2022 . which has been imported from Toyota Brazil for the pilot project . FFVs allow for greater ethanol substitution of gasoline because they can use any of the higher ethanol blends ranging from 20 percent to 100 percent.An FFV-SHEV has a flex-fuel engine and an electric power train, providing the dual benefit of higher ethanol use and greater fuel efficiency, as it can run in its EV mode for extended periods of time while the engine is turned off.

Target achievement:

Achieving the E20, which is blending with petrol by 2025, would help India save foreign exchange by about Rs 30,000 crores per annum . Hardeep Singh Puri also said that India will push for an international biofuel alliance when it assumes the presidency of the G20 in December this year .

Further , he said, we will utilise our G20 presidency to try and set up an international biofuel alliance . The number of petrol pumps selling bio fuels has more than tripled, from 29,897 in 2016-2017 to 67,641 in 2021-2022.He also says in his statement the India’s ethanol demand is poised to grow to 10.16 billion litres by the year 2025 . and also expanded the excise duty waiver for biofuels and will always consider how to prepare this even further in the future .