Indian Auto News Highlights – September 2025

🇮🇳 India Surpasses Japan in Auto Production

India has officially become the third-largest automobile producer in the world, overtaking Japan. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a bold vision to make India the top global auto manufacturer within five years, with a strong push toward electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and green mobility infrastructure.

Source: Mid-Day

🛠️ 80% of Vehicle Launches Face Delays

A recent study by Vector Consulting Group found that 80% of Indian OEMs experience delays in launching new vehicles. The root causes include late-stage engineering changes, supplier feedback gaps, and unstable design freezes, all of which impact quality, cost, and dealer readiness.

Source: Financial Express

🌍 EU Trade Talks Put Auto Sector in Spotlight

India and the European Union are negotiating a trade agreement that could reshape the auto industry. The EU seeks deeper access to India’s automobile market, while India aims to reduce compliance costs and boost exports of EVs and components.

Source: Business Standard

đźš™ September Car Launches

  • Maruti Suzuki Victoris: A midsize SUV with hybrid powertrain and ADAS features, positioned below Grand Vitara
  • CitroĂ«n Basalt X: Premium trim with bronze accents and 360° camera
  • VinFast VF6 & VF7: Vietnamese EVs debut in India with up to 480km range
  • Volvo EX30: Sustainable luxury EV with 272hp and 480km WLTP range

Source: DriveSpark

🛻 Tata Hitachi’s Mining Monster

Autocar India test-drove the Tata Hitachi EH 3500, a 2,000hp hybrid mining truck powered by a V16 engine. Standing three storeys tall, it’s built for extreme terrain and industrial hauling.

Source: Autocar India