India’s auto retail sector saw a YoY decline of 4.31 percent in July 2025, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), marking a pause after three consecutive months of growth. FADA attributed the drop primarily to a high-base effect from July 2024, which had seen a sales rebound after extreme weather disruptions.

In terms of segment-wise, three-wheelers, tractors and commercial vehicles registered marginal YoY growth of 0.83 percent, 10.96 percent and 0.23 percent, respectively. In contrast, two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and construction equipment saw declines of 6.48 percent, 0.81 percent and 33.28 percent.

In the 2W segment, monsoon-driven rural disruptions and crop-sowing activities led to subdued footfalls, both YoY and month-on-month (MoM). However, dealers expect demand to rebound in August with festival purchases.

The PV segment saw a slight YoY dip despite a strong 10.38 percent MoM rise, aided by auspicious days, rural schemes and new model launches. While rural demand remained strong, urban sentiment stayed weak. Inventory levels hovered around 55 days, prompting calls for strategic discounting and improved financing access.

CVs posted marginal growth, led by urban demand, institutional orders and new launches. However, rural haulage remained slow due to rains and seasonal softness in key logistics segments.

Tractors saw strong performance on the back of government subsidies, favourable rainfall and improved rural liquidity.

Looking ahead, FADA noted that the monsoon outlook remains positive, which should support rural demand. However, global headwinds – such as the US imposing additional tariffs on Indian exports – may impact consumer confidence and discretionary spending.

Despite challenges, dealer sentiment is largely positive for the July–September quarter, with 63 percent anticipating growth. The festive season, including Rakhi, Janmashtami, Independence Day and Ganesh Chaturthi, is expected to boost sales across all segments. Strategic promotions, finance facilitation, and rural outreach will be key for sustaining momentum amid external volatility.

C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, said, “While monsoon tailwinds and festival fervour converge to energise demand, the spectre of export-tariff volatility and isolated weather shocks underscores the need for vigilant stewardship. By harnessing precision-targeted

promotions, partnership-driven finance solutions and dynamic rural–urban engagement, the industry can navigate these headwinds and anchor itself on a trajectory of sustained retail growth. In sum, we enter August with a sense of guarded optimism, confident in the upside but ever mindful of the risks.”

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Sterling Tools, a leading automotive component manufacturer, has announced its subsidiary Sterling Gtake, which focusses on electric vehicle, has been rebranded as Sterling E-Mobility Solutions.

The company stated that the strategic rebranding is part of its portfolio expansion and its aim to be an integrated solutions supplier for EV powertrains and power electronics.

Anil Aggarwal, Chairman, Sterling Tools, said, “We are proud to begin this new chapter as Sterling E-Mobility Solutions. This rebranding reflects our commitment to delivering integrated EV solutions powered by global innovation and local expertise. Our exclusive partnership with Gtake remains strong, and we’re excited to explore new collaborations that strengthen our leadership in the EV ecosystem. We thank our partners and customers for their continued trust and support as we work together to shape India’s e-mobility future.”

In May 2025, Sterling entered into a technology licensing agreement with Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), UK, to manufacture magnet-free motors in India. In Sep 2025, the company announced another key partnership with Landworld Technology Co., China, for their range of on-board chargers and DC/DC converters.

Furthermore, the company’s existing relationships with Jiangsu Gtake Electric Co., for the Indian market, remains strong and unchanged. This partnership continues to flourish, with multiple products being developed by Gtake and localised by Sterling to meet domestic requirements.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (Department of School Education and Literacy), Government of Karnataka, to strengthen vocational education for students in Grades 9 to 12.

The collaboration aims to link education with industry, provide students with experience in automobile technology and address the demand for skilled workers. The initiative will also focus on the development of school students.

The programme will be carried out in eight government schools across seven districts of Karnataka, reaching more than 800 students. The schools are located in Kudur and Kanakapura (Bengaluru South), Peenya (Bengaluru Urban), Bagepalli (Chikkaballapur), Byadagi (Haveri), Harapanahalli (Vijayanagara), Turvihal (Raichur) and Haliyal (Uttara Kannada).

The MoU was signed in the presence of K Vidya Kumari, IAS, State Project Director, Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, MR Maruti, KAS, Director (Quality), SSK and A Ramesh Rao, Vice-President, External Affairs-Karnataka & Corporate Social Responsibility, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

The partnership includes teacher training through a comprehensive Train-the-Trainer programme, which will give faculty members exposure to Toyota’s manufacturing and learning processes. TKM will also set up automobile skill laboratories in the schools to deliver practical, industry-specific knowledge. Students will also gain exposure to industrial environments and company practices, promoting discipline, a safety mindset and respect for people.

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The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has virtually inaugurated the Mahindra Tractors Skill Development Centre in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.

The initiative is a major effort to empower rural youth by providing them with industry-relevant skills and opening up new employment opportunities in the region.

The new centre was established by Mahindra Tractors, India’s leading tractor brand, at the Government ITI college in Gadchiroli. It is a collaborative effort with the Department of Vocational Education & Training (DVET) and the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), aligning with the national and state focus on skill development.

The centre will focus on giving the local youth industry-ready skills by providing a structured curriculum, modern technical equipment and hands-on experience in various aspects of tractor and farm machinery. The programme aims to boost local livelihoods by creating career opportunities in the ecosystem, including assembly roles at manufacturing plants and service positions at dealerships.

Veejay Nakra, President – Farm Equipment Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “We at Mahindra are deeply honoured that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mahindra Tractor Skill Development Centre in Gadchiroli. Maharashtra is not just a leading industrial centre, but a state that is deeply connected to the Farm Sectors growth journey. It is a matter of great pride for us to partner with the Government of Maharashtra, creating a future where our rural communities are uplifted by cultivating skills and harvesting hope.”

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As a key contributor to India’s rail modernisation, Pinnacle Industries has been selected as the official partner by Indian Railways to design and manufacture the sleeper berths and executive seating for the new Amrit Bharat Express. This partnership aligns with the train's role as a transformative, high-speed and affordable option for long-distance travel across the country.

The seating solutions developed by Pinnacle are the result of extensive ergonomic engineering, created to provide superior comfort, safety and longevity. They are specifically optimised to perform reliably in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches. A primary focus has been placed on passenger well-being for extended journeys, achieved through enhanced cushion thickness in both seats and berths. The design also incorporates refined aesthetics with improved colour schemes and features like aluminium extrusions for the upper berths.

Safety is a critical component of the design, which includes specialised anti-injury fittings integrated into the seats and berths to minimise potential risks. Furthermore, all materials fully comply with the stringent fire safety standard EN45545-2 HL3, meeting Indian Railways' rigorous requirements for fire-retardant properties. Leveraging decades of expertise in mobility interiors, this project reinforces Pinnacle Industries' position at the forefront of developing world-class transportation solutions for India.

Arihant Mehta, President, Pinnacle Industries, said, “We are honoured to be a part of this visionary initiative by Indian Railways. Our seating solutions for the Amrit Bharat Express reflect our commitment to designing products that combine comfort, safety and innovation while being proudly Made in India. With this, we continue to drive India’s vision of modern, accessible and reliable public transport.”

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