The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has successfully wrapped up the third edition of Vyapar Delhi alongside the 22nd national Vyapar conclave at Le Méridien in New Delhi. Centred on the theme ‘Vyapar Delhi – Badalti Dilli’, the event gathered over 200 automobile dealers, senior policymakers, original equipment manufacturer leaders, financial institutions, and domain experts. Their goal was to deliberate on the future of automotive retail and mobility within the National Capital Region.

The event was honoured by the presence of Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi, as the chief guest. Key policy discussions tackled pressing dealer challenges, including the draft Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, the vehicle scrappage policy, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s classification of workshops as industrial versus commercial and the long-pending compensation cess issue. A dedicated technical session offered legal clarity on the cess and a path forward to protect dealers’ legitimate financial credits.

A major highlight was the panel discussion titled ‘Badalti Dilli: Reimagining Passenger Mobility in India’s Capital’, featuring senior leaders from JSW Motors, Volvo Car India, Honda Cars India, BYD India and Nissan Motor India. They explored changing consumer expectations, electrification pathways, product strategy and dealers’ role as critical enablers of India’s mobility transition. Additional sessions covered artificial intelligence-led dealership transformation, future-ready retail practices, and presentations from finance and technology partners.

Road safety remained a strong undercurrent throughout the day, with FADA reaffirming its commitment to helmet and seatbelt awareness, responsible driving behaviour and first response training including CPR at dealership levels. Vyapar Delhi 2026 ultimately reaffirmed FADA’s role as a constructive stakeholder in shaping policy, supporting environmental goals, strengthening road safety outcomes and safeguarding livelihoods.

The Chief Minister said, "We are committed to the mission of a 'Clean Delhi, Green Delhi, and Smart Delhi.' Our government has introduced the country’s most comprehensive EV Policy, allocating INR 40 billion over the next four years to provide subsidies, tax waivers and scrapping incentives that drive us toward green mobility. To tackle pollution at its source, we are revolutionising our transportation sector through massive investments, for the Metro and the establishment of automated fitness centres to ensure every vehicle on our roads is fit and emission-free. A 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 is only possible with a 'Viksit Delhi.' I call upon our automobile dealers to act as the government's 'working hands' in motivating citizens to shift to clean energy. We are streamlining our policies to make registration easier and more efficient, ensuring that the people of Delhi have a world-class, environment-friendly experience right here in the capital. Together, we will transform Delhi into a city that defines the future of sustainable urban living."

Reiterating FADA’s continued engagement with policymakers, leadership development through FADA Academy, GenX and Women in FADA, as well as sustained legal efforts on the Compensation Cess matter, C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, said, “Delhi is in motion, not just on its roads, but in its ambition, and at FADA, we believe automobile dealers must be full partners in this transformation. While we fully support the city’s commitment to a greener future and the Draft EV Policy, it is vital that this transition includes the 17,500 trained professionals whose livelihoods are woven into Delhi’s automotive ecosystem. Our vision of ‘Badalti Dilli’ is one where enablement moves faster than enforcement, where economic growth, road safety initiatives like CPR training and our ‘Buckle Up’ campaign and environmental responsibility progress together without leaving anyone behind.”

Shailender Luthra, Chairperson, FADA Delhi, said, “Today’s gathering reflects a changing Delhi and an evolving auto retail trade. The sector today is vastly different from what it was five years ago, and we are witnessing a significant shift driven by rising consumer confidence and aspiration, with Delhi recording a 17 percent growth in vehicle sales as of March 2026. Annual new vehicle registrations stood at nearly 800,000 units. Our industry remains a vital pillar of the city’s economy, with 550 dealership outlets providing employment to over 55,000 individuals and contributing approximately INR 71.5 billion to Delhi’s revenues through motor vehicle taxes and GST – INR 26.5 billion annually in motor vehicle tax and INR 45 billion as GST contribution from the auto sector. The data clearly shows that India is no longer debating electric vehicle adoption; it is actively embracing it. Delhi has witnessed a sharp increase in electric commercial vehicles and a 62 percent rise in electric two-wheeler adoption. To support and lead this transition, FADA has proposed to the Delhi Government the installation of 150 public charging stations at our own cost. In parallel, we are committed to strengthening local employment through skill development centres at ITIs and have also proposed the establishment of a vehicle scrappage centre to further support the government’s environmental objectives. At FADA, we believe we are doing far more than selling vehicles – we are shaping the future of mobility. As Delhi and its businesses evolve, I am confident that our dealers will not only keep pace with change but will lead this vital transformation towards a sustainable future.”

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Japanese automotive component supplier Toyoda Gosei Co has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in the Bidkin Industrial Area in Maharashtra.

The plant will produce interior and exterior components, including bumpers and instrument panels, alongside safety systems such as airbags and steering wheels and functional components like plastic fuel filler pipes.

It will commence operations in the first half of 2029 to supply Japanese car manufacturers operating in the country, including Toyota Kirloskar Motor, which is constructing a vehicle plant in the same industrial zone.

The development represents Toyoda Gosei’s eighth location in India and will operate as a branch plant under its subsidiary, Toyoda Gosei South India.

The site covers approximately 78,400 square metres of land with a planned building area of 29,200 square metres. Toyoda Gosei plans an investment of approximately INR 5.758 billion (JPY 9.3 billion) for the project, with projected workforce numbers reaching around 570 employees by 2030.

The facility will incorporate equipment including electric injection moulding machines with automated mould-changing systems, a bumper painting booth, automated guided vehicles and rooftop solar panels.

Production processes will integrate Internet of Things technology, digital transformation systems, collaborative robots, and mechanical mechanisms derived from Karakuri design principles.

The expansion comes as product demand in India shifts from compact cars toward sport utility vehicles. Toyoda Gosei intends to utilise the new facility to expand its local development and manufacturing network across the region.

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Pune-headquartered automotive company Kinetic Engineering has announced an investment of approximately INR 570 million to support its capital expenditure requirements and expand its electric two-wheeler segment.

The company shared that it intends to deploy INR 170 million toward CAPEX, while INR 400 million will be directed toward electric vehicle manufacturing and distribution. The capital injection is being executed through the final tranche conversion of 4,451,000 warrants issued to promoters in March 2025.

The investment follows an increase in the company's dealer network and product distribution footprint. Kinetic Engineering has signed letters of intent with over 150 dealers across India, with 60 dealerships operational featuring sales, service and spare parts operations. Promoter shareholding in Kinetic Engineering has increased from 50 percent to 69.27 percent over the past four years.

In its electric two-wheeler business, the company is focusing on its Kinetic DX and DX+ scooter models, which incorporate 3.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery packs that deliver a range of up to 132 kilometres under Indian Driving Cycle test conditions.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Kinetic Engineering, said, "Kinetic Engineering is entering an exciting phase of growth, with strong momentum across both our automotive components and electric mobility businesses. Our auto-components business is seeing a healthy pipeline of new orders, which will support growth and help us work towards our target of improving EBITDA margins to around 12%. At the same time, the response to our Kinetic DX electric scooter has been encouraging, giving us confidence to expand our presence across markets. With continued investments in capacity, technology and our retail network, we are focused on scaling both businesses and building Kinetic into a leading and enduring player in India’s electric mobility segment."

The company aims to secure a position among the top ten electric vehicle brands in India as industry projections indicate electric two-wheeler market volumes could expand from 1.8 million units to 7 million units by FY2030.

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Fluid transmission solutions provider Imperial Auto has opened its new Global Technology Centre in Backnang, Germany, expanding its engineering footprint within the European automotive sector.

Situated in the Stuttgart metropolitan area, the facility will function as a hub for technology development, engineering and customer collaboration. The centre is designed to support OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers across passenger cars, commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, off-highway equipment and mobility applications by integrating European client requirements with Imperial Auto's global manufacturing infrastructure.

Vikram Wagh, Managing Director and CEO, Imperial Auto, said, “Europe is an important market for Imperial Auto, and establishing a dedicated technology centre in Germany is a significant step in our global growth journey. The centre will strengthen our ability to work closely with customers, understand their evolving technology and product requirements, and translate these insights into innovative solutions. Being closer to our customers will enable faster technical responses, more effective collaboration and stronger product development. The Backnang centre will also facilitate the exchange of engineering knowledge, technologies and best practices across our global network, helping us accelerate innovation and deliver reliable, future-ready solutions to customers across markets.”

The Backnang facility will house teams dedicated to product development and technical support, aiming to accelerate decision-making cycles and facilitate joint engineering initiatives between regional clients and the company's central development units.

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Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown brand CEER has revealed its first flagship vehicles, the EXOBOT e-sedan and SUV, during a ceremony led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The EVs were showcased at the CEER Manufacturing Complex located in King Abdullah Economic City, marking the initial step in a planned portfolio of 7 vehicle models scheduled for release by 2030.

The EXOBOT models are built on a tri-motor all-wheel-drive electric powertrain architecture. In its highest specification, the powertrain produces 1,111 horsepower and 1,500 Nm of torque.

The e-sedan accelerates from standstill to 100 kmph in a claimed 2.1 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph, while the SUV reaches 100 kmph in 2.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 210 kmph.

Thermal management systems, termed Halo Cooling, is designed to lower cabin temperatures from 65deg C to 32deg C within 10 minutes. The EV incorporate steer-by-wire technology, reducing steering input angles from 400 degrees to 160 degrees, alongside rear-wheel steering capabilities.

In terms of dimension, the EXOBOT sedan measures 5.26 metres in length, 2.1 metres in width and 1.43 metres in height. The SUV measures 5.02 metres in length, 2.1 metres in width and 1.69 metres in height.

On the outside, it features include a 2.4-metre windshield angled at a 15-degree inclination, three-metre-long Shahin Wing doors that open in a 60cm arc and light signatures comprising 32 individual light elements.

Inside, the cabin contains a 48-inch curved digital display operating at 8K resolution, a 10.4-inch central control screen and an eight-inch rear display screen.

Commercial roll-out will begin with the EXOBOT First Edition, offered in sedan and SUV configurations powered by an 850-horsepower tri-motor setup producing 1,000 Nm of torque.

The EXOBOT utilises a 112 kWh battery pack and an 800-volt electrical architecture, the First Edition delivers an estimated range of up to 670 kilometres for the sedan and 560 kilometres for the SUV, with 10 to 80 percent charging achieved in under 30 minutes.

CEER is targeting a local content ratio of 45 percent for its vehicle supply chain by 2034.

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