Ajay Gabhane of Nagpur purchased a Kia Sonet on the eve of Diwali. He mentioned that his family found it right to replace their aging sedan with an exciting compact SUV during the festive season.

Like Gabhane, Tushar Deshpande chose the festive season to purchase a new passenger car during the Diwali festive season in Pune.

It were the individuals like Gabhane and Deshpande who contributed towards a cheerful festive season and Diwali for the Indian passenger vehicle and two-wheeler industry.

After witnessing a slowdown in sales performance during the first and second quarter of FY2023-24, it was the festive season that saw the auto industry uplift its spirit on the back of higher passenger vehicle and two-wheeler sales, albeit asking the underlying challenges that saw dealers and their association go to town stating that inventory levels were at an all-time high.

Until 29 October 2024, passenger vehicle registrations reached a record 4,25,000 units, according to the Vahan data. The previous peak was in January 2024 at 3,99,112 units.

With the Diwali festival spreading into early November, it is expected that that the passenger vehicle registrations will bridge the 4,50,000 milestone. This would mean that almost 15,000 units were registered every day.  

Starting at a slower pace, the festive sales picked up pace only close to Diwali this calendar year with two-wheelers registrations marking the most surge. Inside of the two-wheeler domain, it was the electric two-wheelers that contributed wholesomely to the sales surge. Among India's top electric two-wheeler OEMs, Ola Electric lead the pack with TVS Motors a close second and Bajaj Auto a close third.

Contributing handsomely to what is already considered as the record sales year (FY2024-25) for electric two-wheeler sales stood at 109,643 units as on 28 October 2024, as per the Vahan portal data.

This electric two-wheeler sales performance in the country should provide an interesting insight into how the Indian EV market is progressing and shaping up as well. 

With the main celebratory period of Diwali falling during the last days of October made for an interesting trend in terms of October 2024 sales and November 2024 sales.

With a sale of no less than 115,000 units expected by the time Diwali gets over in early November 2024, a significant uptake in sales performance would have been written in the financial books as compared to the sale of 88,156 units in September 2024.

The superior performance of two-wheeler sales overall as compared to passenger cars during the festive season could be attributed to the uptake in rural markets of the country, read a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services. During the festive season, the commuter two-wheelers experienced the highest traction among the ICE models and electric powered ones, the report mentioned.

In his LinkedIn post, Ravi Bhatia, President and Director, Jato Dynamics, averred, “India's automotive sector experienced a classic relief rally in October 2024, driven by festive sentiment and aggressive discounting. However, with the impending Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) year change requiring sustained discounts, questions arise about the rally's sustainability.”

The challenges, he said, were the sub-INR 10,00,000 passenger vehicle segment continuing to be under pressure, the upcoming VIN year change necessitating continued discounts and the question of demand sustaining post the festive season.
 

Image for representative purpose only.

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Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable logistics by securing international recognition for its Gujarat-based in-plant railway siding. This initiative has been officially registered as the world’s first Modal Shift Transportation Project under Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) programme. By transitioning vehicle dispatches from road to rail – a considerably more efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport – the company is establishing a new benchmark in the sector.

The project is estimated to generate approximately 170,000 carbon credits over a 10-year period, spanning from the fiscal year 2023–24 to 2032–33. These emission reductions were calculated using the AM0090 methodology, which aligns with the Clean Development Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Following a rigorous independent verification of the carbon savings, Verra will officially issue the credits to Maruti Suzuki under its VCS programme.

Beyond its environmental impact, this initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It notably contributes to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), fosters Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and takes concrete action on Climate Change (SDG 13), demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “This is a proud moment for Maruti Suzuki as our Gujarat in-plant railway siding is recognised as the world’s first Verra-registered Modal Shift in Transportation project. By transitioning vehicle movement from road to rail, the project demonstrates how scale, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility can seamlessly go hand in hand. Leveraging the inherent efficiency of rail transport, the Gujarat in-plant railway siding has significantly reduced the carbon footprint of our logistics operations while also easing road congestion and lowering overall fossil fuel consumption. We are honoured by the recognition from Verra. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our sustainability journey and reinforces our commitment to setting industry benchmarks that align with India’s strong steps towards net zero emissions.”

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Audi has announced a significant new three-year agreement with Silverstone, beginning in 2026, that establishes the manufacturer as the circuit's Official Car Partner. This strategic alliance unites two iconic entities deeply rooted in motorsport, both celebrated for their dedication to high performance, cutting-edge engineering and creating exceptional experiences.

Under the partnership, Audi will supply a fleet of its luxury vehicles to support VIP transport during major events, most notably the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. This will ensure guests enjoy premium comfort and performance throughout their time at the venue. The collaboration extends to fan engagement, with Audi vehicles becoming a key component of the Silverstone Drive Experiences. This will offer enthusiasts the unique opportunity to drive Audi’s high-performance RS 3 model on the legendary Formula One circuit. Furthermore, Audi will take on the role of Official Pace Car Partner for selected race meetings, underscoring the synergy between the two performance-oriented brands.

The timing of the announcement is particularly poignant, coinciding with a pivotal moment in Audi’s motorsport history as it prepares to enter Formula 1 with the Audi Revolut F1 Team. This new chapter builds upon Audi’s illustrious and diverse legacy of competition, which spans the World Rally Championship, endurance triumphs at Le Mans, success in global GT series and recent victories at the gruelling Dakar Rally. Silverstone itself boasts a rich history, having been at the epicentre of global racing for over 75 years.

By merging their respective heritages of innovation and excellence, this collaboration promises to enhance the visitor experience at the Home of British Motorsport while creating unforgettable moments for fans. It represents a forward-looking alignment between two brands dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance.

José Miguel Aparicio, Director, Audi UK, said, “This partnership represents a powerful synergy between two iconic brands. As Audi enters Formula 1 with the Audi Revolut F1® Team, aligning with Silverstone is a natural step. Together, we will deliver outstanding experiences for fans and customers, showcasing Audi innovation, performance and progressive design at one of the world’s most famous motorsport venues.”

Rachel James, Head of Partnerships at Silverstone said, “We are proud to welcome Audi as our Official Car Partner. This partnership will give our fans the opportunity to explore the Audi brand for themselves. Audi will enhance the Silverstone experience at every level, from VIP transport to Drive Experiences and on-track presence as our Official Pace Car Partner.”

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Stoneridge, Inc. has announced the retirement of Jim Zizelman, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 20 May 2026, who will be succeeded by Natalia Noblet, the current President of Stoneridge Electronics, as part of a planned transition. The Michigan-based company is a global supplier of safe and efficient electronic systems and technologies.

Zizelman will remain in his current role until 31 March 2026, before moving to a position as strategic advisor. Noblet will assume the role of President and CEO and join the Board of Directors on 1 April 2026. Zizelman will also stand for re-election to the board at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Jim Zizelman joined Stoneridge in 2019 and became CEO in January 2023. His tenure included the transformation of product lines within the Control Devices segment – which the company recently sold – and an expansion of the technology portfolio focused on electrification and mobility.

Natalia Noblet joined the company in September 2024. During her time as president of Stoneridge Electronics, the segment secured contracts for the MirrorEye Camera Monitor System platform. Noblet previously spent 20 years at WABCO and ZF, where she held senior leadership roles in operations and procurement.

The transition follows the sale of the company's Control Devices segment. Stoneridge is now focused on its Electronics and Orlaco segments, prioritising technologies for vehicle safety and efficiency. Noblet will oversee the company's global operations, procurement and manufacturing footprint.

Bill Lasky, Chairman of Stoneridge’s Board of Directors, said, “Succession planning is a key priority for our Board and this transition reflects our commitment to leadership continuity and long-term value creation during an important period of transformation for the Company following the sale of our Control Devices segment. Over the past year and a half, Natalia has led the Electronics segment with focus and discipline, making this a natural and well-prepared transition. Jim and Natalia will continue to work closely together to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and strategic focus.”

Jim Zizelman, Outgoing CEO, said, “On behalf of the Board, I thank Jim for his leadership and lasting contributions. Under his direction, Stoneridge enhanced its competitive position, advanced its technology roadmap and reinforced a performance-based culture within the Company. We are also pleased that Jim will continue to serve on our Board, where his deep technical knowledge, engineering background and understanding of our business will remain an asset as we move forward.”

Natalia Noblet, incoming CEO, stated, “As the incoming president and CEO, my priority is to deliver outstanding value to our customers and continue working with all of our partners to advance next-generation technologies for safer and more efficient transportation. I am grateful to Jim for his leadership and guidance during this transition and for the strong foundation he has built. I look forward to working closely with our Board, our executive team and our global teams to execute Stoneridge’s strategy, strengthen customer partnerships and drive sustainable, profitable growth.”

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reached a key milestone in the expansion of its Goodwood facility, officially declaring the new structure fully weathertight. This significant development paves the way for the next stage of the project.

To commemorate the achievement, CEO Chris Brownridge, accompanied by the Board of Directors, personally hand-signed the final wooden louvre installed on the building’s exterior. This element is one of 1,745 such features adorning the 40,000-square-metre structure. Each louvre, measuring 100 by 58 centimetres, is crafted from red cedar. This material was chosen for its durability and its natural ability to age gracefully, developing a soft silver-grey patina that harmonises with the landscape, mirroring the aesthetic of the original adjacent building, which also features red cedar cladding on its front elevation. This ceremonial signing follows a tradition established last year when the directors marked the installation of the final steel beam at the structure's apex.

With the exterior now complete, attention turns to the interior fit-out, managed by Rolls-Royce's specialist in-house teams. A central focus is the development of a new Surface Finish Centre, which will serve as a dedicated paint shop. Concurrently, work will progress on installing advanced equipment and establishing specialised areas tailored for Bespoke and Coachbuild projects.

Representing an investment exceeding GBP 300 million, this expansion is the most substantial financial commitment to the Home of Rolls-Royce since its inception in 2003. It is set to enhance the company's substantial economic contribution, which currently adds over GBP 500 million annually to the UK economy.

Chris Brownridge, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “This moment marks the point at which our new extension building becomes fully weathertight, meaning our specialist Technologies can begin the complex, exacting process of fitting-out, in readiness for full operation in 2029. It’s a really pivotal point in the project – a project that upholds the standards and vision of our founder, Sir Henry Royce, and his famous injunction to strive for perfection in everything we do. The Directors and I have also been inspired by his practice of personally inspecting and signing off each new component, giving them his own ‘seal of approval’. Having previously signed off the final element of the structural steelwork, we wanted to do the same for the last of the wooden louvres that now clad its exterior. It’s enormously exciting to see the work progressing with such pace and precision. To have that sense of personal connection with such a significant project through these signing ceremonies is very special for all of us.”

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