The automotive retail sales in January 2025 grew by 6.63 percent YoY, a growth much better than previously anticipated by most industry observers. A total of 22,91,621 vehicles were sold across segments, which includes 15,21,862 two-wheelers (+4.15 percent YoY), 1,07,033 three-wheelers (+6.86 percent YoY), 4,65,920 passenger vehicles (+15.53 percent YoY), 93,381 tractors (+5.23% YoY) and 99,425 commercial vehicles (+8.22% YoY) according to the latest data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

“The auto retail sector kicked off 2025 on a promising note, aligning with FADA’s earlier survey projections that expected January to range from flat to moderately positive. Indeed, overall retail sales posted a robust 6.6 percent YoY growth, reinforcing the industry’s optimistic start. Our observations indicate that each vehicle category – two-wheeler, three-wheeler, passenger vehicle, tractor and commercial vehicle – witnessed positive momentum, pointing toward sustained consumer confidence and steady market recovery,” said C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA.

In the two-wheeler segment, urban sales outpaced rural sales on the back of new model launches, marriage season demand and improved financing as key growth drivers. However, concerns about rising interest rates, rural liquidity challenges and market uncertainty still linger.

The passenger vehicle segment saw some spike on the back of ‘2025 model year’ sales, as the previous year models do see significant discounting.

“Commercial Vehicle sales increased by 8.22 percent YoY and surged 38.04 percent MoM, with urban markets climbing from 50.1 percent to 51.2 percent share and outpacing rural growth (9.51 percent vs 6.89 percent). While higher freight rates and passenger carrier demand provided a boost, many dealers cited low cash flow, strict financing policies and sluggish industries (like cement and coal) as major hurdles. Sentiments in rural regions remained notably subdued, compounded by limited new products. Overall, the sector shows cautious optimism but faces persistent headwinds,” added Vigneshwar.

Going forward, FADA maintains a cautious optimism for February, with dealers having a mixed sentiment ranging from an uptick, flat to even a drop in sales.

The tailwinds include continuing marriage season, fresh product launches and strategic promotional activities to sustain customer footfalls. This will be aided by improved inventory management, better financing options from select lenders and backlogged orders in certain segments (such as commercial vehicles) add to the sense of guarded confidence. With supportive policies and a post-budget lift in consumer sentiment, many believe February could see a stable or slightly elevated sales curve.

On the other hand, the headwinds expected include shorter working days, pockets of weak rural liquidity and inflationary pressures. Then there is the strict lending criteria, costlier vehicles and subdued demand in certain industrial sectors to further weigh on overall performance.

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HERE Technologies, a provider of location data and technology platforms, has announced its collaboration with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) as the ‘Official Navigation on Autopilot and Localisation Partner’ for The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) Show. The event is organised by Aayera in collaboration with ARAI and MarketsandMarkets.

This partnership is taking place at the newly opened ADAS Test City near Pune, Maharashtra, which is touted as India’s first testing ground for ADAS and autonomous vehicle technologies.

The collaboration supports HERE Technologies' aim to speed up India’s progress towards intelligent transport and connected mobility. By combining HERE’s expertise in high-precision mapping, real-time localisation and connected vehicle data platforms with ARAI’s research and standards work, the partnership aims to bring ADAS and autonomous technologies closer to deployment under Indian driving conditions.

“We’re honoured to partner with ARAI on this transformative initiative. The ADAS Test City is a cornerstone in India’s path toward intelligent mobility and HERE’s high-definition maps and localisation technologies are key enablers of safe, reliable and context-aware driving experiences. Together with ARAI, we aim to empower automakers, tier-1s and developers to localise, test and scale ADAS capabilities that truly reflect India’s diverse road ecosystem,” stated HERE Technologies in a statement.

At The ADAS Show, HERE Technologies will present its innovations, including live demonstrations of its real-time localisation and HD mapping systems during ADAS track demos at the Test City. Visitors can explore HERE’s capabilities, such as HERE HD Live Map and HERE ISA Map, C-V2X, and cloud-based localisation. HERE experts will also participate in discussions on navigation accuracy, vehicle localisation and connected mobility.

The ADAS Test City, developed by ARAI, is an integrated testing environment dedicated to the validation of ADAS and autonomous technologies. It replicates complex urban and highway conditions for testing safety features. The ADAS Show 2025, organised in collaboration with ARAI, is a platform for automotive leaders and innovators.

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Tata Motors, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has added another feather to its cap, bagging two Red Dot Design Awards for the Avinya X Concept and Sierra Concept models. Martin Uhlarik led the in-house design for both models.  

The Red Dot Design Award, which was established in 1955, assesses design quality across three categories: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design and Design Concept. The competition has operated for nearly 70 years under the current brand structure developed in the 1990s by Red Dot CEO Professor Dr Peter Zec.

The Avinya X Concept first showcased at Bharat Mobility 2025 was recognised for its innovation through its design, stance and proportions. The vehicle features technologies such as matrix LED lighting, aero enhancements and wheels, which boost efficiency and emphasise its elegance. Its silhouette and enclosed surfaces balance strength, power and off-road capability while offering cabin space.

The interior is designed to rejuvenate mind and body, blending craftsmanship with wellness. Cabin details include fabric-wrapped soundbars, aroma diffusers and lounge-style rear seating. The dashboard integrates technology, providing information while minimising distractions for a driving experience. The Samudra exterior colour, paired with protective accents and detailing, enhances the concept's presence. The rear interior, crafted from materials, offers a lounge-like experience.

On the other hand, the revived Sierra design captures the charm of the original while embracing sophistication, balancing nostalgia with elegance. The rear glass has been reimagined as a combination of a finisher along the roofline and a panoramic sunroof to recreate the illusion of glass. This design gives the concept a roof appearance while meeting safety standards.

The exterior features surfaces that convey confidence and elegance. Haunches and a shoulder line contribute to a stance, reflecting the vehicle’s character. The rear is designed to express width and stability, with a tailgate that reinforces the stance. This design enables taillights. A D-pillar enhances the roof effect, creating continuity and flow.

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A traffic management initiative, undertaken by the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) for Gurugram Traffic Police and supported by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), aims to improve traffic management across 22 major intersections in Gurugram.

A scientific audit for these 22 intersections was completed by the Traffic Engineering Centre (TEC) and Organisation Development Centre (ODC), established by IRTE for the Gurugram police. Work to improve traffic management at two intersections, Rajiv Chowk and Shankar Chowk, has begun.

Dr Rohit Baluja, President, IRTE, said, “The Traffic Engineering Centre (TEC) has been designed to scientifically audit develop sustainable traffic management system for Gurugram under the aegis of the Gurugram Traffic Police, where IRTE's Road Safety Engineers observe traffic movement, violations, and behavioural issues of vulnerable road users, along with studying the causative factors related to congestion. These will be monitored and analysed through camera inputs of 218 junctions with the valuable support of the ICCC Gurugram.”

Under the Easy roads project, the IRTE team provided support to the Gurugram Traffic Police for:

• Conducting safety and traffic engineering audits across 22 major junctions and intersections.
• Reviewing and improving 15 km of key road stretches prone to congestion and risk.
• Rectifying identified blackspots to reduce accident occurrences.
• Developing safety and traffic management measures for school zones.
• Conducting feasibility studies on stakeholder proposals related to road safety and mobility.

Vikas Arora, Commissioner, Gurugram Police, said, “In coming days Gurugram police will increase enforcement by deploying 10-15 officers at each traffic violation spot across the city for a week to challan and stop violations. The Gurugram police has also increased challans for drunk driving as 30,000 challans were issued in a year as compared to 4000 in previous year. 32 black spots have been recognized in Gurugram and are being rectified by improving road engineering and signages”.

Saurabh S. Shrama, of Hyundai Motor India, said, “This initiative marks a significant step toward a data-driven and scientific approach to traffic management. Through collaboration with enforcement agencies and the application of forensic methodologies, we can ensure more sustainable and effective road safety interventions.”

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Iron Mountain, a global leader in information management services, has become an Official Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, kickstarting a new multi-year partnership that will commence at the 2025 United States Grand Prix. The collaboration will leverage Iron Mountain’s expertise to spearhead a digital transformation of McLaren Racing’s legendary heritage archive.

Utilising an advanced AI-powered platform, the project will convert priceless historical materials, including vintage photography, film and technical blueprints, into an intelligent and dynamic digital resource. This initiative is designed to unlock new value from these assets, enabling McLaren to share its iconic history with a global audience. By creating new and immersive stories, the team aims to connect fans and partners more deeply to its legacy and the sport.

Furthermore, McLaren will utilise Iron Mountain’s global leadership in the secure and efficient management of end-of-life IT assets. As part of the agreement, Iron Mountain branding will be featured on the team’s race cars beginning in Austin, with additional visibility planned throughout the 2025 season and beyond.

Nick Martin, Co-Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing, said, “Our fans are at the centre of what we do, and we are passionate about sharing our storied past with them. With the integration of Iron Mountain, we will be able to bring to life more of the team’s rich history for our fans and partners as we look to shine a light on the McLaren Racing brand.”

Greg McIntosh, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Iron Mountain, said, “We are proud to partner with the McLaren Formula 1 Team, which embodies the spirit of innovation and high performance at Iron Mountain. Our AI-enabled digital platform will help to fuel new opportunities for success and transform McLaren Racing’s iconic heritage media – protecting these timeless assets for future generations, connecting them to fans and partners and activating them to unlock value like never before.”

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