Kush Maini has become the first Indian driver in Formula 1 since 2012 by joining the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team as their latest reserve driver for the 2025 season.

This new development not only marks the end of a 13-year hiatus for an Indian to be part of an F1 team but also makes Maini the only Alpine F1 reserve driver actively competing in the Formula 2 Championship, where he will be racing for Dams Lucas Oil. He is a valuable asset for the forthcoming campaign because of his position as the BWT Alpine F1 Team's Formula 1 Reserve and Test driver. Kush will keep testing the F1 vehicle to obtain useful knowledge and offer input in order to support the team and enhance his own growth and performance.

Last season, Maini impressed stakeholders with his performance in each of the four tests he did with the BWT Alpine F1 Team. With five podium finishes and a memorable win in Hungary, the young Indian driver had an outstanding Formula 2 season the previous year and was instrumental in Invicta Racing's Teams' Championship victory for the 2024 F2 season. In Jeddah, he also created history by being the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 pole position. 

Maini said, "Being a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team is an incredible opportunity and a moment of immense pride for me and my family, as it’s been my dream to represent Tricolor in F1. This is a once in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust the team has placed in me. I’m excited to kickstart 2025 and continue this remarkable journey.”

Julian Rouse, Director, Alpine Academy, said, “We are very happy to announce the expansion of Kush’s role in the Alpine Academy to include Test and Reserve Driver duties for the team this season. Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results whilst we have been working with him, and we expect he will continue to do so in 2025. His wider role allows us to further expand our pool of driving talent who can provide support and resource to the whole team during the busy season.”

Mentor Mika Hakkinen said, “Kush’s inclusion into the BWT Alpine F1 team for 2025 as a reserve and test driver is a big step forward not only for his journey but also for Motorsport in India. As his mentor, I’ve seen his dedication and talent firsthand, and this recognition was long due.  This is an exciting time for motorsport in India, and Kush is leading the way for the next generation. The journey is just beginning – let’s support him all the way!”

Ajit Ravindran, MD, Meraki Sport & Entertainment, said, “Having this kind of representation in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is a significant moment for India. This development opens valuable opportunities for brands to tap into Kush’s global reach and engage with a wide and diverse audience.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturers in the country, has announced its wholesales for June 2025 and Q1 FY2026.

The company reported that its total PV sales came at 124,809 units in Q1 FY2026, down 10 percent from Q1 FY2025 on a YoY basis. Domestic PV sales, including EVs, came at 123,839 units, down 10 percent YoY. For June, PV sales came at 37,083 units, down 15 percent compared to the same period last year.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “In Q1 FY2026, the passenger vehicle industry experienced volume pressures, particularly in May and June, with flat growth reflecting continued softness in demand."

"The electric vehicle segment emerged a bright spot, driven by robust growth and the launch of new EV models across OEMs, enhancing customer interest and consideration. Tata Motors reported wholesales of 124,809 units in Q1 FY2026, including 16,231 EV units, underscoring our commitment to aligning wholesale and registration volumes. EV sales gained strong momentum towards the end of the quarter with a healthy growth trajectory. The refreshed Tiago posted 16 percent YoY volume growth in Q1 FY2026 and new launches – Altroz and Harrier.ev – saw a positive market response, with their full impact expected in the coming months,” he said.

On the other hand, Tata Motors’ commercial vehicle (CV) business reported sales of 85,606 units, down 6 percent YoY for Q1 FY2026. Domestic CV sales at 79,572 units, were down 9 percent as compared to Q1 FY2025.

In June 2025 alone, total CV sales came at 30,238 units, which is 5 percent lower than June 2024. In the domestic market, the demand for Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MH&ICV) came at 12,871 units, as against  4,640 units for the same period last year. During Q1 FY26, MH&ICV domestic sales were 37,370 units as against 40,349 units in Q1 FY25.

Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, “Q1 FY26 began on a subdued note for the commercial vehicle industry with muted performance in the HCV and SCVPU segments while buses, vans and ILMCVs registered modest year-on-year growth. Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles recorded domestic sales of 79,572 units, 9.2 percent decline compared to Q1 FY25."

"However, June 2025 witnessed a sequential growth of 8 percent over May 2025. Additionally, our International Business delivered a robust 67.9 percent growth in volumes over Q1 FY25. During the quarter, we launched India’s most affordable mini-truck, the Ace Pro, offered in petrol, bi-fuel and electric powertrains, which received an encouraging market response. We enhanced driver comfort by introducing air-conditioned cabins across our entire range of light to heavy trucks. We also expanded our international footprint by entering Egypt and expanded our offerings for the Middle East North African region,” Wagh added.

Going forward, Wagh stated that with forecasts for a healthy monsoon across the country, a reduction in repo rate and renewed thrust on infrastructure development, will bring back sales momentum for the commercial vehicles segment.

Chandra too shared his optimism for the PV market and stated, “Looking ahead, while overall industry growth is expected to remain subdued, Tata Motors is well positioned to leverage its new launches to outperform across segments—including hatchbacks and SUVs, while continuing to build on the EV momentum.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors, one of the country’s largest automakers, has announced a landmark financial performance for FY2025, achieving record revenues and profitability, becoming debt-free, and confirming the ongoing process to demerge into two independent listed entities. The announcement was made by N Chandrasekaran at the 80th AGM of Tata Motors, on 20 June 2025.

In his address, he mentioned that on a consolidated basis, the Tata Motors Group delivered record high revenue of INR 4,396 billion, a record EBITDA of INR 576 billion, and a record Profit Before Tax (PBT) of INR 343 billion (before exceptional items). This robust performance has enabled the Tata Motors Group to achieve a debt-free status this year.

The company highlighted strong individual performances across its business segments:

• Commercial Vehicles (CV): Achieved INR 751 billion in revenue, a record EBITDA of INR 88 billion, and INR 75 billion in Free Cash Flows, with a strong ROCE of 37.7 percent.
• Passenger Vehicles (PV): Generated revenues of INR 484 billion with a 0.9 percent EBIT. The Tata Punch emerged as India’s top SUV, with CNG and EVs comprising 36 percent of its multi-powertrain portfolio.
• Jaguar Land Rover (JLR): Delivered solid results with revenues of GBP 28.9 billion and an 8.5 percent EBIT, resulting in a PBT of GBP 2.5 billion, turning net cash this year. The Range Rover and Defender franchises continued their strong performance, complemented by localized CKD manufacturing of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in India.

The strategic demerger process, which will see the company operate as two independent listed entities – one for Commercial Vehicles and one for Passenger Vehicles and JLR – is well underway and expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year.

Chandrasekaran mentioned that each business is positioned for independent growth, supported by strengthened financials and dedicated management teams.

Despite anticipated future volatility from geopolitical conflicts, supply chain shifts, AI, and energy transition, he stated its businesses are structured to thrive, building on years of simplification and strategic investments.

The company also acknowledged the recent passing of Mr. Ratan Tata, noting his profound impact and enduring legacy on the Group.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

India's automotive sector is poised for a significant transformation with the establishment of the Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), the nation's first dedicated institution for automobile design and management. A groundbreaking and foundation stone ceremony was held today at the XLRI Delhi-NCR campus, marking a historic milestone for the nascent institute.

The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, served as the Chief Guest, virtually unveiling the foundation stone and offering his full support for the forward-thinking initiative. His virtual presence underscored the government's recognition of design's crucial role in India's evolving mobility landscape.

The ceremony brought together a distinguished gathering, including industry titans, senior government officials, design and automotive professionals and academic luminaries. The consensus among attendees was clear: design is rapidly gaining importance within India's mobility ecosystem, and INDEA is positioned to be a cornerstone of this shift.

Developed under the umbrella of XLRI’s Centre for Automobile Design & Management (XADM), INDEA aims to revolutionise design education in India. Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of INDEA and Chairperson of XADM, is leading the charge to cultivate a new generation of automotive designers and visionaries. The institute's mission is to equip these future professionals with the skills needed to meet both global standards and unique local requirements.

A striking steel structure, named Param – a Sanskrit word signifying supreme, highest, or ultimate – was unveiled as the foundation pillar. Designed by renowned Indian installation artist and designer Vibhor Sogani, the skyward-reaching sculpture symbolises INDEA's aspirations for boundless growth and transformative knowledge. Param is envisioned as the symbolic heart of the institute, representing not just a foundation but a future hub for innovation and excellence with state-of-the-art facilities fostering a community of innovators, thinkers and leaders in automotive design.

In his virtual address, Nitin Gadkari emphasised the automotive sector's critical role in India's economic growth, employment generation and global competitiveness. "As we strive towards the Prime Minister’s USD 5 trillion economy vision, our industry is evolving from being cost-driven to quality-led, anchored in smart design, robust safety, and sustainable practices. The future will be shaped by strong R&D, innovation, and next-generation testing and certification. I am confident that the young talent trained at INDEA will become catalysts for change, turning knowledge into innovation, and innovation into national strength."

Fr. Dr. K.S. Casimir, Director, XLRI Delhi-NCR, said, "This ceremony marks a major leap in our vision of creating an institute that seamlessly blends design thinking, technical prowess, and industry alignment. Nitin Gadkari’s digital presence as Chief Guest is not only an honour but also a strong endorsement of the vital role that design can play in India’s mobility future."

Avik Chattopadhyay echoed these sentiments, asserting, "INDEA is designed to be more than just an educational institute – it is a movement to elevate India’s design capabilities. With the encouragement of leaders like Nitin Gadkari and guided by the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are confident INDEA will become a key enabler in India’s journey to becoming a global design and innovation hub."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German technology giant Freudenberg Group has announced the expansion of its Freudenberg Training Centre in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its long-term commitment to community development in India.

Esther Maria Loidl, Chief Human Resources Officer and global board member of Freudenberg & Co., laid the foundation stone for a new extension and auditorium at the training campus. The upgrade will include converting the existing auditorium into a computer lab, with a focus on offering digital and computer-based vocational courses. The new facilities are expected to be completed by mid-2026.

The expansion aims to attract and support more women students, equipping them with skills for financial independence and sustainable employment. The centre, established in 2008 in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, offers training in welding, fitting, machining, motor mechanics and electrical work. It has trained over 1,400 students to date, many of whom are now employed at leading firms such as Hyundai Motor India, TVS Motor Co and Simpson Group, while some have launched their own ventures.

Freudenberg has invested over INR 400 million in the region over the past 16 years. The 28-acre training campus is staffed by 18 qualified educators and led by Principal Dr Chitrakala Mohan.

Esther Maria Loidl, said, “It’s a pleasure and privilege to lay the foundation for further expansion of our largest CSR initiative in India - the Freudenberg Training centre in Nagapattinam. The institute’s growth affirms the visionary decision in 2008 to support the region’s rebuilding by empowering its young people with the right vocational skills. We look forward to investing and supporting the institute to grow further in its noble mission to power the aspirations of the needy in this region.”

G Sivasailam, Director & CEO, Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India & Managing Director, Freudenberg Performance Materials India, said, "I am immensely proud to see the growth of the institute to where it is today. This reaffirms many of the core values of the Freudenberg group – long-term commitment, proactive and responsible action, among others. I would like to credit the Principal and her faculty who have been instrumental in ensuring the delivery of quality education to the local youth. They have been constantly innovating and adding to the courses and teaching pedagogy to what it provides is needed in the industry.”

Dr Chitrakala Mohan, Principal, Freudenberg Training Center, said, “It has been a great journey leading this visionary initiative for 7 years. The whole-hearted and passionate support we receive from the group executives in India and at the global HQ has been pivotal to whatever we’ve been able to accomplish so far. The foundation laying today and the other initiatives in the pipeline will help us expand sustainable community development through world-class vocational education, which sees local youth gainfully employed with leading companies in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!