Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ola Electric has received a sanction order from the Ministry of Heavy Industries for incentives totalling INR 3.66 billion. The payment is granted under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components for FY2024-25.

The incentive relates to the Determined Sales Value for the period and will be disbursed through IFCI, the financial institution appointed by the government for the scheme.

The PLI-Auto Scheme is an initiative by the Government of India designed to increase domestic manufacturing and the adoption of advanced automotive technologies. Ola Electric’s eligibility for the claim is based on its vertical integration and localisation of electric vehicle (EV) components.

“The sanction of INR 3.66 billion under the PLI-Auto Scheme is a strong endorsement of Ola Electric’s manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to building world-class EV technology in India. This incentive recognises our sustained efforts in scaling domestic production, deepening localisation, and driving innovation across the electric mobility value chain. We remain committed to supporting the Government of India’s vision of making India a global hub for advanced automotive manufacturing and clean mobility,” said the company in a statement.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Circularity today at the India Habitat Centre. The event, part of SIAM Sustainable Mobility Week 2026, focused on the transition to an automotive circular economy through policy, innovation and industry collaboration.

The conference addressed the lifecycle of automotive production, including eco-design, material use, recycling systems and regulatory alignment. A context paper titled ‘Accelerating India’s Transition to an Automotive Circular Economy’ was released during the proceedings.

The event saw discussions highlighting the expansion of India's scrapping infrastructure. There are currently between 125 and 130 Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) operational across the country. Officials noted that while technology for recycling exists, challenges remains regarding traceability, policy clarity and the informal sector.

Key priorities identified for the sector include:

• 3R Framework: Implementation of schemes to reduce resource use, reuse components, and recover materials.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Strengthening regulations to manage vehicle end-of-life.
• Digital Tracking: Improving the monitoring of vehicles to assist in disposal planning.
• Automated Testing: Expanding Automated Testing Stations to increase the flow of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) to formal recyclers.

Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said, “We have a larger responsibility to meet the needs of the country. Our regulations and standards are aligned to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and promote cleaner fuels. The Vehicle Scrapping Policy, is a major step forward and the ecosystem is now developing with nearly 125 to 130 Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities operational.”

Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, stated, “We must address air quality and vehicle end of life management, especially in Delhi NCR. ELV feed to Registered Vehicle Scrappage Facilities (RVSFs) needs to be increased. Documentation gaps with previous owners, especially for two-wheelers, and pending issues like unpaid challans, insurance and road tax must be resolved urgently.”

Vikram Kasbekar, Executive Director and CTO, Hero MotoCorp, added, “The development of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities is key to a sustainable mobility ecosystem. Initiatives like PM E-Drive have strengthened the industry and sped up readiness. Engaging non-registered recyclers constructively will help formalise processes.”

The event featured sessions on material innovation and the role of startups in recycling. Participants discussed the use of copper, tyre recycling and carbon business models. The consensus among attendees was that circularity must be integrated into initial product design rather than being treated solely as a post-consumer activity.

The Sustainable Mobility Week concludes on 19 February with the 1st International Conference on Automotive Material Compliance and Sustainability.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Audi is set to make its highly anticipated debut as a factory team in Formula 1 this March, and to mark the occasion, it is launching a comprehensive new merchandise line. Developed in partnership with adidas, the adidas x Audi Revolut F1 Team collection will be available to the public starting 19 February 2026. The initiative is designed to galvanise a global community and attract new followers to the brand by offering a tangible connection to its motorsport project.

The partnership has produced a diverse range of over 160 products, structured into two primary categories. The first is official teamwear, which features high-performance functional clothing unveiled in Berlin this January. This line incorporates advanced adidas technologies and is meticulously engineered for the specific demands of the team's personnel. This includes race-ready athletic wear for drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, ergonomic and stylish garments for engineers during long stints at the track and durable, function-focused attire for the mechanics.

Complementing this is a dedicated fanwear collection aimed at a wider audience. Designed for everyday wear, it spans T-shirts, hoodies, jackets and footwear, blending modern lifestyle aesthetics with sportswear comfort. The fan range includes core essentials in the team’s primary colours to express team identity, as well as elevated pieces with subtle branding for a contemporary look. Exclusive merchandise for the two drivers is also featured. Throughout the season, limited-edition special drops will be introduced, celebrating the team's evolving identity and culture.

The entire collection draws its aesthetic from the Audi R26 race car. The teamwear features subtle grey and chalk tones inspired by the car’s titanium-coloured paintwork, while red accents serve as a unifying element, reflecting Audi’s broader visual identity in the championship. From 19 February 2026, fans will be able to purchase the collection through the team’s new e-commerce platform, as well as from adidas and select retail partners.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Rapido has launched a new brand identity, transitioning from its bike-taxi origins to a multi-modal mobility ecosystem. The refresh features a wordmark-focused logo that replaces the company's original bike-centric imagery to reflect its expanded service portfolio.

The rebranding follows Rapido’s diversification into various transport and travel sectors. The platform currently facilitates over 5 million rides daily across 400 cities and has surpassed 50 million total rides.

The unified app now integrates several transport modes and adjacent services, including bike taxis, auto-rickshaws & cabs, parcel deliveries and integrated OTA services for flights, hotels, buses and trains.

Rapido has established a presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, functioning as a livelihood platform for over 3 million captains. The company utilises a SaaS-driven framework to manage its independent workforce and transport categories.

Pawandip Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, Rapido, said, “Our new brand identity is a milestone that mirrors the scale and diversity of the millions of journeys we facilitate every day. Rapido has always stood for simplifying travel and making it affordable for all. By evolving our visual language, we are reinforcing our promise to be the 'Wheels of Bharat' – moving beyond our origins to provide a truly integrated, homegrown solution that connects every Indian from the first mile to the last, and every getaway in between.”

The new identity will be implemented across the Rapido app, captain ecosystem and digital platforms over the coming weeks.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japanese automotive major Honda Motor Co., has announced organisational and operational changes effective 1 April 2026. The restructuring aims to enhance the company's ability to respond to market trends and deliver technologies within its automobile, motorcycle and power products divisions.

The research and development functions currently held within Automobile Development Operations and the SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) Business Development Unit will be transferred to Honda R&D Co.

Since 2020, Honda has operated production model development and future technology research as separate entities. The new structure integrates the process from technology selection to market launch into a single flow. This change is intended to increase speed and flexibility in responding to the business environment.

Honda will disband the SDV Business Development Unit and reorganise its Automobile Business Strategy and Sales Units into two new entities: the Business Strategy Unit and the Regional Business Unit.

These changes are designed to:

• Improve automobile business profitability.
• Enhance product planning and sales based on customer needs.
• Strengthen product competitiveness over the mid-to-long term.

The company will integrate sales, business strategy and product development functions for its electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) businesses. Previously, these were managed separately. As the electrification strategy enters the execution stage, this integration aims to optimise resource allocation and support carbon neutrality goals.

Through these changes, Honda intends to accelerate corporate transformation through electrification and intelligent technologies to maintain a distinctive presence in the global market.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!