Hitachi Payment Services, an end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, and AbhiBus, one of India's leading bus booking platforms, have joined hands to implement an integrated ticketing management system (IMTS) and provide cashless ticketing solutions for state-run buses in Himachal Pradesh.

This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the experience of 15 million-plus passengers that use the state transport services each month by promoting cashless ticketing solutions for more than 3,100 buses run by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HTRC).

With the new digital transit solution, passengers will be able to check the availability of seats in real time, make reservations in advance, purchase tickets online through the HRTC website or mobile app, obtain tickets in real time at HRTC bus counters and pay for them while they're on the road using Electronic Bus Ticketing Machines (EBTM) that are GPRS-enabled. Additionally, a variety of digital payment methods are available to passengers, such as debit/credit cards, UPI, QR codes, prepaid wallets and NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) cards. In order for the conductor to issue the proper travel tickets via EBTM, passengers in the free or concessional category can show them their smart card pass. The EBTM ensures a smooth and effective ticketing operation while recording both the concession fare and the full fare. Passengers can also check the real-time schedules for every bus.

Anuj Khosla, CEO – Digital Business, Hitachi Payment Services, said, “We are happy to be awarded the prestigious HRTC project. At Hitachi Payment Services, we have been pioneering advanced transit solutions that drive greater convenience for passengers and at the same time improve efficiency for transport operators. Our collaboration with AbhiBus for the Integrated Ticketing Management System will create a new ticketing experience for state public transport users in Himachal. Through our innovative offerings, we continue to transform the transit sector and empower citizens with secure and convenient digital payments.”

Rohit Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, AbhiBus, stated, “We are delighted to partner with HRTC and Hitachi Payment Services for this prestigious project. This partnership enhances travel with instant ticketing, digital ease and a superior booking experience for over 3,100+ buses. Himachal Pradesh is now at the forefront of digital bus travel.”

Rohan Chand Thakur, IAS, Managing Director, Himachal Road Transport Corporation, added, "The implementation of an Integrated Ticketing Management System is a significant milestone for us. It allows us to access real-time bus schedules, not only alleviating traffic congestion but also enhancing safety measures. Furthermore, the introduction of digital payments holds great importance, not just for passengers but also for the hardworking conductors who meticulously account for every penny at the end of each trip, ultimately saving valuable time.”

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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has launched the nationwide ‘Hyundai Smart Care Clinic’, a service initiative designed to deliver comprehensive vehicle health assessments and special benefits to its customers. This programme underscores the company’s dedication to service excellence, drawing upon its three-decade legacy in the country and its foundational principles of trust, progress and pride.

Scheduled to run from 24 June to 8 July 2026, the clinic will be available at all Hyundai service centres. The offering includes a complimentary 30-point check-up for critical systems like brakes and suspension, alongside significant savings on extended warranty, mechanical labour, parts, car care, roadside assistance and Bluelink subscriptions, with discounts reaching up to 30 percent.

Timed ahead of the anticipated monsoon season, the initiative aims to ensure vehicles are prepared for wet conditions. By promoting timely maintenance and essential repairs, the programme is positioned to enhance vehicle longevity, safety and the overall driving experience for Hyundai owners.

Nilesh Shah, National Service Head, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “As Hyundai celebrates 30 years of its journey in India, we remain committed to placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. The Hyundai Smart Care Clinic reflects our customer-first philosophy, offering proactive vehicle care and a holistic service experience. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen customer trust by ensuring their vehicles remain in optimal condition while delivering enhanced convenience, transparency and a truly rewarding ownership journey.”

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Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has initiated exports of the new Duster SUV, with an initial shipment of 750 vehicles departing from Chennai to South Africa.

This development follows Renault Group's strategy to position India as a hub for manufacturing, engineering, and exports. The company has set an objective to reach EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, "The start of exports of the all-new Duster is an important moment for Renault India and a strong validation of the quality, capabilities, and competitiveness of our operations in Chennai. It reflects the progress we have made in building India into an integral part of Renault’s global industrial footprint.”

"India possesses all the fundamentals required to emerge as a leading automotive export hub: world-class manufacturing capabilities, engineering talent, scale, and a rapidly evolving logistics ecosystem. As Renault continues to expand its international footprint, India will play an increasingly strategic role in our future plans. We remain committed to contributing to the country’s manufacturing ambitions and are working towards our objective of generating EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030,” he added.

The new Duster is the first vehicle in India built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), which supports multiple powertrain technologies. All variants have achieved a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.

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Stellantis-owned Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor has announced a significant operational milestone, reaching 1.5 million cumulative vehicle deliveries worldwide.

This delivery landmark comes eight months after the company surpassed the 1-million-unit threshold, signalling an upward shift in its global production and sales trajectory.

Since commencing its initial vehicle deliveries in China in June 2019, Leapmotor has maintained a consistent growth trajectory, which has experienced a notable surge over the last two years. It was in June 2019, the company delivered its electric vehicle in China. It reached 500,000 cumulative deliveries in October 2024 and 1 million in October in 2025.

The compression of the timeline between the 1 million and 1.5 million delivery marks was significantly accelerated by the company's formalised global export strategies executed through the Leapmotor International joint venture.

Leapmotor's product strategy relies on a diversified vehicle lineup designed to target distinct global consumer segments. The brand’s portfolio ranges from compact, agile city cars optimised for urban demographics to larger, versatile, family-oriented SUVs and sedans.

By scaling its manufacturing output, the company aims to sustain this momentum across key international markets by focusing on integrated software innovation, engineering efficiency and user-centric design principles to provide accessible electric mobility solutions.

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The Indian passenger vehicle industry is projected to achieve wholesale volume growth of 4–6 percent in FY2027, according to a sector update by credit rating agency ICRA.

Whilst the sector enters the upcoming financial year with demand momentum, the growth rate reflects a moderation compared to previous near-term spikes. The industry's baseline expansion continues to be supported by consumer demand, tax-driven affordability improvements, and a structural shift towards utility vehicles.

Data from May 2026 highlights near-term performance across manufacturing, wholesale allocations and retail customer handovers. Domestic wholesale volumes recorded a 27 percent YoY growth, reaching 440,000 units during the month.

Retail sales volumes outpaced wholesales by expanding 33 percent YoY. This retail growth was driven by consumer fundamentals, the commercial introduction of newly launched models, and an extended summer wedding season. Export volumes rose 13 percent YoY in May 2026, reflecting a supply push by Indian automakers looking to expand market shares across global markets.

The product mix in the Indian automotive market continues to skew towards larger body styles, though policy changes have sparked a recovery in entry-level segments. Utility vehicles continued to command the largest market share, contributing approximately 68% of overall passenger vehicle sales in FY2026. Demand recovery became visible across the mini and compact car categories, which was aided by improving affordability following recent GST rate cuts. The adoption of electric vehicles strengthened further, with EV penetration in the broader passenger vehicle segment rising to nearly 6 percent in early FY2027.

Despite underlying demand fundamentals, ICRA pointed out several headwind factors that could restrict growth or affect consumer sentiment in FY2027. Rising commodity prices threaten manufacturer margins, whilst increasing fuel prices could affect the total cost of vehicle ownership. Furthermore, concerns surrounding a potentially weak or uneven monsoon season remain a risk factor, as agricultural output impacts rural purchasing power and entry-level vehicle sentiment.

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