OEMs Need EVs To Meet Stringent Café Norms, Hybrids Not The Solution Says Tata Motors PB Balaji
- By Nilesh Wadhwa
- August 01, 2024
The slowdown in sales of electric vehicles in some of the developed markets in the world has brought back the debate about whether hybrids are the intermediate solutions to meet the stringent emission targets and if there is a need to incentivise them as well.
PB Balaji, CFO, Tata Motors believes that there is no point incentivising the “20-year-old technology”, especially if one actually has to meet the upcoming stringent CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) 3 norms.
For the unversed the CAFÉ norms CAFE is targeted towards lowering fuel consumption (or improving fuel efficiency) of vehicles. It is achieved by lowering carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As per reports, the CAFÉ 3 norms have proposed a penalty of INR 25,000 per vehicle if the carmaker’s average fuel efficiency exceeds the limit by up to 0.2 litres per 100 km; for anything above the proposed penalty is INR 50,000 per vehicle. It is important to note that this applies to the automaker's entire vehicle output, which means for all vehicles sold in a particular year.
Balaji spoke at a post-earnings conference about the dip in electric vehicle sales for Tata Motors being a temporary phenomenon and said it was the company’s responsibility as a market leader to grow the electric PV segment.
He spoke as far as Tata Motors’ alternate fuel strategy is concerned, everything has to be linked to the CAFÉ norms. He claimed that at present, Tata Motors was “well ahead of the curve at 95 grams per kilometre we are amongst the leaders when it comes to CAFÉ norms.”
Balaji believes that things are going to get even more interesting as “CAFÉ 3 comes where if an OEM does not have electric vehicles in its portfolio it will not be able to have a portfolio”.
He believes that if one even looks at the number of passenger vehicles sold currently, and even if 10 percent of sales have to come by electric vehicles, it comes to over 3,50,000 EVs sold in a year.
On its part, Tata Motors aims to drive “innovation-based demand” for its electric portfolio rather than be influenced by just a “push or pull strategy”.
Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.
Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.
The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.
AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).
The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”
The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.
The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.
The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.
Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.
In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.
“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.
Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.
Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.
During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT