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<ul><li><keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">Electric vehicles</keyword> (EVs) are gaining popularity worldwide</li><li>However, concerns remain about their environmental impact</li><li> <keyword id="21881868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alternative-fuel" source="keywords">Alternative fuel</keyword> vehicles like hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels are some more alternatives we can tap into</li></ul> Electric vehicles or EVs are in their prime right now, with the demand crossing an all-time high. A trend noticeable around the world, EVs are not only becoming increasingly popular but also fairly affordable. Slowly but surely EVs are overcoming the challenges that crossed them — design, features, safety, and most importantly range. A major credit to this trend can be given to consumer acceptance, policy backing, and improving infrastructure. However, there is a downside to EVs as well. Having featured multiple EVs with our series<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCR3PaYxcmk&amp;t=1s" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> Short Spin, </a>I developed a strong reference point. This made me wonder why are we so heavily reliant on them. Over its life cycle, EVs cannot be termed as particularly environmentally friendly, which has been their main selling point over the past few decades. <h2>The ‘Red’ side of EVs</h2> There is a bit of red within the go-green agenda that EV manufacturers push. EVs as a whole do come with benefits like low maintenance, improved efficiency and ultimately lower fuel emissions. However, <keyword id="21357488" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="EV-production" source="keywords">EV production</keyword> and disposal can have detrimental effects on the natural environment. Here are some socio-ecological concerns over EVs: 1. High carbon footprint in battery production: EV battery production is energy-intensive and often relies on electricity from fossil fuels, leading to a high initial carbon footprint. This is elaborated in a story recently published by Earth Org. 2. Resource constraints and ethical concerns: Particularly with the extensive mining of cobalt and other minerals for EVs, there has been a global outcry. Limited availability of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, shady mining practices long work hours, unsafe work environments, and use of child labour in underdeveloped parts of the world have raised several ethical issues around the sustainability of EVs. This issue can be explored further in this essay by Al Jazeera. 3. Recycling and end-of-life challenges: EV battery recycling is currently inefficient, costly, and poses significant environmental risks, with a huge amount of batteries ending up in landfills. 4. Manufacturing costs and economic barriers: High production costs, especially for batteries, make EVs more expensive than conventional vehicles and require significant investments in new manufacturing facilities and supply chains. 5. Supply chain and geopolitical risks: Critical mineral resources necessary for EV production are concentrated in a few countries. This leads to vulnerabilities in the complex supply chain and often risks disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, or natural disasters. China as of today controls 83% of EV battery production in the world, with a major stronghold on the supply chain. While I am in no way suggesting to drop out of EVs, I believe sticking to just one alternative risks replicating the same mistake we did for ICE vehicles. So, what are the alternatives? <h2>The alternates fuel vehicles (<keyword id="23193800" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AFVs" source="keywords">AFVs</keyword>)</h2> AFVs are a growing segment of the automotive industry that utilize fuels other than traditional gasoline or diesel. These vehicles offer similar potential benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. While EVs are also a form of AFVs, here we will list out other major alternatives like hydrogen fuel and biofuel options. Hydrogen fuel cells: Convert hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only water vapour. Currently, <keyword id="19906788" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toyota" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Toyota" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Toyota">Toyota</keyword> and Hyundai are the only hydrogen-based cars in the Indian market. Hydrogen internal combustion engines: These vehicles use hydrogen as a fuel in modified combustion engines. While road-legal vehicles for this fuel type aren’t out, BMW with hydrogen 7 is working on a prototype. Ethanol: This is a renewable fuel made from plant materials, commonly mixed with gasoline. In America, Ford F-150 Flex-Fuel and Chevrolet Silverado Flex-Fuel are utilizing this technology. Biodiesel and renewable diesel: Derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled grease, these fuel types can be used in diesel engines. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Perhaps the most famous alternative for cabbies in Delhi, CNG is in popular demand. Technically it is used in specially modified internal combustion engines, primarily for lower emissions. Propane (Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG): A byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, used in internal combustion engines. As technology continues to advance, these AFVs are becoming more accessible and affordable, making them a promising option for sustainable transportation. If you are an eco-conscious buyer in today’s auto market, bear in mind that there are options beyond EVs as well. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/mercedes-expands-bev-range-rolls-out-second-locally-produced-model-in-india/articleshow/113388002.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Mercedes expands BEV range; rolls out second locally produced model in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-two-wheeler-adoption-in-india-rising-13-share-expected-by-2026-27-jefferies/articleshow/113361787.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Electric two-wheeler adoption in India rising, 13% share expected by 2026-27: Jefferies</a>

EVs are not the only options for alternative fuel — make way for hydrogen and bio-fuel

Luxury car maker <keyword id="19980471" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Mercedes-Benz" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes-Benz</keyword> India on Monday expanded its <keyword id="20763359" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Battery-Electric-Vehicle" source="keywords">Battery Electric Vehicle</keyword> (BEV) range in the country with the launch of the locally produced <keyword id="23188212" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EQS-580-4MATIC" source="keywords">EQS 580 4MATIC</keyword>. India is the first country outside the US to start the <keyword id="20805504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="local-production" source="keywords">local production</keyword> of the seven-seater electric SUV. EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is the second model, after the EQS sedan, to be locally produced at company's Pune-based manufacturing plant. "This will be our sixth EV in India, and the second car to be locally produced in India. We are also proud that India becomes the first market out of the US to locally manufacture the EQS," Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer told PTI in an interaction. The move to manufacture the product locally outlines the company's commitment to electrification and increasing product portfolio offering choices to customers, he added. "EQS SUV's localisation underpins our deep commitment to grow the Indian <keyword id="23188213" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="luxury-electric-car" source="keywords">luxury electric car</keyword> market and reinforce our commitment for a greener and sustainable future," Iyer said. The move also supports the government's vision of Make-in-India, he said. Iyer said local production has led to a significant advantage in terms of pricing the electric SUV. The introductory price of EQS SUV 580 4MATIC starts at Rs 1.41 crore which should also make a lot of customers shift to EVs much faster in terms of transition, he said. When asked about the demand for green vehicles, Iyer said the sales of EVs were growing in the country with even high-end products finding acceptance. "The EQA sedan which was introduced in India around 18 months back, we have sold more than 500 cars. It's a car costing more than Rs 1.6 crore. Our total penetration of EVs is 5 per cent today, it's growing. For sure, customer acceptance is there," he stated. Iyer noted that the company remains committed to offer top-end luxury EV products offering higher range in the market. He noted that there may be more opportunities in the entry EV segment but the focus of the company firmly remains on bringing luxury products in the market. "To bring products at lower price points, that is not our current strategy," Iyer said. The company aims to offer products with higher driving range, a factor that leads to bigger battery and escalation in price, he added. The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is India's longest range electric SUV with ARAI certified range of 809 kms. Iyer said the company remains committed to the Indian market and has announced an additional investment of Rs 200 crore earlier towards manufacturing operations, new product start-ups and digitisation of manufacturing processes. The company till date has invested over Rs 3,000 crore in India, he added. In the January-September period this year, Mercedes-Benz India has launched three new BEVs ' EQA, EQS SUV 580 and Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV. With the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC, the company now offers the EQA, EQB, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQS sedan and Maybach EQS SUV 680 in the market. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/arkade-developers-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/113384216.cms">Arkade Developers IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-and-samsung-accused-of-colluding-with-amazon-and-flipkart/articleshow/113381204.cms">Xiaomi and Samsung accused of colluding with Amazon and Flipkart</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/motorola-edge-50-neo-with-dimensity-7300-50mp-camera-launched-in-india/articleshow/113386868.cms">Motorola Edge 50 Neo with Dimensity 7300, 50MP camera launched in India</a>

Mercedes expands BEV range; rolls out second locally produced model in India

<keyword id="20021345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TVS-Motor-Company" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="TVS Motor Company" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="TVS Motor Company">TVS Motor Company</keyword> expects to grow faster than the competition across domestic and <keyword id="20108266" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="international-markets" source="keywords">international markets</keyword> this fiscal, riding on the back of new <keyword id="22697277" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="product-launches" source="keywords">product launches</keyword> and strengthening of operations across key regions, according to CEO KN Radhakrishnan. He noted that in the <keyword id="20046426" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-market" source="keywords">domestic market</keyword>, the company expects growth momentum to continue with normal monsoons likely to add strength to the <keyword id="19929089" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-markets" source="keywords">rural markets</keyword>. In international markets, Radhakrishnan exuded hope to perform better in key markets like Africa this year while expanding operations in other regions like the Middle East and Latin America. "Our strong product portfolio; our unwavering focus on the consumers, quality, new products and attractive quality and technology, we are confident that we will outperform the industry both in the domestic and international markets," Radhakrishnan said in an analyst call. He noted that the growth momentum is likely to be maintained with the budget focusing on employment generation, continued higher commitment to infrastructure and rural economy. "We are expecting rural markets to recover. With the expected normal monsoon, we could witness robust growth in Q2," Radhakrishnan stated. He noted that for the first time the company is witnessing that the rural areas were doing slightly better than the urban markets. The improving road infrastructure and economic environment will drive the demand for two-wheeler mobility, he added. The <keyword id="21048623" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="two-wheeler-segment" source="keywords">two-wheeler segment</keyword> has got a huge opportunity in the medium and the long term given the challenges in mobility as well as also investments from the government on the infrastructure and road development, he said. The company, which has earmarked over Rs 1,000 crore capex this year, is gearing up to introduce one product each in the electric and internal combustion engine segments in the ongoing quarter. A significant proportion of the earmarked capital is expected to go towards the design and development of new products, Radhakrishnan stated. "I want to highlight that the company will be launching one product in ICE and one product in EV in this quarter and that will further strengthen our range of product portfolio," he said. Commenting on international business, Radhakrishnan said that the Red Sea issue has led to challenges in terms of enhanced transit periods for overseas dispatches. He noted that <keyword id="62356" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="TVS" source="Orion">TVS</keyword> has taken enough countermeasures to mitigate these challenges and the situation is likely to improve in the ongoing quarter. Certain select African markets are facing challenges due to currency devaluation and persistent inflation, he said. "However, considering the base effect in our assessment, the possibility of further decline in Africa is low. We feel that we will be doing better in Africa this year," he added. He further said: "Besides, Latin America gives us a huge opportunity. We have started exporting to LATAM. In Asia, we are seeing some challenges in Bangladesh, but we are hopeful that things will settle down soon." The Middle East is also a huge opportunity for TVS and the company is strengthening its operations in the region, he stated. For the April-June quarter this fiscal, <keyword id="46156" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TVS-Motor" source="Orion">TVS Motor</keyword> Company reported a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 461 crore. Total income rose to Rs 10,448 crore for the period under review as compared to Rs 9,142 crore in the year-ago period.

TVS confident of outperforming industry in domestic, global markets following new product launches, ops strengthening

The <keyword id="20143656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="turnover" source="keywords">turnover</keyword> of India's automotive component industry registered a <keyword id="19910261" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="growth" source="keywords">growth</keyword> of 9.8 per cent in the financial year 2023-24, according to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (<keyword id="20475655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ACMA" source="keywords">ACMA</keyword>). The turnover stood at Rs 6.14 lakh crore (USD 74.1 billion) during the year, said the ACMA, the body representing India's auto component manufacturing industry, in its review for the fiscal year 2023-24, as per a release. <keyword id="20373789" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shradha-suri-marwah" source="keywords">Shradha Suri Marwah</keyword>, President, ACMA, and CMD, Subros, said that apart from an increase in <keyword id="21825714" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-production" source="keywords">vehicle production</keyword>, higher value addition from the component sector has led to growth in the auto components sector. "On the front of trade, whilst overall merchandise <keyword id="19916774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exports" source="keywords">exports</keyword> from India witnessed degrowth in FY24, auto component exports have grown despite geopolitical challenges and an increase in logistics costs," Marwah said. Elaborating on the mood of the industry and outlook for the near future, Marwah mentioned, steady growth in the vehicle industry has resulted in the industry reaching pre-pandemic levels of performance in 2023-24 in most segments, however, the first quarter of FY25 witnessed somewhat slower offtake in <keyword id="20051501" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-sales" source="keywords">vehicle sales</keyword>, especially in passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, given the high base, due to inclement weather conditions and elections. "With strong macro-economic indicators, conducive government policies, and over 7 per cent growth projected for the Indian GDP, we are hopeful that the auto components industry will continue to perform well in 2024-25," Marwah added in the release. Following are some of the key findings of the ACMA Annual Industry Performance Review: Auto component sales to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the domestic market were at Rs 5.18 lakh crore (USD 62.4 billion), growing 8.9 per cent compared to the previous year. Consumption of increased value-added components, a thrust on localisation, and a shift in market preference towards larger and more powerful vehicles contributed to the increased turnover of the auto-components sector. Exports of auto components witnessed growth of 5.5 per cent to Rs USD 21.2 billion in 2023-24 in contrast to USD 20.1 billion in 2022-23. North America accounted for 32 per cent of exports. Europe accounted for another 33 per cent and Asia for 24 per cent, respectively. Exports to Europe grew by 12 per cent while to Asia remained flat. The key export items included drive transmission and steering, engine components, body and chassis, suspension and braking systems. Component imports grew by 3.0 per cent in 2023-24 to USD 20.9 billion from USD 20.3 billion in 2022-23. Further, increased vehicle movement and a surge in demand for used vehicles led to buoyancy in the aftermarket across all segments. The turnover of the aftermarket in 2023-24 stood at Rs 93,886 crore (USD 11.3 billion) compared to Rs 85,333 crore (USD 10.6 billion) in the previous year. The aftermarket, with an increase in e-commerce, is witnessing enhanced penetration, especially in the hinterland, and a gradual evolution into the organised sector. (ANI)

Indian auto component industry turnover grows 9.8% in 2023-24; outlook positive: ACMA review

In response to higher-than-expected tax revenue and a record surplus transfer from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Indian government is considering an 8-10% increase in <keyword id="20018917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capital-expenditure" source="keywords">capital expenditure</keyword> (capex) for the fiscal year 2025, according to Pantomath Group's quarterly report, "Market Kaleidoscope: Quarterly Market Insights." This adjustment could raise the capex from the previously allocated Rs 11.11 lakh crore, aiming to bolster infrastructure and economic growth. This fiscal boost comes as India reaches a historic financial milestone. The total market capitalization of all stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (<keyword id="19895774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BSE" source="keywords">BSE</keyword>) briefly surpassed $5 trillion for the first time, placing India among global giants such as the US, China, Japan, and Hong Kong. India's primary market is set for a dynamic period, with 55 companies planning to raise over Rs 68,000 crore through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). The first half of FY2025 has already seen 35 mainboard IPOs, collectively raising around Rs 32,000 crore with an average subscription rate of 61 times. The Indian market maintained a positive outlook in the first quarter of FY2025, driven by strong Q4FY24 earnings, favorable economic data, and positive global cues. Despite early June volatility following the 2024 <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> election results, market sentiment improved with the BJP securing 272 seats and a total of 292 seats for the NDA with allied support. This political stability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership is expected to promote long-term economic growth, with a focus on infrastructure, electric mobility, startup support, power distribution, digital privacy, and healthcare initiatives. Corporate India's performance in the March quarter of FY2024 met expectations, showing double-digit growth in net profit and single-digit revenue increases. Non-lending companies experienced moderate operating margin expansion due to favorable commodity prices and cost controls. The peaking interest rates and continuity of <keyword id="19978691" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-policies" source="keywords">government policies</keyword> are anticipated to support healthy corporate growth in FY2025. <h2>Growth to continue</h2>The government's push for increased <keyword id="20068449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ethanol-production" source="keywords">ethanol production</keyword> targets a 20% blending by 2026, benefiting ethanol-heavy sugar companies and promoting biofuel goals. The real estate market is projected to grow significantly, requiring Rs 14 lakh crore in debt financing from 2024 to 2026. This growth will positively impact the banking and financial sectors. Major telecom operators have raised tariffs post-election, potentially improving sector financials and paving the way for sector re-rating. Major cement players are expanding through acquisitions, with an expected 6-7% compounded growth and market dominance by the top five players by March 2025. FMCG Companies expect recovery in rural business due to factors like a normal monsoon, robust crop yields, and government measures, maintaining robust rural demand. The potential roll-out of the FAME 3 Scheme to support <keyword id="19963112" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle-sales" source="keywords">electric vehicle sales</keyword> is anticipated, with a budgetary allocation of around Rs 10,000 crore. Sectors such as auto, cement, defence, railways, consumer durables, energy, and banking are expected to outperform. Lagging sectors like IT and specialty chemicals offer value-buying opportunities at lower levels. The structural bull market for Indian equity is supported by strong domestic fundamentals and government reforms, with a positive medium- to long-term market outlook. Globally, the US market showed resilience, except for the Dow Jones. The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 5.25-5.50%, awaiting inflation to move towards the 2% target before considering rate cuts. The US GDP grew at 1.4% annually in Q1 2024, with mixed economic indicators highlighting both strengths and challenges. The Indian <keyword id="19926041" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPO-market" source="keywords">IPO market</keyword> has seen significant growth, with a surge in companies seeking to list shares and a rise in capital raised. The first half of 2025 saw strong retail investor participation, reflecting confidence in India's growth prospects. Mahavir Lunawat, Managing Director, Pantomath Capital Advisors Private Limited, said, "Favourable market conditions, high liquidity, a conducive growth environment with stable interest rates, and benign inflation have facilitated a boom in the IPO market. The IPO market will experience a stronger pull post-budget. India is set to become the new equity funding frontier for global corporations." He further added. "We are on the brink of sustained, long-term momentum in the IPO market, with this year potentially becoming the best for IPOs. India's solid macroeconomic environment and promising growth prospects create an ideal backdrop for this vibrant IPO market. Additionally, there is robust participation from both domestic institutional investors and retail investors." With the Indian government's potential capex increase and the robust primary market activity, the <keyword id="19948184" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-economy" source="keywords">Indian economy</keyword> is poised for sustained growth. The upcoming period is expected to see heightened market activity, further IPOs, and economic stability, creating a conducive environment for investment and development.

India may boost FY25 capex by 8-10% amid surging revenues and record RBI surplus, says Market Kaleidoscope report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The CEO of <keyword id="20763638" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tesla-rival" source="keywords">Tesla rival</keyword> Lucid had a scathing assessment of the EV market in the US.</li><li><keyword id="23975725" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Peter-Rawlinson" source="keywords">Peter Rawlinson</keyword> said most electric cars in the US "frankly suck" and were underwhelming.</li></ul>The boss of one of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla">Tesla's</a> biggest rivals thinks he knows why the US public isn't being won over by EVs. Peter Rawlinson, the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lucid-ceo-comments-tesla-losing-its-way-elon-musk-distracted-2024-5">CEO of Lucid Motors and a former VP of engineering at Tesla</a>, spoke on the Cars and Culture podcast last week that most of the <keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Electric-Vehicles" source="keywords">electric vehicles</keyword> on offer "frankly suck." Asked whether EVs in the US have a perception problem, Rawlinson said the problem was "not perception, but reality." "I think many people have driven EVs that frankly suck. I know because I drive all the competition," he said. "I think that the American public has been ill-served by underwhelming EVs," Rawlinson added. Rawlinson, who previously worked for Elon Musk and helped build Lucid, became CEO of Lucid in 2019. The EV startup is gearing up to launch its new electric SUV, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luvid-gravity-suv-details-photos-tesla-topping-range-interior-cargo-2023-11" target="_blank">$94,900 Gravit</a>y, with production expected to start by the end of this year. Lucid has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-vs-lucid-which-is-better">touted its industry-leading technology</a> but continues to be stuck in the so-called EV "valley of death." The company reported revenues of $200 million in the most recent quarter and a net loss of $992 million. In August, it secured another $1.5 billion in investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, its majority shareholder. Meanwhile, EV sales growth in the US has slowed this year amid a dearth of affordable electric options. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a new electric vehicle in the US in September was $56,000, compared to $48,397 for combustion-engine vehicles. <h2>China races ahead</h2>US automakers are grappling with the challenge posed by Chinese EV companies like BYD and Xiaomi, who have rolled out affordable electric vehicles packed with advanced technology. While these companies are unable to sell their cars in America due to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-criticizes-biden-plan-to-ban-chinese-tech-in-cars-2024-11">cripplingly high tariffs</a>, they are putting Western companies under pressure in China and attracting plaudits in the US, with Ford CEO <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ford-ceo-driving-xiaomi-su7-electric-vehicles-ev-2024-10">Jim Farley praising Xiaomi's SU7 EV</a>. Rawlinson previously described China's automakers <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lucid-chinese-automakers-years-behind-tesla-electric-vehicles-elon-musk-2024-5">as "years behind" the likes of Tesla</a> in terms of core EV technology. Speaking on the Cars and Culture podcast, he said Chinese companies like BYD were ahead of US rivals in battery chemistry and assisted driving technology — but said they benefit from an "uneven playing field" due to government subsidies. "I think the Chinese do have a fundamental advantage because when the government says go, they all go in the same direction instead of arguing with each other," Rawlinson said. A study from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank, released earlier this year, found that China has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-electric-vehicles-government-subsidies-win-ev-race-byd-tesla-2024-6">provided at least $230 billion in support</a> to electric vehicle makers such as BYD since 2009. "I'd say they're still behind in terms of the core EV powertrain technology, but don't underestimate them," Rawlinson added. Lucid did not respond to a request for comment, sent outside normal working hours. This story has been amended to state that the production of Lucid's Gravity SUV is scheduled to start at the end of 2024.

Drivers are being 'ill-served by underwhelming EVs,' says boss of Tesla rival Lucid 

The <keyword id="19905108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-defence" source="keywords">Ministry of Defence</keyword> has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore through its <keyword id="20416767" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="technology-development-fund" source="keywords">Technology Development Fund</keyword> (TDF) to create an ecosystem aimed at enhancing capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promoting '<keyword id="20460685" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aatmanirbharta" source="keywords">Aatmanirbharta</keyword>' in defence, an official statement said on Thursday. The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Defence, executed by <keyword id="19948662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drdo" source="keywords">DRDO</keyword> under the '<keyword id="20018809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-india" source="keywords">Make in India</keyword>' initiative. Under this initiative, the government provides grants-in-aid to Indian industries, including <keyword id="19910977" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="msmes" source="keywords">MSMEs</keyword> and <keyword id="19945815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="startups" source="keywords">startups</keyword>, as well as academic and scientific institutions, for the development of defence and dual-use technologies that are currently not available in the Indian defence industry. With these initiatives, the Ministry aims to engage private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, to foster a culture of design and development in military technology and support them with grants-in-aid. The TDF seeks to enhance the capacity and capability of Indian industries for the design and development of defence technologies in the country. It aims to create an R&amp;D ecosystem where industry and academia work together to meet the current and future requirements of the Armed Forces and the defence sector. The government aims to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence technology by building a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The <keyword id="19910956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-ministry" source="keywords">Defence Ministry</keyword> on Wednesday highlighted several successful startups benefiting from the scheme. Pune-based startup <keyword id="22281521" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Combat-Robotics" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Combat Robotics" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Combat Robotics">Combat Robotics</keyword>, with the help of the scheme, has successfully developed an innovative simulator for <keyword id="20146841" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unmanned-vehicles" source="keywords">unmanned vehicles</keyword>. This multi-domain simulator supports unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), serving as an excellent development tool for agencies working on autonomous systems. Another Pune-based defence equipment startup, ChiStats Labs Private Limited, is developing virtual sensors for aero gas turbine engine health monitoring, which helps to increase the operational reliability and longevity of the engines. The system is built on modern artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies. Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., under the project titled 'Autonomous Drone as First Responder for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed/Indoor Environments', has created a cutting-edge UAV capable of exploring indoor environments under various conditions, including zero light. The success of this project will open up various applications, including search and rescue operations, surveillance, industrial inspections, environmental monitoring, and hazardous environment exploration, contributing significantly to technological advancements in unmanned aerial systems, the Ministry added. The technology has been developed under the technical guidance and mentorship of CAIR, Bengaluru.

Defence ministry allocates Rs 300 cr for technology development fund to promote Make in India products

Last week, the President of the United States, <keyword id="19919748" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="joe-biden" source="keywords">Joe Biden</keyword>, announced significant tariffs on a range of <keyword id="20139085" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chinese-products" source="keywords">Chinese products</keyword> to protect American workers from unfair trade practices. The targetted measures include a 100% tariff on <keyword id="6354973" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="Orion">electric vehicles</keyword>, a 50% tariff on semiconductors and solar cells, and a 25% tariffs on batteries, steel and aluminium products, some critical minerals, and essential health equipment like medical gloves, syringes and needles. In his address from the Rose Garden of the White House, Biden said America can continue to buy any kind of car they want, "but we're never going to allow China to unfairly control the market for these cars. Period." He claimed that the Chinese government has been investing state funds in various Chinese companies for years, spanning industries across the above-mentioned sectors. How does this brewing geopolitical <keyword id="20736760" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trade-war" source="keywords">trade war</keyword> impact <keyword id="20742235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-firms" source="keywords">Indian firms</keyword>? Experts say the impact could be in two ways, benefitting some sectors, while harming the few others. Let’s start with the bad news. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Threat to Indian firms" comment="subhead" text="Threat to Indian firms">Threat to Indian firms</cmsannotation> Beijing offers significant subsidies on most of these products, leading to surplus production that exceeds domestic and even regular export demand. Subsequently, Chinese companies are known to flood the global markets with surplus products at unreasonably low prices, forcing local manufacturers out of business in many countries, including <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>. A prime example of this in practice can be found in the steel sector, where weak domestic demand is pushing the world’s largest steel producer China to offload surplus production into Indian markets at cheaper prices. Indian steel manufacturers are already struggling to compete with a glut of cheaper Chinese steel, with shipments nearly doubling year-on-year in the financial year ending March 2024. “India is already under grave threat of import because all major steel consuming economies are shutting their doors on these steel producing countries. We are highly vulnerable to surging and predatory import,” said Alok Sahay, secretary general of the Indian Steel Association, to Reuters. Global trade experts say that a majority of Chinese products are sold at unreasonably low prices in global markets because the companies in these sectors do not have to worry about profits. They are heavily subsidised by the Chinese government. <keyword id="20279291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Steel-Authority-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Steel Authority of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Steel Authority of India">Steel Authority of India</keyword>’s (SAIL) chairman Amarendu Prakash also said that they are keenly watching Chinese imports after the US tariff increases. Additionally, China has been accused of employing anti-competitive strategies like compelling foreign companies to transfer their technology in order to operate in China. These factors have led to the US effectively shutting its door on several Chinese products through heightened tariffs, and other developed markets like Canada are also likely to follow suit. White House also emphasised that it continues to consult with its partners and allies who are facing similar threats from China’s unfair trade practices and are keen on taking action. If more and more global markets restrict entry of Chinese products, the risk of the majority of such products being dumped in neighbouring India increases drastically. Trying to block Chinese excess production "is like squeezing a balloon. It shrinks in one place and pops out in another," William Reinsch, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, tells Reuters. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="An opportunity also arises" comment="subhead" text="An opportunity also arises">An opportunity also arises</cmsannotation> While some products risk being dumped into the Indian market, in a few other cases, Indian firms could benefit from fresh openings in the lucrative US market. "Of the products affected, India has opportunities in face masks, PPE, syringes &amp;needles, medical gloves, aluminium, iron, and steel. Opportunity may come in China also with retaliation, provided we have market access in products targeted by China," Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), told ANI. However, China is not likely to retaliate against the US tariffs at the moment, say experts, though the country’s Ministry of Commerce said it would take 'resolute measures to safeguard its own rights and interests' "China's economy is fragile. With household spending and the property market on the wane, manufacturing for export markets is one of its few bright spots. Beijing will not want to cut off its nose to spite its face. More broadly, China is desperately trying to encourage new foreign investment. Rash retaliatory action could spoil its case," Moody's Analytics explained in a recent report. Out of China's USD 420 billion exports to the US, only USD 18 billion is impacted due to the latest hike in tariffs — representing slightly over 4% and therefore considered marginal. But Sahai says that this market will continue to grow with time and provides an opportunity to India and other competitors to chip in the supply gap. Ajay Srivastava, the founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), also echoes Sahai’s opinions. He emphasised that the increased duties on Chinese face masks, syringes, needles, medical gloves, and natural graphite offer a substantial opportunity for India, as quoted by ANI. "By ramping up production and export of these in-demand products, India could enhance its trade footprint in the US market," he added. In terms of products like electric vehicles and semiconductors, India remains a net importer, and therefore, may not be in a position to capitalise right now. In the long term, however, as India begins semiconductor production at scale in 2025, there will be opportunities to export some of it to the US and other European countries, offering fresh impetus for domestic manufacturing. As the security risks associated with importing Chinese semiconductors prompts more and more trade barriers from the Western countries, demand for supply from India is likely to grow. Efforts are already underway for the establishment of four large semiconductor plants in India, with three located in Gujarat and one in Assam. Last fiscal year, Indian exports to the US dipped marginally by 1.32 per cent to $77.5 billion as against $78.54 billion in 2022-23. The new development now gives an unique opportunity to turn the tide over the next few years. Overall, some sectors like steel and aluminium do face a serious challenge due to the fresh US tariffs on Chinese products. However, the development will open new avenues for Western market entry and expansion for several other products. (With inputs from agencies)

US-China tariff war could benefit several sectors in India while harming a few others

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Trump has said he plans to bring down gas prices by boosting US oil production.</li><li>ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods doesn't see a US oil boom in the near future.</li></ul>President-elect Donald Trump's promise to unleash a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-expensive-goods-price-impact-presidential-election-scenarios-trump-harris-2024-10">big oil boom</a> in the US and lower gas prices is running up against a market reality: The world is already awash in fossil fuels. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.semafor.com/article/11/12/2024/exxon-ceo-darren-woods-donald-trump-shouldnt-scrap-methane-regulations">Semafor</a> on November 12 that while he wants to maintain US oil production at its current highs, the market is already well supplied. "I don't think today that production in the US is constrained," he said. "I don't know that there's an opportunity to unleash a lot of production in the near term." During the presidential campaign, Trump said that he planned to lower energy prices — including the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/10/us/politics/trump-economics-gas-tariffs-inflation.html">cost of gas</a> — by increasing US oil production. "We will frack, frack, frack and drill, baby, drill," Trump <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/10/the-issues-trumps-proposal-to-lower-prices-by-increasing-energy-production/">said</a> in October. "I will cut your energy prices in half within 12 months." In September, Trump <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/10/us/politics/trump-economics-gas-tariffs-inflation.html">said</a> he would reduce gas prices to below $2 a gallon. Energy analysts told Business Insider that big oil companies are more focused on returning money to shareholders than investing in projects that boost production, especially because China isn't importing as much oil due to its economic downturn. Their comments underscore how little control a US president has over the oil and gas market, including prices at the pump. "It's a global market," Ben Cahill, director of energy markets and policy at the University of Texas at Austin, told BI. "There's very little any president can do to change the direction of oil or gasoline prices." Cahill added that he expects the US to increase oil production, but it will happen gradually. The US is already producing record amounts of oil, at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61545">12.9 million barrels of crude a day in 2023</a> compared with about 11 million barrels per day in 2020, when Trump was in office. Last year, the US also became the world's biggest exporter of natural gas. In October, the US Energy Information Administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.enerdata.net/publications/daily-energy-news/us-eia-expects-domestic-crude-oil-production-reach-135-mbd-2025.html#:~:text=At%20a%20global%20scale%2C%20the,13.5%20mb%2Fd%20in%202025.">projected</a> that the US would produce 13.5million barrels a day in 2025, hitting another record. And there is room for the industry to expand. Woods <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/01/exxon-ceo-says-us-election-wont-affect-oil-production.html">told</a> CNBC earlier this month that there are areas in the Gulf of Mexico — where federal leasing hasn't allowed companies to drill — that could be a source of additional oil production in the long term. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told BI that Trump could take some steps to try to boost US oil production, including easing regulations to open up additional places for companies to drill and working with OPEC. However, he said boosting oil production while keeping prices at a desired level is a "delicate balance" for the industry. "If oil prices drop, you're likely to see a natural decline in US oil production over the long run," he said, adding, "Oil companies have shareholders to be accountable to." In recent years, the US has increased oil production even as President Joe Biden imposed stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, oil and gas infrastructure, and gas-powered vehicles to help slow the climate crisis. In a separate interview with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/exxon-says-trump-should-keep-u-s-in-paris-climate-pact-3d8de471">The Wall Street Journal</a>, Woods added that the US shouldn't drop out of the Paris Agreement as Trump did in his first term and has promised to do again. The nearly 200 countries signed onto that agreement <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-strike-historic-climate-dealfossil-fuels-dubai-2023-12">struck a deal last year at the UN climate summit </a>to move away from fossil fuels this decade and the triple renewable energy by 2030. Woods told Semafor that he supports Biden's limits on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Exxon and other US oil majors have goals to reduce emissions, but climate scientists warn<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/exxon-chevron-investors-reject-climate-change-proposals-2023-6">they aren't aggressive enough</a> to avert catastrophic levels of global warming.

Trump said he'll unleash an oil boom. Exxon Mobil CEO says not so fast.

Amid the ongoing geopolitical tension, the <keyword id="19904988" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-sector" source="keywords">energy sector</keyword> will continue to face challenge while the <keyword id="20468174" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-goods" source="keywords">consumer goods</keyword>, automotive, healthcare is set to expand in 2025, highlighted a report 'Industry Outlook 2025' by <keyword id="20618515" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Economist-Intelligence-Unit" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Economist Intelligence Unit" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Economist Intelligence Unit">Economist Intelligence Unit</keyword>. The report noted that the Fossil fuel markets will continue to face risks from geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine. However, investments in <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> will remain strong, especially in China, as the world pushes toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The report said "Fossil-fuel markets will continue to face <keyword id="20064250" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="geopolitical-risks" source="keywords">geopolitical risks</keyword> amid conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, but investment into renewables will remain strong, particularly in China." It also added that the financial sector faces a mixed outlook with falling interest rates anticipated to narrow bank profit margins, potentially leading to smaller dividend payouts for shareholders. Yet, regulatory easing could provide relief, with the Basel III endgame likely seeing further delays, softening the impact on banking institutions amid a challenging economic landscape. For the consumer goods and retailing the report added that the Global retail volumes are forecast to grow by 2.2 per cent in 2025, thanks to easing inflation. However, stricter regulations on online retailing will target high-volume, low-price retailers, to ensure fair competition and consumer protection. It said "Global retail volumes will expand by 2.2 per cent, helped by disinflation, but regulations around online retailing will tighten further" As per report, the <keyword id="20359760" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="automotive-sector" source="keywords">automotive sector</keyword> is set for a record year, it said "After a difficult few years, annual new-vehicle sales will reach a record 97.2m units in 2025. This includes a 2 per cent rise in new car sales, a 4 per cent increase in commercial vehicle sales, and a significant 16 per cent growth in <keyword id="19963112" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle-sales" source="keywords">electric vehicle sales</keyword>, reflecting the sector's recovery and the shift toward cleaner mobility. In technology the report added more countries will adopt satellite internet, although the primary users will be enterprise clients, including military and maritime sectors. Amazon's Project Kuiper will challenge the existing market dominance of Starlink and EutelSat OneWeb, offering more competition and potential growth in satellite connectivity. The resulting tensions will continue to affect investment into production and market entry, with companies taking advantage of government incentives to build out more flexible supply chains. <keyword id="23684177" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-in-technology" source="keywords">Investment in technology</keyword>, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), will also be strong as projects gather pace. However, technology companies will face pressure from several directions as regulations tighten (particularly in Europe), investors become more impatient for profits and their energy usage comes under more scrutiny.

You Searched For "vehicle production" and got 10 results

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