us automakers

Elon Musk navigates a complex relationship in China, where his EV ventures are lauded but his SpaceX satellite network raises military concerns. While celebrated as a social media icon, Tesla faces increasing competition from domestic automakers, potentially dimming Musk's influence.

Ford CEO Jim Farley warns that Chinese electric vehicles entering the US market would be 'devastating' for American manufacturing. He argues for maintaining high tariffs, citing China's massive production capacity and potential cybersecurity risks. Farley also highlighted a critical shortage of skilled trades workers in the US, a concern he believes China addresses more effectively.

German robotics giant Kuka is pivoting towards Asia and the US, citing slow AI adoption and modernization among European industrial firms, particularly in Germany's automotive sector. CEO Christoph Schell highlighted intense competition and shrinking profit margins in Europe. The company is seeking growth in markets like China, India, and Southeast Asia, alongside the US, which benefits from import tariffs.

Three Democratic senators urged President Trump to block Chinese automakers from entering the U.S. market, citing economic and national security risks. They highlighted concerns over unfair competition, state-backed subsidies, and potential data security threats from connected vehicles. The senators also called for preventing Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S. via Canada and Mexico.

Analysts say the extent of the Iran conflict’s impact will depend on its duration and whether it fuels inflation, prompting central banks to maintain or raise interest rates. “The current Middle East conflict adds tremendous amount of uncertainty to the vehicle market,” said Cox Automotive economist Charlie Chesbrough.

Chinese battery giant CATL asserts that the US cannot produce electric vehicles without China's involvement, citing its global dominance. Despite US lawmakers' efforts to block Chinese batteries, CATL and BYD remain unfazed, believing protectionist measures will hinder the American auto market. CATL's technology and low costs have propelled its leadership, with a significant portion of global EVs using its batteries.

JSW MG Motor India will increase prices by up to 2% on select models starting April 1, 2026, to manage rising input costs. This price revision affects both ICE and electric vehicles in the mainline portfolio, excluding premium EVs sold via MG Select. Customers are advised to book before March end to avoid the hike.

All powertrains come paired with an updated ISG 2.0 mild-hybrid system. The 48-volt integrated starter-generator supports power boost, energy recuperation and engine-off coasting. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission takes gearbox duties. The Indian market is expected to get only 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engine options.

Sony and Honda have cancelled their Afeela 1 sedan and its unnamed SUV concept, ending a six-year project that came agonisingly close to the finish line. The Afeela 1 was already in trial production at Honda's Ohio plant and weeks from its first California deliveries. Honda's sweeping EV retreat—a $15.7 billion writedown that will hand the automaker its first annual loss since 1957—left the joint venture with no platform to build on and no path forward.

In December, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents several major automakers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Stellantis, said China presents a growing challenge to the US auto industry and urged Washington to prevent Chinese state-backed automakers and battery companies from establishing manufacturing facilities in the country.

The range-topping S 680 will vary by market. The US and UAE are expected to retain the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 with 630hp and 900Nm, while markets such as India are likely to get a higher-output version of the 4.0-litre V8 with 612hp and 850Nm. A right-hand-drive V12, if offered globally, could be brought to India as a CBU.

Some businesses are already seeing a shift. A used EV dealer near London reported record sales shortly after the conflict began and is increasing inventory amid expectations of continued demand, as buyers anticipate further fuel price hikes. However, analysts say such price increases may not immediately change broader car-buying behaviour.

Citi has revised its Nifty target to 27,000 from the earlier estimate of 28,500. The new projection suggests a potential upside of about 17 percent from the index’s last closing level.

SK has invested heavily in Jackson County in recent years as automakers expanded plans to develop and produce electric vehicles and the federal government under former President Joe Biden backed efforts to build a domestic EV supply chain. In June 2020, the company also announced plans to invest $940 million to expand battery manufacturing in the Atlanta area.

Global conflicts, from the Middle East to Ukraine, are directly impacting Indian households. Expect higher grocery bills due to rising LPG, cooking oil, and pulse prices. Commuting costs are increasing with fuel surcharges on flights. Even education abroad and consumer electronics are becoming more expensive, while stock market losses affect savings. The ripple effects are undeniable.