VinFast Auto India, the subsidiary of Vietnam-based electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has inducted its first cohort of 200 local professionals at its soon-to-be inaugurated factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The number is expected to gradually scale up to 3,500 workers over the next five years.

Selected candidates in Tamil Nadu are currently undergoing rigorous training, guided by Vietnamese subject matter experts and seasoned Indian professionals. This initiative aligns with Naan Mudhalvan, the Government of Tamil Nadu's flagship skilling programme, which aims to provide industry-relevant competencies to local youth.

Guidance Tamil Nadu's WorkLabs Cell is facilitating this industry-academia collaboration, ensuring a seamless talent pipeline. This follows a large-scale recruitment drive in April, where VinFast India, with support from the District Collector's Office and the Tamil Nadu Industries Department, partnered with local polytechnic colleges to identify, train, and onboard young diploma holders. VinFast's workforce strategy adopts an 80:20 hybrid model, with 80 percent of the plant workforce comprising freshers and trainees from local communities.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia, said, “We deeply appreciate the support of District Collector K Elambahavath and the Industries Department, whose collaborative approach has been vital in translating our talent development goals into reality. As we ramp up our operations in India, we are proud to invest in the people and potential of Tamil Nadu. With varied employment opportunities, this facility stands as a catalyst for regional growth as well as in building a resilient, inclusive and high-performance manufacturing ecosystem that can serve both Indian and global markets.”

VinFast India’s Thoothukudi plant is set to play a key role for the company’s Asia growth story. It will have a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per annum and is set to produce the VF 6 and VF 7 e-SUVs.

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BYD has made its debut in the top 100 of the Fortune Global 500, securing the 91st position in the 2025 ranking announced on 29 July. This marks a significant leap from its 143rd place in 2024 and represents its fourth consecutive year on the prestigious list since 2022.

The company achieved robust growth across its four core industries in 2024, generating annual revenue of RMB 777.1 billion (around USD 107.1 billion), a 29 percent increase year-on-year. BYD also set a new benchmark in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales, delivering 4.27 million units – a 41 percent surge compared to the previous year – solidifying its position as the global NEV sales leader for the third straight year.

Central to BYD’s success is its dedication to technological innovation, guided by a ‘Technology-based, Innovation-oriented’ philosophy. In 2024, the company invested RMB 54.2 billion (approximately USD 7.47 billion) in R&D, a 36 percent annual rise that exceeded its net profit. Remarkably, BYD has outpaced its annual net profit with R&D spending in 13 of the past 14 years, leading to breakthroughs like the Blade Battery, DiSus Intelligent Body Control System and Megawatt Flash Charging.

Expanding its global footprint, BYD accelerated overseas growth in 2025, with passenger vehicles and pickup trucks surpassing 470,000 units in overseas sales during the first half of the year. Key milestones include launching its European headquarters in Hungary, producing its first vehicle in Brazil and delivering its 90,000th NEV in Thailand. Today, BYD operates in 112 countries and regions, offering sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.

With its rising Fortune ranking underscoring its innovation and global strategy, BYD remains committed to advancing sustainable development and its mission to ‘Cool the Earth by 1°C’ through cutting-edge technology and expanded international presence.

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Automobili Lamborghini has reported strong financial and operational performance for the first half of 2025, demonstrating stability despite global economic challenges. The Italian automaker generated EUR 1.62 billion in revenue, matching previous year figures, while operating profit reached EUR 431 million – a slight decline attributed to unfavourable currency fluctuations. The company delivered 5,681 vehicles during this period, setting a new first-half record with a two percent year-over-year increase.

Maintaining robust profitability at 26.6 percent, Lamborghini continues its sustainable growth trajectory while renewing its entire product lineup. Regional deliveries were led by EMEA with 2,708 units, followed by the Americas (1,732) and APAC (1,241).

The brand's success reflects the execution of its Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, particularly its transition to a fully hybridised lineup. Key models driving this momentum include the Revuelto, Lamborghini's first High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV), featuring a groundbreaking 1,015 HP hybrid powertrain combining a V12 engine with three electric motors. Equally impactful is the Urus SE plug-in hybrid Super SUV, delivering 800 HP with enhanced efficiency and technology.

Later this year, Lamborghini will expand its electrified range with the Temerario, a new V8 HPEV super sports car that recently completed dynamic testing in Estoril. Scheduled for deliveries in early 2026, this model reinforces the brand's commitment to performance-oriented electrification, marking another milestone in its ongoing transformation.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “The results from the first six months of 2025 are solid despite global economic and political instability, confirming that the decision to hybridise the entire range was the right one. The success of the Revuelto and Urus SE demonstrates that our vision is shared by our customers, and we now look forward to the market launch of the Temerario, which will complete the first fully hybrid range in the segment.”

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “In the current macroeconomic and geopolitical context, the financial and business performance of the first half of 2025 demonstrates the resilience we have built over the years, and confirms once again the brand’s positioning among the leading players in the luxury sector.”

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in partnership with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), convened a roundtable conference titled ‘Gas se Gati, Bharat ki Pragati’ at the India Habitat Centre, focusing on the role of gas-based fuels in promoting cleaner mobility across India.

Held under SIAM’s ‘Gas Mobility’ initiative, the event brought together government officials, industry leaders and technical experts to discuss the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as alternative fuels for urban and long-distance transport.

In his opening address, Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “Globally, India is the largest user of gas fuels in mobility. We began with CNG cars and now have the largest gas-based bus and three-wheeler fleet. The launch of the world’s first CNG two-wheeler last year marked another key milestone.”

Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, highlighted the role of the auto industry in achieving carbon neutrality by 2047. He noted that the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme supports gas-powered vehicles and localisation of their components.

Additional Secretary from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Sudeep Jain, emphasised the potential of CBG from agricultural waste, stating that converting 10 percent of oil imports to CBG could significantly impact rural development, pollution control and energy self-sufficiency.

Maruti Suzuki’s Rahul Bharti acknowledged the government’s role in expanding CNG infrastructure, with nearly 10,000 stations targeted by 2025. He cited improvements in CNG fuel efficiency and job creation, adding that CBG and LNG also offer promising solutions for the transport sector.

The Commission for Air Quality Management’s Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee called gas-based transport a necessity, not a choice, especially for pollution control in Delhi-NCR. He pointed to efforts such as phasing out older vehicles and reducing stubble burning.

Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, said India’s energy transition in transport is well underway and gas fuels are an effective transitional option, supported by existing infrastructure.

The thematic session, chaired by Ved Prakash Mishra of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, reiterated gas’s relevance until full electrification is achieved. Academic and policy experts, including IIT Kanpur’s Prof Mukesh Sharma and MNRE’s Dr Gaurav Mishra, shared data on emissions reduction and the role of bioenergy.

Presentations covered city gas expansion, vehicle technology innovations, and infrastructure challenges, featuring speakers from Bajaj Auto, Mahanagar Gas and the Association of CGD Entities.

A panel discussion on CBG and LNG adoption, moderated by ICF’s Gurpreet Singh Chugh, included input from NITI Aayog, GAIL Gas, Indraprastha Gas, VE Commercial Vehicles and Tata Motors. Speakers discussed scalability, infrastructure needs, and the role of gas in supporting India’s net-zero goals by 2070.

The event concluded with remarks by Ashish Chutani, Chairman, SIAM Gas-Based Mobility Group and Head – Government & Policy Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India.

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Pune-headquartered Kinetic India, a legacy name in the scooter segment, has re-entered the two-wheeler segment with the Kinetic DX EV through its EV-focused subsidiary, Kinetic Watts and Volts (KWV).

The DX range, comprising the DX and DX+, is a fully made-in-India electric scooter line designed in collaboration with Italian designers and equipped with a range of segment-first features. The e-scooters are priced at INR 111,499 for the DX and INR 117,499 for the DX+ (ex-showroom, Pune). The DX+ will be offered in Red, Blue, White, Silver, and Black, while the DX is available in Silver and Black. Bookings are open online at INR 1,000.

Both models feature a strong metal body, a spacious floorboard and the largest-in-segment 37-litre under-seat storage. They are powered by a 2.6 kWh LFP battery developed by Range-X, offering a claimed IDC range of 116 km (on the DX+). The battery promises a lifespan of over 2,500 cycles – up to four times more than standard NMC batteries – and supports a 60V system with K-Coast regenerative braking. The electric motor delivers a claimed top speed of up to 90 kmph and includes three ride modes: Range, Power and Turbo.

The DX EV range features keyless start (Easy Key), a patented retractable charging cable on the DX+ (Easy Charge), and one-touch pillion footrest deployment (Easy Flip). Both variants come with reverse and hill-hold assist, front telescopic and adjustable rear suspension, a 220mm front disc brake, and a 130mm rear drum brake with combi-braking.

The DX+ variant adds app connectivity and Telekinetic features such as real-time ride statistics, vehicle tracking, Geo-fencing and voice alerts. It also includes a Bluetooth-enabled Kinetic Assist switch, in-built speaker for music and voice navigation. Bookings are limited to 35,000 units, with deliveries starting September 2025.

Kinetic Watts & Volts has received INR 720 million in capital from Kinetic Engineering and its promoters, who have also pledged an additional INR 1.7 billion to scale the DX platform.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman, Kinetic India, said, “The legendary Kinetic DX set so many firsts back in the ’90s, that it earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions. Reviving this icon was about more than just launching a scooter, it was about bringing back the reliability, innovation, and robustness that defined Kinetic for decades, giving it a future-ready soul. With the new DX, we’ve introduced multiple segment-first features that we’re confident, will make it a favourite in the new era of electric mobility. This marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Kinetic and for the evolution of electric mobility in India."

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