Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has struck an upbeat yet reflective note on the automotive industry’s outlook, signalling confidence in demand, technology-led disruption and India’s growing role in shaping the future of mobility. In a year-end address to employees, Mahindra underlined that the Group’s recent performance is less about short-term numbers and more about structural shifts underway in the business and the broader industry.

The Group’s automotive operations stood out in what Mahindra described as a year of ‘market leadership and redefined expectations’.

Mahindra & Mahindra’s SUV portfolio delivered a record market share, consolidating the company’s position in one of India’s most competitive and fast-evolving segments. The performance, he suggested, reflects a sharper understanding of consumer aspirations rather than cyclical tailwinds.

Beyond passenger vehicles, Mahindra’s farm equipment business recorded its highest-ever quarterly market share, while its electric three-wheeler business retained leadership in a crowded and price-sensitive market. Together, these segments underline the Group’s diversified exposure to rural demand, urban mobility and electrification – three pillars that continue to define India’s automotive growth story.

Mahindra framed these achievements as ‘launchpads’, arguing that the Indian automotive industry is entering a phase where execution and innovation matter more than legacy positioning. Once known primarily for rugged, utilitarian products, Mahindra is now increasingly associated with modern design, connected technologies and electric mobility.

“EVs did not just change our portfolio; they changed the conversation,” he said, signalling that electrification has become central to the Group’s identity rather than an adjunct strategy.

This shift mirrors broader trends across the Indian automotive sector, where OEMs are balancing near-term internal combustion engine demand with longer-term bets on electric platforms, software-defined vehicles and advanced manufacturing. Mahindra’s message suggests confidence that Indian players can compete not just on cost, but on technology and relevance.

A significant part of Mahindra’s outlook is shaped by the rapid advance of artificial intelligence and automation. While AI is often seen as a disruptive force for manufacturing jobs, Mahindra offered a contrarian view, particularly relevant for automotive production and supply chains. He argued that AI will act as an ‘accelerator, not a threat’, enhancing the value of hands-on skills on the shop floor.

According to Mahindra, technicians, machinists and operators who can work alongside intelligent systems will become premium assets. In an automotive context, this has implications for everything from smart factories and predictive maintenance to quality control and EV assembly.

“AI can turn blue collar into gold,” he remarked, highlighting a future where digitally enabled manufacturing skills command higher productivity, dignity and income.

The Group is backing this view with investments in skilling and education. Mahindra highlighted its involvement with vocational training initiatives and engineering talent development, positioning skills as a strategic enabler for the next phase of industrial growth. This emphasis also aligns with global shifts in talent mobility, as tighter visa regimes in the West potentially create opportunities for India to retain and attract high-quality engineering and technology talent.

For the automotive industry, this could translate into stronger domestic R&D capabilities, deeper supplier ecosystems and global mandates being executed from India. Mahindra argued that the country has an opportunity to move from being a global ‘back office’ to a global ‘think tank’, especially as Global Capability Centres expand their footprint.

Looking ahead, Mahindra acknowledged that the external environment remains uncertain, shaped by geopolitical volatility, technological disruption and evolving consumer behaviour. However, he positioned uncertainty as a test of resilience rather than a deterrent. With sharper capabilities in mobility, electrification and manufacturing skills, the Group believes it is well placed to chart new growth paths.

For India’s automotive industry, the message is clear: leadership in the next decade will belong to companies that combine product innovation with talent development and technological confidence.

As Mahindra put it, “the future belongs to those who build it” — a sentiment that resonates strongly as the sector navigates its most significant transformation in decades.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company is optimistic about delivering above-industry growth in the coming quarters, supported by robust structural demand drivers, replacement needs, improving affordability, and accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

In a post-earnings call, K N Radhakrishnan, Director and Chief Executive Officer, TVS Motor Company, said, “Structural demand drivers, replacement demand, affordability, and continued EV adoption. All these are going to be supportive and I’m pretty confident that TVS will do much better than the industry growth.”

The company continues to see strong momentum in its electric vehicle segment. Following the milestone of crossing one million iQube sales, EV penetration exceeded 10.6 percent in June.

TVS Motor Co’s manufacturing capacity for electric two-wheelers is being scaled from 40,000 units towards more than 50,000 units, while three-wheeler EV capacity is expanding to approximately 30,000 units.

Radhakrishnan sees demand for internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers to remain solid in the domestic market, with the company’s scooter portfolio — including the Jupiter, Ntorq and Scooty ranges — registering robust retail offtake. This has been supported by targeted product upgrades and disciplined inventory management, with dealer stock levels maintained below 30 days.

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On the international front, TVS Motor achieved record Q1 sales of 4.68 million units, a 33 percent YoY increase. Growth was driven by a recovery in Africa, expansion in Latin America and strong demand for the HLX series. The company is targeting an increase in total two-wheeler capacity to 8.3 million units.

Despite commodity price volatility and supply chain challenges in April, TVS Motor delivered a healthy operating EBITDA margin of 12.8 percent through strategic price adjustments of approximately 1.5 percent in Q1, ongoing cost optimisation and benefits from scale.

With the festive season approaching in October and November, the company expects sustained momentum across both domestic and international markets, supported by new product introductions and an expanding global footprint.

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European auto major Stellantis has announced leadership changes for the Ram and Jeep brands. Matt VanDyke has been appointed CEO of the Ram brand, effective 20 July, succeeding Tim Kuniskis. Branden Cote has been named CEO of the Jeep brand, effective 3 August, succeeding Bob Broderdorf, who is taking medical leave and will assume a new role upon his return. Both executives will report to Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, North America Marketing and Retail strategy, Stellantis North America.

VanDyke joins Ram following roles as President of Shift Digital, CEO of FordDirect and leadership positions at Ford Motor Company. Cote joins Jeep with industry experience across OEM and dealer retail operations, including roles with AutoNation, Aston Martin Lagonda, Canoo and Mercedes-Benz USA.

Tim Kuniskis, said, “Matt and Branden are proven leaders who will build on our successes and take these iconic American brands to the next level. Their skills and deep industry experience align with our simple – but very important – customer-centric objective: to provide people with the brands and products they love and trust. I also want to thank Bob Broderdorf for his exceptional leadership of Jeep. Bob is a dedicated and valued colleague, and a friend to many across the Company. I look forward to continuing our work together when he takes on his new role.”

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GMC has introduced the HUMMER EV ICON | 25, a limited-run edition marking 25 years of the HUMMER nameplate. The vehicle will be available in 2X and 3X trims for both Pickup and SUV models.

The limited edition features an exterior colour named ‘ICON,’ which draws inspiration from the yellow paint used on the HUMMER H2. The EV includes a black interior, a front approach shield, serialised badging and infotainment graphics. Each unit will come with a keepsake.

The HUMMER EV ICON | 25 made its debut at the 2026 ESPYS in New York City, where GMC served as a sponsor.

Michael MacPhee, Global Vice-President, Buick and GMC, said, “Twenty-five years ago, HUMMER first captured attention and established itself as an immediate icon. Today, HUMMER remains instantly recognisable as an all-electric supertruck that continues to turn heads. The GMC HUMMER EV | ICON 25 is our way of recognising that legacy and its debut at the 2026 ESPYs places it among athletes, celebrities and icons whose influence has also stood the test of time.”

For MY2027, the HUMMER EV lineup will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) inlet and provide vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging.

GMC is introducing five exterior colour options – ICON, Dark Ridge, Azurite Blue, Dark Ember, and Deep Void Matte – alongside two 22-inch wheel options.

The EV continues to offer features including 4-Wheel Steer with CrabWalk and King Crab, Air Ride Adaptive suspension and Extract Mode. Technology features include Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance, the Infinity Roof, and camera views.

The 3X Pickup model comes with 1,160 horsepower and 13,000 lb.-ft of torque and a claimed zero to 60 mph (96 kmph) time of 2.8 seconds when equipped with the 24-module battery.

Production of the 2027 GMC HUMMER EV and the ICON | 25 edition will commence later this year at the Factory ZERO Assembly Center in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan. It will be available in the U.S. and Canada, with pricing to be announced closer to the start of production.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Shaurya Vijay Yatra 2026 at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, marking the commencement of nationwide observances for Kargil Vijay Diwas. The 13-day expedition, organised by Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, features 28 riders traversing a 1,900-kilometre route to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh. The group comprises serving and retired defence personnel alongside their families, united under the rallying cry of ‘One Ride, One Nation, One Salute’ to honour the bravery and ultimate sacrifices of the 1999 Kargil War heroes.

The motorcycle contingent is scheduled to pass through significant military landmarks including Chandimandir, Rezang La and the Leh War Memorials before its scheduled arrival on 26 July. A central element of the journey involves transporting an urn filled with sacred soil from the National War Memorial to Kargil, symbolising the enduring valour of India's warriors across generations. The riders will also pay personal tributes to Veer Naris, acknowledging the resilience of the war widows.

Senior military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani and Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, joined the Defence Minister at the ceremonial start, alongside veterans and senior officials. The presence of the National Cadet Corps underscored the event's focus on inspiring youth to remember the nation's gallant soldiers and embrace the core principles of duty and selfless service.

During his address, the Defence Minister commemorated the soldiers whose courage upheld the nation's honour, framing the Kargil victory as a testament to India's steadfast sovereignty. He specifically recalled the contributions of Param Vir Chakra recipients Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey and Subedar Majors Yogendra Singh Yadav and Sanjay Kumar. Initiated in 2021, this tribute ride has evolved into a cherished tradition, with each kilometre travelled serving as a poignant reminder that the nation's freedom is preserved by those who place their country above all else.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, "Shaurya Vijay Yatra is our way of remembering the heroes of Kargil and their families. We started this tribute with the belief that remembering their sacrifices and being grateful is a shared responsibility. Through this journey, we remain committed to keeping their memories alive for future generations. Alongside the Indian Army, we are honoured to undertake this tribute and pay homage to our bravehearts."

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