Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, and Presidency University (PU) in Bengaluru have joined forces to introduce a new M. Tech program in Automotive Information Technology.

The partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to develop a new generation of engineers with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving automotive industry that is increasingly focused on software and IT solutions.

The four-semester program is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. An initial intake of 18 students will have the opportunity to participate in global internships with Toyota, gaining hands-on exposure to advanced technologies.

This collaboration will see both parties jointly develop the curriculum, with TKM providing insights into industry needs and emerging trends. The automaker will also facilitate the setup of specialised on-campus laboratories, while Presidency University will manage the facilities and day-to-day operations.

Leaders from both organizations emphasized the need to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands.

G Shankara, Executive Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The auto industry is undergoing a paradigm shift with the advent of software-defined vehicles, autonomous technologies and connected mobility solutions. At TKM, we recognise the urgent need to develop a new generation of engineers who are as adept in IT as they are in automotive systems. With Presidency University, we aim to meet our organizational talent requirements and contribute to India’s emergence as a global hub for automotive IT expertise.”

Dr. Nissar Ahamed, Chancellor of Presidency University, said, “This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs. By working closely with Toyota Kirloskar Motor, our students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of mobility. We are confident that this initiative will empower our students to lead in a rapidly transforming industry landscape.”

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The Finance Ministry, Government of India, has reduced Goods & Services Tax (GST) on new vehicles from 28 percent to 18 percent, effective 22 September 2025.

The move is part of the government’s focus to simplify the tax structure, along with pushing domestic consumption to cushion from external economic impacts such as US tariffs.

For the automotive industry, the government has reduced GST on petrol, petrol-hybrid, LPG, CNG (not exceeding 1200 cc and 4000mm) from 28 percent to 18 percent. Similarly diesel and diesel-hybrid vehicles (not exceeding 1500 cc and 4000 mm) the taxes have been revised to 18 percent. For three-wheelers, motor vehicles for transport of goods and two-wheelers (upto 350cc and below) are being taxed in the 18 percent bracket.

On the other hand, luxury vehicles, two-wheelers (above 350cc) and petrol (exceeding 1200 cc and 4000 mm) and diesel vehicles (exceeding 1500 cc and 4000 mm) are expected to be taxed in the 40 percent bracket.

In what may comes as a cheer for the agrarian economy sector, the government has slashed GST on tractor tyres and part from 18 percent to 5 percent; tractors from 12 percent to 5 percent and agricultural machinery from 12 percent to 5 percent respectively.

Welcoming the decision, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, “The next-generation GST reforms announced today mark a defining moment in India’s journey towards building a simpler, fairer, and more inclusive tax system. By moving to a streamlined two-rate structure and focusing on essentials that touch the lives of every citizen- from food, health, and insurance to agriculture and small businesses -the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. The rationalisation measures will not only provide immediate relief to households but also strengthen key sectors such as  automobiles, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and MSMEs - all of which are vital to job creation and sustainable growth. The correction of long-pending inverted duty structures in critical industries is welcome. At Mahindra, we view these reforms as transformative. They simplify compliance, expand affordability, and energise consumption, while enabling industry to invest with greater confidence. This bold step is in line with the vision articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of building a citizen-centric, future-ready Bharat. It strengthens India’s economic foundations and will help drive the next phase of equitable and inclusive growth- journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.”

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The Indian automobile industry saw varied performances across two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles in August 2025, with TVS Motor Co posting record-breaking numbers, Bajaj Auto seeing a dip in motorcycles, while Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and VE Commercial Vehicles reporting steady to moderate growth.

TVS Motor Company achieved its highest-ever monthly sales, crossing the 500,000 units milestone. Domestic two-wheeler sales rose 28 percent from 289,073 units in August 2024 to 368,862 units in August 2025. Motorcycle sales grew 30 percent, while scooter sales jumped 36 percent. In the three-wheeler segment, TVS Motor Co saw a 47 percent increase with 18,748 units sold.

Bajaj Auto reported a decline in the domestic two-wheeler market, with sales falling 12 percent to 184,109 units from 208,621 units last year. However, three-wheeler sales showed resilience, recording 48,289 units, a 7 percent growth over August 2024.

Suzuki Motorcycle India reported domestic sales growth of 5 percent at 91,629 units, as compared to 87,480 for same period last year. On the exports front, the company shipped 22,307 units, which was 29 percent higher YoY. Interestingly, the company reported its highest-ever spare parts sales in August 2025 at INR 856 million, up 21 percent YoY.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “We extend our heartful gratitude to our customers for their continued trust in Suzuki two-wheelers. The growth in August sales gives us momentum going into the festive season and we look forward to delighting more customers with our products and services.”

Mahindra & Mahindra faced pressure in the utility vehicle (SUV) segment, where sales declined 9 percent YoY to 39,399 units. On the other hand, commercial vehicle sales rose to 22,427 units, supported by strong growth in the 2T–3.5T LCV category and three-wheelers.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “August witnessed relatively robust demand in the SUV segment amidst anticipated GST rate changes. This month, Mahindra reported 7.4 percent YoY growth in PV Vahan registrations. In our commercial vehicles segment, Vahan registrations grew by 16 percent YoY (<7.5T LCV category). With the final GST announcement approaching, we consciously decided to bring down the wholesale billing to minimise the stock being carried by our dealers. We look forward to the GST rationalisation, which would be a demand driver through the festive season. Total vehicle sales stood at 75,901 units, marking a flat growth compared to the same period last year, with SUV sales of 39,399 units recording -9 percent YoY decline.” 

Tata Motors recorded total domestic sales of 68,482 units, down 2 percent from 70,006 units in August 2024. Passenger vehicle sales, including EVs, fell 7 percent to 41,001 units, while commercial vehicle sales rose 6 percent to 27,481 units. Notably, Tata’s EV sales surged 44 percent to 8,540 units.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor maintained its growth trajectory with domestic sales of 29,302 units, an 11 percent increase over August 2024.  

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said, “We sold 34,236 units in August 2025, maintaining our steady presence in the market and are encouraged by the continued trust customers place in our cars and services. September will be an important phase for the industry overall and we will closely observe market trends as they unfold. At Toyota, our focus remains on innovating and introducing value-added services through the festive season, with the hope of uplifting customer sentiment and making purchase decisions easier and more joyful.”

Ashok Leyland witnessed a flat growth with 13,622 units sold in the domestic market, which was 2 percent higher than 13,347 units sold last year. This includes 7,991 M&HCVs, up 3 percent YoY and 5,631 LCVs, up 1 percent YoY.

VE Commercial Vehicles reported domestic sales of 6,331 units, a 5 percent growth over 6,028 units sold in August 2024.

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The automotive industry world over faces significant sustainability challenges, including high carbon and other particulate emissions, depleting resources, supply chain complexities and slower pace of transition to cleaner and greener mobility. Indian automotive industry over and above has additional challenges, where gaps in recycling infrastructure, hazardous waste disposal and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) management further obstructs sustainability in the sector. The balance between cost and greener technologies is much trickier to handle.

To bring national attention to this burning topic, a Sustainable Mobility Conclave 2025, is planned at NATRAX, Indore, which isn’t just another conference but a movement to reimagine, redesign and reinvent how Indian automotive carve out its sustainable future path.

The mission: A circular, sustainable and low-emission future

With its core theme, ‘Recycling, Circularity and Sustainability in Mobility’, the conclave seeks to align the Indian automotive ecosystem with global best practices on environmental responsibility. The event aims to be a catalyst for change – putting focus on how vehicles and its associated components are designed, manufactured, consumed and, ultimately, responsibly retired.

In view of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Management Rules and a rising need for compliance under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the conclave arrives at a critical juncture.

Why this conclave?

India is poised to witness 80 million EVs on the road by 2030. But without parallel efforts in circular economy practices, recycling infrastructure and emission reduction, green mobility may not be truly green. The European Union already recovers 95 percent of vehicle materials from scrapped vehicles, a benchmark India must realistically chase.

Switching to recycled materials, embracing bio-based alternatives and integrating green energy into manufacturing are not just environmental mandates anymore – they are strategic business moves. Reduction in import dependency and a stable supply chain is the need of the hour.

What to expect?

This two-day summit is designed to bring together a powerful mix of automotive manufacturers, recyclers, government leaders, startups and academic minds. And the agenda? Packed with purpose.

Day 1 highlights:

• Session 1: Circular economy lessons – Tapping into waste as a resource, with a strong focus on e-waste, industrial scrap and auto components.
• Session 2: Nature’s waste into products – How bamboo, fruit pulp, seaweed and more are being transformed into auto-grade materials.
• Session 3: From policy to practice – Bridging gaps between regulation and action; featuring deep dives into ESG, green data centres and the Right to Repair.
• Session 4: Industry success stories – Real-world case studies from top OEMs on implementing sustainable systems.

Day 2 focus areas:

• Session 5: Beyond metals – Innovation in plastic, rubber and fibre reuse.
• Session 6: Sustainability education – Building a green-ready workforce.
• Session 7: Organisational sustainability – How automotive companies are embedding sustainability into their DNA.
• Session 8: Leadership reflections – A unique dialogue on the societal impact of green mobility transitions.

Join the movement

The Sustainable Mobility Conclave 2025 isn’t just about talks. It’s about transformation. Whether you’re an OEM, policymaker, recycling expert, student or sustainability advocate, this is where the narrative of Indian future mobility is getting actively debated and jointly co-created.

Because sustainability isn’t a choice anymore. It’s the only road ahead!

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Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co recently established a new retail finance company in India, christened ‘Honda Finance India’. The new company will provide customers with retail sales financing services, including loans and lease sales options for Honda products in India.

The automaker states that with demand for two-wheelers and four-wheelers set to grow in India, there will be a significant growth opportunity for retail finance too. Till now, retail sales financing services has been primarily done by local financial institutions in India.

However, Honda aims to further strengthen its business in India by offering its own sales financing services through a local subsidiary in India. For this, Honda Finance India is applying for a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license to conduct financial services business in India.

The Japanese company states that for it financial services business has been one of the main business areas and it has established local subsidiaries specialising in retail sales financing services in Japan and various countries in key regions such as North America and Europe. With the establishment of the new company, India became the ninth country where Honda has a local subsidiary to offer financial services.

Going forward, in anticipation of the global expansion of software-defined vehicle (SDV) sales in the future, Honda is looking into opportunities to offer new financial services designed to increase customer satisfaction and the value of the customer experience using various data from Honda SDVs.

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