After terming India’s import duty barriers high for some time, US President Donald Trump has expressed that 2 April 2025 will be remembered as the day the American industry was reborn as his government announced a broad new tariff policy that imposes at least a 10 percent duty on nearly all imports from certain countries. In the case of India, the policy speaks of 26 percent ‘discounted' reciprocal tariffs. The tariff on China, on the other hand, is 34 percent. 

Aimed at protecting American farmers and ranchers, according to Trump, the broad-based tariff policy is also being termed as ‘national emergency’ driven in view of the ongoing trade deficits, which hit a record USD 1.2 trillion in 2024.

The German auto industry has reacted to the US policy by stating that it 'will only create losers'. While the Asian stock markets have shrunk in response to the announcement, the Indian Ministry of Commerce is analysing the impact of the 26 percent ‘discounted’ tariff announcement. 
Mentioning in its statement that it understands the intent of the US administration to boost domestic manufacturing and address trade imbalances, the Indian auto components apex body ACMA (Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India) has said that autos and auto parts as well as steel and aluminium articles are already subject to Section 232 tariffs at 25 percent announced earlier by the US President’s order on 26 March 2025. A detailed list of auto components that will be subject to 25 percent import tariff is awaited, it mentioned.

Shraddha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA and CMD, Subros Ltd, averred, “ACMA remains hopeful that the ongoing bilateral negotiations between the Indian and U.S. governments will lead to a balanced resolution that benefits both economies. We believe that the strong trade relationship between India and the United States, especially in the auto components sector, will encourage continued dialogue to mitigate the impacts of these measures. ACMA is committed to engaging with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term interests of the Indian auto component industry.”

Saurabh Agarwal, Partner and Automotive Tax Leader, EY India, observed, "With US automotive tariffs rising, India's electric vehicle sector has a prime opportunity to capture a larger share of the US market, especially in the budget car segment.” He drew attention to the fact that China's 2023 auto and component exports to the US stood at US$17.99 billion whereas India's were only US$2.1 billion in 2024, highlighting the potential for growth. “To accelerate this, the government should enhance the PLI scheme by including more auto components, opening it to new players, and extending it by two years,” he added. 

Mrunmayee Jogalekar, Auto and FMCG Research Analyst, Asit C Mehta Investment Interrmediates Ltd, expressed, “Certain sectors such as auto and auto ancillary, which are already subject to a separate 25 percent tariff announced in March are exempt to the levy of reciprocal tariffs. This means no additional tariffs will be imposed on this sector.”
Stating that other exempted segments include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, critical minerals and energy products, she informed,

“Since import duties apply to all trading partners, the extent of impact will vary across sectors and countries based on competitive advantages.” “For the Indian auto component industry, which derives around 30 percent of its revenue from exports, with 30 percent of that coming from the US, this could result in a potential hit on sales or profit margins,” she added. 

In FY2024, ACMA reported that India exported USS$ 6.79 billion worth of auto components to the US. It imported only USS 1.4 billion, resulting in a substantial trade surplus in India's favour. 

Against the backdrop of the broader tariff policy that speaks of a 26 percent duty of Indian exports to US, the discussion between Indian and the US regarding the bilateral trade agreement will assume importance as well as urgency. For US automotive companies to find their way to the Indian market despite their near cult status – the likes of Harley Davidson and Tesla – will only mean facing a competition that is stiffer than expected and a customer mindset that is far different from how it is in the US. 

Srikumar Krishnamurthy, Senior Vice-President & Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA, said, "The US Government has imposed a 25 percent tariff on passenger vehicles (sedans, sport utility vehicles, crossover utility vehicles, minivans and cargo vans) and light trucks (collectively referred to as automobiles), which come into effect from 3 April  2025. As the PV exports from India to the USA represent less than 1 percent of the total PV exports, the tariff imposition of the tariff does not have any material impact on the Automotive OEMs. The scenario is however different for auto components. On 12 March 2025, a 25 percent tariff was imposed on all aluminium and steel components being imported into the US. Subsequent to this, on 26 March 2025, a 25 percent tariff was imposed on other key auto parts as well (including engines, transmissions, powertrain components and key electrical parts except those under USMCA), with processes to expand tariffs on additional parts, if necessary. The effective date is pending but is expected to be no later than 3 May 2025. Auto components have not featured in the latest set of additional tariff announcements that has been made on 2 April 2025. India’s auto components exports accounted for around 29 percent of industry revenues in FY2024. Of this, about 27 percent went to the US. While the situation is evolving, the recent tariff related development and the consequent inflationary pressures and slowdown in demand in the US could have a negative impact on revenue and earnings for component exporters (in the affected product categories) over the next few months. Nevertheless, with higher tariffs being levied on other competing nations, this could also create long-term opportunities for the exporters. Exporters dependent on the US are also trying to diversify their revenue base across other geographies (including Asia). Measures to improve value addition, diversification into non-auto segments and cost-optimisation strategies are also being worked upon to reduce the potential impact on margins.

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The Indian automotive industry concluded FY2025-26 with record-breaking results, with every vehicle category clocking its highest-ever annual sales, as per data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

For FY2026, a total of 28 million vehicles were sold across segments in the country, clocking a 10 percent YoY growth, as compared to 26 million vehicles a year ago. The robust performance was seen in passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers, all achieving peak volumes, marking a definitive recovery 7 years after the previous industry high.

The passenger vehicle segment recorded sales of 4.64 million units for the full year, representing a growth of 7.9 percent. This performance was bolstered by a strong second half, which saw a 16.7 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Growth was supported by GST rate reductions, personal income tax relief and lower financing costs resulting from repo rate cuts by the RBI.

Notably, electric passenger vehicle registrations rose by more than 80 percent. Exports in this segment reached 905,000 units, a 17.5 percent increase, with demand remaining steady in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Commercial vehicles also reached a milestone with 1.08 million units sold, growing by 12.6 percent. The rollout of GST 2.0 reforms and increased capital expenditure provided the impetus for fleet operators to purchase new vehicles. In Q4 alone, the segment grew by 18.9 percent to 325,000 units.

Two and Three-Wheeler Momentum

The two-wheeler segment surpassed its previous peak from FY 2018-19, clocking 20.17 million units in FY2026, marking a 10.7 percent annual growth, primarily led by urban demand. Exports for two-wheelers reached a record 5.18 million units.

On the other hand, three-wheelers posted a growth of 12.8 percent with 836,000 units sold, driven by increased economic activity and the expansion of electric autorickshaws. Exports in the three-wheeler segment grew by 50.1 percent, largely due to increased volumes to Sri Lanka and African nations.

Market Outlook and Challenges

While the industry remains optimistic for FY2026-27, several global uncertainties persist. Fluctuations in crude oil and commodity prices, disruptions in shipping routes, and exchange rate volatility linked to the West Asia conflict remain primary concerns for manufacturers.

Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM, said, “Though FY2025-26 started modestly, the Indian Auto industry has closed the year on a high note with every vehicle category viz. passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers, together posting their highest ever sales in a Financial Year, after seven years. The strong contributors to this growth have been the positive sentiments created through GST 2.0 reforms and multiple Repo Rate cuts during the year. Looking ahead, domestic demand and macroeconomic fundamentals remain robust as we step into FY2026-27, which should aid steady growth for the industry. However, uncertainties arising from the West Asia conflict need to be closely monitored, as it may have impacts on production, commodity prices, fuel prices, freight rates and the overall economy.”

Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM, stated, “Each of the vehicle category, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three wheelers and two wheelers posted their highest ever sales in the January to March Quarter with double digit growth compared to previous year’s quarter. In Q4 of 2025-26, passenger vehicles posted sales of 1.31 million units with a growth of 13.2 percent, commercial vehicles posted sales of 325,000 units with a growth of 18.9 percent, three-wheelers posted sales of 227,000 units with a growth of 26.7 percent and two-wheelers posted sales of 5.77 million units with a growth of 26.4 percent, compared to Q4 of 2024-25.”

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Japanese automotive major Nissan Motor Co has announced its long-term strategic direction, ‘Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life’.

The plan focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence into vehicle systems and the expansion of electrification technologies to address global market requirements. Central to this strategy is the development of AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDV), which combine autonomous driving capabilities with intuitive passenger support systems.

The company aims to deploy its AI Drive technology across 90 percent of its product range over the long-term. The new Nissan Elgrand, scheduled for a summer 2026 launch, will feature next-generation ProPILOT technology with end-to-end autonomous functionality expected by the end of FY2027.

Nissan’s electrification strategy will be supported by its e-POWER series hybrid technology alongside new plug-in hybrid and range-extender solutions developed through partnerships.

As part of a portfolio rationalisation, Nissan will reduce its global line-up from 56 to 45 models, reallocating resources to growth areas. The product strategy categorises vehicles into four roles: Heartbeat (emotional and innovative models), Core (scale-driven models), Growth (emerging market models) and Partner (collaborative models). Key upcoming products include the Juke EV for Europe, the body-on-frame Xterra for the US market and a revitalised INFINITI range starting with the 2027 QX65 SUV.

The industrial model will transition to the Nissan Product Family strategy, moving from individual model development to architecture-led platforms. Three product families will eventually account for over 80 per cent of global volume, intended to increase volume per model by 30 per cent and accelerate the rollout of new technologies.

Regionally, Nissan has set a target of one million annual sales in the US by 2030, supported by localised manufacturing and large vehicle leadership. In China, the company aims for one million unit sales by 2030, utilising the region as an export hub for markets in Latin America, ASEAN and the Middle East. The Japanese domestic market will serve as a testing ground for mobility services and autonomous technologies, with an annual sales target of 550,000 units by 2030.

Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO, Nissan, said, “This is the right moment to articulate Nissan’s long‑term vision as we look beyond the Re:Nissan plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver products and technologies that are safer, more intuitive and more accessible with outstanding value and a more rewarding overall experience. As we continue on our path to recovery, it is essential that Nissan demonstrates our relentless focus on serving the customer, seizing the opportunities provided by AI technologies, expanding electrification and driving innovation into our vehicles to deliver sustainable market growth.”

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McLaren Automotive has appointed Kemal Curic as Chief Design Officer, effective from April 2026. Curic joins the company's Executive Leadership Team and assumes responsibility for the design vision and creative direction of the brand's vehicle portfolio. He will oversee all design functions, including interiors, exteriors, colour, materials, and finish (CMF), and digital design.

Curic moves to the British supercar manufacturer from Ford Motor Company, where he most recently held the position of Global Design Director for Performance Vehicles. His career spans over two decades in the global automotive industry, with a focus on luxury and high-performance vehicle design. In his new role, he will collaborate with the engineering and product strategy departments to maintain the company’s focus on lightweight and high-performance vehicle standards.

The appointment comes as McLaren continues to evolve its product line-up, integrating traditional racing heritage with new design innovations. Curic's previous work has been noted for its ability to update established vehicle series while maintaining brand authenticity.

Kemal Curic, Chief Design Officer, McLaren Automotive, said, “McLaren is one of the most respected and aspirational brands in the world. I’m excited to be part of their journey to help shape the design vision of a company so deeply rooted in engineering excellence and racing heritage. I look forward to working with the talented teams at McLaren to create the next generation of breathtaking, purpose‑driven cars.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its participants secured 9 medals at the IndiaSkills National Competition 2025-26.

The cohort achieved 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze medal across seven vocational categories. The competition serves as the primary platform for vocational excellence in India, with participants progressing through district, state and regional levels before reaching the national finals held in Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.

In the Mechatronics category, Deepu M S and Jayanth K won gold, while Ganesh P B and Punith Kumar received silver. Shashank S and Abhishek S S secured gold in Robotic System Integration, followed by Chirag G and Vinay M H with silver. In Additive Manufacturing, Pavan B S achieved gold and Harshith K B took silver. Individual gold medals were also awarded to Tejas B S for Auto Body Repair and Punith P for Mechanical Engineering CAD, while Praveen Y H earned a bronze medal in Welding.

The winners will now enter selection rounds for the WorldSkills Competition 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September. WorldSkills involves young professionals from over 60 countries competing in more than 65 technical skills. Toyota Kirloskar Motors’ participation in these events is part of a broader strategy to train technicians through advanced infrastructure and curricula aligned with international manufacturing standards.

G Shankara, Chief Strategy Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, we believe manufacturing excellence begins with nurturing exceptional talent. The remarkable performance of TKM participants at these prestigious events reflects their ability to excel across diverse skill categories and compete at the highest level. Their achievements embody the spirit of the Skill India Mission – empowering youth, nurturing creativity and fostering innovation. With such milestones, TKM continues to set new benchmarks in skill development and plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s growing talent landscape”

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