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.

Image for representative purpose only.

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Just four months after a celebratory opening, the USD 5.8 billion BlueOval SK battery plant has hit a dramatic standstill. The facility, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and South Korea’s SK On, is now sitting idle, leaving approximately 1,600 workers jobless and sparking a heated political debate over the future of American manufacturing stated news reports.

The 1,500-acre site was positioned in mid-2025 as the crown jewel of Kentucky's economic development, promised to be a ‘lifeline’ for the region's workforce. However, by December, the optimism vanished as Ford and SK On dissolved their partnership. Ford has confirmed the plant will remain idle for roughly 18 months as it undergoes a total strategic pivot.

Rather than powering the next generation of electric cars and trucks, the facility is being retooled to produce battery energy storage systems (BESS). These industrial-sized batteries are intended for power grids, data centres and commercial utilities.

Ford executives cited a ‘harsh operating reality’ for the pause, specifically:

• Slowing Demand: US EV sales projections for 2030 have been slashed from 45 percent of the market to as low as 9 percent.
• Regulatory Shifts: The administration has moved to rescind federal EV tax credits of up to USD 7,500, which many argue has cooled consumer interest.
• Supply Chain Pressures: New requirements for 100 percent US-made components for charging infrastructure have further complicated the transition.

The shutdown has become a lightning rod for political finger-pointing. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has blamed federal policy shifts – specifically the rollback of EV incentives – for draining the market momentum that justified the plant's massive scale.

Conversely, some industry critics and workers, like maintenance technician Joe Morgan, suggest the failure also lies in corporate strategy, arguing that Ford may have overestimated the public's immediate appetite for all-electric versions of flagship models like the F-150.

Image credit: Ford Motor Co

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India has pledged to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by 50 percent by 2030 following the launch of the New Delhi Road Safety Declaration. Hosted by the Bharat Association of Road Safety Volunteers (BARS) at IIT Delhi, the initiative sets a long-term goal of zero preventable road deaths, aligning with the WHO Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030).

The National Road Safety Confluence brought together the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), the World Health Organization (WHO), state governments, insurers and vehicle manufacturers. The framework identifies three primary pillars for cooperation – Samaaj (Society), Sarkaar (Government) and Bazaar (Industry).

The Declaration adopts a Safe System Approach, prioritising human life in mobility decisions. Implementation will focus on five pillars:

• Governance & Accountability: Shifting metrics from road construction distances to lives saved and ensuring independent monitoring.
• Infrastructure & Blackspot Management: Continuous data-driven mapping of high-risk zones and safety audits of design.
• Safer Vehicles: Eliminating sub-standard components and integrating AI-enabled enforcement.
• Road User Behaviour: Mandatory practical driver training and stricter penalties for repeat violations.
• Post-Crash Response: Optimising the 'Golden Hour' through trauma care and standardised crash investigation.

India records the highest number of road fatalities globally. The confluence identified systemic gaps, including under-utilised crash data, fragmented accountability across agencies and inadequate emergency response integration.

The Declaration marks a transition from awareness campaigns to measurable implementation. Signatories have committed to time-bound action plans and the strengthening of district-level enforcement capacity.

Dr Mats-Ake Belin, Global Lead – Decade of Action for Road Safety, WHO, said, “Road safety is now firmly on the global agenda, with strong political and media attention. Our responsibility is to move beyond awareness and ensure consistent, evidence-based implementation so that no country is left behind in preventing road traffic deaths.”

V Umashankar, Secretary (Road Transport & Highways), MoRTH, added, “As a nation, we cannot accept road fatalities as inevitable. Each accident is personal, each loss preventable. Awareness is not enough - what we need is organised, district-level action, backed by certainty of enforcement and supported by strong institutions. When compliance becomes habit and accountability becomes certain, road safety will move from intention to impact.”

Rama Shankar Pandey, Chairman – BARS, stated, “Road safety is not merely a transport issue; it is a governance responsibility and a moral obligation. The New Delhi Declaration shifts the national conversation from fragmented initiatives to coordinated, time-bound, accountable action.”

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Tata Motors-owned British brand Defender has become the first luxury automotive brand in India to launch an anamorphic display. The installation is located at the Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai from 20–22 February 2026. Following the Mumbai launch, the display will move to Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai.

The 35 x 16 feet screen uses anamorphic effects to create a 3D visual experience where the vehicle appears to emerge from the display. The content was produced in collaboration with Inventech, a Laqshya Media Group company.

The activation marks a shift toward digital storytelling within the Indian luxury automotive sector. By utilising forced perspective, the display aims to visualise the vehicle’s design and presence without physical hardware.

Rajan Amba, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “Defender has a tremendous following and aspirational value in India stemming from its iconic heritage and off-road legacy that continues to inspire admiration across generations. Bringing India’s first luxury automotive anamorphic display to life is a natural extension of this legacy.”

Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said, “This activation is not merely a showcase of an iconic 4x4; it’s a statement of how innovation, creativity and experiential storytelling can converge to redefine engagement in luxury automotive. Through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire, captivate and connect with our audience in ways that reflect the unmatched capability, vision and spirit of Defender.”

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) concluded its four-day Sustainability Week 2026 by hosting the inaugural International Conference on Automotive Material Compliance & Sustainability (AMCS) at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The event convened global regulators, industry leaders, technology experts and policymakers under the theme ‘Driving Circularity, Compliance and Innovation in the Global Automotive Supply Chain'.

The opening session, ‘India's Transition towards Sustainable Mobility & Material Compliance’, was addressed by SIAM Executive Director Prashant K Banerjee, who emphasised India's role as the world's third-largest auto industry in advancing sustainable mobility through global safety standards and circular economy principles. He noted that compliance with the End-of-Life Vehicles Rules 2025 strengthens structured vehicle scrappage and resource recovery. During this session, a context paper titled ‘Strengthening Automotive Material Compliance Across the Vehicle Value Chain’ was released.

Jaywant Hardikar, Senior Advisor at ICAT, addressed attendees by framing sustainable mobility as a legacy for future generations. He called for circularity in product life cycles, strong linkages between vehicle end-of-life and material reuse and quantifiable targets such as sustainability indexes or digital product passports for every vehicle. Hardikar emphasised that government-registered scrapping facilities would play key roles in ensuring proper material segregation from the design stage onward.

Sanjeev Jain, Director of Purchase at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, shared insights on India's journey towards global green mobility leadership through circular economy principles and resilient supply chains. He pointed to policy measures including Extended Producer Responsibility mandates, vehicle scrappage norms and CAFE standards as key drivers for achieving 45 percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 through clean technologies including flex fuels, electric vehicles, charging networks, green logistics and green hydrogen.

Frank Nottebom, Account Delivery Executive for IMDS & CDX at DXC Technology, highlighted India's strategic importance for the International Material Data System, noting that active Indian users had grown from 3,600 to 21,000 in 2025. Hanno Focken, Managing Director of Catena-X, discussed global automotive value chain complexity and advocated for open, neutral and industry-governed solutions as India positions itself as a central link in global digital automotive supply chains. Dr Prabhakar Bhangare, CEO of Global PCCS, delivered the vote of thanks, emphasising shared commitment between manufacturers and service providers towards zero pollution goals.

The first technical session focused on ‘Policy and Regulatory Framework for End-of-Life Vehicles Worldwide’, moderated by SIAM Senior Advisor Dr Rashid Hasan. Dr A Ramesh Kumar, Principal Scientist at CSIR-NEERI, explained that Persistent Organic Pollutants are regulated under the Stockholm Convention requiring controls on 37 listed substances. International presentations followed from Europe delivered by Naina Agrawal of Marelli representing CLEPA and SaiKishore Uddandi of Joison Safety System representing CLEPA. From United States, Shridhar Rajappanavar of Key Sustainability represented AIAG. From Japan, Yoshihito Tanaka and Yosuke Miyake represented JAPIA.

The second technical session addressed ‘Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Transparency’, chaired by Frank Nottebom. Key presentations included Asmita Sathaye of Tata Motors on IMDS data best practices, Muthukumar N of Ashok Leyland on IMDS data accuracy and Hanno Focken on building digital ecosystems. Anja Lang of BMW Group and Shanawaz Sheik addressed product carbon footprint integration in IMDS. Deepti Kapil, Additional Director at CPCB, provided insights on end-of-life vehicle management guidelines.

The third technical session featured a panel discussion on ‘Overcoming Product Compliance Challenges in OEMs & Component Manufacturers’. Dr Prabhakar Bhangare served as moderator, delivering a context presentation on IMDS adoption levels and supplier maturity in India. Martin Eichhorn of DXC Technology addressed the session. The panel included Auto OEM representatives Arun Kumar of TVS Motor Company and Paurnima Barwe of Volvo. Auto Component Manufacturers were represented by Dr Naveen Verma of DENSO, Deepak Patil of Uno Minda and Sharad Raut of Southco. Sri Vinnakota of APA Engineering represented allied industries, concluding the four-day Sustainability Week 2026.

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