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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The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has expressed deep concern over the widening gap between automotive manufacturers and their suppliers in Germany, a trend observed for the first time since 2025. Managing Director Boris Engelhardt noted that many industry suppliers are fighting for economic survival. While car manufacturers continue to grow, German suppliers are shrinking. Engelhardt condemned automakers for demanding financial concessions from struggling suppliers, warning this threatens their very existence.

For decades, German automakers and suppliers worked hand in hand to achieve global leadership. Engelhardt argues this cooperation is now being abandoned as carmakers shift to cost-driven strategies, jeopardising Germany’s future as an innovative production hub. Since 2019, global disruptions have forced suppliers to reduce capacity while remaining flexible, but limits have now been reached.

Projected write downs of EUR 65 billion for 2025 stem from a lack of technological foresight in government mobility regulations. Engelhardt emphasised these consequences are no surprise, as the association warned more than a decade ago. Yet automakers now demand massive price reductions from shrinking suppliers instead of offering support.

Engelhardt concluded that solidarity is not a one-way street. After years of supplier flexibility, it is now the automakers’ turn to act responsibly. Preserving Germany’s automotive supplier base requires shared burden sharing, not unilateral financial demands from manufacturers.

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Scania has completely reworked its Services 360 portfolio by introducing a dedicated offering for new electric trucks, which now covers every operational need including battery care. At the same time, the company has rolled out flexible coverage plans for second-hand combustion engine vehicles, allowing owners of used trucks to choose from different levels of repair, maintenance and productivity support. This move reflects rising sales in both the new electric and used diesel truck segments.

Originally launched in 2024, the Services 360 portfolio was built around smart flexible maintenance planning and a range of digital tools. It already provided customised packages suited to fleets of any size or powertrain type. Now, Scania has extended Services 360 to include used vehicle customers, who are often more price sensitive. For them, four distinct packages called Core, Plus, Full and Pro are available, offering progressively deeper coverage. Core includes basic fleet maintenance and digital monitoring, while Pro adds proactive and powertrain repairs.

For owners of battery electric trucks, Scania offers the Full package within Services 360. By broadening access to these tailored service levels, the company reinforces its commitment to customer profitability across all business types. This expansion ensures that whether a customer operates new electric trucks or used conventional ones, they receive a competitive and customized service solution designed to keep their vehicles running efficiently and profitably.

Lars Gustafsson, Senior Vice President and Head of Trucks at Scania, said, “We want our battery-electric truck customers to only focus on maximising the use of their vehicles. By offering a single service level – Full – we ensure that every repair, every interaction between systems and every unexpected issue is handled and covered by Scania, giving our electric truck customers all the support they need. We pride ourselves in being close to our customers’ pain points, and extending Services 360 is a way to reach even more transport operators and cover the full ecosystem of needs around their business. No matter the type of powertrain, operation or business sector, the underlying goal of Services 360 is to support the customer and make them more profitable and sustainable for the long term.”

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Bentley Motors has kicked off a new collaboration by introducing Priyanka Chopra Jonas as its latest global brand ambassador. The announcement arrives with a campaign set to launch this weekend. Audiences can expect a complementary film in the near future, featuring the actor and producer speaking openly to the camera about her personal journey, professional milestones and artistic point of view, all supported by a fresh collection of still photography.

The actress now joins an expanding lineup of Bentley’s global representatives. Among them are Co-Creative Directors Greg Williams and Mai Ikuzawa, who were brought into the fold by the British automaker last September. This growing circle reflects the brand’s effort to build connections with influential creative figures across different industries.

For nearly 25 years, Priyanka’s wide-ranging body of work has held the attention of audiences around the world. She is recognised not only as a film industry standout and producer but also as a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and investor. In her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she has become known for championing education and children’s welfare, leveraging her fame to bring about real world change.

Shot in a natural, documentary like manner at Sony Studios in Los Angeles, the upcoming film creates an intimate setting for a conversational back and forth between Priyanka and Greg. Viewers gain a more personal window into her life and creative thinking. She expresses a deep affection for the energy of a working set and the unexpected artistic moments that can arise during a day of performing and producing, with a Bentley Continental GT subtly present throughout the scene.

Priyanka said, “I’ve always been drawn to Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship and storytelling, because there’s an intentionality behind every detail that feels rare. As someone who lives for the creative energy of being on set, this collaboration felt instinctive. It’s about shared values, but also about a shared appreciation for the process behind what we create.”

Ben Whattam, Marketing Director, Bentley Motors, said, “Priyanka brings a fresh energy and authentic perspective that aligns with Bentley. The film’s relaxed style allows her voice and personality to come through naturally, creating something more authentic than traditional advertising.”

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Maruti Suzuki India Limited has actively advanced gender diversity over the past two years. The company deliberately raised female recruitment for vehicle assembly and engine transmission positions at its Gurugram and Manesar plants. These women handle critical tasks in production and quality assurance, where attention to detail is paramount.

Their training and skill enhancement opportunities mirror those given to male employees, ensuring equal access to career growth. Through this approach, the firm guarantees that women on the shopfloor receive identical on-the-job development and pathways for professional advancement.

Within a single year, Maruti Suzuki brought on over 190 women for its manufacturing floor, pushing its total female workforce across all departments past the 1,300 mark. This steady increase highlights the organisation’s broader commitment to inclusion in industrial operations.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “We have always had a good representation of women across diverse functions like Engineering, Marketing & Sales, Finance, Legal, Logistics and Supply Chain. However, real integration happens on the shopfloor when they work on building high-quality vehicles with precision and care. It is my personal wish to strengthen women representation at the shopfloor.

“To achieve this mission, we have carefully created an eco-system that supports women at shopfloor. A detailed study was undertaken to understand the requirements, and specific infrastructure changes were made on the shop floor to ensure their convenience and security. Infrastructure such as adequate restrooms, changing area, creche and safety support in the form of guards on duty and patrolling during evening shift were introduced. Furthermore, sensitisation training for other team members was initiated to bring a positive shift in mindset and openness to promote an inclusive work culture. We mandate 100 percent employee participation in POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) training to cultivate sensitisation and a safe work environment.”

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