CEER, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle (EV) brand and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), has signed 16 commercial agreements valued at over SAR 3.7 billion (USD 996.90 million). The deals were announced at the 4th PIF Private Sector Forum, following SAR 5.5 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in agreements secured at the previous year's event.

The partnerships are part of a localisation strategy that aims to source 45 percent of vehicle materials and components from Saudi companies by 2034. The supply chain will support CEER’s production plan of seven models over the next five years.

The agreements cover a range of essential automotive components and services:

• Fluids and Plastics: Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) will supply windshield washer fluid and EV coolants. Zamil Trade & Services and Zamil Plastics will provide brake fluids and aerodynamic covers.
• Materials and Polymers: NSSPC is contracted for PP resin and polymer compounds, while KK Nag will provide Expanded Polypropylene (EPP).
• Engineering and Infrastructure: Mino will install steel Body Shop equipment. FEV and AVL will provide engineering services.
• Manufacturing: MK Tron will produce small stampings, window regulators, and door hinges. FPI will supply front-end modules and XYG will provide glazing solutions.
• Chemicals and HVAC: Sika is contracted for structural adhesives and cavity baffles, while AITS will work on HVAC localisation.

The project is expected to contribute SAR 30 billion (USD 8 billion) to Saudi GDP by 2034 and improve the trade balance by SAR 79 billion (USD 21 billion). CEER estimates the creation of 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with the industrial diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

James DeLuca, CEO, CEER, said, “These agreements are a cornerstone of CEER's wide and deep localisation strategy, which targets sourcing 45 percent of vehicle materials and components from Saudi companies by 2034. Our approach goes beyond mere assembly, we are utilising local raw materials and empowering Saudi companies to become global suppliers, directly contributing to Vision 2030’s mission to diversify the national automotive industry and drive sustainable economic growth.”

“These agreements represent a major step in building a comprehensive automotive ecosystem in the Kingdom. By using local materials and resources, attracting advanced technology and foreign investment, and localising the production of heavy and labour-intensive components, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions and create meaningful job opportunities for Saudi nationals,” added DeLuca.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced the launch of the Altroz iCNG AMT, making it the first premium hatchback in India to pair an automated manual transmission (AMT) with a CNG powertrain at prices starting INR 869,000 (ex-showoom Delhi).

The Altroz iCNG continues to feature Tata's patented twin-cylinder technology, which places the CNG tanks under the luggage area to ensure uncompromised boot space – a traditional pain point for CNG vehicle owners.

The introduction of the AMT variant follows a significant surge in CNG adoption in India. According to Tata Motors, CNG penetration in the passenger vehicle market grew from 19 percent in FY2025 to 22 percent in FY2026.

The company is positioning the Altroz as the most versatile vehicle in its segment, offering petrol, diesel, electric (EV) and now both manual and automatic CNG options.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Altroz has consistently set benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment through its strong focus on design, safety and powertrain choice. CNG is the fastest growing fuel choice in the country, with 19 percent penetration in FY2025 and 22 percent in FY2026 and this growth is no longer limited to traditional markets, with new regions contributing significantly to adoption. With the introduction of AMT in the iCNG line-up, we are addressing a clear and growing customer need for greater convenience in CNG vehicles. This addition makes Altroz the most versatile and premium offering in its segment delivering the right balance of efficiency, ease of driving and everyday practicality, without compromising on space or safety."

The Altroz iCNG with dual cylinders has a total capacity of 60 litres located below the load floor. It features a micro-switch to keep the car switched off during refuelling and advanced materials in the iCNG kit to prevent leaks. The Altroz iCNG can be started directly in CNG mode, eliminating the need to switch from petrol.

The 5-speed AMT is tuned specifically to manage the torque delivery of the CNG engine for smooth low-speed crawling in traffic.

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JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has strengthened its presence in Nepal through a strategic distribution partnership with the Golchha Organisation.

As part of the partnership, the automaker has inaugurated a new MG dealership that will showcase its key products such as MG Hector, MG Windsor and MG Comet for the Nepal market.

With evolving customer expectations and needs, JSW MG Motor India sees Nepal as an important market.

Akash Golchha, Dealer Principal, Nepal, said, “We are delighted to partner with JSW MG Motor India and introduce MG’s globally recognised range of vehicles to customers in Nepal. This dealership is designed to offer a comprehensive and elevated customer experience, backed by modern infrastructure and a strong focus on service excellence. We believe MG’s portfolio, with its blend of technology, design, and sustainability, is well aligned with the aspirations of customers in Nepal, and we look forward to building a strong and enduring presence for the brand in the market.”

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Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces plans to build a new Toyota Kirloskar Motor plant in the Bidkin Industrial Area, Aurangabad, in Maharashtra.

The plant will have a production capacity of 100,000 units per year and will employ approximately 2,800 people. It is set to produce Toyota Motor Corporation’s new SUV with the facility capable of stamping, welding, painting and assembly processes.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s new plant is planned to start production in the first half of 2029 and is aimed at strengthening Toyota's business foundation in the Indian market with production plans for both domestic and export markets.

At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has a manufacturing facility in Bidadi, Karnataka, where it has a capacity to produce around 320,000 units per annum.

Toyota Motor Corporation states it will continue strengthening its production structure to enable a flexible response to future demand growth and market changes in India and surrounding regions, and to deliver products in a timely manner that customers choose.

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European automotive brand Opel has unveiled plans for a new, all-electric C-segment SUV as part of a strategic collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor. The vehicle is designed to expand Opel’s existing SUV line-up, which includes the Grandland, Frontera and Mokka.

The project aims to reduce development time to less than two years by utilising Leapmotor’s electric architecture and battery technology. The SUV will be designed in Russelsheim, Germany, with engineering handled by international teams in both Germany and China. Opel will integrate its own chassis engineering, seating technology and signature design into the platform.

Production is currently being evaluated for the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain, where it would be manufactured alongside the Opel Corsa. The sales of the new model are expected to commence in 2028.

Florian Huettl, CEO, Opel, said, “The SUV would be is designed and created by us at Opel in Russelsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. The partnership with Leapmotor should enable a development time of less than two years. With this, Opel is planning a further important step in the development of state-of-the-art and accessible electric vehicles for our customers."

Xavier Chereau, Chairman of the Opel supervisory board and Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Sustainability Officer, added, “With this project, Opel would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed. This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel is taking on a pioneering role with this project."

The project is currently in the feasibility and pre-development stage, with definitive agreements and customary approvals pending. The announcement comes shortly before Stellantis' Investor Day 2026.

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