Category: Automobiles

Automobiles

Goa Automobile Dealers Association Welcomes New Executive Committee Led by Rajesh Khaunte

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The Goa Automobile Dealers Association (GADA) is proud to announce its newly elected Executive Committee, ushering in a fresh chapter of leadership and commitment to the state’s automotive retail industry. At the helm is Mr. Rajesh Khaunte, who takes over as President, bringing with him an impressive 35 years of experience in the auto sector.

The committee was elected unopposed during GADA’s Annual General Meeting held on Friday, 27th June 2025. The unanimous support for the new committee highlights the collective confidence of GADA members in the vision and capability of the incoming team.

Mr. Rajesh Khaunte, a respected name in Goa’s business community, has been a pivotal part of the state’s automobile ecosystem for decades. With his in-depth knowledge of market trends and a strong track record in operations, he aims to address key challenges faced by dealerships while fostering ethical business practices and sustainable growth in the sector.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as the President of the Goa Automobile Dealers Association,” said Mr. Khaunte. “My focus will be on resolving long-standing issues in the industry, engaging proactively with stakeholders, and promoting professionalism within the dealer network.”

He also expressed his gratitude to outgoing President Mr. Prashant Joshi, commending his leadership and relentless efforts over the last decade. “Mr. Joshi and his team have done a commendable job in advancing the interests of the auto industry in Goa. I sincerely thank them for their humongous efforts and dedication.”

New Executive Committee (2025–2027):

  • President: Mr. Rajesh Khaunte
  • Secretary: Mr. Aniket Kuncolinekar
  • Treasurer: Mr. Suraj Caculo
  • Joint Secretary: Mr. Ashok Sapra

Committee Members:

  • Mr. Matin Naik
  • Mr. Parind Nachinolkar

GADA continues to represent the collective voice of authorized automobile dealers across Goa. The association plays a crucial role in engaging with government departments, OEMs, and financial institutions, while also acting as a platform for collaboration among dealers.

With a fresh leadership team, GADA is set to enhance its role as an advocate for industry progress, fair policies, and transparent business practices.

Automobiles

TVS Motor Records Highest-Ever Quarterly Sales in Q1 FY26 at 12.77 Lakh Units

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Bengaluru, July 1, 2025 – In a landmark achievement, TVS Motor Company has registered its highest-ever quarterly sales in Q1 FY26, selling 12.77 lakh units across both domestic and international markets. This milestone reflects the company’s sustained momentum across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and exports.

📊 June 2025 Sales Snapshot: 20% YoY Growth

For the month of June 2025, the company sold 402,001 units, a solid 20% increase over 333,646 units in June 2024.

🚦 Two-Wheelers:

  • Total sales: 385,698 units (⬆️ 20% YoY)
  • Domestic: 281,012 units (⬆️ 10% YoY)
  • Motorcycles: 188,774 units (⬆️ 24%)
  • Scooters: 162,291 units (⬆️ 26%)

🔋 Electric Vehicles (EVs): Supply Challenges, Steady Retail

EV sales stood at 14,400 units in June 2025 compared to 15,859 units in June 2024. Despite strong retail demand for the TVS iQube, the company acknowledged ongoing supply chain disruptions, particularly around magnet availability, as a short-to-medium-term challenge.

🌍 International Business: Exports Surge by 54%

TVS’s exports saw remarkable growth:

  • Total exports: 117,145 units in June 2025 (⬆️ 54%)
  • Two-wheeler exports: 104,686 units (⬆️ 58%)

This surge highlights strong global demand and the company’s expanding presence in international markets.

🚛 Three-Wheelers: Strong Comeback with 42% Growth

TVS’s three-wheeler segment saw robust performance with 16,303 units sold in June 2025, up from 11,478 units last year — a 42% growth, reinforcing recovery in mobility and goods transport.

📈 Q1 FY26: Record-Breaking 12.77 Lakh Units Sold

TVS’s quarterly sales tell a story of broad-based growth:

  • Total Q1 FY26 sales: 12.77 lakh units (⬆️ from 10.87 lakh units YoY)
  • Two-wheelers: 12.32 lakh units (⬆️ 17%)
  • Three-wheelers: 0.45 lakh units (⬆️ 46%)
  • Exports: 3.52 lakh units (⬆️ 39%)

This is the highest quarterly sales performance in the company’s history.

🏁 Outlook

TVS Motor’s Q1 performance reflects a resilient supply chain (barring EV components), strong demand across vehicle categories, and successful international expansion. The company remains bullish on domestic growth while keeping an eye on evolving EV market dynamics.

Automobiles

UP Leads the Charge: First State to Subsidize Upstream Infra for EV Charging Stations

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In a landmark move set to boost electric mobility, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the first Indian state to offer subsidies specifically for upstream infrastructure in EV charging stations. This forward-looking policy is designed to overcome one of the key bottlenecks in EV infrastructure development—expensive power supply connections and grid upgrades.

What is Upstream Infrastructure?

Upstream infrastructure includes essential elements like power transformers, electricity substations, and high-tension cable connections—critical to ensuring sufficient power supply for fast-charging EV stations. These components often involve significant capital expenditure, deterring many private players from entering the EV charging space.

What the Policy Offers

Under the new initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government will provide financial support for infrastructure components required to connect EV charging stations to the grid. This includes subsidies for:

  • Transformer installations
  • HT/LT cabling
  • Substation augmentation
  • Grid connectivity fees

The state aims to reduce the setup cost of EV charging stations by up to 30%, making it more attractive for businesses and investors.

Driving EV Growth in India’s Most Populous State

With this move, Uttar Pradesh reinforces its commitment to green mobility and positions itself as a national leader in EV infrastructure. The state already has a dedicated EV policy with incentives for vehicle buyers, manufacturers, and battery developers. This new subsidy expands the support ecosystem to include infrastructure developers.

What This Means for the EV Ecosystem

The decision is expected to:

  • Accelerate the deployment of public and private EV charging stations
  • Encourage more entrepreneurs and energy companies to invest in UP
  • Help achieve the state’s EV policy targets, which include making 100% of new public transport electric in major cities by 2030

Industry Reactions

EV and infrastructure companies have welcomed the announcement. Experts believe that UP’s model could serve as a blueprint for other states, as the lack of upstream infra funding has been a common hurdle across India.

Automobiles

Delhi Imposes Fuel Pump Ban on Older Vehicles to Tackle Air Pollution

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In a major step toward curbing pollution, the Delhi government has enforced a ban on refueling petrol and diesel vehicles that exceed the permissible age limit. Effective from today, fuel stations across the capital have been instructed not to provide fuel to:

  • Petrol vehicles older than 15 years
  • Diesel vehicles older than 10 years

This initiative is in line with orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi Transport Department’s ongoing campaign to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to Delhi’s worsening air quality.

Why This Ban Matters

Delhi frequently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. A large portion of this pollution is attributed to aging vehicles that lack modern emission controls. The ban is part of a broader effort to phase out older, high-polluting vehicles and promote cleaner, greener alternatives.

Transport officials have stated that this step is not only environmental but also legal. According to existing regulations:

  • Petrol vehicles are deregistered after 15 years
  • Diesel vehicles are deregistered after 10 years

Despite deregistration, many such vehicles have been found on the roads, continuing to emit harmful pollutants. The new enforcement at the fuel pump level is expected to make it harder for these vehicles to operate.

Enforcement and Penalties

Fuel pump operators have been warned of strict penalties for violations. Additionally, enforcement teams will conduct random checks to ensure compliance. The Transport Department has also encouraged citizens to report violations via helplines and mobile apps.

Public Reaction

While environmentalists have welcomed the move, some vehicle owners have raised concerns about sudden enforcement and lack of awareness. Several commuters expressed difficulty in transitioning to new vehicles amid financial constraints.

What Vehicle Owners Should Know:

  • Check your vehicle’s registration date via the Parivahan portal.
  • If your vehicle falls into the banned category, it cannot be legally refueled or used in Delhi.
  • Consider switching to electric vehicles or CNG alternatives, which are exempt from this rule.

Looking Ahead

The ban aligns with Delhi’s broader goals under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and Clean Air initiatives. More policies targeting polluting vehicles and promoting sustainable transport modes are expected in the coming months.

Automobiles

Two Helmets Now Mandatory with Every New Two-Wheeler Purchase in India

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In a landmark decision aimed at improving road safety, the Government of India has announced that all new two-wheeler sales must include two helmets — one for the rider and one for the pillion passenger. This regulation has been issued under the Motor Vehicles Act and is now in effect across the country.

Why the Rule?

India witnesses one of the highest numbers of road accidents in the world, with two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers accounting for a significant portion of fatalities. According to transport ministry data, a large number of deaths occur due to the non-use of helmets, especially among pillion riders.

Until now, only one helmet was required at the time of sale — usually for the rider. The new rule ensures that the pillion passenger is also equally protected from the very beginning.

Key Highlights:

  • Two Helmets at Sale: Every two-wheeler dealer must provide two BIS-certified helmets with every new vehicle purchase.
  • Safety for All: This initiative emphasizes equal safety for both rider and pillion passenger.
  • Strict Enforcement: Dealers failing to comply with the rule may face penalties or lose their licenses.
  • BIS Certification Required: The helmets must conform to safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Dealers and Manufacturers React

Several dealers have welcomed the move, though some raised concerns about pricing. Manufacturers are likely to bundle the cost into the vehicle price or offer helmet options to buyers. Some brands have already begun offering branded helmets as part of their promotional strategies.

What Buyers Should Know

If you’re planning to buy a two-wheeler:

  • Ensure you receive two BIS-approved helmets at the time of delivery.
  • Check for safety certifications on the helmets.
  • Helmets must fit properly — request the right size from the dealer.

The Bigger Picture

This is a part of India’s ongoing push towards safer mobility. Combined with stricter helmet checks, speed monitoring, and awareness campaigns, this regulation hopes to bring down the alarming rates of head injuries and fatalities on Indian roads.