New teaser video shows a Chiron wearing Veyron-inspired elements ahead of reveal under Programme Solitaire Bugatti released a new teaser video showing a Chiron platform vehicle styled with Veyron design cues. The clip highlights familiar Veyron elements overlaid on the current hypercar architecture. This teaser matters now as Bugatti prepares to unveil the one-off model on 22 January 2026. It forms part of the Programme Solitaire for bespoke creations.

After the GST 2.0-driven recovery in late 2025, the sector looks to the February Budget for continued EV support and tax stability India's auto industry has reported strong volumes in the October-December 2025 quarter. GST 2.0 rate rationalisation improved affordability and boosted demand across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. This recovery now directs attention to the Union Budget on 1 February 2026.

Up to ₹2 lakh reduction targets slow sales of imported Model Y SUVs months after launch Tesla has started offering discounts on unsold Model Y inventory in India. Reports indicate reductions of up to ₹2 lakh on select variants. This move follows slow sales since the model's launch in mid-2025. The development matters as it shows early challenges in Tesla's India entry.

Skoda Auto India outlines an ambitious plan for 10 product introductions next year, including facelifts and variants to boost market share and accessibility Skoda Auto India has announced plans to introduce 10 products in 2026. These include facelifts, new variants, and special editions across its lineup. The move follows the recent unveiling of the updated Kushaq on 19 January 2026. Company officials state that this strategy targets sustained growth in a competitive market.

Exeed Liefeng shooting brake to feature Chery’s self-developed solid-state battery with claimed 1500 km range even at -30°C Chery has announced plans to launch its first electric vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery in 2026. The model is the Exeed Liefeng shooting brake, developed under the premium Exeed brand. This step matters because it marks the initial application of Chery’s self-developed battery technology in a vehicle.

MG Motor India confirms February 12 launch for Majestor, its new three-row flagship SUV positioned above Gloster MG Motor India has confirmed the launch of the MG Majestor on February 12, 2026. This three-row SUV becomes the brand's new flagship model. The announcement matters now because it strengthens MG's presence in the premium full-size SUV segment. The MG Majestor targets family buyers and those seeking larger vehicles for long drives.

Jensen International Automotive plans all-new ultra-high-performance grand tourer inspired by 1960s Interceptor for 2026 launch Jensen International Automotive announced plans for an all-new ultra-high-performance luxury grand tourer. The car draws inspiration from the 1960s Jensen Interceptor and uses a bespoke V8 engine. This matters because it revives a dormant British marque after nearly 50 years since original production ended in 1976.

Draft rules propose fuel consumption tests with air conditioning on to reflect real-world usage in passenger vehicles The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. It proposes mandatory AC-on mileage testing for all M1 category passenger vehicles from October 1, 2026. This change matters because current tests are conducted without air conditioning.

Vietnamese EV maker targets Indian market with 7-seater SUV, compact crossover rival to Tata Punch EV, and one more model starting 2026 VinFast has announced plans to introduce three VinFast electric cars in India during 2026. The lineup includes a 7-seater SUV, a compact crossover positioned as a direct rival to the Tata Punch EV, and one additional model. This move matters now because it brings a new global player into India’s fast-growing electric vehicle segment.

Krafton India partners with Royal Enfield to introduce Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 as rideable vehicles in Battlegrounds Mobile India Krafton India and Royal Enfield announced a partnership for the BGMI 4.2 update. The update introduces the Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 as rideable motorcycles in the game. This development matters because BGMI reaches millions of users in India.

Industry experts predict fully automated, lights-out car assembly in China or the US by the end of the decade Industry experts predict the first dark factory where robots build the entire car will open in China or the US by 2030. This development signals a major shift towards fully automated vehicle assembly. The prediction comes from recent industry analysis. Current car factories use high levels of robotics, but none achieve complete lights-out operation for the full vehicle.

Iran's warnings amid domestic unrest and US pressure raise risks to key oil transit route carrying one-fifth of world supply Iran has issued threats to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz as domestic protests intensify and US warnings escalate. Markets react with caution due to the route's role in global energy supply. This development matters now because the Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 million barrels per day of oil, roughly one-fifth of global consumption.

GLC EV model gains Vegan Society certification for interiors using synthetic materials without animal fibres or products Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the GLC with EQ Technology as the first vegan electric car. This model features interiors certified free of animal products. The company presented it at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. This development matters because it addresses the growing demand for ethical materials in vehicles.

Italian brand expands premium lineup with V2 and V4 models, including off-road entry and special editions for enthusiasts Ducati has confirmed plans to introduce 10 new motorcycles in India throughout 2026. The rollout started with the Panigale V4 R on 2 January 2026. This move matters as it broadens Ducati's presence in the premium segment. More options now reach Indian riders seeking performance and variety.

Redesigned emblem resembling outstretched hands signals brand's mobility ambitions, debuting on EVs and hybrids from 2027 Honda Motor Co has unveiled a refreshed version of its longstanding H mark for the automobile business. The new design evolves the emblem first introduced in 1963. It will appear on vehicles and brand elements globally. This update matters now as Honda accelerates its electrification strategy.

Hyundai unveils the Staria Electric, a nine-seater EV on a dedicated platform, offering 800V fast charging for urban and highway mobility needs Hyundai has unveiled the Staria Electric, its first all-electric MPV. The model features an 84kWh battery and delivers up to 400km on the WLTP cycle. This launch matters now because it addresses the growing demand for spacious electric vehicles in family and commercial segments.

The iconic Italian team confirms SF-26 as the designation for its next-generation Formula 1 car Ferrari has revealed the official name of its 2026 Formula 1 car as SF-26. The announcement comes just days before the full car launch on January 23 in Maranello. This naming follows tradition, where SF stands for Scuderia Ferrari. The reveal matters now because 2026 brings sweeping F1 regulation changes.

Union Ministry will mandate vehicle-to-vehicle tech in new cars for real-time alerts, targeting a drop in crashes amid rising urban traffic The Indian government has announced plans to introduce V2V communication nationwide by the end of 2026. This technology will equip new vehicles with devices for direct data exchange. Officials aim to notify the mandate soon. Then, a phased rollout will follow.

RTA teams up with Baidu Apollo Go to enable 24/7 app-based autonomous rides in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim zones Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has rolled out Phase 1 of its driverless service. The Dubai RoboTaxis operate fully autonomously at 65 public locations. This launch marks a key advance in the emirate's smart transport plan. The move matters now because it tests public acceptance of self-driving vehicles.

Open-source models enable reasoning for rare scenarios, boosting Level 4 autonomy with partners like JLR and Uber Nvidia unveiled the Alpamayo family of open-source AI models at CES 2026. This suite includes tools for autonomous vehicle development. The announcement came from CEO Jensen Huang during the keynote. The Nvidia Alpamayo AI focuses on reasoning-based decisions. Therefore, it matters now because rare driving scenarios often hinder AV progress.

VinFast adjusts prices upward for its popular VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs in India, signalling a shift from launch promotions to standard rates amid growing demand VinFast has increased prices for its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs in India. This follows the end of introductory offers that began with the models' launch. The VF 6 now starts at Rs 17.29 lakh for the base Earth variant.

Chinese automaker Chery will road-test its in-house solid-state battery in premium Exeed models this year Chery Automobile announced plans to test its self-developed solid-state battery in Exeed electric vehicles during 2026. The trials will involve premium models from the Exeed lineup. This move follows recent unveilings of updated SUVs and shooting brakes. The development matters now because solid-state batteries address key limitations in current electric systems.

KTM's latest fully-faired 160cc bike arrives with 19hp power and dual-channel ABS, targeting young riders in the competitive sport segment KTM India launched the KTM RC 160 today. This marks the brand's entry into the entry-level supersport category. Priced at Rs 1.85 lakh ex-showroom Delhi, the bike features a fully-faired design and shared components with the 160 Duke. The launch responds to growing demand for accessible sportbikes among urban youth.

Boston Dynamics' advanced model targets assembly tasks for safer production, with deployment set for 2028 Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the Atlas humanoid robot at CES 2026. Boston Dynamics, its subsidiary, developed this model. It aims at automotive factory tasks. This matters now as it advances automation amid labour challenges. This humanoid robot promises safer and more precise operations. Robotic Design Features…

Kia refreshes its bestseller compact SUV with enhanced dimensions, turbo engines, and Level 2 autonomy, targeting urban families and highway drivers amid rising SUV demand Kia India launched the 2026 Kia Seltos on January 3, 2026. This update brings a redesigned compact SUV with prices starting at ₹10.99 lakh ex-showroom. The model now measures 4,460 mm in length, up 95 mm from before.