Tata Motors CV Q1 Results: टाटा की कंपनी को ₹2560 करोड़ मुनाफा, रेवेन्यू भी 20% उछला

Tata Motors CV Q1 Results: टाटा ग्रुप की कंपनी Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Ltd ने 12 अगस्त को जून तिमाही के शानदार नतीजे जारी किए। कंपनी का कंसोलिडेटेड नेट प्रॉफिट सालाना आधार पर 83% बढ़कर ₹2,560 करोड़ हो गया। इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर, लॉजिस्टिक्स और फ्रेट ग्राहकों से मजबूत मांग ने कंपनी के प्रदर्शन को सहारा दिया। हालांकि, कमोडिटी की बढ़ती लागत का दबाव भी रहा।

Tata Motors CV का रेवेन्यू 20% बढ़ा

टाटा मोटर्स CV का ऑपरेशंस से रेवेन्यू पहली तिमाही में 20% बढ़कर ₹20,576 करोड़ हो गया। पिछले साल की इसी तिमाही में यह ₹17,192 करोड़ था।

कंपनी के MD और CEO गिरीश वाघ ने कहा कि वित्त वर्ष 2027 की पहली तिमाही में कमर्शियल व्हीकल इंडस्ट्री ने मजबूती दिखाई। भारत की मजबूत आर्थिक स्थिति, बेहतर फ्लीट इस्तेमाल और अलग-अलग सेक्टर से बनी मांग ने कारोबार को सहारा दिया।

उन्होंने कहा कि Tata Motors के कमर्शियल व्हीकल वॉल्यूम में सालाना आधार पर 26% की बढ़ोतरी हुई। कंपनी के मुताबिक, मजबूत प्रोडक्ट पोर्टफोलियो, बेहतर मार्केट रणनीति और लगातार अच्छे अमल से कंपनी की बाजार स्थिति और मजबूत हुई है।

इलेक्ट्रिक कमर्शियल व्हीकल की मांग भी बढ़ी

टाटा मोटर्स ने इलेक्ट्रिक कमर्शियल व्हीकल सेगमेंट में भी अच्छी ग्रोथ दर्ज की। eSCV सेगमेंट ने मई और जून में अब तक का सबसे अच्छा प्रदर्शन किया।

इन दो महीनों में इस सेगमेंट की हिस्सेदारी 10% रही। वहीं, पहली तिमाही में eSCV सेगमेंट में Tata Motors की बाजार हिस्सेदारी 47% रही। कंपनी का कहना है कि इससे इलेक्ट्रिक कमर्शियल व्हीकल की बढ़ती मांग और उसके EV इकोसिस्टम की मजबूती का पता चलता है।

EBITDA मार्जिन 11.7% रहा

टाटा मोटर्स के CFO जीवी रमणन के मुताबिक, पहली तिमाही में रेवेन्यू और मुनाफे के साथ EBITDA मार्जिन भी मजबूत रहा। यह 11.7% रहा।

कमोडिटी की कीमतों में बढ़ोतरी और जियोपॉलिटिकल तनाव के बावजूद कंपनी ने यह मार्जिन हासिल किया। तिमाही में फ्री कैश फ्लो भी मजबूत रहा और यह करीब ₹1,100 करोड़ रहा।

कंपनी ने कहा कि कमोडिटी की लागत का दबाव अभी बना हुआ है। इससे निपटने के लिए ऑपरेशनल एफिशिएंसी, कीमतों में अनुशासन और बेहतर सप्लाई चेन मैनेजमेंट पर फोकस किया जा रहा है।

Tata Motors CV का मार्केट शेयर कितना रहा?

कंपनी के मुताबिक, वित्त वर्ष 2027 की पहली तिमाही में घरेलू CV VAHAN मार्केट शेयर 36.8% रहा। पिछली तिमाही के मुकाबले इसमें 100 बेसिस पॉइंट की बढ़ोतरी हुई।

कैटेगरी के हिसाब से HCV में कंपनी की बाजार हिस्सेदारी 56.3% रही। ILMCV में 36.9%, SCV PU में 27.7% और CV Passenger सेगमेंट में 41.3% रही।

शेयर में 1.6% की गिरावट

Tata Motors CV के शेयर 12 अगस्त को 1.6% की गिरावट के साथ ₹342 पर बंद हुए। कंपनी ने तिमाही नतीजे बाजार बंद होने के बाद जारी किए। इसलिए इन नतीजों का असर अगले कारोबारी सत्र में शेयर पर देखने को मिल सकता है।

कंपनी ने आगे के प्रदर्शन को लेकर भी भरोसा जताया है। Tata Motors के मुताबिक, मजबूत प्रोडक्ट पोर्टफोलियो, लगातार इनोवेशन और ग्राहकों को बेहतर वैल्यू देने पर फोकस के चलते आने वाली तिमाहियों में कंपनी अपनी बाजार स्थिति मजबूत करने और मुनाफे के साथ ग्रोथ जारी रखने की उम्मीद कर रही है।

Grasim Q1 Results: प्रॉफिट 51% बढ़कर 2146 करोड़, रेवेन्यू 21 फीसदी बढ़ा

Disclaimer: यहां मुहैया जानकारी सिर्फ सूचना के लिए दी जा रही है। यहां बताना जरूरी है कि मार्केट में निवेश बाजार जोखिमों के अधीन है। निवेशक के तौर पर पैसा लगाने से पहले हमेशा एक्सपर्ट से सलाह लें। मनीकंट्रोल की तरफ से किसी को भी पैसा लगाने की यहां कभी भी सलाह नहीं दी जाती है।

Yokohama launches Geolandar X-CV tyre range

Yokohama launches Geolandar X-CV tyre range
Yokohama

Yokohama India has launched the Geolandar X-CV tyre range for crossover and premium SUVs. Originally developed for larger luxury SUVs, the locally manufactured Geolandar X-CV is now being offered in 16-inch wheel sizes for the first time, expanding its reach to compact and midsize SUVs. The range will eventually be available in 32 sizes spanning 16 to 20 inches, with 17 sizes available immediately and the remaining 15 sizes set to be introduced over the next two to three months. Yokohama claims the new tyre delivers 20 percent better wet grip and 10 percent longer tyre life than its conventional tyre, based on the company’s internal testing.

  1. Available in 32 sizes from 16-20 inches
  2. Claimed 20 percent better wet grip and 10 percent longer tyre life
  3. 17 sizes available now; remaining to follow 

Yokohama Geolandar X-CV: what does it fit?

The Geolandar X-CV has been developed for a wide range of crossover and premium SUVs. Yokohama says it is suitable for compact and midsize models such as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon EV, Harrier EV, Mahindra XUV700 and Kia Seltos, while also catering to luxury SUVs including the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7 and Range Rover models.

Yokohama Geolandar X-CV: features

According to Yokohama, the Geolandar X-CV has been developed to meet the requirements of crossover SUVs and electric vehicles. It features an asymmetric tread pattern, four wide circumferential grooves, Micro Silica compound, 2D and 3D sipes, five-pitch variation technology, a reinforced two-ply sidewall and a full nylon cover. The company says these technologies are designed to improve wet grip, cornering stability, braking performance, wear characteristics, durability, high-speed stability and cabin refinement.

The tyre is also EV-compatible, with its construction designed to handle the higher weight and instant torque characteristics of electric SUVs while maintaining durability and driving refinement. The Geolandar X-CV will be available from August 2026 through Yokohama Club Network outlets and select authorised dealers, with a no-cost EMI offer available at launch.

Jaguar Type 01 interior revealed ahead of October 6 debut

Jaguar Type 01 interior revealed ahead of October 6 debut
Jaguar Type 01 interior revealed ahead of October 6 debut

Jaguar has revealed the interior of the upcoming Type 01 electric GT. The Type 01’s cabin is inspired by the Type 00 concept on which it is based, and is as radical as its exterior design. Jaguar will debut the production-spec Type 01 in New York on October 6.

  1. Has a ‘central spine’ spanning the length of the cabin
  2. Gets a screen in front of the driver and a central screen for AC controls
  3. Misses out on a rear windscreen, but features digital rearview cameras

Jaguar Type 01 interior revealed

4-seater electric GT has a minimalist cabin divided into four individual spaces

Jaguar’s “hidden on-demand technology” is integrated into the EV’s architecture. 

The interior design of the Jaguar Type 01 concept takes inspiration from the Type 00 concept, calling it “a concept car vision brought to production”. The production-spec model features a ‘central spine’ spanning the length of the cabin and divides it into four individual segments – one each for every passenger. This central spine has a brass finish and features a small screen at the front for operating the climate controls. This AC control screen and another display on the dashboard are being called “hidden on-demand technology”, which, Jaguar says, is integrated into the EV’s architecture. 

Strikethrough elements on the dashboard are similar to those on the bonnet’s top lip.

The interior features a 2-spoke steering wheel with touch-enabled buttons and a distinct dashboard design for the driver and front passenger areas. There’s a digital screen in front of the driver and ‘strikethrough’ elements in front of the co-driver. Similar ‘strikethrough’ design elements are also present on the top lip of the bonnet to fuse the Type 01’s exterior and interior design. 

There is no glass rear windscreen.

A low swooping roof can also be seen with panoramic glass, which is likely to feature customisable lighting patterns. The Jaguar Type 01 does not feature a rear windscreen but digital rearview cameras instead. It features four seats with a dual-tone upholstery.

The doors sport the same brass finish as the central spine but additionally feature Jaguar’s ‘leaper’ logo. Jaguar says that the Type 01’s interior is inspired by travertine stone (a type of natural limestone) and textures of artisan textiles for a “deeply sensorial experience”.

Jaguar Type 01: Other details

Built on the JEA platform; will offer over 700km of range

The top section of the doors feature the Jaguar leaper logo. 

The Jaguar Type 01 will debut in New York on October 6, 2026, as the luxury marque’s first car after its ‘reinvention’ as an all-electric brand. It will be underpinned by the Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), offering a claimed range of over 700km and featuring three electric motors producing over 1,000hp. It is expected to arrive in international markets by the first half of 2027 as a rival to the Ferrari Luce, Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan and Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

PM E-Drive subsidy for electric two-wheelers extended to March 2028

PM E-Drive subsidy for electric two-wheelers extended to March 2028
graphic of 3 electric scooters on a podium

The government has extended demand incentives for electric two-wheelers under the PM E-Drive scheme to March 31, 2028, through a notification issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The move gives electric two-wheeler manufacturers a longer subsidy runway, following an earlier extension only up to July 31, 2026. 

  1. PM E-Drive subsidy for electric two-wheelers extended to March 31, 2028
  2. Segment allocation raised by Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 2,767 crore
  3. Per-vehicle subsidy rate unchanged at Rs 2,500 per kWh, capped at Rs 5,000

PM E-Drive extension details

The scheme remains fund-limited – subsidies could end before March 2028 if funds are exhausted

The total allocation for the electric two-wheeler segment under the scheme has also been increased by Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 2,767 crore, while the overall PM E-Drive scheme outlay rises to Rs 11,900 crore. 

The subsidy rate for electric two-wheelers registered between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2028, remains at Rs 2,500 per kWh of battery capacity, subject to a maximum of Rs 5,000 per vehicle. This is lower than the Rs 5,000 per kWh (capped at Rs 10,000 per vehicle) offered in FY25, a reduction the government made as part of a planned tapering of EV support. The maximum ex-factory price of an eligible electric two-wheeler also remains unchanged at Rs 1.5 lakh. The incentive is capped at the specified amount or 15 percent of the ex-factory price, whichever is lower. The number of electric two-wheelers eligible for support under the scheme has been raised to 45,79,120 units.

That said, the scheme is fund-limited. If the Rs 11,900 crore total outlay or the allocation for any specific component is exhausted before March 31, 2028, that component can be closed and no further claims will be entertained. December 31, 2027, has been set as the last date for submitting claims.

The extension comes at a time when electric two-wheeler sales have grown sharply in India. According to Vahan data, electric two-wheeler sales reached 1.46 million units in FY26 – up significantly from 2,52,787 units in FY22 – and the segment crossed 2 lakh monthly sales for the first time in July 2026. The continuation of the subsidy is expected to sustain momentum in the segment, particularly in the sub-Rs 1.5 lakh price category where the majority of mainstream electric scooters are sold.

BMW opens bookings for X1 LWB ahead of August 21 launch

BMW X1 LWB

BMW has started accepting bookings for the X1 long-wheelbase SUV in India, weeks ahead of its launch on August 21. The BMW X1 LWB is a stretched version of the standard X1 and the ICE counterpart to the iX1 LWB EV, both of which are already sold in India. Upon launch, the X1 LWB will be BMW’s most accessible combustion-powered long-wheelbase model here.

Amara Raja Q1 Results: अमारा राजा का मुनाफा 15% बढ़ा, EV बैटरी कारोबार पर बड़ा दांव

Amara Raja Q1 Results: ऑटोमोटिव बैटरी बनाने वाली कंपनी Amara Raja Energy & Mobility ने जून तिमाही में अच्छे नतीजे पेश किए हैं। कंपनी का कंसोलिडेटेड शुद्ध मुनाफा 15.8% बढ़कर 191 करोड़ रुपये रहा। पिछले साल की समान तिमाही में यह 165 करोड़ रुपये था।

कंपनी की रेवेन्यू 24% बढ़कर 4,214.5 करोड़ रुपये हो गई। एक साल पहले यह 3,401 करोड़ रुपये थी।

ऑपरेटिंग प्रदर्शन भी बेहतर

तिमाही में अमारा राजा का EBITDA 11.7% बढ़कर 405.9 करोड़ रुपये रहा। पिछले साल यह 363.5 करोड़ रुपये था। हालांकि, EBITDA मार्जिन 10.7% से घटकर 9.6% रह गया। यानी कमाई बढ़ी, लेकिन मार्जिन पर थोड़ा दबाव रहा।

बैटरी कारोबार से सबसे ज्यादा कमाई

अमारा राजा की सबसे ज्यादा कमाई लीड-एसिड बैटरी और उससे जुड़े प्रोडक्ट्स से हुई। इस कारोबार की रेवेन्यू 3,279.79 करोड़ रुपये से बढ़कर 4,005.24 करोड़ रुपये हो गई।

वहीं, न्यू एनर्जी बिजनेस की रेवेन्यू 121.29 करोड़ रुपये से बढ़कर 209.30 करोड़ रुपये रही। इस कारोबार का घाटा भी 35.20 करोड़ रुपये से घटकर 22.05 करोड़ रुपये रह गया। यानी नए कारोबार में भी सुधार दिखा।

EV बैटरी कारोबार में बढ़ाया निवेश

अमारा राजा ने तिमाही के दौरान अपनी सब्सिडियरी Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies (ARACT) में करीब 150 करोड़ रुपये का निवेश किया। इसके बाद इस कंपनी में कुल निवेश बढ़कर 1,650.01 करोड़ रुपये हो गया।

EV बैटरी सेल पर क्या है प्लान?

पिछले महीने कंपनी ने कहा था कि भारत में बनने वाली उसकी पहली EV बैटरी सेल शुरुआत में चीन की बैटरी सेल जितनी सस्ती नहीं होगी। लेकिन कंपनी का मानना है कि स्थानीय उत्पादन बढ़ेगा और सरकार लोकल मैन्युफैक्चरिंग को बढ़ावा देगी। , इसके बाद ग्राहक भारत में बनी बैटरी के लिए अतिरिक्त कीमत चुकाने को तैयार होंगे।

कंपनी अपनी पहली 2170 सिलेंड्रिकल बैटरी सेल लॉन्च करने जा रही है। इसे सबसे पहले इलेक्ट्रिक टू-व्हीलर के लिए तैयार किया गया है। इसका इस्तेमाल ड्रोन और पावर टूल्स में भी किया जा सकेगा। फिलहाल कई EV कंपनियां इन बैटरी सेल का परीक्षण कर रही हैं। कंपनी का कहना है कि ग्राहकों को इन्हें अपनाने में थोड़ा समय लग सकता है।

Amara Raja शेयरों का हाल

नतीजों के बाद Amara Raja Energy & Mobility के शेयर दबाव में दिखे। कंपनी का शेयर 3.74% की गिरावट के साथ 896.90 रुपये पर बंद हुआ। पिछले 6 महीने से स्टॉक तकरीबन फ्लैट है। वहीं, 1 साल के दौरान इसमें 6% की गिरावट आई है। कंपनी का मार्केट कैप 17.05 हजार करोड़ रुपये है।

Hindustan Copper Q1 Results: सरकारी कंपनी का मुनाफा 163% बढ़ा, रेवेन्यू में 81% का उछाल

Disclaimer: यहां मुहैया जानकारी सिर्फ सूचना के लिए दी जा रही है। यहां बताना जरूरी है कि मार्केट में निवेश बाजार जोखिमों के अधीन है। निवेशक के तौर पर पैसा लगाने से पहले हमेशा एक्सपर्ट से सलाह लें। मनीकंट्रोल की तरफ से किसी को भी पैसा लगाने की यहां कभी भी सलाह नहीं दी जाती है।

Mahindra BE 07 interior spied for the first time

Mahindra BE 07 interior

New spy shots of a Mahindra BE 07 test mule have given us the first glimpse of the upcoming electric SUV’s interior. Slated to hit the market in 2027, this SUV will be the production-spec version of the BE 07 concept, and will sit above the BE 6 as the second offering under Mahindra’s BE sub-brand.

Mahindra BE 07 interior details

Credit: CarDekho

If this test mule is any indication, the production-spec BE 07 will mirror many of Mahindra’s newer models by hopping on the triple-screen bandwagon. A trio of large displays can clearly be seen in the spy shot, spanning the width of the dashboard. The Mahindra XEV 9e and XEV 9s offer similar setups, and a forthcoming updated version of the BE 6 will come with a triple-screen layout as well.

A small dashcam display is also visible on the BE 07’s windscreen, though it remains unclear whether it hints at a built-in unit or is specific to the prototype. For reference, the BE 6, XEV 9e, and XEV 9S feature a dashcam function that uses the 360-degree camera setup to record and save clips during emergency situations. However, continuous general-loop recording (like in a conventional dashcam) requires a USB storage device to be plugged in.

Mahindra XEV 9e interior. Image used for representation only.

Elsewhere, the production-spec BE 07’s cabin is likely to get a two-spoke steering wheel with the ‘butterfly’ Mahindra logo (used exclusively for the carmaker’s born-electric offerings), ambient lighting, a 5-seat configuration, and more.

Mahindra BE 07 battery and range

Credit: CarDekho

The BE 07 is expected to be underpinned by Mahindra’s INGLO platform and retain the BE 6’s 59kWh and 79kWh battery packs. Since the BE 07 will be larger than the BE 6, its range is likely to be lower than the MIDC-tested 548-683km that the latter claims. As for rivals, the BE 07 is expected to butt heads with the likes of the Tata Harrier EV, Vinfast VF7, and BYD Atto 3.

BYD Sealion 7 vs Kia EV6: Performance, Range, Regen Compared

BYD Sealion 7 vs Kia EV6 compared

The BYD Sealion 7 and Kia EV6 are premium EV offerings, roughly priced between Rs 50-70 lakh. They’ve both got modern designs, premium cabins and punchy performance. They are also fully imported as completely built units (CBU) and rival cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BMW iX1. In this story, we compare the performance, range and regen of the respective top-spec variants of both cars.

BYD Sealion 7 vs Kia EV6: Specifications, price

The Sealion 7 is bigger, has more performance and is less expensive

BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD vs Kia EV6 GT Line AWD: Specifications, price

 

Sealion 7 Performance AWD

EV6 GT Line AWD

Battery Size (kWh)

82.56 

84

Power (hp)

530

325

Torque (Nm)

690

605

Claimed Range (km)

542 (NEDC)

663 (ARAI)

Kerb weight (kg)

2,340

NA

Power-to-weight*

226.49

NA

Torque-to-weight^

294.87

NA

Price (in Rs lakh)

Rs 55.9 lakh

Rs 65.97 lakh

*Power-to-weight is hp per tonne

^Torque-to-weight is Nm per tonne

The BYD Sealion 7 is bigger in every dimension – length, width, height and even wheelbase, but the Kia gets a bigger 84kWh NMC battery (versus an 82.56kWh LFP battery in the Sealion 7). In terms of performance, the Sealion 7 makes 205hp and 85Nm more than the EV6. And while the EV6 is available in an AWD setup only, the Sealion 7 is available in a RWD layout with less performance. The big difference is how they are priced, and the price difference between the top-spec trims of these cars is roughly Rs 10 lakh.

BYD Sealion 7 vs Kia EV6: Performance tests

With 205hp and 85Nm more, the Sealion 7 is quicker in all our tests

BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD vs Kia EV6 GT Line AWD: Performance tests

 

BYD Sealion 7

Kia EV6

Winner

0-100kph (sec) 

4.43

5.16

Sealion 7

20-80kph (sec)

2.48

2.77

Sealion 7

40-100kph (sec) 

2.91

3.49

Sealion 7

With the difference in performance between these two, it was a little easier to predict the outcome. In all the performance tests, the Sealion 7 was faster. It completed the 0-100kph run in 4.43s and is 0.73s faster than the EV6. Again, 20-80kph and 40-100kph runs are 0.29s and 0.58s faster than the EV6, respectively.

BYD Sealion 7 vs Kia EV6: Regen and range tests

Kia EV6 has stronger regen modes and offers better range overall

BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD vs Kia EV6 GT Line AWD: Regen and range

Regen mode

BYD Sealion 7

Kia EV6

Winner

One-pedal

NA

NA

High

236.44m / 18.13s

105.49m / 7.6s

Kia EV6

Medium

146.75m / 10.95s

Kia EV6

Low

421.22m / 32.16s 

365.88m / 26.85s

Kia EV6

The BYD gets two regen modes – Standard and High, whereas the EV6 gets four, including the option of a single pedal driving mode. In all the modes, the EV6 showed stronger regenerative braking than the Sealion 7. In their respective highest regen mode, the Sealion 7 takes more than twice as long to slow down from 80-20kph when compared to the Kia EV6.

In our real-world range tests, we found the Kia to be more efficient than the BYD. In the city, the EV6 delivered an efficiency of 5.18km/kWh versus 4.90km/kWh for the Sealion 7. Thanks to the stronger regen modes in the EV6, you can expect a real-world range of 435km in the city, whereas with the Sealion 7 you can expect 405km – about 30km less than the EV6.

On the highway, the difference is even wider – the EV6 becomes more efficient (6.67km/kWh), and the Sealion 7 becomes even less efficient (4.17km/kWh) than in the city. One can expect a real-world range of 344km with the Sealion 7, whereas the EV6 will go 216km further!

BYD Sealion 7 vs Kia EV6: Verdict

The BYD Sealion 7 is priced from Rs 49.9 lakh for the RWD variant to Rs 55.9 lakh for the top-spec AWD variant, and is the more affordable option here, while also being the more powerful EV. The Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD is the more expensive pick and costs Rs 65.97 lakh. If budget isn’t an issue, the Kia EV6 will be a better all-rounder. It has better range, faster charging speeds and multiple regenerative braking modes, including single-pedal driving that makes city driving that much easier.

Autocar India’s testing standards

Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures per the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure the car is charged to 100 percent. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.

For our real-world range test, we begin with each car’s battery fully charged and tyre pressures set as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. We drive the cars on a fixed loop covering both city and highway stretches while maintaining set average speeds. We then calculate the range based on the percentage of charge consumed. The AC is set to 22deg C in auto mode, and features such as the music system, lights and ventilated seats are used as needed, just as a regular user would. This approach ensures consistency and gives a clear idea of what to expect in daily use.

To test regenerative braking, we pre-select a level of regen braking, completely lift off the throttle pedal and allow the car to decelerate till under 20kph. This procedure is then repeated for as many levels of regenerative braking the EV packs in. The deceleration rate, distance covered and time taken to go from 80kph to 20kph are recorded on a GPS-based Vbox system.

Audi global CEO backs broader powertrain mix as regional strategy takes shape

Audi CEO Gernot Dollner next to an A6 Avant

Audi will pursue a broader powertrain strategy spanning battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and combustion engines, stepping away from its earlier plan to become an all-electric carmaker. Global CEO Gernot Döllner said he reviewed Audi’s all-electric strategy after taking charge and decided that the company needed a more balanced product and powertrain mix to address the varying pace of EV adoption across markets.

“When I joined Audi, there was an all-electric strategy in place, which was one of the first things I reviewed,” Döllner told Autocar India in an exclusive interview. “We found a more balanced strategy between plug-in hybrids, especially important for Europe, combustion engine and electric.”

Global EV sales downturn lent ICE powertrains more time

The slower-than-expected pace of EV adoption in several global markets has extended the relevance of combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. Audi expects to retain a focused combustion-engine and plug-in-hybrid portfolio, particularly for SUVs.

Audi Q3 PHEV

The company has recently completed a major investment cycle covering new petrol and diesel engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles designed to meet Euro 7 and other global regulations.

“For sure, the majority of our investment will be in battery electric. That’s a given,” Döllner said.

Audi will continue to invest selectively in combustion engines, including efficiency improvements and transmission technology, but Döllner expects the pace of innovation to be much faster in EVs.

Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid powertrain

“The combustion engine is fairly mature. It’s at the very end of a 100-year innovation cycle, and battery electric is still at the very beginning, to be honest,” he said. “The dominant part of our investment will definitely be on the battery-electric side.”

Electric remains Audi’s leading technology

Audi’s decision to retain combustion engines and plug-in hybrids does not alter its long-term direction towards electric vehicles.

“Electric is, for Audi, still the leading technology,” Döllner said. “It’s our main priority to step by step become more electric.”

Prototypes of upcoming Audi A2 e-tron

Audi currently has four battery-electric model lines globally and expects to increase this to five by the end of the year, with some available in more than one body style. The company will, however, tailor the powertrain mix to individual regions. Plug-in hybrids will be particularly important in Europe, while the requirements of the US market will influence Audi’s future combustion-engine and PHEV portfolio, especially for SUVs.

In India, Audi’s immediate focus remains on petrol and electric vehicles. Diesel is not part of its current plan. The case for plug-in hybrids will depend partly on whether they receive any benefit under the India-EU FTA. New electric products are also planned for India.

Audi Q6 e-tron

“From what I know, we also have decided to enter with new products in the electric segment in India,” Döllner said.

Audi has decided to assemble an electric vehicle in India, Autocar India learns, although the model and launch timing are still being worked out. The move from fully imported EVs to local assembly is now a question of when, rather than if.

The company was among the first luxury carmakers to enter India’s EV market with models such as the e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and Q8 e-tron. High import duties, however, restricted their reach and affected their resale-value proposition.

Audi Q6 e-tron

The Q6 e-tron is among the products being studied, but Audi has not decided which EV will be assembled in India. The selected model will need to offer the right combination of volume, pricing and suitability for local conditions.

Audi believes electric SUVs make more practical sense in India because their ground clearance is better suited to local road conditions. Sedans have not been ruled out, but SUVs offer a more practical proposition for battery-electric vehicles in the country.

Regional focus to shape future products

The broader powertrain approach is part of Döllner’s effort to make Audi more responsive to the requirements of individual regions.

“Audi has to act much more regional,” he said. “The times where we had a one size fits all, and we then bring it to China, just extend the wheelbase and do the same car, that doesn’t work anymore. We have to listen carefully to the markets.”

The Q9 is the first clear example of that approach. Conceived around the requirements of American customers, it will be the first Audi to make its market debut in the US.

Audi Q9

“The Q9 is a perfect proof point of a car. The biggest Audi we’ve ever built,” Döllner said. “That car would not be there without the American market.”

India does not yet generate the volumes required for Audi to develop country-specific models. Local requirements covering ground clearance, suspension, tyres, weather, dust and fuel quality are, however, fed into its global development process. The introduction of new models in India is also expected to move closer to their global launches, helping Audi benefit from the interest created when a vehicle is revealed internationally.

Döllner said the improvement in India’s manufacturing and automotive technology has changed how the country is viewed within the global industry.

Audi Q9

“India is also an excellent proof point. It’s really unbelievable what the car industry has developed in India and what level of perfection and technology products are delivered,” he said.

“In the past, there has been this strong European automotive industry, and the world has turned around. Now we have a very dynamic Chinese market, a growing and rising Indian automotive industry. The US is a story of its own.”

“What keeps me awake at night is if we are able to change fast enough,” Döllner said. “We have to speed up.”