Automobili Pininfarina, with Warner Bros., has curated a collection of hypercars, inspired by DC’s Bruce Wayne. There are two exclusive versions of the B95 hyper Barchetta and Battista hyper GT, named Gotham and Dark Knight. The bespoke models receive Wayne Enterprises-inspired aesthetics as well as features, while their breathtaking performance remains untouched. Let's see how Pininfarina's take on Batmobiles look like.

Pininfarina creates everyday-Batmobiles | WION Drive

India has emerged as a key market for global automakers due to a surge in demand and Bouyant consumer sentiment. Sales are surging across segments, so what do the numbers suggest about the state of the Indian economy?

Auto demand picks up across rural & urban segments

India's auto sales in the fast lane

Skoda has given a mid-cycle refresh to its popular compact models – the Scala hatchback and Kamiq crossover. Both cars get refreshed styling, an upgraded safety kit, more optional features and rejigged trim & variant line-ups. While the Scala is the Czech equivalent of the Volkswagen Golf, the Kamiq serves as the entry point into Skoda’s crossover portfolio. Both models are also built on the same MQB-A0 platform. Here's a closer look at all the updates.

Skoda Scala and Kamiq facelift revealed: A new face among mid-cycle updates

It is late to the market, but Honda Cars India has finally decided to make a comeback in the highly popular and populated compact SUV/crossover segment with its Elevate. The compact crossover will go on sale in India during the upcoming festive season, and it will take on likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. The Honda Elevate flaunts a conventional, boxy SUV-like shape and has a ground clearance of 220mm - the highest in its segment. Under the hood is a 121 PS, 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine with options of a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed CVT automatic gearbox. The Elevate gets most of the features that you'd expect, including a touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and an electric sunroof. The list of safety features has been extended with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, which combines adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and collision mitigation, among the other features. But how good is the Honda Elevate to drive on Indian roads? Let's explore in this video.

First Drive | Honda Elevate — a worthy rival to other compact SUVs? | WION Pitstop

Chinese auto brands are on track to claim over 50% of the cars sold in their home market this year, marking the first time they have controlled a majority share in China's car market – the largest in the world.

China's auto disruption: Domestic brands dominate the road

The all-new Honda Elevate compact SUV was globally unveiled in India recently. Built on Honda's Global Small Car platform, which also underpins the City sedan, the Elevate also borrows the petrol powertrain from the popular sedan. Despite Elevate's rather late arrival to the compact crossover space, Honda remains hopeful that it will be able to claw back a sizeable market share and give rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong competition.

Honda Elevate SUV: Launching this year to rival Creta, Seltos and Grand Vitara | WION Pitstop

General Motors (GM.N) said on Friday it will recall nearly 1 million sport utility vehicles in the United States because the driver's air-bag inflator may explode during deployment.

General Motors recalls nearly 1 million vehicles for airbag defect

Italian carmaker Lancia has glimpsed the future of its production cars. The brand has revealed the PuRa HPE Concept — an all-new electric sports coupé that previews the design and technology of its upcoming models. While the four-seat coupé concept is unlikely to evolve directly into a production car, it offers a good idea of what one can expect from the Lancia Ypsilon hatchback — slated for a 2024 debut in both hybrid and electric versions. Here’s a look the PuRa HPE Concept’s design and technology highlights.

Lancia PuRa HPE Concept: A preview of Lancia's all-electric future | WION Pitstop

Meet an 80-year-old auto driver who runs an ‘Auto Ambulance’ in India’s capital. Harjinder Singh provides road accident victims with a free ride to the nearest hospital. Watch the inspiring story of this good samaritan.

Meet an 80-year-old man who runs a free auto ambulance service

Two siblings tested alongside each other, the Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. They are essentially the same car, but what makes them interesting is that they both drive using technologies borrowed from each of their makers - Suzuki's AllGrip Select All-Wheel Drive and Toyota's Strong Hybrid System. So, we find out how well Toyota's tech works in the Grand Vitara and, likewise, Suzuki's AWD system in the Hyryder.

Battle: Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser HyRyder

Japan's declining overseas demand took a heavy toll on key industries such as auto and semiconductor equipment. Japan's factory output shrank at the fastest pace in eight months last month.

Japan: Auto, semiconductor equipment production falls

General Motors has retaken the title as America's top auto maker from Toyota after its sales rose 2.5% in 2022. Watch this video to know more.

World Business Watch: GM reclaims U.S. auto sales crown from Toyota

After a gap of two years, auto shows are back to auto enthusiasts globally. One such show is the world's largest two wheeler and motorcycle show EICMA.

Modern auto technologies showcased at EICMA 2022

Czech automaker, Skoda, has introduced a new mid-size premium sedan - the Slavia. It is a sporty looking car with a low and wide stance, sharp character lines and some design cues from the Kushaq. But the overall design bears resemblance to the larger Octavia sedan and it offers a generous amount of space inside. The Skoda Slavia is being offered with two turbocharged petrol engine options -- a 1.0L TSI with an output of 115 horsepower and a 1.5L TSI with 150 horsepower. We recently got to drive both the options and here's all about our experience with the Slavia.

WION Pitstop | Skoda Slavia review: The enthusiasts' mid-sized sedan

China is the world's largest auto market but due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country and curbs imposed auto manufacturers are scrambling for output.

Shanghai lockdown: Auto manufacturers scramble for output

Ahead of entering the EV market in India, Suzuki's Indian arm has appointed a new CEO. Hisashi Takeuchi has become the new CEO of Maruti Suzuki.

Suzuki's Indian arm appoints new CEO ahead of entering the EV market

Rolls-Royce on Wednesday announced its first fully electric car, the "Spectre", will be available in late 2023, the luxury BMW group brand adding that all its vehicles will be electric by 2030.

"This is not a prototype. It’s the real thing, it will be tested in plain sight and our clients will take first deliveries of the car in the fourth quarter of 2023," said CEO Torsten Mueller-Otvoes.

"I am proud to announce that Rolls-Royce is to begin the on-road testing programme for an extraordinary new product that will elevate the global all-electric car revolution and create the first -– and finest -– super-luxury product of its type," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lucid-to-start-deliveries-of-electric-cars-with-range-exceeding-teslas-in-october-416769">Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October</a>

Mueller-Otvoes noted that Charles Rolls (co-founder with Henry Royce) had "truly prophesied an electrified future for automobiles. In April 1900 he experienced an early electric motor car named the Columbia and declared its electric drive to be ideal".

With the increasing switch over to electric, "now is the time to change the course of the future of luxury," he added, with Rolls Royce seeing electric propulsion as perfectly adapted to the brand's ambitions.

The group had already presented two electric-powered prototype models.

In a video Rolls showed off the Spectre coupe, complete with the marque's trademark "Spirit of Ecstasy" bonnet sculpture. The Spectre is based on the aluminium chassis of its 2017 Phantom limousine launched in 2017.

Rolls-Royce on Wednesday announced its first fully electric car, the "Spectre", will be available in late 2023, the luxury BMW group brand adding that all its vehicles will be electric by 2030.

Rolls-Royce on Wednesday announced its first fully electric car, the "Spectre", will be available in late 2023, the luxury BMW group brand adding that all its vehicles will be electric by 2030. "This is not a prototype. It’s the real thing, it will be tested in plain sight and our clients will take first deliveries of the car in the fourth quarter of 2023," said CEO Torsten Mueller-Otvoes. "I am proud to announce that Rolls-Royce is to begin the on-road testing programme for an extraordinary new product that will elevate the global all-electric car revolution and create the first -– and finest -– super-luxury product of its type," he added. Also Read | Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October Mueller-Otvoes noted that Charles Rolls (co-founder with Henry Royce) had "truly prophesied an electrified future for automobiles. In April 1900 he experienced an early electric motor car named the Columbia and declared its electric drive to be ideal". With the increasing switch over to electric, "now is the time to change the course of the future of luxury," he added, with Rolls Royce seeing electric propulsion as perfectly adapted to the brand's ambitions. The group had already presented two electric-powered prototype models. In a video Rolls showed off the Spectre coupe, complete with the marque's trademark "Spirit of Ecstasy" bonnet sculpture. The Spectre is based on the aluminium chassis of its 2017 Phantom limousine launched in 2017.

Rolls Royce announces fully electric car for late 2023

Big is not always better, especially when it comes to the car market. Ford Motor is an example of how things can ho go horribly wrong even for big players. Also, it is a season of Americans exiting countries and regions, somewhere discreetly and completely and at other places after making the official announcements and by taking one step at a time. For this comparison, Afghanistan and India are not far from each other. For some of the automobile industry watchers, the announcement of shutting down of manufacturing operations by Ford in India was not surprising. It had to happen some day as its sales were dwindling, making it a matter of WHEN, and not IF it will shut its India business or manufacturing.

Ford's Initial Success

Ford, a company that started its journey much earlier in the Indian market around 25 years ago is finally going to shut its manufacturing operations in India. The things went wrong in multiple ways, and it won't be wrong to say that Ford became so much enamored with its initial success in the Indian market that it failed to notice which side the winds were blowing. First, it was the success of the iconic Ikon, the sedan that was droolworthy and aspirational and its success was cemented by the next sedan Fiesta. It was a time when buying Ford cars was a sign of prosperity and stability and the company had not fallen into the trap of volumes. Even the Fusion, which was bigger than a hatchback and smaller than a sedan was worth a try in the market and established the brand a bit further.

Turning Tide

Was it the sheer arrogance or inability to read the market, Ford failed to see when the tide was turning in favour of compact sedans. Indians were so much in love with three-box cars that other mid-size sedans like Fiesta completely fell out of favour with them and Ikon was no longer available. Ford was hence, out of mind of customers of this class. The buyers were also looking to upgrade from the entry-level car and sub-Rs 5-6 lakh market was booming and Ford had nothing to offer in that segment. It was clearly a loss from which Ford couldn't ever recover.&nbsp;

Hits and Misses

It is not that Ford didn't try to gain foothold in the market dominated by Japanese and Korean Maruti Suzuki, Honda and Hyundai and Indian companies like M&amp;M, Tata Motors.&nbsp;

In September 2009 Ford made its much-awaited entry into affordable yet feature-rich hatchbacks with Figo challenging the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai's i10. Figo was based on the same small car platform used for the Ford Fiesta as well and with Figo, Ford registered initial success in the market. But it was not that the competition was sitting idle and soon Figo was out of Indian buyers' mind who was spoilt for choice with hatchbacks and compact sedans from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Chevrolet and even Tata Motors. Ford came up with Aspire compact sedan much later and new Figo, but by that time buyers had completely erased the brand when it came to compact cars and compact sedans.

Ecosport Era

I remember sitting down for an interview with Allan Mulally, the former global CEO and President of Ford Motor in January, 2012. His eyes were beaming with hope for one of the promising car markets India at that time and the American carmaker was readying for a fresh onslaught. It was the launch of EcoSport and it did wonders for Ford. As the competition was only from Renault's Duster compact SUV, a segment that was unheard of before Duster's launch, Ford tasted unparallel success with EcoSport.

One Swallow Doesn't Make A Summer

Ford has pulled the plug on its India manufacturing operations forecasting that it can't be in the driver's seat or even be co-passenger seat with success with just one car EcoSport. It wanted to build pillars of at least four successful products to enable the standing of a profitable ecosystem but it couldn't happen. Also, the breakup with M&amp;M was a jolt it couldn't recover from taking along with it the hopes of any successful future partnership. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Big is not always better, especially when it comes to the car market. Ford Motor is an example of how things can ho go horribly wrong even for big players. Also, it is a season of Americans exiting countries and regions, somewhere discreetly and completely and at other places after making the official announcements and by taking one step at a time.

Big is not always better, especially when it comes to the car market. Ford Motor is an example of how things can ho go horribly wrong even for big players. Also, it is a season of Americans exiting countries and regions, somewhere discreetly and completely and at other places after making the official announcements and by taking one step at a time. For this comparison, Afghanistan and India are not far from each other. For some of the automobile industry watchers, the announcement of shutting down of manufacturing operations by Ford in India was not surprising. It had to happen some day as its sales were dwindling, making it a matter of WHEN, and not IF it will shut its India business or manufacturing. Ford's Initial Success Ford, a company that started its journey much earlier in the Indian market around 25 years ago is finally going to shut its manufacturing operations in India. The things went wrong in multiple ways, and it won't be wrong to say that Ford became so much enamored with its initial success in the Indian market that it failed to notice which side the winds were blowing. First, it was the success of the iconic Ikon, the sedan that was droolworthy and aspirational and its success was cemented by the next sedan Fiesta. It was a time when buying Ford cars was a sign of prosperity and stability and the company had not fallen into the trap of volumes. Even the Fusion, which was bigger than a hatchback and smaller than a sedan was worth a try in the market and established the brand a bit further. Turning Tide Was it the sheer arrogance or inability to read the market, Ford failed to see when the tide was turning in favour of compact sedans. Indians were so much in love with three-box cars that other mid-size sedans like Fiesta completely fell out of favour with them and Ikon was no longer available. Ford was hence, out of mind of customers of this class. The buyers were also looking to upgrade from the entry-level car and sub-Rs 5-6 lakh market was booming and Ford had nothing to offer in that segment. It was clearly a loss from which Ford couldn't ever recover. Hits and Misses It is not that Ford didn't try to gain foothold in the market dominated by Japanese and Korean Maruti Suzuki, Honda and Hyundai and Indian companies like M&M, Tata Motors. In September 2009 Ford made its much-awaited entry into affordable yet feature-rich hatchbacks with Figo challenging the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai's i10. Figo was based on the same small car platform used for the Ford Fiesta as well and with Figo, Ford registered initial success in the market. But it was not that the competition was sitting idle and soon Figo was out of Indian buyers' mind who was spoilt for choice with hatchbacks and compact sedans from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Chevrolet and even Tata Motors. Ford came up with Aspire compact sedan much later and new Figo, but by that time buyers had completely erased the brand when it came to compact cars and compact sedans. Ecosport Era I remember sitting down for an interview with Allan Mulally, the former global CEO and President of Ford Motor in January, 2012. His eyes were beaming with hope for one of the promising car markets India at that time and the American carmaker was readying for a fresh onslaught. It was the launch of EcoSport and it did wonders for Ford. As the competition was only from Renault's Duster compact SUV, a segment that was unheard of before Duster's launch, Ford tasted unparallel success with EcoSport. One Swallow Doesn't Make A Summer Ford has pulled the plug on its India manufacturing operations forecasting that it can't be in the driver's seat or even be co-passenger seat with success with just one car EcoSport. It wanted to build pillars of at least four successful products to enable the standing of a profitable ecosystem but it couldn't happen. Also, the breakup with M&M was a jolt it couldn't recover from taking along with it the hopes of any successful future partnership. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Why is Ford exiting India?

Domestic stock market indices trimmed losses to end flat on Wednesday led by gains in metal, auto and IT sectors. 
 
The S&amp;P BSE Sensex settled 37 points, or 0.08 per cent lower at 44,618 levels while NSE's Nifty ended at 13,114 levels, up 4.7 points, or 0.04 per cent.&nbsp;

Global markets

World stocks hovered near record highs on Wednesday on hopes for a coronavirus vaccine and additional US economic stimulus, though enthusiasm for riskier assets left the dollar stuck at a 2-1/2 year low.

In Asia, China stocks erased earlier gains to end nearly flat.&nbsp;

US stock futures declined 0.23 per cent following a record closing high for Wall Street shares.

In commodities, oil prices fell in early trade but later pared some of the losses on news that Britain has become the first country in the world to approve a vaccine for use and that it will be rolled out from early next week.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Domestic stock market indices trimmed losses to end flat on Wednesday led by gains in metal, auto and IT sectors. The S&P BSE Sensex settled 37 points, or 0.08 per cent lower at 44,618 levels while NSE's Nifty ended at 13,114 levels, up 4.

Domestic stock market indices trimmed losses to end flat on Wednesday led by gains in metal, auto and IT sectors. The S&P BSE Sensex settled 37 points, or 0.08 per cent lower at 44,618 levels while NSE's Nifty ended at 13,114 levels, up 4.7 points, or 0.04 per cent. Global markets World stocks hovered near record highs on Wednesday on hopes for a coronavirus vaccine and additional US economic stimulus, though enthusiasm for riskier assets left the dollar stuck at a 2-1/2 year low. In Asia, China stocks erased earlier gains to end nearly flat. US stock futures declined 0.23 per cent following a record closing high for Wall Street shares. In commodities, oil prices fell in early trade but later pared some of the losses on news that Britain has become the first country in the world to approve a vaccine for use and that it will be rolled out from early next week. (With inputs from Reuters)

Sensex ends flat, Nifty around 13,100; auto, metal stocks rise

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said it has sold over two lakh cars through the online channel.

The company, which initiated its online sales platform around two years back, said the digital channel now covers nearly 1,000 dealerships across the country.

"Since the introduction of this new digital channel in 2018, we have witnessed three times increase in digital enquiries and recorded sales of over 2 lakh units since April 2019.

This digital channel has helped to generate over 21 lakh customer enquiries," Maruti Suzuki India Executive Director (Marketing &amp; Sales) Shashank Srivastava said in a statement.

Citing 'Google Auto Gear Shift India 2020 Report', he said nearly 95 per cent of new car sales in India are digitally influenced as per the customers first research online and then buy at the physical dealerships.

While online experience provides the complete spectrum of information to the customers, at the last mile the customers seek assurance of the deal from their trusted dealer advisors.

"Interestingly, customers who enquire through our digital channel end up purchasing a car within 10 days.

This reaffirms that with a robust online to offline platform executed by a digitally enabled salesforce, converting digital enquiries into sales becomes easier," Srivastava said.

He said the company witnessed a two-fold increase in 'Near Me' customer searches for Maruti Suzuki dealers.

"Our investment to create a hyper-local platform is to help customers discover faster and connect to their nearest dealers.

This initiative has seen rapid growth in recent times.

In the last two years, we have integrated over 1,000 dealerships across 3,000 online touchpoints in this digital transformation journey," Srivastava added.

Maruti Suzuki India began taking online bookings in 2017.

The company said as customer behaviour further shifts online, its dealership's websites are witnessing a much larger traffic flow.

"The positive results of the initiatives are evident as digital enquiries for Maruti Suzuki have seen a five-fold increase to around 20 per cent of total sales.

In the prevailing COVID-19 scenario, the digital enquiry contribution has further increased exceeding 33 per cent during the last five months," the company said.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said it has sold over two lakh cars through the online channel. The company, which initiated its online sales platform around two years back, said the digital channel now covers nearly 1,000 dealerships across the country.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said it has sold over two lakh cars through the online channel. The company, which initiated its online sales platform around two years back, said the digital channel now covers nearly 1,000 dealerships across the country. "Since the introduction of this new digital channel in 2018, we have witnessed three times increase in digital enquiries and recorded sales of over 2 lakh units since April 2019. This digital channel has helped to generate over 21 lakh customer enquiries," Maruti Suzuki India Executive Director (Marketing & Sales) Shashank Srivastava said in a statement. Citing 'Google Auto Gear Shift India 2020 Report', he said nearly 95 per cent of new car sales in India are digitally influenced as per the customers first research online and then buy at the physical dealerships. While online experience provides the complete spectrum of information to the customers, at the last mile the customers seek assurance of the deal from their trusted dealer advisors. "Interestingly, customers who enquire through our digital channel end up purchasing a car within 10 days. This reaffirms that with a robust online to offline platform executed by a digitally enabled salesforce, converting digital enquiries into sales becomes easier," Srivastava said. He said the company witnessed a two-fold increase in 'Near Me' customer searches for Maruti Suzuki dealers. "Our investment to create a hyper-local platform is to help customers discover faster and connect to their nearest dealers. This initiative has seen rapid growth in recent times. In the last two years, we have integrated over 1,000 dealerships across 3,000 online touchpoints in this digital transformation journey," Srivastava added. Maruti Suzuki India began taking online bookings in 2017. The company said as customer behaviour further shifts online, its dealership's websites are witnessing a much larger traffic flow. "The positive results of the initiatives are evident as digital enquiries for Maruti Suzuki have seen a five-fold increase to around 20 per cent of total sales. In the prevailing COVID-19 scenario, the digital enquiry contribution has further increased exceeding 33 per cent during the last five months," the company said.

Maruti Suzuki India sells over 2 lakh cars via online channel

After setting a benchmark in the compact crossover segment with its Seltos, Kia Motors is all set to introduce its sub-compact crossover in the Indian market very soon. The Kia Sonet will go up against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport and the Tata Nexon. But can it be that redefining sub-compact crossover that you always wanted? We recently got a chance to spend a day with the Sonet and we tried to reach very close to the answer.

Kia Sonet review: Can it redefine the sub-compact crossover segment?

Renault acknowledged that its global ambitions had been unrealistic, announcing plans to cut about 15,000 jobs, shrink production and restructure French plants as it pressed the reset button and sought to banish the spectre of Carlos Ghosn.

Renault to lay-off 15,000 people globally | COVID-19 crisis

General Motors Co's self-driving car unit, Cruise, on Tuesday (January 21) unveiled a prototype electric vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals for use in its planned autonomous ride-sharing service.

GM's Cruise unit unveils driverless prototype vehicle for ride-sharing service

When Karl Benz received a patent of what is known as the first practical automobile in 1886, few would have known that his three-wheeled Motorwagen has given birth to an industry.

Benz's work is the foundation of the modern-day car and the internal combustion engine is still in use today.

But, the auto industry is on the cusp of disruption. Cars running on fuel are making way for the battery. Everyone wants to jump in on this hot trend. Smaller companies with fewer resources are challenging the giants and when it's all said and done, only a few might survive. There will be wins and losses on both sides.

First, let's look at the most critical component of an electronic vehicle - the battery.

All of them use what is called lithium-ion batteries which are made up of metals lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese.

Only a few countries have strong reserves of these metals. China has brought many mines in Congo, Bolivia, Chile and Australia. And it controls half of the cobalt mines in Congo.

China wants to become a global hub for batteries&nbsp;and electric vehicles, and it already controls more than 60 per cent of the global market share in batteries.&nbsp;

In 2018, China was the largest producer of electric vehicles. According to a report, China has 99 per cent of the world's 250 million electric two-wheelers. It's now applying the same technology to churn out more electric four-wheelers. Reports say China has more than 100 electric car makers already.

However, the adoption of e-vehicles is still a distant dream in India. Electric scooters are a common sight in major cities now. Some electric cars have been launched, but mass adoption is still a few years away.

For now, there is over-dependence on China for supplies of parts. Reportedly, India imports 90 per cent of electric scooter components from China.

Three years back, the Indian government had sent an ambitious target, it wanted all cars on the streets to go electric by 2030. But a pushback by the industry and fears of job losses led to a rethink.&nbsp;

India just doesn't need electric vehicles, it needs an entire ecosystem to support this shift. According to a survey in 2019, 90 per cent of car owners are ready to make the switch to e-vehicles, provided the right infrastructure is in place.

Support of state government and local authorities will be critical to make the transition. The need of the hour is a common framework and clear policy which assures a smooth transition.&nbsp;

Auto is one of the biggest industries in India, it employs around 35 million people and contributes more than 7 per cent to the GDP. A sudden shift to electric will trigger a backlash.&nbsp;

The government of India must roll out policies to encourage on the job training programmes, something that would prepare the workforce for the big change. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
 
&nbsp;

When Karl Benz received a patent of what is known as the first practical automobile in 1886, few would have known that his three-wheeled Motorwagen has given birth to an industry.

When Karl Benz received a patent of what is known as the first practical automobile in 1886, few would have known that his three-wheeled Motorwagen has given birth to an industry. Benz's work is the foundation of the modern-day car and the internal combustion engine is still in use today. But, the auto industry is on the cusp of disruption. Cars running on fuel are making way for the battery. Everyone wants to jump in on this hot trend. Smaller companies with fewer resources are challenging the giants and when it's all said and done, only a few might survive. There will be wins and losses on both sides. First, let's look at the most critical component of an electronic vehicle - the battery. All of them use what is called lithium-ion batteries which are made up of metals lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese. Only a few countries have strong reserves of these metals. China has brought many mines in Congo, Bolivia, Chile and Australia. And it controls half of the cobalt mines in Congo. China wants to become a global hub for batteries and electric vehicles, and it already controls more than 60 per cent of the global market share in batteries. In 2018, China was the largest producer of electric vehicles. According to a report, China has 99 per cent of the world's 250 million electric two-wheelers. It's now applying the same technology to churn out more electric four-wheelers. Reports say China has more than 100 electric car makers already. However, the adoption of e-vehicles is still a distant dream in India. Electric scooters are a common sight in major cities now. Some electric cars have been launched, but mass adoption is still a few years away. For now, there is over-dependence on China for supplies of parts. Reportedly, India imports 90 per cent of electric scooter components from China. Three years back, the Indian government had sent an ambitious target, it wanted all cars on the streets to go electric by 2030. But a pushback by the industry and fears of job losses led to a rethink. India just doesn't need electric vehicles, it needs an entire ecosystem to support this shift. According to a survey in 2019, 90 per cent of car owners are ready to make the switch to e-vehicles, provided the right infrastructure is in place. Support of state government and local authorities will be critical to make the transition. The need of the hour is a common framework and clear policy which assures a smooth transition. Auto is one of the biggest industries in India, it employs around 35 million people and contributes more than 7 per cent to the GDP. A sudden shift to electric will trigger a backlash. The government of India must roll out policies to encourage on the job training programmes, something that would prepare the workforce for the big change. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: China set to gain from disruption in auto industry

Pitstop drives the all-new Toyota Camry Hybrid that comes in India with an ex-showroom price tag of INR 37.88 lakh. It gets Toyota's fourth-generation electric hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-litre petrol engine which delivers 176bhp and 221Nm of torque. In combination with a 118 horsepower electric motor, the Camry offers a combined output of 215bhp. In terms of features, the new Camry gets three-zone automatic climate control, 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, power front seats and all-LED headlamps. Alongside, 9 airbags, ABS with EBD & Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability & Traction Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensor & Parking Assist are among the safety features of the car. Watch our video to know how was our experience with the all-new Toyota Camry Hybrid. #WION #Pitstop #Camry #Toyota #Automobile #AutoReview

Toyota Camry Hybrid review: The eco-friendly luxury sedan | WION Pitstop

Focused on profitability, the Japanese auto major Nissan has told its managers to slash non-essential spending as the automaker grapples with slumping car sales and tumbling profits.

The penny-pinching drive is in place for the rest of the financial year until end-March and will most likely continue into the coming business year.

According to reports, managers have been told to put the kibosh on unnecessary travel, sales incentives and promotional events to “conserve every yen."

Meetings that three or four people would once have travelled to attend in person, might now only have one Nissan representative.

The extensive spending cuts come in tandem with Nissan’s decision this month to order a two-day furlough for US Employees January &nbsp;2-3. There is also an effective travel ban for staff in the United States, where sales have been particularly hard hit.

Focused on profitability, the Japanese auto major Nissan has told its managers to slash non-essential spending as the automaker grapples with slumping car sales and tumbling profits.

Focused on profitability, the Japanese auto major Nissan has told its managers to slash non-essential spending as the automaker grapples with slumping car sales and tumbling profits. The penny-pinching drive is in place for the rest of the financial year until end-March and will most likely continue into the coming business year. According to reports, managers have been told to put the kibosh on unnecessary travel, sales incentives and promotional events to “conserve every yen." Meetings that three or four people would once have travelled to attend in person, might now only have one Nissan representative. The extensive spending cuts come in tandem with Nissan’s decision this month to order a two-day furlough for US Employees January 2-3. There is also an effective travel ban for staff in the United States, where sales have been particularly hard hit.

Japanese auto major Nissan orders drastic spending cuts

The Indian auto industry is still not out of the woods yet. According to a report submitted by Society of Indian Automobile manufacturers, the domestic auto industry saw a drop of 16% in sales from April to November.

Indian Auto Industry saw 16% drop in sales from April to November

Equities traded lower during early hours on Wednesday amid weak global cues with auto and realty indices showing the most losses.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its growth forecasts for the global economy for this year and the next. Global growth is forecast at 3.2 per cent in 2019, picking up to 3.5 per cent in 2020 — 0.1 per cent point lower than in April projections for both years.

At 10:15 am, the BSE S&amp;P Sensex was down 197 points at 37,786 while the Nifty 50 slipped 71 points to 11,260.

Except for financial services, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the red.&nbsp;

The Nifty metal was down 1.21 per cent, auto 1.17 per cent and realty 1.16 per cent.

Among stocks, Bharat Petroleum Corporation edged 3.2 per cent lower while Vedanta was down 2 per cent. Eicher Motors, JSW Steel and Britannia were down by over 1.6 per cent each.

However, HDFC gained 1.6 per cent while Yes Bank moved up by 1.5 per cent. The other gainers were Larsen &amp; Toubro, Hindustan Lever and Zee Entertainment.

Meanwhile, most stocks rose in Asia after reports that the United States and China will resume trade talks next week with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer travelling to Shanghai.

Japan's Nikkei added 0.5 per cent, MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.4 per cent and Chinese blue chips climbed 1.2 per cent.

Equities traded lower during early hours on Wednesday amid weak global cues with auto and realty indices showing the most losses. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its growth forecasts for the global economy for this year and the next.

Equities traded lower during early hours on Wednesday amid weak global cues with auto and realty indices showing the most losses. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its growth forecasts for the global economy for this year and the next. Global growth is forecast at 3.2 per cent in 2019, picking up to 3.5 per cent in 2020 — 0.1 per cent point lower than in April projections for both years. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down 197 points at 37,786 while the Nifty 50 slipped 71 points to 11,260. Except for financial services, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the red. The Nifty metal was down 1.21 per cent, auto 1.17 per cent and realty 1.16 per cent. Among stocks, Bharat Petroleum Corporation edged 3.2 per cent lower while Vedanta was down 2 per cent. Eicher Motors, JSW Steel and Britannia were down by over 1.6 per cent each. However, HDFC gained 1.6 per cent while Yes Bank moved up by 1.5 per cent. The other gainers were Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Lever and Zee Entertainment. Meanwhile, most stocks rose in Asia after reports that the United States and China will resume trade talks next week with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer travelling to Shanghai. Japan's Nikkei added 0.5 per cent, MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.4 per cent and Chinese blue chips climbed 1.2 per cent.

Nifty slips below 11,300 mark, auto and realty stocks drag

General Motors unveiled its new Corvette model in a glitzy ceremony in California on Thursday night.

Chevrolet unveils new mid-engine Corvette

Ford is preparing for a future of electric and autonomous vehicles by parting ways with 7,000 white-collar workers worldwide, about 10 percent of its global salaried workforce.

Ford to cut 7,000 white-collar jobs worldwide

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