VOLKSWAGEN GROUP INDIA
ET Prime Special Series: Multibagger or IBC – Part 84: Can rising demand for decorative features drive this auto ancillary's growth?
A car can change its engine and still look almost the same. It can also keep the same engine and look so different that buyers happily pay more for it. That is the peculiar corner of the automobile industry this story explores. For one listed supplier, the shift to EVs may be less threatening than it sounds. The bigger question is whether changing consumer preferences can help it build a more valuable business.
DPIIT seeks Fillip for local mfg of 100 goods in budget
DPIIT has examined 500 heavily imported products to identify opportunities for boosting domestic manufacturing. The department plans to share its findings with the finance ministry for the FY28 budget recommendations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Skoda Auto Volkswagen to promote electric vehicle manufacturing and increase localization. High import dependence is classified based on the percentage of domestic demand met by imports.
Piyush Goyal meets Skoda Auto Volkswagen India CEO; talks focus on EV push, exports
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation led by Škoda Auto Volkswagen India CEO Piyush Arora to discuss expanding automobile exports, strengthening domestic manufacturing, accelerating EV production and increasing localisation.
India's Scotch probe of Diageo, Pernod undermining India-UK pact benefits, trade group says
The British government said "iconic UK products" like whiskies would benefit from the pact. Indian investigators, however, have privately told companies the reduced rate does not apply to bulk Scotch concentrates, creating the first significant dispute over the free trade agreement since it took effect.
Volkswagen freezes India EV investment as JSW partnership talks continue
Volkswagen has paused further investment in its India electric-vehicle programme pending greater clarity on a potential partnership with Sajjan Jindal’s JSW Group. The German automaker has completed preliminary design work using a low-cost EV platform developed for China but awaits a clearer business plan. The pause could delay its India EV push as competition intensifies and affordable electric-car sales accelerate.
Carmakers gear up with multi-powertrain models as Indian buyers shift beyond petrol, diesel
Car manufacturers are expanding powertrain offerings by introducing electric, CNG, hybrid, and petrol options. Companies like Renault and Stellantis are addressing regional demands for efficient engines and diverse vehicles. The rising fuel prices and tighter emission norms are compelling automakers to adapt their strategies. Toyota and Mahindra are focusing on multi-energy platforms to meet market needs effectively.
- Go To Page 1
Europe’s auto giants learn from China as Volkswagen, Stellantis rethink EV strategy
Volkswagen and Stellantis are adapting their electric vehicle strategies by collaborating with Chinese automakers. Stellantis aims to improve its market position through partnerships with Leapmotor and Dongfeng. Volkswagen continues to focus on its strategies in China while exploring potential collaborations in Europe. Industry analysts note that the competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers is reshaping the European automotive landscape.
Thermax scouts for a partner to charge up its green energy unit
Thermax has set its sights on attracting external investors to its renewable energy subsidiary, First Energy. By contemplating a major stake sale, the company aims to overcome operational challenges and elevate its performance levels. First Energy, with its 800 MW capacity, is looking to enhance service delivery, reflecting a growing inclination in the renewable energy domain for partnerships that facilitate expansion and development.
Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple fuel India's renewable energy boom as data centre demand surges
Major technology companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple are increasingly purchasing renewable energy in India. Their expanding data centers are significantly driving the demand for clean electricity. Research predicts that renewable capacity for data centers could grow to 32.4 GW by 2030. These companies are pursuing long-term power purchase agreements to secure renewable energy directly from developers.
Will EU press the ‘kill switch’ on China? Trade war looms over talks
EU officials are raising alarms over the escalating trade deficits with China, exceeding one billion euros on a daily basis. The spike in Chinese hybrid-car exports underscores possible gaps in EU tariff policies. Although talks are underway, China shows little willingness to engage in voluntary export restrictions for select products. EU leaders are now considering a 'kill switch' mechanism.
With JSW by its side, Volkswagen to put India expansion plans on the fast track
Volkswagen Group is preparing a broad overhaul of its India strategy after its proposed alliance with JSW Group, covering sourcing, production, vehicle launches and dealer expansion. Skoda Auto acting CEO Holger Peters told employees the partnership would accelerate scale and competitiveness, with two locally assembled electric vehicles planned within two years.
German Mittelstand expands engineering and technology operations in India
German mid-sized companies are increasingly expanding their engineering and technology operations in India, particularly in Bengaluru. More than 80 German companies operate over 150 global capability centre (GCC) units employing over 130,000 professionals. Access to engineering talent and skilled professionals in India drives this rapid growth, which has seen GCCs grow by 108% in five years. Many of these companies now collaborate with universities and startups to enhance capabilities further.
Advent International seeks CCI green channel clearances for Yatharth Hospital stake buy
Advent International's Rasmalai Limited has sought Competition Comission of India's (CCI) approval to acquire a stake in Yatharth Hospitals. Meanwhile, CCI has approved four deals across agrochemicals, marine engineering, insurance and renewable energy. Rasmalai, incorporated in Cyprus and indirectly controlled by funds managed or advised by Advent, has proposed buying shares in Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services, an Indian super-specialty hospital chain.
From pickups to idle plants: automakers seek lifeline from defence boom
Western automakers are increasingly looking at defense contracts as a way to boost revenues and utilize excess capacity. Companies like Ford, GM, and Jaguar Land Rover are bidding for military vehicle contracts. Despite these efforts, executives express skepticism about the financial impact on overall revenues. Automakers are offloading surplus factories to defense manufacturers due to the growing demand for military production.
JSW wants Volkswagen to bear $1.4 billion India tax bill in JV deal
In a push for collaboration, JSW Group is insisting that Volkswagen AG take on a significant tax liability that is still unresolved in India. While an initial agreement has been made, fundamental issues remain to be addressed prior to finalizing their partnership. Volkswagen is keen on tapping into India’s growing automotive market following unsuccessful earlier discussions.
India probes LG, Samsung over alleged tariff evasion on imported OLED TV parts
India is investigating LG Electronics and Samsung for allegedly paying lower tariffs on imported display parts of high-end TVs, five sources told Reuters, putting under scrutiny the premium entertainment devices both South Korean giants
JSW, Skoda-Volkswagen India stitch up 51:49 JV plan; sign non-binding MoU, begin exclusive valuation talks
JSW Group and Volkswagen have signed a non-binding MoU for a new alliance. This partnership aims to strengthen competitiveness through expanded product offerings and deeper localisation. The agreement initiates exclusive negotiations with a target final deal by end of 2026. The proposed alliance will operate through a new entity separate from existing JSW ventures.
Half of Volkswagen's job cuts will be in Germany, supervisory board member says
Volkswagen could cut around 25,000 jobs in Germany as part of its planned 50,000 global workforce reduction, Lower Saxony Premier Olaf Lies said. However, he said there is no agreement to close German plants and opportunities remain to retain production.
Volkswagen to fire 12% of its India workforce amid major cost overhaul
Volkswagen India is accelerating a three-year restructuring plan to cut jobs. The company aims to reduce its workforce by about twelve percent by 2027. This move seeks to lower costs before the next investment cycle begins. The automaker is also considering a deal for a controlling stake by JSW Group. These actions reflect global pressures on Volkswagen amid slowing demand.
Volkswagen Cars eyes mass growth in India with compact SUV
Volkswagen plans to enter India’s sub-four-metre SUV segment next year with a compact SUV, aiming to expand beyond its limited portfolio and reach the mass market. CEO Thomas Schafer said the company also wants to clearly differentiate Volkswagen from Skoda and Cupra while using shared technology. The new model could also become an export product from India.
Volkswagen willing to cede majority control in India unit to local partner: Skoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer
Volkswagen Group is open to ceding majority control in its Indian operations to a local partner as Skoda Auto moves closer to signing an MoU within weeks. Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer said majority ownership “is not an issue”, stressing that a partnership could deliver greater scale, local decision-making and investment capacity.
Cooperating with authorities over show cause notice: Skoda Auto Volkswagen India
Volkswagen is cooperating with Indian authorities after receiving a notice for alleged customs duty fraud worth Rs 11,000 crore related to completely knocked down (CKD) car imports. The allegations involve the method of importing car parts into India. Currently, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India leads the group's operations in India.
India lacks in ease of doing business, says Volkswagen's top boss
The VW Group has two factories in India — at Pune and Aurangabad — and locally manufactures/assembles models from brands such as Skoda, Volkswagen and Audi. It also imports vehicles from Porsche, Lamborghini, apart from Ducati motorcycles.
Volkswagen group units merge into single Skoda-led entity
The merged entity, which includes - Volkswagen India, Volkswagen Group Sales India and Skoda Auto India, would be led by Gurpratap Boparai, who will assume the role of its managing director.
Volkswagen starts export of Polo to Mexico
Polo becomes the second brand from Volkswagen after Vento to be exported to the North American Country.
Volkswagen's new PDC at Bangalore to be functional by 2nd quarter next year
The centre aims at expanding further Volkswagen Group's after-sales and spare parts infrastructure in the country.
The Worst Thing for an Investor is an Unstable Policy Regime: John Chacko, Head Volkswagen Group India
Ever since it shifted gears in 2008, Volkswagen Group has registered a rapid growth, both in sales as well as brand recall among consumers.
Load More
