Drive Culture

Tata Motors is set to begin assembling the Range Rover Evoque at its new plant in Tamil Nadu starting February 9. This move aims to meet the growing domestic demand for luxury vehicles and centralize Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) operations in India. The Panapakkam facility, with an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles, will initially produce under 10,000 Evoques for the local market, with plans for future exports and electric vehicle production. This expansion reflects Tata's confidence in India's appetite for high-end SUVs, as it seeks to compete with established German brands.

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Major automakers on Wednesday called for changes in the Trump administration's proposal to reform fuel economy...

The recent trade deal between India and the EU, hailed as a significant economic partnership, presents a promising opportunity for German carmakers. This agreement will reduce tariffs on nearly 97% of EU exports to India, including a substantial increase in quotas for European cars, allowing brands like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz to access a market that has been largely restricted. With tariffs on imported cars previously ranging from 70% to 110%, the new deal offers a pathway for these manufacturers to expand their presence in India, particularly in the luxury segment. While challenge... espandi...

A brisk look at the iconic U.S. brands, from jeans, jets, tech, and credit, that helped define how America lives, buys and travels.

During its debut in Southern China, XPeng Motors' humanoid robot, IRON, experienced a dramatic fall, face-first onto the stage. The incident, which drew gasps from the audience, was described by XPeng's CEO as a part of the robot's "learning to walk" process. Despite the mishap, the event generated significant attention on social media, with users sharing jokes and critiques about the robot's capabilities. XPeng, known for its electric vehicles, is expanding into robotics and flying vehicles, emphasizing the importance of resilience in technology development. This incident highlights the chall... espandi...

It's time to be real on Tesla.

India's electric vehicle (EV) market is on the rise, yet it faces significant challenges, particularly in the two-wheeler segment, where many manufacturers struggle with sales. As the industry looks toward Budget 2026, stakeholders are advocating for structural reforms such as GST rationalization and enhanced support for local manufacturing to foster a robust EV ecosystem. The success of China's BYD, which grew from a small firm to the world's largest electric car company with substantial government backing, serves as a potential blueprint for India. Key players in the Indian market emphasize... espandi...

The U.S. automotive market is experiencing a significant shift, with affluent buyers increasingly dominating new car purchases, while lower-income consumers are left to opt for used vehicles. This trend reflects broader economic concerns, as the share of new car buyers earning less than $100,000 has dropped from 50% in 2020 to just 37% in 2025. Meanwhile, the average price of new vehicles has surged to around $51,000, making them unaffordable for many. As automakers focus on higher-end models, experts warn that this could lead to a structural problem in the industry, potentially shrinking the... espandi...

China's electric vehicles (EVs) are set to enter the Canadian market, marking a significant shift that could also impact American consumers. A recent trade agreement between Canada and China will drastically reduce tariffs on Chinese EVs, making models like the BYD Dolphin and Wuling Mini accessible at prices below $20,000. This influx of affordable options stands in stark contrast to the limited choices available in the U.S., where EVs are predominantly high-priced luxury models. As competition increases in Canada, American consumers may feel the pressure for more diverse and affordable EV op... espandi...

UK vehicle production faced a significant decline in 2025, dropping nearly 16% due to a combination of a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, new trade tariffs, and plant restructuring. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that total vehicle production fell to 764,715 units, with commercial vehicle output plummeting by over 62%. Despite these challenges, there were signs of recovery towards the end of the year, with a 17.7% increase in car production in December. The rise in production of electric and hybrid vehicles, which accounted for a record 41.7% of total output, i... espandi...

Edward Chancellor analyzes technology manias to evaluate the AI boom. GMO warns that record valuations and overinvestment signal an impending market crash.

India has made a significant move to enhance its luxury car market by reducing import tariffs on high-end European vehicles from 110% to 30% under a new trade agreement with the EU. This change allows luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz to enter the market more easily, with phased reductions also planned for electric vehicles. The deal will see tariffs on cars priced above €15,000 gradually decrease to 10% over time, while specific categories will have annual import limits. As more Indians develop a taste for luxury, this tariff reduction is expected to stimulate the market, although imme... espandi...