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ECONOMY Jan 16: Treasury Details New $10,000 Auto Loan Interest Tax Deduction Program
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has released guidelines for the "No Tax on American Car Loan Interest" program. Effective for vehicles purchased between 2025 and 2028, the "above-the-line" deduction allows single filers earning under $100,000 to deduct up to $10,000 in loan interest annually. The policy exclusively targets new cars assembled in the United States, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing while providing financial relief to middle-class households.
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DETROIT Jan 16: Detroit Auto Show Highlights Pivot From EVs Toward Hybrid Technology
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show reflects a significant industry shift as manufacturers pull back from aggressive electric vehicle targets. Amidst evolving U.S. policy and reduced tax incentives, the show's focus has transitioned toward gas-powered and hybrid models. Industry leaders are emphasizing "consumer choice," while major players like Ford and GM report billions in charges related to their previous electrification efforts, signaling a murky near-term future for the EV market.
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EXPORT Jan 16: Maruti Suzuki Commences Global Exports Of Victoris SUV As 'Across'
Maruti Suzuki India has officially begun exporting its premium SUV, the Victoris, to over 100 international markets under the "Across" brand name. The first shipment of 450 units departed from Indian ports today, targeting regions in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The Made-in-India SUV, which secured a five-star safety rating and the ICOTY 2026 award, is central to the company’s "Make in India, Make for the World" strategy.
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SALES Jan 16: Skoda Auto India Posts Best-Ever Sales Driven By Kylaq SUV
Skoda Auto India achieved record-breaking domestic sales in 2025, reaching 117,000 units—a 36% year-on-year increase. The primary growth driver was the new sub-4-meter Kylaq SUV, which sold over 45,000 units in its debut year. This performance has fueled a 107% brand growth for Skoda, helping the group cross a milestone of producing two million vehicles under its local manufacturing program while expanding its service network to 700 touchpoints.
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TOYOTA Jan 16: Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Launch Set For January 20 In India
Toyota is set to launch the Urban Cruiser EV, its first major electric offering in India, on January 20. Expected to be priced around ₹20 lakh, the SUV will feature 49kWh and 61kWh LFP battery options with a driving range of up to 550km. The model comes equipped with a Level 2 ADAS suite and dual digital displays, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Hyundai Creta Electric and Tata Curvv EV.
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FINANCE Jan 16: Nearly 30% Of US Trade-Ins Are Underwater As Loan Stress Mounts
Auto loan stress is deepening as nearly 30% of vehicle trade-ins in the U.S. are now "underwater," with owners owing more than their car's worth. High interest rates and falling used car prices have driven subprime auto delinquencies to record levels. Experts warn that the average negative equity has reached $7,214, leaving many consumers trapped in cycles of debt as they struggle to finance new vehicle purchases.
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CHINA Jan 16: Chongqing Reclaims Crown As China’s Top Auto Production City
Chongqing has officially overtaken traditional powerhouses like Shanghai and Guangzhou to reclaim its position as China’s top city for automobile production. The city's 12% year-on-year growth was fueled by a rapid transition to intelligent new energy vehicles (NEVs). Local giants like Changan and Seres have led the charge, benefiting from heavy municipal investment aimed at transforming Chongqing into a global hub for smart connected vehicles.
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LAUNCH Jan 16: Kia Launches Carens Clavis HTE Trim At ₹12.55 Lakh
Kia India has expanded its MPV lineup with the launch of the Carens Clavis HTE (EX) variant, priced at ₹12.55 lakh. This new trim brings premium features such as an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and six airbags to a more accessible price point. The launch aims to capitalize on strong year-end demand for utility vehicles, which saw a 27% dispatch growth in December according to recent SIAM data.
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ROBOTS Jan 16: First 'Dark Factory' To Build Entire Cars Tipped For 2030 Opening
Automotive analysts predict the first "dark factory"—a fully automated facility where robots build entire cars without human intervention—could open in either China or the U.S. by 2030. These facilities aim to maximize efficiency and reduce labor costs significantly. Meanwhile, Hyundai has appointed the former head of Tesla’s humanoid robot program as an advisor, signaling a major push toward integrating advanced robotics into the vehicle assembly process.
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ADVICE Jan 16: Xiaomi Auto To Lower Safety Mileage Threshold For Assisted Driving
Xiaomi Auto has announced plans to lower the safety mileage requirement for unlocking its "City Navigation Pilot" assisted driving feature. Previously, users were required to complete 1,000 kilometers of safe driving before the system could be fully activated. Following widespread user feedback, the company will relax these restrictions in an upcoming OTA update, though it continues to emphasize that the system requires constant driver attention.
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CANADA Jan 16: Canada’s Auto Factory Sales Hit Three-Year Low Amid Trade War
The Canadian automotive industry is facing severe headwinds as factory and wholesale sales hit a three-year low. A combination of persistent chip shortages and an escalating trade war with the U.S. has dented production volumes. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has raised concerns over the impact on local jobs, while U.S. automakers see their market share tumble in Canada as bilateral trade tensions continue to disrupt the integrated North American supply chain.
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BAJAJ Jan 16: Bajaj Auto Launches Chetak C25 At ₹91,399 To Lead E-Scooter Race
Bajaj Auto has launched the Chetak C25 electric scooter at an aggressive price of ₹91,399, targeting a leadership position in the Indian EV segment. The company is doubling down on deep agency partnerships to drive sales and push back against market fragmentation. Bajaj eyes a top spot in both domestic and international e-scooter markets as two-wheeler sales in India showed a robust 39% rebound in December 2025.
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LI_AUTO Jan 16: Li Auto i8 Debuts High-Voltage SiC E-Drive With 720km Range
Li Auto has unveiled the i8, its second all-electric vehicle, featuring an in-house developed 800V high-voltage SiC (silicon carbide) power module. The electric crossover achieves an industry-leading energy consumption rate of 13.4 kWh per 100km, providing a range of up to 720km. Equipped with 5C super-charging, the i8 can add 500km of range in just 10 minutes, positioning it as a high-efficiency alternative to competitors like the Aito M9.
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SAFETY Jan 16: Vega Auto Launches 'Pehnoge To Bachoge' Helmet Safety Campaign
In response to rising road safety concerns, Vega Auto has launched a new nationwide campaign titled "Pehnoge to Bachoge." The initiative shifts the focus from helmet ownership to actual usage, encouraging riders to wear protective gear consistently. The campaign launch coincides with a reported increase in two-wheeler sales, emphasizing the need for better safety awareness among the growing population of urban commuters and delivery partners.
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MYSURU Jan 16: Herbalife India Flags Off All-Women E-Auto Fleet In Mysuru
Herbalife India has launched an all-women electric auto-rickshaw fleet in Mysuru to promote sustainable mobility and female empowerment. The "Green Mobility" initiative provides zero-emission transport while creating livelihood opportunities for local women. The fleet was flagged off as part of a broader push for eco-friendly transit solutions in Tier-II cities, aligning with India's national goals for reducing carbon emissions in urban areas.