Author: Purbalee Dutta

India’s passenger vehicle market has undergone a clear shift in consumer demand following the GST rate cuts in September 2025, with compact SUVs gaining ground while hatchbacks continue to lag despite minor recoveries. Hatchbacks and small cars, once dominant with a 46% share in FY2019, have dropped to about 23% in FY2025. In contrast, sub-4m SUVs now account for over 30% of sales, up from 27% a year earlier. The GST revision lowered taxes on most vehicles to 18% from 29–31%, while luxury cars saw rates trimmed to 40%, improving affordability and boosting sales by 4.4% year-on-year in September 2025. Hyundai and Tata Motors have reported stronger SUV sales since the reform, with Hyundai’s SUVs making up 72.4% of domestic sales and Tata achieving record volumes. Mahindra’s SUV sales als...

India’s services sector growth slowed in October, slipping to a five-month low after reaching a 15-year high in August, as weaker export demand and rising global competition weighed on new business and output, according to a private survey released Thursday. The HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, dropped to 58.9 in October from 60.9 in September and 62.9 in August — the lowest since May. Despite the decline, the index has stayed above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction for over four years, reflecting continued resilience in the sector. The survey noted that while demand strength and GST relief supported operating conditions, factors such as stiff competition and heavy rainfall limited growth. Firms, however, remained ...

India’s exports to the United States have declined for the fourth consecutive month across nearly all sectors, according to a recent analysis by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report highlighted that between May and September 2025, India’s exports to its largest trading partner fell sharply by 37.5%, dropping from $8.8 billion to $5.5 billion. The decline is largely attributed to the steep US tariffs imposed earlier this year, which now total 50% for Indian goods, following an initial 10% levy in April, a rise to 25% in August, and further escalation to 50% later that month. These tariffs were partly introduced as a response to India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil. The sectors hit hardest were those that previously enjoyed zero tariffs. Exports in this catego...

After keeping car enthusiasts eager for nearly a year, Tata has unveiled the official teaser for the highly anticipated Sierra SUV. The vehicle, first showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, revives the iconic Sierra nameplate in India. The teaser confirms that the production model closely resembles the Expo version. Tata has set November 25 as the official launch date for the Sierra in India. Engine options are expected to include a 2.0-liter diesel unit from the Tata Harrier, a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, and a 1.5-liter turbo petrol variant, with plans for an electric version also underway. The new Sierra departs significantly from the original 2000s model, embracing Tata’s contemporary design language. It features all-LED lighting, including front headlights an...

Bata India Ltd’s performance in the September quarter (Q2FY26) disappointed investors, dragging its shares down 4% on Tuesday as the results fell short on multiple fronts. The footwear company struggled with growth throughout the quarter, and with costs remaining elevated, it failed to meet expectations across key metrics. Revenue declined 4% year-on-year to ₹801 crore, marking the weakest showing in the last ten quarters, compared with estimates of around ₹860 crore by JM Financial Institutional Securities and Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Bata cited early transmission of GST benefits to consumers, aimed at clearing inventory ahead of official rate cuts, as one factor. Deferred purchases from channel partners and consumers following GST rationalization, along with a temporary disr...

Vodafone Idea shares surged up to 9.5% on October 27 after the Centre informed the Supreme Court that it was open to reconsidering the company’s plea in the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) case. The apex court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai with Justices K. Vinod Chandran and Vipul M. Pancholi, allowed the government to review the issue, stating there was “no reason” to prevent it. Vodafone Idea shares hit a one-year high of ₹10.57 on the NSE before profit booking trimmed gains, with the stock up 1.5% at 1:10 p.m. The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, said the Centre now holds 49% equity in Vodafone Idea and serves nearly 20 crore customers, justifying its willingness to revisit the matter. The bench observed that the government’s involvement warranted reconsideration. Following this,...

Tata Motors’ subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), is estimated to face a loss of £540 million (₹6,300 crore) due to the September cyberattack, equating to roughly a third of its 2024-25 profits, according to the Cyber Monitoring Centre. At the group level, this could erase nearly a quarter of Tata Motors’ ₹28,149 crore profit for FY25. The attack halted production at JLR’s UK plants—Solihull, Halewood, and Wolverhampton—as well as facilities in Pune, India, and Nitra, Slovakia, for about five weeks. During this period, UK output dropped by roughly 5,000 vehicles weekly, resulting in estimated weekly losses of £108 million from fixed costs and lost profits. Production resumed gradually from late September, with a full return expected by January 2026, though lingering IT and supply chain...

Wipro shares dropped over 4% on Friday, October 17, following the release of its September quarter results a day earlier. Among the 47 analysts covering the stock, 16 recommend a “sell,” 13 suggest a “buy,” and 18 maintain a “hold,” reflecting a divided outlook on the company’s performance. Nomura retained a buy rating with a target price of ₹280 per share, implying a 10% upside from Thursday’s close. The brokerage said Wipro’s Q2 results exceeded expectations across most metrics, with robust deal wins. It noted that the company aims to keep its EBIT margins steady despite headwinds, and highlighted a 4% FY27 dividend yield. The stock trades at about 19.8 times FY27 estimated earnings. Jefferies, however, maintained an underperform rating with a target of ₹220, signaling a potential...