News: Passenger Cars, Minivans, and SUVs

Aligned with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, the 2025  budget proposes a forward-looking approach for the auto sector, fostering a sustainable ecosystem with financial allocations and duty exemptions. Among the highlights:

• Support for EV Manufacturing. The exemption of customs duties on 35 capital goods for lithium-ion battery production is a commendable step toward reducing production costs and improving EV affordability.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. The government allocated $325.31 million USD (Rs 2,819 crore), down from $403.90 million USD (Rs 3,500 crore) last year, which may raise concerns about the continuity of financial backing for emerging EV and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
• Tariff Rationalization. Reduction of tariff categories to just eight simplifies the customs structure and promotes ease of business for auto manufacturers.
• MSME Credit Boost. With increased access to credit for MSMEs in the auto component industry, supply chain development will strengthen, driving innovation and expansion. MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. This term refers to a significant sector of the Indian economy that plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development and growth.
• Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. Rural income growth via this scheme, along with increased Kisan Credit Card limits, is expected to boost demand for two-wheelers, tractors, and small commercial vehicles.