The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released its April 2025 vehicle retail data, revealing a moderate overall growth of 3 percent YoY.

The two-wheeler segment emerged as the primary growth driver, registering a 2.25 percent increase in retail sales compared to April 2024 and a significant 11.84 percent MoM growth. FADA attributes this positive momentum to strong rural demand. However, the sector continues to face headwinds in the form of high financing costs and the pricing impact of OBD-2B emission norms.

The tractor segment demonstrated robust growth, with a 7.5 percent increase in retail sales year-on-year. This strong performance likely reflects the positive sentiment stemming from a strong Rabi harvest, which typically boosts agricultural activity and consequently, tractor demand.

In contrast to the strong performance of two-wheelers and tractors, the passenger vehicle segment experienced a modest 1.55 percent YoY growth, while witnessing a slight dip of 0.19 percent on MoM basis. The auto retail body attributes that deep discounts are prevalent in the market and while the demand for SUVs remains strong, the entry-level segment continues to exhibit sluggishness. FADA also noted that the PV inventory levels are currently around 50 days, significantly higher than their advocated norm of 21 days.

The commercial vehicle segment faced a contraction, with retail sales declining by 1.05 percent YoY and 4.44 percent on MoM basis. FADA suggests that recent price hikes by OEMs and flat freight rates are negatively impacting sales. Within the CV segment, the Small Commercial Vehicle category saw weak demand, while the bus segment remains steady.

Looking ahead to May 2025, FADA anticipates a positive outlook, primarily driven by the strong conclusion of the Rabi harvest. The expectation of a normal monsoon further strengthens this positive sentiment, suggesting continued momentum in rural demand which could positively influence vehicle sales across various segments.

In a significant development, FADA has begun releasing fuel-wise vehicle retail market share data across all key categories. This new initiative aims to provide stakeholders with a granular understanding of evolving energy preferences and the impact of regulatory influences on India's automotive ecosystem.

C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, said, “The new financial year began on a measured note as overall retails in April managed to grow by 3 percent YoY. All categories except CV closed in the green, with 2W, 3W, PV and Trac up 2.25 percent, 24.5 percent, 1.5 percent and 7.5 percent respectively, while CVs declined by 1 percent. With the tariff war paused, stock markets staged a sharp pullback – alleviating investor concerns – and customers thus leveraged Chaitra Navratri, Akshay Tritiya, Bengali New Year, Baisakhi and Vishu to complete purchases, helping April end on a positive note.”

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Recreatives Industries, the company behind the iconic MAX 6x6 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles, has unveiled a new proprietary tyre engineered specifically for its platforms. The TerraTread, available initially in a 23x11-8 size for the MAX 2 model, represents the largest original equipment tyre ever offered for that vehicle. Its expanded 23-inch diameter on an eight-inch rim provides increased ground clearance and a noticeably smoother ride. The design also delivers superior traction across diverse surfaces and enhances performance in water. According to the company, this new tyre substantially broadens the capabilities of both current and older MAX 2 vehicles while ensuring proper fit and boosting amphibious functionality.

Beyond the MAX 2 application, Recreatives Industries is developing a larger 25x12-10 TerraTread version intended for its MAX 4 and Buffalo Truck models. This larger tyre will utilise a 10-inch rim to preserve essential sidewall flexibility while improving flotation, overall stability and rugged off-road performance. The development of this larger TerraTread is a key component of the company's strategic plan, which includes a structured reintroduction of the MAX 4 and Buffalo Truck vehicles targeted for the middle of 2026.

The introduction of the TerraTread line underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its range of proprietary accessories and performance enhancements. These upgrades not only improve vehicle capability but also contribute to increased per-unit revenue. By engineering exclusive components tailored to its own vehicles, Recreatives Industries is strengthening its vertical integration and cultivating a more comprehensive ecosystem around the MAX brand. Initial stock of the new TerraTread tyres is anticipated to arrive during July and August of 2026, at which point they will be made available through the company's dealer network and its online store.

Andrew Lapp, CEO, Recreatives Industries, said, “Our TerraTread tyres were designed to elevate what MAX can do. The 23-inch TerraTread transforms the MAX 2 with additional clearance, improved ride quality and aggressive all-terrain performance. At the same time, the 25-inch development supports our forward platform planning as we position MAX 4 and Buffalo for expanded availability.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has officially opened a dedicated outdoor tyre testing facility in Ivalo, Finland, marking a major advancement in its global product development capabilities. Initially announced several months ago, the site became fully operational in December 2025 and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to engineering high-performance winter and all-season tyres for international markets.

The inauguration was led by Vice Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar, alongside Chief Commercial Officer Benoit Rivallant and Chief Technology Officer Daniele Lorenzetti. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of the facility, which was established through a long-term collaboration with UTAC, a globally respected automotive testing and certification organisation. This investment strengthens Apollo Tyres’ ability to lead in the areas of innovation, safety and precision engineering.

Designed to address the complex demands of contemporary tyre development, the facility features snow and ice tracks that simulate diverse real-world winter conditions. It is equipped with advanced data collection systems to assess critical performance parameters such as braking, handling, traction and stability. The bespoke infrastructure enables comprehensive evaluation of tyre behaviour in extreme cold weather environments.

With full control over its winter testing schedule, Apollo Tyres now enjoys greater operational independence and flexibility throughout the season. This autonomy allows for more consistent testing under varied climatic conditions, faster development cycles and improved responsiveness to engineering requirements. By consolidating its winter testing operations at a single advanced location, the company has enhanced both efficiency and cost management.

The new setup enables engineering teams to conduct uninterrupted testing, resulting in quicker validation of new products, greater repeatability in results and reduced logistical demands. These operational improvements support the delivery of winter and all-season tyres that meet rigorous standards of safety, durability and performance.

Developed in line with current technical and legal norms, the facility is also built to accommodate future regulatory changes. Its adaptable infrastructure ensures alignment with evolving testing protocols and certification standards, allowing Apollo Tyres to stay ahead of industry requirements. As expectations for winter mobility continue to grow, this facility positions the company to consistently meet the needs of customers, partners, and regulators in the years ahead.

Kanwar said, “This inauguration is more than the opening of a facility, it is a clear demonstration of Apollo Tyres’ commitment to innovation, safety and performance excellence. With this investment, we are strengthening our ability to develop tyres that perform reliably in the most demanding winter conditions while maintaining exceptional year-round versatility.”

Rivallant said, “This facility is a great asset within Apollo Tyres. It is more than a tyre test facility, as it gives us also the possibility to invite our customers to be part of and experience winter testing for themselves. This will strengthen their insights in tyre development and performance.”

Lorenzetti said, “The launch of our dedicated outdoor tyre testing facility is a major step forward for our R&D capabilities. It gives us highly consistent, real-world data, enabling faster validation and quicker speed to market. Most importantly, it strengthens our ability to continuously improve tyre performance, safety and sustainability – delivering better products to our customers, faster.”

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A recent nationwide survey commissioned by Bridgestone has explored the reasons behind UK motorists' loyalty to their local garages, revealing that the decision to return is driven by a blend of practical, personal and experiential factors. The research, which polled 2,000 drivers, indicates that while competitive pricing remains the primary reason for 48 percent of respondents, it is by no means the sole consideration.

The findings highlight the significant role of human connection in the automotive service industry. Some 35 percent of drivers are motivated by the personal relationships they develop with staff, demonstrating that a friendly face can be a powerful draw. This sense of familiarity is often deeply ingrained, with 29 percent of motorists citing family tradition as the reason for their continued custom. This suggests that loyalty can be multigenerational, passed down through habits formed over time.

Consumer priorities are also evolving to include broader ethical considerations. There is a growing segment of the market, measured at 26 percent, willing to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, with this group open to paying a premium for services from a garage that utilises green technology like solar power. This figure has shown an upward trend compared to 23 percent the previous year, signalling an increasing public interest in environmentally responsible practices.

Beyond these deeper values, the survey also uncovered that smaller comforts can influence choice. Some 30 percent of respondents would pay more for a pleasant waiting environment. In a lighter but telling detail, eight percent of motorists even admitted that the quality of the refreshments on offer plays a part in their decision-making process.

According to Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director for Bridgestone North Region, these results paint a picture of a more discerning driver, one who seeks value and a positive overall experience rather than simply the lowest price. In response to this shift, Bridgestone is actively supporting garages that align with this ethos through dedicated programmes. One such initiative, backed by more than GBP 1 million in investment, recognises retailers who excel in best practice and premium service delivery. The long-term goal is to accredit 150 sites across Europe, enhancing the customer journey while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. This work is part of a broader corporate commitment to creating value across several key areas, including energy, ecology and customer empowerment.

Chapman said, “It’s encouraging to see that motorists are increasingly looking for more than just the lowest price. At Bridgestone, we’ve always believed that true value is found in quality products and solutions, which provide superior levels of safety and longevity. It’s also interesting to see emotional factors such as trust, familiarity and even a good cup of coffee playing a part in the decision-making process. These small touches help define what makes a motorist return.”

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Hankook Tire-sponsored TGL presented by SoFi, a US-based team golf league, is set to host its ninth through twelfth matches over two days beginning 23 February at the SoFi Center in Florida. As the league’s first-ever Official Tyre Partner and a Founding Partner, Hankook Tire is maximising its involvement by showcasing its unified global ‘Hankook’ brand across on-site LED displays, television advertising and broadcast coverage. This strategic presence reaches fans in approximately 150 countries, delivering premium brand value and creating a distinctive brand experience at the crossroads of mobility and sports while broadening consumer engagement.

The upcoming matches carry significant weight as TGL Season 2 approaches its playoff phase. On 23 February, Atlanta Drive GC will face a demanding doubleheader, first confronting Boston Common Golf followed by Los Angeles Golf Club. The opening contest presents a compelling standings battle, with Atlanta seeking to defend its top position against a Boston team that recently surged into second place after a decisive victory over The Bay Golf Club. Although Atlanta opened the season with consecutive wins to claim the lead, Boston has narrowed the gap based on holes won, intensifying the stakes. The subsequent match against Los Angeles proves equally critical, as Atlanta holds merely a two-point advantage over a team tied in holes won, meaning a defeat could trigger a standings reversal.

The following day features New York Golf Club in its own doubleheader, beginning against The Bay Golf Club before meeting Boston Common Golf. Currently occupying sixth place, New York aims to close ground on fifth-place Bay, while The Bay seeks to overcome early-season inconsistencies and build playoff momentum through back-to-back victories. The twelfth matchup places New York against second-place Boston, with only two points separating them. New York will depend on Matt Fitzpatrick, undefeated in Season 2 singles competition, to anchor its postseason push.

With merely three regular season matches remaining before the playoffs, the battle for top-four positioning has intensified considerably. Atlanta Drive GC maintains its lead atop the standings, pursued closely by Boston Common Golf, Los Angeles Golf Club and Jupiter Links GC. Meanwhile, The Bay Golf Club and New York Golf Club occupy fifth and sixth places, respectively, rendering every remaining contest crucial for postseason aspirations.

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