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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Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compound options for the Miami Grand Prix, with teams receiving the three softest mixtures: C3, C4 and C5. The first United States race of the Formula 1 season takes place next weekend in Florida following a lengthy break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. The championship resumes on a street circuit built around the Hard Rock Stadium, featuring a 5.412-kilometre layout over 57 laps.

The Miami International Autodrome presents 19 corners and three long straights on asphalt resurfaced in 2023. The track surface has low roughness and gains grip as the weekend progresses. A notable characteristic observed last year was the circuit’s ability to dry very quickly, demonstrated during the Sprint when drivers switched from intermediates to slicks despite heavy rain before the start.

Fewer uncertainties are expected in race strategy due to historically limited tyre degradation in Miami, allowing drivers to extend stints and complete the Grand Prix with only a single pit stop. Neutralisations remain a factor on Sunday, as precision is crucial on any street circuit. Last year’s victory by Oscar Piastri followed a straightforward approach, with drivers splitting between Medium and Hard compounds before a mid-distance pit window.

Of the four editions held around the Dolphins’ stadium, half have been won by Max Verstappen, while McLaren drivers have shared the last two victories. Lando Norris won in 2024 followed by Piastri in 2025, though neither McLaren driver has ever secured pole position at this event. Verstappen has two poles, with the others taken by Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.

The entire Miami weekend operates under the Pirelli banner, as all support categories are supplied by the Italian company. The second round of Formula 2 has been relocated to Florida, joined by the McLaren Trophy North America and the Porsche Carrera Cup North America. The latter series now receives Pirelli’s P Zero DHG compound introduced last season.

The Miami podium cap, designed by Denis Dekovic for Pirelli Design, draws inspiration from a sea predator with grey shades resembling shark skin. The animal is also referenced by visor stickers depicting jaws or body. The special edition cap is already available for purchase online.

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Comerio Ercole recently attended three major international trade fairs, namely the Indian Rubber Expo, Chinaplas and Techtextil. These events allowed the company to present its calendering solutions while reconnecting with longstanding partners and new potential clients across various markets. The strong interest recorded at each fair facilitated valuable discussions and provided clear insights into current industry trends and evolving customer requirements.

A significant achievement during this period was receiving the Industry Pioneer Award at Chinaplas, jointly presented by Adsale Plastics Network and the fair organisers. This recognition was granted specifically for Comerio Ercole’s calendering lines designed for PVC film, honouring the company’s innovation, technical expertise and ongoing technological development.

On 15 April 2026, during National Made in Italy Day in Rome, the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy officially recognised 1,000 Historical Brands of National Interest. As a proud member of this exclusive registry, Comerio Ercole participated in the institutional event, reaffirming its role in strengthening the global reputation of Made in Italy. The company stands as a testament to how tradition and Italian heritage can seamlessly integrate with the demands of today’s market.

Beyond its industrial and commercial activities, Comerio Ercole has demonstrated a broader commitment to social responsibility and sustainable innovation. It donated 10 mountain bikes to the LIUC University Residence in Castellanza to support student mobility and encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle. Furthermore, the company received a national award at the 13th edition of the Premio Impresa Ambiente in the category ‘Best Process/Technology for Sustainable Development’ for its LOGOS devulcanisation system, which transforms rubber waste and end-of-life tyres into recycled compounds comparable to virgin materials while reducing emissions. This recognition affirms that industrial excellence and environmental responsibility can advance together.

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Tegeta Green Planet recently visited the Georgian-American School in Batumi to mark Earth Day, where a presentation on specific waste management was held for fifth and sixth grade students. The meeting was conducted in an interactive format and included a variety of activities, enabling students to better understand environmental responsibility and the importance of proper waste handling.

Students actively participated in discussions, answered questions and engaged in practical tasks, gaining knowledge they can apply in everyday life about treating the environment responsibly and transforming waste into a resource. At the end of the activity, participants received certificates and symbolic gifts for their engagement, which further boosted their motivation and positive experience.

Established under the corporate social responsibility framework of Tegeta Holding, Tegeta Green Planet aims to raise environmental awareness in society and encourage sustainable behaviour. The organisation’s team actively collaborates with educational institutions by visiting schools and delivering informative presentations, interactive activities and engaging games that help students understand environmental protection through practical examples.

The main goal of the initiative is to raise environmental awareness among the younger generation and develop skills that will help them become more responsible citizens in the future. This activity is part of a broader educational campaign through which Tegeta Green Planet will gradually visit schools across different regions of Georgia.

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The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has called on the Government of India to introduce customs duty relief on critical raw materials due to supply chain instability from the West Asia crisis. ATMA acknowledged the government’s temporary duty exemption on synthetic rubber and certain resins until June 2026 as a constructive step.

Despite this, ATMA noted that inputs like tyre cord fabric, bead wire, steel cord, carbon black, processing oils and petrochemical chemicals still attract high import duties during price volatility and supply constraints. Crude-linked inputs account for up to 70 percent of raw material costs, with volatile crude prices and stressed shipping routes raising costs, delaying shipments and increasing freight and insurance premiums.

ATMA also highlighted bead wire shortages caused by domestic industrial gas and LPG issues, requesting a temporary waiver from Quality Control Order requirements for imports. The association sought sulphur supplies for tyre manufacturers and urged refineries to sustain process oils while shifting towards high-value materials like Neodymium Polybutadiene Rubber.

ATMA warned that raw material disruptions could affect farm and logistics tyre supplies. The association reaffirmed support for Make in India and self-reliance, stressing continued government-industry dialogue to protect original equipment manufacturers, transporters, farmers and consumers.

Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA, said, "We appreciate the Government’s timely support. However, given continued global uncertainties, extending duty relief to other critical raw materials is essential to maintain production stability and cost competitiveness."

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