AGP Executive Report

Trade and Tariffs: The EU and China reached a preliminary understanding that could cut projected Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid exports to Europe by more than half over four years. Details on how the deal would work remain unclear. Engineering Investment: thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology opened a Pune engineering centre with more than 120 staff and plans to grow the workforce to over 300, supporting software-defined vehicles and chassis development. EV Infrastructure: BYD is discussing ultra-fast charging technology with its Pakistan partner, subject to infrastructure readiness and future product plans. Market Shift: Petrol-only vehicles fell below half of global new-vehicle sales in the first half of 2026 as fuel costs pushed buyers toward hybrids and EVs. Regulation: Tesla replaced “Full Self-Driving” with “Tesla Assisted Driving” on several European websites after regulators raised concerns the name could mislead drivers.

Trade: China and the EU reached a deal to cut Chinese hybrid-car exports to Europe by more than half over four years, easing trade tensions while talks continue on tariffs and rare-earth supplies. Market Expansion: Geely is preparing to enter Canada in 2027, building a local sales and service network as Chinese automakers seek new markets. New Models: Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Tiguan, replacing the ID.4 and ID.5 with a redesigned cabin and a claimed range of up to 373 miles. Used Vehicles: Wholesale prices fell below year-ago levels for the first time in 2026; Cox Automotive now expects values to finish the year up just 0.2%, down from its earlier forecast of 2%. Industry Costs: Rising fuel prices are shifting demand toward more efficient used vehicles, while trucking firms face mounting pressure from surging diesel costs.

Safety & Regulation: Saudi Arabia recalled nearly 3,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees from 2023–24 over a software fault that could delay side-airbag deployment. Maextro, meanwhile, promised free upgrades after brake-pedal brackets fractured during testing. Electrification: New UK rules from Oct. 21 will allow pavement-embedded charging cables in some areas, but residents in conservation areas still need planning permission. Industry & Investment: JSW MG Motor India selected eight startups for its mobility innovation program. India’s auto sector is heading into festive season with strong demand, but rising material costs are expected to squeeze margins. Competition & Trade: Chinese automakers are stepping up pressure on European rivals ahead of the Paris Motor Show, as September delivery reports point to strong growth at several Chinese EV brands. The EU also selected 46 strategic mineral projects to strengthen supply chains for batteries and other industries. Market Shift: Petrol-only vehicles fell below half of global new-vehicle sales for the first time, with high fuel costs helping drive interest in EVs and hybrids.

F1 Software Scrutiny: The FIA says the software behind last weekend’s disrupted Malaysian GP start had been tested, but a power drop affected cars running at low engine speeds. Mercedes will compare two aerodynamic packages at Singapore to investigate its performance dip. EV Shift: Gas-powered cars fell below half of global new-car sales for the first time, while lower-priced electric models are drawing more buyers. Chinese brands are gaining ground, sharpening trade tensions as EU-China talks focus on car imports. Automaker Strategy: Porsche is recasting its plans through 2035 around more exclusive, higher-priced cars and stronger profitability, even as it prepares for lower sales and job cuts. Hyundai’s affiliate is also planning a $560 million Georgia expansion that includes a new plant. Ford Litigation: A Canadian class action over water-pump failures now covers owners and lessees whose vehicles suffered damage or personal injury from failures through Sept. 8, 2026.

Supply Chains: Flooding has halted about 10 Thai parts suppliers and disrupted deliveries to Toyota, Isuzu, Ford, Nissan and Honda; Toyota said its plants could reopen Oct. 11, pending confirmation. Trade Tensions: Fifteen economies, including the US, EU, Japan, India and South Korea, agreed to coordinate responses to industrial overcapacity in EVs, batteries and other sectors—a move widely seen as targeting China. UK experts warn tariffs on Chinese-built cars could hit dealers already invested in those brands. Industry Alliances: FAW, Toyota and GAC signed a framework to deepen cooperation, building on joint ventures whose vehicles have reached more than 23 million Chinese customers. JAC Motors also confirmed talks with Huawei and Stellantis, but said no deal is signed. EV Momentum: LG Energy Solution reported record quarterly revenue of 9.64 trillion won, while India’s electric passenger-vehicle sales rose 95% year-on-year in September. Product Strategy: Porsche plans to focus on pricier, more exclusive cars while keeping combustion engines and manual sports cars in its future lineup. Motorsport Technology: The FIA will strengthen software testing after a bug left F1 cars stranded on track and delayed the Malaysia Grand Prix start.

Global Sales: BYD sold 463,561 vehicles in September, with overseas sales up 153.9% year over year. Chinese-built vehicles also outsold Japanese- and Thai-built cars combined in Australia, taking nearly 40% of the market. Brand Strategies: Jaguar unveiled its $130,500 Type 01 electric grand tourer as the first production model in its reinvention, with deliveries expected in late 2027. Chery, meanwhile, reshuffled leadership to bring its namesake brand’s domestic and international operations together. Product Shifts: Porsche’s turnaround plan calls for mid-engine sports cars and larger SUVs as sales and margins weaken; it says the next Boxster and Cayman will remain electric, despite earlier signs that combustion versions were planned. Hyundai is also leaning more on hybrids amid soft demand for battery-electric vehicles. Trade and Transition: Britain is weighing tariffs on Chinese electric cars amid pressure from the EU, while petrol-only vehicles fell below half of global new-car sales for the first time.

Trade & Exports: Türkiye’s automotive exports hit $3.94B in September, with the supply industry leading at $1.46B and the EU taking 73.4% of shipments. EV & Policy: Beijing warned it could respond to UK tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, with potential duties reported to push some tariffs above 45%. Market Signals: Singapore’s COE premiums eased again on Oct. 7, with Category A down 1.4% to S$130,001 and Category B down 2.2% to S$130,100. Manufacturing Incentives: Jordan approved incentives for vehicle manufacturing/assembly in the Zarqa Development Zone, including electricity and land-price support tied to investment and jobs. Aftermarket & Logistics: Alliance Automotive Group will take the final unit at Panattoni Park Rotherham, expanding to occupy the whole 66,039 m² site. Recycling: Japan’s WARC says it recycles 95%+ of end-of-life vehicles, dismantling up to 30 cars a day. Tech & Components: FORVIA HELLA developed slim, distinctive headlamps for Geely Galaxy Xingyao7 MAX. Mobility Startup: India’s Trev plans to raise $2M to scale its premium EV chauffeur fleet from 105 to 300 by FY27.

EV Market Pulse: A new Vermont-by-Vermont EV report shows EVs at 5.55% of new light-duty sales in Vermont in Q2 2026 (584 EVs sold), with public charging at about 14 EVs per outlet—well below the national 31-to-1 ratio. Dealer Reality Check: Cars.com data points to hybrid demand outpacing supply, with hybrids at just 1 in 8 listings and days on lot falling to 46, while overall cars sit at 73 days. Powertrain Shift in Australia: Australia’s Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says battery-electric sales more than doubled in September, reaching 24.1% of new cars and beating petrol for the second straight month as petrol sales fell sharply. China Pressure on Legacy Makers: Detroit Three leaders warn China’s low-price push is reshaping global competition, with concerns it could erode market share beyond the U.S. Policy & Trade: Britain is set to levy tariffs on Chinese electric cars, while EU-UK tensions over Chinese EVs keep heating up. Safety Tech: Boston Dynamics names Rohit Prasad CEO to accelerate “physical AI,” aiming to commercialize intelligent robotics at scale.

Mobility & Tech Partnerships: AIC Pinnacle and NATRAX signed an MoU to help EV and connected-mobility startups move from prototype to product development, with access to NATRAX testing and a planned hackathon. AI in Cars: Valeo was picked by Nissan as System Tier-1 for the next-gen ProPILOT program, combining Valeo hardware/software with Wayve’s AI Driver for mass-production automated driving. Connected Vehicle Certification: P3 became a Google-accredited 3PL certification partner for Android Auto Projection (AAP 2.0), aiming to streamline OEM compliance for in-car deployment. EV Market Signals: Suzuki launched its first fully electric minicar, the e SKY, targeting Japan’s price-sensitive minicars segment and taking aim at BYD and Nissan. Fleet Electrification: Boston’s MBTA plans to electrify the Fairmount Line with battery-powered trains in a long-term, staged deal. Deal & Industry Finance: Hyundai Glovis and U.S. logistics firm LGL will explore an SMR-powered pure car and truck carrier route between Korea and the U.S. Auto Retail/People: Lithia & Driveway promoted Katie Macaddino to Chief People Officer, continuing leadership changes at the dealership group.

Fuel Prices & Policy: Germany’s ADAC says petrol and diesel prices rose again after a short-lived government energy tax cut, with relief already eroding within days. EV Shift: A new report says gasoline-only vehicles fell below half of global new-car sales for the first time, as high fuel prices and EV momentum outside China reshape demand. U.S. Politics & Gas: Trump blamed soaring U.S. pump prices on Ukraine-linked refinery damage and “blue state” refinery closures, while AAA tracks prices continuing to climb. Auto Industry Finance: Qualcomm’s automotive revenue grew strongly even as U.S. EV sales slid, highlighting demand for vehicle computing and connectivity beyond powertrains. EV Makers Under Pressure: Lucid cut production sharply and delivered 3,806 vehicles in Q3, down 7%, as it sells down unsold inventory. Mobility Tech & Safety: Tesla CEO Elon Musk said robotaxi operating hours were adjusted after concerns about night visibility for pets, reigniting debate over sensor approaches. Aftermarket Growth: TVS Automobile Solutions raised Rs 425 crore to expand myTVS’s profitable garage-and-parts platform into MENA. Local Governance: Shenandoah County planners delayed inoperable-vehicle restrictions after residents raised concerns about unintended impacts on farms and repairs. Connected Cars & Privacy: A Georgia sheriff said flock camera data requests were denied under state law protecting automated license plate recognition-derived information. Community & Training: Rochester’s SPARK museum is running a week of job-vehicle visits for kids, from police cars to school buses.

F1 Tech & Governance: The FIA says it will fully investigate a software bug that triggered power losses and forced an aborted start at the Bahrain GP in Malaysia, with drivers calling it a “Lego race” after Hamilton had to stop and restart. Motorsport Business: Sepang reported a record 261,000 spectators for the Bahrain GP weekend, underscoring F1’s growing regional pull. Trade & Tariffs: UK officials are weighing tariffs on Chinese EVs to align with EU “Made in Europe” rules, a move that could spark retaliation and trigger WTO friction. UK EV Market: September BEV registrations hit 99,201, with BYD becoming the UK’s second-largest brand as plug-in hybrids drive much of the growth. US Auto Politics: Analysts call Trump’s tariff-driven “roaring comeback” a mixed bag, with uncertainty still slowing bigger investment wins. EV Outlook: Cowen flags early signs of an “EV comeback” as higher fuel prices and more self-driving features lift demand. Safety & Crime: Police arrested a 17-year-old after a dangerous BMW chase tied to an illegal car meet in Blackpool; separately, multiple car fires and crashes kept emergency services busy. Commercial Fleets: A UK summit focused on how residual-value risk is blocking financing for zero-emission HGVs, aiming to unlock longer-term investment.

EV Value Chain: Spain is pushing to strengthen its EV battery supply chain after Volkswagen, PowerCo and China’s Gotion High-Tech agreed a €1.1B deal for a 49% stake in PowerCo’s Sagunto cell plant, with operations targeted for 2027. F1 Tech Fallout: Formula 1 launched a full investigation into Bahrain GP chaos in Malaysia after rain exposed software-linked power failures tied to the 50-50 hybrid rules; Verstappen won, Antonelli took second, and Russell retired late. US Trade Impact: Analysts say Trump tariffs are a “partial win” for US auto manufacturing, but uncertainty and spending drag limit bigger gains. Charging Expansion: Macau’s LRT added seven EV charging bays at the Barra transport hub, with fast-charge time limits to manage turnover. Deal Watch: Lightrock Group is seeking India’s CCI approval to buy a stake in Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, aiming to scale commercial vehicle after-sales. Local Mobility/Policy: BC’s NDP will run in 92 of 93 ridings in an Oct. 24 snap election, while Nexus enrollment rules shift for Canadians starting April 1, 2027.

Motorsport Disruption: Heavy rain at Sepang forced another delay to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, with the start suspended after wet-conditions triggered software and power issues for multiple cars, including Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. Rally Business: Ford confirmed a full factory return to the FIA World Rally Championship from 2028 and plans a new Rally1 car under WRC27 rules for 2029, aiming to cut costs while boosting safety and accessibility. EV Policy & Costs: A U.S. hybrid-demand surge is exposing a lineup gap for automakers, as rising fuel prices push buyers toward Japanese and Korean hybrids while EV sales face headwinds. Road Safety Data: Bangladesh reported 423 road deaths in September, with motorcycles and pedestrians making up the largest shares of fatalities. Mobility Infrastructure: JSW Motors says India’s CAFE-3 rules (from April next year) give clearer planning for electrified powertrains and localization. Local Transport Rules: Drivers using a slow-moving vehicle emblem must only do so for vehicles legally required to display it, with strict limits on normal-speed cars.

Motorsport: Max Verstappen grabbed pole at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, ending Red Bull’s 2026 drought; Lewis Hamilton finished second after a tense qualifying build-up, while Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc lined up behind after grid shuffles and penalties. Motorsport—Team news: Liam Lawson qualified 11th for Racing Bulls, blaming tyre overheating and lap-time loss, while teammate Arvid Lindblad dropped after a power-unit penalty. EV policy & safety: California signed SB 1246, adding up to $10,000 in fines for robotaxis that block emergency access for more than 30 minutes. Global auto market: AUTO ATHINA 2026 in Athens highlighted a surge in Chinese brands, with dealers citing price and tech; Chinese makes reached nearly 10% of Greece’s new passenger-car registrations in early 2026. EV infrastructure trial: New Zealand launched an Auckland trial to use two-way EV chargers as backup power during outages. Auto industry—Sales: GM reported third-quarter deliveries down 5.5%, with EV demand weakness offset by interest in cheaper small SUVs. Product recall: Canada’s CFIA recalled Taeyangcho Gochujang due to undeclared wheat/gluten. Charging gear: Jackery unveiled smaller, lighter portable power stations using a cell-to-body packaging approach.

Motorsport Spotlight: Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli set the pace in final Bahrain GP practice at Sepang, clocking 1:36.302 ahead of Verstappen and Hadjar, as qualifying gets underway. Event Operations: Sepang International Circuit and Rapid KL say they’ve tightened shuttle and traffic management after yesterday’s gridlock complaints, adding dedicated bus lanes and improved pick-up/drop-off coordination. Electric Mobility (India): JBM Auto registered 274 electric buses in September, holding a 33% share, and logged 892 registrations in H1 FY27, citing its EV ecosystem and public-transport adoption. US Market Pressure: Cox Automotive says Detroit’s Big Three are headed for a record-low combined domestic share as Asian brands keep gaining, with hybrid strength a key driver. Policy & Costs: The UK sees diesel prices top £2/litre for the first time, blamed on crude volatility and supply disruptions tied to Middle East shipping risks. EV Launch (Europe): Chery’s LEPAS brand launched the L8 PHEV in Romania and opened its first flagship store in Sibiu.

Fuel-Economy Legal War: California and a coalition of 26 states, counties, and cities sued the Trump administration over its rollback of CAFE mileage standards, arguing the new 2031 target of 34.9 mpg is weaker than the “maximum feasible” requirement and will raise fuel use and emissions. Industry Finance & Demand: Tesla reported Q3 deliveries of 486,532 vehicles, beating Wall Street forecasts despite a 2% year-over-year dip, while Ford said its Q3 sales fell 6.6% amid EV credit phase-out effects. EV/Auto Market Signals: UK registrations surged 12.1% in September, with Chinese brands gaining traction, and US shoppers keep leaning toward hybrids from Asian makers. Labor & Trade: The US and Mexico announced a remediation course tied to Corporación de Occidente’s tire facility, focused on restoring workers’ rights. Auto Safety Debate: A US-focused report questions why some cars still lack front-center airbags, arguing preventable injuries continue. Car Culture & Skills: Scholarships worth $400,000 in Alabama back automotive manufacturing careers, while classic-car events and concours shows keep drawing crowds.