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Bajaj Auto's two-wheeler sales declined by 14 percent in the domestic market in February 2025 year-on-year. According to the stock exchange filing, Bajaj Auto sold 1,46,138 units of two-wheelers in the domestic market last month in 2025 compared to 1,70,527 units in the same month last year.

However, the exports saw a 23 percent jump YoY. The two-wheeler manufacturer exported 1,53,280 units in February 2025.

Commercial vehicle sales, including domestic and exports, remained flat at 52,653 units in February 2025.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/number-of-hours-of-work-dont-matter-quality-of-work-does-says-bajaj-auto-md-53016.htm">'Number of hours of work don't matter, quality of work does,' says Bajaj Auto MD</a>

Overall, Bajaj Auto sold 3,52,071 vehicles in February 2025, up 2 percent YoY.

Between April and February, the company's domestic two-wheeler sales stood at 21,24,590 compared to 20,67,581 units in the same period in fiscal year 2024.

The exports increased by 15 percent to 15,41,987 units in FY25. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/bajaj-autos-festive-cheer-dampened-two-wheeler-sales-down-exports-rise-in-october-46547.htm">Bajaj Auto’s festive cheer dampened! Two-wheeler sales down, exports rise in October</a>

The commercial vehicles domestic sale was up 3 percent to 4,41,621 units. 

Overall, the company sold 42,81,143 units of two-wheeler and commercial vehicles between April and February FY 25 compared to 39,85,029 units in the corresponding quarters in FY 24--a jump of 7 percent.

Shares of Bajaj Auto declined 2.15 percent to Rs 7,733 at 11:36 am on Monday.

Bajaj Auto's domestic two-wheeler sales dip 14% in February

The Bombay High Court on Monday expressed scepticism over Volkswagen’s defence in the $1.4 billion tax dispute, stating that it was not convinced by the automaker’s interpretation of customs regulations.

The case concerns a show-cause notice (SCN) issued by Customs authorities, alleging that Volkswagen misclassified its imports of Audi, Škoda, and Volkswagen vehicles between 2012 and 2024. The company is accused of declaring the imports as individual parts rather than Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units, which attract higher customs duties.

A bench comprising Justice B.P. Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla rejected Volkswagen’s argument that CKD classification applies only when all parts arrive as a single kit. The Court remarked that such an interpretation could allow manufacturers to evade higher duties by importing components separately.

"The entire basis of your argument is that everything must arrive in one go, as a single kit. Prima facie, we are not convinced. A manufacturer could easily request suppliers to deliver a vehicle in multiple shipments and then claim it is not a CKD import. This would defeat the intent of the 2011 customs notification," the Court stated.

The SCN covers approximately 30,000 transactions over 12 years. Volkswagen maintains that it consistently imported parts, not CKD kits, and had received clarification from the Revenue Secretary in 2011 supporting this classification. However, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N. Venkataraman, representing Customs authorities, dismissed Volkswagen’s stance, alleging deliberate misclassification.

Venkataraman cited findings from a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) raid, which reportedly revealed that Volkswagen’s own officers admitted to importing 97% of the Aurangabad plant’s parts for assembly. He further argued that the SCN was based on fresh evidence and was not a final order, allowing Volkswagen to provide further clarifications.

While the Court acknowledged that Volkswagen could present its case before the adjudicating authority, it commended the Customs officer who issued the SCN, noting that the official had conducted extensive research into vehicle identification and classification data.

The Court will continue hearing the case on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/trademark-dispute-bombay-high-court-rules-in-favor-of-abd-temporarily-halts-mansion-house-launch-56138.htm">Read More: Trademark Dispute: Bombay High Court rules in favor of ABD, temporarily halts Mansion House launch</a>

Bombay High Court questions Volkswagen’s defence in $1.4 billion tax case

German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has expressed concern over the company's tax dispute with Indian customs authorities. During the hearing on Monday, the carmaker challenged the show-cause notice under the Customs Act on Monday. The company told the Bombay High Court the Rs 1.4 billion tax dispute is a "life and death" battle for the Group's operation in India. 


According to a report by Bar & Bench, Volkswagen's counsel has alleged that over 100 of its consignments were detained by Indian customs officials since the issuance of a show-cause notice in September 2024.

The report mentioned that customs officials have alleged that Volkswagen misclassified the imports of its car models Audi, Skoda, and Volkswagen vehicles as "individual parts" instead of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units, resulting in evasion of higher customs duties. 

However, senior advocate Arvind Datar, who appeared for Volkswagen said that classifying import of parts as CKD units will have severe consequences for the company's operations in India.

Datar and advocate Rohan Shah argued that the customs authorities had not issued any show-cause notice for 12 years despite the automaker's consistent import of parts as standalone units not as CKD units.

The show-cause notice by customs comprises around 33,000 transactions undertaken between 2012 to 2024.

The advocates of Volkswagen stressed that the assessment should have been completed within six months of 2018 as per the Central Board of Excise and Customs manual. After 2018, the assessment should be completed within a "reasonable" period. However, Volkswagen's counsel questioned the excessive delay in issuing the show-cause notice.

"The SCN does not contain a single line explaining why it was issued after 12 years. Did I do something wrong?" Datar asked in the Bar & Bench report.

Datar contended that no further show-cause notice can be issued before a provisional assessment is completed under Section 28 of the Customs Act. The provisional assessment is still stuck as some parts of the company are still awaiting valuation.

Further, Datar highlighted orders wherein the customs authorities have classified Volkswagen's imports as parts, not as CKD units since 2012. 

Following this the Bench advised that Volkswagen can import a CKD without a pre-assembled engine and then import the engine separately for clever tax planning.

Datar raised concern over the exorbitant amount demanded in the show-cause notice. He said this would prevent them from relying on any alternative remedies, including pursuing the matter. Datar said that the classification of imports as CKD units is under the ambit of customs authorities.

Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman, appearing for Custom authorities said Volkswagen has misclassified its imports as parts when they should have been classified as CKD units. Venkataraman said that if the engine and gearbox are pre-assembled, then it's subject to 30 percent customs duty or even 60 percent if mounted to the chassis. He cited the statement of Volkswagen's managing directors saying that the company has been importing almost entire vehicles as parts. He argued that the show-cause notice demanding 30 percent of duty after applying relevant exemptions is valid.


The next hearing of the case is scheduled for 20 February.

Volkswagen challenges Indian customs over Rs 1.4 billion tax demand

Bajaj Auto's two-wheeler sales declined by 8 percent in the domestic market in October 2024. During the festive month, Bajaj Auto sold 2.55 lakh 2-wheelers compared to 2.78 lakh in the same month last year. However, the exports witnessed a year-on-year rise of 22 percent.

Bajaj exported 1.58 lakh two-wheelers compared to 1.29 lakh in October 2023. Overall, the maker of Pulsar bike sold 4.14 lakh two-wheelers in October 2024. 

	
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/bajaj-autos-head-of-marketing-deepika-warrier-quits-sumeet-narang-elevated-to-president-marketing-44309.htm">Bajaj Auto’s Head of Marketing Deepika Warrier quits; Sumeet Narang elevated to President – Marketing</a>

The company's two-wheeler sales in H1 FY25 (April-October) stood at 14.75 lakh--an 11 percent increase year to date. The company's 2-wheeler export in the first six months of 2024 climbed by 8 percent to 9.23 lakh.

'Commercial vehicles sale'

Bajaj Auto reported a six percent decline in commercial vehicle sales in October 2024. The company sold 47,922 CVs in October this year compared to 51,132 in the same month of 2023.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/bajaj-auto-sells-over-259000-two-wheelers-in-india-in-sept-2024-43688.htm">Bajaj Auto sells over 2,59,000 two-wheelers in India in Sept 2024</a>

However, in H1 2024, the CV sales of Bajaj Auto increased by 5 percent to 2.95 lakh compared to 2.81 lakh in H1 2023.

'Muted sales'

Bajaj Auto has registered only a 2 percent increase in vehicle sales (both two-wheelers and CVs) at 4.79 lakh during the festive month of 2024. Between April and October, the company sold 28.03 lakh vehicles, posting a 10 percent rise compared to 25.52 lakh in H1 2023. Bajaj Auto's shares declined by 4.12 percent on Monday at 9:54 am, trading at Rs 9,457.80 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Bajaj Auto's festive cheer dampened! Two-wheeler sales down, exports rise in October

Auto major Maruti Suzuki posted a decline in its net profit in the second quarter (Q2) of fiscal year 2025. According to the quarterly earnings, Maruti Suzuki reported a decline of 17.4 percent in its profit in Q2 FY25. The auto majors posted a standalone profit of Rs 3,069 crore compared to Rs 3,716 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal year.

The company's consolidated revenue from operation remained flat at Rs 37,449 crore in Q2 year-on-year. 

The company sold a total of 541,550 vehicles during the quarter, of which the domestic market volume was 463,834 vehicles and the export volume was 77,716 vehicles. While the domestic volume declined by 3.9 percent, the export volume grew by 12.1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. During the quarter, the company registered net sales of Rs 35,589 crore against Rs 35,535 crore in the same period of the previous year.

In the first half of FY25 (1H April and September), Maruti Suzuki sold a total of 1,063,418 units during the period, comprising 915,142 units in the domestic market and 148,276 units in the export market. While the domestic market sales declined by 0.3 percent, the export sales volume grew by 11.9 percent year-on-year.

The company registered its highest-ever half-yearly net sales of Rs 69,464 crore in H1FY2024-25 as compared to Rs 66,380 crore in H1FY2023-24. Net Profit in H1FY2024-25 was at Rs 6,719 crore as against Rs 6,201 crore in H1FY2023-24. 

Separately, Maruti Suzuki on Tuesday approved the amalgamation of Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. According to the auto company, the amalgamation will consolidate the business of both companies which will result in focused growth, operational efficiencies, and enhanced business synergies.

The appointed date for the amalgamation is 1st April 2025, subject to all legal and regulatory compliances, the company added.

Shares of Maruti Suzuki were down 3.11 percent to Rs 11,132.80 at 3:00 pm after the declaration of the Q2 result.

Maruti Suzuki's Q2 result: Profit down 17.4%, revenue flat, export sales up

Mahindra & Mahindra sold 51,061 SUVs in September, reporting a 24% growth in contrast with 41,267 units in September 2024. Additionally, total vehicles saw a growth of 165 to 87,839 in September 2024.

M&M has sold 2,60,210 units of SUVs so far this year. Last fiscal, the company sold 2,14,914 units in the sixth-month period.

In the passenger vehicles segment, Mahindra sold 51,062 vehicles in the domestic market, a growth of 24%, and overall, 52,590 vehicles, including exports. The domestic sales for commercial vehicles stood at 23,706. 

The total export of the vehicles stood at 3,027 in September 2024.

However, Mahindra's Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) of less than 3 tonnes witnessed a 13% drop in sales in September FY25 to 3,444. In September FY24, the company sold 3,941 units of the same category.

The company has also posted a 3% decline in sales in the LCV 2T-3.5T category to 16,988 units in September FY25.

Sales of LCVs above 3.5 tonnes vehicles were up by 25% in September 2024 as against 2,618 in September 2023.

According to Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd., “We sold 51062 SUVs in September, a growth of 24% and 87839 total vehicles, a growth of 16%. This month we launched the all-new VEERO in the LCV<3.5ton segment, based on India’s first multi-energy modular CV platform. With best-in-class mileage, exceptional performance, industry-leading safety features, enhanced occupant protection, and a premium cabin experience, VEERO is set to disrupt the LCV<3.5ton space and has received a very positive response from the market. As we enter into the festivities of Navratri, we open bookings for the much-awaited Thar RoXX on 3rd October".

M&M reports 24% growth in SUV sales in September FY25

Back in the day, the Indian auto industry wasn’t nearly as big and booming as it is today. With only a couple of Indian manufacturers at play then, the car was seen as a luxury item only a select few could afford to have. One of the indigenous manufacturers back then was a government run company called Maruti Udyog. 

In 1982, Maruti Udyog joined hands with Suzuki to increase their footing in the Indian market. What came out of this alliance a year later was a car, locally manufactured and affordably priced. This car changed the course of the Indian automobile industry for the better. What was more popularly known as the ‘common man’s car’, it was the Maruti 800. 

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/800-1024x576.webp" alt="" width="750" height="422" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2158" />

The 800 was a small hatchback that came with an affordable price tag. Back then, the 800 had cool features such as a reversing light and a cassette player. This took the demand for this car to great heights. There was even a waiting list maintained to keep up with the increasing demand. The company has sold over 2.7 million units of the 800 till date. 

Maruti Suzuki saw an opportunity here, to provide good affordable cars to the Indian masses. To their favour, after the success of the 800, the masses were hungry for more. What followed was the launch of four new models. 

The Maruti 1000 or Esteem, a premium vehicle launched by the manufacturer, kickstarted the sedan trend. The long body style and design was quick to grow on Indian customers. Back in the day, having a Sedan parked in your garage immediately lifted your social ‘esteem’. Previously sold as the 1000, it gained immense popularity and was viewed as a luxury car being sold among all the Padminis and Ambassadors. At a time when SUVs were still considered rudimentary, the Esteem pierced a gap and successfully competed in the segment for years. 

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/esteem-Edited-1024x675.png" alt="" width="750" height="494" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2160" />

The Omni, albeit, not a great looker, offered a lot more space in the cabin and its van like design did appeal to many. The Omni was a hit amongst the large joint families of India. Probably the most utilitarian vehicle launched by Maruti Suzuki, the Omni was the jack of all trades. Used as a family car, a school van, an ambulance, a cargo carrier or the occasional kidnap van, there was really nothing it couldn’t do. 

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/omni.jpeg" alt="" width="930" height="620" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2159" />

The Maruti Suzuki Zen was an enthusiasts car. Known to be India’s first fun to drive hatchback, the Zen was an instant hit and soon became a cult classic. A low driving position and go kart like handling made it very driver oriented. It became immensely popular amongst the Indian Racing scene with modified versions of the 998cc G10B engine generating over a 100bhp. Being a Maruti Suzuki, the Zen was very reliable and still commands a slight premium in the second hand market. Though it is difficult to find one since petrolheads are quick to pick as soon as one is listed for sale. 

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/zen-1024x576.webp" alt="" width="750" height="422" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2161" />

Since then Maruti Suzuki has come a long way. From launching the ‘tall boy’ WagonR in 1999, which continues to sell even today in its current iteration to the Swift which gained popularity attributed to its sporty looks. Maruti continued to expand its portfolio by launching India’s first automatic transmission vehicle, the Celerio followed by many affordable CNG models. Lastly, not to forget NEXA, their own dealership to sell their premium range of vehicles like the Baleno, Ciaz, XL6, etc. 

Let’s go back in time and look at a couple of old ads by Maruti Suzuki. 

Maruti Suzuki - Sardar boy 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hAqubPsltU0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> 

In this ad, Maruti Suzuki uses a cute and mischievous kid to literally ‘drive’ the message of fuel efficiency. The little boy is playing with his toy car, running it over all kinds of surfaces, right from the floor to a bald man’s head. Finally, his father out of sheer exasperation, asks him to stop. To this, the little boy innocently replies saying that he’s unable to stop because the fuel doesn’t seem to get over. 

Maruti Suzuki - Kitna Deti Hai?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/akmpsx5F2-4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> 

Frills and fancies are okay but it all boils down to ‘kitna deti hai?’ Here the salesperson is talking about the luxurious features that the yacht has to his prospective customer. The customer who seems to be affluent with the propensity to buy, hears him out but eventually wants to know what the mileage would be. Through this ad, Maruti Suzuki effectively communicates its fuel efficiency proposition amidst all other offerings. 

Maruti Suzuki as a brand has constantly innovated itself and stayed relevant over the years. At the same time, the company continues to strengthen its positioning of being a reliable and affordable brand for Indians.

Life and times of Maruti Suzuki in India

A vast majority of automobile manufacturers have hopped on to the trend of revamping their brand logos. It's a similar pattern that these companies have been following - simplifying their logos. A smoother, cleaner and minimalist design is what is being chosen for the foreseeable future. Back in the 90’s automotive manufacturers’ logos were made three dimensional in an attempt to showcase it in the same way it would appear on a vehicle. However, with the rapid growth of digital mediums and formats in the last decade, these brands have adopted minimalist two-dimensional logos as they translate better onto screens. 

Toyota

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/IMG_9720.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1981" />

Toyota is a brand that is synonymous with reliability of not only its vehicles but also the relationship it maintains with its customers. Their logo flaunts just that. We see two intersecting ovals inside a larger third oval. The intersecting ovals depicts the strong bond the manufacturer has with its customers. Moreover, if you look closely, you'll be able to see the four letters in the manufacturers name, T, O, Y and A.

BMW

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/IMG_9721.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1982" />

It is a well known fact that before manufacturing cars and bikes, BMW used to be an aircraft manufacturer. They built aircraft engines all through World War II. The cross pattern represents the propeller of an aircraft. As for the colours, white and blue are the colours of the state of Bavaria, which is the home of BMW. 

A lesser known fact - BMW never actually designed the logo with the intent of it symbolising a propeller. It was just an observation that many made which the company never corrected as it played well for marketing.

Hyundai

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/IMG_9722.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1983" />

The Hyundai logo is certainly an interesting one. At first glance, it seems like just an 'H', the first letter of the brand's name. Due to this many often confuse it with the logo of Honda. In reality though, it's much more than that.
The letter 'H' is actually two people shaking hands. Yes, you read that correctly. Quite complex for the common man to realise immediately. One is supposed to be a customer and the other, a company representative, symbolising the strong association the company has with its customers.

Mercedes-Benz

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/IMG_9719.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1984" />

The three-pointed star has been the face of the luxury automotive division for forever and a day. The logo was initially embraced as a tribute to the company's founder, Gottlieb Daimler. However, There is actually great symbolisation behind this. The three points of the star signify three of the earth's elements, land, air and sea, showcasing Mercedes Benz's goal to one day dominate all three environments with their vehicles and engines.

[caption id="attachment_1992" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/aaron-huber-8qYE6LGHW-c-unsplash-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="Representative image via Unsplash" width="750" height="500" class="size-large wp-image-1992" /> Representative image via Unsplash[/caption]

Tata Motors

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/IMG_9723.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1985" />

C'mon, this is just a 'T' isn't it?

Yes and No.

The Tata logo is one that hasn't changed even once since its inception in 1945. It does look like a plain 'T' but it has a much deeper meaning with its roots in the strong beliefs of the Tata brand. The logo is meant to signify fluidity. The 'T' can be viewed from two perspectives. It can be seen as a fountain of knowledge and/or as a tree of trust under which people can take refuge.

Audi

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/IMG_9724.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1986" />

Unlike a lot of other logos, Audi's four rings have a pretty straight-forward meaning. Originally, the company was founded as ‘Auto Union Consortium’ which later came to be known as Audi. The four rings represent the four companies that merged in 1932 to form what we know as Audi today. The companies were Dampf Kraft Wagen (DKW), August Horch & CIE, Wanderer and Audiwerke GMBH.


Volkswagen

<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/IMG_9725.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1987" />

One of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, Volkswagen too has a very uncomplicated logo. More commonly known as VW, the logo, very simply comprises of those two exact letters. The 'V' stands for 'Volks' which in german means 'people' and the 'W' stands for 'Wagen' which means 'car'. In German, Volkswagen translates to 'People's Car’ 

[caption id="attachment_1993" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/oskars-sylwan-uLybsLAtStw-unsplash-min-791x1024.jpg" alt="Representative image via Unsplash" width="750" height="971" class="size-large wp-image-1993" /> Representative image via Unsplash[/caption]

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