The state government said wages for unskilled workers would rise to about $165 per month from roughly $120, effective April 1, marking the first such policy move in response to the economic fallout from the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war.

The decision followed clashes between police and workers in Manesar, located near New Delhi and home to major manufacturing facilities including Maruti Suzuki and numerous supplier units. Authorities urged workers to resume duties peacefully after the announcement.

Workers said surging food prices, driven by disrupted gas supplies, had strained household budgets. India, the world’s second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas, is facing one of its most severe supply disruptions in decades, prompting the government to prioritize household consumption over industrial use.

The wage hike is expected to ease pressure on workers but add to cost burdens for automakers already grappling with higher raw material prices. Companies such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have raised vehicle prices, while Maruti has indicated similar steps may follow.

Industrial activity in Manesar was partially disrupted as workers boycotted shifts and staged protests. Employees reported that food costs had nearly doubled, with some migrant workers returning to their home villages due to rising expenses and uncertain supplies.

Suppliers including Munjal Showa said production was affected, while firms such as Roop Polymers reported limited disruption and a return to normal operations after the protests subsided.India’s auto sector relies heavily on migrant labor, with millions traveling to industrial clusters for work.

Industry groups warned that retaining workers has become a priority, with some companies offering meals and bonuses to prevent further departures.

Executives said supply chains could take weeks to stabilize even if geopolitical tensions ease, as disruptions to energy supplies continue to ripple through manufacturing and labor markets.

The strategy combines fresh product launches, electric mobility, and increased local sourcing to reduce costs and make luxury cars more accessible to Indian buyers.

The German automaker recorded its strongest-ever performance in India in 2025, selling around 18,000 cars and posting double-digit growth compared with the previous year.

This momentum has helped BMW narrow the gap with long-time luxury segment leader Mercedes-Benz, signaling intensifying competition at the top end of the market.

BMW’s India leadership believes sustained growth will depend on expanding the overall luxury segment rather than competing within a narrow slice of buyers.

Luxury cars currently make up only about 1 percent of India’s total annual car sales, largely due to high import duties that push prices beyond the reach of many consumers.

To counter this, BMW plans to roll out a diverse range of vehicles, including electric cars and models under its MINI brand, to appeal to younger and urban customers.

More than one-third of the upcoming launches and upgrades are expected to come from MINI, reflecting confidence in compact premium cars for Indian conditions.

A key pillar of BMW’s approach is increasing local sourcing of components to lower production costs and improve pricing flexibility.]

At present, about half of the parts used in BMW vehicles assembled in India are sourced locally, including engines, seats, tyres, and axles.

The company is looking to raise this level further, although details on timelines and specific components remain under evaluation.

Greater localization is seen as critical to sustaining growth in a market where price sensitivity remains high, even among luxury buyers.

Electric vehicles are playing an increasingly important role in BMW’s India story.

EVs accounted for more than one-fifth of BMW’s total India sales in 2025, a sharp rise from single-digit levels the year before.

This surge followed the start of local assembly of the iX1 electric SUV, BMW’s first EV to be assembled in India.

Local assembly allowed the company to price the model competitively against petrol cars, significantly boosting demand for electric options.

Encouraged by this response, BMW is now exploring the possibility of sourcing key EV components, such as motors, within India.

While these discussions are still at an early stage, they highlight the company’s long-term commitment to clean mobility in the country.

BMW executives argue that supportive government policies will be crucial to maintaining momentum in the luxury EV segment.

They have called for stability in the lower tax rate applied to electric vehicles, which currently stands well below that for conventional petrol and diesel cars.

India’s overall EV penetration remains modest, but adoption is significantly higher in the luxury segment, reflecting early-mover advantages and consumer interest in premium technology.

BMW believes consistent tax incentives will encourage manufacturers to invest further and help EVs reach a point where they can compete without policy support.

As BMW accelerates launches, upgrades, and localization, the company is positioning India as a key growth market within its global strategy.

The coming year will test whether a broader product portfolio and cost-focused manufacturing can finally expand India’s small but promising luxury car market.

For the quarter ending September 30, Bajaj Auto recorded a profit of 24.8 billion rupees ($282.15 million), up from 20.05 billion rupees in the same period last year. This positive performance highlights the company’s resilience, strategic planning, and commitment to expanding its global presence.

Bajaj Auto’s ability to adapt to changing global and domestic markets has positioned it as a leader in India’s automobile industry. Its focus on international markets has paid off, with exports climbing by 19.2% in the quarter. The brand’s innovative models and efficient supply chain have made it a top choice in multiple countries.

As India’s largest two- and three-wheeler exporter, Bajaj Auto continues to make a mark in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Strong demand in countries like Nigeria, Brazil, and Vietnam helped fuel its export momentum. The Pulsar and Dominar models remain particularly popular for their blend of power, performance, and durability.

Overall two-wheeler exports from India rose by 25% year-on-year in the quarter, and Bajaj Auto contributed significantly to this success. With 40% of its total sales volumes coming from international markets, Bajaj Auto’s global strategy has become a key driver of its profitability and brand recognition.

Bajaj’s revenue from operations also showed a healthy 13.7% increase, reaching 149.22 billion rupees for the quarter. This achievement reflects not only strong exports but also the company’s continued innovation in product design, engineering, and technology integration.

The company’s leadership emphasized its focus on sustainable growth, diversification, and strengthening its global partnerships. By expanding its premium segment and reintroducing performance-oriented motorcycles like KTM models, Bajaj Auto has managed to attract a new generation of riders in both domestic and global markets.

While domestic motorcycle sales declined slightly by 4.6%, this was an improvement from the 8% drop in the previous quarter. The easing decline points to a gradual recovery in local demand as consumer confidence rises and the festive season stimulates sales.

Bajaj Auto’s consistent investment in quality, innovation, and after-sales service has earned it a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. Its robust dealer network and strong after-sales support system continue to reinforce its leadership in India’s competitive automotive market.

The company’s success is also a reflection of India’s growing strength as a global manufacturing hub. Bajaj Auto’s export growth demonstrates how Indian companies are increasingly competing on the world stage, offering products that combine performance, style, and affordability.

Experts say Bajaj Auto’s strategy of balancing domestic and international markets ensures long-term stability. The company’s focus on new technologies, including electric vehicle innovation and sustainability initiatives, positions it for continued success in the evolving mobility landscape.

Looking ahead, Bajaj Auto is expected to maintain its strong financial momentum. New product launches, expanded distribution networks, and a renewed emphasis on eco-friendly technologies will further strengthen its position as a global leader in two- and three-wheeler mobility.

Bajaj Auto’s story is one of ambition, innovation, and resilience. From being a trusted Indian brand to becoming a global name, the company’s journey continues to inspire. With growing exports, steady profits, and a clear vision for the future, Bajaj Auto is set to accelerate even faster on the road to success.