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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
European auto companies fail to rev up sales in India
Renault, Volkswagen, and Skoda are facing challenges in India's automotive market, experiencing sales declines over the past three financial years. Their initial focus on sedans, slow product refreshes, and limited network reach, particularly in smaller cities, have hindered their growth. India's tax structure, favoring sub-4-meter vehicles, further disadvantages these European brands known for larger models. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads European mass market automotive brands Renault, Volkswagen, and Skoda continue to struggle to enhance presence in the Indian market, witnessing sales decline in the last three financial years, industry data to data by JATO Dynamics, a leading provider of data and analytics to the global automotive industry, Renault saw the biggest sales dip in India to 37,900 units in 2024-2025 from 45,439 units in 2023-2024, and 78,926 units in Skoda's sales in India in 2024-2025 were at 44,866 units, marginally higher from 44,522 units in 2023-2024, but down from 52,269 units in the other hand, the Volkswagen brand posted sales of 42,230 units in 2024-25, down from 43,197 units in 2023-2024. The brand had clocked sales of 41,263 units in 2022-2023."Renault, Skoda, and Volkswagen faced several headwinds in India despite their tenure," JATO Dynamics India President Ravi G Bhatia told why these brands have struggled in India, he said, "Initially, these brands focused heavily on sedans -- Vento, Rapid, and Scala -- which limited their exposure to the fast-expanding SUV segment."Simultaneously, Bhatia said, "They were slower in refreshing product lines, with many models remaining unchanged over extended periods. Network reach has also remained narrow, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, restricting access to a broader audience."Adding to the woes of these brands is "India's unique tax structure, where sub-4-metre vehicles benefit from significantly lower levies"."This has favoured Japanese and Korean OEMs known for cost-effective compact cars. European brands, by contrast, traditionally build larger models and have struggled to deliver competitive offerings within this constraint," Bhatia the current policy, passenger vehicles (petrol, CNG, LPG) up to 4 metres in length and up to 1200cc engine attract GST of 28% and 1% compensation vehicles (diesel) up to 4 metres in length and up to 1500 cc engine is levied 28% GST and 3% compensation cess.
Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
European auto companies fail to rev up sales in India
Renault, Volkswagen, and Skoda are facing challenges in India's automotive market, experiencing sales declines over the past three financial years. Their initial focus on sedans, slow product refreshes, and limited network reach, particularly in smaller cities, have hindered their growth. India's tax structure, favoring sub-4-meter vehicles, further disadvantages these European brands known for larger models. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads European mass market automotive brands Renault, Volkswagen, and Skoda continue to struggle to enhance presence in the Indian market, witnessing sales decline in the last three financial years, industry data to data by JATO Dynamics, a leading provider of data and analytics to the global automotive industry, Renault saw the biggest sales dip in India to 37,900 units in 2024-2025 from 45,439 units in 2023-2024, and 78,926 units in Skoda's sales in India in 2024-2025 were at 44,866 units, marginally higher from 44,522 units in 2023-2024, but down from 52,269 units in the other hand, the Volkswagen brand posted sales of 42,230 units in 2024-25, down from 43,197 units in 2023-2024. The brand had clocked sales of 41,263 units in 2022-2023."Renault, Skoda, and Volkswagen faced several headwinds in India despite their tenure," JATO Dynamics India President Ravi G Bhatia told why these brands have struggled in India, he said, "Initially, these brands focused heavily on sedans -- Vento, Rapid, and Scala -- which limited their exposure to the fast-expanding SUV segment."Simultaneously, Bhatia said, "They were slower in refreshing product lines, with many models remaining unchanged over extended periods. Network reach has also remained narrow, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, restricting access to a broader audience."Adding to the woes of these brands is "India's unique tax structure, where sub-4-metre vehicles benefit from significantly lower levies"."This has favoured Japanese and Korean OEMs known for cost-effective compact cars. European brands, by contrast, traditionally build larger models and have struggled to deliver competitive offerings within this constraint," Bhatia the current policy, passenger vehicles (petrol, CNG, LPG) up to 4 metres in length and up to 1200cc engine attract GST of 28% and 1% compensation vehicles (diesel) up to 4 metres in length and up to 1500 cc engine is levied 28% GST and 3% compensation cess.
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
European carmakers Renault, Volkswagen and Skoda struggle to boost sales in India
European mass market car manufacturers like Renault , Volkswagen and Skoda continue to find it hard to expand their presence in the India market, witnessing a decline in sales in the last three financial years, industry data showed. According to data released by JATO Dynamics, a leading provider of data and analytics to the global automotive industry, Renault saw the biggest sales dip in India to 37,900 units in 2024-2025 from 45,439 units in 2023-2024, and 78,926 units in 2022-2023. Skoda had a similar story with sales in 2024-2025 at 44,866 units, marginally higher from 44,522 units in 2023-2024, but down from 52,269 units in 2022-2023. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Volkswagen reported sales of 42,230 units in 2024-25, down from 43,197 units in 2023-2024. The brand had reported sales of 41,263 units in 2022-2023. "Renault, Skoda, and Volkswagen faced several headwinds in India despite their tenure," JATO Dynamics India President Ravi G Bhatia told PTI. Live Events Explaining why these brands have struggled in India, he said, "Initially, these brands focused heavily on sedans like Vento, Rapid, and Scala, which limited their exposure to the fast-expanding SUV segment." Bhatia added, "They were slower in refreshing product lines, with many models remaining unchanged over extended periods. Network reach has also remained narrow, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, restricting access to a broader audience." Adding to the woes of these brands is "India's unique tax structure, where sub-4-metre vehicles benefit from significantly lower levies". "This has favoured Japanese and Korean OEMs known for cost-effective compact cars. European brands, by contrast, traditionally build larger models and have struggled to deliver competitive offerings within this constraint," Bhatia noted. Under the current GST policy, passenger vehicles (petrol, CNG, LPG) up to 4 metres in length and up to 1200cc engine attract GST of 28 per cent and 1 per cent compensation cess. Passenger vehicles (diesel) up to 4 metres in length and up to 1500 cc engine is levied 28 per cent GST and 3 per cent compensation cess. Passenger vehicles of length above 4 metre and engine capacity 1500 cc attract 28 per cent GST and cess of 17 per cent, while those above 1500 cc engine size attract a similar rate of 28 per cent GST and cess of 17 per cent. On the contrary, passenger vehicles, popularly known as SUVs above 4 metres in length, above 1,500cc engine and more than 170 mm in ground clearance attract 28 per cent GST with 22 per cent compensation cess. Bhatia noted that while domestic OEMs like Tata, Mahindra and market leader Maruti Suzuki have captured market share through high localisation, frequent product launches, and early adoption of alternative fuel engines including CNG, hybrids and BEVs, the European players have lagged in electric and hybrid offerings. However, he said, "There are signs of course correction. Skoda, for instance, recently launched the Kylaq, a subcompact SUV tailored for India." On the path forward for these European brands, he said it "may lie in leveraging India for exports and R&D while focusing on under-4-metre, cost-competitive platforms".
Rhyl Journal
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Prestatyn Running Club members celebrated at annual awards
A record 13 members were nominated for the main award for member of the year, all having contributed in different ways. The winner, and recipient of the Pat Evans Memorial Plate, was Jo Lewis, who has not only helped to recruit new members by setting up groups for beginners and those wishing to return to running, but has also been largely responsible for the new kit. The other nominees were Jo's daughter Meg, Ben Thomas, Clare Manley, Nem James, Debbie Jones, Julie Evans, Liz Martin, Lee Bailey, Jonah Armstrong, Nicki Triggs and Duncan Longley. Despite missing out on the main, award Nem James had a double success, picking up the trophies for most improved male and volunteer of the year. Another double winner was Marc Jones, voted the male road runner and winner of the Grand Prix. Other recipients were: Ally Reid (Female Road Runner), Gordon Jones (Male Cross-country Runner for the third consecutive year); Sue Hughes (Female Cross-Country Runner), Lee Bailey (Male Fellrunner), Ann Claire Jones (Female Fellrunner), Meg Lewis (Most Improved Female), Jonah Armstrong (Best Newcomer), Ben Thomas (Men's Captains' Award), and Nicki Triggs and Clare Manley (joint winners of the Captains' Awards). During the evening, held at the Scala, club captain Lee Bailey summarised the club's many achievements during the year, Ben Thomas outlined the structure of the club's training sessions and members enjoyed a sports quiz. The annual Deganwy Dash five-mile race, held on Friday (May 30), provided rich pickings for the club as members claimed 10 podium places. Among the age-group winners was Darrell Jones, who claimed his first victory since joining the club last year. The results were: 4 Jonah Armstrong 28.33 (1st SM), 16 Tom Carter 29.40 (2nd M40), 17 Oliver Birch-Jones 31.10 (1st U24), 21 George Williams 31.19, 25 Dave Ellis , 31 Lewis Pierce 32.59, 47 Darrell Jones 34.37 (1st M60), 58 Eve Manifold 35.55 (1st U24), 77 Lisa Lines 37.28 (3rd SL), 84 Simon Bonfield 37.57, 96 Meg Lewis 39.02 (2nd U24), 110 Keiley Roberts 39.55, 112 Steve Weedman 40.11, 119 Newm James 40.27, 165 Sue Hughes 44.01 (2nd L65), 172 Andy Scott 44.31, 223 Debbie Jones 48.42, 256 Mike Davis 51.13 (1st M75), 263 Debbie Weedman 51.39, 300 Clare Manley 54.44, 342 Julie Evans 68.21. The following day, 16 members supporting the Feel, Find, Mind breast cancer awareness campaign, travelled to Hope for the Park in the Past parkrun, North Wales' newest parkrun, though some took it easy after their efforts the previous evening. The placings were: 11 Dave Ellis 20.40, 49 Ben Thomas 23.47, 121 Steve Weedman27.12, 123 Ally Reid 27.20, 179 Andrew Carter 29.51, 205 Sophie Johnson 31.18, 215 Cara Jones 31.44, 247 Mandy Cartwright 32.45, 269 Debbie Jones 33.20, 293 Debbie Weedman 34.37, 302 Emma Birchall 33.02, 325 Clare Manley 36.32, 405 Suzanne Evans 52.39, 406 Julie Evans 52.40, 407 Nicki Triggs 52.41, 409 Liz Martin 52.42. On a "high" after his Deganwy run, Darrell Jones had another good run in the Nova parkrun in which supervet Roger Harrison-Jones made a cautious comeback after a lengthy lay-off through injury. Placings: 21 Darrell Jones 21.26, 30 Jamie Betts 22.48, 55 Philip Howarth 25.05, 58 Neil Davidson 25.33, 123 Grahame Shone 29.49, 274 Roger Harrison-Jones 53.47. Other parkruns: Greenfield Valley: 7 David Hudd 20.56 (pb), 40 Cath Wood 28.23 (pb). Marple: 72 Martin Cortvriend 25.21. Pont y Bala: 2 Dan Williams 18.17. Llangollen: 75 Glenda Roberts 28.58. Next weekend, the club will be one of four from North Wales taking part in the annual Welsh Castles Relay, a two-day, 200-mile event from Caernarfon to Cardiff. The Prestatyn squad has received a welcome boost in sponsorship by the Denbigh firm of Choice Handles, owned by the brother of club member Marc Jones, a significant contribution from Prestatyn Town Council and support from Mold Car and Van Hire.
Euronews
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Sex, sleaze and subversion: Inside London's new grindhouse cinema
On an unassuming street in central London, a red-painted building peeks at passersby — its facade plastered with a close-up of The Man with the X-Ray Eyes. Inside, I'm watching Ruggero Deodato's The Washing Machine, an Italian murder mystery involving psychosexual mind games, fridge fornication, and bleeding appliances. It's the kind of filmic fever dream only The Nickel would dare to screen: a new micro cinema in London founded by filmmaker and programmer Dominic Hicks. Imbued with the frenetic spirit and sleazy charm of retro American grindhouse theatres, it's a shrine to the deranged gems of exploitation cinema: gritty, boundary-pushing B-movies. Or as Hicks puts it: 'A safe place for weirdos and outsiders.' June's inaugural screenings include everything from Todd Browning's silent horror The Unknown, to Roman Polanski's erotic thriller Bitter Moon, to David Winters' Cannes-set giallo The Last Horror Film. The programming embraces an anything-goes approach, inspired by the edgy offerings of London's infamous Scala cinema. 'I like films where the beauty in them comes through how the audience receives and nurtures them in their collective imagination,' Hicks tells Euronews Culture. 'Whether it's the practical effects, or the score, or the bad acting that they find really quotable — it belongs to the audience in the long run.' The Nickel might be small, but in an era of digital disconnection and algorithmic ennui, it's part of a growing movement across Europe: DIY film clubs and hyperlocal venues that counter the monoculture of streaming services and multiplexes. From Liverpool's trans-inclusive 'Paraphysis Cinema' to the feminist-themed 'Tonnerre' in Paris, these repertory pop-ups represent a desire among cinephiles to discover subversive oddities as intended: with an audience. 'These community spaces are an opportunity to bring people back together to have conversations about movies,' Hicks says. 'You don't have to all feel the same, but the idea of being challenged, or getting the giggles together about some strange little forgotten gem, is always going to be entertaining.' This idea of confronting discomfort together is key. Namwali Serpell, writing in the New Yorker, recently lamented the rise of 'new literalism' — a cinematic trend where movies like The Substance and Anora heavy-handedly spell out their meanings and politics. Exploitation cinema, in all its moral ambiguity and tonal absurdity, offers a thrilling antithesis. 'I actually prefer, particularly when you look at the films of the 70s, how murky those movies were — that it's not abundantly clear if the filmmakers had the right morals,' Hicks explains. 'For me, that doesn't mean it's actually promoting poor morals. I think audiences are intelligent enough to challenge what they're seeing.' Before raising nearly £14,000 (€16,640) for its permanent space, Hicks ran The Nickel as an event programme for his local pub and The Cinema Museum. Much of what he shared was on rare 16mm prints, tapping into the sensory ambience of physical formats. Similar to the revival of vinyl, the crackle and click of film reels have become a way for people to connect with art more tangibly. 'You can't come close to the aesthetic experience of watching an original film print being projected in public when you're streaming things digitally,' Hicks says, citing one magical moment at The Cinema Museum when the projector got stuck and burned a film print: 'Everybody was just delighted. It was like we'd seen a shooting star.' Though The Nickel is still under construction when I visit, the vibe already feels special. Obscure physical media lines the entrance's shelves, their lurid covers begging to be fondled. Meanwhile, the dimly-lit basement bar is set to double as a communal hub for film-related workshops. 'Ultimately the plan would be to have everybody create projects together, then we can screen them here,' says Hicks, excited at the prospect of working 'on weird shit' with others. At a time when cinemas face a precarious future, The Nickel's vision is ambitious and comfortingly optimistic. According to the Independent Cinema Office (ICO), almost a third of UK independent cinemas are under threat, with London institutions like The Prince Charles launching petitions against redevelopment. But Hicks doesn't believe cinema will die — just its commercial models of old. 'I think we're seeing a return to that neighbourhood, smaller, independent cinema, because multiplexes don't give people a compelling enough reason to leave their sofas,' he explains. 'But I have faith that people won't surrender something so essential as the experience of going to the movies. I really hope not, anyway. And if they do, it'll be a hill worth dying on for me.' As the end credits of The Washing Machine roll, the room fizzes with the excitable energy of a shared (and sordid) little secret. Away from the anodyne streaming output, there's a quiet rebelliousness in The Nickel's embrace of mess, madness and misfits — a reminder that cinema's darkened rooms are often where we feel most fully seen. The Nickel cinema opens in London on 11 June. An image of five elderly women having a giggle while sharing spring rolls in a quiet corner of Sichuan has been crowned the world's best food photograph. Titled simply as "The Elderly Having Delicious Food", the heartwarming photo by Chinese photographer Xiaoling Li has taken the top prize at this year's World Food Photography Awards, beating nearly 10,000 entries from 70 countries. Shot in Shuangliu Ancient Town, the image captures what Li describes as a 'Dragon Gate formation' - a Chinese phrase for neighbours gathering to chat, gossip, and share stories over food. 'They eat the famous Sichuan snack 'spring rolls,'' says Li. 'Food makes these people happy; they enjoy a beautiful and joyful life.' The awards, sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi®, were announced in a glittering ceremony at London's Mall Galleries, hosted by chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi. The competition spans 25 categories - from 'Bring Home the Harvest' to 'Food in the Field' - and celebrates the many ways food weaves through our lives, cultures, and stories. 'These Awards showcase the power of photography in telling incredible food stories from around the world,' said Dave Samuels, Brand Director at Tenderstem® Bimi®. 'No matter how the world changes, food remains at the heart of our lives.' A selection of the winning images will be on display at Fortnum & Mason from 2 June and the Museum of the Home from 3 June to 7 September. Below, feast your eyes upon a few of our favourite winning images from this year's competition.
