EV Market Momentum (India): Gujarat EV registrations nearly doubled in H1 2026, up 97% to 55,344 units, with June sales jumping 88%—boosted by more model choice, better battery tech, and extended warranties. EV Sales (Australia): Tesla’s Model Y led Australia’s EV charts in H1 2026, while BYD’s Sealion 7 and Geely’s EX5 also surged as fuel costs pushed buyers toward plug-ins. Chinese EV Expansion (South Korea): Zeekr 7X topped 1,000 pre-orders in South Korea within a month, signaling growing acceptance of premium Chinese EVs. New EV Launch (US): Fiat launched the Topolino mini EV in the US at $13,995, with a late-summer kit upgrade to federally regulated low-speed vehicle specs. Manufacturing & Localisation (South Africa): Chery officially opened its Rosslyn plant, expanding OMODA and JAECOO local production and jobs. Mobility Tech (Safety/Repair): The US Motor Vehicle Modernization Act is headed for a House vote, keeping pressure on collision shops over access to OEM diagnostic and calibration data. Fuel Policy Debate (India): E20 ethanol controversy continues as officials and industry trade claims over impacts on engines and rubber parts. Road Safety (Delhi): Police are investigating a Dwarka Expressway road-rage incident after a taxi driver allegedly assaulted another driver with a wooden rod. Tire Innovation (Japan): Bridgestone began commercial rollout of its airless Airfree tires for autonomous EV rideshare pilots, aiming to eliminate punctures. Market/Finance (Pakistan): Pakistan’s PSX slid amid US-Iran tensions, with automobile-related stocks among the decliners. Energy Crisis (Russia): Reuters reports Russians are rushing to convert cars to LPG as gasoline shortages bite.