Core Insights - India and the European Union have finalized a significant free trade agreement that will gradually reduce import duties on European cars from 70%-110% to 10%, applicable to a quota of 250,000 vehicles priced above €15,000 ($17,952) per year [2][23]. Industry Impact - The deal provides European automobile manufacturers with access to India's third-largest car market, which is projected to reach 6 million units by 2030, driven by a young population with increasing disposable incomes [5]. - Despite the tariff reductions, the majority of cars sold in India are priced below ₹2 million ($21,756), indicating that the market for European luxury cars may remain limited due to additional local taxes [6][8]. - The Indian auto market is currently dominated by local manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, and Mahindra, which have established a strong presence over the past two decades [7]. Competitive Landscape - The European luxury brands, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, JLR, Audi, and Volvo, sold 49,000 cars in India in the financial year ending March 2025, compared to total passenger car sales of 4.3 million [8]. - Indian and Korean manufacturers are rapidly expanding their market presence through capacity growth and frequent product launches, putting pressure on European brands [9]. - The free trade agreement may prompt European companies to reassess their business strategies in India, potentially leading to the introduction of new products and deeper localization [10][11]. Market Reactions - Following the announcement of the trade deal, shares of major Indian auto companies, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai Motor India, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors, fell between 1.5% and 4% [14]. - Industry leaders view the trade deal positively, as it allows Indian manufacturers duty-free access to European markets while still protecting the majority of local sales volumes [15]. Consumer Preferences - The evolving consumer preferences in India may lead to increased competition in the premium SUV segment, which is priced above ₹2.3 million, as European brands can now offer competitive pricing [13]. - There is a growing demand for cars with better amenities, and consumers hope that European manufacturers will introduce their latest models in India at reasonable prices following the trade deal [16].