JSW Motor India’s plans to launch its first passenger vehicle in the country could face delays, after the company flagged slow approvals for importing Chinese components as a key concern, according to a Reuters report.
The company has alerted government officials that unless import licences for certain China-sourced parts are cleared faster, its debut model, scheduled for the second half of 2026 may not arrive on time. The issue highlights the challenges new carmakers continue to face amid India’s tight import and certification rules for Chinese suppliers.
- Regulatory approvals remain a bottleneck
- Alternate suppliers could push up vehicle costs
- First model still targeted for H2 2026, timeline under review
Approvals for Chinese suppliers holding up timelines
Quality approvals for critical parts still pending
In a letter sent to the Ministry of Industries in December, JSW Motor India said it requires approvals for Chinese suppliers that make key components such as safety glass, including windscreens and sunroofs. The company noted that these parts are not currently available “off the shelf” from Indian suppliers.
Under India’s quality control regulations introduced in 2020, overseas component manufacturers must undergo local certification before supplying parts to Indian carmakers, a process that can take several months. JSW warned that the timelines involved could disrupt its production planning.
Alternative sourcing explored, but at a higher cost
German and Vietnamese suppliers under evaluation
According to the Reuters report, JSW Motor India is also evaluating alternative suppliers in countries such as Germany and Vietnam. However, the company has indicated that sourcing components from these markets would significantly raise costs, potentially impacting vehicle pricing.
Neither JSW Motor India nor the Ministry of Industries has commented publicly on the matter, and Reuters noted that the ministry has not formally responded to JSW’s request so far.
First launch planned for H2 2026
Timelines hinge on component clearances
JSW Motor India is part of the JSW Group’s USD 3 billion automotive venture and plans to manufacture hybrid and electric vehicles at its upcoming plant in Maharashtra. The company has also been in technology partnership discussions with China’s Chery Automobile and holds a stake in JSW MG Motor India.
While the launch timeline has not officially been revised, the letter suggests that component sourcing approvals will play a critical role in determining whether JSW Motor India can meet its targeted 2026 market entry.
