Author: Central Desk

As the automotive industry embraces digitalization and electrification, Mercedes-Benz Berlin-Marienfelde is emerging as a global center for manufacturing innovation. The historic plant is redefining production through advanced technologies, sustainability, and digital integration, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and automation. Central to this transformation is the Mercedes-Benz Digital Factory Campus (MBDFC), established in 2022. Positioned as the company’s global competence center for digital production, the campus is anchored by MO360—Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge digital production ecosystem. This platform integrates real-time data, AI-powered automation, and next-generation robotics to revolutionize the manufacturing process. Berlin-Marienfelde now serves as a proving ground for breakthrough technologies before they…

India’s ambition to position itself as a global manufacturing hub is creating promising new investment opportunities for Japanese companies, particularly in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and automobiles, according to a recent report titled India’s Growth Story: Unlocking New Opportunities for Japanese SMEs. The report, jointly prepared by Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), highlights several high-potential areas for collaboration between the two countries. With India’s expanding digital economy and established expertise in automation, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), there is significant potential for Japanese small and medium enterprises…

The United Arab Emirates is rapidly establishing itself as a central player in the global vehicle trade, with both import and export volumes experiencing record growth over the past five years. Analysis highlights that Dubai, supported by the strategic advantages of Jebel Ali Port and the Jafza free zone, has played a key role in this surge, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a vital automotive trade hub. Between 2018 and 2023, the UAE’s vehicle imports saw a sharp increase, with China leading as the top contributor. Imports from China grew by an impressive $3.31 billion during the period, outpacing other…

Hyundai Motor Group is set to officially open its new hybrid and EV production facility in Savannah, Georgia, next week, intensifying its commitment to expanding operations in the United States. The move comes amid rising concerns over potential policy shifts under former President Donald Trump, who has consistently urged foreign companies to manufacture in the U.S. to maintain access to the market. The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), spanning 11.83 million square meters, has been partially operational since late last year. Following the upcoming ceremony, it will begin full-scale production. Currently operating at a limited annual capacity of 300,000…

The Vancouver International Auto Show has excluded Tesla from its lineup, citing safety concerns as the company faces global protests and incidents of vandalism. A spokesperson for the event, which began on March 19, stated that Tesla was given multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw but was ultimately removed to ensure the safety of workers, attendees, and exhibitors. Tesla has been the target of several ‘Tesla Takedown’ protests in cities such as Ottawa and Vancouver, with demonstrators criticizing CEO Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. politics. Musk has faced backlash for his advisory role to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed…

Hyundai Motor’s Chief Executive Officer, Jose Munoz, has called for strategic flexibility to navigate escalating trade tensions, protectionist policies, and economic uncertainties that could challenge the global auto industry in 2025. Speaking at Hyundai Motor’s annual general shareholders’ meeting in Seoul, Munoz highlighted the increasing geopolitical risks, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and U.S. interest rate volatility as key factors affecting automakers worldwide. “The business environment in 2025 is expected to be even more challenging, with more geopolitical and trade uncertainties,” Munoz stated. “With growing volatility in foreign exchange rates and U.S. interest rates, we are confronting escalating trade tensions and…

GlobalData has revised its 2025 global light vehicle (LV) production forecast downward by 300,000 units, bringing the estimated total to 92.3 million, reflecting a 2.4% year-on-year increase. The vehicle production adjustment is driven by a cautious demand outlook in both European and North American markets. According to the latest forecast, newly announced U.S. tariffs present significant risks to North America’s LV production, potentially reducing output by over 500,000 units. However, GlobalData analyst Justin Cox noted that the current base forecast of 15.5 million units (+0.7% YoY) does not factor in lasting tariff effects. He emphasized that the risks from increasing…

Chinese automakers are sustaining their strong momentum in 2025, unveiling cutting-edge technologies to propel industry-wide advancements and maintain their competitive edge in the global market. NIO announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, to establish the most extensive and advanced battery-swapping network for passenger vehicles. The collaboration will also focus on standardizing industry technologies and expanding joint efforts in capital and business operations. At the Nvidia GPU Technology Conference (GTC) 2025 in California, Li Auto’s head of intelligent driving technology, Jia Peng, introduced progress on the company’s next-generation MindVLA…

German automaker Audi decided to reduce its workforce by 7,500 jobs in Germany by the end of 2029. The move, amounting to 8% of Audi’s global workforce, comes as the company faces mounting challenges, including slowing demand for electric vehicles, rising competition from China, and economic uncertainty. The job cuts are part of a strategy to enhance ‘productivity, speed, and flexibility,’ Audi said in a statement. The company, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, emphasized that economic pressures, competitive market conditions, and political uncertainties are creating significant challenges for the business. Audi’s Management Board Chairman Gernot Döllner reassured employees that there will…

CATL and NIO have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish the world’s largest battery swap network, aiming to drive industry standardization. The agreement was finalized on March 17 in Ningde, Fujian, as announced by CATL on its WeChat account. Both companies will combine their technological expertise, management capabilities, platform resources, and brand influence to develop an advanced, large-scale battery swap service network for passenger vehicles. This initiative aligns with global automotive industry trends and supports China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) development strategy. A core aspect of the partnership is the standardization of battery swap technology. CATL and NIO will…