Author: Central Desk

Global EV makers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Renault, have slowed engagement with India’s new EV policy, opting to await potentially more favourable terms through ongoing bilateral and free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the United States and the European Union. The government’s scheme to promote the manufacturing of electric passenger cars in India (SPMEPCI), commonly known as the EV policy, offers a reduced customs duty of 15%—down from the current 70–100%—for the import of up to 40,000 EVs. However, eligibility requires a minimum local investment of $500 million and compliance with localisation targets of 25% within three years…

General Motors (GM) Canada to halt production at its CAMI EV plant in Ingersoll temporarily, Ontario, and reduce staff in response to weaker-than-expected demand for its electric delivery vehicles. The company stated that while it remains committed to the facility, operational and employment adjustments are necessary to align production with market conditions. “Today, GM Canada confirmed CAMI is making operational and employment adjustments to balance inventory and align production schedules with current demand,” a company spokesperson told Global News. Production of the BrightDrop electric delivery vehicle and EV battery assembly will continue, albeit on a reduced scale. Unifor, the union…

The president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Shawn Fain, has voiced support for selective auto tariffs of its manufacturing sector, framing them as a necessary response to what he described as the “free trade disaster.” Speaking during a national webcast on Thursday, Fain emphasised that while tariffs can help protect working-class jobs, they should not be misused for political purposes. “We support some use of tariffs on auto manufacturing and other similar industries,” said Fain. “But we don’t support the use of tariffs for political games about immigration or fentanyl, nor reckless, chaotic tariffs on all countries at crazy…

India’s auto component production is projected to reach $145 billion by 2030, with exports expected to triple from $20 billion to $60 billion, according to a new report released by NITI Aayog. The report, titled ‘Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains,’ forecasts a trade surplus of around $25 billion and the creation of 2 to 2.5 million new jobs within the sector. This surge would significantly raise India’s share in the global automotive value chain, from the current 3% to 8%, while increasing direct employment in the sector to between 3 and 4 million. India, already the…

XPeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of XPeng Motors, announced plans to begin mass production of its hybrid flying car by 2026. Dubbed the ‘Land Aircraft Carrier,’ the vehicle features a detachable flying module with six propellers and a 30-kilometer range that can be folded into a ground-based carrier in five minutes — the first storable design of its kind. The vehicle will be priced under 2 million yuan, with initial deliveries expected next year. Backed by over 10 billion yuan in investments and a projected annual production capacity of 10,000 units, the Guangzhou-based facility supporting the rollout has secured loans worth…

Hyundai Motor Group has launched a new task force aimed at accelerating the development of in-house EV batteries as the South Korean automaker seeks to bolster its competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global EV market. The move comes in the wake of Chinese EV leader BYD’s unveiling of a next-generation battery capable of delivering over 400 kilometres of driving range with just a five-minute charge—technology that has significantly raised the bar for the industry. Formed on April 7 under Hyundai’s manufacturing division, the newly established ‘B Task Force’ (B TFT) is designed to build a fully integrated system to support…

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has highlighted Hungary’s rising prominence as a secure and attractive destination for global automotive investments, particularly amid increasing global economic uncertainty. Speaking in London after meetings with senior figures from the British automotive industry, Szijjártó underscored the shared strategic role of Hungary and the United Kingdom in the European and global automotive sectors. The minister pointed to the volatility currently affecting the industry—driven largely by newly introduced tariff policies and the unpredictability surrounding future trade measures. In this environment, he said, countries that offer a stable political and economic landscape are gaining importance in the…

A central Georgia-based bike manufacturer, Thomson Bike Products, a division of L.H. Thomson Company located in south Bibb County, is closely monitoring ongoing international trade discussions, hoping proposed tariff changes will not disrupt its global operations. The company exports bicycle components to more than 33 countries. While the company manufactures the majority of its products in the United States, it relies on international suppliers—such as Italy for handlebars and Taiwan for steel tubing—raising concerns over the potential financial impact of shifting trade policies. “I heard yesterday that Europe proposed having no tariffs on either country, so if that works out,…

Stellantis and Valeo have deepened their partnership with the launch of Europe’s first remanufactured LED headlamp and a remanufactured infotainment display screen. Announced during the Rematec trade fair in Amsterdam, the launch marks a major move in both companies’ shared commitment to circular economy practices and long-term sustainability goals. Both Stellantis and Valeo aim to significantly reduce their carbon footprints—Stellantis by achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2038 and Valeo by reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 through its CAP 50 decarbonization program. Remanufacturing plays a central role in these strategies, offering a way to extend product lifespans while minimizing waste and…

Infineon Technologies has further reinforced its global leadership in the automotive chip industry, securing a 13.5% share of the global market in 2024, according to the latest TechInsights analysis. A key driver of this success is Infineon’s dominant position in the microcontroller segment, where it now holds a 32.0% market share—extending its lead over its closest competitor by 2.7% points. The company achieved notable gains across key regions. In Europe, Infineon climbed to the top spot with a 14.1% share, up from second place in 2023. It also rose to second place in North America with a 10.4% share, advancing…