Author: Central Desk

UK ministers met with automotive industry leaders to discuss the zero-emission vehicles (Zev) mandate and its impact on the sector. The meeting addressed industry challenges, incentives for EV adoption, and the transition to zero-emission transport. The Zev mandate, effective from January 1, 2024, requires 22% of new cars sold by each manufacturer in the UK to be zero-emission, primarily fully electric. This target will increase annually, reaching 80% by 2030. Non-compliance could result in penalties of £15,000 per excess polluting vehicle, unless manufacturers use flexibilities such as credit purchases or future sales adjustments. The Government has committed to banning new…

Hyundai Motor and General Motors (GM) are collaborating to develop a pickup truck targeted at the Latin American market, marking a strategic partnership to expand their presence in this key segment. Strengthening Ties The initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on September 12, 2024, for comprehensive cooperation. Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra met in the United States earlier this month to review progress and discuss further collaboration. “During the latest meeting, the two leaders reviewed the progress made since the MOU was signed,” a Hyundai Motor official stated.…

China’s auto sector continues to redefine global standards, with leading manufacturer BYD achieving a major milestone by producing its 10 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV). This landmark achievement, celebrated at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show, reflects the rapid growth of the company and the country’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. BYD’s partnership with Game Science, the creator of the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong, highlights the company’s cultural integration by digitizing Chinese heritage. This fusion of technology and tradition demonstrates BYD’s multifaceted approach to market leadership. The EV Boom in China China’s EV sector has witnessed exponential growth. BYD,…

United States government is set to enhance vehicle crash ratings by incorporating advanced safety technologies, a significant update aimed at improving both driver and pedestrian safety. These changes, mandated by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, will take effect starting with the 2026 model year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalised these updates, which include introducing pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning, and systems to prevent vehicles from moving into another vehicle’s blind spot. These additions mark a shift in the evaluation criteria for automobiles, focusing not only on protecting occupants during collisions but also…

India is set to transform its automotive sector with the introduction of 5G M2M Automotive technologies starting in 2025. According to the India Connected Consumer Report 2025 by Techarc, the country will bypass 4G technology, adopting advanced 5G connectivity and AI to turn vehicles into “smartphones on wheels.” These advancements will bring real-time data processing, enabling applications like communication tools, OTT entertainment, music streaming, vehicle diagnostics, and online shopping directly to cars. Consumer interest in connected cars is surging, with 55% of respondents reporting recent exposure to related news or information. Additionally, 22% indicated plans to include connected cars in…

The market for driverless tractors is witnessing unprecedented growth, revolutionizing agriculture by offering innovative solutions to labor shortages and sustainability challenges. From a valuation of $1.5 billion in 2023, the market is expected to reach $13–15 billion by 2033, primarily driven by adoption in agriculture-centric regions like India and China. What Are Driverless Tractors? Driverless tractors, also called autonomous tractors, are advanced agricultural machines designed to function without human intervention. Equipped with technologies like GPS, cameras, radar, and sensors, they handle operations such as navigation, steering, speed control, and braking autonomously. Going beyond automation, these tractors integrate AI, computer vision,…

India’s low car density offers immense growth potential for automakers, making the country an attractive market for global players, according to Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki. Speaking to ANI, Takeuchi highlighted that India’s car density stands at approximately 35 vehicles per 1,000 people, far below the 600 per 1,000 seen in the US and Europe. “If you compare India’s car density with Japan or the United States, the number of cars per 1,000 people here is still very low, while developed markets like Europe or the U.S. have over 600 cars per 1,000 people. This presents…

Jaguar is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with a fully electric luxury sedan, now in development. The car has begun road testing in Europe and will debut during the Design Vision Concept showcase at Miami Art Week on 2 December 2024. The four-door grand tourer, built on Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), has completed extensive virtual and physical testing in the UK. Further tests will be conducted on public roads and test sites worldwide. It will be manufactured at Jaguar’s Solihull facility in the UK. Camouflaged prototypes reveal a sleek design, featuring a classic grand tourer silhouette with an elongated…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giants NIO and XPENG continue to expand their global reach with recent announcements of new market entries into Azerbaijan and Nepal. NIO, a leading global smart EV company, has partnered with local distributor Green Car in Azerbaijan to make its entry into the country. This partnership, announced during the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan, will see Green Car oversee NIO’s distribution, service, and the development of its charging infrastructure, including battery swap stations. Additionally, NIO Houses, which are dedicated spaces for customer service and brand experience, will be established in Azerbaijan. Deliveries of NIO vehicles in…

General Motors (GM) has announced the layoff of approximately 1,000 employees globally, as part of cost-cutting measures aimed at maintaining competitiveness in the increasingly crowded global automobile market. The layoffs, which predominantly affect white-collar workers, were communicated early Friday. While the company refrained from providing extensive details, it confirmed the decision in a statement highlighting its focus on efficiency and prioritization. “We need to optimize for speed and excellence,” GM stated. “This includes operating with efficiency, ensuring we have the right team structure, and focusing on our top priorities.” The move comes as GM and other automakers grapple with the…