Author: Central Desk

Egypt’s Mansour Automotive Group has joined forces with Chinese automaker SAIC Motor to establish a $135 million worth car plant in New October City’s industrial zone. The agreement, announced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, includes a technical licensing deal to produce MG-branded cars with over 45% local components. This initiative aligns with Egypt’s National Strategy for Localizing the Automotive Industry, a key policy spearheaded by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to bolster the country’s manufacturing capacity. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly affirmed that the project reflects Egypt’s commitment to strengthening its automotive industry and enhancing export potential. Deputy Prime Minister and…

As 2024 ends, XPeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng released an internal letter titled ‘2025 New Journey, Through the Storm, Keep Running!’ to reflect on a transformative year and set a bold agenda for 2025. He Xiaopeng described 2024 as a year of contrasts, marked by challenges in the first half and record-breaking achievements in the latter. Models like the XPeng MONA and P7+ gained significant traction, driving a year-end sales surge. XPeng also demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve, leveraging technology, marketing, and operational improvements. Looking ahead, He predicted an intensification of market competition, including the likelihood of…

Changan Automobile, a Chinese state-backed automaker, announced its plans to officially enter the European market in 2025 as part of an ambitious global expansion strategy, Chairman Zhu Huarong revealed at a recent conference. The Chongqing-based company will also establish a Brazilian unit in 2024 to enhance its presence in South America and introduce its three marques—Changan, Deepal, and Avatr—to the Middle East. Additionally, Changan plans to operationalise its plant in Rayong, Thailand, and launch a factory for knocked-down vehicle assembly in the Commonwealth of Independent States. This year, Changan laid the groundwork for its European expansion by setting up a German…

German auto supplier Linde + Wiemann has concluded its partnership with Türkiye’s Opsan, citing global challenges in the automotive sector. The decision marks the end of a collaboration that significantly influenced Türkiye’s automotive landscape. In a statement released on Thursday, the Turkish Competition Authority approved the transfer of Linde + Wiemann’s shares in Linde Opsan Otomotiv to the Ersu family, a long-time partner. The Ersu family’s KEB Metal Investment now holds full control of the company. Opsan, one of Türkiye’s leading automotive suppliers, has been instrumental in producing sheet metal and welded assembly parts for the automotive sector. Established in…

A unique Rolls-Royce prototype that competed in the grueling 1981 Dakar Rally has sold at auction for nearly $622,000. Known as the ‘Jules,’ after the Christian Dior men’s fragrance promoted during the project, this one-of-a-kind vehicle combines the luxury of Rolls-Royce with the rugged capability required for one of the world’s most demanding races. The car, based on a Rolls-Royce Corniche, was extensively modified for the rally. Its original chassis was replaced with a Toyota Land Cruiser frame, and the body was recreated in lightweight fiberglass to improve performance in desert conditions. Powering the Jules is a 5.7-liter Corvette V8…

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, known as the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturer, has made a significant impact on the electric vehicle (EV) market, surpassing its ambitious 2024 sales target of 130,000 vehicles within just nine months. The company’s first EV model, the SU7, launched in March, has been the cornerstone of this success. Priced from RMB 215,900 (approximately $29,600), the SU7 has been lauded for its premium features and sleek design, rivaling vehicles in much higher price brackets. The model was unveiled on December 28 last year, and its rapid sales trajectory has positioned Xiaomi as a serious contender in the…

Dodge is set to introduce its iconic Charger to Europe and the Middle East, catering to muscle car enthusiasts in these regions. Deliveries are expected to commence by late 2025, and the lineup will feature both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) versions. While the model will be imported into Europe through distributors, Dodge will officially sell it in the Middle East. The full Charger portfolio will be available, including two-door and four-door variants. Currently, only the electric version, known as the Charger Daytona, is on the market, but ICE variants with the new Hurricane engines are set to debut…

Vayve Mobility, a rising innovator in the Indian automotive sector, is set to debut Eva, the nation’s first solar-powered compact electric car, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi. Scheduled from January 17 to 22, 2025, this showcase follows Eva’s initial unveiling at Auto Expo 2023, where it garnered significant interest. The upgraded model highlights eco-friendliness and practicality as key features, tailored for urban commuters. Designed to tackle city-specific challenges such as traffic congestion, limited parking, and soaring fuel costs, Eva offers a unique combination of sustainability and convenience. The vehicle provides a driving range of 250 kilometers per…

Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation and a transformative leader in the global automotive industry, passed away on December 25 at the age of 94 due to lymphoma. Born in Gero, Japan, in 1930, he joined Suzuki Motor in 1958 after marrying into the company’s founding family and adopting the surname Suzuki. Over a career spanning decades, Suzuki’s innovative leadership helped establish the company as a global leader in small cars and motorcycles. His tenure included two terms as president, making him the longest-serving head of a global automaker. He spearheaded strategic partnerships with General Motors and…

BYD has strongly denied allegations of poor working and living conditions at a factory construction site in Brazil, asserting that the claims are an attempt to malign Chinese brands and China itself. A Brazilian task force led by prosecutors recently reported rescuing 163 Chinese workers allegedly subjected to slavery-like conditions at the construction site. Video evidence from the Labour Prosecutor’s Office highlighted substandard dormitories with beds lacking mattresses and makeshift cooking facilities. In response, BYD spokesperson Li Yunfei posted a statement on Weibo condemning the reports. “In matters of smearing Chinese brands, smearing China, and attempting to undermine the friendship…