Author: Central Desk

Loadsmith, an innovative platform that bridges the gap between shippers and carriers, has sealed a pivotal deal with Kodiak Robotics, a front-runner in the autonomous trucking industry. The landmark agreement aims to place 800 trucks, outfitted with Kodiak’s autonomous technology, onto Loadsmith’s platform. This venture signifies a transformative step in the realm of long-haul autonomous freight transport. With the recent establishment of Loadsmith Transportation, a subsidiary dedicated exclusively to self-driving truck transportation, Loadsmith is steering the industry towards a future where autonomous freight transport is the norm. The alliance with Kodiak Robotics is poised to provide the cornerstone for this…

Achieving an industry first, Kia America has garnered the maximum awards at the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), further solidifying its standing as a prominent entity within the global automobile landscape. Four distinguished Kia models captured awards within their respective categories – Rio outperformed in the Small Car category, Forte dominated the Compact Car division, Stinger prevailed within the Midsize Premium Car class, and Carnival led the Minivan category. This notable feat highlights Kia’s competence to provide exceptional vehicles spanning multiple segments. Notably, the Kia Forte broke records by clinching the Compact Car category title for an…

Japanese autoworld leader Toyota, known for its innovative spirit, is charting a course towards a cleaner automotive future. By 2026, the company aims to debut next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) that offer zero tailpipe emissions, remarkable affordability, and enhanced efficiency. Toyota’s game-changing initiative tackles one of the major impediments to widespread hydrogen usage – the high cost. The automaker’s bold solution? Next-gen fuel cells that slice costs by half while extending range by a significant 20 percent compared to existing models. At a recent technical briefing, Toyota shared strategic plans devised to respond to the fast-paced changes in the…

The German antitrust regulator, Bundeskartellamt, is accusing Google of stifling competition in the automotive industry through the company’s software bundling approach. The regulatory body raises concerns that this strategy could potentially disfavour rivals and limit market competition. Google’s decision to offer an all-encompassing software package to car manufacturers for their infotainment systems has sparked criticism. The regulatory agency contends that Google’s practices may constitute anti-competitive behavior by potentially forcing out alternative map service providers from the market. The regulator posits that Google’s refusal to allow third-party access to its services, such as search functionality, location data, and Google Street View,…

Amsterdam is set to witness the unveiling of an innovative UK-based technology that could potentially change the approach to end-of-life EV batteries across Europe. Autocraft EV Solutions, a leading British company, has developed a unique mobile repair facility designed to test, repair, and remanufacture defective EV battery packs. The technology is aimed at maximizing the usage of these resources, a significant shift from the common practice of battery recycling. The launch, set to take place at the Rematec automotive remanufacturing exhibition in Amsterdam from June 27-29, offers a glimpse into a new era of sustainable and circular automotive practices. Autocraft’s…

China’s leading economic institution, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced this Wednesday a groundbreaking agreement with three automotive industry leaders from Germany – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. Representing a substantial advancement in bilateral relations between the two nations, the NDRC confirmed that these agreements are designed to reinforce the partnership within the automotive industry. Their mutual objectives center around fostering joint research, encouraging innovation, and promoting the widespread adoption of new-energy vehicles. Statements of intent, signed in Berlin earlier this week, cemented this ambitious partnership. BMW and Mercedes-Benz inked their agreements with the NDRC on Tuesday, followed by…

In a landmark achievement for the autonomous trucking industry, TuSimple’s first driverless truck has successfully completed a human-free run on public roads in China. This pioneering trial, referred to as a “driver-out” run, is a first for China, positioning TuSimple at the forefront of transformative transportation technologies. The driverless truck navigated a 40-mile route approved by Shanghai’s government, starting from Yangshan Deep-water Port Logistics Park and culminating at Donghai Bridge. The challenging journey involved the truck navigating through both urban and highway environments under an array of weather conditions, including fog and crosswinds. Other navigational challenges included dealing with traffic…

Stellantis N.V. and Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, officially unveiled their 50/50 joint venture: SiliconAuto. This ambitious venture is dedicated to the design and sales of high-tech semiconductors to cater to the ever-growing needs of the automotive industry. The project, which will launch in 2026, combines the respective expertise of both multinational companies, aiming to provide an automotive-centric source for the increasingly high-demand semiconductors, especially for electric vehicles. Foxconn brings its extensive experience and prowess in the ICT industry to the table, whereas Stellantis’s comprehensive understanding of global mobility needs promises to make SiliconAuto a formidable player…

BMW has taken center stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023, showcasing its commitment to emission-free mobility with the presentation of the BMW H2R Record Car and the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen, in addition to the all-electric drive versions of the BMW 5 Series and the most potent all-electric BMW model, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. The H2R, a testament to BMW’s belief in hydrogen fuel cells’ potential, broke nine world records in 2004. The vehicle is based on a reengineered version of the 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine from the BMW 760i. Meanwhile, the iX5 Hydrogen is the German automaker’s…

The recently enacted EU-UK post-Brexit trade deal is posing a significant threat to the production of electric vehicles (EVs), warns the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). This looming threat is born from stringent new rules forcing automakers to source a greater proportion of EV components locally or face hefty import tariffs. Under the trade deal, EVs must comprise 45% of EU or UK content starting from 2024, with a specific 50-60% requirement for their battery cells and packs. Non-compliance with these mandates will attract British or EU import tariffs of 10%. ACEA highlighted that these regulations could potentially cost European…