Author: Central Desk

A milestone move towards cleaner public transportation has been marked by TPER, Bologna’s municipal public transport operator, with the acquisition of a record 130 hydrogen buses from e-mobility leader Solaris. This order, unprecedented in its scale in Europe, comprises 127 units of the 12-metre Urbino 12 hydrogen buses designated for TPER Bologna and an additional three units for TPER Ferrara. Additionally, the deal provides the carrier with the option to increase the order by up to 140 vehicles. This monumental project positions Bologna and Ferrara as pioneers in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Europe. By incorporating 130…

As a tactical maneuver to tap into overseas markets, 50 Chinese auto parts suppliers and carmakers assembled at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany, last week. This initiative is spearheaded by the China Automotive Industry Going Global Collaboration Council, which comprises established powerhouses like SAIC and emerging startups such as Avatr. Jack Yu, president of Xuanyuan Academy and the brain behind the council highlighted that the surging global demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and the competitive advantage of Chinese companies are pivotal for their overseas ventures. Yu, who also serves as the editor-in-chief of the Automotive Business Review…

CentralBDC, the largest privately held outsourced BDC in the automotive industry marked a significant milestone by acquiring of AutoAwards, a prominent provider of loyalty and marketing solutions in the automotive and marine dealership sectors. This development follows previous acquisitions of PowerBDC and Better Car People (BCP), underscoring the company’s dedication to crafting a premier customer loyalty and engagement platform that revolutionizes communication between automotive OEMs, retailers, and consumers. Fostering Profitable Dealerships The primary aim of CentralBDC is to bolster profitability for dealers and OEMs by delivering the finest customer engagement technology available. By integrating AutoAwards into its portfolio, CentralBDC can…

A sense of uncertainty prevails in Kokomo as the city’s auto workers gear up for a probable strike initiated by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union against the triumvirate of automakers – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, should labor negotiations remain unresolved by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. The impending strike would lead to over 150,000 auto workers abandoning their jobs, encompassing approximately 6,000 Stellantis employees stationed in Kokomo. UAW Local 1166, the representative body for more than 1,000 workers employed at the Kokomo Casting Plant, is at the epicenter of the disagreement. The plant is responsible for producing integral parts…

Demonstrating a shared commitment to global supply chain resilience, India and the United States have voiced their support for the construction of a robust semiconductor supply chain while also reaffirming their dedication to sustaining high-level dialogues between governmental bodies, industries, and academic institutions. This resolve was solidified during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joseph Biden, wherein both leaders advocated for ongoing efforts to transform the India-US Strategic Partnership founded on trust and mutual understanding. This significant meeting transpired shortly after President Biden arrives in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit, presided over by…

Responding to a surge in thefts targeting specific Hyundai models lacking push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices, Hyundai Motor America is partnering with local authorities and organizations in St. Louis County. The joint venture with St. Louis County, St. Louis County Police, the City of Jennings, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis will offer complimentary anti-theft software upgrades to impacted Hyundai owners on September 9 and 10 at the Urban League parking lot, 8960 Jennings Station Road. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to supplement Hyundai’s national network of dealerships and promote the installation of Hyundai’s…

Global automotive powerhouse, Stellantis, marked a pivotal moment in its pledge to sustainable mobility by unveiling its flagship Battery Technology Center at the Mirafiori complex, Turin, Italy. This pivotal €40 million investment catapults Stellantis to the forefront of battery design, development, and testing – crucial components for the forthcoming generation of Stellantis brand electric vehicles (EVs). With a workforce exceeding 100, predominantly consisting of upskilled Stellantis employees, the center not only stands as the most expansive facility in Italy but also ranks among the largest in Europe. Expanding the Global Battery Infrastructure The Mirafiori Battery Technology Center is a keystone…

Global transport solutions leader, Scania, has recently launched its revolutionary digital dashboard, Smart Dash, setting the stage for a new era of intelligent, secure, and enjoyable truck driving experiences. This initiative underscores Scania’s steadfast dedication to revolutionizing the transport industry, making it more intelligent and sustainable. Designed with state-of-the-art digital solutions, Smart Dash offers a modular build that provides a secure, connected, and comforting environment for drivers. It enables optimal control over the truck and its surroundings, with subtle prompts from the truck’s intelligent companion whenever potential hazards are identified or specific actions are needed. This innovation allows limitless customization…

Previously, Tesla’s remarkable profit margins set it apart from rivals, serving as proof for its bull investors of the company’s unmatched potential in the EV sector. This bolstered Tesla’s stock to an astonishing $1 trillion valuation. Yet, 2023 sketches a divergent narrative. This year witnessed Tesla’s profit margins take a sharp descent, falling beneath the company’s benchmark. The primary trigger is significant price deductions initiated early in the year, which, despite pressuring profit margins, drove deliveries to record levels. To sustain sales velocity, Tesla found it necessary to continually adjust prices downward. This decision surfaces against the backdrop of escalating…

Audi unveils its groundbreaking electric charging hub at Munich’s Obersendling district, furthering a trajectory of innovation and sustainable mobility. The Munich hub, situated strategically at Zielstattstrasse, establishes itself as the brand’s fifth electric gem, following successful ventures across Nuremberg, Zurich, Berlin, and Salzburg. With the prowess to deliver up to 320 kW of charging power, this facility presents four rapid-charging stations primed for reservations. Bastian Geretshauser, steering the Munich project, sheds light on the unique facets of these hubs. “We ensure constant charging power by means of the power cubes. They consist of used lithium-ion batteries from decommissioned research vehicles…