Author: Central Desk

Honda has announced its latest car into the global mid-size SUV space – the Elevate. The model was revealed in New Delhi, marking a significant expansion of Honda’s portfolio. Notably, India will be the primary production hub for the Elevate, manufacturing for both domestic and international markets. Honda intends to commence bookings for the Elevate in July 2023. The pricing details remain under wraps but are expected to be announced later this year, with speculation suggesting a range between 10.45 to 17 lakh INR. In terms of design and functionality, the Elevate is a shining exemplification of Honda’s latest vision.…

General Motors Co. (GM) has confirmed its robust commitment to sustaining American manufacturing and job creation by unveiling plans to invest over $1 billion in two manufacturing sites based in Flint, Michigan. This substantial financial infusion is aimed at strengthening its industry-leading full-size truck business. The investment will be channeled towards Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center, setting the stage for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) heavy-duty (HD) trucks. Details about the future HD trucks and their launch timeline have yet to be announced. This commitment comes as part of a larger GM initiative which, since 2013,…

Hainan Island, a tropical paradise in Southern China, has been busy quelling ‘range anxiety’ for its inhabitants, thanks to an impressive network of over 75,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, often within a mile or two of each other. The island is pioneering China’s ambitious shift toward an all-electric future, setting the stage for the entire country’s transformation. The provincial government of Hainan has formulated a robust strategy to put a full stop on the sale of fossil-fuel cars by 2030. It intends to make EVs and hybrids constitute at least 45% of the island’s fleet, marking the first and…

The widespread presence of winter weather conditions globally has led to increasing queries regarding how cold weather impacts the performance of electric vehicles (EVs). This curiosity specifically stems from the observed pattern of EVs’ range reduction during lower temperatures, especially below 20 degrees F (-7C), which complicates the feasibility of long-distance journeys. Typically, under optimal conditions, EVs excel, sometimes even exceeding their estimated range by an impressive 15% at a comfortable 70F (21.5C). However, a significant reduction in their driving range is noticeable when the temperature strays from this ideal point. This recurring trend stirs up an essential question: does…

Despite a downward trend compared to the previous year, the UAE’s car recall figures remain substantial with over 34,000 vehicles from a range of manufacturers flagged for inspection due to potential safety defects. In the initial five months of 2023, the Ministry of Economy issued 27 recall notices, necessitating the inspection of 34,386 cars across various models and manufacturers. These include, but are not limited to, household names such as Ford, Mercedes, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Bentley, Dodge, and Land Rover. This year’s recall figures demonstrate a significant 41% decrease compared to the same period in 2022, a promising trend…

As the automotive industry continues to innovate, the boundaries of what’s possible keep expanding. If autonomous vehicles were the last decade’s game-changer, could the coming years belong to flying cars? Early attempts to create flying cars date back to 1917 when Glenn Curtiss made an unsuccessful attempt to build an “autoplane.” More recently, Aston Martin’s Volante Vision Concept, an eye-popping $9.3 million worth piece of aero-automotive wonder, revealed in 2018, made the idea of flying cars feel less like science fiction and more like a future possibility. However, no dealership today stocks a flying car, as prohibitive costs and regulatory…

Morocco’s automotive industry has achieved a new milestone, as exports hit a record MAD 44 billion ($4.3 billion) by the end of April 2023. This represents a 40.4% increase from the same period last year, according to Morocco’s Office d’Echange (OE). The OE attributes this growth to increased sales across all automotive segments, including construction, wiring, and vehicle interiors and seating. Recent data show a 40.4% increase in construction, 43.4% in wiring, and 29.2% in interiors and seating. Morocco’s success in the auto sector further strengthens its position as Africa’s top auto manufacturing hub, a title it took over from…

Germany, long viewed as a powerhouse of automotive manufacturing, finds itself grappling with an uncertain future. A recent survey by the German Association of Engineers (VDI) reveals a troubling trend – the majority of Germans no longer believe their country will remain a leading car manufacturing hub in the years to come. This shift in public sentiment has been brewing in the face of developments that challenge Germany’s auto industry dominance. Notably, last October, German rental car company Sixt announced a long-term deal with Chinese carmaker BYD rather than a domestic or European manufacturer. This agreement included the purchase of…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the recall of nearly 6,400 of its I-PACE electric vehicles in the United States over concerns of potential fire risks. The recall was issued following the company’s concerns that the high-voltage electric vehicle battery in these vehicles might overheat. JLR, a subsidiary of India’s Tata Motors, confirmed on Wednesday that the recall aims to update the battery energy control module software and replace battery modules as needed in specific model year vehicles ranging from 2019 to 2024. The automaker acknowledged that its engineering team has not conclusively identified the battery pack assembly as defective…

Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL), a key player in the Indian automobile industry, is propelling towards its 2045 Carbon Neutrality goal, first declared earlier this year in February. This ambition has spurred the company’s Chennai plant to lead a campaign for the replacement of single-use plastic items with environmentally friendly alternatives. In recognition of World Environment Day, RNAIPL revealed that their carbon neutrality approach is constructed around three key strategies: increasing the use of green energy, boosting energy usage efficiencies, and persistently incorporating energy-efficient technology at their Oragadam plant. By FY 2022-23, RNAIPL’s approach had already facilitated a…