Author: Central Desk

In an unprecedented move towards green mobility, the U.S. and Canada announced their collaborative efforts to develop an EV charging corridor bridging the two countries. The plan, disclosed on Tuesday, is designed to further support the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. The proposed network, known as the Binational EV Corridor, will position fast-charging stations at approximately every 50-mile intervals. Stretching from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, the corridor will integrate seamlessly with existing and planned charging networks on both sides of the border. While the exact timeline for the construction remains undisclosed, the impact of this project is…

General Motors (GM) has announced it will exceed industry norms by equipping 98% of its 2023 model year vehicles with five active safety features as standard. This includes all new electric vehicles (EVs) launching this year, such as the family-friendly Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV. GM’s safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam auto high-beam control. The company’s move not only surpasses an industry-wide commitment to make Automatic Emergency Braking standard on 95% of all new vehicles sold, but also extends to these additional safety…

A recent study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur has stirred up controversy by challenging the environmentally friendly image of electric vehicles. The study contends that, counter to popular belief, electric cars may produce 15 to 50% more greenhouse gases (GHGs) than hybrid and conventional engine cars. The study, conducted in collaboration with a Japanese organization, focused on the life cycle assessment (LCA) and total cost of ownership (TCO) of different vehicle types. The analysis suggests that due to India’s dependence on coal-fired electricity for charging, electric cars may have a higher carbon footprint. The findings add…

Surprisingly, South Korean automaker Kia has announced its ambition to launch a mid-size pickup truck in Australia come 2025. This newcomer is set to compete against prominent market favorites including the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. The announcement, as reported by the Australian publication, Drive, was disclosed during a confidential gathering with dealers. While Kia hasn’t yet confirmed whether this new model will make its way to the U.S. market, the potential to stand toe-to-toe with the Ford Ranger in worldwide markets is clear. Kia’s new pickup, currently identified by the internal model code “TK”, is said to boast a…

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, reaffirmed the importance of strong ties with China during his first visit since the onset of the pandemic, echoing sentiments of Apple’s Tim Cook, Mercedes’ Ola Kallenius, and other tech and auto industry leaders. Meeting with Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Tuesday, Musk emphasized the intertwined interests of China and the U.S. According to a government statement, Musk opposes any decoupling from China, expressing Tesla’s willingness to continue its expansion within the country. These comments mirror last month’s statement from Mercedes’ Kallenius, who deemed unbundling from China “an illusion,” and Apple’s Cook underlining the symbiotic nature…

France’s first electric vehicle (EV) battery plant was inaugurated near Lens, marking the dawn of a new era in the country’s industrial history and a significant stride in President Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious “reindustrialisation” plan. The grand opening, attended by three government ministers and numerous local officials, highlighted the plant’s strategic importance. Operated by the Automotive Cell Company (ACC), a joint venture between TotalEnergies, Stellantis (Jeep manufacturer), and Mercedes-Benz, the facility is the country’s first salvo in challenging China’s dominance in the EV battery sector. The ACC plant was established with a €1.3bn state aid package from France, Germany, and Italy…

Amidst the disruptions caused by the global semiconductor shortage and supply chain challenges, 2023 is set to be a year of considerable evolution for the auto industry. The sector is poised to overcome obstacles and press forward with accelerated advancements in semi-autonomous features, the improvement of electric vehicle quality, and a massive shift in in-cabin experiences. While autonomous driving and electric vehicles (EVs) continue to be the talk of the industry, the most significant change predicted for this year lies within the car’s interior. As consumers become increasingly accustomed to the smart-device experience in their homes and on mobile phones,…

Indian automotive powerhouse, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), has declared an escalation in their capital expenditure (capex) for the FY22-FY24 investment cycle, now pegged at $2.12 billion, marking a substantial surge from the previous allotment of $2.01 billion. This amplification of investment embraces their auto, farm, and EV enterprises, alongside Group company investments and partnerships. Mahindra has amped up investment in its automotive ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) business by 20% to $1.27 billion from the initial $1.06 billion. The capex for its electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (MEAL), has seen a striking 54% augmentation to $427 million, an…

Seeking to revive Brazil’s languishing auto sector, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has introduced a range of tax cuts, specifically designed to enhance the affordability of low-cost vehicles for the country’s working-class population. On Thursday, the government unveiled a tax reduction plan for vehicles priced at 120,000 reais ($23,875) or less. It is anticipated that this initiative could decrease the sticker prices on some cars by almost 11%. “The reduction will primarily benefit the social aspect, focusing on affordable cars rather than luxury vehicles,” said Vice President Geraldo Alckmin during the announcement at the presidential palace in Brasilia. This…

Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution have revealed plans to construct a new electric battery plant worth $4.3 billion as part of Hyundai’s forthcoming electric vehicle assembly plant in southeast Georgia. This joint investment will be split evenly between the two companies, with production set to commence by late 2025. The battery plant aims to provide a robust foundation for Hyundai’s global transition to electric vehicles and accelerate the production of electrified Hyundai and Kia vehicles in North America. Hyundai Motor Co. CEO Jaehoon Chang expressed confidence in their electrification efforts, emphasizing the company’s determination to secure a leading…