Author: Central Desk

Santander Consumer Finance and MG Motor unveil a pioneering benefits scheme, ‘The EV Benefits Ecosystem’, tailored for enthusiasts shifting to electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), strategically timed for the September 73-plate change. This initiative, accessible to clients financing their fresh vehicles through MG Motor Financial Services, derives its power from the innovative platform, ZoomEV. ZoomEV has garnered respect for its ability to deeply engage with customers, discerning and mitigating apprehensions about embracing electric mobility. Through MG Motor’s expansive dealer network of 153 dealers, customers are granted a portal to a wealth of privileges. These encompass exclusive discounts on…

The automotive landscape of Japan welcomes the advent of a behemoth, Hitachi Astemo, as it paves the way for pioneering interventions across battery-electric and internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Birthed in 2021 through the confluence of Hitachi Automotive Systems, Nissin Kogyo, Keihin, and Showa, this potent assembly champions an agenda accentuating safety, electrification, comfort, and sustainability in automotive dynamics. Their overarching strategy is a harmonious blend of distinctive proficiencies: Nissin and Chassis Brakes’ expertise in brake systems, Keihin’s prowess in powertrain solutions, Showa’s mastery in suspension and steering, all seamlessly coalescing with the core capabilities of Hitachi Automotive Systems. “Advanced Sustainable Technologies for…

The automotive industry’s transformation accelerates as electric vehicles (EVs) rise to the forefront. For South Korean automakers, this electric future presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Key to their success is prioritizing the development of all-solid-state lithium batteries and strengthening EV-related software capabilities. Presently, EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, known for their vulnerability to ‘thermal runaway,’ a condition where they can ignite fiercely and rapidly, posing significant safety concerns. Coupled with high battery costs, limited driving ranges, and scarce charging stations, the EV transition faces its set of challenges. Yet, the horizon seems promising. By 2030, according to Kim…

Marking a milestone in luxury automobile history, Rolls-Royce recently revealed its exclusive Droptail roadster. With only four units crafted, each potentially holds the status of ‘world’s priciest new car.’ This unveiling signifies a notable shift for the esteemed brand. Beyond its status as their first two-seater creation, the Droptail stands out with unmatched bespoke craftsmanship. The initial showcase, dubbed ‘La Rose Noire’, offers a vivid insight into Rolls-Royce’s vision of supreme vehicular luxury. Exact figures remain a secret, yet whispers among experts, with voices like the UK’s Autocar magazine, hint at a value eclipsing the astonishing $40 million of the…

The Indian automotive domain stands at the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) set for August 22, 2023. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, will lead this groundbreaking ceremony. As articulated by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), this initiative showcases the Indian government’s deep-rooted commitment to bolstering road safety. The primary focus remains on amplifying safety benchmarks for motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes within the expansive Indian market. One of the main objectives of Bharat NCAP is to empower car…

Charting a strategic path, Indian automotive behemoth, Ashok Leyland, is set to extend a corporate guarantee cover of ₹870 crore, ensuring the financial stability of its two UK-based subsidiaries: Optare Plc. UK and Switch Mobility Limited, UK. The company emphasizes this initiative’s objective: to solely protect the lenders/banking facilities, underscoring that the promoters, promoter group, and group companies retain no vested interest in this transaction. The impact of this decision remains confined to the disbursed amount, the auto manufacturer articulated in a recent regulatory disclosure. This commitment follows the wake of Ashok Leyland’s commendable quarterly achievements. Reinforcing its domestic market…

Chinese automakers are driving a significant transformation in the country’s auto landscape, presenting significant challenges for global automotive behemoths, with companies like Tesla feeling the heat. Recent trends highlight the ascent of Chinese automakers as they steadily eclipse global mainstays like Ford and GM within their territory. Last month’s data suggests this dominance could see Chinese firms controlling the lion’s share of their car market this year. Of particular note is the surge in demand for electric vehicles, with an emphasis on homegrown brands. Data from the first half of 2023, as provided by Chinese advisory firm Automobility, paints a…

Schaeffler, a dominant force in the automotive and industrial sectors, announces a quantum leap for hydrogen-powered transportation: their next-generation metallic bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells. These plates surpass conventional standards, with a design primed for mass production and a cutting-edge coating process that assures fuel cell longevity. Highlighting a performance enhancement, these plates boast a power density that outperforms their predecessors by 20%. Matthias Zink, CEO of Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler AG, accentuates Schaeffler’s forward momentum: “When it comes to driving systems for commercial vehicles, Schaeffler is also investing in hydrogen, especially for long-haul applications. We are developing both…

For a strategic move to cement its position in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle conversion sector, TREMEC, a leading provider of Electric Vehicle (EV) Powertrain Systems and EV components and a subsidiary of KUO, has integrated Electric GT, Inc. a frontrunner in plug-and-play EV conversion systems. This amalgamation seeks to make TREMEC a global trailblazer in the ICE-to-BEV conversion marketplace. The collaboration births TREMEC – Electric GT, which establishes the heart of its operations at Electric GT’s base in Huntington Beach, CA. Here, the entity harnesses TREMEC’s vast global resources and aligns its strategies directly with TREMEC’s executive leadership. Around…

As global dynamics shape local markets, the automotive sector emerges as a pivotal barometer of economic growth and consumer sentiment. Two leading dealer groups in the U.S.—Swickard Auto Group and Spitzer Auto World—recently unveiled their ambitious expansion strategies, accentuating the buoyant state of the automotive industry. Swickard Brings Luxury to Texas Swickard Auto Group, boasting ownership of 42 franchises across the nation, has revealed ambitious plans to launch Mercedes-Benz South Austin by the close of 2023. Their objective? To usher luxury automotive experiences into the South Austin sphere. This avant-garde facility, sprawling across a staggering 80,000 square feet nestled on…