Author: Central Desk

Rising tensions between Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union mark the approach to the expiration of the four-year contracts binding major automakers. Stellantis North America Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart conveyed a potent message, urging all parties to embrace economic realism. This communication, accessed by Reuters, underscored the automaker’s dedication to collaborating with UAW on realistic terms. Such a stance emerges as a direct response to UAW’s ambitious agenda for contract enhancements. UAW’s aspirations encompass pay increments of over 40% within the forthcoming four years, significant additional leave provisions, and the re-establishment of defined-benefit pensions,…

Since 2022, San Franciscans have entered a new era marked by the rise of fully autonomous vehicles. Many have chosen Waymo One’s autonomous service as their go-to mode of transportation. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has granted Waymo its coveted driverless deployment permit. This green light sets the stage for an expanded, fare-based autonomous ride-hailing landscape in San Francisco. As a result, the city anticipates a progressive influx of riders eager to embrace this innovative mode of transport. Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, radiates optimism. “Today’s permit marks the true beginning of our commercial operations in San Francisco. We’re…

Signifying the expanding dominance of Chinese automobile brands on the global stage, GWM introduced its brand with flair in Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi. The global reveal of its HAVAL H6 HEV coincided with the inauguration of its first dealership in Vietnam, marking a transformative chapter for the ASEAN automotive narrative. Prominent Vietnamese dignitaries and local media gathered, with GWM and its Vietnamese ally, TAG Group, to witness this pivotal transition. Cheng Jinkui, who helms GWM in the ASEAN territory, remarked during the press event, “As a representative enterprise of the rise of Chinese automobile brands, GWM has firmly adopted a…

Canadian auto industry marks a crucial juncture today. Unifor, an auto workers and trade union in Canada begins transformative contract discussions with the Canadian arms of Detroit’s Big Three: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Approximately 18,000 Unifor members, integral to these agreements, grapple with issues resonating far beyond Canadian borders. Despite employers’ soaring profits, wages stagnate against surging inflation. Pensions, especially for industry newcomers, dangle on the precipice of uncertainty. Through economic tremors and past bankruptcies, the union has tirelessly upheld senior member plans, yet these schemes have remained static for over a decade. Specific challenges afflict the auto sector.…

Amidst financial setbacks from the pandemic and other challenges, Ford’s Bahia plant in Brazil ceased operations. Yet, the tides of economic power are shifting. China’s burgeoning influence, represented by its EV titan, BYD Co., is now negotiating the acquisition of this erstwhile industrial behemoth. If successful, it would earmark BYD’s largest EV footprint outside its Asian stronghold. This trajectory embodies the aspirations of Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. While the US treads cautiously around China’s technological prowess, Lula perceives China as Brazil’s industrial phoenix. China has been channeling substantial investments not just in Brazil, but also in nations…

Mineral Resources (MinRes) is set to pioneer the globe’s first fleet of fully autonomous road trains deep within the vast stretches of Western Australia’s outback. Designed specifically for the Onslow Iron project, this fleet, evolved from a collaboration with Hexagon Autonomous Solutions, stands as a beacon of innovation and safety with unparalleled efficiency. This groundbreaking venture boasts 120 autonomous triple-trailer vehicles, each designed to haul an impressive 330 tonnes of iron ore. These machines will function remotely, covering a 150km private haul road from the Ken’s Bore mine site straight to the Port of Ashburton, ensuring seamless transport devoid of…

 As industries evolve in the digital realm, Porsche emerges as a forerunner by deepening its dedication to the Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) movement.   The automotive powerhouse has unveiled its strategic blueprint detailing the integration of free and open-source software into its digital fabric. By leveraging FOSS, Porsche accelerates development trajectories, curtails expenditure, nurtures innovative approaches and enhances software excellence.   Porsche’s Bold Journey with Open Source   Two years after its commencement, Porsche’s open-source commitment has witnessed a transformative shift with the announcement of the “FOSS Movement”. This comprehensive document elucidates core values surrounding open-source software and underscores…

Today, a strategic alliance emerged between Inova Semiconductors and Samsung Foundry. The two companies have unveiled plans for the Korean foundry, Samsung, to take part in the production of Inova’s innovative ISELED smart LED controller products. This collaboration will serve as a multi-source production strategy, alongside Inova’s existing foundries. Mass production is anticipated to commence by the fourth quarter of 2024. The ‘Digital LED’ or ISELED technology has witnessed skyrocketing popularity, predominantly within the automotive sector. Esteemed car producers across Europe and prominently in Asia have seamlessly integrated this technology. Its user-friendly nature, devoid of binning or user-calibration needs, combined…

Facing a notable setback within their once-booming African markets, India’s leading two-wheeler producers experience a 20% decrease in motorcycle exports by FY23. Notably, Nigeria, a significant buyer of Indian two-wheelers, slashed its import share from 25% in FY20 to just 12% in FY23. Despite these challenges, fresh horizons emerge. Growing demand from alternative regions like Mexico, the Philippines, LatAm, and Turkey presents vibrant avenues poised to rejuvenate India’s two-wheeler sales. Dynamic Market Shifts While African economies grapple with political and economic turmoil, causing a dent in their demand for two-wheelers primarily used for commercial purposes, newer markets are showcasing a…

A pivotal moment arrived today for the electric mobility industry as BYD UK and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) announced the triumphant handover of their 1,500th electric bus to Go-Ahead London. This milestone highlights the formidable progress of the partnership, marking a steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable urban transportation. Establishing its dominance in the global arena, BYD leads the way in batteries, energy management, and electric mobility. Playing a prominent role domestically, Alexander Dennis, a member of the NFI Group Inc, stands as the largest bus and coach manufacturer in the UK. The BYD–Alexander Dennis partnership catalyzes the growth of eco-friendly…