Author: Central Desk

Autoliv, a global leader in automotive safety systems, has entered into a strategic partnership with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), a key player in China’s automotive sector. The collaboration, spearheaded by Autoliv (Shanghai) Management, aims to innovate and expand the global footprint of both companies while advancing automotive safety technologies. JMC, headquartered in Nanchang, China, has been a recipient of Autoliv’s seatbelt systems since 1997. The company is renowned for its robust commercial and passenger vehicles, including light trucks, vans, and pickups, and has established itself as a competitive force in both domestic and international markets. “This strategic collaboration underscores Autoliv’s…

BYD India has announced its participation in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, a premier event focused on advancing sustainable transportation and automotive innovation. The company, renowned for its expertise in new energy vehicle technology, will present its current India lineup alongside globally celebrated models and unveil yet-to-be-launched vehicles. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, expressed the company’s commitment to driving electric vehicle adoption in India. “Events like the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 are instrumental in accelerating EV adoption in India. BYD is proud to be part of this event, reinforcing our dedication…

AAWireless, the pioneering and widely acclaimed Android Auto wireless adapter, has officially been discontinued. This innovative product, which launched via crowdfunding platforms, revolutionised the driving experience by eliminating the need for wired connections, becoming a staple for modern drivers worldwide. AAWireless transformed how drivers interacted with their vehicles, introducing a seamless wireless Android Auto experience. It quickly became a favourite, creating an entire product category that many consider indispensable today. The adapter worked by connecting to a car’s Android Auto USB port and pairing with smartphones via Bluetooth. It forwarded wireless signals to vehicles using a short USB cable, offering…

Global EV registrations are set to reach 10.8 million by the end of 2024, reflecting a 7% growth compared to last year, according to New AutoMotive’s Global Electric Vehicle Tracker (GEVT). This surge represents an additional 700,000 EVs sold globally. Plug-in hybrids are also gaining traction, with registrations projected to hit 4.8 million, a 54% increase from 2023. Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, while still dominant, are witnessing a decline. Registrations are expected to drop to 43 million this year, the lowest figure in four years and a decrease of 5% compared to 2023, making them the only segment experiencing…

Volkswagen (VW) has planned to relocate production of its iconic Golf hatchback to Mexico, marking a new chapter for the model in line with its Beetle predecessor. The move is part of the company’s broader effort to improve global competitiveness, a strategy that will result in significant changes to its operations in Germany. The restructuring, which includes a joint agreement with unions, is set to reduce VW’s domestic manufacturing capacity. According to reports from The Telegraph, the measures are projected to save the company €15 billion annually in the medium term under the initiative named ‘Zukunft Volkswagen’ (Future Volkswagen). Among…

Solaris, a prominent European bus manufacturer specialising in zero-emission vehicles, has signed its first contract for electric bus deliveries in the United States. This milestone agreement aligns with Solaris’ 2026 Strategic Plan, which aims to establish a foothold in the North American market by offering zero-emission buses (ZEBs). The contract was signed with King County Metro, a major public transit agency serving Seattle, Washington, and 34 surrounding cities. The agreement involves the delivery of two 40-foot battery-electric buses and two 60-foot articulated electric buses, with an option for up to 12 additional units. The buses are scheduled for delivery in…

Mitsubishi Electric Mobility Corporation has entered into a capital and business partnership with Seeing Machines, a leading Australian provider of Driver Monitoring System (DMS) software, to strengthen its presence in the growing DMS market. The partnership aims to enhance road safety by leveraging advanced technologies to detect driver distraction and drowsiness. As part of the agreement, Mitsubishi Electric Mobility will invest £40 million, acquiring 15% of Seeing Machines’ newly issued shares through a third-party allotment on December 23, 2024. Additionally, the company plans to purchase an additional 6.9% of shares from existing shareholders via an over-the-counter transaction, raising its total…

China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector continues to attract significant investments as industry players push for innovation, market expansion, and profitability. Recent funding rounds highlight the sector’s appeal and underscore investors’ confidence in its long-term growth prospects. Changan Automobile’s NEV brand, Avatr, announced on Tuesday the completion of its Series C financing round, securing over 11 billion yuan ($1.51 billion) — the largest single fundraising in China’s auto industry this year. The funds will drive Avatr’s research and development of new NEV models, bolster its brand building, and support its overseas expansion. Avatr also plans to go public, aiming for…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio has officially unveiled its Firefly brand, aiming to challenge the BMW Mini and Mercedes-Benz Smart in the global market. The announcement was made at Nio Day 2024, held in Guangzhou, marking the debut of Firefly as Nio’s third brand, following its flagship Nio and Onvo sub-brands. The Firefly’s first model, sharing its name with the brand, was introduced as a premium boutique small car. Pre-sales for the battery electric vehicle (BEV) began today in China, priced at RMB 148,800 ($20,390), with an official launch slated for April 2025. This pricing matches the recently discounted…

General Motors (GM) is standing firm on its ambitious goal to transition entirely to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035, according to the company’s CEO, Mary Barra. Despite setbacks and market challenges, Barra reiterated GM’s dedication to phasing out internal combustion engines in a recent interview with The New York Times. Earlier this year, concerns were raised about GM’s electric ambitions when Barra admitted during a CNBC interview, as reported by Bloomberg and Green Car Reports, that the automaker would miss its 2025 target of achieving the capacity to produce 1 million EVs annually. This delay was attributed to complications in…