Author: Central Desk

The World Vehicle Congress, a major event in the automotive industry, is confirmed to be held from June 14 to 16 in Macao, China’s Special Administrative Region. Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and various auto industry associations, the congress will revolve around the theme of “Global Green Development of the Automotive Industry.” The event will consist of two main activities: the “World Automotive Forum” and the “World Car Exhibition.” Li Rengui, Director of the China Auto Modification Accessories Association, explained that the congress aims to invite car dealerships, buyers, and industry-related organizations from ASEAN countries, as well as countries…

The United Kingdom’s auto industry is celebrating a significant milestone as new car sales in April experienced a remarkable 10% increase, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This surge has led the industry body to revise their 2023 forecast upwards, pointing to a strong recovery for the automotive sector. The SMMT report highlights that a total of 167,166 new cars were registered in April, showing a marked improvement in consumer demand. Factors contributing to the boost in sales include the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, a steady economy, and an increased appetite for electric…

India’s April auto retail sales witnessed a 4% drop to 1.72 million units, down from 1.79 million units in the same month last year, according to data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). The decline is primarily due to a dip in customer demand for two-wheelers and pre-buying in March. However, the market is expected to recover in May, thanks to higher inquiries for the upcoming marriage season. The two-wheeler and passenger vehicle categories experienced year-on-year (YoY) degrowth of 7% and 1%, respectively. The two-wheeler segment’s low sales are attributed to limited supplies caused by the OBD 2A…

The HiPhi brand, a Chinese automaker specializing in futuristic, high-dollar electric vehicles (EVs), has made waves in the industry under the leadership of a British executive, Mark Stanton. Formerly an engineer at Jaguar Land Rover and Ford, Stanton joined the start-up Human Horizons as their CTO four years ago, when he was on the cusp of retirement. Two HiPhi models are already on sale in China, while a third debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show. The brand’s vehicles, designed for wealthy young buyers, boast innovative features such as video projection through headlights and adjustable robot arms in the cabin. HiPhi…

General Motors (GM) has revealed a major leadership change, as Steve Carlisle, the current president of the company’s most profitable region – North America, is set to retire after 41 years of service. Carlisle will be succeeded by Rory Harvey, the vice president of Global Cadillac, starting June 1. Steve Carlisle, who has been in his current role since 2020, has held various senior positions within GM, including leading Cadillac for two years and serving as president and managing director of GM Canada from 2014-2018. In 2022, Carlisle’s total compensation was $8,794,966, according to recent government filings. Rory Harvey, a…

The groundbreaking ceremony for a joint car production facility between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan took place today, marking the start of a significant collaboration between the two nations. Ulugbek Rozukulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzavtosanoat Joint Stock Company of Uzbekistan, acknowledged the role of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in making this project possible. The plant, located in the Hajigabul industrial quarter, will require an investment of 88 million manat ($51.7 million) and is slated to begin operations in May 2025. Spanning 16 hectares, the facility will create 1,200 new jobs and have an annual production…

Electric vehicle (EV) owners in the UK are at risk of receiving fines up to £1,000, as well as having their cars clamped or seized, if they fail to adhere to a simple car tax rule. Even though EVs currently qualify for tax exemption, the DVLA rules mandate that EV owners must complete the correct paperwork and register their cars in the tax system annually, or declare them as Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). Owners who neglect this requirement face an initial £80 fine, which can increase to £1,000 in extreme cases. Furthermore, their vehicles could be clamped or seized…

India’s auto industry is under fire as the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) releases a report highlighting the pervasive use of child labor in garages, automobile workshops, and service stations. The report argues that major automobile manufacturers are equally responsible, as they fail to open adequate service centers and manufacture sufficient spare parts, causing an influx of local mechanic shops and a grey market. Based on video surveys and interviews with child laborers in cities such as Guwahati, Indore, Meerut, Chennai, and Patna, the report reveals that children working in motor garages earn between Rs 2,000…

Canada has emerged victorious in the bid to host Volkswagen’s new battery plant, outshining the United States despite the latter offering “way, way more money,” according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This development marks a significant milestone in Canada’s pursuit of becoming a global electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse. In a recent interview, Trudeau revealed that Canada’s strategic location, access to natural resources, and focus on clean energy helped tip the scales in its favor. The new Volkswagen facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the country’s economy, while also supporting the broader transition to clean energy and…

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and FLO have announced plans to install more than 2,000 public fast charging ports across Canada by 2027. Supported by a $220 million loan from CIB, this project signifies the first investment under the bank’s Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure (CHRI) initiative. The joint effort with FLO aims to accelerate the private sector’s development of large-scale charging infrastructure. The addition of over 2,000 new charging ports to the existing 2,500 universal public fast charging ports will nearly double Canada’s current capacity. As transportation contributes to 25% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, the expansion of…