Author: Central Desk

Epsilon Advanced Materials, an Indian based battery materials manufacturer, announced on Monday its decision to inject a $650 million investment into an electric vehicle (EV) battery components facility in the United States. This significant move was part of the joint statement issued by US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s recent U.S. visit, signifying growing international cooperation in the EV sector.  Epsilon’s proposed investment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing global shift towards electric mobility. The company’s planned U.S. facility aims to manufacture 50,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of synthetic graphite anodes, a key…

An extraordinary shift in the global automobile industry is on the horizon, spurred by a burgeoning oversupply of vehicles that could incite a fierce price war. This scenario starkly contrasts the record-high car prices observed in the U.S. market just last summer. This year, a UBS report forecasts an alarming oversupply in the global car market – car production is slated to exceed sales by 6%, translating to an excess of approximately 5 million vehicles. In order to sell off this stockpile, manufacturers might have to resort to aggressive price reductions. While these cuts are not expected to take effect…

The government of China has unveiled an aggressive plan, termed ‘China’s Tax Incentives’, to bolster the nation’s green car technologies sector. This includes complete tax exemptions for electric vehicle (EV) purchases for the next two years and plans to lift regulations prohibiting the large-scale operation of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles. This landmark initiative has been welcomed by key players in the industry, who view Beijing’s strategies as crucial to stabilizing the highly competitive EV market. Automakers, in particular, are enthusiastic about the prospect of planning for new model introductions and improved cost management in the wake of Beijing’s early…

Loadsmith, an innovative platform that bridges the gap between shippers and carriers, has sealed a pivotal deal with Kodiak Robotics, a front-runner in the autonomous trucking industry. The landmark agreement aims to place 800 trucks, outfitted with Kodiak’s autonomous technology, onto Loadsmith’s platform. This venture signifies a transformative step in the realm of long-haul autonomous freight transport. With the recent establishment of Loadsmith Transportation, a subsidiary dedicated exclusively to self-driving truck transportation, Loadsmith is steering the industry towards a future where autonomous freight transport is the norm. The alliance with Kodiak Robotics is poised to provide the cornerstone for this…

Achieving an industry first, Kia America has garnered the maximum awards at the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), further solidifying its standing as a prominent entity within the global automobile landscape. Four distinguished Kia models captured awards within their respective categories – Rio outperformed in the Small Car category, Forte dominated the Compact Car division, Stinger prevailed within the Midsize Premium Car class, and Carnival led the Minivan category. This notable feat highlights Kia’s competence to provide exceptional vehicles spanning multiple segments. Notably, the Kia Forte broke records by clinching the Compact Car category title for an…

Japanese autoworld leader Toyota, known for its innovative spirit, is charting a course towards a cleaner automotive future. By 2026, the company aims to debut next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) that offer zero tailpipe emissions, remarkable affordability, and enhanced efficiency. Toyota’s game-changing initiative tackles one of the major impediments to widespread hydrogen usage – the high cost. The automaker’s bold solution? Next-gen fuel cells that slice costs by half while extending range by a significant 20 percent compared to existing models. At a recent technical briefing, Toyota shared strategic plans devised to respond to the fast-paced changes in the…

The German antitrust regulator, Bundeskartellamt, is accusing Google of stifling competition in the automotive industry through the company’s software bundling approach. The regulatory body raises concerns that this strategy could potentially disfavour rivals and limit market competition. Google’s decision to offer an all-encompassing software package to car manufacturers for their infotainment systems has sparked criticism. The regulatory agency contends that Google’s practices may constitute anti-competitive behavior by potentially forcing out alternative map service providers from the market. The regulator posits that Google’s refusal to allow third-party access to its services, such as search functionality, location data, and Google Street View,…

Amsterdam is set to witness the unveiling of an innovative UK-based technology that could potentially change the approach to end-of-life EV batteries across Europe. Autocraft EV Solutions, a leading British company, has developed a unique mobile repair facility designed to test, repair, and remanufacture defective EV battery packs. The technology is aimed at maximizing the usage of these resources, a significant shift from the common practice of battery recycling. The launch, set to take place at the Rematec automotive remanufacturing exhibition in Amsterdam from June 27-29, offers a glimpse into a new era of sustainable and circular automotive practices. Autocraft’s…

China’s leading economic institution, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced this Wednesday a groundbreaking agreement with three automotive industry leaders from Germany – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. Representing a substantial advancement in bilateral relations between the two nations, the NDRC confirmed that these agreements are designed to reinforce the partnership within the automotive industry. Their mutual objectives center around fostering joint research, encouraging innovation, and promoting the widespread adoption of new-energy vehicles. Statements of intent, signed in Berlin earlier this week, cemented this ambitious partnership. BMW and Mercedes-Benz inked their agreements with the NDRC on Tuesday, followed by…

In a landmark achievement for the autonomous trucking industry, TuSimple’s first driverless truck has successfully completed a human-free run on public roads in China. This pioneering trial, referred to as a “driver-out” run, is a first for China, positioning TuSimple at the forefront of transformative transportation technologies. The driverless truck navigated a 40-mile route approved by Shanghai’s government, starting from Yangshan Deep-water Port Logistics Park and culminating at Donghai Bridge. The challenging journey involved the truck navigating through both urban and highway environments under an array of weather conditions, including fog and crosswinds. Other navigational challenges included dealing with traffic…