Author: Central Desk

Stellantis N.V. and Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, officially unveiled their 50/50 joint venture: SiliconAuto. This ambitious venture is dedicated to the design and sales of high-tech semiconductors to cater to the ever-growing needs of the automotive industry. The project, which will launch in 2026, combines the respective expertise of both multinational companies, aiming to provide an automotive-centric source for the increasingly high-demand semiconductors, especially for electric vehicles. Foxconn brings its extensive experience and prowess in the ICT industry to the table, whereas Stellantis’s comprehensive understanding of global mobility needs promises to make SiliconAuto a formidable player…

BMW has taken center stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023, showcasing its commitment to emission-free mobility with the presentation of the BMW H2R Record Car and the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen, in addition to the all-electric drive versions of the BMW 5 Series and the most potent all-electric BMW model, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. The H2R, a testament to BMW’s belief in hydrogen fuel cells’ potential, broke nine world records in 2004. The vehicle is based on a reengineered version of the 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine from the BMW 760i. Meanwhile, the iX5 Hydrogen is the German automaker’s…

The recently enacted EU-UK post-Brexit trade deal is posing a significant threat to the production of electric vehicles (EVs), warns the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). This looming threat is born from stringent new rules forcing automakers to source a greater proportion of EV components locally or face hefty import tariffs. Under the trade deal, EVs must comprise 45% of EU or UK content starting from 2024, with a specific 50-60% requirement for their battery cells and packs. Non-compliance with these mandates will attract British or EU import tariffs of 10%. ACEA highlighted that these regulations could potentially cost European…

Eleven 12-meter BYD electric buses have been successfully deployed in the city of Zalaegerszeg in Hungary. This innovative project was completed in partnership with Volánbusz, one of the largest public transport operators in Hungary, and the Hungarian Motorsport Development Agency’s (HUMDA) Green Bus Program. With a total project investment of HUF 2.1 billion ($6,150,962), the city is set to benefit from a green, sustainable, and efficient public transport system serving over 55,000 residents. The new electric buses, replacing 11 previous vehicles, are expected to run on almost all bus lines in the city. The electric buses come equipped with air…

There’s a strong forecast for the global electric farm tractor market, with expectations of an increase from $98.7 million in 2022 to a significant $234.0 million by 2028, as revealed by ‘Research & Markets’. This leap indicates a noteworthy CAGR of 14.06% during 2023 to 2028. Electric farm tractors, developed to replace the traditional diesel or gasoline-powered tractors, are witnessing fast acceptance in the agriculture sector. With their advantages like lower carbon emissions, reduced operational costs, and quieter functionality, these tractors are becoming a preferred choice for modern farmers. Various elements are driving the market’s growth, mainly the rising worldwide…

Four of Japan’s leading motorbike manufacturers, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha, are setting their sights on the future of ‘small mobility’ with a fresh focus on hydrogen. They will form a technological research consortium (Research for Hydrogen Motorbikes) known as Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology (HySE) with a primary goal to develop hydrogen-powered motorcycles and other compact mobility vehicles that utilize internal combustion engines. Small mobility, a sector inclusive of motorcycles, mini-vehicles, small marine vessels, construction equipment, and drones, is the focal point of the HySE consortium. Each manufacturer, having been granted approval from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade…

South Korean car giant, KIA, plans to unveil its all-electric EV9 flagship SUV domestically this week, ramping up its commitment to electrification. KIA, which stands as the nation’s second-largest car manufacturer, announced this initiative on Sunday. The EV9, a three-row seater, is the company’s second offering based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a technology initially used in the EV6 SUV launched in 2021. The novel model will feature a two-wheel drive powered by a 99.8-kilowatt hour battery, offering an impressive range of 501 kilometers on a single charge. KIA also declared the availability of an all-wheel-drive variant of the…

Signs of recovery in Brazil’s manufacturing sector are emerging, led by the automotive industry and spurred on by a healthier macroeconomic climate. Encouraging factors such as declining inflation rates, tax breaks for car buyers, and improved GDP growth forecasts have significantly enhanced industrial prospects in the country. Brazil’s automobile producers are ramping up production, preparing for a significant increase in sales driven by a government scheme to reduce car prices, set to take effect in June. This boost in the automotive industry – a sector that greatly influences petrochemicals demand – is expected, as Brazil’s inflation continues to decline, hitting…

Toyota Motor is set to amplify its electric vehicle (EV) battery production with a substantial boost from a 120 billion yen ($853 million) government subsidy, according to Nikkei sources. This fiscal stimulus is a strategic move by Japan’s industry ministry, aimed at intensifying domestic production and mitigating supply chain risks associated with EV technology. These funds form part of a larger 330 billion yen budget allocation by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for the development of storage batteries, a sector identified as crucial to the nation’s economic security. This financial assistance demonstrates Japan’s determination to counter similar initiatives…

Rockwell Automation, a leading global entity in industrial automation and digital transformation, recently made public the findings of their 8th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Automotive Edition”. The study uncovers vital trends and strategies in the automotive industry, offering critical insights for manufacturers and policy-makers. The report analyses the responses of 197 leaders spanning automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and electric vehicle makers across 13 top manufacturing nations. It brings to light the ongoing evolution of the automotive industry, underlining the importance of quality pursuit, process automation’s impact, smart manufacturing adoption, and technology’s role in risk mitigation, workforce challenges, cost reduction,…