Author: Central Desk

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…

South Korea’s reported consideration of an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) has drawn criticism from Chinese observers, who describe it as a ‘gesture declaration’ rather than a substantial policy move. Analysts suggest the rhetoric may reflect South Korea’s alignment with U.S. and EU trade protectionist measures, which they argue politicise economic issues. According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy stated it could explore imposing anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese EV imports if South Korean enterprises file an application. This comes as Chinese automaker BYD prepares to enter the South Korean passenger EV market…

Materials manufacturer Covestro has joined forces with GOVY Technology, a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), to advance material solutions for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of efficient and sustainable urban air mobility solutions. As one of eight companies partnering with GOVY, Covestro signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the development of eVTOL technology. GOVY, established by GAC, is dedicated to creating next-generation flying cars. Covestro’s role in the project leverages its expertise in high-performance materials and sustainable innovations. “Our partnership with GAC marks a pivotal moment in urban…

The European Union is set to initiate a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry in January to address challenges facing the region’s carmakers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the move on Thursday, emphasising the need to support the struggling sector, which she described as a source of European pride. The dialogue will involve key stakeholders, including automotive companies, trade unions, and business associations, to design measures aimed at bolstering the industry’s global competitiveness. The initiative comes at a critical time, as automakers like Volkswagen reassess strategies amid stiff competition from Chinese electric vehicle…

As the global automotive industry embraces software-defined vehicles, Egypt has taken a pioneering step by launching the Middle East and Africa’s first Android Automotive training program. This initiative, a collaboration between DXC Luxoft, ITIDA, and the Information Technology Institute (ITI), has certified its first cohort of 28 professionals, addressing the rising demand for skilled automotive software engineers. Launched in July 2024, the six-month program equips engineers with expertise in Linux, C++, Kotlin, cybersecurity, and platform integration, focusing on Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. This public-private partnership highlights Egypt’s strategic focus on fostering innovation, creating job opportunities, and meeting the global…

ChargePoint, a leading provider of EV charging solutions, and General Motors (GM) have announced a collaboration to install up to 500 ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging ports across the United States. This initiative aims to bolster EV infrastructure and make charging faster and more accessible for drivers. The charging locations are planned to be operational by the end of 2025. Key to the collaboration is ChargePoint’s Omni Port system, which supports both CCS and NACS charging ports, eliminating the need for adapters or dedicated parking spaces for specific connector types. Many of the charging stations will utilise ChargePoint’s Express Plus platform,…

This Christmas, Rudy Robot is hard at work in Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) state-of-the-art testing facility at the Gaydon Engineering Centre, enduring temperatures as low as -40°C to ensure the durability and quality of vehicle doors for the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar brands. Housed in a £2.1 million climate chamber, Rudy is part of JLR’s rigorous testing program designed to replicate a vehicle’s lifetime of use. Over a 12-week period, Rudy opens and closes a vehicle door 84,000 times, simulating years of wear and tear. This Christmas alone, Rudy will open a Range Rover door over 14,000 times.…

The Indian auto industry is on track to cut imports by ₹25,000 crore (approximately $3 billion) by the end of the current fiscal year through increased localization of advanced components like electric motors, airbags, and automatic transmissions. This ambitious target aligns with a push to reduce dependence on imported parts and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. Industry bodies, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), have spearheaded initiatives to localize up to 20% of components compared to FY20 levels. These efforts focus on critical areas such as drive transmissions, engines, steering systems, and…

Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly preparing for merger talks to strengthen their position in the fast-evolving global automotive market. According to a report by the Nikkei newspaper, the companies aim to operate under a holding company structure, potentially including Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan holds a 24% stake. If realised, the merger could result in a combined entity selling over 8 million vehicles annually, placing it among the world’s leading automakers. However, it would still trail Japan’s Toyota Motor, which sold 11.2 million vehicles in 2023, and Germany’s Volkswagen, which recorded 9.2 million sales last year.…

Audi FAW NEV Company, a joint venture between Audi and its long-standing partner FAW, has commenced production of all-electric Audi models at its new state-of-the-art plant in Changchun, China. The facility marks Audi’s first site in China dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), beginning with the Q6L e-tron and Q6L Sportback e-tron. A China-specific variant of the Audi A6 e-tron will follow. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, described the milestone as a major step forward in Audi’s electrification strategy, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to China’s growing market. The Q6L e-tron, tailored specifically for…