Author: Central Desk

The United States has finalized a regulation effectively barring smart cars and other passenger vehicles equipped with Chinese or Russian technology from the American market, citing national security concerns. The new rule, announced on Tuesday, prohibits the use of hardware and software linked to Beijing or Moscow in vehicles sold in the US starting with the 2027 model year. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the growing security risks posed by modern vehicles, which increasingly resemble ‘computers on wheels’ due to their integration of cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and internet connectivity. “This is a targeted approach to ensure we keep PRC and…

Hyundai Motor India plans to launch the Creta Electric SUV at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Auto Expo. The company predicts that passenger EV sales in India will double within the next two years, rising from the current volume of approximately 106,000 units. This growth is attributed to an influx of new launches by major automakers slated for 2025. Hyundai India’s Chief Operating Officer, Tarun Garg, highlighted the evolving EV landscape, forecasting a significant uptick in EV penetration from 2.4% currently to 17% by 2030. Alongside the Creta Electric, Hyundai plans to introduce three additional EV models, aligning with its…

Autoworld newcomers like Taiwan-based Foxconn and China’s Huawei Technologies are making bold moves to establish themselves in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, posing challenges to traditional automakers. Companies like Nissan and Honda are responding by exploring strategic alliances to compete in a rapidly transforming market. Foxconn’s Ambitious Foray into EVs Foxconn, widely known for its expertise in electronics manufacturing, has been leveraging its technological prowess to carve a niche in the automotive world. Through its joint venture with Taiwan’s Yulon Motor Co., named Foxtron, the company recently showcased its EV capabilities with models like the sleek Model B hatchback at…

BYD has unveiled its Atto 2 electric SUV at Brussels Motor Show. This midsize EV, designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles, is set to hit the European market next month. Positioned as a smaller sibling to the Atto 3, the Atto 2 could potentially make its way to India, targeting competitors such as the Maruti e Vitara and Hyundai Creta Electric. Compact Yet Distinctive Design The BYD Atto 2 measures 4,310mm in length, slightly shorter than the Atto 3’s 4,455mm. It maintains a width of 1,830mm and a height of 1,675mm. The SUV’s design draws inspiration…

Tesla has officially unveiled the facelifted 2025 Model Y, with sales beginning in China as the electric crossover undergoes significant updates to tackle rising competition globally. Codenamed Project Juniper, the revised Model Y reflects last year’s upgrades to the Model 3, focusing on efficiency, refinement, and quality. Notable exterior changes include redesigned wraparound light bars at the front and rear, along with subtly reshaped bumpers. The SUV’s length has increased by 47mm, reaching 4797mm, while maintaining its aerodynamic advantage with a reduced drag coefficient of 0.22. Inside, updates include a rear touchscreen, electrically folding rear seats for expanded boot space,…

Stellantis NV, the owner of Jeep, has paused key production decisions as it awaits clarity on President-elect Donald Trump’s policies. Among the decisions is the location for producing the replacement for the Jeep Cherokee midsize SUV, which ended production in 2023. This critical decision hinges on potential tariffs or policy changes under the new administration, according to Antonio Filosa, Stellantis’ North America head and global Jeep brand leader. “We have a couple of options for where to build the Cherokee’s successor,” Filosa stated at the Detroit Auto Show. “Those are things that we are assessing now.” Policy Uncertainty Influences Automakers…

The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) Awards 2024, proudly presented by JK Tyre since their inception, were celebrated with grandeur at the Levitas Lounge in New Delhi. A milestone event for the Indian automotive industry, this year’s awards carried particular significance as ICOTY marked its 20th anniversary. Recognised as the most prestigious accolades in the Indian automotive sector, the awards showcased a legacy of innovation and excellence. The event witnessed the presence of industry stalwarts, leading journalists, and notable figures from the automotive fraternity. Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director of…

Hyundai Mobis, a key subsidiary of Hyundai, has introduced what it claims is the world’s first ‘Holographic Windshield Display’ at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. This groundbreaking technology features a trio of head-up displays spanning the entire width of the windscreen, redefining smart mobility solutions. The system integrates two displays for the driver, providing critical information such as navigation, infotainment, and safety alerts, while a third display is dedicated to the front passenger. The passenger’s screen supports video streaming and gaming through screen mirroring, ensuring privacy by remaining invisible to other occupants. This innovation uses special optical film to project…

Leapmotor has partnered with Qualcomm Technologies, to equip its newly launched B10 C-SUV with advanced Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions. The B10, the first model in Leapmotor’s global B-series lineup, integrates the next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Snapdragon Ride Platform, delivering intelligent cockpit and driving capabilities to global markets. Built on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.5 architecture, the B10 supports advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), customizable digital cockpits, and intelligent driving functionalities. This cutting-edge integration enhances driving efficiency and lays the groundwork for the seamless integration of cockpit and driving systems. The Snapdragon Ride Platform features high-performance, energy-efficient hardware and AI-driven solutions,…

The global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is rising steadily in 2025, with S&P Global Mobility forecasting sales of 15.1 million battery electric vehicles—a 30% increase compared to previous years. This would position EVs to capture 16.7% of the light vehicle market. EV policies and tariffs under Donald Trump’s presidency are generating significant uncertainty for the industry. Major EV players such as Tesla and China’s BYD face an unpredictable regulatory environment. The Trump administration’s stance on tax credits for EV buyers and incentives for manufacturers could reverse current support systems, complicating production and sales strategies. Trump, who previously referred to…