Author: Central Desk

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…

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, continues to face “vulnerable supply side bottlenecks” due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage, according to Rahul Bharti, Maruti Suzuki India Executive Officer (Corporate Affairs). Despite efforts to source electronic components from multiple suppliers, the company could not produce around 1.7 lakh units last fiscal, and uncertainty persists in the current fiscal year. Bharti stated that Maruti Suzuki is working to remove superfluous semiconductor usage in certain models and trims to minimize consumption. However, the company remains vulnerable to supply bottlenecks, with Bharti acknowledging that the first quarter of the ongoing fiscal year…

In just four days, Mercedes-Benz Group AG (ETR:MBG) stock will trade ex-dividend. Investors interested in the dividend payment of €5.20 per share must act before the 4th of May, as the payment is scheduled for the 8th of May. The company’s dividend yield stands at 7.4% based on the current share price of €70.58. The payout ratio for Mercedes-Benz Group is a modest 38% of profit, indicating a sustainable dividend. Furthermore, dividends consumed only 54% of the company’s free cash flow last year, which is within a normal range for most dividend-paying organizations. Mercedes-Benz Group’s earnings per share have grown…

SAN FRANCISCO: Daimler Truck, the commercial vehicle manufacturer, has introduced Rizon, a medium-duty electric truck brand for the United States market, aiming to compete with Isuzu Motors Ltd and Hino Motors Ltd, Toyota Motor Corp’s truck and bus unit. This launch is a significant step forward in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the commercial transportation industry. Despite the anticipation of a shift to EVs due to their lower maintenance costs, adoption has been slow because of the higher initial purchase price and a lack of adequate charging infrastructure. However, Karl Deppen, head of Daimler Truck Asia, noted that…

The Cirrus Kinekt 2.1 Suspension Seat Post is set to transform the cycling experience by isolating the rider’s body from road and trail vibrations, improving comfort, control, and confidence. This innovative seat post technology aims to reduce pain and fatigue, making long rides more enjoyable than ever before. The Kinekt Seatpost features a patented Active Suspension Technology, which continuously adjusts to different road surfaces and terrains, providing riders with a remarkably smooth experience. The adjustable springs included with the seat post allow for a customized experience tailored to each rider’s weight and riding style. One of the key innovations of…

The Volkswagen Amarok has achieved a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), putting it on par with its closely related Ford Ranger. This follows Volkswagen’s attainment of a five-star EuroNCAP score in December of the previous year, ensuring that light commercial vehicle buyers can enjoy the same active and passive safety levels offered to passenger car buyers. ANCAP conducted additional front offset (MPBD) and side impact tests on the Amarok that were not applied to Ford’s Ranger. The standard safety offerings of the Volkswagen-branded dual-cab utility were deemed to be “in line with its contemporary…

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, India’s first lifestyle pickup truck, maintains its position as the best pickup truck in the country in 2023. Launched by the renowned Japanese automaker Isuzu, the D-Max V-Cross has consistently proven to be a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Isuzu Motors India inaugurated its manufacturing plant at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, located in Chittoor district, on April 27, 2016. The first locally made Isuzu D-Max and V-Cross rolled out from the assembly lines on the day of the inauguration, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey in India. The D-Max V-Cross has…

Kia Motors, a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer with a rich history, has once again raised the bar for SUVs with the launch of its 2023 Kia Seltos. Established in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, Kia initially produced steel tubing and bicycle parts. In 1952, the company transitioned to manufacturing complete bicycles, eventually moving into the automotive industry in the 1960s. Following a period of financial difficulties, Kia was acquired by the Hyundai Motor Company in 1998, and the two companies have since collaborated to create some of the most innovative and reliable vehicles on the market. With a starting…

The automotive industry in the United Kingdom has seen a significant shift in consumer preferences in recent years, with electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids gaining popularity. The UK’s best-selling cars of 2023 list highlights this trend, featuring both traditional and electric models that cater to various needs and budgets. Nissan Qashqai The Nissan Qashqai tops the list as the UK’s best-selling car of 2023. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive fuel efficiency, it’s no surprise that the Qashqai remains a popular choice among British drivers. This compact crossover offers a smooth driving experience, advanced safety features, and a…