Author: Central Desk

Morocco’s automotive industry has achieved a new milestone, as exports hit a record MAD 44 billion ($4.3 billion) by the end of April 2023. This represents a 40.4% increase from the same period last year, according to Morocco’s Office d’Echange (OE). The OE attributes this growth to increased sales across all automotive segments, including construction, wiring, and vehicle interiors and seating. Recent data show a 40.4% increase in construction, 43.4% in wiring, and 29.2% in interiors and seating. Morocco’s success in the auto sector further strengthens its position as Africa’s top auto manufacturing hub, a title it took over from…

Germany, long viewed as a powerhouse of automotive manufacturing, finds itself grappling with an uncertain future. A recent survey by the German Association of Engineers (VDI) reveals a troubling trend – the majority of Germans no longer believe their country will remain a leading car manufacturing hub in the years to come. This shift in public sentiment has been brewing in the face of developments that challenge Germany’s auto industry dominance. Notably, last October, German rental car company Sixt announced a long-term deal with Chinese carmaker BYD rather than a domestic or European manufacturer. This agreement included the purchase of…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the recall of nearly 6,400 of its I-PACE electric vehicles in the United States over concerns of potential fire risks. The recall was issued following the company’s concerns that the high-voltage electric vehicle battery in these vehicles might overheat. JLR, a subsidiary of India’s Tata Motors, confirmed on Wednesday that the recall aims to update the battery energy control module software and replace battery modules as needed in specific model year vehicles ranging from 2019 to 2024. The automaker acknowledged that its engineering team has not conclusively identified the battery pack assembly as defective…

Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL), a key player in the Indian automobile industry, is propelling towards its 2045 Carbon Neutrality goal, first declared earlier this year in February. This ambition has spurred the company’s Chennai plant to lead a campaign for the replacement of single-use plastic items with environmentally friendly alternatives. In recognition of World Environment Day, RNAIPL revealed that their carbon neutrality approach is constructed around three key strategies: increasing the use of green energy, boosting energy usage efficiencies, and persistently incorporating energy-efficient technology at their Oragadam plant. By FY 2022-23, RNAIPL’s approach had already facilitated a…

In an unprecedented move towards green mobility, the U.S. and Canada announced their collaborative efforts to develop an EV charging corridor bridging the two countries. The plan, disclosed on Tuesday, is designed to further support the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. The proposed network, known as the Binational EV Corridor, will position fast-charging stations at approximately every 50-mile intervals. Stretching from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, the corridor will integrate seamlessly with existing and planned charging networks on both sides of the border. While the exact timeline for the construction remains undisclosed, the impact of this project is…

General Motors (GM) has announced it will exceed industry norms by equipping 98% of its 2023 model year vehicles with five active safety features as standard. This includes all new electric vehicles (EVs) launching this year, such as the family-friendly Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV. GM’s safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam auto high-beam control. The company’s move not only surpasses an industry-wide commitment to make Automatic Emergency Braking standard on 95% of all new vehicles sold, but also extends to these additional safety…

A recent study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur has stirred up controversy by challenging the environmentally friendly image of electric vehicles. The study contends that, counter to popular belief, electric cars may produce 15 to 50% more greenhouse gases (GHGs) than hybrid and conventional engine cars. The study, conducted in collaboration with a Japanese organization, focused on the life cycle assessment (LCA) and total cost of ownership (TCO) of different vehicle types. The analysis suggests that due to India’s dependence on coal-fired electricity for charging, electric cars may have a higher carbon footprint. The findings add…

Surprisingly, South Korean automaker Kia has announced its ambition to launch a mid-size pickup truck in Australia come 2025. This newcomer is set to compete against prominent market favorites including the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. The announcement, as reported by the Australian publication, Drive, was disclosed during a confidential gathering with dealers. While Kia hasn’t yet confirmed whether this new model will make its way to the U.S. market, the potential to stand toe-to-toe with the Ford Ranger in worldwide markets is clear. Kia’s new pickup, currently identified by the internal model code “TK”, is said to boast a…

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, reaffirmed the importance of strong ties with China during his first visit since the onset of the pandemic, echoing sentiments of Apple’s Tim Cook, Mercedes’ Ola Kallenius, and other tech and auto industry leaders. Meeting with Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Tuesday, Musk emphasized the intertwined interests of China and the U.S. According to a government statement, Musk opposes any decoupling from China, expressing Tesla’s willingness to continue its expansion within the country. These comments mirror last month’s statement from Mercedes’ Kallenius, who deemed unbundling from China “an illusion,” and Apple’s Cook underlining the symbiotic nature…

France’s first electric vehicle (EV) battery plant was inaugurated near Lens, marking the dawn of a new era in the country’s industrial history and a significant stride in President Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious “reindustrialisation” plan. The grand opening, attended by three government ministers and numerous local officials, highlighted the plant’s strategic importance. Operated by the Automotive Cell Company (ACC), a joint venture between TotalEnergies, Stellantis (Jeep manufacturer), and Mercedes-Benz, the facility is the country’s first salvo in challenging China’s dominance in the EV battery sector. The ACC plant was established with a €1.3bn state aid package from France, Germany, and Italy…