Author: Central Desk

China’s Hozon Auto is set to establish a strong foothold in the burgeoning Southeast Asian electric vehicle (EV) market by starting production in Thailand. The Shanghai-based firm aims to tap into the region’s growing demand for environmentally friendly transportation alternatives, fueling competition in the already heated EV market. Hozon Auto, a renowned manufacturer of intelligent electric vehicles, has announced plans to build a production facility in Thailand, in line with the country’s expanding EV supply chain. The move not only supports the regional EV race, but also places Thailand on the map as an emerging production hub for electric vehicles.…

South Korean automotive manufacturer SJM Flex has taken a significant step in Morocco’s thriving automotive industry by inaugurating a new 4,800 square meter plant in Tanger Automotive City. The opening ceremony saw officials from SJM and Tanger Med Group in attendance, celebrating the investment of MAD 90 million ($9 million) into the project. The new plant is expected to create 250 jobs, with 60 hires in the first phase. By 2025, SJM Flex plans to expand its workforce further to support the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. Ahmed Aoulad Dfouf, the company’s director, expressed the group’s desire to continue investing…

The UK has recently installed the world’s first artificial intelligence speed camera, Redspeed Sentio, in Lambeth, South London. Developed by Redspeed International, the Sentio boasts 4D radar and super-resolution cameras that allow it to scrutinize drivers’ actions inside their vehicles. The camera can detect offenses such as using mobile phones, not wearing seatbelts, or carrying too many passengers. The Redspeed Sentio can also be linked to DVLA and police databases for real-time tax and insurance verification. Capable of monitoring six lanes of traffic simultaneously, the camera can be combined with other units to assess average speeds. Solar-powered, it operates day…

The German passenger car market saw a 13% increase in sales in April as supply bottlenecks eased and demand for battery-electric vehicles continued to climb. According to data from the KBA motor transport authority, registrations reached 202,947. Sales of full-electric cars surged by 34% to 29,740, despite a significant reduction in government subsidies for battery-electric vehicles in January. These electric cars captured a market share of 14.7%. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid car registrations fell by 46% to a 5.8% share, following the discontinuation of government incentives for these vehicles in January. Gasoline cars remained the most popular choice in Germany, with…

The World Vehicle Congress, a major event in the automotive industry, is confirmed to be held from June 14 to 16 in Macao, China’s Special Administrative Region. Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and various auto industry associations, the congress will revolve around the theme of “Global Green Development of the Automotive Industry.” The event will consist of two main activities: the “World Automotive Forum” and the “World Car Exhibition.” Li Rengui, Director of the China Auto Modification Accessories Association, explained that the congress aims to invite car dealerships, buyers, and industry-related organizations from ASEAN countries, as well as countries…

The United Kingdom’s auto industry is celebrating a significant milestone as new car sales in April experienced a remarkable 10% increase, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This surge has led the industry body to revise their 2023 forecast upwards, pointing to a strong recovery for the automotive sector. The SMMT report highlights that a total of 167,166 new cars were registered in April, showing a marked improvement in consumer demand. Factors contributing to the boost in sales include the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, a steady economy, and an increased appetite for electric…

India’s April auto retail sales witnessed a 4% drop to 1.72 million units, down from 1.79 million units in the same month last year, according to data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). The decline is primarily due to a dip in customer demand for two-wheelers and pre-buying in March. However, the market is expected to recover in May, thanks to higher inquiries for the upcoming marriage season. The two-wheeler and passenger vehicle categories experienced year-on-year (YoY) degrowth of 7% and 1%, respectively. The two-wheeler segment’s low sales are attributed to limited supplies caused by the OBD 2A…

The HiPhi brand, a Chinese automaker specializing in futuristic, high-dollar electric vehicles (EVs), has made waves in the industry under the leadership of a British executive, Mark Stanton. Formerly an engineer at Jaguar Land Rover and Ford, Stanton joined the start-up Human Horizons as their CTO four years ago, when he was on the cusp of retirement. Two HiPhi models are already on sale in China, while a third debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show. The brand’s vehicles, designed for wealthy young buyers, boast innovative features such as video projection through headlights and adjustable robot arms in the cabin. HiPhi…

General Motors (GM) has revealed a major leadership change, as Steve Carlisle, the current president of the company’s most profitable region – North America, is set to retire after 41 years of service. Carlisle will be succeeded by Rory Harvey, the vice president of Global Cadillac, starting June 1. Steve Carlisle, who has been in his current role since 2020, has held various senior positions within GM, including leading Cadillac for two years and serving as president and managing director of GM Canada from 2014-2018. In 2022, Carlisle’s total compensation was $8,794,966, according to recent government filings. Rory Harvey, a…

The groundbreaking ceremony for a joint car production facility between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan took place today, marking the start of a significant collaboration between the two nations. Ulugbek Rozukulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzavtosanoat Joint Stock Company of Uzbekistan, acknowledged the role of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in making this project possible. The plant, located in the Hajigabul industrial quarter, will require an investment of 88 million manat ($51.7 million) and is slated to begin operations in May 2025. Spanning 16 hectares, the facility will create 1,200 new jobs and have an annual production…