Author: Central Desk

Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of the UK’s shift towards greener transport, but adoption is slowing as consumers face mounting barriers. High upfront costs, concerns over charging infrastructure, and a lack of skilled mechanics to maintain these vehicles are among the key issues stalling growth. A recent digital car finance lender Carmoola analysis highlights the obstacles drivers face when considering an electric car purchase. Among these, the high depreciation rates of EVs have been particularly concerning. On average, electric cars lose almost half of their value in the first three years, equating to a financial hit of approximately…

India’s fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) market sees Mahindra positioning itself to make a bold statement with its highly anticipated Rall.e EV. While competitors like Tata expand their EV offerings, Mahindra is focused on carving a niche in the off-road segment, with the Rall.e EV designed to appeal to adventure seekers and enthusiasts. As the race to lead the Indian EV market by 2030 intensifies, Mahindra is gaining attention with the Rall.e EV, which is already generating buzz ahead of its 2025 launch. With its unique design and rugged capabilities, the Rall.e EV is set to stand out among India’s emerging…

General Motors is recalling 449,671 pickup trucks and SUVs across the U.S. due to a brake system defect, as announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This issue affects 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models, along with SUVs such as Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade variants from 2023 and 2024 production years. The defect lies within the electronic brake control module software, potentially failing to alert drivers of low brake fluid levels. A missing low brake fluid warning increases the risk of undetected brake issues, posing a serious safety concern.…

General Motors (GM) has significantly enhanced its electric vehicle (EV) charging network, unlocking access to more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers for its customers. The move, enabled by GM-approved NACS DC adapters, offers a faster and more convenient charging experience for today’s EV drivers, along with future adopters of GM electric vehicles. This integration with Tesla’s vast Supercharger Network boosts GM’s public charging availability to over 231,800 Level 2 and DC fast chargers across North America. GM continues expanding charging infrastructure, with a focus on high-traffic routes and communities. U.S. customers will be the first to receive GM-approved NACS DC adapters,…

Scania has rolled out ProDriver, a cutting-edge digital coaching service crafted to elevate driver skills and slash fuel consumption by as much as 5%. This innovative service embraces gamified learning, offering a fresh, engaging alternative to traditional training methods. Andrea Wetterberg, Head of Services Portfolio at Scania, remarks, “With this service we can help our customers reduce their fuel consumption and improve their overall Total Cost of Ownership, as well as help them meet their sustainability targets.” ProDriver’s Unique Approach Available through the Scania Driver app and My Scania, ProDriver caters to trucks with combustion engines, especially those in long-haul…

Stellantis continues reshaping automotive production through advanced AI-powered technologies, aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and workplace quality. The company’s relentless pursuit of smarter, cleaner, and more agile manufacturing processes focuses on leveraging both cutting-edge solutions and workforce talent to deliver high-quality vehicles with minimal environmental footprint. Central to this transformation is the ninth edition of Stellantis’ Factory Booster Day, an annual showcase where global plant leaders, suppliers, and startups present groundbreaking solutions designed to optimize factory floor operations. The 2024 event, held at the Stellantis Mirafiori Complex in Turin, Italy, featured 93 innovations, furthering the company’s strategy of embracing modern…

Former US President Donald Trump, during a speech in Flint, Michigan, reignited his unproven assertions that Chinese automakers are setting up massive production facilities in Mexico. He vowed to introduce a 200 per cent tariff on vehicles manufactured at these purported Chinese auto factories if they enter the US market. These statements echo his familiar rhetoric surrounding global trade and automotive production, though without supporting evidence. Flint, a city known for its pivotal role in American car manufacturing, became a platform for Trump’s broader concerns about the future of the US auto industry. He argued that if Vice President Kamala…

BMW i Ventures has committed to a $12 million Series B funding round for RunSafe Security, a cybersecurity firm revolutionizing software protection through immunization technology. Led by Critical Ventures and SineWave Venture Partners, this round includes investments from Lockheed Martin Ventures, HyperLink Ventures, Iron Gate Ventures, Alsop Louie Partners, Working Lab Capital, and NextGen Venture Partners. RunSafe Security specializes in safeguarding software from cyberattacks by immunizing systems without interrupting developer workflows. This fresh capital injection will accelerate the company’s product development and expand its footprint across EMEA and APAC. RunSafe’s rapid growth has been marked by two consecutive years of…

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has secured a groundbreaking supplier deal with Ford Trucks, propelling its dominance as Europe’s leader in electric drives. Under this long-term agreement, Ford Trucks will integrate ZF’s advanced zero-emission technologies into its new lineup of electrified heavy trucks. Ford Trucks, known for its innovation in the heavy commercial vehicle industry, reinforces its dedication to sustainable transport solutions through this collaboration. ZF’s CeTrax 2 dual electric central drive will power Ford’s forthcoming Electric Rigid Truck, debuting at IAA Transportation 2024. The CeTrax 2, with its modular design, allows manufacturers to easily switch between internal combustion…

India has firmly established itself as the top source of vehicle imports for South Africa since 2013, according to the Automotive Business Council’s BRICS+ Research Report 2024. This shift reflects India’s emergence as a global hub for small and entry-level vehicles, which dominate South Africa’s automotive market. Tata and Mahindra have cemented their presence in South Africa’s vehicle industry, with Mahindra executives frequently describing the country as their ‘second home’ outside India. This connection is bolstered by substantial investments, such as the establishment of a production line in Durban. Both India and China have consistently ranked among South Africa’s key…