Author: Central Desk

With the growing demand for transportation in Vietnam, experts highlight significant opportunities for the automotive and motorbike industries. Vietnam’s auto sector has shown notable progress, driven by favorable government policies and efforts by businesses to expand production and align with global trends. The country’s localisation rate is rising as investments in domestic car production increase, aided by new policies and a surge in foreign investment. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, exports of electrical wire components reached $1.17 billion last year, accounting for 38% of the automobile component export value and positioning Vietnam third globally in this category.…

Honda has announced the development of the world’s first forced-induction V-3 engine for motorcycle. This pioneering engine, specifically designed for large-displacement motorcycles, introduces new advancements to meet the demands of modern motorcycling. Although Honda has kept most of the details under wraps, the company has confirmed that this V-3 engine, cooled by water, features a unique 75-degree V-formation. The design includes two forward-tilted pistons on one side and one rearward-tilted piston on the other, achieving a narrow, compact build that optimizes space—a crucial factor in motorcycle engineering. Central to this innovation is the engine’s forced induction system, powered by an…

Continental has engineered a sophisticated electronic brake control system for the Bugatti Bolide, a hypercar featuring Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control System (TCS), based on Continental Engineering Services’ (CES) ‘Motorsports ABS Kit.’ Designed for the racetrack-exclusive Bolide, which boasts 1,600 horsepower, this advanced system allows professional racers and enthusiasts alike to harness the vehicle’s full potential with precision and control. The Bolide, derived from the Bugatti Chiron platform and now set for a limited production of 40 units, combines high-performance dynamics with CES’s custom brake control technology, enabling safer handling without sacrificing power. The…

Schaeffler AG’s Board of Managing Directors has approved structural changes focused on enhancing competitiveness across Germany and Europe, responding to challenges in the automotive supply industry, global competition, and a shifting market landscape. The restructuring has three main objectives: improving earnings in the Bearings & Industrial Solutions division, achieving synergies from the recent merger with Vitesco Technologies Group AG, and adapting to industry shifts as demand declines for internal combustion engine (ICE) technology and slows for electric vehicle programs in Europe. Improving Earnings in Bearings The Bearings & Industrial Solutions division faces economic challenges, driving a need for structural adjustments…

Toyota Motor is set to release its second-quarter earnings on Wednesday, marking its first profit dip in two years due to a dip in global demand and intensifying competition in key markets. Despite this, the automaker is on track to report a healthy quarterly operating profit of approximately $8 billion, largely supported by strong sales of petrol-electric hybrids. In the July-to-September period, hybrids accounted for 41% of Toyota’s total sales, a significant rise from 33% during the same period last year. However, the increase in hybrid sales—a category that traditionally yields lower profits—has not fully offset the overall decline in…

At a campaign rally in Georgia last month, US presidential candidate Donald Trump renewed his call for foreign automakers to shift production to the United States, promising reduced taxes, energy costs, and regulatory burdens for companies that increase domestic production. However, he also warned of ‘very substantial tariffs’ on vehicles made outside the US, echoing his 2016 ‘Make America Great Again’ message aimed at bringing manufacturing back to American soil. Detroit-based automotive analyst John McElroy views these statements as part of Trump’s typical rhetoric, saying, “It’s hard to parse what is Trump bombast and what will be Trump policy.” However,…

At the Spain-India Business Summit in Mumbai, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, presented an ambitious plan to position India as the world’s top automobile hub within the next decade. Emphasizing India’s competitive edge in production costs and skilled labor, Gadkari expressed optimism about the country’s ability to surpass major players like China and the United States in the global automotive Industry. “The size of our automobile industry is 22 lakh crores. The size of China’s automobile industry is 44 lakh crores and the US is 78 lakh crores. Now, our aim is to make India’s automobile…

Thailand is accelerating its position as a leading auto parts manufacturer in the Asia-Pacific, emerging as a critical export hub for the renowned German Schaeffler Group. This development comes as both traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) and the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) industry gain momentum, with Schaeffler preparing for transformative advancements in automotive manufacturing. According to Micah Shepard, head of vehicle lifetime solutions for Schaeffler in Asia-Pacific, the value of the auto parts market for ICEs and EVs is expected to grow by 3-4% this year. This upward trend, driven by robust regional economic growth, is projected to continue…

Mahindra has unveiled the production names of its upcoming electric SUVs, BE 6e and XEV 9e, which are set to make their global debut on November 26. The BE 6e will serve as the flagship model of Mahindra’s new BE sub-brand, while the XEV 9e will lead the XEV sub-brand. A teaser video released by Mahindra offers a first look at these vehicles, showing that both models retain the bold, futuristic design elements seen in their concept versions, BE.05 and XUV.e9. Both EVs feature sleek, angular body panels, extensive LED lighting, aero wheels, and flush door handles. The BE 6e’s…

Kia India announced a notable sales milestone with 28,545 vehicles delivered in October 2024, marking a 30% increase over the 21,941 units sold in October 2023. According to the Vahan portal, more than 28,545 customers (excluding those in Telangana) received their Kia vehicles during the festive season. Among these, 54 customers celebrated Diwali with the newly launched Kia Carnival Limousine Plus. In addition to robust domestic sales, Kia India dispatched 22,753 units to dealers and exported 2,042 units, reflecting a growing demand for its Made-in-India products in international markets. Kia aims to strengthen its presence globally, focusing on expanding its…