Author: Central Desk

Bosch, a leading global automotive supplier, will cut 1,100 jobs at its Reutlingen plant in southern Germany, citing uncompetitive manufacturing conditions and weakening demand for steering systems. The move reflects mounting challenges faced by traditional auto suppliers amid slowing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and increasing global competition. The job cuts, affecting about 10% of the site’s workforce, will impact roles across both production and administration. The company has not specified whether these reductions will involve compulsory layoffs or voluntary measures such as early retirements. Dirk Kress, head of Bosch’s electronics division, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but stressed its…

India’s automobile industry has the potential to reduce manufacturing-related carbon emissions by up to 87% by 2050 through the adoption of renewable electricity and low-carbon steel, according to a new study released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study comes amid increasing pressure on global automakers to cut emissions across their entire supply chains. Indian giants like Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, and TVS Motors, along with global manufacturers such as Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota, have boosted electric and hybrid vehicle output and committed to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) aligned with global net-zero goals.…

Chinese automakers are moving beyond basic exports and building a more integrated international presence by capitalizing on their strengths in electrification and intelligent connectivity, according to Xu Wenjing, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Smart Connection Technology. Speaking during the 2025 China Unicom Partner Conference held from July 18 to 19, Xu highlighted how the automotive industry is transitioning ‘from simple market entry to sophisticated localization,’ with a strong emphasis on smart technologies and compliance. At the conference, China Unicom unveiled its new Intelligence Global Internet of Vehicles (IoV) platform and an automated vehicle transport system tailored for use in…

A new report from S&P Global Mobility reveals that while Indian car owners are among the most active users of free trial connected car services globally, automakers are struggling to convert that engagement into paid subscriptions. The report highlights India as a high-engagement, low-conversion market, showing both potential and challenges for automakers and service providers. According to the findings, 46% of Indian respondents use connected car services through free trials, placing the country second only to Mainland China at 53%. Only 33% of Indian users continue with paid subscriptions, trailing slightly behind the United States at 35%, but ahead of…

NEXEN TIRE, a prominent global tire manufacturer, is set to expand its original equipment (OE) supply for KIA’s major strategic models, reinforcing its longstanding partnership with the automaker and strengthening its global presence in the electric and SUV segments. As part of this move, NEXEN TIRE is now supplying its high-performance comfort tire, the N’FERA Supreme S, for KIA’s EV6 models manufactured in Georgia, USA, extending its existing OE supply that has supported EV6 units sold in South Korea and other global markets since 2021. This enhancement marks the brand’s growing influence in North America’s electric vehicle market. Engineered for…

Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar), a leading global supplier of automotive driveline solutions, has signed a binding term sheet with China-based Jinnaite Machinery (JNT) to establish a joint venture for manufacturing driveline systems and components for electric and conventional vehicles. Announced in a stock exchange filing on Sunday, the joint venture aims to supply components to automotive manufacturers in China and international markets. Sona Comstar will invest $12 million, while JNT will contribute $8 million in assets and business during the first phase. Operations are expected to begin in the second half of the current financial year. The move…

British firm Yasa Motors, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, has developed what it claims to be the most powerful electric motor ever created relative to its weight. Weighing just 13.1 kg and delivering an astounding 738 horsepower, the new motor sets a record-breaking benchmark in power-to-weight performance, marking a major milestone not only for the automotive sector but also for the wider global machine-building industry. With a power-to-weight ratio of 56 horsepower per kilogram, the innovation far surpasses the current industry norm of 20 hp/kg. It also overtakes the previous record holder, the Australian Equipmake HPM-400, which achieved 54 hp/kg but…

UTAC, a global leader in automotive testing and proving grounds, is set to expand its facilities to meet the demands of next-generation mobility. The investments span across the United Kingdom, the United States, Morocco, Finland, and France, with a clear focus on electrification, autonomy, and sustainability. UK Enhancements Drive Electrification and Innovation In the United Kingdom, UTAC has upgraded its Leyland and Millbrook sites. At Leyland, four new Electric Drive Unit (EDU) test benches have been installed with a modular setup to meet diverse client needs. Meanwhile, Millbrook has expanded battery testing capabilities, enhanced Track Control for safety with multi-screen…

Nissan Motor has initiated discussions with key stakeholders in response to its recent decision to cease vehicle production at the Oppama Plant by the end of the fiscal year 2027. The company announced on July 15 that production operations would be transferred to Nissan Motor Kyushu as part of a broader strategic transition. To facilitate the move, Nissan has begun engaging with local government leaders and suppliers to develop a collaborative framework. A supplier briefing was held today, outlining the transition plan and emphasizing the importance of coordination to ensure a smooth production shift. Models such as the Note, Note…

Global automakers are deepening their involvement in China’s rapidly evolving smart supply chains, viewing the country not only as a major market but also as a critical partner in advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) innovation. At the ongoing China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, key industry players highlighted the role of China’s technological sophistication, expansive EV ecosystem, and industrial scalability in shaping the future of global auto production. Tesla, a prominent example, has mainly ramped up its local presence. Its Shanghai Gigafactory, now manufacturing a vehicle approximately every 30 seconds, boasts a 95% local parts integration rate for…