Author: Central Desk

China’s rapid emergence as a global electric vehicle (EV) leader is redefining its relationship with Europe’s auto industry, shifting dynamics from technology import to innovation collaboration. Earlier this month, BYD’s Shenzhen, one of the world’s largest car carriers, departed for Europe carrying 6,817 BYD new energy vehicles (NEVs), signalling the increasing global footprint of Chinese automakers. Shortly after, BYD reached a milestone by producing its 13 millionth NEV. Official data shows that over 12 million NEVs have already been produced and sold in China in 2024 alone. This transformation is rooted in decades of strategic investment and learning. Once considered…

China’s Changan Automobile Co has officially become an independent automaker directly overseen by the central government. The state broadcaster CCTV News reported on Tuesday that the restructuring places Changan under the direct supervision of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, making it the third such centrally administered carmaker after FAW Group and Dongfeng Motor. Previously operating as a subsidiary of China South Industries Group, Changan has now been re-established as a centrally owned enterprise headquartered in Chongqing Municipality in southwest China. The newly structured firm will oversee 117 subsidiaries and will focus on cutting-edge…

The European Union’s auto sector has cautiously welcomed a new trade agreement with the United States, viewing it as a step toward de-escalating recent transatlantic tensions. Industry leaders warn that persistent U.S. tariffs on European vehicle imports continue to pose major challenges, particularly for German automakers. On Monday, shares of major German car manufacturers, Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, each dropped by over 3%, reflecting market concern over the continued impact of the deal. While the agreement brings relief from the uncertainties that have clouded EU-U.S. trade in recent months, it does not roll back the 15% U.S. import tariff…

General Motors (GM), the largest carmaker in the United States, reported a major financial setback in the second quarter of the year, with profits plunging by over a third and losses exceeding $1 billion. The company attributed the downturn primarily to the impact of tariffs on its operations. Despite the loss, GM’s CEO has pledged billions in new investments within the United States, aimed at reshaping the customer experience at local dealerships and reinforcing the company’s domestic footprint. The announcement comes amid wider industry struggles. Earlier in the week, Stellantis, the manufacturer of Jeep and Ram, reported a $2.86 billion…

VinFast Auto India officially launched its first showroom in Surat, Gujarat, on July 27, 2025, with the aim of this Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker’s expansion into the Indian retail market. Located in Piplod, the 3,000-square-foot facility showcases the company’s VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs. Operated by Chandan Car, a well-known Indian automotive retailer, the Surat outlet is part of VinFast’s broader plan to establish a 35-showroom network across more than 27 cities in India by the end of 2025. Pre-orders for VinFast’s EVs began on July 15, with customers able to reserve vehicles through showrooms or online…

U.S. automakers have expressed strong concern over President Donald Trump’s new trade framework with Japan, warning that it could put domestic manufacturers at a disadvantage compared to their foreign competitors. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese vehicles, down from the 25% previously threatened, prompting fears among U.S. carmakers of unequal treatment in the global supply chain. Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, representing General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, stated that U.S. automakers may face significantly higher tariffs on steel, aluminium, and vehicle parts, undermining their competitive position. “This is a deal that will charge lower…

China’s auto parts suppliers are emerging as global frontrunners in intelligent vehicle technologies, shifting from traditional downstream providers to innovation partners co-developing next-generation mobility systems with major international automakers. This transformation is evident through a series of high-profile collaborations. BMW Group recently partnered with Chinese smart driving startup Momenta to develop an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) tailored for the Chinese market. The system integrates artificial intelligence and automotive engineering expertise while adapting to local driving conditions. Earlier this year, Bosch joined forces with Beijing-based Horizon Robotics to co-develop multifunctional cameras and ADAS platforms powered by Horizon’s Journey chip series. Christoph…

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…