Author: Central Desk

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the launch of its latest Open Innovation Hub in India, marking a major step in its global effort to collaborate with startups to create the next generation of advanced products and services. The India Hub joins JLR’s existing network of innovation centres located in the UK, US, Israel, and Brazil. It will concentrate on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the Internet of Things, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and innovative sensor technologies. The hub’s focus will be on developing solutions that improve vehicle performance, customer experiences, and sustainability. In partnership…

India is on the verge of becoming a global leader in EV production, with the market expected to grow from $3.21 billion in 2022 to $113.99 billion by 2029. As the fourth-largest automaker, the country is positioned for a major shift towards sustainable transportation, driven by government initiatives and industry innovation. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, stressed the urgency of embracing green mobility, predicting that India could achieve a 30% EV market share by 2030. Projections include 80 million EVs on Indian roads by 2030, and the EV battery market is expected to rise from $16.77…

SAP has reinforced its dedication to sustainable, emissions-free mobility by extending its partnership with Gireve, a leading platform for e-mobility roaming services. This move connects SAP’s standard e-mobility solution to Gireve’s extensive roaming network, opening doors to new collaborations and expanding access to EV charging points. The partnership builds on the initial collaboration between SAP France and Gireve in 2019, which successfully integrated SAP’s research e-mobility solution with Gireve’s platform. This enhanced the visibility of SAP’s French charging network by adopting the OCPI protocol, ensuring interoperability and maximizing the visibility of charging stations. The updated partnership now integrates the advanced…

Ford has upgraded its hands-free highway driving capabilities with the introduction of Automatic Lane Change on the new BlueCruise 1.5 software. This feature, developed by Ford’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) team, allows for smoother and more efficient hands-free driving on highways, addressing issues such as slower-moving traffic. When activated, BlueCruise 1.5 can autonomously perform lane changes to bypass slower vehicles, maintaining the driver’s set speed without the need for manual intervention. This functionality not only enhances the flow of traffic but also maximizes the duration drivers can remain in hands-free mode. Designed to enhance user experience, the system carefully…

Mercedes-Benz has launched Europe’s first battery recycling plant with an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process, making it the first carmaker globally to close the battery recycling loop within its own facility. Located in Kuppenheim, Germany, the plant establishes a circular economy for battery materials and supports the company’s sustainability efforts by reducing the need for primary resources. The facility is designed to recover over 96 percent of valuable materials, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which can be reused in new batteries for future electric vehicles. The company has invested tens of millions of euros in the project, enhancing value creation in Germany.…

Omoda and Jaecoo, though relatively new in the automotive world, are diversifying their crossover lineup to cater to a broader range of customer preferences. During the 2024 Omoda Jaecoo International User Summit, the brands introduced the Jaecoo J5, an entry-level SUV designed not only for urban youth but also incorporating pet-friendly features. The Jaecoo J5, classified as a B-segment SUV, is comparable in size to models like the Omoda 5, Geely Coolray, and GAC GS3 Emzoom. Its boxy design is inspired by the larger Jaecoo J7, delivering a striking presence despite its compact size. Inside, the J5 offers premium features…

China’s auto industry, already a global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs), is now shifting its focus toward intelligent development, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology. As competition intensifies, Chinese automakers are developing strategies to maintain their edge in this evolving market. The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference (WICV), held in Beijing from October 17 to 19, showcased China’s growing prominence in this field. Over 250 auto companies and institutions, both domestic and international, participated in the event, debuting more than 200 new technologies and products. The event underscored China’s dedication to transitioning from traditional…

The Indian auto industry has experienced a surge in demand during the ongoing festive season, with the second week of October (October 10–October 16) witnessing major improvement in vehicle registrations across several segments. According to a report by BNP Paribas India, this rebound in sales outperformed the growth observed in the first week of the festive period, signaling a positive trend for the sector. Two-wheelers (2Ws) recorded mid-single-digit growth compared to the same period during last year’s festive season (October 22–October 28). Mopeds, on the other hand, showed even stronger performance, achieving low double-digit growth, indicating robust consumer demand. Passenger…

For the first time in two decades, Italian autoworkers staged a national strike on Friday, protesting across the heart of Rome. The strike, which saw tens of thousands of workers from the country’s troubled automotive sector march through the capital, highlighted concerns over deteriorating work conditions and job security. The workers carried banners and waved union flags, calling for immediate government intervention to safeguard their industry. Riccardo Falcetta, a representative from the UIL metalworker union in Bari, expressed the workers’ frustrations: “We are working one to two days a week when it goes well. So, what we are saying today…

Ferrari has selected Michelin as the exclusive tire supplier for its new Ferrari F80 supercar. Michelin has developed a bespoke tire, the K1 MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, specifically designed to match the high-performance demands of this exceptional vehicle. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Pilot Sport Cup 2 R range, Michelin engineered this tire to push the boundaries of dry surface performance, boosting its expertise in cutting-edge engineering. The K1 tire is Michelin’s most advanced offering for Ferrari, taking only 15 months to develop. It features two industry-first innovations, utilizing new motorsport technologies and processes. In addition, the tire…