Author: Central Desk

BYD (Build Your Dreams) is quietly making a major impact on India’s automotive landscape with its Atto 3 and Seal electric sedan. But the Chinese automaker isn’t just focused on electric vehicles. Word on the street suggests BYD might soon introduce a new model to the Indian market—possibly as early as October. This time, it’s not about pure electric; it’s the Bao 5, a hybrid SUV that could become the next big player during the festive season. Debuting in China last year and recently in Monaco, the Bao 5 stands out as a rugged urban SUV. With design cues reminiscent…

Volkswagen has forged a partnership with the Darmstadt-based start-up, Revoltech GmbH, aimed at developing groundbreaking sustainable materials derived from industrial hemp. This collaboration seeks to revolutionize automotive interiors, with a target for integration into Volkswagen models by 2028. The initiative focuses on a bio-based material produced entirely from regional hemp industry residues. This innovative material, designed to be processed on existing industrial machinery, offers full recyclability and compostability after its lifecycle in a vehicle. Initial presentations of this material have met with enthusiastic approval from customers, underscoring its transformative potential. Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, highlighted…

Wayve, a trailblazer in Embodied AI for self-driving technology, has entered a strategic alliance with Uber, the global leader in mobility and delivery services. This collaboration marks a pivotal advancement in the evolution of automated driving. Uber’s strategic investment in Wayve, expanding its Series C fundraising, propels Wayve’s mission to enhance consumer vehicles with advanced driver assistance (Level 2+) and automated driving capabilities (Level 3). The alliance is also geared towards developing scalable Level 4 autonomous vehicles, poised for future deployment across Uber’s expansive platform. Wayve distinguishes itself from conventional autonomous vehicle technologies through its focus on mapless, end-to-end AI.…

Aston Martin is making a calculated advance into the Indian market, recognizing an expanding appetite for super luxury cars that extends beyond the traditional metropolitan strongholds into emerging Tier II and III cities. The recent introduction of the Vantage model, priced at ₹3.99 crore, signals the brand’s intent to align its Indian offerings with global launches. Anand, Vice President of Operations at Aston Martin New Delhi, emphasized India’s rising significance for the marque. “India is a very important and a promising market and hence you would see that they (Aston Martin) are launching all the models which are available globally…

General Motors (GM) has rebranded its BrightDrop electric commercial vans under the Chevrolet name. This decision aimed at amplifying the reach and accessibility of these cutting-edge vehicles through Chevrolet’s vast commercial vehicle network. Since its introduction at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2021, BrightDrop has played a major role in GM’s push towards sustainable transportation. The integration into Chevrolet’s lineup is expected to further accelerate its impact, leveraging Chevrolet’s extensive commercial sales and service infrastructure. With a GM-estimated range of 272 miles combining city and highway, these electric vans feature advanced safety technologies that prioritize driver alertness and protection. This…

Mercedes-AMG pushes the boundaries of performance and design with its latest creation, the PureSpeed. This highly exclusive sports car, introduced as a concept in Monaco during May 2024, now advances through the final stages of development, with prototypes undergoing rigorous testing—a spectacle closely watched by the automotive world. The PureSpeed’s testing phase mirrors its ambitious design philosophy. Prototypes face extreme challenges across diverse terrains in northern Italy, followed by trials at the high-speed test track in Nardò, Italy. The 3,000-kilometre testing regimen ensures that every aspect of the PureSpeed’s engineering meets the highest standards of performance under real-world conditions. With…

Isuzu Motors has launched the Isuzu AI Innovation Challenge 2024, a global competition designed to uncover the most advanced AI technologies. Innovators from around the world are invited to submit proposals, with the top entry earning a US$20,000 prize and potential pathways for future collaboration. As a pioneer in applying AI to sectors like autonomous driving and digital transformation (DX), Isuzu sees this challenge as a crucial step in its ambitious growth strategy. The company’s mid-term business plan, Isuzu Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX), outlines targets for substantial revenue growth through developments in autonomous solutions, connected services, and carbon-neutral…

DAF Trucks has partnered with HDV Booking, a pioneering consortium aiming to establish a seamless platform for reserving public charging points for trucks throughout Europe. This strategic move is set to enhance the availability and efficiency of DAF’s fully electric trucks, particularly for long-haul transport. HDV Booking unites a diverse array of stakeholders—charging facility providers, card reader systems, transporters, and software developers—all working towards a common goal: creating a platform that allows transporters to easily locate and reserve charging points. This initiative promises to revolutionize the planning and routing of electric vehicles, reducing wait times and enabling longer journeys, even…

BMW Group’s latest facility at Debrecen in Hungary marks a significant leap forward in sustainable automotive production. This new paint shop, the first of its kind in the company’s global network, operates entirely without fossil fuels, establishing a groundbreaking model for future manufacturing sites. The Debrecen plant, a 33,000-square-meter state-of-the-art facility, has been designed with a capacity to process 30 vehicle bodies per hour, with room for future expansion. As BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles prepare for pre-series production, the facility will showcase advanced processes that exemplify top-tier automotive engineering. Expertise gathered from across BMW’s global network has been meticulously applied,…

Canada has declared a 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) made in China, aligning with the United States and the European Union in a significant escalation of trade measures against Beijing. Set to take effect on 1 October, this decision underscores Canada’s commitment to defending its automotive sector’s competitive edge as it seeks to establish itself as a key player in the burgeoning global EV market. Additionally, Canada will impose a 25% duty on Chinese steel and aluminium imports from 15 October. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the necessity of these tariffs, arguing that China’s approach gives its industries an…