Author: Central Desk

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his government’s dedication to transforming the country’s automotive industry, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities this transition brings. Speaking at the South African Auto Week, held from Oct. 15 to 18 under the theme ‘Reimagining the Future, Together: Celebrating 100 Years of Automotive Heritage,’ Ramaphosa emphasized the sector’s crucial role in the economy. In his keynote address, Ramaphosa highlighted that 2023 marks a century of vehicle manufacturing in South Africa, noting that last year the industry contributed 20% of local manufacturing value and 15% of total exports. “The auto sector continues to be one…

Vietnam’s automotive market has seen strong growth, driven by government initiatives for boosting domestic vehicle production. Despite these efforts, imported cars remain the preferred choice among Vietnamese consumers, outpacing sales of domestically assembled vehicles, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA). Annual sales of new vehicles have surpassed 400,000 units, demonstrating the market’s expanding potential. However, the proportion of imported cars in Vietnam’s auto market has increased significantly over recent years. From 2016 to 2023, the market share of imported cars rose from 22.1% to 30.8%, with this trend continuing into 2024. Data from the first nine months of…

CUPRA is offering an unprecedented initiative to attract first-time electric vehicle (EV) buyers with its award-winning, all-electric CUPRA Born. The UK-first ‘Love Me or Leave Me’ scheme allows customers to return their CUPRA Born after three months if they find that electric car ownership doesn’t suit their lifestyle. This initiative aims to ease the transition to electric vehicles for those who remain uncertain about whether EVs will meet their needs. CUPRA’s offer gives potential EV owners the chance to experience the benefits of electric driving, including impressive battery range, dynamic handling, and charging convenience, without the long-term commitment. The offer…

Bajaj Auto, one of India’s top two-wheeler manufacturers, has invested $10 million (₹84 crores) in its wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Bajaj Do Brasil Comércio de Motocicletas Ltda (‘Bajaj Brazil’). The board approved the decision during a meeting today. The phased investment will support the subsidiary’s expansion and operational needs in Brazil, aligning with Bajaj Auto’s growth plans. Bajaj Brazil, established on March 31, 2022, launched a manufacturing plant in the Manaus free trade zone in June 2024, with an annual capacity of 20,000 units per shift. The company sells motorcycles under the ‘Dominar’ brand. Over the past year, ending September 30,…

Industry experts at the South African Auto Week have stated that self-driving vehicles are unlikely to become a common sight on the country’s roads in the near future. Despite rapid advancements in automotive technology, the lack of suitable policies and infrastructure poses major challenges to the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles. Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW South Africa, highlighted that while new BMW models on South African roads are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, artificial intelligence, and sensors designed to boost driver safety, fully autonomous vehicles face considerable hurdles. “But driving a car is so complex and especially…

Honda is expanding its ‘Safety for Everyone’ initiative to include efforts beyond advanced safety technologies, focusing on driver awareness, behavior, and improving the traffic safety ecosystem. The company aims to eliminate traffic collision fatalities involving its vehicles, including older models, by 2050. As a leader in crash prevention, Honda recognizes that technology alone cannot prevent all fatalities, especially in older vehicles without the latest safety features. It stresses the need for collaboration to enhance driver skills and improve traffic systems. “Honda is committed to safety in all of its forms, to rapidly advance technology, education, advocacy and collaboration with like-minded…

S&P Global has issued a cautionary outlook for the U.S. auto sector, forecasting limited growth and increasing challenges over the next two years, largely due to economic pressures. According to S&P Global Ratings Autos Managing Director Nishit Madlani, the U.S. auto industry can expect only modest improvements in margins and cash flow in 2025 and 2026. Lower-rated auto suppliers, in particular, may face some credit deterioration as the sector grapples with rising difficulties. The anticipated increase in unemployment is projected to negatively impact consumer purchasing power, restricting U.S. auto sales growth to just 1% to 2% in 2025 and 2026.…

Kia Corporation has introduced the world’s first car accessory made from plastic extracted from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), marking a its partnership with The Ocean Cleanup. This achievement highlights Kia’s dedication to environmental sustainability as part of its shift toward becoming a leader in eco-friendly mobility. Since 2022, Kia has worked with The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization focused on removing plastic from oceans. The latest product of this collaboration is a limited-edition trunk liner for the new Kia EV3, crafted from ocean plastic provided by The Ocean Cleanup. The accessory will be available in select markets alongside…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is set for rapid expansion in Germany, according to executive vice president Stella Li. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS), Li outlined BYD’s aggressive plan to establish a strong presence in the German market within ‘less than half a year,’ highlighting the company’s determination to penetrate Europe’s competitive automotive landscape. This ambitious move comes at a crucial time, with European Union tariffs on China-made electric vehicles expected to take effect next month. While Germany opposed the tariffs, Li criticized them as harmful to consumers but emphasized that BYD remains undeterred. To counter the…

Georgia has become a multi-billion-dollar hub for the global used car market, sourcing most vehicles from the United States. Despite Western sanctions against Russia, many cars are still finding their way there through loopholes. In Rustavi, a town near Tbilisi, a vast open-air car market spans over 40 football fields. Thousands of vehicles, including Mercedes, Porsches, and Teslas, are available, mostly imported from the U.S. after being dismissed by American insurers. Caucasus Auto Import (CAI), a major player in this trade, buys these cars from U.S. auctions, ships them 10,000 kilometers to Georgia’s Black Sea ports, and repairs them at…