Author: Central Desk

European mass-market carmakers Renault, Volkswagen, and Skoda continue to face challenges in expanding their footprint in India, with sales declining over the last three financial years, according to industry data released by JATO Dynamics. Renault experienced the sharpest drop, with sales falling to 37,900 units in FY 2024–25 from 45,439 units in 2023–24, and 78,926 units in 2022–23. Skoda’s sales saw a slight year-on-year improvement to 44,866 units from 44,522 units, but still fell short of the 52,269 units sold in 2022–23. Volkswagen recorded 42,230 units sold in 2024–25, down from 43,197 units in the previous year, after selling 41,263…

South Korea’s major industrial players are increasing their investments in electric vehicle battery recycling, anticipating the sector’s pivotal role in the evolving EV battery supply chain, even as the industry grapples with a downturn, the Korea Herald reported. Leading the charge is LG Energy Solution, the country’s largest battery manufacturer, which has established joint ventures in both Europe and the United States. In Europe, LG partnered with France’s Derichebourg, while in the U.S., it joined forces with Toyota Tsusho. These ventures mark LG’s direct entry into the global recycling market. SK Ecoplant, the construction and engineering subsidiary of SK Group,…

U.S. car buyers are likely to bear the brunt of Donald Trump’s tariffs, with car prices expected to rise significantly, according to consultancy firm AlixPartners. The firm warns that tariffs could add up to $2,000 to the cost of new vehicles, with manufacturers passing on approximately 80% of the added expense, an estimated $1,760 per vehicle, directly to consumers. Mark Wakefield, Global Co-Head of Automotive at AlixPartners, stated that the tariffs have created “a big wall of cost,” disproportionately affecting buyers. This financial pressure comes as General Motors anticipates a $5 billion tariff-related impact this year, while Ford projects losses…

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has significantly expanded its software-defined vehicle (SDV) operations in Europe by establishing three new centers, two Automotive Delivery Centers in Munich and Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany, and an Engineering Center in Romania. These new hubs are designed to support global automotive manufacturers in developing and deploying software-led services for autonomous driving, infotainment, vehicle safety systems, and connected technologies. The Romanian facility will focus on early-stage development and the design of automotive software platforms. TCS noted that the strategic placement of these centers in key European automotive regions enables closer collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and enhances nearshore…

Hyundai Motor Group has secured its position as the industry leader in vehicle safety, earning the highest number of awards in the 2025 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test evaluations. Fifteen models from across Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, and Genesis received either the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) or TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) distinctions, marking the second year in a row the Group topped the IIHS safety rankings. The awarded vehicles include seven Hyundai models, five from Genesis, and three from Kia. Among the latest to receive the coveted TSP+ rating are the 2025 Hyundai ELANTRA…

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A series of international automotive trade exhibitions opened on June 19, spotlighting Vietnam’s growing role in the global auto parts and services industry. The event, branded as Automechanika, is co-organized by Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam and Messe Frankfurt (China’s Hong Kong), and has drawn more than 400 exhibitors from 16 countries and territories. Spanning over 980 booths, the exhibitions feature a broad array of products and technologies, including automotive components, electronics, maintenance services, bodywork, accessories, and customization solutions. Major global brands such as VinFast, SPG, and Geekplus are showcasing innovations in electric vehicles, low-carbon transportation,…

Archer has entered into a strategic partnership with Jetex, a premier aviation services provider, to develop a global infrastructure network supporting the rollout of Archer’s electric air taxi operations. The collaboration begins with enhancing Jetex’s facilities in the United Arab Emirates and is expected to expand to other international locations across Jetex’s 40 private terminals in over 30 countries. This initiative aligns with Archer’s broader strategy to establish a scalable vertiport network for its Midnight aircraft, building on previous partnerships with leading infrastructure players. The agreement will see both companies work closely to upgrade Jetex’s fixed base operator (FBO) sites…

Tens of thousands of drivers across France have been urgently instructed to stop using their vehicles following a safety alert issued by Stellantis, the global automotive group behind Citroën and DS brands. The recall affects 82,000 Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles produced between 2014 and 2019 due to the risk posed by faulty Takata airbags. The directive follows the death of a female driver in Reims last week. According to Reuters, the woman died after sustaining injuries caused by an airbag explosion in her 2014 Citroën C3. In response, French authorities and Stellantis have issued a ‘stop drive’ order, advising…

Hyundai Motor Group’s top design executives, Luc Donckerwolke and Peter Schreyer, have been honoured with the prestigious Automotive News Centennial Awards in recognition of their groundbreaking contributions to global automotive design. The awards were presented during the 2025 Automotive News Europe Congress held in Turin on June 11–12, marking the 100th anniversary of the publication. Luc Donckerwolke, President, Chief Design Officer, and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, was recognized for shaping the design direction of Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis. Applauded for advancing innovative and distinctive design philosophies, Donckerwolke has played a pivotal role in elevating the global…

Chinese automotive manufacturer Chery is poised to become the first carmaker in China’s auto industry to exceed five million cumulative vehicle exports, according to Chairman Yin Tongyue. The milestone is expected to be reached around June 20, as announced at the 2025 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong on June 12. This year marks Chery’s debut at the Hong Kong Auto Expo, where the company unveiled 12 new energy vehicles (NEVs) across seven sub-brands, Chery, Exeed, Jetour, iCAR, Luxeed, Omoda, and Jaecoo, catering to diverse market segments from urban commuting to rugged off-road use. Chery also confirmed…