Author: Central Desk

The expiration of the 50% registration fee reduction for domestically produced and assembled cars on December 1 has raised concerns about a potential market downturn. The policy, effective from September 1 to November 30 under Decree No. 109/2024/ND-CP, significantly boosted domestic auto sales, with heightened activity in its final months as customers sought to benefit from the reduced costs. The initiative allowed customers to save between VNĐ17 million and VNĐ235 million per vehicle, driving demand for popular models like the Honda City, CR-V, and Toyota Vios. Vietnam’s car sales rose to about 60,000 vehicles in October, a 10% increase from…

BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is on course to exceed its 2024 sales target, capitalising on its growing global market share and strong domestic demand. With 3.76 million vehicles sold in the first 11 months of 2024, including 506,804 in November, the company is poised to achieve its 4 million annual sales goal. Government-subsidised auto trade-ins and robust demand have bolstered BYD’s performance, with China’s car sales experiencing their fastest year-on-year growth since January. BYD now commands a 17.1% share of the Chinese automotive market, up from 12.5% in 2023, according to the China Passenger Car Association. The…

ABB has announced a strategic collaboration with Austria-based Engineering Software Steyr GmbH (ESS) to revolutionize automotive paint shop operations through advanced simulation tools. The partnership aims to reduce operational costs by up to 30% and significantly cut carbon emissions, supporting manufacturers in enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. As part of the agreement, ABB has taken a minority stake in ESS, although the financial terms were not disclosed. The collaboration focuses on integrating ESS’s simulation technology into ABB’s RobotStudio, a leading programming and simulation tool for robotic applications. Automotive paint shops involve more than 20 steps, from degreasing and electrocoating to sealing…

The Turkish auto sector has emerged as a dominant force in the country’s export economy, with Europe receiving the majority of its shipments. According to the latest data from the Türkiye Exporters’ Assembly (TİM), four out of every five vehicles exported by Turkish manufacturers were shipped to European countries in the first 11 months of 2024. Record Export Performance The automotive industry maintained its position as Türkiye’s top-exporting sector from January to November 2024, contributing 16.4 percent of the nation’s export revenue. Export earnings from the sector rose by 6 percent year-on-year, reaching $33.7 billion during this period. In November…

JSW MG has released a teaser for its electric roadster, the MG Cyberster, set to debut at the Bharat Global Mobility Expo 2025. Available at MG Select dealerships, the Cyberster features scissor doors and a design inspired by the 1960s MG B Roadster. Design The Cyberster features a low-slung profile with teardrop-shaped LED headlamps and an open front vent for battery cooling. The scissor doors add a striking visual element, reminiscent of the Lamborghini Countach. At the rear, it has C-shaped LED tail lights, connected lighting, and arrow-shaped indicators. Interior The cabin includes a curved triple-screen display with an infotainment…

Mahindra & Mahindra announced it will drop the ‘e’ from the name of its new electric SUV ‘BE6e’ following objections from InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo Airlines, over the similarity to IndiGo’s flight code ‘6E.’ Despite the change, Mahindra plans to challenge InterGlobe’s objections in court to retain its rights over the name. InterGlobe issued a legal notice to Mahindra, citing potential conflicts over the use of ‘6E,’ which is closely associated with IndiGo’s branding. Mahindra maintains that its use of ‘BE6e,’ part of its electric SUV portfolio, is distinct and unlikely to cause confusion due to the…

Samsung Electronics is intensifying its focus on the fast-growing automotive electronics market by empowering its US-based subsidiary, Harman International Industries, to spearhead its automotive solutions business. The global market for automotive electronics is projected to reach $470 billion by 2030, positioning this sector as a significant growth avenue for the Korean technology giant. As part of a company-wide business reorganization, Samsung has renamed its automotive electronics team under the Device eXperience (DX) division to the Harman Relations Team. This move signals a strategic decision to leverage Harman’s expertise and its parent company’s advanced hardware and software technologies. Acquired by Samsung…

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has welcomed the conclusion of the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Mercosur bloc, urging prompt ratification by the Council and the European Parliament. The agreement, poised to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas, promises economic growth for both regions while advancing environmental and social commitments. Boost to the Automotive Industry Sigrid de Vries, Director General of ACEA, emphasised the agreement’s potential to enhance the global competitiveness of European automakers. “The conclusion of this deal will contribute to strengthening the global competitiveness of European automobile manufacturers by eliminating…

Ford Motor Company has unveiled a significant restructuring initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of its European operations. The automaker, which has faced mounting losses in its passenger vehicle business in the region, is responding to what it calls ‘highly disruptive’ shifts in the industry, particularly the transition to electrified vehicles and intensifying competition. As part of the restructuring, Ford plans to reduce its European workforce by 4,000 positions by the end of 2027, subject to consultations with social partners across the continent. The majority of these cuts will impact operations in Germany and the UK, with minimal reductions…

Porsche Cars Great Britain has announced plans to expand its retail operations in Greater London by acquiring Porsche Centre East London and Porsche Centre South London. This move aims to enhance the customer experience across the capital, integrating physical and digital services to align with the Porsche brand’s reputation for excellence. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, is set to take effect in early 2025. The two centres, currently operated by Lithia UK, will join the existing Porsche Retail Group (PRG) network, which includes renowned locations in Mayfair, West London, Hatfield, Guildford, and Reading. These centres have established themselves as…