Author: Central Desk

GlobalData has revised its 2025 global light vehicle (LV) production forecast downward by 300,000 units, bringing the estimated total to 92.3 million, reflecting a 2.4% year-on-year increase. The vehicle production adjustment is driven by a cautious demand outlook in both European and North American markets. According to the latest forecast, newly announced U.S. tariffs present significant risks to North America’s LV production, potentially reducing output by over 500,000 units. However, GlobalData analyst Justin Cox noted that the current base forecast of 15.5 million units (+0.7% YoY) does not factor in lasting tariff effects. He emphasized that the risks from increasing…

Chinese automakers are sustaining their strong momentum in 2025, unveiling cutting-edge technologies to propel industry-wide advancements and maintain their competitive edge in the global market. NIO announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, to establish the most extensive and advanced battery-swapping network for passenger vehicles. The collaboration will also focus on standardizing industry technologies and expanding joint efforts in capital and business operations. At the Nvidia GPU Technology Conference (GTC) 2025 in California, Li Auto’s head of intelligent driving technology, Jia Peng, introduced progress on the company’s next-generation MindVLA…

German automaker Audi decided to reduce its workforce by 7,500 jobs in Germany by the end of 2029. The move, amounting to 8% of Audi’s global workforce, comes as the company faces mounting challenges, including slowing demand for electric vehicles, rising competition from China, and economic uncertainty. The job cuts are part of a strategy to enhance ‘productivity, speed, and flexibility,’ Audi said in a statement. The company, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, emphasized that economic pressures, competitive market conditions, and political uncertainties are creating significant challenges for the business. Audi’s Management Board Chairman Gernot Döllner reassured employees that there will…

CATL and NIO have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish the world’s largest battery swap network, aiming to drive industry standardization. The agreement was finalized on March 17 in Ningde, Fujian, as announced by CATL on its WeChat account. Both companies will combine their technological expertise, management capabilities, platform resources, and brand influence to develop an advanced, large-scale battery swap service network for passenger vehicles. This initiative aligns with global automotive industry trends and supports China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) development strategy. A core aspect of the partnership is the standardization of battery swap technology. CATL and NIO will…

Volkswagen (VW) and BMW have partnered with Chinese companies, reinforcing the strong cooperation between China and the European Union in the automotive sector. Volkswagen’s joint venture with FAW Group will introduce 11 new models for the Chinese market in 2026, including six electric vehicles (EVs), two plug-in hybrids, two extended-range models, and one gasoline-powered car. The agreement was signed in Wolfsburg, Germany, as part of VW’s ‘In China, for China’ strategy. Ralf Brandstätter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, emphasized the importance of VW’s long-standing partnership with FAW in supporting its success in China. Meanwhile, BMW has partnered with…

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has reached a significant production milestone with the manufacturing of its 500,000th engine at its Chakan facility in Maharashtra. This achievement underscores the company’s growing role in India’s automotive sector and its contribution to the Volkswagen Group’s global supply chain. The Chakan plant, with an annual production capacity of approximately 189,000 vehicles, manufactures models for both Skoda and Volkswagen in India. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in supporting the Volkswagen Group’s export operations. Since its entry into the Indian market in 2001, the Volkswagen Group has strengthened its presence through five brands—Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche,…

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is enhancing its support for Thailand’s auto industry by expanding its training initiatives to strengthen resilience, sustainability, and responsible business practices across supply chains. Following the successful launch of the ‘Driving Industry Dialogue Toolkit’ and a company mentoring program in 2024, the ILO is deepening its commitment to fostering effective industrial relations and responsible business conduct. This initiative is part of the Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) project in Thailand, funded by the Government of Japan. The rising demand from automotive and auto-parts manufacturers for further training underscores the industry’s recognition of the…

Oman is set to host the iconic ‘Oman Motor Show,’ a premier event showcasing the best products, technologies, concepts, and trends in the automotive world on a single platform. The event, scheduled for 15–18 October 2025, will present an impressive lineup of vehicles while also featuring a wide range of auto parts, accessories, car products, and services for attendees to explore. Oman Motor Show will serve as a leading platform for industry leaders, manufacturers, and stakeholders to engage with the latest advancements in the automotive sector. The event will bring together top automobile brands, technology innovators, and market influencers, offering…

India’s emergence as a semiconductor hub is gaining traction, driven by favorable government policies, growing demand, and cost-effective production capabilities, according to a recent report by Jefferies. The report emphasizes that India’s strategic alliances with Western nations play a crucial role in this transformation. Bolstered by strong policy support and a rapidly expanding market, India has the potential to replicate its automotive manufacturing success in the semiconductor sector. The country has already attracted $18 billion in investments, a key driver in advancing its semiconductor ambitions. Among the notable projects is Tata Electronics’ $11 billion semiconductor facility, developed in collaboration with…

South Korea’s Hyundai Mobis has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cutting-edge technology as it strives to become the world’s leading auto parts company. The company unveiled its new strategic vision aimed at transforming the automotive industry and expanding its presence in the global market. Vision Declaration Event On Wednesday, Hyundai Mobis held a vision declaration event at its research center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The event was attended by approximately 300 executives and employees, including Chief Executive Officer Lee Gyu-suk, who outlined the company’s long-term objectives. The newly introduced vision emphasizes three core themes: pioneering mobility innovation, expanding global customers,…