Author: Central Desk

A central Georgia-based bike manufacturer, Thomson Bike Products, a division of L.H. Thomson Company located in south Bibb County, is closely monitoring ongoing international trade discussions, hoping proposed tariff changes will not disrupt its global operations. The company exports bicycle components to more than 33 countries. While the company manufactures the majority of its products in the United States, it relies on international suppliers—such as Italy for handlebars and Taiwan for steel tubing—raising concerns over the potential financial impact of shifting trade policies. “I heard yesterday that Europe proposed having no tariffs on either country, so if that works out,…

Stellantis and Valeo have deepened their partnership with the launch of Europe’s first remanufactured LED headlamp and a remanufactured infotainment display screen. Announced during the Rematec trade fair in Amsterdam, the launch marks a major move in both companies’ shared commitment to circular economy practices and long-term sustainability goals. Both Stellantis and Valeo aim to significantly reduce their carbon footprints—Stellantis by achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2038 and Valeo by reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 through its CAP 50 decarbonization program. Remanufacturing plays a central role in these strategies, offering a way to extend product lifespans while minimizing waste and…

Infineon Technologies has further reinforced its global leadership in the automotive chip industry, securing a 13.5% share of the global market in 2024, according to the latest TechInsights analysis. A key driver of this success is Infineon’s dominant position in the microcontroller segment, where it now holds a 32.0% market share—extending its lead over its closest competitor by 2.7% points. The company achieved notable gains across key regions. In Europe, Infineon climbed to the top spot with a 14.1% share, up from second place in 2023. It also rose to second place in North America with a 10.4% share, advancing…

The UK government has announced new measures to support the automotive Industry’s transition to electric vehicles, offering greater flexibility to manufacturers amid growing global trade tensions and economic challenges. The move comes as the global auto sector reels from new US tariffs, which include a 25% levy on imported vehicles. In response, British luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said it would pause all shipments to the US in April to address the new trading terms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the pressure facing the industry and signaled readiness to intervene where necessary. He subsequently unveiled a series of measures…

The South Korean government will introduce a 3 trillion won (approximately $2 billion) emergency aid package to support its automotive industry in response to the United States’ newly imposed 25% tariffs on imported cars, officials confirmed on Sunday. The tariffs, part of US President Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policy, aim to reduce trade deficits and boost domestic manufacturing. With automobile exports to the US accounting for nearly half of South Korea’s total vehicle shipments, the nation is among the most heavily affected. The emergency aid plan is expected to be formally approved during a high-level ministerial meeting this week. Funds…

Volkswagen to invest $580 million in Argentina as part of its global strategy to strengthen its presence in key regional markets. The funding will support the development and production of a new generation of midsize pick-up trucks to be introduced as the successor to the Amarok. Production of the new model is set to begin at Volkswagen’s Pacheco plant in 2027. Tailored specifically for the South American market, the new Amarok is expected to enhance the brand’s position in the strategically vital pick-up segment. The investment is part of Volkswagen’s long-term plan to become the global technology leader among volume…

Argentina’s electric vehicle (EV) market is undergoing a dramatic shift following the government’s decision in January to slash import tariffs on electric and hybrid vehicles. The move, led by libertarian President Javier Milei, allows up to 50,000 such vehicles to enter the country annually—a break from decades of protectionist trade policies that made Argentina one of the most closed automotive markets in Latin America. The policy aims to lower the cost of EVs and accelerate their adoption in a country long held back by high customs duties and limited charging infrastructure. While foreign automakers and consumers are expected to benefit,…

India is preparing to reduce import tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs), marking a major policy shift aimed at strengthening international trade relations and accelerating EV adoption. The move, driven by ongoing diplomatic efforts to improve ties with the United States, comes despite opposition from domestic automakers who fear foreign competition could disrupt the country’s emerging EV industry. For years, India has imposed steep import duties—close to 100%—on fully assembled EVs to protect local manufacturers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, both of which have invested heavily in domestic EV production. These companies have pushed for a phased reduction…

Kia and LG Electronics partnered to develop next-generation mobility space solutions, combining Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technology with LG’s advanced home appliances and AI systems. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. The agreement, signed by Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Korea Business Division at Kia, and Lyu Jae-cheol, President of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company, focuses on delivering personalised mobile environments tailored to users’ diverse work and lifestyle needs. By integrating LG’s AI-powered appliances into Kia’s PBV lineup, the companies…

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on imported vehicles is expected to deliver a heavy blow to global carmakers, with economists warning that Slovakia—a small, landlocked European nation—could be the hardest hit by this auto tariff. The details of the new tariff package are expected to be announced on Wednesday. These new measures, which are separate from Washington’s existing global automotive levies, aim to shift the economic balance in favour of the United States. The Trump administration has already introduced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles, which will take effect starting Thursday. Additional tariffs on auto…