Author: Central Desk

Stellantis NV, the owner of Jeep, has paused key production decisions as it awaits clarity on President-elect Donald Trump’s policies. Among the decisions is the location for producing the replacement for the Jeep Cherokee midsize SUV, which ended production in 2023. This critical decision hinges on potential tariffs or policy changes under the new administration, according to Antonio Filosa, Stellantis’ North America head and global Jeep brand leader. “We have a couple of options for where to build the Cherokee’s successor,” Filosa stated at the Detroit Auto Show. “Those are things that we are assessing now.” Policy Uncertainty Influences Automakers…

The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) Awards 2024, proudly presented by JK Tyre since their inception, were celebrated with grandeur at the Levitas Lounge in New Delhi. A milestone event for the Indian automotive industry, this year’s awards carried particular significance as ICOTY marked its 20th anniversary. Recognised as the most prestigious accolades in the Indian automotive sector, the awards showcased a legacy of innovation and excellence. The event witnessed the presence of industry stalwarts, leading journalists, and notable figures from the automotive fraternity. Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director of…

Hyundai Mobis, a key subsidiary of Hyundai, has introduced what it claims is the world’s first ‘Holographic Windshield Display’ at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. This groundbreaking technology features a trio of head-up displays spanning the entire width of the windscreen, redefining smart mobility solutions. The system integrates two displays for the driver, providing critical information such as navigation, infotainment, and safety alerts, while a third display is dedicated to the front passenger. The passenger’s screen supports video streaming and gaming through screen mirroring, ensuring privacy by remaining invisible to other occupants. This innovation uses special optical film to project…

Leapmotor has partnered with Qualcomm Technologies, to equip its newly launched B10 C-SUV with advanced Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions. The B10, the first model in Leapmotor’s global B-series lineup, integrates the next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Snapdragon Ride Platform, delivering intelligent cockpit and driving capabilities to global markets. Built on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.5 architecture, the B10 supports advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), customizable digital cockpits, and intelligent driving functionalities. This cutting-edge integration enhances driving efficiency and lays the groundwork for the seamless integration of cockpit and driving systems. The Snapdragon Ride Platform features high-performance, energy-efficient hardware and AI-driven solutions,…

The global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is rising steadily in 2025, with S&P Global Mobility forecasting sales of 15.1 million battery electric vehicles—a 30% increase compared to previous years. This would position EVs to capture 16.7% of the light vehicle market. EV policies and tariffs under Donald Trump’s presidency are generating significant uncertainty for the industry. Major EV players such as Tesla and China’s BYD face an unpredictable regulatory environment. The Trump administration’s stance on tax credits for EV buyers and incentives for manufacturers could reverse current support systems, complicating production and sales strategies. Trump, who previously referred to…

General Motors (GM) Senior Vice President of Global Design Michael Simcoe will retire after an illustrious 42-year career. Simcoe, who has handled the top design role since 2016, will officially step down on July 1, 2025, ensuring a seamless handover to his successor, Bryan Nesbitt. Simcoe’s tenure at GM is marked by transformative leadership and a commitment to innovative design. He played a major role in steering GM’s design operations through the industry’s electric vehicle revolution, keeping consumer needs at the forefront. His influence is evident in the creation of iconic vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV, and…

Cox Automotive has entered an exclusive five-year agreement with Lookers, one of the UK’s largest dealership groups, to implement a comprehensive remarketing program across its 135 dealerships nationwide. The partnership aims to optimise Lookers’ remarketing strategy, combining digital and physical solutions to enhance operational efficiency and expand growth opportunities. As part of the collaboration, Lookers will leverage Cox Automotive’s Manheim auction platform, which integrates physical and digital channels, enabling faster market entry and improved conversion rates. This dual approach aligns with Lookers’ 2025 remarketing objectives. Dealer Auction’s closed network technology will complement the auction platform by maximising intra-network retail opportunities,…

Panasonic Energy, a key supplier for Tesla, has unveiled plans to reduce its reliance on China for sourcing materials used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries manufactured in the United States. This decision comes as the company prepares for potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, as reported by Yahoo Finance. Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy of North America, highlighted the urgency of this shift during an interview at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. He stressed that reorganizing the supply chain to move away from China has become a top priority, particularly in response to anticipated policy changes. To…

Japan’s automakers have vowed to strengthen collaboration in technology-driven sectors, aiming to reclaim their global standing amid the rapid transformation of the automotive industry. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), in its road map for 2035, emphasised the need for pooling resources in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs) to keep pace with advancements dominating global markets. This commitment comes as the industry undergoes a significant shake-up. Honda has announced a strategic partnership with Nissan, consolidating its operations to create a formidable competitor to Toyota and its existing alliances with Mazda, Subaru, and Suzuki. While this…

NVIDIA announced a significant expansion of its partnerships, with Toyota, Aurora, and Continental joining its roster of global mobility leaders to develop consumer and commercial vehicle fleets powered by NVIDIA’s advanced computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, will leverage NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin, paired with the safety-certified NVIDIA DriveOS operating system, for its next-generation vehicles. These vehicles are designed to provide functionally safe and advanced driver-assistance features, further solidifying Toyota’s commitment to cutting-edge mobility solutions. NVIDIA’s DRIVE AGX platform has become a cornerstone for many leading automotive players, including automakers, truck manufacturers, and startups. With…