Author: Central Desk

The BMW Group is rapidly advancing the use of its Virtual Factory, a comprehensive digital twin of over 30 global production sites, to revolutionize how it plans, tests, and optimizes manufacturing operations. This shift to virtual planning is part of the company’s broader iFACTORY strategy and is expected to cut production planning costs by up to 30%. With more than 40 new or updated vehicle models scheduled for integration into BMW’s global production network by 2027, the company is simulating each rollout virtually before implementation. This approach ensures a high level of stability and readiness across its facilities, dramatically reducing…

Russia’s auto industry has undergone a profound transformation since the start of its military action in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Once a liberalized market open to global manufacturers, it has seen the mass exit of foreign automakers, the rise of local and Chinese players, and a shift toward parallel imports amid international sanctions. Following the invasion, the U.S., European Union, and other countries imposed sweeping sanctions, leading many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including those from Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., to suspend operations or divest from Russia. Maintaining operations would have risked reputational damage, even without formal…

Tata.ev, the electric mobility division of Tata Motors, is set to become the first Indian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to integrate digital car key functionality with Apple Wallet. The announcement was made at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. Apple’s Kathy Lin, Manager of Services Software Engineering, confirmed the development during the keynote, highlighting that Tata.ev would join the growing list of global automakers adopting car keys in Apple Wallet. “Car keys in Wallet provide an easier and secure way to lock, unlock, and start your car with your iPhone or Apple Watch,” Lin noted, adding that more than 20…

Michelin, the tire manufacturer, has announced it will close its Queretaro factory in Mexico by 2025, impacting 480 employees. The facility, which currently manufactures smaller-sized BFGoodrich tires, has become outdated amid a global shift in demand toward larger, more profitable tire models. According to data from Citi, the Queretaro plant produces fewer than 500,000 tires annually. Following the closure, Michelin will retain only one manufacturing site in Mexico, a modern plant in León, inaugurated in 2016. This decision aligns with the company’s broader strategy to optimize its product mix by focusing on high-value offerings. The Queretaro shutdown is part of…

Geely Auto, China’s second-largest carmaker, has announced a strategic decision to stop building new car plants in response to severe global overcapacity. Chairman Li Shufu made the announcement during the Chongqing Auto Show, signalling a broader shift in the automotive sector as Chinese manufacturers grapple with shrinking profit margins and intense price competition. “The global automotive industry is mired in severe overcapacity woes, [so] we have decided to stop building new car plants,” Li said in a video message shared online. He stressed that the company would prioritize advancing its technological capabilities to strengthen its role in the future of…

As China’s auto industry undergoes a critical transformation toward intelligence and electrification, a growing price war threatens long-term sector sustainability, warned industry experts and executives at recent automotive forums. Wang Xia, president of the automotive sub-council at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, revealed that more than 200 vehicle models were discounted in 2024. Despite a 4.5% year-on-year rise in overall sales, industry profit margins declined to 4.3 %, lower than in 2023. From January to April alone, over 60 models saw price cuts, yet profits dropped further to 3.9%. Speaking at the 2025 Man Machine Mobility…

Go Industries, a trusted American manufacturer of truck accessories since 1978, has introduced a new grille guard with an integrated winch mount, further solidifying its role as a leader in vehicle protection and functionality. Based in Richardson, Texas, the company is known for its extensive product range catering to both commercial and law enforcement vehicles, as well as its commitment to custom manufacturing solutions. The newly launched grille guard features a modular design that enables the addition of a winch carrier and brush guards as needed. Engineered with 5/16-inch laser-cut steel uprights and 2.5-inch 16-gauge steel cross tubes, the product…

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has unveiled its latest model, the Seal 06 EV, at the Chongqing Auto Show, gaining global attention for offering a high-tech, long-range electric sedan at an entry price of under $16,000. Part of BYD’s Ocean series, the Seal 06 EV is designed to deliver premium features at an accessible price point, marking a significant step in the company’s push to democratise electric mobility both in China and overseas. The Seal 06 EV is available in three variants, all powered by BYD’s proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade batteries. Depending on the model, the sedan offers…

Volvo Cars has introduced a major innovation in automotive safety with the launch of the world’s first multi-adaptive safety belt, which will debut in its forthcoming EX60 midsize electric SUV. Designed to offer a personalized level of protection, the new system uses real-time data and sensor-driven technology to automatically adjust belt tension based on individual body types and crash conditions. This intelligent safety belt system integrates a network of sensors located inside and outside the vehicle, as well as within the seatbelt itself. These sensors collect data on the occupant’s size, posture, and crash variables, including impact speed and direction.…

OPPO, a major world smart device brand, has announced a comprehensive global patent licensing agreement with Volkswagen Group. The deal grants Volkswagen access to OPPO’s cellular standard-essential patents (SEPs), including those related to 5G technology, to support the advancement of connected vehicle technologies across its international fleet. The agreement marks OPPO’s first bilateral patent licensing partnership with a connected vehicle manufacturer, showing a strategic expansion of the company’s intellectual property footprint beyond the smartphone sector. It highlights the growing relevance of OPPO’s cellular technologies in the automotive industry, as carmakers increasingly integrate advanced connectivity features into their vehicles. Vincent Lin,…