Author: Central Desk

The global car seat and accessory market is set for steady expansion, with its value expected to rise from $5.5 billion in 2025 to $9.3 billion by 2035. This growth, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%, reflects the increasing focus on vehicle safety, comfort, and personalization. Key drivers include rising consumer demand for advanced seating features such as heated and ventilated seats, lumbar support, and sensor-integrated systems. The shift toward electric and luxury vehicles is also fueling demand for premium seat components and tailored accessories. Consumers and manufacturers are showing a growing preference for ergonomic designs,…

Suzuki Motor has temporarily halted production of most variants of its Swift compact car at its domestic manufacturing facilities, excluding the Swift Sport, due to a critical shortage of parts. The suspension, which began on May 26, is expected to continue until June 6, with a phased resumption starting June 13 and full operations anticipated after June 16. The company attributes the adjusted timeline to improved visibility in parts availability. Although Suzuki has not officially confirmed the cause of the disruption, industry analysts point to delays in rare earth component supplies due to China’s tightened export controls. China, which commands…

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK has completed the deployment of over 2,500 ruggedised 5G routers across The AA’s UK roadside vehicle fleet, significantly improving connectivity, operational efficiency, and reducing overall costs. The large-scale rollout of Panasonic’s Connected Vehicle solution was executed in collaboration with The AA, Cradlepoint (an Ericsson company), and Gamma Telecom, and concluded in just over nine months. The comprehensive solution, managed entirely by Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, covered project management, testing, installation, training, and will include field services maintenance for the next five years. The twin-5G modem system, using both primary and backup SIMs, provides up to 98% connectivity coverage across the…

Pagani has entered a six-year production partnership with Australian firm Conflux Technology to integrate advanced heat exchangers into the transmission system of its newest hypercar, the Pagani Utopia. The collaboration has resulted in a 30% improvement in heat rejection compared to previous solutions, ensuring the vehicle maintains peak thermal performance under extreme driving conditions. The Utopia is powered by a custom-built Pagani V12, a 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine developed by Mercedes-AMG, and is paired with a bespoke seven-speed Xtrac transmission available in both manual and automated formats. This combination delivers exceptional control and responsiveness while adhering to global emissions standards. The…

Abdul Latif Jameel, a globally diversified business group with deep roots in Saudi Arabia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The agreement aims to explore opportunities to establish a distribution partnership for Joby’s electric aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The potential delivery of up to 200 aircraft and related services over the coming years is valued at approximately $1 billion, with broader revenue prospects across the Middle East. The collaboration aligns with the long-term visions of both companies to redefine the future of mobility through sustainable,…

TDK Corporation has announced an expansion of its YFF series of 3-terminal filters for automotive applications, introducing models with higher voltage ratings up to 35 V and capacitance values up to 4.7 µF. Mass production of the upgraded series began in June 2025. These filters are designed to suppress voltage fluctuations and high-frequency noise, which are critical concerns in modern automotive electronic systems that continue to shrink in size. As vehicle electronics become increasingly compact, managing system stability has become more complex. Traditional approaches often involve using multiple capacitors, but with limited space, reducing the number of components is essential.…

Audi is pioneering a next-generation picking process at its Böllinger Höfe facility as part of efforts to advance digitalization in production and logistics under its 360factory vision. In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Heilbronn Research and Innovation Centers, Audi Sport is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can enhance automotive manufacturing, with a focus on optimizing efficiency and reducing employee workload. The initiative, rooted in the low-volume production of highly customized vehicles like the Audi e-tron GT, targets one of the most complex and labor-intensive operations: the manual picking of vehicle components from logistics containers, commonly referred to as the…

Major international car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Skoda-Volkswagen, and Kia, have expressed interest in EV production in India, Union Heavy Industries Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy announced during a press briefing on Monday. The interest follows the government’s unveiling of detailed guidelines for the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India, a policy initiative aimed at attracting global investment and positioning India as a key player in EV manufacturing. Although the scheme was initially announced on March 15 last year, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) officially released its implementation framework this week. Minister Kumaraswamy stated that the…

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €30 million loan agreement with Spanish mobility components manufacturer Teknia to drive innovation, sustainability, and digitalization across the European automotive industry. The funding will support Teknia’s ongoing research and development (R&D) activities and the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies throughout its global operations. Teknia, which operates in 13 countries, specializes in metal and plastic components for various mobility solutions and is a key supplier to a rapidly evolving automotive sector. As the industry shifts towards electrification and greener production, the loan will enable Teknia to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, expand product lines,…

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged automakers, including electric vehicle leader Tesla, to produce entire vehicles and all related parts within the United States, criticizing the global supply chain model for automotive manufacturing. Speaking at a press conference marking Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s final day as a senior White House adviser, Trump responded to a question about the impact of tariffs on companies like Tesla that still rely on imported parts. “He’s going to end up building his whole car here. Pretty much he does. All of the manufacturers will build their parts here too,” Trump said, referring to Musk.…