Author: Central Desk

The UK’s Automotive Council has appointed Steve Marsh, Executive Director of Vehicle Programs at JLR, as its new Industry Co-chair. He will serve alongside Ministerial Co-chair Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade. Established in 2009, the Automotive Council is a key government-industry partnership that guides the strategic direction of the UK automotive sector. Its role has become increasingly vital as the industry undergoes a fundamental shift toward connected, automated, and electrified vehicles (CAEVs) and faces global trade realignments. Steve Marsh, whose career began as…

Canadian auto industry leaders are calling for bold action to bolster the country’s manufacturing base and explore the possibility of launching a national automaker, citing recent trade tensions with the United States under former President Donald Trump as a catalyst for change. At a Canadian Club event in Toronto, Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, emphasized that Canada has the resources, talent, and industrial ecosystem to build its own homegrown vehicle manufacturer. He highlighted that despite receiving over $50 billion in investments from six global automakers in recent years, Canada has yet to pursue the creation of…

Volvo Cars has announced an expanded partnership with Google to accelerate the rollout of new Android Automotive OS innovations, including the integration of Google’s next-generation AI, Gemini, into Volvo vehicles with Google built-in. Revealed at Google I/O 2025, the collaboration makes Volvo one of Google’s reference hardware platforms for future in-car Android development. This means Volvo vehicles will be among the first to receive the latest Android features and updates, placing them at the forefront of automotive software advancements. “With Volvo as a lead development partner, we’re excited to speed up innovation and enhance the connected car experience,” said Patrick…

Global auto suppliers Katcon Global and Tata AutoComp Systems have announced the formation of a joint venture in Monterrey, Mexico, to manufacture advanced composite materials for the automotive industry. The new entity aims to develop lightweight solutions for a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, agricultural tractors, and off-road equipment. It also plans to cater to specialised non-automotive sectors. The initiative builds on the companies’ 13-year partnership in India, primarily focused on exhaust systems and emission after-treatment solutions. Katcon Global, founded in Monterrey in 1993, operates 11 manufacturing facilities and five technology centers across North America, Europe,…

Honda Motor Company plans to launch 13 new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) by 2030 as it responds to a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales and changing market dynamics. Starting in 2027, the Japanese automaker will roll out next-generation HEVs globally over a four-year period to strengthen its presence in the hybrid segment. The move comes as Honda reassesses its electric vehicle ambitions amid weaker-than-expected global demand and shifting environmental regulations. “While refining the competitiveness of its products, Honda will build a broad lineup of HEV models to meet rising market demand,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s Global CEO, during a…

ChangAn Automobile has officially begun production at its first international new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing base in Rayong, Thailand, marking a pivotal shift in its global strategy from exporting products to exporting comprehensive industrial ecosystems. The move is a key milestone under ChangAn’s Vast Ocean Plan, which focuses on establishing a global presence through intelligent, sustainable manufacturing and regional collaboration. The Rayong plant integrates full-scale production systems, research and development operations, and supply chain mechanisms. Designed as a green and intelligent facility, the factory spans approximately 392,000 square meters and includes five core workshops, welding, painting, general assembly, engine assembly,…

Bajaj Auto Limited has approved a capital infusion of €125 million (approximately ₹1,199.92 crore) into its wholly owned subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIH BV), based in the Netherlands. The decision was taken during a recent meeting of the company’s Investment Committee. The move, disclosed in accordance with Regulation 30 of SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements, has been formally communicated to both the BSE and NSE. Though classified as a related party transaction, the investment will be made on an arm’s length basis. The funds will be used to support BAIH BV’s investment activities and to explore new…

Pakistan has unveiled a major policy change aimed at overhauling its automotive landscape by phasing out additional auto sector duties and taxes on raw materials used in vehicle manufacturing. The move is part of the National Tariff Policy 2025–2030 and is designed to liberalize trade, enhance industrial efficiency, and align Pakistan’s tariff regime with international best practices. According to a recent country report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Pakistani government has committed to eliminating all additional duties, including import and sales taxes, currently levied on localized components and inputs in the auto sector. This includes dismantling the system…

Iran’s automotive parts manufacturing industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by over 1,850 companies working at full capacity. This development underpins Iran’s broader automotive sector, which now ranks 20th globally, with an annual output exceeding 1.2 million vehicles. Officials recognize that a strong auto parts industry is vital for ensuring vehicle safety, quality, and performance. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran’s industrial development has faced persistent sanctions, with the automotive and parts sectors being early targets under the Trump administration’s renewed sanctions in 2018. Despite these constraints, local manufacturers responded swiftly by producing components previously imported, allowing Iran to…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is set to open a European corporate and development center in Budapest, Hungary, in a move that underscores both the company’s international expansion and Hungary’s strategic role in attracting Chinese investment. The new center, announced by Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Thursday, represents an investment of 100 billion forints (approximately 248 million euros) and is expected to create 2,000 new jobs, with 90% of positions intended for highly educated professionals, primarily engineers. Speaking at the signing ceremony alongside BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu, Szijjarto described the project as a “qualitative leap” for Hungary’s growing role…