Author: Central Desk

Mercedes-Benz is set to discontinue the coupe versions of its GLC and GLE SUVs by 2026, according to German newspaper Handelsblatt. These models, featuring a sloping roofline for a sportier look, have seen declining sales, prompting the potential move. The GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe, based on the standard GLC and GLE SUVs, have struggled to maintain strong sales. Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm the discontinuation. This decision comes as Mercedes-Benz adapts its lineup to market demands amid a drop in sales. In the first half of 2024, global sales fell by 6%, with revenue down 4.1% and profits dropping…

Xpeng Motors, a leader in AI mobility, has launched its operations in Spain and Portugal. This initiative is in partnership with the Salvador Caetano Group, which will handle the distribution across both countries. Xpeng’s entry into these markets is part of its broader strategy to lead the transformation of AI-enhanced mobility in Europe. In Spain, Xpeng has established a robust commercial presence, including a network for sales and after-sales services with 10 dealerships in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga. In Portugal, the company has initiated operations with sales outlets in Lisbon and Porto, and plans to…

Scania, a well-known truck manufacturer, and Fortescue, an Australian mining company, partnered to develop a new, fully autonomous truck system designed to operate in mines The partnership harnesses Scania’s robust experience in the mining sector alongside Fortescue’s advanced autonomous technology. Together, they are set to develop, test, and validate an autonomous road train at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek iron ore operations in Queensland, Australia. Manfred Streit, Managing Director at Scania Australia, highlighted the sustainability aspect of the project. “By utilising Scania’s extensive knowledge in supplying trucks to the mining industry and our expertise in autonomous driving, the Road Train solution will…

Strada Motors, which represents global brands like FIAT, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, and RAM, has become the official dealer for Chevrolet in Georgia. Founded in 2010, Strada Motors has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and customer-focused companies in the country, serving around 1,000 customers each month. The new Chevrolet center, located at 188 David Agmashenebeli Alley, Tbilisi, marks a major milestone for the brand in Georgia. This achievement follows an agreement with General Motors, allowing the sale of Chevrolet’s affordable and reliable vehicles in the country. After years of discussions with international partners, Strada Motors is…

MAN Truck & Bus has introduced a new digital service, MAN SimplePay, in collaboration with UTA Edenred, a leading European mobility service provider. This innovative platform aims to streamline fleet management by offering customers greater transparency and control over their operating costs. MAN SimplePay allows users to digitally store fuel and charging cards, enabling fleet managers to prioritize them for specific vehicles. The platform is hosted on the RIO system, where it consolidates various day-to-day business costs, such as fuel, parking, and vehicle washing, into one user-friendly interface. This provides a clear overview of expenses, simplifying cost management for fleet…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) invests £500 million to overhaul its historic Halewood plant. The site, initially built in 1963 for the production of the Ford Anglia, is undergoing a transformation that will facilitate the production of electric vehicles (EVs) alongside existing combustion and hybrid models. This major capital injection is part of a larger initiative to prepare JLR’s operations for the electric age. £250 million has already been channelled into the project, with more than one million hours of construction logged over the past 12 months. The expansion added 32,364 square meters to the facility, designed to produce JLR’s medium-sized…

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has introduced its all-electric eCanter truck to Singapore, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s green transport initiatives. With the first unit already handed over to a local customer, this move reinforces Singapore’s goal of transitioning all vehicles to cleaner energy by 2040. Known as a global logistics powerhouse, Singapore is at the forefront of embracing sustainable technology. The government’s aggressive roadmap targets 60,000 EV charging stations by 2030, facilitating a shift towards electric vehicles and supporting Singapore’s vision for a greener future. Versatile eCanter Fleet Unveiled The eCanter, first rolled out in…

The Duvenbeck Group, a logistics and freight forwarding company has forged an alliance with Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group during the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 fair in Hanover. This partnership signals a major leap forward for both companies in their pursuit of innovative, sustainable logistics solutions. The agreement, signed by Duvenbeck CEO Hakan Bicil and Farizon CEO Mike Fan, was attended by senior figures from both organisations, including Duvenbeck’s Chief Procurement Officer Wolfgang Kortus, Corporate Development Head Moritz Kiepen, Farizon Vice President Shangguan Yunfei, and International Marketing General Manager Cook Xue. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of…

The Biden administration has unveiled a decisive plan for fortifying the U.S. auto industry against what it perceives as aggressive trade tactics from China. Addressing the Detroit Economic Club, White House economic adviser Lael Brainard outlined a strategy designed to prevent the looming threat of a ‘second China shock’ — a scenario reminiscent of the economic upheaval caused by China’s rapid industrial ascent in the early 2000s. “China is flooding global markets with a wave of auto exports on the back of their own overcapacity,” Brainard remarked. “We saw a similar playbook in the China shock of the early 2000s…

Geotab, a top global player in connected transportation solutions, has entered a partnership with Volkswagen Group Info Services AG (VW GIS). This collaboration signals a major step in Geotab’s expanding OEM network, integrating high-quality data from Volkswagen Group’s multi-brand fleets with the power of Geotab’s platform. It delivers advanced telematics and connected mobility without the need for additional hardware installations. Once fleet operators provide consent, sensors within Volkswagen Group vehicles gather and transmit critical data to the Geotab platform via an API, ensuring seamless data flow. The system processes and transforms raw data into actionable insights, enabling fleet operators to…