Author: Central Desk

Chinese automakers are hastening their global expansion, targeting African markets. With JETOUR Auto unveiling two new right-hand drive (RHD) models, DASHING and X70PLUS, China is boosting its presence in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 2023, China exported 4.91 million vehicles, a 57.9% year-on-year increase, making it the world’s largest automobile exporter. This growth was driven by a 77.6% rise in new energy vehicle (NEV) exports, which surpassed 1.2 million units. JETOUR Auto President Li Xueyong noted that global expansion presents significant opportunities for Chinese automakers, with JETOUR already establishing over 600 sales and service networks in more than 50 countries. South…

Hyundai and the Skoda Group have entered into a major partnership to hasten the adoption of hydrogen mobility solutions. The collaboration was formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague. Hyundai’s Executive Vice-President, Ken Ramírez, and Skoda Group’s CEO, Petr Novotný, represented their respective companies at the signing ceremony, underscoring their shared dedication to exploring hydrogen fuel cell technologies and energy-efficient solutions. The MoU sets the stage for significant advancements, focusing on hydrogen fuel cells for mobility and extending these innovations across broader applications. “Our partnership with Skoda Group aims to accelerate hydrogen…

Chinese experts have strongly criticized Washington’s proposed ban on Chinese-made software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles, warning that this decision could disrupt global auto supply chains, including those in the United States itself. The US Department of Commerce is preparing to unveil restrictions targeting Chinese technology embedded in EVs, part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing China’s influence in the global electric vehicle market. This move follows the recent imposition of a steep 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and signals an intensifying campaign against Chinese-made automotive products. A report by Reuters reveals that the proposed restrictions…

Brussels (Capital of Belgium): Concerns are rising in the EU electric vehicle market as the shrinking market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continues to signal challenges for the industry’s growth across the European Union. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has called for immediate action from EU policymakers to address the decline, warning that the sector’s competitiveness is at risk if no urgent relief measures are implemented before new CO2 targets for cars and vans come into force in 2025. According to the latest data from ACEA, EU battery-electric sales have dropped by 8.4% so far this year, with…

Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of the UK’s shift towards greener transport, but adoption is slowing as consumers face mounting barriers. High upfront costs, concerns over charging infrastructure, and a lack of skilled mechanics to maintain these vehicles are among the key issues stalling growth. A recent digital car finance lender Carmoola analysis highlights the obstacles drivers face when considering an electric car purchase. Among these, the high depreciation rates of EVs have been particularly concerning. On average, electric cars lose almost half of their value in the first three years, equating to a financial hit of approximately…

India’s fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) market sees Mahindra positioning itself to make a bold statement with its highly anticipated Rall.e EV. While competitors like Tata expand their EV offerings, Mahindra is focused on carving a niche in the off-road segment, with the Rall.e EV designed to appeal to adventure seekers and enthusiasts. As the race to lead the Indian EV market by 2030 intensifies, Mahindra is gaining attention with the Rall.e EV, which is already generating buzz ahead of its 2025 launch. With its unique design and rugged capabilities, the Rall.e EV is set to stand out among India’s emerging…

General Motors is recalling 449,671 pickup trucks and SUVs across the U.S. due to a brake system defect, as announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This issue affects 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models, along with SUVs such as Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade variants from 2023 and 2024 production years. The defect lies within the electronic brake control module software, potentially failing to alert drivers of low brake fluid levels. A missing low brake fluid warning increases the risk of undetected brake issues, posing a serious safety concern.…

General Motors (GM) has significantly enhanced its electric vehicle (EV) charging network, unlocking access to more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers for its customers. The move, enabled by GM-approved NACS DC adapters, offers a faster and more convenient charging experience for today’s EV drivers, along with future adopters of GM electric vehicles. This integration with Tesla’s vast Supercharger Network boosts GM’s public charging availability to over 231,800 Level 2 and DC fast chargers across North America. GM continues expanding charging infrastructure, with a focus on high-traffic routes and communities. U.S. customers will be the first to receive GM-approved NACS DC adapters,…

Scania has rolled out ProDriver, a cutting-edge digital coaching service crafted to elevate driver skills and slash fuel consumption by as much as 5%. This innovative service embraces gamified learning, offering a fresh, engaging alternative to traditional training methods. Andrea Wetterberg, Head of Services Portfolio at Scania, remarks, “With this service we can help our customers reduce their fuel consumption and improve their overall Total Cost of Ownership, as well as help them meet their sustainability targets.” ProDriver’s Unique Approach Available through the Scania Driver app and My Scania, ProDriver caters to trucks with combustion engines, especially those in long-haul…

Stellantis continues reshaping automotive production through advanced AI-powered technologies, aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and workplace quality. The company’s relentless pursuit of smarter, cleaner, and more agile manufacturing processes focuses on leveraging both cutting-edge solutions and workforce talent to deliver high-quality vehicles with minimal environmental footprint. Central to this transformation is the ninth edition of Stellantis’ Factory Booster Day, an annual showcase where global plant leaders, suppliers, and startups present groundbreaking solutions designed to optimize factory floor operations. The 2024 event, held at the Stellantis Mirafiori Complex in Turin, Italy, featured 93 innovations, furthering the company’s strategy of embracing modern…