Author: Central Desk

JAC Motors continues to strengthen its global presence, achieving a significant milestone in September 2024 by exporting 7,054 bakkies to over 130 markets. This marked a 13.7% year-on-year increase and contributed to the company’s total of 47,600 units exported in the first three quarters of 2024. JAC Motors now accounts for over 20% of all Chinese bakkie exports, securing its position as the leading Chinese automotive brand in the segment. A company spokesperson highlighted that the consistent growth of their bakkie range overseas is paving the way for further global expansion and solidifying JAC Motors’ reputation in the international automotive…

Kia Corporation has partnered with DHL Korea to foster sustainable logistics in South Korea through electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines their commitment to building an electrified logistics ecosystem using Kia’s PBVs. The collaboration begins with Kia’s PV5, a medium-sized PBV set for production in 2026, followed by the larger PV7 model in 2027. Kia will tailor these models to meet DHL Korea’s operational needs, optimizing productivity and sustainability in logistics. As part of the agreement, Kia and DHL Korea will also explore PBV-linked services, including vehicle charging solutions and extended warranties, supporting DHL’s goal…

China’s electric vehicle giant, BYD, is set to enter the South Korean passenger car market in early 2025, introducing premium EV models aimed at establishing the brand as a trusted choice among Korean consumers. BYD’s Korean branch confirmed the debut following comprehensive market evaluations, marking the company’s first foray into South Korea’s passenger car sector after years of success with commercial vehicles like buses and trucks since 2016. BYD Korea announced that it is currently preparing a robust sales and service network across South Korea, recruiting staff, and pursuing state certifications required for car sales. The Korea Economic Daily earlier…

Suzuki’s all-new fourth-generation Dzire sedan has achieved a significant milestone by earning a five-star safety rating from the Global New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), marking it as the first Maruti Suzuki vehicle to receive this high safety rating. Launched recently in India, the updated Dzire boasts a redesigned look along with enhanced safety features as part of Suzuki’s commitment to vehicle safety. Maruti Suzuki voluntarily submitted the new Dzire for Global NCAP testing, where the car’s structure and footwell area were rated as stable, indicating they could withstand further loadings. In adult occupant protection tests, the driver’s chest showed marginal…

Hyundai Motor Company has provided a first look at the interior of its upcoming IONIQ 9, the brand’s first all-electric three-row SUV, marking a major step in Hyundai’s EV journey. Building on the success of the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, the IONIQ 9 signifies Hyundai’s expansion into the large electric vehicle segment. The IONIQ 9 promises a spacious, lounge-like environment designed to transform the EV experience. Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center, described it as “a nature-inspired, lounge-like interior” that integrates customer-centric design with advanced technology, embodying Hyundai’s vision for future mobility. The SUV’s…

The German auto sector faces deepening challenges, as evidenced by a recent survey conducted by the Institute for Economic Research (Ifo), showing worsening sentiment across the industry. The October survey highlights that 44.3% of German automotive companies report a shortage of orders, the highest level of order insufficiency since July 2020. The seasonally adjusted business climate index for the industry saw a decline, falling to -27.7 points in October from -23.4 points in September. Export expectations, a critical factor for Germany’s export-driven economy, also hit a low, dropping to -32.8 points, the lowest since the spring of 2020. Despite this,…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s support for Donald Trump’s presidential bid has propelled Tesla’s market value to unmatched heights, surpassing traditional automakers. As competitors face challenges like China’s economic slowdown and potential Trump tariffs, Tesla’s stock has surged, hitting a $1 trillion valuation last Friday — a level last seen in April 2022. Tesla now outvalues the combined worth of the next 15 largest automakers, including Toyota, General Motors, Stellantis, and Hyundai. Only when adding in smaller brands like Kia, Renault, and Nissan does the valuation gap close. Tesla’s U.S.-based production in California and Austin also shields it from import disruptions…

Covestro, a global leader in polymer materials, has broaden its ties with Chinese recycling company Ausell to advance plastics recycling in the automotive sector. Building on their initial work recycling polycarbonate water barrels, the partnership now focuses on reclaiming plastics from end-of-life vehicles, supporting the industry’s shift toward circularity by converting waste into materials for new automotive components. Since 2020, Covestro and Ausell have recycled one million 19-liter polycarbonate water barrels annually, creating high-performance post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates for electronics, home appliances, and automotive applications. Under the enhanced partnership, Ausell will supply recycled polycarbonates from discarded automotive headlamps, which Covestro…

Thailand is revising its automotive excise tax structure to align with global trends towards electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to bolster its position as a regional EV production hub. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced that the new auto tax system, which reflects the growing shift towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), is set to come into effect from 2026. Paopoom emphasized the need for a balanced tax approach that supports both BEVs and PHEVs, given uncertainties in the global auto market. “A tax structure that leans exclusively towards EVs may not be the answer. We…

Stellantis and Nissan are undergoing major changes affecting their workforce and engineering paths. Stellantis, known for brands like Jeep and Chrysler, is reevaluating the future of its iconic Hemi V8 engine, while Nissan announces layoffs as it realigns focus in an increasingly electrified market. The Hemi V8, long a symbol of performance, may be phased out or redesigned as Stellantis shifts toward hybrid and electric vehicles to meet stricter emissions regulations and changing consumer demands. This move reflects Stellantis’s broader strategy to innovate and appeal to eco-conscious customers. While the Hemi’s legacy is powerful, Stellantis’s shift mirrors the industry’s transition…