Author: Central Desk

International automotive giants are increasingly turning to Chinese technologies to enhance their smart car capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the world’s largest and most dynamic auto market. As global carmakers seek to integrate advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car functions, Chinese innovations are proving central to their localization and innovation strategies. Automotive analyst Paul Gong of UBS observed a growing willingness among carmakers to adopt Chinese research and development strengths, noting that many now recognize the competitive advantage held by Chinese companies in key technological areas. BMW has announced the integration of the Chinese-developed AI model DeepSeek…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has generated over £100 million in value through an extensive reuse, refurbishment, and recycling program aimed at reducing waste across its industrial operations in the UK and Europe. The initiative comes as JLR accelerates its transformation towards electrification, with preparations underway for the launch of its upcoming Range Rover Electric and other next-generation electric vehicles. As part of the program, JLR has redeployed tens of thousands of tools and pieces of equipment—from entire production lines to basic instruments like screwdrivers—after thorough evaluation based on safety standards, spare parts availability, refurbishment costs, and resale potential. The company…

President Donald Trump is preparing to ease the impact of tariffs on American car makers, according to a senior White House official. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described the move as “a major victory for the President’s trade policy by rewarding companies who manufacture domestically,” in a statement shared with Reuters. The upcoming measures will include reducing some import duties on parts used in vehicles manufactured within the United States. Although cars made outside the country will continue to face automotive tariffs, they will be exempt from additional levies like those imposed on steel and aluminium products, the Wall Street Journal…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has launched the world’s largest car carrier ship, marking a strategic leap in its global expansion plans. The vessel, named Explorer No. 1, was unveiled at a ceremony in China and is designed to transport up to 7,000 vehicles per voyage, making it the largest of its kind currently in operation. The new ship will support BYD’s growing international footprint, with planned routes covering Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. As demand for Chinese EVs accelerates overseas, Explorer No. 1 underscores BYD’s intent to control more of its supply chain—minimising reliance on third-party logistics, cutting…

Chinese pressure sensor manufacturer Trensor will open its first overseas production facility in Malaysia next year, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy. The new plant, located in Penang, often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East,’ will manufacture pressure sensors for both Southeast Asian and global automotive markets. Stephen Zhou, director of Trensor’s Malaysian subsidiary, shared the update during the 21st Shanghai International Automotive Industry Exhibition. Initially planned to cover 2,000 to 3,000 square meters, the factory’s scale has since been expanded to 10,000 square meters. It is expected to create between 200 and…

German automotive giants Mercedes-Benz and Audi have voiced strong concerns over escalating global tariffs, warning that protectionist measures are harming innovation and disrupting the automotive industry’s global operations. Speaking at the Shanghai Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz Chief Executive Ola Källenius highlighted that the current trade environment presents the highest level of complexity the car industry has faced in more than three decades. Källenius pointed to mounting trade barriers, shifts in geopolitics, and the ongoing transition to electric vehicles as major challenges confronting global carmakers. “We’re also dependent on the ability to import and export in all directions. If restrictions, tariffs, or…

German automotive supplier ZF is showcasing its latest technologies for passenger and commercial vehicles at Auto Shanghai from April 23 to May 2, reinforcing its commitment to China’s rapidly evolving automotive market. With more than four decades of presence in China, ZF has shifted from simply selling products to innovating within the country for global applications. Holger Klein, CEO of ZF Group, highlighted that leveraging local expertise has enabled the company to drive global advancements. “We have also consistently optimized our production and development processes to the requirements of our Chinese customers and thus literally fulfilled ‘China Speed’, ensuring we…

Accountants representing the global car manufacturing industry have recently finalised figures for 2024, reporting that 67,674,745 cars were produced worldwide. While the number appears substantial, it falls short when measured against the world’s growing population of eight billion, highlighting a significant underproduction compared to other mass-consumer goods like radios, phones, and personal computers, which have achieved greater economies of scale. There is a growing call for carmakers to follow a similar path, producing more affordable, basic vehicles to meet the needs of less wealthy consumers while maintaining production of high-end models for affluent buyers. Newer cars remain leaner, greener, safer,…

Hyundai Motor Company posted a modest 0.2% increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching $2.37 billion and exceeding analyst expectations, despite ongoing challenges in the global automotive market. The company’s performance was supported by strong sales of hybrid electric vehicles in the United States and favorable exchange rate conditions with the strong U.S. dollar. Although Hyundai’s global wholesale vehicle sales declined by 0.6%, retail sales in the United States rose sharply by 11%, underscoring the importance of the U.S. market, which accounts for approximately 25% of the company’s global sales. Higher-margin hybrid electric models have helped…

Stellantis is set to introduce Leapmotor’s electric vehicles to India, signalling a deeper commitment to the country’s emerging EV landscape. Leapmotor, one of China’s fastest-growing electric vehicle manufacturers, has rapidly expanded its global footprint, delivering nearly 300,000 units in 2024—doubling its previous year’s total. Now, the brand is preparing to bring that momentum to Indian roads, joining the ranks of global EV players such as Tesla and VinFast, eyeing entry into the local market. Speaking at the Auto Shanghai Show 2025, Leapmotor’s CEO outlined an ambitious roadmap to secure a place among the world’s top five or six new energy…