Author: Central Desk

Former US President Donald Trump, during a speech in Flint, Michigan, reignited his unproven assertions that Chinese automakers are setting up massive production facilities in Mexico. He vowed to introduce a 200 per cent tariff on vehicles manufactured at these purported Chinese auto factories if they enter the US market. These statements echo his familiar rhetoric surrounding global trade and automotive production, though without supporting evidence. Flint, a city known for its pivotal role in American car manufacturing, became a platform for Trump’s broader concerns about the future of the US auto industry. He argued that if Vice President Kamala…

BMW i Ventures has committed to a $12 million Series B funding round for RunSafe Security, a cybersecurity firm revolutionizing software protection through immunization technology. Led by Critical Ventures and SineWave Venture Partners, this round includes investments from Lockheed Martin Ventures, HyperLink Ventures, Iron Gate Ventures, Alsop Louie Partners, Working Lab Capital, and NextGen Venture Partners. RunSafe Security specializes in safeguarding software from cyberattacks by immunizing systems without interrupting developer workflows. This fresh capital injection will accelerate the company’s product development and expand its footprint across EMEA and APAC. RunSafe’s rapid growth has been marked by two consecutive years of…

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has secured a groundbreaking supplier deal with Ford Trucks, propelling its dominance as Europe’s leader in electric drives. Under this long-term agreement, Ford Trucks will integrate ZF’s advanced zero-emission technologies into its new lineup of electrified heavy trucks. Ford Trucks, known for its innovation in the heavy commercial vehicle industry, reinforces its dedication to sustainable transport solutions through this collaboration. ZF’s CeTrax 2 dual electric central drive will power Ford’s forthcoming Electric Rigid Truck, debuting at IAA Transportation 2024. The CeTrax 2, with its modular design, allows manufacturers to easily switch between internal combustion…

India has firmly established itself as the top source of vehicle imports for South Africa since 2013, according to the Automotive Business Council’s BRICS+ Research Report 2024. This shift reflects India’s emergence as a global hub for small and entry-level vehicles, which dominate South Africa’s automotive market. Tata and Mahindra have cemented their presence in South Africa’s vehicle industry, with Mahindra executives frequently describing the country as their ‘second home’ outside India. This connection is bolstered by substantial investments, such as the establishment of a production line in Durban. Both India and China have consistently ranked among South Africa’s key…

MAHLE, a leader in automotive innovation, showcased cutting-edge advancements at IAA Transportation in Hanover, aiming to revolutionize the commercial vehicle sector with sustainable solutions. As global road transport is projected to expand by over 40% by 2030, the group is focusing on carbon-neutral mobility to drive the future of transportation. The highlight of MAHLE’s presentation was a fully integrated system for fuel cell trucks, combining fuel cell peripherals, thermal management, and a heavy-duty electric axle. Key to this innovation is the bionic high-performance fan, inspired by owl feathers, which halves sound pressure during full load or charging, solving one of…

Volkswagen is set to introduce a new compact SUV that will sit beneath the Taigun in its lineup. Set to launch first in Brazil next year, the model represents a strategic push into emerging markets. Codenamed the ‘Volkswagen A0 SUV,’ the vehicle will be based on the versatile MQB A0 platform, a proven architecture used across several Volkswagen models like the Polo, Nivus, and T-Cross. Tailored for emerging markets, this platform underscores Volkswagen’s intent to cater to specific regional demands efficiently. Upon its official release, the A0 SUV is expected to carry the name ‘Volkswagen Yeh.’ Measuring roughly four meters,…

Kia’s flagship electric SUV, the EV9, has secured the prestigious Gold trophy at the 2024 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), marking a first-ever Gold win for the automaker at this event. Following earlier victories at the Red Dot ‘Best of Best’ and iF Design Gold awards, the EV9 continues to gain recognition. This electric SUV impressed judges in the Automotive and Transportation category, reflecting Kia’s bold ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. With its latest win, the EV9 adds another accolade to an already impressive list, which includes two honours at the World Car Awards 2024. Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and…

The Chinese electric SUV Neta X has officially entered production in Indonesia, following its debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS 2024). On September 13, 2024, Neta Auto Indonesia celebrated the first assembly of the vehicle in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form at the PT Handal Indonesia Motor plant in Bekasi, West Java. Liu Lei, Vice President of Overseas Business at Neta Auto, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Today is an important moment for us as we can realize one of our commitments and strategic plans in developing our product line for the electric car market…

The Nissan Qashqai has entered the Guinness World Records, not for fuel economy or handling skills, but through an audacious bungee jump. In a bold stunt, a modified Qashqai e-POWER SUV launched off a platform in France, plummeting an astounding 65 meters to set a new world record for automotive bungee diving. French stunt driver Laurent Lasko took charge of the stripped-down SUV, steering it into a breathtaking freefall, marking the centerpiece of Nissan’s upcoming TV campaign. Cars don’t typically bungee jump, but Nissan turned the idea into reality with this daring challenge. Engineers spent a month crafting a custom-built…

General Motors (GM) and Hyundai Motor have taken the first steps towards a groundbreaking alliance, focusing on key areas of shared interest: passenger and commercial vehicles, electric mobility, and essential raw materials. As cost pressures intensify and the race to scale production quickens, this potential partnership could redefine the competitive landscape of the automotive industry. Blueprint for Collaboration The two automotive giants formalized their intent with a memorandum of understanding signed by GM’s CEO Mary Barra and Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chairman Euisun Chung. The agreement sets the stage for an immediate evaluation of cooperative projects. Among the key areas…