Author: Central Desk

Webasto has taken a significant leap in autonomous driving technology, expanding its innovative Roof Sensor Module (RSM) beyond passenger cars to encompass robot taxis and autonomous trucks. Having solidified its position as a leader with its RSM for passenger vehicles, Webasto now caters to the expanding autonomous vehicle market, marking a strategic enhancement for the top 100 automotive suppliers. This move broadens its portfolio to support diverse autonomous transport solutions. Comprehensive Sensor Integration Webasto’s RSM incorporates multiple sensor technologies—cameras, radar, and lidar—into a single roof module, providing comprehensive environmental detection capabilities vital for the safe and efficient operation of autonomous…

Xpeng, a global leader in smart electric vehicles, has launched its dynamic pop-up showroom at UOB Plaza 2, marking its official entry into the Singapore market. This immersive setup offers visitors the exclusive chance to test drive the Xpeng G6, showcasing its intelligence, exceptional performance, innovative driver assistance systems, and unmatched comfort first-hand. The Xpeng G6, an ultra-smart electric coupe SUV, redefines the concept of smart driving. Utilizing the innovative SEPA2.0 platform with 800V architecture and cutting-edge software technology, the G6 delivers high levels of space and comfort alongside top-tier standard equipment. Designed for Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle, the G6 supports…

Zest, the UK’s fastest-growing investor-operator of public access EV charging infrastructure, has partnered with Café Fortune, the franchise operator of Starbucks. This collaboration introduces six 120kW rapid charging bays at the newly opened Starbucks Alfreton site, offering a convenient solution for customers to recharge their electric vehicles during their visit. This initiative marks the start of an ambitious rollout, with plans to install similar charging facilities at multiple Starbucks Drive Thrus nationwide. The project aligns with Starbucks’ environmental goals to minimize their carbon footprint and enhance operational sustainability, anticipating the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and facilitating a smoother…

The EV world watches Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning love for electric cars, a notable shift for a leading oil producer. Electric cars are gaining traction among Saudi car enthusiasts, signaling a substantial change in the world’s second-largest petroleum-producing nation. This trend aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy away from oil reliance and cut carbon emissions by 2050. Saudi Arabia is adopting strategies to transition from a petrol-dominated vehicle market to a new generation of electric vehicles (EVs). The country aspires to become a hub for domestically manufactured electric car brands, setting the stage for a more sustainable…

Automobili Lamborghini celebrated the inauguration of its latest dealership in Bundang, South Korea, enhancing its footprint in a rapidly growing market. This grand opening marked a major move in partnership with Italia Automobili. The event showcased the Lamborghini Urus SE, the first plug-in hybrid SUV by Lamborghini. This powerful variant of the best-selling model attracted about 100 attendees, including customers, media representatives, and distinguished guests such as Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, and Francesco Scardaoni, Region Director for Asia-Pacific. Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, highlighted South Korea’s importance. “South Korea is one of the key markets with high…

Chinese automotive giant GAC Group announced a $1 billion investment in Brazil over the next five years, representing a major step in boosting economic relations between the two nations. This announcement followed a fruitful meeting between Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and GAC Group President Feng Xingya in Beijing on June 7. Feng Xingya detailed GAC’s plan to establish factories, research and development centers, and spare parts warehouses in Brazil. This makes GAC the first Chinese manufacturer with a comprehensive R&D and production line to enter the Brazilian market, producing a range of vehicles, including gasoline, electric, full hybrid, and…

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024, marking her seventh budget presentation. This budget is the first for the Modi 3.0 administration and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) following their victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The budget includes various measures aimed at different sectors, but the automotive sector, particularly the electric vehicle (EV) sector, has expressed mixed reactions to the proposals. EV Industry Challenges and FAME III The electric vehicle industry continues to face significant challenges, including high battery costs and inadequate charging infrastructure. The Rs. 500 crore Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), which supports two-…

Isuzu Motors, based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, expands its FORWARD medium-duty truck lineup with new models featuring a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 15 tons. This latest addition to the FORWARD series, recognized internationally as the F-Series, introduces the 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, the DB6A, developed in partnership with Cummins, headquartered in Indiana, USA. The 2019 Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership aimed to innovate next-generation powertrains. The DB6A engine, the first product of this collaboration, is set to transform the medium-duty diesel powertrain segment. The DB6A engine, delivering 220 kW (300 ps) and a peak torque of 1,081 N/m (110…

onsemi has secured a multi-year agreement with Volkswagen Group, positioning itself as the primary supplier of a comprehensive power box solution for Volkswagen’s next-generation electric vehicles (EVs). This collaboration highlights the synergy between technology innovators and automotive leaders in accelerating the global shift to sustainable transportation. onsemi’s silicon carbide-based technologies lie at the heart of this partnership, integrated into a modular power box solution designed to elevate the efficiency and performance of Volkswagen’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). Scalable across all power levels, the system adapts seamlessly to several vehicle categories, ranging from high-power to low-power traction inverters. Hassane El-Khoury, president…

The automotive industry is undergoing a major shift driven by advancements in business models, supply chains, and in-vehicle technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). While promising, these changes often increase costs, particularly with high-performance AI-enabled system-on-chips (SoCs) and the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Automakers face the challenge of reducing expenses without compromising the next-generation experiences consumers expect. Intel proposes a solution through a comprehensive, systems-based approach to vehicle design. Traditional cost optimization methods, focusing on individual components, fall short. Intel’s strategy integrates three key elements: software-defined in-cabin computing, intelligent energy management, and data-center-like workload management. This comprehensive…