Author: Central Desk

China’s escalating restrictions on rare earth mineral exports are intensifying concerns of severe supply shortages and production shutdowns across the global automotive industry. The move follows Beijing’s imposition of additional tariffs amounting to 84% on US goods, in response to former President Donald Trump’s 145% tariff hikes on Chinese products. Earlier this month, China expanded its export controls to include seven key rare-earth elements and magnets vital to the manufacturing of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military aircraft. Industry leaders, government officials, and market traders warn that existing stockpiles could be exhausted within three to six months, potentially forcing companies…

The European Parliament is advancing an amendment to the Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles that could impose a significant new restriction on the automotive industry. The proposed amendment seeks to classify carbon fiber as a hazardous material and ban its use in new vehicles starting from 2029. The main driver behind the proposed ban is the difficulty in safely processing and disposing of carbon fiber. According to project proponents, the recycling of carbon fiber releases resin-bound fibers into the air, which pose health risks to workers and mechanical hazards to recycling equipment. Microscopic carbon particles can irritate the skin and mucous…

Ford Motor Company to suspend vehicle shipments for several of its flagship models to China, citing escalating challenges stemming from the ongoing United States-China trade dispute and heightened retaliatory tariffs on American-made automobiles. In a statement released on Friday, Ford confirmed that the current trade environment has significantly disrupted its export strategy. “We have adjusted exports from the U.S. to China in light of the current tariffs,” the company said. The suspension will temporarily halt shipments of some of Ford’s most popular models, including the F-150 Raptor pickup, the Mustang sports car, the Michigan-assembled Bronco SUV, and the Kentucky-built Lincoln…

Subaru Corporation has introduced two battery electric vehicles (BEVs) — the all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker and the updated 2026 Subaru Solterra — at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, showcasing its expanding electric lineup and commitment to carbon neutrality. The 2026 Trailseeker marks Subaru’s second global BEV model, blending the driving performance unique to electric vehicles with a high level of utility. Designed for both everyday use and outdoor adventures, the Trailseeker features an active, rugged exterior, while the interior follows a clean, horizontal design theme to create a sense of spaciousness. Powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, the…

Tata Elxsi, a design and technology services company, has announced a strategic multi-year agreement valued at €50 million with a leading Europe-headquartered automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The deal positions Tata Elxsi as a key engineering partner for platform and application development across software-defined vehicle (SDV), electrification, and body and chassis domains. As part of the collaboration, Tata Elxsi will establish a dedicated Global Engineering Center to support the customer’s software platform roadmap and brand-aligned software engineering programs. The center will develop a unified technology stack, including a proprietary operating system, electronic architecture, and automotive cloud, to enable advanced in-vehicle…

VinFast has partnered with PT Penta Artha Impressi (Bengkel BOS), an Indonesian service provider, to strengthen its sales and after-sales network as it expands its electric vehicle (EV) presence in Indonesia. Under the agreement, 12 Bengkel BOS workshops across South Jakarta, West Jakarta, East Jakarta, Tangerang, and Yogyakarta will be authorized to offer repair, maintenance, and warranty services for VinFast’s electric vehicle models. The service centres are strategically located to enhance convenience for customers transitioning to electric mobility. Bengkel BOS will provide services according to VinFast’s quality standards and procedures. Each workshop is equipped with modern facilities, machinery, and equipment…

The all-electric Volvo EX90 has been awarded the prestigious title of World Luxury Car by the 2025 World Car Awards jury, recognising its blend of Scandinavian design, advanced safety features, and refined comfort. The announcement was made ahead of the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan. The seven-seat family SUV impressed the jury, comprising 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries, through rigorous test drives and evaluations. They praised the EX90’s powerful yet silent performance, delivered by its 510-horsepower twin electric motors, and its ergonomic, high-comfort interior designed for long journeys. Håkan Samuelsson, Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Cars, welcomed…

The Trump administration’s decision to impose steep tariffs on foreign vehicle imports is expected to severely disrupt the automotive sector, with analysts warning of the sharpest drop in U.S. vehicle sales since the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to new estimates from S&P Global Mobility, if the 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts remain in place, vehicle sales in the United States could fall by 700,000 units this year. North American auto production is also projected to decline by 1.28 million vehicles. Patrick Anderson, founder of the Anderson Economic Group, underscored the findings, stating that elevated…

Indian consumers are increasingly embracing intelligent, data-driven mobility solutions, with a majority expressing willingness to share personal information in exchange for enhanced vehicle features, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study. Based on a survey conducted among 1,000 Indian participants between October and December 2024, the study found that 88% of respondents are open to sharing personal data with manufacturers or third parties for functionalities such as anti-theft tracking. This figure significantly exceeds the 60% recorded in the United States, highlighting growing consumer trust in technology and connected services in India. The report also noted that 82% of Indian…

US President Donald Trump on Monday hinted at a possible temporary exemption for the auto industry from the 25% tariffs he had previously announced, acknowledging the need for carmakers to realign supply chains away from Canada, Mexico, and other regions. “I’m looking at something to help some of the car companies,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding that automakers “need a little bit of time” to shift production to the US. Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, supported Trump’s broader goal of boosting domestic manufacturing but cautioned that…