Author: Central Desk

LG Chem, the South Korean chemical giant, is expanding its footprint in the global automotive adhesives sector with plans to supply thermally conductive adhesives to North American automakers, positioning this division as a potential multi-million-dollar business. As demand for electronic components rises, driven by the shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles, the global automotive adhesives market is projected to nearly double from $6.7 billion in 2024 to $13.0 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by a need for lighter, eco-friendly materials, essential for next-generation vehicle designs. LG Chem’s thermally conductive adhesives are key to thermal management, binding battery cells…

Geely Auto marked its first anniversary in Mexico by launching the New Emgrand, a compact sedan designed to meet local market demands. This model strengthens Geely’s presence in Mexico, expanding its lineup to better serve Mexican drivers. The New Emgrand, Geely’s first sedan in Mexico, was introduced at a launch event attended by over 150 partners, media, and fans. The live broadcast drew 24,000 viewers, sparking positive reactions on social media for the sedan’s design, quality interior, and competitive pricing. Built on the BMA platform, the New Emgrand offers safety, comfort, and intelligent technology. Its design aims to meet the…

Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation are advancing their partnership in electrified vehicles. Suzuki will supply Toyota with a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV model, set for production at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India starting spring 2025. This BEV SUV marks the first fully electric vehicle from the collaboration, reflecting both companies’ commitment to expanding electrified options globally. Exclusively designed as an electric vehicle, the SUV features a long cruising range, a spacious interior, and a 4WD system for enhanced performance on rugged terrain. Suzuki and Toyota, both rooted in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, transitioned from loom manufacturing to…

On October 25, GAC made a landmark entry into Hong Kong’s automotive market with the launch of its hybrid flagship MPV, the E9. The unveiling took place at Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal, set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, underscoring GAC’s strategic positioning of the E9 as a leader in the premium hybrid sector. Automotive experts, influencers, and key media personalities gathered to witness this major milestone in Hong Kong’s automotive landscape. GAC’s President, Wei Haigang, highlighted Hong Kong’s importance as both a market and a strategic base for GAC’s expansion within the Asia-Pacific region. “Hong Kong is…

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has issued a firm warning to the European Union (EU) over its plans to hold separate negotiations with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers while continuing bilateral talks with China. According to the ministry, these separate discussions could undermine ‘mutual trust’ and disrupt ongoing negotiations between China and the EU. This cautionary message follows a recent agreement between China and the EU to maintain ongoing dialogues to explore potential alternative tariffs on Chinese-manufactured EVs. Earlier this month, China had expressed similar concerns, urging the EU to remain committed to a cooperative negotiation approach. The core of these…

Kia has launched CarPay, an in-car payment service, starting with the EV3 model, allowing drivers to pay for goods and services directly from their vehicle. The first application of CarPay partners with Parkopedia, allowing users in Europe to locate and pay for parking through their car’s navigation screen. This innovative service aims to enhance driver convenience, especially in urban areas where parking remains challenging. A study found that 92% of drivers across major markets, including France, Germany, and the UK, struggle to find available parking, often leading to costly parking tickets. The situation is particularly challenging for electric vehicle (EV)…

Volvo Group and Daimler Truck have signed a binding agreement to establish a joint venture headquartered in Gothenburg to formalizing their plan to develop a software-defined vehicle platform. It aims to set a new industry standard in digital transformation for commercial vehicles, focusing on safety, connectivity, and efficiency. The joint venture’s platform will enable Volvo, Daimler, and potentially other future customers to deliver independent digital functions within their vehicles. This will include the development of a truck-specific operating system, allowing manufacturers to design customizable digital features while decoupling software from hardware development. The setup will enable vehicles to receive over-the-air…

Indonesia is set to become an electric vehicle (EV) hub with the launch of Southeast Asia’s first EV battery plant in West Java. The $1.1 billion facility, created by a joint venture between Hyundai and LG, produces nickel-based battery cells mainly for Hyundai subsidiaries in South Korea and India. At the plant’s opening in July, former President Joko Widodo said the project could position Indonesia as a major player in the EV supply chain. While Indonesia holds the world’s largest nickel reserves, experts note that the country faces challenges with limited processing capacity, environmental concerns, and competition from lithium iron…

When asked about India’s most popular hatchback, the answer is undoubtedly Swift. Swift, which was first launched in 2005, has earned its popularity over decades, with over 3 million units sold, attesting to its massive appeal. To further accelerate Swift’s sales, Maruti has introduced a new ‘Swift VXi Blitz Edition’. Maruti has launched the Blitz edition to celebrate the festive season. This limited edition aims to enhance the popularity of Swift, a favorite among hatchback enthusiasts. While there are no mechanical changes, the Blitz arrives with updates in design and features. With an added value of around $470 (INR 39,500)…

Taking a bold step toward sustainable automotive innovation, Alpine has unveiled its groundbreaking V6 hydrogen engine, signaling a significant shift in the industry. Unlike electric vehicles, this engine brings hydrogen power to the forefront, merging high-performance engineering with eco-friendly technology and challenging the status quo. Twice the Power, Zero Emissions Alpine’s latest model, following the brand’s initial hydrogen-powered release in 2022, reflects the company’s dedication to alternative fuels. This 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine boasts an impressive 740bhp, a high-revving 9,000rpm, and 770 Nm of torque, with two hydrogen engines strategically positioned in the side pods and behind the cockpit. This…