Author: Central Desk

General Motors (GM) has rebranded its BrightDrop electric commercial vans under the Chevrolet name. This decision aimed at amplifying the reach and accessibility of these cutting-edge vehicles through Chevrolet’s vast commercial vehicle network. Since its introduction at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2021, BrightDrop has played a major role in GM’s push towards sustainable transportation. The integration into Chevrolet’s lineup is expected to further accelerate its impact, leveraging Chevrolet’s extensive commercial sales and service infrastructure. With a GM-estimated range of 272 miles combining city and highway, these electric vans feature advanced safety technologies that prioritize driver alertness and protection. This…

Mercedes-AMG pushes the boundaries of performance and design with its latest creation, the PureSpeed. This highly exclusive sports car, introduced as a concept in Monaco during May 2024, now advances through the final stages of development, with prototypes undergoing rigorous testing—a spectacle closely watched by the automotive world. The PureSpeed’s testing phase mirrors its ambitious design philosophy. Prototypes face extreme challenges across diverse terrains in northern Italy, followed by trials at the high-speed test track in Nardò, Italy. The 3,000-kilometre testing regimen ensures that every aspect of the PureSpeed’s engineering meets the highest standards of performance under real-world conditions. With…

Isuzu Motors has launched the Isuzu AI Innovation Challenge 2024, a global competition designed to uncover the most advanced AI technologies. Innovators from around the world are invited to submit proposals, with the top entry earning a US$20,000 prize and potential pathways for future collaboration. As a pioneer in applying AI to sectors like autonomous driving and digital transformation (DX), Isuzu sees this challenge as a crucial step in its ambitious growth strategy. The company’s mid-term business plan, Isuzu Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX), outlines targets for substantial revenue growth through developments in autonomous solutions, connected services, and carbon-neutral…

DAF Trucks has partnered with HDV Booking, a pioneering consortium aiming to establish a seamless platform for reserving public charging points for trucks throughout Europe. This strategic move is set to enhance the availability and efficiency of DAF’s fully electric trucks, particularly for long-haul transport. HDV Booking unites a diverse array of stakeholders—charging facility providers, card reader systems, transporters, and software developers—all working towards a common goal: creating a platform that allows transporters to easily locate and reserve charging points. This initiative promises to revolutionize the planning and routing of electric vehicles, reducing wait times and enabling longer journeys, even…

BMW Group’s latest facility at Debrecen in Hungary marks a significant leap forward in sustainable automotive production. This new paint shop, the first of its kind in the company’s global network, operates entirely without fossil fuels, establishing a groundbreaking model for future manufacturing sites. The Debrecen plant, a 33,000-square-meter state-of-the-art facility, has been designed with a capacity to process 30 vehicle bodies per hour, with room for future expansion. As BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles prepare for pre-series production, the facility will showcase advanced processes that exemplify top-tier automotive engineering. Expertise gathered from across BMW’s global network has been meticulously applied,…

Canada has declared a 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) made in China, aligning with the United States and the European Union in a significant escalation of trade measures against Beijing. Set to take effect on 1 October, this decision underscores Canada’s commitment to defending its automotive sector’s competitive edge as it seeks to establish itself as a key player in the burgeoning global EV market. Additionally, Canada will impose a 25% duty on Chinese steel and aluminium imports from 15 October. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the necessity of these tariffs, arguing that China’s approach gives its industries an…

Heavy-duty transportation is entering a transformative era, with electric trucks spearheading the shift. At the forefront stands the MAN eTGX, which recently clinched first place in the world’s inaugural comparison test for heavy-duty electric trucks, affirming its leadership in sustainable transport. Expert journalists from the esteemed trade magazine ‘Trucker’ conducted a rigorous test, awarding the MAN eTGX an impressive 568 points. The vehicle’s low unladen weight, balanced drive system, and exceptional comfort set it apart, earning it recognition as an outstanding overall package. Its sophisticated operating concept further cemented its status as the top choice among commercial vehicle professionals. Friedrich…

Indian IT’s Engineering Research and Development (ER&D) sector faces mounting challenges as automakers globally forge strategic tech alliances, potentially diminishing their dependence on traditional IT outsourcing. Rising insourcing has already exerted pressure on Indian IT firms, and these newly formed partnerships among automotive giants could further disrupt the ER&D landscape. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Volkswagen, Rivian, Xpeng, Honda, Nissan, Volvo AB, and Daimler Truck have recently initiated significant collaborations. These alliances focus on joint software and architecture development, signaling a potential reduction in the tech spend typically directed toward Indian ER&D firms. Redirection of Tech Investments The automotive…

Hyundai Motor and Kia received top marks in critical safety tests on their EVs. The latest evaluations, announced on Sunday, reinforce the brands’ commitment to safety and innovation in the electric vehicle sector. Five models from these South Korean automakers, built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), have secured the highest five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP). The Genesis GV60, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and Kia’s EV6 and EV9 have all emerged as leading contenders in the safety arena, according to Yonhap. Recognition doesn’t stop at Europe’s borders. In the United…

The global auto industry is facing a downturn, with German carmakers reporting a significant earnings slump in the first half of the year. A recent analysis by auditing and consulting firm EY reveals a stark decline among key players in the industry. Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, cornerstones of Germany’s automotive might, collectively generated €25.9 billion in operating profit (EBIT) from January to June 2024. This figure reflects an 18% decrease from the previous year, signaling underlying weaknesses in the market. EY’s study, which scrutinized the financial performance of the 16 largest car manufacturers worldwide, highlights a concerning trend. Despite a…