Author: Central Desk

Bajaj Auto has transformed the motorcycle industry with the Bajaj Freedom, the world’s first motorcycle featuring an integrated CNG system. The Bajaj Freedom offers dual-fuel capability, combining a CNG system with a 2-liter petrol tank. This design allows riders to switch between fuels seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted journeys. The CNG tank alone provides a range of over 200 km on 2 kg of CNG, with the petrol tank adding an additional 130 km. This setup promises significant savings, with up to 50% lower fuel costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles. Bajaj Freedom excels in environmental benefits. CNG combustion…

Stellantis has overhauled its strategy for the Indian market by canceling the next-generation Jeep Compass project. Originally slated for a 2026 release under the codename J4U, the project ceased after more than a year of development due to commercial viability concerns. The company now plans to leverage the cost-effective Citroen Smart Car or Common Modular Platform (CMP) instead of the pricier STLA Small platform. This shift was unveiled during the brand’s investor day presentation, where the new model debuted as the Jeep Renegade. This approach aligns with Stellantis’ previous strategy for the fourth-generation Citroen C3, which transitioned to the CMP…

McLaren Automotive has unveiled a pioneering multi-year collaboration with California-based industrial digital manufacturing company Divergent Technologies,(Divergent). This partnership aims to redefine the automotive landscape by leveraging advanced additive manufacturing to boost vehicle performance, sustainability, and production efficiency. Divergent’s cutting-edge approach to designing and manufacturing complex structures will enable McLaren to incorporate innovative and intricate designs into its vehicle architecture. This collaboration promises major gains in manufacturing efficiency while promoting a more sustainable supply chain. McLaren Automotive will initially employ the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPSTM) to additively manufacture chassis components for its next-generation supercars. This will allow McLaren to achieve…

Renault Group has started a mission to advance decarbonization in transport and logistics by joining the New Energies Coalition. This alliance aims to spearhead innovative and sustainable solutions across the supply chain. Renault Group, with its extensive automotive expertise, will play a crucial role in the Coalition’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally conscious practices. Denis Le Vot, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Renault Group, articulated the company’s enthusiasm: “We are very excited to join this team of industry leaders. Today’s major challenges, like the energy transition or the digital revolution, cut across sectors: collaboration is the…

ZF LIFETEC unveils a groundbreaking side airbag technology designed to elevate passenger safety during side collisions. The Pre-Crash Dual Stage Side Airbag (Dual Stage SAB) addresses critical moments before a collision, maximizing airbag effectiveness and potentially saving lives. Pioneering Pre-Crash Protection Dual Stage SAB utilizes a two-stage deployment mechanism activated milliseconds before an inevitable crash. The first stage triggers approximately 200 milliseconds before impact, pushing occupants a few centimeters toward the vehicle’s interior. This movement increases the available crumple zone, thereby enhancing the second-stage airbag’s protective capabilities during the actual collision. Tackling a Major Hazard Side collisions constitute roughly a…

The BMW Group, collaborating with NTT DATA, has inaugurated BMW TechWorks Romania, a pivotal software and IT hub to hasten digital transformation. Situated in Cluj-Napoca, this center will spearhead European IT projects, boosting BMW’s digital capabilities and customer experience. Alexander Buresch, CIO and Senior Vice President of BMW Group IT, highlighted the importance: “With BMW TechWorks Romania, we are strengthening our footprint in the EU and contributing significantly to the digital experience of our customers. Our global IT hubs secure our Business IT and software expertise in the long term and accelerate the implementation of our IT strategy based on…

Beijing: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced an ambitious pilot program to revolutionize transportation through “vehicle-road-cloud integration” for intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs). Twenty major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, have been chosen to participate in this pioneering initiative, which aims to establish a unified and shared standard system for ICVs by 2026. Context and Objectives: This pilot program is the culmination of extensive planning and collaboration among multiple government departments. In January 2024, the MIIT, in conjunction with five other departments, issued the “Notice on Launching the Pilot Work of ‘Vehicle-Road-Cloud Integration’ Application for Intelligent Connected…

The global automotive voice recognition market, valued at $3.4 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $14.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16.1%, according to a report by Allied Market Research. Automotive voice recognition systems allow drivers to control various car functions through spoken commands, enhancing safety and convenience. These systems enable hands-free operation for making calls, sending texts, adjusting climate settings, navigating, and controlling entertainment systems, thereby reducing distractions and improving focus on the road. Regulatory and Growth Government regulations prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving are propelling the demand for automotive voice recognition…

In a move to embrace innovative vehicle designs, India has amended its motor vehicle regulations to create a new classification called ‘L2–5’. This category accommodates vehicles that blur the lines between traditional classifications, such as the ‘Surge S32’ by Hero MotoCorp. This unique electric hybrid seamlessly transforms from an auto-rickshaw to a scooter, offering versatile transportation solutions. The ‘Surge S32’ has garnered international acclaim, receiving the prestigious ‘Platinum A Design’ award for its exceptional design and functionality. With the ability to charge the auto-rickshaw component while using the scooter mode, this vehicle represents a new era in sustainable and adaptable…

VinFast, has launched the VF 5 electric SUV, expanding its footprint in the Indonesian market. Priced at IDR 310,000,000, the VF 5 caters to the A-segment with advanced features, a compelling battery subscription program, and an industry-leading warranty. Following the VF e34’s introduction in March, the VF 5 stands as VinFast’s second model in Indonesia, designed to offer a practical and cost-effective electric vehicle option. Temmy Wiradjaja, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, stated, this launch underscores the commitment to revolutionizing electric mobility with innovative, intelligent, and safe vehicles. It’s a pivotal step in VinFast’s mission to lead the electric vehicle market…