Author: Central Desk

China’s auto industry, already a global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs), is now shifting its focus toward intelligent development, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology. As competition intensifies, Chinese automakers are developing strategies to maintain their edge in this evolving market. The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference (WICV), held in Beijing from October 17 to 19, showcased China’s growing prominence in this field. Over 250 auto companies and institutions, both domestic and international, participated in the event, debuting more than 200 new technologies and products. The event underscored China’s dedication to transitioning from traditional…

The Indian auto industry has experienced a surge in demand during the ongoing festive season, with the second week of October (October 10–October 16) witnessing major improvement in vehicle registrations across several segments. According to a report by BNP Paribas India, this rebound in sales outperformed the growth observed in the first week of the festive period, signaling a positive trend for the sector. Two-wheelers (2Ws) recorded mid-single-digit growth compared to the same period during last year’s festive season (October 22–October 28). Mopeds, on the other hand, showed even stronger performance, achieving low double-digit growth, indicating robust consumer demand. Passenger…

For the first time in two decades, Italian autoworkers staged a national strike on Friday, protesting across the heart of Rome. The strike, which saw tens of thousands of workers from the country’s troubled automotive sector march through the capital, highlighted concerns over deteriorating work conditions and job security. The workers carried banners and waved union flags, calling for immediate government intervention to safeguard their industry. Riccardo Falcetta, a representative from the UIL metalworker union in Bari, expressed the workers’ frustrations: “We are working one to two days a week when it goes well. So, what we are saying today…

Ferrari has selected Michelin as the exclusive tire supplier for its new Ferrari F80 supercar. Michelin has developed a bespoke tire, the K1 MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, specifically designed to match the high-performance demands of this exceptional vehicle. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Pilot Sport Cup 2 R range, Michelin engineered this tire to push the boundaries of dry surface performance, boosting its expertise in cutting-edge engineering. The K1 tire is Michelin’s most advanced offering for Ferrari, taking only 15 months to develop. It features two industry-first innovations, utilizing new motorsport technologies and processes. In addition, the tire…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his government’s dedication to transforming the country’s automotive industry, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities this transition brings. Speaking at the South African Auto Week, held from Oct. 15 to 18 under the theme ‘Reimagining the Future, Together: Celebrating 100 Years of Automotive Heritage,’ Ramaphosa emphasized the sector’s crucial role in the economy. In his keynote address, Ramaphosa highlighted that 2023 marks a century of vehicle manufacturing in South Africa, noting that last year the industry contributed 20% of local manufacturing value and 15% of total exports. “The auto sector continues to be one…

Vietnam’s automotive market has seen strong growth, driven by government initiatives for boosting domestic vehicle production. Despite these efforts, imported cars remain the preferred choice among Vietnamese consumers, outpacing sales of domestically assembled vehicles, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA). Annual sales of new vehicles have surpassed 400,000 units, demonstrating the market’s expanding potential. However, the proportion of imported cars in Vietnam’s auto market has increased significantly over recent years. From 2016 to 2023, the market share of imported cars rose from 22.1% to 30.8%, with this trend continuing into 2024. Data from the first nine months of…

CUPRA is offering an unprecedented initiative to attract first-time electric vehicle (EV) buyers with its award-winning, all-electric CUPRA Born. The UK-first ‘Love Me or Leave Me’ scheme allows customers to return their CUPRA Born after three months if they find that electric car ownership doesn’t suit their lifestyle. This initiative aims to ease the transition to electric vehicles for those who remain uncertain about whether EVs will meet their needs. CUPRA’s offer gives potential EV owners the chance to experience the benefits of electric driving, including impressive battery range, dynamic handling, and charging convenience, without the long-term commitment. The offer…

Bajaj Auto, one of India’s top two-wheeler manufacturers, has invested $10 million (₹84 crores) in its wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Bajaj Do Brasil Comércio de Motocicletas Ltda (‘Bajaj Brazil’). The board approved the decision during a meeting today. The phased investment will support the subsidiary’s expansion and operational needs in Brazil, aligning with Bajaj Auto’s growth plans. Bajaj Brazil, established on March 31, 2022, launched a manufacturing plant in the Manaus free trade zone in June 2024, with an annual capacity of 20,000 units per shift. The company sells motorcycles under the ‘Dominar’ brand. Over the past year, ending September 30,…

Industry experts at the South African Auto Week have stated that self-driving vehicles are unlikely to become a common sight on the country’s roads in the near future. Despite rapid advancements in automotive technology, the lack of suitable policies and infrastructure poses major challenges to the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles. Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW South Africa, highlighted that while new BMW models on South African roads are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, artificial intelligence, and sensors designed to boost driver safety, fully autonomous vehicles face considerable hurdles. “But driving a car is so complex and especially…

Honda is expanding its ‘Safety for Everyone’ initiative to include efforts beyond advanced safety technologies, focusing on driver awareness, behavior, and improving the traffic safety ecosystem. The company aims to eliminate traffic collision fatalities involving its vehicles, including older models, by 2050. As a leader in crash prevention, Honda recognizes that technology alone cannot prevent all fatalities, especially in older vehicles without the latest safety features. It stresses the need for collaboration to enhance driver skills and improve traffic systems. “Honda is committed to safety in all of its forms, to rapidly advance technology, education, advocacy and collaboration with like-minded…