Author: Central Desk

Volvo Cars has welcomed Håkan Samuelsson back as its chief executive officer and president, effective April 1, 2025. Samuelsson, who previously led the company from 2012 to 2022, will replace outgoing CEO Jim Rowan, who steps down from both his role and the Volvo board with immediate effect. No reason has been given for Rowan’s departure. At 74, Samuelsson is set to serve a two-year term while Volvo searches for a long-term successor. The leadership shift comes amid industry-wide challenges, including declining electric vehicle (EV) demand and heightened trade pressures due to newly announced tariffs on goods entering the US.…

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has been recognized as the ‘Top Exporter 2023–2024’ by the Mumbai Port Authority, highlighting the company’s growing role in India’s automotive export sector. The accolade comes as SAVWIPL surpassed a milestone of exporting more than 675,000 vehicles manufactured in India to around 70 countries globally. In 2024 alone, the company exported 40% of its locally produced vehicles to key markets across North America, Africa, the AGCC, and ASEAN regions—achieving a 20% year-on-year growth in export volume. Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is a testament…

Foreign auto companies are ramping up their presence in China’s rapidly growing new energy vehicle (NEV) market, capitalising on development opportunities through increased investment, strategic partnerships, and innovation tailored to local consumer demand. As the global automotive industry pivots from internal combustion engines to NEVs, international brands are deepening their engagement in China—now the world’s largest NEV market. Helmut Stettner, CEO of Audi FAW NEV, noted that China’s transition to electric mobility is accelerating, particularly in the premium segment. “Despite some challenges, it continues to offer significant growth potential for Audi. We want to and will participate in this development,”…

Honda Atlas has begun exporting Completely Built Units (CBUs) to Japan, marking a move to boost Pakistan’s automotive sector. The company’s first shipment includes 40 units of the Honda City, marking a significant step toward positioning Pakistan as a global player in car manufacturing. The announcement was made on Saturday by the Ministry of Industries and Production, which described the move as a milestone in the country’s shift toward export-oriented industrial growth. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, speaking at the export ceremony, commended Honda Atlas for its achievement. “The hard work and dedication of Honda Atlas…

Donald Trump’s surprise move to impose a 25% auto tariff on all imported cars and car parts has shaken global markets and triggered serious concerns for UK carmakers and international supply chains. The announcement wiped over €13 billion from the value of major European automotive companies within hours. MotorVise called the move “a broadside against the entire global auto industry.” Industry analysts warn the tariffs could deeply affect supply chains, investor confidence, and manufacturing jobs — particularly in the UK, where the US was the top export market for British-made cars in 2023, accounting for £6.4 billion, or nearly 20%…

Daimler Truck has unveiled plans to develop Europe’s largest semi-public charging network for battery-electric trucks, aiming to address a critical gap in the continent’s charging infrastructure and accelerate the transition to climate-neutral freight transport. With fewer than 1,000 high-capacity charging stations currently available for heavy-duty vehicles across Europe—far short of the estimated 35,000 needed by 2030 to meet EU climate targets—Daimler Truck’s initiative seeks to add more than 3,000 fast-charging points by the end of the decade. The project, part of Daimler Truck’s TruckCharge program, is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2025. It introduces a semi-public model…

US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, set to take effect next week, in a move expected to increase vehicle prices and disrupt automotive production. The decision marks a significant escalation in the global trade tensions reignited since Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year. “What we’re going to be doing is a 25% tariff for all cars that are not made in the United States,” Trump said during an Oval Office event, positioning the measure as part of his broader strategy to revive domestic manufacturing and offset revenue lost…

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD aims to double its overseas sales to more than 800,000 units in 2025, Chairman Wang Chuanfu told analysts during an earnings call on Tuesday. The company sold 417,204 units abroad in 2024 and is seeking growth in markets such as the UK, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, where receptivity to Chinese brands remains strong. To navigate rising international tariffs on Chinese-made cars, BYD plans to maintain its cost advantage by sourcing key components from China and assembling vehicles in local markets. Although Wang did not specify the countries, he confirmed the company’s strategy includes building…

US President Donald Trump signalled on Monday that new auto tariffs will be announced in the coming days while suggesting certain countries may receive exemptions based on reciprocal trade arrangements. The statement marked a potential softening of his tariff stance and triggered a strong rebound in US financial markets, with investors anticipating more targeted rather than blanket measures. The broader policy of reciprocal tariffs remains on track to take effect on April 2. Last month, the president signed an executive order authorising 25% tariffs on automobile, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor imports, along with an investigation into global trade practices. However, on…

Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled plans to invest $21 billion (approximately ₹1.75 lakh crore) in the United States over the next four years, aiming to strengthen its presence across key sectors, including automobiles, parts and logistics, steel, and future industries. This marks Hyundai’s largest overseas investment to date, underscoring the importance of the US as a strategic business hub. The initiative is seen as a move to enhance local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and shield operations from potential tariff-related risks. The investment is expected to generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in the US by 2028, including 14,000…