Author: Central Desk

The automotive sector in Pakistan faces criticism for missing the export targets outlined in the Auto Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP) 2021-26. Despite the underperformance, auto manufacturers have managed to secure temporary relief through legal channels after the government attempted to revoke their licenses. This situation came to light during a Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production session led by Senator Aon Abbas on Friday. Secretary of Industries Saif Anjum presented the facts, stating that the manufacturers did not achieve the export goals set by the government. “The manufacturers have failed to meet these targets,” Anjum reported. “The…

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) recently held a critical meeting to explore the possibility of raising tariffs on imported vehicles with large-displacement engines. This gathering of industry experts, representatives from automotive companies, and scholars underscores a growing focus on aligning China’s automotive sector with environmental sustainability goals. A statement from MOFCOM revealed the meeting involved extensive discussions with key stakeholders from industry organizations and research institutions. The dialogue aimed at gathering insights on the proposed tariff adjustments, reflecting a serious consideration of stricter regulations on high-emission vehicles. This initiative follows previous calls for action. In May, Liu Bin, chief expert…

Volvo Group has announced plans to construct a new heavy-duty truck manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico. This move is a key part of the company’s strategy to meet the growing demand for Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The new plant is scheduled to be operational by 2026. Monterrey was selected for its strategic location, offering a significant logistical edge. Situated near the U.S. border, the city provides streamlined access to critical markets in the southwestern and western United States, as well as throughout Mexico and Latin America. The city’s infrastructure further supports Volvo…

As the U.S. presidential election draws closer, the auto industry is actively pushing to secure the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a crucial law that has fueled billions of dollars in investment into electric vehicle (EV) production, battery manufacturing, and the broader automotive supply chain. This legislation, two years old, has become a key driver in the U.S.’s strategy to enhance its position in the global EV market. The IRA, alongside the bipartisan infrastructure law and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, has triggered a significant transformation in U.S. industrial policy. These laws have encouraged automakers, suppliers, and battery manufacturers…

Oxa, a leader in self-driving vehicle software, has executed its third commercial deployment across the United States by joining forces with Beep, a key player in autonomous shared mobility solutions. This venture marks Oxa’s inaugural West Coast initiative, with Oxa Driver now operational on autonomous shuttles in a pilot project led by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA). The pilot, branded as PRESTO, serves the Rossmoor Walnut Creek community, a thriving hub for active seniors. Beep oversees the deployment of electric, autonomous shuttles, which navigate a predetermined route within Rossmoor, offering transport for up to seven seated passengers. Operating from…

Škoda Auto, the Czech automotive giant, recently revealed its latest compact SUV, the Škoda Kylaq, marking a pivotal moment in its India 2.5 strategy. This announcement represents Škoda’s global strategy, targeting India’s burgeoning car market after exiting Russia and planning a phased withdrawal from China. Global Vision with Local Precision Set for a 2025 global debut, the Kylaq enters India’s fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, a sector ripe with opportunity. Constructed on the MQB-A0-IN platform—shared by the successful Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan—the Kylaq merges Škoda’s European engineering with enhancements tailored specifically for Indian roads. High ground clearance, ample wheel…

SSE has officially launched its first ultra-rapid EV charging hub in Ireland. The new facility, located at Lough Sheever Corporate Park in Mullingar, County Westmeath, was inaugurated today by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD. This 10-bay facility represents the first step in SSE’s ambitious project to establish 300 ultra-rapid EV charging stations across the UK and Ireland over the next five years. Each bay is powered by traceable, renewable energy, delivering up to 150 kilowatts (kW) per charge. Vehicles can now achieve 12.5 kilometers of range for every minute spent charging. This hub is engineered to…

India’s auto component industry projects unwavering confidence in its trajectory, despite the nation’s fluctuating automotive market and slowed vehicle sales. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) emphasizes capacity expansions and a rigorous push for localization as key factors ensuring the sector’s resilience and growth potential. This financial year delivers a mixed performance across vehicle segments. With 44% of revenue coming from passenger vehicles, 25% from commercial vehicles, and 19% from two-wheelers, the auto component sector finds itself navigating complex market dynamics. Industry leaders stress that short-term downturns should not obscure the long-term investment and growth trends. ACMA President…

The global tubeless tire market is also evolving rapidly due to shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and intense competition. In the automotive sector, the global tubeless tire market is expected to see significant growth, with its value projected to reach USD 341.10 billion by 2033, up from USD 171.41 billion in 2023. Leading companies in this market include Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and others. Tubeless tires, designed to hold air without an inner tube, offer greater durability and are better suited for high-speed travel. The increasing demand for passenger vehicles and the push for automated tire manufacturing are…

Chechen Republic (Russia): Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, has showcased a Tesla Cybertruck modified with a machine gun, claiming he intends to send it to Russian forces in Ukraine. In a video released on Saturday, Kadyrov is seen driving the Cybertruck through an empty square in Grozny, the Chechen capital, before stepping out and posing behind the mounted weapon. Kadyrov claimed the vehicle was a gift from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a statement Musk later refuted on social media platform X, saying, “Are you seriously so retarded that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general?” In…