Author: Central Desk

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…

Türkiye is fast emerging as a global hub for carmakers’ model launches, driven by its strategic location, growing consumer market, and flourishing tourism sector. According to Ali Haydar Bozkurt, CEO of Toyota Türkiye, the country’s rising popularity is also fuelled by its rapidly evolving media and automotive journalism. Bozkurt made the remarks during the European launch of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport—the most powerful version of the iconic pickup—held last week in the scenic region of Cappadocia, Nevsehir. The event brought together 140 automotive and economic journalists from 20 countries, offering a global platform for Toyota’s latest high-performance model. “Türkiye’s…

Volkswagen will cut one of three shifts at its Chattanooga, Tennessee assembly plant within the next week, intensifying concerns over potential job losses. The company said the move aims to streamline operations by adopting a “highly efficient two-shift model,” enhancing competitiveness and agility. However, employees view the decision as a threat to jobs and workplace stability. The German automaker, which employs over 4,000 workers at the plant, manufactures the ID.4 electric SUV, Atlas, and Atlas Cross Sport models at the site. While Volkswagen has launched a voluntary attrition program offering buyouts, it has not disclosed how many jobs it plans…

As the automotive industry embraces digitalization and electrification, Mercedes-Benz Berlin-Marienfelde is emerging as a global center for manufacturing innovation. The historic plant is redefining production through advanced technologies, sustainability, and digital integration, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and automation. Central to this transformation is the Mercedes-Benz Digital Factory Campus (MBDFC), established in 2022. Positioned as the company’s global competence center for digital production, the campus is anchored by MO360—Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge digital production ecosystem. This platform integrates real-time data, AI-powered automation, and next-generation robotics to revolutionize the manufacturing process. Berlin-Marienfelde now serves as a proving ground for breakthrough technologies before they…

India’s ambition to position itself as a global manufacturing hub is creating promising new investment opportunities for Japanese companies, particularly in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and automobiles, according to a recent report titled India’s Growth Story: Unlocking New Opportunities for Japanese SMEs. The report, jointly prepared by Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), highlights several high-potential areas for collaboration between the two countries. With India’s expanding digital economy and established expertise in automation, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), there is significant potential for Japanese small and medium enterprises…

The United Arab Emirates is rapidly establishing itself as a central player in the global vehicle trade, with both import and export volumes experiencing record growth over the past five years. Analysis highlights that Dubai, supported by the strategic advantages of Jebel Ali Port and the Jafza free zone, has played a key role in this surge, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a vital automotive trade hub. Between 2018 and 2023, the UAE’s vehicle imports saw a sharp increase, with China leading as the top contributor. Imports from China grew by an impressive $3.31 billion during the period, outpacing other…

Hyundai Motor Group is set to officially open its new hybrid and EV production facility in Savannah, Georgia, next week, intensifying its commitment to expanding operations in the United States. The move comes amid rising concerns over potential policy shifts under former President Donald Trump, who has consistently urged foreign companies to manufacture in the U.S. to maintain access to the market. The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), spanning 11.83 million square meters, has been partially operational since late last year. Following the upcoming ceremony, it will begin full-scale production. Currently operating at a limited annual capacity of 300,000…

The Vancouver International Auto Show has excluded Tesla from its lineup, citing safety concerns as the company faces global protests and incidents of vandalism. A spokesperson for the event, which began on March 19, stated that Tesla was given multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw but was ultimately removed to ensure the safety of workers, attendees, and exhibitors. Tesla has been the target of several ‘Tesla Takedown’ protests in cities such as Ottawa and Vancouver, with demonstrators criticizing CEO Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. politics. Musk has faced backlash for his advisory role to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed…