Author: Central Desk

Volkswagen to invest $580 million in Argentina as part of its global strategy to strengthen its presence in key regional markets. The funding will support the development and production of a new generation of midsize pick-up trucks to be introduced as the successor to the Amarok. Production of the new model is set to begin at Volkswagen’s Pacheco plant in 2027. Tailored specifically for the South American market, the new Amarok is expected to enhance the brand’s position in the strategically vital pick-up segment. The investment is part of Volkswagen’s long-term plan to become the global technology leader among volume…

Argentina’s electric vehicle (EV) market is undergoing a dramatic shift following the government’s decision in January to slash import tariffs on electric and hybrid vehicles. The move, led by libertarian President Javier Milei, allows up to 50,000 such vehicles to enter the country annually—a break from decades of protectionist trade policies that made Argentina one of the most closed automotive markets in Latin America. The policy aims to lower the cost of EVs and accelerate their adoption in a country long held back by high customs duties and limited charging infrastructure. While foreign automakers and consumers are expected to benefit,…

India is preparing to reduce import tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs), marking a major policy shift aimed at strengthening international trade relations and accelerating EV adoption. The move, driven by ongoing diplomatic efforts to improve ties with the United States, comes despite opposition from domestic automakers who fear foreign competition could disrupt the country’s emerging EV industry. For years, India has imposed steep import duties—close to 100%—on fully assembled EVs to protect local manufacturers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, both of which have invested heavily in domestic EV production. These companies have pushed for a phased reduction…

Kia and LG Electronics partnered to develop next-generation mobility space solutions, combining Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technology with LG’s advanced home appliances and AI systems. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. The agreement, signed by Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Korea Business Division at Kia, and Lyu Jae-cheol, President of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company, focuses on delivering personalised mobile environments tailored to users’ diverse work and lifestyle needs. By integrating LG’s AI-powered appliances into Kia’s PBV lineup, the companies…

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on imported vehicles is expected to deliver a heavy blow to global carmakers, with economists warning that Slovakia—a small, landlocked European nation—could be the hardest hit by this auto tariff. The details of the new tariff package are expected to be announced on Wednesday. These new measures, which are separate from Washington’s existing global automotive levies, aim to shift the economic balance in favour of the United States. The Trump administration has already introduced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles, which will take effect starting Thursday. Additional tariffs on auto…

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%…