Author: Central Desk

China is planning to accelerate the development of smart connected vehicles. Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong emphasized the importance of technological innovation in driving industrial growth. Leveraging its vast domestic market and diverse application scenarios, China aims to foster the evolution of industries like 5G networks and smart connected vehicles systematically. Fu Bingfeng, executive vice-president of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, expressed optimism about the rapid adoption of autonomous vehicles in China, driven by strong consumer interest. McKinsey & Co predicts that China will lead the global autonomous vehicle market, with revenues exceeding $500 billion by…

The worldwide market for automotive semiconductors is on track for exceptional expansion, expected to eclipse $8.5 billion by 2027, propelled by advancements in digitalization and intelligent technologies within the automotive sector. A recent report from International Data Corp. (IDC) underscores this rapid evolution, driven by the escalating demand for high-performance computing (HPC) chips, image processing units (IPUs), radar chips, and lidar sensors. Adela Guo, Research Director at IDC Asia/Pacific, highlights the rising demand for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicles (EV), and Internet of Vehicles (IoV) as key growth drivers. “The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the 2023–2027…

The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), a hallmark event in the automotive world since 1905, faces indefinite cancellation, as declared by organizers. This decision emerges from persistent market challenges post-pandemic, diminished interest from key manufacturers, and escalating competition from rival European exhibitions. Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the Comité Permanent du Salon International de l’Automobile, attributed the termination to dwindling manufacturer enthusiasm and robust competition from Paris and Munich events. He characterized the move as a prudent measure amidst excessive risks associated with sustaining the show under current economic conditions. Despite the discontinuation at its traditional Swiss venue, GIMS Qatar…

Nissan has launched public road trials for a prototype electric vehicle featuring sophisticated autonomous driving technologies in Japan, underscoring a crucial advancement toward its strategic goal to deploy autonomous mobility services by fiscal year 2027. The prototype, derived from the Nissan Leaf, incorporates an advanced sensory suite, including 14 cameras, 10 radars, and 6 Lidar sensors. These enhancements significantly improve the vehicle’s capability to perceive its surroundings accurately, particularly within complex urban landscapes like Yokohama where the trials are conducted. Notably, the latest iteration includes upgraded roof-mounted sensors that extend the detection range, boosting the vehicle’s environmental monitoring capabilities. The…

Hyundai, the foremost automaker of South Korea, is poised to augment production of its Tucson Hybrid, targeting burgeoning international demand, with a keen focus on the U.S.—the world’s second-largest automobile market. By initiating production at Ulsan’s No. 3 plant as early as July, Hyundai aims to boost output by approximately 10,000 units by year-end. Presently, the Tucson Hybrid, which features a 1.6-litre gasoline engine paired with a hybrid electric motor, is manufactured exclusively at Ulsan’s No. 5 factory, located about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. This expansion reflects a strategic pivot within the automotive industry towards hybrid vehicles, driven by…

Ho Chi Minh City prepares to host the eagerly awaited Vietnam Motor Show (VMS) from October 23 to 27, 2024. Returning after a brief hiatus caused by economic setbacks, this year’s event, co-organized by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) and the Vietnam Automobile Importers Association (VIVA), promises an impressive lineup of exhibits and innovations. Set against a backdrop of technological advancement and environmental stewardship, VMS 2024 will feature top international automakers including Ford, GAC, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Notably, the show will expand its scope by introducing motorcycle exhibits from renowned brands such…

VinFast Auto, a trailblazer within the electric vehicle sector, announced pivotal cooperation agreements with four new dealers at its brand launch event in Manila. This move signals the company’s robust entry into the Philippine market and anchors its presence in Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle landscape. The four partnerships—EV Solutions, K1 Prestige Bay Motors, Autoflare Corporation, all located in Manila, and MNV Auto Group based in Iloilo City—constitute the initial step toward a nationwide dealership network. VinFast’s first showrooms are slated for opening in Manila by the end of June 2024, aligning with the company’s sales launch. The Philippine market will…

Renault Group and Geely Auto have unveiled a new joint venture, Horse Powertrain, marking a significant stride towards climate-responsive automotive technology. This partnership focuses on the development of state-of-the-art hybrid and internal combustion engines, setting a benchmark for sustainable mobility initiatives worldwide. London as a Nexus for Tech Strategically headquartered in London, Horse Powertrain Limited stands as a beacon of innovation in the automotive sector. The venture is set to design, develop, produce, and distribute an array of sophisticated technologies, including engines, transmissions, hybrid systems, and batteries. Annually, the enterprise will supply roughly five million hybrid and internal combustion powertrains…

Polestar has announced an expansion of its partnership with Weeve, the Canadian electric vehicle (EV) subscription company, significantly increasing the availability of electric vehicles in Vancouver. With this strategic move, Weeve will boost its fleet of Polestar 2 vehicles from 150 to 450 units to meet escalating demand. Originally named Louelec, Weeve provides flexible monthly EV subscriptions that include maintenance and insurance, catering primarily to drivers connected with on-demand services such as Uber. Since its founding in 2020, Weeve has expanded its operations from Montreal to Ottawa and Toronto, with its latest expansion into Vancouver. Hugues Bissonnette, Head of Polestar…

As global automotive trends pivot toward electric vehicles reliant on lithium, nickel, and cobalt, Brazil is distinguishing itself by merging advanced electric technology with ethanol, a biofuel from sugarcane. This strategy has attracted substantial investments from leading carmakers like Stellantis, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, and China’s Great Wall Motor, who are collectively channeling billions into hybrid-flex technology. Flex hybrids, blending traditional combustion engines with electric motors, accommodate both ethanol and petrol, positioning Brazil as a leader in transitional vehicle technology aimed at cutting CO₂ emissions. Toyota do Brasil, a pioneer in this domain, launched the globe’s first flex-fuel hybrid in 2019, selling…