Author: Central Desk

Dürr, a leader in mechanical and plant engineering, has achieved a significant milestone by delivering its 18,000th painting robot to Audi’s Ingolstadt facility. This advanced robot, designated EcoRP L033i, will spearhead a new top coat line for the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron series, handling both interior and exterior paint applications. Equipped with Dürr’s latest innovation, the EcoBell4 atomizer, the EcoRP L033i robot introduces a 4-main needle system that allows for exceptionally rapid color changes—approximately four seconds—thereby minimizing paint and rinsing agent waste. “This application technology enables us to connect our three most frequently used colors directly to the atomizer, significantly…

DHL Group has entered a strategic partnership with energy provider E.ON to significantly expand electric charging facilities for heavy commercial vehicles across Germany. This initiative is part of a broader effort to transition DHL’s fleet towards sustainability, specifically targeting emission reductions within the logistics sector. The agreement mandates E.ON to spearhead the development and installation of fast-charging and transformer stations at DHL sites. Tailored to meet the unique requirements of electric trucks, the project includes innovative charging solutions like traverse systems with overhead cable guidance and specialized setups for seamless integration at compact loading docks. Andreas Mündel, Senior Vice President…

Volvo Trucks heralds a new era in sustainable transportation, announcing the development of hydrogen-powered combustion engines for its fleet. Scheduled for road tests in 2026 and a market launch by decade’s end, this initiative propels Volvo towards its net-zero objectives. Global decarbonization efforts in transport find a robust ally in Volvo’s hydrogen trucks, ideally suited for long-distance routes and regions with scant charging stations. This move addresses the urgent need for adaptable energy solutions across varied geographic and infrastructural landscapes. Jan Hjelmgren, Volvo Trucks’ Head of Product Management and Quality, underscores the dual advantages of the new trucks: “Trucks where…

Ford Motor Company has once again secured its position at the pinnacle of American automotive industry, leading vehicle assembly, exports, and workforce engagement for the sixth consecutive year, according to the latest data from S&P Global Mobility. Andrew Frick, President of Ford Blue, underscored the company’s dedication to American manufacturing excellence. “Ford is a uniquely American company,” Frick remarked. “We are proud to serve our customers with vehicles that embody the best of American innovation and ingenuity.” Demonstrating formidable production capabilities, Ford assembled over 1.8 million vehicles within the United States throughout 2023, surpassing its nearest competitor by 130,000 units.…

At the Jilin-Anhui Joint Development Forum, a pivotal agreement was established between Nio, the trailblazer in electric vehicle (EV) technology, and FAW Group, a dominant force in China’s automotive industry. The strategic cooperation framework agreement was formalized by Sun Huibin, President of FAW Group’s Strategy and Cooperation Department, and Fei Shen, Senior Vice President of Nio, under the watchful eyes of Qiu Xiandong, Chairman of the Board and Secretary of the CPC FAW Group Committee, and William Li, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Nio. This partnership aims to spearhead the green and intelligent evolution of the automotive industries in both…

A groundbreaking investigation led by Senator Ron Wyden reveals that BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen, prominent automakers, sourced components tied to forced labor allegations in China. This scrutiny, directed by the Senate Finance Committee, highlights critical lapses in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) import enforcement, questioning the efficacy of existing regulatory frameworks. The probe disclosed that these automotive leaders utilized parts from Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group, a firm blacklisted by the U.S. due to concerns over forced labor practices. Notwithstanding prior cautions, BMW imported over 8,000 Mini Coopers featuring components from this supplier. Similarly, Jaguar Land Rover and…

Stellantis has forged a strategic partnership with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup Leapmotor to launch Leapmotor’s T03 and C10 models into the European EV market by the fourth quarter of 2024. This collaboration signifies a major step toward enhancing the EV infrastructure within Europe. Production of the T03 model will commence locally within Europe at an undisclosed venue, rumored by Reuters in March to be at the Fiat facility in Tychy, Poland. This has yet to receive official confirmation from Stellantis. Meanwhile, the C10 model will be imported from China initially. A spokesperson for Stellantis explained to Automotive Logistics that…

Audi and SAIC Motor have unveiled their Advanced Digitized Platform, marking a strategic advance to develop luxury intelligent electric vehicles tailored for the Chinese market. This collaboration stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2023, illustrating a key phase in Audi’s ‘In China for China’ strategy. The formalization of this partnership occurred on Monday with the signing of a cooperation agreement, signaling the commencement of this ambitious initiative. With the Advanced Digitized Platform, the launch timeline for new models will shrink by more than 30%, with the debut vehicle set for a 2025 release. Gernot Döllner, Audi Global…

EVR Motors, an Israeli pioneer in electric motor technology, recently opened its first manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana. This event marks the entrance of the first Israeli automotive firm into India’s manufacturing landscape, signifying a major development in the economic and technological partnership between India and Israel. Located under its subsidiary, I.EVR Motors, the Manesar plant is equipped to produce trapezoidal geometry coils. These components are critical for EVR’s proprietary Trapezoidal Stator Radial Flux Permanent Magnet (RFPM) motor technology, celebrated for its efficiency, compact design, and adaptability to varying automotive needs. The facility is strategically positioned to enhance EVR’s global…

The Japanese government is set to redefine automotive technology by emphasizing software-defined vehicles (SDVs), aiming to secure 30% of the global market by 2030. Revealed through a strategy draft accessed by NHK, this approach shifts focus from traditional hardware to predominantly software-driven vehicles. SDVs empower owners to modify and enhance their vehicles through remote software updates, improving functions like driving performance and safety. This innovative approach not only enriches user experience but also prolongs vehicle longevity, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals. Amid rapid technological advances within the auto industry, particularly around electric and autonomous vehicles, Japan’s strategy encourages collaboration among…