Author: Central Desk

Nissan has begun testing its autonomous Serena minivan on busy city streets, aiming to catch up with industry leaders like Waymo. Equipped with 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDAR sensors, this driverless minivan controls traffic independently while adhering to a 40 kph (25 mph) speed limit. Despite Japan’s strong automotive industry, it has lagged behind China and the U.S. in self-driving advancements. Nissan’s system is currently at Level Two autonomy, requiring a remote operator at headquarters and a human in the front passenger seat for emergencies. The company aims to reach Level Four autonomy by 2029-2030, eliminating human intervention.…

Chinese automakers are accelerating their expansion in Southeast Asia, leveraging strategic investments and competitive pricing to solidify their dominance in the region’s burgeoning new energy vehicle (NEV) market. In November, SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) marked a significant milestone by rolling out its 160,000th vehicle in Indonesia—a compact electric model destined for the Thai market. SGMW, headquartered in Liuzhou, Guangxi, has established a strong NEV supply chain in just seven years, enabling it to capture over 50% of Indonesia’s local NEV market. As the first Chinese automaker to invest and build a factory in the country, SGMW has played a pivotal role in…

Royal Enfield, the renowned motorcycle manufacturer, is gearing up to expand its adventure-touring lineup with the upcoming Himalayan 750. The bike was recently spotted undergoing testing in Southern Europe, indicating that it is nearing production readiness. A Major Upgrade for Adventure Enthusiasts The Himalayan series has earned a strong following among adventure and touring enthusiasts due to its rugged build and powerful performance. Currently available with a 650cc engine, the upcoming model is expected to feature a 750cc twin-cylinder engine, offering increased power and enhanced touring capabilities. Expected Specifications and Features The Himalayan 750 will be equipped with an advanced…

The Indian auto component industry is setting its sights on achieving $100 billion in exports by strategically focusing on the US and European markets, as per a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Auto Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). The report, titled Revving Up Exports: The Next Phase of Export Growth for the Auto Component Industry, underscores that India can potentially add an additional $40-60 billion in incremental exports by prioritizing 11 product families and strengthening its position in these key international markets. In the financial year 2024 (FY24), India’s auto component exports reached $21.2 billion, marking…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s emergence as a key global hub for automobile production and electronics manufacturing during a media event on Saturday. He noted that India is now producing everything from semiconductors to aircraft carriers, attracting global interest in its rapid industrial transformation. PM Modi attributed this progress to years of strategic policy decisions and infrastructural development. He pointed out that incomplete bridges and stalled road projects from the past have given way to modern highways and expressways, reducing logistics costs and boosting industrial efficiency. This, he said, has significantly benefited the automobile sector, increasing vehicle demand and…

Canada’s auto industry is facing mounting uncertainty as the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods draws closer. Economists warn that the proposed 25% tariffs could severely impact the Canadian economy, with the auto sector expected to be among the hardest hit. Oshawa, a city with deep automotive roots, is home to the Canadian Automotive Museum and the historic McLaughlin Motor Car Company, which began producing vehicles in 1907. Today, General Motors’ massive plant in Oshawa manufactures Silverado trucks, symbolizing the region’s continued role in the industry. However, growing concerns over potential tariffs are unsettling workers across the sector. The…

EU auto suppliers, including Luxembourg’s ILEA, are warning about the declining competitiveness of the sector, highlighting mounting costs and stringent regulations as key obstacles. In advance of the European action plan set to be presented, they are urging Brussels to implement measures to safeguard the industry. On February 28, 2025, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (Clepa), which includes ILEA as a member, released a joint statement titled “The European automotive industry is in danger–how can it get back on track?” The statement warns that the automotive sector, which employs 13 million workers and contributes 7.5% of Europe’s GDP, is…

South Korea’s auto parts industry achieved record-breaking exports to the United States in 2024, reaching $8.22 billion, up from $8.08 billion the previous year, according to the Korea Auto Industries Coop. Association. This steady growth highlights the increasing global demand for South Korean automotive components, even as the industry faces potential challenges from U.S. trade policies. The United States accounted for 36.5% of South Korea’s total $22.55 billion in auto parts exports, making it the largest market. The European Union followed at 17.3%, with Mexico (9.5%) and China (6.4%) also contributing to the country’s global trade presence. However, uncertainty looms…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer XPeng plans to expand its global footprint significantly, with a target to operate in 60 countries by the end of 2024, doubling its current reach, CEO He Xiaopeng announced on Saturday. Founded in 2014, XPeng is among China’s most ambitious EV makers, emphasizing cutting-edge technology and innovative design. Speaking at a press event in Guangzhou, where XPeng cars were being shipped to Thailand, He highlighted the company’s rapid international expansion. “We are going to accelerate from the 30 countries and regions where we were present in 2024,” He said. “This year, we will increase to…

The Global Impact Coalition (GIC), a CEO-led collaborative platform incubated at the World Economic Forum, has launched the world’s first Automotive Plastics Circularity pilot in partnership with seven global leaders from the chemical and recycling industries: BASF, Covestro, LyondellBasell, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, SABIC, SUEZ, and Syensqo. This pioneering initiative aims to tackle the critical challenge of recycling plastics from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) and promote circularity in the automotive sector. Each year, over 800 million metric tons of ELV plastics in the EU are incinerated or landfilled, resulting in significant environmental and economic losses. The pilot, taking place in the Netherlands…