Author: Central Desk

Honda showcased its latest foray into sustainable transportation technology by unveiling the Class 8 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Concept at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. This event marks the Class 8 Hydrogen Truckcommencement of a strategic demonstration project targeting the integration of fuel cell technology into North American production lines. Aligned with Honda’s commitment to zero environmental impact by 2050, including achieving carbon neutrality across all products and corporate actions, the unveiling signals an expansion of the company’s hydrogen operations. Honda is currently engaging potential business partners to promote these cutting-edge solutions in the market. Ryan Harty, Assistant Vice…

May 2024 marks a pivotal moment as Geely Auto captures the Middle Eastern market’s attention with its latest innovation. The new Preface, launched in Saudi Arabia, showcases high-quality and advanced technological features, enhancing Geely’s global product lineup and affirming its leading technological prowess. The gGeely Preface enters the fiercely competitive C-class sedan segment with a distinguished exterior and cutting-edge features, quickly becoming a top choice for Saudi consumers seeking a superior lifestyle. Constructed on Geely’s world-class Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), the Preface adheres to the highest global automotive standards. Its 2.0TD engine, combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), delivers…

Leading Chinese EV leaders recently outlined a comprehensive strategy to position Thailand as a global center for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. This vision was shared during the ‘BOI Symposium: EV Supply Chain Edition,’ hosted by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) at the ‘SUBCON Thailand 2024’ exhibition in Bangkok. The event marked a significant gathering of seven top EV producers—BYD, MG, Great Wall Motor, NETA, Changan, GAC Aion, and Omoda & Jaecoo—who collectively presented their plans for integrating Thailand into the global EV production landscape. Over 1,500 Thai component manufacturers attended the symposium, indicating strong local interest and potential for substantial…

The China-Germany industrial park in Beijing is rapidly becoming a key center for the development of intelligent and eco-friendly new energy vehicles (NEVs). At a recent forum on Sino-German industrial cooperation and development, experts highlighted the role of smart technology and sustainability in driving the next phase of global NEV industry evolution. Beijing, a host to R&D centers for German automotive giants like Daimler, BMW, and Volkswagen, sees its Shunyi District leading the charge. This district boasts four vehicle manufacturing facilities, including Beijing Benz’s NEV plant, and seven R&D centers, including one from BMW. Du Yue, deputy head of Shunyi,…

Xpeng Motors, a leader in China’s premium electric vehicle industry, recently announced its expansion into the French market by unveiling two innovative models, the G9 and the G6, at a special event. This strategic move underscores Xpeng’s commitment to reshaping global mobility with an emphasis on quality, innovation, and environmental consciousness. The company, known as an ‘explorer of future mobility,’ showcased its technological foundation and dedication to redefining the travel experience. Xpeng’s mission revolves around user-centric design, aiming to simplify and enhance travel through groundbreaking technology. Its offerings include significant advances in autonomous driving, intelligent cabin systems, and ultra-fast charging…

As U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles escalate, Mexico emerges as a receptive market for these innovative imports. China’s BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, recently showcased its latest venture—the Shark plug-in hybrid truck—at a well-attended ceremony in Mexico City. This introduction marks BYD’s first vehicle launch outside China, signaling a major stride in its global strategy. The truck, currently exclusive to the Mexican market, is slated for future release in Australia, Brazil, and Europe. The BYD Shark will challenge major players like the Ford Ranger PHEV, Toyota Hilux, and Chevrolet S-10. It boasts an electric range of 100 kilometers…

Bosch Ventures, the venture capital division of the Bosch Group, has intensified its engagement with sustainable technology through significant financial commitments to battery recycling innovators Cylib and Li Industries. These moves underscore Bosch’s strategic intent to mitigate environmental impacts through advanced recycling technologies. Dr. Ingo Ramesohl, Managing Director of Bosch Ventures, emphasized the essential role of battery recycling for resource conservation in an electrified landscape. “In an electrified world, battery recycling makes a significant contribution to conserving natural resources,” he remarked. Cylib Secures Strategic Financing German startup Cylib, launched in 2022, has swiftly risen as a frontrunner in comprehensive lithium-ion…

Mercedes-Benz has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TSR Recycling GmbH KG to spearhead enhancements in its circularity strategy through ‘urban mining.’ This partnership focuses on extracting and reutilizing materials from vehicles at the end of their life cycle, paving the way for more sustainable manufacturing practices. This collaboration will explore the recovery and commercial viability of secondary materials like steel, aluminium, polymers, copper, and glass from decommissioned vehicles across Europe. The initiative seeks to deepen the understanding of post-consumer material utility and foster a robust closed-loop recycling system. Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG,…

Japan Isuzu Motors, has announced a significant $30 million investment in California-based Gatik AI, marking a pivotal collaboration to pioneer the autonomous logistics industry across North America. This strategic investment is part of an ambitious plan to introduce level 4 autonomous commercial vehicles by 2027, aligning with Isuzu’s forward-thinking business strategy, ‘ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030.’ Under this initiative, Isuzu is dedicated to fostering innovation through three foundational business pillars: autonomous driving solutions, connected services, and carbon-neutral solutions. Gatik, recognized as the sole provider of autonomous middle mile logistics in North America, brings its expertise in utilizing Class 3-7…

A striking development reminiscent of the auto industry disruptions of the 1970s, the Seagull, a compact electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD, threatens to challenge the U.S. automotive sector. This economical yet efficient car has raised significant concern among American automakers and policymakers. Introduction to the Seagull: Launched in China last year, the Seagull commands attention due to its affordability and impressive specifications. Priced at approximately $12,000 in China—with a basic model available for under $10,000—the Seagull rivals U.S. EVs typically costing three times as much. Current tariffs prevent its entry into the U.S. market, where it would sell for…