Author: Central Desk

Maruti Suzuki India has announced the 9th Cohort of its Maruti Suzuki Accelerator, inviting applications from startups worldwide for the first time. This initiative supports the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’ campaigns, targeting innovation in automobile manufacturing and mobility sectors. Global Participation Maruti Suzuki Accelerator now seeks applications from both Indian and international startups, aiming to attract innovative solutions that enhance the automobile and mobility industries. Selected startups will receive mentorship from experienced experts in both domestic and international startup ecosystems, as well as from Maruti Suzuki’s domain specialists. Comprehensive Benefits The program offers a range of…

The Continental plant in Púchov, Slovakia, now stands as the company’s first truck tire facility to receive the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS sustainability certification. This globally recognized certification attests to the transparency and traceability of raw materials used in production, marking a pivotal step in Continental’s pursuit of sustainable manufacturing. Anton Vatala, Head of the Continental truck tire plant in Púchov, highlighted the relevance of this achievement: “Our plant in Púchov is the first Continental truck tire plant to receive the ISCC PLUS certification. It is a sign of our commitment to both quality and sustainability.”…

Electrification, digitalization, and sustainability now dominate the automotive industry’s evolution. Mahle Aftermarket, a key player within the global automotive supplier Mahle, expands its product and service portfolio for electric vehicle (EV) diagnostics and maintenance through its innovative BatteryPRO product line. This commitment aligns with the Mahle 2030+ Group strategy. In 2023, Mahle Aftermarket achieved record sales nearing EUR 1.3 billion, underscoring its main role within the Group. At a press workshop in Stuttgart, Philipp Grosse Kleimann, a member of the Mahle Management Committee and head of the Aftermarket business unit, highlighted the company’s dual focus. “The future belongs to e-mobility…

Peugeot has announced the integration of ChatGPT artificial intelligence across all its models, a pioneering move following a successful pilot phase. Innovative Integration As one of the first car manufacturers to incorporate ChatGPT, Peugeot enhances the driving experience with advanced AI. Integrated into the i-Cockpit and activated by the voice command ‘OK Peugeot,’ this feature provides a wide range of innovative services and information. Expanding AI Capabilities Following trials with over 10,000 customers, Peugeot is rolling out ChatGPT across its latest models: New 208, 2008, 308, 308 SW, 408, 508, 508 SW, RIFTER, TRAVELLER, PARTNER, and EXPERT. The New 3008…

Valeo, a global automotive leader, and Seeing Machines, a pioneer in advanced computer vision technology, have announced an alliance to dominate the driver and occupant monitoring systems (OMS) market. This partnership aims to revolutionize vehicle safety and comfort through cutting-edge interior sensing solutions. Valeo is transferring its driver monitoring perception software activity, acquired from the German start-up Asaphus, to Seeing Machines. This transition positions Seeing Machines at the forefront of perception software for interior monitoring, utilizing their expertise in AI-powered operator monitoring systems. Valeo will harness Seeing Machines’ advanced interior monitoring perception software, embedding it into their hardware and software…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker BYD has acquired a 20 percent stake in Thai dealer Rever Automotive, further strengthening its position in the Southeast Asian auto market. The share purchase agreement, signed on July 6, aims to enhance the competitiveness of both companies in Thailand’s burgeoning automotive industry. This strategic move follows BYD’s official entry into Thailand’s passenger car market on August 8, 2022, in a joint announcement with Rever in Bangkok. The partnership has already seen significant milestones, including the opening of BYD’s Thailand factory on July 4, which marked the production of the company’s 8 millionth NEV.…

Turkish electric vehicle manufacturer TOGG has embarked on a major venture, engaging in talks with China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) to explore joint production opportunities. This move, announced by Zafer Sirakaya, Deputy Chairman of Turkey’s ruling AK Party, signifies TOGG’s strategic push to boost its global production capabilities and market presence. Forging Strategic Alliances Zafer Sirakaya, Head of Foreign Affairs for the AK Party, disclosed during an interview with Reuters that GAC, a key player in China’s automotive sector, is eager to establish a production mechanism with TOGG. The discussions are set to advance further with a scheduled visit by…

Bajaj Auto has transformed the motorcycle industry with the Bajaj Freedom, the world’s first motorcycle featuring an integrated CNG system. The Bajaj Freedom offers dual-fuel capability, combining a CNG system with a 2-liter petrol tank. This design allows riders to switch between fuels seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted journeys. The CNG tank alone provides a range of over 200 km on 2 kg of CNG, with the petrol tank adding an additional 130 km. This setup promises significant savings, with up to 50% lower fuel costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles. Bajaj Freedom excels in environmental benefits. CNG combustion…

Stellantis has overhauled its strategy for the Indian market by canceling the next-generation Jeep Compass project. Originally slated for a 2026 release under the codename J4U, the project ceased after more than a year of development due to commercial viability concerns. The company now plans to leverage the cost-effective Citroen Smart Car or Common Modular Platform (CMP) instead of the pricier STLA Small platform. This shift was unveiled during the brand’s investor day presentation, where the new model debuted as the Jeep Renegade. This approach aligns with Stellantis’ previous strategy for the fourth-generation Citroen C3, which transitioned to the CMP…

McLaren Automotive has unveiled a pioneering multi-year collaboration with California-based industrial digital manufacturing company Divergent Technologies,(Divergent). This partnership aims to redefine the automotive landscape by leveraging advanced additive manufacturing to boost vehicle performance, sustainability, and production efficiency. Divergent’s cutting-edge approach to designing and manufacturing complex structures will enable McLaren to incorporate innovative and intricate designs into its vehicle architecture. This collaboration promises major gains in manufacturing efficiency while promoting a more sustainable supply chain. McLaren Automotive will initially employ the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPSTM) to additively manufacture chassis components for its next-generation supercars. This will allow McLaren to achieve…