Author: Central Desk

The European Union will introduce an ‘action plan’ by early March to support its embattled automotive sector, which faces mounting challenges from emissions fines, high manufacturing costs, and increased competition from China. The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a high-level meeting with industry leaders on Thursday. “The European automotive industry is at a pivotal moment, and we acknowledge the challenges it faces. That is why we are acting swiftly to address them,” von der Leyen said. The strategic dialogue, chaired by the commission, brought together key industry players, including representatives from Volkswagen, BMW,…

Maruti Suzuki has introduced the India-manufactured Jimny 5-door model in Japan, expanding its export portfolio to Suzuki Motor Corporation’s home market. The SUV, exclusively produced at the company’s Gurugram facility in Haryana, is the second India-made vehicle to enter the Japanese market this fiscal year, following the Fronx, which debuted in August 2024. First unveiled at Auto Expo 2023 in India, the Jimny 5-door has become Maruti Suzuki’s second-highest exported model in FY 2024-25. It is currently shipped to approximately 100 countries, including key markets such as Mexico, Australia, and South Africa. Maruti Suzuki’s Managing Director & CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi,…

The Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA), the country’s sole representative body for auto parts manufacturers, has raised concerns over the industry’s continued decline. Once thriving with 140 company members in 1997, the sector now struggles with barely 40 active members. Previously, local manufacturers supplied 80% of the country’s automotive parts, supported by a strong network of vehicle assemblers. However, that figure has dropped to just 20%, as manufacturers face declining demand, global competition, and insufficient government support. “The decline of our industry has serious implications, not just for the economy but also for our workforce and the future of local…

Since 1 January, all Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) production sites have been powered entirely by renewable electricity, marking a key step toward the company’s climate-neutral production goal by 2040. The Hanover-Stöcken plant, where all variants of the all-electric ID Buzz are produced for global markets, transitioned to green electricity at the start of the year. Volkswagen Poznań plants, which produce models like the Caddy and Crafter, have been using renewable energy since 2019. The Września facility, known for its Crafter production, has made significant strides toward self-sufficiency. In September 2024, its photovoltaic system, spanning 22 hectares with a 15.2 MW…

The World Car Awards selected Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, as the winner of the 2025 World Car Person of the Year. This marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to receive the prestigious award since its inception in 2018. It is also a major milestone for BYD, making it the first Chinese carmaker to win a World Car award. Li was selected by a jury of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries. The jury also considered Stellantis chief design officer Ralph Gilles and Toyota’s head of design and chief branding officer Simon Humphries…

Tesla has filed a lawsuit against the European Union (EU) to contest newly implemented tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs), arguing that these financial measures are unfair and counterproductive to global sustainability and the transition to clean energy. The company claims that the tariffs undermine its ability to compete effectively in the European market, raising concerns about their impact on innovation and the adoption of EVs. The lawsuit highlights growing tensions in the EV market, where trade regulations and sustainability goals often clash. Tesla contends that the tariffs stifle competition and innovation, potentially slowing the widespread adoption of clean energy vehicles.…

New vehicle sales in January 2025 are projected to reach 1,105,900 units, reflecting a 4.4% year-over-year growth, according to J.D. Power and GlobalData. Retail sales are expected to account for 904,200 units, an increase of 4.8% compared to the same period last year. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for new-vehicle sales is anticipated to rise to 15.6 million units, up by 0.6 million from January 2024. While the average retail transaction price (ATP) for new vehicles is slightly down by 0.5% to $44,636, total consumer spending on retail purchases is projected to reach $38.5 billion, a 5.3% increase and…

Global Auto Holdings Limited (GAHL) has appointed Alex Smith, former Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK, as Chair of Lookers. The move comes as GAHL continues to enhance its leadership structure following its acquisition of Lookers in 2023. Smith brings extensive industry experience, having served six years as MD of Volkswagen Group UK, where he oversaw the sale of more than one in every five new cars and light commercial vehicles nationwide. His career also includes roles as Vice President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and MD of Nissan Motor Great Britain. Commenting on his new…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar, with its zero-emission lineup, has emerged as Australia’s pioneer in offering to trade its emissions credits with other automakers. Under new Federal Government regulations introduced in 2024, carmakers exceeding their CO2 limits can now buy credits from manufacturers who surpass emissions standards, helping them avoid penalties by balancing their fleet averages. Polestar has signaled its readiness to assist automakers at risk of ample penalties under Australia’s newly implemented NVES vehicle emissions standards. With zero tailpipe CO2 emissions, Polestar is the first automaker in Australia to show interest in selling its earned emissions credits to other brands.…

SAIC Group’s MG brand achieved a significant milestone in 2024, delivering over 700,000 vehicles worldwide, as announced by Zhou Jin, General Manager of the MG brand business department. This achievement underscores MG’s resilience and competitiveness in the global automotive market, even in a complex and fluctuating environment. The European market emerged as a key growth area for MG, with more than 240,000 units sold in 2024, reflecting a robust 5% increase. This growth solidifies MG’s position as a leading Chinese automotive brand abroad and enhances its appeal among European consumers. In terms of specific models, the MG Matthery coupe series…