Author: Central Desk

Renault Group has started a mission to advance decarbonization in transport and logistics by joining the New Energies Coalition. This alliance aims to spearhead innovative and sustainable solutions across the supply chain. Renault Group, with its extensive automotive expertise, will play a crucial role in the Coalition’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally conscious practices. Denis Le Vot, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Renault Group, articulated the company’s enthusiasm: “We are very excited to join this team of industry leaders. Today’s major challenges, like the energy transition or the digital revolution, cut across sectors: collaboration is the…

ZF LIFETEC unveils a groundbreaking side airbag technology designed to elevate passenger safety during side collisions. The Pre-Crash Dual Stage Side Airbag (Dual Stage SAB) addresses critical moments before a collision, maximizing airbag effectiveness and potentially saving lives. Pioneering Pre-Crash Protection Dual Stage SAB utilizes a two-stage deployment mechanism activated milliseconds before an inevitable crash. The first stage triggers approximately 200 milliseconds before impact, pushing occupants a few centimeters toward the vehicle’s interior. This movement increases the available crumple zone, thereby enhancing the second-stage airbag’s protective capabilities during the actual collision. Tackling a Major Hazard Side collisions constitute roughly a…

The BMW Group, collaborating with NTT DATA, has inaugurated BMW TechWorks Romania, a pivotal software and IT hub to hasten digital transformation. Situated in Cluj-Napoca, this center will spearhead European IT projects, boosting BMW’s digital capabilities and customer experience. Alexander Buresch, CIO and Senior Vice President of BMW Group IT, highlighted the importance: “With BMW TechWorks Romania, we are strengthening our footprint in the EU and contributing significantly to the digital experience of our customers. Our global IT hubs secure our Business IT and software expertise in the long term and accelerate the implementation of our IT strategy based on…

Beijing: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced an ambitious pilot program to revolutionize transportation through “vehicle-road-cloud integration” for intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs). Twenty major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, have been chosen to participate in this pioneering initiative, which aims to establish a unified and shared standard system for ICVs by 2026. Context and Objectives: This pilot program is the culmination of extensive planning and collaboration among multiple government departments. In January 2024, the MIIT, in conjunction with five other departments, issued the “Notice on Launching the Pilot Work of ‘Vehicle-Road-Cloud Integration’ Application for Intelligent Connected…

The global automotive voice recognition market, valued at $3.4 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $14.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16.1%, according to a report by Allied Market Research. Automotive voice recognition systems allow drivers to control various car functions through spoken commands, enhancing safety and convenience. These systems enable hands-free operation for making calls, sending texts, adjusting climate settings, navigating, and controlling entertainment systems, thereby reducing distractions and improving focus on the road. Regulatory and Growth Government regulations prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving are propelling the demand for automotive voice recognition…

In a move to embrace innovative vehicle designs, India has amended its motor vehicle regulations to create a new classification called ‘L2–5’. This category accommodates vehicles that blur the lines between traditional classifications, such as the ‘Surge S32’ by Hero MotoCorp. This unique electric hybrid seamlessly transforms from an auto-rickshaw to a scooter, offering versatile transportation solutions. The ‘Surge S32’ has garnered international acclaim, receiving the prestigious ‘Platinum A Design’ award for its exceptional design and functionality. With the ability to charge the auto-rickshaw component while using the scooter mode, this vehicle represents a new era in sustainable and adaptable…

VinFast, has launched the VF 5 electric SUV, expanding its footprint in the Indonesian market. Priced at IDR 310,000,000, the VF 5 caters to the A-segment with advanced features, a compelling battery subscription program, and an industry-leading warranty. Following the VF e34’s introduction in March, the VF 5 stands as VinFast’s second model in Indonesia, designed to offer a practical and cost-effective electric vehicle option. Temmy Wiradjaja, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, stated, this launch underscores the commitment to revolutionizing electric mobility with innovative, intelligent, and safe vehicles. It’s a pivotal step in VinFast’s mission to lead the electric vehicle market…

Skoda is actively pursuing a local partner to better navigate India’s highly competitive car market. The company aims to balance cost efficiency with the quality European cars are known for. Thomas Schäfer, Skoda’s CEO, acknowledges the challenges faced in India due to over-engineering vehicles to meet internal expectations, which has driven up costs and weakened their competitive edge. He highlights the need for engineering ingenuity that balances cost and quality, citing their sub-4 meter car as an example of significant cost reductions without sacrificing quality. This approach will be applied to future models to enhance market appeal. Strategic Local Partnership…

Industry experts foresee a seismic shift in the global auto landscape, predicting Chinese automakers will command one-third of global car sales by 2030. Currently at a 21% market share, Chinese brands are on track for remarkable growth, fueled by domestic market expansion. Market Expansion Despite obstacles such as new tariffs and challenges entering the Japanese market, Chinese automakers are set for significant gains worldwide. Analysts predict their market share in Europe will double from 6% to 12% by 2030. In Russia, dominance is expected to surge from 33% to an impressive 69%. Substantial growth is also anticipated in emerging markets…

Leading global energy and chemicals company Aramco has signed definitive agreements through a subsidiary to acquire a 10% equity interest in HORSE Powertrain. Formed on May 31, 2024, by Renault Group and Geely, HORSE Powertrain Limited is based in London, UK. This acquisition places Aramco alongside Renault Group, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and Geely Automobile Holdings. The transaction involves Aramco purchasing equal shares from Renault Group and Geely, who will each retain a 45% stake. The investment, based on a €7.4 billion enterprise valuation, is pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. Aramco’s investment aims to advance more efficient mobility…