Author: Central Desk

The Kia Sonet has swiftly surpassed a global sales milestone of 400,000 units, less than four years post-launch. Debuted in India during September 2020, this compact SUV has captured market attention with its superior features, elegant design, and robust performance, securing its position as a preferred choice among global consumers. The rapid sales trajectory of the Sonet reflects its wide appeal across varied consumer preferences with multiple engine types and transmission options. The 1.5L diesel engine resonates with a significant market segment, while petrol variants dominate in popularity. Notably, the increasing demand for Sonet’s automatic versions, particularly the 7DCT transmission,…

Tata Motors, India’s premier commercial vehicle manufacturer, inaugurated an advanced spare parts warehouse at Guwahati, signifying a major stride in enhancing service delivery and parts distribution throughout Northeast India. Spanning over 100,000 square feet, this fully digitalized facility is set to redefine the efficiency and availability of spare parts across the region. Strategically positioned in Guwahati, the warehouse is engineered to stock a comprehensive range of spare parts for Tata Motors’ entire commercial vehicle lineup. This development promises significant reductions in turnaround times and facilitates access to spare parts at Tata Authorized Service Stations across Northeast India. The warehouse showcases…

Solaris Bus & Coach secured a pivotal contract on April 26, 2024, fortifying its presence in the Italian market with a commitment to deliver 354 buses to Rome, with options to extend this number to 322. This contract includes 110 mild hybrid and 244 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, with potential additions pending. Previously, Solaris won a tender by Gubielo Spa for 110 articulated mild hybrid vehicles for ATAC Roma. These Urbino 18 buses, equipped with advanced mild hybrid systems, were selected for their innovation and environmental efficiency, with deliveries scheduled for 2024. The partnership expanded with an additional order…

As vehicles increasingly collect data from drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists, they become smarter yet more exposed to cybersecurity threats. Addressing this challenge, companies like 1Kosmos are leading the charge towards passwordless security and digital identity-based authentications, reshaping automotive cybersecurity. 1Kosmos, headquartered in New York and specializing in identity proofing and passwordless authentication, forecasts a significant rise in partnerships between automotive and technology sectors over the next three to five years. Hemen Vimadalal, CEO of 1Kosmos, indicates that luxury car manufacturers are spearheading this evolution. “Companies are increasingly exploring innovative authentication methods, including biometrics and hardware tokens, to enhance…

At the forefront of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Nio Holding and Wuhan Lotus Technology revealed a partnership focused on revolutionizing EV charging and battery swapping technologies. This alliance targets the enhancement of battery standards and aims to create a unified network for charging infrastructure, marking a significant leap forward in the EV sector. The partnership will address several areas: standardization of battery systems, advancement of charging and swapping technologies, management of battery assets, and development of a cohesive service network. William Li, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Nio, stressed the strategic value of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of…

AVL, a global leader in mobility technology development, simulation, and testing, has announced the creation of AVL TSI Canada, marking a strategic expansion into Canada’s rapidly growing sectors of battery technology and vehicle electrification. This move positions Ontario as a critical nexus for research and development in these fields. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, the new AVL branch will support major OEMs, universities, and research institutions across Canada with advanced testing equipment and software, crucial for the progression of battery technology and the manufacture of electric vehicles (EVs). AVL’s offerings include comprehensive systems designed to assess all elements of vehicle electrification…

Stellantis, renowned for manufacturing Jeep, disclosed plans to reduce its workforce across U.S. factories within months. This decision aligns with the industry’s urgent pivot from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting broader market transformations. A statement released on Tuesday by Stellantis pointed to substantial challenges, including escalated capital expenditures needed for the EV transition. This strategy unfolds amid declining U.S. sales and increased operational costs following a recent agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. Stellantis employs approximately 43,000 factory workers. “These actions will help improve productivity and ensure the company’s long-term sustainability in a rapidly changing global…

Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a new partnership with the Dutch government, focusing on integrating advanced smart mobility and connectivity features into Hyundai and Kia vehicles. This collaboration targets the fusion of sophisticated vehicle technologies with Dutch public infrastructure to elevate road safety and streamline traffic management throughout the Netherlands. The partnership, orchestrated by Hyundai’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division, alongside Kia Connect GmbH and Dutch authorities, will equip Hyundai and Kia vehicles’ infotainment systems with capabilities to interface directly with Dutch infrastructure. This technology aims to provide drivers with immediate updates on traffic conditions, accident reports, and proximity alerts…

Kia Motors has revealed an innovative camouflage wrap for its inaugural pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, drawing inspiration from Tasmania’s pristine wilderness at Australia’s southern extremity. Christened after the rugged Tasmanian landscape, this vehicle represents a pivotal foray for Kia into the fiercely competitive C-segment of the pickup truck market. The camouflage design, a result of a collaboration with celebrated artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop of Australia and New Zealand, is themed ‘The Path Never Taken.’ This motif not only accentuates the Tasman’s adventurous capabilities but also integrates elements from Boyd-Dunlop’s personal experiences and artistic ethos. “Our Tasman pickup truck embodies Kia’s…

Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) pioneer helmed by Elon Musk, has announced significant price slashes across various key international markets. This strategic move, mirroring earlier discounts in the United States, responds to declining sales and escalates competition, notably from cost-effective Chinese EV manufacturers. A striking adjustment in Tesla’s pricing strategy surfaced with a reduction in the starting price of the revamped Model 3 by 14,000 yuan ($1,930) in China, setting it at 231,900 yuan ($32,000), as Tesla’s official website revealed last Sunday. Concurrently, Germany witnessed a decrement in the Model 3 rear-wheel drive’s price to 40,990 euros ($43,670.75) from a…