Author: Central Desk

Global automotive giants, including Volkswagen and Stellantis, are aligning with Chinese EV firms, augmenting their competitive stance as the industry pivots toward electrification. These partnerships showcase the growing prowess and technological sophistication of Chinese EV manufacturers, challenging previous perceptions of overcapacity and reliance on government subsidies—a critique often levied by the European Union. Volkswagen disclosed a significant venture with Chinese startup Xpeng this Wednesday. Their collaboration aims to create a bespoke electrical/electronic architecture for the Chinese market, scheduled for a 2026 debut. This architecture intends to expand digital services and enhance the desirability of Volkswagen’s product line in China, where…

Saudi Arabia advances its automotive sector localization, a critical component of the government’s Vision 2030 targets, as affirmed by a senior official. During a Saudi-American Business Council seminar, Aftab Ahmed, senior adviser at the Kingdom’s National Center for Industrial Development (NCID), emphasized the rapid transition toward domestic production of passenger vehicles and components. This initiative aligns with the ambitious objectives set out in the National Industrial Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030, reported by the Saudi Press Agency. A recent virtual seminar, hosted collaboratively by the council and NCID, convened over 100 industry leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United States…

BMW is set to enhance its production capabilities at the Landshut plant in Germany with a €200 million investment, aiming to boost the manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) components. The expansion focuses on producing central housings for the electric drive unit of the Neue Klasse, BMW’s forthcoming series of electric models. The new facility, featuring three levels and two production lines, will utilize the innovative “Injector Casting” technique. This process improves mechanical properties of parts, reduces energy use, and cuts carbon emissions by lowering casting temperatures. Additionally, it diminishes resource consumption by requiring fewer materials. This development is expected to…

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Việt Nam has drafted a comprehensive plan designed to revolutionize the national auto sector by 2045. This ambitious auto vision, setting milestones through 2030, is slated for completion this June, with submission to the Prime Minister scheduled for September approval. The strategy articulates a multifaceted approach aimed at enhancing domestic production, diminishing import reliance, and escalating global market integration. Proposed indicators focus on expanding market presence for locally manufactured vehicles, augmenting export volumes, and transitioning toward environmentally sustainable models. Experts within the industry recommend that the plan prioritize advancements in technology and development…

VinFast Auto, a preeminent Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled an expansion of its aftersales services across Europe via a newly forged partnership with Mobivia, a leading automotive repair and maintenance enterprise. This strategic collaboration promises to elevate the ownership experience for VinFast customers throughout France and Germany by granting access to over 1,200 Mobivia service centers. Under the terms of the agreement, owners of VinFast electric vehicles will enjoy a range of high-quality aftersales services, such as warranty processing, recommended maintenance routines, and access to new equipment and accessories, all aligned with Mobivia’s renowned standards of excellence. With a…

Iveco Bus has introduced a new hybrid variant, targeting a significant reduction of carbon emissions and operational costs within the transport sector. This initiative underscores Iveco Bus’s dedication to environmental stewardship as it broadens its array of efficient transportation solutions. Available in three sizes—10.8, 12, and 13 meters—and both POP and LINE configurations, the Crossway Hybrid integrates core attributes that have propelled the success of the series, demonstrated by the production of over 65,000 units. This model promises an optimized ownership cost, melding high passenger and luggage capacities with energy efficiency. Giorgio Zino, Head of Iveco Bus Europe Commercial Operations,…

Hyundai Motor Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Toray Industries, a global frontrunner in carbon fiber and composite materials, to drive forward the next wave of mobility innovations. This alliance is set to transform automotive and aviation industries, where demand for materials that are both lightweight and strong is critical. Toray Industries, headquartered in Japan, stands out for its leadership in carbon fiber technology, crucial to sectors that prioritize durability alongside minimal weight. The company’s expertise spans various domains, including performance chemicals and environmental engineering, confirming its role as an industry titan. The partnership was cemented at a…

Volkswagen Group China’s recent announcement to invest 2.5 billion euros into its Hefei-based innovation hub marks a significant advancement in China and Germany’s economic relations. This initiative underscores a dual commitment to escalate the pace of innovation and production within the electric vehicle (EV) sector, a collaboration featuring a partnership with Chinese automaker XPENG. This strategic expansion is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of intensified cooperation between China and Germany, particularly in forward-looking sectors such as autonomous driving, chip technology, and new energy vehicle (NEV) batteries. For over four decades, Volkswagen has cemented its presence…

The unveiling of an EV tax credit within the recent federal budget has ignited industry conjecture regarding a significant impending investment by Honda Motor in Canada’s burgeoning EV landscape. This legislative proposal offers a 10-percent rebate for the construction costs of new facilities destined for the EV supply chain. This incentive complements existing supports such as a 30-percent manufacturing investment tax credit and various provincial aids, but uniquely targets comprehensive investments across battery production, cathode active material manufacturing, and vehicle assembly. Presently, Honda stands as the sole automaker entrenched in discussions with both federal and provincial authorities concerning an EV…

Ford Trucks has formed a strategic alliance with Argus Cyber Security, an eminent authority in automotive cyber defenses, to conduct pivotal vehicle-level penetration testing on its newly unveiled heavy-duty truck, the Ford Trucks F-MAX. This collaboration aims to align with rigorous UNR 155 cyber security regulations, securing the necessary type approval certification vital for the truck’s commercial launch. The UNR 155 regulation mandates a robust cyber security framework for vehicle manufacturers. This standard necessitates thorough penetration tests to affirm the security of the vehicle’s electronic and software architectures against diverse potential threats, essential for obtaining type approval for new vehicles…