Author: Central Desk

Value remains paramount in consumer vehicle preferences, a trend underscored by Nissan’s standout performance on the prestigious Cars . com 2024 Best Value New Cars list. This recognition affirms Nissan’s commitment to blending quality with affordability across several vehicle categories. The 2024 Nissan Kicks S claims the title for Best Value in the Subcompact SUV category, distinguishing itself through an expansive interior and a wealth of cost-effective, yet appealing customization options. Beyond comfort, the Kicks boasts commendable fuel efficiency and essential technological integrations like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring connectivity and safety are standard. Complementing the Kicks, the 2024…

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently emphasized the necessity of fair competition between EU-China, addressing concerns regarding the overproduction and copyright infringement by Chinese industries. Throughout a consequential three-day journey to China, joined by premier business executives and significant cabinet members, Chancellor Scholz engaged with an audience at Tongji University, Shanghai. He articulated the expectation of Chinese automobiles entering European markets, stressing reciprocity to ensure European automobiles have equivalent access in China. Scholz’s dialogue occurs amidst growing apprehensions about Chinese products, such as solar panels and wind turbines, saturating markets and undercutting local industries with practices like dumping — the act…

Tesla, has announced a plan to dismiss over 10% of its workforce worldwide, affecting roughly 14,000 employees. This decision was disclosed through a leaked internal memo authored by CEO Elon Musk, who described the layoffs as essential for steering the company toward future growth through significant cost reductions and enhanced productivity. “As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity…As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce…

GAC Motor Philippines is expanding its footprint, inaugurating its latest dealership in San Fernando, Pampanga. This strategic move, a collaboration with Autokid Motors, marks a robust commencement for the second quarter of 2024 under the auspices of Astara Philippines, the brand’s distributor. Strategically situated along the bustling Olongapo-Gapan Road in Brgy. Magliman, the new GAC Motor San Fernando dealership adheres to stringent international showroom standards. The facility promises a superior automotive buying experience and is equipped to provide exemplary vehicle maintenance and services, embodying a fully operational 3S (sales, service, and spare parts) model. Franz Decloedt, GAC Motor Brand Head…

Turkey’s automotive industry has commenced the year with notable success on the international stage, especially within the European Union. Data from the Uludag Auto Exporters Union reveals a 6.1 percent escalation in car exports during the first quarter of 2024, achieving a substantial sum of $9.13 billion. This sector represents 14.3 percent of Turkey’s total exports, underscoring its critical economic influence. EU as a Central Market for Turkish Automobiles The European Union has emerged as the principal market for Turkish cars, claiming 67.9 percent of these exports. This overwhelming demand from EU countries not only exemplifies the high standards and…

The 2024 Kia EV9, Kia’s innovative three-row electric SUV, captured two prestigious titles at this year’s World Car Awards during a ceremony at the New York Auto Show. Esteemed as both the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle, these accolades underscore its groundbreaking design and technological sophistication. Since its inception in 2003, the World Car Awards have served as a benchmark for global automotive excellence. This year, a panel comprising 100 automotive journalists from 29 nations assessed numerous entries. The Kia EV9 distinguished itself through its spacious interior, competitive pricing, and advanced features. Engineered on Kia’s E-GMP…

Strategically adapting to the dynamic demands of the automotive sector, Honda is channeling over $4 billion into its Ohio-based operations. This investment aims to forge a production line versatile enough to assemble both internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs). This progressive shift at Honda’s inaugural US auto production center in Marysville highlights the company’s proactive stance towards market fluctuations. The revamping involves a $700 million infusion to retrofit the assembly facilities at Marysville and East Liberty, preparing them for imminent EV production. Concurrently, the engine plant in Anna is undergoing modifications to fabricate EV power units. Central…

The BMW Group has announced a strategic enhancement of its Araquari facility by commencing production of its premier plug-in hybrid model, the BMW X5, within South America. This development follows a record-breaking year for sales of electrified vehicles in Brazil. The Araquari plant, established in 2014, will expand its existing production portfolio to include the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid, alongside the BMW X1, X3, X4, and the 3 Series. This integration marks a pioneering advancement as the Araquari site becomes the first within South America to adapt its capabilities for premium plug-in hybrid vehicle assembly. Michael Nikolaides, Head of Production…

The auto industry, on the verge of a transformative revolution, is experiencing significant reshaping by robotics, a recent GlobalData research report indicates. Titled ‘Robotics in Automotive,’ this comprehensive study reveals how automation fundamentally alters automotive manufacturing dynamics, enhancing efficiency, precision, and innovation. Notably, the application of robotics spans from optimizing assembly lines to developing autonomous vehicles (AVs), potentially redefining vehicle manufacturing and operation processes. Joseph Simpson, Associate Thematic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, asserts, “Automation is the fastest way to improve productivity for automotive manufacturers.” In contemporary production settings, robots adept at executing repetitive and hazardous tasks collaborate with human personnel.…

With Tesla scouting expansion sites globally, Tamil Nadu is emerging as a key contender for the electric vehicle (EV) titan’s next significant production facility. As Elon Musk prepares for a forthcoming trip to India, local authorities are ready to highlight Tamil Nadu as the premier setting for Tesla’s growth in the burgeoning Indian EV sector. Reports from Bloomberg News indicate that Tamil Nadu’s leadership seeks to draw a $2 billion investment from Tesla to establish a new factory. This endeavor reflects the state’s ambition to anchor itself as a pivotal player in the global EV landscape. TRB Rajaa, the state’s…