Author: Central Desk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, concurrently leading aerospace innovator SpaceX, announced a pivotal $10 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) for the current fiscal year. This strategic commitment targets both training and inference AI, with a particular focus on refining Tesla’s automotive AI functionalities. Through a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Musk articulated the scale and intent of this investment: “Tesla will spend around USD10 billion this year in combined training and inference AI, the latter being primarily in cars. Any company not spending at this level, and doing so efficiently, cannot compete”. This declaration underscores the indispensable role…

MG Motor, under the umbrella of China’s SAIC Motor, showcased the revolutionary EXE181 electric hypercar concept at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. This vehicle, setting a new benchmark with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.181, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 1.91 seconds, establishing it as one of the fastest electric vehicles designed to date. The design of the EXE181, inspired by fighter jets and equipped with a safety drag parachute, demonstrates a top speed potential of 257 mph. This hypercar represents MG’s commitment to redefine the parameters of speed in the era of electric vehicles. With…

At Beijing’s latest international auto exhibition, China unveiled a series of groundbreaking technologies that reassert its growing influence over the global automotive sector. Visitors witnessed auto innovation like batteries with an unprecedented 1000km range, the first-ever hydrogen-fueled vehicles with extended range, and pioneering neural network-based large models for planning and control. These developments captivated attendees and highlighted China’s accelerating ascendancy in automotive technology. A Global Product Manager from Germany’s Casco Automotive Group, speaking with China Economic Net (CEN), emphasized the critical role of Chinese advancements in fostering international collaborations and propelling the auto industry forward. The event, themed ‘Driving to…

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…