Author: Central Desk

Former Ford CEO Mark Fields advocates for a brief embargo on Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market due to concerns about their competitive edge fueled by government subsidies. Fields points out similarities between China’s approach in the car industry and its past strategies in aluminum and steel. He stresses the need for Western car makers, especially Detroit’s Big Three, to quickly adjust to stay competitive. This perspective gains prominence as the auto industry grapples with the economic implications of unchecked Chinese competition, including potential indirect market entries. Addressing Competitive Disparities Fields calls for a balanced competitive environment, highlighting the substantial…

Euro NCAP heralds an expansion of HORIBA MIRA’s laboratory accreditation, empowering the esteemed UK test laboratory to execute official active safety system evaluations for passenger and light commercial vehicles. This announcement underscores a strategic enhancement of vehicle safety protocols across Europe, spotlighting an evolved collaboration with HORIBA MIRA. Spanning a decade, HORIBA MIRA’s engagement with Euro NCAP primarily focused on passive safety evaluations. This partnership’s progression into active safety system assessments utilizes HORIBA MIRA’s cutting-edge ASSURED CAV facility. Equipped with diverse testing environments, this facility facilitates the simulation of real-world and virtual conditions for analyzing assisted, automated, and connected driving…

Agratas, a Tata Group enterprise, unveils plans for Britain’s largest battery manufacturing hub in Somerset, which is going to transform UK’S electric automotive future. This venture represents a multi-billion-pound commitment to the nation’s electric mobility landscape. A Nexus of Innovation & Sustainability The Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater will host the Agratas gigafactory, a project that transcends traditional manufacturing. Boasting a capacity of 40 GWh, this facility will become the UK’s largest battery factory. By the dawn of the 2030s, it aims to supply nearly half of the battery manufacturing capacity required by the UK automotive industry, marking a pivotal…

Italy emerges as amajor player in the automotive sphere, engaging with Tesla alongside global giants like China’s BYD. This development, spearheaded by Italy’s Business and Made Italy Minister Adolfo Urso, marks a significant stride towards augmenting foreign investment and expanding auto production. This initiative signals Italy’s intent to diversify its automotive industry, currently led by Stellantis, positioning itself as a competitive hub for automobile manufacturing within Europe. Strategic Dialogues for Expansion Discussions between Italy and Tesla, unfolding over months, underscore Italy’s commitment to enhancing its attractiveness to foreign automotive investors. This initiative comes at a crucial time as Italy seeks…

Volkswagen, emblematic of tradition and forward-thinking, embarks on rejuvenating the legendary Scirocco sports car, propelling this icon into the electric epoch. The Scirocco, synonymous with speed and elegance, is poised for a groundbreaking transformation. Volkswagen’s plan to base the new iteration on the PPE platform, a sophisticated technological foundation co-developed by Audi and Porsche, signifies a leap into the future, marking a departure from traditional roots, as it will diverge from the platform shared with the VW Golf. The electric reincarnation promises configurations in both rear and all-wheel drive, with powertrains anticipated to unleash 300 to 400 horsepower, ensuring exhilarating…

Tevva, a vanguard British electric vehicle manufacturer, ushers the trucking industry into an eco-conscious era with its revolutionary electric trucks. A recent showcase at Tevva London in Tilbury brought together 40 potential clients to pilot the UK’s sole 7.5t battery-electric truck, tailored for urban deliveries. The vehicle, distinguished by its capability to travel up to 140 miles (227 kilometers) on a single 105-kWh battery charge, sets an unprecedented industry benchmark. Tevva’s Managing Director, Ken Scott, champions the electric vehicle (EV) transition, especially for trucks, citing significant environmental returns such as enhanced air quality and diminished carbon footprints. Through an innovative…

At Mobile World Congress 2024, Barcelona, Harman, a frontrunner in connected vehicle technologies, showcased its innovative products aimed at revolutionizing automotive connectivity. Among these, the Harman Ready Connect 5G Telematics Control Unit (TCU) stands out as a beacon of advancement, demonstrating the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive technology. This avant-garde solution, employing Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Digital Chassis and the Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2, signifies an unparalleled leap in automotive connectivity. It promises enriched in-cabin experiences, once considered premium, now standard, enhancing driver and passenger engagement through superior traffic notifications and vehicle-to-environment communication.…

VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse, has issued a plea to the Indian authorities for a significant decrease in import duties on its automobiles. This strategic request is designed to introduce Indian consumers to its innovative products while the firm progresses on establishing a manufacturing base within the nation. VinFast’s pursuit to adjust India’s formidable 100% import duty on fully-assembled EVs highlights the global EV sector’s ambition to penetrate emerging markets, showcasing the nuanced interplay between foreign investments and domestic industry safeguards. The company’s tactical proposition involves advocating for a duty reduction to 70-80% for a limited two-year span,…

Luxury sports car maker Lotus, now rebranded as Lotus Tech, has entered the public market in the United States following a successful SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) merger. It trades publicly under the ticker LOT on Nasdaq, marking a significant evolution for the luxury sports car entity, reinforced by Geely’s backing. This development symbolizes a robust confidence in the upscale EV domain, positioning Lotus Tech at the forefront of an industry rife with uncertainty yet ripe with opportunity. Focusing sharply on the elite segment of the EV market, Lotus Tech unveils the Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan, vehicles designed not…

MG, through parent entity SAC Motors, is set to redefine the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Europe with the introduction of its new premium brand, Intelligent Mobility (IM), at the Geneva Motor Show on February 26, 2024. This strategic announcement signals a transformative era in electric mobility, combines luxury with cutting-edge technology. Electric Mobility Redefined The introduction of the IM brand represents MG’s vision for a future dominated by electric, innovative, and sustainable transport solutions. Targeting the burgeoning demand for upscale electric vehicles, IM emerges as a premium marque, specializing in executive sedans and large SUVs endowed with the latest…