Author: Central Desk

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…

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…