Author: Central Desk

Polestar, the Swedish premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, has marked a milestone by delivering its first U.S.-built Polestar 3 SUVs to North American customers. These deliveries represent a significant step for Polestar as it expands its model lineup in the U.S. and Canada, with the vehicles now being manufactured at the brand’s South Carolina facility. The Polestar 3, designed specifically for the North American market, is central to the company’s strategy of growth, as it transitions from offering a single model to a broader range of vehicles. This SUV joins Polestar’s existing models, Polestar 2 and the upcoming Polestar 4,…

A recent report from S&P Global Ratings reveals that South and Southeast Asia are set to invest over $20 billion in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and production over the next few years. The report highlights India’s rapidly growing market potential as a major driver, with substantial investments flowing into EV manufacturing and related materials. According to the report, major Indian conglomerates Tata and JSW are anticipated to lead this shift, collectively allocating more than $30 billion over the next decade toward EV production and materials, with around $10 billion specifically earmarked for South and Southeast Asia. India’s EV adoption is…

Morocco emerged as the European Union’s largest auto export hub in 2023, overtaking China and Japan. Driven by a surge in vehicle and component production, Morocco’s trade with Europe is set to grow further. With strategic proximity to Europe and supportive government incentives, Morocco has positioned itself as a vital manufacturing base, notably for European automakers Stellantis and Renault. Morocco’s automotive exports to the EU reached €15.1 billion ($16.4 billion) in 2023, marking a 30% rise from the previous year, according to Morocco’s Foreign Exchange Office (FCO). While finished vehicle exports totaled 536,000 units—second only to China’s 782,000—the growth was…

LG Chem, the South Korean chemical giant, is expanding its footprint in the global automotive adhesives sector with plans to supply thermally conductive adhesives to North American automakers, positioning this division as a potential multi-million-dollar business. As demand for electronic components rises, driven by the shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles, the global automotive adhesives market is projected to nearly double from $6.7 billion in 2024 to $13.0 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by a need for lighter, eco-friendly materials, essential for next-generation vehicle designs. LG Chem’s thermally conductive adhesives are key to thermal management, binding battery cells…

Geely Auto marked its first anniversary in Mexico by launching the New Emgrand, a compact sedan designed to meet local market demands. This model strengthens Geely’s presence in Mexico, expanding its lineup to better serve Mexican drivers. The New Emgrand, Geely’s first sedan in Mexico, was introduced at a launch event attended by over 150 partners, media, and fans. The live broadcast drew 24,000 viewers, sparking positive reactions on social media for the sedan’s design, quality interior, and competitive pricing. Built on the BMA platform, the New Emgrand offers safety, comfort, and intelligent technology. Its design aims to meet the…

Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation are advancing their partnership in electrified vehicles. Suzuki will supply Toyota with a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV model, set for production at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India starting spring 2025. This BEV SUV marks the first fully electric vehicle from the collaboration, reflecting both companies’ commitment to expanding electrified options globally. Exclusively designed as an electric vehicle, the SUV features a long cruising range, a spacious interior, and a 4WD system for enhanced performance on rugged terrain. Suzuki and Toyota, both rooted in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, transitioned from loom manufacturing to…

On October 25, GAC made a landmark entry into Hong Kong’s automotive market with the launch of its hybrid flagship MPV, the E9. The unveiling took place at Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal, set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, underscoring GAC’s strategic positioning of the E9 as a leader in the premium hybrid sector. Automotive experts, influencers, and key media personalities gathered to witness this major milestone in Hong Kong’s automotive landscape. GAC’s President, Wei Haigang, highlighted Hong Kong’s importance as both a market and a strategic base for GAC’s expansion within the Asia-Pacific region. “Hong Kong is…

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has issued a firm warning to the European Union (EU) over its plans to hold separate negotiations with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers while continuing bilateral talks with China. According to the ministry, these separate discussions could undermine ‘mutual trust’ and disrupt ongoing negotiations between China and the EU. This cautionary message follows a recent agreement between China and the EU to maintain ongoing dialogues to explore potential alternative tariffs on Chinese-manufactured EVs. Earlier this month, China had expressed similar concerns, urging the EU to remain committed to a cooperative negotiation approach. The core of these…

Kia has launched CarPay, an in-car payment service, starting with the EV3 model, allowing drivers to pay for goods and services directly from their vehicle. The first application of CarPay partners with Parkopedia, allowing users in Europe to locate and pay for parking through their car’s navigation screen. This innovative service aims to enhance driver convenience, especially in urban areas where parking remains challenging. A study found that 92% of drivers across major markets, including France, Germany, and the UK, struggle to find available parking, often leading to costly parking tickets. The situation is particularly challenging for electric vehicle (EV)…

Volvo Group and Daimler Truck have signed a binding agreement to establish a joint venture headquartered in Gothenburg to formalizing their plan to develop a software-defined vehicle platform. It aims to set a new industry standard in digital transformation for commercial vehicles, focusing on safety, connectivity, and efficiency. The joint venture’s platform will enable Volvo, Daimler, and potentially other future customers to deliver independent digital functions within their vehicles. This will include the development of a truck-specific operating system, allowing manufacturers to design customizable digital features while decoupling software from hardware development. The setup will enable vehicles to receive over-the-air…