Author: Central Desk

Tesla and Polestar exit the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), challenging the organization’s stance on forthcoming vehicle emissions regulations. This departure signals a deepening divide over environmental policies aimed at propelling the nation towards a sustainable future. The Australian government, under the centre-left Labor party’s direction, is pushing for vehicle efficiency standards to reduce carbon emissions and foster the adoption of cleaner transportation methods. Volkswagen Australia voices concerns regarding Tesla and Polestar’s FCAI withdrawal, spotlighting the widening gap among car manufacturers over optimal approaches to addressing vehicle emissions. As a member of FCAI yet in defiance of its trajectory,…

Industry specialists express concern regarding the United States’ escalating efforts to curtail China’s burgeoning auto sector, perceived as a politicization of trade likely to stymie global automotive progress. Republican Senator Marco Rubio’s proposition to markedly elevate tariffs on vehicle imports from China, extending these levies to Chinese-manufactured vehicles in nations like Mexico, epitomizes the recent auto trade strategies designed to safeguard American automobile manufacturers and their workforce. This strategy, aimed at confining electric vehicle subsidies to those complying with stringent North American trade stipulations, has ignited discussion among observers. Zhang Xiang, a distinguished authority at the Digital Automotive International Cooperation…

Stellantis unveils an unparalleled financial strategy, earmarking €5.6 billion for South America’s automotive development from 2025 to 2030. This monumental allocation not only sets a new benchmark for the industry but also signals a transformative era for automotive innovation and sustainability across Brazil and the wider region. Central to this strategic infusion are plans to introduce over 40 novel products, inclusive of a pioneering battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the development of cutting-edge Bio-Hybrid technologies. Such initiatives underscore Stellantis’ leadership in championing decarbonization throughout the automotive supply chain and exploring strategic ventures to bolster the regional automotive landscape. Carlos Tavares,…

Chinese automakers, with BYD leading the charge, are advancing assertively into the Australian electric vehicle (EV) market, leveraging favorable conditions, including government incentives and a burgeoning demand for environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The proactive stance of the Australian government, spearheaded by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, towards promoting EV adoption aligns with global efforts to curtail emissions, catalyzing a noticeable upsurge in EV sales. Data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reveals that EVs constituted 7.2% of new car sales in Australia in 2023, a considerable leap from 3.1% the prior year. David Smitherman, CEO of BYD’s distributor in Australia,…

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) embarks on a groundbreaking lithium market venture, teaming up with Frontier Lithium, a pivotal player in Canadian mining. This collaboration aims to propel the PAK Lithium Project, situated in Ontario, Canada, into a leading position within MC’s investment portfolio as its first foray into lithium mining. Through this agreement, MC secures a 7.5% stake in a joint venture established for the PAK Project against a cash consideration of 25 million CAD, retaining the option to elevate its equity interest to 25%. This strategic initiative reflects MC’s confidence in the PAK Project’s stature as one of the premier…

Audi inaugurates a novel charging hub on Frankfurt’s Orber Straße, catering to electric vehicles from any manufacturer. This hub boasts four high-power charging (HPC) stations, enabling rapid charging at up to 320 kW. Next to this modern facility, visitors can immerse themselves in Klassikstadt Frankfurt, a venue celebrated for its collection of vintage and contemporary classic cars, housed within a heritage-listed factory. Here, guests can savor a variety of snacks, beverages, and hot meals in a stylish and comfortable environment while their vehicles charge. Marking Audi’s sixth venture into charging hubs, this Frankfurt installment stands out for its commitment to…

Dayco, the esteemed entity in engine product and drive systems innovation for automotive, industrial, and aftermarket realms, heralded the commencement of high-grade drive belt production at its newly inaugurated facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This development signifies a substantial leap in Dayco’s manufacturing prowess, reinforcing its presence across North America and echoing its commitment to worldwide operational excellence. The narrative of this milestone began toward 2022’s close, with Dayco’s announcement regarding its investment in the San Luis Potosí site, dedicated to fabricating original equipment quality drive belts of global renown. The construction phase surpassed expectations in efficiency, culminating in…

BMW Group embarks on a pivotal journey towards sustainable mobility and localized manufacturing with the commencement of its state-of-the-art local manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage battery, situated in Rayong, Thailand. This significant venture was inaugurated with a ceremony featuring Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG, alongside Thai government officials and the German ambassador to Thailand, Ernst Reichel. This development marks a strategic expansion in BMW Group’s production capabilities, targeting the initiation of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) production by the latter half of 2025. Milan Nedeljković, during the event, articulated the strategy as a crucial progression in BMW…

The lineage of the McLaren P1 hypercar readies its next chapter. A recent dispatch indicates the P1’s progeny, provisionally dubbed the P18, will grace the automotive stage by late 2024. This forthcoming marvel breaks tradition with a pioneering, lightweight plug-in hybrid mechanism anchored by a V8 engine. Expectations surge for a drivetrain poised to unleash over 1,000 horsepower, courtesy of an avant-garde V8 engine. Details on the propulsion configuration remain veiled, yet revelations confirm a significant reduction in weight—circa 70% lighter than McLaren’s extant systems. Choosing to sidestep a fully electric blueprint, McLaren asserts that embodying its quintessential agility necessitates…

AVVENIRE, a visionary EV start-up from the United States, has unveiled the TECTUS, an electric mobility scooter that promises to redefine urban and off-road transportation. Aimed primarily at senior citizens and individuals with limited mobility, the TECTUS is available in two configurations: Deluxe and Ultimate, each designed to cater to diverse user requirements and preferences. The TECTUS distinguishes itself with a climate-controlled enclosed cabin and a powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, elevating both comfort and performance. Powered by a 2kW electric motor, it achieves speeds up to 32km/h. The scooter offers a choice between a 2.4kWh and a 5.4kWh lithium-ion…