Author: Central Desk

Sri Lanka is swiftly transforming into a dominant force in global auto manufacturing, capitalizing on its strategic position between Eastern and Western trade routes. The nation is poised to exploit this geographical advantage, driving substantial growth in its automobile assembly sector. Recent developments reveal that renowned global brands including Hyundai, Proton, BAIC, DFSK, Wuling, Mahindra, TATA, Bajaj, TVS, JMC, and Lanka Ashok Leyland are making significant investments in the local market, attracted by a favorable investment climate. The industry now boasts approvals for assembling a diverse range of vehicles such as SUVs, cars, two-wheelers, double-cabs, trucks, and buses, catering to…

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo recently announced potential drastic measures against Chinese internet-connected cars, including possible bans or severe restrictions. This declaration follows a national security probe initiated by the Biden administration in February, assessing whether vehicle imports from China represent a significant threat to US national security due to their connectivity features. Chinese officials and industry experts have strongly criticized the US stance, condemning it as an unwarranted politicization of trade issues with broad implications for the global automotive supply chain. Wu Shuocheng, a seasoned auto industry analyst, dismissed claims that Chinese vehicles pose security risks as ‘Ridiculous,’ given…

VinFast Auto has declared its upcoming entry into the Philippine electric vehicle (EV) market by late May 2024, reinforcing its commitment to lead in Southeast Asia and advance the global shift towards transportation electrification. With operational footprints across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India, and Thailand, VinFast identifies the Philippines as a critical component of its Southeast Asian strategy. This market entry coincides with increasing Philippine governmental support for electric vehicle initiatives, underscoring VinFast’s dedication to fostering sustainable transportation solutions. The company is set to introduce Filipino consumers to a broad spectrum of electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bikes, characterized by…

Nio and Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Group) have forged a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) sector with advanced charging and battery swapping solutions. This collaboration was formalized through an agreement signed at a ceremony graced by industry stalwarts including William Li, Nio’s Founder, Chairman and CEO, and Feng Xingya, President of GAC Group. Under this alliance, Nio and GAC will co-develop a unified battery standard and design passenger vehicles with interchangeable batteries. They plan to construct compatible battery swap stations that serve both brands, enhancing the interoperability of their technologies. Central to this initiative is the…

Mahindra, a global powerhouse in automotive manufacturing, has forged a new alliance with Massy Motors, marking a significant milestone as Massy Motors becomes the authorized distributor for Mahindra vehicles in Guyana. This collaboration promises to redefine the automotive experience within the region. The alliance is pivotal for Mahindra’s strategy to augment its global footprint and to deliver its renowned vehicle lineup more directly to international markets. Under this partnership, Massy Motors will take the helm of Mahindra’s vehicle sales, service, and distribution across Guyana, supported by a robust after-sales service infrastructure that includes genuine spare parts and comprehensive warranty services.…

Kia Corporation has sparked anticipation in the automotive industry by unveiling teaser images of its latest venture, the EV3, a compact electric SUV designed to democratize electric mobility. This strategic addition bolsters Kia’s electric vehicle lineup, reinforcing its commitment to spearheading the electric revolution. The teaser reveals a robust, geometrically designed EV3 that commands attention with dynamic styling. The vehicle features prominent boxy rear fenders and a tailgate, complemented by Kia’s signature Star Map lighting, crafting a distinct, futuristic identity. The EV3’s design philosophy, rooted in the principles that shaped the flagship EV9 SUV, reflects Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ ethos. This…

Audi has broadened its e-mobility spectrum with a sophisticated electric mountain bike (eMTB), designed in partnership with Italian powerhouse Fantic. This limited-edition, enduro-style bike, accessible through Audi Genuine Accessories, combines the brand’s rally lineage with cutting-edge electric technology. The design draws from Audi’s victorious RS Q e-tron racecar, celebrated in the electrified Dakar Rally. Crafted on the backbone of Fantic’s XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike, the Audi eMTB flaunts a lightweight aluminum frame tailored for agile navigation over challenging terrains, enabling riders to tackle obstacles with ease. Its innovative 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel setup optimizes rollover performance and…

Elon Musk has publicly invited billionaire investor Warren Buffett to invest in Tesla, an offer made during a period of declining global sales for electric vehicles that has put the automaker under considerable stress. Responding to an X user’s suggestion that Buffett, owner of Berkshire Hathaway, shift his investment from Apple to Tesla, Musk endorsed the idea, labeling it as an ‘obvious move.’ Despite Berkshire Hathaway’s significant investment in Chinese EV manufacturer BYD, it has steered clear of Tesla stakes. Previously, Musk had approached Buffett when Tesla’s valuation was just 0.1% of its current figure, less than $7 billion. Musk…

The UK has established a new national benchmark by deploying nearly 6,000 public EV chargers during the initial quarter of 2024. Data from Zapmap, released by the Department for Transport, reveals a 49% increase from the previous year, pushing the total to nearly 60,000 across the nation. This notable expansion includes about 1,500 rapid chargers, capable of powering vehicles in less than an hour. Such developments are pivotal in mitigating ‘range anxiety’—the apprehension that an EV might deplete its battery before reaching the next charging station. This anxiety represents a significant impediment to EV adoption globally, particularly in the US,…

Recognized as the world’s third-largest automobile producer, India now extends its reach into the global export markets, especially exporting cars to Japan—a benchmark in automotive excellence. India’s auto export surge highlights the industry’s significant shift towards leveraging Indian manufacturing prowess for international markets. Japanese Automakers Opt for Indian Efficiency Prominent automakers, particularly from Japan, increasingly prefer to manufacture their vehicles in India to exploit cost efficiencies before exporting them back to their home country. This strategic shift, gaining momentum recently, serves as a strong endorsement of the Indian auto sector’s quality and capabilities. Honda’s Strategic Operations in India Honda Cars…