Author: Central Desk

Beijing’s own Li Auto has recently unveiled a marvel in the electric vehicle (EV) sphere, deemed the world’s largest EV, aptly named the ‘Mega’. This behemoth targets the expansive family market within China, aiming to dominate the densely populated automotive landscape. A Behemoth of Innovation and Luxury The Mega lives up to its name with staggering dimensions: stretching 17.5 feet in length, standing 6.44 feet wide, and 6.1 feet tall, with a wheelbase that measures an impressive 10.82 feet. This seven-seater isn’t just about size; it boasts a plush and spacious interior designed to deliver unparalleled comfort and luxury. Equipped…

BYD has launched the Dolphin Mini in Mexico, marking a pivotal moment in the global electric auto industry. Known elsewhere as the BYD Seagull, this compact, budget-friendly electric car arrives courtesy of the world’s premier plugin vehicle manufacturer, poised to significantly alter consumer perceptions about EV ownership. The Dolphin Mini’s introduction underscores a broader commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, offering a practical, eco-friendly alternative at a price point previously unseen in the electric car domain. Priced remarkably at MXN$358,800 (around $21,000), the Dolphin Mini delivers an impressive 190 miles (305 km) range per charge. An upgraded variant, the Dolphin Mini…

Kia America’s strategic unveiling at Work Truck Week, hosted at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, on March 6-7, 2024, marks an audacious entry into the commercial vehicle domain. This initiative underscores Kia’s allegiance to electrification and sustainable mobility, introducing two groundbreaking Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), the PV5 and PV7, that promise to redefine industry standards. Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, articulated the company’s ambition to lead in sustainable mobility, “Kia’s exciting foray into this important segment of the overall industry represents our steadfast commitment to the electrification of transportation and aligns perfectly with our Plan S strategy…

ZF has revealed its inaugural zero-emission factory located in Klasterec, Czech Republic, marking a significant milestone for the automotive and technology sectors. This unveil follows an intensive renovation period of nearly eighteen months, positioning the plant as a leader in sustainable manufacturing. Integral to ZF’s Electrified Powertrain Technology division, this move plays a crucial role in the company’s ambitious goal to achieve complete climate neutrality across its entire value chain by 2040. The Klasterec facility, operational since 1992 and situated approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Prague, employs nearly 700 individuals. Specializing in the production of power electronic components for electric…

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…