Author: Central Desk

Volkswagen Group and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) have solidified their alliance through a groundbreaking supply agreement. This accord involves the provision of essential electric components and unified cells for Mahindra’s avant-garde electric platform, INGLO, propelling forward the vision of e-mobility collaboration shared by these automotive behemoths. Initiated with a partnering arrangement and term sheet in 2022, this collaboration now advances decisively. The pact deepens Volkswagen and Mahindra’s partnership, setting a precedent for future joint venture enhancements. As the first external adopter of Volkswagen’s innovative unified cell concept—central to its battery strategy—Mahindra demonstrates commitment to electric vehicle innovation and efficiency. Spanning…

Following a significant strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) last autumn, Ford Motor Company faces a critical juncture, prompting a reassessment of its vehicle manufacturing locales. This labor dispute, a departure from Ford’s traditionally amicable ties with the union, propels the automotive titan to reevaluate its production strategies, as articulated by CEO Jim Farley at the Wolfe Research Global Auto Conference, New York. Reflecting on the historic alliance with the UAW, which had circumvented strikes since the 1970s, Farley underscored the disruption caused by the recent strike, particularly at Ford’s lucrative truck plant in Louisville, Kentucky. This event signifies…

Mercedes-Benz Group has concluded its exit from the Russian market by divesting its 15% stake in Kamaz, the leading truck manufacturer in Russia. This strategic decision, finalized after obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, not only underscores the growing business implications of international conflicts but also sheds light on the changing contours of global commerce following Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in 2022. Termination of a Prolonged Alliance The transaction concludes Mercedes-Benz’s extensive engagement with Kamaz, severing ties with a partnership that extended over a decade. Necessitated by the intricate web of U.S. and EU sanctions enveloping Kamaz, this divestiture represents…

The Tata Nexon facelift, a testament to Tata Motors’ unwavering commitment to vehicle safety, has clinched a prestigious 5-star rating from Global NCAP. This accolade underscores the automaker’s dedication to surpassing international safety benchmarks, setting a new standard for vehicle safety excellence. This subcompact SUV iteration, enhanced with additional safety features last year, showcased remarkable performance in Global NCAP crash tests. Scoring 32.22 out of 34 for Adult Occupant protection and 44.52 out of 49 for Child Occupant protection, the Nexon facelift not only eclipsed its predecessors but also elevated safety expectations industry-wide. Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer at Tata…

Carloha Nigeria, a prominent player in Nigeria’s auto distribution landscape, is poised to introduce a lineup of Chery vehicles, showcasing the forefront of automotive technology, at Lagos’ eagerly anticipated Motor Show. The event, penciled in for February 16-17 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), promises a convergence of auto aficionados, industry mavens, and a broad consumer base, all keen on exploring the latest in automotive innovation. Chery, with its global acclaim for automotive prowess and forward-thinking, partners with Carloha Nigeria to deliver an unparalleled vehicular showcase. This exclusive alliance brings to the Nigerian streets an array of vehicles noted for their…

2024 is poised to herald the return of the buyers in the auto market. After enduring a period of limited inventory and high prices due to the pandemic, consumers can now look forward to a more favorable car buying landscape. With an abundance of inventory choices, slightly lower prices, and an increase in automaker incentives, many are celebrating the return to a semblance of market normalcy. This transition signals a much-awaited normalization of market conditions, yet industry projections temper expectations, anticipating around 16 million new vehicle transactions, reflecting a shortfall from pre-pandemic figures. Persistent Economic and Financing Hurdles Despite the…

Nissan has set a new precedent in vehicle security within the United Kingdom, introducing the Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT) function via the NissanConnect Services app. This initiative underscores Nissan’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology for enhancing user safety and vehicle security, demonstrating a proactive approach to automotive innovation. In collaboration with Vodafone Automotive, Nissan has developed this service to utilize sophisticated GPS technology, allowing for the precise tracking of connected vehicles. Offered as a subscription, it grants law enforcement the capability to locate and recover stolen vehicles efficiently. A notable feature includes the ability to remotely deactivate a…

Tata Motors, has aligned with the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), marking a significant stride in corporate climate action. Initiated by the governments of Sweden and India during the UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019, LeadIT orchestrates a collaborative venture among premier companies and governments, championing the march towards net-zero emissions, in alignment with global sustainability objectives. This partnership endows Tata Motors with an opportunity to adopt international best practices and play a role in sculpting policies that nurture a sustainable industrial future. The firm’s pledge to transition its Passenger Vehicles (PV) sector to net-zero emissions by 2040…

The BYD Seal, an electric sedan from Chinese automaker BYD, has been seen testing in India, indicating its launch is near. Dealers have already started accepting bookings for the vehicle, although not officially announced, with a price tag expected around Rs 50 lakh. The vehicle, which will be BYD’s third product in the Indian market, was showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. It measures 4,800mm in length, 1,875mm in width, and 1,460mm in height, featuring a design inspired by the Ocean X concept and adhering to BYD’s “ocean aesthetics” design language. The exterior boasts a coupe-like all-glass roof, flush-fitting door…

China’s EV share is expected to surpass 50% of new car sales by 2025, with electric vehicles (EVs) making up the majority. The International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2023 notes China’s EV market share reached 36% in 2023, up from 22% in 2022. This growth is fueled by sales, government incentives, and EV infrastructure. India, with a 6.3% EV market share in 2023, faces challenges despite a 137% increase in EV sales in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The gap between China and India highlights the impact of government policies on electric…