Author: Central Desk

Global private investment firm Bain Capital has invested in Dhoot Transmission Group, securing a significant minority stake in the leading automotive components manufacturer. The deal, made through Bain Capital’s Private Equity team, is subject to regulatory approval, with financial terms undisclosed. This partnership will see Bain Capital collaborating closely with Dhoot Transmission Group’s Founder and CEO, Rahul Dhoot, to drive global expansion and tap into emerging opportunities in the automotive sector. Bain Capital plans to leverage its extensive expertise in the automotive industry and value-creation strategies to support the company’s growth trajectory. Established in 1999, Dhoot Transmission Group has become…

Global automotive automatic transmission manufacturer JATCO has officially opened a state-of-the-art factory in Sunderland, marking a significant milestone for the UK automotive industry. The facility, located in the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), represents a £48.7 million investment and is expected to create up to 183 skilled jobs. The new factory will produce electrified powertrains for the nearby Nissan plant, including the innovative 3-in-1 powertrain, which integrates the motor, inverter, and reducer into a compact and lightweight module. This facility is set to enhance JATCO’s production capacity to 340,000 units annually and further strengthen its position as a global leader…

BYD, a leading global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has entered into a partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hailing platform, to bolster the region’s EV fleet. This collaboration follows a similar agreement BYD made with Uber in July 2024. As part of the partnership, Grab will offer its driver-partners across Southeast Asia access to up to 50,000 BYD EVs. Grab aims to lower the financial barriers for its fleet partners and drivers by providing competitive rates and extended warranties on EV batteries. Drivers will have options to rent EVs from Grab’s fleet partners or access financing support through Grab’s car…

The United States has finalized a regulation effectively barring smart cars and other passenger vehicles equipped with Chinese or Russian technology from the American market, citing national security concerns. The new rule, announced on Tuesday, prohibits the use of hardware and software linked to Beijing or Moscow in vehicles sold in the US starting with the 2027 model year. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the growing security risks posed by modern vehicles, which increasingly resemble ‘computers on wheels’ due to their integration of cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and internet connectivity. “This is a targeted approach to ensure we keep PRC and…

Hyundai Motor India plans to launch the Creta Electric SUV at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Auto Expo. The company predicts that passenger EV sales in India will double within the next two years, rising from the current volume of approximately 106,000 units. This growth is attributed to an influx of new launches by major automakers slated for 2025. Hyundai India’s Chief Operating Officer, Tarun Garg, highlighted the evolving EV landscape, forecasting a significant uptick in EV penetration from 2.4% currently to 17% by 2030. Alongside the Creta Electric, Hyundai plans to introduce three additional EV models, aligning with its…

Autoworld newcomers like Taiwan-based Foxconn and China’s Huawei Technologies are making bold moves to establish themselves in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, posing challenges to traditional automakers. Companies like Nissan and Honda are responding by exploring strategic alliances to compete in a rapidly transforming market. Foxconn’s Ambitious Foray into EVs Foxconn, widely known for its expertise in electronics manufacturing, has been leveraging its technological prowess to carve a niche in the automotive world. Through its joint venture with Taiwan’s Yulon Motor Co., named Foxtron, the company recently showcased its EV capabilities with models like the sleek Model B hatchback at…

BYD has unveiled its Atto 2 electric SUV at Brussels Motor Show. This midsize EV, designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles, is set to hit the European market next month. Positioned as a smaller sibling to the Atto 3, the Atto 2 could potentially make its way to India, targeting competitors such as the Maruti e Vitara and Hyundai Creta Electric. Compact Yet Distinctive Design The BYD Atto 2 measures 4,310mm in length, slightly shorter than the Atto 3’s 4,455mm. It maintains a width of 1,830mm and a height of 1,675mm. The SUV’s design draws inspiration…

Tesla has officially unveiled the facelifted 2025 Model Y, with sales beginning in China as the electric crossover undergoes significant updates to tackle rising competition globally. Codenamed Project Juniper, the revised Model Y reflects last year’s upgrades to the Model 3, focusing on efficiency, refinement, and quality. Notable exterior changes include redesigned wraparound light bars at the front and rear, along with subtly reshaped bumpers. The SUV’s length has increased by 47mm, reaching 4797mm, while maintaining its aerodynamic advantage with a reduced drag coefficient of 0.22. Inside, updates include a rear touchscreen, electrically folding rear seats for expanded boot space,…

Stellantis NV, the owner of Jeep, has paused key production decisions as it awaits clarity on President-elect Donald Trump’s policies. Among the decisions is the location for producing the replacement for the Jeep Cherokee midsize SUV, which ended production in 2023. This critical decision hinges on potential tariffs or policy changes under the new administration, according to Antonio Filosa, Stellantis’ North America head and global Jeep brand leader. “We have a couple of options for where to build the Cherokee’s successor,” Filosa stated at the Detroit Auto Show. “Those are things that we are assessing now.” Policy Uncertainty Influences Automakers…

The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) Awards 2024, proudly presented by JK Tyre since their inception, were celebrated with grandeur at the Levitas Lounge in New Delhi. A milestone event for the Indian automotive industry, this year’s awards carried particular significance as ICOTY marked its 20th anniversary. Recognised as the most prestigious accolades in the Indian automotive sector, the awards showcased a legacy of innovation and excellence. The event witnessed the presence of industry stalwarts, leading journalists, and notable figures from the automotive fraternity. Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director of…