Author: Central Desk

SK hynix has become the first memory chipmaker to receive a globally recognized information security certification for the automotive industry. The South Korean semiconductor giant announced on Thursday that all its domestic facilities in Icheon, Bundang, and Cheongju have obtained the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) certification. TISAX is an internationally accepted security standard managed by the ENX Association, which includes major European automakers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. The certification ensures a standardized approach to information security across the automotive supply chain and is a key requirement for global automakers assessing their partners’ security capabilities. With this milestone, SK…

Nissan is reportedly considering withdrawing from merger talks with Honda as disagreements between the two Japanese automakers intensify, according to Reuters. The company’s board members are expected to convene soon to assess the future of the potential partnership. If abandoned, the deal’s collapse would cast uncertainty over what could have been the world’s third-largest automaker by sales. It also raises concerns about Nissan’s ability to address its ongoing financial and operational hurdles without external collaboration. The news of the possible breakdown had a positive impact on both companies’ stock prices. On Wednesday, Honda’s shares rose by more than 2%, while…

Tesla’s position as the leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market is facing increasing pressure from rising competitors, particularly from China, signaling a shift in the global automotive landscape. Recent reports highlight troubling trends for Tesla in California, a key EV market, as brands like Xpeng continue to gain traction. According to data from the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), Tesla’s sales dropped by 11.6% in 2024, amounting to nearly 27,000 fewer vehicles sold. The company’s market share in California declined from 60% to 52.5%, while other electric vehicle brands saw a collective surge of 20% when excluding Tesla’s…

Audi has reversed its recent decision to implement a new naming scheme for its vehicles, reverting to its traditional system after widespread confusion among customers and dealers. Under the scrapped naming convention, internal combustion engine (ICE) models were to be assigned odd-numbered names, while electric vehicle (EV) counterparts would also carry odd numbers. However, the system proved perplexing, prompting Audi to revert to its previous approach, where model names are based on vehicle size rather than drivetrain type. The decision to return to the old system comes as Audi had already introduced models under the revised naming plan. The A6…

Hyundai Motor and Kia have joined forces with Kolon Spaceworks to enhance the materials used in their eco-friendly mobility solutions. The agreement was formalized on Monday at Hyundai’s Namyang Research and Development Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Kolon Spaceworks, known for its expertise in advanced materials, will collaborate with the automakers to improve hydrogen fuel tanks and electric vehicle battery covers. The initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Hyundai and Kia’s sustainable mobility offerings while ensuring compliance with international environmental standards. The partnership aligns with Hyundai and Kia’s ongoing efforts to meet the European Union’s vehicle disposal regulations, which…

The South Korean automobile industry is growing increasingly concerned following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, raising fears of a wider trade conflict. According to The New York Times, thousands of companies across Asia and Europe, which have invested heavily in North American supply chains, now face major disruptions due to the new tariffs. The impact is expected to be particularly severe for South Korean automakers and parts suppliers operating in Canada and Mexico with a focus on U.S. exports. Hyundai Motor Group is among the companies most at risk, as it operates…

Honda Motor is investing over $1 billion to transform its Ohio facilities into a cutting-edge hub for electric vehicle (EV) production. This major financial boost surpasses the initially announced $700 million investment, underscoring Honda’s commitment to advanced technology, sustainability, and a new era of automotive manufacturing. The initiative, internally described as Honda’s ‘second founding,’ marks a major milestone for the 75-year-old automaker. At the center of this transformation is the Marysville Auto Plant, a facility that has played a pivotal role in Honda’s U.S. production for nearly 43 years. The most notable upgrade includes the installation of six high-pressure ‘giga…

U.S. 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, alongside a new 10% duty on Chinese imports, is set to significantly impact the automotive sector of these countries. Approximately 90% of vehicle exports from Mexico and Canada are destined for the U.S., according to the Mexican Automotive Manufacturers’ Association (AMIA) and the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. The tariff, effective from February 4, is likely to disrupt supply chains and raise vehicle costs. Automakers at Risk The tariffs have raised concerns across the global car industry, particularly among German automakers, with Volkswagen expected to be the most affected. Industry leaders have…

Ford recalled nearly 150,000 Bronco SUVs manufactured between 2021 and 2024 due to a potential rear suspension defect that could lead to hazardous driving conditions. The recall, issued on January 17, affects 149,449 units, though Ford estimates that only about 30 percent of these vehicles may actually experience the issue. The recall stems from a faulty component in the rear suspension, particularly affecting vehicles operating in rust-prone climates. According to Ford’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), corrosion can develop between the external reservoir, mounting flange, and damper body of the long flange rear shock absorbers, potentially…

Nissan has unveiled a major restructuring plan, including the elimination of 9,000 jobs and a 20% reduction in global manufacturing capacity. The decision comes as the automaker faces sustained economic pressures, particularly declining sales in key markets such as China and the United States. Revealed on November 7, 2024, Nissan’s restructuring aims to cut costs by $2.6 billion in the current fiscal year. The company is seeking to address weak financial performance and stabilize operations. While speculation arose linking the job cuts to potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration, Nissan officials firmly dismissed such claims. Kyle Bazemore, a Nissan…