Author: Central Desk

Tesla’s Cybertruck, revealed by CEO Elon Musk in 2019, now faces a postponed delivery date to November 30. Originally poised to challenge the Ford F-150 with a lower price tag, the vehicle’s cost projections have surged, partly due to inflation and production complexities. Musk’s admissions of manufacturing challenges and the absence of specific details on Tesla’s order page amplify the uncertainty surrounding the Cybertruck’s final pricing, now anticipated to be around $60,000. Ramping Up Production Musk compared escalating Cybertruck production to Tesla’s previous struggles with large-scale manufacturing. Originally advertised with prices ranging from $39,900 to $69,900, Tesla confronts the reality…

Berlin witnessed a pivotal industry summit where Germany’s government and top automakers solidified their aim for deploying 15 million electric cars on German streets by 2030. Hosted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday, 27 November, the event, known as the Transformation of the Automotive and Mobility Industry Strategy Platform, brought together key stakeholders to strategize on realizing this ambitious target, despite the backdrop of falling sales. The discussions, led by political leaders and industry experts, centered on the clear preference for electric vehicles over other technologies, such as fuel cells and synthetic fuels. This consensus, underscored in a report by…

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed a substantial investment to Iveco Group N.V., a prominent force in the automotive domain, especially in Commercial & Specialty Vehicles, Powertrain, and associated Financial Services. This initiative, a 450 million euro segment of a larger 500 million euro allocation approved by the EIB’s Board, is signed in Turin and targets the transport sector’s decarbonization, emphasizing electrification, efficiency, and safety. Funds from this investment will propel Iveco Group’s efforts to forge advanced technologies and designs in electric propulsion. Additionally, the investment will bolster advancements in autonomous driving, digitalization, and vehicle connectivity. These enhancements are…

Volkswagen Group, responding to the competitive pressure from local brands like BYD, announces a new initiative for affordable battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The plan focuses on entry- and mid-level models, specifically designed for the Chinese market. During the inauguration of the Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC) in Hefei, an ambitious $1.1bn EV development and procurement hub, the company revealed its ‘China for China strategy’. This approach underscores VW’s commitment to regaining its lost market share in China, which is the world’s largest vehicle market. Ralf Brandstaetter, CEO of Volkswagen China, highlighted that the new platform, dubbed the A Main…

Changan Automobile’s shares reached their daily trading limit after announcing a joint venture with Huawei Technologies. This collaboration between a Chinese carmaker and a telecom equipment giant signals a transformative move in smart auto solutions. Following the announcement, Changan Auto’s shares escalated by 10 percent to $2.73 (CNY19.56) per share during Shenzhen’s lunch break. Since November 23, the stock has witnessed a remarkable 20 percent increase. Huawei leads the venture, contributing its technological prowess, assets, and personnel. Changan Auto and other entities will own up to 40 percent. Investment details and ownership ratios are pending further discussions. The venture’s core…

ASPIRE’s Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) revealed its groundbreaking autonomous Super Formula SF23 development car. This event took place near the Yas Marina Circuit, coinciding with the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023. The SF23, a modified racing vehicle, ushers in a new chapter for motorsports, combining traditional racing thrills with advanced technology. Journalists from renowned automotive and racing publications around the globe attended this reveal, solidifying the car’s role as a forerunner in the motorsport world. April 2024 will see the first A2RL race at Yas Marina Circuit, featuring ten teams from regions including North America, Europe,…

Porsche’s dedication to unparalleled luxury and personalization reached a new pinnacle with the unveiling of the Panamera Turbo Sonderwunsch in Shanghai. This one-of-a-kind creation, born from the third generation of the Panamera, exemplifies Porsche’s commitment to individuality in the realm of modern luxury. The Panamera Turbo Sonderwunsch stands as a testament to the Sonderwunsch program’s capability for tailored automotive artistry. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’s commitment to custom craftsmanship allows customers to influence every aspect of their vehicle, from color to materials, creating unique, one-off models. The highlight of the Sonderwunsch Panamera Turbo is its distinctive two-tone finish. The newly developed color,…

Solis Tractors has unveiled a new series of tractors and electric mowers at Agritechnica 2023, marking a significant stride in the agricultural sector’s journey towards sustainability and innovation. The event, which ran from November 12th to 18th, showcased Solis Tractors’ commitment to meeting the stringent standards of global markets, including the US and Europe. The newly launched tractor series, with its compact design and advanced emission control, addresses a variety of customer needs. Solis Tractors’ agricultural machines merge state-of-the-art technology with robust power and flexibility, boosting productivity for worldwide farming communities while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Eco-Friendly Agricultural Shift Central to…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), a renowned name in the automotive industry, has once again proven its commitment to innovation and digital transformation. The company’s Data Engineering Conversion Program, introduced in 2021, has been a game-changer, delivering over £430 million in value within a year. This impressive feat underscores JLR’s digital skills and sustainable business practices. The program reshapes career paths for budding digital engineers, arming them with critical data management skills. This strategic educational move significantly boosts JLR’s financial performance, contributing to a record cash flow in the 2023/24 first half. JLR’s newly skilled data engineers utilize advanced digital tools…

Stellantis, the fourth largest automaker globally, has recently inaugurated its SUSTAINera Circular Economy Hub at the Mirafiori Complex in Turin, Italy. This move is a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs) and their components. The hub, strategically located at a site already housing a battery technology center, aims to extend the life of Stellantis vehicles and auto parts. It is a part of the company’s comprehensive plan to embrace a circular economy. This approach encompasses the 4Rs: Remanufacture, Repair, Reuse, and Recycle. The process…