Author: Central Desk

A groundbreaking smart parking initiative designed in Riyadh to support individuals with special needs has clinched the top prize at the Al-Ahsa Forum for Startups’ Sana Hackathon. Developed by a trio of visionaries, Yaqeen Al-Thabit, Joud Al-Kulaib, and Sakina Al-Oufi, this project is more than just a technological advancement, it’s a step towards a more inclusive society. The core of this initiative is a robust commitment to protecting parking spaces for special needs individuals, blending technology with a service model that boosts confidence and aids their seamless societal participation. This endeavor aims not just for convenience but for empowering these…

Global oil demand defies expectations, soaring to an all-time high this year with a nearly 40 percent increase. This occurs even as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), projected to make over 10 percent of global auto sales, gain popularity. This trend contradicts the belief that electric vehicles would significantly reduce oil consumption. In Norway, the leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, oil usage remains steady despite 80 percent of new auto sales being EVs. A similar pattern emerges in China, the largest EV market, where oil demand escalated by 50 percent alongside a 20 percent rise in EV penetration. Contrary to…

Xiaomi, celebrated for its smartphone prowess, steps into the automotive sphere with the SU7, its inaugural electric vehicle (EV). This move showcases Xiaomi’s ambition to transcend beyond mobile devices and venture into diverse technological territories. The Xiaomi SU7 Unveiled The revelation of Xiaomi’s SU7 has sparked widespread interest and speculation. The images and documents provide insights into this eagerly awaited EV, stirring excitement among tech aficionados and automotive experts. Design: A Fusion of Sophistication and Creativity Xiaomi’s SU7 is a blend of sophistication with creative ingenuity. The front design echoes the Tesla Model 3, featuring a streamlined hood and prominent…

The 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show set the stage for a transformative collaboration between Hyundai Motor Company and Amazon, introducing a new era of online car sales. This strategic alliance, unveiled through a live broadcast, is geared towards revolutionizing customer experiences, including simplifying the vehicle purchasing process and catalyzing a digital shift in the automotive industry. Scheduled for launch in 2024, this partnership will see Amazon initiating online sales of Hyundai vehicles in the U.S., marking a novel approach in vehicle retail. Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, shared his vision for the collaboration: “Our broad, strategic partnership should do just…

Ontario’s EV (Electric Vehicle) supply chain received a significant boost with Dana Canada Corporation’s recent investment announcement. This global leader in drivetrain and electric propulsion systems is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities, focusing on thermal management systems essential for EV batteries and electronics. The investment, approximately $60 million CAD, will enhance Dana’s facilities at Oakville and Cambridge. Dana’s presence spans 31 countries, and this expansion positions the Cambridge site as a primary manufacturing location in Canada, complemented by growth at the Oakville Technology Centre. These developments are expected to generate 105 new, well-paying jobs in these areas. Vic Fedeli,…

IVECO, an Italian multinational transport vehicle manufacturing company under the Iveco Group, has revolutionized its product range and service offerings. With an investment of 1 billion euros, the company has revamped its entire product line, marking this as the most significant investment cycle in its history. This transformative step was unveiled at the ‘Be the Change’ launch event in Barcelona, Spain, attended by over 1,300 stakeholders including customers, dealers, partners, and international media. This investment marks a pivotal moment for Iveco, encompassing the simultaneous renewal of every product line in its range. The company’s strategy focuses on enhancing business productivity,…

DHL Supply Chain establishes an ambitious Green Transport Policy, setting a sustainability benchmark in logistics. This policy, aligning with the company’s Sustainability Roadmap, signals a major shift towards decarbonizing transport solutions. This Green Transport Policy outlines strategies for significant carbon emission reductions, crucial for minimizing DHL Supply Chain’s environmental impact. Key to this initiative is the selection of optimal green transport alternatives, factoring in regional availability, infrastructure, and cost. The plan includes converting around 2,000 vehicles from conventional combustion engines to eco-friendly options like hydrotreated vegetable oil, biogas, electric, and hydrogen power. With a planned investment of 200 million euros…

A partnership between Toyota Motor North America and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) is set to explore the innovative Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology using Toyota’s bZ4X. This collaboration, announced Tuesday, is a significant step towards enhancing the functionality of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and their interaction with the electric grid. V2G Technology: A Dual Benefit Approach This V2G initiative seeks to enable BEVs to not only draw power from the grid for charging but also to supply electricity back to the grid. Such bidirectional power flow holds the promise of improved energy resilience, better integration of renewable resources, and…

Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced plans to double part imports from India. This news, shared by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, signifies a deepening relationship between the American EV giant and the Indian automotive sector. Goyal’s visit to Tesla’s Fremont manufacturing facility, although not featuring a meeting with CEO Elon Musk, was marked by optimism. Goyal praised the role of Indian engineers and finance professionals at Tesla and acknowledged the increasing relevance of Indian auto component suppliers within Tesla’s EV supply chain. This step by Tesla aligns with ongoing dialogues about potential manufacturing and sales…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands on the cusp of a futuristic milestone with the potential to host the first-ever flying car race globally. This groundbreaking event is fueled by rapid advancements in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, commonly referred to as ‘flying cars.’ Revolutionizing Motorsports: Christian Pineau, CEO of Maca Flight, steers this innovation. His company, an offshoot of European aircraft giant Airbus, crafted the first hydrogen-powered flying race car, showcased at CES 2023. This engineering marvel, priced at $2 million, combines a 250-kilometer-per-hour top speed with zero CO2 emissions. Designed for solo pilots, it promises to…