Author: Central Desk

BMW Group has secured the prestigious Enlighten Award in the Sustainable Process category at the 2024 Center for Automotive Research Seminar. Altair recognized BMW for its groundbreaking advancements in lightweight construction and sustainability, showcasing the automaker’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing a circular economy. The award-winning BMW M Visionary Materials Seat stands as a testament to BMW’s forward-thinking approach to automotive interiors. This design, a collaborative effort between BMW M GmbH, BMW Group Designworks, and key industry partners, represents the future of automotive sustainability. Prioritizing plant-based materials and high recyclability, the seat design delivers a significant reduction in…

Accenture has launched the global Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Academy through its LearnVantage platform, aiming to shape the future of the automotive industry by equipping professionals with critical skills for a market expected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2040. The SDV Academy presents an extensive curriculum, comprising over 40 specialized modules. It offers hands-on training within an interactive sandbox environment, backed by cutting-edge labs and expert guidance. The program’s structure spans the entire SDV ecosystem, covering both hardware and software. Participants delve into crucial domains such as infotainment systems, automated driving technologies (AD/ADAS), connectivity, and electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture. The academy’s training…

China’s EV market is currently navigating a fascinating shift, marked by a strong surge in exports even as domestic sales encounter fluctuations. This evolving landscape is reshaping the strategic playbooks of Chinese automakers and their global counterparts, offering both significant opportunities and formidable challenges. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reveals a 5% decline in domestic auto sales in July 2024, with only 1.6 million vehicles sold nationwide. This dip underscores the intensifying rivalry between traditional gasoline vehicles and the increasingly dominant electric models. Yet, the story of China’s automotive sector remains far from bleak. Export figures paint…

Automobili Lamborghini, the renowned Italian super luxury automaker, has set its sights on India’s long-term potential as a major force within the Asia Pacific region. With a record 103 units sold in India in 2023, the company is poised for even greater success, fueled by the youngest customer base globally and the country’s rapidly expanding economy. Francesco Scardaoni, Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific Region, highlighted India’s impressive growth trajectory, ranking as the 14th largest market globally and the sixth in the Asia Pacific region by volume. Scardaoni noted that India represents the fastest-growing market for Lamborghini, with clear potential…

Unifor, one of Canada’s most influential unions, is calling on the federal government to impose tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) as a protective measure for the Canadian auto industry. This push comes as Ottawa deliberates on whether to align with the United States and the European Union, both of which have already implemented tariffs aimed at curbing the influx of Chinese EVs and preserving their domestic markets. The union, representing a significant portion of Canada’s autoworkers, participated in the government’s 30-day consultation process, which concluded last week. The focus was on countering what Unifor describes as ‘unfair Chinese…

CATL unveiled NING Space, the world’s first new energy experience center, a groundbreaking step in the global e-mobility revolution. Located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, this innovative facility provides an all-encompassing platform for consumers to explore, select, and learn about electric vehicles (EVs), setting a new standard for the automotive industry. The creation of NING Space is a collaboration between CATL, leading automotive manufacturers, and the local government, resulting in a 13,000-square-meter complex housing nearly 100 models from around 50 car brands. This perpetual auto show offers consumers a comprehensive collection of the most popular EV models, streamlining the process of…

Germany’s automotive sector, a pillar of the nation’s economy, faces a profound upheaval, triggering extensive job cuts and a significant reconfiguration. Long heralded as the backbone of German industry, the sector now contends with the challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) while grappling with intense global competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. Economic Pressures and the Electric Shift The transition to electric vehicles, essential for achieving climate goals, has presented a formidable challenge. Major corporations like Volkswagen, Audi, and Daimler Truck are using this shift to aggressively reduce costs, often at the expense of their workforce. The industry’s strategic decisions…

VinFast Auto, the burgeoning global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has forged an exclusive dealership pact with Qatar’s Al Mana Holding W.L.L., signaling a strategic thrust into the Middle Eastern market. Anticipated to commence in Q3 2024, the inaugural VinFast showroom will grace the heart of Doha. This facility promises a showcase of VinFast’s premium e-SUV lineup: the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9. The move aligns with Qatar’s burgeoning appetite for sustainable transportation solutions. Transitioning from a direct-to-consumer sales paradigm, VinFast now embraces a hybrid model, capitalizing on established dealership infrastructures. Al Mana Holding, a stalwart in…

Exicom Tele-systems, India’s premier electric vehicle (EV) charger manufacturer, has taken a decisive step to bolster its global influence by acquiring Tritium, a globally recognized leader in DC Fast Chargers. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the rapidly expanding EV market. Exicom’s subsidiary, Exicom Power Solutions B.V. Netherlands, alongside other step-down subsidiaries, secured a definitive agreement to acquire the business and assets of the Australia-based Tritium group of companies. Since its inception in 2001, Tritium has sold over 13,000 DC Fast Chargers across 47 countries. Renowned for pioneering liquid-cooled DC Fast Chargers, Tritium’s products offer both aesthetic finesse and…

Global efforts to tackle climate change are fueling a sharp rise in demand for power semiconductors. Infineon Technologies AG has responded by opening the first phase of a state-of-the-art fab in Malaysia, destined to be the world’s largest and most advanced 200-millimeter silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor facility. The inauguration saw Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Kedah Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Haji Mohd Nor, and Infineon CEO Jochen Hanebeck mark the commencement of production. The new SiC power fab is a milestone for Infineon, reinforcing its dominance in the semiconductor market. With an…