Author: Central Desk

Scania, the commercial vehicle powerhouse, has forged a partnership with digital road freight leader sennder to form JUNA, an innovative joint venture poised to revolutionize the adoption of electric trucks across Europe. This strategic move aims to accelerate the shift towards a greener road logistics sector by offering a comprehensive service suite encompassing state-of-the-art electric vehicles, maintenance, insurance, and a suite of digital and analytics tools. The essence of JUNA’s business approach lies in mitigating the typical challenges associated with transitioning to electric vehicles in freight operations. Through a model that bases fees on usage and assures vehicle utilization, coupled…

The Fiat Strada, Brazil’s renowned market-conquering compact pickup, is charting a fresh path of success as it gears up for its launch in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Fiat, with a notable presence as a market frontrunner in Brazil, Turkey, and Italy, has embarked on an ambitious journey to further cement its international stature, targeting an enthusiastic reception from the MEA market come November 2023. Birthed in the vibrant automotive realm of Brazil 25 years ago, the Strada has been a transformative force, swiftly ascending to the top of the sales charts and consistently holding its ground since 2021.…

Honda Motor stands at the forefront of motorcycle innovation with the introduction of the E-Clutch system, a first in the world for motorcycles. This advanced system simplifies the act of starting and shifting gears by automating clutch control, a feature sure to entice riders of all levels. The E-Clutch system from Honda eliminates the manual operation of the clutch lever on multi-gear manual bikes, smoothing out the ride and enhancing the user experience. Its electronic control technology delivers seamless riding, managing clutch engagement during starts, stops, and gear changes. The system is designed with versatility in mind, offering riders the…

Toyota Motor Europe has initiated production of the Toyota C-HR, unveiling a plug-in hybrid model that harnesses locally assembled batteries, marking a pivotal step in Toyota’s electrification strategy in Europe. This move comes as part of a €308 million investment aimed at modernizing the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey facility, highlighting Toyota’s push into the hybrid market on the continent. Since its debut, the Toyota C-HR has been a game-changer for the European C-SUV segment, boasting sales of over 800,000 units and propelling Toyota’s market share in Europe from 4% to a solid 7%. The new model lineup features a suite…

SK On, a prominent player in EV battery technology, has secured a contract to supply advanced battery cells to Polestar, the Swedish purveyor of electric performance automobiles. This agreement ensures that from 2025, the anticipated luxury coupe, the Polestar 5, will feature SK On’s latest battery cell technology. As the EV landscape shifts swiftly towards more sustainable and high-performance options, the integration of SK On’s pioneering high-nickel battery cells with Polestar’s vision for its grand tourer sets a new standard for luxury EVs. Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, stated, “Our relationship with SK On has been fruitful following our initial…

Renault has launched its ‘Human First’ program, a comprehensive effort aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) fire safety protocols globally. This initiative marks a significant partnership with firefighting teams around the world, encompassing Australian fire and rescue organizations. Aligned with the Australian debut of the Renault Megane E-Tech BEV, the ‘Human First’ program, supported by Renault’s local distributor Ateco Automotive, signals the company’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all road users. This strategy rests on three fundamental safety pillars: the development of advanced driver-assistance systems for accident prevention, a unique global collaboration for efficient road accident management, and robust…

For redefining luxury motoring in Qatar, Auto Class Cars has proudly showcased Lynk & Co’s sophisticated vehicle lineup at their Salwa Road showroom. This strategic partnership with the luxury Chinese-European automotive brand marks a significant enrichment of Auto Class Cars’ portfolio, a subsidiary of the renowned Nasser Bin Khaled Group. Frank Zauner, General Manager at Auto Class Cars, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “At Auto Class Cars, we are pleased to partner with Lynk&CO to become the company’s authorized general distributor in Qatar. Under the patron NBK Group, LYnk & Co will offer unique options to customers who want to…

Delineating a forward-thinking path for India’s environmental policies and net-zero trajectory, Chandra Bhushan, a leading voice on climate change, underscores the strategic role of cutting-edge technologies like electric vehicles, advanced battery systems, photovoltaic cells, and hydrogen fuel. These innovations stand poised to drastically curtail the nation’s fossil fuel dependency, propelling India towards a decarbonized economy while simultaneously addressing air pollution woes. Technological Frontiers in India’s Climate Strategy Bhushan articulates a vision where technological solutions surmount current obstacles. He points out that policy reform, rather than technological or financial barriers, is crucial for India’s green transition. With the right policies set…

October saw the United States labor market expansion cool more than expected, with a significant strike within the auto sector applying the brakes to job growth. Labor Department data released Friday reveals a modest gain of 150,000 jobs for the month, a downturn from the robust 297,000 revised count in September, with the unemployment rate edging upward to 3.9%. President Joe Biden, commenting on the employment situation, pointed to the enduring strength of the labor market, noting that the ratio of working-age Americans in employment remains above pre-pandemic levels. “The unemployment rate has been below 4% for 21 months in…

Ford Motor Company has orchestrated a strategic acquisition of Auto Motive Power (AMP), a renowned startup specializing in cutting-edge charging and battery management systems. This AMP acquisition signals Ford’s renewed vigor to push forward its electric vehicle (EV) program and enhance technology accessibility for consumers. California’s AMP praised for innovative battery management software and versatile power conversion systems utilized in EVs, drones, and hyperloop transportation, will now be integrated into Ford’s evolving EV infrastructure. A Ford spokesperson revealed to Insider the purpose behind the acquisition: “Ford is focused on accelerating EV adoption and improving charging experiences for as many customers…