Author: Central Desk

Amidst the rapid evolution characterizing today’s automotive landscape, a fierce auto patent battle unfolds, with Hyundai and Kia aggressively positioning themselves against industry leader Toyota. This competition transcends traditional manufacturing, spotlighting a pivotal shift toward future mobility realms—electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid models, and autonomous driving innovations. Historical dominance in patents, once centered around the internal combustion engine, has expanded. The industry now fiercely contests across three crucial domains: EV drivetrain, thermal management systems, and autonomous driving technologies—each essential for the performance, range, and safety of tomorrow’s vehicles. Data analysis spanning 2001 to 2021, utilizing records from the Korean Intellectual…

Nissan Motor has catalyzed a significant evolution within the electric vehicle (EV) domain through the unveiling of the Ariya NISMO, a superior performance variant of its acclaimed Ariya EV. First presented at the Tokyo Auto Salon January 2024, this advanced model is slated for release on the Japanese market come June, heralding a novel phase for electric mobility. The Ariya NISMO emerges as NISMO’s premier EV, augmenting the exemplary speed, comfort, and handling of the standard Ariya e-4ORCE. Nissan introduces two configurations of this electrifying model: the B6 e-4ORCE and the B9 e-4ORCE. The B6, equipped with a 66 kWh…

Tesla and Polestar exit the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), challenging the organization’s stance on forthcoming vehicle emissions regulations. This departure signals a deepening divide over environmental policies aimed at propelling the nation towards a sustainable future. The Australian government, under the centre-left Labor party’s direction, is pushing for vehicle efficiency standards to reduce carbon emissions and foster the adoption of cleaner transportation methods. Volkswagen Australia voices concerns regarding Tesla and Polestar’s FCAI withdrawal, spotlighting the widening gap among car manufacturers over optimal approaches to addressing vehicle emissions. As a member of FCAI yet in defiance of its trajectory,…

Industry specialists express concern regarding the United States’ escalating efforts to curtail China’s burgeoning auto sector, perceived as a politicization of trade likely to stymie global automotive progress. Republican Senator Marco Rubio’s proposition to markedly elevate tariffs on vehicle imports from China, extending these levies to Chinese-manufactured vehicles in nations like Mexico, epitomizes the recent auto trade strategies designed to safeguard American automobile manufacturers and their workforce. This strategy, aimed at confining electric vehicle subsidies to those complying with stringent North American trade stipulations, has ignited discussion among observers. Zhang Xiang, a distinguished authority at the Digital Automotive International Cooperation…

Stellantis unveils an unparalleled financial strategy, earmarking €5.6 billion for South America’s automotive development from 2025 to 2030. This monumental allocation not only sets a new benchmark for the industry but also signals a transformative era for automotive innovation and sustainability across Brazil and the wider region. Central to this strategic infusion are plans to introduce over 40 novel products, inclusive of a pioneering battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the development of cutting-edge Bio-Hybrid technologies. Such initiatives underscore Stellantis’ leadership in championing decarbonization throughout the automotive supply chain and exploring strategic ventures to bolster the regional automotive landscape. Carlos Tavares,…

Chinese automakers, with BYD leading the charge, are advancing assertively into the Australian electric vehicle (EV) market, leveraging favorable conditions, including government incentives and a burgeoning demand for environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The proactive stance of the Australian government, spearheaded by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, towards promoting EV adoption aligns with global efforts to curtail emissions, catalyzing a noticeable upsurge in EV sales. Data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reveals that EVs constituted 7.2% of new car sales in Australia in 2023, a considerable leap from 3.1% the prior year. David Smitherman, CEO of BYD’s distributor in Australia,…

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) embarks on a groundbreaking lithium market venture, teaming up with Frontier Lithium, a pivotal player in Canadian mining. This collaboration aims to propel the PAK Lithium Project, situated in Ontario, Canada, into a leading position within MC’s investment portfolio as its first foray into lithium mining. Through this agreement, MC secures a 7.5% stake in a joint venture established for the PAK Project against a cash consideration of 25 million CAD, retaining the option to elevate its equity interest to 25%. This strategic initiative reflects MC’s confidence in the PAK Project’s stature as one of the premier…

Audi inaugurates a novel charging hub on Frankfurt’s Orber Straße, catering to electric vehicles from any manufacturer. This hub boasts four high-power charging (HPC) stations, enabling rapid charging at up to 320 kW. Next to this modern facility, visitors can immerse themselves in Klassikstadt Frankfurt, a venue celebrated for its collection of vintage and contemporary classic cars, housed within a heritage-listed factory. Here, guests can savor a variety of snacks, beverages, and hot meals in a stylish and comfortable environment while their vehicles charge. Marking Audi’s sixth venture into charging hubs, this Frankfurt installment stands out for its commitment to…

Dayco, the esteemed entity in engine product and drive systems innovation for automotive, industrial, and aftermarket realms, heralded the commencement of high-grade drive belt production at its newly inaugurated facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This development signifies a substantial leap in Dayco’s manufacturing prowess, reinforcing its presence across North America and echoing its commitment to worldwide operational excellence. The narrative of this milestone began toward 2022’s close, with Dayco’s announcement regarding its investment in the San Luis Potosí site, dedicated to fabricating original equipment quality drive belts of global renown. The construction phase surpassed expectations in efficiency, culminating in…

BMW Group embarks on a pivotal journey towards sustainable mobility and localized manufacturing with the commencement of its state-of-the-art local manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage battery, situated in Rayong, Thailand. This significant venture was inaugurated with a ceremony featuring Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG, alongside Thai government officials and the German ambassador to Thailand, Ernst Reichel. This development marks a strategic expansion in BMW Group’s production capabilities, targeting the initiation of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) production by the latter half of 2025. Milan Nedeljković, during the event, articulated the strategy as a crucial progression in BMW…