Author: Central Desk

Ford recalled nearly 150,000 Bronco SUVs manufactured between 2021 and 2024 due to a potential rear suspension defect that could lead to hazardous driving conditions. The recall, issued on January 17, affects 149,449 units, though Ford estimates that only about 30 percent of these vehicles may actually experience the issue. The recall stems from a faulty component in the rear suspension, particularly affecting vehicles operating in rust-prone climates. According to Ford’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), corrosion can develop between the external reservoir, mounting flange, and damper body of the long flange rear shock absorbers, potentially…

Nissan has unveiled a major restructuring plan, including the elimination of 9,000 jobs and a 20% reduction in global manufacturing capacity. The decision comes as the automaker faces sustained economic pressures, particularly declining sales in key markets such as China and the United States. Revealed on November 7, 2024, Nissan’s restructuring aims to cut costs by $2.6 billion in the current fiscal year. The company is seeking to address weak financial performance and stabilize operations. While speculation arose linking the job cuts to potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration, Nissan officials firmly dismissed such claims. Kyle Bazemore, a Nissan…

Elon Musk has said that Tesla will introduce a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, as early as June 2025. The revelation came during a conference call following the company’s latest quarterly results, as reported by Azernews. “We want to start small, ensure everything is working as it should, and gradually expand the service, with a focus on the safety of both passengers and all road users,” Musk stated. Unlike previous plans that envisioned Tesla customers integrating their vehicles into the “Tesla Network” for ride-sharing, Musk clarified that these self-driving robotaxis will belong to Tesla’s own fleet. The vehicles will operate…

Toyota Motor retained its position as the world’s top-selling automaker in 2024 for the fifth consecutive year, despite a year-on-year decline in sales, according to data released on Thursday. The Japanese automotive giant recorded global sales of 10,159,336 units in 2024, marking a 1.4 percent drop from the previous year. The decline was attributed to the fallout from a vehicle test fraud scandal and the temporary suspension of Prius hybrid production. Despite this setback, Toyota’s sales outpaced those of Germany’s Volkswagen Group, which sold 9.02 million vehicles. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD outperformed Japanese rivals Honda Motor and Nissan Motor…

The European Union will introduce an ‘action plan’ by early March to support its embattled automotive sector, which faces mounting challenges from emissions fines, high manufacturing costs, and increased competition from China. The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a high-level meeting with industry leaders on Thursday. “The European automotive industry is at a pivotal moment, and we acknowledge the challenges it faces. That is why we are acting swiftly to address them,” von der Leyen said. The strategic dialogue, chaired by the commission, brought together key industry players, including representatives from Volkswagen, BMW,…

Maruti Suzuki has introduced the India-manufactured Jimny 5-door model in Japan, expanding its export portfolio to Suzuki Motor Corporation’s home market. The SUV, exclusively produced at the company’s Gurugram facility in Haryana, is the second India-made vehicle to enter the Japanese market this fiscal year, following the Fronx, which debuted in August 2024. First unveiled at Auto Expo 2023 in India, the Jimny 5-door has become Maruti Suzuki’s second-highest exported model in FY 2024-25. It is currently shipped to approximately 100 countries, including key markets such as Mexico, Australia, and South Africa. Maruti Suzuki’s Managing Director & CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi,…

The Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA), the country’s sole representative body for auto parts manufacturers, has raised concerns over the industry’s continued decline. Once thriving with 140 company members in 1997, the sector now struggles with barely 40 active members. Previously, local manufacturers supplied 80% of the country’s automotive parts, supported by a strong network of vehicle assemblers. However, that figure has dropped to just 20%, as manufacturers face declining demand, global competition, and insufficient government support. “The decline of our industry has serious implications, not just for the economy but also for our workforce and the future of local…

Since 1 January, all Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) production sites have been powered entirely by renewable electricity, marking a key step toward the company’s climate-neutral production goal by 2040. The Hanover-Stöcken plant, where all variants of the all-electric ID Buzz are produced for global markets, transitioned to green electricity at the start of the year. Volkswagen Poznań plants, which produce models like the Caddy and Crafter, have been using renewable energy since 2019. The Września facility, known for its Crafter production, has made significant strides toward self-sufficiency. In September 2024, its photovoltaic system, spanning 22 hectares with a 15.2 MW…

The World Car Awards selected Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, as the winner of the 2025 World Car Person of the Year. This marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to receive the prestigious award since its inception in 2018. It is also a major milestone for BYD, making it the first Chinese carmaker to win a World Car award. Li was selected by a jury of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries. The jury also considered Stellantis chief design officer Ralph Gilles and Toyota’s head of design and chief branding officer Simon Humphries…

Tesla has filed a lawsuit against the European Union (EU) to contest newly implemented tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs), arguing that these financial measures are unfair and counterproductive to global sustainability and the transition to clean energy. The company claims that the tariffs undermine its ability to compete effectively in the European market, raising concerns about their impact on innovation and the adoption of EVs. The lawsuit highlights growing tensions in the EV market, where trade regulations and sustainability goals often clash. Tesla contends that the tariffs stifle competition and innovation, potentially slowing the widespread adoption of clean energy vehicles.…