Author: Central Desk

The 2023 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC), held in Haikou, China, recently wrapped up, spotlighting a burgeoning alliance between China and Germany in the new energy vehicle (NEV) domain. This event in Haikou, Hainan Province’s capital, followed an earlier session in Munich, showcasing the sector’s global appeal. China’s dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market was a focal point at the congress. Timur Gül, the International Energy Agency’s chief energy technology officer, emphasized China’s significant role, noting the country hosts half of the world’s electric vehicles. From over 300,000 EVs in 2016, China’s numbers are poised to hit 20…

The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift. Petroleum producers, traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, are now navigating towards renewable energy sources. This strategic pivot is driven by environmental imperatives and the need for business sustainability in a world inching away from petroleum. Matthias J Pickl, an economics professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, spoke to NS Energy about this trend. He highlighted that oil companies are actively seeking viable alternatives to their primary revenue generators, marking a significant strategic shift. Key industry players are repositioning themselves to spearhead the energy transition. Wind and…

Vietnam’s auto market faces an unexpected downturn in sales, starkly contrasting with previous years’ buoyant figures during the Tet shopping season. Local car experts observe stagnant customer visits to dealerships, despite aggressive price reductions and promotional strategies. Vehicles priced under $40,983 (VND1 billion) are particularly hard to sell, attributed to economic challenges and consumer spending reticence. Anh Duc, a car salesman on Pham Hung Street, shares his surprise at the dwindling sales, noting a significant drop from previous years’ numbers. Dealers optimistically await a surge in demand towards year-end, yet the market remains quiet. Some consider deeper price cuts and…

David Ward, the Executive President of the Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP), raised critical concerns about the escalating sales of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in India. Echoing global trends, this rise in SUV popularity brings potential risks to road safety into sharp focus. Speaking at the Global Road Safety Initiative event, a collaborative effort by the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, and associated with the UNECE and UNESCAP, Ward addressed the dangers accompanying the growing preference for SUVs. Ward articulated the threat posed by SUVs, notably to…

A landmark achievement for the electric vehicle (EV) industry unfolded as Gotion High-tech’s Thai joint venture, NV Gotion, celebrated the production of its first local EV battery pack. This event, dated December 7, signals a pivotal advancement for the Volkswagen-backed Chinese powerhouse Gotion in the global market. The new battery pack, using lithium iron phosphate chemistry, has a capacity of 38 kWh, enabling an electric vehicle to travel up to 400 kilometers. This capacity meets the growing demand in Thailand’s EV market for A-class model batteries. Yu Qiang, NV Gotion’s marketing director, emphasized the battery’s performance and cost efficiency, noting…

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and DP World have embarked on a groundbreaking venture, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bolster auto logistics at Jebel Ali Port and propel decarbonization efforts across the UAE’s maritime and port sectors. This collaboration, unveiled at the COP 28-aligned ceremony in Al Majilis meeting room – Jafza 15, was marked by the signatures of Mr. Ajay Singh, MOL Group’s Managing Executive Officer overseeing operations in the Indian sub-continent and Middle East, and Mr. Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO of DP World GCC. The agreement sets the stage for both entities to conduct thorough feasibility studies…

Renault, the renowned car manufacturer, has commenced an ambitious journey to slash its vehicle production costs by a staggering 50% in the next four years. This novel initiative will hinge on integrating cutting-edge digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Production and Development As reported by Reuters, Renault’s strategy is to decrease production costs per vehicle by 30% for internal combustion vehicles and 50% for electric vehicles by 2027. This new step not only targets cost efficiency but also aims to accelerate vehicle development, shortening the process from three years to an astonishing two years. AI: The Driving Force of Change…

General Motors (GM) and Autocar Industries have announced a partnership to develop zero-tailpipe-emissions vocational vehicles. These vehicles, crucial for sectors like construction and mining, will harness the power of GM’s HYDROTEC power cubes. Specialized for specific work tasks, vocational vehicles are at the forefront of the hydrogen-powered mobility revolution. Charlie Freese, GM’s Global HYDROTEC executive director, emphasizes the necessity for robust solutions in large vehicles. “EV propulsion systems like GM’s Ultium Platform are great solutions for electrifying passenger vehicles, but larger vehicles like Autocar’s Class 8 trucks, refuse trucks and terminal tractors require robust solutions that enable significant energy-carrying capacity…

Stellantis and Ample are ushering in a new era for electric vehicle (EV) technology with a partnership focused on Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping Technology. This collaboration aims to dramatically reduce EV charging times, allowing a full battery charge in less than five minutes. Partnership Overview Under the binding agreement, Stellantis and Ample will collaborate to refine and implement Ample’s cutting-edge technology, which allows for rapid battery swapping at dedicated stations. This method ensures that EV drivers can replace their depleted batteries with fully charged ones in mere minutes, akin to a traditional gas refueling experience but with the eco-friendly advantage…

A landmark event for Automobili Lamborghini unfolded with the grand opening of its latest showroom in Naples, Florida. The event, commemorating the brand’s 60th Anniversary, showcased the much-anticipated market debut of the Revuelto, Lamborghini’s first V12 hybrid plug-in High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV). Lamborghini’s 2023 Evolution Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, 2023 has been transformative for Lamborghini. The introduction of the Revuelto marks a new chapter in the brand’s journey, embracing electrification and innovation. Dignitaries like Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Federico Foschini and Automobili Lamborghini America CEO Andrea Baldi graced the occasion, underlining the significance of…