Author: Central Desk

The automotive industry, long regarded as a bastion of traditional commerce, is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, spearheaded by the global embrace of digital payments. A recent study by AWJ research desk revealed that over 70% of transactions within the automotive sector are now digital, highlighting the monumental shift that is taking place. As industries across the board race to optimize operations and enhance customer satisfaction, automotive enterprises are keeping pace with the trend. Technology and Operations Intersect Today’s avant-garde automotive management software is a testament to innovation, brimming with features that revamp the dealership landscape. A 2022 survey by…

The Czech automotive giant, Škoda Auto, unveils plans to reintroduce itself to the Kazakhstan landscape. With a fresh partnership agreement under its belt, the company aligns with Allur firm, a dominant regional entity, readying to produce four distinct car models locally by early 2024. Škoda Auto’s CEO, Klaus Zellmer, conveys his optimism, “Kazakhstan holds a vast sea of opportunities for our brand, especially as we accentuate our global presence. Recognizing that less than 20% of Kazakh residents own vehicles, we anticipate substantial growth. Our alliance with Allur Company aims to strengthen both our production and sales frontiers.” Detailing the ambitious…

A potential shift from post-Brexit trade stipulations sees the European Union pondering a halt in electric vehicle (EV) tariffs transactions with the United Kingdom, aiming to reduce escalating trade frictions. Existing EU protocols would impose a 10% tariff on electric car exports between the UK and the EU bloc starting in January. This condition hinges on whether 45% of the vehicle’s value is rooted within the region, per the ‘rules of origin’ guidelines. Experts, notably from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), assert that meeting these guidelines poses severe challenges. The primary hurdle stems from the substantial reliance on Chinese…

Following a tense period, China’s mammoth property firm, Evergrande’s EV unit reinitiated trading on Monday. This action trailed a suspension lasting over a week, mainly due to a criminal investigation against its chairman. The trading day experienced turbulence as a typhoon ensured the Hong Kong stock exchange remained inactive during the morning session. Trading only resumed during the afternoon. Initially, Evergrande Vehicle’s stocks experienced a modest dip but subsequently witnessed a surge of over seven percent by 2:10 p.m. By the market’s end, the shares had plummeted by close to nine percent. The prevailing ambiguity around Evergrande became tangible on…

British luxury car giant, Aston Martin, has secured a noteworthy £9 million grant from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC). This funding is a significant step forward in the company’s drive to develop advanced modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) technologies. The backing from the UK government highlights its commitment to supporting a cleaner, net-zero emission future. With the grant, Aston Martin is set to invest in advanced vehicle light-weighting, state-of-the-art digital toolchains, and vital electrification training, components that are pivotal for the next generation of luxury vehicles. Aston Martin’s ‘Racing. Green.’ sustainability initiative is at the forefront of this effort.…

Mercedes-AMG unveils its newest gem: the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupe. With a starting price tag of 207,708.55 euros, this automotive masterpiece stands as a testament to luxury fused with unrivaled engineering prowess. Drawing cues from the new AMG GT Coupe, the vehicle flaunts a redesigned front, accentuated by an expansive air intake beneath its signature AMG radiator grille. Vertical air ducts, gracefully integrated into the front apron, further elevate its aesthetic appeal. Beyond visual allure, passengers are embraced by an ambiance of sophistication and modernity. An electric sunroof and a strategically placed wireless smartphone charger between…

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor India readies its stride into India’s EV landscape by 2024-25. After gauging country’s appetite for electric vehicles with the imported Kona EV SUV in 2019, the company, fast-forwarding four years, is set to amplify its presence in the burgeoning Indian EV arena by 2024-25. Using a methodical top-down approach, Hyundai acclimated itself to the unique nuances of the Indian market. This foundational work culminated in a strategic decision to leap into the mainstream electric fray, emphasizing sharp localization. Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India, shared insights with Autocar Professional. The EV market in India…

A shift toward sustainable European e-mobility emerges as PowerCo, bolstered by the Volkswagen Group, and Umicore reveal their trailblazing collaboration. This transformative partnership christened IONWAY, originates from Brussels and signifies the dawn of expansive industrial CAM and pCAM production across Europe. Projected to reach an astounding 160 GWh of annual production by 2030, IONWAY sets its sights on powering up to 2.2 million electric vehicles. This joint venture primarily intends to fortify PowerCo’s European battery factories, solidifying Umicore’s critical position within the burgeoning European EV cathode material sphere. This collaboration embodies the potent synergy between a renowned European car manufacturer…

A landmark moment for sustainable public transportation materialized as Iveco Group N.V. and Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the IVECO BUS E-WAY H2 at this year’s Busworld trade show. Stemming from a visionary partnership announced last year, this hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric bus exemplifies both companies’ commitment to redefining the paradigm of green mobility. Urban centers, grappling with intensifying air pollution and a surge in demand for eco-conscious transport, find a beacon of hope in the E-WAY H2. This 12-meter low-floor city bus is not just a vehicle but a statement, with its formidable 310-kW e-motor. The state-of-the-art fuel cell system,…

Kia’s upcoming initiative to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) offers a significant leap toward integrating diverse EV charging systems. This endeavor promises to address the charging woes of countless EV owners across the continent and fortify the international synergy in the electric mobility domain. Kia’s integration of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port into its forthcoming electric vehicles promises to revolutionize the charging experience for its customers across the continent. The soon-to-be-released CCS1-to-NACS adapters are set to ensure a wide range of Kia’s EVs can benefit from Tesla’s expansive network, with a rollout anticipated from Kia dealerships…