Author: Central Desk

A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) casts light on the automotive industry’s entanglement with ethical dilemmas, particularly the use of aluminum potentially sourced from forced labor practices within China’s Xinjiang province. Esteemed car manufacturers like General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Tesla, and BYD face significant scrutiny due to the risk of incorporating aluminum derived from regions embroiled in human rights controversies, especially where ethnic minority Muslims, predominantly Uighurs, endure internment and abuses such as forced labor and sterilization. China’s prominence as the foremost car and aluminum producer introduces complexities into the global supply chain, given the critical role of aluminum…

China now eclipses Japan as the preeminent global auto exporter. Data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) reveal a remarkable surge in vehicle exports—cars, buses, trucks—by 56% last year, reaching 5.26 million units valued at approximately $102 billion. This leap propels China beyond Japan, which reported exports of around 4.3 million vehicles for 2023. This achievement signifies China’s expanding influence in the automotive realm, previously overtaking Germany in 2022 and South Korea in 2021 regarding annual vehicle shipments. The country’s ascendance as an automotive powerhouse, particularly through the success of its electric vehicles (EVs), marks a pivotal moment. Notably,…

Mazda Motor Corporation announces an ambitious acceleration of research and development efforts aimed at refining rotary engines (RE) for the contemporary era, signaling a pivotal shift toward harmonizing automotive innovation with environmental stewardship. With the ‘RE Development Group’ reinstated within its Powertrain Technology Development Department as of February 1, 2024, Mazda embarks on a new chapter, enhancing the iconic rotary engine’s adaptation for modern demands. This initiative not merely revisits Mazda’s illustrious history but also propels the iconic rotary engine into the forefront of sustainable automotive technology. Tasked with optimizing rotary engines as generators, this group undertakes the dual challenges…

Infineon Technologies, a trailblazer in semiconductor technology, alongside Honda Motor, a titan in the automotive world, today declared a strategic partnership that will catalyze a new wave of technological advancements in the automotive sector. This Memorandum of Understanding serves as the bedrock for this innovative venture. This union positions Infineon as a crucial semiconductor collaborator for Honda, aligning its visions for future products and technological advances. The partnership’s scope extends beyond mere collaboration; it signifies a commitment to rapidly bringing to market revolutionary automotive technologies. The MoU outlines key areas of focus, including supply chain fortification and a bidirectional flow…

Cox Automotive, a trailblazer in electric vehicle (EV) battery health and innovation, recently inaugurated its latest EV Battery Solutions service center in Conyers, Georgia. This strategic expansion into the Southeastern United States aligns with Georgia’s dynamic growth in the EV industry, spotlighting the state as a magnet for significant investments from automakers and battery producers. The move underscores Cox Automotive’s unwavering commitment to advancing electric mobility and solidifies its leadership in the domain of EV battery wellness. Lea Malloy, AVP of EV Battery Solutions at Cox Automotive, underscored the significance of this expansion. She articulated the company’s resolve to bolster…

A landmark event signaling India’s ascendancy within the global automotive landscape, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, commences tomorrow at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan. From February 1st to 3rd, this expo emerges as a symbol of India’s rapidly evolving role in automotive manufacturing, potentially establishing the country as a dominant force in the global market. Backed by an array of Indian government ministries, including those dedicated to Commerce and Industry, Heavy Industries, Road Transport and Highways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Power, and New and Renewable Energy, the Expo unites automotive sector influencers under one banner. This strategic…

Defying odds, Toyota Motor continues to outpace rivals in the global automotive race, marking its fourth year as the industry leader in sales. This triumph, announced with a record 11.2 million vehicles sold in 2023, unfolds against a backdrop of corporate scandals within its subsidiaries. Stellar Performance Despite Internal Strife Toyota’s sales surge of 7.2 percent globally in 2023 encompasses contributions from Daihatsu and Hino Motors. Nevertheless, these subsidiaries, along with Toyota Industries, are mired in controversies over vehicle and engine certification tests, threatening the marque’s esteemed reputation for reliability and safety. Chairman’s Contrition and Ethical Directive In a candid…

Continental’s latest venture at its Otrokovice tire plant – a fully automated high-bay warehouse is a pioneering stride in the realm of logistics and environmental consciousness. This facility, comparable in stature to the iconic Statue of Liberty, showcases an impressive blend of technological innovation and commitment to green practices. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the warehouse boasts the capability to house upwards of 930,000 tires. Its unique design features high racks and compact aisles, facilitating both vertical and horizontal storage. Robots, tasked with tire dispatch, navigate this space, maneuvering pallet-stored tires with unparalleled precision and efficiency. Dr. Bernhard Trilken, Head of…

Hyundai Motor Company’s recent divestment of its Russian manufacturing operations to Art-Finance marks a pivotal shift in the South Korean automaker’s global strategy. This move, two years after Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, signals a broader reconfiguration within the international automotive industry. The transaction, detailed by Reuters, encompasses Hyundai’s transfer of its two St. Petersburg plants to Art-Finance. The deal, greenlit by Russian authorities and the federal anti-monopoly body, was finalized for 10,000 roubles, approximately $A168.44. This sum signifies a substantial financial downturn for Hyundai, with the company absorbing a loss of about $A325.8 million. Hyundai’s decision, while economically strenuous, underscores…

Tata Motors, a commercial vehicle manufacturer juggernaut in India, heralded a new era in trucking with the launch of the Turbotronn 2.0 engine. This technologically superior, fuel-efficient engine, a product of indigenous innovation, is set to power Tata’s 19-42 tonne truck range, catering to diverse sectors. Specifically designed for the evolving needs of e-commerce, logistics, and courier services, the Turbotronn 2.0 addresses customer demands with an enhanced driving experience and robust performance, while significantly reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Enduring rigorous testing over 30 lakh kilometers and 70,000 cumulative hours across varied duty cycles and challenging terrains, the Turbotronn…