Author: Central Desk

Global data analytics and consumer intelligence leader, J.D. Power, announced its strategic expansion into the European and Australian auto markets with the acquisition of Autovista Group, a prominent provider of automotive data, analytics, and insights. The transaction, slated for completion by year-end, will see ownership of Autovista transferred from Hayfin Capital Management to J.D. Power. This pivotal acquisition will facilitate the amalgamation of J.D. Power’s predictive analytics, valuation, and customer experience data sets with the market intelligence provided by Autovista in Europe and Australia. While J.D. Power has previously undertaken automotive and banking studies in these territories, this move signifies…

The Ontario government recently completed a fruitful business mission to Germany and Switzerland, with the objective of attracting investments and solidifying ties with economic counterparts in the Ontario auto Industry. The mission involved marketing Ontario’s automotive supply chain and innovative solutions at IAA Mobility, the premier global event for the mobility sector, encompassing both the automotive and transportation industries. Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, emphasized the critical importance of presenting Ontario’s burgeoning automotive supply chain on an international stage and consistently advocating for the province to global enterprises. “Missions like this have helped Ontario…

A significant global restructuring is taking place within the automotive industry, as revealed by a Capgemini Research Institute (CRI) report. The document shows a notable 22% decline in offshore procurement over the past two years, a trend spearheaded by Europe, which has cut its offshore sourcing by a quarter since 2021. This is followed by the Asia Pacific (APAC) and the US, with reductions of 20% and 18%, respectively. The report predicts a further 19% decrease in offshoring procurement by 2025, driven by the rise in electric vehicle production and the relocation of key electronics component fabrication. The successive supply…

A milestone move towards cleaner public transportation has been marked by TPER, Bologna’s municipal public transport operator, with the acquisition of a record 130 hydrogen buses from e-mobility leader Solaris. This order, unprecedented in its scale in Europe, comprises 127 units of the 12-metre Urbino 12 hydrogen buses designated for TPER Bologna and an additional three units for TPER Ferrara. Additionally, the deal provides the carrier with the option to increase the order by up to 140 vehicles. This monumental project positions Bologna and Ferrara as pioneers in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Europe. By incorporating 130…

As a tactical maneuver to tap into overseas markets, 50 Chinese auto parts suppliers and carmakers assembled at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany, last week. This initiative is spearheaded by the China Automotive Industry Going Global Collaboration Council, which comprises established powerhouses like SAIC and emerging startups such as Avatr. Jack Yu, president of Xuanyuan Academy and the brain behind the council highlighted that the surging global demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and the competitive advantage of Chinese companies are pivotal for their overseas ventures. Yu, who also serves as the editor-in-chief of the Automotive Business Review…

CentralBDC, the largest privately held outsourced BDC in the automotive industry marked a significant milestone by acquiring of AutoAwards, a prominent provider of loyalty and marketing solutions in the automotive and marine dealership sectors. This development follows previous acquisitions of PowerBDC and Better Car People (BCP), underscoring the company’s dedication to crafting a premier customer loyalty and engagement platform that revolutionizes communication between automotive OEMs, retailers, and consumers. Fostering Profitable Dealerships The primary aim of CentralBDC is to bolster profitability for dealers and OEMs by delivering the finest customer engagement technology available. By integrating AutoAwards into its portfolio, CentralBDC can…

A sense of uncertainty prevails in Kokomo as the city’s auto workers gear up for a probable strike initiated by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union against the triumvirate of automakers – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, should labor negotiations remain unresolved by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. The impending strike would lead to over 150,000 auto workers abandoning their jobs, encompassing approximately 6,000 Stellantis employees stationed in Kokomo. UAW Local 1166, the representative body for more than 1,000 workers employed at the Kokomo Casting Plant, is at the epicenter of the disagreement. The plant is responsible for producing integral parts…

Demonstrating a shared commitment to global supply chain resilience, India and the United States have voiced their support for the construction of a robust semiconductor supply chain while also reaffirming their dedication to sustaining high-level dialogues between governmental bodies, industries, and academic institutions. This resolve was solidified during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joseph Biden, wherein both leaders advocated for ongoing efforts to transform the India-US Strategic Partnership founded on trust and mutual understanding. This significant meeting transpired shortly after President Biden arrives in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit, presided over by…

Responding to a surge in thefts targeting specific Hyundai models lacking push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices, Hyundai Motor America is partnering with local authorities and organizations in St. Louis County. The joint venture with St. Louis County, St. Louis County Police, the City of Jennings, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis will offer complimentary anti-theft software upgrades to impacted Hyundai owners on September 9 and 10 at the Urban League parking lot, 8960 Jennings Station Road. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to supplement Hyundai’s national network of dealerships and promote the installation of Hyundai’s…

Global automotive powerhouse, Stellantis, marked a pivotal moment in its pledge to sustainable mobility by unveiling its flagship Battery Technology Center at the Mirafiori complex, Turin, Italy. This pivotal €40 million investment catapults Stellantis to the forefront of battery design, development, and testing – crucial components for the forthcoming generation of Stellantis brand electric vehicles (EVs). With a workforce exceeding 100, predominantly consisting of upskilled Stellantis employees, the center not only stands as the most expansive facility in Italy but also ranks among the largest in Europe. Expanding the Global Battery Infrastructure The Mirafiori Battery Technology Center is a keystone…