Author: Central Desk

Bajaj Auto, one of India’s top two-wheeler manufacturers, has invested $10 million (₹84 crores) in its wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Bajaj Do Brasil Comércio de Motocicletas Ltda (‘Bajaj Brazil’). The board approved the decision during a meeting today. The phased investment will support the subsidiary’s expansion and operational needs in Brazil, aligning with Bajaj Auto’s growth plans. Bajaj Brazil, established on March 31, 2022, launched a manufacturing plant in the Manaus free trade zone in June 2024, with an annual capacity of 20,000 units per shift. The company sells motorcycles under the ‘Dominar’ brand. Over the past year, ending September 30,…

Industry experts at the South African Auto Week have stated that self-driving vehicles are unlikely to become a common sight on the country’s roads in the near future. Despite rapid advancements in automotive technology, the lack of suitable policies and infrastructure poses major challenges to the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles. Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW South Africa, highlighted that while new BMW models on South African roads are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, artificial intelligence, and sensors designed to boost driver safety, fully autonomous vehicles face considerable hurdles. “But driving a car is so complex and especially…

Honda is expanding its ‘Safety for Everyone’ initiative to include efforts beyond advanced safety technologies, focusing on driver awareness, behavior, and improving the traffic safety ecosystem. The company aims to eliminate traffic collision fatalities involving its vehicles, including older models, by 2050. As a leader in crash prevention, Honda recognizes that technology alone cannot prevent all fatalities, especially in older vehicles without the latest safety features. It stresses the need for collaboration to enhance driver skills and improve traffic systems. “Honda is committed to safety in all of its forms, to rapidly advance technology, education, advocacy and collaboration with like-minded…

S&P Global has issued a cautionary outlook for the U.S. auto sector, forecasting limited growth and increasing challenges over the next two years, largely due to economic pressures. According to S&P Global Ratings Autos Managing Director Nishit Madlani, the U.S. auto industry can expect only modest improvements in margins and cash flow in 2025 and 2026. Lower-rated auto suppliers, in particular, may face some credit deterioration as the sector grapples with rising difficulties. The anticipated increase in unemployment is projected to negatively impact consumer purchasing power, restricting U.S. auto sales growth to just 1% to 2% in 2025 and 2026.…

Kia Corporation has introduced the world’s first car accessory made from plastic extracted from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), marking a its partnership with The Ocean Cleanup. This achievement highlights Kia’s dedication to environmental sustainability as part of its shift toward becoming a leader in eco-friendly mobility. Since 2022, Kia has worked with The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization focused on removing plastic from oceans. The latest product of this collaboration is a limited-edition trunk liner for the new Kia EV3, crafted from ocean plastic provided by The Ocean Cleanup. The accessory will be available in select markets alongside…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is set for rapid expansion in Germany, according to executive vice president Stella Li. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS), Li outlined BYD’s aggressive plan to establish a strong presence in the German market within ‘less than half a year,’ highlighting the company’s determination to penetrate Europe’s competitive automotive landscape. This ambitious move comes at a crucial time, with European Union tariffs on China-made electric vehicles expected to take effect next month. While Germany opposed the tariffs, Li criticized them as harmful to consumers but emphasized that BYD remains undeterred. To counter the…

Georgia has become a multi-billion-dollar hub for the global used car market, sourcing most vehicles from the United States. Despite Western sanctions against Russia, many cars are still finding their way there through loopholes. In Rustavi, a town near Tbilisi, a vast open-air car market spans over 40 football fields. Thousands of vehicles, including Mercedes, Porsches, and Teslas, are available, mostly imported from the U.S. after being dismissed by American insurers. Caucasus Auto Import (CAI), a major player in this trade, buys these cars from U.S. auctions, ships them 10,000 kilometers to Georgia’s Black Sea ports, and repairs them at…

Car makers in Egypt are expanding their operations after the resolution of a prolonged currency crisis earlier this year. The devaluation of the Egyptian pound in March has made Egypt more attractive as both a consumer market and an export hub. Nissan’s Strategic Expansion Nissan, which produces the Sunny model in Egypt, has announced expansion plans. Around 60% of the Sunnys made in Egypt are sold locally, with the rest exported to regional markets. Over the past two years, Nissan has exported more than 15,000 units from Egypt. Nissan Egypt’s Managing Director, Mohamed AbdelSamad, said the company aims to strengthen…

Vietnam is pushing forward with plans to enhance its domestic auto industry by 2030, aiming to boost market share and production capacity. A draft strategy submitted to the government last month projects the auto market to grow by 14-16% annually, reaching over one million vehicle units by the end of the decade. Electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to account for 350,000 units. By 2035, Vietnam plans to produce 1.5 million vehicles annually, meeting 78% of domestic demand and exporting 90,000 units, with a focus on environmentally friendly models. The country also targets increased production of components, aiming to meet…

Toyota, known for its dependable vehicles, currently offers just one electric model, the bZ4X SUV, while rivals like General Motors and Hyundai provide several EV options. As the industry faces a potential EV slowdown, Toyota’s commitment to hybrids appears to be paying off, with the company inclined to maintain its focus on hybrid technology. Toyoda’s Warning on Job Losses in an EV-Only Future During a speech at Nagoya University, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda warned that a full transition to electric vehicles could harm the automotive workforce, particularly those in engine-related roles. “There are 5.5 million people involved in the automotive…