Author: Central Desk

New vehicle sales in January 2025 are projected to reach 1,105,900 units, reflecting a 4.4% year-over-year growth, according to J.D. Power and GlobalData. Retail sales are expected to account for 904,200 units, an increase of 4.8% compared to the same period last year. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for new-vehicle sales is anticipated to rise to 15.6 million units, up by 0.6 million from January 2024. While the average retail transaction price (ATP) for new vehicles is slightly down by 0.5% to $44,636, total consumer spending on retail purchases is projected to reach $38.5 billion, a 5.3% increase and…

Global Auto Holdings Limited (GAHL) has appointed Alex Smith, former Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK, as Chair of Lookers. The move comes as GAHL continues to enhance its leadership structure following its acquisition of Lookers in 2023. Smith brings extensive industry experience, having served six years as MD of Volkswagen Group UK, where he oversaw the sale of more than one in every five new cars and light commercial vehicles nationwide. His career also includes roles as Vice President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and MD of Nissan Motor Great Britain. Commenting on his new…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar, with its zero-emission lineup, has emerged as Australia’s pioneer in offering to trade its emissions credits with other automakers. Under new Federal Government regulations introduced in 2024, carmakers exceeding their CO2 limits can now buy credits from manufacturers who surpass emissions standards, helping them avoid penalties by balancing their fleet averages. Polestar has signaled its readiness to assist automakers at risk of ample penalties under Australia’s newly implemented NVES vehicle emissions standards. With zero tailpipe CO2 emissions, Polestar is the first automaker in Australia to show interest in selling its earned emissions credits to other brands.…

SAIC Group’s MG brand achieved a significant milestone in 2024, delivering over 700,000 vehicles worldwide, as announced by Zhou Jin, General Manager of the MG brand business department. This achievement underscores MG’s resilience and competitiveness in the global automotive market, even in a complex and fluctuating environment. The European market emerged as a key growth area for MG, with more than 240,000 units sold in 2024, reflecting a robust 5% increase. This growth solidifies MG’s position as a leading Chinese automotive brand abroad and enhances its appeal among European consumers. In terms of specific models, the MG Matthery coupe series…

The Vietnamese automobile market experienced a challenging 2024, marked by economic struggles and increased competition. However, a strong recovery in the final months, supported by government stimulus policies, new model launches, and advancements in electrification, enabled the auto market to close the year on a high note. The year ended with total vehicle sales nearing 500,000 units, a 12.6% increase over 2023. This rebound came after a rocky start to the year, with sluggish sales during the first half as economic difficulties curbed consumer spending on high-cost items like cars. By August, the market had recorded only modest growth, with…

Nissan is preparing to scale back its U.S. operations, the automaker’s largest market, as part of a broader restructuring effort. The company plans to cut nearly 2,000 jobs at its American plants by the end of this year and reduce vehicle production in the United States by approximately 25%. The job reductions and production cuts will impact two major facilities: the Smyrna plant in Tennessee and the Canton plant in Mississippi. Currently, each plant operates four assembly lines. Nissan intends to halt one line at Smyrna as early as April and another at Canton by autumn, effectively reducing the plants’…

Kudelski IoT, a division of the Swiss digital security conglomerate Kudelski Group, has introduced a new identity verification product tailored to the U.S. automotive market. The product, known as RecovR ID Check, is powered by Idemia’s biometric technology and aims to enhance security and streamline dealership operations. According to the company, RecovR ID Check is designed to protect auto dealerships from identity theft and fraud in processes such as test drives, sales, and financing, whether conducted in-person or online. It integrates seamlessly into existing dealership workflows without requiring additional equipment or monthly subscription fees. Dealerships can purchase prepaid packages of…

Mitsubishi Motors is considering opting out of the proposed merger between Nissan and Honda, according to a source familiar with the matter. Instead, the Tokyo-based automaker is expected to prioritize strengthening its cooperation with the two larger firms. The decision reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ concerns about potentially losing management autonomy under a holding company structure. While Mitsubishi is already a partner of Nissan and boasts a strong market presence in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines, doubts persist regarding the synergistic benefits of a merger with Honda and Nissan. Industry observers highlight that the global automotive sector’s focus is shifting…

Deloitte’s ‘2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study’ provides key insights into hybrid vehicle interest, declining brand loyalty, and the influence of emerging technologies on U.S. automotive consumer behavior. Growing Interest in Hybrid Vehicles Consumer interest in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. has increased by 5%, now accounting for 26% of potential buyers, while interest in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has declined by 5% to 62%. Interest in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) remains low at just 5%, presenting challenges for automakers. Consumers are prioritizing cost savings (56%), environmental benefits (44%), and driving experience (36%) when considering EVs. However, barriers such as…

Toyota has reclaimed its position as the world’s most valuable automotive brand, according to the 2025 Brand Finance Global 500 ranking. The Japanese automaker climbed from 21st to 18th place overall, maintaining a consistent and steady growth trajectory. Tesla, however, experienced a sharp decline, dropping to the 36th spot in 2025 from 18th in 2024 and 9th in 2023. Once celebrated as a disruptor in the automotive industry, Tesla’s fall from grace is attributed to several factors outlined by the report. These include its reliance on the Chinese electric vehicle market, BYD surpassing Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker,…