Author: Central Desk

Embracing the future of sustainable transportation, Ballard Power Systems, a preeminent force within the realm of clean energy solutions, confirmed the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) with Ford Trucks, the international brand of Ford Otosan, in an unprecedented move towards developing hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle prototypes. This ambitious partnership assigns Ballard to supply its high-performance FCmove-XD 120 kW fuel cell engines to Ford Trucks, with the initial purchase order consisting of two units. These are projected to be delivered to Ford Trucks in 2023, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of heavy-duty transport. Operational under Ford…

Redefining global freight management standards, Continental Tires unveiled its cutting-edge tire monitoring tool for both standalone and coupled truck trailers. Dubbed ContiConnect Live, this transformative technology facilitates instantaneous remote tire monitoring, bolstering tire security, vehicle productivity, and overall fleet effectiveness worldwide. ContiConnect Live operates through a telematics unit that gathers crucial data from tire sensors, transmitting it to the ContiConnect portal. This powerful platform provides a steady stream of information about tire temperature and pressure when linked to a power source. Impressively, the unit’s rechargeable battery continues to provide daily data readings for a month, even when not connected to…

Korean auto parts and electronics firms are increasingly shifting their focus to the United States, following the trend set by global automakers such as Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Ford. These major auto brands are setting up new electric vehicle (EV) production bases primarily in North America, driving the corresponding suppliers, including secondary providers, to follow suit with increased investments and employment in the region. This trend has sparked concerns around the Korean auto industry ecosystem and deepening polarization in the parts industry. Tennessee, a U.S. state, publicized on August 1st (local time) the commitment from Hanon Systems, a global leader in…

China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, is embroiled in a tax evasion probe in India. The latest news suggests that BYD is attempting to navigate this crisis without exacerbating the already strained bilateral ties amid border disputes between New Delhi and Beijing. BYD has been under the microscope of India’s tax department for the past few months. India has thrust the automotive giant into crisis, armed with documents and evidence. The investigation was initiated following allegations that Chinese automakers did not pay enough tax on car parts imported for assembly in India. India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has…

Unwavering in its pledge to China’s immense automobile market, Kia Motors continues its strategic march forward. Even in the face of recent sales downturns, President Ho-sung Song projected a bullish confidence about the company’s potential in an interview with Yicai. Despite other automobile firms contracting their Chinese operations following underwhelming sales, Kia Motors continues to demonstrate an audacious stance. The Chinese market holds the title of the world’s largest, Song conveyed, reiterating that Kia cannot abandon such a potential-laden landscape. Electric vehicles (EVs) form a significant part of the Seoul-based company’s revitalized strategy. Aiming to debut six distinct electric models…

A game-changing announcement echoed across the corporate sector as Panasonic Holdings Corporation allied with Marubeni Corporation, for the joint venture, EVolity Corporation. Taking its place in the corporate landscape at its Chuo City, Tokyo headquarters, EVolity’s mission is to navigate the intricacies of commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleet management. Mr. Masaharu Amaike has been appointed as EVolity’s inaugural President and CEO. This summer, EVolity offers its services to large logistics enterprises, aiming to transform skepticism towards EV adoption into confident integration. Businesses contemplating a shift towards EVs will experience trial operations, unmasking the operational impact of such a transition. Alongside,…

Amid great fanfare, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur unveiled its ultra-luxurious super tourer, the DB12. This significant launch commemorates two major milestones which include the 110th anniversary of this esteemed UK brand and the impressive 75th year of the DB model line. The DB12 sports a starting price of RM1,088,000, a figure that precedes the inclusion of duties, taxes, and the cost of bespoke options and customization. For the discerning buyer, Aston Martin introduces an extended warranty coverage of up to 20 years. For an annual RM16,000, owners can enjoy the unrivaled assurance and the flexibility of transferring the remaining warranty…

Initiated by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., better known as Foxconn, the Mobility in Harmony (MIH) Consortium, has enlisted BlackBerry’s expertise for a robust foundation for its innovative electric vehicle (EV) platform. MIH, with its dedication to fostering an expansive, unbiased ecosystem, promotes rapid innovation within the electric vehicle sector. BlackBerry’s selection came as a result of its prowess in offering secure software solutions compatible with MIH’s open and technology-neutral EV vision. By utilizing BlackBerry’s diverse software and service offerings, MIH intends to craft a secure foundation for its uniquely designed, open, and technology-neutral electric vehicle structure. One of…

Promising a significant leap forward in the realm of autonomous driving, Horizon Robotics, renowned for its energy-efficient computing solutions for advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), and Wind River, an international trailblazer in software for mission-critical intelligent systems, unveiled a strategic alliance aimed at advancing the frontier of smart driving solutions. The partnership is a transformative event for China’s auto industry. The integration of Horizon’s Journey series computing solutions with Wind River’s cloud-to-edge portfolio yields a comprehensive ADAS hardware/software package. This streamlined solution promises to expedite development and integration, thereby slashing time-to-market and curbing costs – a decisive boon for original…

India’s leading exporter of motorcycles and three-wheelers, Bajaj Auto is launching its first overseas manufacturing center in Brazil as a stepping stone towards global expansion. Rakesh Sharma, the Executive Director, elucidates that establishing a local foothold within Brazil’s borders provides a gateway to a trove of insights on product evolution and customer tendencies. This strategic venture aims to solidify Bajaj Auto’s presence throughout Latin America, fostering growth and fueling innovation. With operations spread across over 90 countries, Bajaj Auto has remained a firm believer in the distribution-led model, entrusting local operations and assembly to distribution partners. Despite this, the labyrinthine…