Author: Central Desk

Decisive actions from the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP) reveal a reshaped operational frontier for Pakistan’s automobile assemblers. With a clear emphasis on international competitiveness, the MoIP has suspended the renewal of manufacturing certificates for those falling short of the outlined export benchmarks, under the Auto Policy 2021-26. Under this recently intensified policy, manufacturers are mandated to export 10% of their import value by June 2026. Achieving this ambitious target necessitates a nearly 2% incremental increase in exports annually. The objective is to boost the total exports to 10% in a progressive five-year period ending June 2026. Export calculations…

Stellantis NV, Europe’s automotive powerhouse, is on the verge of a significant investment in China’s electric vehicle (EV) sector. A deal is underway for Stellantis to purchase around 20 percent of Leapmotor, an innovative Chinese EV company, as per Bloomberg reports citing knowledgeable insiders. The acquisition marks Stellantis’ ambition to deepen its roots in the world’s most expansive automotive market. It illustrates a decisive strategy, positioning the company alongside a robust player in China’s EV landscape. Leapmotor, known for its prowess in EV technology, offers a range of vehicles, such as the mini EV T03 and the flagship SUV model…

Samsung SDI has officially signed a landmark agreement with Hyundai Motor for the supply of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, marking a significant advancement in the automotive industry. This battery deal signifies Samsung SDI’s first-ever supply contract of batteries with Hyundai, enhancing its competitive positioning against major industry rivals like LG Energy Solution and SK On, Hyundai’s existing battery suppliers. The comprehensive deal involves the supply of Samsung SDI’s innovative P6 sixth-generation prismatic batteries over seven years, from 2026 to 3032. These batteries will be integral components of vehicles manufactured for the European market, aligning with Hyundai’s robust manufacturing strategy on…

Chinese auto manufacturer BYD is making substantial strides in Thailand’s EV (Electric Vehicle) market, challenging Japan’s longstanding dominance. Entering the market in July 2022, BYD already claims 4% of total new vehicle sales, with over a third being electric vehicles. Long-standing Japanese dominators such as Toyota, Isuzu, and Honda still command the top ranks in Thailand’s broader auto market. However, when the future wave of automotive EVs is considered, BYD emerges as the undisputed leader, leaving even prime Japanese competitors like Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazda, and Suzuki in its wake. BYD’s impressive acceleration in market share is attributed to a…

Daechang Seat Corp., the renowned South Korean auto seat frame manufacturer, has revealed a strategic blueprint to invest $72.5 million, in establishing an advanced factory in Savannah. This investment promises not just economic infusion but also the creation of over 500 jobs, amplifying regional growth. This decision situates Daechang as the latest in a series of companies manifesting their commitment to support Hyundai’s monumental $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery assembly plant situated in Ellabell, near Savannah. A project imbued with grand aspirations, Hyundai’s facility has been foreseen to burgeon, employing around 8,500 individuals and envisaging commencement of production activities…

Last week, the inaugural journey of India’s Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) marked the innovative debut of Alstom’s signalling systems, equipped with integrated platform screening doors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first Namo Bharat train, traversing a 17-km route between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS. Alstom’s European Train Control System (ETCS) plays a crucial role in this railway advancement, optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and reducing passenger waiting times. According to Alstom-India, the ETCS facilitates interoperability, allowing for improved coordination and functionality within the transit system. Safety is a paramount feature of the new signalling…

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has formalized a significant agreement with Hyundai Motor Co., securing a trajectory that aims to redefine the Saudi auto industry’s future landscapes. The $500 million deal earmarks the establishment of an avant-garde automated vehicle manufacturing plant, designed to be a nexus of innovation and technology in the Kingdom. In the division of stakes, PIF consolidates its position with 70% ownership, while Hyundai complements this with the remaining shares. Hyundai’s role transcends mere financial participation; the global automaker emerges as a pivotal technological ally, entrusted to infuse the venture with technical finesse and nuanced commercial…

Tata Motors, the acclaimed automobile titan, is steering the industry toward novel horizons by crafting a state-of-the-art petrol engine. This trailblazing powertrain is set to invigorate its luxurious SUV lineage, namely the Harrier and Safari, infusing a new vigor into these automotive marvels, which currently throb with dynamic 2-liter diesel hearts. Currently, the Harrier and Safari boast a robust 2-litre diesel engine, appealing to the dominant diesel preference in the SUV market, which sees nearly 80% of the approximately 200,000 units sold annually. A revelation from Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, citing customer preference for…

For a powerful convergence of technology and automotive brilliance, DS Automobiles, and ChatGPT have forged a partnership that propels the car industry into a remarkable era of integrated artificial intelligence. Stellantis, the influential force behind DS Automobiles, reveals this extraordinary collaboration, heralding the arrival of intuitive AI chatbot capabilities within the automotive domain. Since its debut, ChatGPT has mesmerized the global stage, becoming an indomitable presence in the realm of AI chatbots. DS Automobiles, with this new alliance, emerges as a pioneer, ingeniously embedding AI chatbot functionalities into its range of exquisite vehicles. A bold pilot phase marks the commencement…

Tokyo prepares to be dazzled at the forthcoming Japan Mobility Show, where an unprecedented array of futuristic electric vehicles (EVs) are set to steal the spotlight. The show heralds a triumphant return after a pandemic-induced pause since 2019, poised to witness record-breaking participation from 475 companies, unveiling innovations not just limited to the automotive industry but extending to encompass advanced technologies like robots and drones. The spotlight brightens with the entrance of China’s EV titan, BYD Co., heralding an epoch of intensified global competition and collaboration. Japan’s automotive maestros, no longer the understudies, are poised to challenge giants like Tesla…