US lawmakers struggle to find deal on self-driving cars

US lawmakers struggle to find deal on self-driving cars

WASHINGTON, July  (Reuters) – Congress still faces serious hurdles to winning approval for long-stalled legislation to speed the adoption of self-driving cars.

“China is currently moving ahead with ambitious plans to lead the development and deployment of this technology,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers at a hearing Wednesday. Continue reading “US lawmakers struggle to find deal on self-driving cars”

Waymo to focus on ride-hailing services, pushes back autonomous trucking efforts

Waymo to focus on ride-hailing services, pushes back autonomous trucking efforts

July (Reuters) – Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Waymo is focusing on its ride-hailing service, Waymo One, while pushing back its efforts to develop commercial autonomous trucking technology, the self-driving unit said on Wednesday.

Autonomous driving software has come under strong regulatory scrutiny at a time when investors are concerned about heavy investments in the technology amid protracted development timelines. Continue reading “Waymo to focus on ride-hailing services, pushes back autonomous trucking efforts”

In challenge to Tesla, automakers launch US EV charging network

In challenge to Tesla, automakers launch US EV charging network

July (Reuters) – Seven major automakers on Wednesday said they were forming a new company to provide electric vehicle charging in the U.S., in a challenge to Tesla (TSLA.O) and a bid to take advantage of Biden administration subsidies.

The group includes General Motors (GM.N), Stellantis (STLAM.MI), Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) and its Kia affiliate, Honda (7267.T), BMW (BMWG.DE) and Mercedes Benz (MBGn.DE) – brands representing about half of U.S. vehicle sales but a small share of the EV market dominated by Tesla. Continue reading “In challenge to Tesla, automakers launch US EV charging network”

UPS labor deal could pressure delivery firm’s annual outlook, say analysts

UPS labor deal could pressure delivery firm’s annual outlook, say analysts

July (Reuters) – A tentative labor deal reached between United Parcel Service (UPS.N) and the Teamsters union on Tuesday, if ratified, could pressure full-year outlook for the world’s largest parcel delivery firm, according to analysts.

The five-year contract, which the head of the union claims to be worth $30 billion in new money, covers about 340,000 U.S. employees and provides wage increases, and one more paid holiday among other benefits. Continue reading “UPS labor deal could pressure delivery firm’s annual outlook, say analysts”

Lubes market to grow a 3% CAGR in India: Report

Lubes market to grow a 3% CAGR in India: Report

Source : PTI | Indian lubes market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3%, with the country likely to see continued demand for lubricants notwithstanding the emergence of the electric vehicle segment, according to a report. On the contrary, the other key markets of the US, China, Japan and Russia, may witness a decline or slowdown in demand, as per the ‘Kline’s Global Lubricants 2022: Market Analysis and Assessment’ report shared at an industry event here on Wednesday.

The factors that will drive this progression include a growing digital economy, industrialization, urbanization, increasing discretionary spending, and increased investments in infrastructure development, it said. Continue reading “Lubes market to grow a 3% CAGR in India: Report”

TN govt creating comprehensive EV sector roadmap: official

TN govt creating comprehensive EV sector roadmap: official

Source : PTI | Industries should come forward to build and support the electric vehicle segment, as Tamil Nadu is engaged in the creation of a comprehensive EV sector roadmap, a government official said here on Wednesday.

A government facilitation centre is being launched in Coimbatore in association with 25 companies to boost the EV industry, Thiru Srinivasan, Senior advisor (EV sector) of the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, FaMe TN, said. “Tamil Nadu is one of the early movers in the EV space domain. Continue reading “TN govt creating comprehensive EV sector roadmap: official”

Ashok Leyland embarks on ‘Manzil ka Safar’ drive

Ashok Leyland embarks on ‘Manzil ka Safar’ drive

Source : PTI |Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland on Wednesday launched ‘Manzil ka Safar’ Stallion drive from Kanyakumari to Leh commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas and to mark the company’s 75th year anniversary celebrations. The ‘Manzil ka Safar’ is a tribute to Ashok Leyland’s Stallion range of vehicles and its association with the armed forces.

The expedition from Kanyakumari to Leh would cover 4,000 kilometres and traverse through diverse terrains, mountain passes before reaching Leh. Continue reading “Ashok Leyland embarks on ‘Manzil ka Safar’ drive”

Nissan seals Renault deal, now faces hard yards in China

Nissan seals Renault deal, now faces hard yards in China

Summary

  • Investment ends months of talks over structure of alliance
  • Renault to lower Nissan stake to 15%
  • Ampere valued at up to 10 bln euros – sources

TOKYO/PARIS, July 26 (Reuters) – Nissan (7201.T) will invest up to $663 million in Renault’s (RENA.PA) new electric vehicle unit, the automakers said on Wednesday, as they finalised terms of their restructured partnership after months of negotiation clouded by tension. Continue reading “Nissan seals Renault deal, now faces hard yards in China”

Porsche’s iconic 911 to be sole survivor of automaker’s combustion models

Porsche’s iconic 911 to be sole survivor of automaker’s combustion models

LONDON, July 26 (Reuters) – Porsche (P911_p.DE) has a plan to gradually electrify its car lineup so that electric vehicles make up 80% of sales by 2030, and it aims to make its iconic 911 the only internal-combustion engine model left standing, a top executive said.

The German luxury automaker’s plans have been closely watched, including by environmentalists, because of its investment in e-fuels and push for the EU to allow sales of such vehicles after 2035. Continue reading “Porsche’s iconic 911 to be sole survivor of automaker’s combustion models”

Aston Martin races past second quarter expectations

Aston Martin races past second quarter expectations

Summary

  • 2023 outlook unchanged
  • Says Valour demand ‘unprecedented’, waiting list ‘growing’
  • Shares rise 6% in morning trade

July 26 (Reuters) – British luxury carmaker Aston Martin’s (AML.L) second-quarter results beat market expectations on Wednesday, powered by higher prices and demand for its DBX707 sports utility vehicle and limited edition V12 Vantage Roadster, sending shares 6% higher. Continue reading “Aston Martin races past second quarter expectations”

GM does a U-turn to save the Chevy Bolt
Stellantis tops forecasts, looks to cost cuts to keep margins strong

Stellantis tops forecasts, looks to cost cuts to keep margins strong

Summary

  • Stellantis CEO sees cost-cutting pressure
  • Adjusted operating profit beat forecasts in first half
  • Net revenue rose 12% in H1 due to higher shipments
  • Vehicle shipments rose as logistical issues ease in Europe
  • Industrial free cash flow at 8.7 bln euros in H1

MILAN, July 26 (Reuters) – Revenue and operating profit grew at Stellantis (STLAM.MI) in the first half to beat estimates, with CEO Carlos Tavares saying the automaker would have to accelerate cost cutting to keep profitability strong in a more challenging pricing environment. Continue reading “Stellantis tops forecasts, looks to cost cuts to keep margins strong”

Hyundai Motor lifts full-year outlook as Q2 profit up 15%

Hyundai Motor lifts full-year outlook as Q2 profit up 15%

Summary

  • Raises 2023 sales growth outlook to 14-15% from 10.5%-11.5%
  • Lifts operating profit margin guidance to 8-9% from 6.5-7.5%
  • Q2 EV sales up 47% to 78,000 units
  • Increases U.S. EV incentives to $4,000-$5,000 per vehicle

SEOUL, July 26 (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS) raised its annual sales and profit margin guidance on Wednesday, after recording a 15% rise in quarterly net profit helped by a weaker won currency, robust sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and increased production. Continue reading “Hyundai Motor lifts full-year outlook as Q2 profit up 15%”

Nissan nearly doubles Q1 operating profit

Nissan nearly doubles Q1 operating profit

TOKYO, July 26 (Reuters) – Japan’s Nissan Motor (7201.T) on Wednesday posted a 98% rise in first-quarter operating profit to 128.6 billion yen ($913.35 million), beating analysts’ estimates.

The result compared with an average estimate of 120.33 billion yen in a poll of 10 analysts by Refinitiv and a 64.9 billion yen operating profit in the same period a year earlier. Continue reading “Nissan nearly doubles Q1 operating profit”

GM to add battery module assembly to some North American EV plants

GM to add battery module assembly to some North American EV plants

July  (Reuters) – General Motors (GM.N) will begin assembling electric vehicle battery packs near its BrightDrop commercial van plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, in the second quarter of 2024, the company said Tuesday, and will add pack assembly at other North American plants.

The 400,000-square-foot Ingersoll facility will make packs for CAMI Assembly, which last week temporarily halted production of BrightDrop’s Zevo electric vans because of an ongoing battery shortage. Continue reading “GM to add battery module assembly to some North American EV plants”

GM shares fall as automaker outlines new cost-cutting drive

GM shares fall as automaker outlines new cost-cutting drive

DETROIT, July  (Reuters) – General Motors (GM.N) is wrestling with costs and struggling to build more electric vehicles, as it reported Tuesday that adjusted pre-tax profit and margins in its key North American market fell from the first quarter, despite a jump in revenue and per-vehicle transaction prices.

Shares were down 4.4% at $37.58 in mid-day trading. Continue reading “GM shares fall as automaker outlines new cost-cutting drive”

Battery giant CATL posts slower profit growth as competition heats up

Battery giant CATL posts slower profit growth as competition heats up

BEIJING/SHANGHAI, July  (Reuters) – Chinese battery giant CATL (300750.SZ) on Tuesday recorded slower growth in net profit for the second quarter, as the company scrambled to maintain its industry leadership amid intensifying competition in the electric vehicle battery market.

Net profit for the three months ended June came in at 10.895 billion yuan ($1.53 billion), up 63.22% from a year earlier, according to a Reuters calculation based on CATL’s company filing. This compared with a 558% surge in its net profit in the first quarter. Continue reading “Battery giant CATL posts slower profit growth as competition heats up”

Goodyear Tire to expand board in settlement with Elliott

Goodyear Tire to expand board in settlement with Elliott

July  (Reuters) – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co (GT.O) said it would add three directors in agreement with Elliott Investment Management, months after the activist investor disclosed a stake and called for changes to strengthen the company’s financial position.

Elliott’s investment announced in May made it one of Goodyear’s biggest investors. The firm urged the company to refresh the board, sell its stores and conduct an operational review. Continue reading “Goodyear Tire to expand board in settlement with Elliott”

UK minister: petrol car ban immovable but some green policies to be relaxed

UK minister: petrol car ban immovable but some green policies to be relaxed

LONDON, July (Reuters) – Britain is sticking to its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 but some measures to reduce the carbon footprint of residential homes will be relaxed, senior government minister Michael Gove said on Tuesday.

Britain’s green agenda has been thrown into question after the governing Conservatives won a vote for a parliamentary seat last week by attacking London’s flagship anti-pollution policy. Continue reading “UK minister: petrol car ban immovable but some green policies to be relaxed”

India’s Tata Motors profit races past estimates on strong JLR sales

India’s Tata Motors profit races past estimates on strong JLR sales

BENGALURU, July (Reuters) – Tata Motors (TAMO.NS), India’s largest automaker by revenue, comfortably beat quarterly profit expectations on Tuesday, helped by strong demand for its luxury Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) cars and as supply chain issues improved further.

The UK-based JLR unit, which accounted for 70% of Tata Motors’ revenue, has benefited from strong demand for its higher-margin SUVs like the Range Rover and an improving supply of semiconductors after crippling shortages for several quarters. Continue reading “India’s Tata Motors profit races past estimates on strong JLR sales”

TVS Supply Chain Solutions gets Sebi nod to float IPO

TVS Supply Chain Solutions gets Sebi nod to float IPO

Source : PTI | TVS Supply Chain Solutions, part of TVS Mobility Group, has received capital markets regulator Sebi’s go-ahead to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to INR 750 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of over 2 crore equity shares by promoters and existing shareholders, according to the draft red herring prospectus. Continue reading “TVS Supply Chain Solutions gets Sebi nod to float IPO”

Goa govt files police complaint against Uber, accuses it of illegally operating in state

Goa govt files police complaint against Uber, accuses it of illegally operating in state

Source : PTI |The Goa government has filed a police complaint against Uber India Systems Private Limited accusing the company of illegally operating its services in the coastal state. Earlier last week, Uber announced its services in Goa, including airport pick-up and drop. Continue reading “Goa govt files police complaint against Uber, accuses it of illegally operating in state”

Centre to recover INR 469 cr from 7 electric 2W makers for non compliance with FAME II

Centre to recover INR 469 cr from 7 electric 2W makers for non compliance with FAME II

Source : PTI | New Delhi: The Centre has sought INR 469 crore from seven electric two-wheeler makers, including Hero Electric and Okinawa for claiming incentives while not complying with the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) ) II scheme norms, a government official said. The official said that in case of non-refund of the amount to the government, they will be de-registered from the scheme in the next 7-10 days and the government would not allow them to participate in the scheme. Continue reading “Centre to recover INR 469 cr from 7 electric 2W makers for non compliance with FAME II”

Tesla to discuss factory plan for new $24,000 car with India commerce minister -source

Tesla to discuss factory plan for new $24,000 car with India commerce minister -source

NEW DELHI, July  (Reuters) – Tesla representatives are set to meet India’s commerce minister this month to discuss plans to build a factory to produce what the company has described as an all-new $24,000 car, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Tesla has expressed an interest in building a factory in India that would produce low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) for the local market and for export, the person said, adding that the company had indicated that it would be for the new vehicle. Continue reading “Tesla to discuss factory plan for new $24,000 car with India commerce minister -source”

US auto sales expected to rise again in July – S&P Global Mobility

US auto sales expected to rise again in July – S&P Global Mobility

July (Reuters) – New U.S. light vehicle sales volumes are set to rise again in July as easing supply-chain snags help automakers ramp up production to meet pent-up demand, automotive research firm S&P Global Mobility said on Monday.

S&P projects new light vehicle sales to reach 1.33 million units in July, up 18% year-over-year. It also upgraded the 2023 U.S. light vehicle sales forecast to 15.4 million units, from 15.1 million estimated earlier. Continue reading “US auto sales expected to rise again in July – S&P Global Mobility”

UK battery startup Nexeon to supply Panasonic with advanced material

UK battery startup Nexeon to supply Panasonic with advanced material

July  (Reuters) – UK battery startup Nexeon will supply high-energy silicon anode material to Panasonic’s (6752.T) newest U.S. plant starting in 2025, the companies said on Monday.

The use of silicon-rich anodes will enable Panasonic battery cells to store more energy and charge more quickly, the companies said. The greater energy density also gives Panasonic the option of making smaller, lighter packs with similar range to current battery cells. Continue reading “UK battery startup Nexeon to supply Panasonic with advanced material”

Toyota’s China joint venture dismisses about 1000 workers

Toyota’s China joint venture dismisses about 1000 workers

SHANGHAI/TOKYO, July  (Reuters) – Toyota Motor’s (7203.T) joint venture (JV) in China said on Monday that it has terminated early the contracts of about 1,000 dispatch workers, in a sign of pressure on automakers from a price war in the world’s largest auto market.

The JV between Toyota and China’s state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) (601238.SS) laid off the workers over the weekend and offered them compensation, three workers, who declined to be named for privacy, told Reuters earlier. Continue reading “Toyota’s China joint venture dismisses about 1000 workers”

EV charger operator EVCS seeks to raise $125 million to expand network

EV charger operator EVCS seeks to raise $125 million to expand network

NEW YORK, July  (Reuters) – Electric-vehicle charger operator EVCS is looking to raise $125 million, according to a document seen by Reuters, as it races to expand its network of fast chargers eightfold by 2025 and capitalize on the U.S. government’s push to boost EV adoption.

A $5 billion federal program to electrify U.S. highways and a recent slew of deals by market leader Tesla (TSLA.O) to open up its charging technology to rival automakers has unleashed a capital-intensive race among charger makers and operators to offer new products and expand their networks. Continue reading “EV charger operator EVCS seeks to raise $125 million to expand network”

Tesla to discuss factory plan for new $24,000 car with India commerce minister -source

Tesla to discuss factory plan for new $24,000 car with India commerce minister -source

NEW DELHI, July 24 (Reuters) – Tesla representatives are set to meet India’s commerce minister this month to discuss plans to build a factory to produce what the company has described as an all-new $24,000 car, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Tesla has expressed an interest in building a factory in India that would produce low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) for the local market and for export, the person said, adding that the company had indicated that it would be for the new vehicle. Continue reading “Tesla to discuss factory plan for new $24,000 car with India commerce minister -source”

Nikola says damaged truck reignites at its headquarters

Nikola says damaged truck reignites at its headquarters

July (Reuters) – An electric truck which was previously damaged reignited at Nikola’s (NKLA.O) Phoenix, Arizona headquarters on Sunday afternoon but there were no injuries, the electric-truck maker said in a statement.

“At approximately 2 pm today at Nikola HQ, one of the trucks that was previously damaged reignited. No one was injured and the fire was quickly contained,” the company said. Continue reading “Nikola says damaged truck reignites at its headquarters”

Toyota’s China venture dismisses some factory workers as sales fall – workers

Toyota’s China venture dismisses some factory workers as sales fall – workers

SHANGHAI, July 24 (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) has dismissed some workers at one of its plants in China, three workers told Reuters, as the Japanese automaker struggles with a price war and sales slump in the world’s largest auto market.

The joint venture between Toyota and China’s state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) (601238.SS) laid off the workers over the weekend and offered them compensation, said the workers, who declined to be named for privacy. Continue reading “Toyota’s China venture dismisses some factory workers as sales fall – workers”

Taiwan’s Foxconn to take 50% stake in ZF axle system unit

Taiwan’s Foxconn to take 50% stake in ZF axle system unit

BERLIN, July 24 (Reuters) – Taiwan’s Foxconn (2317.TW) will acquire a 50% stake in ZF Group’s (ZFF.UL) axle system assembly unit, creating a joint venture aimed at growing automotive and supply chain opportunities, the companies said on Monday.

The deal, which values ZF Chassis Modules GmbH at 1 billion euros ($1.11 billion), will allow the companies to expand the range of product offerings in the internal combustion engine and electric vehicle space, they said in a statement. Continue reading “Taiwan’s Foxconn to take 50% stake in ZF axle system unit”

China to step up policy adjustments amid tortuous recovery

China to step up policy adjustments amid tortuous recovery

Summary

  • China to step up macroeconomic adjustments – Politburo
  • Says will focus on expanding domestic demand
  • Will adjust and optimise property policies at appropriate time
  • Says the economy faces new difficulties and challenges

BEIJING, July 24 (Reuters) – China will step up its policy support for the economy amid a tortuous post-COVID recovery, focusing on boosting domestic demand, the Politburo, a top decision-making body of the ruling Communist Party, said on Monday, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Continue reading “China to step up policy adjustments amid tortuous recovery”

Exclusive: Beijing pushes for toning down of China risks in IPO prospectuses-sources

Exclusive: Beijing pushes for toning down of China risks in IPO prospectuses-sources

July 24 (Reuters) – Beijing has asked law firms to tone down the language used to describe China-related business risks in Chinese companies’ offshore listing documents, warning failure to do so could cost them regulatory green light for the IPOs, three people familiar with the matter said.

The move, which not been reported before, is the latest in tightening scrutiny of Chinese companies’ offshore listings, and comes at a time when Beijing is stepping up controls over cross-border transfer of sensitive information. Continue reading “Exclusive: Beijing pushes for toning down of China risks in IPO prospectuses-sources”

Centre to recover INR 469 cr from 7 electric 2W makers for non compliance with FAME II

Centre to recover INR 469 cr from 7 electric 2W makers for non compliance with FAME II

Source : PTI | New Delhi: The Centre has sought INR 469 crore from seven electric two-wheeler makers, including Hero Electric and Okinawa for claiming incentives while not complying with the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme norms, a government official said. The official said that in case of non-refund of the amount to the government, they will be de-registered from the scheme in the next 7-10 days and the government would not allow them to participate in the scheme.

Continue reading “Centre to recover INR 469 cr from 7 electric 2W makers for non compliance with FAME II”

Ramkrishna Forgings acquires Multitech Auto, Mal Metalliks for INR 205 crore

Ramkrishna Forgings acquires Multitech Auto, Mal Metalliks for INR 205 crore

Source : PTI | Ramkrishna Forgings Ltd on Monday said it has acquired Multitech Auto Private Ltd and its wholly-owned subsidiary Mal Metalliks Private Limited for INR 205 crore.

Multitech Auto and Mal Metalliks manufacture various parts for automobiles like assembly top cover, shift cylinder, assembly gear, differential case, differential cover, various types of hubs among others. Continue reading “Ramkrishna Forgings acquires Multitech Auto, Mal Metalliks for INR 205 crore”

Stellantis, Samsung SDI set plan to build second US battery plant

Stellantis, Samsung SDI set plan to build second US battery plant

July 24 (Reuters) – French-Italian automaker Stellantis (STLAM.MI) and South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI (006400.KS) on Monday said they plan to open a second joint-venture plant in the U.S. to build electric vehicle batteries, with a target to start production in 2027.

The companies said the transaction still needs to be finalized, and where the plant will be located is under review. Also, how much will be invested at the site and how many people it will employ will be announced later. The plant will have an initial production capacity of 34 gigawatt hours (GWh). Continue reading “Stellantis, Samsung SDI set plan to build second US battery plant”

China to be centre of Mercedes-Benz 2025 EV sales drive, Automobilwoche says

China to be centre of Mercedes-Benz 2025 EV sales drive, Automobilwoche says

FRANKFURT, July  (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE) is making China, the world’s top auto market, central to its next electric vehicle (EV) campaign starting in 2025, its CEO told German magazine Automobilwoche.

“To do this, we must master electric propulsion just as perfectly as digitalisation. That’s what our customers expect,” Ola Kaellenius was quoted as saying. Continue reading “China to be centre of Mercedes-Benz 2025 EV sales drive, Automobilwoche says”

Hindustan Zinc keen to participate in lithium auctions: CEO Arun Mishra

Hindustan Zinc keen to participate in lithium auctions: CEO Arun Mishra

Source : PTI | Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) is keen to acquire lithium assets as and when they are put on the block for auctions, CEO Arun Mishra said.

Lithium reserves of about 5.9 million tonnes have been identified in Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for the first time in India. Continue reading “Hindustan Zinc keen to participate in lithium auctions: CEO Arun Mishra”

Analysis: Harley-Davidson, Triumph in first gear of challenge to Royal Enfield’s India reign

Analysis: Harley-Davidson, Triumph in first gear of challenge to Royal Enfield’s India reign

BENGALURU, July 23 (Reuters) – U.S. big-bike maker Harley-Davidson (HOG.N) and British rival Triumph have revved up India’s premium motorcycle market with aggressively priced models that analysts said could dent the over half-century dominance of local champion Royal Enfield.

The duo surprised the industry this month by unveiling their cheapest models globally in the largest motorbike market by sales, where their expensive imports have long struggled for market share. This time, they are making the bikes in India with domestic partners to bring prices below 233,000 rupees ($2,841). Continue reading “Analysis: Harley-Davidson, Triumph in first gear of challenge to Royal Enfield’s India reign”