DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor is trying to get more of its managers to buy electric vehicles, according to an internal email the automaker sent last week that was reviewed by Reuters.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based company changed a leasing program it offers to eligible current and former managers, now requiring them to order an electric Mustang Mach-E SUV or F-150 Lightning pickup if they wish to lease a supplemental vehicle. Workers are allowed a set number of leased vehicles, typically one to two, depending on their management level, before ordering a supplemental car. Continue reading “Ford urges its managers to buy more EVs with new leasing policy”

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – Rivian on Tuesday said it had no plans to produce vehicles with Volkswagen after a media report said the U.S. electric vehicle maker was in early talks with the German automaker to extend a recent partnership beyond software.

Shares of Rivian dipped 1.5% in extended trade. Continue reading “Rivian says no plans to produce vehicles with VW after media report on early talks”

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – The European People’s Party, the biggest lawmaker group in the European Parliament, will seek to weaken the bloc’s planned 2035 phase-out of CO2-emitting cars, a draft document showed.

The EPP won the biggest share of any lawmaker group in last month’s European Parliament elections with 188 out of the total 720 lawmakers, cementing its influence in the EU assembly. Continue reading “Biggest EU lawmaker group wants 2035 combustion car ban revised, draft shows”

(Reuters) – Top U.S. automakers posted slower sales growth for the second quarter as a cyberattack at software systems provider CDK hit operations at several dealerships during the crucial selling period of late June.

General Motors reported a 0.6% rise in new-vehicle sales, compared with a jump of 19% last year, and said some sales would shift to the current quarter due to the hack. Continue reading “US new-vehicle sales growth slows after CDK cyberattack”

Summary

• GM, Rivian, and Toyota report strong EV deliveries, Tesla’s decline smaller than expected
• Analysts warn of continued pressure to cut manufacturing and battery costs
• Analysts cautious on predicting long-term reacceleration of EV demand

(Reuters) – Better-than-expected U.S. electric-vehicle sales in the second quarter brought welcome relief to investors after a sharp slowdown in demand triggered by high interest rates, but EV makers still face a bumpy road ahead. Continue reading “Rough road ahead for US EV makers despite upbeat quarterly sales”

Source : PTI | TAFE Motors and Tractors Ltd, the subsidiary of leading tractor maker TAFE Ltd has inked a pact with Germany-based internal combustion engine manufacturer DEUTZ AG to jointly manufacture DEUTZ range of engines in the country. TAFE (Tractors and Farm Equipment) Motors and Tractors Ltd is a subsidiary of world’s third largest tractor manufacturer and city based TAFE Ltd.

“DEUTZ inks cooperation with TAFE, allowing DEUTZ to expand its business in India. As the beginning of a long-term cooperation, TAFE Motors would manufacture up to 30,000 DEUTZ engines in 50-75 hp and 75-100 hp under license to augment and complement the wide range of engines made by the group across emission standards,” a company statement here said on Tuesday.

Continue reading “TAFE Motors, DEUTZ AG ink pact; to expand internal combustion engine biz”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Tesla’s June sales of China-made electric vehicles fell 24.2% from a year earlier to 71,007, data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed on Tuesday.

Deliveries of the U.S. automaker’s China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles fell 2.2% from May levels. Continue reading “Tesla’s June China-made EV sales down 24.2% y/y”

Source : PTI | TVS Mobility group on Monday said its subsidiary SI Air Springs has acquired Italy-based automotive components supplier Roberto Nuti Group , which will help it broaden the product range and strengthen its position in the global market. The pact between the two partners includes the 100% purchase of Roberto Nuti Group by TVS Mobility indirectly, through its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary, SI Air Springs Private Limited and investments appropriate to the full re-launch of the company, TVS Mobility group said in a statement.

It also said that both companies will continue to operate normally during the integration period. Continue reading “TVS Mobility arm acquires Italy-based automotive components supplier”

PARIS/SEOUL, (Reuters) – Renault’s electric vehicle unit Ampere said on Monday it would include lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology in its plans to mass produce EVs, teaming up with LG Energy Solution (LGES) and CATL to build a supply chain in Europe.

Western automakers are under pressure to expand their range of chemical battery technologies to meet the needs of all market segments amid fierce competition from their often cheaper Chinese rivals. Continue reading “Renault’s EV unit Ampere teams up with LGES, CATL on battery technology”

BEIJING,(Reuters) – China’s BYD posted a 21% rise in second-quarter electric vehicle sales, closing the gap with Tesla after handing back the world’s top EV vendor title to the U.S. rival in the first quarter.

BYD sold 426,039 EVs in the April-June quarter, according to Reuters’ calculations based on its monthly sales reports. That is almost 18,000 vehicles fewer than Tesla’s vehicle deliveries for the second quarter, but far closer than the more than 86,000 gap in the prior quarter. Continue reading “China’s BYD posts 21% jump in quarterly EV sales, closes gap with Tesla”

Source : PTI | Mercedes-Benz India wants the government to commit to continuity in policies that support electric mobility for the next eight to ten years, for stable and better planning towards zero emission mobility, its Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer said on Tuesday. Besides, the company feels that providing the incentives given to electric vehicles to hybrid vehicles will extend the timeline for transition to emission free mobility.

The company, which had increased EV penetration to 6% in the first quarter of 2024, from 2.5% earlier, expects the momentum to carry going forward with three new EV models slated for launch this year, starting with the EQA next week. Continue reading “Want continuity of policy supporting EVs for next 8-10 yrs: Mercedes-Benz India MD & CEO”

(Reuters) – Uber Technologies  said on Monday it will bring a yacht service to Ibiza and will introduce different water-transport offerings to other European cities in an effort to address the robust demand stemming from tourism in the continent.

The service named “Uber Yacht” will be available to pre-book on the Spanish island of Ibiza from July 26, and will be made available in August. Continue reading “Uber expands boat services across Europe to capture tourist demand”

BENGALURU, (Reuters) – Carmakers Mahindra & Mahindra and the Indian units of Toyota Motor Corp and Kia Motor reported higher car sales in June, boosted by demand for sports utility vehicles (SUV) even as heat waves weighed on purchase decisions.

Each month, automobile makers in India release wholesale numbers, or vehicle sales, to dealers. The sales numbers are seen as a key indicator of private consumption in India. Continue reading “Indian carmakers post SUV-led June sales growth amid heat waves”

PARIS, (Reuters) – Renault’s EV unit Ampere on Monday said it would include the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology in its plans to mass produce electric vehicles, teaming up with suppliers LG Energy Solutions and CATL to build a supply chain in Europe.

Western Automakers are under pressure to expand their range of chemical battery technologies to meet the needs of all market segments amid fierce competition from their often cheaper Chinese rivals. Continue reading “Renault’s EV unit Ampere to bet on LFP technology for EV batteries”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Luxury sports car maker Ferrari on Monday announced two new warranty extension schemes allowing owners of its hybrid models to have the batteries of their vehicles replaced at given times.

The move aims to help owners preserve the resale value of their Ferraris as batteries, which tend to lose efficiency over time, become central to the value of electrified cars. Continue reading “Ferrari launches battery replacement scheme to preserve performance, value of its cars”

(Reuters) – A U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting federal regulatory powers to interpret ambiguous laws could undermine President Joe Biden’s effort to cut tailpipe emissions from the nation’s vehicle fleet, two environmental law attorneys told Reuters.

In a decision released on Friday, the justices ruled 6-3 to overturn a 1984 precedent known as the “Chevron deference” which required judges to defer to reasonable federal agency interpretations of U.S. laws deemed to be ambiguous, like the Clean Air Act. Continue reading “Biden tailpipe emission rules on shakier ground after Supreme Court ruling”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: The Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification centres will continue to operate on Monday across the national capital with petrol pump owners deferring their strike after assurance from the transport minister that their demand for fee hike was being looked into. Petrol pump associations across the national capital had threatened to shut down PUCC centres from Monday.

According to officials, talks were held with petrol pump owners and they were assured that their demands will be looked into. The PUCC fees was last hiked in 2011.

Continue reading “Delhi petrol pumps defer strike after minister’s assurance on PUC certificate fee”

Source : PTI | Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Monday reported its best-ever monthly sales at 27,474 units in June. The company’s total dispatches to dealers increased by 40% last month to 27,474 units, as compared to 19,608 units in June 2023.

Last month, the company’s domestic wholesales stood at 25,752 units, while exports accounted for 1,722 units. Continue reading “Toyota records highest-ever monthly sales in June at 27,474 units”

Source : PTI | The Delhi Traffic Police booked more than 2,500 violators for driving in the incorrect lane till June 15 this year, 250% higher than the last year’s challans, officials said on Sunday. The maximum number of challans reported was 572 at the IGI Airport circle, they said.

According to the officials, the Delhi Traffic Police has observed a significant increase in the number of prosecutions for lane discipline violations in the current year. Continue reading “Over 2,500 violators booked till June 15 this year for driving in incorrect lane in Delhi”

TBILISI, (Reuters) – Laughing and joking, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un cruised around Pyongyang last week in a Russian-made Aurus limousine to showcase their strengthened anti-Western alliance.

The luxury sedan was intended to epitomize Russia’s domestic prowess and reduced dependence on imported technology and goods when unveiled in 2018. Continue reading “Exclusive: Firm making car that Putin gifted to Kim uses South Korean parts”

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Toyota is planning to launch the first electric car model equipped with an advanced autonomous driving system similar to Tesla Full Self-Driving for the Chinese market next year, one of its Chinese joint ventures said.

The JV with state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) aims to restore the Japanese automaker’s market share in China by catching up with Chinese rivals on technologies in hybrids, batteries and intelligent vehicles. Continue reading “Toyota to launch first EV with advanced self driving system for China in 2025”

Summary

• Deal values JV at $7.93 billion
• Geely and Renault to each own 45% of JV
• Aramco initially signalled 20% stake

(Reuters) – Oil producer Saudi Aramco will buy a 10% stake in a thermal engines joint venture between French carmaker Renault and Chinese automaker Geely, the companies said on Friday, valuing the business at 7.40 billion euros ($7.93 billion). Continue reading “Aramco to buy 10% stake in Renault-Geely thermal engines venture”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Premium EV maker BeyonCa, backed by Renault and Dongfeng Motor, said on Friday it plans to set up a final assembly plant and its international headquarters in Hong Kong, developing the territory’s first car brand.

Following the one-two punch that the 2019 protests and pandemic delivered to Hong Kong’s economy, the city has sought to diversify and build up other industries. Continue reading “Renault-backed BeyonCa plans to build Hong Kong’s first EVs”

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‘Investments are coming through and the roadmap for the next five years is almost frozen’: Biju Balendran Autocar

Volkswagen India announces Monsoon Car Care campaign WAF

Exclusive: Hyundai India IPO banks set for country’s second biggest payday with $40 million fee WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (28th June 2024)”

LONDON, (Reuters) – Four decades ago, a rare earth processing plant on France’s Atlantic coast was one of the largest in the world, churning out materials used to make colour televisions, arc lights and camera lenses.

Its current owner Solvay is racing to return the plant at La Rochelle to its former glory after years of diminished output as Europe seeks to boost production of the minerals fuelling the green energy transition. Continue reading “In race to regain rare earth glory, Europe falls short on mineral goals”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China hopes negotiations will lead to a “mutually acceptable solution” with the European Union on preliminary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EV) scheduled to take effect on July 4, its commerce ministry said on Thursday.

Beijing wants the EU to scrap plans to impose the curbs, Chinese state media reports, but Brussels has made clear that it expects China to come to technical talks taking place this week with a road map for “addressing the injurious subsidisation” of its EV industry if there is to be a negotiated outcome. Continue reading “China hopes for EV tariff deal with EU that suits both sides”

Summary

• Chinese brands now make up over half of car sales in Russia
• Zeekr dominates EV sector despite lacking official presence
• Lack of charging stations, plentiful oil hinder EV market growth
• Electric cars still account for less than 2% of Russian market

MOSCOW, (Reuters) – Sales of Zeekr electric vehicles have shot up in Russia in the last year, putting Chinese carmakers ahead of local competition in Russia’s small but rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) sector. Continue reading “Zeekr’s sales jump as Chinese dominate Russian EV market”

Summary

• Preemptive vehicle health check-up enabling customers a peace of mind monsoon drive experience
• Customer safety, a top priority for Volkswagen, offering a complimentary 40-point check covering essential components like brakes, tyres, wipers and front & rear lights
• Enhanced ownership experience by choosing an Extended Warranty or Service Value Package available across Volkswagen dealerships or through online booking

Mumbai: Volkswagen India announces its annual Monsoon Car Care campaign, enabling customers to drive safe and hassle-free this monsoon season. The onslaught of monsoon typically brings with it challenges of visibility, braking, skidding and unforeseen situations. Continue reading “Volkswagen India announces Monsoon Car Care campaign”

Summary

• That would be 2nd highest fee for banks working on IPOs in India
• Hyundai to pay 1.3% of IPO to banks, lower than US, Hong Kong, sources say
• Bankers see tide turning after years of low-paying deals

MUMBAI, (Reuters) – Banks advising South Korean automaker Hyundai on its India IPO are set to make as much as $40 million in fees, three sources said, a windfall in a market where banks typically struggle to make money given cost-conscious clients and fewer big deals. Continue reading “Exclusive: Hyundai India IPO banks set for country’s second biggest payday with $40 million fee”

(Reuters) – Volkswagen is recalling over 271,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential wiring fault that may deactivate front passenger air bags when the seat is occupied, the U.S. auto safety regulator said on Wednesday.

The recall affects the German automaker’s certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles where the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and affect front passenger air bags. Continue reading “Volkswagen to recall 271,000 U.S. vehicles over possible air bag issue”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – South Korean authorities ordered a halt on Wednesday to the operations of a manufacturer of lithium batteries after a fire killed 23 people, as they investigate three company officials for suspected safety violations.

Monday’s fire at unlisted battery maker Aricell was one of the deadliest industrial accidents of recent years. Dozens of South Korean workers lose their lives on the job each year, despite tougher laws and measures to improve safety. Continue reading “South Korea halts battery maker’s operations as it probes deadly blaze”

(Reuters) – Aston Martin announced the debut of its new limited edition sportscar Valiant on Wednesday and said deliveries would start in the fourth quarter, as the British carmaker aims to revive falling sales and become cash flow positive.

The company will produce only 38 units of the Valiant, a vehicle designed by the Aston Martin team alongside Formula One driver and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. Continue reading “Aston Martin to start delivery of Alonso-inspired race car Valiant in fourth quarter”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla said on Tuesday it was recalling most Cybertrucks in the United States over issues with their windshield wipers and exterior trim, the latest setback for the futuristic truck whose mass production is expected to start next year.

This physical recall of vehicles, not rare for new models, is relatively unusual for Tesla, whose problems are usually resolved through over-the-air software updates. Continue reading “Tesla recalls Cybertrucks over wiper, trim issues in latest setback”

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – German automaker Volkswagen Group will invest up to $5 billion in U.S. electric-vehicle maker Rivian as part of a new, equally controlled joint venture to share EV architecture and software, the companies said on Tuesday.

Shares of Rivian surged about 50% in extended trade after the announcement, potentially supercharging the company’s market value by nearly $6 billion, if gains hold on Wednesday. Continue reading “Volkswagen’s $5 bln investment in Rivian boosts EV maker’s shares”

Source : PTI | One of India’s leading manufacturing multinationals, Bharat Forge, on Tuesday called for a more innovative approach to electric vehicles (EVs) in the country’s climate action agenda which is not based on copying China’s battery-based model. Addressing India Global Forum’s Climate and Business (ClimB) session in London, company vice-chair and joint managing director Amit Kalyani pointed to great potential to incorporate inductive electric charging as the highway infrastructure takes shape around the country.

He highlighted that the higher price tag of EVs is largely down to the cost of the batteries and having an alternative model will have a significant impact on sales of the more environmentally-friendly mode of transport. Continue reading “Bharat Forge’s Amit Kalyani on what’s wrong with India’s EV model and whether green hydrogen is the silver bullet”

(Reuters) – Ford Motor is recalling 552,188 of its 2014 F-150 vehicles in the U.S., due to an issue which may lead the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift into the first gear, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday.

A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause a downshift, regardless of vehicle speed and lead to a loss of vehicle control, the regulator said. Continue reading “Ford to recall more than 550,000 vehicles, US safety regulator says”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan Motor will produce electric vehicles for its Chinese joint-venture partner Dongfeng Motor at its Wuhan factory by year-end, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Tuesday, a sign of pressure on the automaker’s China business.

By producing EVs for Dongfeng, Nissan aims to reduce fixed costs and increase the operating rate of the factory, which has been declining because of slumping sales, Nikkei said. Continue reading “Nissan to start producing EVs for Dongfeng Motor by year-end, Nikkei reports”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – China’s BYD launched its third electric vehicle in Japan, it said on Tuesday, a sedan that will be its most expensive model so far in a market where consumers have long favoured domestic brands.

The Shenzhen-based automaker said it had started taking orders for its flagship Seal EV in Japan from Tuesday, setting the suggested retail pricing for the rear-wheel-drive version of the vehicle in the country at 5.28 million yen ($33,111.75). Continue reading “China’s BYD launches third EV model in Japan”