Summary

• Company has said plant closures may be needed in Germany
• Unions have vowed to fight any such moves
• German industry struggling with high costs, competition
• Union threatens strikes from December

HANOVER, Germany, (Reuters) – Volkswagen flatly rejected union demands after the first round of bitterly contested talks ended without agreement on Wednesday, as workers at Europe’s largest automaker threatened strikes against layoffs and possible plant closures. Continue reading “Volkswagen digs in as workers threaten strikes over plant closures”

Source : PTI | Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the most successful foreign automaker in the country where a few others have failed, has reportedly got nod from the Securities and Exchange Board of India for its initial public offering (IPO), the largest ever in India.

Hyundai, India’s second-biggest car maker behind Maruti Suzuki, plans to raise at least USD 3 billion (around Rs 25,000 crore) through the IPO, valuing the company at around USD 18 billion, or around Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Continue reading “Hyundai’s mother of all IPOs: Where the carmaker stands, where it’s headed”

New Delhi, 25 September 2024: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the SIAM Automotive HR Conclave today, themed “Shifting Gears: HR Strategies for a Disruptive Automotive Landscape.” The conclave discussed the key trends reshaping the HR landscape in the automotive sector and explored HR strategies that will drive industry growth, aligned with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. The conclave had enthusiastic involvement from government officials, CHROs of Automotive Industry, HR Professionals, HR Consultants, HR tech solution providers, academia and other key stakeholders in Automotive HR sector.

During the conclave, two key reports were unveiled: the ‘SIAM Handbook for Service Advisers and Service Technicians,’ created in partnership with SIAM and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), and the ‘Automotive Talent in Top Gear – Industry Report on HR Trends in the Automotive Sector,’ developed in collaboration with SIAM and Deloitte India. Continue reading “Preparing Future-Ready Talents in Auto Sector”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Italian unions have called a one day strike on Oct. 18 for metal workers at Stellantis and its local suppliers to protest against the automaker’s falling production in the country, the head of the UILM union said on Tuesday.

Most Stellantis plants in Italy saw a steep output decline in the first half of the year, according to data from the FIM-CISL union, with an overall 25% decline. Continue reading “Italian unions call strike at Stellantis on Oct. 18 over falling production”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor on Tuesday increased its share buyback plan through April 30 to up to 1.2 trillion yen ($8.31 billion) from 1 trillion yen in view of the latest share price.

Toyota had decided on May 8 to buy back up to 410 million shares, or 3.04% worth of its outstanding shares excluding treasury shares. Continue reading “Toyota expands share buyback plan to reflect share drop”

MILAN, (Reuters) – China’s Leapmotor is set to start taking orders in Europe for a city car and an SUV, the automaker and its partner Stellantis said on Tuesday, as they expand their budget electric vehicle (EV) offering in the region.

Stellantis holds a 51% stake in their Leapmotor International joint venture and has exclusive rights to build, export and sell Leapmotor products outside China in the first such arrangement for a legacy Western automaker. Continue reading “China’s Leapmotor and Stellantis open orders in Europe for budget EVs”

Summary

• Ban includes hardware and software, even for cars built outside China
• Canada considering similar ban, finance minister says
• Analysts warn of potential China trade-policy retaliation
• Biden administration cites national-security and economic threats

WASHINGTON/DETROIT, Sept 24 (Reuters) – The Biden administration’s proposed ban on Chinese connected-car technology could prove its strongest weapon yet to fend off an onslaught of cheap Chinese electric vehicles that has upended the global auto industry. Continue reading “Biden’s car-tech ban is a powerful new weapon against Chinese EVs”

(Reuters) – Stellantis on Monday denied failing to honor its commitments with the United Auto Workers under an agreement reached in 2023, even as the union prepares for an unprecedented strike a year after a national walkout.

UAW President Shawn Fain said last week several of its union local chapters were laying the groundwork for strikes after accusing Stellantis of breaking its contract promises. Continue reading “Stellantis denies failing to honor commitments with UAW”

Summary

• Biden admin aims to protect US from flood of China auto exports
• Commerce Dept proposes banning key Chinese tech in connected vehicles

WASHINGTON/DETROIT, (Reuters) – Top White House economic adviser Lael Brainard laid out on Monday the Biden administration’s broad approach to safeguarding the U.S. auto sector from what it considers China’s unfair trade actions. Continue reading “White House details plan to safeguard US auto sector, avoid second ‘China shock’”

DETROIT/MILAN, (Reuters) – Stellantis is searching for CEO Carlos Tavares’ successor, the company said Monday, after the Chrysler parent laid out a plan to strengthen North America operations by slashing bloated inventories and cutting vehicle prices.

Stellantis said it was normal to initiate a search for Tavares’ replacement in anticipation of his contract expiring in January 2026, and it remained possible Tavares will stay after that. Continue reading “Stellantis begins search for new CEO, lays out plan to improve US business”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor on Tuesday increased its share buyback plan through April 30 to up to 1.2 trillion yen ($8.31 billion) from 1 trillion yen in view of the latest share price.

Toyota had decided on May 8 to buy back up to 410 million shares, or 3.04% worth of its outstanding shares excluding treasury shares. Continue reading “Toyota expands share buyback plan to reflect share drop”

MILAN, (Reuters) – China’s Leapmotor is set to start taking orders in Europe for a city car and an SUV, the automaker and its partner Stellantis said on Tuesday as they expand their budget electric vehicle (EV) offering in the region.

Stellantis holds a 51% stake in their Leapmotor International joint venture and has exclusive rights to build, export and sell Leapmotor products outside China in the first such arrangement for a legacy Western automaker. Continue reading “China’s Leapmotor and Stellantis open orders in Europe for budget EVs”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – General Motors and Ford Motor would need to stop importing vehicles to the U.S. from China under a proposed rule cracking down on Chinese software and hardware, a U.S. Commerce Department official told Reuters Monday.

The rule would also affect other automakers selling or building vehicles in the U.S., such as Volvo Cars and BYD. Continue reading “New US rule would require GM, Ford to halt imports of cars they build in China, official says”

Source : PTI | Commercial vehicle owners across Maharashtra claimed they faced challenges in renewing fitness certificates, particularly concerning Speed Limiting Devices (SLD) on vehicles compliant with BS-IV and BS-VI emission norms. Transporters said issues began in mid-August following changes to the Vahan system- a national vehicle registration portal. It has become mandatory for commercial vehicles-such as trucks, tempos, taxis, and buses-to provide SLD certificate details during the fitness renewal process.

Many transporters and RTO officials the PTI spoke to view this requirement as unnecessary. They argue it not only delays the renewal of fitness certificates but also fosters corruption, forcing vehicle owners to seek assistance from dealers and RTO agents. Continue reading “Maharashtra transporters claim delay in fitness renewal for BS-IV and VI commercial vehicles”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Majority of new car buyers, who participated in a study, were ready to accept new energy vehicles (NEV) as the only option when considering a purchase by 2030, according to a survey. The buyers would be willing to pay a premium of up to 49% for an electric vehicle above the cost of a comparable petrol/diesel vehicle, a survey from Urban Science and The Harris Poll has revealed.

Around 83% of the 1,000 prospective Indian buyers covered in the global survey said they will consider buying an NEV by the end of this decade. Continue reading “Acceptability of new energy vehicles set to rise by end of decade: Urban Science Survey”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Foxconn-backed automotive technology company SiliconAuto has set up its research and development centre in Bengaluru which will focus on semiconductor product design and system-on-chip development for the automotive sector. SiliconAuto is a joint venture between the Netherlands-based Stellantis NV and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn).

“This new centre embodies SiliconAuto’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. Our India team is set to drive forward our vision of a smarter and safer future for transportation. Bangalore, with its rich talent pool and thriving tech ecosystem, is the perfect location for our new design centre,” SiliconAuto CEO, Gene Liu said in a statement. Continue reading “Foxconn, Stellantis JV set up R&D for automotive semiconductors tech in India”

Source : PTI | JSW Group on Tuesday said it has appointed Rajiv Mehta as Chief of Business of its mobility armJSW Auto. Based out of the company’s headquarters in Mumbai, Mehta will report to Parth Jindal and also work very closely with Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of the JSW Group.

“Mehta comes on board at JSW Auto at a significant juncture when we are geared up for rapid expansion in the mobility space, particularly in the EV sector,” Parth Jindal said. Continue reading “JSW Group appoints Rajiv Mehta as Chief of mobility arm”

Source : PTI | Luxury carmakers Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW are eyeing robust sales during the festive period this year with demand for high-end cars continuing to see an upward trend in India. In an interaction with PTI, Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Santosh Iyer said the luxury car segment is set for its best-ever performance this year with festive season offtakes playing a major role in the overall performance.

He noted that the festive season generally gives high double-digit sales growth, helping the automaker to average out single-digit growth of the earlier quarter. Continue reading “Luxury carmakers Mercedes, Audi, BMW expect robust sales this festive season”

Source : PTI | Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has pitched for a common platform to provide real-time information about all available charging stations operated by different service providers to make it more convenient for electric vehicle owners. Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Santosh Iyer pointed out that the common app would go a long way in enhancing customer convenience and help in pushing electric vehicle adoption in the country.

In an interaction with PTI, Iyer noted that there is a need to democratise charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Continue reading “Need to have common platform for ease of EV charging: Mercedes”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Energy Department said Friday it plans to award $3 billion to 25 battery manufacturing sector projects in 14 states as the Biden administration works to shift the supply chain away from China.

The projects will increase domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials and follows the adoption of U.S. EV tax credit rules to shift battery production and critical minerals away from China. Continue reading “US to award $3 billion to 25 projects for battery manufacturing sector”

HONG KONG, (Reuters) – SAIC Volkswagen, responding to reports it would close its Nanjing plant, said on Saturday that adjusting its production base was “normal and necessary”, Chinese media outlet Yicai reported.

Reuters reported this week that Germany’s Volkswagen plans to stop production at one of its combustion engine car plants in China, in a sign of automakers’ struggles to manage overcapacity in the world’s biggest car market. Continue reading “SAIC Volkswagen says adjusting plant base “necessary””

(Reuters) – General Motors will lay off 1,695 workers at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas, the company said in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice earlier this week.

A GM spokesperson, confirming the layoffs initially reported by Automotive News, said the first of two rounds will begin on Nov. 18, affecting 686 full-time workers temporarily and terminating 250 temporary employees. Continue reading “GM to lay off about 1,700 workers at Kansas plant”

(Reuters) – Unifor members at the CAMI Assembly and Battery Assembly plants in Ontario have ratified a two-year contract with General Motors that achieves significant pay increases, the Canadian labor union said on Sunday.

Unifor Local 88 members voted 95.7% in favour to ratify the contract which will see workers’ pay rise 10% immediately with a 2% increase in September 2025 and an additional 3% increase in July 2026. Continue reading “Canada’s Unifor union ratifies two-year contract with General Motors”

Summary

• Biden administration cites national security concerns over data collection by Chinese companies
• Proposed ban includes key communications and automated driving system software or hardware
• Public to have 30 days to comment before finalization of rules

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Commerce Department is expected on Monday to propose prohibiting Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles on American roads due to national security concerns, two sources told Reuters. Continue reading “Exclusive: US to propose ban on Chinese software, hardware in connected vehicles”

New Delhi, September 21, 2024: As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, Cartist, a Jaipur-based organization, is making a significant contribution with its initiative, “Sustain by Cartist.” From September 20-30, GMR Aerocity, New Delhi, is hosting this unique exhibition, which showcases art installations, creative activities, and an exclusive range of upcycled furniture, all designed to promote sustainability.

Sustain by Cartist is committed to creating a sustainable auto-art ecosystem that breathes new life into old automobiles and their parts. This innovative endeavor transforms discarded automotive scrap into functional and artistic pieces, blending local craftsmanship with design to offer a unique fusion of art, heritage, and functionality. The initiative aims to reduce automotive waste while celebrating creativity and sustainability. Continue reading “Sustain by Cartist at GMR Aerocity, New Delhi: A Celebration of Sustainability through Art and Upcycled Furniture”

Source : PTI | Aiming to promote cleaner transportation, the Delhi government has announced that all CNG-powered Gramin Sewa vehicles registered under the 2010-11 scheme must be replaced with electric vehicles. Launched in 2011, Gramin Sewa is a para-transit scheme under which high-capacity three-wheelers with a seating capacity of six passengers were given permits to ply in rural areas, unauthorised resettlement colonies, and JJ (jhuggi-jhopri) clusters of Delhi.

“It is ordered that the replacement of the existing Gramin Sewa vehicles shall be by electric vehicles, with a maximum seating capacity of six passengers plus a driver, duly approved by MORTH’s (Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) authorised testing agency,” a transport department order issued on Wednesday said. Continue reading “Delhi govt orders shift to electric vehicles for Gramin Sewa scheme”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Energy Department said Friday it plans to award $3 billion to 25 battery manufacturing sector projects in 14 states as the Biden administration works to shift the supply chain away from China.

The projects will increase domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials and follows the adoption of U.S. EV tax credit rules to shift battery production and critical minerals away from China. Continue reading “US to award $3 billion to 25 projects for battery manufacturing sector”

EMDEN, Germany, (Reuters) – German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said on Friday that he wants to help Volkswagen get through a period of cost-cutting without having to resort to site closures, reflecting concerns about the country’s biggest carmaker.

During a visit to the Volkswagen’s factory in Emden, Germany, the minister said he also wants to ensure that personnel policy measures remain within the normal collective bargaining framework. Continue reading “German economy minister offers help to Volkswagen to avoid site closures”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – General Motors is recalling about 450,000 pickup trucks and SUVs in the United States due to a potentially inoperative low brake fluid warning light, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday.

The recall includes 2023 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models. Continue reading “GM recalling 450,000 pickup trucks, SUVs over warning light issue”

FRANKFURT/BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany’s government is considering ways to support Volkswagen, German economy minister and vice chancellor Robert Habeck said on Thursday, when asked about the threat of job cuts at the country’s largest carmaker.

Volkswagen said this month it needed to cut costs significantly at its namesake brand in Germany, citing high costs, low productivity and fierce competition. Continue reading “Germany considering ways to support VW, economy minister says”

(Reuters) – General Motors’ self-driving unit Cruise said on Thursday it will begin supervised testing with up to five autonomous vehicles in fall this year in California’s Bay Area.

Cruise will deploy several manual mapping vehicles in Sunnyvale and Mountain View, following which the testing will start, it said in a post on social media platform X. Continue reading “GM’s Cruise to begin testing autonomous vehicles in California”

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – The European Commission and China agreed to intensify efforts to avert EU import tariffs on China-built electric vehicles and could re-examine a minimum-price deal previously rejected by the EU, the Commission said on Thursday.

EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao spoke on Thursday as EU countries prepare to vote on tariffs of up to 35.3%, on top of the EU’s standard 10% import duty for cars. Continue reading “EU, China boost efforts to avert electric-vehicle tariffs, EU says”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: India will ensure sufficient charging infrastructure to support the massive adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Wednesday. The minister said the Ministry of Heavy Industries will soon introduce e-vouchers for electric vehicle (EV) buyers to avail of incentives under the newly approved PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme.

“We are ramping up (EV) charging infrastructure fast,” he said, while speaking at the Ficci and Ministry of Heavy Industries’ Seminar on ‘FAME’s Success in Transforming India’s EV Landscape’. Continue reading “India to ensure sufficient charging infrastructure for massive EV adoption: Kumaraswamy”

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Source : ANI | Gurugram (Haryana) [India], : JSW MG Motor India today announced the launch of MG Select, a new channel brand targeting the growing ‘accessible luxury’ segment in India. This segment is characterised by consumers seeking exclusivity with premium products and elevated experiences. With MG Select, the company will focus on providing unparalleled customer experience for the segment buyers.

This move reflects the company’s strategic response to opportunities in the premium automotive market, particularly the rising demand for luxury products that are more inclusive, sustainable, and personalised. This focus on a curated experience aims to differentiate MG Select in a competitive market. MG Select will establish exclusive, new-age luxury, experience centres in 12 key cities across India in Phase 1. The brand will offer a range of vehicles primarily NEVs, including plug-ins, hybrids, EVs, and more. Continue reading “JSW MG Motor India to Enter Premium Car Segment with MG Select”

Summary

• Volkswagen India announces the opening of two new sales touchpoints in Panchkula and Rewari, in the state of Haryana
• Both the locations will display the Brands’ product portfolio comprising of the Taigun, Virtus and Tiguan
• The opening of these touchpoints strengthens the Brand’s presence in Haryana to 15 sales and 9 service facilities, making Volkswagen accessible

Mumbai: Volkswagen India has expanded its footprint in Haryana with the opening of two new sales touchpoints. The inauguration of these new facilities, in Panchkula and Rewari, further reinforce the Brand’s commitment to making Volkswagen products and services more accessible to customers across the state. Continue reading “Volkswagen India expands its network presence in Haryana with two new sales touchpoints”

(Reuters) – Billionaire Elon Musk has endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump in the race for the White House, but employees at his collection of companies are largely donating to Trump’s Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

Workers at Tesla have contributed $42,824 to Harris’ presidential campaign versus $24,840 to Trump’s campaign, according to OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan nonprofit that tracks U.S. campaign contributions and lobbying data. Continue reading “Workers at Musk’s Tesla, SpaceX and X donate to Harris while he backs Trump”

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Alphabet’s Waymo is in talks with South Korea’s Hyundai Motor to outsource manufacturing of its self-driving vehicles, South Korean newspaper, Electronic Times, reported.

Officials at Waymo and Hyundai Motor have met more than three times to discuss a plan to use Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric vehicles for Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving technology, the report said, adding that the plan includes replacing offerings, from China’s Zeekr with the Ioniq 5 models. Continue reading “Waymo in talks with Hyundai Motor to produce self-driving taxis, media report says”

(Reuters) – New car sales in the European Union fell 18.3% in August to their lowest in three years, dragged down by double-digit losses in major markets Germany, France and Italy and sliding electric vehicle (EV) sales, auto industry body data showed on Thursday.

The data showed the fourth consecutive monthly drop in EV sales, prompting the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) to demand “urgent action” to prevent further decline. Continue reading “EU car sales at 3-year low in August, EV sales plunge 44%”