LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Opponents of California’s ambitious targets for electric car adoption to lower greenhouse gas emissions took their case to the U.S. Supreme Court this week, the latest salvo against the state’s campaign to fight climate change.

Energy companies, corn growers and industry associations have long opposed strong environmental rules in California, for decades the only state with power to request a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set its own vehicle emissions regulations that are more stringent than the federal standard. Continue reading “Foes of California’s electric car targets take their case to US Supreme Court”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association on Wednesday said its members are witnessing a ‘severe crunch’ in the availability of domestic natural rubber and it may disrupt production unless supply issues of the raw material are addressed. Despite high prices of natural rubber (NR), its availability has shrunk, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) said, expressing apprehension that some “sections of natural rubber producing interests or trade are withholding the material in anticipation of an increase in the NR prices worsening the availability”.

The “tyre industry has been experiencing tightness in domestic availability of natural rubber for some time. However currently a severe crunch is being witnessed despite the fact that NR prices have touched a multi-year high. The paucity of natural price needs to be addressed at the earliest so that tyre production processes are not disrupted,” ATMA Director General Rajiv Budhraja said in a statement.

Continue reading “Tyre industry facing natural rubber supply crunch, ATMA urges action”

SHANGHAI/BEIJING, (Reuters) – With the clock ticking for the European Commission to impose provisional tariffs on electric vehicles made in China, automakers are bracing for billions of dollars in new costs that analysts expect will slow their European expansion.

The bloc is set to confirm on Thursday extra duties of up to 37.6% aimed to prevent a flood of subsidised China-built EVs into the European market, despite last-ditch efforts to strike a deal. Continue reading “China EV makers brace for tariffs as Beijing, EU engage in talks”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany’s VDA auto association has urged the European Commission to drop its planned tariffs on China-made electric vehicles in a last-ditch effort to influence negotiations ahead of the tariffs which take effect on Thursday.

The association said in a statement on Wednesday the tariffs would hurt European and U.S. carmakers exporting from China and risked retaliation by China with counter-tariffs, which would hit the German industry hard given its high volume of exports to China. Continue reading “German car industry urges EU to drop tariffs on China-made cars”

(Reuters) – The U.S. auto safety regulator on Wednesday closed a recall query covering 420,072 Volkswagen vehicles after the automaker acted to fix a potential fuel leak.

The recall covered certain VW Golf, Jetta and GTI models and the Audi A3 manufactured between 2015 and 2020. It was initially issued in 2016 for a defective suction jet pump inside the fuel tank, which could cause a leak. Continue reading “NHTSA closes recall query into about 420,000 Volkswagen vehicles”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s industry ministry has selected 20 localities, including Beijing and Shanghai, as participants in a pilot programme for application of “vehicle-road-cloud integration” for intelligent connected vehicles.

The country aims to build a unified and shared standard system for “vehicle-road-cloud integration” – aimed at putting smart connected vehicles on the road – by 2026, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Continue reading “China designates pilot areas for ‘vehicle-road-cloud integration’ for smart cars”

BANGKOK, – Thai authorities are investigating BYD’s dealers after a consumer complaint over aggressive discounting in a key international market for the Chinese EV giant that has left some buyers upset with how much they paid for their cars.

The office of the Thai Prime Minister instructed the country’s consumer protection agency to launch the probe. Continue reading “Thailand investigates EV giant BYD’s dealers over unfair discounting complaint”

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – EU countries are wavering over whether to back additional tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles, highlighting Brussels’ challenge in building support for its largest trade case yet as Beijing threatens wide-ranging retaliation.

Germany, whose carmakers made a third of their sales last year in China, wants to stop the tariffs, according to a government source, while France has been among the firmest backers. Continue reading “EU governments waver over Chinese EV tariffs as trade spat escalates”

Source : PTI | EV and energy storage startup Matter Group on Wednesday announced securing USD 35 million in the ongoing Series B funding round led by the US-based problem-solving organisation Helena. The capital will accelerate the company’s efforts in scaling up manufacturing, supply chain, marketing and retail expansion to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance mobility solutions, Matter said in a statement.

The other investors, who participated in this round, include Capital 2B, Japan Airlines, Translink Innovation Fund, Saad Bahwan Investment Management Company (SB Invest) as well as other institutional investors and Family Offices, the EV manufacturer said. Continue reading “Matter Group raises USD 35 mn from US-based Helena, others”

BMW Group India has reported its highest-ever half-yearly car sales, showcasing strong performance in the first half of 2024 (January – June). The company delivered a total of 7,098 cars (BMW and MINI) and 3,614 motorcycles (BMW Motorrad), with BMW alone accounting for 6,734 units and MINI for 364 units. This marks a significant +21% increase in car sales (BMW + MINI) compared to the same period last year.

In the first half of 2024, the company sold 397 units of fully electric BMW and MINI cars. The BMW i7 emerged as the top-selling BMW EV in this period, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable mobility among high-end consumers. Continue reading “BMW Group India Achieves Record Half-Yearly Sales”

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”