WASHINGTON,  (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday upgraded and expanded its investigation into nearly 1 million Stellantis Dodge sport utility vehicles over faulty door locks and windows after a report of one death tied to the issue.

In May 2023, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into 82,000 2009 model year Dodge Journey SUVs. The agency said Friday it had upgraded its probe to an engineering analysis covering 992,000 Journey vehicles from the 2009 through 2020 model years. Continue reading “US expands probe into nearly 1 million Dodge SUVs over door locks”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Tesla registered an insurance broking firm in China at the end of July, based on a national corporate information database, in a sign that the U.S. automaker may be trying again to gain approval to sell insurance products in the country.

The new company, located in Beijing’s Central Business District, was set up on July 30 with a registered capital of 50 million yuan ($6.92 million), the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System showed. Continue reading “Tesla registers insurance brokerage in China, national corporate database shows”

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Audi’s new electric cars series developed in China for the Chinese market will not sport its four-ring logo, two people with direct knowledge of the plans said.

The decision by the premium marque owned by Germany’s Volkswagen is due to “brand image consideration,” one of the people said. It also reflects the use of automotive architecture co-developed with Chinese partner SAIC and an increased reliance on local suppliers and technologies. Continue reading “Exclusive: Audi’s new China EV series won’t have signature four-ring logo”

As we progress in this highly dynamic environment, it is crucial for businesses to pay emphasis on efficient maintenance and training. These are extremely important when it comes to equipment performance and workforce productivity. Electronic manuals have transformed these crucial business activities. They not only reduce the learning curve by enabling embedded rich media to train the technicians but also have been elemental in ensuring new skills are acquired. The interactiveness is boasted with the integration of interactive elements and advanced search functionalities. These electronic technical manuals have been at the forefront of the transformation we speak about today in this blog.

But let’s delve into what these electronic manuals exactly are. Continue reading “Electronic Manuals for Automotive Maintenance and Training”

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Who’s fuelling the transition to greener energy? WAF Continue reading “WAF Auto News | The Auto World This Week (2nd August 2024)”

(Reuters) – Makers of ATVs, boats and other recreational vehicles are staring at a bleak summer as caution around big-ticket purchases amid high interest rates has dashed hopes of a demand recovery for big manufacturers of leisure products.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, consumers with money to spend took advantage of low rates to buy goods many refer to as “adult toys” – motorcycles, boats, RVs and other vehicles that cost a lot and are often financed through loans. Continue reading “Leisure vehicle makers feel the heat this summer as big-ticket spending cools”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – General Motors is changing the way it rates the performance of its salaried employees in the U.S. in a move to better reward high-performers and put pressure on low-performers to improve or leave.

According to an internal memo viewed by Reuters, the Detroit automaker is now rewarding its top 5% of employees with 150% bonuses, higher than what was available in the previous system, to better attract and retain the talent needed to achieve its goals in the cut-throat automotive transformation to electric vehicles. Continue reading “GM raises bar for employee performance with new ratings system”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said India is the only country where rates of petrol and diesel have come down between November 2021 and April 2024. Replying to various queries during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, the minister also informed that the government is encouraging dialogue between Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and dealers regarding margins for the latter.

Puri noted that petrol and diesel were deregulated during the UPA government. Continue reading “India only country where petrol, diesel prices declined in last 3 years: Puri”

Hero MotoCorp has started its operations in the Philippines, marking a strategic expansion into Southeast Asia. This move is a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global footprint. Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) will serve as the exclusive assembler and distributor of Hero MotoCorp products and services in the Philippines. The partnership between Hero MotoCorp and TMC, announced in October 2022, is set to bring a new level of mobility solutions to the region.

Niranjan Gupta, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, stated ‘The commencement of operations in the Philippines will bolster our overall global presence. Hero MotoCorp, with its extensive and innovative product portfolio, is committed to delivering superior mobility solutions and exceptional after-sales services, ensuring a delightful ownership experience. Partnering with Terrafirma Motors Corporation, a distinguished entity within the Columbian Group, we are poised to swiftly establish and expand our presence in this vital market.’ Continue reading “Hero MotoCorp Expands Global Presence”

Summary

• Shipped 3,484 cars in the first quarter, up 3%
• Sees adj EBITDA of at least 2.50 bln euro this year
• Adj EBITDA rose 14% in Q2 to 669 mln euros
• Net revenue up 16% in Q2 to 1.712 bln euros
• Generated cash for 121 mln euros in the quarter

MILAN, (Reuters) – Pricier models such as the Daytona SP3 and growing demand from buyers for personal touches helped Ferrari beat second-quarter results forecasts on Thursday and raise its full-year expectations. Continue reading “Ferrari lifts forecasts on pricier models and personal touches”

Summary

• Restructuring costs, model launches weigh on returns
• Investment in 2025-2029 to fall to around 165 bln euros
• Combustion engine line-up may expand amid weak EV demand
• First half return on sales ‘too low’, CFO says

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen will need to make “significant cost-cutting efforts” in the second half of the year and beyond if it is to revive profit margins, the automaker said on Thursday, after reporting first-half margins it described as “too low”. Continue reading “Volkswagen doubles down on cost cuts to try to revive margins”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor posted a 17% increase in first-quarter profit on Thursday, as cost-cutting and a weaker yen helped offset lower sales and a decline in production at home.

The world’s top-selling automaker said operating profit for the three months through June totalled 1.3 trillion yen ($8.70 billion), matching the average of six analyst estimates compiled by LSEG. Continue reading “Toyota posts 17% increase in Q1 profit but shares tumble”

Summary

• Q2 EBIT margin falls to 8.4% from 9.2%, below analysts consensus
• Shares fall 3.8%
• China sales fall 4% in first half but less than peers
• BMW investing heavily in model revamps
• No change in guidance for 2024

BERLIN, (Reuters) – BMW reported a lower-than-expected profit margin in its core automotive segment during the second quarter on Thursday, hitting its shares as heightened competition and weaker demand in China weighs on the sector. Continue reading “China woes hit BMW as profit margin falls”

(Reuters) – Germany’s Daimler Truck said on Wednesday it has cut its full year revenue outlook to a range of 53 billion euros ($57.30 billion)to 57 billion euros.

The truck maker had previously forecast revenue of 55 billion euros to 57 billion euros for the year. Continue reading “Daimler Truck cuts full-year revenue outlook”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A U.S. regulator said on Wednesday it still believes that air bag inflators in 49 million U.S. vehicles assembled by 13 automakers pose serious safety risks and it is considering issuing a recall.

The issue has been linked to one U.S fatality and seven injuries following an eight-year government investigation. If the recall proceeds, it would be the second-largest in U.S. history. Continue reading “US says 51 million air bag inflators pose safety risks despite automaker objections”

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – A Tesla Model S car was in “Full Self-Driving” mode when it hit and killed a 28-year-old motorcyclist in the Seattle area in April, police said, making it at least the second fatal accident involving the technology on which Tesla CEO Elon Musk is pinning his hopes.

The 56-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide based on his admission that he was looking at his cell phone while using the driver assistant feature, police said in a statement. Continue reading “Tesla car that killed Seattle motorcyclist was in ‘Full Self-Driving’ mode, police say”

CHICAGO, (Reuters) – Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he was against everyone having an electric car despite the endorsement of billionaire Elon Musk, the CEO of electric carmaker Tesla.

“Elon Musk endorsed me and he is a friend of mine, … but I am against everybody having an electric car,” Trump said while speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago. Continue reading “Trump says he is against everyone having an electric car”

DETROIT/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United Auto Workers union endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for U.S. president on Wednesday, providing a likely boost for Harris in the swing state of Michigan as her recently launched campaign ramps up.

UAW President Shawn Fain, who spoke by phone last week with Harris, praised the vice president’s record “of delivering for the working class” and said she “will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed.” Continue reading “United Auto Workers union endorses Harris’ bid for US president”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – The Japanese government ordered Toyota Motor on Wednesday to make “drastic reforms” after discovering new violations in the automaker’s vehicle certification procedures.

In a so-called corrective order, the transport ministry said on-site inspections had uncovered widespread, intentional misconduct and irregularities in seven additional models that had not been previously disclosed. Continue reading “Japan orders ‘drastic reforms’ after new Toyota certification violations”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Demand for hybrids is likely to deliver another quarter of double-digit growth for Japan’s Toyota Motor when it reports earnings on Thursday, although it is expected to show signs of slowing after a run of record profits.

Analysts will be paying close attention to how much momentum the world’s top-selling automaker has lost from previous quarters, given challenges like a tough market in China and fallout from a certification scandal. Continue reading “Toyota to post rise in Q1 profit on hybrid demand, but momentum may be slowing”

(Reuters) – Uber and Chinese automaker BYD announced a multi-year partnership on Wednesday aimed at bringing 100,000 new electric vehicles to the ride-hailing platform globally.

The partnership, starting in Europe and Latin America, will offer drivers accessible pricing and financing for BYD’s EVs on the Uber platform and will expand to markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the companies said. Continue reading “Uber, BYD partner to bring EVs to ride-hailing platform globally”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United States and Mexico announced a course of remediation at a Volkswagen plant in Mexico where the Mexican government had agreed to review alleged labor rights violations.

Under the course of remediation, the Mexican government will ensure that the company provides full backpay and benefits to some workers and better protect workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Continue reading “US, Mexico announce remediation at Volkswagen plant for worker rights protection”

(Reuters) – Stellantis has no intention of selling its luxury vehicle business Maserati or aggregating the unit with other Italian luxury groups, the Jeep maker said on Tuesday.

“Stellantis restates unwavering commitment to Maserati’s bright future as the unique luxury brand of the 14 Stellantis brands,” the carmaker said in a statement, while also reaffirming commitment to its entire portfolio. Continue reading “Stellantis says no intention of selling Maserati, after CEO issues warning”

(Reuters) – Disappointing quarterly results from Microsoft melted $340 billion of stock market value on Tuesday from it and rival heavyweights racing to dominate artificial intelligence technology, while Nvidia and other AI chip sellers rallied after results from Advanced Micro Devices.

The gains in chipmakers and losses in their biggest customers underscored a divide in the AI landscape, with investors recently questioning whether Wall Street’s AI rally may have become overextended. Continue reading “Microsoft sinks, chipmakers climb as AI rally faces divide”

(Reuters) – Chinese EV maker BYD, is looking to enter the Canadian automotive market, according to a regulatory document filed earlier this month, even as Canadian officials consider imposing tariffs on vehicles imported from China.

Canada, following in the footsteps of the United States and the European Union, said in June it was considering imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles as it seeks to align itself with its allies against what the West views as a heavily subsidized Chinese industry. Continue reading “China’s BYD explores Canadian auto market entry -regulatory filing”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Jeep-maker Stellantis said on Tuesday it is offering a new round of voluntary buyouts to its U.S. salaried workers, the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures CEO Carlos Tavares is placing on its American operations.

The Netherlands-based automaker laid off 400 U.S. salaried workers in March and last year twice offered buyouts to groups of thousands of U.S. workers. Continue reading “Stellantis offering new round of voluntary buyouts to US salaried workers”

BEIJING, (Reuters) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni came to China to boost co-operation with the world’s second-largest economy and reset trade ties, she said on Tuesday, during a visit to burnish relations after leaving the Belt and Road scheme.

Meloni, making her first visit to China as prime minister, which comes after Italy left Chinese President Xi Jinping’s flagship initiative last year, said the euro zone’s third-largest economy wanted to rebalance ties with Beijing. Continue reading “Meloni seeks better terms for Italian firms in China”

MILAN, (Reuters) – Ferrari said on Tuesday its Dutch parent company Ferrari N.V. has strengthened ties with the Italian tax authority by joining a compliance programme that includes regular and preemptive checks aimed at preventing potential tax disputes.

One of the most famous Italian brands, Ferrari moved its registered office to the Netherlands in 2015, before the carmaker was spun off from former parent Fiat Chrysler and separately listed at the beginning of 2016. Continue reading “Ferrari shores up cooperation with Italian tax authority to ensure transparency”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – BMW plans to set up five new assembly sites on three continents to build its sixth-generation high-voltage batteries, the German carmaker said on Tuesday.

Assembly plants for the batteries are currently under construction in Germany, Hungary, the United States, Mexico and China, said the carmaker, which said a “local for local” approach would help it ensure production could continue even when unexpected political or economic events take place. Continue reading “BMW to set up five new assembly sites for high-voltage batteries”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla is recalling 1.85 million vehicles in the United States due to risk of software failure to detect an unlatched hood, the automaker said.

An unlatched hood could fully open and obstruct the driver’s view, raising the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. Continue reading “Tesla recalls 1.85 million US vehicles over unlatched hood issue”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Trade Representative’s office said on Tuesday, some of the steep U.S. tariff increases on an array of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and their batteries, computer chips and medical products will be delayed by at least two weeks.

USTR said in May those tariffs would take effect on Aug. 1 but the office said it is still reviewing 1,100 comments received and now expects to issue a final determination in August. The office added the new tariffs will take effect approximately two weeks after the final determination is released. Continue reading “US says start of new China tariffs will be delayed by at least two weeks”

Source : PTI | Vedanta Nico, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd, on Monday said it has entered into a pact with US-based AEsir Technologies for the supply of nickel, a critical component for next-generation batteries. Nickel plays an important role in EV battery technology, particularly in the cathode, where it enhances energy density, power output, and battery lifespan. Nickel-rich batteries, such as nickel-zinc variants, offer fast charging, reduce reliance on cobalt, and improve the overall electric vehicle (EV) value proposition.

The global demand for nickel in batteries is projected to reach 500,000 tonnes by 2025 from 150,000 tonnes in 2020 due to the expanding EV market adoption. Continue reading “Vedanta Nico signs pact for supplying nickel to US-based AEsir Technologies”

Source : PTI | China still processes the biggest share of the critical minerals needed for the transition to greener sources of energy but other countries are mining them too.

Countries around the world are demanding more solar panels, electric vehicles and other technologies as they make the transition to greener sources of energy – part of the global push to address climate change. Continue reading “Who’s fuelling the transition to greener energy?”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda said he may not be reelected as a director if shareholder support for him continues to fall at the pace it did this year, according to an interview published on Monday.

Shareholder backing for Toyoda slid to 72% at the company’s annual general meeting last month, following proxy advisers’ recommendations to vote against his reelection. That compares to the support of 85% in 2023. Continue reading “Toyota chairman warns he may lose board spot if investor support continues to fall”

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany’s Volkswagen and U.S electric car maker Rivian Automotive may form a joint venture, the German competition authority said on Monday.

There are “no serious competition problems to be feared”, Andreas Mundt, head of the Bundeskartellamt, said in a statement. Continue reading “German antitrust body gives green light to VW-Rivian joint venture”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Nissan cut planned production by a third at its top Japanese plant this month, a move that will also see it slash output of a flagship crossover model, two people said, as it struggles with weak U.S. demand for its ageing line-up.

The Japanese automaker on Thursday reported an almost complete wipe-out in April to June profit and cut its full-year outlook after it was forced to offer deep discounts in the U.S., highlighting the deepening risk it faces in its largest market. Continue reading “Nissan cuts output at top Japanese plant, sources say”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Shares in Mitsubishi Motors surged on Monday following media reports that the Japanese automaker is in talks to join Nissan’s and Honda’s planned strategic partnership.

Nissan and Honda said in March they were looking at collaborating on electric vehicle components and artificial intelligence in automotive software platforms, though they are not planning a capital tie-up. Continue reading “Mitsubishi Motors’ shares up on reports it will join Honda-Nissan partnership”

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors is set to join an alliance between Honda Motor and Nissan Motor, creating a tie-up between automakers with combined sales of more than 8 million vehicles, the Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday.

Mitsubishi Motors, which is 34% owned by Nissan, will work with Honda and Nissan to finalise the details of their strategic partnership, Nikkei said, adding the three firms intend to standardise in-vehicle software that controls cars. Continue reading “Mitsubishi Motors to join Honda-Nissan alliance, Nikkei reports”

Summary

• Ola Electric IPO drawing bids from several foreign investors
• India’s first EV maker IPO to open this week for bidding
• Ola Electric IPO one of biggest in India this year

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – SoftBank-backed Indian e-scooter maker Ola Electric’s IPO is set to draw investor bids from Fidelity, Nomura and Norway’s Norges Bank, as well as several Indian mutual funds, two sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. Continue reading “Fidelity, Nomura line up bids for Ola Electric’s India IPO, sources say”

Source : PTI | Work on projects worth INR 70,000 crore is underway in Delhi and its nearby areas for the construction of roads, highways and expressways to provide relief to people from traffic jams, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday.

Addressing an event here, the road transport and highways minister further said hydrogen-run vehicles are the future and will ultimately help in getting rid of the problems of pollution created by fossil fuels.

Continue reading “Road construction projects worth INR 70k cr underway in Delhi, nearby areas: Gadkari”