BMW to recall 36,922 vehicles in US, NHTSA says

BMW to recall 36,922 vehicles in US, NHTSA says

(Reuters) – BMW (BMWG.DE), will recall 36,922 vehicles in the United States as over unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.

Reporting by Lewis Jackson, Nora Eckert and Christoph Steitz. Editing by Mike Colias, David Goodman and Nick Zieminski

Simple and Urgent Plan to Fix Delhi Poor AQI by World Auto Forum

Simple and Urgent Plan to Fix Delhi Poor AQI by World Auto Forum

By Anuj Guglani 

Delhi’s air pollution crisis demands urgent, decisive and practical interventions. Based on data, global best practices, and on-ground realities, we would like to submit the following low-hanging yet high-impact measures that can significantly reduce pollution levels in a short timeframe:

1. Fast-track Electrification of Two-Wheelers

  • Nearly two-thirds of petrol consumption is by two-wheelers, making them the single largest contributor to petrol-based emissions.
  • An urgent electrification roadmap for 2-wheelers in Delhi-NCR is critical.
  • Introduce:
    • Attractive exchange and scrappage incentives
    • Higher taxation on new petrol 2-wheelers to make them economically unviable
  • Set a clear one-year transition deadline for shifting to electric two-wheelers.

2. Automatic Pollution Emergency Protocol

  • Enforce Sunday lockdowns and Odd-Even schemes , Schools, Colleges, Private and Govt Offices to WFH automatically when AQI crosses 300.
  • Ensure strict compliance and enforcement, else such measures remain symbolic and ineffective.

Continue reading “Simple and Urgent Plan to Fix Delhi Poor AQI by World Auto Forum”

World Auto Forum Gets Top Industry Leaders Together to be Future Ready! Organises 11th IVASS – India Vehicle After Sales Summit for Sharing of Best Practices and Future Vehicle Repair Tech

World Auto Forum Gets Top Industry Leaders Together to be Future Ready! Organises 11th IVASS – India Vehicle After Sales Summit for Sharing of Best Practices and Future Vehicle Repair Tech

New Delhi, India: The 11th India Vehicle After Sales Summit (IVASS) 2025, organised by World Auto Forum (WAF), successfully brought together India’s most influential leaders from OEMs, the aftermarket, workshop associations, skilling bodies, technology providers, and service innovators to collaboratively prepare the automotive after-sales ecosystem for the future.

Anchored around the central theme, “Let’s Come Together & Be Future Ready!”, IVASS 2025 emerged as a powerful platform for co-creation, collaboration, and actionable dialogue, addressing the rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities in vehicle after-sales, workshops, and customer experience. Continue reading “World Auto Forum Gets Top Industry Leaders Together to be Future Ready! Organises 11th IVASS – India Vehicle After Sales Summit for Sharing of Best Practices and Future Vehicle Repair Tech”

Mercedes savings drive proceeding as planned by end 2027, spokesperson says

Mercedes savings drive proceeding as planned by end 2027, spokesperson says

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE), said on Thursday it is on target to reduce costs by 5 billion euros ($5.9 billion) by the end of 2027, denying a media report that the goal for its efficiency programme had been brought forward by a year.

“The programme is going according to plan,” a spokesperson told Reuters. Continue reading “Mercedes savings drive proceeding as planned by end 2027, spokesperson says”

India proposes trade deal to counter sharp tariff hike by Mexico

India proposes trade deal to counter sharp tariff hike by Mexico

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – India is proposing a preferential trade deal with Mexico in an effort to soften the impact of planned tariffs that threaten to affect about $2 billion worth of Indian exports, India’s trade secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday.

Technical discussions on such a deal are underway following an online meeting between Agrawal and Mexico’s Vice Minister Luis Rosendo this month, Agrawal said, without giving details of India’s proposals. Continue reading “India proposes trade deal to counter sharp tariff hike by Mexico”

Shares in South Korea’s LGES drop more than 7% after Ford cancels EV battery deal

Shares in South Korea’s LGES drop more than 7% after Ford cancels EV battery deal

SEOUL, (Reuters) – Shares of LG Energy Solution (373220.KS), dropped as much as 7.6% in morning trade on Thursday after the company announced a day earlier that Ford Motor (F.N), had cancelled an electric vehicle (EV) battery supply deal.

The South Korean battery maker said in a regulatory filing that the termination followed a notice from Ford after the automaker decided to halt production of some EV models due to policy changes and shifts in the outlook for EV demand. Continue reading “Shares in South Korea’s LGES drop more than 7% after Ford cancels EV battery deal”

Europe’s auto industry future may be electric even after EU climbdown

Europe’s auto industry future may be electric even after EU climbdown

LONDON, (Reuters) – Brussels’ proposal to abandon a 2035 deadline for a total shift to fully electric driving allows Europe’s legacy carmakers more time to sell hybrids, but for the longer term, EVs are still the future, analysts and experts said.

On Tuesday, the European Commission published plans to abandon an effective 2035 ban on combustion engine cars, after lobbying from the region’s auto sector, helping them better compete against fast-moving Chinese rivals. Continue reading “Europe’s auto industry future may be electric even after EU climbdown”

2nd Car PhD Awards Ceremony – Gaadi & Dealer ka Asli Report Card | An Innovation by World Auto Forum

2nd Car PhD Awards Ceremony – Gaadi & Dealer ka Asli Report Card | An Innovation by World Auto Forum

New Delhi, India:  CarPhD.com is an innovation by World Auto Forum which publishes ratings and reviews of Cars and their dealers by actual customers and users. It is a website in customers’ interest so that highly rated and reviewed cars and dealers get more business from the customers. It’s a peer to peer or rather Customer to Customer Initiative!

Every year, CarPhD.com also holds Car Phd Awards to reward and recognise the highest rated car companies and dealerships.

CarPhD.com proudly announced the winners of the 2nd CarPhD Awards 2026, a credible and customer-driven recognition platform that celebrates excellence across India’s automotive ecosystem. Continue reading “2nd Car PhD Awards Ceremony – Gaadi & Dealer ka Asli Report Card | An Innovation by World Auto Forum”

Over 24,000 vehicles challaned under Delhi’s Operation Chakravyuh in 14 days

Over 24,000 vehicles challaned under Delhi’s Operation Chakravyuh in 14 days

The Delhi Traffic Police has challaned more than 24,000 vehicles and impounded 144 automobiles under its special enforcement drive ‘Operation Chakravyuh’, which was conducted across the city earlier this month, an official said on Monday.

The two-week operation was carried out by the traffic management division of Delhi Police from December 1 in coordination with the local police stations and PCR units, a senior police officer said. Continue reading “Over 24,000 vehicles challaned under Delhi’s Operation Chakravyuh in 14 days”

Waymo in talks to raise billions at over $100 billion valuation, the Information reports

Waymo in talks to raise billions at over $100 billion valuation, the Information reports

(Reuters) – Alphabet (GOOGL.O), unit Waymo is in talks with potential investors to raise money at a valuation of at least $100 billion, the Information reported on Tuesday, as competition intensifies in the nascent robotaxi market.

The size of the financing round could even possibly exceed $10 billion, and is expected to be arranged early next year, the Information reported, citing people familiar with the ride-hailing service provider’s plans. Continue reading “Waymo in talks to raise billions at over $100 billion valuation, the Information reports”

Japan’s exports to US post first rebound in 8 months as tariff pain eases

Japan’s exports to US post first rebound in 8 months as tariff pain eases

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s exports to the U.S. rebounded for the first time in eight months in November, in a sign of easing pain from U.S. tariffs, government data showed on Wednesday, bolstering the case for the central bank to continue raising interest rates.

“Automobile exports seem to be recovering faster than expected, as the reduced U.S. auto tariff rate gave Japanese automakers some price competitiveness, also helped by a weaker yen,” Daiwa Institute of Research economist Koki Akimoto said. Continue reading “Japan’s exports to US post first rebound in 8 months as tariff pain eases”

California regulator puts Tesla sales suspension order on hold

California regulator puts Tesla sales suspension order on hold

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – A California regulator has deferred an order for Tesla (TSLA.O), to suspend sales in its biggest U.S. market, giving the electric vehicle maker more time to address its accusation of misleading marketing and overstating self-driving capabilities.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ordered the suspension of Tesla’s manufacturing and sales licenses for 30 days, adopting a judge’s proposals, but immediately put it on hold, DMV Director Steve Gordon told reporters on Tuesday. Continue reading “California regulator puts Tesla sales suspension order on hold”

16 US states sue federal government after Trump suspends EV charging programs

16 US states sue federal government after Trump suspends EV charging programs

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A group of 16 states and the District of Columbia sued the U.S. government on Tuesday after President Donald Trump’s administration suspended two grant programs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Trump’s Department of Transportation has refused to approve any new funding under two electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs created by Congress as part of a $1 trillion infrastructure law in 2022. Continue reading “16 US states sue federal government after Trump suspends EV charging programs”

EU drops 2035 combustion engine ban as global EV shift faces reset

EU drops 2035 combustion engine ban as global EV shift faces reset

STRASBOURG, (Reuters) – The European Commission unveiled a plan on Tuesday to drop the EU’s effective ban on new combustion-engine cars from 2035 after pressure from the region’s auto sector, marking the bloc’s biggest retreat from its green policies in recent years.

The move, which still needs approval from EU governments and the European Parliament, would allow continued sales of some non-electric vehicles. Carmakers in regional industrial powerhouse Germany and in Italy had sought easing of the rules. Continue reading “EU drops 2035 combustion engine ban as global EV shift faces reset”

Ford’s EV retreat highlights industry dilemma: Build for the US or the world?

Ford’s EV retreat highlights industry dilemma: Build for the US or the world?

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford CEO Jim Farley walked through Ford’s Michigan design studio Monday afternoon, reflecting on how he was about to wipe out thousands of work hours on electric vehicles that he and his team had hoped would revolutionize the American auto industry.

Shortly after, his company announced it would kill several of those battery-powered models and take a $19.5 billion writedown on EV-related assets. It marked the industry’s biggest electric-vehicle retreat since U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping auto-policy changes iced already cooling EV demand. Continue reading “Ford’s EV retreat highlights industry dilemma: Build for the US or the world?”

US FTC, 21 states file amended complaint against Uber over subscription practices

US FTC, 21 states file amended complaint against Uber over subscription practices

(Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Monday that the agency and 21 states, along with the District of Columbia, have filed an amended complaint against ride-hailing app Uber (UBER.N), alleging it engaged in deceptive billing and cancellation practices.

The updated lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims that Uber charged consumers for subscriptions without consent, failed to deliver promised benefits such as zero-dollar delivery fees and monthly savings, and made it difficult for users to cancel. Continue reading “US FTC, 21 states file amended complaint against Uber over subscription practices”

EU to yield on combustion engines ban after automaker pressure

EU to yield on combustion engines ban after automaker pressure

STRASBOURG, (Reuters) – The European Commission is set to backtrack on the EU’s planned ban on new combustion-engine cars from 2035 by allowing continued sales of some non-electric vehicles following intense pressure from Germany, Italy and Europe’s auto sector.
The EU executive appears to have yielded to the call from carmakers to be allowed to keep selling plug-in hybrids and range extenders that burn CO2-neutral biofuel or synthetic fuel as they struggle to compete against Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab and Chinese electric vehicles. Continue reading “EU to yield on combustion engines ban after automaker pressure”

Musk’s net worth hits $600 billion, Forbes says, as SpaceX preps for IPO

Musk’s net worth hits $600 billion, Forbes says, as SpaceX preps for IPO

(Reuters) – Elon Musk on Monday became the first person ever worth $600 billion, Forbes said, on the heels of reports that his SpaceX startup was likely to go public at a valuation of $800 billion.
Musk, who was the first to surpass $500 billion in net worth in October, owns an estimated 42% stake in SpaceX, which is preparing to go public next year, Reuters reported last week. Continue reading “Musk’s net worth hits $600 billion, Forbes says, as SpaceX preps for IPO”

Tesla board made $3 billion via stock awards that dwarfed tech peers

Tesla board made $3 billion via stock awards that dwarfed tech peers

(Reuters) – Tesla’s board of directors has earned more than $3 billion through stock awards that far exceeded the value of those given to peers at the biggest U.S. technology firms at the time they were paid, according to an analysis performed for Reuters by compensation and governance specialist Equilar.
The analysis found CEO Elon Musk’s brother Kimbal has earned nearly $1 billion since 2004, based on the appreciated value of stock options held or liquidated. Director Ira Ehrenpreis has collected $869 million since 2007. Board chair Robyn Denholm has made $650 million since 2014. Continue reading “Tesla board made $3 billion via stock awards that dwarfed tech peers”

Ford’s $19.5 billion EV writedown: five things to know

Ford’s $19.5 billion EV writedown: five things to know

(Reuters) – Ford Motor (F.N), announced a $19.5 billion charge on electric-vehicle investments on Monday, the most visible sign to date of the auto industry’s pullback from a technology carmakers wholeheartedly embraced early this decade.
Much of that sum reflects expenses related to canceling fully electric models that had been years in the making. Ford is shifting much of its focus to expanding conventional gas models as well as hybrid vehicles in an effort to better match the preferences of American car buyers. Continue reading “Ford’s $19.5 billion EV writedown: five things to know”

Ford retreats from EVs, takes $19.5 billion charge as Trump policies grip industry

Ford retreats from EVs, takes $19.5 billion charge as Trump policies grip industry

(Reuters) – Ford Motor (F.N), said on Monday it will take a $19.5 billion writedown and is killing several electric-vehicle models, in the most dramatic example yet of the auto industry’s retreat from battery-powered models in response to the Trump administration’s policies and weakening EV demand.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based company said it will replace the fully electric F-150 Lightning with a new extended-range electric model that uses a gas-powered engine to recharge the battery. The company is also scrapping a next-generation electric truck, codenamed the T3, as well as planned electric commercial vans. Continue reading “Ford retreats from EVs, takes $19.5 billion charge as Trump policies grip industry”

Ola Electric commences Hyperdelivery for its 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles

Ola Electric commences Hyperdelivery for its 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles

Source : PTI | Ola Electric on Sunday said it has commenced same-day registration and delivery of its 4680 Bharat Cell powered vehicles in Bangalore.

This offering is a part of the company’s umbrella Hyperservice initiative to deliver a transparent, convenient, and customer-first service experience, the Bengaluru-based firm said in a statement. Continue reading “Ola Electric commences Hyperdelivery for its 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles”

NHTSA probes Jeep recall over faulty rear coil spring repairs

NHTSA probes Jeep recall over faulty rear coil spring repairs

(Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday opened a probe into the recall of 331,401 Jeep vehicles due to improperly installed rear coil springs.

A rear coil spring helps the vehicle support its weight and absorb road shocks. If installed incorrectly, it may detach while the vehicle is moving and increase the risk of a crash and injury. Continue reading “NHTSA probes Jeep recall over faulty rear coil spring repairs”

Venezuela’s PDVSA says it is a victim of cyber attack, blames U.S.

Venezuela’s PDVSA says it is a victim of cyber attack, blames U.S.

(Reuters) – Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA was subject to a cyber attack orchestrated by the U.S. and domestic conspirators, the company and the country’s oil ministry said in a statement on Monday, adding operations have been unaffected, though four sources said systems remained down, affecting oil cargo deliveries.

The attack comes amid high tensions between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments, including a large-scale U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean, U.S. strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats which have killed some 80 people, comments from U.S. President Donald Trump that land operations may begin soon in Venezuela and accusations from the Venezuelan government that the U.S. is seeking regime change to take over the country’s vast oil reserves. Continue reading “Venezuela’s PDVSA says it is a victim of cyber attack, blames U.S.”

Tesla shares jump as Musk confirms driverless robotaxi testing

Tesla shares jump as Musk confirms driverless robotaxi testing

(Reuters) – Tesla (TSLA.O), shares hit their highest in nearly a year on Monday after CEO Elon Musk said the electric-vehicle maker was testing its robotaxis without safety monitors in the front passenger seat.

While much of Tesla’s $1.53 trillion valuation — the highest of any automaker globally — is tied to investor optimism around its self-driving technology and humanoid robot ambitions, the bulk of its revenue and profit still comes from selling electric vehicles. Continue reading “Tesla shares jump as Musk confirms driverless robotaxi testing”

EU yields to pressure from automakers as it rethinks 2035 combustion car ban

EU yields to pressure from automakers as it rethinks 2035 combustion car ban

Summary

  • European Commission expected to make announcement on Tuesday
  • Ban could be pushed back 5 years or softened indefinitely -sources
  • Most significant climb-down on EU green policies of past 5 years
  • EV makers say reneging on ban would yield more ground to China

BRUSSELS/LONDON/STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – The European Commission is expected on Tuesday to reverse the EU’s effective ban on sales of new combustion-engine cars from 2035, bowing to intense pressure from Germany, Italy and European automakers struggling against Chinese and U.S. rivals. Continue reading “EU yields to pressure from automakers as it rethinks 2035 combustion car ban”

SEAT says EU’s rethink on 2035 combustion-engine ban could help EV transition

SEAT says EU’s rethink on 2035 combustion-engine ban could help EV transition

MARTORELL, Spain, (Reuters) – The European Commission’s expected decision to reverse its ban on selling new cars with combustion engines from 2035 could help Spanish automaker SEAT, a unit of Volkswagen, transition to electric vehicles, its CEO told Reuters on Friday.

Markus Haupt said that while the company was convinced the future was electric, customer uptake has been slower than expected, forcing SEAT to be more flexible to cater to demand from other markets. Continue reading “SEAT says EU’s rethink on 2035 combustion-engine ban could help EV transition”

Brazil to auction massive Santos container terminal in early March, minister says

Brazil to auction massive Santos container terminal in early March, minister says

RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) – Brazil’s federal government plans to hold the auction of the Santos port’s massive Tecon 10 container terminal in the first half of March, Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said on Friday.

The auction has drawn interest from more than 10 potential bidders, he said, citing Philippines-based ICTSI and Brazilian meatpacking firm JBS and Brazilian logistics firm JSL, as well as unnamed Arab investors. Continue reading “Brazil to auction massive Santos container terminal in early March, minister says”

Rivian shares surge as analysts cheer shift to custom self-driving chip, AI strategy

Rivian shares surge as analysts cheer shift to custom self-driving chip, AI strategy

(Reuters) – Shares of Rivian Automotive surged 18% on Friday as analysts issued bullish commentary on the electric pickup truck and SUV maker’s efforts to develop a custom chip for self-driving features and its integration of artificial intelligence.

The stock had closed about 6% lower on Thursday after the company’s announcements at its first Autonomy and AI Day, where it said it would shift away from Nvidia’s processors that power autonomous driving and had launched a paid package for self-driving features. Continue reading “Rivian shares surge as analysts cheer shift to custom self-driving chip, AI strategy”

Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets

Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets

Summary

  • Hongqi fell out of favour but has gained new younger Chinese fans
  • Has retaken crown of favoured brand for Chinese officials from Audi
  • Hongqi seeking to expand in Europe, Mexico and the Middle East

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tired of being driven around in Soviet-built sedans in the 1950s, Chinese leader Mao Zedong wanted China, a rising power globally, to have its own state limousine and commissioned a locally produced car.

The brand, Hongqi or Red Flag, became a national champion and ferried high-ranking officials for decades before it fell out of favour as foreign competitors entered the Chinese market and Hongqi’s gas-guzzling engines became untenable. Continue reading “Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets”

EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says

EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says

Summary

  • Alternative plan for 90% reduction in CO2 emissions
  • EU Commission to present plans on December 16
  • Automakers have lobbied to drop combustion engine ban
  • Electric vehicle boom is behind expectations
  • European auto shares rise

HEIDELBERG, Germany, (Reuters) – The European Commission will move to scrap plans for an effective ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035, a senior EU lawmaker said on Friday, in what would be a major victory for Germany which has been pressing to protect its automakers.

Manfred Weber, president of the largest party in the European Parliament, the EPP, suggested in an earlier statement there would be an alternative proposal for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions for automakers’ fleet targets from 2035. Continue reading “EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says”

Mexico’s tariffs to hit India’s auto, auto components, metal, electronics exports: Experts

Mexico’s tariffs to hit India’s auto, auto components, metal, electronics exports: Experts

Source : PTI | A decision of Mexico to increase tariffs will severely hit India’s exports of automobiles, auto components, electronics, metals and chemicals to the South American country, experts say.

For India, the measures affect nearly three-quarters of its $5.75 billion exports to Mexico in FY 2025, fundamentally altering the commercial logic of accessing the Mexican market, they said.

Mexico’s Senate approved the new tariff measure on December 11, 2025, and it has since been cleared by both chambers of Congress. Continue reading “Mexico’s tariffs to hit India’s auto, auto components, metal, electronics exports: Experts”

Renault exits car-sharing, scales back EV charging as it puts profits first in tough market

Renault exits car-sharing, scales back EV charging as it puts profits first in tough market

Summary

  • Renault to cut 80 jobs in Mobilize division
  • Company shuts down car-sharing services in Milan and Madrid
  • Charging network plans scaled back, projects in Belgium and Spain abandoned

(Reuters) – Renault (RENA.PA), is shutting down car‑sharing services and slowing the rollout of fast‑charging stations at its Mobilize unit, which focuses on new transport solutions, as it seeks to funnel investments into more profitable ventures. Continue reading “Renault exits car-sharing, scales back EV charging as it puts profits first in tough market”

China’s Changan Automobile adds Italy and Spain to its European markets

China’s Changan Automobile adds Italy and Spain to its European markets

RIVOLI, Italy, (Reuters) – Chinese automaker Changan Automobile (000652.SZ), is expanding into Italy and Spain with the launch of two fully electric models, followed next year by their plug-in hybrid versions.

Chongqing-based Changan is part of the second wave of Chinese automakers entering the European market, after forerunners including China’s No. 1 car company BYD (002594.SZ), and the country’s top exporter Chery (9973.HK). Continue reading “China’s Changan Automobile adds Italy and Spain to its European markets”

Brazil to auction massive Santos container terminal in early March, minister says

Brazil to auction massive Santos container terminal in early March, minister says

RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) – Brazil’s federal government plans to hold the auction of Santos port’s massive Tecon 10 container terminal in the first half of March, Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said on Friday.

The auction has drawn interest from more than 10 potential bidders, he said, citing Philippines-based ICTSI and groups including JBS (Z98.F), and JSL (JSLG3.SA), as well as unnamed Arab investors. Continue reading “Brazil to auction massive Santos container terminal in early March, minister says”

SEAT says EU’s rethink on 2035 combustion-engine ban could help EV transition

SEAT says EU’s rethink on 2035 combustion-engine ban could help EV transition

MARTORELL, Spain, (Reuters) – The European Commission’s expected decision to reverse its ban on selling new cars with combustion engines from 2035 could help Spanish automaker SEAT, a unit of Volkswagen (VOWG.DE), transition to electric vehicles, its CEO told Reuters on Friday.

Markus Haupt said that while the company was convinced the future was electric, customer uptake has been slower than expected, forcing SEAT to be more flexible to cater to demand from other markets. Continue reading “SEAT says EU’s rethink on 2035 combustion-engine ban could help EV transition”

Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets

Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets

Summary

  • Hongqi fell out of favour but has gained new younger Chinese fans
  • Has retaken crown of favoured brand for Chinese officials from Audi
  • Hongqi seeking to expand in Europe, Mexico and the Middle East

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tired of being driven around in Soviet-built sedans in the 1950s, Chinese leader Mao Zedong wanted China, a rising power globally, to have its own state limousine and commissioned a locally produced car.

The brand, Hongqi or Red Flag, became a national champion and ferried high-ranking officials for decades before it fell out of favour as foreign competitors entered the Chinese market and Hongqi’s gas-guzzling engines became untenable. Continue reading “Hongqi, Mao’s national car, rejuvenates its brand and takes aim at overseas markets”

EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says

EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says

Summary

  • Alternative plan for 90% reduction in CO2 emissions
  • EU Commission to present plans on December 16
  • Automakers have lobbied to drop combustion engine ban
  • Electric vehicle boom is behind expectations
  • European auto shares rise

HEIDELBERG, Germany, (Reuters) – The European Commission will move to scrap plans for an effective ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035, a senior EU lawmaker said on Friday, in what would be a major victory for Germany which has been pressing to protect its automakers. Continue reading “EU to scrap planned ban on combustion engines, EPP’s Weber says”

ASDC Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Strengthen India’s Automotive Skilling Ecosystem

ASDC Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Strengthen India’s Automotive Skilling Ecosystem

  • ASDC Appoints Prabhu Nagaraj as Vice Chairperson, Rama Shankar Pandey as Treasurer

New Delhi: Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the apex body for skill development in the Indian automotive sector, has announced two major leadership appointments aimed at accelerating India’s skilling readiness in emerging mobility technologies. Mr. Prabhu Nagaraj, Operating Head – Corporate Affairs at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), has been appointed Vice Chairperson, while Mr. Rama Shankar Pandey, CEO of Tata Green Batteries and ASDC Governing Council Member, has been appointed Treasurer. Continue reading “ASDC Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Strengthen India’s Automotive Skilling Ecosystem”