BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany’s top-end carmakers took a battering at home and in China in 2024, sales volume data showed, as wealthier consumers held back on purchases amid an uncertain economy and on slower than expected electric vehicle sales.

BMW on Monday reported a 2.3% drop in overall vehicle sales at its BMW brand, compared to a 3% drop at Mercedes-Benz Cars and Porsche, and a 12% drop at Volkswagen’s Audi. Continue reading “German premium carmakers’ sales battered in China and Germany amid slowdown”

Summary

• Sells remaining shares of Hydrovolt for $6.79 million
• Hydro looking for new partners for the company
• Hydro not interested in buying Northvolt’s other recycling business
• Northvolt in need of new cash as loan soon to run out

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Norsk Hydro became the sole owner of battery recycler Hydrovolt on Monday after the Norwegian aluminium maker agreed to buy the remaining shares from ailing Swedish battery maker Northvolt for 78 million Norwegian crowns ($6.79 million). Continue reading “Struggling Northvolt sells remaining stake in battery recycler to Hydro”

Source : PTI | Hyundai Motor India Ltd sees a triggering of acceleration in the electrification of the passenger vehicles market in the country in 2025 and 2026, according to company COO Tarun Garg. Set to enter the mass market electric vehicle segment with the EV version of its popular SUV Creta, the company, which plans to bring four EVs in the future, is also looking at different segments, even below the mid-sized SUV segment.

“India is at an early stage of electrification. Last year, we ended with about 2.4% electrification. I personally feel that 2025 and 2026 are going to be great trigger points in terms of electrification, and Creta EV is going to drive it,” Garg told PTI video here. Continue reading “See acceleration of EV penetration in India in 2025-26: Hyundai COO Tarun Garg”

Source : PTI | The contractual employees of a private operator hired by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking went on a flash strike at one of the depots in Mumbai early Monday morning, partially affecting the BEST bus services. While BEST did not disclose the reason for the strike, sources said it was triggered by the alleged mistreatment of a pregnant woman conductor by officials of the private operator.

A BEST official said the services were affected on a few routes as the strike was limited to the Pratiksha Nagar depot, while a union leader claimed more than 100 buses of the private operator remained off the road.

Continue reading “BEST wet lease bus staff go on flash strike in Mumbai; services partially hit”

Source : PTI | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin flagged off the test drive of Mahindra’s electric SUV designed and developed in Tamil Nadu at an event held at the Secretariat here on Monday. Mahindra launched its BE 6e priced at INR 26.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and XEV 9e for INR 30.5 lakh (ex-showroom) at Cheyyar and Chengalpattu in November 2024.

The SUVs would be available for test ride from January 14, President – Automotive Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, R Velusamy, said.

Continue reading “Stalin launches test drive of electric SUV designed, developed in TN”

Source : PTI | Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions on Monday said it has collaborated with battery-as-a-service operator Yuma Energy, for deploying 1 lakh electric vehicles over the next four years to accelerate last-mile e-mobility in the country. The rollout will start from Pune next month with approximately 1,000 E- Luna being offered under the strategic partnership to select fleet operators, the company said. The E-Luna caters to various last-mile delivery applications such as food, groceries, e-commerce and quick commerce delivery.

The partnership will then be scaled nationally to 1 lakh electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in next four years. Continue reading “Kinetic Green ties up with Yuma Energy to deploy 1 lakh EVs in 4 years”

Source : PTI | Indichip Semiconductors Ltd along with its joint venture partner Yitoa Micro Technology (YMTL) from Japan, on Saturday inked an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish India’s first private semiconductor manufacturing facility with an investment of INR 14,000 crore. This cutting-edge facility will focus on manufacturing Silicon Carbide (SiC) chips, contributing to India’s technological advancement and sustainability goals.

The southern state pledged to provide land at Orvakal mega industrial hub in Kurnool, along with the necessary infrastructure and ecosystem to make this project a success. Continue reading “Indichip Semiconductors inks deal with Andhra govt to set up INR 14,000 crore facility”

Source : PTI | The MSRTC on Saturday launched 17 electric buses to mark National Road Safety Month, an official said. The 17 buses were pressed into service at an event in Khopat in Thane, which was attended by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik. “A proposal to add 2500 new buses and 5000 electric buses on lease is in progress. After the launch of these 17 buses, another 150 buses will be deployed in the next two months.

MSRTC must work towards ensuring technical upkeep and punctual operations and strictly adhere to road safety norms,” Sarnaik said. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation managing director Madhav Kusekar said the state-run undertaking will carry out initiatives for the mental wellbeing of its drivers, along with increasing cleanliness of facilities and improvement in their working conditions. Continue reading “National Road Safety Month: 17 e-buses launched by MSRTC”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Electric vehicle maker OPG Mobility, formerly Okaya EV, is seeking to raise around INR 400 crore within the next 18-24 months to fuel its growth plans as it embarks on product portfolio and network expansion drive, according to its Managing Director Anshul Gupta. The company, which underwent a rebranding exercise recently, will house its two-wheeler division under the ‘Ferrato’ brand and plans to launch two new electric scooters and one electric motorcycle with two variants this year, Gupta told PTI.

Besides, the three-wheeler division under ‘OTTOPG’ will see foray into electric passenger segment this year and the company is working to enhance its sales and service network expansion across India as it prepares to rope in investors to prepare for the long term, he added.

Continue reading “OPG Mobility looks to raise INR 400 cr; gets into product portfolio, network expansion drive”

Source : PTI | A one-of-its-kind app developed by an Indian-origin entrepreneur to empower people with disabilities, a flavour-enhancing electric salt spoon, an aircraft that can fit in a car’s trunk — technological advancements shaping the world’s future took centre stage at the biggest tech showcase here.

CES 2025, the world’s largest technology showcase produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), displayed cutting-edge innovations across sectors – Artificial Intelligence, mobility, quantum, digital health, energy transition and sustainability. The trade show, hosted at the gigantic Las Vegas Convention Centre and other venues in the city from January 7-10, featured over 4,500 exhibitors, including about 1,400 startups, with over 141,000 attendees, of which 40 per cent were international — from over 150 countries, regions, and territories — gathering at CES for a week-long deep dive in technological breakthroughs and solutions.

Continue reading “App to empower people with disabilities, flying cars: tech advancements take centre stage at CES 2025”

Source : PTI | The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has proposed a strict “no helmet, no fuel” policy across cities in the state in an effort to reduce road accidents and fatalities involving two-wheelers. Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh issued an official letter on January 8 directing the fuel station operators not to sell fuel to two-wheeler riders, who are not wearing helmets, including the pillion.

The letter sent to the district magistrates of all 75 districts in the state and also marked to the divisional commissioners emphasizes the urgency of the measure, citing data that shows a significant number of two-wheeler accident victims do not wear helmets. Continue reading “UP govt proposes ‘no helmet, no fuel’ policy to curb road accidents”

Source : PTI | Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday highlighted the growth of the country’s auto sector in the past few years, during which it became the third biggest player in the segment, and said the aim is to become number one. “…our number was seventh in the world but we are third in the automobile sector… we surpassed Japan and now our number is third,” Union Road Transport and Highways Minister said while addressing a function at National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) here.

Continue reading “Aim to become no. 1 country in auto segment: Nitin Gadkari”

Summary

• New Model Y in China priced 5% higher than current version
• Tesla also taking orders in Asia-Pacific; plans for US, Europe unclear
• Tesla has lost ground to Chinese rivals, new Model Y will have strong competitors

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) – Tesla launched a new version of the Model Y, its best-selling car, in China on Friday, hoping that a redesigned exterior and upgraded features inside will help it regain market share taken by rivals such as Xiaomi. Continue reading “Tesla launches redesigned Model Y in Asia, seeking to fend off rivals”

(Reuters) – BYD will launch its new Atto 2 compact SUV in Europe in February, the Chinese EV giant said on Friday, adding to competition in Europe’s electric car market.

The Atto 2, which complements the larger Atto 3 released in 2022, is the group’s most accessible SUV yet and will compete in the B-SUV segment, a company spokesperson told Reuters. Continue reading “BYD steps up Europe expansion with new compact SUV”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Automaker Stellantis achieved its goal of cutting U.S. inventories by more than 100,000 vehicles late last year, its North American chief said on Friday at the Detroit Auto Show.

Antonio Filosa, who has led the carmaker’s North American operations since last October, detailed efforts to turn around a slumping regional business in the wake of former CEO Carlos Tavares’ abrupt departure. Continue reading “Stellantis reaches goal of cutting US inventory by 100,000 units”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration plans to finalize rules next week cracking down on Chinese vehicle software and hardware, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told Reuters.

In September, the department proposed prohibiting key Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles on American roads due to national security concerns. That move would effectively bar Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market. Major global automakers would have to remove key Chinese software and hardware from vehicles sold in the U.S. in the years ahead. Continue reading “US to finalize Chinese vehicle crackdown rules next week, Raimondo says”

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla said on Friday it is recalling about 239,000 vehicles in the United States because rear-view cameras may fail to work.

The development comes days after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles in the U.S. over reports of crashes involving a feature that allows users to move their cars remotely. Continue reading “Tesla recalls 239,000 US vehicles over rear-view camera issue”

CHIBA, Japan, (Reuters) – South Korea’s Hyundai Motor said on Friday it would introduce the cheapest compact electric car in Japan, to penetrate a market dominated by local giants with established petrol and hybrid vehicle technologies.

The Japan launch of the Hyundai Inster follows attempts by Tesla and other foreign brands to enter a country seeing a slow take-up of EVs. With the Inster, Hyundai will take a low-price strategy akin to China’s leading EV maker, BYD. Continue reading “Hyundai launches $18,000 EV in Japan to penetrate EV-wary market”

(Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz’s core car sales fell in 2024, a tough year for the auto industry marked by waning demand in a weak economy, especially in China, the German luxury carmaker said on Friday.

Despite this, Mercedes stock inched higher after the results and was up 4% by 1120 GMT, topping the German blue-chip index DAX. The shares had lost around 15% in value in 2024. Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz 2024 car sales fall in tough year for automakers”

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Source : PTI | MoEVing, an emerging leader in electric logistics, and Safexpress, India’s leading supply chain and logistics service provider, have joined forces in a strategic partnership. This alliance is designed to revolutionise India’s logistics sector by integrating sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions into mainstream delivery services. Marked by Safexpress’ strategic investment into MoEVing, this partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability within the logistics industry and planning to have 100% electric vehicles by 2030 for the last mile deliveries.

Through this collaboration, Safexpress aims to reduce its environmental impact and bolster its transition towards greener logistics. MoEVing’s expanding fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), actively serving over 25 cities across an operational area of 375,000 square kilometres, will be pivotal in this transition. Since the beginning of 2021, MoEVing has demonstrated impressive growth, with its fleet growing to more than 3000 vehicles. This growth highlights MoEVing’s rapid expansion and effectiveness in the logistics sector, marking significant strides in eco-friendly transportation solutions. Continue reading “MoEVing and Safexpress join hands for sustainable logistics solutions across India”

Summary

• China’s auto exports to slow, EV exports to see no growth
• EU tariffs and Russia shipment drop impact export growth
• Domestic market sees record EV sales amid price war, subsidies
• Sales of EVs, plug-in hybrids seen headed for weakest growth since 2021

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s auto exports are estimated to slow notably this year after holding the export crown for a second year in 2024, with no growth predicted for electric vehicle exports, an auto association official said on Thursday. Continue reading “China’s EV exports seen stalling in 2025”

• Mercedes plans to open 20 sales, service outlets in 2024
• Young, well-travelled business owners driving up luxury demand
• Mercedes posted record sales of over 19,500 units in 2024

Continue reading “Mercedes to expand in India’s smaller cities as younger generations splurge”

Summary

• Auto suppliers consider moving production closer to U.S. due to tariffs
• Bosch and Continental explore localizing production to avoid tariffs
• Panasonic aims to eliminate Chinese content from U.S.-made batteries

LAS VEGAS, (Reuters) – Global auto suppliers are working out how much of their production can be moved to the United States, or closer to it, as a defense against tariffs promised by President-elect Donald Trump, according to industry executives at CES in Las Vegas. Continue reading “Trump’s tariff threat spurs auto suppliers to rethink production plans”

Summary

• UAW looks to organize at Ford JV battery plant in the South
• The union had setbacks in the region last year
• BlueOval SK calls the petition “premature”

DETROIT, (Reuters) – The United Auto Workers union is petitioning the National Labor Relations Board to hold an election at a Kentucky battery plant run by a Ford Motor joint venture, the union said in a release Wednesday. Continue reading “Workers at Ford joint venture plant in Kentucky file to hold union election”

LONDON, (Reuters) – British luxury automaker Rolls-Royce said on Wednesday it will invest 300 million pounds ($376 million) to expand its Goodwood plant to focus more on bespoke cars for high-end clients, featuring anything from gold sculptures to mother-of-pearl artwork.

As with other high-end automakers, Rolls-Royce has seen rising demand for high-margin, personalized car content from wealthy consumers. Continue reading “Rolls-Royce to invest $376 million in UK plant to focus on bespoke cars”

Summary

• Pentagon listing of CATL could impact future Tesla battery partnerships
• Designation could deal a blow to CATL’s reputation in U.S.
• CATL denies military links, calls U.S. designation a mistake

(Reuters) – Washington’s addition of CATL to a list of firms it says work with China’s military could put Tesla founder Elon Musk in a tight spot, challenging how he balances his role in the Trump administration with his ties to China.

CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, is a major supplier of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to Tesla for its Shanghai factory, the U.S. automaker’s largest. Tesla has been exporting these cars equipped with CATL batteries to other markets such as Europe and Canada. Continue reading “How Washington’s tag on China’s CATL could affect Tesla”

Summary

• Needed to seek mandate from shareholders under Swedish rules
• Filed for U.S. Chapter 11 protection in November
• Debts of $5.8 billion at the time of the filing

STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – The owners of Northvolt voted to continue operations on Wednesday, the company said, while the Swedish electric vehicle battery maker scrambles to find new backers and funding in coming weeks. Continue reading “Northvolt owners vote to stay operating while seeking financial rescue”

Summary

• Volvo’s Mexico factory aims for North American and Latin American markets
• Trump’s tariff threats affect automotive sector investments in Mexico
• Volvo delays Swedish battery production, refines green strategy

LAS VEGAS, (Reuters) – Sweden’s Volvo Group is proceeding with its planned $700-million heavy-truck factory in Monterrey, Mexico, CEO Martin Lundstedt told Reuters on Wednesday, even as President-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose U.S. tariffs on imports of vehicles and other goods. Continue reading “Volvo CEO says plan for Mexico truck factory ongoing despite US tariff threat”

WILMINGTON, Del., (Reuters) – Tesla directors including Chair Robyn Denholm and James Murdoch got court approval on Wednesday for a settlement worth up to $919 million that requires they return compensation to the carmaker to resolve allegations they overpaid themselves.

The settlement requires Tesla board members including Denholm and Murdoch to return roughly $277 million in cash, $459 million in stock options and to forgo stock options for 2021-23 worth $184 million. The settlement was not covered by insurance, according to a court filing by the shareholder who brought the case. Continue reading “Judge approves Tesla directors’ deal to end excess pay case”

Source : PTI | India Energy Storage Alliance on Wednesday said batteries, irrespective of technology type, must be uniformly taxed at 5% GST like electric vehicles to support the emerging sector. Ahead of the Union Budget, India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) President Debi Prasad Dash told PTI that the government may consider protecting domestic cells and battery component manufacturers in the wake of an increase in imports of lithium-ion cells, which has risen to INR 24,000 crore in FY24 from INR 18,000 crore in FY23, especially from China.

There is a disparity in the tax structure of batteries, he said, adding GST for lithium-ion batteries is 18%, but other chemistries, like lead acid, sodium, and flow batteries and others, are at 28%. On the other hand, for electric vehicles, the GST is 5%.

Continue reading “Tax all new technology batteries uniformly at 5% GST: IESA”

Source : PTI | More than 40 new product launches are expected at the upcoming Auto Expo which will be held under the umbrella of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 from January 17-22, a government official said on Tuesday. With visas continuing to be an issue, large scale participation of Chinese companies are unlikely although some of them are participating at the expo, Joint Secretary at Ministry of Commerce and Industry Vimal Anand said here at the sidelines of curtain raiser of ‘Bharat Battery Show’ which will also be a part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Continue reading “Over 40 new product launches expected at Auto Expo: Government official”

Source : PTI | New Delhi: The government will come up with a modified scheme by March to provide cashless treatment for road accident victims nationwide, under which they will be entitled to a maximum amount of INR 1.5 lakh per accident per person, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday. According to Gadkari, the scheme will be applicable to all road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles on any category of road.
Continue reading “Modified scheme to provide cashless treatment for road accident victims nationwide: Gadkari”

Source : PTI | Tyre manufacturing companies are investing INR 100 crore in the Northeast and parts of West Bengal for skill development of growers and creating infrastructure for increasing the quality and production of natural rubber, their association said. The initiative has been undertaken as part of Project Indian Natural Rubber Operations (INROAD), said Arnab Banerjee, the chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA). Continue reading “Tyre makers investing INR 100 cr in NE, Bengal for enhancing rubber production, says association”

Summary

• Aiming to remove China from US business supply chain
• Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese imports
• Panasonic Energy has Nevada plant, opening Kansas one this year

LAS VEGAS, (Reuters) – Tesla (TSLA.O), supplier Panasonic Energy plans to eliminate its supply-chain dependence on China for electric vehicle batteries made in the United States, a senior executive told Reuters, calling the shift a “No.1 objective”. Continue reading “Tesla supplier Panasonic Energy says cutting China supply for US business a ‘No.1 objective’”

Summary

• “Pooling” with EV makers lets other manufacturers cut averages
• Move could save firms hundreds of millions of euros in fines
• Tesla to sell credit to carmakers including Stellantis
• Polestar, Volvo Cars, Smart will sell extra credits to Mercedes

Summary

• Pentagon listing of CATL could impact future Tesla battery partnerships
• Designation could deal a blow to CATL’s reputation in U.S.
• CATL denies military links, calls U.S. designation a mistake

(Reuters) – Washington’s addition of CATL (300750.SZ), to a list of firms it says work with China’s military could put Tesla (TSLA.O), founder Elon Musk in a tight spot, challenging how he balances his role in the Trump administration with his ties to China. Continue reading “How Washington’s tag on China’s CATL could affect Tesla”

Summary

• NHTSA investigates Tesla’s remote car control feature
• Preliminary investigation follows four reported crashes
• Vehicles failed to detect posts or parked vehicles when using feature
• Users say they had too little reaction time to avoid an accident

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday it has opened a probe into 2.6 million Tesla (TSLA.O) vehicles in the United States over reports of crashes involving a feature that allows users to move their cars remotely. Continue reading “US opens probe into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles over remote driving feature”

(Reuters) – Sales of new passenger cars in Russia increased by 47% year on year to 1.55 million units in 2024, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday, citing industry and trade ministry data.

New sales in 2025 are seen dropping by around 10% to 1.43 million units, Sergei Tselikov, head of Russian analytical agency Autostat, said in December, as high inflation and scrappage fees push prices up. Continue reading “Russia’s new car sales up 47% in 2024, agencies cite industry ministry”