India’s coal import rises to 212 mn tonnes in April-January period

India’s coal import rises to 212 mn tonnes in April-January period

Source : PTI | The country registered a marginal rise of 1.65% in coal imports to 212.24 Million Tonnes (MT) in the April-January period of the ongoing fiscal, over the year-ago period. India’s coal import was 208.78 MT in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal, according to data compiled by Mjunction Services Ltd.

Mjunction Services Ltd is a B2B e-commerce platform.

Continue reading “India’s coal import rises to 212 mn tonnes in April-January period”

Maserati workers to work reduced hours at Italy plant

Maserati workers to work reduced hours at Italy plant

MILAN, (Reuters) – Hundreds of workers producing Maserati cars at the Mirafiori plant in the northern Italian city of Turin will be placed on reduced hours contracts for the rest of the year, unions said on Wednesday.

The changes will affect a maximum of 968 workers on the Maserati line at the plant, owned by automaker Stellantis, and are a result of the timing of the transition to new models. Continue reading “Maserati workers to work reduced hours at Italy plant”

Volkswagen, Mobileye to bring new automated driving functions to series production

Volkswagen, Mobileye to bring new automated driving functions to series production

(Reuters) – Volkswagenwill bring new automated driving technologies to series production as it deepens its partnership with Mobileye in automotive driving technologies, Europe’s biggest carmaker said on Wednesday.

Israeli automotive tech company Mobileye will provide driving assistance software based on its SuperVision and Chauffeur platforms to VW’s luxury brands such as Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche. Continue reading “Volkswagen, Mobileye to bring new automated driving functions to series production”

Platinum metals face structural hit to demand from electric vehicle revolution

Platinum metals face structural hit to demand from electric vehicle revolution

Summary

  • Analysts expect palladium and rhodium prices to decline by 2028
  • Price backdrop will mean a major shift for PGMs mining sector
  • Platinum prices expected to rise due to better fundamentals
  • Hydrogen economy will take years to develop into major demand

LONDON, (Reuters) – In the usual way of things, platinum and palladium should be turning higher after a slide from recent peaks drove supply deficits, job cuts and looming mine closures in top producer South Africa. That they’re not shows how hard the electric car revolution has hit demand forecasts. Continue reading “Platinum metals face structural hit to demand from electric vehicle revolution”

Tesla says most German plant employees vote against IG Metall union

Tesla says most German plant employees vote against IG Metall union

BERLIN, (Reuters) – The majority of Tesla’s staff in Germany decided against the IG Metall Union and opted for non-unionised workers for the new works council, the company said on Wednesday in a statement.

The IG Metall union still expects to take 16 of 39 seats, making it the largest group in the new Tesla Gruenheide plant works council, the union said in a separate statement. Continue reading “Tesla says most German plant employees vote against IG Metall union”

US eases tailpipe rules, slows EV transition through 2030

US eases tailpipe rules, slows EV transition through 2030

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The Biden administration on Wednesday slashed its target for U.S. electric vehicle adoption from 67% by 2032 to as little as 35% after industry and autoworker backlash in the political battleground state of Michigan.

The Environmental Protection Agency instead adopted a “technology neutral” regulatory scheme that allows automakers far more freedom to meet emissions standards with gas-electric hybrids, which many environmentalists have opposed as a half-measure that delays the EV transition. The agency also embraced “advanced gasoline” technologies to save fuel, such as turbo-charging, lighter vehicles or stop-start ignition systems. Continue reading “US eases tailpipe rules, slows EV transition through 2030”

India’s new EV policy to help launch many eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs: VinFast Auto

India’s new EV policy to help launch many eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs: VinFast Auto

Source : PTI | Vietnam’s electric car maker VinFast Auto on Monday said India’s new electric vehicle policy that provides import duty concessions for companies setting up manufacturing units in the country with a minimum investment of USD 500 million will allow it to introduce a wide variety of eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs at inclusive prices. The Indian government’s new electric vehicle (EV) scheme aims to drive large investments in manufacturing, create competencies and upskilling, set up a robust supply chain and offer consumers world-class, zero-tailpipe emission vehicles, VinFast India CEO Pham Sanh Chau said in a statement.  Continue reading “India’s new EV policy to help launch many eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs: VinFast Auto”

GoodEnough Energy to invest INR 450 cr to set up 20GWh storage equipment factory by 2026

GoodEnough Energy to invest INR 450 cr to set up 20GWh storage equipment factory by 2026

Source : PTI | Battery energy storage systems maker GoodEnough Energy will invest INR 450 crore for setting up a 20 GWh per annum capacity plant in Jammu & Kashmir by 2026. Presently, the company is in the process to make its plant operational by October this year with initial battery energy storage systems (BESS) manufacturing capacity of 7GWh per annum.

Talking to PTI on the sidelines of an event to unveil its BESS technology, founder of GoodEnough Energy Akash Kaushik said, “We have invested INR 160 crore so far to create a BESS manufacturing facility of 7GWh. It will be operational by October this year.” Continue reading “GoodEnough Energy to invest INR 450 cr to set up 20GWh storage equipment factory by 2026”

Car boss de Meo calls for joint European approach to counter Chinese EVs

Car boss de Meo calls for joint European approach to counter Chinese EVs

PARIS, (Reuters) – Renault CEO and president of the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) Luca de Meo sent an open letter to Europe’s policymakers on Tuesday calling for greater cooperation to compete against Chinese electric vehicle makers.

“I believe that we can achieve our aims through joint efforts and partnerships between the public and private sectors,” de Meo wrote in the letter, which was drafted in several languages ​​in anticipation of European parliamentary elections in June. Continue reading “Car boss de Meo calls for joint European approach to counter Chinese EVs”

Musk defends his ketamine use as beneficial for investors in new video

Musk defends his ketamine use as beneficial for investors in new video

(Reuters) – CEO Elon Musk said his ketamine prescription was beneficial for Tesla’s investors in a video interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon posted online on Monday.

Musk said the drug helps him manage a “negative chemical state” similar to depression in the interview conducted this month that also touched on politics, content moderation on X and Tesla. Continue reading “Musk defends his ketamine use as beneficial for investors in new video”

Audi sticking to EV strategy despite challenges, says CEO

Audi sticking to EV strategy despite challenges, says CEO

INGOLSTADT, Germany, (Reuters) – Audi Chief Executive Gernot Doellner said on Tuesday that the Volkswagen subsidiary was sticking to its electric vehicle strategy despite facing challenges this year.

Audi remains committed to bringing the last vehicle with a combustion engine onto the market in 2026, Doellner told journalists at an event in the German city of Ingolstadt, with the dates set even if the details of how it’s done are flexible. Continue reading “Audi sticking to EV strategy despite challenges, says CEO”

Bentley looks to launches after ’emotional sensitivity’ slowed car sales

Bentley looks to launches after ’emotional sensitivity’ slowed car sales

LONDON, (Reuters) – British luxury carmaker Bentley on Tuesday reported a lower operating profit for 2023 after a weak economy and high interest rates hit sales, but the company said its performance had stabilised and new launches would boost it in 2024.

“We had an uneven performance for the first time in about four years,” CEO Adrian Hallmark told reporters. “Even though our customers can still afford our cars… there was a level of emotional sensitivity that slowed down demand.” Continue reading “Bentley looks to launches after ’emotional sensitivity’ slowed car sales”

California, Stellantis strike vehicle emissions deal

California, Stellantis strike vehicle emissions deal

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Chrysler parent Stellantis (STLAM.MI), opens new tab and the state of California reached an agreement on emissions on Tuesday after the company unsuccessfully sought to join a deal that other automakers had struck with the state in 2019.

Under the agreement announced by the state and the company, Stellantis will comply with California’s zero-emissions, light-duty vehicle sales requirements through 2030 even if the state cannot enforce its rules. Continue reading “California, Stellantis strike vehicle emissions deal”

White House softens EV mileage rule in a win for automakers

White House softens EV mileage rule in a win for automakers

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The Biden administration on Tuesday handed Detroit automakers a major win by easing proposed rules that would have forced them to scale back production of gas-guzzling vehicles or face billions of dollars in fines.

The Department of Energy decision, first reported by Reuters on Monday, significantly slows the phase-out of existing rules that give automakers extra fuel-economy credit for electric vehicles they currently sell. The real-world impact of the complex regulations has been to help U.S. automakers meet federal standards for fleetwide fuel efficiency while they continue selling highly profitable gasoline-powered pickups and SUVs. Continue reading “White House softens EV mileage rule in a win for automakers”

Minus Zero, Ashok Leyland join hands for autonomous trucking solutions

Minus Zero, Ashok Leyland join hands for autonomous trucking solutions

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Autonomous driving technology startup Minus Zero has entered into an alliance with commercial vehicle makerAshok Leyland for autonomous trucking solutions. The initial focus of this collaboration will be on developing tailored autonomous trucking solutions for ports, factory operations, and corporate campuses, the company said in a statement.

Future endeavours include expanding into hub-to-hub applications and long-haul trucking, subject to evolving regulatory frameworks surrounding autonomous driving, it added. Continue reading “Minus Zero, Ashok Leyland join hands for autonomous trucking solutions”

Jindal Stainless to supply special stainless steel grade to JBM Auto

Jindal Stainless to supply special stainless steel grade to JBM Auto

Source : PTI | Jindal Stainless on Tuesday said it will supply high-end stainless steel grade to JBM Auto for manufacturing of 500 lightweight electric buses. Under a partnership with JBM Auto, it will provide JT Tubes, made up of low-carbon, chromium-manganese austenitic stainless steel to the e-bus maker, Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL) said in a statement.

Jindal Stainless has partnered with JBM Auto to roll out over 500 energy-efficient electric buses. JT Tubes has three times the strength of the carbon steel currently used to fabricate buses, according to the statement. Continue reading “Jindal Stainless to supply special stainless steel grade to JBM Auto”

Audi to drive in over 20 new models by 2025-end: CEO Gernot Dollner

Audi to drive in over 20 new models by 2025-end: CEO Gernot Dollner

Source : PTI | German automaker Audi plans to roll out over 20 new models by the end of 2025 across markets, Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner said on Tuesday. The company also plans to electrify all core segments by 2027.

The automaker has also lined up a capex of EUR 41 billion for the period between 2024-2028.

Audi AG will invest EUR 11.5 billion in the development of ICE (internal combustion engine), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and other segments and EUR 29.5 billion for BEV (battery electric vehicles) and digitisation. Continue reading “Audi to drive in over 20 new models by 2025-end: CEO Gernot Dollner”

Adani Electricity aims to instal 8,500 EV chargers in suburban Mumbai

Adani Electricity aims to instal 8,500 EV chargers in suburban Mumbai

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd on Tuesday said it is looking to install 8,500 chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) across apartment blocks in the suburbs of the financial capital. The Adani group company said it has launched what it calls the “share charge” initiative, under which multiple vehicle owners can use the same charging infrastructure.

Vehicle owners can schedule charging sessions, monitor usage, and pay directly through a mobile app as part of the initiative, as per a statement. Continue reading “Adani Electricity aims to instal 8,500 EV chargers in suburban Mumbai”

India’s new EV policy to help launch many eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs: VinFast Auto

India’s new EV policy to help launch many eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs: VinFast Auto

Source : PTI | Vietnam’s electric car maker VinFast Auto on Monday said India’s new electric vehicle policy that provides import duty concessions for companies setting up manufacturing units in the country with a minimum investment of USD 500 million will allow it to introduce a wide variety of eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs at inclusive prices. The Indian government’s new electric vehicle (EV) scheme aims to drive large investments in manufacturing, create competencies and upskilling, set up a robust supply chain and offer consumers world-class, zero-tailpipe emission vehicles, VinFast India CEO Pham Sanh Chau said in a statement.

“This forward-looking policy helps us introduce a wide variety of smart, green, premium-quality SUVs, at inclusive prices, along with outstanding aftersales policies,” he added. Continue reading “India’s new EV policy to help launch many eco-friendly premium-quality SUVs: VinFast Auto”

Daimler Buses aims for ambitious margin target from 2025
China’s BYD launches new version of Destroyer 07 hybrid at lower starting price
US agency probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash

US agency probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Monday it has opened an investigation into a recent Ford Mustang Mach-E fatal crash in San Antonio, Texas, where authorities suspect an advanced driver assistance system was in use.

On Friday, the National Transportation Safety Board opened a separate investigation into the Feb. 24 crash, saying initial information indicated the Ford struck the rear of a Honda CR-V that was stationary in a traffic lane on Interstate Highway 10. Continue reading “US agency probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash”

UAW says workers at VW Tennessee plant file for union election

UAW says workers at VW Tennessee plant file for union election

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Workers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, assembly plant are seeking an election to join the United Auto Workers union, setting up a critical test for UAW President Shawn Fain’s unprecedented campaign to expand the union’s reach to foreign-owned automakers in the southern United States.

The UAW said a supermajority of eligible workers at the VW plant have signed union cards in about three months. The workers have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking a vote to join the union. It would be the third time in 10 years that the UAW has sought to represent VW Chattanooga workers. Continue reading “UAW says workers at VW Tennessee plant file for union election”

EV startup Fisker to raise funds, pause production after missing interest payment

EV startup Fisker to raise funds, pause production after missing interest payment

(Reuters) – Fisker said on Monday it would pause production of its electric vehicles for six weeks and raise up to $150 million in funding by selling convertible notes after missing an interest payment, as the startup tries to navigate a cash crunch.

The company added that none of its Ocean SUVs were produced in January, while its manufacturing partner Magna’s Austrian unit made about 1,000 vehicles between Feb. 1 and March 15. Continue reading “EV startup Fisker to raise funds, pause production after missing interest payment”

Founder of EV maker VinFast launches global charging stations venture

Founder of EV maker VinFast launches global charging stations venture

HANOI, (Reuters) – The founder of Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast on Monday launched an EV charging stations company, V-Green, which he said would prioritise supporting VinFast vehicles globally.

V-Green, of which billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong holds a 90% stake, will operate as a global partner, spearheading the creation of a comprehensive charging network, he said a statement. Continue reading “Founder of EV maker VinFast launches global charging stations venture”

Daimler Buses aims for ambitious margin target from 2025
China’s BYD launches new version of Destroyer 07 hybrid at lower starting price
Uber to pay $178 million in Australia taxi class action settlement

Uber to pay $178 million in Australia taxi class action settlement

SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Uber has agreed to pay A$271.8 million ($178 million) to settle a lawsuit brought by Australian taxi operators and drivers, who say they lost income when the ride-hailing company moved into the country, a law firm said on Monday.

The settlement is Australia’s fifth-largest, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers said in a statement. Continue reading “Uber to pay $178 million in Australia taxi class action settlement”

Duty cut benefit in EV policy not to impact domestic players; to expand mkt

Duty cut benefit in EV policy not to impact domestic players; to expand mkt

Source : PTI | New Delhi: Import duty concessions announced in the EV policy on Friday will not impact domestic players and on the contrary, expand the Indian electric vehicles market, a top government official said. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that the government has taken the view of all the concerned stakeholders on the policy, which was balanced to the public interest.

Continue reading “Duty cut benefit in EV policy not to impact domestic players; to expand mkt”

Should Tata, Mahindra, and other Indian automakers worry about Tesla & co.

Should Tata, Mahindra, and other Indian automakers worry about Tesla & co.

Source : PTI | The recent announcement of import duty concessions in the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy is set to boost the Indian electric vehicles market without negatively impacting local players, according to a senior government official.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), told PTI that the policy is designed to benefit the public interest as a whole.

Continue reading “Should Tata, Mahindra, and other Indian automakers worry about Tesla & co.”

Mercedes CEO nearly doubled 2023 remuneration with big bonus boost

Mercedes CEO nearly doubled 2023 remuneration with big bonus boost

(Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius almost doubled his remuneration last year thanks to high bonus payouts, a company report published on Friday showed.

Including pension costs, the CEO took home 12.7 million euros ($13.9 million) last year, an 80% increase from the previous year, according to the report. Continue reading “Mercedes CEO nearly doubled 2023 remuneration with big bonus boost”

BMW apologizes after criticism from annual Chinese consumer show

BMW apologizes after criticism from annual Chinese consumer show

BEIJING, (Reuters) – German carmaker BMW apologized to Chinese drivers on Friday after its BMW 530Li model’s transmission shaft was singled out on the country’s annual consumer day gala television show for producing “disturbing” noises.

The two-hour show by state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) on March 15 every year focuses on infringements of consumer rights and has for years been followed closely by companies worried about public blowback should they be named. Continue reading “BMW apologizes after criticism from annual Chinese consumer show”

US NTSB probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash

US NTSB probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Friday it was investigating the use of an advanced driver assistance system in a Ford Mustang Mach-E that was involved in a Feb. 24 fatal crash in San Antonio, Texas.

The NTSB said preliminary information indicated the Ford struck the rear of a Honda CR-V that was stationary in a traffic lane on Interstate Highway 10. A San Antonio police report said the Ford had “partial automation” engaged at the time of the crash. Continue reading “US NTSB probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash”

Road ministry sanctions INR 1,697 cr for NH projects in 3 states

Road ministry sanctions INR 1,697 cr for NH projects in 3 states

Source : PTI | Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has sanctioned INR 699.19 crore for upgradation of a section of National Highway 58 in Palanpur, Gujarat. The amount will be used to upgrade Khokhra Gujarat Border – Vijayanagar – Antarsuba – Mathasur road section of NH-58, according to an official statement.

NH-58 connects Gujarat and Rajasthan and also connects Ambaji Temple, Udaipur, Polo Forest and other archaeological monuments and various tourist places. Continue reading “Road ministry sanctions INR 1,697 cr for NH projects in 3 states”

Amazon’s Zoox robotaxis to drive faster, farther, at night in Las Vegas

Amazon’s Zoox robotaxis to drive faster, farther, at night in Las Vegas

(Reuters) – Amazon.com’s self-driving car unit, Zoox, is seeking to stay abreast of rival Waymo by expanding its vehicles’ testing in California and Nevada to include a wider area, higher speeds and nighttime driving.

The changes, announced on Thursday, apply to Zoox’s fleet of vehicles that it designed and built itself. Those resemble toaster ovens on wheels and lack manual controls inside, like steering wheels, pedals and gear shifters. Zoox also operates retrofitted self-driving Toyota Highlanders in Seattle, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Foster City, California. Continue reading “Amazon’s Zoox robotaxis to drive faster, farther, at night in Las Vegas”

In big win for Tesla, India to lower EV import tax if $500 mln invested

In big win for Tesla, India to lower EV import tax if $500 mln invested

NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – India said on Friday it will lower import taxes on certain electric vehicles for companies committing to at least $500 million in investment and manufacturing facilities within three years, potentially bolstering Tesla’s plans to enter the market.

The policy is a big win for Tesla as it’s in line with what the company had been lobbying for in New Delhi. Sources said last July that the carmaker had offered to build a factory but, in the meantime, wanted a cut in import taxes that CEO Elon Musk said were among the highest in the world. Continue reading “In big win for Tesla, India to lower EV import tax if $500 mln invested”

Volkswagen group deliveries down 1.1% in February

Volkswagen group deliveries down 1.1% in February

BERLIN,(Reuters) – Volkswagen group deliveries fell by 1.1% in February to 605,500 vehicles, hit by a sharp decrease in China, the German carmaker said on Friday.

Deliveries climbed by 5.6% in western Europe and by 1.6% in North America last month but fell by 16.7% in China, said Volkswagen, adding that overall deliveries were up 6.1% in the first two months of the year at 1.30 million vehicles. Continue reading “Volkswagen group deliveries down 1.1% in February”

Rivals Nissan and Honda sign MoU on EV partnership

Rivals Nissan and Honda sign MoU on EV partnership

Summary

  • Have signed non-binding memorandum of understanding
  • To look at areas of potential collaboration, no scope yet determined
  • Open to working together in any region, Nissan CEO says
  • “We are strapped for time and need to be speedy,” Honda’s Mibe says

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japanese auto rivals Nissan Motor and Honda Motor are considering a strategic partnership to collaborate on producing key components for electric vehicles and artificial intelligence in automotive software platforms, the companies said Friday. Continue reading “Rivals Nissan and Honda sign MoU on EV partnership”

US automakers race to build more hybrids as EV sales slow

US automakers race to build more hybrids as EV sales slow

DETROIT, (Reuters) – As U.S. sales of gas-electric hybrid vehicles surge and electric-vehicle sales cool, automakers and suppliers are betting consumer demand for a compromise between all-combustion and all-electric is a durable trend.

Automakers and suppliers are adding capacity to build gasoline-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles for the U.S. market, responding to increased consumer demand for technology that General Motors and other automakers once planned to phase out in favor of all-electric fleets, industry executives and analysts said. Continue reading “US automakers race to build more hybrids as EV sales slow”

Govt launches pilot programme for cashless treatment of road accident victims

Govt launches pilot programme for cashless treatment of road accident victims

Source : PTI | New Delhi, The government is launching a pilot programme to provide cashless treatment to road accident victims, under which they will be entitled to cashless treatment up to a maximum of INR 1.5 lakh per accident, an official statement said on Thursday. The statement further said the pilot programme — being initiated in Chandigarh and developed under the aegis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) — is aimed at establishing an ecosystem for providing timely medical care to the victims of road accidents, including during the golden hour.

“The broad contours of the pilot programme are — victims entitled to cashless treatment up to a maximum of INR 1.5 lakh per accident per person for a maximum period of 7 days from date of the accident,” it added. Continue reading “Govt launches pilot programme for cashless treatment of road accident victims”