Author: Central Desk

Japan Isuzu Motors, has announced a significant $30 million investment in California-based Gatik AI, marking a pivotal collaboration to pioneer the autonomous logistics industry across North America. This strategic investment is part of an ambitious plan to introduce level 4 autonomous commercial vehicles by 2027, aligning with Isuzu’s forward-thinking business strategy, ‘ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030.’ Under this initiative, Isuzu is dedicated to fostering innovation through three foundational business pillars: autonomous driving solutions, connected services, and carbon-neutral solutions. Gatik, recognized as the sole provider of autonomous middle mile logistics in North America, brings its expertise in utilizing Class 3-7…

A striking development reminiscent of the auto industry disruptions of the 1970s, the Seagull, a compact electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD, threatens to challenge the U.S. automotive sector. This economical yet efficient car has raised significant concern among American automakers and policymakers. Introduction to the Seagull: Launched in China last year, the Seagull commands attention due to its affordability and impressive specifications. Priced at approximately $12,000 in China—with a basic model available for under $10,000—the Seagull rivals U.S. EVs typically costing three times as much. Current tariffs prevent its entry into the U.S. market, where it would sell for…

On May 13th, Eindhoven witnessed the inauguration of TNO’s Battery Lab at the Holst Centre, marking a pivotal advancement in battery technology. This facility emerges as a critical hub for collaboration and innovation, where TNO experts join forces with companies to propel the development of next-generation battery technologies from initial prototypes to mass production readiness. André Schilt, Program Manager of Next Generation Battery Technology at TNO, emphasized the strategic position of the Netherlands in this sector. “The Netherlands has the knowledge, expertise and technologies to make next-generation batteries possible. This new laboratory will help startups, entrepreneurs and established companies accelerate…

Continental has achieved a significant milestone with the integration of a cross-domain High-Performance Computer (HPC) into a car, pioneering a new era in the automotive industry. This innovation centralizes various vehicle functions—from the cockpit to automated parking and driving safety—within a single system, exemplifying the future of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Utilizing Continental’s proprietary cloud-based Continental Automotive Edge Framework (CAEdge), this system connects vehicles directly to the cloud. It includes a virtual workbench that streamlines development, supply, and maintenance of critical software-driven system functions. The core of this technological leap is the Snapdragon Ride Flex System-on-Chip (SoC) from Qualcomm Technologies, designed…

Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) is significantly advancing its clean transportation capabilities on Portland’s Swan Island, unveiling plans for a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) training center and a sophisticated engineering facility dedicated to emergent propulsion technologies. Adjacent to the innovative Electric Island, the new EVSE training center represents a strategic extension, bolstering the infrastructure for commercial vehicle charging. Originating from a pioneering collaboration with Portland General Electric in 2021 to establish a first-of-its-kind public charging station, this facility aims to support DTNA’s dealer network and serve as a vital resource for community stakeholders. With an estimated cost…

Beijing: China’s automobile industry marked a significant milestone in April as vehicle exports surged by 34 percent year-on-year, totaling 504,000 units, according to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The bulk of these exports were passenger cars, which saw an impressive year-on-year increase of 35.9 percent, reaching 429,000 units shipped internationally. This growth highlights China’s strengthening position in the global auto market, particularly in the passenger vehicle sector. While passenger cars dominated the export figures, commercial vehicles also showed robust performance despite a slight month-on-month decline of 4.2 percent. Year-on-year, commercial vehicle exports grew by 24…

During the Next Mobility trade fair, spanning May 8-10 at Milan, Solaris Bus & Coach proudly displays the Urbino 12 hydrogen bus, a frontrunner in the European shift towards hydrogen-powered public transportation. This vehicle stands out as a preferred model among Europe’s burgeoning hydrogen bus options, underlining the sector’s progression towards emissions-free solutions. Next Mobility serves as a critical convergence point for sustainable mobility discussions, drawing transport operators, vehicle manufacturers, and technology advocates. The event champions innovative, low- and zero-emission transportation methods. Visitors are encouraged to view Solaris’s Urbino 12 hydrogen at booths D22, D26, G21, and G27 in the…

Sri Lanka is swiftly transforming into a dominant force in global auto manufacturing, capitalizing on its strategic position between Eastern and Western trade routes. The nation is poised to exploit this geographical advantage, driving substantial growth in its automobile assembly sector. Recent developments reveal that renowned global brands including Hyundai, Proton, BAIC, DFSK, Wuling, Mahindra, TATA, Bajaj, TVS, JMC, and Lanka Ashok Leyland are making significant investments in the local market, attracted by a favorable investment climate. The industry now boasts approvals for assembling a diverse range of vehicles such as SUVs, cars, two-wheelers, double-cabs, trucks, and buses, catering to…

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo recently announced potential drastic measures against Chinese internet-connected cars, including possible bans or severe restrictions. This declaration follows a national security probe initiated by the Biden administration in February, assessing whether vehicle imports from China represent a significant threat to US national security due to their connectivity features. Chinese officials and industry experts have strongly criticized the US stance, condemning it as an unwarranted politicization of trade issues with broad implications for the global automotive supply chain. Wu Shuocheng, a seasoned auto industry analyst, dismissed claims that Chinese vehicles pose security risks as ‘Ridiculous,’ given…

VinFast Auto has declared its upcoming entry into the Philippine electric vehicle (EV) market by late May 2024, reinforcing its commitment to lead in Southeast Asia and advance the global shift towards transportation electrification. With operational footprints across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India, and Thailand, VinFast identifies the Philippines as a critical component of its Southeast Asian strategy. This market entry coincides with increasing Philippine governmental support for electric vehicle initiatives, underscoring VinFast’s dedication to fostering sustainable transportation solutions. The company is set to introduce Filipino consumers to a broad spectrum of electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bikes, characterized by…