Author: Central Desk

Tesla Massive Recall: Tesla Inc., the US electric vehicle behemoth, is set to recall and update the software of more than 1.1 million vehicles in China, both imported and locally manufactured, according to China’s market regulator, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The recall encompasses various models including the imported Model S, Model X, Model 3, along with China-made Model 3 and Model Y. The software update, effective from May 29, is in response to concerns raised about the regenerative braking system and accelerator pedal usage. Tesla’s recall has been registered under China’s stringent deficient vehicle recall regulations, though…

Bucking the semiconductor shortage trend, Indian auto industry saw robust growth in April 2023. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reported a 13% year-on-year (YoY) increase in domestic passenger vehicle (PV) wholesale dispatches to dealers, reaching 3,31,278 units compared to 2,93,303 units in April 2022. Utility vehicles (UVs) led the charge, with sales reaching 1,48,005 units, marking a growth of 16.28% YoY. Close on their heels were passenger cars, registering a YoY sales hike of 16.36% to 1,25,758 units. Despite these impressive figures, a semiconductor scarcity led to a minor decline of 5.59% YoY in passenger car production. On…

Ferrari, the iconic Italian luxury carmaker, has once again announced its refusal to adopt autonomous driving technology, demonstrating the brand’s unwavering commitment to the sheer joy and excitement of human-controlled driving. The company’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, emphatically stated, “No Ferrari will drive itself,” during his recent appearance at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit. Vigna’s standpoint is rooted in the belief that the true essence of a Ferrari lies in its driving experience, and the company has thus far not invested significantly in autonomous driving technology. His assertion came in response to a question about whether Ferrari might…

As cars continue to evolve into digital hubs, Google is leading the charge by bringing popular apps like YouTube, Waze, and Zoom natively to Android-equipped vehicles. This transformative step was announced by Google recently, adding a new dimension to the in-car experience. The internet giant had teased the ability to watch YouTube videos in parked vehicles last year. Now, the feature is set to be rolled out in the coming weeks, starting with Volvo and Polestar. The move will extend to other automakers soon, redefining infotainment for Android users. This feature, however, will be exclusive to vehicles with Google built-in,…

Mitsubishi China Market: Contrary to swirling rumors, Mitsubishi Motors confirmed its steadfast commitment to the Chinese market despite plummeting sales, amidst intensifying competition in the auto sector. CEO Takao Kato clarified at a recent press conference, “We are yet to make a decision about exiting the market, but it’s undeniable that we need a robust strategy to navigate the challenges in China.” In March, production was halted at Mitsubishi’s plant in Changsha, Hunan province, sparking speculation about the firm’s future in China. These conjectures escalated when their joint venture partner, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), excluded Mitsubishi’s sales data in their…

UVeye, an Israeli vehicle inspection tech firm, has raised $100 million in a Series D funding round, with the intent to bolster its expansion and manufacturing initiatives in the North American market. The funding round, led by Hanaco VC, will also aid in boosting sales growth in the U.S., and support the company’s efforts in breaking into new markets. Hanaco VC, a venture-capital firm with $1.5 billion in assets under management, made the lead investment. The firm has a track record of investing in mobility-focused companies such as Moovit and Via Transportation. Other participants in the round were existing investors…

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), has announced plans to acquire Autotalks, an Israel-based semiconductor company, in a deal reportedly worth between $350-400 million. The acquisition will strengthen Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® Digital Chassis offering by incorporating Autotalks’ vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies, which are critical for automotive safety systems. As the automotive industry experiences rapid digital transformation, connectivity has become a key factor in enabling next-generation software-defined vehicles. Autotalks, founded in 2009, specializes in automotive qualified dual-mode global V2X solutions designed to reduce collisions and improve mobility. The collaboration between Qualcomm’s automotive industry experience and Autotalks’ expertise and…

A recent report suggests that the Indian government is considering a proposal to ban diesel cars in major cities across the country by 2027. The recommendation comes from a government panel tasked with devising a plan to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas. According to the panel’s report, the proposed ban aims to promote the use of cleaner fuels and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. If implemented, the ban would affect cars that run exclusively on diesel, while those that use petrol or other alternative fuels would not be affected. The ban…

Skoda Auto a.s., often shortened to Skoda, is a Czech automobile manufacturer established in 1925 as the successor to Laurin & Klement and headquartered in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. Skoda Works became state-owned in 1948. ŠKODA cars are made from China, Russia, Slovakia and India. India, now is on track to become an export hub for Skoda Auto, as it prepares to begin exporting vehicle kits for assembly in Vietnam from next year. Volkswagen, Skoda Auto’s parent company, is already exporting vehicles from India to Mexico and South Africa, while Skoda Auto exports to the Middle East and North Africa.…

Bajaj Auto, India’s third-largest two-wheeler manufacturer, is set to accelerate its growth this year with fresh launches and expansion after closing FY23 with record profit margins. The company is preparing for the imminent debut of its electric three-wheeler while simultaneously launching its first mini Triumph motorcycle in June. Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, revealed that the company is awaiting FAME certification for the electric three-wheelers, which are already under production. Bajaj Auto has completed field testing and is on schedule for a limited launch of both passenger and cargo versions. Six years after announcing their partnership, Bajaj Auto…