News

More in News

• Motional puts robotaxi deployment on back burner, to focus on technology development

  Auto parts supplier Aptiv said last week it would sell its stake in Motional, its joint venture with Hyundai Motor, while the Korean automaker will fund the startup with additional USD 475 million.

  

• Chinese EV makers' plans to make cars in Europe

  The production is set to start later this year with junior partner Chery producing its Omoda vehicles at the plant. Majority stakeholder EV Motors will start producing its own vehicles in the fourth quarter, the Spanish company said.

  

• Election uncertainty could hurt Indian auto sales in May, dealers' body says

  Despite consumer interest, the ongoing elections in India have an influence on automakers' sales. Modi's bid for a third term has unsettled the market. Despite worries about voter turnout, cash constraints, and financial regulations, the auto industry is cautiously confident, as sales growth is supported by steady gasoline prices and celebratory purchases.

  

• Amazon unveils first electric seaport trucks amid push to slash tailpipe emissions

  The e-commerce giant already has eight of those semi trucks in use at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex, where every so-called drayage truck must be zero-emissions by 2035.

  

• Hero Electric, Okinawa, Greaves Electric kept out of new subsidy regime

  Multiple e2w industry officials told ETAuto that the Ministry of Heavy Industries (the administrative ministry for subsidy programme) has already absolved them of any wrongdoing, after an internal panel concluded its research into the entire subsidy saga. A spokesperson of the ministry, however denied giving any clean chit, saying “not cleared. It is a false report in news” when asked whether Hero, Okinawa and others had been cleared of all charges.

  

• APAC auto safety systems market to expand at 2.6% CAGR over 2023-28: GlobalData

  GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Global Sector Overview & Forecast: Active and Passive Safety System- March 2024’, reveals that the size of the active and passive safety systems market in APAC was 460.8 million units in 2023 and is forecast to reach 523.2 million units by 2028.

  

• Auto retail sector grows 27% YoY in April 2024: FADA

  Positive market sentiments, bolstered by stable fuel prices, new launches, a favourable monsoon outlook, festive demand and the marriage season, contributed to this rise, FADA said.

  

• Luminar says Tesla is biggest customer for its lidar sensors

  Lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging, shoots out light pulses that are reflected off objects, allowing self-driving systems and driver-assistance software to gain a three-dimensional map of the road. Many self-driving companies and experts regard it as a crucial component, especially during low-light situations.

  

• Clean and clear: All RRTS stns to have EV charging

  The official added that this step would not only enhance the last-mile connectivity but also contribute towards minimising air pollution. “Electric vehicle owners will gain access to the charging facility through a dedicated mobile application, enabling them to monitor electricity consumption during charging sessions,” said another official.

  

• FMCG, auto companies break the jinx as rural growth rises above urban

  Rural FMCG demand outpaced urban markets in Jan-Mar 2024. Car companies reported higher rural sales. NielsenIQ noted 7.6% rural growth. Factors include robust rabi crop and government measures. Maruti Suzuki saw record rural sales.

  

• Diesel, petrol export revenues dip 20% to USD 33 bn in 2023-24

  India's exports of diesel and petrol fell by a fifth year-on-year to USD 33 billion in 2023-24 due to declining international prices. Diesel generated the largest share of export revenues for Indian refiners, accounting for USD 22 billion of the USD 48 billion earned by exports of refined fuels. The war in Ukraine and Western sanctions on Russia caused fuel prices to rise, boosting export earnings for Indian refiners.

  

• Tesla retreats from next-generation 'gigacasting' manufacturing process

  Tesla, amid falling sales and increasing competition, has abandoned plans for an innovative one-piece gigacasting manufacturing process. Initially aiming to revolutionize manufacturing and reduce costs, Tesla has opted for its more traditional three-piece method for vehicle underbodies. The decision underscores Tesla's strategic pivot towards self-driving technology over massive EV sales growth, reflecting recent layoffs and executive departures. This shift also comes after the cancellation of the Model 2 and signals a more conservative approach to production innovation.

  

• AI-powered EV batteries: The next welcome change

  Battery development is typically a slow and laborious process, with extensive testing and retesting. Measuring how long a battery will last, for example, can involve charging and discharging thousands of times. Using AI, developers can cut down the time and expense of battery design by iterating faster and more efficiently. One early-prediction model helped reduce the time it took to identify fast-charging techniques from over 500 days to 16 days, in part by predicting the final cycle life using data from the first few cycles, according to a 2020 Nature study.

  

• Okaya EV MD Anshul Gupta reveals company's future strategy, says not in a price war with Ola

  Okaya launches premium brand Ferrato with Disruptor electric bike. Anshul Gupta discusses future plans, FAME subsidy, market share changes, network expansion. Focus on premium products, impact of subsidies, resale value, and EV chargers standardization.

  

• Quest Global acquires People Tech Group to expand digital, product engineering capabilities

  With offices across the US, and a development centre in Hyderabad, the acquisition of People Tech will expand Quest Global's footprint in India and North America within the automotive and hi-tech industries, the company said.

  

• Eramine Sudamerica joins Argentine lithium race with Salta plant

  Lithium, which is used for batteries in mobile phones and electric vehicles (EV), saw its price skyrocket over recent years, before plunging in 2023 largely due to slowing EV sales in China. Over half the world's known lithium resources are in South America.

  

• Volkswagen India offers Summer Car Care across 142 service facilities

  Under this Summer Car Care campaign, customers can avail a complimentary 40-point vehicle inspection conducted by trained professionals that identifies any potential challenges while driving during the summer season, the company said.