Author: Casper Benedict

Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is set to discontinue the production of its EQS SUV in the United States, opting for a new extended-range electric GLC as part of its evolving electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Sources within the supply chain, as reported by Automotive News, indicate that the production of the EQS SUV will be relocated to the Bremen plant in the latter half of this decade. Currently manufactured at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, the EQS SUV marked Mercedes’ foray into all-electric vehicles in the US, commencing production in August of the previous year. The decision to shift production is primarily…

German automaker BMW has filed trademark applications for the name “iM3” at the European Union Intellectual Property Office and the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, signaling a potential electric future for its iconic M3 model. While enthusiasts may question the decision to introduce a new name for an electric version of the M3, BMW suggests that the move is driven by a strategy to maintain coexistence between electric and combustion-powered M3 models in different markets. Frank Weber, BMW’s chief of product development, emphasized the necessity of such coexistence in response to evolving market demands and legislative changes. BMW M…

Chinese automaker Changan Automobile has unveiled plans to operationalize its Thailand plant by the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The announcement came during the company’s brand launch event in Thailand, emphasizing the nation’s role as a strategic base for penetrating Southeast Asian markets and other right-hand drive car markets. The initial phase of Changan’s production facility in Thailand, set to commence production in Q1 2025, will introduce models under sub-brands Deepal, Avatr, and Qiyuan (Nevo). The company is investing 20 billion baht ($570 million) in the plant, with a total planned capacity…

Hyvia, the collaborative venture between Renault and Plug Power, revealed the enhanced design of the Renault Master H2-Tech fuel cell transport vehicle during the Solutrans trade fair. Anticipated to hit the market in the second quarter of 2024, the upgraded model includes smaller body variants, specifically the L2H2 (10.4 cubic meters) and L3H2 (12.6 cubic meters), in addition to the existing Renault Master H2-Tech L3H3 series with 14.4 cubic meters of load space. The major modification involves the repositioning of the hydrogen tanks, which were previously situated on the vehicle roof in the October 2021 panel van model. The tanks…

Stellantis has granted approval to the works council at its Spanish plant in Vigo to commence production of small electric cars based on the STLA Small platform. The decision, unsurprising to industry observers, is part of the company’s strategic shift towards electric vehicle manufacturing. However, the awaited confirmation for a second Spanish plant in Zaragoza is still pending. Spanish media reports indicate that production in Vigo is slated to commence in 2027 or 2028. It is anticipated that the STLA Small platform may also be adopted at the Zaragoza plant, though further details on this are currently unavailable. El Mundo…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon Auto, officially launched its electric vehicles in Costa Rica on November 24, marking the company’s strategic entry into the Central and South American market. Neta Auto aims to further its globalization efforts by expanding its network coverage to 50 countries and establishing 500 overseas sales and service outlets by the year 2024. As part of its ambitious plans, Neta Auto targets overseas sales of 100,000 units in the upcoming year. The company has been at the forefront of China’s new car manufacturing landscape and has been particularly proactive in…

In a recent development reported on November 26, insiders familiar with Huawei’s plans have disclosed the company’s ambition to establish an open electrification platform in collaboration with key players in the automotive industry. The decision to partner with Changan represents a significant move in Huawei’s overarching platform strategy within the smart car sector. Huawei aims to expand its engagement in this open platform initiative, welcoming the participation of additional automotive companies. The company envisions fostering new models of cooperation that prioritize openness and mutual benefit. Building on the success of the collaboration with Avita, the establishment of a new entity…

Peugeot UK has officially opened orders for its new all-electric fastback SUV, the E-3008. The vehicle, the latest addition to Peugeot’s electric model lineup, boasts the distinction of being the first model to utilize Stellantis’ innovative ‘BEV by Design’ STLA-M electric powertrain. Engineered to deliver best-in-class performance, the E-3008 features a single 157kW (210hp) electric motor and a usable 73kWh, 400V lithium-ion battery, providing a range of up to 326 miles (WLTP). Key specifications of the E-3008 include the capability to generate 343Nm of torque, rapid charging from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 160kW charger, and…

Ovo Energy has revealed its acquisition of the public electric vehicle (EV) charging app, Bonnet. The app claims to provide information on over 80% of UK charge points and facilitates payments at more than 27,000 chargers across 7,000 locations. Bonnet’s user-friendly features allow EV drivers to access and pay for public charge points without the need for multiple cards or logins. While the cost of the acquisition remains undisclosed, Ovo Energy aims to leverage Bonnet’s capabilities to enhance its presence in the growing EV market. Mat Moakes, Chief Commercial Officer at Ovo, emphasized that the collaboration with Bonnet aligns with…

Berlin-based electric scooter manufacturer Unu has submitted an application for insolvency, citing factors such as increased material and transportation costs, higher operational expenses, and a significant decline in demand due to inflation. Despite the insolvency filing, Unu emphasizes that business operations will continue as part of the insolvency proceedings, with the company expressing its intention to undergo restructuring. The insolvency application was lodged with the district court in Berlin-Charlottenburg on Thursday, as reported by Unu on Friday. The challenges faced by the company include ongoing struggles, workforce reductions, and production suspensions during the pandemic, which impacted Unu, employing around 50…

Shanghai-based electric vehicle (EV) giant Nio is set to embark on a significant restructuring initiative, revealing plans to slash its workforce by one-third by 2027 while concurrently increasing automation. The move comes on the heels of the recent 10% reduction in its workforce, part of Nio’s strategy to enhance efficiency and stay competitive in the fiercely contested electric vehicle market. Ji Huaqiang, Nio’s Vice President of Manufacturing, Logistics, and Operations, outlined the company’s vision, stating, “If 80 percent of our decisions [in manufacturing] can be made by AI, it will enable us to reduce 50 percent of our managerial positions…

Luxury automaker Porsche has officially launched the third generation of its Panamera model, featuring a notable advancement in plug-in hybrid technology. The company has revealed plans for four plug-in hybrid drives, boasting increased power, range, and efficiency compared to previous models. However, Porsche has not yet indicated the development of a battery-electric variant for the Panamera lineup. The flagship model, the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, takes the spotlight at the market launch, delivering a formidable system output of 500 kW (680 hp). This includes a newly developed electric motor contributing 140 kW. Positioned as a part-time electric vehicle, the Panamera Turbo…