Author: David Smith

General Motors (GM) plans to reintroduce the Chevrolet Bolt as a 2026 model, aiming to turn the once budget-friendly electric vehicle into a profitable venture, according to GM President Mark Reuss during GM Investor Day. Although the new Bolt will not be built on GM’s Ultium platform, it will incorporate several new features designed to provide enhanced value to customers. At the event in Spring Hill, Tennessee, Reuss emphasized that the 2026 Bolt will be priced “only slightly higher than the 2023 Bolt,” which started at $28,795. “The 2026 Bolt will offer the same value as the original Bolt and…

German teledriving company Vay Technology has joined forces with the United Arab Emirates’ Bayanat to enhance its remotely controlled vehicle operations. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing teledriving technology solutions utilizing geospatial data and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration seeks to successfully implement Vay’s innovative teledriving technology across the Middle East, Africa, and select Asia-Pacific countries. Currently operational in Las Vegas, Vay has established itself as a leader in teledriving, having been the first European company to conduct public road operations without a human driver onboard. Unlike traditional self-driving taxis, Vay’s service employs remote…

Stellantis is recalling approximately 194,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep SUVs over concerns of potential fire risks, following reports of 13 fires. The recall affects certain 2020 to 2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022 to 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid models, with the issue linked to a battery component defect. The automaker reported that fires occurred when the vehicles were parked and turned off, estimating that around 5% of the affected models may have the defect. Owners have been advised to park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles or structures until repairs can be made. The company noted that the…

American electric vehicle startup Canoo is making its entry into the UK market, establishing Canoo Technologies UK Limited at Bicester Motion, a site well-acquainted with innovative vehicle technologies. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, according to CEO Tony Aquila. Bicester Motion has been selected as the location for Canoo’s ‘Activation Center,’ a facility previously associated with Arrival, another EV manufacturer that declared bankruptcy earlier this year. Canoo acquired Arrival’s production equipment during its liquidation process and has repurposed it for use in its Oklahoma production facilities. Canoo’s current production lineup includes the Lifestyle Vehicle…

Volkswagen revised its annual outlook downward for the second time in under three months, citing underperformance in its passenger car division, intensifying pressure on Europe’s largest automaker. The company now anticipates a 2024 profit margin of approximately 5.6%, down from its previous estimate of 6.5-7%, and below the 6.5% expected by analysts. Sales are projected to fall by 0.7% to €320 billion ($356.7 billion), a reversal from earlier forecasts of up to 5% growth. The weakened outlook mirrors similar downgrades from German automakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which have been grappling with declining demand in China, the world’s largest automotive market.…

South Korea’s Hyundai Glovis has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, to form a strategic partnership focused on car transportation. The alliance aims to boost Hyundai Glovis’s client base beyond its traditional automaker affiliates, Hyundai Motor and Kia, while supporting BYD’s rapidly expanding overseas shipments. Under the agreement, the companies will explore joint utilization of their Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), specialized vessels designed for vehicle transport. Hyundai Glovis, currently the world’s third-largest car shipping company, operates 81 PCTCs and plans to expand its fleet to 102 vessels by 2026 and…

Tesla’s Cybertruck has reportedly arrived in South Korea for certification, potentially making the country the first market outside North America to approve the all-electric pickup for sale. According to a report from South Korean media outlet Bloter, the Cybertruck is currently undergoing evaluation by the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI). An official from KATRI confirmed the vehicle’s arrival, stating, “The Tesla Cybertruck came to the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province for certification purposes.” The official also noted that Tesla directly sent the unit for certification: “KATRI receives various vehicles for certification, including…

Peachtree Corners is set to introduce an autonomous vehicle (AV) service for public transportation to hotels, restaurants, and various stops starting the week of October 7. This marks the first deployment of AV technology by May Mobility in Georgia, utilizing a distinctive pink and green Toyota Sienna that accommodates up to four passengers, including those using wheelchairs. The on-demand service will feature eight designated stops and can be accessed via a smartphone application for availability checks. Peachtree Corners, a suburban Atlanta city with a population of 45,000 residents and an equal number of workers, aims to enhance this service, which…

BYD has officially launched three of its top-selling electric vehicles—the Dolphin, Seal, and Atto 3—in Kenya, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy. The vehicles will be distributed through local dealer Loxea, which is also known for selling Toyota and other gas-powered models. The launch took place at the Toyota-CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited Showroom on Wednesday. The highlight of the event was BYD’s Atto 3 electric SUV. Jennifer Kinyoe, Managing Director of Loxea Kenya, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “BYD’s presence in Kenya signifies our commitment to supporting the country and green transition and modernizing the…

Companies in the Netherlands can now apply for funding to establish charging stations for battery-electric commercial vehicles, with a total of €57 million available through two funding programs. The first program, the Subsidy Scheme Private Charging Infrastructure at Companies (SPRILA), offers a budget of €42 million. This scheme aims to support the installation of private charging points primarily in industrial areas and distribution centers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can receive up to 40% of the total costs for the purchase and installation of charging infrastructure, while large companies are eligible for a maximum funding rate of 20%. Additionally, grants…

Israeli electric vehicle startup Ree Automotive has announced a partnership with Roush Industries to serve as the contract manufacturer for the assembly of its P7 electric delivery van in the United States. Production is slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 at Roush’s facility in Detroit. Roush Industries, recognized for its expertise in vehicle contract manufacturing, will handle the assembly of Ree’s P7 electric trucks, with an ambitious target of producing 5,000 electric vans annually. Last week, Ree also entered into a strategic collaboration with Indian automotive supplier Motherson, which will oversee the global supply chain and logistics…

The French community of Grand Reims has placed an order for 20 articulated electric buses from Iveco Bus, while the manufacturer will also supply 19 hydrogen buses to the municipal association Lorient Agglomération. Iveco Bus is set to deliver 20 units of the 18-metre-long GX 437 Elec Linium BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) model, which is expected to enter service by autumn 2025. The deal includes an option for an additional nine units. Each electric bus can accommodate up to 142 passengers and features a camera rearview system in place of traditional exterior mirrors. The BRT designation indicates that these buses…