Author: Floyd Hawkins

Multinational automaker Stellantis is confronting additional labor unrest, this time in Italy, as unions have announced a strike set for October 18. The announcement follows escalating tensions after U.S. unions also threatened multiple strikes against the company. On Tuesday, Italian metalworkers’ unions FIM-CISL, UILM, and FIOM revealed their plans to protest Stellantis’ declining production output and management of its Italian factories. Data from FIM-CISL showed a 25-percent drop in output from Stellantis’ Italian plants during the first half of 2024, forecasting total production at just over 500,000 units for the year, down significantly from the 751,000 units produced in 2023.…

BYD, one of China’s leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers, is set to introduce additional models in Japan as part of its continued global expansion. According to local media outlet 36kr, BYD plans to bring its 7-seat Tang SUV to the Japanese market, further diversifying its product offerings in the country. The Tang SUV, BYD’s flagship model, will become the fourth vehicle the company has launched in Japan, following the introduction of a compact SUV, a mini vehicle, and a sedan. Additionally, BYD’s popular Han and Qin sedans are also slated for the Japanese market, according to the report. BYD…

The South Korean government has announced plans to expand the use of hydrogen buses in metropolitan areas, aiming for 21,200 hydrogen-powered buses by 2030. This ambitious target, outlined by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Metropolitan Area Transportation Committee (METC), is intended to make hydrogen buses account for 25 percent of the metropolitan bus fleet by the end of the decade. The plan focuses on converting intercity, city, and charter buses to hydrogen-powered vehicles, as they are well-suited for the extended routes typical of metropolitan areas. The Metropolitan Transportation Policy Bureau is…

Hyundai Motor Group is set to kick off its European expansion from its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing base in the Czech Republic. The Czech plant, Hyundai’s only European facility capable of producing EVs, is a crucial part of the company’s strategy to grow its presence in the region. During a recent visit to the Czech Republic facility, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun expressed his appreciation to the plant’s staff for their dedication. “I want to express my gratitude to the members of HMMC for their commitment, expertise, and strong support. As the key hub for future investments in…

Munich-based electric motor startup DeepDrive has successfully raised €30 million in its Series B financing round, aimed at expanding and industrializing its production capacities. The company plans to utilize the new funds to advance high-volume projects with eight of the world’s top ten automakers in its customer pipeline. DeepDrive intends to enhance its in-house production capabilities and further develop its patented Dual Rotor technology, which is projected to improve the range of electric vehicles by 20%. Co-founder and co-CEO Felix Pörnbacher emphasized the company’s mission to revolutionize the automotive industry by providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for electric vehicle production.…

Siemens announced plans to spin off its electric vehicle charging unit, eMobility, into an independent business to enhance agility and capitalize on growth opportunities in the expanding EV market. The move is intended to create a more focused and flexible entity capable of responding to market demands more effectively. The eMobility business offers a comprehensive range of hardware, software, and charging infrastructure solutions, serving public, residential, commercial, and municipal customers. Siemens emphasized that the separation would enable the business to operate with greater entrepreneurial freedom. “The carve out of Siemens eMobility, which today has a strong technological core and portfolio,…

Fiat Professional has introduced the new Fiat E-Ducato Cargo Box at the IAA Transportation event, set to be available from October 2024. This model transforms the electric transporter into an electric box truck, marking the first in a planned series of conversion options as part of the Fiat Professional CustomFit factory conversion and customization program. The initiative aims to provide more vehicles tailored to the operational needs of commercial customers. The showcased E-Ducato Cargo Box features a cargo volume of 18.3 m³, with interior dimensions of 4,230 mm in length, 2,032 mm in width, and 2,150 mm in height. It…

SAIC Volkswagen, a joint venture between Volkswagen and China’s SAIC Motor, addressed reports on Saturday regarding the potential closure of its Nanjing plant, stating that production adjustments are “normal and necessary” as part of strategic business planning, according to Chinese media outlet Yicai. The comments follow reports earlier in the week suggesting that Volkswagen may halt production at one of its combustion engine plants in China. While some reports indicated that the Nanjing plant could be closed, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that no decision had been made about whether to close or sell the…

Luxury electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Lucid Motors continues to lead in range performance with its Air sedan. A recent range test of the 2025 model year Air Grand Touring revealed that it surpassed 500 miles before depleting the battery, setting a new benchmark for the longest-range EV tested by the Out of Spec reviews channel. In an episode shared over the weekend, Kyle Conner drove the 2025 Lucid Air Grand Touring over 500 miles using 19-inch aero wheels, although the vehicle was originally delivered with 21-inch wheels. The test, conducted on a 70 mph highway range loop, saw Conner exceed…

Stelato, a new automotive brand jointly established by Huawei and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group), has officially launched its inaugural model, the Stelato S9. The luxury all-electric sedan was unveiled today, with deliveries scheduled to commence immediately. The Stelato S9 is available in two variants: the Max and Ultra. The Max starts at RMB 399,800 ($55,910), while the Ultra is priced at RMB 449,800. As the flagship sedan of Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), the S9 aims to redefine the premium electric vehicle segment in China. Measuring 5,160 mm in length, 1,987 mm in width, and 1,486 mm in…

Texas-based battery developer Group1 has introduced the first potassium-ion battery (KIB) in the form of an 18650 cylindrical battery cell. This innovation was unveiled at the 14th annual Beyond Lithium Conference at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Group1’s KIB technology promises a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, as it is free of critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and lithium. The company states that the new battery can be seamlessly integrated into existing lithium-ion battery (LIB) processes. Initial samples are being distributed to key original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and cell manufacturers. “We are excited to introduce…

EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton has refuted German Transport Minister Volker Wissing’s assertion that millions of diesel vehicles in Germany are at risk of being decommissioned. Breton described Wissing’s statements as “misleading.” Last week, Wissing warned in a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that up to eight million diesel vehicles in Germany might need to be decommissioned. This warning coincides with the European Court of Justice (ECJ) examining whether emission tests should extend beyond laboratory conditions. Vehicles with Euro-5 and Euro-6 (pre-Euro-6d-temp) emissions standards were designed for test bench emissions assessments, not for real-world driving…

Lucid announced on Monday that its largest shareholder, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will invest up to $1.5 billion. This funding aims to support the electric vehicle maker’s production ramp-up for its forthcoming Gravity SUV and ensure sufficient capital through the fourth quarter of 2025. The investment will be allocated towards tooling for the Gravity SUV and the construction of a new factory in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to have an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles. Additionally, the funds will support other strategic investments, according to Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson. https://evmagz.com/lucid-ceo-takes-first-drive-in-pre-production-gravity-electric-suv/ Ayar Third Investment, a PIF affiliate,…

Some of the world’s leading truck manufacturers, including Volvo and MAN, are focusing on adapting combustion engines to run on low-emission hydrogen, offering a potentially quicker and more cost-effective solution for the industry’s energy transition. This shift is seen as a way to extend the life of traditional engine technology while addressing the global push for reduced emissions. The truck manufacturing sector is grappling with the challenge of achieving zero emissions. Electric batteries, while environmentally friendly, are heavy and require extensive charging times, making them less practical for long-haul freight. Hydrogen fuel cells can address these issues by generating electricity…

Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a technological advancement with its new four-door CLA Coupé, slated for launch in 2025. The model will utilize a new platform featuring 800-volt technology, and a mid-size SUV is expected to follow soon after, according to a recent report. Automotive News, citing AutoForecast Solutions, reports that the internally named X174 model is scheduled to enter production in October 2025 at the Rastatt plant, where the CLA is currently manufactured. The CLA Coupé is anticipated to be delivered starting in the first half of 2026, including to the U.S. market. The report mentions the model could…

Uber and BYD announced a multi-year partnership on Wednesday to introduce 100,000 new electric vehicles to Uber’s ride-hailing platform worldwide. The initiative will begin in Europe and Latin America, offering drivers accessible pricing and financing options for BYD’s electric vehicles. The companies plan to expand this partnership to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. https://evmagz.com/byd-plans-entry-into-canadian-auto-market-amid-potential-tariffs/ High sticker prices for electric vehicles and increased borrowing costs have hindered EV adoption over the past two years, leading to slower-than-expected demand growth. However, escalating climate change concerns and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have boosted the global push…

Tesla’s 4680 battery cell, a key component in the Model Y and Cybertruck, faces significant production challenges that could lead to its cancellation by the end of 2024 if improvements are not achieved. Since 2020, Tesla has been developing the 4680 cells, promising lower-cost battery packs and increased production capabilities. However, these benefits have yet to materialize. According to a report from The Information, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has set a year-end deadline for resolving the production ramp issues. Sources indicate that Musk is considering abandoning the 4680 production ramp if the team cannot find a solution. Electrek reports that…

French energy giant TotalEnergies and UK-based power firm SSE have announced a strategic joint venture named Source, aiming to secure a significant share of the electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging market across Britain and Ireland. The partnership, formed as a 50/50 collaboration, plans to deploy and manage up to 3,000 fast-charge points over the next five years, powered by renewable energy sourced from both parent companies. “We aim to capture 20% of the fast-charging market in Britain and Ireland through our joint venture Source,” TotalEnergies and SSE stated on Tuesday. These fast-charge stations, rated at 150 kilowatts (kW), utilize direct current…

Leapmotor International, a joint venture majority-owned by Stellantis, is considering entering the South Korean market with its electric vehicles, leveraging Stellantis’ existing dealer network for a smooth market debut. According to Chosun Biz, Stellantis executives in South Korea are scheduled to visit local Jeep and Peugeot dealers by the end of this month. Additionally, plans are underway for company officials to visit Leapmotor’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China, a city where Leapmotor operates 53 showrooms. “We need to assess Leapmotor International’s competitiveness in South Korea,” said a Stellantis official in the country, highlighting the strategic evaluation of potential dealers willing to…

Ford announced a series of new promotional offers on Monday, aimed at boosting sales of its electric vehicles (EVs) including the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. As part of its Summer Sales Event, Ford introduced zero-interest financing options for both 2023 and 2024 models of the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, spanning lease terms from 24 to 60 months. Buyers of the Mustang Mach-E can benefit from a $2,000 retail cash bonus on all 2023 models, along with a 24-month lease option featuring a $7,500 Red Carpet Lease Cash incentive. Meanwhile, the F-150 Lightning offers zero-percent APR for 60 months…