Author: James Bryant

Great Wall Motor (GWM) and Autoliv China, a division of Autoliv, Inc., have unveiled plans to join forces in a strategic partnership aimed at pushing the boundaries of automotive safety technology. This collaboration builds upon a longstanding relationship dating back to 2003 when Autoliv initially developed and supplied seat belts for GWM’s SUVs. One of the notable outcomes of this partnership is the development of an overhead passenger airbag that deploys from the car’s ceiling, effectively liberating interior space for improved comfort and functionality. Additionally, the collaboration encompasses an integrated safety system known as the “zero-gravity seat,” specifically designed for…

Chinese automaker BYD is taking a page out of the playbook of Japanese car manufacturers from decades ago, rapidly expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia and establishing itself as a dominant force in the region’s electric vehicle (EV) market. BYD’s approach revolves around forging distribution partnerships with major conglomerates in various Southeast Asian nations. This strategy has not only enabled the company to extend its reach but also navigate the complex web of government regulations and understand local consumer preferences. Coupled with competitive pricing, BYD’s approach has struck a chord with consumers, making it a standout success. According to data…

Tesla Model 3 secured its place as the seventh-most leased vehicle in the United States during the second quarter of 2023. This achievement marks the first time an electric vehicle has entered the coveted top 10 list of leased vehicles in the country. Approximately 25 percent of all Tesla Model 3s that hit the road in Q2 2023 were leased, reflecting a notable increase from the 16 percent lease rate recorded during the same period in the previous year. Data sourced from Experian and reported by Autonews highlights that the Model 3 outpaced leasing rates for popular vehicles such as…

Porsche’s attempt to trademark the sound it developed for its electric vehicles has been met with rejection by the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The EUIPO cited that the sound did not possess the distinctive qualities necessary for trademark protection. Porsche had described the sound as “futuristic, melodious, and with a certain tempo, motives, and dynamics.” They argued that it had the capacity to evoke brand recognition and likened it to iconic sounds such as the opening motif of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, KITT’s scanner from the Knight Rider TV series, or lightsabers from the Star Wars film franchise. However, the…

Tesla’s Cybertruck has amassed over 2 million reservations ahead of its production launch, based on a recent customer tally. Despite the vehicle’s divisive design, the electric pickup has managed to capture the hearts of many enthusiasts. Back in 2019, the Cybertruck’s debut was marred by issues, including a failed unbreakable window demonstration. However, it generated substantial attention and, within a week of its unveiling, Tesla had already received more than 250,000 reservations. Typically, reservation numbers tend to dwindle after the initial hype, but this was not the case for the Cybertruck. Even amid the challenges of the pandemic, insider sources…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xpeng has revealed the 2024 model of its flagship SUV, the G9, in a surprising move that came earlier than expected. The company made the announcement through its official social media channels, also mentioning that the first display models are already available at Xpeng stores. The upcoming Xpeng G9 2024 will be offered in various exterior color options, including green, black, gray, white, and silver, as outlined in the company’s statement. However, Xpeng has not yet disclosed additional details regarding potential changes to the interior or any adjustments in pricing for the new model. See…

Volvo Cars has recently disclosed its investment in Leadrive, a Shanghai-based company specializing in power electronics and controls for electric vehicles. Founded in 2017, Leadrive has notably collaborated with industry giants such as Schaeffler and SAIC-Volkswagen on silicon carbide (SiC) e-axles. Although the exact amount of investment from Volvo Cars Tech Fund remains undisclosed, the carmaker’s venture capital arm has confirmed its acquisition of a minority stake in Leadrive as part of the latest funding round. This strategic move aligns with Volvo’s commitment to vertical integration and its electrification roadmap, emphasizing collaboration with key partners. Volvo has made significant strides…

Hyundai Motor Co., the South Korean automotive giant, has introduced the highly anticipated Ioniq 5 N, marking the inaugural all-electric model within its N brand. This strategic move underscores Hyundai’s commitment to evolving into a prominent player in the realm of future mobility solutions. The Ioniq 5 N, initially unveiled at the prestigious 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in Great Britain this past July, is equipped with an 84 kWh battery pack. It boasts impressive acceleration, capable of sprinting from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just 3.4 seconds, as confirmed by the company’s official statement. See also:…

In a recent confirmation, Lotus has unveiled the name of its highly anticipated four-door electric hyper-GT as the “Emeya.” This nomenclature aligns seamlessly with Lotus’s established tradition of commencing their vehicle names with the letter ‘E.’ The British automaker has offered a sneak peek into the Emeya’s design cues through a teaser video, although much of the car remains veiled in shadow. The official debut of the Emeya is scheduled for an event in New York on September 7. Marking Lotus’s return to the sedan market, following its prior collaboration with Opel and Vauxhall yielding the Omega-based Lotus Carlton, the…

The prominent German technology conglomerate, Robert Bosch, has expressed the need for subsidies from the U.S. government to facilitate the extensive expansion plans for a chip production facility it is set to acquire in California. The acquisition was announced earlier this year in April when Bosch revealed its intentions to purchase key assets from TSI Semiconductor, thereby acquiring chip production facilities located in Roseville, California. An impressive investment of $1.5 billion is earmarked for the retooling of this site, with the goal of manufacturing silicon carbide chips, a technology known for enhancing the range of electric vehicles. This new endeavor,…

Canadian battery materials innovator, NEO Battery Materials, has dispatched its latest optimized batch of proprietary silicon anode materials, NBMSiDE, to key battery manufacturers and electric vehicle (EV) automakers for meticulous performance evaluation. NEO Battery Materials, a notable player in the Canadian battery technology sector, has taken a significant stride towards advancing electric vehicle technology. The company’s latest dispatch of refined silicon anode materials, known as NBMSiDE, to prominent battery manufacturers and EV automakers is raising expectations within the industry. The upgraded formulations, boasting uniform coatings and novel additives, have led to a remarkable over 70% increase in cycle life compared…

In a bold stride towards sustainability, The Harrogate Bus Company, operated by Transdev, is set to revamp its bus fleet in the Harrogate region. With an infusion of £21 million, including a £7.8 million grant from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, the company is poised to redefine eco-friendly transportation. Supported by the North Yorkshire Council, The Harrogate Bus Company secured a spot among twelve successful bidders for the ZEBRA scheme, aligning with the nationwide goal of introducing 4,000 zero-emission buses by 2025. This move drew praise from Roads Minister Richard Holden, who highlighted the scheme’s £330…