Author: Moira Shortle

At Auto Shanghai 2025, Volkswagen Group introduced its first self-developed, AI-powered Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), marking a milestone in its “In China, for China” strategy. The system, tailored specifically for the complex traffic conditions in China, is designed to provide seamless and safe driving experiences, leveraging local innovation to meet the specific needs of Chinese consumers. Developed by CARIZON, a joint venture between Volkswagen’s software arm CARIAD and Horizon Robotics, the ADAS utilizes the AI-driven GAIA platform to deliver high-precision driving functions up to Level 2++, with plans to eventually advance to Level 3. Key highlights of the system…

Slate Auto, an electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has begun teasing its first product by discreetly placing multiple concept versions of its vehicle on California streets, according to individuals familiar with the company’s internal plans. The strategy, days ahead of its official unveiling on April 24 at Long Beach Airport, is part of a marketing push to highlight the vehicle’s modular, customizable nature. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Michigan, Slate Auto has maintained a low public profile until recently, when reports surfaced revealing Bezos’ investment and the company’s goal to sell a highly configurable EV…

Legislators in Washington state have introduced a proposal to impose a 10 percent tax on the sale of emissions credits, a move that could impact Tesla , which earned nearly $1.8 billion globally from such transactions last year. Democratic lawmakers in Olympia submitted companion bills aimed at what they described as “windfall profits” from emissions credit sales by companies not burdened with legacy combustion engine production. The proposed legislation would apply a tax to the credits—financial instruments created by zero-emission vehicle mandates that allow EV-only manufacturers like Tesla to sell compliance allowances to automakers that have not met regulatory targets.…

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES) has formally exited a multibillion-dollar electric vehicle battery investment project in Indonesia, the company said on Monday, citing shifting market conditions and investment considerations. The move marks a withdrawal from the so-called Indonesia Grand Package (GP) agreement, a $8.45 billion plan signed in late 2020 to develop a full EV battery supply chain in the resource-rich Southeast Asian country. See also: LG Energy Solution Forecasts 138% Rise in Quarterly Profit Despite Underlying Operating Loss “Taking into account various factors, including market conditions and investment environment, we have agreed to formally withdraw from the Indonesia…

Hankook Tire has partnered with U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors to provide its iON evo AS SUV all-season tires as original equipment for the new Lucid Gravity. The move reinforces Hankook’s growing presence in the global EV tire market, particularly in the premium segment. See also: Lucid Gravity SUV Gains Access to Tesla Supercharger Network Without Adapter The iON evo AS SUV tire is specifically designed for large electric vehicles, featuring advanced compound technology to ensure strong grip, improved mileage, and enhanced driving performance. For the Lucid Gravity, a high-performance, full-size electric SUV capable of delivering up to 828…

Nio’s third brand, Firefly, has integrated smart driving chips from domestic supplier Horizon Robotics in its debut model, as the automaker moves to reduce production costs and localize technology for its budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) line. The collaboration was revealed through a post by Horizon Robotics on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The first Firefly-branded model, which shares its name with the sub-brand, is powered by Horizon Robotics’ Journey series of automotive-grade chips. The company describes the new model as offering responsive handling and intelligent driving capabilities, aimed at younger, urban consumers looking for compact and tech-equipped mobility solutions. See…

Metlink, the public transport provider for Wellington, New Zealand, has added 16 new battery-electric buses (BEBs) to its fleet, replacing 10 older diesel models. This expansion brings the total number of electric buses in the fleet to 119, marking a significant step towards Metlink’s 2030 goal of full electrification. With the addition of these buses, Metlink’s fleet is now 25 percent electrified. See also: Gijón’s EMTUSA Orders Four Irizar Electric Buses as Fleet Electrification Expands The new BEVs will be in service by the end of April and will operate on several routes around the city, including route 2 and…

Volkswagen said on Wednesday it will keep vehicle prices unchanged through the end of May, becoming the latest automaker to reassure consumers amid growing concerns that potential tariffs could drive up prices. The announcement follows similar commitments from other car manufacturers seeking to ease shopper anxiety and sustain sales momentum. Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor said it would maintain current sticker prices on its vehicles through June 2. See also: Volkswagen Q1 Profit Falls 40% on Emissions Fines, U.S. Tariff Impact U.S. carmakers have also responded with pricing strategies aimed at boosting demand. Ford Motor and Stellantis introduced significant discounts…

Waste management firm PreZero has placed an order for 35 battery-electric trucks from Volvo Trucks, marking the company’s largest investment in electric vehicles to date. The order follows earlier deployments of Volvo electric trucks by PreZero in 2022 and an additional batch of 30 units ordered in 2024. The new order includes 24 Volvo FM Low Entry Electric trucks, 10 Volvo FM Electric trucks, and one Volvo FL Electric vehicle. All trucks will feature Volvo’s Dynamic Steering (VDS) system, designed to enhance maneuverability and reduce driver fatigue. Delivery timelines for the vehicles were not disclosed. See also: DFDS Expands Electric…

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann warned on Tuesday that escalating tariffs in the United States and stringent emissions regulations in the European Union pose significant risks to the automotive sector, as the company continues its search for a new chief executive. Speaking at the group’s annual shareholders’ meeting, Elkann said that current policy directions in major Western markets could jeopardize the competitiveness of local car manufacturers. “With the current path of painful tariffs and overly rigid regulations, the American and European car industries are being put at risk,” Elkann said. See also: Stellantis Narrows CEO Search to Five Candidates Amidst Industry…

Norwegian battery materials company Vianode has secured a 400 million Norwegian kroner (€33.4 million) loan from Innovation Norway, aimed at accelerating the company’s expansion of sustainable anode graphite production. The financing will support Vianode’s first large-scale industrial facility, “Via ONE”, at Herøya Industrial Park, as well as a technology centre in Kristiansand and its Oslo headquarters. The loan is part of Innovation Norway’s Green Industry Financing program and is granted under market terms, ensuring compliance with EFTA regulations. It will be supplemented by additional investment from Vianode’s co-owner Altor. Vianode, which started operations in 2021, is now jointly owned by…

The Singapore Police Force will begin using electric vehicles for the first time with the deployment of 19 Polestar 2 units scheduled for the second half of 2025. The introduction of the EV fleet marks a significant step in the country’s broader efforts to adopt sustainable transportation within public sector operations. The dual motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 2 models were selected through a public tender process in 2023, with Wearnes Automotive, Polestar’s local distributor, securing the contract with a winning bid of S$3.8 million (approximately €2.5 million). Competing bids included models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Seal, and BMW…