General Motors and Hyundai Motor signed an agreement to explore future collaboration across key strategic areas. GM and Hyundai will look for ways to leverage their complementary scale and strengths to reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster. Potential collaboration projects center on... Read more →

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are collaborating to bring a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technology to the roads. Both companies share the aspiration of advancing the hydrogen economy and have extended their collaboration to push this locally zero-emission technology to the next level. The BMW... Read more →

Ford is adjusting its electrification product roadmap in the hopes of offering a range of electrification options that might speed customer adoption—including lower prices and longer ranges. Among the changes are the cancellation of the previously announced three-row all-electric SUV in favor of leveraging hybrid technologies for the next three-row... Read more →

Honda Motor and Yamaha Motor reached an agreement for Honda to supply Yamaha with electric motorcycle models for the Japanese market, based on the Honda “EM1 e:” and “BENLY e: I” Class-1 category models, as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer). The two companies will proceed with further discussion toward the... Read more →

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have agreed to carry out joint research in fundamental technologies in the area of platforms for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This agreement is based on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the companies on March 15 regarding the commencement of... Read more →

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to discuss a framework for further intelligence and electrification of automobiles based on the agreement signed by Nissan and Honda on 15 March. (Earlier post.). Nissan and Honda are working to accelerate... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Group and the University of Oxford held an opening ceremony for the Oxford-Hyundai Motor Group Foresight Centre at Oxford’s Convocation House to mark a new partnership between the two organizations. Based at Saïd Business School, the Foresight Centre is dedicated to exploring the Group’s long-term vision and strategic... Read more →

Polestar is taking the next steps in reducing its supply chain emissions by integrating renewable fuels on its ocean freight routes, which account for around 75% of Polestar’s total transportation emissions. Polestar is now also operating its Vehicle Processing Centre (VPC) in Belgium on 100% renewable electricity. The VPC acts... Read more →

The Nikkei reported that the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group sold 730,000 vehicles in the January-March period to become the first Chinese carmaker to break into the global top 10 in auto sales for the quarter. Geely, which had placed 12th in the first quarter of 2023, passed the Mercedes-Benz Group... Read more →

South 8 Technologies (South 8), a lithium-ion battery innovator, announced Porsche Ventures, the venture capital arm of Porsche AG, as its newest strategic investor, joining existing investors Anzu Partners, LG Technology Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Taiyo Nippon Sanso and Foothill Ventures. Global lithium-ion battery demand for EVs and stationary energy... Read more →

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will use low-CO2 emission aluminum parts made from green or recycled aluminum in new and current models from fiscal year 2024 onward and aims to complete the full transition to such parts by 2030. Aluminum accounts for approximately 10% of vehicle weight. By... Read more →

Daimler Truck and Volvo Group have reached a preliminary agreement to establish a joint venture to develop a common software-defined vehicle platform and dedicated truck operating system, providing the basis for future software-defined commercial vehicles. The intention is to make the new joint venture a leading developer of standardized hardware... Read more →

Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), developed jointly with Porsche, is a key component for the expansion of the global portfolio of all-electric Audi models. For the next generation of electric vehicles from Audi, the company has redeveloped the electric motors, the power electronics, the transmission, as well as the high-voltage... Read more →

Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) is making two significant investments at its headquarters complex on Swan Island: a new Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) training center adjacent to Electric Island and a new engineering facility at the DTNA campus. The new addition to Electric Island represents the next phase... Read more →

BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in the UK is using one of the four-legged Spot robots developed by Boston Dynamics to scan the plant, support maintenance and ensure production processes run smoothly. Equipped with visual, thermal and acoustic sensors, SpOTTO is deployed in a number of unique use cases: On... Read more →

Audi has expanded its range of e-mobility products with the launch of a limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike (eMTB) powered by Fantic, available through Audi Genuine Accessories. The new Audi eMTB features a livery inspired by the innovative design of Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron racecar.... Read more →

Porsche is pushing ahead with the roll-out of alternative drives in its transport logistics fleet. Together with its logistics partners, the sports car manufacturer is using six new electric HGVs (heavy good vehicle) at its Zuffenhausen, Weissach and Leipzig sites. These vehicles transport production materials around the plants, working alongside... Read more →

Construction of a local high-voltage battery assembly at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí has now begun, along with expansion projects for the body shop, assembly and logistics areas. A total of €800 million will be invested in expanding the Mexican production site. The Neue Klasse will be produced in... Read more →

Honda announced the planting of 85,000 trees in Union County, Ohio as part of the company's latest effort to enhance biodiversity and reduce its environmental footprint. The 85,000 trees planted on 100 acres of Honda-owned land along the Flat Branch Creek near its Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant... Read more →

This agreement marks two world firsts for SES AI: It is the first time a Lithium-Metal battery manufacturer has agreed to build a line within an automotive OEM’s facility, and it makes SES AI the only Li-Metal battery company to have two B-sample development JDAs underway. SES AI Corporation, a... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Group signed an agreement for strategic cooperation with Toray Industries, Inc., a pioneer in carbon fiber and composite material technology, to advance material innovation for a new era of mobility. Toray Industries specializes in fibers and textiles, performance chemicals, carbon fiber composite materials, environmental engineering and life science.... Read more →

Nissan showed its in-construction all-solid-state battery pilot line to members of the media at its Yokohama Plant in Kanagawa Prefecture. The pilot line is aimed to further promote development and innovative manufacturing technologies for the batteries. Under the Nissan Ambition 2030 long-term vision, Nissan aims to launch EVs equipped with... Read more →

At the 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2024), set to start 25 April, Nissan will unveil several new energy concept models designed for the China market. The show will also see the China debut of the all-electric Nissan Hyper Force concept and Formula E Gen3 race car. Nissan... Read more →

Toyota Ventures, the early-stage venture capital arm of Toyota, announced two $150-million funds to expand its investments in startups developing disruptive technologies and business models at the forefront of innovation. The addition of the new funds, Toyota Ventures Frontier Fund II (TVFF II) and Toyota Ventures Climate Fund II (TVCF... Read more →

Kia Corporation presented an update on its future strategies and financial targets at its CEO Investor Day in Seoul, Korea. Kia is focusing on updating its 2030 strategy announced last year and further strengthening its business strategy in response to uncertainties across the global mobility industry landscape. During the event,... Read more →

The BMW Group and Tata Technologies, a global product engineering and digital services company, signed an agreement to form a JV with the aim to establish a software and IT development hub with locations in Pune, Bangalore and Chennai, India. The main development and operations activities shall be established at... Read more →

SK On, a leading global electric vehicle battery manufacturer, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Italian luxury sports carmaker Ferrari to reinforce their partnership and to lead innovation in cell technology. Under the MoU, the two sides plan to share expertise in respective areas to expand their technological... Read more →

Nissan Motor Co. launched The Arc, its new business plan which is focused on a broad-based product offensive, increased electrification, new approaches to engineering and manufacturing, the adoption of new technologies, and the use of strategic partnerships to increase global unit sales and improve profitability. The plan is positioned as... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Group co-hosted a 2024 Korea-Africa Business Forum today in Seoul in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation (CSST) at SOAS University of London and the Korea-Africa Foundation. The forum discussed how Korean and African stakeholders can work together as strategic partners for sustainable development amidst ongoing... Read more →

Stellantis N.V. and Archer Aviation Inc. announced that Stellantis recently completed a series of open market purchases of ~8.3 million shares of Archer’s stock signaling Stellantis’ continued confidence in Archer’s plans to bring electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to market beginning in 2025. (Earlier post.) Stellantis’ increased investment... Read more →

Nissan Motor and Honda Motor signed a memorandum of understanding under which they will begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligence. To accelerate efforts toward carbon neutrality and zero traffic-accident fatalities, it will be essential to strengthen environmental and electrification technologies... Read more →

Nissan Motor has developed a stationary, bio-ethanol-fueled solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) capable of high-efficiency power generation. Trials have begun at Nissan’s Tochigi Plant in Japan aimed to improve power generation capacity toward full-scale operations from 2030. In 2016 Nissan became the first automotive company to create a vehicular propulsion... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation are partnering with KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) to develop next-generation autonomous driving sensors. Together, Hyundai Motor, Kia and KAIST will establish the ‘Hyundai Motor Group-KAIST On-Chip LiDAR Joint Research Lab’ at KAIST in Daejeon to develop LiDAR sensors for advanced... Read more →

Just 17% of electric cars sold in Europe are compact vehicles in the cheaper B segment, compared to 37% of new combustion engines, a new analysis by environmental NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) finds. Only 40 fully electric models were launched in the compact segments (A and B) between 2018... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Group announced its 2024 first-half ZER01NE Accelerator program, an open innovation platform to facilitate collaboration between startups and the Group on various projects. This program aims to discover valuable startups and explore the possibilities of strategic use of their innovative technologies. Startups can apply to one of seven... Read more →

GM has hired Kurt Kelty, a globally recognized battery expert and former Tesla executive, to be vice president of Batteries, reporting to GM President Mark Reuss. In this newly created role, Kelty will be charged with GM’s battery cell strategy and a new end-to-end approach. This will include the use... Read more →

The Renault Group created Ampere, the only European EV and software pure player, with one goal: democratize EV in Europe faster than EV pure players. (Earlier post.) Since the inception, Renault Group’s strategic approach has been to build Ampere as a separate business with a dedicated team on EV and... Read more →

Toyota Motor is temporarily suspending shipments of 10 vehicle models equipped with the diesel engines from Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), which are suffering from “certification irregularities.” Toyota Motor had commissioned TICO to develop diesel engines for automobiles. A special investigation into potential irregularities of certification regulationsfound that irregularities occurred during... Read more →

Stellantis N.V. has acquired the artificial intelligence framework, machine learning models and intellectual property rights and patents of CloudMade, a developer of smart and innovative big data-driven automotive solutions. The acquisition—as an asset deal—will support the mid-term development of STLA SmartCockpit (earlier post) and reinforces Stellantis’ software strategy outlined in... Read more →

Stellantis N.V. unveiled STLA Large, its all-new, highly flexible, BEV-native platform that is the foundation for a wide range of upcoming vehicles for global markets in the D and E segments. The platform enables embedded energy, charging efficiency, high-performance vehicle dynamics and Trail Rated off-road driving. Full-size vehicles based on... Read more →

Kia has revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5. This future vision was presented alongside a multi-phase plan... Read more →

Toyota Motor Corporation will participate in the IDEMITSU SUPER ENDURANCE SOURTHEAST ASIA TROPHY 2023 (Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race) to be held 22-23 December at Thailand's Chang International Circuit. Toyota will compete with a three-vehicle setup for ROOKIE Racing featuring the ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF concept, a GR86 running on carbon-neutral... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the development of the global hydrogen ecosystem. The signing took place with South Korea’s Ministry of Environment, Korea Water Resources Corp., Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and SK E&S at the Dubai Expo during the COP28 World Climate... Read more →

The seventh annual meeting of the Baden-Württemberg Automotive Industry Strategic Dialogue (SDA) in Berlin marked a milestone in the collaboration between the Baden-Württemberg state government, Porsche AG and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) with the signing of a letter of intent to develop further and... Read more →

Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) is expanding its battery recycling network with a new collaboration with Cirba Solutions, a battery recycling materials and management company. The agreement enhances Toyota and Cirba Solutions’ growing relationship by expanding Toyota’s battery recycling network and optimizing its logistics network for end-of-life electrified vehicle battery... Read more →

Volvo Cars announced that it is aiming to reduce CO2 emissions per car by 75% by 2030, compared to a 2018 baseline. This is in addition to its ambition to become climate-neutral by 2040, and to reduce CO2 emissions per car by 40% between 2018 and 2025. During the first... Read more →

Volkswagen (Anhui) Components Co., Ltd. (VWAC), Volkswagen Group’s first 100%-owned battery system plant in China, began production of its first high-voltage battery system. VWAC is the first battery system plant wholly invested by Volkswagen Automatic Transmission (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. With an initial annual capacity of 150,000 to 180,000 high-voltage battery... Read more →

Stellantis N.V. and CATL signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the local supply of LFP battery cells and modules to power Stellantis’ electric vehicle production in Europe. To further support Stellantis’ electrification strategy, the two companies are considering the possibility to form a joint venture with equivalent contributions.... Read more →

Honda is showcasing a prototype of its next-generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Module, jointly developed with GM, at the 2023 European Hydrogen Week as a further demonstration of the steps being taken to achieve carbon neutrality across all global operations by 2050. On display at the Brussels Expo from 20-24... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies has opened a new, 2,800 m2 manufacturing space at its Icheon electronics site for its EMR4 (Electronics Motor Reducer) electric axle drive. The first parts from the new line will serve to confirm the original sample products’ robustness by testing series parts. This phase will last for around... Read more →