Lotus reportedly becomes latest brand to abandon all-electric plans
Lotus abandons all-electric plans for 2028, shifting focus to extended-range hybrids. These new range-extended vehicles promise a range of up to 680 miles between refueling stations. Details of the Lotus "super hybrid" are still unclear, but more information is likely to be revealed soon. In 2018, Lotus launched its Vision80 plan, which aims to transform the company into a "global pure electric mobility provider" in just ten years. Fast forward to today, and the company has reportedly become the latest automaker to abandon all-electric plans. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP") { adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); The company will reportedly adopt a so-called super hybrid, using a range-extended powertrain. They promise to combine high performance with long range through the engine. More info: Lotus Theory 1 concept is a 986-horsepower three-seat electric Esprit The news apparently comes from an interview Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng had with the Wall Street Journal. While…
Panama Canal plans to double container traffic for $8
The Panama Canal Authority wants to double the container throughput of its iconic waterway, its head, Ricaurte Vasquez, said. Speaking at the International Maritime Conference in Houston, Vasquez detailed an $8 billion investment plan for the canal, which includes a robust water-saving strategy after a severe drought caused the diversion of ships traveling between the United States and Asia. Also read: Panama Canal makes $3.45 billion profit despite drought reducing shipping Authorities are encouraging shippers to consolidate cargo and reduce water use per vessel, especially container ships. Additionally, the canal plans to expand cargo transshipment capacity on the West Bank, facilitating the unloading and reloading of containers by rail, truck or ship. The expansion will increase the canal's annual container traffic to 5 million by 2045 from the current 8.3 million. The canal has prioritized container ships since a 2016 expansion added a third set of locks, but now bulk carriers have returned, with recent slot allocations reserving about 40%…
Porsche adjusts electric car plans to adopt more combustion models
Porsche It has become the latest manufacturer to revamp its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, with the company now set to look to redevelop its upcoming all-electric models to incorporate combustion engine alternatives. The German brand has previously laid out plans for electric vehicles to account for 80% of its sales by 2030, with the other 20% led by 911s. While the flagship sports car is hybrid for the first time in its 60-year history, it won't go fully electric until the 2030s, with Porsche's EV takeover led by the Taycan sedan and Macan SUV and the upcoming battery-powered 718 Boxster/Cayman and Cayenne models. However, car spoon Porsche is reportedly looking into how to redesign future electric cars to accommodate hybrid powertrains - a task that will take a lot of effort, money and time, depending on the development progress of any particular model. Hundreds of new car deals available via car expert Now. Get the experts on your side and…
Site and Chapter Plans for the Future
At IMEX America earlier this month, SITE hosted more than 80 global chapter leaders to discuss the future direction of the organization and the critical role chapters play. This year, the number of professionals has increased to more than 3,000, setting a new record for SITE. One of the most pressing discussions at this year’s IMEX Chapter Leaders Conference, created and led by chapter relations expert Dani Kloap, focused on how to engage chapters dispersed across a wider geographic area: As SITE continues to grow, more chapters will continue to face New reality its footprints. As SITE seeks to increase its global reach, engaging regional members has become a priority for many local leaders. Here's what chapter leaders are doing now to connect members no matter how many miles separate them. Take advantage of local events Chapters have had some success coordinating meetups and other member-focused events to coincide with large regional gatherings, such as trade shows or broad industry…
Skoda plans VW budget electric car: new platform,
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVIPL) is planning to enter the Indian EV (electric vehicle) market. There is talk that Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyak Will travel to India. However, a new media report claims that Volkswagen may abandon plans to introduce the ID.4 as it will be an expensive deal and Volkswagen dealers are reportedly not showing confidence in the product. For context, SAVIPL was in talks with Mahindra & Mahindra to jointly develop the cost-effective MEB21 platform, but things didn't go well between the two brands and now Volkswagen has canceled the PEAK EV project. Now, the Volkswagen Group is taking a different approach and considering launching an entry-level electric SUV based on the new low-cost CMP 21 (China Main Platform) architecture. The upcoming Volkswagen electric car will challenge the dominance of Tata Nexon, which is currently priced in the Rs 12.49-lakh to Rs 17.19-lakh range. The new CMP platform will be developed by Volkswagen China and…
Honda confirms ambitious 0-Series EV plans at CES
The automaker has big plans to build lighter, thinner, smarter electric cars Honda has outlined its electric vehicle vision, which includes dedicated platforms and innovative manufacturing technologies. The 0 series will adopt a "thin, light and smart" design and use advanced technology to improve efficiency. The company plans to launch seven 0 Series models globally by 2030, aiming to achieve significant growth in electric vehicle sales. During Honda's 2024 0 technology conference, the automaker laid out its roadmap for the future. Its new 0 series electric vehicles are designed around the concept of "thin, light and smart". Here are the details on what that means, how Honda plans to play out, and what we can expect next. Taking a closer look at Honda's EV lineup, it's clear that these products aren't exactly powerful. The Prologue is based on General Motors, and while it offers decent range and a roomy interior, it can't sustain the brand on its own amid fierce…
Karnataka plans tax breaks, incentives for hybrid vehicles
Karnataka plans to boost sales in clean mobility segment with this initiativeKarnataka, one of the leading states in India in the adoption of electric vehicles, is gearing up to roll out a comprehensive policy to promote clean transportation. The state's new policy draft shows plans to significantly reduce taxes on hybrid vehicles and provide financial incentives to companies engaged in the clean mobility industry, including manufacturers of electric vehicles and their parts.The proposed move marks a significant shift from India's current emphasis on all-electric vehicles to include hybrids. The development could benefit carmakers such as Toyota, which has been lobbying for greater support for hybrid technology in India. Karnataka's move could make it the second state after Uttar Pradesh to provide tax breaks for hybrid vehicles. The policy proposes to remove road tax and registration fees for hybrid cars priced below Rs. 25 lakh, currently a tax of 13% to 18% is levied.The driving force behind hybrid carsWhile India has…
Toyota delays North American EV plans due to weak demand
The company has also reportedly scrapped plans to produce an electric Lexus SUV in North America in 2030 go through Brad Anderson October 3, 2024 07:50 The first electric vehicle Toyota will build at its Kentucky plant will be a three-row SUV. Toyota has told suppliers it is tweaking the design of the new model, now called the bZ5x. New electric vehicles from the Subaru and Lexus brands are believed to be in development. Toyota's North American electric vehicle production plans have reportedly been delayed, with the automaker now targeting mid-2026 instead of 2025. What's the reason? Slowing growth in electric vehicle sales in the region has prompted the Japanese automaker to take a more cautious approach. Initially, the company planned to launch a three-row electric SUV at its Kentucky plant, but the timeline has been pushed back by several months. Toyota has invested $1.3 billion in its Kentucky plant for electric vehicle production. However, it's not just SUVs that…
Ola Electric plans to double number of company-owned service centers
Ola Electric, India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced an ambitious plan to double the number of company-owned service centers to 1,000 by December 2024 from the current 500 centers. The move is in response to the growing number of service centers. Customer complaints and service wait times are long, currently around 5,000 to 6,000 per day. In addition to this expansion, Ola Electric has also launched a new electric vehicle service training program aimed at training 100,000 third-party mechanics. This 'Network Partner Programme' initiative will provide mechanics across India with the required skills to handle electric vehicle (EV) repairs and maintenance, ensuring better service delivery in the fast-growing EV market. This industry-first initiative aims to address the gap in e-bike and e-bike service readiness in India. Fast service guarantee for Ola Electric customers Starting from October 10, 2024, Ola Electric will begin to provide customers with a phased fast service guarantee. Those whose service requests require more than a…
Mahindra plans to hold 50% stake in Skoda Auto, Volkswagen India
Mahindra and Skoda Auto Volkswagen India to sign MoU soonMahindra and Mahindra is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a 50% stake in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India in a deal that could be worth around $1 billion. The Skoda Auto board of directors is currently holding an important meeting in India and an announcement is expected soon. This cooperation, if finalized, will significantly reshape the two companies' positions in the Indian automobile market.Key aspects of tradingNegotiations have made progress and the two sides have reached a preliminary understanding. Mahindra is seeking a 50% stake, similar to its previous joint venture with Ford. The equity is considered a non-negotiable part of the deal. Mahindra will gain significant manufacturing capabilities and access to Volkswagen's advanced global technologies, including vehicle architecture, while Skoda Auto Volkswagen will benefit from Mahindra's cost-effective vehicle platforms and extensive industry presence in India.Skoda Auto Volkswagen currently has an annual production capacity of 210,000 vehicles in India, and there…
Bentley delays all-electric plans and shifts focus to hybrids
The British carmaker's first electric car will be an all-new model and won't replace any existing products go through Brad Anderson September 27, 2024 16:31 Bentley is delaying its plans for an all-electric car to focus on hybrids for now. The luxury brand originally aimed to launch an all-electric lineup by 2030, but demand for internal combustion engines has shifted focus. Its first electric vehicle is expected to launch in 2026, paving the way for an all-electric lineup by the mid-2030s. Bentley is abandoning its all-electric ambitions, opting for a more gradual transition to electric vehicles. The luxury automaker plans to adopt hybrid technology during this period, as its leadership acknowledges that buyers at the top end of the market remain interested in internal combustion engines. Apparently, the roar of the V8 is still music to the ears of Bentley customers. Back in January 2020, the British brand announced that it would only sell plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles…
Hyundai plans to launch new gasoline hybrid SUV
Pictures are for reference only The new Hyundai petrol-hybrid SUV will compete with the likes of Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Toyota Innova Hycross, etc. when launched The mid-size SUV market is more popular today than ever before. There are very few products in this segment, with Mahindra taking the lion's share. Hyundai has the Alcazar, but it is not directly comparable to the mid-size SUV (size-wise). Hyundai is reportedly working on a new SUV to fill this gap. According to recent reports, Hyundai is working on a new petrol-hybrid SUV which will meet the size requirements of buyers for mid-sized SUVs. The main competitors will be the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari and MG Hector. Apart from this, this upcoming Hyundai hybrid SUV will also compete with the Toyota Innova Hycross which has its own segment. Modern petrol hybrid SUV Just recently, Hyundai launched the Alcazar facelift, which was the first major update for the 3-row SUV. However,…
Despite challenges, supply chain leaders remain confident in recovery plans
New research from CargoWise shows that while supply chain professionals are increasingly diversifying their networks and leveraging real-time monitoring to address rising risks such as geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity threats, many may be overconfident in their ability to recover from disruptions due to a lack of consistent scenario planning. See also: GEP Report: Global manufacturing slowdown intensifies as supply chain capacity reaches peak in 2024 The study, Future-proofing Supply Chain Operations: Leveraging Technology for Lasting Impact, surveyed more than 450 global logistics professionals between March and April 2024. Findings show that while 57% of respondents are confident in their recovery strategies, only 32% regularly conduct scenario testing to assess their responses to potential threats. Key Insights Main concerns: Geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity threats are the top risks to global supply chains, with North American professionals particularly concerned about cyberattacks (28%, compared to a global average of 19%). Diversified and real-time monitoring: To mitigate risk, companies are prioritizing multi-sourced supply chains…
Mercedes-Benz plans to make large-scale investments in China, including
Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold 737,200 vehicles in China, making China its most important single market. go through Brad Anderson September 6, 2024 13:10 Mercedes-Benz will invest 1.8 billion euros this year to cope with a 9% sales drop in the Chinese market. The new extended-wheelbase GLE will be produced in China instead of imported from the United States The next-generation CLA and all-electric V-Class are part of Mercedes' expanding Chinese lineup Mercedes-Benz is preparing a massive investment in its China business aimed at boosting local sales, especially of SUVs. China has long been an important market for luxury automakers. Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold 737,200 passenger cars in China, far more than the 659,400 it sold in Europe and 298,000 in the United States. But while sales in Europe are set to rise 7% through 2023, they are down 2% in China. The situation worsens further in the fourth quarter of 2023, with Chinese sales plunging 8%. Read: Mercedes GLE Coupe…
Germany plans to provide subsidies to companies whose electric vehicle sales reach 69%
The tax breaks target higher-priced company cars in the hope of spurring demand for electric vehicles Germany to introduce 'depreciation allowance' for electric company cars Drivers of expensive zero-emission company cars can also receive tax breaks. The company aims to boost sales of electric vehicles after they fell sharply in recent months. The federal government wants to introduce tax breaks for electric car companies less than a year after Germany abruptly cut subsidies for electric cars and after Volkswagen's boss threatened to close German factories due to lack of demand. The new incentives include a "depreciation allowance" for zero-emission company cars, which will run from July 1, 2024 to December 2028. This will allow companies to claim a tax deduction equal to 40% of the value of the electric car in the year of purchase, with the rate gradually falling to 6%. MORE: Volkswagen finance chief warns the company has 'one to two years' to save the brand In addition,…
Acura plans to reverse its sales decline through an electric future.
Acura's electric vehicle plans include an RDX-sized model, a three-row SUV and an NSX successor go through Brad Anderson 8 hours ago The production version of the Performance EV Concept is expected to be launched in 2026. A three-row electric SUV is being prepared to compete with the Kia EV9. The most exciting new electric car will be a sports car similar to the discontinued NSX. Acura reported a 12% sales drop across its entire lineup in the first seven months of the year, but a slew of high-profile electric vehicles could get it back on track. The only electric car in Acura's lineup is the ZDX, developed in conjunction with General Motors using its Ultium platform. The model will be introduced alongside the production version of the stylish Performance EV Concept, which debuted during Monterey Car Week in mid-August. The new model will ride on an all-new platform and is expected to be in showrooms in late 2025 or…
Lincoln plans two new models as U.S. sales rebound
The two new models were confirmed at a Lincoln dealer meeting earlier this year. The automaker has not yet revealed whether these will be all-new models or updated versions of existing ones. Updated versions of Navigator and Aviator have recently been released. Lincoln is developing two new models for the U.S. market in an effort to continue building momentum and boost its sales across the U.S. The success comes despite the brand not having launched an electric vehicle yet. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); In the first seven months of 2024, Lincoln's sales increased by 23% and its market share increased by 1%. Thanks to this growth, Lincoln's new car sales exceeded 100,000 in a year for the first time since 2020. Previously, Lincoln's sales declined for three consecutive years, and 2023 was even more difficult, with sales in the United States of only…
Maruti Suzuki plans to revive small car segment by 2025-26
Maruti Suzuki remains committed to the small car segment, expects recovery soonIndia's leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki has reiterated its commitment to the small car segment despite the recent decline in sales. Chairman RC Bhargava said at the company's 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) that the company expects the small car segment to revive by FY 2025-26.Bhargava stressed the importance of low-cost and small cars in India's economic and social landscape. "We firmly believe that low-cost and small cars are necessary in our economic and social conditions. A temporary setback in demand will not change our strategy," he said.The small car market has faced challenges recently, with Maruti Suzuki's sales in the subcompact and compact car segment falling by about 12% from April to July 2024 compared to the previous year. In contrast, the company's utility vehicle segment sales grew by 16.44% during the same period. The successful launch of models such as the Jimny and Fronx in mid-2023 has contributed…
IMEX America to host zero-waste event in 2023, plans in place
Las Vegas IMAX Published IMEX US Sustainability Report 2023revealed how it had achieved its fifth consecutive year of zero-waste activity (defined as an activity where at least 90% of overall waste was composted or recycled). Roger Lehner, IMEX senior director of operations and sustainability, said: "Sustainability has been a top priority since the event began in 2011. "We have been working very hard to measure the waste generated at our events and to improve the percentage that avoids going to landfill. It has been a long process but we are very proud that we have now had five years of zero waste events in a row." How the IMEX team did it IMEX America Mandalay Bay Convention Center by 2023. More than 90 percent of waste was diverted from landfills to organics, material recovery and donation channels. The show donated approximately 9,998 pounds of recycled event materials, office supplies and furniture to those in need in Clark County and recycled…
Hyundai Motor plans to launch 21 new models in a bid to dominate global electric vehicles by 2030
Hyundai's ambitious plan: 21 new electric vehicles by 2030, focusing on next-generation hybrid technology New Delhi: Hyundai Motor is rapidly revolutionizing the automotive industry as it unveiled its latest plans at its CEO Investor Day 2024. The South Korean automaker is preparing to launch 21 new electric vehicles (EV) Hyundai Motor is committed to promoting sustainable mobility by achieving its 2025 global electric vehicle goal by 2030. In addition to these plans, Hyundai Motor is also committed to developing advanced hybrid technology and next-generation batteries, aiming to secure its leading position in the global market. One of the standout developments is Hyundai's focus on Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)which will combine the advantages of internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric vehicles. These extended-range electric vehicles are expected to be priced competitively with traditional electric vehicles, using both internal combustion engines and batteries for power, with a range of more than 900 kilometers. These new extended-range electric vehicles will begin mass…
Toyota Century GRMN SUV: production plans confirmed
Last year, Toyota unveiled the GRMN version of its Century SUV and now, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has confirmed the high-performance model will go into production. During a meeting with Century owners in China, Toyoda revealed that his own Century GRMN is currently the only one of its kind. He expressed his desire to make the car available to a global audience, saying: "Our goal is to produce a GRMN model that can be enjoyed worldwide." The prototype GRMN SUV features a lower body, larger wheels, a unique body kit, and an MPV-style sliding rear door. These elements are expected to carry over to the production model. However, details about potential performance upgrades or new powertrains are not yet known. The standard Century SUV currently offers a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid engine with 406 horsepower, while the Century sedan uses a 5.0-liter V8 hybrid engine with 425 horsepower. Toyota did not specify whether the GRMN SUV will use a V8…
China launches successfully and makes plans for India
introduceXiaomi, a brand known for its smartphones and advanced electronics, has now ventured into the automotive industry. It has launched its first electric car, the SU7 EV, which is not only labeled as an electric car, but also driven by high technology. Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, made an important announcement about the new car launch and their plans to expand the electric vehicle business in the global market. With the electric vehicle policy in mind, Lei Jun is eyeing India and hopes to work with local brands to set up a local manufacturing plant. Let's take a look at the news content. Bringing smartphone expertise to electric cars?Xiaomi is probably the first car brand to incorporate smartphone expertise into their cars. Well, it is not just a way to use smartphone technology in their electric cars, but a strategic move to leverage the company's strength. Xiaomi has a strong reputation in the smartphone space and incorporating smartphone expertise…
Tata Motors plans to capture 80% market share with ATLAS platform
Tata Motors has introduced the innovative ATLAS platform, a major change in its vehicle line-up. The new platform is designed to be extremely versatile and can accommodate vehicles of all sizes and styles. It supports vehicles ranging from 3.9 metres to 4.6 metres in length and can accommodate a wide range of wheelbases and widths. This means it can handle a wide range of body styles, including coupe SUVs like the Curvv, conventional SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. Key features of the ATLAS platform 1. Enhanced security: The ATLAS platform is built with a strong focus on safety. Its continuous frame design ensures that impact forces are evenly distributed during a crash. By avoiding sudden changes in load paths, the platform is designed to provide more uniform and symmetrical performance during a crash, improving overall safety and reducing potential risk of injury. 2. Advanced Technology: The platform integrates the latest technologies, with advanced electrical architecture and cloud connectivity. It includes a…
Ola Electric puts electric car plans on hold to focus on scooters
Ola Electric is an Indian electric two-wheeler brand. The company is currently producing the second generation of its popular electric scooter, the S1. Ola's latest products include the S1 Pro, S1 Air, and S1 X. However, in recent years, there have been reports that Ola plans to launch an electric sports car with a full glass roof in the next few years that can reach 100 km/h in four seconds, which was proposed by Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal. This is a very brave and unconventional move for the Bengaluru-based company. Abandoning electric car plans All the excitement has come to naught as Ola Electric has shelved its electric car launch plans as the company wants to focus on its electric scooter business. This is bad news for the Indian car market. This car was supposed to be the first ever mass market sports car in India. The impact of this car on the entire electric car acceptance would have been…
Ola Electric puts electric car plans on hold to focus on scooters
Ola Electric is an Indian electric two-wheeler brand. The company is currently producing the second generation of its popular electric scooter, the S1. Ola's latest products include the S1 Pro, S1 Air, and S1 X. However, in recent years, there have been reports that Ola plans to launch an electric sports car with a full glass roof in the next few years that can reach 100 km/h in four seconds, which was proposed by Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal. This is a very brave and unconventional move for the Bengaluru-based company. Abandoning electric car plans All the excitement has come to naught as Ola Electric has shelved its electric car launch plans as the company wants to focus on its electric scooter business. This is bad news for the Indian car market. This car was supposed to be the first ever mass market sports car in India. The impact of this car on the entire electric car acceptance would have been…
Buick delays plans to launch first electric car in U.S.
Buick's first U.S. electric car was originally scheduled to debut later this year, but that plan is no longer happening. Buick has decided to delay the launch of its first electric car in the United States. The model was originally scheduled to be launched this year and was expected to be called Electra E5. The crossover was originally expected to be imported from China, but high tariffs may cause the company to rethink its plans. Buick's lineup has undergone a major overhaul, including the all-new Envista, redesigned Enclave, and facelifted versions of the Envision and Encore GX. However, we have yet to see the brand's first North American electric vehicle. The model was originally announced in 2022 and was expected to go on sale this year. However, that is no longer the case, as GM CEO Mary Barra recently revealed during the second quarter earnings call that they have “delayed the launch of Buick’s first electric vehicle, which was originally…
VW confirms all US pickup truck plans are dead
What is the saddest four-word story in the world? The Volkswagen pickup truck that was never produced. February 9, 2024 11:56 The pickup truck market has opened up a bit lately. After years of American dominance, there seems to be a window of opportunity for small foreign trucks, but VW isn't going to sneak into this market. The German automaker has officially confirmed that any plans it had for bringing a pickup truck to the North American market are officially dead. Sorry, Volkswagen fans. The news came at the Chicago Auto Show, when Pablo di Si, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, told Motor Trend that the pickup truck was "no longer in the plans." Unfortunately, he didn't provide any reason for the decision. Read: VW's North American boss wants a new pickup truck for the U.S. — but it probably won't happen 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak pickup truck concept Come to think of it, a mass-market pickup isn't the…