Author: AGN Editor

MAN Truck & Bus to Cut 2,300 Jobs in Germany Amid Weak Demand
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
News, Pickup Trucks

MAN Truck & Bus to Cut 2,300 Jobs in Germany Amid Weak Demand

German commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 2,300 positions over the next decade. The move comes as a response to declining demand within its home truck market and increasing cost pressures. According to a company spokesperson quoted in German news agency DPA, these job cuts will be achieved without redundancies through gradual retirements. The majority of the reductions are expected at MAN’s Munich site with around 1,300 positions planned for elimination, followed by Salzgitter losing approximately 600 roles. The Nuremberg facility is also set to see a reduction of roughly 400 jobs. Speaking on behalf of the company, the spokesperson stated that they must adapt to the sustained weakness in the truck market and add...
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Audi’s Clever Move: The Rise to Luxury Leadership
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
Classic Cars, News

Audi’s Clever Move: The Rise to Luxury Leadership

Audi has quietly become one of Mercedes-Benz and BMW's toughest competitors, thanks to its strategic move in the early 1990s. This is the story of how Audi established itself as a premium brand without much fanfare. For decades, breaking into the luxury car segment dominated by companies like Mercedes-Benz and BMW was a daunting task. Only a few brands have managed to succeed, with Lexus and Audi being notable exceptions in the early 1990s. The cornerstone of this achievement for both was the introduction of V8-powered sedans that represented their brand's pinnacle. In Audi's case, it was the Audi V8 that served as a catalyst for its transformation from a young and relatively unknown marque to a respected luxury car manufacturer. Initially, with the launch of the first modern-era Audi in 1...
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Global Light Vehicle Sales Reach Second-Highest Level in October
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
Industry & Business, News

Global Light Vehicle Sales Reach Second-Highest Level in October

The global light vehicle (LV) market saw its second-highest sales month of the year in October, with an annualized selling rate of 96 million units. This performance was slightly below August's peak but marked a 3% growth compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 8.2 million vehicles sold globally.Year-to-date (YTD) figures show that 75 million vehicles have been sold as of October, representing a 5% increase from the corresponding period in 2024. Key markets such as the US, Western Europe, and China saw varied outcomes: the US experienced a notable decline attributed to the termination of EV tax credits, while sales in Western Europe showed improvement thanks to new electrification incentives. In contrast, China reported record results for October due to consumers purchas...
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Autel Energy Unveils Advanced EV Charging and Storage Solutions
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

Autel Energy Unveils Advanced EV Charging and Storage Solutions

Australian electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) provider, Autel Energy, has recently unveiled its next-generation liquid-cooled charging system and an all-inclusive smart energy solution designed to cater to the evolving needs of fleet operators and depot managers. The latest offering from Autel Energy is the MaxiCharger DS600L Liquid-Cooled System, which features state-of-the-art liquid-cooled power modules that can deliver up to 3 MW of total output per cabinet cluster. This high-power charging solution supports both Combined Charging System (CCS) and Multiple Charging Standards (MCS), making it versatile for various fleet and depot applications. The DS600L is designed to integrate with multiple dispensers and terminals, offering tailored solutions that meet diverse operational requi...
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Electric Car Battery Anxiety Is Unfounded, Study Shows
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
News

Electric Car Battery Anxiety Is Unfounded, Study Shows

Fear of having to replace an electric vehicle's battery is real but largely unwarranted. Over 30,000 cars analyzed in recent years demonstrate that batteries last much longer than people think.Only 4% of the vehicles studied have had to change their battery due to loss of capacity over time. This analysis comes from Recurrent, a firm specializing in electric vehicle data analysis. In their previous study in 2023 with a smaller sample size of 15,000 cars, they found similar results.The German Automobile Club (ADAC) has noted that the batteries in plug-in hybrid Mercedes vehicles degrade less compared to those from Mitsubishi. With updated data on over 30,000 electric cars, the analysis still shows a very low battery replacement rate—less than 4%. This includes older models with more than te...
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Zaragoza to Produce Stellantis’ Chinese EVs: Why and How?
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

Zaragoza to Produce Stellantis’ Chinese EVs: Why and How?

Zaragoza is set to manufacture two of Leapmotor’s upcoming electric vehicles, the B10 and B05 models. This move comes as part of a broader strategy for Stellantis, who needs to produce these vehicles in Europe to meet market demands. The decision to build the Chinese EVs at its Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza was not just about avoiding tariffs on electric cars imported from China but also about gaining traction in the European market. Despite initial considerations of using manufacturing facilities in Vigo and Madrid, it appears that Figueruelas will take charge. Stellantis plans to invest around €200 million for this project. Although significant, this is a small amount compared to the €1.5 billion spent on acquiring a 21% stake in Leapmotor in October 2023. The production of these models ...
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Asahi Kasei Licenses High-Conductivity Electrolyte to EAS Batteries for Advanced Lithium-Ion Cells
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
Industry & Business, News

Asahi Kasei Licenses High-Conductivity Electrolyte to EAS Batteries for Advanced Lithium-Ion Cells

Asahi Kasei has entered into a licensing agreement with EAS Batteries, allowing the latter to utilize Asahi Kasei’s high-conductivity electrolyte technology in its upcoming ultra-high power (UHP) lithium-ion cells. This innovative advancement aims at enhancing performance and efficiency across various applications. EAS Batteries is set to introduce its cylindrical UHP601300 LFP 22 cell by March 2026, featuring a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode alongside the proprietary electrolyte technology. This partnership is expected to drive significant improvements in power density and cycle life. The new electrolyte from Asahi Kasei promises superior ionic conductivity, reducing internal resistance and boosting performance at extreme temperatures. Specifically, the UHP601300 LFP 22 cell offers ...
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McQueen’s Dragster Exists and Lives in a Scrapyard
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News, SUV & Crossovers

McQueen’s Dragster Exists and Lives in a Scrapyard

In the world of automotive collecting and pop culture, stories that capture imagination and spark debates among enthusiasts and professionals occasionally emerge. One such story involves a presumed McQueen’s Saetta car from Pixar’s animated films, now in the spotlight thanks to an unexpected purchase made by Sam from Hardup Garage for $750. The vehicle was found in a scrapyard with signs of age on its bodywork and a mysterious identification plate. Additionally, the Lightyear brand was clearly visible on the right front tire, catching the attention of many observers. Upon sharing this news through social networks, it quickly went viral, causing excitement among fans but also raising questions from experts about the car’s authenticity. Is it one of the original pieces used for promotional e...
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Dürr Develops X.Cellify DC Dry Electrode Coating System for Enhanced Battery Manufacturing
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
News

Dürr Develops X.Cellify DC Dry Electrode Coating System for Enhanced Battery Manufacturing

Dürr has introduced a new technology in battery manufacturing, named X.Cellify DC, which represents a significant advancement in the production of lithium-ion batteries. This innovative dry electrode coating process forms a free-standing film from active battery material that remains recyclable until it is laminated onto the collector foil. According to Dürr, this technique not only reduces waste but also enhances the efficiency and sustainability of battery manufacturing. The conventional method for producing battery electrodes involves wet coating processes where slurry is applied to metal foils and dried in energy-intensive ovens. The X.Cellify DC system replaces these with a solvent-free approach using dry powder mixtures, which are pressed into films via the Activated Dry Electrode pr...
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GAC Advances European EV Strategy through Collaboration with Magna
21Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

GAC Advances European EV Strategy through Collaboration with Magna

GAC, a leading Chinese automaker, is making significant strides in its European electric vehicle (EV) strategy by partnering with Magna International to assemble vehicles. This collaboration marks an important step in GAC's efforts to strengthen its presence in the European market and accelerate the adoption of EV technology. The partnership between GAC and Magna will enable the company to leverage Magna's extensive expertise in vehicle manufacturing and assembly, thereby enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles in Europe. This move underscores GAC's commitment to innovation and sustainability as it continues to expand its global footprint. With this strategic alliance, GAC aims to solidify its position among the top contenders in the European ...
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