Automotive Industry and Business News

Ford Boss Warns of Life-or-Death Struggle Against Chinese Rivals in Europe

10Dec

By AGN EditorNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Ford Boss Warns of Life-or-Death Struggle Against Chinese Rivals in Europe

Ford CEO Jim Farley has warned that Western carmakers are fighting for survival against fierce competition from their Chinese rivals, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The US automaker announced a partnership with French firm Renault to develop two smaller EV models and potentially produce vans together.Key TakeawaysFord CEO Jim Farley says Western carmakers are “in a fight for our lives” against Chinese competition in Europe.The US automaker is teaming up with Renault to develop two smaller electric vehicles and explore van production together.This partnership comes as European manufacturers face intense pressure from fast-growing Chinese EV makers like BYD and Chery, who offer well-reviewed cars at lower costs.Farley's comments come on the heels of Ford announcing 4,000 job...

Disaronno Recalls Bottles Due to Glass Contamination Risk

10Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Disaronno Recalls Bottles Due to Glass Contamination Risk

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a recall for bottles of Disaronno Originale almond liquor over concerns that some may contain small pieces of glass. The affected batches are being sold in England and Scotland.Key TakeawaysThe FSA is recalling 700ml bottles from seven different batches due to potential contamination with glass shards.Illva Saronno, the parent company of Disaronno Originale, identified this issue as an anomaly in their production line.Consumers are advised to check the batch codes on the back of each bottle and return any potentially contaminated bottles for a refund or replacement.The recall affects 700ml bottles from seven specific batches with codes ranging between 25374 and 25444. This is not the first time Disaronno has faced such issues; similar recalls have...

8Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Jordan Invests Big in NASCAR, Seeks NBA-Style Changes

Michael Jordan is making waves in the racing world by investing up to $40 million into his team, 23XI Racing. The basketball legend isn't just putting money on the table; he's also pushing for major changes that could shake up NASCAR.Key Takeaways$40 Million Investment: Jordan is pouring a significant amount into his team, 23XI Racing.NBA Model Push: He wants to see permanent charters and more governance input like in the NBA.Bigger Revenue Share for Teams: Jordan believes teams should get a bigger slice of new revenue streams.Michael Jordan's move into NASCAR isn't just about winning races. It’s also about reshaping how the sport operates. He sees parallels between racing and basketball, where team stability is key to long-term success.The NBA has charters that ensure teams stay in place ...

CATL Unveils Ship-Shore-Cloud Zero-Carbon Shipping Solution

8Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

CATL Unveils Ship-Shore-Cloud Zero-Carbon Shipping Solution

Chinese battery giant CATL has unveiled its new Ship-Shore-Cloud solution, designed to optimize electric shipping and smart port operations. The integrated system combines on-board power systems with shore-based energy replenishment networks and cloud-based intelligent management.Key TakeawaysCATL's Ship-Shore-Cloud solution addresses the unique challenges of electric ships, such as high humidity and salt spray.The system separates ship and battery management on shore to simplify operations.An intelligent platform enables remote monitoring and optimization for efficient fleet management.And just like how early EVs struggled with range anxiety compared to their gasoline counterparts, CATL's CAEV subsidiary faces similar challenges but in the maritime world. But they're tackling these issues...

Siemens Heliox Unveils V2G Capable DC Charger at 44 kW

8Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Siemens Heliox Unveils V2G Capable DC Charger at 44 kW

Heliox, a Siemens brand focused on electric vehicle charging solutions, has introduced its latest product: the 44 kW bidirectional charger that supports both Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and standard fast charging. This new model aims to offer fleet operators more control over their energy usage.Key TakeawaysThe Heliox 44 kW V2G charger supports bi-directional power flow, enabling vehicles to both charge and discharge electricity back into the grid.Fleet operators can schedule energy transfers based on time-of-use rates to maximize profits from selling surplus energy.With adjustable AC input settings ranging from 15 A to 56 A, this charger is adaptable for deployment in various locations with limited power supply.The Heliox 44 kW V2G charger stands out due to its bi-directional capabilities and p...

Vulcan Energy Secures €1 Billion for Lithium in Germany

8Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Vulcan Energy Secures €1 Billion for Lithium in Germany

Vulcan Energy has secured a significant financial boost with an export loan of €100 million from the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), bringing its total debt package to approximately €1 billion. This funding supports Phase One of the Lionheart Project, which aims to establish Europe's first sustainable lithium production facility in Germany.Key TakeawaysVulcan Energy receives €100 million loan from EIFO for its Lionheart Lithium Project.The project will produce 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate per year to supply European EV manufacturers.It aims to reduce Europe's dependency on Chinese imports and strengthen the local energy transition efforts.Vulcan Energy’s Lionheart Project represents a major step forward in establishing domestic sources for critical battery m...

7Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Dongfeng and Huawei’s Yijing Brand to Launch SUV in Q3 2026

Dongfeng Motor and tech giant Huawei are set to shake up the electric vehicle market with their new brand, Yijing. The joint venture will unveil its first model at the Beijing auto show next April before launching an SUV offering both BEV and EREV options in Q3 of next year.Key TakeawaysThe Yijing brand, a collaboration between Dongfeng Motor and Huawei, will launch its first model at the Beijing auto show in April 2026.The inaugural SUV will be available with both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) options when it goes on sale later that year.Yijing plans to roll out one new model annually, aiming for a strong presence in the premium EV market.The Yijing brand is gearing up for its big debut next April at China's largest auto show. The SUV will be un...

Ford CEO Praises Xiaomi SU7: ‘It’s the Apple of China’

7Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Ford CEO Praises Xiaomi SU7: ‘It’s the Apple of China’

Ford’s chief executive Jim Farley is touting Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xiaomi’s latest model, the SU7. During a recent interview with Argentina’s La Nación, he highlighted how the SU7 offers an advanced digital experience comparable to that of Apple products.Key TakeawaysFord CEO Jim Farley praises Xiaomi's SU7 for its user-friendly technology and performance.The SU7 features facial recognition, AI assistant integration, and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under three seconds.Farley’s hands-on approach aims to educate Ford management on the technological advancements of Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi.Ford CEO Jim Farley has taken an unusual step by commuting in a variety of electric vehicles from China, including the Xiaomi SU7. His goal is for his team at Ford to get firstha...

Uber and Avride Bring Robotaxis to Dallas Streets

7Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Uber and Avride Bring Robotaxis to Dallas Streets

Uber has introduced its first robotaxi service in partnership with Avride, making fully autonomous rides available across a significant portion of downtown Dallas. The fleet will initially include safety drivers but plans call for driverless operation soon.Key TakeawaysDallas riders can now access robotaxis through the Uber app at no extra cost.The initial rollout covers a 23-kilometer area, with plans to expand further.An onboard specialist will monitor operations during early testing phases before full autonomy is achieved.With this launch, Dallas joins cities like Phoenix and Pittsburgh where Uber has tested autonomous vehicles in the past. However, unlike previous models that relied on a mix of sensors and GPS data for navigation, Avride's robotaxis use advanced AI algorithms to unders...

FAW Set to Invest in Leapmotor, But with a Smaller Stake Than Expected

6Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

FAW Set to Invest in Leapmotor, But with a Smaller Stake Than Expected

State-owned automaker FAW is reportedly getting ready to invest five percent of its equity into the fast-growing electric vehicle startup Leapmotor. Despite earlier rumors suggesting a ten-percent stake, it looks like FAW has decided on a smaller investment.Key TakeawaysFAW will acquire 5% of Leapmotor's equity instead of the previously rumored 10%The deal is expected to be finalized later this year, but details on how much FAW would pay for its stake are still unclear.Leapmotor’s strong financial performance and consistently high sales figures have convinced FAW to move forward with an investment despite taking a smaller share than originally planned.The collaboration between the two companies began in spring 2025, resulting in their first joint vehicle project. This partnership has been ...