Tag: Automotive industry

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology Finds No Takers Among Automakers
Guides & Maintenance, News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology Finds No Takers Among Automakers

Electric vehicle enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the day when Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology would be available to other automakers. However, despite repeated offers from Elon Musk to license FSD, major car manufacturers seem uninterested in adopting this advanced system.Key TakeawaysTesla has not successfully licensed its Full Self-Driving technology to any other automaker.Ford was initially tipped as a potential licensee but ultimately did not enter into an agreement with Tesla.Musk's offers to license FSD have been on the table for about five years, yet no deal has materialized.Elon Musk first hinted at the possibility of licensing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology around 2021. Since then, he has repeatedly mentioned that other automakers could benefit from adoptin...
Germany Pushes for EU Exemptions on Petrol and Diesel Car Ban by 2035
News

Germany Pushes for EU Exemptions on Petrol and Diesel Car Ban by 2035

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to write a letter to the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, urging Brussels to soften the impending ban on combustion-engine cars in Europe. The proposed ban, scheduled for 2035, aims to support the EU's carbon-neutral goals by 2050 but has faced significant opposition from Germany’s automotive industry.Key TakeawaysGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz is lobbying for exemptions to the planned ban on petrol and diesel cars in Europe, set for 2035.The letter seeks permission to continue producing hybrid vehicles beyond the deadline.This move highlights the ongoing tension between environmental policies and automotive industry interests.Merz's stance reflects a deep-seated concern within Germany’s car manufacturing sector over the abrupt ...
Renault Kardian and VW Taos Earn Five-Star Safety Ratings from LatinNCAP
Guides & Maintenance, News

Renault Kardian and VW Taos Earn Five-Star Safety Ratings from LatinNCAP

The Latin American New Car Assessment Program (LatinNCAP) has awarded the Renault Kardian and Volkswagen Taos five-star safety ratings, marking significant improvements in vehicle safety standards for these models.Key TakeawaysRenault's Kardian and <a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/tata-s-new-1-5l-turbo-petrol-engine-challenges-hyundai-and-vw/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Tata’s New 1.5L Turbo-Petrol Engine Challenges Hyundai">VW's Taos receive top safety ratings from LatinNCAP.The vehicles were tested under the current evaluation protocol, with a more stringent one set to take effect in January 2026.LatinNCAP highlights the commitment of both manufacturers to enhancing vehicle safety.The Renault Kardian and Volkswagen Taos, manufactured in Brazil a...
Morris Commercial Revives Classic Morris J-Type Van as Electric Vehicle
News

Morris Commercial Revives Classic Morris J-Type Van as Electric Vehicle

Morris Commercial is set to breathe new life into the iconic Morris J-Type van, introducing an all-electric version that will be manufactured at a facility in St Athan, Wales. This modern reincarnation aims to retain the classic design while incorporating cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.Key TakeawaysThe Morris J-Type EV will feature an aluminum chassis and carbon-fiber body made partly from recycled materials.The vehicle is expected to have a range of 250 miles, positioning it competitively within the electric van market.About 150 highly skilled jobs are anticipated to be created as part of this project, supported by Welsh government funding.Morris Commercial’s new facility in St Athan is set to become Wales’ first production site dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The company...
CATL Breaks Ground on €4.1bn Battery Plant in Spain with Stellantis
Industry & Business, News

CATL Breaks Ground on €4.1bn Battery Plant in Spain with Stellantis

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has commenced construction of a new €4.1 billion (approximately $4.8 billion) battery plant in Figueruelas, Aragon, Spain, marking a significant investment in European electric vehicle infrastructure. The facility is set to become the largest battery manufacturing site in Spain and will be developed alongside automaker Stellantis.Key TakeawaysCATL's €4.1 billion plant will produce batteries for electric vehicles, supported by over €300 million in European Union funding.The project is expected to create around 2,000 jobs once operational and will be located in Figueruelas, a small town of approximately 1,300 residents.Local unions anticipate that the plant will employ roughly 3,000 Spanish workers after training, showcasing an investment model for re-indust...
Toyota Hilux Boosts Sales with Special Financing as Yaris Cross Launches
News, Pickup Trucks

Toyota Hilux Boosts Sales with Special Financing as Yaris Cross Launches

Toyota Argentina announced a special financing offer for the popular Hilux pickup truck, aiming to boost local sales amidst an expected decline in new car registrations. The move comes just weeks before the launch of the compact SUV Yaris Cross, which is set to debut in February.Key TakeawaysTo stimulate Hilux sales, Toyota introduced a financing deal with an annual rate of 14.9% and up to $25 million available for pickup purchases.The Yaris Cross will be imported from Brazil and distributed based on Hilux sales performance at each dealership.Industry experts predict a significant drop in new car registrations this November, potentially reaching as high as 20%, compared to October's figures.In an effort to bolster local sales of the Hilux, Toyota Argentina has unveiled a special financing ...
EV & Electric Cars, News

GAC Claims Toyota-Level Quality in Australian Debut

Chinese automaker GAC is making waves in the Australian market with a bold claim: it's positioning itself as the 'Toyota of China.' This assertion stems from over two decades of collaboration with Japanese giants Toyota and Honda, during which GAC has absorbed valuable lessons on quality management and product development.GAC International President Wei Haigang emphasizes that this partnership has enabled GAC to offer products comparable in quality and reliability to those of its Japanese counterparts. This strategy is particularly important as the Australian market becomes increasingly crowded with new Chinese brands vying for consumer attention.The brand's entry into Australia includes a trio of models: the Emzoom, an ICE-powered city car; the Aion V, an electric mid-size SUV; and the M8...
Fiat 500X: A Relic Still Haunting Dealership Lots
Industry & Business, News, SUV & Crossovers

Fiat 500X: A Relic Still Haunting Dealership Lots

The Fiat 500X, a model that has long since been discontinued in the United States after the conclusion of the 2023 model year, continues to linger on dealership lots. This persistence is particularly evident at Criswell Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where ten new 500X models remain unsold despite significant discounts.Criswell's inventory includes a variety of 500X variants, with the entry-level Pop model originally priced at $33,785 now available for $20,999. This represents a discount of over $12,000, making it one of the most heavily discounted vehicles on the market today.The Sports variant, which initially retailed for $35,865, is also being offered at a steep discount of $14,116. This model can now be purchased for just $22,999, reflecting the desperate meas...
Tesla’s FSD Licensing: Musk Surprised by Automakers’ Rejection
Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s FSD Licensing: Musk Surprised by Automakers’ Rejection

Elon Musk recently expressed his surprise and frustration over the lack of interest from other automakers in licensing Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) technology. In a tweet, he mentioned that despite previous optimism about potential deals, discussions have been few and far between. He described these conversations as tepid and unrealistic, with no real progress being made.Musk's earlier statements suggested significant interest from other manufacturers in licensing FSD, but those promises seem to have faded over time. During an investor call last year, he claimed that one automaker was already discussing a potential deal, while in January this year, he reiterated there was substantial interest. However, the reality has been different.The current situation highlights Musk's belief that FS...
Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio: A Digital Detox in the D Segment
EV & Electric Cars, News

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio: A Digital Detox in the D Segment

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, once slated for discontinuation this year to make way for an electric successor, has received a two-year reprieve. This extension means that the 952 series car will continue production until at least 2027, marking its twelfth birthday in the market. Despite its age, the Giulia Quadrifoglio remains a stalwart in the D segment, competing against increasingly egg-shaped electric vehicles and traditional sedans.According to recent ACEA data, Alfa Romeo's Europe-wide deliveries saw a 42% increase in October 2025. This surge can largely be attributed to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, with sales numbers close to those of Honda for that month. Over ten months, brand sales have risen by 40%, reaching 50,019 units year-over-year.The decision to extend production also im...