MANN+HUMMEL has expanded its manufacturing footprint with a new plant in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. This facility, encompassing 3,200 square meters in its initial phase, is set to become a critical hub for MANN+HUMMEL's supply chain, catering to the commercial vehicle, passenger car and off-highway and industrial aftermarket industries in the region. This project is the culmination of a project that began in 2016 when the company identified South Africa, the largest automotive mark...

GKN Automotive has made a significant stride in fostering future engineering talent by inaugurating two new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Innovation Labs in India as a pivotal aspect of its global Future Talent Program. The launch of these labs aims to ignite a passion for engineering among the next generation worldwide, with a special focus on enhancing the educational landscape for vulnerable communities in India. By introducing new infrastructure, scienc...

Delphi announced that it is deeply invested in incorporating AI into its operations, particularly in the realm of diagnostic solutions (DS) for the automotive aftermarket. The company's dedication to AI-driven innovation is part of its broader mission to enhance user experience and spearhead industry advancement. Delphi's approach to diagnostics is built on two main pillars: User-friendly design and performance optimization. By creating diagnostic systems that are easy to use and by continuou...

BMW i Ventures announced an investment in Via Science Inc. (VIA), a leading provider of Web3 data protection solutions that ensures all transactions are verified, protected and auditable, no matter where data resides. The investment, which is part of an oversubscribed Series-B funding round of $28 million, will help accelerate VIA’s mission of redefining data protection. “As software-defined vehicles, robots, and edge devices become the norm, securing data flows between sensors, onboard s...

German automotive supplier ZF has announced that effective May 1, Alex Gelbcke will take on the role of head of Europe at ZF Aftermarket, aiming to enhance the company's standing in the European market by improving customer relationships, increasing employee engagement and fostering business growth. Alex Gelbcke comes from LKQ Europe, where his responsibility is CEO Benelux and France. Through various management positions in several well-established companies, including 18 years at Tenne...

Japan-based Hitachi Astemo, a manufacturer of engine management, electric powertrain and integrated vehicle controls for major automotive manufacturers, has announced that it will change its company name to Astemo Ltd., effective April 1. Building on the accumulated achievements under the Hitachi name, Astemo aims to further strengthen the brand and become a leading company in electrification and intelligence of mobility in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) age. To implement the change,...

Japanese brake and friction material firm Akebono Brake Industry Co. Ltd. announced that it launched the Akebono Premium Comfort Business Edition (APC Business Edition) high-performance disc brake pads for one-box cars. The APC Business Edition is an offshoot of the Akebono Premium Comfort (APC) high-performance disc brake pads for minivans, which went on sale in May 2024. Targeting one-box cars that can be used in a variety of ways, the company said the pads ensure effectiveness and com...

Coats, a smart repair brand specializing in vehicle maintenance systems, service and data, has announced the launch of its new Coats CWA60003D Wheel Aligner, marking an expansion in its range of smart repair solutions. The CWA6000 is introduced as an entry-level offering, designed to complement the more advanced CWA6500, aiming to make alignment services more accessible for shops of all sizes and budgets. Built with a focus on durability, ease of use, and serviceability, the CWA6000 offers es...

Wallbox, a global provider of electric vehicle charging and energy management solutions, has achieved a significant milestone in its North American expansion by securing the California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) certification for its Supernova DC fast charger. The certification confirms that Wallbox's charging technology meets California, US' strict standards for measurement accuracy and billing transparency, crucial for participating in the sale of electricity through EV chargers. Wallbo...

Seeing Machines Ltd., an Australia-based company specializing in AI-powered operator monitoring systems for transport safety, has announced the appointment of John Noble as its new chief technology officer (CTO). Noble, who has been with the company for over 20 years in various engineering roles, will direct the technology strategy and product development to meet increasing safety regulations in the transport sector, especially in Europe where there is growing demand for driver monitoring system...

Pilot Co., General Motors (GM) and EVgo Inc. announced March 25 that their collaborative network has reached more than 130 electric vehicle fast-charging locations in over 25 states across the US. The charging network aims to offer an elevated experience along popular corridors and major interstates, enabling long-distance EV travel, Pilot, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, said in a press note. “As the busy spring and summer travel season approaches, EV drivers will be ab...

Standard Motor Products Inc. (SMP) has recently announced the expansion of its Gasoline Fuel Injector program. The company has introduced over 1,100 new Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI) and Throttle Body Injection (TBI) injectors, along with Fuel Injector Multi-Packs. These products are designed to provide original equipment (OE)-matching spray patterns and flow rates, which contribute to optimizing fuel mileage, enhancing performance and extending engine life. SM...

NTN Bearing Corp. has announced that CEO Ukai has been appointed chairperson of the World Bearing Association (WBA). His term began in September 2024 and will last for two years. Founded in 2006, the WBA is a non-profit, unincorporated industrial association comprising three major regional bearing associations: The Japan Bearing Industry Association (JBIA), the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) and the Federation of European Bearing Manufacturers’ Associations (FEBMA). These...

NaaS Technology Inc., a US-listed electric vehicle charging service company in China, has entered into a strategic partnership with Xiaomi Auto, a subsidiary of Xiaomi Group. This collaboration is set to enhance EV charging interconnectivity, user experience and intelligent mobility innovation by integrating NaaS' extensive charging network with Xiaomi Auto. Through this alliance, Xiaomi EV owners will gain access to NaaS' nationwide charging network via the Xiaomi Auto App and in-vehi...

Following the supervisory board’s approval of the spinoff last week, Continental’s Automotive group sector has decided to establish the headquarters of the planned independent company in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The aim is to locate the headquarters of the new automotive company at the current site in the Guerickestraße, Germany, by mid-2025. In total, about 4,230 employees work in the Continental-location in Frankfurt in production, research and development, and administration (as of De...

Allison Transmission, global manufacturer of automatic transmissions and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions, has announced a partnership with Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), which will see the integration of Allison's innovative FuelSense 2.0 Neutral at Stop technology across a range of Freightliner and Western Star truck models. This technology, exclusive to trucks equipped with Allison transmissions, aims to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by minimizing or elimina...

Performance Ride Technology (PRT), a brand under the ADD Group — a manufacturer of shock absorbers, suspension struts and complete strut assemblies — said that it has extended its portfolio of complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers for the North American aftermarket with over 27 new products. The expansion includes applications for a wide range of vehicles, including light vehicles, sport utility vehicles and pickups. Highlighted in the new produc...

Blink Charging Co., a globally recognized owner, operator, provider and manufacturer of electric vehicle charging equipment and services, announced its partnership with Porsche Destination Charging Program to deploy 50 chargers across various premium locations in Mexico, including hotels, retail and restaurants. This collaboration aims to enhance the charging infrastructure for the drivers of fully electric and plug-in hybrid Porsche vehicles, offering convenience at exclusive destinatio...

Dorman Products, a US-based aftermarket supplier of original equipment (OE) dealer-exclusive parts, has announced the introduction of 164 new automotive repair products for its Light Duty segment, with nearly half of these being aftermarket exclusives. These additions contribute to a catalog of over 133,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), opening up millions of new sales avenues for parts distributors, retailers and repair shops, and providing more accessible solutions for vehicle owners, the c...

Vincent Charles, previously serving as the head of Media Relations and the deputy head of Communications, has been appointed as the new head of Group Communications at Continental, effective from May 1. He will be taking over from Birgit Hiller, who has decided to leave the company to pursue a leadership role in a different industry.  Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer expressed his gratitude toward Hiller for her remarkable contributions to the company, highlighting her role in realigning C...

Bosch has inaugurated a new metal 3D printing facility at its Nuremberg plant in Germany, marking a significant advancement in its manufacturing capabilities. The company invested nearly €6 million in the center, along with the acquisition and installation of the Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer. This strategic investment positions Bosch as the first tier 1 automotive supplier in Europe to operate a facility of this performance class, underlining its commitment to Germany as...

Continental has announced the retirement of Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas LLC, effective May 1. Tansu Işık will succeed him in this role and will be the new head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tires the Americas. He will report directly to Christian Koetz, executive board member of Continental and head of Continental Tires. The company said Etzel has significantly contributed to the consolidation and competitive strengthening of Continental's tire bus...

Polestar, the Swedish performance electric-car brand, has added 2,754 electric vehicle charging points to its Polestar Charge subscription offer in the UK, the company announced March 3. With the newly added charging points to its network, Volvo Cars’ premium EV unit now offers direct access to more than 900,000 individual charging points across European markets for seamless and hassle-free public charging under the standard Polestar Charge. Of these, the company now provides a discounted c...

Valeo has announced that it has expanded its FullPack-branded Dual Mass Flywheels (DMF) product range, reaffirming its prominent role in the automotive transmission system market. Known for manufacturing original equipment clutches, DMFs, and concentric slave cylinders (CSCs), Valeo claims to be at the forefront of innovation, creating advanced transmission solutions not only for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) but also extending its expertise to clutch kits, DMFs, actuato...

In 2024, Electrify America is said to have significantly expanded its charging network and improved customer satisfaction by adopting a comprehensive strategy that targeted infrastructure growth and enhanced user experience. The company's charging network saw an impressive increase, reaching over 4,800 public chargers across North America, while customer sessions surged by 50%. To cater to the growing demand for electric vehicle charging, Electrify America focused on installing more chargers ...

Wallbox, a company specializing in electric vehicle charging solutions, has announced the launch of preorders for its newest bidirectional charger, the Quasar 2, exclusively available to eligible Kia EV9 owners and lessees. The Quasar 2, a next-generation bidirectional DC charger, combined with the Wallbox Power Recovery Unit, offers the capability for eligible Kia EV9 drivers to use their vehicle as a backup power source for their homes. This innovative technology can supply power for up to ...

ZF Aftermarket has expanded its TRW chassis product line in the first two months of 2025 by adding over 130 new parts, thereby extending chassis coverage to about 29 million additional vehicles in operation (VIO) across the US and Canada. The new chassis parts, including control arms, ball joints and tie rods, cater to a wide range of passenger cars and sport utility vehicles from manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, providing access to original equi...

Motorcar Parts of America (MPA), a US-based remanufacturer, manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, has announced the expansion of its product lines for the automotive aftermarket, introducing more than 120 new part numbers across a range of components. These newly added parts are designed to extend coverage to an additional 30 million vehicles in operation (VIO), and include starters and alternators, brake calipers, brake pads, and brake rotors. The new offerings are...

The Fuchs Group, a Germany-based independent supplier of lubrication solutions, has officially inaugurated the expansion of its production facility in Isando, Johannesburg, South Africa. With an investment of €26 million, this expansion strengthens the position of Fuchs Lubricants South Africa in key industries such as automotive, mining, original equipment manufacturing, industrial and specialty, the company stated in a release. The company’s efforts to expand in South Africa began with ...

Rivian is set to offer its R1S and R1T owners the opportunity to enhance their vehicles' driving range and performance through paywalls and over-the-air (OTA) upgrades. Specifically, the refreshed dual-motor versions of these electric vehicles will have access to a Performance upgrade, as shared by RivianTrackr and confirmed by Rivian's software leader Wassym Bensaid. This upgrade, accessible via the vehicles' infotainment screen, enhances power and torque significantly, reduces acceleration tim...

DENSO, a supplier of original equipment (OE) sensors to vehicle manufacturers worldwide, strives to deliver high-quality products necessary for vehicles. However, the brand often faces challenges from counterfeit products, which not only fail to match the quality of DENSO's offerings but also jeopardize the brand's reputation. To tackle a specific threat posed to its Hybrid wiper blade range, the company has initiated efforts to educate its customers and those responsible for fitting its OE blad...

Finland-based original equipment (OE) and replacement tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres has unveiled the Nokian Tyres Surpass AS01, a tire designed for ultrahigh-performance vehicles, claiming the tires incorporate cutting-edge technology and materials for durability and performance. The tire features sidewalls that are reinforced with Aramid fibers, a puncture-resistant material also used in bulletproof vests, aiming to provide exceptional durability and safety. With a 55,000 miles tr...

Automotive supplier Dana has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024. For the full financial year, the company reported a 2.6% year-over-year decline in sales to $10.3 billion. Lower sales impacted Dana’s earnings before interest and taxes, which fell 28.5% year over year to $226 million. The company concluded the financial year with a net loss of $57 million against a net income of $38 million in 2023. However, Dana’s adjusted net income improved to ...

The Fuchs Group, a Germany-based independent supplier of lubrication solutions, has announced significant changes to its executive board, as the terms for CFO Isabelle Adelt and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Sebastian Heiner are set to conclude on Oct. 31 and Dec. 31, respectively, without plans for renewal. To ensure a smooth transition, Fuchs has appointed successors. Esma Saglik, with a substantial background in financial management and experience as CFO at Rehau Industries since 202...

BM Catalysts, a UK-based producer of aftermarket emissions products, has announced the addition of 16 new references to its product range. This expansion aims to extend coverage to over 4 million vehicles across the UK and Europe, encompassing a variety of components such as one Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) unit, three catalytic converters and 12 pipes, which in total cover 107 vehicle fitments. Notably, a significant portion of these new additions, specifically 13 references, adher...

German automotive supplier and tire manufacturer Continental has outlined its commercial vehicle tire testing methods. It said it tests under challenging weather conditions and conducts years-round tire testing at its internal tracks, including the largest European site, the Contidrom in Jeversen, and others in the US and Scandinavia, with a special focus on winter tire testing in Arvidsjaur, Sweden. In a statement, Test Engineer Joachim Blass, with 20 years of experience at Continental, high...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has unveiled its latest innovation, the Cooper WORK Series Regional Haul All-position (RHA) 2 tire, aimed at enhancing the performance and efficiency of superregional and regional all-position commercial vehicle operations. Known for its durability and longevity, the Cooper WORK Series RHA 2 has earned the SmartWay verification, indicating its environmental efficiency and contribution to long miles to removal and even wear. This new tire is specifically craf...

Advance Auto Parts Inc., an automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America, has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and the entire year ended Dec. 28, 2024. The fourth quarter saw net sales of $2.0 billion, marking a 0.9% decrease from the previous year, with comparable store sales down by 1.0%. The company reported a gross profit of $347.1 million or 17.4% of net sales, with adjusted gross profit at $778.6 million. The operating loss stood at $820.0 million, o...

BP has launched its first new format electric vehicle charging and convenience hub at Cromwell Road on the A4 in Hammersmith, London, the company announced Feb. 20. The company said the site has been reconstructed, removing fuel refilling stations and installing five ultrafast BP Pulse 300-kW chargers. Each EV charger is capable of charging two cars simultaneously under the shelter of a canopy. The EV charging site also accommodates a redesigned convenience store, with an upgraded cafe, to ca...

Wallbox, a leading global supplier of electric vehicle charging and energy management solutions, has signed a strategic partnership with UK-based charge-point operator (CPO) Believ to jointly roll out Wallbox’s rapid and ultrarapid charge-point solutions across the UK, the company announced Feb. 18. The partnership will introduce Wallbox's comprehensive DC fast-charging portfolio, including the company's 60-kW, 120-kW, 150-kW and 220-kW Supernova models, significantly expanding the ava...

Rockford Fosgate has announced the launch of a new rear subwoofer kit designed specifically for Polaris RZR vehicles, promising a substantial bass upgrade without compromising on design. The kit is compatible with select models from 2020 to 2024, including the Pro-XP, Turbo-R and Pro-R four-seat variants. Featuring a 400-W subwoofer that requires no drilling or complex installation steps, this plug-and-play solution offers ease of installation and seamless integration with existing Rockford F...

Magneti Marelli Parts & Services has extended its logistics operations in Poland by enlarging the Sosnowiec Warehouse, a move realized through the renewal of a long-standing partnership with CEVA Logistics. This collaboration, originally established in 2004, has now been extended for an additional five years, lasting until 2029. The Sosnowiec facility, boasting 18,000 square meters of advanced infrastructure, ranks as the second main logistics hub for Magneti Marelli Parts & Services ...

Ionna, an electric vehicle charging joint venture founded by the world’s leading automakers, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, has partnered with Hubject, a global leader in interoperable EV charging solutions, to integrate the latter’s Plug&Charge ecosystem to allow a more convenient charging experience to its customers, Hubject announced Feb. 19. Integration of Hubject’s Plug&Charge solution will allow Ionna to offer...

Toyota has announced the development of its third-generation fuel-cell system (3rd Gen FC System), aimed at advancing the realization of a hydrogen society. This new fuel-cell system is tailored specifically for the commercial sector, and claims to offer the same durability as traditional diesel engines while featuring improvements in fuel efficiency and significant cost reductions compared to its predecessor. The new 3rd Gen FC System is versatile, designed for installation in a wide range o...

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has announced that through joint research with Bo Nils Johan Persson, a leading expert in the study of rubber friction and contact, it has successfully developed the world’s first theoretical model to predict the rubber wear rates on uneven road surfaces and the size distribution of wear particles. Persson, affiliated with the Peter Grünberg Institute in Germany and the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics in China, owns Multiscale Consulting, a firm aiding va...

Lubrizol, a specialty chemicals company, has announced the opening of a new ESTANE TPU production line at its Shanghai facility. This move is part of Lubrizol's strategy to enhance local production capabilities and support the growing demand for high-quality car paint protection film (PPF) in the Asia-Pacific region. Accompanying the launch, Lubrizol released a white paper titled "New-Quality Consumption, A New Growth Engine for the Car Paint Protection Film (PPF) Industry," which calls for c...

Jio-bp, a joint venture between Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) and global energy giant BP, plans to install about 30,000 electric vehicle charging points across India by 2030, according to a news report published by a local financial daily Mint. The news report cited unnamed sources aware of Jio-bp’s forward-looking plans. The JV has a network of about 5,600 EV charging points across the country. The report points out that these expansion plans align with the Union government's stra...

TATA.ev, Tata Motors' electric vehicle division, has announced a significant expansion of the country's charging infrastructure, aiming to more than double the number of EV charge points to 400,000 by 2027. This initiative builds on TATA.ev's leadership in the EV market, underscored by surpassing 200,000 EV sales and a robust track record of developing both private or home and public charging solutions since 2019. The company's strategic Open Collaboration framework, initiated in 2023 with ch...

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has signed an agreement with Shanghai-based electric-vehicle maker Nio to gain access to the latter’s EV charging network, making it one of the largest carmakers in Greater China to plug into Nio’s charging infrastructure in the world’s largest EV market, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on Feb. 14. The agreement was signed between Nio Power, the energy arm of Nio, and GWM, the report said, citing an announcement posted on the Nio App. Following...

Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to original equipment (OE) manufacturers and the aftermarket, announced that it has produced its 1 millionth lithium-ion (Li-ion) 12V battery. The company said the milestone reflects its role in the development of low-voltage energy storage technologies essential for highly electrified vehicles such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. With a comprehensive global network, Clarios ...

Continental said its Automotive group is making strides toward prioritizing future technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the realm of safe, connected, autonomous mobility. This involves a strategic overhaul of its global research and development network and processes to quickly meet customer needs. Key to this revamp is a plan to reduce the R&D ratio through efficiency measures affecting approximately 3,000 R&D jobs globally by the end of 2026, with under half of these impa...

Blink Charging Co., a global electric vehicle charging equipment and services provider, has appointed Chris Carr as its new senior vice president of Sales & Business Development. Carr brings over a decade of sales leadership experience across various industries, including a significant seven years in the renewable energy sector, emphasizing solar, energy storage and hydrogen fuel cells. In the past four years, Carr has specifically focused on the EV charging sector, contributing to the gr...

MAHLE has secured its inaugural series order for a pioneering high-performance cooling module geared toward the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) sector, with the system earmarked for use in fast-charging stations catering to electric commercial vehicles. This development comes as a result of a European cable manufacturer, specializing in megawatt charging systems for electric vehicles, selecting MAHLE's cooling module for its performance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The producti...

Auto Recycling Nederland (ARN), RAI Aftermarket and Stiba are launching an initiative to promote the reuse of automotive parts as the Dutch automotive sector actively engages in a circular transition. This initiative aims at making the reuse of parts a standard in vehicle repair and maintenance, with the goal of doubling the current rate of part reuse. As part of the initiative, consumers now have access to tools provided by RAI Vereniging and ARN that allow them to calculate the CO2 savings ...

Exide Technologies has announced a significant update to its Exide Light Vehicle battery range, introducing a new label design aimed at simplifying product identification for users. The redesign features a clear, color-coded scheme that aligns with the battery technology of each product, facilitating easier selection for automotive aftermarket distributors and technicians. This change is part of Exide's broader initiative to enhance brand recognition and adherence to its new corporate identity a...

Eberspaecher, an Esslingen, Germany-based automotive supplier, and Farasis Energy Europe, a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, have announced an exclusive strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to merge their respective strengths in the automotive sector, focusing on the development, marketing, sales and production of low-voltage batteries for automotive applications. The partnership is seen as a significant move toward addressing the growing demand for high-performance, low-...

Motorcar Parts of America (MPA), a US-based remanufacturer, manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, has reported an increase in net sales for the fiscal second quarter of 8.3% to $186.2 million from $171.9 million in the prior year. Gross profit for the quarter increased 49.4% to a record $44.9 million from $30.0 million a year earlier. Gross margin was 24.1% compared with 17.5% a year earlier. Additionally, the company achieved a net income of $...

Starfire Lubricants, a US-based premium lubrication solutions provider, has expanded its team by hiring Brian Hayes as sales manager and Pat McLaughlin for retail market expansion. Together, they bring a combined 54 years of experience, industry leadership and a proven record of success to Starfire as the company continues to expand its footprint and innovate in the lubricant industry, according to the company release.  Hayes joins as a sales manager with over 20 year...

Valeo has launched its Valeo Reman Partner Program in January 2025, marking a significant step toward strengthening its partnerships with distributors. The company said this initiative is not just a loyalty program but a comprehensive approach to recognizing and supporting the contributions of its partners. Offering exclusive bonuses, tailored services, benefits such as exclusive events, and enhanced collaboration opportunities, the program is designed to help partners amplify their busi...

Dayco, a US-based engine products and drive-systems supplier for the automotive and aftermarket industries, announced the appointment of Andy Poorman as the new head of Sales for North America Aftermarket. Poorman's background includes a notable tenure as vice president of Sales at Wolo Manufacturing, where he played a significant role in achieving record sales figures. His extensive experience encompasses various aspects of the sales industry, including planning, marketing, product managemen...

International automotive supplier Forvia Hella recently extended its SlimLine series, aimed at the commercial vehicle market, with a new LED combination lamp. The addition marks the series' expansion into a trilogy of front light functions — daytime running light, position light and direction indicator light — all encompassed within a single, sleek module. This product, showcasing a modern rectangular design, is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of commercial vehicles, inclu...

WEX, a global commerce platform, and Chargie, an electric vehicle charging solutions provider, have announced a partnership aimed at facilitating the adoption of EV fleets by businesses and government agencies. The collaboration integrates WEX's fleet payment and management platforms with Chargie's advanced EV charging hardware, software and services. This partnership is designed to ease the transition to EVs by offering streamlined operations for EV fleets, including the design, install...

In a press release dated Feb. 3, Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group, announced the initiation of its recycling operations for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. These batteries, sourced from a prominent global manufacturer of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, are being processed in an effort to bolster a sustainable supply chain for essential battery materials within the UK and to minimize the ecological footprint of battery production. Leveraging its proprietary Eco...

Continental has launched two new summer tire models, the EcoContact 7 and the EcoContact 7 S. Aimed primarily at electric vehicles, these tires also cater to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by offering lowered fuel consumption. They have achieved impressive ratings in EU tire label measurements, predominantly securing Class A for rolling resistance as well as Class A and B for wet braking and rolling noise, respectively. Continental has focused on enhancing overall tire ...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber has finalized its acquisition of the Off-the-Road (OTR) Tire business from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., a tire manufacturing and sales firm based in the US. The move follows the initial agreement announced July 22, 2024. The OTR business specializes in producing tires for industries such as mining and construction. Yokohama Rubber intends to incorporate this newly acquired business into its consolidated results starting from the first quarter of 2025, with ongoi...

Ionna, an electric vehicle charging joint venture initiated by global automakers BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, has announced its progression from a public beta phase to a full-scale national rollout. This announcement came during a significant event held at the inaugural Ionna Rechargery in Apex, North Carolina, coupled with the unveiling of its new headquarters and Customer Experience Lab in Durham, North Carolina. This transition signifies a...

As reported in a press release on Feb. 4, General Motors (GM) has successfully completed its acquisition of GM Cruise Holdings LLC, making Cruise a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, following the approval of GM's merger proposal by the Cruise board of directors. This acquisition positions Cruise to work closely with GM on the development of autonomous vehicle technology and advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles. GM plans to incorporate Cruise's technology into its Super Cruise...

German automotive supplier MAHLE has agreed to sell its 40% minority share in Langfang Kokusan Electric Co. Ltd., a company specializing in the production of electric motors, generators, and other electrical products for the automotive and leisure equipment industries. This sale will see 28.5% of the shares acquired by Langfang Jinrun Technology Group Co. Ltd. and 11.5% by Langfang State-owned Assets Business Co. Ltd., both co-shareholders in the joint venture. The agreement for this transaction...

Continental has appointed Nino Romano as the new chief technology officer (CTO) of its Automotive Group, which is in the transition phase toward becoming an independent publicly listed entity, effective Feb. 1. He succeeded Gilles Mabire who left the German supplier in November 2024. Romano has been associated with Continental for more than 30 years. Prior to the latest promotion, he was serving as the head of Quality and Operations. Romano has also been a member of the Automotive manage...

Standard Motor Products Inc. (SMP) announced an expansion of its Oil Filter Housing Kits and Assemblies range. The kits come fully assembled with sensors, oil filters, new hardware and manifold gaskets straight from the factory. SMP said its range expansion addresses common failure points found in original equipment (OE) oil filter housings, such as the Pentastar V6 engines, by incorporating design improvements such as O-rings on core plugs for a durable seal and utilizing Zytel, a high-stren...

Blink Charging Co., a US-based owner, operator, provider and manufacturer of electric vehicle charging equipment and services, has announced a significant leadership transition with Michael Battaglia stepping into the role of president and CEO, effective immediately. This transition follows the planned retirement of Brendan Jones. Previously serving as the company's COO, Battaglia is set to lead the company through its next phase of growth and innovation in the EV infrastructure and energy re...

The National Association of Representatives, Importers, and Distributors of Auto Parts and Accessories of Mexico (ARIDRA) along with the Auto Care Association have announced the third edition of the Mexican Automotive Aftermarket Congress scheduled for March 6. This event, set to occur at Hacienda San Andrés in Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico City, marks a significant collaboration between these two organizations, underscoring their commitment to advancing the automotive aftermarket industry....

Gauzy Ltd., a global firm developing light and vision control technology, has announced that its strategic partnership with edge AI semiconductor company, Ambarella Inc., has led to breakthroughs in the AI-ification of advanced driver assistance systems and their potential to drastically enhance road safety and redefine urban mobility. Incorporating a CVflow AI system-on-chip (SoC) from Ambarella’s portfolio into the design of Gauzy’s AI-powered Smart-Vision camera monitor system (CMS) enhan...

NaaS Technology Inc. announced a significant expansion of its electric vehicle charging network in China in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking a notable increase in the number of connected chargers by over 50% compared to the third quarter of the same year. A significant portion of these new additions were DC fast chargers, emphasizing the company's focus on enhancing fast-charging infrastructure. This growth comes as a result of strategic partnerships and collaborations within the EV ecosys...

Valeo and Virta have announced a partnership to promote their positions in the electric vehicle and energy management market. Valeo, recognized for its expertise in automotive technology and electrification, including a range of charging solutions under the Valeo Ineez brand, will combine its technology with Virta's, a company known for its smart EV charging services and Charging Point Management System (CPMS) platform. This platform is widely used across various industries in 36 countries withi...

German components supplier and filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has announced a significant shift in its leadership structure within the Automotive Aftermarket Americas group. Rodrigo Reyes has been reappointed to lead the aftermarket business in the Americas as the senior vice president of Automotive Aftermarket Americas. In his role, Reyes will be responsible for overseeing aftermarket activities across North and South America. His responsibilities will encompass managing engineering, sales an...

Apec Automotive, an automotive aftermarket manufacturer, has announced the launch of its new range of lighting units. The range includes over 400 parts, including various headlights, rear lights, and fog lights. The lighting units have been engineered to provide cool, crisp illumination, thereby improving visibility and driving comfort. Each unit is meticulously crafted and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure superior performance and compliance with original equipment (OE) specifications, en...

German components supplier and filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has announced the appointment of Lisa Schiffgens as the new director of Corporate Relations, effective immediately. In this significant role, Schiffgens will oversee both internal and external communications, working directly under the guidance of Chief Marketing Officer Géraldine Tenten. Schiffgens brings a wealth of experience in communications and marketing to MANN+HUMMEL, having previously served as a spokesperson for t...

ZF Aftermarket has announced the extension of its warranty on new clutches to three years, starting from Jan. 1, as part of its commitment to clutch protection. This initiative is aligned with its new campaign titled "Here For The Long Run," which emphasizes the company's long-standing expertise in clutch design and manufacturing that dates back to 1894. With a history of over 130 years in creating original equipment (OE) clutches, ZF Aftermarket said it aims to maintain its technological sup...

Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to original equipment (OE) manufacturers and the aftermarket, has announced that Varta, a brand of Clarios in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has entered its first commercial agreement with a European Fleet Operator for a new solution that aims at reducing idle times in heavy-duty vehicles. The solution is developed to minimize unnecessary engine idling, providing both economic benefits and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions...

Continental has announced significant structural changes within the ContiTech division, affecting various German locations throughout 2025. The planned adjustments involve halting production in Bad Blankenburg (Thuringia), Stolzenau (Lower Saxony), and Moers (North Rhine-Westphalia), ceasing toolmaking activities in Frohburg and Geithain (Saxony), and scaling back operations of the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) in Hamburg, Germany. Additionally, a production line at the ContiTech site in H...

Spanish energy and petrochemical company Repsol's board of directors has approved an investment in the Ecoplant project, a venture in Europe aimed at converting urban waste into renewable fuels and circular products, thus contributing to CO2 emission reduction in the transport sector and fostering the circular economy. The facility, to be located in Tarragona, Spain, represents a significant investment exceeding €800 million and is poised to be Europe's inaugural plant to produce renewable ...

Continental has announced the expansion of its ContiLifeCycle concept by introducing two new Generation 5 tire lines: The Conti Eco Gen 5 for long-distance and regional haulage, and the Conti Urban HA 5 for urban buses. These tires are designed with an emphasis on sustainability, featuring optimized rolling resistance, long lifespan and recyclability. In a statement, Hinnerk Kaiser, head of Product Development Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Continental, highlighted the inclusion o...

Bridgestone has announced its plans to construct a pilot demonstration plant for the precise pyrolysis of end-of-life tires at its facility in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The plant, set to commence operations in 2027, is aimed at showcasing technology for the chemical recycling of tires, specifically to extract tire-derived oil and recovered carbon black. This initiative is part of Bridgestone's strategy outlined in its Mid Term Business Plan (2024–2026) for sustainable growth and align...

Bridgestone Americas, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, announced the closure of its Truck and Bus Radial Tire Plant in LaVergne, Tennessee, set for July 31, 2025. This move is part of the company's strategic initiatives to enhance its business operations in the US by optimizing its footprint and improving competitiveness. The closure of the LaVergne plant, affecting around 700 employees, is aligned with Bridgestone's ongoing efforts to strengthen its premium tire business and create v...

PRT, or Performance Ride Technology, a brand under the ADD Group, a manufacturer of shock absorbers, suspension struts and complete strut assemblies, is expanding its product portfolio in the North American aftermarket. The brand announced the introduction of new applications for a variety of vehicles including light vehicles, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups. This includes significant models like BMW X3, Ford F-150, Chevy Tahoe and Jeep Compass, along with new entries such as Tesla ...

Samsara Inc., known for its Connected Operations Cloud, has announced an integration with Mobilisights, the data-as-a-service company of Stellantis. This collaboration aims to offer businesses throughout Europe an innovative way to access vehicle telematics data without the need for additional hardware, thereby facilitating improved fleet management and operational efficiency. The integration will tap into Stellantis' built-in telematics hardware across its brand portfolio, which includes Alf...

MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility, previously known as MAHLE Aftermarket, recently showcased its latest offerings at the 2025 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) from Jan. 20 to 23 in Texas. The company presented its products and service solutions tailored for heavy-duty, agricultural and industrial applications. Among the featured products were heavy-duty engine kits, which included brands like Clevite, Behr and MAHLE, alongside rotating electric and shop service equipment. These products are desi...

Hankook Tire has announced the introduction of two new additions to its Dynapro portfolio for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light trucks, alongside a new Ventus sport performance tire, in the US. The newly launched Dynapro evo AS offers a high-performance, all-season option for luxury SUVs, boasting improved dry and wet braking capabilities and a design that emphasizes quiet comfort and mileage. The second-generation Dynapro HT2, building on its predecessor's success, enhances year-round com...

Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global coatings company, and Dürr Systems AG, a leading mechanical and plant engineering firm, have entered into a partnership to offer a digital paint solution, which combines Axalta’s NextJet technology with Dürr’s robotics integration, Dürr announced on January 22. Digital paint, which is also referred to as overspray-free application, is an advanced paint application that allows for precise paint placement. Under the terms of this strategic agreeme...

Valeo has outlined its remanufacturing operations and its Reman program, adding that the same is integral to its sustainability program and its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its aftermarket activities through the principles of the circular economy. The program has an extensive product range with over 6,000 remanufactured parts, focusing on major categories such as starters, alternators, brake calipers, A/C compressors and clutches for commercial vehicles. These parts are ...

ZF Aftermarket has significantly expanded its TRW brake pad coverage in India, reaching approximately 90% of the country's vehicle market by adding 50 new part numbers in 2024, according to a news report. This announcement came during the recent Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 held in New Delhi, where ZF also presented its TRUE Originals Brake Pads series. This move builds upon the company's 2023 offering, which covered 80% of Indian vehicles with 56 part numbers, and aims to enhance parts a...

India's ASK Automotive Ltd., a manufacturer of two-wheeler brake components in India, has recently launched a new product range for passenger cars.  At the recently held Auto Expo Components Show 2025, part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi, ASK Automotive showcased a range of products and technological advancements, including the launch of the Aisin ASK Product Range. Aisin ASK India Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture of ASK Automotive, introduced innovative passenger car ...

The Freudenberg Group, a Germany-based global technology conglomerate, has recently announced a major reorganization of its management board, effective Jan. 1, with the aim of fostering innovation and growth amid a tough economic backdrop. The revamped leadership team is now led by Matthias Sckuhr as the new CEO, Kerstin Borrs as the CFO, and Gary VanWambeke stepping into the newly expanded role of chief technology officer (CTO), which now encompasses the responsibilities previously asso...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber has developed an innovative sensing technology designed to remotely monitor the operation of conveyor belts and identify any abnormalities in real time. This technology, which incorporates a proprietary radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag into Yokohama Rubber conveyor belts, can detect minute changes that are typically not visible during regular inspections, including wear, damage and temperature fluctuations. The data captured by this technology is transmitted d...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) has announced the impending closure of its Prague facility, operated by its subsidiary Yokohama TWS Czech Republic a.s., which focuses on the production and sales of cross-ply off-highway tires (OHT). The Prague plant is a part of YRC's extensive global manufacturing network and has been operational for over 90 years, but it is now slated for closure by June 2025 due to inefficiencies and its reliance on outdated technologies. The strategic program neces...

Continental has announced the launch of its new Conti EfficientPro 5 tire, specifically designed for the commercial vehicle market. The new tire incorporates the advanced silica compound, vec2Sil, aiming to enhance fuel and energy efficiency for long-distance haulage while concurrently reducing carbon emissions. In a statement, Hinnerk Kaiser, Continental's head of Product Development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the tire's role in aiding customers to achieve carbon redu...

MAHLE, an automotive components manufacturer, said it is taking significant steps to decarbonize its production site in Vaihingen-Enz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, by installing a cutting-edge photovoltaic thermal (PVT) plant. The facility is the largest of its kind in Germany and will utilize over 1,000 PVT modules supplied by Sunmaxx, a European manufacturer of PVT hybrid modules. MAHLE, serving as a strategic investor and development partner of Sunmaxx, aims to significantly reduce its dep...

The Fuchs Group, a Germany-based independent supplier of lubrication solutions, and the Dumarey Group have jointly announced that their lubricant for hydrogen internal combustion engines is now ready for market. This achievement is said to be the result of a strategic collaboration that started in 2021, focused on advancing sustainable powertrain technologies through the development of specific lubricant formulations. Moreover, the collaboration has led to the creation of leading-edge lubrica...