North America’s The Shyft Group, a company involved in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for the commercial, retail and service specialty vehicle industry, along with Aebi Schmidt Group, has announced a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction, anticipated to create a leading specialty vehicles company, according to a press release dated Dec. 16. The merger is expected to be completed by mid-2025, pending customary regulatory approvals, including that from...

BMW Group is advancing its commitment to the circular economy by constructing a Cell Recycling Competence Centre (CRCC) in Kirchroth, Lower Bavaria, focused on pioneering "direct recycling" of battery cells, according to a press release dated Nov. 27. This method, innovated internally by the BMW Group, allows for the mechanical dismantling of battery cells and production residuals into their valuable components, such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, manganese, nickel and copper. These materials ...

In a press release dated Dec. 11, SK Chemicals announced that it has successfully utilized circular recycling and bio-based materials in automotive components in collaboration with Hyundai-Kia's AVP Division and Basic Materials Research Center, marking an advancement in the circular economy within the auto industry. This collaboration led to the development of the Kia EV3 Study Car, which featured six types of automotive parts made from these sustainable materials. The project, which spa...

Tesla's introduction of stalkless vehicles, beginning with the new Model S and Model X, and followed by the refreshed Model 3, has paved the way for the emergence of aftermarket drive stalks designed to attach to the steering wheel. This move by Tesla, which left the Model Y as the exception although it is anticipated to also adopt this change, replaces traditional steering wheel stalks with force touch buttons for turn signals and drive gear controls on the center screen. This design choice ...

General Motors (GM) has decided to discontinue including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles, leading to an opening that aftermarket companies are rushing to fill. White Automotive & Media Services has introduced a retrofit kit that reintegrates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into several of GM's Ultium-based EV models. This kit is designed to be compatible with five specific vehicles: The Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV (specifically ...

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced that it has made a technical breakthrough in the closed‑loop recycling of polyurethane seat foam from its used vehicles by successfully reintegrating it back into the production of new seats, according to a press release dated Nov. 27. In collaboration with Dow’s MobilityScience material innovations and automotive seating supplier Adient, the company says this is the first time closed‑loop seat foam content has been successfully used in automotive p...

Polaris, a US-based powersports company, has announced that Andy Williams will be appointed as the president of Parts, Garments and Accessories (PG&A) and Aftermarket, with effect from Jan. 1, 2025, according to a press release dated Nov. 22, 2024. Williams replaces Steve Eastman, the current president who is set to retire on Dec. 31, 2024. Williams, who has been with Polaris since 2013, brings a wealth of experience from his prior roles, including his work at Advance Auto Parts and ...

Free2move Charge, Stellantis’ all-in-one electric vehicle charging solution designed to deliver seamless charging and energy management facilities, has rolled out Free2move Charge Go for independent EV owners, Stellantis announced Oct. 28. Free2move Charge Go is a design-to-customer solution, providing a simple and accessible public charging experience that ensures drivers can access charging points, initiate charging and manage payments with just three clicks, the company said, adding that...

Aisin Corp. has announced the launch of a new company aimed at the Americas aftermarket industry, named Aisin Aftermarket & Service of America Inc., according to a report on Aftermarket Matters dated Nov. 11. This initiative involves merging Awtec, an Aisin company specializing in transmission remanufacturing, with the aftermarket business unit of Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA). Significance: The move is intended to transition Aisin from offering primarily in-house brands to...

Renault UK and Mobilize, the electric vehicle division of the French carmaker, have partnered with Octopus Energy to offer customers of its battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with a one-year free EV charging facility, Renault UK announced Nov. 7. The partnership also includes providing access to the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff to Renault BEV customers, who could save hundreds of pounds a year over a standard variable tariff, it said. Moreover, retail customers who purchase Renault’s Scenic ...

Luxury-car maker Mercedes-Benz has opened its own closed-loop battery recycling plant in Germany, the company announced Oct. 21. It claimed that the newly opened battery recycling facility is not only the first in Europe but also makes Mercedes-Benz the first carmaker globally to close the battery recycling loop with its own in-house facility. The new battery recycling plant, which features an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process, is located in Kuppenheim, southern Germany. With t...

GM Energy, a subsidiary of General Motors, is broadening its offerings with the introduction of the GM Energy PowerBank, a new product designed for electric vehicle owners to store and manage energy in the US, according to a press release dated Oct. 10. This stationary storage solution is now available in two capacities, 10.6 kWh and 17.7 kWh, and is part of GM Energy's efforts to enable homeowners to save energy for use during power outages, during peak electricity demand periods, or to supp...

Japan's Nissan Motor Co. has announced its plans to bring a technology by 2026 to the Britain market that will enable electric vehicle batteries to supply power to transmission and distribution grids, according to a press release dated Oct. 11. This technology, known as bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G), would allow EV owners not only to power their homes using the electricity stored in their vehicles but also to sell any surplus power back to electric power companies. Nissan aims to i...

South Korean consumer electronics major LG Electronics plans to accelerate its growth in new emerging business areas, including the company’s electric vehicle charger business, the company announced on the sidelines of a press conference organized on Oct. 10 at LG Digital Park in South Korea. LG, which claimed that its EV charger business is turning out to be an emerging unicorn within the LG umbrella, is looking to aggressively expand its presence in the global EV charger market through st...

ChargePoint, a prominent provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles, announced a new initiative that simplifies the process for drivers in the US to install residential chargers. With the purchase of a ChargePoint Home Flex charger, customers can now access a straightforward installation service, transforming it into a seamless "one stop shop" experience. This service, available through ChargePoint's website, requires customers to answer three questions about their home to...

Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA) has announced the acquisition of business assets from its strategic partner, Leon Import SA (Leon), an aftermarket import and sales company based in the Colon Free Trade Zone, Panama, according to a press release dated Oct. 4. This move, announced by AWA President and CEO Scott Turpin, marks an important milestone following a joint venture formed between AWA and Leon in 2019, which led to the establishment of Aisin Sales Latin America (ASLA), the release add...

Nissan announced that it has turned to advanced AI and machine learning technologies to enhance the quality of its vehicle painting process, according to a press release dated Sept. 30. Recognizing the importance of flawless paintwork in conveying vehicle quality, Nissan utilizes nearly two gallons of paint per vehicle, applying three coats (prime, base and clear) during manufacturing. Despite operating in the most sterile environments, the opportunity for imperfections remains a challenge. ...

Battery recycling startup Redwood Materials has announced a partnership with BMW of North America to recycle lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries from electrified vehicles across the BMW Group, which encompasses brands such as BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce and BMW Motorrad, according to a press release dated Sept. 19. This collaboration will leverage BMW Group's network of over 700 locations, including dealerships and distribution centers, to facilitate the recovery of end-of-life batteries. Redwood ...

Kia announced that it has introduced a significant over-the-air (OTA) update for its telematics-equipped vehicles from the model year 2022 onward, enhancing the in-car experience with 153 changes, including the integration of music streaming via SoundCloud, advancements in EV Route Planner and the addition of new voice commands, according to a press release dated Sept. 24. The update, facilitated through the Kia Connect App, allows for remote vehicle enhancement and boasts a tripled...

Hyundai Motor Co. and Škoda Group have embarked on a collaborative journey by entering a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed during the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague, targeting the development of a hydrogen mobility ecosystem, according to a press release dated Sept. 20. This agreement was sanctioned by high-ranking officials from both companies: Ken Ramírez, executive vice president and head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai; and Petr ...

General Motors (GM) has announced a significant enhancement for its electric vehicle customers, enabling access to over 17,800 Tesla Superchargers across the US through the use of a GM-approved North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC adapter, according to a press release dated Sept. 20. This move not only opens up a vast network of fast-charging options but also aligns with GM's commitment to foster an all-electric future by improving infrastructure and customer charging experiences, the s...

Stellantis and Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) have collaborated to launch Selenia SUSTAINera, a new range of cobranded engine oils that emphasizes environmental responsibility by incorporating high-quality recycled base oils, according to a press release dated Sept. 13. This initiative is an important step forward in the partnership between the two companies, showcasing their mutual commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing engine performance through innovative technology...

California's legislature has approved a bill aimed at increasing privacy and safety for vehicle owners, specifically targeting victims of domestic or sexual assault and human trafficking, according to a press release on Sept. 13. This legislation, known as SB1394, is awaiting the approval of the governor. If enacted, the bill will gradually implement new requirements for original equipment manufacturers through 2028 to enhance the privacy of connected vehicle services.  Starting from Jul...

The Attorney General's Office (OAG) of Pennsylvania, US, recently updated the state's Automotive Industry Trade Practices regulation to offer better protection for consumers buying used vehicles, according to a report by Repairer Driven News dated Sept. 17. The amendment includes requirements for online advertising, mandating that advertised vehicles undergo an inspection within 30 days of being added to a dealer's inventory. Additionally, vehicles must be reinspected if they accumulate 500 m...

South Korean carmaker Kia, via its Kia Connect division, has entered into a strategic partnership with Geotab, a company specializing in connected vehicle and asset management solutions, to deliver fleet management for Kia's Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) range, according to a press release dated Sept. 16. The collaboration will integrate a range of data solutions, with enhanced in-vehicle technology, innovative systems, route optimization and safe driving features to help improve operational ...

Honda Australia was found guilty of allegedly breaching the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS) by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and has paid a penalty of approximately US$12,700, according to a report on Sept. 17. The MVIS was introduced in Australia to provide fair access to independent service and repair workshops for all the necessary diagnostic software and technical information that is needed to work on modern-day vehicles, ther...

JSW MG Motor India has launched the MG Windsor, positioned as the country's inaugural mass-market electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) at a starting price of 999,000 rupees (about $11,896). The vehicle comes with a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) program, which allows customers to purchase the CUV at a lower upfront initial cost (excluding battery cost) and pay for the battery on a pay-per-usage model. This reduces the upfront cost of buying an EV and offers flexibility in payments, the com...

Japan’s Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that it will release the aerodynamic fin tire ADVAN A50 designed for Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.'s light "COPEN" open sports car as a general commercial product exclusively for Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. at Daihatsu dealers nationwide from September 2024, according to a press release dated Aug. 28. The ADVAN A50, claimed to be the first fin tire launched by the company, will be available in one size, 165/50R16 75V. The tire has 12 fins arranged in ...

Japan’s Isuzu Motors Limited and Mitsubishi Corporation have announced that will start a feasibility study of battery swapping in Thailand starting in 2025 and the feasibility was selected as "The Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project" supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, according to a press release dated Aug. 23.  Starting in 2025, the companies will conduct a demonstration introducing a battery-swapping solution and integrating it with the en...

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Aug. 29 that California has achieved a milestone of installing over 150,000 chargers across the state, comprising 137,648 Level 2 and 14,708 fast chargers. This development follows closely on the heels of California recording its second-highest market share in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, he said. Furthermore, the state is set to receive upward of $380 million from President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand its charging in...

Ford has announced enhancements to its 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine utilized in both the Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor models, facilitated by a new software calibration from Ford Performance Parts, according to a press release dated Aug. 29. The move delivers a notable increase in low-end torque and horsepower. The Ranger Raptor now boasts a torque of 536 foot-pound (lb-ft) from a previous 430 lb-ft, and horsepower has risen from 405 to 455. Similarly, the Bronco Raptor experiences a torque en...

The US government announced Aug. 27 that it would provide new funding of $521 million to continue building out electric vehicle charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure across 29 states, eight Federally Recognized Tribes and the District of Columbia, including the deployment of more than 9,200 EV charging ports across the country. The new EV infrastructure aims to increase the access and reliability to communities across the country and provides EV charging to light-, medium- and heavy...

Nissan is conducting trials of an innovative paint that helps to reduce the ambient cabin temperature in summer, and to reduce the energy usage of the air-conditioning system, the Japanese automaker said in a press release on Aug. 6. The company has developed this paint with Radi-Cool, a specialist in radiative-cooling products. The innovative paint includes metamaterial, synthetic composite materials with structures that exhibit properties not usually found in nature. This innovative pa...

CerebrumX Labs Inc., a company specializing in AI-driven automotive data solutions, has formed a partnership with Onward Fleet Solutions, a provider of fleet solutions, to enhance fleet tracking and management utilizing embedded data-driven analytics, according to a press release dated Aug. 14. This collaboration offers Onward's customers tailored solutions for gaining insights into connected vehicle health, driver efficiency and fleet performance. The integration of CerebrumX's data platform...

Japan's Isuzu Motors Ltd. has announced plans to offer connected services for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in North America, marking the company's first foray into connected BEV services outside Japan, according to a press release dated July 31. These services are set to be introduced along with BEV trucks in North America and will be expanded to other global markets over time. Using the GATEX commercial vehicle information platform, Isuzu aims to provide uptime support and charging manag...

Stellantis, a global original equipment manufacturer, has announced that it is expanding its SUSTAINera product portfolio in Brazil and also introducing a range of remanufactured parts in the country. The company previously offered five product lines, which included turbochargers, steering racks, automatic gearboxes, starters and alternators. It has now expanded this to include air conditioning compressors, rear differentials and transfer cases. These will also be available at Stellantis dealers...

Ecarx, a global automotive technology provider, announced that it has sold its minority stake of 40% in HaleyTek AB to Volvo Cars, according to a press release dated Aug. 1. HaleyTek is a joint venture between Volvo Car Corp. and Ecarx, which was created to develop software for Android-powered infotainment systems. Ecarx will continue to collaborate with Volvo Cars and HaleyTek as a fully-owned subsidiary of Volvo Cars, developing technology solutions to enhance the driving experience of...

Blink Charging, a provider of electric vehicle charging solutions, has been designated as an official supplier in the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint's new EV charging station portfolio, according to a press release dated July 25. This initiative, led by the state of Maryland, US, and part of NASPO's emerging markets initiative, seeks to offer public entities across the US with robust EV charging solutions to accommodate the increasing demand for EV in...

Stellantis has announced that it is the first car manufacturer to promote circular economy in the development of lubricants with the introduction of a premium and sustainable lubricant in Europe, according to a press release dated July 12. The Quartz EV3R 10W-40 is made from premium regenerated oil and offers equivalent performance to lubricants based on virgin oils, the company said, adding that the oil showcases Stellantis' dedication to the circular economy and environmental responsibility...

Statiq, one of India's leading electric vehicle charging networks, has recently won a significant tender from Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. (BPCL), marking a considerable step forward in improving the country's EV infrastructure. This collaboration involves Statiq developing a custom app for BPCL and incorporating BPCL's existing charging network, which includes about 2,800 chargers (2,000 AC and 800 DC chargers), into Statiq's platform. Akshit Bansal, the CEO of Statiq, expressed enthusia...

PT Hyundai Motors Indonesia has announced that it will expand the electric vehicle charging station network across Indonesia, a move that underscores the company's commitment to leading the country's vehicle electrification efforts, according to a press release dated July 19. Announced at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2024 in ICE BSD City, Hyundai entered into memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with multiple charge-point operator (CPO) partners. This collab...

Volvo Cars has signed a partnership with Hubject, an electric vehicle interoperability market leader, to offer its EV customers access to the latter’s roaming platform Plug&Charge for providing a seamless charging experience, Hubject announced July 16. Following the partnership with Hubject, drivers of fully electric Volvo cars, starting with the EX90, will be able to simply plug their vehicles into a compatible charging station, and the vehicle will automatically handle authentica...

Wheels, a fleet management company in North America, announced that it has received a significant minority investment from Marubeni Corp., a Japanese trading and investment conglomerate, and Lithia & Driveway (LAD), an automotive retailer in North America that also provides a suite of financing, leasing, repair and maintenance options, according to a press release dated June 27. The investment positions Wheels alongside prominent entities in the mobility sector, supporting its ongoin...

Stellantis has introduced electric vehicle charging packages under its own charging brand Free2move as it prepares to launch battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the US later in 2024. The company announced July 15 that it has launched its Free2move Charge website and Free2move Charge app in the US to ease customer transition to EVs. The carmaker plans to roll out two charging packages along with its EV models to its customers in the US: Free2move Charge — Home Package and Free2move Char...

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (Honda) and Mitsubishi Corp. (Mitsubishi) have jointly announced their decision to form a new joint venture company, Altna Co. Ltd. (Altna), set to be established in July, according to a press release dated June 13. This announcement follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two firms in October 2023, which initiated discussions aimed at exploring new business opportunities amid the expected surge in the electric vehicle market and the global shift towar...

Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp. announced in a press release dated June 24 its acquisition of a 5.01% stake in FleetPartners Group, as of June 19. FleetPartners specializes in comprehensive fleet management services and caters primarily to corporate clients in Australia and New Zealand. Tatsuo Nakamura, executive vice president (responsible for Sales) of Mitsubishi Motors, said, “Australia is one of our core markets, and we have made this investment with the aim to further expand our sal...

Stellantis North America has inaugurated a new Mopar Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, at an investment of C$25.1 million and is set to provide employment for over 170 individuals, according to a press release dated July 9. The PDC, encompassing 513,000 square feet, is designed to serve the Greater Toronto Area, Quebec, and Eastern Canada, housing nearly 55,000 parts and having the capacity to ship up to 2 million orders annually. According to the company, a not...

Porsche Cars Canada Ltd. (PCL) announced it appointed Matthias Wacker the new head of the aftersales department, taking over from Alexander Pretsch, who has now assumed the role of director, customer relations at Porsche AG, according to a press release dated July 2. PCL is the exclusive importer and distributor of the Porsche 911, 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, Taycan, Panamera, and the Cayenne and Macan. Wacker's transition to the Canadian subsidiary comes after a tenure at Porsche AG in Germa...

Maserati Korea was officially launched in Seoul, marking a new chapter for the Italian luxury car brand in the Korean market, according to a press release dated July 3. The launch event took place with Maserati CEO Davide Grasso, Chief Commercial Officer Luca Delfino, and Takayuki Kimura, the managing director of Korea and Japan, expressing their dedication to enhancing the brand's presence in South Korea. Maserati, which exports 86% of its products to over 70 countries, aims to establish its...

Charge+, a provider of electric-vehicle charging solutions in Southeast Asia, has collaborated with Porsche to introduce a 1,700 km EV charging network in Vietnam, aimed at connecting the country's two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This network, announced June 20, will feature 17 Direct Current (DC) ultra-fast charging sites across Vietnam over the next three years. The first phase, including nine sites with up to 180 kW power rating in key cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, ...

Navistar, Inc., based in Lisle, Ill., announced the appointment of Dan Kayser as the new executive vice president of commercial operations, effective July 1, according to a press release dated June 18. This addition to the executive leadership team is part of Navistar's strategic effort to bolster its position in the commercial transportation industry and to embrace change management, the release added. Kayser's role will involve collaboration with the executive team to enhance customer satis...

Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA) announced that it has signed an agreement with ChargePoint, a leading provider of charging solutions for electric vehicles, which will enable access to its charging network within the Porsche Charging Service, according to a press release dated June 14. The collaboration will increase the number of chargers available to Porsche customers to more than 86,000 across the US. “We passionately believe in choice, and as a result we are constantly looking for...

Mitsubishi Motors, along with Eneos Power Corp. and Nature Inc., has announced that they have agreed to begin a feasibility study for the optimization of battery charging for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), according to a press release dated May 17. The study will be around the unidirectional charging control from the power grid to the electric vehicle and will begin in the second half of 2024. In this demonstration, employees of the Eneos Group and Mitsubishi Motors will remotely control t...

Japan’s Subaru Corp. and Kinto Corp. have signed a business partnership agreement to launch a new car subscription service — SUBARU x KINTO — on May 16. SUBARU x KINTO is a new service that utilizes Kinto's new car subscription service platform to meet the needs of people who want to choose a plan that suits their usage for the cost of acquiring and maintaining a new car, the release added. Kinto was established with investment from Toyota Financial Services Co. Ltd., ...

Vietnamese electric-vehicle maker VinFast Auto has signed a cooperation agreement with Bosch, a leading global supplier of automotive technology and services, to get access to the latter’s extensive network of 700,000 charging points in 30 countries in Europe, the company announced May 15. The cooperation deal with Bosch will provide VinFast’s EV customers in Europe access to a large network of EV charging points across Europe, providing these customers with the freedom and convenience to...

Autel has announced its tablets have received approval for Nissan Central Gateway (CGW) access via AutoAuth, an aftermarket tool original equipment (OE)-authentication service, according to a press release dated May 22. This will enable registered users to access secured systems and carry out comprehensive diagnostics on select late-model Nissan vehicles. Users who register their shop and tablet at AutoAuth can perform several diagnostics and service tasks, including clearing codes, bidirecti...

Luca Parasacco has been appointed head of Maserati Europe, effective May 20. This appointment comes as part of a wider restructuring within Maserati Commercial, which aims to cover the brand's objectives and strengthen the team headed by global Chief Commercial Officer Luca Delfino, who was appointed in January. Parasacco has been a part of the group since 1997, and in his previous role as head of global DISTRIGO, he led a distribution network supplying original spare parts to 11 brands under th...

Porsche has outlined its accessories portfolio for its models, saying that its portfolio allows models that have already been delivered to be customized while staying true to the brand with the product and retrofit options, according to a press release dated May 2. The company said all products under Porsche Accessories are tailored to the customers’ requirements and individual life style, and the vehicle warranty remains in full effect. The Porsche Accessories product program currentl...

Syncron, a provider of AI-based aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer aftersales software, has announced that its Syncron Warranty software has been selected by Bollinger Motors, a US electric commercial truck manufacturer based in Oak Park, Mich., according to a press release dated April 30. Bollinger Motors, which will launch the innovative, all-electric Bollinger B4 in the second half of 2024, identified the need for an end-to-end warranty life-cycle partner with deep a...

Fuchs SE, the world's largest independent supplier of lubricant solutions for almost all industries and applications, and Mercedes-Benz Global Customer Service & Parts have announced a strategic business partnership aimed at fostering innovation, technology and sustainability in the automotive aftersales, according to a press release dated April 4. The two companies signed a collaboration contract on March 28. The companies said the partnership is poised to redefine automotive lubrication...

Mitsubishi Corp. (MC), Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. (MFTBC) and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. have announced that they plan to jointly establish a new company — Evnion Inc. — in June 2024, to operate an online platform to provide one-stop services relating to electric vehicles, according to a press release dated March 13. The establishment of Evnion will be subject to receipt of regulatory clearances from the relevant authorities. The three companies decided to establish Evnion with...

Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) has agreed with Panasonic Holdings Corp. (Panasonic HD) to make Primearth EV Energy Co. Ltd. (PEVE) a wholly owned subsidiary, according to a press release dated March 5. The move is aimed at strengthening PEVE’s capabilities in mass-producing automotive batteries. The acquisition took place in late March. Among Toyota-affiliated companies, currently PEVE, Toyota Industries Corp., and Prime Planet Energy & Solutions Inc. (ownership: Toyota 51%, Pa...

After the release of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, the Auto Care Association is renewing its call on the US Congress to move the federal right-to-repair legislation ahead, a release published by the association stated on March 21. The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 906), which has received bipartisan support in government, is aimed at ensuring that vehicle owners and independent repairers have access to data, tools and softwa...

Pham Nhat Vuong, Chairman of Vingroup Corporation and founder of VinFast, has announced the establishment of an electric vehicle charging station venture named V-Green, according to a press release dated Mar. 18. VinFast vehicles will receive priority access at the EV charging stations. According to the release, V-Green's mission is twofold: investing in the development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure system that prioritizes supporting VinFast vehicles, and propelling Vietnam towar...

In 2024 and 2025, German commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus will establish battery-repair centers in Italy, Denmark and Norway, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Poland, and UK, with further countries in Europe being planned, according to a press release dated Feb. 22. The company said that millions will be invested in these centers over the next two years. Two battery-repair centers are already in operation in Germany (Hanover-Laatzen site) and Spain (Barcelona). The fi...

Mitsubishi Motors, MC Retail Energy Co. Ltd., Kaluza Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corp. (MC) have announced the launch of a proof of concept (PoC) in electric vehicle smart charging, according to a press release dated Feb. 15. Kaluza is a subsidiary of the UK-based energy service provider OVO Group, in which MC acquired a 20% interest in 2019. This PoC will seek to verify the commercial viability of what would be Japan's first smart-charging service, leveraging EV connected technologies. The data...

Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. (MC) announced that it has agreed to subscribe approximately 32% shares in TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Pvt. Ltd. (TVS VMS), a multibrand dealer in India, through private placement, according to a press release dated Feb. 19. To gain a downstream foothold in the rapidly growing Indian automotive sector, MC had invested in one of India's largest independent aftersales services providers, i.e., TVS Automobile Solutions (TASL), in 2019. TASL has a network of about 700...

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. has announced that it is collaborating with Mitsubishi Motors Finance Co. Ltd. to develop an electric vehicle (EV and PHEV), and chargers and vehicle-to-home (V2H) devices, according to a press release dated Jan. 17. The company has started selling a lease plan in one package from Jan. 19. Through this lease plan, customers will be able to make a one-stop contract from lease application to installation for electric vehicles (EVs and PHEVs), including the minicab EV, a ...

Japan’s Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has announced that it will launch Nissan Energy Share in Japan on March 1 to further unlock the value of electric vehicles, according to a press release dated Feb. 2. The new service features Nissan’s energy management technology that controls the charging and discharging of EV batteries. Nissan said it has been researching the most efficient ways of managing energy through studies and field tests in locations such as Namie, Fukushima, Japan, and validating i...

MAN Truck & Bus is expanding its global logistics center in Salzgitter, Germany, to accommodate the growing demand for components for electric vehicles, including batteries and battery parts, according to a press release dated Feb. 1. The expansion will increase the center's size by 25% to about 230,000 square meters, with a new building covering 52,650 square meters. The center will have a capacity for up to 40,000 parts and will be completed by the end of 2024, with operations scheduled...

General Motors (GM) is making some of OnStar's most popular features standard in all 2025 vehicles, including the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, according to a press release dated Feb. 2. Starting with the 2025 model year, every customer who buys a new vehicle will get Automatic Crash Response, remote vehicle commands, and navigation and voice assistance features at no additional cost above the vehicle purchase price. OnStar One Essentials, a new package, brings together these features i...

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has introduced Ultra Body Coating, an enhancing appeal and protective solution for its customers, according to a press release dated Jan. 31. The Ultra Body Coating is a high-performance transparent layer formulated with a next-generation material called Silane, which makes it the hardest glass-based coating by industry standard, the release added. The company said that the coating provides an ultraglossy, glass-based, super smooth surface to the vehicle and retains ...

Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Co., has unveiled several new and improved software and technology features to give fleet managers more insight about and control over how their commercial vehicles are operated to manage fleet risk, according to a press release dated Jan. 25. Ford Pro’s commercial solutions pull connected vehicle data and integrate it into the Ford Pro Intelligence platform to give fleet managers a new level of insight about and control over vehicles on t...

Nima Energy plans to accelerate the rollout of its electric vehicle chargers in Sweden. In a press note on Jan. 22, the company said that it is currently setting up 150 ultrafast-charging points from Stockholm to Skåne, Sweden, including 50 charging points in central Stockholm. In December 2023, the company had opened three new charging sites with a total of 24 charging points in Skillingaryd, Sweden, along the E4; in Håby, Sweden, along the E6; and in Vä, Sweden, along the E22. Th...

US automaker Ford's engineers in Cologne, Germany, have launched an innovative research project to explore how food waste could be repurposed to create auto-part prototypes. They found the prototypes to be durable and believe that research such as this could enable lighter-weight parts that reduce the amount of plastic used in vehicle parts, reduce the carbon footprint of auto parts, and bring the company closer to its goal of using more recycled and renewable content in its vehicles, accor...

SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services Inc. (SiriusXM Connect), a subsidiary of SiriusXM Holdings Inc. and a provider of connected products and services to vehicle manufacturers, has announced an expansion of its Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (ACN+) safety technology in partnership with RapidSOS, an intelligent safety company, according to a press release dated Jan. 11. ACN+ powered by RapidSOS provides emergency response by digitally delivering critical incident and vehicle crash data t...

Rental firm Hertz Global Holdings has announced that it will sell approximately 20,000 electric vehicles from its US fleet, or about one-third of the global EV fleet, according to an SEC filing dated Jan. 11. The sale, which was initiated in December 2023 and is expected to take place over the course of 2024, will cover multiple makes and models. The company expects to reinvest a portion of the proceeds from the sale of EVs into the purchase of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to meet c...

Vietnamese electric-vehicle maker VinFast has appointed new dealerships to expand its retail presence in the US, the company announced Jan. 2. VinFast said that it has officially signed agreements with five dealers in four states across the country. The company has plans to further expand its dealership network to 125 outlets across the US in the future. In addition to its newly appointed dealerships, the carmaker currently operates in the US with 13 retail stores and service centers in Calif...

Volkswagen has announced that it will present the first vehicles where the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT is integrated into its Ida voice assistant, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 electronics trade fair held from Jan. 9 to 12, according to a press release dated Jan. 8. In future, customers will have seamless access to the constantly growing AI database in all Volkswagen models equipped with the Ida voice assistant and have researched content read out to them while driving, the release...

Tesla Inc. is being ordered by two US senators to recall steering control and suspension components, following the results of a recent Reuters investigation, Repairer Driven News reported Jan. 2. According to the investigation, the company knew about the existing flaws in its vehicles that led to component failures, but hid the causes and blamed the customers instead. Tesla has countered that the company is “truthful and transparent” and the article is “erroneous.” The National Hig...

The US non-profit group Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that all 20 participating automakers have fulfilled a voluntary pledge to equip at least 95% of all the light vehicles they produce for the US market with automatic emergency braking (AEB), according to a press release dated Dec. 21. The 2016 commitment was brokered by the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In it, the automakers pledged to equip at least 95% of their cars and ...

VinFast, an electric vehicle manufacturer in Vietnam, and Marubeni Corp. (Marubeni), a Japanese trading and investment conglomerate, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities in the secondary use of EV batteries and establish a circular economy model, according to a press release dated Dec. 18. The MOU was signed in Tokyo with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam and globally. Under the MOU, VinFast and Marubeni will collaborate on researching...

As part of the Independent Service Providers (ISP) group, CLEPA and nine other European associations representing the mobility ecosystem, including consumers and insurers, have written to the European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen to express dismay at a new delay in the Commission’s adoption of a long-promised sectoral legislation for access to in-vehicle data, according to a press release dated December 19 by The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (Comité de Liaison...

Stellantis and Valeo have partnered to launch the first windshield-mounted automotive video camera remanufactured by Valeo at its Circular Electronics Lab in Nevers, France, according to a company press release on Dec. 15. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in their commitment to the circular economy and sustainability. The remanufactured camera offers the same two-year warranty and performance as new parts while saving up to 99% of natural resources compared with new ones. Valeo i...

Volkswagen Passenger Cars India and German luxury-car manufacturer Audi have announced complimentary Roadside Assistance (RSA) for customer cars impacted by the floods caused by the severe cyclonic storm Cyclone Michaung in Chennai, India, according to news reports. Volkswagen India will additionally also provide customers with a priority comprehensive service check of vehicles to ensure timely repair of flood-related damages. Necessary standardized repair guidelines have been issued across d...

German automaker Volkswagen is embarking on cost optimization for a successful transition toward electric mobility, according to a Reuters report on Nov. 28. The company's €10 billion cost-cutting program will include staff reductions, quoting its Brand Chief Thomas Schaefer, who stated that high costs and low productivity are making the company's cars uncompetitive. The company is in negotiations with its works council over the cost-cutting scheme at its VW brand, which is the first step i...

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Redwood Materials have expanded their recycling agreement to create a closed-loop battery ecosystem, according to a press release dated Nov. 16. The agreement aims to recycle and reuse batteries from Toyota's electrified vehicles, with the goal of creating a sustainable and circular supply chain. Toyota will source cathode active material (CAM) and anode copper foil from Redwood's recycling activities for its future battery production. The agreement builds o...

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been facing a parts shortage crisis, since the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2023, that has left almost 5,000 vehicles waiting for repairs at the company's aftersales service centers, according to a press release dated Nov. 6. The delay has been caused by the transition of the company’s supply chain from several warehouses to one "super center" that is operated by its logistics partner Unipart Logistics. This problem has further exacerbated the f...

According to a briefing from the UK Prime Minister’s Office, the government is bringing forward a bill that is aimed at protecting consumer rights by according liability of collisions involving autonomous vehicles to original equipment manufacturers, a press release dated Nov. 10 said. This policy could clear any ambiguity in the industry, especially in terms of who will pay for vehicle damage in the event of a collision. According to recent reports, some insurance companies have suppo...

Honda Motor Co. and Yamato Transport Co. Ltd will begin a feasibility study of delivery light electric vehicles or kei cars with swappable batteries from November, according to a press release dated Oct. 19. The swappable batteries used in the vehicles use electricity derived from renewable energy to contribute to the realization of energy management, the release added. This demonstration will use Honda's light EV "MEV-VAN Concept. Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 through all o...

Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars has partnered with Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) to gain access to the electric vehicle charging service provider’s network of more than 590,000 charging points spread across 30 countries in Europe, DCS announced October 16. The charging process will work via the Volvo Cars App, using a DCS white-label solution, the company said, adding that the collaboration will begin in Italy and Switzerland on November 16 and will be gradually expanded to 30 markets b...

Black Star, a French company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of retread tires for private vehicles, light trucks, and 4-wheel drives (4WD) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), has officially announced a commercial and communication partnership with Renault Group, according to a press release dated October 5. This partnership involves the listing of Leonard-branded reconditioned consumer tires throughout the Renault Group dealership and points-of-sale network, the release added....

Kia India announced that it has inaugurated its first green workshop at Rohtak, Haryana, India, according to a press release dated September 26. The solar panel-powered facility extensively optimizes water and energy usage, which helps in meeting more than 80% of the energy requirements while powering an electric vehicle AC charging unit. Kia is also replicating its water-recycling model from one of its manufacturing facilities in Anantapur, India, in this workshop, by recycling 100% of ...

The State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Standardization Administration of China has officially approved its own national DC fast-charging standard, according to a press note issued by the CHAdeMO Association on September 20. According to the note, the government body in China released the three key standards for ChaoJi-1, the next-generation DC charging technology using the GB/T communication protocol, on September 12. Interestingly, ChaoJi-1 uses the new, harmonized c...

Hyundai Motor America has announced that it is now offering customers who purchase or lease select Hyundai electric vehicles a complimentary ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger and up to $600 off installation, according to a press release dated September 21. This new offer is available to customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 or 2024 Ioniq 5, 2023 or 2024 Ioniq 6, or 2023 Kona Electric through Hyundai Motor Finance beginning September 21 through October 31. Customers who purc...

Nissan Motor Co. has announced the launch of a portable power generator that uses recycled batteries from the Nissan Leaf, according to a press release dated August 31. Nissan has codeveloped the portable generator with JVC Kenwood and 4R Energy Co. Nissan will release this portable battery at Nissan dealerships nationwide from September 9, the release added. JVC Kenwood will launch similar products later in 2023, starting with its official online JVC Kenwood store. Nissan said the Leaf's ...

US-based REV Group, a designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, has announced the appointment of Maureen O’Connell as an independent member of its board of directors, effective August 25, according to a press release dated August 30. She succeeds Justin Fish, who has resigned after seven years serving as a board director. O’Connell will also sit on the nomination and governance committee. In addition to REV Group, O’Connell currently is ...

Stellantis has announced its partnership with Charge Enterprises, a US-based electrical, broadband and electric vehicle charging-infrastructure company, in which Charge has become an EV charging installation partner for Stellantis' over 2,600 US dealer network, according to a press release dated August 28. With this announcement, Charge becomes the fourth recommended partner for dealer-EV readiness for Stellantis dealers across the US, joining Future Energy, Vehya and AGI. The move by Stellan...

Italian carmaker Stellantis has announced that it will extend its B-parts Reuse e-commerce business channel to North America by the end of 2023, according to a press release dated August 16. The news was shared by Alison Jones, senior vice president of Global Circular Economy, Stellantis, during the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Sustainability Summit earlier in August in Troy, Mich. The company currently offers the Reuse e-commerce business in Europe, where it registe...