China's aggressive advancement of regulations and sustainability measures to reduce transportation emissions signifies a decisive stride toward its environmental goals. These measures are: Increasing stringency of corporate average fuel consumption policy to decrease vehicle tailpipe emissions. Introducing a dual-credit framework for new energy vehicles to raise the adoption of electric vehicles. Developing a China Circular Economy Plan focused on battery recycling. Enforcing interim regulations for carbon emission trading. Promoting the issuance of green bonds to support sustainable finance ..read more

India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy by the end of this decade. Despite the recent global challenges impacting economies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, semiconductor shortage, geopolitical tensions with its neighbors, and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, India has demonstrated remarkable stability in its economy and supply chain compared to other countries. In the light vehicle production market, India has outperformed the top-five global light-vehicle production markets over the last decade (calendar years 2013-23), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) o ..read more

Each month, we leverage global light vehicle production actuals, registration data, and sales data to give you the most up-to-date, short-term production forecast available. Here's a close look at global production data by region and our updated July production forecast. Top Takeaways for the Month The outlook for the global auto industry in the second half of 2024 remains challenging. Automakers are facing regional demand dynamics and inventory conditions, leading to notable downgrades in production forecasts. Noteworthy Adjustments: Europe: The outlook for European light vehicle production ..read more

Last month, Volkswagen made a big splash when it announced plans to invest up to $5 billion in Rivian Automotive until 2026 as part of a venture to share electric vehicle (EV) platforms and software. On paper the deal appears a win-win for both parties — one gets the much-needed cash infusion to boost operations and expansion, the other gets access to tried and tested software and electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture it has struggled to develop inhouse. However, will this partnership allow Volkswagen to leapfrog competitors in the EV race and build a sustainable business around the sof ..read more

Tariffs prompt Chinese EV brands to expedite their production plans in the European market. The European Commission finally confirmed provisional tariffs that will be applied to Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) imports into the EU on July 4. These tariffs, ranging from 17.4% to 37.6%, were slightly below the level originally threatened by the Commission when they were first outlined in June, and will apply for a maximum duration of four months. A final decision will be made on definitive tariffs within that timeframe through a vote by EU member states. If approved, the definitive duties ..read more

These are uncertain times for the nascent electric vehicle (EV) industry. There is much to deal with. Changing regulations, tepid consumer demand, rising price wars and geopolitical uncertainties are top of mind. Some adjustments in investment strategy will inevitably be required in these early days, but OEMs cannot lose sight of a future where their success will depend on the steps they take now. Key to that future is the prevailing strategy adopted around EV battery value chains. Unfortunately, there is no single solution here. Much depends on the individual OEM's appetite for risk and c ..read more

Canadian new-vehicle buyers have been more readily adopting battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) than US buyers. Though it has been well reported that buyers in Europe and China have adopted BEVs more quickly than US buyers, the same is true when looking at the US versus Canada. In Canada, the presence of provincial incentives in Quebec and British Columbia seem to be contributing to overall Canadian electrification adoption, but also to the representation of BEVs in those two provinces. In the US, with its 50 states and more complex market, state-level i ..read more

Electric vehicle startup Rivian and legacy automaker Volkswagen have announced plans for an alliance that will give VW access to Rivian's electrical architectures and software. In return, VW will inject $5 billion into Rivian via a combination of convertible notes, cash and loans spread over the coming three years.   Rivian is not yet financially self-sufficient The deal mutually benefits both parties: Young Rivian needs capital to offset ongoing free cash burn (around $6 billion in each of the last two years). Having begun mass production of electric vehicles in 2021, the company has more sca ..read more

Listen to this Fuel for Thought podcast Global survey focused on consumer trust, desirability and willingness to spend. The automotive industry is at a pivotal juncture. Advancements in technology—particularly Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving—are reshaping consumer preferences and driving purchasing decisions. Some examples of how this technology has evolved: Major automakers are investing in ADAS technologies for enhanced safety and full autonomy. Chassis and suspension systems are also changing to accommodate ADAS, automation and electrification. The integrati ..read more

Knowledge of lidar for the lay person is likely to be limited to two things. One, Elon Musk doesn't like them. Two, companies providing lidar were key players in the Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPAC) fad of a few years ago. While the SPAC lidar companies generated plenty of noise, they've yet to make significant inroads into the automotive lidar market. Specialist suppliers from mainland China dominate the lidar market. Their dominance is a by-product of the rapid advancements in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and robo-taxi applications in the Chinese market, supported b ..read more