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    2026 Automotive Supplier Outlook
    In the wake of another tumultuous year for the global automotive industry, this report provides unfiltered insights directly from the front lines. S&P Global Mobility’s Matthew Beecham engaged with 59 senior executives from across the automotive supply chain to capture their experiences and strategies. Now in its third year, this comprehensive end-of-year analysis outlines the operational and strategic challenges suppliers faced in 2025 and how they are preparing for 2026. The suppliers...
    Insights
    2026 Automotive Analyst Outlook
    S&P Global Mobility’s 2026 Automotive Analyst Outlook presents a comprehensive collection of insights, reflections and forward-looking perspectives from our team of analysts. Drawing on a year marked by volatility, innovation and adaptation, our experts examine how the global automotive industry navigated the challenges and opportunities of 2025 — from supply chain disruptions and regulatory shifts to the evolving landscape of electrification, connectivity and consumer preferences. Throu...
    Insights
    Kandi Technologies partners with Qiji Energy for battery-swap station deployment
    Kandi Technologies Group Inc., renowned for its all-electric vehicles, has announced a new three-year strategic cooperation agreement through its subsidiary, China Battery Exchange, with Qiji Energy, which is a part of CATL. This agreement focuses on the deployment of heavy-truck battery-swap stations, encompassing mass-production projects, aftersales services and ongoing operational support. China Battery Exchange will serve as a strategic supplier to Qiji Energy, providing solutions for equ...
    News
    Beam Global secures European patent for smart phase change composite in lithium-ion batteries
    Beam Global, a company known for its sustainable infrastructure solutions in transportation and energy security, has received a European patent for its Smart Phase Change Composite (PCC) material used in lithium-ion batteries. This technology, granted by the European Patent Office, builds on Beam Global's existing US Patent No. 12,422,195, strengthening its intellectual property (IP) in Europe. The Smart PCC material acts as an intelligent thermal switch, optimizing battery temperature by ins...
    News
    BAM designs innovative core-shell anode to enhance sodium-ion battery efficiency
    Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as a promising sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, yet their development has faced challenges due to high storage losses during the first charging cycle. Researchers at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing of Germany (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und —prüfung [BAM]) have addressed these issues by designing an innovative core-shell anode that combines efficiency with high storage capacity. The problem originates fro...
    News
    Redwood Materials raises $425 million in Series-E funding
    Redwood Materials has completed the final closing of its Series-E financing round, raising a total of $425 million. The final close included ongoing participation from existing investors Capricorn and Goldman Sachs Alternatives, and introduced Google as a new investor. The increase from the previously announced $350 million is attributed to strong demand and confidence in Redwood Materials' long-term strategy and execution. This capital will be used to accelerate the company's energy storage ...
    News
    Hyundai Mobis reports 6.8% year-over-year increase in 2025 revenue to $42.4 billion
    Hyundai Mobis has reported strong growth in revenue and profit in the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2025. The leading automotive supplier from South Korea recorded a 6.8% year-over-year increase in revenue to 61.1 trillion won (nearly $42.4 billion), driving a 9.2% year-over-year increase in operating profit to 3.3 trillion won. Apart from higher revenue, Hyundai Mobis benefited from companywide cost control, which helped it to offset the impact of US tariffs. However, the company concluded the ...
    Briefing
    Tesla plans to end Model S and X production; to invest $20 billion on robotics
    Tesla is set to significantly increase capital spending to $20 billion in 2026, with the majority of the funds allocated to future business lines such as autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots rather than its core electric vehicle business. This decision was shared by CEO Elon Musk during the company's Jan. 28 earnings call, where he described 2026 as a pivotal year for capital expenditure. CFO Vaibhav Taneja highlighted that most of the spending will support production lines for upcoming produ...
    News
    Mercedes-Benz accelerates progress in robo-taxi development
    Mercedes-Benz has announced its intention to create a robo-taxi ecosystem centered on the new S-Class, collaborating with technology companies such as NVIDIA and Momenta, along with mobility providers such as Uber and Lumo, to operate these vehicles in various regions. The S-Class features integrated redundancies in steering, braking, computing and power supply to ensure fail-safe operation, with its MB.OS operating system facilitating driverless shuttle services in America, Asia, Europe and the...
    News
    SK Keyfoundry unveils 4th-gen high-voltage BCD process for enhanced power efficiency
    SK Keyfoundry, an 8-inch pure-play foundry based in South Korea, has launched its 4th-generation 200-V high-voltage 0.18-micron Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process. This new process is set to begin full-scale product development with major domestic and global customers and aims for mass production within the year. As the electrification of vehicles and the expansion of AI data centers progress, the demand for high-voltage, high-efficiency power semiconductors is increasing. Automotive electrical arc...
    News
    Pony.ai partners with ATBB for enhanced robo-taxi services in China
    Pony.ai has formed a strategic partnership with Beijing ATBB Travel & Express Service, a leading mobility service provider in China, to commercialize robo-taxi services via an asset-light, partnership-driven approach. Both companies will jointly deploy and operate robo-taxi services across tier 1 cities in China, while also extending the application of autonomous driving technology to airport and business travel scenarios. This partnership aligns with Pony.ai's strategy of working with estab...
    News
    Hyundai Motor recalls more than 615,000 vehicles in the US over safety concerns
    Hyundai Motor is recalling 568,576 Palisade sport utility vehicles in the US due to the potential improper deployment of side curtain airbags for third-row occupants in a crash, Reuters reported Jan. 29, citing the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects select model years 2020 through 2025 Palisade SUVs. According to the NHTSA, the airbags in question were supplied by Sweden-based safety systems supplier Autoliv. The remedy for this issue is under developme...
    News
    SIAT 2026: Schaeffler India presents electrification and smart mobility solutions
    Schaeffler India Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of Germany-based motion technology company Schaeffler, is participating in the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2026, held Jan. 28–30 in Pune, Maharashtra. The company is displaying next-generation technologies for the Indian automotive industry. Schaeffler is showcasing various solutions, including electrification technologies such as drives, motors and modules; efficient powertrain solutions for internal combustion engine...
    News
    DENSO becomes Core Partner of AUTOSAR to enhance automotive software standardization
    DENSO Corp. has become a Core Partner of AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture (AUTOSAR), a global development partnership of vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and other companies from the electronics, semiconductor and software industries. The leading Japanese supplier, which initially joined AUTOSAR in 2004 as a Premium Partner, has progressively elevated its role, becoming a Strategic Partner in 2019 and gaining Premium Partner Plus status in 2022. During these years, DENSO has significantly ...
    News
    WeRide unveils GENESIS simulation platform to boost autonomous vehicle development
    WeRide has launched WeRide GENESIS, a proprietary simulation model designed to enhance the development, training and validation of autonomous vehicles through the integration of physical AI and generative AI. The platform can rapidly create realistic virtual environments, enabling large-scale training and validation of autonomous vehicles by simulating complex real-world driving scenarios, which accelerates iteration cycles and reduces costs associated with traditional road testing. WeRide GENES...
    News
    Sibros joins SOAFEE to accelerate software-defined vehicle innovation
    Sibros, a company specializing in software-defined vehicle (SDV) management solutions, has announced its membership in the Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge (SOAFEE) Special Interest Group. This group, composed of over 120 industry leaders, collaborates to set cloud-native standards for future SDVs. SOAFEE is an initiative led by Arm that unites automakers, semiconductor suppliers, cloud providers and software vendors. It aims to address key challenges in the automotive industry, such...
    News
    Saesol Tech and Unex collaborate to strengthen SCMS-V2X security interoperability
    Saesol Tech Inc., a company specializing in connected vehicle security solutions, has announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Unex Technology Corp. to collaborate on the validation, demonstration and advancement of the Security Credential Management System (SCMS) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) security interoperability. This partnership aims to validate interoperability between Saesol Tech's SCMS platform and Unex Technology's V2X communication devices, including roadside units ...
    News
    Greenland’s mineral edge: opportunity and obstacles
    Greenland has emerged as a strategic area due to its extensive reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals essential to industries such as automotive, defense, and clean energy. Its resource base includes REEs, graphite, copper, nickel, zinc, iron ore and tungsten, which are key inputs to clean energy technology. According to the National Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), the island contains an estimated 36.1 million metric tons of REE resources, with the ...
    Insights
    Emobi secures $3.4 million seed funding to expand JustPlug EV charging solution
    Emobi, one of North America's largest providers of electric vehicle charging roaming and JustPlug infrastructure, has announced the completion of a $3.4 million seed funding round led by Florida Funders. Other contributors include Aves Ventures, Collaborative Fund, Gaingels, Gener8tor, Goodwater Capital, Oasis Capital, OneSixOne Ventures, Ride Wave Ventures and Y Combinator. This new capital will help Emobi expand its technical infrastructure and promote the proliferation of its JustPlug solu...
    News
    Wallbox and Eneco eMobility partner to expand EV infrastructure in Benelux region
    Wallbox, a global provider of electric vehicle charging and energy management technology, has entered into a partnership with Eneco eMobility, one of the top providers of smart charging stations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, to expand commercial EV infrastructure in the Benelux region. Wallbox will supply its commercial alternating current charger, eM4 Twin, as the primary hardware for initial deployments in the Netherlands through Eneco eMobility's installation network. The col...
    News
    Posco Future M invests in Factorial to strengthen all-solid-state battery market presence
    Posco Future M has invested in the US-based battery-cell maker Factorial to enhance its presence in the all-solid-state battery market. The South Korean battery-materials maker finalized its investment on Jan. 26 following an agreement signed on Jan. 7. Previously, the two companies entered into a cooperation agreement in November 2025 to jointly work on developing all-solid-state batteries. Posco Future M aims to leverage this investment to capitalize on rapid market growth, while Factorial ...
    News
    LG Energy Solution reports 2025 profit surge amid lower revenue and strategic expansions
    LG Energy Solution reported its 2025 financial results, disclosing 23.7 trillion won (approximately $16.4 billion) in consolidated revenue and 1.3 trillion won in operating profit. This marked a 133.9% increase in operating profit from the previous year despite a 7.6% decline in revenue. The company attributed this increased profitability to an enhanced product mix, improved material cost efficiency and a production incentive supported by stable North American sales performance. LG Energy Sol...
    News
    Lights out: The automotive industry’s uneasy march toward dark factories
    Across parts of mainland China’s automotive sector, factories designed to operate without human presence are no longer experimental showcases. So-called “dark factories” — highly automated plants that rely on robotics, AI and dense sensor networks — are already producing electric vehicles at an industrial scale, operating continuously without lighting, heating or on-site labor. In Europe and the US, the concept remains more aspirational than real. Yet the direction of travel is incr...
    Insights
    Kempower and GET Charged launch first EV fast-charging station in New York
    Kempower and GET Charged Fast EV Charging have introduced their first electric vehicle fast-charging station at Glen Oaks Shopping Center in Queens, New York. This marks the beginning of their initiative to expand access to reliable charging solutions, with four additional stations nearing completion across Queens and Long Island, New York. These EV charging stations feature Kempower's distributed charging systems to provide faster public charging for the growing number of EV drivers in the r...
    News
    Kempower signs sales and service partnership with Plugit in Finland
    Kempower, a global manufacturer of direct current fast-charging systems, has entered into a partnership with Finnish e-mobility company Plugit to enhance the electric vehicle and electric truck (e-truck) charging infrastructure in the Nordic region. The partnership agreement, established in January 2026, allows Plugit to deliver and operate comprehensive charging solutions from the design stage to installation and operation, using Kempower's charging systems for both its clients and its own c...
    News
    Ford appoints Lisa Drake as president of Ford Energy
    Ford Motor Co. has announced the appointment of Lisa Drake as the president of Ford Energy, effective immediately. She will report to John Lawler, vice chair at Ford Motor. Drake is expected to spearhead the launch of the company's battery energy storage systems (BESS) business, a venture the company announced for the first time in December 2025. Her responsibilities span the entire scope of Ford Energy's operations, including battery-cell manufacturing, system assembly and sales. Drake is...
    News
    Ford adds LFP battery option to Explorer and Capri SUVs in Europe
    Ford announced enhancements to its all-electric Explorer sport utility vehicle and Capri sports crossover, introducing a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery option and upgraded electric motor for Standard Range models to cater to customers seeking affordability. The upgraded powertrain results in a range improvement of up to 70 km, with the Explorer Standard Range now offering up to 444 km and the Capri Standard Range reaching up to 464 km on a full charge. This increase represents an en...
    News
    Dana releases preliminary results for 2025, financial outlook for 2026
    Dana Inc. announced its preliminary financial results for 2025, reporting sales of approximately $7.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of about $600 million, equivalent to 8% of sales. The US-based automotive supplier recorded adjusted free cash flow of nearly $315 million. During the financial year, Dana completed the sale of its Off-Highway business for $2.7 billion and achieved cost savings of approximately $250 million. The company returned&nbs...
    News
    Forvia appoints Yves Dumoulin as executive vice president of Faurecia Clarion Electronics
    Forvia has announced the appointment of Yves Dumoulin as executive vice president of Faurecia Clarion Electronics, effective Jan. 19. Dumoulin has also joined Forvia's executive committee. In his new role, he will report directly to Forvia CEO Martin Fischer. Dumoulin replaced Jim Chang, who led the business group for slightly more than a year. Dumoulin has been with Forvia since 2016, holding various leadership roles across different regions and business divisions. Dumoulin most recently ser...
    News
    Continental to supply SportContact 7 and EcoContact 6 Q summer tire for new Audi A6 as standard
    Continental announced that it will supply summer tires as standard for the new Audi A6 luxury sedan. The Germany-based tiremaker will offer two options: the SportContact 7 and the EcoContact 6 Q. The SportContact 7 is designed for sporty, precise handling, with optimized rubber compounds and tread patterns that deliver excellent grip and short braking distances on dry and wet roads. Moreover, this tire is known for its stability at high speeds and has consistently earned high marks in independen...
    News
    Hyundai Steel's affiliate plans $2.9 billion capital increase for US plant
    Hyundai Steel has announced that its affiliate Hyundai-Posco Louisiana LLC plans to undertake a capital increase of $2.9 billion for facilities investment in a US steel plant, Reuters reported the South Korean steelmaker as saying in a regulatory filing on Jan. 26. The development follows an earlier announcement by Hyundai Steel and its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), of plans to establish a steel plant in Louisiana, US, with a projected annual capacity of 2.7 million metric tons. ...
    News
    DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion deliver new-generation R2 robo-taxi
    DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion have announced the delivery of the R2, a new-generation robo-taxi developed collaboratively. This fleet, intended for use in Guangzhou, mainland China, has already received road test licenses for intelligent connected vehicles. A delivery ceremony attended by Guangzhou Vice Mayor Lai Zhihong and key representatives from both companies marked the event. The collaboration aims to advance autonomous driving technologies and gradually introduce these innovat...
    News
    HL Klemove selects Apex.AI as middleware supplier for next-generation ADAS controllers
    Apex.AI has been chosen by HL Klemove as the middleware software partner for its next-generation advanced driver assistance systems controllers with production intent. The collaboration, which supports HL Klemove's newly awarded production programs for Highway Assistance and Parking Assistance applications, is planned to span a multiyear deployment. Apex.AI will provide a safety-certified middleware platform, along with integration and deployment support to align with original equipment manufact...
    News
    Volkswagen Group China starts producing vehicles based on locally developed zonal electronic architecture
    Volkswagen Group China has delivered its China Electronic Architecture (CEA) on schedule, laying the foundation for the successful start of production of its first CEA-based model, the VW ID. UNYX 07. The product marks Volkswagen Group’s entry into full-cycle software-defined vehicle (SDV) production in China, for China. In 2026, the Group will present four additional models across all Volkswagen brand joint ventures in China, built on the new architecture. With the delivery of the CEA, Vol...
    News
    Eaton announces plan to spin off Mobility Group
    Intelligent power management company Eaton has announced plans to separate its Vehicle and eMobility segments, collectively known as the Mobility Group, into an independent publicly traded entity. According to Eaton's CEO, Paulo Ruiz, this move aligns with Eaton's 2030 growth strategy, allowing the company to focus on its core Electrical and Aerospace businesses. The separation is intended to enable Eaton to capitalize on market trends such as electrification, digitalization, AI and increased in...
    News
    Tinker launches customizable virtual inspections and diagnostics platform, partners with Zevo
    Autotech platform Tinker has launched Tinker Mobility Solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of customizable virtual inspections, diagnostics and reporting services for individual vehicle owners, ride-share partners, car-share operators, insurance providers and fleets. The company has partnered with Zevo, integrating Tinker's inspection technology directly into Zevo's operations. This partnership is designed to enhance fleet uptime, reduce risk and improve safety, giving operators i...
    News
    Audi scales up deployment of AI in production
    Audi is transforming its production process by incorporating AI and digitalization, turning its plants into smart factories. AI acts as a partner in these factories, assisting employees by performing strenuous, ergonomically demanding tasks with AI-controlled robots and providing chatbots for additional support. Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) is the foundational technology for this transformation, enabling the integration of traditional automation with cloud flexibility, reducing on-site hardwar...
    News
    VESA releases DisplayPort Automotive Extension v1.1 specification for automotive display safety and security
    The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) announced the release of version 1.1 of its DisplayPort Automotive Extension (DP AE) specification at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. This represents the first open industry standard focused on functional safety and security in automotive display systems. The updated specification includes a normative C-model software emulator that allows for the design and validation of devices based on DisplayPort and Embedded DisplayPort (eDP), adhe...
    News
    Volkswagen recalls over 44,000 ID.4 electric SUVs in the US due to fire risks
    Volkswagen Group of America is set to recall 44,551 ID.4 electric sport utility vehicles in the US due to potential fire risks associated with the vehicles' batteries, Reuters reported Jan. 27, citing the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The larger of the two recalls affects 43,881 vehicles from model years 2023 to 2025. This recall is due to the possibility of the high-voltage battery overheating, which could lead to a fire hazard. Volkswagen dealers will address th...
    News
    Pirelli unveils new Scorpion tire for SUVs with enhanced performance and safety
    Pirelli has introduced the latest evolution of its Scorpion summer tire, specifically designed for sport utility vehicles to deliver enhanced safety, comfort and longevity. Originally launched in 1986 for high-driving-position vehicles, the Scorpion series now encompasses a variety of tires, including those for motorbikes and SUVs. The new Scorpion tire is noted for its superior performance in dry and wet conditions, achieving top rankings in independent tests by Technischer Überwachungsve...
    News
    American Axle & Manufacturing changes name to Dauch Corp.
    American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. has officially changed its name to Dauch Corp. by filing an amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State, effective Jan. 26. Following this change, effective Feb. 5, the company's common stock will begin trading on the NYSE under the new name Dauch Corp. with the ticker symbol DCH. However, the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (CUSIP) of the company’s stock remains unchanged, and existing stock certificates remain valid...
    News
    Aumovio plans strategic realignment of global R&D activities, move to result in loss of 4,000 jobs
    Aumovio, the Germany-based company formed after the spinoff of Continental’s Automotive Group business in 2025, has announced a strategic realignment of its global research and development activities to ensure its competitiveness amid challenging business conditions. As part of this realignment, the company will focus its R&D expenditures on value-creating technologies, intensify development partnerships, and implement additional efficiency measures. Aumovio has also reaffirmed its goal to...
    News
    VinFast partners with Autobrains to develop cost-effective Robo-car technology
    VinFast has partnered with AI firm Autobrains to develop advanced autonomous driving technology, including a low-cost Robo-car system. This collaboration aims to enhance the Vietnamese electric-vehicle maker's self-driving technology by adopting a cheaper, camera-based autonomy system. The initiative seeks to reduce costs and expedite deployment after previous expensive and delayed self-driving projects. The companies are focusing on enhancing driver-assistance technology for upcoming VinFast...
    News
    Gatik deploys driverless trucks for commercial operations with Fortune 50 retailers
    Gatik has become the first company in North America to deploy fully driverless trucks in commercial operations, achieving $600 million in contracted revenue with daily deliveries for Fortune 50 retailers. This development signifies a shift from limited autonomous trucking pilots to ongoing, revenue-generating operations that enhance regional supply chains. Since mid-2025, Gatik has successfully completed 60,000 fully driverless orders without incidents, utilizing its Gatik Driver system, which i...
    News
    Tesla launches public robo-taxi rides without safety monitors in Austin
    Tesla has launched public robo-taxi rides without a safety monitor onboard in Austin, Texas. This announcement was made by Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's vice president of Autopilot and AI software, on X. Tesla previously introduced a robo-taxi service in Austin in June 2025 for its employees, which included a human safety monitor seated in the passenger seat. The safety monitor requirement has now been removed as the service is expanded to the general public. Elluswamy noted that the rollout inclu...
    News
    Innoviz Technologies unveils InnovizSMART for smart applications with advanced lidar capabilities
    Innoviz Technologies announced the release of InnovizSMART, a ready-to-buy lidar solution tailored for various smart applications. InnovizSMART features high-resolution 3D point cloud detection, low power consumption and ease of installation, making it suitable for applications such as perimeter security, traffic management and robotics. The product is fully industrialized, allowing global partners to utilize an automotive-grade sensor with short lead times to meet current and ant...
    News
    Monta adds AI-powered operational intelligence layer to its EV charging platform
    Monta, a leading electric vehicle charging software solutions provider, has launched Monta AI, an operational intelligence layer integrated into its platform, designed to proactively identify issues and provide actionable recommendations. The new AI feature also allows operators to query various aspects, such as performance, pricing, expansion and energy, in natural language without additional cost to customers. Monta AI continuously analyzes network operations to surface insig...
    News
    Kim Long and BYD partner to set up a $130 million battery plant in Vietnam
    Vietnamese vehicle manufacturer Kim Long Motor has announced a partnership with leading Chinese battery-maker BYD to develop a $130 million battery plant to produce batteries for commercial electric vehicles in central Vietnam. According to the agreement, Kim Long Motor will be responsible for the facility's construction, while BYD will provide extensive technical and technological support. The planned battery plant will cover 4.4 hectares and have an initial production capacity of 3 GWh ...
    News
    General Motors partners with Electrify America to offer wider EV charging infrastructure to customers
    General Motors (GM) is enhancing the public charging experience for electric vehicle owners by incorporating Electrify America's fast-charging stations into the myChevrolet, myGMC and myCadillac apps. This integration allows users to find, charge and pay at over 5,000 Electrify America fast-charging stations, including Hyper-Fast 350-kW chargers, directly from their phone apps. The initiative is part of GM's effort to provide a seamless charging experience by consolidating all necessary ...
    News
    OPmobility signs memorandum of understanding to explore acquisition of Hyundai Mobis' lighting business
    OPmobility has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Mobis to explore the potential acquisition of its lighting systems business. The two parties aim to finalize a definitive agreement by 2026, a move that would strengthen OPmobility’s product portfolio, expand its customer base and extend its geographic reach. "This transaction with Hyundai Mobis would be a great recognition of our leading industrial capabilities and our robust product portfolio for a more sustainable, ...
    News
    PlusAI and Traton expand partnership for autonomous trucking solutions in US and Europe
    PlusAI and the Traton Group have announced an expansion of their global partnership to enhance the development and deployment of autonomous trucking solutions in the US and Europe. This announcement is linked to PlusAI's anticipated public listing through a business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX. Traton has committed up to $25 million in non-dilutive research and development funding to PlusAI for integrating PlusAI's SuperDrive into Traton's autonomous trucks. Additionally, Tra...
    News
    QCraft launches next-gen over 500 TOPS autonomous driving solution
    QCraft has commenced the year with QCraft Day 2026, showcasing its advancements and objectives in the autonomous driving sector to over 200 industry guests in Beijing on Jan. 23. During the event, the company highlighted its achievements in mass production, development and deployment, as well as its plans for further expansion. James Yu, co-founder, chairman and CEO of QCraft, delivered a keynote speech titled "Bringing Autonomous Driving into Real Life," describing 2026 as the start of a t...
    News
    Valeo and Natix partner to develop open-source multicamera model for autonomous systems
    Valeo and Natix Network have announced a partnership to develop an open-source multicamera World Foundation Model (WFM) that aims to enhance autonomous driving and robotics through high-quality real-world data. This collaboration leverages Valeo's expertise in world models and Natix's decentralized real-world data network to build a model capable of learning, predicting and reasoning about real-world interactions and motions. WFMs are essential for enabling machines to navigate and operate in...
    News
    ROHM launches UCR10C series shunt resistors for automotive application
    ROHM has introduced a new series of sintered-metal shunt resistors, the UCR10C Series, aimed at addressing the growing power and reliability demands in automotive and industrial current-sensing applications. The series has the highest-rated power for 2012-size shunt resistors, offering resistance values from 10 milliohm (mΩ) to 100 mΩ. These components are available with ratings of 1.0 W and 1.25 W, nearly doubling the power-handling capabilities compared to similar products in the same f...
    News
    Tenstorrent joins EU's CHASSIS program for software-defined mobility innovation
    Tenstorrent, a US-based company specializing in building computers for AI, has announced its participation in the CHASSIS program, a three-year international research initiative in the EU focused on software-defined mobility projects. The key members of the consortium include Arteris, Axelera AI, BMW Group, Bosch, Fraunhofer, Imec, Infineon, Menta, NXP, Renault/Ampere, Siemens, Stellantis-CRF and TTTech-Auto. Within the consortium, Tenstorrent will focus on developing chiplet-based hardware...
    News
    UpdatePromise and UVeye bring AI-powered vehicle inspection intelligence to dealerships
    UpdatePromise, a provider of dealership customer experience and fixed-operations technology, has announced an integration with UVeye, a leading provider of automated vehicle inspection systems. The integration brings AI-powered inspection intelligence directly into dealership service workflows, enabling faster decisions, greater transparency and improved service efficiency. With the new integration, vehicles are automatically scanned during service check-in, and inspection findings are instan...
    News
    Gako Technologies launches Vehicle Identification Number-level vehicle intelligence platform
    Gako Technologies has unveiled what it calls the automotive industry’s most comprehensive Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)-level intelligence platform for new vehicles. Built over two years and designed for enterprise decision-making, the platform delivers real-time, vehicle-specific visibility into pricing, incentives, payments, specifications and inventory, along with the clean, structured, machine-learning-ready data required to power AI initiatives across the automotive ecosystem. Un...
    News
    ZF Group releases preliminary financial results for 2025, reports strong growth in adjusted EBIT margin, adjusted free cash flow
    ZF Friedrichshafen has released its preliminary financial results for 2025, showing better-than-expected operating performance and cash flow. The Germany-based automotive supplier expects its adjusted free cash flow to exceed €1 billion and its adjusted earnings before interest and tax margin to exceed 4%. This is higher than ZF’s previous guidance of achieving an EBIT margin between 3% and 4% and adjusted free cash flow above €500 million. The company expects full-year revenue of mor...
    News
    Motherson Group expands operations in Hungary with €95.4 million investment
    Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd., an India-based automotive supplier also known as Motherson Group, is expanding its operations in Hungary through several investments, including a research and development program and the establishment of a regional services center. The company’s €54 million R&D project focuses on AI-based sensors and advanced visual systems integrated into rearview mirrors. The investment is set to create 55 new jobs for automotive product development professi...
    News
    Neolite ZKW inaugurates new lighting facility in Pune, India
    Neolite ZKW Lightings Ltd., a joint venture between the ZKW Group and Indian supplier Neolite, has established a manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra, to produce automotive lighting systems, Autocar Professional reported Jan. 23, 2026. The plant, which began operations in December 2025, is strategically located near the Mumbai-Pune-Nashik-Aurangabad automotive cluster, enabling the company to efficiently serve clients such as JSW MG Motor, Stellantis India, VE Commercial Vehicles and...
    News
    The Charge Scheme adds access to Tesla Superchargers across Europe
    The Charge Scheme has enhanced its salary-sacrifice electric vehicle charging program by adding access to Tesla's Supercharger network across Europe. The Charge Scheme is a UK-based employee benefit program that allows drivers to pay for EV charging via salary sacrifice.  This development benefits both Tesla and non-Tesla drivers, providing access to Europe's largest fast-charging infrastructure, with over 20,000 chargers at more than 1,500 locations, capable of charging at up to 250 ...
    News
    Schneider Electric launches high-power EV charging solution
    Schneider Electric has launched the Schneider StarCharge Fast 720, an advanced electric vehicle charging system intended for use at commercial and industrial sites and by fleet operators. Capable of providing up to 720 kW of power, the high-voltage charging system allows for the simultaneous charging of up to 12 vehicles, catering to the increasing demand for electric mobility in Europe. Schneider Electric's EV charging system boasts a 97% efficiency rate, marking a new standard in EV infr...
    News
    CATL expects to begin deploying sodium-ion batteries in passenger cars in Q2 2026
    CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, plans to begin incorporating sodium-ion batteries in passenger vehicles in the second quarter of 2026 to promote broader adoption of this new battery technology. The first cars to feature sodium-ion batteries will come from Chinese automaker GAC Aion, according to CATL's Chief Technology Officer Gao Huan. CATL is scaling up the production capacity of sodium-ion batteries. According to Gao, as the production capacity increases, these batt...
    News
    Porsche Engineering launches high-voltage charging management solutions
    Porsche Engineering has developed advanced charging management systems that can enable carmakers to enter the market quickly with intelligent charging functions for electric vehicles.  High-voltage charging management is critical for customer satisfaction in plug-in hybrids and EVs. It handles various tasks such as detecting charging power, vehicle authentication, infrastructure communication and data provisioning for mobile apps, ensuring a reliable and convenient charging process under...
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    Qwello expands EV charging infrastructure, wins tenders from city of Copenhagen
    Munich-headquartered charge-point operator (CPO) Qwello has won two contracts under a public tender issued by the city of Copenhagen, Denmark, marking its foray into the Danish market, the company announced Jan. 22. Qwello had won the said contracts from Copenhagen in 2025, it said, adding that the new tenders mark a key milestone in its Northern European expansion and reinforce its role as a trusted partner for cities advancing sustainable mobility. “The contracts grant Qwello the right...
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    AutoTechInsight Weekly - 26 January 2026
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    Fastned secures up to €200 million to fund expansion of EV charging network in Europe
    Fastned, a leading European charge-point operator (CPO), has secured up to €200 million in new green financing from ABN AMRO, Crédit Agricole, ING, Invest-NL and Rabobank, the company announced Jan. 23. Fastned said it plans to use the newly raised funds to accelerate the expansion of its fast-charging station network across Europe. According to the CPO, the new green financing framework initially includes €100 million in committed capital over the next three years to finance the...
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    Yokohama Rubber supplies BluEarth-Es ES32 tires as original equipment for Suzuki Wagon R compact car
    Yokohama Rubber has announced that it is supplying BluEarth-Es ES32 tires as original equipment (OE) for Suzuki’s Wagon compact car. This mini vehicle, which underwent a minor model change, was launched in Japan in December 2025. The Wagon R is fitted with 165/55R1575V size tires. The BluEarth-Es ES32 is part of the BluEarth YOKOHAMA global tire brand, designed to be environmentally, human and socially friendly. These tires are noted for excellent fuel efficiency and longevity, achieved by ...
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    OLEDWorks supplies OLED panels for new Audi Q3 digital rear lights
    OLEDWorks has announced that it is supplying the organic light-emitting diode lighting panels in the digital next-generation display technology OLED rear combination lamps for the new Audi Q3 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV). Audi unveiled the third-generation Q3 in June 2025, introducing new personalization and intelligent lighting features. For the first time, customers can select digital OLED taillights powered by OLEDWorks' Atala Digital panels in the Q3 lineup, offering cust...
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    Our Next Energy pivots focus after major EV contract cancellation leads to layoffs
    Michigan-based battery-maker Our Next Energy recently laid off 29 employees after its largest electric vehicle customer unexpectedly canceled its contract. The company notified Michigan's employment agency about the layoffs, which included engineers, managers and technicians, although the state's employment agency received the notice a week later. Our Next Energy explained that they could not provide the 60-day advance notice typically required by federal law due to the sudden cancellation by...
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    Solus Advanced Materials nears new European contracts for battery foil
    Solus Advanced Materials, a copper foil manufacturer from South Korea, is on the verge of signing supply contracts for battery foil with two new customers, including a mainland Chinese battery-maker operating in Europe. The company's production facility in Hungary positions it advantageously due to Europe's tightening battery regulations, which include origin requirements. Solus Advanced Materials is expected to finalize contracts within the first half of 2026, aiming to solidify its presence in...
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    South Korea links EV charger subsidies to performance standards
    South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has announced that subsidies for the installation of electric vehicle chargers are now contingent on meeting minimum performance standards. The initiative, disclosed on Jan. 22, details the ministry's allocation of 545.7 billion won (approximately $371.4 million) for the construction of EV charging infrastructure in 2026. This will facilitate the installation of 71,450 chargers, comprising 4,450 fast chargers, 2,000 mid-speed chargers and...
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    Fortune Minerals validates hydrometallurgical process for NICO cobalt project in Canada
    Fortune Minerals Ltd. successfully concluded validation test work for an optimized hydrometallurgical flowsheet aimed at producing battery-grade cobalt sulphate heptahydrate for the NICO cobalt-gold-bismuth-copper project in Canada. The results demonstrated high metal recoveries using a simplified process flow sheet, which helps mitigate costs for the NICO Project. The test work received support from Natural Resources Canada's Global Partnerships Initiative program, a US Defense Production Ac...
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    California hits major milestone, surpassing 2.5 million zero-emission vehicle sales
    California, US, has officially surpassed 2.5 million cumulative sales of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), marking a significant milestone in the state’s clean transportation efforts. According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), this achievement was reached in the fourth quarter of 2025, when Californians purchased 79,066 new ZEVs, accounting for 18.9% of all new car sales in the state. Since the end of 2019, ZEV sales in California have grown by more than 300%, a surge attrib...
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    GlobalLogic expands partnership with Elektrobit to advance software-defined vehicle platforms
    GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group company, has announced a strategic expansion of its partnership with Elektrobit to accelerate the development and adoption of software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms. The two companies have a 15-year history of collaboration, working on products such as Adaptive and Classic AUTOSAR middleware, in-vehicle infotainment systems, and connectivity solutions. This expanded partnership aims to enhance software development in the automotive industry by delivering ...
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    Neusoft and Cerence partner to deliver AI-powered automotive cockpit platform
    Neusoft Corp. has entered into a partnership with Cerence AI, which focuses on conversational AI-powered user experiences. On Jan. 22, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding in Shenyang, China, to collaborate in the field of large-language-model-based voice AI. The collaboration aims to deliver pre-integrated, scenario-driven intelligent interaction solutions to automotive partners globally. As automotive technology evolves to include more intelligent and natural engagement, the ...
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    Geely plans to commence production of solid-state battery packs later in 2026
    Leading Chinese automaker Geely Auto is set to begin production of solid-state battery packs later in 2026, marking significant progress in the research and development of the next-generation battery technology. This announcement was made at the Geely Holding Group's five-year strategy communication event, where it was stated that Geely Auto will complete production of its first in-house-developed all-solid-state battery pack in 2026 and will conduct vehicle installation verification. ...
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    CATL unveils world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery for light commercial vehicles
    Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world's largest battery-maker, has unveiled its Tianxing II light commercial vehicle (LCV) battery series, introducing the industry's first mass-produced low-temperature sodium-ion battery. Notable for its 45-kWh capacity, the newly unveiled sodium-ion battery pack offers an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) and a cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles. It is the first to be certified under the GB 38031-2025 natio...
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    CES 2026: InfiMotion debuts innovative electric-drive products
    InfiMotion Technology, a mainland China-based supplier of electric-drive products, made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas by presenting its advanced electric-drive units (EDUs). These products highlight the company's global innovation capabilities in high-voltage architecture, lightweight materials and system integration, contributing to the enhancement of the global high-end electric vehicle supply chain.   InfiMotion showcased three major products: High...
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    LG Electronics integrates Prime Video into Automotive Content Platform
    At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, LG Electronics announced that it would integrate Amazon Prime Video into its LG Automotive Content Platform (ACP). Starting in the second quarter of 2026, the LG ACP will allow automakers to provide a variety of content from Prime Video, including movies, series, live events and exclusive Prime Originals. "Optimized for the in-car environment, LG ACP enables passengers to immerse themselves in their favourite content from Prime Video a...
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    Adient introduces ModuTec to transform modular automotive seat manufacturing
    Adient has announced a new innovation, ModuTec, a modular seat design solution that aims to simplify the vehicle seat manufacturing process and enable greater automation. Developed through a thorough analysis of the needs of automakers, manufacturing sites and consumers, ModuTec allows seat modules to be assembled offline and sequenced into the main just-in-time (JIT) line, reducing assembly time from minutes to seconds. This process enhancement is expected to lead to increased efficiency, ...
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    Samsung supplies OLED displays for Zeekr's flagship 9X SUV
    Samsung Display announced that it had begun supplying three types of automotive organic light-emitting diode (next-generation display technology OLED) displays for Zeekr's 9X flagship sport utility vehicle from the second half of 2025. The displays include the center information panels, passenger information and rear-seat entertainment displays, according to the South Korean manufacturer. Zeekr is a premium vehicle brand of the mainland Chinese automaker Geely Auto Group, and the 9X SUV is among...
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    New Tata Sierra debuts with Harman's 5G-ready telematics control unit and advanced infotainment
    The debut of Tata Motors' new Sierra sport utility vehicle introduces an advanced in-cabin experience powered by Harman's 5G-ready telematics control unit (TCU) and JBL audio system. Harman has expanded its collaboration with Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) to integrate these innovative features into the iconic SUV. This marks a significant step forward in connected mobility, offering drivers and passengers intuitive and seamless experiences. The Sierra boasts high-bandwidth connectiv...
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    Eye-Net and SoftBank Corp. advance strategic collaboration in Japan
    Foresight Autonomous Holdings has announced that its majority-owned subsidiary, Eye-Net Mobile Ltd., has expanded its strategic collaboration with SoftBank Corp. in Japan to further validate Eye-Net’s vehicle-to-everything (V2X) collision prediction and prevention technology. The initiative focuses on enhancing road safety and operational efficiency through the real-time exchange of location data among nearby road users. The expanded engagement builds on the positive results of a previously...
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    Keysight Technologies launches new EV charging test solutions for high-power and megawatt applications
    Keysight Technologies Inc. announced two new electric vehicle charging test solutions to support the industry's transition to high-power and megawatt-level charging. As electrification progresses and charging applications become more complex, these solutions aim to assist manufacturers and engineers in accelerating development, ensuring reliability and meeting global standards that are continuously evolving. The increasing demand for advanced charging infrastructure is characterized by the ne...
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    JIOS Aerogel's thermal barriers to be used in Hyundai and Kia EVs
    JIOS Aerogel has announced that its South Korean manufacturing licensee has secured a contract to supply Thermal Blade thermal runaway barriers for Hyundai and Kia's upcoming and purpose-built vehicle models. This contract marks the first successful implementation of JIOS' Hub & Spoke business model, which licenses automotive suppliers to produce finished thermal barriers near customers. The contract was awarded through a Hyundai Motor Group tender, with mass production set to begin in Ju...
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    ChargePoint partners with Midwestern Wheels to expand EV charging in Wisconsin
    ChargePoint, an electric vehicle charging solutions company, announced its collaboration with Midwestern Wheels, a licensee of Avis Budget Group, to provide reliable EV charging for rental car customers and local communities in Wisconsin, US. Public charging facilities have been deployed at Midwestern Wheels' branches at the airports and local markets in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Madison, Wisconsin, allowing nearby residents to easily charge their EVs. The initiative opens chargers to the...
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    Voltempo introduces first megawatt-scale electric HGV charging hub at East Midlands Gateway
    Voltempo has launched its first megawatt-scale electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV) charging hub at East Midlands Gateway, supporting Kuehne+Nagel's UK overland fleet. This development marks a significant milestone for both Voltempo and the eFREIGHT 2030 program. The hub, designed and implemented by Voltempo, features British-designed HyperCharger technology capable of delivering charging rates of up to 1 MW, enabling fast recharging of electric HGVs in under 30 minutes. The site was visited by...
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    Nexen Tire supplies original equipment tires for KG Mobility's Musso pickup truck
    Nexen Tire announced that it is supplying original equipment (OE) tires for KG Mobility's Musso pickup truck. The specific tire models being supplied are the N'Priz RH7 and the ROADIAN HTX RH5, both of which cater to the varied on- and off-road needs of pickup trucks. These tires are engineered to maintain driving stability and structural rigidity under stress and payloads up to 700 kg. The N'PRIZ RH7 is available in 18- and 20-inch models and features wide grooves for water evacuation, enhan...
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    Yokohama Rubber supplies ADVAN Sport ZPS tires for Toyota GR Yaris
    Yokohama Rubber has announced that it is supplying its ADVAN Sport ZPS (Zero Pressure System) tires as original equipment (OE) to the new Toyota GR Yaris compact sports car, which was launched in the Middle East in December 2025. The tires, available in size 225/40RF18 88Y, are based on the high-performance ADVAN Sport and are run-flat, allowing the vehicle to operate even with a deflated tire. These tires offer a balance of ultrahigh-speed maneuverability, wet performance, quietness and comf...
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    Ford recalls more than 119,000 vehicles in the US due to engine block heater issue
    Ford Motor is recalling 119,075 vehicles in the US due to a potential issue with the engine block heater that may crack and leak coolant, Reuters reported Jan. 21, citing the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects certain model year 2013–2019 Ford Escape, 2013–2019 Ford Focus and 2015–2016 Lincoln MKC. According to the US-based vehicle safety regulator, the defect could lead to a short-circuit and increase the risk of a fire when the heater is...
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    CES 2026: Tier IV presents end-to-end AI for Level 4+ autonomy
    At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, Tier IV showcased its latest work on end-to-end (E2E) AI for Level 4+ autonomy. The Japanese supplier presented a new development vehicle and conducted live technical demonstrations in collaboration with the Autoware Foundation, a global consortium that supports open-source projects enabling autonomous mobility. In April 2025, Tier IV initiated a major project aimed at developing Level 4+ autonomy, which maintains the characteristics o...
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    CES 2026: Teledyne FLIR OEM launches Tura thermal longwave infrared camera for automotive applications
    At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, Teledyne FLIR OEM, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies, introduced Tura, an Automotive Safety Integration Level (ASIL)-B thermal longwave infrared camera designed in compliance with ISO 26262 functional safety standards. Tura is tailored for vehicle-based night vision, advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles, addressing the need for high-performance, cost-effective thermal solutions. The camera features a passive 640 x 512 resolut...
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    Minieye partners with ewpartners to deploy Robovans in Saudi Arabia
    On Jan. 21, Minieye signed a memorandum of understanding in Hong Kong with ewpartners, aiming to deploy autonomous logistics vehicles, known as Robovans, in Saudi Arabia. This partnership addresses the Middle East's increasing demand for intelligent logistics and mobility enhancements and signifies Minieye's initial overseas expansion of its Level 4 autonomous driving business. Taking advantage of market prospects under Saudi Vision 2030, both parties plan to introduce 1,000 autonomous vehicles ...
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    Hyundai Mobis develops 5G telematics solution to advance automotive electronics
    Hyundai Mobis announced that it is developing a 5G wireless communication-based antenna-integrated telematics solution, known as the Multi-function Telematics Control Unit (MTCU), to enhance its presence in the automotive electronics business within the mobility sector. This solution leverages 5G communication technology to offer advanced telematics services, which integrate information and communication technology into vehicles, providing features such as driving route guidance, accident and th...
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    Waymo plans autonomous vehicle rollout and robo-taxi services in Australia by 2026
    Waymo is in talks with Australian officials about its autonomous vehicle technology and a potential robo-taxi services launch in the country by 2026. The company, owned by Alphabet, has expressed its global ambitions and engages with regulators globally to advocate for policies that would allow it to serve riders similar to its operations in the US. Documents released in January indicate meetings between Waymo officials and Mike Makin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Infrastr...
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    Eleport secures €35 million loan from the European Investment Bank to expand EV charging infrastructure
    Eleport, an independent electric vehicle fast-charging network operator, has secured a €35 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), supported by the InvestEU program. This funding will facilitate the deployment of Eleport's multiplug fast-charging hubs across central and Eastern Europe, which aim to make EV charging a seamless experience for drivers. The EIB loan will enable the installation of more than 250 new fast-charging hubs at major shopping and commercial locations in c...
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    North Northamptonshire Council in the UK partners with Connected Kerb for installation of 1,500 new EV chargers
    The North Northamptonshire Council in the UK has announced a partnership with Connected Kerb to install over 1,500 electric vehicle charging sockets throughout the region. This project will be cofunded by Connected Kerb and supported by £2.9 million from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. Over the next three to five years, the initiative will triple the number of existing public charge points, targeting installation across 320 new sites, which include all ...
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    Honda and General Motors plan to discontinue production of fuel-cell systems in the US
    Honda Motor Co. Ltd. plans to discontinue the production of fuel-cell systems at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC (FCSM), a joint venture with General Motors (GM), by the end of 2026. Honda will transition to utilizing its independently developed next-generation fuel-cell systems. FCSM was established in January 2017 in Brownstown, Michigan, as a pioneering collaboration between Honda and GM to produce advanced fuel-cell systems, combining their expertise to achieve synergies in development...
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    Lifthium Energy receives €180 million grant for lithium refinery in Portugal
    Portugal's Lifthium Energy has been awarded a €180 million government grant to construct a lithium refinery in northern Portugal to cater to the electric vehicle battery market. Portugal, known for its significant lithium reserves, primarily serves the ceramics industry but is now stepping into battery-grade lithium production. The grant was provided under the EU's Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, which aims to expedite green and industrial advancements. Lifthium Energy is mostly ...
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    Porsche integrates Plug & Charge technology for Macan Electric and Taycan models
    Porsche Cars Canada Ltd. (PCL) has announced the addition of Plug & Charge functionality for the Macan Electric and model year 2026 Taycan models, which is now available on the Tesla Supercharger network via the Porsche Charging Service. This integration offers a streamlined and efficient charging experience at over 27,500 Tesla Superchargers in North America, allowing vehicles to simply be plugged in for quick access, while ensuring secure and encrypted transactions. The Plug & Charg...
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    Ford partners with Ohme to enhance EV home charging in Ireland
    Ford and Ford Pro have teamed up with Ohme as their new electric vehicle home charging partner in Ireland, aiming to make the transition to EVs more convenient for customers. This partnership is part of the Ford Power Promise, which includes offering complementary Ohme chargers to qualifying customers across the Republic of Ireland. The initiative responds to survey findings indicating that many European drivers experience uncertainty about EV purchases and charging logistics. The Ford P...
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