Ron Hesse

Uno Minda has partnered with China's Suzhou INOVANCE Automotive Co. to produce electric vehicle (EV) components. This collaboration, formalized through a technical license agreement, will enable Uno Minda to manufacture and sell high voltage EV products, including on-board chargers, motor control units, and battery management systems, aimed at the growing market for EVs in India. Additionally, Uno Minda recently inaugurated two new manufacturing plants for EV components in Farukhnagar and Bawal, Haryana. The Farukhnagar plant, established in collaboration with FRIWO AG Germany, will produce various EV components, while the Bawal plant, under the subsidiary Uno Minda Buehler Motor Private Limited (UMBM), will focus on manufacturing traction motors and BLDC motors for EV two-wheelers and three-wheelers. These developments are part of Uno Minda's strategic goal to achieve ₹1,500 crores in revenue from EV systems by FY26, with a current order book exceeding ₹2,500 crores in annualized peak value from EV OEMs. #ev #evnews #evindia #electricvehicle #lithiumionbattery #battery #evindustry

8

Some automotive suppliers are cutting jobs because of slowdowns in automakers' electrification plans, often reluctantly because of how difficult it can be to fill roles to begin with. Automakers are rolling back their electric vehicle plans in the face of lower-than-expected sales growth in North America, creating ripple effects throughout the supply chain. Many programs that parts makers expected to supply have been delayed or altered, putting a dent in suppliers' earnings outlooks and forcing them to make adjustments to their own plans. https://lnkd.in/eEZiCsKs

2

SCOOP: Nissan Motor Corporation expects to cut U.S. production by 17% - or more than 100,000 vehicles - during fiscal 2024, which ends March 31. That's shy of the 20% global production cut the automaker plans to manage oversupply and ballooning costs. In a planning document sent to suppliers in November and reviewed by Automotive News, Nissan said it expects to build 503,202 vehicles in Canton, Miss., and Smyrna, Tenn., in the fiscal year, down from 605,435 the prior year. Nissan will make 12,554 fewer vehicles, or 4.8 percent less than previously planned in the second half of the fiscal year. The automaker is trimming the output of several high-volume light trucks, including 6,438 Frontier midsize pickups and 2,010 Rogue compact crossovers. On average, Nissan dealers sold 400 fewer new vehicles per store for the 12 months ending in the third quarter compared with Q3 2019, according to buy-sell advisory firm Haig Partners. Meanwhile, dealers industrywide sold 86 fewer vehicles in that period. Nissan suppliers say they’ve priced their products for higher volumes than the automaker is delivering. “We don’t build plants just to break even. We’re going to have to have a conversation with Nissan at the end of the [fiscal] year about recouping some of this cost,” a source said. Suppliers need to be within a margin of error of the original production forecast, said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions LLC. "Any significant variance from that will hit their bottom line because they’ve tooled up for that volume,” Fiorani said.

8

5 Comments

Automotive Defense Specialists, a leading law firm specializing in defending auto repair shops and SMOG testing stations, has announced updated content addressing 'Interim Suspension Orders' from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. 'An interim suspension order may be serious for any SMOG testing shop. It is an emergency order from the Bureau of Auto Repair to suspend a license,' explained William Ferreira, lead attorney at Automotive Defense Specialists. 'This doesn't have to be the end of a business, however. Our team of defense lawyers know how to help defend against these types of orders and potentially save a smog check and repair business.' The firm's attorneys are well-versed in representing smog technicians and business owners during negotiations and legal proceedings involving accusations, citations, criminal defense, STAR invalidation cases, and licensing challenges. With their expertise in the smog check industry, they understand the significant implications of receiving an Interim Suspension Order (ISO) from the Bureau of Automotive Repair. By committing to supporting the smog testing community throughout California, Automotive Defense Specialists aims to prevent ISOs from causing lasting damage to small businesses. Their dedicated legal team can intervene, negotiate effectively, and work to resolve issues related to Interim Suspensions, helping auto repair shops continue to thrive without negative repercussions. #legaldefense #autorepair #smogtesting #bureauofautomotiverepair #automotivedefensespecialists

1

There's a good coverage of the interview I gave SAE International in anticipation of my talk at #WCX in #Detroit last week. We discuss how traditional and new automotive companies are different but also beginning to learn from one another. In that interview I also point out that established automakers are exceedingly practiced at R&D, design, engineering, manufacturing and distribution, a process that is sometimes overlooked, dismissed, ignored by newcomers. And I also explain that newcomers are diving headfirst into the digital world, and with software, they can innovate much more quickly because coding something new goes much faster than building new hardware. Read the article under the link below and let me know what you think. #automotive #engineering #mobility #electricvehicles #automateddriving #detroit #siliconvalley https://lnkd.in/eSC5zfRD

37

On September 20, the 2025 China Commercial Vehicle Product Testing Event (hereinafter referred to as "Commercial Vehicle Testing"), jointly organized by China Automotive News Co., Ltd. and China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. and co-organized by China Automotive Brothers (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., was launched in Chongqing. Since 2007, China Automotive News and China Automotive Research Institute have jointly organized a series of commercial vehicle testing events, and have successfully held 17 sessions so far. Over the years, the organizers have kept up with the general trend of commercial vehicle development, continuously adjusted and optimized the testing procedures, and strived to accurately reflect the comprehensive performance of commercial vehicle products. This year, the commercial vehicle product testing event has entered its 18th year. With the joint efforts of China Automotive News and China Automotive Research Institute, commercial vehicle testing has actively fulfilled its due social responsibilities and public welfare missions over the past 18 years, witnessed every change in the market, and faithfully recorded every mark of the industry's development. Zhu Zhiyu, member of the Party Committee of China Energy Automobile Communication Group, member of the China Automotive News Editorial Committee and director of the Interview Production Center, said that at this stage, the commercial vehicle industry is in a critical period of transformation and upgrading, and the development of electrification, intelligence, networking, high-end, and internationalization is accelerating. In order to adapt to the new changes and embrace new trends, the commercial vehicle testing procedures have been upgraded again this year. "But no matter how the test rules and content settings change, the original intention of the test activities will not change, that is, on the one hand, to provide a significant reference guide for the industry, enterprises, and users; on the other hand, to continuously promote the technological progress of my country's commercial vehicles, promote the product strength and brand strength of enterprises, and help the high-quality development of China's commercial vehicle industry." Zhu Zhiyu emphasized. Today, after 18 years of accumulation and precipitation, commercial vehicle testing has become an activity with high credibility in the industry, and it also provides a platform for communication for the entire industry, which has positive significance for promoting the industry, promoting the technological upgrading of vehicle enterprises, and customer purchases. Looking to the future, commercial vehicle testing activities will continue to play a leading role, adhere to inheritance and innovation, help my country's commercial vehicle industry to achieve technological innovation and high-quality development, and achieve a new leapfrog upgrade. #vehicle #automobile #Connectors #CableHarness

6

This week Alan Amici discusses tariffs on Chinese EVs and the EV demand decrease. "The tariff is relatively benign when compared to the 100% duty imposed by the U.S. Still, it sends a message that “unfair subsidization” of Chinese imports will not be tolerated. Canada is considering similar measures to protect its robust automaking industry. The industry needs a level playing field and an appropriate capacity to meet demand. Excess capacity, dumping, and subsidized products create labor, supply, profitability, and sustainability issues in the long term, which is not a good outlook for the auto industry. " Read the full Hot Topics article: https://lnkd.in/gb6SmdWF

7

Back in September, South Korean automaker Hyundai and Detroit Big Three automaker General Motors announced and signed a Memorandum of Understanding, an agreement on paper that recognizes the two companies' interest in a joint venture. In a statement at the time, GM CEO Mary Barra said that the partnership would enable the respective companies to share technologies and other resources that can bring the best out of each company. Although new offerings in GM and Hyundai's lineups indicate that the potential JV may revolve around EVs and EV technology, a new report from a South Korean business publication may indicate that GM's bread and butter may interest the South Korean automaker. More: https://trib.al/jx3dBab

1

😎🚗🚚12/05/2024: OICA's 5 major #automotive news summarized: **Light trucks, hybrids, bigger retail discounts boost US market in November; SAAR hits 16.7 million**   *Automotive News - December 4, 2024*   #US auto sales rose 12% in November, driven by hybrids, light trucks, and incentives averaging $3,291 per vehicle. Seasonally Adjusted Annualized sales Rate  hit 16.67 million, the highest since May 2021. Major automakers like Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation saw significant hybrid sales growth, reflecting increased inventories and competitive pricing.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/esY_dhmF)  **What’s Good for China Has Been Very Bad for General Motors**   *Bloomberg - December 5, 2024*   General Motors faces challenges in #China, with a declining market share (6.8%) and $347 million in losses this year. Intense competition from subsidized local brands like BYD has led to restructuring, job cuts, and over $5 billion in writedowns, threatening GM's long-term prospects in the region.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/e7JVpePk)  **VW, Ford, Renault among automakers most at risk from U.K. EV fines**   *Automotive News Europe - December 4, 2024*   Volkswagen Group, Ford Motor Company, and Renault Group risk substantial fines under the #UK's #EV mandate, requiring 22% BEV sales in 2024. With VW facing over £200 million in fines, automakers rely on compliance credits from Tesla and others. Premium BEVs dominate, with more affordable models launching in 2025.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eXcKQiDR)  **Thailand extends EV production deadline, allows re-export to ease auto glut**   *Nikkei - December 4, 2024*   #Thailand delayed EV production targets until 2026 amid low domestic demand and oversupply. Automakers like BYD and Great Wall benefit from hybrid incentives and re-export policies. The government targets $13.7 billion in semiconductor investments and plans to train 86,000 workers to support a thriving electronics sector.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/e8VFZaaP)  **VW CEO clashes with workers as conflict over closures, pay deepens**   *Reuters - December 4, 2024*   Volkswagen workers oppose CEO Oliver #Blume's proposals for plant closures and wage cuts amid competitive pressures from China. Union leader Daniela Cavallo demands shared sacrifices and warns of intensified strikes. Talks continue December 9, with #Germany’s Labor Minister urging compromise to secure industrial stability.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/ep9HzKur)  

13

1 Comment

🚗⚡ Exciting news! Today, Sandy Munro is taking the stage at the Reuters Automotive USA Conference, sharing his expertise on two critical topics shaping the future of the industry: 🔋 The Momentous Transformation from ICE to EV: What Should OEMs Prioritize? Orange Stage - 251ABC 9:50AM - 10:30AM ET Sandy will dive into what automakers must focus on as they transition to electric vehicles, from engineering innovations to supply chain strategies. 🚀 Unleash Competitive Edge: New Industry Disruptors vs. Legacy OEMs: Purple stage - 12:10PM - 12:50PM ET In this panel, he'll explore how startups and established automakers can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Looking forward to the insights Sandy will bring to these pivotal discussions. The future of automotive is here! https://lnkd.in/dzzUjqas #ReutersAuto #EVTransition #AutomotiveIndustry #SandyMunro #MunroLive #ElectricVehicles

11

Join me at Automotive USA 2024, Reuters Events’ North American flagship event that unites CEOs and board members from leading OEMs to take to the stage where they will set the automotive agenda for years to come. Reaching a North American audience, this event will shape the future strategies across the following business-critical topics: Automotive Technology • Collaborate to create the optimal Software Defined Vehicle • Maximize ADAS capabilities to ensure optimal safety and efficiency, and gain insights into how to reach L4 autonomous systems • Capitalize on the latest AI advancements to make it the backbone of driver assistance technology • Unlock revenue generating opportunities by adding digital services such as OTA updates, early recall detection, and cybersecurity Automotive Strategy • Strengthen supply chains and mineral acquisition for an electrified future • Streamline your manufacturing operations to reduce cost and increase throughput time • Strategize your future vehicle portfolio and evolve your OEM business model to meet consumer demand • Gain insight on alternative fuels, charging infrastructure, policy and regulation developments Take the opportunity to network and share solutions with 700+ thought leaders and innovators across the globe including C-Suite leaders from BMW North America, Stellantis, Ford, Hyundai, and many more across two days to plan this decade of transformation. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ewxRWr-y

4

If everything had gone to plan for General Motors over the last three years, the Detroit automaker would be well on its way to catching Tesla in sales of electric vehicles. In October 2021, GM CEO Mary Barra declared the automaker would “absolutely” catch up to the U.S. EV leader by 2025. Instead, after slower-than-anticipated EV adoption across the industry and GM-specific challenges with production, software and supply chains, the company remains well behind Elon Musk’s carmaker, as well as Hyundai Motor/Kia and Ford Motor. While GM has withdrawn most of its previously announced electric vehicle targets, the automaker believes its EV sales momentum is finally building thanks to an expanding lineup of all-electric vehicles – spanning a price range of roughly $35,000 to more than $300,000. “We are definitely outstripping the industry in terms of growth, in terms of EVs,” Rory Harvey, GM president of global markets, including North America, told CNBC. “We have the most comprehensive EV lineup out of any manufacturer in the industry, in the U.S., at the moment.” EV sales data provided to CNBC by the Detroit automaker, which publicly reports sales quarterly, shows a notable increase for GM through August. GM sold nearly 21,000 EVs in the U.S. in July and August – almost matching its full second-quarter EV sales. GM’s EV sales through August were up about 70% compared with a year earlier. “It’s a step change in terms of our EV performance,” Harvey said during an interview this month at GM’s Cadillac headquarters in suburban Detroit. Those two back-to-back record months for GM’s EVs have it within striking distance – about 2,000 units – of Ford through August. It still remained more than 20,000 units shy of Hyundai/Kia EV sales through last month. Both Ford and Hyundai/Kia report sales monthly. The legacy automakers are still fighting for a distant second behind Tesla, which Motor Intelligence estimates to have sold more than 164,000 EVs during the second quarter – roughly double the sales of GM, Hyundai/Kia and Ford combined during that time.      Harvey declined to speculate when, or if, GM expects to overtake its competitors in EV sales, but the automaker is forecasting a strong finish to the end of the year. “We have momentum on our side,” Harvey said. “We anticipate quarter four will be strong in terms of EV adoption. So, we’re looking forward to that close, and looking forward to taking a disproportionate share of the upside.” GM currently offers eight “Ultium-based” EVs for consumers — referring to its electric vehicle architecture and battery technologies. They range from mainstream models such as the Chevy Equinox and Blazer crossovers to three large pickup trucks and luxury models from Cadillac, including a bespoke $300,000 Celestiq. Two additional Cadillac vehicles – an electric Escalade and entry-level Optiq crossover – are expected to join the lineup by year’s end, bringing the total to an industry-leading 10.

2

1 Comment

FYI: New battery plant at Kokomo, Indiana (USA) The StarPlus Energy joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI is part of Stellantis's Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to electrify its vehicles. The joint venture's strategic plan includes: Building multiple gigafactories: The joint venture is building multiple battery manufacturing facilities in Kokomo, Indiana to support Stellantis's electrification goals: First gigafactory: Construction is underway on the first gigafactory, which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025. It will have an annual production capacity of 33 gigawatt hours (GWh). Second gigafactory: Construction will begin in 2023 on the second gigafactory, which is expected to open in early 2027. It will have an annual production capacity of 34 GWh. Creating jobs: The joint venture is expected to create a total of 2,800 new jobs across both facilities. Investing in the local economy: The joint venture is expected to boost spending at nearby businesses. Venkat Aiyappan

6

🚘 GM Restructures in China Amid $5B Write-Down General Motors is revamping its joint venture operations with SAIC Motor in China, incurring over $5 billion in non-cash charges and writedowns. The restructuring includes plant closures and portfolio changes, aiming to boost efficiency and profitability in a challenging market. Despite sales declines for U.S. brands like Buick and Chevrolet, GM’s joint ventures with SAIC and Wuling remain strong, accounting for 60% of its 2023 sales in China. After three consecutive quarters of losses in 2024, GM projects improved performance by 2025. As the company adapts to a competitive EV market, restoring profitability in China is key to its global strategy. #GeneralMotors #ChinaMarket #EVGrowth #AutomotiveIndustry

1

Navigating the Complexities of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the Automotive Sector FEDEREC #autorecycling #autorecyclers #ATFs #ELVs #EPR #automotivesector #automotive https://buff.ly/46TCbB7

6

AISIN Corp., a Tier-1 supplier of automotive components and systems, has unveiled plans for the future of its global aftermarket segment, with the goal of becoming a total parts and service provider. Additionally, AISIN has introduced a new Americas-focused aftermarket company: AISIN Aftermarket & Service of America.    This new company will come from the merger of AWTEC Corporation – an AISIN company focused on transmission remanufacturing – and the aftermarket business unit of AISIN World Corp. of America (AWA).   This comes at a time when AISIN is expanding its product lines in various regions with an eye toward being a one-stop shop for auto parts. Until now, AISIN’s aftermarket products have been limited to in-house brands. Going forward, AISIN will grow its inventory and become a universal service provider of parts for the automotive aftermarket. According to management, new additions will complement and enhance its current lineup, which includes cooling systems, drivetrain products, steering and suspension items, chemicals, and fluids. Additionally, the company will look to source maintenance-related items, such as wiper blades, lubricants, batteries, tire accessories, wheel balancers, car lifts and more to bolster its AISIN portfolio. Other equipment, such as tools and paint, also will be available for vehicle maintenance. Masahiro Shiiya, president of AISIN Corp.’s global aftermarket company, stated: “What we’re seeing in today’s market is an opportunity to evolve — to leverage our comprehensive strengths and global network to further support the global automotive community.” AISIN Aftermarket & Service of America will operate as a stand-alone company focused on both aftermarket sales and remanufactured products. The restructure is expected to be completed in April With its creation, AISIN leadership will expand its manufacturing capabilities for service parts, leveraging and uniting the combined expertise of AWTEC and AWA Aftermarket Sales. Operations also will be streamlined and optimized with the goal of increasing efficiencies and better positioning the aftermarket team for growth   “Agility has become key to success in the aftermarket business, and this merger makes us more nimble and more flexible,” said Dwayne Bates, AWA’s senior vice president of aftermarket sales. “Beyond opening doors to more opportunities and strengthening our alignment internally, the restructure should be seamless to our customers and suppliers.” The leadership team for the new company will include Bates as well as AWA President and CEO Scott Turpin and General Manager Tomoyuki Furuta Jobs and facilities are not expected to be impacted as a result of the spin-off Beyond servicing North America, AISIN Aftermarket & Service of America will work with AISIN Sales Latin America — which is wholly owned through AWA following the recent acquisition of the business assets of strategic partner, Leon Import — in South America #aftermarket #autoparts #autocare

62

3 Comments