Focus on Production and Economy
Four major associations in China jointly issued a statement: cautious procurement of American chips
After the United States launched a new round of large-scale export controls on China's semiconductor industry, on December 3, the China Automobile Industry Association, the China Internet Association, the China Semiconductor Industry Association and the China Communications Enterprise Association issued statements calling on domestic enterprises to prudently choose to purchase American chips.
The European Commission supports providing more EU funding for the electric vehicle industry
Due to the pressure on demand in the electric vehicle industry, the European Commission called for an additional 1 billion euros (1.1 billion US dollars) in EU funding on December 3 to support the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries. The European Commission stated that this will be part of the 4.6 billion euros allocated by the EU Innovation Fund to promote the development of net zero technology, electric vehicle batteries, and renewable hydrogen energy in the EU.
Focus on the new trends of traditional car companies
Nearly 100000 workers join Volkswagen Group strike wave
The German metalworkers' union IG Metall has announced that nearly 100000 workers have joined the strike at Volkswagen Group's German factories, Europe's largest automaker, protesting against the company's management's plans to cut wages and close German factories, and threatening further union action.
Saudi Aramco completes acquisition of 10% stake in Renault Geely internal combustion engine joint venture
On December 2nd, Saudi Aramco announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 10% stake in Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Renault and Geely for internal combustion engines. Saudi Aramco will focus on developing more efficient internal combustion engines, fuels, and lubricants, including synthetic fuels.
Stellantis and Samsung SDI battery joint venture factory will receive a $7.54 billion loan from the United States
The US Department of Energy announced on December 2nd that it is planning to provide up to $7.54 billion in loans to StarPlus Energy, a joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI, to help build two lithium-ion battery factories for electric vehicles in Indiana.
Audi establishes battery assembly plant in Mexico
Audi has started building a battery assembly plant at its factory located in Puebla, Mexico. This will be Audi's first factory outside of Germany to produce high-voltage batteries and modules. The planned production capacity of the factory is to produce over 300 batteries per day.
General Motors recalls over 132000 trucks
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States announced on December 3 that General Motors will recall approximately 132037 trucks due to concerns that the tailgate may accidentally open. This recall affects the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500 and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 models.
Ford UK Chairman calls on government to provide incentives for electric vehicles
Ford Motor Company UK Chairman Lisa Brankin has called on the UK government to provide up to £ 5000 in consumer incentives for each electric vehicle, stating that direct support for consumers to purchase zero emission cars is crucial for the development of the electric vehicle industry.
Indian airline IndiGo sues Mahindra for trademark infringement
A legal document shows that India's largest airline IndiGo has sued car manufacturer Mahindra for trademark infringement using the "6E" on its latest electric vehicle. In a document submitted to the stock exchange, Mazda denied any misconduct, stating that its recently launched electric vehicles "BE 6e" and "XEV 9e" have the necessary trademark registrations and do not conflict with IndiGo's independent "6e" brand.
Focus on Electrification
Tesla's domestic car sales in November decreased by 4.3% year-on-year
Data shows that in November this year, the sales of electric vehicles manufactured by American automaker Tesla in China decreased by 4.3% year-on-year to 78856 units, but increased by 15.5% compared to October.
Tesla Cybertruck will be discontinued for three days
According to foreign media reports, Tesla sent an email to the production workers responsible for manufacturing the pure electric pickup truck Cybertruck at its Texas Gigafactory, notifying them that they do not need to report for work on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (December 3-5), but employees can still receive their wages normally.
Indian steel giant JSW plans to launch its own electric vehicle brand
Indian steel manufacturer JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal revealed in an interview that the company plans to launch its own electric vehicle brand. This marks JSW as an important player in India's growing electric vehicle industry.
Jishi Motors enters the Saudi market
On December 3rd, Jieshi Automobile announced that it had recently signed a cooperation agreement with Laith Al Obaidi Group in Shanghai, authorizing the group to become a strategic partner of Jieshi Automobile in the Saudi Arabian market, exclusively representing the market business in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Norway's pure electric vehicle penetration rate reached 93.6% in November
According to a press release released by the Norwegian Road Federation, the country registered 10940 pure electric vehicles in November, which is basically the same as 10862 in October, but significantly higher than 8442 in November last year. The market share of electric vehicles has reached 93.6%, indicating that the country's transition to electric vehicles has been basically completed.
Focus on Supply Chain
Freya appoints new CEO
On December 3rd, French automotive parts supplier Freya announced that Martin Fischer will replace Patrick Koller as CEO of the company from early March 2025. Freya announced that Martin Fischer will join the company as Deputy CEO on December 6th to ensure a smooth transition to the position of Freya CEO.
Swiss automotive parts supplier Feintool plans to close factory and lay off employees
Swiss automotive parts supplier Feintool announced on December 3rd that due to weak demand for electric vehicles and uncertainty in transitioning to renewable energy, the company will close one of its factories in Germany and lay off up to 200 employees.
