Archives for May 2020

• Volkswagen pumps two billion euros into China electric vehicle bet – Reuters: Volkswagen AG plans to boost its electric push in China, the world’s biggest auto market, by pumping 2.1 billion euros (1.9 billion pounds) in two Chinese electric vehicle players.
• Japan backs nearly a third of $6.6 billion loans to Nissan – sources – Reuters: Japan backs nearly a third of $6.6 billion loans to Nissan – sources
• Nissan to withdraw from South Korea by end of 2020 – Just-Auto: Nissan Motor said it plans to withdraw from the South Korea market by the end of the year due to falling sales, as part of a broader global restructuring plan which is expected to result in some 20,000 job losses worldwide.
• Alpine could become electric-only performance brand – Autocar: Alpine A110 Renault set to review future of sports car brand – and Autocar understands a…
• UK car production plummets 99.7% in April – Autocar: Nissan’s Sunderland plant plays a major role in UK car manufacturing UK lockdown dramatically …
• Renault poised to announce 15,000 layoffs worldwide – union – Reuters: French carmaker Renault is poised to announce 15,000 layoffs worldwide on Friday as it unveils a plan to boost its profitability and cope with faltering sales, a representative for the CFDT union said after meeting with the company.

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• Tesla to cut car prices in North America, China – Reuters: Tesla Inc said on Wednesday it will cut prices of its electric vehicles in North America as the firm ramps up car production at its Fremont, California, factory after the easing of coronavirus lockdowns.
• Exclusive: Volkswagen in final talks to seal biggest M&A deals in China EV sector, sources say – Reuters: Volkswagen AG is in final talks to seal its largest investment deals with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) firms, two sources said, as the German automaker accelerates its push into the world’s largest market for environmentally friendlier cars.
• Hyundai fourth-largest global EV manufacturer in Q1 – Just-Auto: Hyundai Motor Group, including Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors, was the fourth-largest global manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs) in the first quarter of 2020, according to research carried out by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA).
• Factbox: Renault and Nissan’s plan to rebuild their alliance – Reuters: The automaking alliance of Renault SA , Nissan Motor Co and Mitsubishi Motors Corp outlined a new strategy on Wednesday whereby the strongest partner takes the lead in areas such as new technologies and parts procurement.
• Renault has no problems in relations with French state, chairman says – Reuters: Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said on Wednesday that relations with the French government were fine, even as the state continues to haggle over finalising a 5 billion euros (4.45 billion pounds) loan for Renault.
• From boom to bottom: Renault and Nissan bet on deeper cooperation – Reuters: Renault SA , Nissan Motor Co and Mitsubishi Motors have no plans to merge and will instead focus on a new production sharing plan to cut costs and improve efficiency, Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said on Wednesday.

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• Toyota to restart its last two European manufacturing plants on May 25 and 26 – Just-Auto: Toyota to restart its last two European manufacturing plants on May 25 and 26
• European Uber rival Bolt valued at $1.9 billion as it plans for post-coronavirus recovery – CNBC: Bolt said it raised 100 million euros from Naya Capital, lifting the ride-hailing app’s valuation to 1.7 billion euros.
• Aston Martin confirms Mercedes boss Moers will replace CEO Palmer – Reuters: Aston Martin confirmed on Tuesday that Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, would become chief executive on August 1, replacing Andy Palmer who stepped down on Monday.
• Nissan and Renault shelve merger plans to repair their alliance – Reuters: Renault and Nissan have shelved plans to push towards the full merger former leader Carlos Ghosn craved and will instead fix their troubled alliance to try to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, five senior sources told Reuters.
• Skoda Volkswagen India resumes production – Just-Auto: Skoda Volkswagen India resumes production | Automotive Industry News
• Kia Rio supermini gains mild-hybrid petrol powertrain – Autocar: New technology is said to improve efficiency, while style updates and interior upgrades are also …
• Skoda Volkswagen India resumes production at both locations – INDIA 2.0 project still on track – Just-Auto: Skoda Volkswagen India resumes production at both locations – INDIA 2.0 project still on track

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• Fiat Chrysler Nears $6.9 Billion State-Backed Loan From Intesa – Bloomberg: Fiat Chrysler Nears $6.9 Billion State-Backed Loan From Intesa
• Nissan has not confirmed if plans to close Spanish plant: industry secretary – Reuters: Nissan has not confirmed if plans to close Spanish plant: industry secretary
• Volkswagen loses landmark German case as diesel owners stand to receive damages – Reuters: A German federal court judge ruled that Volkswagen has to pay compensation to motorists who purchased vehicles with manipulated diesel engines, a major blow for the carmaker in its home market as it continues to reel from the emissions scandal.
• Aston Martin to Tap AMG Head as New CEO in Management Shakeup – Bloomberg: Aston Martin to Tap AMG Head as New CEO in Management Shakeup
• Suzuki Motor Resumes Production At Gujarat Plant – Bloomberg: Suzuki Motor Resumes Production At Gujarat Plant
• China’s Great Wall expects mild domestic auto sales growth in Second half – Reuters: Great Wall Motor expects China’s overall auto sales in the second half this year to return to the same level as last year, its president said, as the world’s biggest auto market recovers from a coronavirus-driven low.
• Next Mercedes-Benz SL will return to sporting roots – Autocar: Mk7 SL will take cues from 1954 original without going retro

• France warns Renault could disappear; Nissan plans job cuts – Reuters: Europe’s car industry was put on alert for more job losses on Friday as a French minister warned Renault could disappear if it didn’t get help soon and a Japanese news report said partner Nissan was considering 20,000 layoffs, with many in Europe.
• Nissan considering 20,000 job cuts, mainly in Europe, developing nations: Kyodo – Reuters: Nissan Motor Co is considering cutting 20,000 jobs from its global workforce, focusing on Europe and developing countries, Kyodo news reported on Friday, as the Japanese automaker struggles to recover from plunging car sales.
• Volkswagen Weighs Expansion for Chinese Budget-Car Brand Jetta – Bloomberg: Volkswagen Weighs Expansion for Chinese Budget-Car Brand Jetta
• New owner of GM’s former Lordstown plant has bold plans for facility – Freep: Lordstown Motors has near 20,000 pre-orders for its electric pickup. Its CEO projects it’s on course to employ thousands, topping GM’s production there.
• Midlands Future Mobility starts AV trial route – Just-Auto: Work has started on the 300km UK Midlands Future Mobility test environment, spanning from Coventry to Birmingham, which will see autonomous vehicles trialled on urban, rural, suburban and highway roads.
• Elon Musk Is the Hero America Deserves – Bloomberg: Elon Musk Is the Hero America Deserves. Ashlee Vance interviews the billionaire entrepreneur on his Twitter usage, selling off his possessions, and the …
• China’s Geely to explore deeper cooperation with Daimler: chairman – Reuters: China’s Geely to explore deeper cooperation with Daimler: chairman

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• Volkswagen withdraws Golf car ad that sparked racism row – Guardian: Car maker says it is ‘horrified’ by the ad that featured a large white hand ‘flicking’ a black man. Reuters. Wed 20 May 2020 21.13 EDT. Share on …
• Volkswagen apologizes for ‘racist’ ad posted on Instagram account – CNBC: The ad depicted a large, white hand pushing a dark-skinned man around a parked VW Golf, before flicking him into a doorway.
• Only 1 Detroit automaker has remained coronavirus-free: How it’s keeping workers safe – Freep: GM has not had a case of coronavirus spread in a plant or disrupt production since restarting production this week, unlike FCA and Ford. Here’s why.
• Paris “uncompromising” on France site retention – Just-Auto: Paris has delivered an indication to Renault its wish to see sites preserved in France as speculation swirls the future of some plants is being reviewed.
• Trump’s Visit to a Ford Factory Will Be Fraught With Tension – Bloomberg: Trump”s Visit to a Ford Factory Will Be Fraught With Tension
• Japan ‘closely communicating’ with U.S. after arrest of two men over Ghosn escape – source – Reuters: Japan is closely communicating with relevant U.S. authorities following the U.S. arrest of two men on charges they enabled former Nissan Motor Co chairman Carlos Ghosn to escape from Japan last year, a Japanese government source said on Thursday.

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