News

Mercedes-Benz Vans CEE (Central and Eastern Europe Area) is embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine the electric vehicle strategy in the region. Collaborating with E.ON, a leading energy solutions provider, the two entities will launch a partnership targeting B2B charging infrastructure that will cover Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The partnership aims to provide comprehensive and affordable charging solutions tailored for business fleets in the mentioned countries.

Volkswagen Group and Rivian Automotive launched their joint venture on Nov. 13, creating a new company called “Rivian and VW Group Technology.” The new company will focus on developing a electrical/electronic architecture and software for electric vehicles that each automaker will utilize. The announcement lifts the veil on one of the largest automotive deals this year, providing more details on its goals, leadership and financial structure.

In the first nine months of 2024, new EU van sales increased by 8.5%, reaching 1,170,310 units, driven by positive results in all four key markets. Spain led with a remarkable 16.7% rise, followed by Germany at 8.2%, Italy at 7.3%, and France at 5.8%.

Volvo Cars continues its journey to electrification, creating more flexibility for drivers of its fully electric vehicles including the new EX90 flagship SUV by opening access to more than 17,800 Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S. and Canada. Tesla Superchargers can be found using the Volvo Cars app or built in Google Maps starting November 18, 2024.

Automotive tier suppliers can leverage AMRs to streamline material handling, cut operational costs and improve workforce safety—all without the need for expensive infrastructure overhauls. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so too must the supply chains that support it. For tier suppliers looking to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding market, AMRs offer a clear path forward to greater efficiency and operational excellence.

Energy prices gained 2.4% in October, led by natural gas Europe (+9.6%) and coal (+5.3%). Non-energy prices increased by 2.1%.

Metal prices surged by 5%, led by gains in zinc and iron ore (each up more than 9%) and aluminum (+5.9%).

Global commodity prices are set to tumble to a five-year low in 2025 amid an oil glut that is so large that it is likely to limit the price effects even of a wider conflict in the Middle East, according to the World Bank’s latest Commodity Markets Outlook. Even so, overall commodity prices will remain 30% higher than they were in the five years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 2024 through 2026, global commodity prices are projected to plummet by nearly 10%. Global food prices are set to fall 9% this year and an additional 4% in 2025 before leveling off. 

In September 2024, new EU car registrations continued their downward trajectory (-6.1%) with negative results across three of the region’s four major markets: France (-11.1%) and Italy (-10.7%), with the German market declining by 7%. On the other hand, Spain experienced a healthy rebound (+6.3%).

BMW Group Plants Dingolfing and Regensburg will obtain electricity generated from renewable energy directly from their own roofs. Dingolfing’s rooftop PV system, with a capacity of 11.1 MWp, will be one of the most powerful in Germany. To achieve this objective, the premium automotive manufacturer is renting roof space at its two plant sites in Eastern Bavaria to Sunrock Holding Deutschland GmbH, which will generate electricity using photovoltaics and make it available to the plants under direct supply contracts from 2025 onwards.

All-New Bigster is tailored to the specific requirements of a steadily growing market. Spiralling costs are an issue for many C-SUV segment buyers, who want to buy a new car without compromising on comfort, performance and space. At the Paris Motor Show 2024 from 14 to 20 October, Dacia has exhibited the world premiere of the New Bigster and, for the first time in France, the new 2024 models: New Spring, New Duster and the latest versions of the Jogger and Sandero Stepway.

At We, Robot event, the much-awaited Tesla Cybercab took centre stage. According to Musk, the potential of the Optimus robot is nearly limitless. He mentioned that the robot can perform tasks like walking your dog, babysitting, mowing the lawn, and even serving drinks.

He predicted that the long-term cost would be between $20,000 and $30,000. 

Volkswagen announced the deployment of generative AI within the myVW mobile app through a strategic partnership with Google Cloud. Volkswagen is leveraging Google Cloud’s industry-leading AI and machine learning capabilities, as well as expertise from Google Cloud Consulting, to power Volkswagen’s new myVW Virtual Assistant and provide vehicle owners with intuitive access to critical vehicle information and services.

Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo announced they have entered into a multi-year, strategic partnership. In the first phase of this partnership, the companies will integrate Waymo’s sixth-generation fully autonomous technology – the Waymo Driver – into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV, which will be added to the Waymo One fleet over time. The IONIQ 5’s well-appointed and spacious interior will offer plenty of legroom, headroom, and rear cargo space for a comfortable rider experience.

Renault Group and SUEZ step up their long-term partnership, which encompasses recycling waste metal and recovering end-of-life vehicles, with strategic agreements aimed at supporting the ecological transition in the automotive sector. Together, Renault Group and SUEZ, a world leader in waste recycling and recovery, will put The Future Is NEUTRAL in a position to speed up its expansion and rank among the standard-setters in the automotive industry’s circular economy.

Energy prices declined 7.1% in September, led by crude oil (-7.3%) and natural gas Europe (-4.8%). 

Food prices rose by 3.1%, raw materials increased by 3%, while beverages inched up 1.4%.