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☆ The world needs cheap electric cars. That spells trouble for Big Auto
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The world needs affordable EVs more than ever as electric cars will play a big role in hcelping countries cut planet-heating pollution. “When legacy [carmakers] talk about catching up to Tesla or catching up to the leading Chinese automakers, it’s difficult. It is by far the world’s biggest EV battery manufacturer and dominant in the supply and processing of many critical components needed to make the batteries. Global automakers have had little choice but to enter into joint ventures with Chinese EV and battery manufacturers. EU lawmakers have voiced concerns that government subsidies allow Chinese EV makers to keep prices artificially low, creating unfair competition for European rivals.

Persons: Henry Ford’s, carmaking, Jeff Kowalsky, ”, Gene Munster, Tesla, — Tesla, —, Patrick Hummel, Krisztian Bocsi, Ford, “ It’s, ” Dan Ives, Bill Pugliano, Daniel Röska, Bernstein, China …, Marco Rubio, “ They’re, Bill Ford, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria Organizations: London CNN —, Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Volkswagen, United, Getty, Deepwater Asset Management, Volkswagen Group, Audi, Porsche, Chrysler, Jeep, Ford, General Motors, International Energy Agency, Honda, Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Benz, BMW —, Investment, UBS, EV, Atlas Public, VW, Bloomberg, Reuters, Twitter, Stellantis, Wedbush Securities, CNN, United Auto Workers, Refining, Global, Republican, European Union, EU, Jato Dynamics Locations: Europe, United States, Dearborn , Michigan, AFP, China, Japan, South Korea, Asia, US, Germany, ” Munster, Munster, Lansing , Michigan, Michigan, Beijing, America

☆ Volkswagen: to build Trinity model at Zwickau, no further plant needed
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A Volkswagen logo is seen during the press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 17, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) plans to build its Trinity electric vehicles (EV) at its factory in Zwickau, the company said in a statement on Friday. The carmaker added that its iconic Golf model would be "led into the electric future" at its main Wolfsburg plant. The Trinity electric car, which is to be based on the new SSP platform, was supposed to be launched in 2026. Volkswagen had initially planned to build a new factory for the model, but due to delays in developing the brand, the German carmaker was also considering converting its Wolfsburg factory.

Persons: Mike Blake, carmaker, Oliver Blume, Jan Schwartz, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray Organizations: Los Angeles Auto, REUTERS, Rights, Trinity, Wolfsburg Warmenau, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, Zwickau, Wolfsburg

☆ 'Fast and Furious': Paris collector offers drives in famous movie cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Noemie Olive | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A French car collector offers just that in a new car museum south of Paris. The Chevelle is not for hire, but Galiegue's Movie Cars Central operation offers paying visitors the chance to take a spin in more than 10 mostly U.S.-made vintage car models that have featured in movies. One of those cars for hire is a DeLorean, transformed to resemble the time-travel machine from the 1985 film "Back to the Future". He owns 12 cars from the Fast and Furious series, eight of which are originals. The museum will soon have three new cars including one from the 1987 RoboCop movie.

Persons: Olive, Herbie, Franck Galiegue, Ryan Gosling, Galiegue, Tim Burton, Hutch, Magnum's, Noemie Olive, David Holmes Organizations: DeLorean DMC, Pop Central, REUTERS, Rights, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, DeLorean, Ford Gran Torino, Magnum's Ferrari, GV De, Thomson Locations: Etrechy, Paris, France, Los Angeles

☆ Volkswagen - production back to normal after major IT outage
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

A Volkswagen logo is seen during the press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 17, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Production is back to normal across all Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) brands and regions, a company spokesperson said on Friday after an IT outage earlier this week caused most of its German plants to halt production. "Individual systems may still be affected in a transitional phase," the spokesperson said. Reporting by Chris Steitz, Writing by Friederike Heine, Editing by Rachel MoreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mike Blake, Chris Steitz, Friederike Heine, Rachel More Organizations: Los Angeles Auto, REUTERS, Rights, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S

☆ Exclusive: China's Nio explores investment, tech alliances with Mercedes - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Nio, when contacted, denied it talked to Mercedes on a collaboration, calling it "untrue", without elaborating. Mercedes said in a separate response that there were no collaboration plans with Nio at the moment. Chinese EV companies may also be able to navigate potential trade barriers better by forging such tie-ups. Nio, whose investors include Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings (0700.HK), has publicly called for more such tie-ups with established automakers. ($1 = 7.3127 Chinese yuan renminbi)Reporting by Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh; Additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach in Frankfurt; Editing by Muralikumar AnantharamanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: William Li, Ola Kaellenius, Nio, Mercedes, Leapmotor, Elon Musk, Tesla, Nio's Li, Zhang Yan, Brenda Goh, Ilona Wissenbach, Muralikumar Organizations: HK, Mercedes, Benz, Nio, EV, Volkswagen, SAIC, Audi, VW's, Tencent Holdings, Thomson Locations: SHANGHAI, China, Tesla, Frankfurt

The first phase of the construction of the Northvolt Six factory just outside Montreal will begin this year and it is expected to be operational in 2026. Northvolt will invest $3.2 billion of the total with the local and federal government each contributing $1 billion, Northvolt Co-Founder Paolo Cerruti told Reuters. "We looked at 70 different sites at the beginning of this process," Cerruti said. The $369-billion U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed last year has prompted companies including Northvolt to look across the Atlantic, attracted by hefty subsidies and cheaper energy. "This size of investment and project can not happen if you don't have an anchor customer," he said.

Persons: Northvolt, Paolo Cerruti, Cerruti, Supantha Mukherjee, Divya Rajagopal, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: Reuters, Northvolt, Canada, Ontario, BMW, RIC, Volvo, Thomson Locations: STOCKHOLM, TORONTO, Swedish, Quebec, Canadian, Montreal, Northvolt North America, United States, Canada, Scania, North America, Stockholm, Toronto

☆ $1 bln metals SPAC deal backed by Glencore, automakers collapses
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The logo of commodities trader Glencore is pictured in front of the company's headquarters in Baar, Switzerland, July 18, 2017. In June, global miner Glencore (GLEN.L), Chrysler parent Stellantis (STLAM.MI) and Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) battery unit PowerCo agreed to back the deal through an equity investment. Weak economic data from the world's largest metals consumer China, which it has reported since August, affected the investors' appetite for the deal, a source, directly familiar with the situation, told Reuters. "The deal fell apart over price," said another source familiar with the situation, adding the price was higher than the buyers considered realistic after the nickel price declined. Reporting by Polina Devitt and Clara Denina; editing by Timothy Gardner and David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Arnd, ACG, Glencore, Appian, Sibanye, Polina Devitt, Clara Denina, Timothy Gardner, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, Appian Capital, Chrysler, Reuters, South Africa's, Thomson Locations: Baar, Switzerland, London, Appian, China, Stillwater

☆ Volkswagen restarts production after suffering major IT outage
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Christoph Steitz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Volkswagen logo is seen during the press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 17, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) on Thursday said that a major IT outage, which had caused most of its German plants to halt production, was resolved overnight and its global production network was up and running again. "The IT infrastructure problems in the Volkswagen network were resolved during the course of the night and the network is stable again," Volkswagen said, without providing details on the impact or cause of the incident. The global production network is up and running, and production is expected to proceed as planned," it said, adding individual systems may still be affected during a transitional phase. "We need safety systems here that work," Wissing told broadcaster RTL/n-tv.

Persons: Mike Blake, Volker Wissing, Wissing, Christoph Steitz, Miranda Murray, Kim Coghill, Elaine Hardcastle Organizations: Los Angeles Auto, REUTERS, Rights, VW, Volkswagen, Porsche AG, Audi, Toyota, RTL, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, Wolfsburg, Emden, Osnabrueck, Hanover, Dresden, Zwickau, Braunschweig, Kassel, Chemnitz, Salzgitter

☆ Volkswagen hit by IT outage, brand vehicle production in Germany halted
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A technician works on a model of Volkswagen ID.4, at the production line for electric car models of the Volkswagen Group in Zwickau, Germany, April 26, 2022. REUTERS/Matthias Rietsche/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) was hit by a major IT outage on Wednesday, Europe's top carmaker said, adding that production at the carmaker's namesake brand in Germany had come to a halt as a result. Volkswagen said that the whole group, which includes the Porsche AG (P911_p.DE) and Audi brands, was affected. A spokesperson for Audi confirmed that production at the division had been impacted, too, adding it was currently being analysed to what extent. Volkswagen said there had been an unspecified "IT malfunction of network components" at the carmaker's site in Wolfsburg, its global headquarters.

Persons: Matthias Rietsche, carmaker, Volkswagen, Christoph Steitz, Ralf Banser, Maria Martinez, David Holmes, Grant McCool, William Maclean Organizations: Volkswagen, REUTERS, Rights, Porsche AG, Audi, Thomson Locations: Zwickau, Germany, Wolfsburg

☆ EU trade chief says the outcome of China EV probe cannot be prejudged
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

About two weeks ago, the European Commission announced an investigation into government subsidies for EV makers in China. watch nowChina's electric car exports have surged in recent months. Homegrown Chinese electric car companies Nio , Xpeng and BYD are among those that have started to expand to Europe, but in relatively small numbers so far. More than two-thirds of China's electric car exports to Europe were from Tesla and other international brands manufacturing in China, according to HSBC. China's Ministry of Commerce was quick to criticize the EU investigation and called it a "blatantly protectionist act" that would distort the global auto industry.

Persons: Dombrovskis, Cui Dongshu, Wan Gang Organizations: BEIJING —, European, European Commission, EV, EU, World Trade Organization, Moody's, HSBC, Volkswagen, VW, China's Ministry of Commerce, China Passenger Car Association, Audi, Wan, Science, Technology, Ministry of Finance Locations: BEIJING, BEIJING — Europe, China, Beijing, Europe

☆ Volkswagen to temporarily pause production of two EV car models due to drop in demand -spokesperson
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

A Volkswagen logo is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., April 5, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Volkswagen AG FollowFRANKFURT, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) will suspend production of ID.3 and Cupra Born electric cars at its Zwickau and Dresden plants in Germany in the first two weeks of October due to weaker demand, a spokesperson for the carmaker said on Tuesday. Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, writing by Emma-Victoria Farr, editing by Susan FentonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: David, Dee, Delgado, Ilona Wissenbach, Emma, Victoria Farr, Susan Fenton Organizations: New York, REUTERS, FRANKFURT, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S, Zwickau, Dresden, Germany

☆ 'Just shut your mouth:' Populist Republicans back UAW workers' demands while slamming union leadership
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Bryan Metzger | Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Hawley and Vance support striking auto workers, but they're not on the same page as union leadership. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs strikes at auto manufacturing plants continue across the country, some populist-minded Republicans are breaking from their party's long-standing orthodoxies and backing the United Auto Workers' demands. Last week, Fain even slammed Donald Trump as part of the "billionaire class" following the news that the former president would address union workers in Michigan this week. So far, the only company that has figured out how to squeeze consistent profits out of electric cars is Tesla, which does not use more union labor. The union is now aiming to rebuild its reputation and influence in automotive labor and the labor movement writ large.

Persons: Hawley, Vance, they're, It's, —, what's, Sen, JD Vance, Ohio, Josh Hawley, Biden, Shawn Fain, They've, Fain, Donald Trump, Sherrod Brown, Brown, we've, Detroit's Ford, Matt Wegener, Wegener, EVs, Charmonique Demings, Trump —, Trump Organizations: PRO, Service, United Auto Workers, Republicans, UAW, GM, Stellantis, Biden's, Democrat, Michigan Assembly, Ford's Michigan, Trump, US, Detroit —, National Labor Relations Board, Supreme, Bloomberg, Biden, Battery, EV, Volkswagen, Tesla, Republican, Ford, Democratic, Democratic Party, American Locations: Josh Hawley of Missouri, China, Wentzville , Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Detroit, Trump's Michigan, States, Mexico, Canada, Missouri

☆ Nissan CEO outlines EV strategy in Europe to help compete with the likes of Tesla, Volkswagen
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailNissan CEO outlines EV strategy in Europe to help compete with the likes of Tesla, VolkswagenMakoto Uchida, Nissan president and CEO, discusses the carmaker’s announcement that all new models it launches in Europe will be fully electric.

Persons: Makoto Uchida Organizations: Nissan Locations: Europe

☆ AOC says she'll trade in her Tesla for a union-made EV. Her options are slim.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wants to trade in her Tesla for a union-made electric vehicle. In an interview on CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday, AOC was asked why she bought a Tesla rather than a union-made electric vehicle. AOC only has 2 real choicesThat leaves AOC choosing between the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, a hatchback and a small SUV, respectively. The Chevrolet Bolt EV electric hatchback. ChevroletI think the winner here is the Bolt EV, since it offers just a bit more range than the EUV.

Persons: Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Tesla, —, Elon Musk, Cadillac, it's, Ram, Bolt EUV, I'd, Bolt Organizations: Service, Democrat, Ford, General Motors, United Auto Workers, Ford's, Hummer EV, GMC, Volkswagen, Lucid Motors, Chrysler, Chevrolet Bolt, Chevrolet Locations: Alexandria, New York, Washington, DC, New York City, Mexico

☆ More automakers plug into Tesla's EV charging network
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A Tesla logo is seen outside a showroom of the carmaker in Beijing, China May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 21 (Reuters) - More automakers signed up to access Tesla's electric-vehicle charging infrastructure across the United States, taking the Elon Musk-led company's superchargers closer to becoming the industry standard. Texas has approved a plan to require EV charging companies to include Tesla's plug if they want to be eligible for federal funds. Tesla's North American Charging Standard is more widely available and reliable than rival charging network CCS, which is backed by automakers such as Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and Hyundai Motor (005380.KS). Here is a list of the companies adopting NACS:List of U.S. states that have either mandated Tesla's charging tech or plan to:Reporting by Akash Sriram and Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Chavi Mehta; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Arun KoyyurOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Thomas Peter, Elon, company's superchargers, Akash Sriram, Jaspreet Singh, Chavi Mehta, Devika Syamnath, Arun Koyyur Organizations: REUTERS, EV, CCS, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, United States, Texas, Bengaluru

☆ More than a fifth of cars sold in EU in August were full EVs - ACEA
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Nick Carey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Fully-electric models made up 21% of sales in the EU in August, the first time that they have made up more than one fifth of all sales, the ACEA said. In the first eight months of 2023, nearly 1 million fully-electric cars were sold in the EU. Overall, EU car sales were up 21% in August, which is typically a slower month for car sales, making it the thirteenth consecutive month of sales growth as the auto industry recovers from pandemic-related supply chain issues. Fully-electric car sales more than doubled to 165,165 units for the month from August 2022. Diesel vehicles comprised more than 50% of new car sales as recently as 2015.

Persons: Fabrizio Bensch, Nick Carey, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Factory, Volkswagen, REUTERS, European Union, European Automobile Manufacturers Association, EU, Diesel, Renault, Thomson Locations: Dresden, Germany

☆ US Republicans push for security review of China-linked battery company
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Amanda Andrade Rhoades/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Republican lawmakers on Wednesday urged the U.S. Treasury Department to conduct a security review over China-linked ownership of Gotion Inc, which plans to build electric vehicle battery plants in Michigan and Illinois, arguing its management is under Beijing's sway. The move is the latest push by Republicans to question Chinese-linked EV battery producers looking to set up shop in the U.S., possibly with access to taxpayer funding. The governors of Michigan and Illinois have announced plans for Gotion to open EV plants in their states, facilities expected to create thousands of jobs. Those include the company's founder Li Zhen and his son whom, they said, were members of CCP organizations. The Treasury Department, Gotion and Gotion High-Tech did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Persons: Marco Rubio, Amanda Andrade Rhoades, Janet Yellen, Li Zhen, Joe Biden, Tesla, Ford, Michael Martina, Timothy Gardner Organizations: Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Republican, Wednesday, U.S . Treasury Department, Gotion Inc, Foreign Investment, China's Communist Party, Germany's Volkswagen AG, Gotion, Tech, CCP, Treasury Department, Republicans, CATL, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Washington , U.S, China, Michigan, Illinois, U.S, United States

However, that was still nearly twice as much as the 5.5 billion euros invested in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Reuters GraphicsOverall German direct investment flows dropped more sharply, to 63 billion euros from 104 billion euros last year, as Europe's largest economy battled recession. "Although the German economy is overall investing much less abroad, new direct investments in China remain nearly as high as before." Matthes pointed out that investments in the rest of Asia as a share of Germany's overall investments was also rising. "It is notable that nearly a quarter of German direct investment flows recently went to Asia," he said.

Persons: Thomas Peter, Juergen Matthes, Matthes, Sarah Marsh, Friederike Heine, Christina Fincher Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Investment, Reuters, Reuters Graphics, Volkswagen, BASF, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Asia

☆ Deep-sea mining could help solve the global critical minerals shortage, but it's a lightning rod for controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Katie Brigham | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

But extracting these metals via deep-sea mining has become a lightning rod for global controversy, as many fear the potential ecological disruptions it could cause in a part of our planet that remains largely unexplored. The Metals Company has announced that it's planning to submit its application next summer and begin exploitation in 2025, leaving many concerned about the potential implications. "What I am absolutely convinced of is that we can slow down or maybe even stop the growth in rainforest nickel," Barron said. Deep-sea mining avoids the emissions associated with blasting, as well as sulfidic tailings, a waste material that can contaminate groundwater. Great unknownsA few years ago, the World Wildlife Fund released a business statement calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

Persons: Jessica Battle, Gerard Barron, we're, Barron, Andrew Miller Organizations: Clarion, United Nations, International, Authority, ISA, Metals Company, Mining, The Metals Company, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Metals, World Wildlife, Google, Samsung, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, WWF, CCZ, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration Locations: Indonesia, Congolese, U.S, Texas

☆ Auto jobs are booming in the union-hostile South
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —Looming over the United Auto Workers strike: Automakers’ continued migration to the anti-union South. Jobs at nonunion EV battery facilities pay less than the roughly $32 an hour that veteran UAW workers make. Since 1990, the South’s share of auto jobs has doubled from around 15% to 30% today, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Mostly nonunion EV jobs and manufacturing investments are surging in Southern states led by Republicans. The South has picked up 66% of planned EV jobs, while projects in Midwestern states such as Michigan, Indiana, Kansas and Ohio have combined for 26% of planned jobs, according to S&P Global.

Persons: ’, Ford, nonunion autoworkers, ”, Stephen Silvia, Southern, Mason, Honda, Deni McIntyre, unionize, “ It’s, Nelson Lichtenstein, Jeffrey Greenberg, Lichtenstein, Bill Lee, Nikki Haley, Houston Cofield, Biden, Biden’s, Shawn Fain Organizations: New, New York CNN, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Volvo, Benz, BMW, Toyota, Hyundai, American University, Southern Gamble, Workers, Foreign, Ford, GM, Dixon, Midwest, UAW, EV, P Global Market Intelligence, Nissan, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Kia, CNN, University of California, Clinton Presidency, Universal, Southern Republican, South . Tennessee Gov, Former South Carolina Gov, Republicans, North Carolina –, Environmental Defense Fund, P Global, Ford Motor Co, SK Innovation Co, Bloomberg, Getty, Big Three Locations: New York, Detroit, Smyrna , Tennessee, Spartanburg , South Carolina, Vance , Alabama, Lincoln , Alabama, Germany, Santa Barbara, Clinton, Korean, United States, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, South, Chattanooga, Southern, – Georgia, South Carolina , Kentucky, North Carolina, Midwest . Georgia, Michigan, Indiana , Kansas, Ohio, Stanton , Tennessee, BlueOval

Ford UK Chair Lisa Brankin was scathing: "Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. Britain was the first major economy to create a legally binding 2050 net zero target and emissions have fallen almost 50% since 1990 as coal power plants closed and offshore wind power took off. The government's own independent adviser on climate action said in June that Britain was not doing enough to hit its mid-century target. Ford said it had spent 430 million pounds ($532 million) on its UK development and manufacturing facilities, with "further funding planned for the 2030 timeframe". His party has trailed the opposition Labour Party in polls for over a year.

Persons: Suella Braverman, Andy Bailey, Handout, Rishi Sunak, Lisa Brankin, Sunak, We're, Ford, Chris Skidmore, Kate Holton, Elizabeth Piper, William James, Susanna Twidale, Muvija, Nick Carey, Sachin Ravikumar, Gareth Jones, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: Economic, REUTERS, Sunak's Conservative Party, Ford, Conservative, BET, Times Radio, European Union, BMW, Volkswagen, Labour Party, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Sunak

☆ German startup Fernride raises $50 mln for self-driving freight trucks
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Nick Carey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Sept 20 (Reuters) - German self-driving startup Fernride said on Wednesday that it has raised $50 million in Series A funding to increase the use of its "human-assisted" autonomous freight trucks in customer's logistics yards. The Munich-based startup had initially closed the funding round with $31 million, but had extended it due to high investor interest, the company said. New investors include Munich Re's venture capital arm Munich Re Ventures, Bavarian venture capital firm Bayern Kapital and former Siemens Klaus Kleinfeld, who will become chairman of the board at Fernride. Existing investors, including strategic investors HHLA (HHFGn.DE) and Deutsche Bahn (DBN.UL) unit DB Schenker also participated in the funding round. Fernride's trucks currently operate autonomously around 80% of the time, then remote human operators to step in to help the remainder of the time.

Persons: Siemens Klaus Kleinfeld, Hendrik Kramer, DB, Kramer, Nick Carey, David Evans Organizations: Munich Re Ventures, Bayern Kapital, Siemens, Deutsche Bahn, DB Schenker, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Munich, Bavarian, Fernride, Hamburg

☆ Volvo to end diesel car production by early 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Nick Carey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Volvo reveals their new Volvo EX30 fully-electric small SUV vehicle during an event in Milan, Italy June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Volvo Cars (VOLCARb.ST) said on Tuesday that it will end production of any remaining diesel models by early 2024 as it heads towards becoming an all-electric carmaker. "In a few months from now, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will have been built, making Volvo Cars one of the first legacy car makers to take this step," the Swedish company said in a statement. Sales of diesel models have declined rapidly in Europe since Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) emission-cheating scandal and carmakers have been gradually reducing the number of diesel models available in their model lineups. Diesel vehicles comprised more than 50% of Europe's new car sales in 2015, but accounted for just over 14% of sales in July.

Persons: Claudia Greco, China's Geely, Nick Carey, Louise Heavens Organizations: Volvo, REUTERS, HK, Diesel, Thomson Locations: Milan, Italy, Swedish, Europe

☆ Stephen Wilmot — Editor and Columnist, Heard on the Street at The Wall Street Journal
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Stephen Wilmot | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Stephen WilmotStephen Wilmot is an editor of The Wall Street Journal's Heard on the Street column, based in London. In addition to editing, he writes columns about car makers, often focused on the impact of electric vehicles on automotive strategy and on the case for investing in companies like General Motors, Tesla and Volkswagen. He has previously written commentary on a wide range of companies for Heard on the Street, including airlines, real estate companies and luxury goods makers. Stephen joined the Journal from British investment magazine Investors Chronicle, where he oversaw the companies coverage and wrote a column.

Persons: Stephen Wilmot Stephen Wilmot, Heard, Stephen Organizations: General, Tesla, Volkswagen, Journal Locations: London

☆ EV charging needs big improvements soon if the auto industry's transition is going to work
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( John Rosevear | In Jrosevear | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Simply put, America's patchwork of CCS chargers offers spotty coverage, hard-to-use devices, and, too often, chargers that are broken. Not to mention, there are fewer than 12,000 CCS fast chargers across the U.S. today. Opening up the Tesla charging network to our customers, that's about them and it scales very quickly for them. watch nowThe broad uptake of Tesla's charging tech is generally good news. What's more, Tesla's chargers all work the same way, whereas CCS chargers from rival companies may have very different procedures.

Persons: Mark Blinch, Reuters There's, General Motors, it's, Joe Biden, Tesla, Justin Sullivan, JD Power, Brent Gruber, Ford, John Lawler, Lawler, We're, Elon Musk, EVgo Organizations: Benz, Canadian, Reuters, Ford Motor, General, Volkswagen, Cox Automotive, Consumer, Energy, Institute, University of Chicago, Associated Press, NORC, for Public Affairs Research, United Auto Workers, EV, Public, U.S . Department of Energy, —, Detroit, CCS, University of California, JD, Ford EV, Ford, GM, Volvo, Mercedes, SAE International, ABB Locations: Toronto , Ontario, Canada, U.S, San Rafael , California, Berkeley, Bay, Swiss

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