Uber Technologies, Inc. and General Motors’-owned robotaxi firm Cruise announced a multi-year strategic partnership to bring Cruise autonomous vehicles (AVs) to the Uber platform from next year. The companies plan to launch the partnership next year with a dedicated number of Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicles in the US (locations not yet named).
Cruise to deploy robotaxis on Uber platform from 2025
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Ford updated its strategy for electric vehicle manufacturing and offerings that appeared to slow its advance into battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and away from fossil-fuel based internal combustion engines (ICEs). A three-row electric SUV was canned and a next gen e-pickup delayed as part of a drive to be cost competitive on BEVs with Chinese OEMs.
Ford applies brakes to BEV plans
Ford’s cross-town rival General Motors also adjusted its strategic plans – this time in the area of software. GM is to cut more than 1,000 jobs in software positions across its global operations. The job cuts include more than 600 at its Warren Tech Center (just outside Detroit, Michigan).
General Motors cuts 1,000 software jobs
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By GlobalDataWe also learnt this week that battery swapping is still very much in the e-mobility mix in China, despite battery performance gains. Nio announced it is stepping up the expansion of its battery-swapping network in China, with an additional 900 automated stations to be built this year.
Nio steps up swapping network rollout
After the issues of recent years, interest in arrangements for future semiconductors supply remains high. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has begun work on a €10 billion plant in Dresden. It comes as the European Commission approved €5 billion in state subsidies for the world’s largest chipmaker. TSMC is establishing its first European location with the Dresden plant, which will specialise in chips for the automotive and industrial sectors.
TSMC begins work on €10bn auto chips plant in Germany
The European Commission (EC) reduced the maximum level of additional import tariffs it proposes to apply to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) imported from China to just under 38%, from 48% announced in June, as it looks to continue to protect EU automakers from products heavily subsidised by the Chinese government. The EC confirmed the new import tariff rates would be applied for a period of five years from November, with the effective rate varying between companies depending on the perceived level of government support and their collaboration with the EC’s investigation. There was a win for Telsa, too.
EU lowers proposed import duties on Chinese BEVs
The details in financial restructures can be pretty complex and a little obscure, but the upshot here is that Porsche is helping to rescue battery firm Varta, which helps secure future battery supplies and keeps the tech inside Germany.
Porsche participates in Varta rescue deal
When it comes to the region of South Asia, attention naturally focuses on the huge economy and country that is India. However, there is massive automotive potential in Pakistan – population estimated at over 250m. BYD and other Chinese OEMs are active in Pakistan.
BYD enters Pakistan vehicle market
Still on BYD, it is growing fast in the southeast ASEAN markets, too. Some interesting detail in this feature: BYD Auto’s fast growth in the ASEAN-5 region: reasons and challenges
There are mixed fortunes this year in the vehicle markets of ASEAN, according to our regular GlobalData analysis. Thailand sales were off 25% in June.
In Data: ASEAN vehicle market falls again – GlobalData
Other features included a look at the BEV landscape and regs in Australia. Nice accompanying pic of a BYD car parked up in the sunshine next to a turquoise ocean, where the locals look to be heading. Hey, it’s Australia: Australia’s electrification journey: the impact of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard
Which reminds me, someone had some fun with Volkswagen Amarok puns: New VW Amarok: bigger…boulder.
On the interviews front, we had some ADAS insights from TomTom and some perspectives on AI and safety from the insurance industry. Nothing quite beats the nostalgia factor from our interview with Hot Wheels alongside some interesting observations on design crossovers with the full-size industry. Pretty sure I once had a Custom Camaro and a Hot Heap…
Have a nice weekend.
Dave Leggett, Editor, Just Auto
