Singapore starts dual probes of Baltimore bridge collapse

SINGAPORE — Singapore will launch dual investigations of the Baltimore bridge collapse, in which a vessel flagged under the city-state collided with a flyover in the U.S. state of Maryland. Six construction workers are presumed to have been killed in the accident. The city-state’s Maritime and Port Authority said late Wednesday that it will conduct an investigation to… Continue reading Singapore starts dual probes of Baltimore bridge collapse

Kia aims to qualify for $7,500 U.S. EV tax credit by early 2025

NEW YORK — South Korean automaker Kia says it will start making its electric SUV in the U.S. by May and expects it to qualify for full tax credits that America offers on EV purchases by early next year. Kia currently makes the EV9 in South Korea but will move production to its U.S. plant… Continue reading Kia aims to qualify for $7,500 U.S. EV tax credit by early 2025

Nissan to invest in Renault’s Ampere as part of EV roadmap, CEO says

ORAGADAM, India (Reuters) — Japan’s Nissan Motor will invest in Renault’s electric vehicle (EV) unit Ampere even after its listing plans fell through, while also evaluating its partnership with Honda Motor to further build its global EV expansion. “We want to be a global (EV) player in the world,” Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida told reporters during a press briefing… Continue reading Nissan to invest in Renault’s Ampere as part of EV roadmap, CEO says

EV makers offer deep discounts as Thai auto market weakens

BANGKOK — Signs of economic weakness in Thailand hang over Bangkok’s biannual motor show as it opened on Wednesday. Automakers and dealers fear a triple blow to demand from high consumer debt, tighter financing conditions and supply flooding into Southeast Asia’s second largest car market. Car sales in Thailand fell by 26.15% in January and February as 18,000… Continue reading EV makers offer deep discounts as Thai auto market weakens

Hyundai Motor to spend $51bn over 3 years, mostly on EVs

SEOUL (Reuters) — South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group said on Wednesday it will invest 68 trillion won ($51 billion) over three years to bolster its growth potential in electric vehicles and new mobility business and separately hire 80,000 new employees. More than half of the investment, or 35.5 trillion won, will be allocated for new… Continue reading Hyundai Motor to spend $51bn over 3 years, mostly on EVs

China challenges U.S. electric vehicle subsidies at WTO

BEIJING — China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization against U.S. electric vehicle subsidies, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said Tuesday, claiming that the requirements are “discriminatory” and “seriously distort” fair competition. The ministry issued a statement alleging the subsidies offered under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act violate WTO rules and saying China is “firmly opposed.”… Continue reading China challenges U.S. electric vehicle subsidies at WTO

Australia dilutes fuel efficiency standard proposal after industry pressure

SYDNEY — Australia’s government will amend its proposed fuel efficiency standards for the auto industry by easing restrictions on carbon emissions from light commercial vehicles (LCVs) such as pickup trucks and large SUVs. The move, announced on Tuesday, follows pressure from automakers and the political opposition. As part of the change, some four-wheel-drive vehicles will… Continue reading Australia dilutes fuel efficiency standard proposal after industry pressure

BYD shares rebound on China’s latest push for EV buying

TOKYO — Shares in Chinese electric-vehicle maker BYD have bounced back about 30% from recent lows after China’s government said it would encourage drivers to replace their old cars. Beijing announced the action plan to spur consumer and business spending on March 13 — not long after the end of the National People’s Congress and… Continue reading BYD shares rebound on China’s latest push for EV buying

Nissan eyes profitable EV business with new models, technologies

TOKYO — Nissan Motor will launch 30 new models globally by fiscal 2026, out of which 16 will be electric or hybrid vehicles, the automaker said Monday. The Japanese automaker unveiled its business plan for the three years starting in fiscal 2024. The company hopes to raise its profitability while continuing to push for electrification… Continue reading Nissan eyes profitable EV business with new models, technologies

China Boao Forum, VinFast debuts in Thailand, Xiaomi to launch EV

Welcome to Your Week in Asia. The last week of March is going to be a big one for electric vehicles. On Tuesday, the Nasdaq-listed Vietnamese automaker VinFast will launch its brand in Thailand as a prelude to the Bangkok International Motor Show, while China’s BYD will report earnings. On Thursday, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi… Continue reading China Boao Forum, VinFast debuts in Thailand, Xiaomi to launch EV