Long-stalled Geneva Motor Show, Renault, MG, and BYD Electric Vehicles Take Small Stage & Honda’s New Fuel Cell Vehicle to be Launched in Japan in Summer – Will Plug-in Functionality Make it Popular & India Gives Green Light to Chip Plant Worth Rs. 1.26 Trillion

Here you will find trending news topics in the automotive and mobility markets around the world.

We carefully select interesting news in the automotive industry, both domestic and international, and translate and summarize the contents for your reference. We hope you will find it useful in catching up with the latest news in the industry.

After a long hiatus, the Geneva Motor Show brings Renault, MG, and BYD electric vehicles to a smaller stage

Feb 28, 2024

The Geneva Motor Show is trying to regain momentum after five years since it was interrupted by COVID-19 in 2020, attracting automakers such as MG, Renault, and BYD.Industry insiders, however, point out that the significance of the show has declined, and there may be fewer exciting cars on display than in its heyday.

MG debuted its Cyberstar electric car, which boasts rapid acceleration and a nostalgic design reminiscent of classic models. Renault unveiled its 5 EV, reminiscent of its iconic predecessor. BYD, now a major player in the electric vehicle market, unveiled its Seal U electric SUV along with the luxury brand’s U8 hybrid SUV.

Renault’s Scenic won the “Car of the Year” award, and BYD’s Seal also made a big impression as a finalist; BYD’s presence has created a sense of urgency among European automakers with its competitive low pricing and high vehicle features.

The number of participating automakers at this year’s show was down, with only a few major automakers exhibiting. Luxury brands such as Ferrari and Porsche were also absent, and there was a marked decline in premier brands. This can be seen as a reflection of the changing power structure in the automotive industry.

Despite the challenges, organizers hope to rekindle interest in the Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Long-stalled Geneva motor show revs again as Renault, MG, BYD electrics roll onto its smaller stage

Honda’s New Fuel Cell Vehicle to be Launched in Japan this Summer – Will Plug-in Functionality Help Popularize the Vehicle?

Feb 28, 2024

Honda unveils its new CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell vehicle (FCV ), known for its long range and quick recharge, which will feature plug-in capability, allowing the vehicle to be recharged at home or on the go. It addresses consumer concerns about the lack of hydrogen stations.

The vehicle will be launched in Japan in the summer of 2024 and in North America by the end of the year.

In the past, FCVs attracted much attention as the “ultimate eco-car” in that they use hydrogen as fuel and do not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during operation, but their popularity has been hindered by expensive vehicles and fuel, and a lack of hydrogen stations. It is currently unclear whether Honda’s new FCV will be able to overcome this challenge of stagnant FCV diffusion.

The government aims to install 1,000 hydrogen stations by 2030, but only 161 stations were in operation as of December 2023. Honda aims to alleviate concerns about the shortage of hydrogen stations by equipping FCVs with plug-in capability.

Honda has developed a new fuel cell system in cooperation with General Motors (GM) to re-enter the FCV market after temporarily withdrawing from it. This system cuts costs by about a third and doubles durability compared to the Clarity. The price of the vehicle is undisclosed at this time, but Honda is considering making it affordable for individual buyers.

Source: Honda’s New Fuel Cell Vehicle to be Launched in Japan this Summer – Will the Plug-in Function Help Popularize the Vehicle?

India gives green light for chip plant worth 1.26 trillion rupees

India is expanding its manufacturing capacity to become a powerhouse for electronic products by allowing the construction of three semiconductor plants by companies such as the Tata Group and CG Power.

By 2026, India’s semiconductor market is expected to grow to $63 billion, but manufacturing facilities are underdeveloped. Prime Minister Modi has announced his intention to become the world’s chipmaker, and the government is offering $10 billion in incentives to the industry. Construction of the plant is expected to begin within 100 days and will manufacture and package chips for sectors such as defense, automotive, and telecommunications. While this decision is of national importance, it does not address other important chip makers.

Tata has partnered with Taiwan’s Powerchip to set up India’s first chip manufacturing plant. Meanwhile, CG Power will partner with Japan’s Renesas Electronics and Thailand’s Stars Microelectronics to build a chip packaging plant. In addition, a third chip packaging plant will be set up in Assam by Tata Semiconductor Assembly Test Pvt Ltd.

Source: India gives green light to chip plants worth 1.26 trillion rupees