News

• HORSE starts manufacturing its new DB49 transmission, designed in-house for use in hybrid vehicles
• Transmission set to first feature in Renault Rafale’s PHEV models
• Clutchless, 15-speed ‘DB49’ transmission produces a maximum torque of 470Nm and peak power of 35kW
• HORSE is a division of Horse Powertrain, a global leader in hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions across 17 plants and 5 R&D centers

Toyota Motor Corp. is investing $922 million to build a new advanced paint facility in Kentucky that the company says will enhance the quality of its vehicle finishes. There will be added 93.000 m² of additional production capacity in Kentucky and Toyota will utilize a new, environmentally friendly paint process that will decrease carbon emissions by 30% and water usage by 5.67 million liters per year. The plant’s production technologies aim to cut lead times, improve process accuracy and offer customers new color options.

• Joint venture to build an all-new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant at Stellantis’ Zaragoza, Spain site
• Production is planned to start by end of 2026 and could reach up to 50 GWh capacity
• Stellantis is committed to bringing more affordable battery electric vehicles in support of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan leveraging its dual-chemistry strategy
• Plant will enable CATL to better meet customers’ need for advanced battery technology and support global climate ambitions

Volvo Cars has signed a EUR 1.5 billion sustainability-linked revolving credit facility, refinancing the current EUR 1.3 billion credit facility signed in 2021.The five-year facility with a group of 22 participating banks has two one-year extension options and will serve as a backup facility for general corporate purposes. 

The two new facilities also align with Volvo Cars’ sustainability strategy by linking the interest rate margin to Volvo Cars’ progress in reducing its carbon emissions across the value chain.

Continental is testing the forward collision warning system on a tram in Timișoara. The tests take place in the depot of the Timișoara Public Transport Company (STPT) and present a technology adapted to urban mobility.

The forward collision warning system is based on the use of radar technology in combination with digital maps. It also allows the emergency brakes to be activated.

Energy prices decreased 1.2% in November, led by natural gas U.S. (-4.7%) and coal (-3.1%).

Metal prices contracted by 3.1%, with zinc and nickel leading the decline (-7.4% and -6.2%, respectively).

In October 2024, new EU car registrations reversed their decline, recording a modest 1.1% increase. Spain led the way with a robust 7.2% growth, while Germany rebounded with a 6% increase following three months of decline. Decreases were recorded in both France (-11.1%) and Italy (-9.1%).

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%).