Harding Greenwood

BMW has commenced production of test vehicles at its new factory in Debrecen, Hungary, marking a significant milestone in its transition to all-electric mobility. The test cars, prototypes of the all-electric X model under the Neue Klasse lineup, are part of the automaker's efforts to validate and optimize production processes ahead of full-scale series production slated for late 2025.

STMicroelectronics (ST) has pushed back its long-term financial targets, now aiming to hit annual revenue of $20 billion and an operating margin above 30% by 2030, instead of 2027 as previously forecast. This adjustment follows three guidance cuts earlier this year and reflects the company's expectations that the demand slump for industrial and automotive chips will continue into 2025.

Volkswagen is set to begin a new round of collective bargaining talks on Thursday, as the company faces mounting pressure to reduce costs and prevent plant closures. The works council and IG Metall trade union have proposed a range of measures, including salary cuts and the creation of a future fund. The aim of these proposals is to allow for flexible reductions in working hours without resulting in job losses.

BYD is set to launch the world's fastest-charging blade battery for construction machinery at the Bauma China exhibition in Shanghai on November 26. This new battery, developed in collaboration with XCMG, a leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer, aims to revolutionize the performance of heavy-duty equipment.

German supplier Handtmann Systemtechnik has introduced a modular lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system designed for use in heavy vehicles, marine applications, and stationary energy storage systems. The scalable system offers a capacity of up to 1.3 MWh, catering to diverse customer needs in energy storage and installation space.

Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland has taken a significant step toward sustainability by ordering 177 Skoda Enyaq electric vehicles for its sales representatives. With this acquisition, the company's fleet will consist of 90% electric vehicles, reducing annual CO2 emissions by an estimated 700 tonnes, equivalent to an 88% decrease.

Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil its second electric vehicle (EV) early next year after surpassing its 2023 delivery target of 100,000 units ahead of schedule, according to local media reports.

Lotus, the iconic British automaker, is reportedly revising its ambitious plan to become an all-electric mobility provider by 2028. Instead, the company plans to adopt “Super Hybrids,” blending high performance with extended range through a combination of advanced batteries and a turbocharged engine.

Dutch electric bus manufacturer Ebusco has raised €36 million in a rights issue, providing a critical financial boost for the company as it seeks to stabilize its operations and recover from mounting challenges. The funds will be used to address financial strains and support a reorganization led by new CEO Christian Schreyer.

British carmaker Lotus announced an evolution of its Vision 80 electrification strategy during its third-quarter earnings call, introducing a new 900V Hyper Hybrid technology that integrates the benefits of electric vehicles with the range and versatility of internal combustion engines.