This week in Automotive: Tesla announces new battery technology deal with Panasonic

Centre Setup and Expansion
Hyundai Motor wins state approval to build hydrogen fuel cell plant in China
The company formulated this strategic move to cope up with foreign companies in fast-growing hydrogen market. Read More>>
Volkswagen expands charging infrastructure with 750 charging points

The German automaker announced yesterday that it plans to have 750 new charging points, including the first High Power Charging stations with up to 300 kW for the year 2021. Read More>>

General Motors opens a new facility dedicated to 3D printing
General Motors’ 15,000-sq.-ft. Additive Industrialization Center (AIC), a ground-up facility will be dedicated to 3D printing. For the launch of GM’s all-new full-size SUVs, the team 3D-printed nearly 100 hand tools for the body shop at Arlington (Texas) Assembly. Read More>>
BYD likely to build self-owned SiC production line next year
BYD is expected to launch a self-built SIlicon Carbide (SiC) production line next year. The company is on course to develop the fourth generation SiC MOSFET. They are expecting SiC power semiconductor to be fully applied across its EV lineup replacing IGBT. Read More>>

Deals and Deal Renewal
Tesla has announced a new battery cell deal with Panasonic
Tesla confirmed signing “2021 Pricing Agreement” through an SEC filing. Even though Tesla plans to make its own cells, they made it clear that they will try to secure as many battery cells from suppliers as possible in order to support its ambitious growth. Read More>>
Yahua Industrial to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide to Tesla
Chinese company Yahua will supply lithium hydroxide (battery-grade) to Tesla for the next five years. The value of this contract at up to £646.89 million. Read More>>
All eyes on Nissan, Toyota, and Honda after Brexit deal
The Brexit trade deal could still fall short for carmakers in the UK with too little leeway to take on more expenses. Costs associated with switching to suppliers and the burdens of customs declarations, certifications, and audits could still leave car companies convinced they’re better off investing elsewhere. Read More>>

Partnerships
Mahindra and Ford Motor part ways as joint venture called off
According to the details of the defunct JV, Mahindra was supposed to acquire Ford’s operations in India with the US automaker holding 49% of the joint venture. Recent changes to the global economic and business conditions along with a failure to stick to deadlines have been touted as reasons for the decision. Read More>>
Toyota takes full ownership of JV plant with PSA in the Czech Republic
Toyota invested more than four billion Czech crowns (approximately £137 million) to increase capacity and modernize the site. This will enable the introduction of Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) manufacturing, allowing the plant to start producing the new Toyota Yaris – including hybrid electric technology – in the second half of 2021. Read More>>
Aurora Mobile partners with Dongfeng Motor to strengthen AI-based smart mobility services
Aurora Mobile will use its artificial intelligent (AI)- empowered targeted push notification services and machine learning-based powerful operational analysis capabilities to help DFGO gain comprehensive insights into user needs, improve user experience and ultimately maximize customer value. Read More>>
Audi strengthens its stake in China with local partners FAW and SAIC
Audi signed an MoU with FAW to jointly produce electric vehicles based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) which was developed by Porsche and Audi. Its future products will be sold and serviced via the FAW-Volkswagen Audi investor network, realizing its future growth strategy in the world’s largest auto market. Read More>>

Merger and Acquisition
Hyundai acquires Boston Dynamics from SoftBank
South Korean automotive giant acquired US robotics company for roughly $921 million USD. The deal was a part of the company’s push for robotics alongside electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells. Hyundai had earlier said that it will invest up to USD 1.4 Bn into robotics by 2025. Read More>>

Executive Movement
MOVES-Former Intel, Tesla chip exec Jim Keller joins artificial intelligence startup
Computing chip architect Jim Keller joined a Toronto-based Tenstorrent Inc, an artificial intelligence company that develops chips that mimics some of the ways human brain works to become more energy efficient than rival chips. Jim had served at AMD helping design new high-end processors. Read More>>
New Year brings new CEO for Magna
Swamy Kotagiri took the helm of Magna after 21 years in the company. Swamy Kotagiri has served in various product groups and corporate roles, spanning functions including engineering, operations and R&D. Read More>>

Mass Hiring
Mazda-Toyota plant to hire 3,000 workers in Alabama
The auto assembly plant in Huntsville will conduct another round of recruitment to work on the factory floor. It will increase the company’s employment index. It will be able to make up to 400,000 vehicles per year. Read More>>
Hyundai Transys announces USD 240 Mn transmission factory in Georgia
The 620,000-square-foot project is expected to create 678 full-time jobs, along with 165 related positions in construction, handling, and inspection. Once completed, Hyundai Transys alone is slated to employ more than 1,700 people in the state. Read More>>

Layoff
Michelin plans to cut as many as 2,300 jobs in France
Michelin will cut 2,300 jobs in over about three years as it focuses on the premium tire market while diversifying into recycling, new materials and projects in areas including hydrogen. Read More>>
Nissan to make more cuts in Europe
Nissan will refocus on profitable markets. It will cut distribution operations in thirty countries located in Western Europe and outsource its operations to its global alliance partner Renault. This is a measure to return the company to profitability. Read More>>

Headlines From The Startup World

Startup Spotlight

Latest Insights & Reports

Tesla account intelligence report: Along with cars, Tesla also manufactures clean energy products. Their revenue increased by 14.49% in FY 2019. They highly focus on battery technologies and autonomous driving technologies through investments and strong partnerships. Read more

Yamaha Motor Company account intelligence report: Yamaha Motor Co manufactures and sells motorcycles, marine products, special machineries, industrial equipment and robots. It develops and implements new technologies like facial recognition, infotainment and autonomous navigation. Read more

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