Japanese automakers Nissan Motor and Honda Motor have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) discussing potential business integration through a joint holding company. This strategic move aims to quicken efforts toward a carbon-neutral and zero-traffic-fatality society, focusing on vehicle intelligence and electrification. Following initial discussions since March 15, a further MOU was signed on Aug. 1 to deepen their strategic partnership, specifically to conduct joint research in fundam...

Lithium Americas Corp. has finalized a joint venture with General Motors Holdings LLC (GM) to develop the Thacker Pass lithium carbonate project in Humboldt County, Nevada. This partnership aims to bolster the North American supply chain for critical minerals. Lithium Americas retains a 62% stake in the project and will oversee its management, while GM has acquired a 38% stake through an investment totaling $625 million, which includes both cash and letters of credit. The arrangement allocates $...

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has entered into a significant partnership with Exide Industries through its subsidiary, Exide Energy Solutions (EESL), focusing on the production and supply of battery cells for HMIL's electric vehicles specifically for the Indian market. This collaboration has been reportedly formalized through a binding term sheet, which demonstrates HMIL's intention to incorporate EESL as a prominent supplier for lithium-ion cells and battery packs, essential components for it...

Yokohama Rubber is supplying its GEOLANDAR X-CV tires as original equipment (OE) to the all-new Nissan Patrol sport utility vehicle, which was launched in the Middle East in November. The SUV comes equipped with tires in 275/60R20 115H size. The GEOLANDAR X-CV tires are highway terrain tires delivering high-speed performance and maneuverability. The tire features specially designed structures and tread patterns to offer excellent driving stability and reduced weight, with improved snow perfor...

NaaS Technology Inc., the first US-listed EV charging service company in mainland China, announced a strategic partnership with TCC Energy Storage Technology (Hangzhou), a subsidiary of TCC Group Holdings, to develop integrated solar-charging-storage solutions using AI technology. The collaboration aims to improve operational efficiency and enhance user experience in mainland China's expanding new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Under the agreement, NaaS will integrate about 200 charging termina...

In a press release dated Dec. 19, Autoneum annnounced that it has played a significant role in the development of the Renault Emblème, a low-carbon demonstration car by Renault Group designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 90% over its lifespan. Autoneum contributed by optimizing its Pure technologies, known for their sustainability performance, and by supplying about thirty fiber-based components for the car, enhancing sustainability through high recycled content and a waste-free pr...

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery maker, unveiled two standardized battery models namely #20 and #25 on the sidelines of a conference on its battery swap ecosystem Dec. 18. The event was organized in the coastal city of Xiamen on Dec. 18. The company announced the launch of a Choco-Swap ecosystem in collaboration with nearly 100 partners, marking a historic step towards the standardization of EV battery swapping in Greater China. The battery maker ...

PowerCo SE, Volkswagen Group’s battery company, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Vancouver-based Patriot Battery Metals Inc. to ensure a long-term supply of lithium raw materials through a binding offtake commitment, Volkswagen announced Dec. 18. According to the company, this is the first investment for PowerCo and Volkswagen in the lithium supply chain, underlining PowerCo’s ambition to execute on its vertical integration strategy that includes operations from mining to...

As reported in a press release on Dec. 16, Waymo has announced a partnership with Nihon Kotsu and GO, marking its initial venture outside the United States to introduce autonomous vehicles to Tokyo. The partnership aims to adapt Waymo's technology to drive on the left side of the road and navigate the complexities of Tokyo's densely populated urban setting. The project emphasizes collaboration with local partners, government bodies, and community organizations to integrate Waymo's autonomous ...

According to a press release on Dec. 19, Ansys, collaborating with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., has introduced the AVxcelerate Sensors autonomous vehicle sensor simulation software, aiming to enhance the validation of perception systems in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. The software facilitates real-time multispectral camera simulation for scenario-based perception testing, allowing original equipment manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers to reliably ev...

As reported in a press release Dec. 17, Intellias has announced a strategic partnership with Zeekr Technology Europe, the European R&D center of the global electric mobility technology brand Zeekr. The collaboration aims to enhance Intellias' software engineering capabilities in Europe, marked by the establishment of a new software research and development hub in Krakow, Poland.  The CEOs of both companies have expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, citing a shared vision to...

In a press release dated Dec. 18, Bitsensing, an advanced radar solutions provider, announced that it has has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NXP Semiconductors to collaborate on offering high-performance radar systems. This partnership aims to leverage NXP's advanced radar chipsets and bitsensing's radar technology expertise to create scalable radar solutions for industries such as automotive, smart cities, healthcare and robotics. The combination of Bitsensing's innovation a...

ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles, and General Motors (GM) plan to further accelerate EV infrastructure growth in the US, the two companies said in a joint announcement Dec. 18. The two companies said that they are collaborating to install hundreds of ultra-fast charging ports at strategic locations across the US, featuring the latest innovations in EV charging to improve access to chargers and help drivers get back on the road faster than e...

South Korea's LG Energy Solutions (LGES) is in negotiations with India's JSW Energy regarding the establishment of a joint venture to produce batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, Reuters reported Dec. 17. The proposed venture, requiring an investment exceeding $1.5 billion, aims to construct a manufacturing plant in India with a capacity of 10 GWh. About 70% of the plant's output is expected to be utilized by JSW for energy storage and EVs, while LGES plans to use the...

As reported in a press release on Dec. 17, aiMotive has announced a partnership with Safran Electronics & Defense to enhance the testing and validation of automated driving systems. This collaboration combines Safran's global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) Simulation technology with aiMotive's Simulation platform, aiSim, aiming to improve the development of vehicle technologies. While advanced driver assistance systems such as lane-keeping systems and automated braking are increasi...

As reported in a press release on Dec. 17, Synopsys and SiMa.ai have announced a strategic collaboration to expedite the development of specific silicon and software for AI-enabled features in next-generation vehicles, with a focus on advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) applications. The partnership aims to combine Synopsys' expertise in Electronic Design Automation (EDA), automotive-grade intellectual property (IP) and hardware-assisted verification...

At the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 event, HERE Technologies, renowned for its expertise in digital mapping and location technology, is gearing up to showcase its latest innovations. The Netherlands-based company will present a range of innovative solutions and partnerships, emphasizing its developments in AI, automated driving simulation, unified mapping architecture and high-precision road models. HERE will present Multi-LLM, a generative AI vehicle guidance assistant ...

McClarin and ExxonMobil's Proxxima business have decided to collaborate to develop the launch of a high-speed machine-driven resin transfer molding (RTM) technology, according to a report by Plastics Today on Dec. 13. The new technology is expected to help accelerate growth of high-speed, closed-mold composites manufacturing. The joint development agreement includes a multimillion-dollar investment in automated RTM infrastructure at McClarin’s Oklahoma City, US, facility. The agreement...

BMW has started a research partnership with Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Charité Berlin), the leading university hospital in Germany, to work in the field of automotive health, the German carmaker said in a press release. The collaboration aims to harness advanced technologies to bolster the health and well-being of drivers and other occupants. The collaboration will see Charité experts and BMW engineers working together on various projects, including the development of intelligent...

According to a press release on Dec. 13, Wistron announced its collaboration with NXP Semiconductors through the establishment of a joint laboratory aimed at fostering innovation and development in the electric vehicle sector, specifically focusing on software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The collaboration leverages Wistron's decade-long engagement in the EV industry and NXP's leadership in automotive processing and networking. The joint laboratory is set to provide a comprehensive verification a...

According to a press release on Dec. 11, DHL Supply Chain has successfully completed its first deployment of an autonomous vehicle at Heathrow, achieving 1,300 km of autonomous driving over a 14-day period within live airport traffic. This project is part of DHL's Strategic Partnership with Heathrow, initiated in 2020, to enhance baggage logistics and support services utilizing innovative and sustainable technology. The goal is to improve efficiency in the airport's interterminal baggage transfe...

Sunwoda Electronic and XTC New Energy Materials plan to collaborate on the joint development of solid-state batteries, positioning these as a modern alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The collaboration aims to leverage the technological expertise of both companies in the development of cathode and electrolyte materials, alongside the manufacturing of battery products, though details regarding the investment or timelines for the project were not disclosed by either party. ...

ChargePoint, in collaboration with the Colorado Energy Office, has successfully completed the installation of six electric vehicle fast-charging corridors across Colorado, US. This development includes the installation of 33 DC fast-charging sites that provide over 80 charging ports for EV drivers along key highways within the state. This initiative, which saw a significant boost in the state's EV infrastructure, was made possible through a combined funding effort that included $10 million from ...

Novem Car Interior Design, a company specializing in high-quality trim and decorative components for carmakers, has announced a collaboration with UltraSense Systems, a US-based innovator in SmartSurface human-machine interface (HMI) solutions. This collaboration aims to integrate UltraSense's InPlane Sensing technology into Novem’s luxury materials to create interactive, touch-sensitive surfaces within automotive interiors. UltraSense will display its SmartSurface solutions featuring Nov...

Blink Charging UK has been selected for a three-year contract by Kings College NHS Trust. This contract involves the installation, maintenance and management of 41 EV chargers and 21 contactless payment terminals at the Princess Royal University Hospital, a principal facility of Kings College NHS Trust. The installation, set to commence in May 2025, aims to facilitate easy and quick charging for the hospital's patients, visitors and staff at the new charging bays. The initiative will see Blin...

According to a press release on Dec. 16, Onsemi and DENSO have announced their intentions to strengthen their long-standing partnership. The collaboration aims to bolster the procurement of technologies crucial for autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems. For more than a decade, Onsemi has been a key supplier to DENSO, providing it with sophisticated automotive sensors that are essential for enhancing the performance of ADAS and autonomous driving technologies. These semicon...

Infineon Technologies AG and EVE Energy Co. Ltd. have entered into a collaboration to develop advanced battery management system (BMS) solutions specifically for the automotive sector. Infineon, a key player in technological solutions, is set to provide a comprehensive chipset to EVE Energy, which includes an array of components such as microcontroller units, monitoring integrated circuits (ICs), power management ICs, drivers, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), control...

Posco Holdings Inc. and Hancock Prospecting, an Australian mining company, announced a joint endeavor on Dec. 10 to establish a lithium production plant with an annual output capacity of 30,000 metric tons, aimed at serving the electric vehicle battery market. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which they will jointly evaluate optimal sites for establishing the lithium production plant, considering multiple countries, including South Korea. Posco, in its effort...

Hyundai Motor Co. and Chinese partner Beijing Motor Corp. (BAIC) plan to jointly invest $1.1 billion in their joint venture to help the South Korean carmaker regain traction in the world’s largest electric vehicle market, according to a news report published by The Korea Economic Daily on Dec. 13. The report cited a regulatory filing by BAIC, which said that the investment in Beijing Hyundai Motor Co., a 50/50 JV with Hyundai Motor in Greater China, will be used to develop EVs tailored to t...

Ionna, a charging network created by eight leading global automakers — BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota — has announced a strategic partnership with Sheetz, a prominent Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain. This partnership aims to establish over 50 Ionna Sheetz electric vehicle charging stations across the Midwest and Eastern US, with an "all walk, less talk" approach signaling a rapid deployment of these facilities. The first thre...

Blink Charging UK, a subsidiary of Blink Holdings BV and part of Blink Charging Co., is moving forward with its collaboration with Norfolk County Council in the UK to enhance the region's adoption of electric vehicles by expanding its charging infrastructure. The company has announced plans to install an additional 22 EV charging stations across 12 locations in Norwich, UK, by February 2025, raising the total number of EV charging stations to 46 in the area. This expansion follows Blink Charg...

In a press release on Dec. 10, ROHM disclosed its collaborative venture with TSMC, aiming to develop and mass-produce gallium nitride (GaN) power devices designated for electric vehicle applications. The strategic partnership will merge ROHM's device development technology with TSMC's leading GaN-on-silicon process technology to cater to the increasing demand for power devices with enhanced high-voltage and high-frequency characteristics compared to silicon. GaN power devices, known for their...

Pony.ai and GAC Aion held a robo-taxi strategic cooperation signing ceremony at the GAC Group's headquarters in Panyu, mainland China, according to a report published by Pandaily on Dec. 11. The collaboration aims to spearhead the creation and commercialization of mass-produced robo-taxi models that are competitively viable in the market. The collaboration involves developing a fully redundant front-loading, mass-produced robo-taxi vehicle platform, per the agreement. This platform ...

Mobileye and Innoviz Technologies announced in a press release on Dec. 11 that Mobileye will use Innoviz's Lidars for the Mobileye Drive platform. This showcases the flexibility of Innoviz's Lidars to work across a variety of vehicle platforms to further the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles. Mobileye Drive is a driverless system designed to bring full autonomy to a variety of services including robo-taxis, ride-pooling, public transport and goods delivery. The syst...