Craig Wohlers’ Post

Hyundai Motor Group will invest 24.3 trillion won in 2024, focusing on R&D, electrification, SDV, and key technologies, including expanding EV production bases. #Hyundai #HyundaiMotorGroup #RD #SDV #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/gNjuZZ7C

2025 is a big year for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA)! Hyundai is investing $7.59 billion to develop HMGMA, its first dedicated Electrified Vehicle mass-production plant located in Georgia. This incredible project will create 8,500 direct jobs and marks another milestone in Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and investment in the Peach State. Check out the new plant here: https://bit.ly/41SvBdD

Happy new year all! Came across this really interesting article over the holiday week.... Hyundai is slowly making progress on developing solid-state batteries. Solid-state batteries have long been seen as the next evolution in automotive technology, boosting range, decreasing charging times and preventing dangerous safety issues associated with modern generations of EVs. If Hyundai can execute on these batteries it could be a total game changer for the entire EV industry and disrupt the hierarchy of manufacturer dominance. See article in comments...

UK: JATCO builds new factory to supply Nissan plant with electric drives Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO Ltd), which is majority-owned by Nissan Motor Corporation, is opening a plant in #Sunderland in northern #England to produce electric drives for the nearby Nissan plant. From 2026, JATCO will build so-called 3-in-1 drives there, which combine an electric motor, inverter and transmission. https://lnkd.in/eWCWzKCz

On the 29th January, Hyundai Australia’s Senior Manager for Future Mobility & Government Relations, Scott Nargar, recently joined SEN/Mornings with Matt White to discuss the evolving automotive landscape. With a focus on low and zero-emission vehicles, Hyundai is expanding its EV lineup, from a compact model – INSTER to a large 6/7-seat EV – IONIQ 9, ensuring a solution for every driver. The discussion highlighted the critical role of infrastructure investment, the transition to electricity and hydrogen, and the need to decarbonise fleets across industries. Looking ahead, government support, public acceptance, and dealer engagement will be key in driving this transition. Hyundai remains committed to shaping a sustainable future through innovation, partnerships, and strategic planning. Listen to the full interview below.

Kia Australia Pty Ltd confirms the Tasman ute will debut in Australia in mid-2025 with a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, followed by an all-electric variant expected in mid-2026, marking a significant step in Kia Worldwide’s electrification strategy.

[NEWS] Hyundai is speeding ahead in the race for solid-state batteries: At its Uiwang R&D center in South Korea — Hyundai is finalizing a pilot production line for solid-state batteries — Paving the way for prototype testing next year and mass market deployment by 2030. But so far — challenges like high costs and manufacturing complexities have kept solid-state battery technology from scaling up. However, Hyundai aims to change that — The automaker is investing $7.3B over the next decade to develop a range of battery technologies. But even as excitement builds — the road to commercialization is steep. Bottom line — while the finish line is still years away – Hyundai’s early investments could give it a crucial edge. Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Tax Max: https://lnkd.in/ep8SmkZ6 (Data source: TheKoreanCarBlog)

In 2024 (FY), registrations of Battery Electric Trucks reached slightly more than 8,500 vehicles, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). Across the same year, the Top 10 Chinese manufacturers collectively sold over 82,000 "New Energy" trucks, predominantly within China. Surprisingly, each of the Top 3 Chinese manufacturers individually surpassed the entire EU market in sales volume. Noteworthy market leaders like XCMG Group and SANY Group operate at least one factory each, boasting a production capacity of nearly 90,000 Battery Electric Trucks. The industry standard showcases impressive features, with Electric Uptime exceeding 98% and battery swapping taking less than 10 minutes for most models.

Industry reaction to Government consultation on ZEV mandate 👇🏼 The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Response: Support for training in aftermarket skills must be a focus “There is no question that we all want the same thing in respect of reducing emissions”, said Azlina Bulmer, Managing Director, IMI. “However, the latest data shows that the automotive sector is facing significant challenges in meeting the targets for EV sales. We, therefore, welcome the fast-track consultation announced (27th November 2024) by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, MP, Secretary of State for Business and Industry" Octopus Electric Vehicles Response: "The government has two clear aims – to keep rolling out clean electric cars, and make many of them. The ZEV mandate is working – sales are up by 14%, and every second driver today wants their next car to be electric. EVs are already six times cheaper to run than petrol cars for those with a driveway, and private investors have committed £6bn to further strengthen the public charging network." Keep checking back for more comments from automotive industry leaders. ✅ #AutomotiveAftermarket #AftermarketNews #ZEVMandate #AftermarketTraining

In an internal letter obtained by the WSJ dated 12/31, it clearly identifies China intent to bankrupt every foreign automotive competitor, with excess investory and cutting prices The period from 2025 to 2027 marks the elimination round in the automotive industry,” wrote He Xiaopeng, the chief executive of electric-vehicle maker Xpeng, “Competition in 2025 will be fiercer than ever.” Similar dynamics have played out recently in solar panels and wind turbines, as well as steel and electronics in the past.