Ford leverages AI and strategic carrier diversification to modernise supply chain resilience

German supplier Mahle prepares to launch OEM-quality high-voltage charging parts and diagnostic tools in 2025, addressing reliability issues and supporting the growing EV servicing sector and infrastructure expansion.German automotive supplier Mahle is gearing up to enter the global electric vehicle (EV) aftermarket with a pretty innovative lineup of high-voltage charging components—so, basically, they’re expanding beyond their traditional role in original equipment manufacturing (OEM). Starting in 2025, Mahle has plans to roll out input filters from October and onboard chargers (OBCs) by the end of that year. At first, these will be fitted into models from brands like Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, DS, and Opel. These components—they handle converting AC from the grid into DC for EV batteries and also keep systems safe from voltage spikes during charging—are directly from Mahle’s OEM operations, so they meet the highest quality standards, no doubt about that. Mahle really emphasizes how important high-voltage parts are becoming in the EV spare parts and servicing market. After all, these components tend to degrade over time due to factors like aging, vibration, moisture getting in, and overheating—as you might expect with electrical systems under constant stress. The company is predicting strong demand in the aftermarket, which makes sense, considering the rapid growth of EV fleets and the maintenance they’ll require. They also plan to introduce more power electronics and high-voltage parts throughout 2026, soon broadening their portfolio to cover a wider range of vehicle types. This step basically fills a crucial gap in the market, especially as EV adoption accelerates worldwide. Workshop networks will need OEM-quality parts to properly repair and maintain electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Dr. Armin Messerer, who’s the Head of Product Management and Purchasing at Mahle Lifecycle and Mobility, explains that this move will benefit both workshops and end users—since Mahle’s deep roots in OEM technology in drive systems, charging, and thermal management are now reflected comprehensively in services and spare parts. That said, Mahle’s aftermarket launch comes at a pretty relevant time, especially considering some recent reports about reliability issues with their onboard chargers installed in certain Stellantis vehicles. For instance, Leipzig-based rental operator Nextmove revealed that roughly one in three Opel Corsa-e vehicles in their fleet had experienced charger failures. These issues have led to costly replacements—sometimes over €2,000—and long downtimes, which is obviously a real headache. Independent repair specialists like EV Clinic have also documented recurring problems with these chargers. To me, all this highlights just how critical it is for the aftermarket to have robust, reliable components that meet OEM standards—not just average parts. Looking ahead, Mahle will showcase its expanded solutions for electric mobility at the upcoming IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. Among the highlights will be their TechPRO® 2 diagnostic tool, now featuring artificial intelligence, and the E-HEALTH-Charge battery diagnostic system. This new system can diagnose high-voltage batteries rapidly—under 15 minutes—providing workshops with important info like battery health, error codes, and safety parameters without needing an extremely technical background beforehand. In addition, Mahle is advancing their presence in EV charging infrastructure. They’ve secured a series order for a high-performance cooling module designed for megawatt charging stations that serve electric commercial vehicles. This cooling module, which should go into production by late 2025, addresses the critical thermal management challenge faced by fast chargers—supporting rapid charging capacities up to 3.75 megawatts. Its modular design and flexible application mean it isn’t just for passenger cars but also for light commercial vehicles, maritime, and rail systems. Clearly, Mahle is committed to covering extensive parts of the EV ecosystem. All these initiatives really show Mahle’s strategic focus on blending their extensive expertise in electrification, thermal management, and power electronics to support the increasing demands of the EV aftermarket and charging infrastructure. As repair shops face mounting complexity and a higher volume of electric vehicle repairs, having access to OEM-level high-voltage parts and diagnostic tools will be absolutely crucial for ensuring reliable, quick service—so the growth of electric mobility can stay sustainable and efficient. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [2], [3], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [2], [3], [4] - Paragraph 3 – [1], [3], [4] - Paragraph 4 – [1], [3] - Paragraph 5 – [1], [5] - Paragraph 6 – [6] - Paragraph 7 – [1], [3], [4], [6] (Note: Links refer to the sources provided in the original content.) Source: Noah Wire Services

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for pragmatic trade strategies and flexible automotive regulations at the IAA Mobility trade show, highlighting the sector’s critical role amid rising tariffs and global market shifts.At the recent IAA Mobility trade show in Munich, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a pretty clear statement against protectionist policies and tariffs. He pointed out how these measures generally have a broad negative effect on global trade—especially in the automotive sector. Merz emphasized that innovation needs to be the main strategy for staying competitive as challenges from China and the US continue to grow. It’s worth noting that he highlighted just how vital the automotive industry is to Germany’s economy. He made it clear that without this sector, the country could face pretty serious economic decline. His speech also illustrated Germany’s stiff opposition to rising trade barriers, like the 15% tariffs that the US has slapped on European imports—which he called damaging for both sides. This position of Merz's really echoes wider worries expressed by industry folks at the event. European automakers are already feeling squeezed with rising costs tied to electrification, and the global market is shifting rapidly. Chinese carmakers, like BYD, Changan, and GAC, are expanding their footprint in Europe—almost doubling their market share to about 4.8% by mid-2025—which adds extra pressure on European brands that are already trying to adapt. Interestingly enough, Merz also urged the European Union (EU) to pursue a more flexible, pragmatic approach to electric mobility, pushing for rules that support sustainability but don’t crush innovation. This fits with lots of industry concerns about the EU's planned ban on internal combustion engine sales by 2035. Some industry leaders, like BMW’s CEO Oliver Zipse, have called that plan ill-advised, especially given current market realities and tech development. Merz’s criticism of tariffs and stiff regulations isn’t just talk. It goes along with his broader effort to keep Germany’s automotive sector safe from unfavorable trade policies. He was quite vocal about the recent EU-US trade deal, which still includes a 15% tariff on European cars exported to the US. That’s a step back from the initial threat of 30% tariffs, but it’s still a hindrance—especially for exporters. These tariffs just pile on top of the challenges the industry already faces, like declining demand in China and slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicle sales. He also announced plans to hold a high-level summit with key industry players—OEMs and suppliers included—in the next four to six weeks. It signals he’s serious about tackling these issues proactively and protecting Germany’s automotive future. That said, Merz’s approach hasn’t been universally praised. Some folks within and outside the EU called his hopes for an exemption for German automakers from US tariffs a bit unrealistic, especially given the protectionist mood evident in recent US trade moves. Negotiations are complicated, and there are threats of even higher US tariffs if a deal doesn’t happen, not to mention the EU’s plans to retaliate with tariffs of its own. So, it’s really a tightrope walk between defending Germany’s industrial interests and managing broader diplomatic and trade relations. And let’s not forget, Germany’s auto industry contributes around 5% to the country’s GDP—so, you see, it’s a pretty significant piece of the economic puzzle. On top of that, Merz voiced opposition to some strict EU regulatory proposals—like mandates that would require rental companies and large firms to buy only electric vehicles by 2030. He argued such policies could lead to an early and potentially damaging transition before EV tech is fully ready for mass adoption. Instead, he’s advocating for more flexible, technology-neutral policies that reflect real market and technological developments—probably a wise approach, given how fast the EV scene is shifting. All in all, Merz’s address at the IAA Mobility truly encapsulates Germany’s delicate balancing act amid a turbulent global automotive environment. His call for innovation, adaptable regulation, and more industry dialogue shows a clear understanding of the tough challenges faced from China and the US, the rapid push towards electric vehicles, and the importance of keeping Germany’s famed automotive industry competitive under increasingly complex global trade pressures. Honestly, it’s going to be interesting to see how these strategies develop over the next few months. Source: Noah Wire Services

UK-based aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman appoints Ben Smith as Head of Aftermarket and secures significant funding to enhance production capacity and global support, signalling a strategic shift towards modernisation and growth in the competitive aerospace sector.Britten-Norman, the UK-based producer well-known for its classic Islander aircraft, is going through quite an important change to bolster its global aftermarket support and boost production capacity. Central to these developments is the recent appointment of Ben Smith as Head of Aftermarket, which really signals the company's dedication to modernizing its customer service and operational systems, all while aiming for growth within the aftermarket sector. Ben Smith comes with over ten years of specialized experience in technical sales, digital services, and aviation support. Before he joined Britten-Norman, he was in charge of Garmin’s UK and EMEA aviation sales efforts, where he was quite involved with Britten-Norman’s operations—supporting projects like the avionics integrations of TXi and GTN Xi systems, for instance. His background offers a pretty unique blend of engineering knowledge—he holds a First-Class Honours degree in Aerospace Technology—and practical experience, considering he's a licensed Private Pilot and had early military exposure with the RAF’s University of London Air Squadron. Many see Smith’s move as a strategic move—well, at least to me—that will help improve customer response times and overall operational flow, especially when it comes to maximizing the lifetime value of the Islander fleet through enhanced spares, repairs, upgrades, and support services. Lara Harrison, who’s the company’s Business Development Director, highlighted that Smith’s technical know-how combined with his long-standing relationships within the operator community are key assets. As Britten-Norman aims to upgrade its systems, those relationships will be critical in delivering more efficient, sustainable, and helpful aircraft operations. “Ben’s appointment really marks a significant step for Britten-Norman as it commits to providing top-notch support for its global operator base,” Harrison said. And, interestingly enough, this personnel update happens at the same time as Britten-Norman securing substantial new funding from Beechlands Enterprises—marking its second investment round within just a year. This capital will go towards expanding the company’s production capabilities in the UK and transforming the aftermarket services it offers. Initial plans include increasing Islander production to around eight aircraft annually, with a focus on the unleaded piston version, though about 20% of the output will be turboprop models. The funds will also be used to acquire advanced manufacturing tools and machinery, which should help improve component production, cut lead times, and boost manufacturing efficiency overall. This move towards ramping up production and improving aftermarket support is happening at a pretty crucial leadership point for Britten-Norman. For a long time, William Hynett has been at the helm—guiding the company for over twenty years—but he’s now shifting into a non-executive director role focused more on strategic planning. It’s worth noting that this change coincides with Britten-Norman’s broader transformation under new ownership, after Beechlands Enterprises took over from 4D Capital Partners earlier in 2024. All these shifts—leadership changes, fresh investments, and a modernized approach to aftermarket support—put Britten-Norman in a pretty strong position to serve its worldwide Islander operators better. It’s also about reinforcing the resilience and value of its fleet, especially amidst a quite competitive aerospace support market. Honestly, it seems like the company’s preparing for some exciting times ahead. Source: Noah Wire Services