Tesla's comeback and Xiaomi’s entry reshape China’s growing NEV competition in 2025

Volvo Trucks North America launches Load Finder, a free service that leverages data analytics to reduce empty miles, optimise routes, and lower emissions for carriers, marking a significant advancement in freight efficiency and environmental sustainability.Volvo Trucks North America has rolled out Load Finder, a new service aimed at helping carriers cut down on those pesky empty or deadhead miles—basically, those times when trucks are running without a load. This service, which comes at no extra cost for Volvo customers, is designed to give both newcomers to the freight game and seasoned fleets a way to maximize paid miles and make freight movement a bit more efficient. Deadhead miles—when trucks drive empty between loads—are a pretty big headache for operators. They lead to higher fuel expenses, more emissions, and overall increased operating costs. Industry data suggests that roughly 16 percent of all non-tank truck trips involve empty miles, which really drags on profits and environmental goals alike. Load Finder tackles this challenge head-on by matching trucks with loads that fit parameters like location, price, route, and driver availability. Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, explains it as a simple, straightforward way to help fleets boost utilization, trim costs, and lower emissions—all part of Volvo’s bigger mission to improve total ownership costs through innovative tech solutions. The platform simplifies dispatching by pulling info from over 40 load boards into a single, user-friendly interface. This cuts down on the time drivers and planners spend hunting for loads. Developed in partnership with Canadian freight tech firm Class8, it also taps live vehicle data via Volvo’s fleet management portal, Volvo Connect, to deliver quicker, smarter load suggestions. Best of all, no extra hardware or software is needed—it works on desktops and smartphones alike. Plus, it integrates easily with electronic logging devices and transportation management systems, helping with precise load matches and more optimized routes. Reducing deadhead miles is pretty much a universally recognized goal in trucking. Industry strategies often focus on planning routes ahead of time and making good use of premium load boards to keep trucks busy. For example, services like DAT allow filtering to find suitable loads along planned routes—greatly helping cut down on those empty miles and improving both fuel efficiency and profit margins. Likewise, many firms keep a backhaul database, negotiate repositioning pay, and plan freight scheduling with a long-term mindset—all tactics that complement what Load Finder offers. These methods allow carriers to make smarter, data-driven decisions to better utilize their assets. Volvo doesn’t stop there. The company offers a wide range of additional services to boost fleet efficiency. Tools like fuel and energy management, accessible via Volvo Connect, help prevent waste by monitoring fuel use, encouraging optimal speeds, and supporting smooth gear changes—saving money and reducing environmental impact. There’s also uptime support that uses real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and extensive roadside assistance to keep trucks on the road and productive. Meanwhile, other fleet management solutions—like those used for Volvo Buses to reduce unnecessary idling and monitor passenger loads—show how Volvo takes an integrated approach to operational efficiency and sustainability in commercial transport. All in all, Load Finder marks an important step in leveraging data analytics and connectivity to fix one of trucking’s most stubborn inefficiencies. By making load opportunities more accessible and aligning them intelligently with truck availability, Volvo aims to help carriers get better results while also contributing to lower emissions and smarter resource use industry-wide. As more fleets adopt such tech-driven tools, it seems likely they’ll become standard components of logistics management—helping pave the way for smarter, greener freight transportation. 📌 Reference Map: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [3] - Paragraph 3 – [1], [4], [5] - Paragraph 4 – [2], [3] - Paragraph 5 – [4], [5], [6], [7] - Paragraph 6 – [1], [3] Source: Noah Wire Services

European and Chinese automakers are forging closer partnerships, leveraging their respective strengths in innovation and manufacturing, to shape the future of sustainable and intelligent mobility amidst escalating global market tensions.The future direction of the global car industry is increasingly leaning on openness and collaborative efforts—especially between European and Chinese companies—according to Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a prominent German automotive expert and head of the Center for Automotive Research in Bochum. Speaking just before the 2025 IAA Mobility event in Munich, Dudenhoeffer pointed out that the changing landscape of automotive innovation and industry overhaul is driven by the synergy between Europe's deep expertise in vehicle dynamics, brand heritage, and China's strengths in digital infrastructure, software, and automation. This cooperation, I think, is becoming more vital as the industry navigates contrasting geopolitical trends. On one side, the U.S. has pushed aggressive tariff policies aimed at reducing trade deficits, but Dudenhoeffer warns that these policies might create unpredictable trade barriers which could hurt the global automotive scene. Meanwhile, Europe and China are forming partnerships that boost the uptake of electric vehicles and smart car tech. The upcoming Munich show, which is set to feature around 116 Chinese firms, is expected to showcase progress in autonomous driving, smart cockpit systems, and digitalization—all areas where Chinese companies are really making strides. China's role at IAA Mobility also highlights how competition between European and Chinese automakers—especially in electric vehicles—is heating up. Brands like BYD, GAC, Changan, and Hongqi have made significant inroads into Europe. For example, BYD's global sales hit 4.2 million units in 2024, with European sales soaring by nearly 290% in 2025 alone. European legacy automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Volkswagen are reacting cautiously but are increasingly pushing out new EV models to fight for market share. Some analysts say Europe has been a bit slow to respond to the Chinese EV boom, which makes the need for collaborative innovation even more urgent. Beyond just competing, Chinese firms are actively investing in Europe’s manufacturing hubs and innovation landscapes. Major Chinese battery producers are setting up large battery cell plants in Germany, aiming to accelerate the deployment of green tech in line with Germany’s goal of having 15 million electric cars on the road by 2030. Brands like NIO and BYD are rolling out new EV models in European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. These cross-border investments and technological exchanges are further cementing China's role as an essential partner in Europe’s push toward EV adoption. Dudenhoeffer emphasized that this kind of Europe-China cooperation isn’t just about market share—it’s also a strategic necessity for maintaining competitiveness amidst global uncertainty and protectionism. He’s quite optimistic about ongoing negotiations to reduce tariffs between China and Europe, hoping for a future where auto tariffs are minimized or eliminated altogether. This, he suggests, would be beneficial for both sides. He contrasted this optimistic outlook with the U.S. policies back home, which he criticizes for cutting green energy incentives and enacting tariffs that complicate global supply chains and threaten sustainability efforts. Looking further ahead, Dudenhoeffer believes that the overarching goal for the automotive world involves pushing toward sustainable development through electrification, digitalization, and automation. Combining the European mastery of traditional automotive craftsmanship and road handling with Chinese innovation in intelligent tech and long-term planning creates a kind of complementary partnership. By leveraging these combined strengths—through openness and better infrastructure—the industry could really lead the way in transitioning to next-generation, low-carbon mobility. So, in a nutshell, this transformation is unfolding amidst geopolitical tensions and market turbulence, but international platforms like the Munich auto show still paint an encouraging picture of shared development. It’s not just about rolling out smarter, more comfortable, and automated vehicles—the process also paves an important path for building a resilient and sustainable future for the global automotive scene. Honestly, it’s pretty interesting, right? Despite all the turbulence, cooperation seems to be the way forward, and everyone stands to benefit from it. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [2] - Paragraph 3 – [2] - Paragraph 4 – [3], [5], [6] - Paragraph 5 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 6 – [1] Source: Noah Wire Services

At the Global Polymer Summit, industry experts highlight the importance of combining external market intelligence with internal metrics to navigate recent shifts in tire sizes, categories, and global demand, offering critical insights for tyre dealerships aiming for growth in a complex landscape.At the recent Global Polymer Summit held in Cleveland, Miquel Quiros, Vice President of Retail Tire Market Insights at GfK-Neilsen IQ, highlighted a critical approach for tire dealerships aiming to succeed amid today’s dynamic market. He emphasized that businesses must look beyond internal metrics—such as sales figures, staffing decisions, or investment levels—and incorporate external market conditions into their strategic planning. Quiros explained that while key performance indicators (KPIs) primarily influence decisions, integrating insights from outside the industry provides a more comprehensive view. This broader perspective enables retailers to benchmark their performance against market trends, identify opportunities, and adapt proactively. Currently, the U.S. aftermarket tire industry is experiencing some softness in unit sales, with a marginal 0.8% decline so far this year. Despite this, retail tire sales have increased by 1.3%, reaching approximately $14.7 billion, driven largely by a 2.1% rise in the average tire price from $176 to about $180. Quiros pointed out that tire sizes with rim diameters of 17 inches and smaller are showing declines. Specifically, tires with 16-inch and smaller diameters have seen a 7.5% drop in unit sales, representing nearly 29% of the tire units sold. Meanwhile, 17-inch tires have decreased by 2.8%, holding about 27% of unit sales. Conversely, larger tire sizes are gaining traction: 18-inch tires have experienced a 2.2% increase in sales and now account for approximately 22% of unit sales, while those 19 inches and larger surged by 9.3%, claiming the remaining share. This shifting landscape means retailers must carefully manage inventory. The fact that 17-inch tires constitute 27% of sales but only generate about 24% of revenue indicates a need to adjust sales strategies for these segments. Moreover, 16-inch and smaller tires, which make up around 29% of units, contribute only 20% of revenue, highlighting their lower return and the necessity for strategic handling. Quiros underscores that understanding these market shifts—particularly the migration from smaller to larger diameters—is essential for optimizing inventory, production, and sales approaches. In terms of tire types, nearly 60% of the market comes from mature categories such as touring, highway-terrain, and high-performance tires. However, these segments have experienced a 4% decrease in unit sales and a 1% decline in average price, now averaging around $175 per tire. He suggests that dealers adopt a precise, surgical pricing strategy in these categories to maintain profitability amid tighter price flexibility. While core segments face declines, growth is evident in categories like CUV, light truck (LT), and ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires. These have increased by approximately 4% in unit sales and 9% in average price, collectively representing about one-third of the market. Emerging segments, including all-weather and electric vehicle (EV) tires, currently account for around 4% of the market but are experiencing steady growth in both units and prices. Additionally, niche markets—such as rally, mud terrain, winter, and cargo van tires—constitute about 3% and tend to be more stable, often with customers willing to pay a premium for specialized products. Looking at the broader industry outlook, data from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) shows that tire demand in the U.S. increased across all categories in 2024. Medium truck and bus replacement tires grew by 12.5% to 23.4 million units, while light truck tire shipments increased by 7% to 36.7 million units. Passenger tire shipments saw a modest rise of 1.3%, reaching 222 million units. Additionally, imports are on the rise, with light truck tire imports jumping 26.1% to 39.6 million units. Notably, Cambodia has become a significant source, with passenger tire imports increasing by 67% to 8.9 million units. These trends highlight the importance for dealers and manufacturers to combine external market intelligence with internal data to anticipate changes, manage inventories efficiently, and refine their product offerings accordingly. Supporting these insights, GfK data reveals that despite a slight decline in aftermarket unit sales across many categories, increased pricing strategies and improved product mix have boosted retail revenue. An estimated 94 million tires were sold through independent U.S. retailers in the first ten months of 2024—a 2% decrease compared to the previous year—but the 6% rise in average unit price, which reached about $185, resulted in a 4% increase in total revenue, totaling approximately $17.4 billion. This exemplifies how category management—monitoring product life cycles and segment performance—can help retailers navigate market fluctuations and seize growth opportunities. Meanwhile, global tire manufacturer Michelin experienced a 1.9% revenue decline in the first quarter of 2024, largely due to decreased original equipment (OE) volumes in Europe and North America. Nonetheless, Michelin remains optimistic about the longer-term outlook, supported by strong sales in passenger and light truck tires, as well as growth in China driven by domestic demand and government subsidies. These contrasting trends between retail aftermarket performance and OEM fluctuations reinforce the importance of understanding both market segments for strategic decision-making. All these industry signals, shared during the summit and other forums, affirm that success in today’s tire market depends on a dual approach: leveraging external market insights and meticulously analyzing internal performance data. By combining these perspectives, companies can make smarter decisions regarding inventory, pricing, and product development—ultimately remaining competitive in a marketplace that is increasingly complex and unpredictable. Source: Noah Wire Services