Europe and China ramp up strategic automotive collaborations amid market rivalry and geopolitical shifts

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

Chinese luxury auto brand Hongqi unveils its all-electric EHS5 SUV at IAA Mobility, signalling a major expansion into Europe's competitive EV landscape with localisation and safety innovations.Chinese luxury auto brand Hongqi, which is a part of the state-owned FAW Group, has just revealed its latest all-electric SUV, the EHS5, at the IAA Mobility event held in Munich. This move signals a clear strategic push to grow its presence in Europe's fiercely competitive EV market. The midsize SUV is designed to attract European families, offering a good balance between everyday usability and the ability to cover long-distance trips, all while cutting a pretty handy figure with strong safety features, roomy interiors, and advanced digital connectivity. Now, traditionally, Hongqi has been well known in China for making official state vehicles powered by combustion engines. But recently, they've made a pretty decisive shift towards electrification and expanding internationally. Since debuting in Europe in 2022 with their flagship E-HS9 electric SUV—initially in countries like Norway and the Netherlands, and later Germany—the brand has been broadening its range. At the Paris Motor Show in October 2024, Hongqi launched the EH7 luxury sedan and the EHS7 premium SUV, both of which have started getting to European customers later that same year. The new EHS5 is positioned as a smaller, more affordable option compared to the EHS7. Specific pricing isn’t out yet, but industry experts are guessing it'll come at a price lower than the £59,995 starting point of the EHS7. This SUV uses an 85 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which they say should give a WLTP-certified range of roughly 550 km, and energy consumption around 16.2 kWh per 100 km. When it comes to charging, it supports rapid DC fast charging. Claims are that the battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes, although the specifics about voltage and max charging power are still under wraps. Essentially, this setup seems to aim for a good mix of performance and practicality, making it suitable for city driving or suburban trips. Safety, naturally, is a big deal with the EHS5. The vehicle’s body is built with 78% ultra-high-strength steel to boost crash protection. It’s loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems like predictive emergency braking with multi-scenario detection, a 360-degree environment monitoring system, and front and rear cross-traffic alerts with brake intervention. These features clearly show Hongqi’s commitment to meeting the strict safety standards required in Europe. Inside, comfort is emphasised with what they call the "Queen’s Seats" up front—offering 18-way electric adjustments, plus heating, ventilation, and even massage functions. Passengers in the back can enjoy reclining seats for those long journeys. The cabin comes equipped with a 15.6-inch 2.5K central display, an augmented reality head-up display projecting over 65 inches, and a premium 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system. For connectivity, it supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and popular streaming apps like Spotify and YouTube, paired with four-zone voice control. Practical features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power export capability, wireless smartphone charging, and significant cargo space—1,611 litres in the rear boot and a 42-litre front trunk—making it quite versatile for different needs. Hongqi’s plans for Europe go beyond just launching cars. They aim to introduce 15 electric and hybrid models across 25 European markets by 2028—an aggressive growth strategy, no doubt. This includes expanding local sales and after-sales support, as well as partnering with European stakeholders to better cater to regional preferences and driving conditions. Their approach seems to align with a broader trend among Chinese automakers adopting a “for Europe, from Europe” philosophy—something we’ve seen in BYD’s factory in Hungary or Xpeng’s R&D hub in Munich. This local focus underscores a real commitment to the market. Of course, this expansion faces stiff competition, both from domestic rivals and European brands. Chinese automakers are fighting price wars at home and dealing with increasing regulatory hurdles—such as recent EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports. As a result, they’re actively seeking profitable growth abroad. Hongqi’s entry into various European markets, including Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, exemplifies this strategy. Plus, their market share in Europe is rising—almost doubling from 2.4% to 4.8% in just a year. Analysts believe that within the next decade, Chinese brands could even rival established Japanese and Korean automakers in the region. European carmakers aren’t standing still either. At the same Munich show, BMW showcased an updated iX3 SUV, Mercedes rolled out the new GLC EV, and Volkswagen revealed their more affordable ID.Polo EV—signaling a pretty intense "Europe vs. China" battle in the EV space. While the EHS5 sounds pretty promising for European buyers, its success will depend on more than just the vehicle itself. The company will need to navigate Europe's complex regulations, build out charging infrastructure, and manage how it’s perceived by consumers. Their focus on localised support and development, plus the investments they’ve made in tech and safety, position Hongqi as a noteworthy contender in this changing EV landscape. Sources: - [1] - [2] - [3] - [4] - [5] - [6] Source: Noah Wire Services

India’s automotive sector is ramping up initiatives to strengthen supply chains by developing domestic sources, forging international partnerships, and investing in alternative technologies amid global disruptions and China's dominance in rare earth exports.India’s automotive industry is actively seeking closer cooperation with the government to secure critical raw materials amid ongoing disruptions in global supply chains. During the annual convention of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), industry leaders emphasized the strategic importance of materials such as rare earth magnets, semiconductors, and battery components, advocating for these to be prioritized as national concerns. ACMA President Shradha Suri Marwah pointed out that ensuring a steady supply of these vital inputs is crucial for maintaining India’s competitiveness and growth in automotive manufacturing. She warned that geopolitical tensions, changing trade agreements, export restrictions, and rising tariffs are reshaping supply channels, posing significant challenges to Indian auto component producers. Marwah called for stronger collaboration between the government and the industry to safeguard access to essential materials and technological advancements, asserting that India could rise as a globally competitive manufacturing hub if supply chains are effectively secured. Supporting this, Shailesh Chandra, President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), emphasized that supply chains should evolve beyond cost-efficiency to become resilient, diversified, and agile. He advocated for government-to-government dialogues and partnerships with resource-rich nations to create reliable sourcing networks and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. Industry leaders collectively highlighted that, with rapid technological advancements and shifting global alliances, India must act promptly to develop resilient supply chains and secure critical raw materials. Such measures are vital for protecting the country’s automotive sector and enhancing its position on the global stage. In response to China’s dominance in exporting rare earth elements—which significantly influences the global supply—India is accelerating efforts to develop alternative solutions. Notably, companies like Sterling Gtake E-Mobility and Advanced Electric Machines are testing magnet-free, high-density reluctance motors, with seven Indian automakers evaluating these designs for potential commercial use within a year. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies and bolster India’s electric vehicle manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, India is actively exploring new sources of critical minerals. The Ministry of Mines has tasked state-owned IREL and private firm Midwest Advanced Materials with collecting and testing mineral samples from mines controlled by Myanmar’s Kachin Independence Army (KIA). This move underscores India’s efforts to diversify its supply sources amidst Chinese export restrictions, which have curtailed access to certain rare earth minerals. On the diplomatic and international collaboration front, India and the United States recently signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on supply chains for critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, which are essential for electric vehicles and clean energy. Both nations aim to enhance exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and recovery of these resources and promote resilient, open supply chains involving third countries, particularly in Africa and South America. Additionally, Coal India is exploring critical mineral deposits, including lithium, in Argentina and discussing potential lithium extraction in Chile with officials. This aligns with India’s broader strategy to secure essential minerals, including lithium, nickel, and titanium, needed for green energy initiatives. These efforts are part of India’s participation in the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership, which seeks to ensure stable supplies of vital resources. At the corporate level, Indian automakers such as Mahindra & Mahindra and auto parts manufacturers like Uno Minda are exploring domestic production of rare earth magnets to reduce reliance on China, which supplies a significant portion of the global demand. The disruptions caused by Chinese export restrictions have prompted the Indian government to consider stockpiling and offering incentives for local manufacturing capacity. Mahindra, which has launched two electric SUVs, and Uno Minda are both exploring partnerships or long-term contracts to establish magnet production within India. Overall, the auto industry’s collective push for strategic government engagement and diversified sourcing reflects the urgent need to future-proof India’s supply chains. As the global landscape shifts with evolving trade relations and technological progress, timely action is essential for India to carve out a resilient, competitive role in the international automotive arena amid geopolitical and market uncertainties. Source: Noah Wire Services