Spain's electric vehicle market is gaining momentum with record sales, expanding charging infrastructure, and innovative energy projects, despite regional disparities and increasing competition from European and Chinese brands.Spain’s electric vehicle (EV) market is clearly showing promising signs of growth and gaining significant momentum. While it still lags behind some neighboring European countries, recent data indicates that both EV sales and charging infrastructure are expanding steadily, signaling Spain’s increasing commitment to electrification. Matteo Craglia, a Senior Fellow at UC Davis’s ITS-Davis European Transport and Energy Research Centre (ETERC), reports that in the first half of 2025, EVs comprised approximately 17% of new car sales in Spain. Although this is a positive increase, it remains below the European average of about 24% for the same period. Craglia emphasizes that Spain is “putting their money where their mouth is,” but still faces challenges ahead. Data from ANFAC, the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers, supports this upward trend, revealing that EV sales in the first half of 2025 surged by 130.7% compared to the previous year, totaling 24,776 new units. Additionally, the sector recorded a new monthly sales record, although the specific month is not specified in the source. Overall, in 2025, 102,348 electrified vehicles were sold, representing an 83% increase from the previous year. F\u00e9lix Garcia, ANFAC’s Director of Communications and Marketing, notes that despite delays in receiving the MOVES III government incentives—whose funds are not expected until the end of 2025—market growth remains robust. The total passenger vehicle sales in Spain for the first half of 2025 are projected to reach about 1.1 million units, progressively closing in on the 1.25 million units sold in 2019, suggesting an optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year. Further reinforcing this positive trajectory, data from El Pa\u00eds shows that September 2025 set new records for EV registrations, nearly doubling figures from the same month last year. This surge is driven by aggressive promotions from manufacturers and substantial subsidies through the MOVES III scheme, although regional disparities in fund disbursement and charging infrastructure remain. The Spanish government, collaborating with industry stakeholders via the Auto 2030 Plan, aims to address these challenges, focusing on facilitating the transition to electric mobility and strengthening the country’s competitiveness against Asian automakers. As EV adoption accelerates, the average emissions of new vehicles have reached historic lows, reflecting environmental benefits. However, the growth isn’t uniform across all segments. Private consumers have been leading the charge, with private sector EV adoption surpassing 9%, while corporate and rental vehicle sectors trail at 7.2% and 3%, respectively. Meanwhile, sales of electric industrial vehicles and buses have declined by 23.6% in April, showing a decrease of 14.3% for the year thus far, indicating room for further development in public and commercial EV markets. Tesla’s experience in Spain highlights some of the challenges faced by international automakers amidst a rapidly growing EV market. Despite the overall rise in EV sales, Tesla's April 2025 sales declined by 36% compared to April 2024, with only 571 units sold. This drop is attributed to increasing competition from European and Chinese brands such as BYD, MG, and Omoda, whose sales grew by 644%, 80%, and 346%, respectively, during the same period. Additionally, Elon Musk’s political stance and support for far-right movements in Europe have caused backlash, including protests and vandalism of Tesla facilities. Nonetheless, Tesla's sales recovered somewhat by July, with a 27% year-over-year increase compared to July 2024, indicating resilience amid intensified competition. Charging infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting EV adoption. As of July 2025, there were approximately 47,593 public charging points across Spain, a 4.87% increase over December 2024. Although growth continues, geographic imbalances remain significant; over 60% of the more than 26,000 charging points are concentrated in just four regions: Catalonia, Madrid, Valencia, and Andalusia. Rural areas, such as Extremadura, which has only about 500 points, are considerably underserved, and more than a quarter of the existing infrastructure is non-operational due to maintenance issues. To address this, Spain’s TSO, Red El\u00e9ctrica, launched the REVE map, which provides real-time data on the location, availability, and prices of over 25,600 charging points and aims to expand as more operators contribute data. Expert Pierpaolo Cazzola highlights this as a significant step toward building an integrated, transparent charging network, vital for fostering consumer confidence and streamlining EV use. Beyond infrastructure, energy efficiency initiatives like Barcelona’s MetroCharge project demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable mobility. This system captures energy generated during train braking to power nearby charging stations and other systems, further supplemented by solar power sources, thereby reducing operating costs and emissions. While progress is evident, expanding charging networks and encouraging wider EV adoption continue to be key challenges. Overall, Spain’s EV landscape is making significant strides in sales, infrastructure, and technological innovation. Although it still trails behind the European average in market share and infrastructure coverage, ongoing public and private sector efforts—such as incentives through MOVES III and the development of comprehensive data transparency tools like the REVE map—are paving the way for continued growth. These developments will be crucial in achieving Spain’s goals of cleaner, more sustainable transportation and maintaining a competitive position in the evolving automotive industry. Source: Noah Wire Services

ILJIN Electronics, a subsidiary of Amber Group, raises Rs 1,200 crore led by ChrysCapital to expand manufacturing capacity, upgrade technology, and deepen market presence amid India’s burgeoning electronics sector.ILJIN Electronics, a subsidiary of the Amber Group, a prominent player in electronics manufacturing services (EMS), has announced raising Rs 1,200 crore through its initial external institutional funding. The investment was led by ChrysCapital, which committed Rs 1,100 crore, with InCred Growth Partners Fund I contributing Rs 100 crore through a combination of equity and compulsory convertible preference shares. This transaction is currently subject to regulatory approvals before it can be finalized. The freshly infused capital is intended to expand ILJIN’s manufacturing capacity, upgrade technological infrastructure, and facilitate strategic acquisitions to bolster its market presence within India’s burgeoning electronics supply chain. ILJIN specializes in manufacturing bare printed circuit boards (PCBs), PCB assemblies, and complete box-build solutions catering to various sectors including consumer durables, automotive, telecom, renewable energy, healthcare, aerospace, and defense. Additionally, the company produces products such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), electric vehicle (EV) chargers, solar inverters, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. In the fiscal year 2025, ILJIN reported revenues of Rs 2,194 crore, accompanied by an operating EBITDA of Rs 151 crore. The company has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 52% between FY22 and FY25, indicating rapid expansion aligned with government initiatives promoting self-reliance in electronics manufacturing, like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). Amber Group, ILJIN's parent company, is actively expanding its footprint, notably through a recent acquisition of a majority stake in Power-One Micro Systems, based in Bengaluru, which specializes in manufacturing solar inverters, UPS, BESS, and EV chargers. This strategic move aims to strengthen Amber Group’s position in the growing energy solutions segment, complementing ILJIN’s existing capabilities. Furthermore, Amber Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Israel-based Unitronics plc, a leader in industrial automation solutions, demonstrating their commitment to diversifying and strengthening their presence across various advanced electronics sectors. Industry experts note increasing investor interest in India’s EMS sector, driven by a shift toward localized supply chains and the demand for higher-value manufacturing. The recent funding round and ILJIN's growth initiatives position it well to capitalize on these emerging trends, contributing to the development of a more integrated and technologically advanced domestic electronics ecosystem. The funding also aligns with strategic efforts by the Amber Group to enhance growth organically and through acquisitions, fostering competitive advantages in the rapidly evolving EMS landscape. Overall, this milestone signifies a significant step forward for ILJIN Electronics and underscores the increasing confidence of private equity investors in India’s electronics manufacturing future. The company's expansion and technological upgrading are expected to play a vital role in supporting India’s goal of becoming a global hub for high-tech electronics production amid a dynamic policy environment. Source: Noah Wire Services

Chinese automaker BYD is making significant inroads in South Africa’s used EV scene, with sales soaring by 673% in the first half of 2025 and plans to triple its dealership network by 2026, signalling a disruptive shift in the local electric vehicle market.Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is quickly gaining ground in South Africa’s used car scene, showing strong early signs of success—even though official new vehicle sales figures haven’t been released yet. According to Autotrader’s Mid-Year Car Industry Report, sales of used BYD models shot up by a remarkable 673% in the first half of 2025. This kind of growth outstrips several other Chinese automotive brands active in the area, like Chery, GWM, Jaecoo, and Omoda, which suggests that BYD’s footprint in the local EV market is steadily expanding. Now, if you take a look at some other numbers—they’re pretty telling too. The number of views on BYD listings jumped a whopping 744% year-on-year, and customer inquiries about BYD vehicles increased by an incredible 1,369%. Such figures clearly indicate that more and more South African consumers are showing interest and demand at the used vehicle level. It’s like they’re curious or even eager to get their hands on this brand’s offerings. Still, it’s worth noting that BYD’s market share is, at this point, still growing—its models haven’t yet cracked the top 10 most sold used EVs in the country. Getting into specifics, BYD began its South African adventure with just one EV model—the Atto 3 SUV—and four dealerships. Since then, the company has expanded its local lineup to include four more vehicles: the Seal, which is a fully electric, pretty upscale sedan; the Sealion 7 SUV; and two plug-in hybrids, the Sealion 6 and Shark 6. These latter three models were only introduced during the period the report covers, so their impact on used sales up to June 2025 is still quite limited. By mid-2025, BYD's local lineup grew to six models. What’s more, the Dolphin and Atto 3 ranked as the eighth and ninth most-listed EVs on Autotrader for the first half of 2025. BYD’s strategy seems solid; it kicked off modestly in 2023, with just one EV and only four dealerships. Fast forward to mid-2025, and the company now offers six different models and operates through 15 dealerships—showing quite an aggressive push for growth. Looking ahead, BYD has some quite ambitious plans: they aim to expand their dealer network to between 30 and 35 locations by the end of 2026. That’s roughly a tripling of their current presence, which is around 13 to 15 outlets. This move definitely demonstrates a dedicated effort to carve out a stronger space in South Africa’s competitive automotive scene. Industry experts also note that this expansion fits well with the rising local demand for new energy vehicles—sales increased from about 7,800 units in 2023 to over 15,600 in 2024. Pretty impressive, right? One upcoming model to watch is the Dolphin Surf (also called the Seagull or Dolphin Mini, depending on the market). It’s set to launch locally on September 14, 2025. This compact hatchback aims at the more budget-conscious end of the EV market, with insiders suggesting a price tag close to R350,000. That’s quite a bit lower than the R400,000—sometimes more—seen for some used Dolphin models. By introducing a competitively priced option, BYD seems to be making strides toward making EV ownership more accessible to a broader range of South Africans, which could really help boost its market penetration. Even with all these promising signs, BYD has yet to release official sales numbers for new vehicles in South Africa. That makes it tricky to nail down exactly what share of the market they hold or how new sales compare to used vehicle trends. Interestingly enough, the entire South African EV scene shows a bit of a paradox: while sales of fully electric cars on platforms like Autotrader went up by 65% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year, official registration data shows a 24% dip in new EV sales over the same period. It’s a peculiar situation, possibly hinting at a shift toward buying used EVs or maybe delays in data reporting. Looking at the used EVs bought through Autotrader, premium European brands like Volvo and BMW still rule the roost. The Volvo EX30 was the top seller during the first half of 2025, with 64 units, followed by the Volvo XC40 and the BMW i3. But, with BYD’s growing dealer network and diverse range of models, it’s starting to challenge these established players more seriously. All in all, BYD’s impressive performance in South Africa’s used EV market, along with their plans to expand and a new affordable model on the horizon, indicate a significant shake-up in the country’s electric vehicle scene. Although they’re still not reporting official new car sales figures, their rapid dealership growth and surging consumer interest strongly suggest that BYD is positioning itself to be a serious contender—maybe even a rival to the likes of Tesla—as South Africa moves further into its electric future. Source: Noah Wire Services

Todd Campau’s new role as senior director aims to enhance data-driven insights and industry engagement at a pivotal time for the automotive aftermarket sector.MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers has announced that Todd Campau has taken on the role of senior director of member content and engagement. This is a pretty strategic move, I think, aimed at boosting how the organization delivers value to its members by providing insightful industry knowledge and leadership. In this new position, Campau's main responsibilities include leading efforts that improve access to critical data related to the aftermarket, keeping tabs on technology trends, and overseeing research initiatives like the Supply Chain Benchmarking survey and associated events. Additionally, he’ll be guiding the Mobility Technology Council, putting together select webinars, and helping develop new councils and forums to meet the changing needs of members. His appointment really comes at a crucial time, especially since the automotive aftermarket landscape is changing rapidly. Factors like the aging vehicle fleet, more miles being driven, and a growing number of vehicles on the road are all considered by MEMA and others in the industry as key drivers for a lively and resilient aftermarket ecosystem. With over twenty years of focused aftermarket experience, Campau has built a strong background through roles at S&P Global Mobility, Gates Corporation, and Mahle Aftermarket. His expertise spans product management, aftermarket research, catalog and data management, and setting standards for product info—all skills that should serve him well in turning complex data into useful insights that help supply chain stakeholders. Chris Gardner, who’s the senior vice president of programs and technology at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, comments that Campau’s combination of research know-how and real-world industry experience makes him uniquely qualified to guide members through the complicated market and emerging technology trends. The move also aims to better align the association’s efforts with what members need most, particularly in legislative and regulatory areas. Campau will act as a bridge, connecting the advocacy team with aftermarket suppliers to ensure their priorities are well represented. Campau has shared his insights in various forums, such as discussing how data can influence decisions in aftermarket management and analyzing trends in vehicle usage. For instance, during a webinar hosted by the Auto Care Association, he explained best practices for using data to improve operational efficiency. He’s also spoken at events like S&P Global Mobility’s fall briefing in Detroit and on webinars about vehicle distance traveled, which covered topics like forecasting, powertrain updates, and how driving habits impact aftermarket demand. All in all, his appointment underlines MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers' focus on creating a well-informed, data-driven community that’s better equipped to handle a marketplace that's increasingly shaped by technological advances and complex regulations. By bringing Campau’s expertise into its content and member engagement strategies, MEMA hopes to build a comprehensive platform that helps manufacturers of aftermarket parts, tools, and equipment stay competitive and innovative. Note: References are the same as provided in the original. Source: Noah Wire Services

Innovative blockchain-based reservation systems are set to bring transparency, liquidity, and efficiency to the auto industry, transforming how consumers reserve and purchase vehicles amidst a multi-trillion-dollar market opportunity.The inefficiencies in the automotive reservation process are now primed for transformation through blockchain-based tokenization, unlocking a potential market valued at $16.1 trillion, according to Boston Consulting Group. Traditionally, when consumers reserve new vehicles, they face long waits with little transparency about their position in the queue or the manufacturing schedule. This opacity often results in inflated prices on the secondary market, with buyers paying significant markups—some reports cite $30,000 to $70,000—particularly on popular models like the Ford F-150 Lightning. Such practices thrive on information asymmetry, creating lucrative secondary markets that benefit dealers and scalpers while leaving consumers at a disadvantage. Additionally, around 15–30% of auto manufacturing capacity remains idle at times, partly due to demand uncertainty, which could be mitigated with more fluid reservation systems. Blockchain technology offers a compelling solution: tokenized reservations that allow deposits to be escrowed on-chain and reservation slots to be traded freely. This shift would introduce transparency, efficiency, and liquidity into vehicle ordering systems. For instance, DeLorean Labs has pioneered this approach by launching an NFT-based reservation platform for its upcoming Alpha 5 EV on the Sui blockchain, providing a clear, traceable, and tradable record of reservations. Such systems could function like financial call options, granting holders the right but not the obligation to purchase later, thereby creating dynamic secondary markets. If demand surges or preferences shift, reservations could be sold or bought easily, democratizing access and reducing manual scalping practices. Major automakers are already exploring blockchain integrations. BMW’s venture arm has invested in blockchain supply chain solutions, and Mercedes is piloting automated payment systems for electric vehicle charging, exploring decentralized identity and data sharing within logistics and costs. Moreover, companies like Vienna-based car-sharing service Eloop have tokenized parts of their fleet on Polkadot, allowing co-owners to receive revenue shares, exemplifying practical blockchain applications in asset management and operational efficiency. The size of this opportunity is substantial. For example, Tesla’s Cybertruck has amassed over 1 million reservations, each backed by a refundable deposit of up to $250—more than $200 million in dormant capital that could be mobilized through tokenization rather than remaining in escrow. Turning reservations into tradable assets could facilitate vibrant secondary markets, diminish dealer markups, and align prices more transparently with actual demand. Such liquidity could also streamline manufacturing planning, aligning supply more closely with real-time market signals. Adoption hinges on creating seamless user experiences. Current innovations like Visa’s gasless payments via Account Abstraction and Circle’s Verite compliance protocol indicate progress toward an ecosystem where blockchain operations become invisible to users—automatic, secure, and integrated into everyday interactions. This evolution is vital to overcoming the hype that often surrounds digital tokens, focusing instead on tangible, utility-driven applications. Beyond vehicle reservations, the broader tokenization market encompasses a wide array of assets. The same principles could extend to hotel bookings, concert tickets, unused factory capacity, home equity, infrastructure, and patents, with analysts projecting the total market for tokenized real-world assets to reach $16.1 trillion by 2023. Redirecting even a portion of this activity toward more transparent and liquid secondary markets would unlock new economic value, foster competitiveness, and reduce inefficiencies. The automotive industry’s embrace of tokenization is set to redefine ownership and operational models. As early examples demonstrate—such as Civic’s partnership with Rentality to tokenize on-chain driver verification, or the tokenization of Tesla fleets in Web3 ride-sharing initiatives—they showcase blockchain’s potential to improve security, compliance, and democratization. This shift isn’t merely about fixing old problems but about unlocking entirely new markets, innovative business models, and more efficient capital flows. The pressing question isn’t whether tokenized reservations will reshape industries but which sectors will lead the charge. Those quick to adopt open, liquid booking systems will not only address longstanding issues but also create opportunities to pioneer future markets. Early movers will gain competitive advantages, solve complex logistical challenges, and unlock hidden value—paving the way for a new era of digitally-enabled commerce. References: - Paragraph 1 – 1 - Paragraph 2 – 1, 3 - Paragraph 3 – 1, 2, 4 - Paragraph 4 – 1, 3, 4 - Paragraph 5 – 1, 6 - Paragraph 6 – 1, 3 - Paragraph 7 – 1, 5, 7 Source: Noah Wire Services

Global EV sales surge in 2025 driven by China and Europe, but US consumers grow more cautious amid market shifts and infrastructure concerns, disrupting industry expectations.As 2025 moves forward, the electric vehicle (EV) scene keeps on changing pretty quickly, with noticeable global momentum, though regional differences still play their part. All around the world, EV sales are expected to go over 20 million units this year—that’s about one in every four cars sold, give or take. This pretty huge jump is mainly driven by a mix of government incentives, tech improvements, and tighter regulations. China, in particular, is leading this charge—it’s projected to surpass gas-powered car sales with over 12 million EVs expected, fueled by innovation and government backing. Europe isn’t far behind either, seeing a solid 40% rise in EV sales, and now battery-powered EVs make up roughly 22% of its market. These trends really highlight how rapidly the automotive industry is shifting toward electrification. That said, not all regions are riding the same wave, especially the U.S. It seems like consumer enthusiasm there is cooling off a bit. Recent surveys suggest only about a third of Americans are actually seriously thinking about buying an EV. That’s a noticeable dip compared to past years—in Pew Research Center’s study from June 2025, about 53% of Americans don’t really see themselves purchasing an EV anytime soon. This lukewarm response is also evident from AAA’s data, which indicates just 16% of consumers are likely to buy an EV—that’s the lowest since 2019. J.D. Power’s research tells a similar story; while in 2024 about 24% of respondents said they’re “very likely” to consider an EV, only 35% were “somewhat likely.” A lot of this hesitance probably boils down to practical issues—like worries over driving range, the limited charging stations, and the upcoming end of federal tax credits in September 2025. Why do so many people feel this way? Well, several factors influence buying decisions, both in the U.S. and elsewhere. For example, used EV prices have fallen by over 40% since 2022, making them more affordable. Still, many folks are wary of the current charging networks—those aren’t quite where they need to be, especially for long-distance travel. Meanwhile, hybrids, which are expected to comprise about 15% of car sales in the U.S., are often seen as a safer stepping stone. Even though EVs boast benefits for the environment and battery tech keeps getting better, there's still plenty of uncertainty—especially with federal subsidies potentially changing and tariffs possibly coming into play, which adds to the hesitation. On the industry front, competition’s heating up, particularly between European automakers and Chinese brands. At the 2025 Munich IAA Mobility car show, Chinese companies like BYD, GAC, Changan, and Hongqi made a big splash, showing off their plans to grow in Europe. For example, BYD posted a staggering 290% jump in EV sales across Europe in 2025, which signals they're really pushing hard into that market. That has prompted big European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Volkswagen to fast-track their new EV models so they can hold onto their market share. It’s a pretty clear sign that geopolitical and economic shifts are influencing this global fight for EV dominance. Of course, growth isn’t always smooth sailing. BYD, which is China’s biggest automaker, recently lowered its 2025 sales goal by about 16%, a sign that its rapid expansion might be slowing down a bit in the face of tougher competition at home and broader economic hurdles. Similarly, BMW saw a sales drop of roughly 15.5% in China during the first half of 2025— a result of fierce local competition and a sluggish real estate market. To turn things around, BMW is betting on its upcoming all-electric Neue Klasse series. The iX3 electric SUV, which is set to launch in China by mid-2026, is part of their plan to tap into new battery tech and cost efficiencies, helping them stay competitive in Asia’s largest EV market. All in all, the road ahead looks fast-moving and complex. For aftermarket professionals and industry stakeholders, understanding these shifts—where excitement exists alongside real challenges—is essential. Adjusting supply chains, production plans, and market strategies will be critical to staying ahead in this rapidly electrifying landscape. Honestly, it’s not just about keeping up but figuring out how to thrive amid all this change—certainly a challenging yet exciting journey. References: - [1] AutoSpies News - [2] Reuters - [3] Pew Research - [4] Reuters - [5] Reuters - [6] Reuters Source: Noah Wire Services