News


Heilind Electronics and Panduit to showcase at Automotive Expo in Sibiu

March 13, 2024

Heilind Electronics, a global leader in connector distribution, and Panduit, a renowned supplier of networking and electronic solutions, will participate in the upcoming Automotive Expo & B2B Meetings, co-located with the Manufacturing Expo in Sibiu, Romania. With a network spanning 40 locations worldwide, including a new facility in Germany, Heilind ensures efficient order processing and offers global "Value-Added Services." Together with Panduit, a provider of innovative electrical and network infrastructure solutions, Heilind will present the latest advancements in electronics, mobile solutions, software development and energy technologies at Automotive Expo.

BMW Group and NTT DATA establish a Joint Venture in Romania

March 11, 2024

BMW and NTT DATA have signed an agreement to establish a Joint Venture in Romania. The BMW Group and NTT DATA have been collaborating across a wide array of projects for over 30 years. 

The companies announce plans to open a new software development center for software solutions in Cluj-Napoca. This collaboration aims to assist the carmaker in leading the digital transformation.

FORVIA HELLA receives further series orders for digital Smart Car Access system

March 07, 2024

Series production will start in Romania and Mexico in 2025; in this context, FORVIA HELLA will also bring the NCAP-relevant safety function "Child Presence Detection" based on ultra-wideband technology onto the streets for the first time.

The Smart Car Access system from FORVIA HELLA is based on ultra-wideband technology (UWB). The system allows the end user to open and close the car completely hands-free and start the engine without having to pick up their smartphone. 

Latest commodity prices: March 2024

March 06, 2024

Energy prices increased 1.1% in February, led by oil (+3.7%).

Raw materials gained 0.8%, while beverages surged by 12.7%. 

Metal prices declined by 1.9%, led by iron ore (-8.4%) and zinc (-6.2%).

Folia, innovative metalworking fluid technology. The outstanding solution for you and your operations

March 06, 2024

TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity.

The Folia range is a revolution in the field of metalworking. It is a bio sourced and water-based fluid free of oils and emulsifiers. With a high lubricity and an excellent colling power, it offers users a unique solution for multiple metalworking operations.

Bosch, Microsoft to Use Generative AI to Make Roads Safer

March 04, 2024

Bosch has teamed with Microsoft to explore how to harness generative AI for vehicle enhancements and safety. The collaboration aims to improve automated driving functions using generative AI. 

The expectation is that generative AI will enable vehicles to assess situations and react accordingly, and in this way keep road users even safer.

Samsung, Magna and Allison Transmission invest $25M in Niron Magnetics

March 04, 2024

Niron Magnetics, a startup developing high-performance, rare earth-free permanent magnets has received $25 million in new strategic funding in a round led by Samsung Ventures. The company is developing more sustainable and affordable rare earth-free permanent magnets, which can be used for EV motors and other applications. The Minnesota-based company is also backed by three major automakers: General Motors, Stellantis and Volvo Cars. 

SOMIPRESS supplies high-quality aluminium die-casting parts to companies in the Automotive and Mechanical industries

February 28, 2024

SOMIPRESS ROMANIA  is a company part of SOMIGroup an Italian group founded in 1972, working in the field of aluminium die-casting.

It supplies high-quality aluminium die-casting parts to the Automotive, Household Appliances and Mechanical industry companies.

You can contact Somipress at +40261770266; somipressromania@somipress.com and visit their website www.somipress.com.

Top 5 Robot Trends 2024 – International Federation of Robotics reports

February 27, 2024

The International Federation of Robotics reports about the top 5 automation trends in 2024. “The five mutually reinforcing automation trends in 2024 show that robotics is a multidisciplinary field where technologies are converging to create intelligent solutions for a wide range of tasks,” says Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “These advances continue to shape the merging industrial and service robotics sectors and the future of work.”

Alfa Romeo will officially unveil its first all-electric model in April

February 27, 2024

Alfa Romeo has announced it'll reveal the forthcoming Milano on April 10, 2024, as the car enters its final testing phase. It’s not only set to be the brand’s first all-electric vehicle, but also the smallest in a line-up which currently consists of the Giulia, Stelvio and Tonale.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of Alfa Romeo, has said: “It also serves as a ‘welcome’ to anyone looking for a unique sporting experience in this segment and the distinctive beauty of Italian design.''

New car registrations: +12.1% in January 2024; battery electric 10.9% market share

February 22, 2024

In January 2024, the EU new car market rebounded from the slowdown experienced in December 2023, with year-on-year car registrations increasing by 12.1% to 851,690 units. Notably, the bloc’s major markets all saw significant growth, with Germany (+19.1%), Italy (+10.6%), France (+9.2%), and Spain (+7.3%) achieving either high single-digit or double-digit gains.

In January 2024, new battery-electric car sales surged by 28.9% to 92,741 units, representing a total market share of 10.9%.

Volvo’s Electric SUVs Reborn As EX40 & EC40

February 20, 2024

Volvo announced that the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge are now called EX40 and EC40, as part of the latest model year updates. The fully electric crossovers also benefit from a power boost for the twin motor powertrain, and are now available in dark-themed Black Edition trims.

The new names bring the EX40 and EC40 in line with the rest of Volvo‘s fully electric lineup (EX30, EX90, and EM90). 

Stellantis will produce EV drive modules in Hungary

February 19, 2024

Stellantis has announced plans to increase production of its electric drive modules (EDMs). The modules, which combine an electric motor, reduction gearset and inverter into a single unit, should begin production in late 2026. Stellantis is investing 103 million euros ($107.6 million) to boost electric vehicle drive module production at its plant in Szentgotthard, Hungary. The automaker is already building EDMs at its plant in Tremery-Metz, France, and a site in Kokomo, Indiana and later this year, its Mirafiori factory in Italy will start to produce electrified dual-clutch transmissions for its hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

 

Volkswagen and Mahindra sign supply agreement

February 19, 2024

Volkswagen Group and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) have signed the first supply agreement on components of Volkswagen´s MEB for Mahindra’s purpose-built electric platform INGLO, taking a definitive step further on their joint vision for e-mobility collaboration. The deal covers the supply of certain electric components as well as unified cells. The partnership with Mahindra is led by Volkswagen Group Technology and its “Platform Business” unit in close cooperation with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.

Europe sees highest new vehicle registrations since the pandemic

February 16, 2024

Europe’s automotive market achieved a notable milestone last year, with new vehicle registrations reaching their highest level since the pandemic. Strong demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the growing influence of new market entrants sparked significant shifts in the continent’s automotive landscape with new passenger vehicle registrations totalling 12,792,151 units in Europe-28* in 2023, up 14% on the previous year.