PowerTALK News

The March 2025 issue of PowerTALK™ News features a Special Report by Guy Youngs on global news of the Tesla company and car sales. It also has articles about the impact of US tariffs on the India auto sector, the Jakarta construction market, and Kubota’s plans to build a tractor plant in India.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER: Musk and Tesla Make News

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• US Is Losing The Solid-State EV Battery Race, Big Time
• US Trade War Causes Turbulence in Battery Industry
• Renault’s Solution for Battery Fires Available To Everyone
• Ford CEO Warns Tariffs Will ‘Blow Hole’ in US Auto Industry

NORTH AMERICA: Proposed Transportation Act Affects Emissions
DATAPOINT: 2025 North America Trenchers

SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL:

• Brazil Vehicle Production Best Since 2021
• Dutch OXBO Launches First Plant in Brazil
• FPT Industrial Supplies Agrale NG/Biomethane Engine

JAPAN: Kubota Plans Tractor Plant in India, Doubling Production
SOUTH KOREA: Kia To Offer Corporate Clients Custom EVs
INDONESIA: Notes on Jakarta Construction Equipment Market
CHINA: Baidu, CATL Plan Ecosystem for Unmanned Driving
INDIA: US Tariffs Pressure India Automotive Sector

Read about Tesla Germany sales dropping 60%, Nissan quitting Honda merger talks, Q4 2024 global truck production climbing and South Korean battery production slumping and more in the February 2025 issue of PowerTALK™ News.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• Is Toyota Largest Auto Funder of Climate Deniers in US?
• Tesla Sales Drop 60% in Germany
• Nissan Quits Honda Talks, Eyes Foxconn Alliance
• Recycling Battery Metals Could Supply 25% Of Europe’s EVs By 2030

TRUCK PRODUCTION REPORT: Q4 2024 Truck Production Climbs 3.7%
DATAPOINT: 2025 North America Snowblowers Production
NORTH AMERICA: Isuzu Plans South Carolina Truck Assembly Plant
EUROPE: Sanlorenzo, Volvo Penta Collaborate for Sustainable Yachting
SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL:

•  Mercedes-Benz Sells Sprinter Factory in Argentina
• Record Motorcycle Production in Brazil

JAPAN: Kanadevia To Build Plant for Hydrogen Equipment
South KOREA: Battery Makers See Revenue Decline
CHINA: Lexus China Plant To Begin Production in 2027
INDIA: 2025 Budget Pushes Green Mobility, Manufacturing PSR

The January 2025 issue of PowerTALK™ News covers regional updates from six regions, and includes articles on a possible Honda-Nissan merger, VW’s possible change in plans for Germany plant closings, the DataPoint forecast of 2025 North America production for Dumpers/Tenders, and a report on Tandano’s development of the world’s largest electric crane.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• Honda, Nissan Near EV Merger
• Volkswagen May Not Close German Factories
• European EV Car Market Declines
• BYD Controversy in Brazil–What Is Going On?

DATAPOINT: 2024 North America Dumpers/Tenders Production
EUROPE: The Financial Challenges Facing KTM
SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL:

•  Sao Paulo Bus Electrification Plan Delayed
• BMW To Produce Six New Motorcycles in Brazil

JAPAN: Tadano Electrifies World’s Largest Crane
South KOREA: Strike Causes Auto Production Problems
THAILAND: Toyota, China Battle for Government Support
CHINA: FAW Jiefang, CATL Plan CV Electrification Effort
INDIA: Infrastructure Spending Seen Boosting CV Demand  PSR

The December 2024 issue of PowerTALK™ News covers regional updates from six regions, including the Bauma CHINA construction show. In North America, Nebraska’s Attorney General has filed an antitrust lawsuit against major truck manufacturers over their partnership with CARB. Volvo Construction Equipment has expanded its Brazilian manufacturing portfolio by localizing production of the A45G articulated hauler.

This issue also highlights several key developments in the alternative power sector. The global outboard engines market is forecasted to reach USD 19 billion by 2034, driven by increasing recreational activities and technological advancements.

IN THIS ISSUE

SHOW REPORT: Bauma-China Show Exhibits New Technologies
ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• World Moving On Without USA, As Priorities Change
• Chinese Electric Cars Lead US Producers
• Mercedes’ Solar Paint Could Eliminate Plugging In EVs
• CATL Pushes Forward With All-Solid-State EV Batteries

DATAPOINT: 2024 North America UTV Production
GLOBAL: Outboard Motor Production Forecast
NORTH AMERICA: Nebraska AG Sues Truck Makers Over CARB
JAPAN: Kubota To Build Excavator Plant in Germany
South KOREA: Strike Causes Auto Production Problems
THAILAND: Government To Ease EV Production
INDIA: Tractor Industry Sees H2 2024 Revival PSR

A show report on the giant Fentran international cargo transportation event in Sao Paulo is featured in the November issue of PowerTALK News. The issue also includes alternate power news and information on the global PWC market as well as information on EV joint venture plans of Bosch and Jiangling. Read these articles and more in PowerTALK News.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• EV Battery Costs Will Drop To Key Level in 2026
• Trump Won–What Now for U.S. Clean Energy?
• Costs of Solid-State Batteries Expected To Drop as Pilot Production Begins
• Nevada Gets World’s First Lithium-Sulfer Battery Gigafactory

GLOBAL REPORT:

• Trucking Group Pushes for Delay of Emissions Mandate
• 2023 PWC Market Estimated at US$ 2.5 Billion

DATAPOINT: 2024 NA Combine Production

SHOW REPORT: Fentran International Road Cargo Transportation show

JAPAN: Greenhouse Gasses from Mining Equipment Are Targeted
Southeast ASIA: What Is the Asia Zero-Emission Community?
CHINA: Bosch and Jiangling Plan Joint EV Venture
INDIA: Ashok Leyland Expects Strong Export Performance

Q3 2024 Global truck production dropped, according to the Truck Production Index produced by Power Systems Research. Read about it in the October issue of PowerTALK News. Other articles deal with VW’s plans to cut back on employment; a new solid state battery developed in Europe; the forecast for 2024 crane production in North American and the future for electric tractors in India.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• VW Employment “Earthquake” Hits Germany
• Europeans Unveil Solid-state Battery with 1,070 Wh/L Energy Density
• Your EV May Fall Apart Before Its Battery Pack Does
• Hydrogen Fuel Technology May Be Falling Behind

TRUCK PRODUCTION INDEX: Q3 2024 Truck Production drops 8.9%

DATAPOINT: 2024 NA Crane Production

SHOW REPORT: Electric Boats Highlight 2024 Cannes Yacht Festival
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

• Brazil Set To Start First Natural Gas Truck Corridor
• Randon Brazil Delivers First Semi-Trailer with Electric Drive System

JAPAN: Ammonia-fueled Tugboat Completed
SouthEAST ASIA: AEC Discusses New Goals as Markets Integrate
CHINA:: EU Reportedly Votes Tariff Hikes on Chinese EVs
INDIA: Electric Tractors: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture

In this month’s PowerTALK News, read about battery development, Volvo’s plans to launch hydrogen powered trucks, a report on global e-bike production, a forecast on 2024 Light Plant production, Yanmar’s acquisition of Claas India, a combine harvester, to expand its India market, and Malaysia’s expanding auto sales.

In This Issue

Alternative Power Report:

• Fast Charging Gets Faster in LFP Batteries
• Revolutionary Battery Made from Stone Could Transform Electric Cars
• Is New Silicon EV Battery From CalTech Spinoff The Best Thing Ever?
• China’s Restrictions on Antimony Could Force Shortfall

Global:

• Volvo To Launch Hydrogen Powered Trucks
• E-Bike Market Hits US$38.2 Billion

DataPoint: 2024 North America Light Plant Production
Europe: Electric Boats Popular at Cannes Yachting Festival
Brazil/South America:

• Columbia Resumes Taxing Vehicles Imported from Brazil
• Tata Negotiates for Production Plant in Brazil

Japan: Yanmar Acquires CLASS india, a Combine Manufacturer
South Korea: Hyundai Motor To Double Number of Hybrid Models
Malaysia: Jan-Jun 2024 Car Sales Gain Ground
China: Yuchai, Kim Long Motor Vietnam Sign Agreement
India: Rural Recovery Drives Surge in Auto Demand

On the Alternative Power scene in this month’s PowerTALK News read about battery development, and Toyota owners suing the OEM. There’s also a forecast on the global snowmobile market, and Chris Fisher discusses the impact of the CARB ACT regulations on truck sales. Also read about plans by giant BYD to build a production facility in Turkey.

In This Issue

Alternative Power Report:

• Safe, Long-Cyclable Lithium Battery Tested
• Toyota Mirai Drivers Sue Automaker
• Wastewater Needed by LFP Battery Supply Chain
• Diesel Demand Drops as EV, Electric Semi Markets Grow

Global: Snowmobile Market Forecast Is $2.42 Billion
North America: Impact of 2024 CARB ACT Truck Sales Regulations
DataPoint: NA Personal Watercraft Production
Europe:

• Deutz and Rolls Royce Engine Deal Approved
• Maersk Investments in Fleet Decarbonization

Brazil/South America:

• Marcopolo Volare Unveils Hybrid Ethanol 1.0 Micro Bus
• Heavy Duty Trailers Market Remains High

Japan: Iseki To Move Production to Indonesia
South Korea: Hyundai Motor Lists Subsidiary in India
Indonesia: Moves To Cut Chinese Ownership of Nickel Projects
China: BYD Plans Factory in Turkey
India: Rising Inventory Levels Challenge Auto Dealers

Canada is joining the United States and Europe in considering placing hefty tariffs on imported Chinese EVs. Read the EV tariff news in the July issue of PowerTALK News published by Power Systems Research. There’s also product news about North American scooter production and global production forecasts for Medium and Heavy commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT:

• EV Sales Are Headed for Long-Term Growth
• Research Offers Environmentally Friendly Lithium Production
• EU Tariffs Hit Chinese EVs, Draw Reaction from Beijing
• Canada Considers Tariffs on Chinese EVs

GLOBAL:  

• 2024 MHCV Production Expected To Decline by 1.6%
• 2024 Global Motorcycle Market Estimated at $144 Billion

DATAPOINT: NA Scooter Production

EUROPE:

• Belgium Risks Losing Audi Car Production in Brussels
• Electric/Hybrid Marine Event Shows New Technologies

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

• Brazil Truck Production Grows Significantly
• Brazil’s Frasle Mobility To Buy Dacomsa for $389 Million

JAPAN: Hitachi Demonstrates Ultra-Large Electric Dump Truck
THAILAND: Honda To Cut Thai Car Production Capacity by 50%
SOUTH KOREA: LG, Hyundai Open Indonesia EV Battery Plant
CHINA: Chinese Joint Venture Begins Battery Plant in Mississippi
INDIA: Bajaj, TVS Enter CNG Two-Wheeler Market

Read Jack Hao’s report on China’s expanding battery swap alliance in which seven auto OEMs are developing a network of battery swapping stations for EVs. Driven by multiple factors such as government support, market demand, and battery technology upgrades, the battery swap solution is attracting a lot of attention from the market.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• China Threatens EU, U.S. with Tariffs Up To 25%
• European Batteries Could Be 60% Less Carbon Intensive Than Chinese
• Diesel Demand Hits 26-Year Low as EV, Hydrogen Sales Boom
• Discovery May Drive Down Cost of Hydrogen Fuel

GLOBAL:  

• Electric MHV Update
• Global Golf Cart Production

DATAPOINT: Global Snowmobile Production          
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

• JCB Invests To Double Its Size in Latin America
• Ford To Manufacture Ranger Engines in Argentina

JAPAN: Iseki Develops Large Unmanned Tractor
THAILAND: Suzuki Halts Thai 4-wheel Production
CHINA: Battery Swapping Seen as EV Recharging Solution
INDIA: Hybrid Vehicles Compete With EVs