Automark

• Partnership marries Sony Pictures IP with Hyundai Motor’s leading technology and visually innovative design
• Hyundai Motor to offer substantial marketing support for upcoming Sony Pictures tentpoles featuring the automaker’s new models and technologies
• The companies will collaborate on a wide range of multi-platform content rooted in Sony Pictures IP

Dubai, May 31, 2020 – Hyundai Motor Company and Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced they have entered into a unique and unprecedented multi-picture promotional partnership that will feature the automaker’s new models and technologies in upcoming Sony Pictures productions. Under the deal Hyundai Motor will also offer substantial marketing support and the companies will collaborate on a wide range of ancillary content-creation.

The partnership will marry Sony Pictures IP with Hyundai Motor’s technology and designs, building on the cinematic quality of the studio’s big-screen fare and bringing to life the automaker’s human-centered future mobility vision dedicated to revitalizing cities and galvanizing urban air mobility. The partnership will offer a wide range of opportunities to leverage Sony Pictures IP for marketing content and immersive entertainment, collaborate on infrastructure and vehicular concepts for Sony Pictures movies, co-create virtual reality and gaming experiences, and co-produce events, among other opportunities.

Hyundai Motor’s new models and technologies will be featured in five upcoming Sony Pictures films including Uncharted (July 2021); the sequel to Spider-Man™: Far From Home (November 2021); the sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (October 2022); and other tentpoles to be determined.

“This strategic partnership with Sony Pictures will allow customers to understand and experience our human-centered future mobility vision through innovative vehicles and technologies, illuminating a way forward for transforming how we move, interact, and design our lives for optimal benefits. We will offer various ways to inspire our customers and movie fans around the globe,” said Wonhong Cho, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor.

“This deal embodies the true definition of the word partnership,” said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management, and Head of Location Based Entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment. “The deal has many layers, including substantial marketing support, but its real potential and impact come from groundbreaking content that we will develop together.”

At CES 2020, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its innovative vision for urban mobility to help revitalize human-centered future cities. The three-pronged approach to realize the vision includes A) Urban Air Mobility (UAM), a new form of mobility utilizing air space to drastically reduce transit time B) Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV), an eco-friendly urban mobility device allowing customization for diverse lifestyles and C) Hub, a space for mobility transfer and community activities.

Courtesy: Hyundai Pakistan FB page

JW SEZ group have introduced the European brand SUVs in Pakistan. A Morris Garages (MG) car was previously owned by Quaid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The MG HS Model was spotted in Kalam, Sawat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). The SUV is being used for test drive, as per our sources.

Jawed Afridi, has share pictures of the variant on his social media pages.
These variant are imported from China in CBU condition. The bookings of SUV in CBU will commence from June 2020 in Pakistan. Company is willing to assemble these brand of variants in Pakistan by next year under Auto Policy.

The MG HS back in March, 2020 was named the ‘Car of the Year’ in Middle East by a panel which comprised of the region’s leading automotive experts. Following that title, MG HS was also awarded to be the ‘‘Best Sub-compact Crossover’.

The SUV will be giving a tough competition to the current market favorite Korean brands. MG HS has a 2.0L high efficiency turbo petrol engine and is proficient in creating a thrilling 231PS and maximum torque of 360NM. The front wheel has a comfortable and an intelligent ALL Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

It provides the top speed of 210 km/h and combines it seamlessly with the six-speed dual clutch transmission gearbox. It is equipped with Eco, Normal, comfort and Sports driving style – the sports style will have adrenaline rushing through you. It has a sports response system that will release the maximum torque for the best acceleration you have ever experienced.

MG HS will have European standard car features owing to its British roots. For instance, the car as a 10.1 inch touchscreen which can connect to Apple car play, Android Auto, GPs, Navigation in an instant. It has a premium audio system along with Air quality management system which purifies air in less than 3 minutes!
When it comes to safety, you can be assured of MG HS with a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety standards.

The SUV is also expected to be quite reasonably priced given the taxation benefits, hence further fueling up the competition against the Korean SUV in Pakistan. Sources confirmed to Automark.

About JW Auto Park
Their plant was launched in 2018 in November and they are the first Pakistani company which has a 50% partnership with a Chinese company which is Changsha Foton Vehicle Technology Co. Ltd. The venture Foton JW Auto Park (Pvt.) Ltd. is the biggest private venture of electric car manufacturing in Pakistan.

The Futon JW Auto Park will be inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his visit to Pakistan in June. JW Auto is also going to sign the MOU with Morris Garages electric vehicles.

MG Motor UK Limited (MG Motor) is a British automotive company headquartered in Longbridge, Birmingham, England, and a subsidiary of SAIC Motor UK, which in turn is owned by the Shanghai-based Chinese state-owned automotive SAIC Motor.
The initial investment was 150 million by both companies and the joint venture established an assembly plant after receiving Greenfield status.

Both parties plan to further expand the plant capacity to 100,000 units per year with 100 acres of land to increase its product range in the future.

This will not bring jobs to local Pakistanis but also help push the economy upwards. A silver lining Pakistani Auto Industry desperately needs in the recent phase of recession.
JW has been the silent leader in the Auto Industry and quiet the newsmaker. In its plans for the next 5 years, Foton JW Auto Park also aims to become the leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in Pakistan.

With news like these coming they might not be too far from their goal.

The Indus Motor Company has decided to recommence its production plants and offices following the preventive measures that would stop the spread of Covid-19. The company informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in a notice on Tuesday.

The notice further said that the company would be resuming operation following the lockdown relaxation announced by the Sindh government.

As per our sources, the IMC higher management, dealers and Vendors met with the Government of Sindh at Commissioner Karachi’s office, where it was decided that they will start operation from May 19, 2020. The production of the vehicles will be start after EID holidays; says sources.

The notice said that the company would be enforcing the SOPs given by the government rigorously to ensure everyone’s safety. The Indus Motor Company (IMC) announced its closure on 23rd March following the government announced lockdown.

A memo was released in which they informed that the delivery of cars would be delayed, and due to the fluctuations of the FOREX index, the prices of products and vehicles are being revised.

Lastly, on 29th April, they announced a support package for the vendors. In this, they gave out short term liquidity emergency loan to the vendors so that they can get some liquidity in the lockdown period.

It has been reported that Honda Atlas will also be reopening from May 18, 2020, while their production will begin after Eid holidays.

Amongst all the industries in Pakistan, the Auto Industry has been hit hard. The already struggling industry has now to face further challenges in this year. We may start to see the effects of the lockdown as the industries reopen after a 3-month lockdown.

Due to difficult conditions resulting from the corona pandemic and measures taken to stem its spread, including event bans and travel restrictions that are regularly being extended, Messe Frankfurt and its customers, partners and supporting associations have agreed to postpone the Automechanika Frankfurt event that was originally scheduled to take place from 8 to 12 September 2020.

Automechanika Frankfurt, the international industry gathering for the automotive aftermarket, is being postponed until 14 to 18 September 2021 in response to local and global measures implemented to stop the spread of COVID 19. It simply would not have been possible for many of the exhibitors and visitors from over 180 countries to take part in the event under the conditions currently prevailing or those expected at that time. In agreement with exhibitors, representatives from industry, workshops and retail, associations and partners, Messe Frankfurt has rescheduled the event for autumn 2021.

Automechanika Frankfurt will then resume its biennial rotation – the event will now be taking place in odd-numbered years.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, explains: “Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of everyone – exhibitors and visitors alike – taking part in the event. With waves of the pandemic moving around the globe and many countries not expecting it to peak until the summer, I am certain that the decision to postpone Automechanika until September 2021 is the right one. Over the past two weeks in particular, we have been engaged in intensive discussions with our customers, partners and supporting associations, and they sent us a clear signal. By holding the event in 2021, we are responding to our customers’ wishes.”

Online training in autumn 2020

‘By and for automotive professionals’: A number of online events are planned for this autumn that focus on training and professional development for German workshops in particular. Automechanika is collaborating with various trade media organisations, influencers, multipliers and associations to plan these events.

• Press Release

Indus Motors to extend help to their vendors to bear the impact of the 40-day countrywide lockdown that is most likely to extend beyond May 7. Not just enhancing the capability on manufacturing the parts during and after the lockdown, its retail finance arm for easier liquidity.

Indus Motor Company (IMC) in a recent memo announced that they will be giving out a short-term interest-free emergency loan to the vendors so that they can have a bit of liquidity in the lockdown period. According to the memo, the loans will be from May 2020.

The Covid- 19 has disrupted the lives of people around the world even those living in the most stable countries. Pakistan as a developing country has to put in double the effort to support the economy

Among all industries in Pakistan, the auto industry has been hit hard. However, the assemblers have come forward and lent a hand to the vendors. IMC said that they consider the Vendors a part of their family and understand the hard times they might be facing.

Speaking to Automark Magazine editor, about this recent announcement Mashood Khan, the ex-chairman of PAAPAM; Director of Mehran Enterprise (parts manufacturer) & vendor of IMC; said “We highly appreciate the financial support given to the vendors. Indeed we face an acute financial crunch which will hopefully be resolved by this step of management.”

He also said that the vendors also tried conveying their issues to the government to get some sort of relief but their woes were dismissed and unanswered.

Lastly, he said “We hope other OEM including Chinese OEM assemblers will take the same step to support the vendors and urged the vendors to not exploit the offer rather respects it.”

HOH under the leadership of late Mr Ali Habib has always looked after it’s suppliers and vendors as a family. It is nice to see that the legacy continues. Another vendor says

The Indus Motor company plants were shut down on 23^rd March 2020 following the government announced lockdown. The memo announcing the shutdown expressed support to the government’s effort to control the spread of Covid-19 and no reopening date was given. 

The company also announced in another public notice that the delivery of the cars will be delayed; the notice also said “Due to the international economic conditions and the fluctuation in the FOREX index, regretfully the prices of our products and vehicle range are being revised. The new prices will not affect any full payments made however if a customer requires a refund, they may approach our Customer Assistance Center (CAC) which will process a complete refund without any penalties or deductions.”

Hence we can expect a rise in the price of the newly introduced Toyota Yaris which was only softly launched in March at the IMC Karachi plant.

The pandemic has affected industries around the world but for an already struggling Pakistan Auto Industry things seem to be getting worse. Only time will tell what will be the losses and effects of the lockdown – once things go back to normal.

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD <002594.SZ> said on Thursday it has partnered with Toyota-owned truck maker Hino Motors <7205.T> to develop electric commercial vehicles, as BYD deepens electric collaboration with Japan’s top automaker.

The partnership will focus on electric buses and trucks, in addition to BYD and Toyota’s <7203.T> joint development on electric passenger cars.

Shenzhen-based BYD, which is backed by U.S. investor Warren Buffett, has been building electric commercial vehicles including London’s electric double-decker buses and electric road sweepers in Beijing.

Hino has been developing battery electric trucks but so far has yet to bring a fully electric model to market.

In China, Hino makes trucks with Guangzhou-based GAC <601238.SS>, which is also a partner of Toyota.

Toyota, which expects to achieve half of its vehicle sales from electrified models by 2025, has been developing its own electric vehicle batteries and has been tapping new suppliers to avoid a shortfall in supply as demand for electrified vehicles is expected to increase in the coming decades.

(Reporting by Yilei Sun in Beijing and Naomi Tajitsu in Tokyo; editing by Jason Neely)

Chairman and Founder of Indus Motors Ltd, Ali Suleman Habib passed away in Karachi on Friday after an undisclosed illness, He was 63.

Habib, apart from being chairman of the Indus Motor Company, also headed operations for the House of Habib, a legacy business conglomerate that has several successful businesses functioning under its umbrella.

Habib served as director on the management boards of multiple companies operating under the umbrella of the House of Habib — including Thal Limited, Shabbir Tiles & Ceramics Limited, Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, Metro Habib Cash and Carry Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited.

He was also a member of the Board of Governors of Habib University, which the Habib family established.

Habib was the founding chairman of the Young Presidents Organization, Pakistan Chapter, and chairman of the Pakistan Business Council. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust.

He graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota, USA and also attended the PMD Program at Harvard.

Due to the prevailing conditions the funeral will be for family only. Family member requested to everyone that recite Surah Fatiha and 3 Surah-e- Ikhlas for the departed soul from their homes.

May God grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give everyone strength to bear this loss. Our deepest condolence on the sad demise of Ali Suleman Habib the founder of Indus Motor Company Limited.

As the recent COVID-19 pandemic grips the world, increasingly the need to integrate health and safety systems in today’s automobiles has never been greater. Changan Automobiles, China’s leading auto manufacturer, has always led the field with its superior technology. Now, Changan Automobiles is offering drivers cars equipped with ‘PM0.1’ air filters. These air filters are designed to not only provide protection against fine dust and pollution, but they are also equipped with a high-efficiency composition anti-virus filter. In addition to purifying the air, this unique feature will help drivers’ combat viruses and bacteria, helping drivers and passenger enjoy a pollution-free and a healthy journey.

Changan Automobiles has set-up these protective cars in order to help its customers fight against the global pandemic – COVID-19. Changan has always provided its customers with new and modern features, and has always looked to meet the specific demands or the needs of its customers. This ‘PM 0.1’ filter is the perfect example of commitment. With over eight design centers across the globe, research and development have always been a core component of Changan Automobiles, with over 10% of revenue invested into R&D. It’s no surprise that Changan Automobiles is not only known for its intelligent vehicles in China but also holds a world record for an autonomous driving automobile.

Pakistani drivers can also soon expect to see a range of Changan personal vehicles at their disposal. Changan Master Motors, which has until recently dominated the local industry for commercial vehicles, will be launching a variety of passenger cars at accessible price ranges, and with the latest features. With China’s leading automobile manufacturer, the leader in automotive technology, Pakistani consumers will soon have access to some of the world’s best automobiles.

Changan holds the title of top-selling domestic Chinese automotive brand. With more than 32 years of experience, Changan Automobiles is a Chinese state-owned enterprise that is considered a first-mover in the Chinese auto industry with annual sales of above 3 million units. The Changan brand is synonymous for technologically advanced vehicles, and Changan Master Motors is committed to bringing this to the people of Pakistan, with a promise of providing the most beautiful design and technologically advanced vehicles in their class at an accessible price point. Pakistani consumers will now have choices and be able to afford the features and safety they have always dreamed of.

Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda promised Friday that the Japanese auto industry would seek to protect jobs worldwide as it endures the coronavirus pandemic.

Toyoda, speaking as head of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, said he was worried the Japanese economy might be destroyed before the world can win the fight against the sickness caused by COVID-19.

“If our hospitals get overloaded to the point of devastation, then Japan may never be able to recover,” Toyoda said on an online news conference.
The group that brings together Japanese automakers, including Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co., and also parts makers, will set up a special fund to help those laid off find jobs, Toyoda said.

Toyoda said the biggest threat to the industry is the potential loss of skilled workers with their manufacturing and engineering finesse.

After World War II, Toyota made pots and pans and grew potatoes on farms, Toyoda said, emphasizing automakers’ determination to make practically anything to protect jobs and survive.

Like its counterparts in the U.S., Toyota has begun making face masks, although they were too wrinkly to be sold and will instead be used at Toyota facilities to reduce demand elsewhere, Toyoda said.

Japan declared a state of emergency this week as cases have continued to surge, especially in Tokyo and other urban areas. Japan has about 5,500 coronavirus cases, but the fear is that there may be an exponential jump. The world has 1.6 million confirmed cases, with more than 466,000 in the U.S.

Toyoda said 3,000 rooms now being used to quarantine auto workers returning from abroad, could, if needed, be used for other people.

He compared the current uncertainty and the need to stay home to enduring a long winter. Some assembly plants have halted production because cars aren’t selling.

“We are now feeling more than ever that being able to go wherever you want is a truly moving experience,” Toyoda said.

“We must survive. Or else there can be no spring.”

Courtesy: abcnews

Volkswagen Group Components and DU-POWER establish a joint venture

Volkswagen Group Components and the start-up Shanghai DU-POWER New Energy Technical Co., Ltd. plan to work together to produce flexible quick charging stations in China. An agreement to this effect was signed by representatives from both companies in Suzhou, China. Series production of the flexible quick charging stations is currently scheduled to start in the second half of 2020. Establishing production with a local partner is a key step in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.

“A comprehensive charging infrastructure is the key to the success of e-vehicles. The planned joint venture with DU-POWER therefore represents a significant milestone as we continue to make progress along the path to electric mobility. The innovative design of our flexible quick charging station has huge potential in China, not least because of the rapid growth of electric mobility,” commented Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

“The electrification of the global automotive industry is a megatrend. As an ambitious high-tech company with a competent technical development core, we will work with Volkswagen to create a solid foundation to support the success of electric vehicles. The partnership for establishing a joint venture in China enables us to collaborate close on the technical aspects of the project to provide flexible, reliable and efficient solutions for the charging infrastructure,” remarked Yong Kang, CEO of Shanghai DU-POWER New Energy Technical Co., Ltd..

Following the conclusion of the requisite approval process with authorities, including merger control, Volkswagen AG and Shanghai DU-POWER New Energy Technical Co., Ltd. will ultimately each own 50% of the shares in the joint venture. The new company will be located in the Suzhou Wuzhong Economic & Technological Development Zone, near Shanghai, China.

As previously announced, flexible quick charging stations will also be produced at the Hannover site in future. Production is to begin this year.

Introducing the flexible quick charging station
With compact dimensions, the flexible quick charging station can be installed almost anywhere it’s needed or where a charging infrastructure is not yet in place. When connected to the low voltage grid, the station becomes a permanent charging point without the additional cost and effort required for a comparable fixed quick charging station. The built-in battery pack can store a buffer of energy meaning that it can be disconnected from the grid. This then eases the strain on the power grid, particularly at peak times. If electricity generated from renewable sources is fed into the charging station and temporarily stored there, the station enables carbon-neutral mobility. To ensure the sustainable use of valuable resources, the charging station is also designed to be able to use old batteries from electric vehicles as energy accumulators in future. Thanks to quick charging technology, e-vehicles can be charged with up to 150 kW.
SOURCE: Volkswagen