Automark

World Environment Day 2020 would be celebrated on Friday, June 5th, 2020 in Colombia. World Environment Day 2020: theme will be on “Biodiversity.” UN Environment Programme (UNEP) announced that Colombia will be hosting World Environment Day 2020 in partnership with Germany. The main focus of World Environment Day 2020 would be on Biodiversity.

World Environment Day 2020 is widely celebrated in more than 143 countries. It is popularly being called “People’s Day” to show their care and support for the Earth and their environment. Knowing the ways to protect the environment is really important, let us look in detail about the objectives, themes, and history of World Environment Day.

Objectives and History
World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated every year on 5 June. It is the ‘United Nations’ prime vehicle for encouraging awareness and action to protect our environment. World Environment Day has become a global platform for public outreach, with more than 143 countries participating annually. First organized in 1974, it has been a major campaign for environmental issues ranging from marine pollution, human overgrowth, and raising awareness about global warming, sustainable consumption, and wildlife crime.

World Environment Day can be celebrated in many ways; activities such as campaign clarification, sensitizing the locals about the growing environmental conditions and suggesting ways to prevent them, organizing plays, quizzes, tree plantations, lectures and kids poster competition, etc. are quite popular.

The theme of World Environment Day 2019: Beating Air Pollution
Every year, WED has a new theme that major corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities, governments and all over the world advocate for environmental causes.

The theme of World Environment Day 2019 was “Air Pollution”
Air pollution is increasing day by day and it seems complicated to control it. Nothing seems impossible with continuous and dedicated efforts being put up by people like us. We must come together to combat it. And for this, it is necessary to understand the different types of pollution, how it affects our health and the environment, how we could move towards improving the air around us, etc.

We cannot stop breathing but there is something we can do to improve the quality of the air we breathe. About 7 million people in the world die due to air pollution and 4 million people out of the 7 million are in the Asia-Pacific region.

Courtesy: https://www.themightyearth.com/world-environment-day-2020/

The recall includes 136,000 vehicles in the U.S. It’s part of a larger recall of fuel pumps made by parts supplier Denso.

Honda is recalling nearly 1.4 million vehicles worldwide because their fuel pumps could fail and cause engines to stall or lose power.

The recall includes 136,000 vehicles in the U.S. It’s part of a larger recall of fuel pumps made by parts supplier Denso.

Honda said in a statement Tuesday that it has no reports of crashes or injuries. Owners will get notification letters in late July. Dealers will replace the fuel pumps at no cost to owners.

The U.S. recall includes the 2018 and 2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V as well as the 2019 Fit and 2019 and 2020 Insight. Also covered are the 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid and the 2018 and 2019 NSX.

Polestar, the premium electric vehicle maker owned by China’s Geely, plans to open 20 showrooms in the mainland, as it prepares for delivery of its Polestar 2 electric sedans to compete with Tesla Inc’s locally made Model 3.

Polestar, which currently has only one showroom in Beijing, plans to have 20 in 17 Chinese cities, the automaker said in a statement on Wednesday. The Gothenburg, Sweden-based company is manufacturing cars in China’s eastern city of Taizhou.

Showroom strength is becoming an important differentiator for electric vehicle (EV) makers in the world’s biggest auto and EV market, as they line up model launches.

The automaker plans to export Polestar 2 sedans to Europe and the United States, and will open showrooms first in Shanghai and then expand to coastal Ningbo and southern Guangzhou. The showrooms will be mostly in shopping malls.

Reuters had reported Polestar’s China showroom network expansion plan on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

It’s also only front-wheel drive

In Japan where it used to be called Vitz until the new-gen model arrived, the Toyota Yaris lineup is ridiculously complex. We’ve counted nearly 20 different versions of the regular model, plus the performance GR model with its own set of three trim levels. The hot hatch comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine developing 268 horsepower and 370 Newton-meters (273 pound-feet) of torque if you go for the RZ or RC model. These two are all-wheel drive and come with a six-speed manual gearbox as well as front and rear limited-slip differentials.

The full-fat GR Yaris model will be sold outside of Japan as well, but only the Land of the Rising Sun is getting the newly announced entry-level RS variant. It was previewed in concept guise at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in January where it was overshadowed by the actual performance version. While it may look virtually the same on the outside, there are some major changes underneath the skin.

For starters, the Toyota GR Yaris RS is front-wheel-drive only. Another major change is the switch from a three-pedal setup to a continuously variable transmission featuring what Toyota refers to as a 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic paddle system providing “a manual-like experience.” It boasts the launch gear introduced a couple of years ago, making the transmission quicker at low speeds compared to a conventional CVT.

The GR Yaris RS also gets a three-cylinder unit, but it’s a smaller 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing only 118 horsepower and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft). The only advantage this base version has over the actual hot hatches is the lower weight as it tips the scales at 1,130 kilograms (2,491 pounds). The midrange GR Yaris RC is 120 kg (265 lbs) heavier after adding the AWD-related hardware, while the range-topping GR Yaris RZ with its extra kit adds another 30 kg (66 lbs).

As a final note, it’s worth mentioning the GR Yaris sold in Europe is slightly less powerful than the turbocharged JDM-spec model, offering 257 hp and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) or 11 hp and 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) less than its Japanese counterpart.

Source: Toyota

• 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)