Sandeep Kar

Honda Motor Co., announced that it plans to build a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada with an approximate investment of CAD$15 billion (USD$11 billion), including investment by joint venture partners, to strengthen its EV supply system and capability to prepare for a future increase in EV demand in North America. Honda has begun evaluating the requirements to build an innovative and environmentally responsible Honda EV plant and a stand-alone Honda EV battery plant in Alliston, Ontario. The proposed Honda EV value chain will also include a cathode active material and precursor (CAM/pCAM) processing plant through a joint venture partnership with POSCO Future M Co., Ltd. and a separator plant through a joint venture partnership with Asahi Kasei Corporation, with announcements to follow in their respective Ontario communities. Honda expects that electric vehicle production will begin in 2028. Once fully operational, the EV plant will have a production capacity of 240,000 EVs per year and the EV battery plant will have a capacity of 36 GWh per year. In addition to securing the current employment level of 4,200 associates at its two existing manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Honda estimates it will add a minimum of 1,000 new associates for the EV and EV battery manufacturing facilities. The investment in the new facilities will also create significant spinoff jobs across all sites, including in the construction sector. Honda has begun the process of evaluating the scope of its investment and completing negotiations with its joint venture partners. This work is expected to be finalized during the next six months and more details will be shared at that time. To support this project, Honda is collaborating with the governments of Canada and Ontario to drive innovation in low-emissions manufacturing by accessing performance-based initiatives available through the federal government’s new Investment Tax Credits and provincial direct and indirect incentives.

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GM's Strategic Challenge in China's Dynamic Auto Market.🚗 General Motors's recent financial struggles in China highlight the changing tides of global automotive markets and underscore the complex challenges faced by traditional automakers. With a $106 million loss in Q1, marking a rare downturn in what was once its most lucrative market, GM confronts increased local competition and shifting geopolitical dynamics. 🌐 🔻 Strategic Dilemmas: Facing nearly a decade-long decline in market share and profits in China, GM is at a crossroads—should it double down or strategically retreat? 🌍 Geopolitical & Market Shifts: As tensions between the U.S. and China persist, coupled with the rise of nationalist-backed Chinese automakers, GM's struggle is emblematic of broader industry shifts. 🚀 Opportunity for India: India can leverage these insights by accelerating its own EV and tech-driven automotive initiatives, potentially attracting companies seeking alternatives to the Chinese market. Strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and fostering a welcoming environment for technological innovation could position India as an attractive hub for international automotive investments. #trade #export #manufacturing #usa #china #india #automotive #tech

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We just talked about this in class...“Cost recovery mechanisms should not be judged in isolation. Inflation-driven cost increases & adjustments need to be addressed in a timely manner that is consistent, tested, & institutionalized & supported by OEM & supplier cost reduction efforts.” From Plante Moran: https://lnkd.in/ebpCgDZw. 70% of new supplier agreements contain inflation driven economic adjustment clauses with the use of indices being the most common. https://lnkd.in/g_ByzrNU. It might be time for price risk sharing in buyer-supplier relationships. Has Strategic Cost Mgmt (i.e., Price Analysis) become a lost art? Tools we use to teach this: https://lnkd.in/gNrUtNU5. I have asked a lot of SCM managers how they “prepare” to negotiate price increase requests from their suppliers. In particular, I was curious about how and where they get their data from (i.e., CME, COMEX, etc.). Many said their suppliers provide that information. I am not convinced that using data from your suppliers is a form of “Preparation” for negotiation.   What are buyers to do? Procurement orgs need processes & “tools” to mitigate & negotiate on these requests in a strategic, data-driven manner (& we/I need to do a better job of teaching it). In our SCM program, we are looking at raw material market data from multiple sources, we will visualize & analyze historical pricing scenarios, & do some simulating on planned purchases & what-if scenarios against forward price curves. Stay tuned for our case study report based on price analysis & strategic cost mgmt research... Some of our alumni are already testing and / or implementing automated business processes based on such tools, serving as the basis for addressing price indexing implementations (formulas, economic adjustments, etc.) by champions in a few larger orgs, & we're following these implementations from an academic perspective. It beats updating color coded excel spreadsheets. https://lnkd.in/ghjfe3gh https://lnkd.in/gMuhMNf6 Automated economic adjustments: https://lnkd.in/gNrUtNU5.   Ongoing Study by WMU’s SCM Program  · Studying how orgs in different industries administer indexing & economic adjustments, their challenges, & how such processes may be improved  · Initial findings:  o Organizational ownership of process is not well defined  o Human error, lack of audit trail  o Lack of automation, requiring sufficient time & manual effort  o Limited collaboration & visibility  o Scalability issues o Data security & access control  o Limited integration Some Practices that Can Make Your Commodity Related Supply Chain Job More Fun and Rewarding ($$$): https://lnkd.in/gwPfkdkK. #inflation #procurement #rawmaterials #supplychain

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Ford Retimes Launch of Next-Gen EVs, Focuses on Advanced Manufacturing Ford Motor Company is adjusting its electric vehicle (EV) strategy by retiming the launch of upcoming models at its Oakville, Ontario assembly plant to 2027, instead of the previously planned 2025 date. This decision aims to allow the consumer market for three-row EVs to further develop and enable Ford to leverage emerging battery technologies, providing customers with increased durability and better value. Expanding EV and Hybrid Offerings While retiming the Oakville plant's EV launch, Ford continues to invest in a broad range of EV programs as it works towards building a comprehensive EV lineup. The company is also expanding its hybrid electric vehicle offerings, with plans to offer hybrid powertrains across its entire Ford Blue lineup in North America by the end of the decade. Advanced Manufacturing Plans Ford is building an advanced industrial system to produce its next-generation EVs, including greenfield construction and conversion of existing assembly plants. Key initiatives include: - The Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center, set to be Ford's first Industry 4.0 plant, combining automation and connectivity to enhance quality and efficiency. - A skunkworks team in California developing a smaller, low-cost, flexible EV platform capable of underpinning multiple high-volume vehicles. - Customer deliveries of the new electric truck are planned for 2026, with gradual production ramp-up to ensure quality. Balancing EV and Traditional Offerings Ford's strategy aims to develop a differentiated and profitably growing EV business over time while serving customers with the right mix of gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles based on current demand. This approach reflects the company's efforts to navigate the transition to EVs while meeting diverse customer needs.

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Volkswagen Group of America's finished vehicle logistics teams have united their US, Mexico and Canada divisions, under the umbrella of a 'Virtual Task Force' lead by Anu Goel, executive vice-president, Group After Sales & Service, Volkswagen Group. Now, Goel and the #FVL team are seeing results, not only in #efficiency and #capacity, but in millions of dollars' worth of working capital and transport savings. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/e5j9D94m #FinishedVehicleLogistics #AutomotiveLogistics #Ports #Shipping Christopher Ludwig Anushka Dixit Marcus Williams Megan Kelly ilkhan Ozsevim Laura Gerard Richard Logan Riad Mannan

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Honda to Invest CAD$15 Billion in Building Comprehensive EV Value Chain in Canada Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled ambitious plans to establish a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) value chain in Canada, with an estimated investment of CAD$15 billion. This strategic move aims to bolster Honda’s EV supply system and capability in preparation for the expected surge in EV demand in North America, as part of the company’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The proposed EV value chain will include the construction of an innovative and environmentally responsible Honda EV plant and a stand-alone Honda EV battery plant in Alliston, Ontario. Additionally, Honda plans to establish a cathode active material and […] - https://lnkd.in/durUkPDX #automotive #evs #ev #electricmobility #emobility #ebikes #fleets #evfleet #evnews #autonews #electricvehicles #electricvehicle #automotiveindustry #automotivejobs #cleantech #cleanenergy #hydrogen #lithium #evbattery #sustainability #climatechange #canada #carbonneutrality #electricvehicles #honda #northamerica

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Canada is close to a deal with Honda to build electric vehicles and batteries in Ontario. Here's the breakdown: Honda to invest billions in new factories for battery materials, batteries, and electric cars in Ontario. Canadian government to help pay some costs through tax credits. This deal positions Ontario as a key center for Honda's North American EV production. What do you think of this deal? Will it make Canada a leader in EVs? #ElectricVehicles #EVs #CleanTransportation #FutureOfMobility #ElectricCars #CleanTech #Sustainability

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Volkswagen ID.4 Sees Surge in Sales: A Win for Electric Mobility in Ontario In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a paradigm shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) as consumers become increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint and seek sustainable transportation alternatives. In Ontario, Canada, this shift is becoming ever more evident with the remarkable surge in sales of the Volkswagen ID.4, signaling a significant milestone in the adoption of electric mobility. The Volkswagen ID.4, a versatile and stylish electric SUV, has captured the attention of Ontarians seeking an eco-friendly yet practical vehicle for their daily commute and adventures. With its sleek design, advanced technology features, and impressive driving range, the ID.4 has emerged as a frontrunner in the EV market, offering a compelling option for environmentally conscious drivers. The surge in ID.4 sales in Ontario can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the province's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting electric vehicle adoption through incentives and rebates has incentivized consumers to make the switch to electric. Programs such as the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (EVIP) and the federal iZEV rebate have made EVs more accessible and affordable for Ontarians, driving increased interest in models like the ID.4. Furthermore, the growing charging infrastructure across Ontario has alleviated range anxiety and facilitated convenient charging options for EV owners. With an expanding network of public charging stations and home charging solutions, drivers can confidently embrace electric mobility without the fear of being stranded without power. Moreover, Volkswagen's strategic marketing efforts and commitment to sustainability have played a pivotal role in boosting ID.4 sales in Ontario. Through targeted advertising campaigns highlighting the ID.4's eco-friendly features and impressive performance, Volkswagen has effectively positioned the model as a leading choice in the EV market, resonating with environmentally conscious consumers. The surge in Volkswagen ID.4 sales not only reflects a growing preference for electric vehicles in Ontario but also underscores the shift towards a more sustainable transportation landscape. As more drivers embrace electric mobility, the automotive industry is poised for further innovation and advancements in EV technology, driving us towards a cleaner, greener future. In conclusion, the surge in Volkswagen ID.4 sales in Ontario is a testament to the increasing demand for electric vehicles and the province's commitment to sustainable transportation. With incentives, infrastructure improvements, and innovative EV models like the ID.4, Ontario is paving the way towards a cleaner and more sustainable future on the roads.

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Some carmakers keep repeating that Canada won't reach its ZEV sales target. “We need to make sure that we’re revisiting targets to align targets with reality,” Frank Voss, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, said in an interview with Bloomberg. Talking about reality, here is one reality: good EVs and PHEVs sell well. Bad EVs and PHEVs... not so much. While the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a good PHEV and there is a 12 to 18 month waiting list, the Toyota bZ4x AWD is not a very good EV... and doesn't sell well. So, it's not just about the government. It's also about carmakers being able to offer good products to consumers.

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⚠️However: "The automaker said its order book remains stable versus the end of 2023 and orders for full-electric vehicles more than doubled in the quarter versus the same period last year." ➡️The Volkswagen Group has made substantial investments in BEVs and must not miss opportunities in entry-level segments, while maintaining competitive pricing in other BEV segments where it is present, both in the European and Chinese markets. ⚡Navigating BEV/ICE price parity challenges will be tough for everybody, mainly for legacy OEMs. Volkswagen Group's BEV orders increase on Q1 is a good sign. Ricardo Oliveira World Shopper | #GetReadyForTheFuture James Carter Pedro Pacheco Raúl González Martín J. R. Caporal Wanir Souza Viktoria Kaufmann Rodolfo Florit Schmid Teresa Lameiras Marília Machado dos Santos Nuno Furtado Mendonça Nuno Costa Luis Mateus Ricardo Vieira

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Can you guess which automaker has the most sophisticated over-the-air software update capability in the United States market as of 2024?   The answer is Ford Motor Company, whose #OTA capability as demonstrated on the Mustang Mach-E exceeds every other automaker selling vehicles with the capability in the United States today.   While #Tesla and #Rivian update their vehicles more frequently and with more content overall, Ford’s ability to update the car while the vehicle is in use represents a novel capability that we’ve seen no other automaker employ on the road in the United States – and they’re quickly catching up in cadence, too, thanks to broad availability of their capability across all brands and powertrains.   Ford made an active design choice to equip vehicle electronics with “A/B” partitioning, allowing software updates to be installed silently, then “switched over” to the newly updated partition without an interruption to the vehicle’s functionality.   Laying the technology foundation that Ford has is a crucial step in enabling the long-term vision of the software-defined vehicle, and we’re now seeing the fruits of sizeable investments in development tools, organizational changes, and architecture overhauls give the company the opportunity to meet or even leapfrog the agility of their #EV competition.   For more information on this ranking and methodology, refer to our quarterly OTA and Software-Delivered Features Guide, which also tracks every known software update pushed by every automaker in the United States, Europe, and China: https://lnkd.in/gq5ce2TK

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Here are some of the latest developments in the electric vehicle (EV) industry: New Models and Innovations: GMC Sierra EV: The upscale Denali Edition 1 is set for deliveries later this year, priced around $110,000. More affordable versions like the Elevation and AT4 will follow in 2025​ (Cars.com)​. Honda Prologue: Honda's first EV, based on the Chevrolet Blazer EV, offers up to 296 miles of range and starts at about $49,000​ (Cars.com)​. Kia EV9: A family-friendly three-row SUV with options ranging from 230 to 304 miles of range. Prices start around $56,000​ (Cars.com)​. Lotus Eletre: This luxury performance SUV offers up to 905 hp and features rapid DC fast charging capabilities​ (Cars.com)​. Longest Range EVs: Lucid Air Grand Touring leads with 516 miles of range, followed by the Chevy Silverado EV with 450 miles. Other notable mentions include the Tesla Model S and Rivian R1T with over 400 miles of range​ (Electrek)​. Market Trends and Sales: In 2023, global EV sales reached nearly 14 million, with China, Europe, and the US leading the market. The US saw a 40% increase in new electric car registrations compared to 2022, driven partly by incentives like the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit​ (IEA)​​. In Europe, electric car sales remained robust, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK showing significant growth despite the phase-out of some subsidies​ (IEA)​. Technological and Infrastructure Developments: The median range for EVs has increased to 270 miles, making them more practical for daily use. Charging infrastructure is also improving, with faster charging times becoming standard for newer models​ (Electrek)​. These trends indicate strong growth and continued innovation in the EV market, with more models offering better range and features at competitive prices. For detailed information, you can explore sources like Cars.com, Electrek, and the IEA's Global EV Outlook 2024.

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Interesting take from Ford and GM on what the "technology bridge" looks like until zero emission technologies are more commercially viable. I also think we have to help define zero emissions. Well to wheel emissions should be more important than tailpipe. Regardless, a long way to go and as a country we will need a combination of everything available from propane, natural gas, hybrid to BEV. There is no single solution.

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