South Korea's capital, Seoul launched its first self-driving bus route on Friday as part of an experiment that engineers explained aims to make people adjust better to driverless vehicles on the roads.&nbsp;The new vehicle looks nothing like a regular bus. It has rounded edges along with gigantic&nbsp;windows that make it appear more like a toy bus than a technological innovation. As per&nbsp;Jeong Seong-gyun,&nbsp;head of autonomous driving at 42dot,&nbsp;the start-up responsible for self-driving technology, the shape of the bus is intentionally such to make it more people-friendly. This self-driving technology is now owned by auto giant Hyundai.

"This is the future," he told AFP, adding that the bus required "a considerable new type of design".

The bus looks a bit "like Lego" and is made of composite parts to help keep costs down and make it easy to replicate, he said.

<img alt="bus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06beb127-0157-48c6-9479-6400acd5b0d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/543904-01-02_184ae114eb2_original-ratio.jpg" />

The new vehicle does not look like a regular bus and has rounded edges along with large windows that make it appear more like a toy than a technological breakthrough. Photo credits: AFP

Seong-gyun noted that instead of costly sensors, it uses cameras and lasers to navigate its route.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/indian-start-up-launches-indigenous-3d-printer-that-prints-human-tissues-536367">Indian start-up launches indigenous 3D printer that prints human tissues</a>

The objective of the company was to make the technology affordable, secure, and easily adaptable to numerous types of vehicles in the future, such as delivery trucks. 
 
For the time being, the bus will autonomously navigate a brief 3.4-kilometre (2.1-mile) circle in central Seoul under the tight supervision of a safety driver. The trip takes around 20 minutes.

Also watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;South Korea Truckers Strike: President Yoon warns of crackdown on truckers

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Additionally, the general public may board at two pre-determined stops after reserving a complimentary seat via an app.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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South Korea's capital, Seoul launched its first self-driving bus route on Friday as part of an experiment that engineers explained aims to make people adjust better to driverless vehicles on the roads.

South Korea's capital, Seoul launched its first self-driving bus route on Friday as part of an experiment that engineers explained aims to make people adjust better to driverless vehicles on the roads. The new vehicle looks nothing like a regular bus. It has rounded edges along with gigantic windows that make it appear more like a toy bus than a technological innovation. As per Jeong Seong-gyun, head of autonomous driving at 42dot, the start-up responsible for self-driving technology, the shape of the bus is intentionally such to make it more people-friendly. This self-driving technology is now owned by auto giant Hyundai. "This is the future," he told AFP, adding that the bus required "a considerable new type of design". The bus looks a bit "like Lego" and is made of composite parts to help keep costs down and make it easy to replicate, he said. The new vehicle does not look like a regular bus and has rounded edges along with large windows that make it appear more like a toy than a technological breakthrough. Photo credits: AFP Seong-gyun noted that instead of costly sensors, it uses cameras and lasers to navigate its route. Also read | Indian start-up launches indigenous 3D printer that prints human tissues The objective of the company was to make the technology affordable, secure, and easily adaptable to numerous types of vehicles in the future, such as delivery trucks. For the time being, the bus will autonomously navigate a brief 3.4-kilometre (2.1-mile) circle in central Seoul under the tight supervision of a safety driver. The trip takes around 20 minutes. Also watch | South Korea Truckers Strike: President Yoon warns of crackdown on truckers Additionally, the general public may board at two pre-determined stops after reserving a complimentary seat via an app. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Korea: In a first, self-driving bus trial begins in Seoul

Auto majors are realizing that the quest to make practical driverless cars are on a road to no way. The latest technology in the automobile space points to a 100 billion dollar bet that has gone wrong.

Self-driving cars: $100 billion bet gone wrong?

Citroen designs cardboard cars for a resourceless world - see pics

Volkswagen's sportscar brand Porsche expects to produce as many units of its Macan model in the electric version as the original with combustion engine.

Porsche expects to make as many electric Macans as combustion versions

Dodge, an American automobile company will discontinue its gas-powered challenger and charger muscle cars at the end of 2023,&nbsp;signalling the end of an era for the company as it begins its shift to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-what-causes-sudden-fires-in-electric-vehicles-and-how-it-can-be-prevented-467317">electric vehicles</a>.

As reported by CNBC, the charger and challenger, popular names from the 1960s and 1970s, have been Dodge mainstays and well-liked&nbsp; for <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-crashes-car-into-us-capitol-barricade-kills-self-after-firing-gun-report-506825%5C">car</a>s&nbsp;a new generation of gearheads ever since they were revived in the mid-to late 2000s.

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Due to its retro-inspired appearance, the two-door challenger particularly appealed to buyers' sense of nostalgia. In contrast, the four-door Charger managed to surpass significant sales milestones despite recent consumer trends that have seen them switch from sedans to SUVs.

The vehicles, with base prices ranging from the low $30,000s to around $90,000 for its infamous Hellcat variants that create more than 700 horsepower, have also allowed Dodge to increase revenues.

"Dodge discovered a way to really get into the muscle car root with the challenger and charger. These vehicles were able to capture that spirit and convey it, according to Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst at S&amp;P Global. "The transition to electric is being facilitated by having that clear DNA and clear manifestation of what they're supposed to be."

The charger and challenger names may be used for future electrified vehicles, including a planned electric muscle car in 2024, according to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. He has previously stated that he thinks electrification, whether it be all-electric or hybrid cars with weaker engines, will save what he has referred to as the new "Golden Age of muscle automobiles."

Also read |&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explainer-why-dodge-decided-to-shut-shop-on-its-muscles-cars-507351#dodge-challenger-bondurant-507333">Explainer: Why Dodge decided to shut shop on its muscle cars</a>

Kuniskis has been predicting the demise of gas-powered muscle cars for a number of years due to emissions laws. The parent company of Dodge, Stellantis, previously Fiat Chrysler, has the worst fuel economy and carbon emissions among major manufacturers in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-condemns-vicious-attack-on-salman-rushdie-506658">United States</a>.&nbsp;

<meta charset="utf-8" />

Dodge released Hellcat models and other high-performance vehicles as many other automakers went to smaller, more fuel-efficient engines. The company had to purchase carbon credits from other automakers like Tesla because these models did not reduce the automaker's&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-fair-disney-vip-world-tour-per-person-20-times-carbon-emissions-500694">carbon footprint</a> while helping to promote the brand.

To "celebrate" the end of cars as we know them today, Dodge is releasing a long list of special cars and items. Dodge's plans include, among other things, a new dealer allocation system, seven limited-edition, or "buzz," models, a commemorative "Last Call" under-hood plaque for all 2023 model-year vehicles.

The 2023 charger and challenger models will be distributed to lots all at once under the new dealer approach, as opposed to orders being made accessible throughout the year. Customers can use a guide provided by Dodge to find particular models at each location.

Also Watch |&nbsp;Tech Talk: Ola driving green mobility in India; launches electric vehicles in India

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Dodge, an American automobile company will discontinue its gas-powered challenger and charger muscle cars at the end of 2023, signalling the end of an era for the company as it begins its shift to electric vehicles.

Dodge, an American automobile company will discontinue its gas-powered challenger and charger muscle cars at the end of 2023, signalling the end of an era for the company as it begins its shift to electric vehicles. As reported by CNBC, the charger and challenger, popular names from the 1960s and 1970s, have been Dodge mainstays and well-liked for cars a new generation of gearheads ever since they were revived in the mid-to late 2000s. Due to its retro-inspired appearance, the two-door challenger particularly appealed to buyers' sense of nostalgia. In contrast, the four-door Charger managed to surpass significant sales milestones despite recent consumer trends that have seen them switch from sedans to SUVs. The vehicles, with base prices ranging from the low $30,000s to around $90,000 for its infamous Hellcat variants that create more than 700 horsepower, have also allowed Dodge to increase revenues. "Dodge discovered a way to really get into the muscle car root with the challenger and charger. These vehicles were able to capture that spirit and convey it, according to Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst at S&P Global. "The transition to electric is being facilitated by having that clear DNA and clear manifestation of what they're supposed to be." The charger and challenger names may be used for future electrified vehicles, including a planned electric muscle car in 2024, according to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. He has previously stated that he thinks electrification, whether it be all-electric or hybrid cars with weaker engines, will save what he has referred to as the new "Golden Age of muscle automobiles." Also read | Explainer: Why Dodge decided to shut shop on its muscle cars Kuniskis has been predicting the demise of gas-powered muscle cars for a number of years due to emissions laws. The parent company of Dodge, Stellantis, previously Fiat Chrysler, has the worst fuel economy and carbon emissions among major manufacturers in the United States. Dodge released Hellcat models and other high-performance vehicles as many other automakers went to smaller, more fuel-efficient engines. The company had to purchase carbon credits from other automakers like Tesla because these models did not reduce the automaker's carbon footprint while helping to promote the brand. To "celebrate" the end of cars as we know them today, Dodge is releasing a long list of special cars and items. Dodge's plans include, among other things, a new dealer allocation system, seven limited-edition, or "buzz," models, a commemorative "Last Call" under-hood plaque for all 2023 model-year vehicles. The 2023 charger and challenger models will be distributed to lots all at once under the new dealer approach, as opposed to orders being made accessible throughout the year. Customers can use a guide provided by Dodge to find particular models at each location. Also Watch | Tech Talk: Ola driving green mobility in India; launches electric vehicles in India

Dodge to discontinue its challenger and charger muscle cars in 2023

India: Tata Motors Ltd signed an agreement on Sunday to buy Ford Motor’s manufacturing plant in the western state of Gujarat for 7.26 billion rupees.

Tata motors to buy Ford's India plant

At a time when electric cars are being launched by automakers, Japanese auto major Honda has launched 2022 Honda City Hybrid Electric Vehicle at 19.5 lakh rupees at showroom price, it's first mainstream segment car in India to be with strong hybrid tech.

Honda to launch first hybrid electric car in India

Ford motor has announced a new range of lightning electric pickup trucks and automaker has openly challenged Tesla and all either EV makers globally, how has it happened take a look at this story.

Ford to dominate EV market with new range of lightning electric pickup truck

The world economy and industries across sectors are reeling under the impact of supply chain issues that coupled with Ukraine-Russia war and recent data from EU's auto association shows that European auto industry is not immune to it.

EU car sales dip for 9th straight month

In Europe, carmakers including Volkswagen and BMW are scrambling to find alternative sources of vital parts. There are reports that China and Mexico can come for rescue.

Carmakers scramble for new supplies, now who will come for rescue?

Volkswagen will suspend production at two factories in eastern Germany that make electric vehicles because fighting has interrupted deliveries of critical parts from western Ukraine, the company said Friday.

The temporary shutdowns illustrate how war in Ukraine could have unpredictable effects on the global economy, adding to supply chain turmoil that has fueled inflation. Volkswagen and other automakers have been plagued for the last two years by shortages of semiconductors and other components caused by the pandemic and its economic side effects.

One of the factories, in Zwickau, is Volkswagen’s largest production site for electric vehicles, including the ID.4 sport utility vehicle exported to the United States.

Volkswagen has already had trouble meeting demand for its electric vehicles. The company sold 17,000 ID.4s in the United States last year, but could have sold four times that many, executives said. Volkswagen plans to begin producing the car in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this year.

Volkswagen said it would shut down assembly lines in Zwickau, which has a capacity of more than 300,000 vehicles a year, from Tuesday through Friday. The Dresden plant, a showcase factory in the city’s downtown, will stop production Wednesday through Friday.

A Volkswagen spokesman declined to say what parts had been affected by the conflict.

Volkswagen will suspend production at two factories in eastern Germany that make electric vehicles because fighting has interrupted deliveries of critical parts from western Ukraine, the company said Friday.

Volkswagen will suspend production at two factories in eastern Germany that make electric vehicles because fighting has interrupted deliveries of critical parts from western Ukraine, the company said Friday. The temporary shutdowns illustrate how war in Ukraine could have unpredictable effects on the global economy, adding to supply chain turmoil that has fueled inflation. Volkswagen and other automakers have been plagued for the last two years by shortages of semiconductors and other components caused by the pandemic and its economic side effects. One of the factories, in Zwickau, is Volkswagen’s largest production site for electric vehicles, including the ID.4 sport utility vehicle exported to the United States. Volkswagen has already had trouble meeting demand for its electric vehicles. The company sold 17,000 ID.4s in the United States last year, but could have sold four times that many, executives said. Volkswagen plans to begin producing the car in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this year. Volkswagen said it would shut down assembly lines in Zwickau, which has a capacity of more than 300,000 vehicles a year, from Tuesday through Friday. The Dresden plant, a showcase factory in the city’s downtown, will stop production Wednesday through Friday. A Volkswagen spokesman declined to say what parts had been affected by the conflict.

VW to halt production at two German plants for lack of parts made in Ukraine

In signs of more trouble for electric car maker Tesla it has been sued over an alleged suspension failure in a crash that killed driver and a passenger in Florida state last year, incident sparked a federal probe in US.

Tesla sued over alleged suspension failure

Tesla is recalling 26,681 vehicles in the United States because a software error may result in windshield defrosting problems, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated.

Tesla recalls 26,681 US vehicles

Tesla Inc is recalling more than 817,000 vehicles in the United States because an audible alert may not activate when a vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled the seat belt, a US auto safety regulator said.

Tesla recalls 817,000 vehicles in US over seat belt reminder alert

The wealth of billionaires is increasing over the last two years. The sale of luxury and also super luxury brands has also registered astronomical growth. In the latest in the league is the super luxury sports car maker Ferrari that orders stretching into the year 2023 after having delivered a record number of cars last year.

Strong orders at Ferrari set to support growth after record 2021 sales

Driverless cars will soon take to the roads of a British town, a trial aims to bring together remotely operated taxis with passengers, take a look at our next report.

UK: Driverless cars will soon be introduced to Britain roads

Electric cars made up nearly two thirds of Norway's new sales in 2021, with Tesla the top selling automobile brand overall.

Electric cars hit 65% of Norway sales as Tesla grabs overall pole

German luxury carmaker BMW launched its all-electric SUV iX in India at an introductory price of Rs 1.16 crore, the first of the three electric vehicles that it plans to drive in the country in the next 6 months.

BMW launches iX electric SUV in India, priced at Rs 1.16 cr

Supply chain disruptions and booming demand for consumer electronics have led to an acute shortage of semiconductors. Automakers globally have been forced to make sharp production cuts this year.

Automakers globally have been forced to make sharp production cuts this year

Volkswagen's premium automaker Audi's joint venture to build electric vehicles in China with state-owned FAW Group is behind schedule due to a delay in approval by the relevant authorities.

Approval for Audi-FAW electric vehicle venture in China delayed

In India, the government and automakers are aggressively pushing for green mobility, but are the customers ready to take the plunge?

The bumpy road to India’s electric car dreams | Tech It Out

A $1.75 trillion Democratic spending proposal could give a big boost to electric vehicles especially to Detroit's Big Three automakers and the US&nbsp;Postal Service.

The House plan boosts electric vehicle credits to up to $12,500 per vehicle, including $4,500 for union-made vehicles and $500 for US-made batteries. Vehicles would have to be made in the United States starting in 2027 to qualify for any credit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uk-government-greenlights-self-driving-cars-on-motorways-380964">UK government greenlights 'self-driving' cars on motorways</a>

The EV tax credits would cost $15.6 billion over 10 years and disproportionately benefit Detroit's Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis NV - which assemble their US-made vehicles in union-represented plants.

Foreign automakers have harshly criticized the decision to give union-made vehicles a big leg up, while the United Auto Workers union strongly supports it.

Tesla and foreign automakers do not have unions representing assembly workers in the United States and many have fought UAW efforts to organize US&nbsp;plants.

Honda said in a letter Friday "this tax credit plan would pit Americans working for the three 'legacy'&nbsp;companies against the American workers of other automakers."

The bill would award $6 billion for the US&nbsp;Postal Service to purchase electric delivery vehicles and infrastructure. USPS said Friday it estimates under the bill "all delivery fleet acquisitions could feasibly be electric by 2028, and a corresponding 70 per cent&nbsp;of our entire delivery fleet by" 2030.

In February, USPS awarded a 10-year contract to Oshkosh Defense, a subsidiary of Oshkosh, to build a mix of internal combustion and EV delivery vehicles that could be worth$6 billion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-made-electric-vehicles-should-not-be-sold-in-india-modi-govt-to-elon-musk-419293">China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk</a>

The EV proposal eliminates phasing out tax credits after automakers hit 200,000 electric vehicles sold, which would make GM eligible, along with Tesla.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm defended the decision to exclude Tesla from the higher credit, telling CNBC: "We want to make sure that we do everything possible to encourage that business and labor really focus on elevating the standards for everyday Americans."

The bill would create a new electric bike and three-wheel vehicle tax credit, a 30 per cent&nbsp;credit for commercial electric vehicles and $4,000 used EV tax credit.

It would authorize $3.5 billion for "domestic manufacturing conversion" grants for electric and other green vehicles and provide $3 billion to boost a US loan program to retool existing auto plants to build more fuel efficient models and expand it to cover zero-emission trains, airplanes, boats and Hyperloop technology.

A $1.75 trillion Democratic spending proposal could give a big boost to electric vehicles especially to Detroit's Big Three automakers and the US Postal Service.

A $1.75 trillion Democratic spending proposal could give a big boost to electric vehicles especially to Detroit's Big Three automakers and the US Postal Service. The House plan boosts electric vehicle credits to up to $12,500 per vehicle, including $4,500 for union-made vehicles and $500 for US-made batteries. Vehicles would have to be made in the United States starting in 2027 to qualify for any credit. Also Read | UK government greenlights 'self-driving' cars on motorways The EV tax credits would cost $15.6 billion over 10 years and disproportionately benefit Detroit's Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis NV - which assemble their US-made vehicles in union-represented plants. Foreign automakers have harshly criticized the decision to give union-made vehicles a big leg up, while the United Auto Workers union strongly supports it. Tesla and foreign automakers do not have unions representing assembly workers in the United States and many have fought UAW efforts to organize US plants. Honda said in a letter Friday "this tax credit plan would pit Americans working for the three 'legacy' companies against the American workers of other automakers." The bill would award $6 billion for the US Postal Service to purchase electric delivery vehicles and infrastructure. USPS said Friday it estimates under the bill "all delivery fleet acquisitions could feasibly be electric by 2028, and a corresponding 70 per cent of our entire delivery fleet by" 2030. In February, USPS awarded a 10-year contract to Oshkosh Defense, a subsidiary of Oshkosh, to build a mix of internal combustion and EV delivery vehicles that could be worth$6 billion. Also Read | China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk The EV proposal eliminates phasing out tax credits after automakers hit 200,000 electric vehicles sold, which would make GM eligible, along with Tesla. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm defended the decision to exclude Tesla from the higher credit, telling CNBC: "We want to make sure that we do everything possible to encourage that business and labor really focus on elevating the standards for everyday Americans." The bill would create a new electric bike and three-wheel vehicle tax credit, a 30 per cent credit for commercial electric vehicles and $4,000 used EV tax credit. It would authorize $3.5 billion for "domestic manufacturing conversion" grants for electric and other green vehicles and provide $3 billion to boost a US loan program to retool existing auto plants to build more fuel efficient models and expand it to cover zero-emission trains, airplanes, boats and Hyperloop technology.

US House plan would give electric vehicles big boost

TVS Motor Company is reattempting the 125cc motorcycle segment by providing a streetfighter look to an all-new 125 CC motorcycle. Launched as the Raider, the new TVS motorcycle has a unique styling along with some interesting features. But does it has the stamina to challenge the segment leader Honda Shine? That's what we are trying to find out.

TVS Raider 125 review: Will it outshine Honda?

If you are finding a good looking and comfortable 200cc motorcycle, you should check this out. Based on the Honda Hornet 2.0, the new CB200X gets its ADV style reference from the bigger CB500X. But Honda already told us that the CB200X is not an outright off-roader. Then what this motorcycle is all about? That's what we are going to tell you in this video.

WION Pitstop: Honda CB200X Review

Tata has launched its smallest crossover, the Punch, in India with a starting price tag of INR 5.49 lakh (ex-showroom). World recognised Global NCAP has recently awarded the car with a 5-star rating for adult protection in the crash test, but we are going to talk about how it performs in real-life conditions.

Tata Punch review: Ready to knock out the competition?

The management of Ford India Private Ltd is yet to come out with their plans for the workers who will be affected by the closure of its three plants — two in the southern state of Tamil Nadu's Chennai and one in the western state of Gujarat's Sanand, said a union official.

On September 9, Ford India announced that it will wind down vehicle assembly in Sanand by the fourth quarter of 2021 and vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the second quarter of 2022.

Ford India has four plants in the country — vehicle and engine plants in Chennai and Sanand.

Ford India has decided to continue operating the engine plant in Sanand while closing down the other three.

“On Monday, the Sanand plant management had a discussion with us. They wanted to know whether we have any questions on the company’s decision to close down the plants,” Sanand workers’ union General Secretary Nayan Kateshiya told IANS.

“We had asked them about the future of the engine plant workers and how long it would be operational. We also asked them about the future of the plants that are to be closed, whether they would be sold/leased out,” Kateshiya added.

According to him, the management had no answer and said they would revert.

“Work on completing the assembly of the cars that are remaining on the production lines is being done. The engine plant is running.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ford-to-end-manufacturing-in-india-take-2-billion-hit-411902">Ford to end manufacturing in India, take $2 billion hit</a>

Meanwhile, the Chennai Ford Employees Union (CFEU) in a statement said it does not accept Ford India’s decision of closing down the plants.

The CFEU has requested the company management to ensure jobs for the workers at the Chennai plant with the proposed buyer of the factory.

The company management is having a meeting with CFEU officials on Tuesday.

Ford’s quit India decision will result in an uncertain future for about 5,300 employees – workers and staff, Union officials said.

According to Union officials, Ford India’s Chennai plant has about 2,700 associates (permanent workers) and about 600 staff.

“In Sanand, the number of workers will be about 2,000,” Kateshiya said.

Ford India had said more than 500 employees at the Sanand engine plant, which produces engines for export, and about 100 employees supporting parts distribution and customer service, also will continue to support Ford’s business in India.

According to Ford India, about 4,000 employees are expected to be affected by its decision.

The management of Ford India Private Ltd is yet to come out with their plans for the workers who will be affected by the closure of its three plants — two in the southern state of Tamil Nadu's Chennai and one in the western state of Gujarat's Sanand, said a union official.

The management of Ford India Private Ltd is yet to come out with their plans for the workers who will be affected by the closure of its three plants — two in the southern state of Tamil Nadu's Chennai and one in the western state of Gujarat's Sanand, said a union official. On September 9, Ford India announced that it will wind down vehicle assembly in Sanand by the fourth quarter of 2021 and vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the second quarter of 2022. Ford India has four plants in the country — vehicle and engine plants in Chennai and Sanand. Ford India has decided to continue operating the engine plant in Sanand while closing down the other three. “On Monday, the Sanand plant management had a discussion with us. They wanted to know whether we have any questions on the company’s decision to close down the plants,” Sanand workers’ union General Secretary Nayan Kateshiya told IANS. “We had asked them about the future of the engine plant workers and how long it would be operational. We also asked them about the future of the plants that are to be closed, whether they would be sold/leased out,” Kateshiya added. According to him, the management had no answer and said they would revert. “Work on completing the assembly of the cars that are remaining on the production lines is being done. The engine plant is running.” Also read | Ford to end manufacturing in India, take $2 billion hit Meanwhile, the Chennai Ford Employees Union (CFEU) in a statement said it does not accept Ford India’s decision of closing down the plants. The CFEU has requested the company management to ensure jobs for the workers at the Chennai plant with the proposed buyer of the factory. The company management is having a meeting with CFEU officials on Tuesday. Ford’s quit India decision will result in an uncertain future for about 5,300 employees – workers and staff, Union officials said. According to Union officials, Ford India’s Chennai plant has about 2,700 associates (permanent workers) and about 600 staff. “In Sanand, the number of workers will be about 2,000,” Kateshiya said. Ford India had said more than 500 employees at the Sanand engine plant, which produces engines for export, and about 100 employees supporting parts distribution and customer service, also will continue to support Ford’s business in India. According to Ford India, about 4,000 employees are expected to be affected by its decision.

Ford India yet to spell out plans for workers affected by closure

Fully electric luxury concept cars are the eye catchers at this year's Munich Auto Show where the Mercedes-Maybach EQS, Audi's Grandsphere and the Porsche Mission R stand out.

Electric luxury concept cars steal the show in Munich

The tie-up could be announced as soon as Wednesday if talks about an agreement in principal are successful, although no deal has been reached yet,

Volkswagen in advanced talks to buy Europcar

German carmaker Volkswagen is not changing its name in the United States, contrary to a news release commissioned by the company itself. Turns out, the company announced that the US operations would be renamed to&nbsp;“Voltswagen of America” to shed light on its efforts in development of electric vehicles.

However, it all turned out to be an early April Fool’s gimmick.&nbsp;

Soon after the announcement, many criticised the company for the misleading news release, while others reminded the company of the diesel scandal from years ago whereby thousands of customers were misled into believing their cars were in line with environment protocols, but a cheat device was used to show these readings.

"Volkswagen&nbsp;of America will not be changing its name to Voltswagen. The renaming was designed to be an announcement in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, highlighting the launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV and signaling our commitment to bringing electric mobility to all," a Volkswagen spokesperson said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/volkswagen-aims-to-use-its-size-to-head-off-tesla-370942" hreflang="en">Volkswagen aims to use its size to head off Tesla</a>

The news release first emerged on the company’s website, and included a detailed description of the company’s rebranding efforts, including new logos. But it was withdrawn later on Tuesday. Reuters cited a Volkswagen spokesman in Germany saying that the rebranding was a “nice idea” to market the vehicles.

Volkswagen is the world’s second-largest carmaker, and expects to increase electric car deliveries this year in a bid to completely switch from fuel cars.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/volkswagen-signs-deal-with-microsoft-to-develop-self-driving-vehicles-362855" hreflang="en">Volkswagen signs deal with Microsoft to develop self-driving vehicles</a>

The company is investing $19 billion in electrification and digitalisation of its vehicles by 2025. The company has committed to selling one million electric vehicles worldwide by 2025.

In 2015, the company admitted to rigging the software in diesel cars for better results. The company had to pay $38 billion in fines and legal costs.

After pleading guilty to fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements in 2017, Volkswagen reached a $4.3 billion settlement with the US Justice Department.

German carmaker Volkswagen is not changing its name in the United States, contrary to a news release commissioned by the company itself. Turns out, the company announced that the US operations would be renamed to “Voltswagen of America” to shed light on its efforts in development of electric vehicles.

German carmaker Volkswagen is not changing its name in the United States, contrary to a news release commissioned by the company itself. Turns out, the company announced that the US operations would be renamed to “Voltswagen of America” to shed light on its efforts in development of electric vehicles. However, it all turned out to be an early April Fool’s gimmick. Soon after the announcement, many criticised the company for the misleading news release, while others reminded the company of the diesel scandal from years ago whereby thousands of customers were misled into believing their cars were in line with environment protocols, but a cheat device was used to show these readings. "Volkswagen of America will not be changing its name to Voltswagen. The renaming was designed to be an announcement in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, highlighting the launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV and signaling our commitment to bringing electric mobility to all," a Volkswagen spokesperson said. Also read: Volkswagen aims to use its size to head off Tesla The news release first emerged on the company’s website, and included a detailed description of the company’s rebranding efforts, including new logos. But it was withdrawn later on Tuesday. Reuters cited a Volkswagen spokesman in Germany saying that the rebranding was a “nice idea” to market the vehicles. Volkswagen is the world’s second-largest carmaker, and expects to increase electric car deliveries this year in a bid to completely switch from fuel cars. Also read: Volkswagen signs deal with Microsoft to develop self-driving vehicles The company is investing $19 billion in electrification and digitalisation of its vehicles by 2025. The company has committed to selling one million electric vehicles worldwide by 2025. In 2015, the company admitted to rigging the software in diesel cars for better results. The company had to pay $38 billion in fines and legal costs. After pleading guilty to fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements in 2017, Volkswagen reached a $4.3 billion settlement with the US Justice Department.

No, Volkswagen is not changing its name to 'Voltswagen of America'

Renesas said it will take at least a month to restart production on a 300mm wafer line at its Naka plant in northeast Japan after a fire on Friday caused by an electrical fault

Shares of Japan's big three car makers dip

Classic and vintage cars brought a touch of extra style and nostalgia to Paris on Sunday (January 31).

Vintage car enthusiasts take trip down memory lane in Paris

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