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Tadano Electrifies World’s Largest Cranes
JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro Tadano, a major manufacturer of cranes, has converted one of its crawler cranes, which can lift up to 1600 tons, to electric power. By changing the power source from a diesel engine to an electric motor, the company has been able to maintain the performance of the existing product while reducing CO2 emissions to zero. The company converted its CC 88.1600-1 lattice boom crawler crane to electric power. This is a large crane equipped with crawlers instead of tires, and is used in plant and bridge construction, as well as wind power installation.
The electrified crane is connected by cable to the main unit and power supply equipment, and two 390-kilowatt electric motors drive the hydraulic pump. There are no CO2 emissions during operation. Compared to existing products powered by diesel engines, this crane will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 55 tons per year. The crane itself will be manufactured in Germany, while the electrification equipment will be produced in Japan. The crane is expected to go on sale in the summer of 2025 as part of the company’s EVOLT line of electrified products.
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BMW To Produce Six New Motorcycles in Brazil
Fabio Ferraresi BMW Motorrad has unveiled plans for seven new motorcycle launches in 2025, including six models to be manufactured in Brazil. The R 1300 GS Adventure will lead these releases. Recently initiated at BMW’s Berlin plant, its production will begin at the Manaus (AM) facility in early 2025. The model features a new two-cylinder boxer engine delivering 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 14 kgfm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Its market debut is scheduled for Q1 2025.
In addition to the R 1300 GS Adventure, BMW will produce six other new motorcycles in 2025 at the Manaus plant, bringing its Brazilian portfolio to 13 models. To support this expansion, the facility’s production capacity will increase by 10% in 2025. This follows a 2023 investment of US$ 10 million, which boosted assembly line capacity by 13%. The goal is to increase output by 33%, reaching 20,000 units / year.
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The Financial Challenges Facing KTM
Emiliano Marzoli In late November 2024, KTM, one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, declared bankruptcy due to mounting debts totaling nearly US$3.09 billion (€3 billion). The company has since entered self-administration under Austria’s insolvency laws, granting it a 90-day protection period from creditors1. This move is part of a broader effort to restructure and stabilize the company’s finances.
The financial troubles have led to a temporary halt in production at KTM’s Mattighofen factory until the end of February 2025. This pause aims to clear the backlog of unsold bikes, with approximately 130,000 units in stock, many of which do not meet the new Euro 5+ emissions standards. The halt in production is a significant step as KTM works to manage its inventory and reduce costs.
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BYD Controversy In Brazil — What Is Going On?
Guy Youngs Reports came out in late December that workers building a BYD factory in Brazil were working in “slavery” conditions and were potentially victims of human trafficking. Without a doubt, something horrible was going on. How much BYD knew or didn’t know, we don’t know, but the company has now terminated its subcontractor, Jinjiang Construction Brazil.
“Brazilian authorities have halted the construction of a factory for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, saying workers lived in conditions comparable to ‘slavery’,” BBC reported. “More than 160 workers have been rescued in Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia, according to a statement from the Public Labor Prosecutor’s Office (MPT).
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PowerTALK™, January 2025
Download PDFThe January 2025 issue of PowerTALK™ News covers regional updates from six regions, and includes articles on a possible Honda-Nissan merger, VW’s possible change in plans for Germany plant closings, the DataPoint forecast of 2025 North America production for Dumpers/Tenders, and a report on Tandano’s development of the world’s largest electric crane.
IN THIS ISSUE
ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT
- Honda, Nissan Near EV Merger
- Volkswagen May Not Close German Factories
- European EV Car Market Declines
- BYD Controversy in Brazil–What Is Going On?
DATAPOINT: 2024 North America Dumpers/Tenders Production
EUROPE: The Financial Challenges Facing KTM
SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL:- Sao Paulo Bus Electrification Plan Delayed
- BMW To Produce Six New Motorcycles in Brazil
JAPAN: Tadano Electrifies World’s Largest Crane
South KOREA: Strike Causes Auto Production Problems
THAILAND: Toyota, China Battle for Government Support
CHINA: FAW Jiefang, CATL Plan CV Electrification Effort
INDIA: Infrastructure Spending Seen Boosting CV Demand PSR -
Alternative Power Report, January 2025
Download PDFThe January 2025 issue of the Alternative Power Report published by Power Systems Research includes articles on Chinese EV activities in Europe and Brazil, EV sales in Europe, battery development and Chinese hybrids. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
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