Kobelco Expands European Headquarters

News: Production

Honda To End Mass-Produced EV “Honda e”

FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT

Honda plans to end production of the Honda e EV by January 2024. This is the company’s first mass-produced EV, but sales have been sluggish, falling short of the annual domestic sales target of 1,000 units. Going forward, the company will focus on commercial light EVs, which will be launched in the spring of 2024, to increase the electrification rate of the vehicles it sells.

The Honda e was launched in 2020. The vehicle is priced at 4.95 million yen and has a range of 259 km (WLTC mode). Sales in Europe have already been discontinued. Sales in Japan will also be discontinued once stocks run out.

The Honda e was not originally intended to be a high-volume model, but it did not meet its sales target. The company plans to expand the model lineup, starting with the N-VAN e:, a light electric vehicle to be launched next year.

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Hyundai Motor, Apple May Partner on Self-Driving EVs

FAR EAST: SOUTH KOREA REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company and Apple Inc. plan to set up a partnership in the field of self-driving electric cars, according to Korea IT News. And recently another media outlet reported that Hyundai Motor and Apple plan to launch a self-driving EV in 2027.

In response to this news, Hyundai Motor announced that it was in early-stage talks with Apple. On Dec. 10, Hyundai Motor declined to comment on the Korea IT News report, reiterating its statement from Dec. 8 that it had received inquiries from various companies interested in collaborating on the development of self-driving EVs. Apple was not available for comment at the time of our publication.

Source: REUTERS

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Mahindra Plans To Double Tractor Exports

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

“Our aim is that with the launch of Oja (platform), we will double our export in the next three years,” says Hemant Sikka, president of Mahindra’s farm equipment sector. “So, we want to increase exports from 18,000 to 36,000 in about three years.”

In collaboration with Mitsubishi Mahindra Agriculture Machinery, Japan, and an investment of INR 1200 crore, the new Oja platform could help Mahindra win 25% of the worldwide tractor demand. This includes tapping into new markets such as Europe and ASEAN, as well as strengthening its presence in sectors like horticulture.

Source: Economic Times    Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The launch of Mahindra Tractors’ new Oja platform underscores a strategic move with several critical business implications. First, the entry into the 80,000 unit ASEAN market represents an expansion initiative, targeting countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This move aligns with the company’s global growth strategy, capitalizing on the increasing demand for tractors in these emerging markets.

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2023-12-04

2024 Combine Production: 7,100 Units

7100 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Combines to be produced in North America (United States) in 2023. Final 2023 production numbers will be available later in Q1 2024.

North America Combines – Dec 2023Download

A combine is a farm machine that harvests grain crops. Combines can reap, thresh and winnow crops into a single process. Crops include wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, etc. Combines overall boost crop output and farm income. 

Market Share:  With 61.5% of total units produced, Deere captured the lead for combine production in North America (US).  In second position was Case with 25%; third, was Claas Omaha with 9%.

Trends: In 2022, production of Combines in North America increased nearly 12.5%, climbing from 6,372 units in 2021 to 7,162 units in 2022. Production is expected to remain flat in 2023 with a nominal decrease of less than 1%.  The Combine market steadily rose this past year and farmers are upgrading to new machines. PSR

Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research

2023-11-16

China Discovers Unique Battery Material

Guy Youngs
Guy Youngs

A newly discovered ore containing vast quantities of an element widely used in semiconductors has been found in China. The discovery could propel new advances in battery technology.

Geologists have found the rare earth metal niobium inside the new ore named niobobaotite from north China’s Inner Mongolia. The rare earth metal is widely used in alloys for jet engines and rockets and has also been shown to have exceptional current conducting properties in low temperatures.

Researchers have said batteries made from niobium have several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. The Brazilian Metallurgy and Mining Company (CBMM) has been working on new projects towards the use of niobium to make advanced lithium-ion batteries.

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