Euromonitor International has released the results of its Electric Vehicle Readiness Index for 2023 survey, which evaluates the most prepared countries which can support widespread EV adoption.
Norway, Switzerland and Sweden ranked at the top of the index, due to EV market maturity and consumer buying power. Brazil, South Africa and India were ranked at the bottom, owing to limited government incentives, low incomes and the undersupply of public charging stations
Lawn and garden equipment manufacturers make powered lawn and garden equipment, primarily for household and business maintenance of lawns and gardens. Equipment manufactured by this industry includes lawn tractors, riding and standing mowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, woodchippers and other machinery for maintaining lawns and gardens.
Industry Trends. Increased per household spending on lawn care and gardening services by the American family, younger individuals purchasing residential property, easing of COVID-19 restrictions and other factors like lawns adding to the aesthetic appeal of the residential property, is anticipated to bolster the DIY and commercial lawn care market.
The electric hydro foiling propulsion system is a fast-growing technology taking an important place in the future of the maritime industry. The revolutionary concept provides cost-effectiveness, zero-emissions, zero-noise and excellent performance values (very fast) in different types of boats for pleasure and commercial use.
Tne technology is innovative and is, for most vessels, based on a specific aerodynamic design of a boat, retractable foils, electric motors, and batteries. Hydro foiling and electric systems work together to cut through waves causing less drag and resulting in higher speed.
The use of energy is much less than for any other vessel with a traditional propulsion system. E-foiling boats give an impression of flying over water silently with no CO2 emission or any other air or water pollution. The experience is comfortable, safe, clean and speedy.
Deutz AG signed an agreement Jan. 19, 2024, to sell its shares in Torqeedo to Yamaha Motor Co Ltd. The sale of Torqeedo’s shares were planned and announced at the Deutz Annual General Meeting held in April 2023.
Torqeedo is a market leader in developing and manufacturing advanced marine electric engines and propulsion systems.
BYD is negotiating to acquire Sigma Lithium, the largest lithium mining entity in Brazil, according to the Financial Times. The potential agreement could be valued at US$ 5 billion (R$ 14.3 billion). Sigma Lithium operates a lithium mining facility in the Jequitinhonha Valley in the state of Minas Gerais. The strategic intent behind this acquisition by the Chinese manufacturer is to secure a stable supply of raw materials essential for the production of batteries to power its electric vehicles.
BYD has expanded its presence in Brazil through the acquisition of the Ford plant in Camaçari (BA). This facility is earmarked for the production of light vehicles. Additionally, BYD operates a manufacturing plant in Campinas (SP), specializing in the production of bus chassis and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PhEV) panels.
PSR Analysis. After Tesla demonstrated interest in the same company, BYD advances its negotiations. It is in line with BYD’s strategy of verticalization and helps to solve one of the strategic bottlenecks of EV production, minerals availability and price. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development South America for Power Systems Research
In a recent interview with EPBR News Agency, the Chinese carmaker BYD announced its strategic initiative to comprehensively verticalize its electric vehicle production operations in Brazil. This encompasses the entire value chain, ranging from lithium exploration and processing to battery manufacturing, culminating in the production of both buses and automobiles.
Domestic motorcycle shipments increased for the first time in two years to 376,720 units in 2023, up 4% from the previous year. Class 2 mopeds, which have relatively low maintenance costs, performed well, increasing 47% year-on-year. The shortage of semiconductors and the easing of logistics disruptions also contributed to the increase in shipments.
Class 1 mopeds (50cc and below) fell by 29% to 92,824 units. Class 2 mopeds (over 50cc and under 125cc) were up 47% to 149,655 units, light motorcycles (over 125cc and under 250cc) were up 16% to 66,630 units and small motorcycles (over 250cc) were down 6% to 67,611 units.
The company sold the plant to Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Yufu Industrial Park Construction and Investment Group, which is owned by the city of Chongqing, and its affiliate will use the plant as a production base for electric vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Company has sold its finished car plant in Chongqing, China, to a Chongqing government-owned company for 1.62 billion yuan (about 33 billion yen, $222 million) in December 2023. Hyundai Motor is rushing to restructure its Chinese business, which has suffered from sluggish sales, and concentrate its management resources in the U.S. and Southeast Asia.
The Thai government has announced the discovery of a large lithium deposit, calling the deposit the third largest in the world after Bolivia and Argentina. It has estimated reserves of approximately 14.8 million tons. The deposit was found at two sites in the southern province of Phang Nga. However, it will take some time to find out how much of the discovered resources can be used.
Thailand is keen to become the center of EV production in Southeast Asia, leveraging its experience in assembling conventional cars, and the discovery of the lithium deposit will give the country a boost in achieving this goal.
Consumers, Professionals Boost Lawn & Garden Spending 
