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Fashion Value Chain
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Fashion Value Chain
Battery Breakthroughs Are Making EVs More Dependable Than Ever
Electric vehicles are surging ahead driven by breakthroughs in battery technology-an evolution that companies like VinFast are leveraging to push the industry forward. VinFast's upcoming electric SUV VF 7 It's easy to think of electric vehicles as a modern innovation, but over a century ago, they dominated the streets. In 1900, lead-acid batteries provided a range of up to 100 miles, which was quite remarkable at the time. As roads improved and vehicles became faster though, these heavy, low-energy-density batteries struggled to keep up. Internal combustion engines took over, and EVs faded into history. Fast forward to 1996. An American manufacturer launched an all-electric car that relied on the same lead-acid technology from a hundred years before. Its second generation, also equipped with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, failed to compete with gasoline-powered vehicles. The problem Energy density. These batteries simply couldn't store enough power to make EVs practical for daily use. Then, in 1998, A Japanese manufacturer introduced an EV with a lithium-ion battery. It didn't make headlines, but in hindsight, it marked a turning point. Lithium-ion technology could store up to three times more energy than lead-acid batteries and about twice as much as NiMH. A decade later, the world finally took notice. However, 'lithium-ion' is not a single technology but an umbrella term for several distinct chemistries. Most rely on a graphite anode, but the real advancements come from the cathode. Early lithium-ion batteries combined lithium with nickel, cobalt, or manganese. Over time, manufacturers fine-tuned these blends to balance energy density, safety, and cost. One thing has remained consistent: the industry has been reducing cobalt content, which is both expensive and ethically controversial, in favor of high-nickel formulations. Another chemistry, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), has taken off for its affordability and safety. The trade-off Slightly less energy storage. Yet, by 2024, LFP and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries are expected to power 94% of light electric vehicles worldwide, according to S&P Global Mobility. The improvements aren't just on paper. A recent study by Geotab found that EV batteries now degrade at just 1.8% per year, down from 2.3% in 2019. At this rate, batteries could last over 20 years-far exceeding concerns about longevity. Companies like VinFast are capitalizing on these advancements. Their vehicles integrate cutting-edge battery management systems designed to extend battery life and improve safety. But they're not stopping there. VinFast is actively investing in battery research and collaborating with leading partners to develop the next wave of EV technology. Their confidence shows in their industry-leading warranties-spanning seven to ten years, depending on the model. For EV buyers, that means less worry and more miles on the road. What's Next for EV Batteries Looking ahead, two emerging technologies could change everything. Solid-state batteries replace flammable liquid electrolytes with stable, solid materials. This shift could boost energy storage by 50-80% while reducing fire risk. Sodium-ion batteries offer another breakthrough. Instead of relying on lithium, they use abundant sodium, making them cheaper and more sustainable. Their energy density is lower than LFP, but they excel in safety and cold-weather performance. Both technologies still have challenges to overcome, but advancements are picking up speed. As costs fall and performance improves, EVs could soon surpass gas-powered cars in both longevity and reliability. The road to better EV batteries has been decades in the making, but the next big breakthrough might be right around the corner. About VinFast VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle ('EV') manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at:
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
See the Winners and Losers of May's Post-Tariff Sales Rush
Lower inventories played a key role in defining May's auto sales The U.S. light vehicle sales rate dropped to 15.65 million units in May, down from 17.25 million in April and 17.83 million in March, according to Wards Intelligence data. This decline—the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic's onset in April 2020—was partially due to lower auto inventory levels from a March-April sales surge of shoppers trying to beat tariff-related price hikes. May also saw a 10% drop in incentive spending from April, as less inventory reduces dealers' need to offer discounts, rebates, and other special offers. Wards Intelligence forecasts that this sales dynamic will continue through June and into Q3, with automakers generally hesitant to ramp up production and replace inventory amid the ongoing trade war. A Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is displayed for sale at a Ford dealership on August 21, 2024 in Glendale, California. — Source:'Given the swirling tariff, consumer, and auto inventory conditions, the expected May 2025 auto sales result will likely be the last period this year to post positive growth in year-ago and month-prior comparisons,' said Chris Hopson, principal analyst of S&P Global Mobility. Some of May's top-performing automakers Ford Motor Company reported a 16% U.S. sales increase to 220,959 units in May year-over-year, with positive gains at both Ford and Lincoln. The 2025 Escape was one of Ford's best-sellers in May, with sales catapulting 24% to 17,395 units. Ford's 2024 Explorer saw a 23% sales increase to 20,504 vehicles. Bronco Sport sales rose 46% to 14,472 units, and the Maverick saw a 14% gain to 15,508 deliveries. Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia said their combined U.S. vehicle sales rose 6.4% in May from last year but added that their growth was lower in the previous month, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. In addition to selling its 17 millionth vehicle since entering the U.S. market in 1986 and launching Ioniq 9 deliveries, Hyundai's Venue, Elantra N, Santa Fe, Tucson, IONIQ 6, and Palisade reached May total sales records. In May, Hyundai U.S. sales, not including its luxury Genesis brand, rose 8%, its total hybrid sales increased by 5%, and the automaker's electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid lineup had its best month ever. Kia's sales increased 5.1% to 79,007 units from 75,156, thanks to hot-selling models like the Telluride and Sportage SUVs, the Carnival minivan, and the K4 sedan. Signage at a Hyundai dealership in Richmond, California — Source: Getty Final thoughts While most automakers have begun reporting sales figures quarterly instead of monthly, Ford Motor Company and Hyundai Motor sales were better than expected, with Ford thriving on its employee pricing program running through July 6. Still, most countries haven't reached deals with the U.S. on reduced auto tariffs, making price hikes and lower sales all but certain in the coming months. Automakers exporting cars to the U.S. do have some light at the end of the tunnel, as a panel of judges on a federal trade court ruled that many of Trump's sweeping tariffs, including those on vehicles and car parts, exceeded the President's legal authority. A second D.C. federal court also deemed the tariffs illegal, but both rulings are on hold because of appeals.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Detroit Grand Prix draws fans, families from far and wide
When the doors opened on a full People Mover car at the Millender Center station in downtown Detroit, the unmistakable whine of race cars enveloped the space like a thunderclap. The passengers, some of whom had been looking down at their phones or talking amongst each other, stopped at the sound and looked toward the windows facing Jefferson Avenue. After all, people love cars, said Stephanie Brinley, associate director of Auto Intelligence at S&P Global Mobility. While the race has undergone many changes since its first run in 1982, there is still a strong draw to the track – and the city – that inspires residents across the state, even if they wouldn't consider themselves car enthusiasts. More: Detroit Grand Prix signs new contract through 2028 'Is this race important to Detroit? Yes, it is,' Brinley said. 'Because it keeps coming back. The city loves it.' The Detroit Grand Prix roared across downtown streets on Sunday, June 1, with the featured NTT IndyCar race won by Kyle Kirkwood before the organizers announced the event would stay in Detroit through at least 2028. The Grand Prix draws more than 100,000 people each year to downtown Detroit, according to the organizers. In the third year since making the switch from Belle Isle, the Detroit Grand Prix likely has more attendance than ticket sales can account for. Up in the corporate suites, Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis for AutoPacific, pointed out there were far more spectators watching the race from the parking structures than in the paid stands. 'Belle Isle is literally an island. The economic impact to Detroit may be negligible, but it is right downtown,' he said, of the move. 'You don't have to bypass the city to get to the race.' Detroit resident Lauryn Barlow, a traveling bartender, rates the Christmas Tree Lighting as the most attended event she works, with the Grand Prix falling slightly behind the Detroit Auto Show. As for those she served this weekend, she said most spectators arrived from out of town. 'Everybody that I talk to is either from Ohio, Wisconsin," shes said, "and I was just like, "Well dang, where's everybody from Detroit?'' Families congregated on Woodward Avenue and in Hart Plaza to enjoy free events throughout the weekend and the cooler weather. This is the third Grand Prix for Aaron Norton, who drove from Owosso with his son Evan, an incoming freshman of Michigan State University. 'It's something to do,' he said. 'I just drove an hour and forty minutes to get here. My other kids didn't want to come.' The two walked through to Hart Plaza to admire GM's latest vehicles and ask questions of the product specialists on staff. During their stroll, they caught a bit of the race. 'I've learned a lot watching this, and Googling to see how fast they're going. I'm blown away with how much they're worth,' Norton said. 'The safety gear, the halo, is like $17,000 just to protect their head. The crazy prices of the motor. I never knew that.' Sponsoring the race serves a dual purpose for automakers like Honda and General Motors. In addition to seeding goodwill at the community level and showcasing vehicles around the city in an open-air showroom, the race itself acts as a proving ground, S&P Global Mobility's Brinley said. Participating automakers calculate vehicle performance on the track, such as engine fatigue, steering, suspension, lift and driving dynamics, and apply what they learn to the vehicles they retail. 'Not every street car needs to drive like a race car, but lessons learned about performances and tolerances can be applied to street cars,' she said, adding that tire manufacturers also learn about tire wear and performance from extreme racing. Sitting in the center of the track and host to many media events surrounding the Grand Prix is the Renaissance Center, the soon to be former headquarters of GM, which is relocating this year to the new Hudson's Detroit building on Woodward Avenue. While the RenCen's massive office and commercial retail space remains an icon of the city's skyline, it no longer serves its original purpose, Waatti said. Because of GM's broad footprint, with offices across the U.S. as well as other countries, maintaining such a large property no longer makes good business sense. 'The Detroit Grand Prix is a powerful showcase of GM's performance brands and a celebration of Detroit's comeback story. That's what makes GM's decision to leave the RenCen all the more bittersweet,' he said. 'While the race energizes the riverfront and spotlights GM's roots, the company itself is stepping back from the landmark that defines both.' Detroit resident Travis Foster said he's 'heartbroken' that it would be GM's last time hosting the event from its RenCen headquarters. 'As a native Detroiter, I'm really hoping that at the last minute someone is either going to have a change of heart or there's some type of financial decision that will make them at least give that a second thought,' he said. 'This building is iconic when it comes to the city of Detroit. These buildings are supposed to be here, it's meant to be here, it deserves to be here, and we need it here.' Foster, a federal employee, considers the Detroit Grand Prix a pivotal part of the city's summer event schedule. He pointed to the diversity in the crowd and said the race shows off the beauty of downtown and invite tourists and other Michigan residents into the fabric of the community. Embracing change is necessary for GM's success and the city of Detroit, according to Anthony Abbott, a retired GM employee from Farmington Hills who has attended the Detroit Grand Prix 10 times. 'Belle Isle was a beautiful place to have a race, it almost seems like it was built to have a race. But I really enjoy it down here better,' he said. 'And you can watch the event from the garages and see so much.' For Abbott, changes to the Renaissance Center could improve the riverfront landscape and open up more space for future Grand Prix events. 'Embrace change. GM moved down here, I forgot how many years ago, and rehabbed the towers, did a really great job with it. They're not leaving, they're just moving down the street. They're going to blow up a few towers and really open it up,' he said. 'It's iconic, it still will be – just with one or two less towers.' Christian Romo contributed to this report. Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Reach her at jcharniga@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Grand Prix draws fans, families from far and wide
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
S&P Global Mobility: Pace of May U.S. auto sales to decelerate from March and April surge
U.S. auto sales in May are expected to reach 1.47 million units, up mildly from year ago and month prior levels, but taking an extra selling day to do so. SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With volume for the month projected at 1.47 million units, May 2025 U.S. auto sales are estimated to translate to an estimated sales pace of 15.7 million units (seasonally adjusted annual rate: SAAR), according to S&P Global Mobility. The SAAR reading will be an expected and definitive step down from the 17.6-million-unit average over the March to April period. With one more selling day than both the year-ago and month prior periods, May 2025 volume is expected to be up 2% from the May 2024 level and up fractionally from the April 2025 result. 'Given the swirling tariff, consumer and auto inventory conditions, the expected May 2025 auto sales result will likely be the last period this year to post positive growth in year-ago and month-prior comparisons,' said Chris Hopson, principal analyst at S&P Global Mobility. 'The strong sales surges in March and April, followed by the moderate May result, reduced some inventory levels. Shifting tariff policies have automakers scrambling to produce vehicles while they can, but uncertainty abounds in the immediate term and upcoming monthly sales levels are expected to decelerate further.' Continued development of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales remains an assumption in the longer term S&P Global Mobility light vehicle sales forecast, although an unsettled regulatory and incentive policy environment has raised the potential that future growth levels will be more mild. In the immediate term, month-to-month volatility is anticipated. BEV share fell to an estimated 7.0% in both March and April, and while some of the lower share could be attributed to strong non-BEV demand, BEV growth is moderating. May BEV share is expected to reach a similar 6.8% share, reflective of the uneasiness as automakers, dealers and consumers continue to digest potential changes to BEV incentives. About S&P Global Mobility At S&P Global Mobility, we provide invaluable insights derived from unmatched automotive data, enabling our customers to anticipate change and make decisions with conviction. Our expertise helps them to optimize their businesses, reach the right consumers, and shape the future of mobility. We open the door to automotive innovation, revealing the buying patterns of today and helping customers plan for the emerging technologies of tomorrow. S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world's leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit Media Contact: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE S&P Global Mobility
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why it's so hard to buy 'Made in America': Shoppers face tough choices despite strong intentions
For many Americans, buying products labelled 'Made in the USA' is more than a patriotic act — it's a commitment to supporting domestic workers and industries. But despite the desire, the reality of sticking to American-made goods is far more complicated than many expect. Dianna Huff, a 62-year-old New Hampshire resident, has spent more than a decade trying to buy only American-made products. While she's succeeded with items like sheets, socks, and sofas, others — including her phone, glasses, and bathroom scale — have proven impossible to find without a foreign label. 'It's been a real journey that's come with frustrations and misadventures,' Huff said as quoted by The Wall Street Journal. Her challenge reflects a broader trend. Global supply chains built over decades have made some categories nearly impossible to source domestically. For example, nearly half of all new passenger vehicles sold in the US in 2024 were assembled outside the country, according to S&P Global Mobility. Smartphones — nearly all of which are manufactured overseas — are another major hurdle. While many consumers are willing to pay more for American-made products, cost remains a barrier. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota 4Runner Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo A Morning Consult survey found that while more than half of US adults intentionally buy domestic goods at least sometimes, only 11% are willing to absorb a price increase of more than 15%. And for some items — like smartphones or certain tools — US-made versions are simply not available. Matt Braynard, a 47-year-old political consultant from Northern Virginia, has spent the last five years committed to buying American. He swapped imported designer clothes for US-made apparel, including jeans from Imogene + Willie, shirts from 1620 Workwear, and New Balance sneakers. While his choices cost more upfront, Braynard believes they last longer. 'It isn't always easy,' he said. 'When I walk through a shopping mall… there's really nothing for me there. ' Even committed shoppers make concessions. Anne Collins, 75, runs a Facebook group called Have Fun Buying Not Made in China. Though she's helped members find US-made foil pans, artificial flowers, and mops, she admits that even her carefully curated Easter basket included some imported knickknacks. Despite increasing demand and political pushback — including steep tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump — rebuilding America's manufacturing base will require more than consumer willpower. For now, living a truly 'Made in America' life remains an admirable but difficult mission. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
