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UBTech and Foxconn have signed a ‘comprehensive long-term partnership’ partnership to deploy more robots to work in the iPhone maker’s factories.

The Chinese robotics company has entered a collaboration with Foxconn (also known as Hon Hai), the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer and a primary assembler for Apple. This collaboration aims to integrate UBTech’s humanoid robots into Foxconn’s production lines, enhancing efficiency and precision in the assembly of complex electronics and electric vehicles.

IEEE has announced together with the IEEE Computer Society (CS), its 2025 Top Technology Predictions. The report contains a forecast of the trends that will have the greatest impact on the global computer engineering industry in 2025, redefining and re-shaping the global community. For 2025, the team of experts identified the top five computer science and engineering technologies that will have the most significant impact on the global ecosystem, focusing on those with the most advancement, largest market adoption, and market maturity.

BMW Group has entered into a new European partnership for the recycling of high-voltage batteries. As part of the collaboration, used high-voltage batteries from the BMWʼs development, production, and markets in Europe will be delivered to “SK tes” where they are first mechanically shredded to concentrate the metals in the black mass, followed by chemical processing to recover raw materials such as nickel, lithium, and cobalt.  

The omnipresence of artificial intelligence across the CES 2025 landscape is a clear proof of the numerous tech companies direction to making AI the center of our known digital universe.

Companies like Delta, BMW, LG, Hisense, Samsung and others have recognized that the data their systems have been collecting and moving among their once disparate digital systems, can be pulled together by AI into an almost organic whole that proactively operates at your behest.

Continental is presenting the "Emotional Cockpit" for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA, combining technology and emotion. The concept merges multiple vehicle display solutions to form an integrated unit: aesthetically innovative, function-driven and individually customizable. A central element is a 1.30-meter-long, four-centimeter-high E Ink Prism display that spans the entire width of the dashboard.

The energy price index remained largely unchanged in November.

Non-energy prices increased by 1.9%.

Metal prices declined by 1.1%.

• HORSE starts manufacturing its new DB49 transmission, designed in-house for use in hybrid vehicles
• Transmission set to first feature in Renault Rafale’s PHEV models
• Clutchless, 15-speed ‘DB49’ transmission produces a maximum torque of 470Nm and peak power of 35kW
• HORSE is a division of Horse Powertrain, a global leader in hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions across 17 plants and 5 R&D centers

Toyota Motor Corp. is investing $922 million to build a new advanced paint facility in Kentucky that the company says will enhance the quality of its vehicle finishes. There will be added 93.000 m² of additional production capacity in Kentucky and Toyota will utilize a new, environmentally friendly paint process that will decrease carbon emissions by 30% and water usage by 5.67 million liters per year. The plant’s production technologies aim to cut lead times, improve process accuracy and offer customers new color options.

• Joint venture to build an all-new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant at Stellantis’ Zaragoza, Spain site
• Production is planned to start by end of 2026 and could reach up to 50 GWh capacity
• Stellantis is committed to bringing more affordable battery electric vehicles in support of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan leveraging its dual-chemistry strategy
• Plant will enable CATL to better meet customers’ need for advanced battery technology and support global climate ambitions

Volvo Cars has signed a EUR 1.5 billion sustainability-linked revolving credit facility, refinancing the current EUR 1.3 billion credit facility signed in 2021.The five-year facility with a group of 22 participating banks has two one-year extension options and will serve as a backup facility for general corporate purposes. 

The two new facilities also align with Volvo Cars’ sustainability strategy by linking the interest rate margin to Volvo Cars’ progress in reducing its carbon emissions across the value chain.

Continental is testing the forward collision warning system on a tram in Timișoara. The tests take place in the depot of the Timișoara Public Transport Company (STPT) and present a technology adapted to urban mobility.

The forward collision warning system is based on the use of radar technology in combination with digital maps. It also allows the emergency brakes to be activated.

Energy prices decreased 1.2% in November, led by natural gas U.S. (-4.7%) and coal (-3.1%).

Metal prices contracted by 3.1%, with zinc and nickel leading the decline (-7.4% and -6.2%, respectively).

In October 2024, new EU car registrations reversed their decline, recording a modest 1.1% increase. Spain led the way with a robust 7.2% growth, while Germany rebounded with a 6% increase following three months of decline. Decreases were recorded in both France (-11.1%) and Italy (-9.1%).

Mercedes-Benz Vans CEE (Central and Eastern Europe Area) is embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine the electric vehicle strategy in the region. Collaborating with E.ON, a leading energy solutions provider, the two entities will launch a partnership targeting B2B charging infrastructure that will cover Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The partnership aims to provide comprehensive and affordable charging solutions tailored for business fleets in the mentioned countries.

Volkswagen Group and Rivian Automotive launched their joint venture on Nov. 13, creating a new company called “Rivian and VW Group Technology.” The new company will focus on developing a electrical/electronic architecture and software for electric vehicles that each automaker will utilize. The announcement lifts the veil on one of the largest automotive deals this year, providing more details on its goals, leadership and financial structure.