News

Amazon has developed a new warehouse robot that uses touch to rummage around shelves to find the right product to ship to customers. The robot, called Vulcan, is a meaningful step toward making robots less sausage-fingered compared to human beings. Honing robots’ tactile abilities further may allow them to take on more fulfillment and manufacturing work in the years ahead. Built on advances in robotics, engineering, and physical AI, Vulcan is making our workers’ jobs easier and safer while moving orders more efficiently.

Mercedes-Benz and the Munich-based technology company The Mobility House are launching a Europe-wide partnership in the field of intelligent charging services for private households with private car ownership. The introduction of V1G and V2G solutions is planned with the new generation of electric vehicles from Mercedes, such as the upcoming electric CLA.

The two German companies are aiming for a Europe-wide cooperation to intelligently connect Mercedes-Benz electric cars with the European grids. 

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle producer, has officially launched operations in Romania, introducing its full-electric and plug-in hybrid models to the local market. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand across Europe.

Romanian customers now have access to a range of SUV and sedan models, featuring various powertrain options. 

The energy price index fell 7.6% in April, led by sharp declines in U.S. natural gas (-17.6%) and crude oil (-6.8%).

Food prices edged down 0.5%, raw materials dipped 0.9%, and beverages eased 0.8%.

Metal prices dropped 7%, while precious metals rose 6.3%.

Mondi and Evonik introduce new paper valve bag for specialty chemical powders. By removing the plastic coated layer used in the previous solution, the new bag reduces the overall weight of the packaging by 30%. The two companies began collaborating in 2022, aiming for a more sustainable bag solution. The collaboration resulted in a two-ply pre-made paper-based bag, removing a plastic-coated paper layer from the previous packaging. 

The groundbreaking of the Romania factory was celebrated in May 2023 and the first tire was produced in July 2024. Now, Nokian Tyres is starting tire deliveries from its new factory in Oradea, Romania. The first deliveries through Nokian Tyres distribution centers to Central European customers and consumers include winter and all-season tires. The factory is the world's first full-scale zero CO2 emission tire factory with all energy generated without fossil fuels and utilizes the most modern technology to produce tires.

Volkswagen Group has announced a partnership with Valeo and Mobileye to improve driver assistance systems in its upcoming MQB-based vehicles. The collaboration aims to integrate advanced technology to support partially automated driving, streamline procurement and enhance compliance with safety regulations. The new improved system features a 360-degree ring of multiple cameras and radars, along with software-defined capabilities, enabling hands-free driving on approved roads, smart parking, and better occupant and pedestrian safety.

STMicroelectronics and Innoscience have announced a strategic partnership in GaN (Gallium Nitride) power products, aiming to transform and elevate the GaN market to new heights by leveraging the mutual strengths in technology and manufacturing. This collaboration creates a win-win scenario—enhancing both companies’ GaN product offerings, strengthening supply chain resilience, and providing greater flexibility in competitive markets. Additionally, STMicroelectronics will expand its market coverage on a global scale.

The energy price index fell 4.1% in March driven by declines in natural gas Europe (-13.7%) and crude oil (-4.2%).

Non-energy prices dropped by 2.1%. Food prices decreased 2.7%, while raw materials increased 1.3%.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is deeply concerned by the US President’s announcement of additional tariffs on our sector. It comes at a watershed moment for our industry’s transformation and as fierce international competition mounts.

INEOS Automotive has launched a new €15 million biomass heat plant at its Hambach production and assembly site, significantly reducing the factory’s carbon footprint. With a 9.2-megawatt output, the plant will consume up to 14,000 tonnes of locally sourced wood chips annually, meeting 78% of the facility’s heating needs.

The switch to biomass is expected to reduce the plant’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 8,800 tonnes each year.

The BMW Art Car Collection marks its 50th anniversary with an exciting World Tour that celebrates creativity across five continents, commencing in Europe and Asia. The official launch of this global journey took place during the “(R) EVOLUTION OF ART” event hosted at the BMW Group Niederlassung Wien. In Vienna, audiences have the opportunity to admire five iconic BMW Art Cars from March 20-23 at the Museum of Applied Arts and the SPARK Art Fair, featuring works by renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons. 

Emirati logistics company DP World said it has opened an operational hub in Bucharest, named the European Control Tower, to lead its newly-launched pan-European logistics service, which combines combines road, maritime, air, rail and multimodal transport. By offering streamlined supply chain management and enhanced operational efficiency, DP World is focusing on meeting customers’ need to reduce costs and accelerate delivery times in a way which gives them transparency at every stage.

Continental’s Automotive group sector intends to establish its legally independent corporate headquarters at its current location in Frankfurt am Main. Following the Supervisory Board’s approval of the spin-off last week, Continental’s Automotive group sector has decided to establish the headquarters of the planned independent company in Frankfurt am Main. The aim is to locate the headquarters of the new automotive company at the current site in the Guerickestraße by mid-2025. 

The parcel delivery group Sameday said it has operationalised a new logistics hub in the central city of Ghimbav, Brasov county, in which it has invested 21 million lei ($4.6 million/4.2 million euro). Sameday said in a press release that the logistics center spans 6,800 sq m and is located on a 10,000 sq m land plot within the Sofimat Logistic Park Ghimbav.