Top Trending Auto & Transportation News & Highlights
Are adventure bikes India's newest two-wheeler fad? We clarify
In India, adventure bikes, sometimes referred to as adventure tourers or ADVs, are one of the motorbike segments with the quickest rate of growth. There is no apparent limit to what the Indian motorcycle market has to offer, ranging from well-known models like the Hero Xpulse 200 4V or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 to more recent models like the TVS Apache RTX 300. In order to meet the growing demand that spans a wide variety of budgets and tastes, manufacturers have also begun introducing their high-displacement flagship tourers, such as the BMW R 1300 GS and Ducati DesertX. This wasn't always the case, and for a long time, only those with large enough wallets could afford these bikes, allowing them to live out their nomadic dreams. This changed when the Hero Honda Impulse 150, India's first mass-market dual-sport, was introduced. Although it wasn't an ADV, it helped establish the adventure market, which shortly saw the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, the first reasonably priced ADV, go on sale. By the year 2025, we have a large selection of models from both domestic producers and high-end foreign companies.There is a reason behind its popularity. The most adaptable motorcycles are ADVs, which have a tough exterior and strong hardware and technology that support both off-road and on-road riding. Demand has also been boosted by expanding interest in adventure travel, an increase in disposable income, and the allure of seeing India's varied landscapes. And with the state of Indian roads, it should be of no surprise that most OEMs on our shores sell an ADV for those eager to sail through whatever this country has to offer.
Published 15 Oct 2025 05:33 PM
Kawasaki gets ready to unveil a new competitor to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 at EICMA 2025
Kawasaki plans to bring back the KLE name with a new middleweight adventure bike, anticipated to launch at EICMA 2025 in Milan, Italy. Launched in 1991 as the Kawasaki KLE500, this was a 498 cc Japanese dual-sport motorcycle designed for light off-roading and long-distance touring. The nameplate, which was discontinued in 2007, is now making a return to the stables after an absence from the market of nearly twenty years.The forthcoming Kawasaki KLE was initially hinted at during last year’s EICMA event, featuring a display of a 21-inch front wheel and a parallel-twin engine. A new teaser video shared on the manufacturer’s social media has revealed glimpses of the bike in off-road conditions, further affirming that the model will maintain its rally-style dual-sport character for riders seeking robust adventure-ready equipment without entering the larger Versys lineup. The forthcoming Kawasaki KLE was initially hinted at during last year’s EICMA event, featuring a display of a 21-inch front wheel and a parallel-twin engine. A new teaser video shared on the manufacturer’s social media has revealed glimpses of the bike in off-road conditions, further affirming that the model will maintain its rally-style dual-sport character for riders seeking robust adventure-ready equipment without entering the larger Versys lineup.Anticipated to arrive in India in 2026, the new KLE 500 will add competition to the 500cc adventure segment, alongside bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and Honda NX500. Here’s all the information you need to be aware of regarding it:
Published 06 Oct 2025 05:38 PM
From October 2026, electric vehicles in India will be equipped with a pedestrian warning system or AVAS. How it operates
From next year on, electric vehicles in India are expected to become noisy. In India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has prepared a notification suggesting the establishment of a pedestrian warning system using Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) for electric vehicles. As a result, electric vehicles in India will be equipped with a pedestrian warning system that notifies other road users of the electric vehicle's presence.As reported by the US Department of Transportation, electric vehicles present a 20% greater risk of pedestrian accidents compared to cars with internal combustion engines, and this risk increases to 50% during low-speed driving. In markets such as the US, Japan, and Europe, AVAS is a compulsory feature for electric vehicles. With this technology, the low-frequency artificial sound produced by the EV easily alerts road users. According to the draft notification put forth by the MoRTH, all new electric vehicles, encompassing both passenger and goods carrier vehicles, are required to be equipped with AVAS starting from October 1, 2026. The rule will apply to the electric vehicles currently in production as of October 1, 2027. The government notification stated, "From 1st October 2026 onwards for new models, and from 1st October 2027 for existing models, electrified vehicles of category M and N must be equipped with an AVAS that complies with the audibility requirements outlined in AIS-173, as it may be revised over time."Regarding this, Md Saddam Hussain, Principal Research Associate at the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy, stated that the mandate will enhance pedestrian safety and align India with global best practices. In the context of India’s crowded cities, an audible alert can significantly impact low-speed situations, as long as the sounds are crafted to be effective while avoiding contributions to noise pollution. It will be crucial to include two- and three-wheelers in phases and to enforce regulations strictly through the use of well-defined thresholds and accredited laboratories. He added that for maximum impact, AVAS should be complemented by active safety technologies such as pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).
Published 01 Oct 2025 04:40 PM
BEST introduces 17 new electric buses, with many assigned to the new Coastal Road route
On Sunday, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking expanded its fleet by adding 17 new electric buses measuring 12 metres. Several of these buses were deployed on a newly inaugurated route along the city’s Coastal Road.The PMI-brand buses produced by Nagpur's Mumbadevi Mobility Private Limited will be run from the Oshiwara depot located in the western suburbs. On Saturday, IAS officer Asheesh Sharma, who also serves as the general manager of BEST, officially inaugurated the induction at the Colaba depot.The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has bolstered its fleet with the addition of 17 new 12-meter electric buses, improving services throughout Mumbai. Some of these buses will run on the newly inaugurated AC route A-84, linking Oshiwara Depot to Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherji Chowk (Museum) through the Coastal Road.On Sunday, September 7, 2025, BEST will launch a new route, AC A-84, linking Oshiwara Depot to Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherji Chowk via the Coastal Road. This route will feature 17 newly inducted 12-meter electric buses as part of BEST's fleet. Produced by Mumbadevi Mobility Private Limited, these buses bolster the BEST fleet with amenities such as public address systems and mobile charging ports, aligning with the organization's larger electrification initiative aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and cutting emissions.
Published 29 Sep 2025 05:25 PM
Auto & Transportation
Automobile is the biggest industry worldwide generating millions of job opportunities for different level of skills and same goes with transportations.
Everything you should know about the new RRTS project in Gurugram and Greater Noida
With ambitions to connect IGI Airport with important NCR cities, the project, which is projected to cost Rs 15,000 crore, aims to lessen air pollution and traffic congestion.Everything you should know about the recently launched RRTS project: With the development of a new Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) linking Gurugram and Greater Noida, the National Capital Region (NCR) is getting ready for a major transportation overhaul.The 60-kilometer route is anticipated to link Rajiv Chowk in Gurugram with Noida Sector-142, Surajpur in Greater Noida, and a stop at Bata Chowk in Faridabad. With eight intermediate stations and an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore, the project seeks to lessen air pollution and traffic congestion.Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reportedly visited the Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal in Delhi to discuss RRTS corridor development and metro expansions.
November saw a 12% decline in sales of electric vehicles following a festival-driven rush.
India's sales of electric vehicles (EVs) dropped 12% in November 2024 to 191,554 units from 219,021 units in October as the festival-driven spike dwindled. However, according to Vahan data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), sales increased 31% year over year (Y-o-Y) from 145,197 units in November 2023.All of the EV sectors showed signs of deterioration, with month-over-month contractions ranging from 5% to 25% for two-wheelers (e2Ws), three-wheelers (e3Ws), and four-wheelers (e4Ws). The biggest decline was seen in the e4W segment, where sales fell 25% from 11,587 units in October to 8,782 units in November.Volumes in the e2W category, which makes up over 60% of all EV sales, decreased by 15% to 118,944 units in November from 139,787 units the month before. The e3W segment, on the other hand, did somewhat better, with the slightest drop of 5% as sales fell to 63,415 units from 67,182 in October. With a little decrease of less than 1%, Delhi's EV registrations stayed stable in November. November saw 7,091 EV registrations, which is a little less than the 7,141 in October. Although November's numbers indicate a temporary slowdown during the holiday season, the year-over-year gain shows that India's EV adoption trend is still moving forward. In the first 11 months of this year, EV sales nationwide surpassed 1.8 million, demonstrating the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.As the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) restored cargo e3W subsidies under PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) for the balance of the current fiscal year (FY25), this expansion was given a new boost. The subsidy, which was previously discontinued when FY25 yearly targets were met, has been reduced from Rs 50,000 to Rs 25,000 per vehicle.
Unhappy passengers deal with a rapidly shrinking PMPML bus fleet
Two of the seven PMPML contractors ceased operations last month, which resulted in the withdrawal of about 233 buses from passenger service.Bus riders in Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) have been dealing with a serious issue for the past few months due to a considerable decrease in the number of buses. For example, almost 200 buses have ceased operations due to the driver exceeding the age of twelve. The PMPML is introducing fewer buses into its fleet every day due to a variety of causes, including breakdowns, the retirement of older buses, and the expiration of bus contracts. However, the firms are not responding to this process."Even though most of August passed, the tender process for the purchase of buses, which started in February, did not get a good response," a top PMPML official stated on condition of anonymity. The Punekars' lifeline, PMPML, appears to be on ventilator.
Samvardhana Motherson, an Indian auto parts manufacturer, surpasses quarterly profit projections.
Aug. 13, BENGALURU (Reuters) - Samvardhana Motherson International (SAMD.NS), an Indian manufacturer of auto parts, revealed on Tuesday that its first-quarter profit above forecasts, aided by a shift in consumer preferences toward luxury cars and an increase in income from recent acquisitions. The company claimed that its consolidated net profit increased by 65.5% to 9.94 billion rupees ($118.42 million) in the three months ended June 30. The company distributes parts to automakers such as Maruti Suzuki (MRTI.NS), opens new tab, Mercedes Benz, and Audi.LSEG data shows that analysts had projected a profit of 9.51 billion rupees. Beating projections of 283.74 billion rupees, the total revenue from operations increased by 28.5% to 288.68 billion rupees. Click here to view additional earnings highlights.Important Context Manufacturers of auto parts, like Samvardhana Motherson, are reaping the rewards of a persistent change in consumer choice toward expensive cars like SUVs, which need more auxiliary equipment.
Tesla overtakes Ford to become Morgan Stanley's "top pick" in the US auto industry.
July 29 (Reuters) - Following Morgan Stanley's designation of Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab as its "top pick" in the U.S. car industry, the most valuable automaker outperformed Ford (F.N), opens new tab, by over 6% on Monday. According to the brokerage, investors are likely to concentrate on companies that handle climate change-related challenges, therefore Tesla's energy sector has the potential to outperform the company's auto business in the future. As legacy automakers scale down their plans for EV expansion, it also anticipates Tesla to establish a more dominating position in the market for zero-emission vehicle credit revenue, for which it recognized around $2,000 per unit in the second quarter. "We estimate Tesla may account for as much as half the credit sales in the market, supporting a 100% margin business for Tesla that may not be anticipated by the investment community at this time," analysts at Morgan Stanley stated. However, Tesla missed Wall Street profits estimates for the second quarter and announced its lowest profit margin in over five years last week. This was due to the Elon Musk-led company offering steep discounts on its vehicles to offset declining demand.
Global Market Size for 5G in Smart Transportation and Automotive Expected to Reach USD 17.88 Billion By 2033 | CAGR of 25.67%
According to a study analysis released by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the global 5G in automotive and smart transportation market size was estimated to be around USD 1.82 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 17.88 billion by 2033. The following companies are covered: Huawei Device Co. Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Deutsche Telekom AG, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Nokia, Daimler AG, Volkswagen, Telefónica S.A., Verizon, Mercedes-Benz, Audi Group, BMW Group, Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Vodafone Limited, and others Key Players. United States, New York, July 24, 2024 (AMERICA NEWSWIRE) — The size of the global market for 5G in automotive and smart transportation is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.67% between 2023 and 2033, from USD 1.82 billion to USD 17.88 billion.
Continental at the 2024 IAA Transportation: Advancing From the Road to the Cloud
Continental presents important advancements in software-defined commercial vehicles, safe and environmentally friendly road transportation, and autonomous commercial cars. Top-tier PCs and software throughout the whole system: giving the computer capacity needed to handle enormous volumes of data Sensible services for productive fleets: There are two new versions of Continental's tire management solutions: the Lite and Pro versions. Tough RuNR air spring, new environmentally friendly bus tires, and ultra-efficient truck tires: Using material expertise to improve road transport sustainability Production is scheduled to begin in 2027: creating the first scalable autonomous transportation system in the worldGermany's Hannover, July 22, 2024. Continental's slogan for this year's IAA Transportation, which takes place from September 17 to 22, is "Innovating Transportation – From Road to Cloud!" The technology company will showcase its extensive range of commercial vehicle solutions in Hanover, Germany. Innovative truck and bus tires and air springs that boost sustainability and efficiency in the transportation sector are among them, as are state-of-the-art hardware like high-performance computers (HPC); software and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions that define the vehicle of the future; and comprehensive services that increase safety and compliance. Additionally on exhibit is a development truck that was assembled in association with Aurora, a business partner, and contains numerous innovations for the autonomous commercial vehicle of the future. At Hall 12's Continental booth C41, commerceGermany's Hannover, July 22, 2024. Continental's slogan for this year's IAA Transportation, which takes place from September 17 to 22, is "Innovating Transportation – From Road to Cloud!" The technology company will showcase its extensive range of commercial vehicle solutions in Hanover, Germany. Innovative truck and bus tires and air springs that boost sustainability and efficiency in the transportation sector are among them, as are state-of-the-art hardware like high-performance computers (HPC); software and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions that define the vehicle of the future; and comprehensive services that increase safety and compliance. Additionally on exhibit is a development truck that was assembled in association with Aurora, a business partner, and contains numerous innovations for the autonomous commercial vehicle of the future. At Hall 12's Continental booth C41, commerce
A worldwide IT disruption has resulted in stopped flights and delays alerting passengers.
A worldwide IT disruption on Friday caused some airlines to suspend flights and issued warnings about delays and unavailability of services.Massive interruption to CrowdStrike's cybersecurity business occurred early on Friday due to a software update. Businesses, such as Microsoft, were forced to work quickly to bring back services and apps that were utilized by a great deal of businesses.Airport check-in and flight update monitors worldwide showed the dreaded "blue screen of death," which is an indication of a Microsoft system fault. Pictures posted on social media included a handwritten boarding card for an IndiGo aircraft from India and a whiteboard at Belfast International Airport with flight updates.It appears like we are experiencing a true worldwide blackout for the first time. Grzegorz Drozdz, a market analyst at Conotoxia, stated in an email that "the disruption affected not only individual users, but especially large institutions such as banks (including central banks), stock exchanges, airports, paralyzing operations during the peak holiday season and causing chaos in many other sectors."
Muharram in 2024 Which Delhi highways will be open or closed today? Go here to read
The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, is very important to Muslims everywhere. A lot of introspection and grief are common during this holy month, especially on Ashura, the tenth day. Muslims will commemorate Ashura on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, as a way to remember the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala.Muharram 2024: What isn't available? The two main stock exchanges, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), will be closed today. In addition to the Indian stock market, banks in a few Indian states have a holiday on Muharram. New Delhi, Patna, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu, Tripura, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya are some of these states.
Maharashtra State Transport Corp. places an order of Rs. 981.45 crore with Ashok Leyland.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has awarded Ashok Leyland an order worth Rs 981.45 crore for 2,104 Viking buses. The order for this BSVI OBD II compatible bus will be completed between August 2024 and August 2025. As a result of the agreement, Ashok Leyland's market position is strengthened and its buses now make up the majority of MSRTC's fleet.Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has placed an order for 2104 Viking passenger buses for Rs981.45 crore with Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja group, the company announced in a statement. The company will carry out the state corporation's largest order, which is to produce completely manufactured passenger buses that comply with BSVI OBD II (on board diagnostics) between August 2024 and August 2025.According to the statement, this will reinforce Ashok Leyland's leading position in the bus industry. With more than 15,000 buses, MSRTC is one of the biggest state transportation projects in the nation. Ashok Leyland buses will command the majority of the fleet with this order.
Teasers from Tata Motors reveal the Curvv and Curvv EV: What to anticipate from the upcoming models
With the release of an intriguing teaser, Tata Motors has revealed a tempting first look at their forthcoming models, the Curvv and Curvv EV. After their first teaser, which took place in the sweltering Thar desert, this new image shows these SUVs navigating the frigid Ladakh landscape.The Curvv siblings' paddle shifters for manual transmission control and their rotary dial for easy switching between City, Sport, and Eco driving modes are just two of the standout features that the teaser showcases. Another notable feature is a cutting-edge digital driver's display that is reminiscent of Tata's critically regarded Nexon EV and Punch EV.Tata's groundbreaking active.ev platform, which debuted with the Punch EV, is anticipated to debut with the Curvv EV and boasts remarkable performance figures. With a stated range of roughly 500 km, the Curvv EV is expected to provide cutting-edge features including DC rapid charging, driving modes, brake regeneration, and vehicle to load capability.The Curvv EV is positioned to upend expectations in the electric vehicle market as it prepares to compete with models like the MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3, and the soon-to-be Hyundai Creta EV. It is anticipated that the internal combustion engine options, which come with a 1.5-liter diesel engine and a new petrol engine choice, will follow suit.Prospective purchasers can anticipate a panoramic sunroof, a touchscreen entertainment system, a multifunction steering wheel, an advanced driver assistance system, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated seats, and other goodies.Tata Motors' Curvv series, which appeals to fans of both conventional and electric vehicles equally, is expected to have a big impact on the automotive industry because to its strong specs and innovative features.
The world's lithium industry is interested in testing out Argentina's salt flats.
July 10, Reuters, SALAR CENTENARIO, Argentinia - Salty brine drawn from deep below the earth's surface fills a large tank two floors high with black tubes in a dusty plain in the mountains of northern Argentina.The brine contains lithium, a silvery white metal that is in great demand as the globe moves toward renewable energy sources and is necessary for producing batteries for electric vehicles. In an effort to generate lithium with less water and more efficiency, direct lithium extraction, or DLE, is a novel process that French miner Eramet (ERMT.PA) is attempting to adopt. In contrast to conventional techniques, there are no football-field-sized brine pools left behind when the liquid evaporates in the sun, containing lithium. Since that 70% of the lithium in the world is contained in brine rather than rock or clay, DLE, which extracts the metal significantly more quickly, may be essential to worldwide supply. Rivals from Chile to the United States who are also attempting to commercialize DLE are keeping a close eye on Eramet. By November, it hopes to produce its first ton of lithium carbonate, and by mid-2025, it hopes to reach 24,000 metric tons annually.
Transportation & Auto Roundup Industry Discussion
The most recent Market Talks about the transportation and auto industries. published at 4:20, 12:20, and 16:50 ET exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires.1421 Eastern Time – According to a recent report from Fitch Ratings, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are preparing to grow their airports in anticipation of a rise in travel-related traveler traffic. According to Fitch, there will be significant growth in air traffic in the region, and infrastructure plans anticipate a doubling of air traffic by 2030. According to Fitch, traffic at a sample of the region's airports in 2023 increased by roughly 20% from 2022 and by 8% from pre-Pandemic 2019 levels. According to the agency, Saudi Arabia has increased airport spending in anticipation of population and tourism development. According to Fitch, the GCC nations may be able to access a larger investor base and longer-term financing options by participating in the bond and sukuk markets.(wsj.com/stephen.nakrosis)
Maruti Suzuki boosts rail vehicle movements in India
Over the past ten years, Maruti Suzuki, the largest automobile manufacturer in India, has grown the number of automobiles moved by rail around the nation by more than 580%, surpassing 2 million vehicle movements in total.According to the corporation, it moved 447,750 cars by rail in the most recent fiscal year (2023–2024), an increase from the 65,700 it moved in the fiscal year 2014–2015. According to Maruti Suzuki, rail presently makes up 21.5% of total vehicle movements.The Automobile Freight Train Operator (AFTO) license was obtained by Maruti Suzuki in 2013, marking the company's debut in the Indian auto industry. Maruti Suzuki also created special wagons for vehicle rail logistics operations. With the AFTO license, it can run high-capacity, high-speed completed vehicles on Indian Railways' network that transport wagon rakes. Maruti Suzuki India's managing director and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, reported that the company's efforts to boost the volume of freight transported by rail had saved around 270 million liters of fuel and reduced CO2 emissions by about 10,000 metric tonnes overall.In the next seven to eight years, he added, "we plan to augment the use of railways in vehicle dispatches, close to 35%, as our production capacity nearly doubles from about 2 million units to 4 million units by FY 2030–31." "We remain dedicated to the Indian government's goal of having no net emissions by 2070."
EU Verifies Tariffs on EVs Manufactured in China
As per the EU Commission, new import duties will go into effect on Friday and last for at least four months.A number of automakers, whose executives fear retaliation from an intensifying trade war, had hoped for a solution, but their dreams were dashed when the European Union reaffirmed intentions to apply extra duties on Chinese-made electric cars. Following a nine-month study, the EU has agreed to add temporary tariffs to the current 10 percent import charge on electric vehicles coming from China, for a total import duty of almost 48 percent.three hours prior
29 trains of the Delhi Metro Magenta Line operate autonomously, requiring no human intervention.
A major advancement in urban transportation has been made with the introduction of fully autonomous trains on the Delhi Metro's Magenta Line. Passenger space has expanded as a result of 29 trains now running without driver cabins. Though they will initially be on every three to four trains, attendants will be phased away over time.With its driverless operations on the Magenta Line, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) joins the select 7% of metro networks worldwide that are able to operate trains automatically. This innovation increases train service availability and dependability while also improving flexibility and lowering human error.Pre-induction checks and depot parking are automated by the driverless trains, which lightens the strain for human operators and streamlines operations. In December 2020, autonomous train services were first offered on the Magenta Line, which runs from Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden and spans around 37 kilometers with 25 stations. Subsequently, in November 2021, the Pink Line (which runs from Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar) implemented comparable technology. The trains were first supported by a train operator, but because to increased trust and sophisticated technology, they are now entirely automated. Driver cabins and partition walls have been eliminated to improve passenger room and comfort. New grab poles, a larger standing area, and sophisticated CCTV surveillance are also part of this renovation. Real-time track monitoring significantly enhances commuter safety and convenience.
Transportation issues, including potholes and HS2, energize voters, yet certain solutions are unassailable.
Many analysts believe that road pricing is inevitable as the Tories and Labour court drivers with promises of rail transformation.In ten years, safer roads, cleaner fuels, and better trains would be the kinds of transportation-related topics that command pragmatism in British politics.However, transportation has been extremely politicized in this election, with high-speed rail, speed limits, and clean air all being drawn into the larger culture conflicts.Meanwhile, from crumbling rail systems to the potholes that dot Britain's asphalt, transportation has come to represent deterioration and the deteriorating public sphere. What issues might be resolved by the election, and which transportation measures are thought to be too hard to sell?The front lines of the culture war: Ulez, HS2, and drivers Declaring Labour to be “the only party on the side of drivers” may have been one of Keir Starmer's less persuasive recent repositionings in response to the lengthy Conservative effort to emphasize its support for “people’s freedom to use their cars”.In a conference speech that seemed to confirm internet conspiracy theories about 15-minute cities, Transport Secretary Mark Harper first presented the Tory plan for drivers in 2023. It also marked a distinct departure from some of the urban planning policies the government had supported during COVID. The party's manifesto now prominently features its "backing drivers bill" in a chapter devoted to "strengthening our communities," promising to reverse the expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) and limit low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20 mph zones. This unpopular move has been firmly blamed on Labour by the mayor, Sadiq Khan, despite the government's own role in its establishment. The Reform UK manifesto, which would do away with the 20 mph speed limit, uses language similar to ending a "war on motorists."
The BlackSuit hacker responsible for the CDK Global attack against US auto dealers
Reuters, June 27, SAN FRANCISCO - Operations at car dealerships across the United States have been affected by a hack into software company CDK Global. This is the most recent in a string of attacks in which ransom-demanding cybercriminals target large corporations by entering behind-the-scenes software vendors.Car dealerships frequently utilize software from CDK to handle sales and other operations. Numerous dealers have reportedly begun manually processing transactions as a result of the hack, according to local press sources.The hacker organization analysts believe BlackSuit is the source of the CDK hack. Here's more about them:WHAT OR WHO IS A BLACKSUIT? The group first appeared in May 2023, although not much is known about them. Experts claim that it is a relatively new cybercrime outfit that split off from the more established and well-known RoyalLocker hacking group, which has ties to Russia. Born out of another successful gang called Conti, RoyalLocker was a formidable hacker outfit that mostly targeted American companies. Analysts estimate that Royal was the third most persistent ransomware organization, behind LockBit and ALPHV.However, compared to the others, BlackSuit is less combative. According to Kimberly Goody, head of cybercrime analysis at Mandiant Intelligence, the amount of victims listed on its data leak website indicates it does not have as many hacking partners as larger ransomware groups."BlackSuit victims span a wide range of sectors and have been overwhelmingly based in the U.S., followed by the U.K. and Canada," the spokesperson stated.
