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.  

Uber Encourages Users to Try Other Modes of Transportation Instead of Driving a Car

Uber is encouraging users to embrace a "car-light lifestyle" by giving up their personal vehicle for five weeks.Uber announced in a press release on Thursday, June 27, that it will choose up to 175 participants for its One Less Car trial from seven locations in the US and Canada.According to the release, Uber will give each participant $1,000, which is equivalent to the average monthly cost of owning a vehicle, after reviewing their applications and choosing the participants. They can use this money for ridesharing, car rentals, public transportation, and Lime eBikes and eScooters that can be reserved through the Uber app.They will receive $300 to be used on other means including public transportation, a $200 voucher for carsharing or rental car services, and $500 in credit that can be used on the Uber app.Uber's similar program in Australia the previous year revealed that commuters who gave up their automobiles mostly turned to walking, cycling, and ride-sharing. The decision was made because transportation providers, such as well-known American airlines, anticipate high summertime travel and tourism.We were working separately for the first time throughout this four-day sprint. I had never worked alone before, so I was a little anxious and intimidated. Given how drastically the Uber app altered the transportation landscape, I chose to utilize it. With an emphasis on visual design, I will also be delving deeper into UI design and applying all the knowledge I have gained from UX design to create a high-fidelity native app prototype that represents the optimal course of action determined by testing, iteration, and research.Since its founding in 2009, Uber has conducted over 5 billion rides. New York is the state that uses it the most, and it is accessible in more than 80 countries globally.  

Automakers request a review of the emergency braking rule from a US body.

June 24, Washington, DC (Reuters) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was urged to reevaluate the April rule mandating nearly all new vehicles and trucks to have enhanced automatic emergency braking systems by 2029 by a group representing major automakers.Nearly all other automakers, along with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors (GM.N), Toyota Motor (7203.T), and Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), have stated that the April requirement, which stipulates that all cars and trucks must be able to stop and avoid striking vehicles in front of them at up to 62 miles per hour, is "practically impossible with available technology."Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems use cameras and radar to detect when a vehicle is close to crashing and then automatically apply brakes if the driver has not applied the brakes. Congress directed NHTSA to create a rule to establish minimum performance standards for AEB systems in the 2021 infrastructure law.According to the group, cars will "automatically apply the brakes far in advance of what a typical driver and others on the road would expect" as a result of the NHTSA's strict criteria at greater driving speeds, which could lead to rear-end collisions. Also, it said that NHTSA "vastly underestimated the amount of expensive hardware and software changes that automobiles would need to comply with. According to the auto group's CEO John Bozzella, the agency rejected automakers' concerns and the regulation "points to the breakdown of a deliberative rulemaking process at the country’s top traffic safety watchdog." "NHTSA’s action will require more costly systems that won’t improve driver or pedestrian safety," Bozzella wrote in a letter to Congress. One of the most comprehensive auto safety laws passed in the United States in recent memory is the mandate. Safety advocates claimed that the current systems were not operating well, particularly at night. They claim the new regulations are necessary to guarantee fewer collisions.  

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How can I move a car or RC two-wheeler from one state to another?

A mandatory document confirming that a car is registered with the local Road Transport Office (RTO) and is authorized to be driven on public roads is called a registration certificate (RC).The process of transferring a car's registration is laborious and intricate. Inter-state car registration transfers have increased significantly in the new millennium as a result of ongoing migration and relocation, mostly motivated by the desire for better employment opportunities. This is a regular occurrence in developing nations like India. In recent years, the Indian government has tried to streamline this procedure a little bit. Nonetheless, people are still ignorant of the necessary procedure for moving from one state to another due to a lack of appropriate rules. People consequently frequently turn to unfair methods in order to complete tasks.For the benefit of our readers, we will attempt to provide a simpler, step-by-step explanation of the registration certificate (RC) transfer procedure in this post. The actions that must be completed in order to transfer a vehicle's RC from one state to another are as follows:  

Demonstrators fight with police as they try to break into the German Tesla facility.

Opponents of the U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla's (TSLA.O) plans to expand by opening a new plant in Grueneheide, close to Berlin, battled with police on Friday, with some of them attempting to storm the premises.The organizing group, Disrupt Tesla, says that the development will harm the environment, and about 800 individuals participated in the demonstration.A Reuters video showed scores of individuals trying to rush the company's grounds while donning blue caps and masks that covered their faces. Police were trying to stop them, even using force. One protestor was taken into custody at least. "Why do the police let the left-wing protestors off so easily?" Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, stated on his social media site X that the protesters were unable to gain traction.Also, the footage showed medical professionals tending to a few injured individuals.Disrupt Tesla spokesman Ole Becker told Reuters, "We are here today to draw attention to the Tesla factory in Grunheide for the environmental destruction here."According to Becker, the organization also wishes to draw attention to the environmental damage caused by lithium mining in nations like Bolivia and Argentina. An essential component of batteries for electric vehicles is lithium.Mario Heinemann, a spokesman for the Brandenburg police, stated, "We defend the right to assemble, but we also uphold public safety and order. This implies that we will step in as well when required.The police verified that there had been some allegations of injuries and that the demonstrators had attempted to infiltrate the plant's grounds but were thwarted, with several individuals being placed under arrest.According to the police spokeswoman, some of the protestors used paint and fireworks at a nearby car storage site to damage a few Tesla cars.  

May sees a decline in retail automobile sales in India as weather and elections postpone purchases.

June 11, BENGALURU (Reuters) - A dealers' group reported on Monday that India's auto retail sales decreased 1% in May, reflecting slower wholesale growth as the country's intense heat and elections slowed demand and postponed buying choices.In May, there was a 2.6% increase in overall retail sales across all segments, which comprise commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, as opposed to a 27% increase in April.Carmakers' data, however, indicated a slowdown in sales in May. Dealers nationwide have been beset by an increasing stock of models that are sluggish to sell, particularly little cars, whose prices have increased more quickly than the earnings of their intended market. Because of this, the rise of retail sales has generally trailed behind that of wholesales, placing pressure on the dealers' finances.Customers avoided showroom visits due to the intense heat, with walk-ins declining by almost 18%, according to a statement from FADA President Manish Raj Singhania.  

Stellantis reports that 500,000 vehicles are being recalled due to airbag risk.

Revealed that its most recent recall involves more than 500,000 vehicles under the DS and Citroen brands that feature airbags manufactured by Japanese auto supplier Takata.Despite rumors to the contrary, Stellantis declared on Wednesday that it does not currently have intentions to increase the number of recalls for defective airbags in specific Citroen models. The explanation follows a report in the French newspaper Le Parisien suggesting that the automaker may expand the scope of the recall to include additional vehicles because of airbag problems associated with hot weather."At this time, there are no upcoming recall actions planned," a Stellantis spokeswoman said. With reference to the newspaper's report speculating about possible recalls for Citroen's C4, DS4, and DS5 models, this statement attempts to ease fears. These would come on top of the current CS3 and DS3 model recalls.According to the story published in Le Parisien, Stellantis was getting ready to recall more models, particularly those that were used in the south of France. The airbags that come with these cars are a source of concern because they are said to have problems in hot weather. Some owners of Citroen vehicles became concerned about their vehicles' safety as a result of the rumors.  

India launches its air taxi plan, with plans to launch in 2026 and have fares only marginally more than Uber's.

As had been planned for some time, the aviation ministry launched the urban air mobility project by forming many technical committees to prepare the ground for the launch of India's first air taxi in 2026.Narendra Modi has shown a great deal of enthusiasm in the initiative; the majority of pollsters believe he will return to power with a bang tomorrow.According to a June 3 ToI article, the committees established by the DGCA will determine how air taxis would be introduced across the country by 2026, with Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR leading the way. According to Saurabh Sinha's story in The Indian Express, there are intentions to grow to places like Chennai and Hyderabad in the future.India would be ahead of the curve in terms of regulatory readiness for eVTOL services for urban air mobility, according to sources mentioned in the study.Regarding the program's implementation in India, an Archer team has already visited with aviation officials there. For this project, InterGlobe Enterprises (IGE) communicates with the regulator on a regular basis. Rahul Bhatia, the CEO of IGE, has ordered 200 Midnight air taxis from Archer for a total estimated cost of $1 billion. Next year, Archer plans to launch in the US, with New York and Chicago as its initial locations. After that, they intend to launch air taxis in the United Arab Emirates and India.According to Bhatia, urban air mobility will significantly reduce the issue of traffic in Indian cities. "What mobile telephony did to India (for communications in the mid-1980s), urban (air) mobility will do the same." They were able to outpace people's communication skills. "This air taxi is not any different and will have a great impact on the nation," he stated.The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released the final airworthiness standards for Archer's Midnight aircraft for public examination, according to the ToI story. "This major regulatory milestone provides the path for Archer to achieve type certification for Midnight," reads a statement released by the company in late May. opens the door to working with the FAA to get the last few permissions needed for its certification and test plans... and gets ready to start its piloted flight.  

Kano will examine the transportation laws.

The Kano state administration claims to be developing a new public policy aimed at addressing the different obstacles preventing the state's transportation infrastructure from becoming contemporary, effective, and efficient.The state's commercial status and growing population are the main reasons for the need to develop new transportation policies.This information was disclosed on Wednesday by Muhammad I. Diggol, the Kano state commissioner for transportation, to journalists at a briefing regarding a policy stakeholders consultation conference that the ministry is organizing.According to Diggol, in addition to guaranteeing simple access to markets and industries, the new policy is expected to ensure that poverty persists and economic progress stagnates while also easing access to places of employment, education, health care, and other social amenities. The Kano State Government is creating a State Transport Policy to address the transportation issues, which will serve as a framework for choices about transportation both now and in the future. A stakeholder consultation will be included in the process of developing transport policy. Stakeholders will be asked to review the draft policy and offer constructive criticism and suggestions to improve it so that the final policy document can be implemented collaboratively."Kano State is holding a two-day stakeholder dialogue on the formulation of transport policy in Kano to attain this goal. Repositioning the industry for maximum productivity is the goal.    

Mahindras-svelte-electric-SUV-is-hinted-at-by-XUVe8-design-patents-What-can-we-anticipate

With the launch of the XUV.e8, an electric version of their well-liked XUV700, Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to increase the number of electric vehicles in their lineup. The corporation is currently testing prototypes of this new model, which has already been displayed in concept form. Mahindra has submitted for multiple design patents recently, covering the XUV.e8's appearance and interior.The design patents show that the XUV.e8 is very similar to the concept version that was previously presented, according to a report by HT Auto. Notable improvements include a new set of inverted L-shaped LED projector headlamps and a large LED lightbar that runs the length of the front of the car. Due to the lack of an internal combustion engine, the front bumpers have been altered and do not include the conventional grille.According to reports, the XUV.e8's side profile has aerodynamic wheel covers designed to improve air flow efficiency. The concept's flush-fitting door handles are still on the car. There aren't many modifications at the back, only a new bumper and an LED light bar, however the tail lamps should stay the same. The XUV.e8 will likewise have copper accents, just as the XUV400.Interior design elements, most notably a new two-spoke steering wheel, are also included in Mahindra's design patents. Four toggle switches are located on this hexagonal steering wheel, which has a red stripe at the top for controlling the infotainment system and instrument cluster. The lighted Mahindra emblem on the steering wheel is a novel touch that continues a trend observed in Tata cars. The revamped dashboard, which features a three-screen arrangement evocative of high-end automobile interiors, is another noteworthy interior upgrade. This comprises a passenger-side extra screen, an infotainment display, and an instrument cluster. With these improved technology features and style cues, Mahindra's electric vehicle portfolio is expected to gain something special with the XUV.e8.  

Tomorrows Lok Sabha elections in Delhi Be aware of whats open and closed on buses, metro, traffic advisories, and liquor stores.

Phase 6 voting in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections: The sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for May 25 in Delhi. In the meantime, the government has closed liquor stores and implemented extra bus and metro services to encourage voters to cast ballots on election day.On Saturday, May 25, Delhi will host polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. As part of the INDIA bloc, the Congress has teamed up with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is the party's closest rival. In the second-to-last round, all seven constituencies will be voted on in a single phase in the nation's capital.On election day, the state government has put in place a number of regulations, one of which is a 48-hour prohibition on alcohol sales.Also read: Full list of 58 seats up for election in Phase 6 of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on May 25 Delhi's Lok Sabha Election Let's examine the locations that are open and closed on election day: stores that sell alcohol The excise department announced that, in accordance with directives from the Indian Election Commission, all licensed establishments, including liquor outlets, in Delhi and the surrounding districts, including Faridabad and Gurgaon, will remain closed on May 25.The closure will be in place until May 25 at 6:00 p.m. The directives went into force at 6:00 p.m. on May 23. Additionally, the national capital forbids the sale of alcohol on June 4, the day of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 results.  

Best Midsize Car of the Year Texas Auto Writers Associations Annual Auto Roundup, 2024 Hyundai Sonata

DECATUR, Texas, May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup, which took place on April 23–24, 2024, has crowned the 2024 Hyundai Sonata the finest midsize car. Leading automotive journalists from Texas get together for the TAWA Auto Roundup, a major event in the industry, to assess the newest models on factors including overall appeal, performance, value, and safety.The 2024 Hyundai Sonata is honored with this accolade for its amazing value, superior performance, cutting-edge technology, and superb design. The Sonata outperformed a competitive field of competitors by impressing the TAWA judges with its cutting-edge features, fashionable appearance, and dedication to providing an outstanding driving experience.Senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America Olabisi Boyle commented, "We are immensely honored to receive this recognition from the Texas Auto Writers Association."  "Our dedication to innovation, quality, and customer pleasure is embodied in the Hyundai Sonata 2024. This honor recognizes the diligence and commitment of our whole team."According to Cory Fourniquet, president of the Texas Auto Writers Association, "The Hyundai Sonata impressed our judges with its attention to detail throughout, like the color-matched switchgear for the windows and door locks as well as the built-in sunshades in the rear windows." "Even though it sells in a segment that is dominated by a couple of heavy hitters, Hyundai does not shy away from the mid-size sedan market like other manufacturers that are retiring their sedans. The fact that Hyundai is sustaining competitiveness in the market is very amazing. Not only that, but it beat out the freshly introduced 2025 Toyota Camry for this distinction."The dynamic new design language, improved safety features, and array of cutting-edge technologies make the Hyundai Sonata of 2024 stand out. A redesigned front fascia with a cascading grille, sleek LED headlights, and strong character lines that give the Sonata a sensation of motion even when it is stationary are all part of its aerodynamic and dramatic design. The Sonata is a versatile alternative for a broad spectrum of drivers, offering both dynamic performance and exceptional fuel economy with a selection of strong and economical engines, including a hybrid option.American Hyundai Motor Company Hyundai Motor America supports Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity objective while providing a technologically advanced array of automobiles, SUVs, and electrified vehicles to American consumers. Hyundai maintains substantial activities in the United States, with its North American headquarters located in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing assembly factory in Alabama, the newly developed Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America situated in Georgia, and multiple state-of-the-art research and development centers. According to a recent economic impact assessment, these businesses, along with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, generate $20.1 billion in revenue and 190,000 employment for the American economy each year. To learn more, go to www.hyundainews.com.