Short Torque

Partnership agreed by Stellantis and JLR

Stellantis and Jaguar Land Rover struck a non-binding agreement on Tuesday to explore shared product and technology development in the US, the latest in a string of cross-brand partnerships reshaping the global auto industry. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding committing them to exploring collaboration across product design and technology, though neither side has announced specific programs or financial terms. Stellantis expects the deal to create benefits for both sides while remaining focused on delivering the products and experiences. Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India's Tata Motors, said collaboration will play an important role in unlocking new opportunities that support its long-term growth plans for the US market.

Fuel prices boost electric vehicle demand in Europe

Demand for electric vehicles in Europe has surged as high fuel prices propel sales of new and second-hand EVs. Buyers' calculations have been transformed by an upsurge in international oil prices to well above $100 a barrel. US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran at the end of February unleashed a wider conflict and led to an unprecedented energy supply disruption."This isn't a blip, it's an inflection point," said Gurjeet Grewal, CEO of UK-based Octopus Electric Vehicles. It registered a 95 percent year-on-year increase in demand for new EVs and a 160 percent rise for used EVs in April. Across Europe, data provided by research group New Automotive and industry group E-Mobility Europe showed registrations of new EVs rose 34 percent in April.

Thai watchdog looking into Volvo battery fires

Two new battery-related fires involving Volvo Cars' EX30 have prompted Thailand's consumer watchdog to consider civil action, adding pressure on the Swedish automaker as it grapples with a global recall of the electric SUV. In February, Volvo recalled more than 40,000 EX30s and replaced battery modules due to a defect that could cause packs to overheat and potentially catch fire. The Thai watchdog said on Tuesday it would escalate fire-risk complaints to an internal committee, a move that could lead to civil action against Volvo Thailand and its dealers. The agency is seeking refunds plus interest for 45 complainants. Civil action seeks remedies rather than criminal punishment. The move follows mounting customer frustration over delays in replacement parts.

Honda recalling 60,000 cars over camera fault

Japanese carmaker Honda is recalling nearly 60,000 vehicles in the US due to an increased risk of a crash or injury after some vehicles' rear-view camera display showed "distorted or blank" images, according to a notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The malfunction is happening because the camera's housing may not be properly bonded, according to the recall report. Because of this, the adhesive used to assemble the camera may separate, allowing moisture to corrode the camera's internal electrical components and cause the image to "become blurry, distorted, or fail to display, resulting in a black screen".

Motoring - Agencies