In a significant development this week, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda hosted a workshop to discuss the future of combustion engines. The automakers unveiled a plan to co-develop engines powered by synthetic fuels, aiming to retrofit these into electrically designed vehicles. However, they left key details such as timelines, costs, and emissions impacts unaddressed, sparking questions about the viability of their strategy.
Meanwhile, Tesla is making strides in China with plans to register its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Elon Musk’s recent meeting with Chinese officials may pave the way for internal testing on China’s roads, marking a significant step towards introducing FSD to the Chinese market. This move could open new revenue streams for Tesla, which has faced a sales decline in China amid stiff competition from local EV makers.
The debate over hybrids has intensified, with Ford and General Motors expressing contrasting views. Ford CEO Jim Farley advocates for hybrids as a profitable long-term solution, while GM CEO Mary Barra sees them as a temporary step towards zero-emission electric vehicles. Both companies, however, remain committed to their electric vehicle strategies, with Ford focusing on a new affordable EV project and GM planning to launch several new electric models in the coming years.
The automotive industry continues to navigate the transition to sustainable mobility, with each player carving out its path in this evolving landscape.