Middle East crisis
Ilya Automotive restarts assembly of KGM Musso Grand Khan pickup truck
On June 15, multiple sources reported that Ilya Automotive Industries has resumed assembly of the KGM Musso Grand Khan pickup truck. It is the only Korean pickup truck in the Iranian market.
Its assembly was halted due to the blockage of trade and banking transactions and restrictions on maritime transport. Recently,
U.S. auto sales down 0.6% in May; High gas prices and rising electrified vehicle demand persist
Note: Some figures were updated on June 10.
According to preliminary figures compiled by MarkLines as of June 3, U.S. new vehicle sales in May 2026 (including estimated figures for GM, Stellantis, Tesla, etc.) totaled 1,469,774 units, down 0.6% year-over-year. The number of selling days in May was 26, one day fewer t
Kenya to support electric mobility amid global fuel crises
On May 22, the Kenyan President announced that the government is taking decisive measures to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The government has stabilized fuel prices through the Petroleum Development Fund and by cutting VAT from 16% to 8%. It is also accelerating inve
CIE Automotive India to shift focus of European business, flags supply risk From Iran war
In an investor update, CIE Automotive India announced that its European operations carry a significant dependency on forged crankshafts, a product category that is not required in electric vehicles. To offset the potential long-term decline in crankshaft demand, the company is pivoting its European portfolio toward s
Ola Electric, India gigafactory faces delay due to Iran war, pauses new product launches
In an investor update, Ola Electric announced that the commercialization of the remaining 3.5 GWh of its Gigafactory, which has been delayed to June 2026 due to container shipment disruptions caused by the Iran war. The company targets approximately 2 GWh of production output by September 2026.
For FY 2027 (ending Ma
Thai auto sector encourages B20 diesel amid energy security concerns
Announced on May 20, 2026, the Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA), together with the Department of Energy Business and oil distributors, held a press conference confirming that B20 diesel can be safely used in 1,135 vehicle models without affecting engine performance or manufacturer warranties. The compatibl
GB Auto, Egypt, plans cost optimization measures for subsidiaries in Iraq and Jordan
On May 17, GB Auto announced that performance across Iraq and Jordan remained impacted during the quarter by ongoing regional geopolitical tensions and softer market conditions, which continued to affect consumer demand, inventory dynamics, and overall market activity. As a result, its regional subsidiaries faced pre
GlobalData blog: How the Iran war is driving Europe toward Chinese EVs
Europe has established a policy framework to electrify its car market and curb its reliance on imported energy, and on the first count, it is delivering. In 2025, a fifth of all vehicles sold in Europe were electric, while 2026 is forecast to end closer to a quarter. March provided the clearest signal yet as Battery
ACEA suggests turning energy crisis into zero-emission mobility opportunity
On May 5, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) stated that the current instability in the Middle East and the volatility in global energy markets strengthen the case for accelerating the move away from fossil fuels in road transport. The current crisis highlights the need for concrete policy acti
Isuzu Thailand reviews sales targets amid Middle East export disruptions
Reported on May 4, 2026, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales is reassessing domestic and export sales targets as Middle East tensions disrupt trade routes, complicating shipments and making sales forecasting difficult. The conflict has weighed on Thailand’s pickup segment, which is largely dependent on exports to the region, with
U.S. auto sales down 6.0% in April, rising gasoline prices above USD 4 boost demand for sedans and electrified vehicles
Note: Some figures were updated on May 8.
According to preliminary figures compiled by MarkLines as of May 2, U.S. new‐vehicle sales in April 2026 (including estimated figures for GM, Stellantis, Tesla, etc.) totaled 1,374,365 units, down 6.0% year on year. The number of selling days in April was the same as a year e



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