Lightweighting
EIB supports PWO, Germany, for factory expansion in Serbia
On September 22, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced that it is lending EUR 15 million to PWO Group. The EIB loan covers machinery for a new manufacturing facility that PWO Group opened last year in Cacak in central Serbia. The new plant produces advanced lightweight components for the automotive industry, i
VW unveils Mission Efficiency electric coupe prototype
On September 14, VW unveiled the Mission Efficiency prototype, a near-production electric vehicle that showcases technologies aimed at maximizing efficiency.
The prototype set three world records, including the lowest drag coefficient for a road-approved car (Cd 0.158), ideal-condition energy consumption of 6.48 kWh/
IAA Transportation 2026: FORVIA to present comprehensive solutions for CVs
Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA (FORVIA HELLA) announced that FORVIA SE will unveil for the first time a unified vision for the commercial vehicle (CV) industry that brings together its five business groups at IAA Transportation 2026 from September 14-20.
FORVIA will highlight advanced solutions, including safety, comfort, lig
Tuopu Group postpones four projects financed with share offering proceeds until December 2027
Ningbo Tuopu Group Co., Ltd (Tuopu Group) announced that it had approved the postponement of certain projects financed with proceeds from its share offering. The expected dates for these projects to reach their intended operational status have been postponed from July or August 2026 to December 2027. The affected pro
Chenzhi Group and GAC Component sign an MoU to explore joint venture cooperation
Chenzhi Automobile Technology Group Co., Ltd. (Chenzhi Group) announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for joint venture cooperation with GAC Component Co., Ltd. (GAC Commponent) in Guangzhou, China. According to the MOU, Chenzhi (Chongqing) Lightweight Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Ch
Sharda Motor, India, updates about new patents and capacity expansion
In an investor update, Sharda Motor Industries Limited announced that during the last quarter of FY 2026 (ending March 31, 2026), it filed two additional patents, bringing the total number of patents filed to 22 and the total awarded patents to 4. Its R&D efforts are focused across emission and thermal management, li
Auto China 2026: ElringKlinger showcases solutions for NEVs
ElringKlinger AG presented itself at Auto China 2026 as a technology and development partner, with a focus on the Chinese and Asian markets as well as on New Energy Vehicles (NEV) applications of global relevance. The company emphasized its R&D capabilities and “local-for-local” approach to support global OEMs, inclu
Riversimple, UK, receives government funding for ZELLOR project
On April 9, Riversimple announced that it had received GBP 1.7 million for the Zero Emission Lightweight Long Range (ZELLOR) project. Riversimple is the lead company in the ZELLOR project, to demonstrate a vehicle with the unprecedented balance of zero emissions, light weight, and a 400-mile range. Funding is part of
Vibracoustic exhibits innovative NVH solutions at 5th Seres Lightweighting Conference
At the 5th Seres Lightweighting Conference, Vibracoustic, a Freudenberg SE subsidiary, exhibited a range of innovative lightweight automotive NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) reduction solutions. These solutions included several lightweight products for EVs, such as dual plastic spring pads made with double-laye
Toyota to lead UK consortium for development of lightweight EV
On October 15, the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) announced that Toyota will lead a consortium to research and develop a new lightweight battery electric vehicle in Derbyshire, UK.
The project aims to accelerate the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport by validating a novel, lightweight battery electric veh
FEV and Nature Architects, Japan partner to develop AI-driven lightweight vehicle structures
On September 25, FEV, an international engineering service provider, announced a strategic collaboration with the Japanese technology company Nature Architects (NA) to jointly develop innovative vehicle structures. The partnership aims to set new standards in lightweight construction, functionality, and development e
GRI and TE Connectivity establish joint innovation lab
On August 7, Geely Auto announced that Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) and TE Connectivity recently established a joint innovation lab in Ningbo, Zhejiang. The lab will focus on objectives such as next-generation electronic and electrical architecture innovation, wiring harness material innovation, automoti
IAA Mobility 2025: TI Automotive to make European debut
TI Automotive, formed through ABC Technologies’ acquisition of TI Fluid Systems in April 2025, will present its combined portfolio to the European market for the first time at IAA Mobility 2025, in Munich, Germany.
By combining TI Fluid Systems’ fluid management expertise with ABC Technologies’ strength in lightweig
PWO Group, Germany opens new site in Serbia
On July 3, PWO Group opened its new engineering and production site in Čačak, Serbia. It will commence production towards the end of 2025. It will see an investment of EUR 28 million. The new facility is built on a 100,000 square meter site with a scope for further expansion.
The PWO Group will engineer and produce s
Benteler partners with Tongji University in Shanghai to drive innovation in sustainable mobility
Benteler Group (Benteler) has partnered with Tongji University for joint research and talent development. Both partners will research on key topics such as lightweight construction, vehicle safety, and sustainable mobility. They also promote young talent through internships, training programs, and a dedicated scholar



Japan
USA
Mexico
Germany
China (Shanghai)
Thailand
India