Mexico’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market is creating new opportunities across battery production, materials, charging infrastructure and electronics, as Chinese companies look to move beyond vehicle exports towards broader overseas supply-chain partnerships. Hong Kong could play a strategic role in connecting Mexican businesses with mainland China’s manufacturing capabilities, investment and research resources. According to the source commentary, Mexico’s EV market has evolved considerably over the past 16 years, with more brands offering vehicles across different price ranges and driving ranges, alongside the expansion of residential, corporate and industrial charging infrastructure. However, demand for EV purchases is growing faster than the capacity to maintain them,...
France-headquartered Drone Volt has unveiled its Hercules 100 heavy-lift cargo drone, combining an aluminium-and-carbon chassis with a payload capacity of up to 100 kilogrammes (kg). Introduced in flight at the UAV Show in Bordeaux on October 9, 2026, the foldable octocopter is designed for industrial logistics, civil protection, firefighting and defence. Designed and assembled in France, the aircraft marks the company’s move from the 25 kilogrammes class to a 100 kilogrammes payload platform. Aluminium and carbon highlight the design The Hercules 100 has a maximum take-off weight of 197 kg. It weighs 52 kg without batteries and 97 kg with its battery pack, leaving capacity for a full 100 kg payload. Its chassis combines aluminium and carbon fibre, with a wheelbase of 3,300 mm. When...
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Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2, an electric motorcycle made in India by a Bengaluru-based startup, is being launched in international markets after its success among domestic clientele. An all-aluminium IP-67-rated enclosure EV tuned more towards performance was launched in April this year with a facelifted feature, renamed the F77 Mach 2, at an ex-showroom price of INR 2.99 lakh (USD 3556). Ultraviolette has announced through a media release that the F77 Mach 2 has attained an international credential from the 'United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)'. The L3e certification approves the vehicle for road usage across 40 countries globally, which also includes the European Union (EU). The F77 MACH 2 is authorised for A1 and A2 licence holders across Europe and other international...
Digger Specialties Inc. (DSI), a premier manufacturer of outdoor living products, is excited to announce the introduction of a new 3-5/8″ mesh infill option for the Westbury® Sorrento Mesh Aluminium Railing, effective November 1, 2024. This option offers a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic that enhances the visual appeal of decks, balconies, and porches. Exceptional durability and resistance The Westbury Sorrento Mesh Railing is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to weather elements. In addition to the newly launched 3-5/8″ stainless steel mesh railing, DSI continues to offer the smaller 2-3/8″ stainless steel mesh infill railing, which was introduced in May 2024. The Westbury Sorrento Mesh Railing is an ideal choice for homeowners and commercial property owners...
ConMet’s Preset Plus® aluminium wheel ends with disc brakes, a key OEM component for heavy vehicles, have become an essential part of Kraft Tank’s latest innovation, the Omni Tank Trailer. Preset Plus® is expected to confer all the benefits recognised for in the heavy-duty transportation industry to the Omni Tank Trailer. Preset Plus® aluminium wheel ends are the original pre-adjusted hub that ensures easy installation, safety, and reduced vehicle weight. Besides, due to its tapered roller bearings and premium seals, the Preset Plus® system also assures durability and high performance in the most demanding environments. These features even optimise fuel efficiency and amplify the payload capacity of any heavy vehicle. Considering all these advantageous attributes, Conmet’s Preset Plus®...
On October 8th, Lizhong Group announced that its subsidiaries—Xintai Wheel, Mexico Lizhong, and Baoding Lizhong—have secured fixed-point contracts for aluminium alloy wheel projects with two major customers. The project with Customer 1 is anticipated to begin mass production in early 2025 and will span a lifecycle of 10 years, with projected sales totalling approximately RMB 5.24 billion. Meanwhile, the project with Customer 2 is expected to commence mass production in May 2025 and will have a lifecycle of 5 years, generating estimated sales of around RMB 290 million. The anticipated sales from both projects are projected to reach about RMB 5.53 billion. This designated project could potentially allow for the sharing of products with future projects. Lizhong Group positions itself as a...
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has confirmed significant tariffs on imported aluminium printing plates from China and Japan, responding to concerns that unfairly low-priced imports are harming the lone remaining US producer, Kodak. The tariffs are expected to impact around $100 million in imports, a move to safeguard domestic industry jobs and production standards. The conflict dates back to last year, when Kodak, now the last standing US manufacturer of aluminium printing plates, filed a petition claiming that the prices of imported plates were severely undercutting the market. The company argued that Chinese and Japanese plates are priced "unfairly low," damaging US competitiveness and production sustainability. This week, the USITC supported Kodak's concerns,...
Me & the Bees Lemonade, a trailblazer in sustainable beverage production and a passionate advocate for pollinator protection, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a sustainable packaging transformation. The company is making the shift from glass bottles to 100 per cent recyclable, sleek 12-ounce aluminium cans for its line of all-natural lemonades. Cheers to 15 years of success! Same great taste, now in convenient, sustainable packaging for on-the-go enjoyment. Royal mission with a sustainable strategy Founded with a mission to help save the bees, Me & the Bees has consistently championed sustainability. This packaging transition further enhances the brand's environmental commitment by moving from an already eco-conscious option to an even more sustainable one with aluminium cans....
To provide safer and easier commutation solutions for the outdoors, a Massachusetts-based brand, Alummikon, has come up with above-ground walkways and bridges, which are skillfully contrived elevated structures designed to provide accessibility over formidable terrains, such as waterways, uneven landforms, etcetera. Made from sustainable aluminium, these products are, on one hand, sturdy and lightweight and, on the other, are also recyclable, minimising dumping possibilities and reducing the environmental footprint. The design of the walkways and bridges leaves space for the continued growth of natural vegetation beneath them while providing skid-resistant passage for pedestrians. Keeping footfall above exposed ground areas, these walkways help in the prevention of soil erosion and...
Sakuu®, a leading provider of commercial-scale battery manufacturing equipment and technology, has announced a joint development agreement with ELEQTRION, a Quebec-based innovator in aluminium-ion battery technology. The collaboration will capitalise on Kavian’s cost-effectiveness and reduced carbon footprint to drive advancements in sustainable energy. By combining Sakuu’s Kavian™ platform with ELEQTRION’s specialised battery electrodes, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of aluminium-ion batteries for a range of applications, from small to large-scale energy storage and e-mobility solutions. As global demand for reliable and sustainable energy storage continues to rise, the development of alternative battery chemistries has become essential. Robert Bagheri, founder and...
A custom superyacht builder company from Australia has commenced construction of the largest aluminium-hulled catamaran in the world. Echo Yacht, a company based out of Henderson, has begun work on the ASC57 in its superyacht construction facility in the Western Australia's Australian Marine Complex. They have joined forces with prominent Dutch sailing yacht designers - Dykstra Naval Architects, who are providing the yacht's exterior's make, layout and naval architecture with an enviable list of project credentials, including their iconic sailing yacht projects such as S/Y Black Pearl and S/Y Hetairos and Australia's leading aluminium multihull specialists - One2Three Naval Architects. Mark Stothard, Owner and Director of Echo Yachts stated when the project was announced, "This new...
Ahead of the Christmas festivities, Reynolds Wraps has brought unique solutions to all gift-packing needs. Those who indulge in homemade gift items such as food or home decor or like to share festive leftovers with near and dear ones also tantalise over the presentation of these items, and there comes the role of the adorable and limited edition aluminium wrapping foils from Reynolds Wraps, which are available on Amazon and Walmart. To bring this rendition to life, the company has teamed up with artist Brittany Jepsen from The House That Lars Built. For the foil wrapping selection, she has created original motifs of snowflakes, penguins, peppermints, and teddy bears. "A creative presentation of any gift really makes all the difference," said Brittany Jepsen. "As a lover of crafts and...
Crown Holdings Inc., a leading American company specialising in making metal beverage and food cans, metal closures, and speciality packing, has announced its third-quarter financial results, which have marked significant growth in each global beverage can business, exceeding original expectations. In the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, net sales reached $3,074 million, increasing from $3,069 million a year ago, attributed to higher shipments of global beverage cans and food cans in Brazil, Europe, Mexico, and the United States. In H1 2024, Brazil reported growing beverage can sales led by favourable macroeconomic conditions. Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers expressed an estimated 5 per cent growth in beverage can sales at the end of the year, compared to an...
On September 26th, the groundbreaking ceremony of the much-awaited 20MW photovoltaic project was held at the Sichuan Zhongfu factory area. This ambitious project will utilise approximately 180,000 square meters of rooftop space from the Sichuan Zhongfu factory, with a total investment of around RMB 70 million and an anticipated installation capacity of 20MW. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate about 15 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to saving over 1,800 tons of standard coal each year. Once connected to the grid, this initiative will further reduce the carbon footprint of the company’s products and enhance the green credentials of the aluminium industry supply chain. The event was attended by notable figures, including Ren Huaxian, Deputy...
Proving the speculations true, a giant aluminium sculpture of a pigeon has been installed above the intersection of 10th Avenue and 30th Street in New York City. The 16-foot-tall non-monument, as described by Creator Iván Argote, is given an unusual name: Dinosaur. "The name Dinosaur makes reference to the sculpture's scale and to the pigeon's ancestors who dominated the globe millions of years ago, as we humans do today," Argote said. "The name also serves as a reference to the dinosaur's extinction. Like them, one day, we won't be around anymore, but perhaps a remnant of humanity will live on — as pigeons do — in the dark corners and gaps of future worlds. I feel this sculpture could generate an uncanny feeling of attraction, seduction and fear among the inhabitants of New York."...
Vision Art Aluminum, a leader in premium outdoor solutions, proudly introduces its custom-designed sunrooms and pergolas, crafted to transform outdoor spaces for both homeowners and businesses. With a focus on quality, innovation, and personalized service, Vision Art Aluminum is redefining the beauty and functionality of outdoor living. The company’s sunrooms and pergolas are built using the highest-grade materials, including premium German hardware and top-quality aluminium, to ensure exceptional durability and lasting elegance. Each structure is expertly engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions while enhancing energy efficiency, offering year-round comfort and beauty. “Our team of skilled designers collaborates closely with each client to create stunning sunrooms and elegant...
Since the 1950s, fibreglass had, for an elongated span of time, taken over the boat manufacturing industry. However, aluminium had been a choice prior and is coming back to the market yet again, all with good reasons. Aluminium is a lightweight material with post-repair strength equivalent to new. The protective layer of aluminium oxide formed on the bare outer body of any aluminium-built boat adds a natural greyish tone to the boat's look. Above all, unlike other materials, aluminium boats do not fade over time due to exposure to UV rays. But how did aluminium lose its fanbase? In the early 1960s, boat sales skyrocketed in the United States. Manufacturers needed a cost-effective material that was easy to mould, did not need much maintenance, and could retain its look and feel for years....
Clearpath Robotics brings the Husky A300, which can travel at a speed of 4.47 miles per hour and has a payload capacity of 220 pounds. It can travel in diverse geography and has a power backup of up to 12 hours. The innovation can be customised and accessorised with third-party commodities such as cameras, LiDARs, manipulators, and custom appliances as per the owner's choice. It is built with a robust aluminium weather-resistant chassis and an IP54 rating, which enables the machine to withstand even the harshest environments. A high-torque drivetrain complimented by four in-wheel brushless motors means that whether it is rocky terrain, hills, mud, sand, or inclement weather, Husky is up for the challenge. Husky comes equipped with four programmable LED lights—two at the front and two at...
Commercial revival in the Chinese market during September 2024, driven by the economic stimulus package, is mirrored in the robust growth in car sales, including battery-electric vehicles and plug-in electric cars. Enhanced vehicle trade-in policies have also had beneficial effects on domestic car sales and production, as highlighted by the Shanghai Metals Market survey. The increase in vehicle production, particularly electric cars, indicates a potential rise in aluminium consumption as a key element used in the production of automobile components. Production and sales figures According to the data revealed by SMM based on the China Passenger Car Association survey, China's new passenger vehicle (NEPV) production demonstrated a surge of 51.5 per cent year-on-year and an increase of 16.2...
The landlocked country in the southern Africa region, Zimbabwe, is taking significant steps to regulate the importation of aluminium sulphate, focusing on reducing cost barriers for local manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness in domestic, regional, and international markets. During a recent visit to Chilmund Chemical, a Bindura-based water treatment chemicals manufacturer, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu underscored the importance of supporting local production. He visited the facility and reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to identifying and addressing cost-related challenges faced by Zimbabwean manufacturers, ensuring they can effectively export their products. Aluminium sulfate is widely used in water purification and chemical phosphorus removal...
