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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Volkswagen Group, a German public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles, is reportedly considering closing one of its large vehicle plants and one component factory in Germany as part of the ongoing cost-cutting drive at its core VW brand. Cost curtail goal Through this cost curtail goal, Volkswagen Group aims to save €10 billion ($11.07 billion) by 2026 to save up for electric car manufacturing. Moreover, this move is much needed to streamline the production costs given higher logistics, energy, and labour value. Amid the economic upheaval impacting consumers’ purchasing power, Volkswagen Group recorded the H1 2024 brand margin falling to 2.3 per cent versus 3.8 per cent during the corresponding period of the previous year. Recently, the automaker,...
Globally, more than 2 billion people lack access to safe, uncontaminated drinking water*, with 418 million of them living in African nations**. This issue is particularly severe in rural areas, where rivers, lakes, and hand-dug wells serve as the primary water sources, often contaminated by harmful pathogens. The contamination stems from inadequate sanitation facilities, open defecation, and agricultural runoff, leading to devastating consequences. Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea claim hundreds of thousands of lives in Africa each year, with children being especially at risk due to their developing immune systems. This vicious cycle of waterborne illness not only endangers health but also entrenches poverty, as sick children miss school and adults are unable to...
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are collaborating on a new project to produce aluminium radiators, according to sources familiar with the matter. The project is slated for development within the Free Economic Zone of Alat in Azerbaijan, with the participation of Uzbekistan's trustworthy and responsible manufacturer investing approximately $10 million into the venture. The enterprise has one of the largest computer-integrated manufacturing facilities in Central Asia. Uzbekistan is a leading producer of electrical products, including transformers, cables, wires, electronics, and household appliances. Its exports exceed $1 billion annually. The country's major export markets include the CIS, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Azerbaijan's robust electrical industry is a significant player,...
UAE-based Dubal Extrusion Investment (DEI), a subsidiary of Dubal Holding (DH), has successfully completed the Phase I of the rooftop solar power generation project at OSE Industries, a local aluminium extrusion company under DEI's ownership. The project, carried out by Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC, became operational in early July. The project was executed under a Solar Lease Agreement, eliminating upfront costs and offering a seamless solution for operation, maintenance, and affordable energy rates. About the solar project Located on the rooftops of buildings 1 and 2 at the OSE plant, the solar system boasts a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak (kWp) and is projected to produce 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually. With a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak...
Beverage can manufacturers stand to gain from AkzoNobel's drive for innovation with the introduction of a cutting-edge internal coating technology. The company's Packaging Coatings division has unveiled Accelshield™ 300, an advanced inside spray coating for aluminium beverage cans. This new solution is entirely free of bisphenols, styrene, PFAS, and formaldehyde and surpasses existing industry technologies by offering enhanced corrosion protection, flexibility, and superior sensory performance. Accelshield 300 technology "Our Accelshield 300 technology is further proof of our commitment to helping customers make the transition to a bisphenol-free world. We're providing the market with a more sustainable alternative that comes with even better performance, and because it far exceeds...
The concept of alloy wheels dates back to the early 1920s when they were used to enhance vehicles’ performance. The journey started with alloy wheels made from wooden planks with rounded edges and progressed until the age of aluminium alloy wheels. 1974 was the year that marked the first offer of aluminium alloy wheels to the general public on the VW Golf, Scirroco, Passat, and Audi as a low-cost, high-performance option for motorsports. Today, these wheels are a popular choice with the attainment of many other advantageous factors like heat dissipation, improved horsepower, better braking, better conduction, lower maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Following various advancements in aluminium alloy wheels triggering demand, the global market size of the product is estimated to grow to...
Cerebral Energy (cerebral.eco) has announced that it has been awarded a Phase II STTR follow-on contract from AFWERX, valued at $1.6 million. This funding will advance the development of AGILE, a groundbreaking lithium-free secondary battery utilising recycled aluminium and graphene from US waste streams. Developed by Dr. Lynden Archer, Dean of the School of Engineering at Cornell University, and licensed by Cerebral, AGILE offers over three times the efficiency of lithium batteries, eliminates fire risk, charges ten times faster, and avoids supply chain challenges due to its use of domestically sourced recycled materials. The initial deployment will focus on supporting AFSOC medical modernisation teams to address critical tactical power needs. "On behalf of Cornell University, we are...
Australia-based packaged water company Billy has taken its sustainability game to a new level with the newly launched 100 per cent natural spring water in aluminium cans. The new Australian spring water brand, hailing from the pristine springs of Mt Buninyong, Victoria, is on a mission to replace plastic with sustainable and recyclable metal like aluminium. “The bold, eye-catching design ensures that Billy stands out, making it the perfect choice for those who are serious about hydration and environmental stewardship,” said Billy. Crafted in Australia, Billy’s durable, recyclable aluminium cans are designed to complement the freshness of the water they hold. Available in both still and sparkling varieties, Billy promises that water has never looked or tasted better. Aluminium beverage...
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Government of India, has issued a notice regarding the appropriate units of measurement for the sale of food wrapping paper and aluminium foils used for carrying food products. These products are sold by weight (in kilograms) and/or length (in metres). The notice cites Rule 12 and Rule 16 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which require that the quantity declaration on packaging be precise and accurate for consumer transparency. The packaging must state the number of usable sheets and dimensions for items like aluminium foils. The Ministry proposes that both weight (kg) and dimensions (metre x metre or cm x cm) be declared on packaging to ensure that consumers have accurate information about the...
South Africa’s state-owned energy company Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd has reportedly launched electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in Midrand as part of its long-term commitment to support the growth of the eMobility sector within South Africa and contribute to the nation’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions. In collaboration with Gridcars, Eskom has installed ten EV charging stations across five sites nationwide. These sites include Brackenfell in Cape Town, Mkondeni in Pietermaritzburg, Tlhabane Customer Network Centre in Rustenburg, and Marathon Customer Network Centre in Mbombela. Each station has direct current (DC) fast chargers capable of delivering 60kW of power and dual alternating current (AC) chargers with 22kW of power,...
Alumobility, established in 2021, is a global collaborative network designed to promote the use of aluminium in the automotive industry. The ecosystem brings together leading aluminium producers—Constellium, Novelis, and Speira—with downstream technology partners and OEMs. "What we are trying to do is create a team of people with wide industry knowledge, including our technical partners, like Magna, Atlas Copco, and Fisher," said Mark White, technical director of Alumobility. Through joint project studies, Alumobility aims to develop innovative systems that enable the creation of lighter, safer, and more sustainable vehicles. In its first three years, Alumobility completed six major aluminium conversion projects, each demonstrating significant weight reduction while meeting or surpassing...
Ball Corporation partners with global beverage giants to advance sustainability in aluminium packaging as demand surges amid growing environmental concerns. According to a leading industry expert, global aluminium demand is expected to rise by 40 per cent by 2030, driven by its superior recyclability and lower carbon footprint compared to other packaging materials. Aluminium plays a crucial role in global food and beverage packaging, ensuring freshness and safeguarding contents. However, enhancing the recyclability of aluminium-containing food and drink packaging remains a significant global challenge that Ball Corporation is actively addressing. Aluminium is highly recyclable on its own, but when used in mixed packaging, it can impede the recyclability of many products, posing a...
The international organisation representing aluminium aerosol cans manufacturers (AEROBAL) has reportedly announced the winners of the industry's prestigious competition, the World Aluminium Aerosol Can Awards 2024. This year, top brands like Adidas, Grand Tongo, etc. bagged prizes under different categories. With its rigorous standards, the globally renowned AEROBAL Award has become a benchmark for outstanding performance in the aluminium aerosol can industry, attracting participants and recognition from around the world. The awards, judged by an international panel of trade journalists from the top can and packaging magazines, including World Aerosols, recognise excellence in three categories: 'Aluminium Aerosol Cans Already on the Market,' 'Prototypes,' and 'Sustainability.'...
The use of aluminium in trains has steadily increased in recent years and is likely to continue in the years to come. Aluminium can cut the total weight of a rail car body by half, making it a critical component in the railway industry’s shift. Aluminium is crucial in modernising trains and boosting energy efficiency. INNOVIA 300 APM vehicles Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is set to become the first U.S. airport to utilise the INNOVIA 300 APM vehicles, featuring regenerative braking system. The outer layer of the INNOVIA 300 APM is composed of aluminium, thus indicating a steady increase in its use for train bodies. An APM (Automated People Mover) is a fully automatic system without drivers and usually moves along on a flat plane, which differentiates it from funicular railways....
As part of a bold move to protect local jobs and the North American auto industry, Ryan Williams, MP for the Bay of Quinte, Canada, will reportedly submit a motion in Parliament on August 21, 2024, questioning the Federal Government's stance on tariffs for electric vehicles imported from China. In a press release issued by his office, Williams expressed concern that the influx of Chinese electric vehicles poses a significant threat to the livelihood of North American auto workers. He emphasised the potential impact on local jobs in Belleville, particularly at automotive parts manufacturers Magna International and Hanon Systems. Williams stated in the release, “We have an integrated North American automotive industry that employs 500,000 people in Canada, including car dealers, auto part...
The China-based world's largest EV maker, BYD, marked a significant milestone as the first customer delivery of its YANGWANG U9 electric supercar rolled off the production line. The company announced that deliveries of the U9 will commence shortly, setting a new benchmark in automotive production standards. To meet the exacting demands of the YANGWANG U9, BYD has constructed a state-of-the-art factory dedicated exclusively to its production. This facility includes specialized zones for body assembly, general assembly, logistics, and auxiliary functions. Central to the factory's operations is a 2,000-square-meter temperature and humidity-controlled cleanroom specifically designed to produce the vehicle's carbon fibre cabin. This cleanroom ensures an ultra-high standard environment,...
North America's premier outdoor and conservation company, Bass Pro Shops, has announced a reduction in its aluminium boatbuilding workforce, trimming approximately 10 per cent of its employees. The company employs around 1,000 individuals across its Lebanon and Bolivar, Missouri facilities. This decision is part of a strategic adjustment in response to evolving market conditions and operational efficiencies. Bass Pro stated, “The decision to eliminate any position is not something we take lightly. Our employees are the best in the industry and have never wavered in their commitment to building superior products for our customers. Out of respect and appreciation for their dedicated service, the company will continue to support each outfitter as fairly as possible through the transition.”...
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A., a global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable packaging solutions, has appointed Stefan Schellinger, who will succeed David Bourne as a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The appointment will be effective from September 1, 2024. Schellinger will join Ardagh with more than 25 years of experience in finance and commerce. He also has a strong background in relevant industrial end markets as he previously worked as CFO and Executive Director at ContourGlobal plc and Essentra plc. Schellinger served ContourGlobal plc as Executive Vice President, Global Chief Financial Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors from 2019 to 2023. Before that, he was Group Finance Director and Executive Director of the diversified industrial company Essentra plc from...
