
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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In response to a plea from the American Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch has delivered a truckload of over 50,000 aluminium canned emergency drinking water to residents in East Texas. This aid aims to bolster support amidst ongoing severe weather and flooding that has besieged multiple counties in the region and is projected to persist. Following a disaster declaration issued by the Texas government earlier this month for areas in East Texas ravaged by storms and flooding, homes, businesses, and the agricultural sector continue to grapple with the aftermath. In light of these challenges, Anheuser-Busch has stepped in to provide vital emergency drinking water to residents, assisting those already affected by recent severe weather and preemptively aiding those facing potential storm threats. "The...

Morgan Motor Company, in collaboration with Pininfarina S.p.A., has introduced the Midsummer, a limited-edition vehicle that epitomises over two centuries of combined coachbuilding expertise. This exquisite creation not only pays homage to the European barchetta design but also showcases Morgan's iconic silhouette, reflecting the brand's flexible design ethos. At the heart of Midsummer lies a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and sustainability. The cabin features more than 400 layers of sustainably sourced teak, meticulously laminated to create sculptured wooden structures. These elements enhance the vehicle's distinctive shoulder line, adding a touch of natural elegance. A hallmark of the Midsummer is its hand-formed aluminium body panels, each requiring over 250 hours to craft....

Recently, the vibrant landscape of timepieces has experienced a colourful renaissance, with hues ranging from bold and dramatic to subtle and refined. Amidst this spectrum of colours in 2024, white has notably stood out. Emblematic of sophisticated minimalism, this monochromatic aesthetic exudes elegance and versatility, pairing seamlessly with any attire. Bulgari's newly unveiled Aluminium White Automatic exemplifies this trend. Initially introduced in 1998, the Bulgari Aluminium collection is renowned for its unconventional yet sporty blend of an aluminium case and rubber strap. The watch is crowned by a distinctive rubber bezel emblazoned with the iconic "Bvlgari Bvlgari" signature that debuted on a Bulgari timepiece in 1977. The Aluminium White Automatic showcases a sleek aluminium...

Eternia, India's first WiWA-tested brand offering aluminium doors and windows made Duranium™, invented by Hindalco, is on an ambitious expansion journey across the nation. In the past three months alone, Eternia has proudly unveiled experience centres in key cities such as Indore, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Kolkata, marking a significant stride in its growth strategy. The new experience centres This rapid expansion of new experience centres is a testament to Eternia's unwavering dedication to its customers. By strategically extending its reach beyond Tier 1 cities, Eternia is making it more convenient for its diverse customer base to access its top-notch aluminium doors and windows. This move is a clear demonstration of Eternia's commitment to providing a seamless and satisfying...

In a strategic move to enhance its market footprint, on May 17, 2024, ABB announced the acquisition of Siemens' wiring accessories business in China. This acquisition is set to significantly broaden ABB's reach and strengthen its customer offerings in the smart buildings sector within the region. ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The integration of Siemens' established business in China aligns with ABB's ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. This acquisition reinforces ABB's position in the market and promises to deliver enhanced value to customers seeking advanced smart building technologies. With this expansion, ABB continues solidifying its industry leadership, leveraging...

Marking a new era for its premium devices, Motorola unveils the stunning and balanced edge family line-up: motorola edge 50 ultra, motorola edge 50 pro, and motorola edge 50 fusion. Featuring a slim sandblasted aluminium frame, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, and IP68 underwater protection, the premium design ensures both aesthetic appeal and durability. Consumers can confidently take this device anywhere without compromising on style or reliability. Powered by moto AI, the advanced camera system of the edge 50 ultra delivers phenomenal performance enhancements in photography and videography. The innovative Photo Enhancement Engine simplifies capturing flawless photos with every click. No expertise is required; leveraging AI, it seamlessly integrates settings from various shooting modes...

With the rapid advancement of human civilisation, air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have posed a significant threat to humanity for years. Energy conservation and emission reduction have become crucial priorities in the transportation industry. According to AL Circle's report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024," aluminium usage in the transportation sector was 27.5 million tonnes in 2023. This demand is expected to increase to 28.2 million tonnes in 2024.Today, millions of people and tonnes of goods are transported on trains yearly because they are the most efficient, convenient, and comfortable means of transportation. Since their inception during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, railways have undergone constant development to increase their efficiency,...

On May 15, 2024, Oslo's burgeoning fleet of floating saunas welcomed its newest flagship, Trosten, featuring a universal design aimed at inclusivity and an innovative façade crafted from Hydro CIRCAL. Crafted using Hydro CIRCAL, a revolutionary material comprising a minimum of 75 per cent recycled post-consumer aluminium scrap, Trosten sets a new standard in sustainability by drastically reducing its carbon footprint. Spearheaded by the Oslo Sauna Association, this unveiling marks a significant step towards fulfilling the association's mission to make Norway's capital an urban hotspot by democratising access to saunas since 2016. This vision has been realised through a creative collaboration with the renowned Spanish architectural firm eStudio Herreros and Hydro, a prominent player in...

Developed jointly by Thomas Cappelen Malling and Sjur Stangebye-Hansen, Radium Instruments, the Norwegian watch brand known for using Hydro aluminium, has now taken a step further by incorporating Hydro CIRCAL's recycled aluminium into its watch cases. In its latest collection, the watch cases are constructed from Hydro CIRCAL aluminium, which contains over 75 per cent recycled material. Using recycled aluminium significantly reduces energy consumption during the production phase. About Radium Instruments Beyond supplying the material, Hydro has actively collaborated in the watch's prototyping process and provided manufacturing data to optimise the use of Hydro CIRCAL in the watch case. This case houses the high-quality Swiss ETA 2892-2 movement. "Aluminium stands out for being a strong,...

Under the careful guidance of the Party Committee of Chinalco Henan Luoyang Aluminum Foil Company, three workshops - the aluminium foil workshop, the finishing car workshop, and the three storage and transportation workshops, demonstrated remarkable execution. Throughout this period, they effectively fulfilled diverse responsibilities and realized the objective of integrating party-building efforts, doubling their impact. It was a period of significant production achievements. The aluminium foil workshop, with its record-high throughput, marked a notable 9.8 per cent increase from the previous month, a testament to its collective efforts. Similarly, the finishing workshop reached a historic peak in completion throughput, registering a remarkable month-on-month increase of 10.9 per cent, a...

L’OCCITANE Group, renowned for their commitment towards sustainability has announced the appointment of Evelyne LY-Wainer as the new Managing Director for Global Travel Retail, effective immediately. L’OCCITANE, the premium sustainable beauty brand has been promoting sustainability by incorporating the usage of aluminium in their packaging. With over two decades of invaluable experience in premium travel retail and luxury brand management, Evelyn brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her extensive expertise in the luxury beauty sector, combined with her visionary approach and profound understanding of the travel retail landscape, positions her perfectly to lead the Group’s esteemed Global Travel Retail team to new heights of success. Laurent Marteau, Group CEO, said, ‘We are...

Discussions surrounding sustainability, carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and achieving net-zero targets are the most common topics across various industries, with a notable focus on the aluminium sector. With this similar mission of reducing the carbon footprint, sustainable detergent brand Ripl Efek has launched refillable detergent cartridges in recyclable aluminium bottles. About the bottles Designed meticulously from aluminium , Ripl Efek aims to revolutionize the laundry industry with its groundbreaking patented dispenser system. At the heart of their solution is a state-of-the-art laundry detergent dispenser crafted from durable stainless steel. Essentially, Ripl Efek isn't just offering a product; they're introducing a paradigm shift towards eco-conscious laundry practices....

Korail unveils the KTX-Cheongryong, marking a watershed moment in the realm of high-speed trains. Boasting an astounding maximum speed of 320km/h, this marvel of engineering epitomises efficiency and speed, propelling South Korea's rail network into the future. Launching into service on May 1, the KTX-Cheongryong embarks on a transformative journey across the Gyeongbu and Honam high-speed lines. With its unparalleled acceleration and top speed capabilities, it revolutionises travel times, slashing the Seoul to Busan route to a mere 2 hours and 17 minutes, while the Yongsan to Gwangju Songjeong journey is condensed to a swift 1 hour and 36 minutes. Engineering marvels: Aluminium at the helm of innovation Crafted by Hyundai Rotem, the KTX-Cheongryong proudly showcases cutting-edge domestic...

US-based Waterloo Sparkling Water has just unveiled an exciting trio of flavours with the debut of its All Day Rosé, Pi-Ño Colada, and Mojito Mocktail Sparkling Waters in recyclable aluminium cans. Driven by a wave of environmental concerns, rising demand, and technological progress, the demand for aluminium cans is increasing with time. To mark the occasion and celebrate these summer-infused refreshments, Waterloo has forged a significant partnership with none other than Guy Fieri. Fieri, renowned chef, restaurateur, best-selling cookbook author, Emmy award-winning TV personality, and self-proclaimed Mayor of Flavortown, is bringing his signature flair to this limited-time-only release, adding a new dimension to the product's appeal. "Waterloo Sparkling Water and I have a lot in common –...

Northern Ireland aluminium frames supplier Innovated Aluminium Technology (IAT) has experienced a 60 per cent increase in efficiency, following the installation of two cutting-edge machines in early 2024. The machines have also reportedly reduced the Eglington-based company’s overall material wastage by 15 per cent. They work from a fully automated digital system and deliver the most accurate and precise result because of the digitised process. Due to a high level efficiency, these machines handle mass production effortlessly, enabling IAT to tender for larger projects. These machines were installed via a finance deal secured by Johnston Financial Solutions. Managing director, Leslie McClements, said: “In the manufacturing sector there is a need to constantly innovate, and work...

On May 8, the American multinational automotive manufacturing company General Motors announced its decision to discontinue production of the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Malibu later this year to focus on manufacturing new electric vehicles. Since 1964, GM has sold over 10 million Malibus globally, but production will cease in November'24. To facilitate this shift, the Detroit automaker is investing $390 million into its Kansas assembly plant to produce the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EVs, following the production halt for the previous generation Bolt in December. The "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" report by AL Circle projects that the transportation sector will emerge as a significant demand catalyst for aluminium, with electric vehicles assuming a pivotal role within it. To...

The month of April' 24 witnessed a 21.7 per cent increase in vehicle production in Mexico compared to last year's period, reaching a record high of 358,575 units. According to data from the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information (INEGI), eight assembly companies ramped up their production, while five saw a decline. INEGI is an autonomous public institution responsible for regulating and coordinating the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information. Its mandate encompasses collecting and distributing data pertaining to Mexico's territory, resources, population, and economy. By providing comprehensive insights into the nation's characteristics, INEGI facilitates informed decision-making processes. Mexico has become a significant force in the automotive...

The 2024 outlook for the aluminium end-use sector is multifaceted, with some segments displaying potential while others could encounter initial obstacles. Forecasts suggest a moderate rise in global aluminium consumption, ranging between 1.6-2 per cent, primarily fuelled by continuous demand from transportation and construction sectors. However, there's a possibility that aluminium production might outpace demand, resulting in a minor surplus that could help stabilize prices. To know more about how the end-user sector will perform in the days ahead, grab AL Circle's report, "Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024." This week, the end user sector witnessed some significant events. Eco-friendly packaging or the use of aluminium has eventually increased. Companies like Turncoat Gin and CCU...