After less than six months on the job, Vinfast CEO Michael Lohscheller has resigned from the automaker for personal reasons. Vice-chairman of parent company Vingroup, Le Thi Thu Thuy, will take over as the new global CEO.

After cutting around 6k jobs since 2020, BMW is planning to create approximately 6k new positions in 2022. The jobs will mostly be in Germany and center around electric vehicle development.

Hyundai is shutting down its ICE development team to focus on electrification. The company reportedly had 12k people working on engine development. Those employees are now working on developing EV powertrains.

Bloomberg: Silicon Valley’s Push Into Cars Is Testing Aptiv’s Tech Makeover

Shanghai SIIC Transportation Electric Co is exiting its JV with Valeo International, selling its 27% stake. Valeo Shanghai Automotive Electric Motors & Wiper System Co’s customers include SAIC Volkswagen, SAIC GM, FAW Volkswagen, and Changan Ford.

ZF increased its shares in Rane TRW Steering Systems, its JV with the Rane Group. The JV will rebrand to ZF Rane Automotive India now that ZF owns 51% of the venture.

EV battery maker Northvolt is forming a new JV with Galp Energia to build a new lithium processing plant in Portugal. The $790M plant will have an initial production capacity of 35k tons of lithium hydroxide/year and start operations in 2026.

GM removed the ability to order Cadillac CT4 and CT5 models this week with the Super Cruise ADAS. The semiconductor shortage has also affected the availability of heated and ventilated seats. Dropping the options allows GM to continue production while reimbursing customers.

Rivian has pushed back the release date of its vehicles with its Max pack battery option to 2023. The Max pack accounts for 20% of the 71k pre-orders.

Mahindra Electric aims to double its production in 2022 and expand its EV line.

Tesla recalled nearly half a million Model 3 and Model S EVs. The recall addresses issues with its trunk latching systems. Of concern is the Model S’ front truck opening, obstructing the driver’s view.

NHTSA opened an “engineering analysis” to further investigate engine fires in certain Kia and Hyundai models.

The Chinese government will allow full foreign ownership of companies that manufacture passenger cars starting January 1.

The Center for Automotive Research summarized the impact of the recently enacted bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on consumer vehicles.

Stellantis is halting the operation of its Belvidere Assembly Plant for two weeks beginning January 3. The facility produces the Jeep Cherokee, whose US sales fell 72% in Q3 2021.