The automotive industry in Asia and Latin America has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven in large part by technological advances in the sector. Leading companies in the region have adopted a wide variety of technologies to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of their vehicles.
In Asia, China is one of the world’s leading automobile producers, and several local companies have been investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies. For example, the electric vehicle company NIO is a startup that was born in Shanghai with a total fundraising of US$5.4 billion and whose main funders are Baidu, Tencent, Beijing E-town International Investment & Development, Hefei City Construction and Investment Holding Group. This carmaker has been working on the development of fast-charging batteries, and in 2020 introduced its solid-state battery technology, which promises longer range and shorter charging time. 
On March 21, 2021, Business Intelligence Group announced that NIO had won the AI Excellence Awards program. NIO’s in-vehicle AI system, called NOMI, has received accolades. Unlike any other on-board digital assistant, NIO’s NOMI goes beyond standard “infotainment” and navigation to create a stronger emotional bond with its drivers and passengers.
In Japan, Toyota has been a leader in the development of hybrid vehicle technologies, and in 2020 introduced its new GA-B platform, which will be used in several of its compact and midsize car models. Toyota’s GA-B platform functions as a modular structure that adapts to different models of the brand’s compact and midsize vehicles. This platform has been designed to be highly adaptable and allow for greater production efficiency, which translates into lower costs for consumers. In addition, the GA-B platform has been designed to integrate advanced technologies, such as hybrid systems, electric motors and autonomous driving technology. This is achieved through the incorporation of a series of sensors and actuators that allow the vehicle’s electronic systems to interact with the platform.
In South Korea, Hyundai has been investing in electric vehicle technology, and in 2021 introduced its IONIQ 5 model, which boasts a range of up to 480 km and fast charging of up to 80% in just 18 minutes. The company has also been working on autonomous driving technology, and in 2020 launched its Level 3 autonomous driving system, which is used in its luxury model, the Genesis G80. When Hyundai’s Level 3 autonomous driving system is activated, the driver of the vehicle can temporarily relinquish control to the self-driving system. The system is responsible for maintaining the vehicle’s speed and distance from other vehicles on the road, and can also perform lane-changing and overtaking maneuvers.
In Latin America, Brazil is one of the region’s leading automobile producers. It is second only to Mexico with an export of more than two million vehicles, ranking 8th in the Top 10 of the world’s leading car exporters. As a result, several local companies have been investing in advanced technologies to improve the quality of their vehicles. For example, the Brazilian company Troller has been working on the development of heavy-duty off-road vehicles, and in 2020 presented its T4 Trail model, which has a heavy-duty suspension and a 4WD system. As a differentiating and innovative feature of the company, they have created an electronic stability control (ESC): ESC is a system that helps control the movement of the vehicle in emergency situations, such as in the event of a loss of control in a curve. The system uses sensors to detect the direction of the vehicle and, if necessary, selectively applies the brakes to help the driver regain control of the vehicle.
In Mexico, the renowned automaker BMW and the government reached an agreement to expand the manufacturing and assembly plant in San Luis de Potosí. The plant will have an investment of more than 800 million Euros and will be dedicated to the production of electric vehicles. The plant was designed with advanced technology to maximize efficiency and quality in vehicle production. It features automated production systems, welding and painting robots, and state-of-the-art assembly line technology. In addition, the plant is designed to be highly energy and water efficient, with the ability to recycle and reuse water in the production process.
In conclusion, leading automotive companies in Asia and Latin America have been adopting advanced technologies to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of their vehicles. From fast-charging batteries and autonomous driving technology to highly adaptable platforms and heavy-duty off-road vehicles, these companies are leading the way in innovation and advancing the automotive industry.