The automotive industry saw no slowdown at the end of 2024, with major announcements and developments taking place across the globe. In a recent podcast, Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus delved into the most important stories that broke over the festive period.
One of the key questions that arose was whether Tesla or BYD sold the most battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2024. According to reports, Tesla managed to maintain its lead by delivering 1.78 million BEVs globally last year, driven mainly by the success of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. On the other hand, Chinese carmaker BYD recorded 1.76 million BEV deliveries worldwide in 2024, showing a significant increase from the previous year.
In another groundbreaking development, Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi confirmed that they are engaged in merger talks, considering the establishment of a joint holding company. This potential merger could potentially create one of the largest OEMs in the industry, competing alongside giants like Toyota and Volkswagen Group.
Meanwhile, in the UK, a consultation has been launched regarding the phase-out of pure petrol and diesel-powered cars. The government is seeking input from the automotive and charging industries to define the vehicles available to buyers between 2030 and 2035, after which only new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) will be available.
Volkswagen, the IG Metall union, and the Works Council also reached a significant agreement on the carmaker’s future direction, aiming to realign production capacities at its German locations to reduce labor costs and enable investments in future products through 2030.
Overall, these developments underscore the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the automotive industry, with key players making strategic moves to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast for more insights and updates on the latest industry trends. The world of online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop for products, making it easier and more convenient than ever before. With just a few clicks, consumers can browse through thousands of products from the comfort of their own homes and have them delivered right to their doorstep. However, with this convenience comes the risk of falling victim to online shopping scams.
Online shopping scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with scammers finding new and creative ways to deceive unsuspecting consumers. These scams come in various forms, from fake websites selling counterfeit products to phishing emails that trick people into revealing their personal information.
One of the most common online shopping scams is the fake website scam. Scammers create websites that look legitimate, complete with professional-looking photos and descriptions of products. However, once a consumer makes a purchase, they never receive the product and their money is gone. To avoid falling victim to this scam, it’s important to do thorough research on a website before making a purchase. Look for customer reviews, check for a secure payment gateway, and make sure the website has a physical address and contact information.
Another common online shopping scam is the phishing email scam. Scammers send out emails pretending to be from reputable companies, asking consumers to update their personal information or click on a link to claim a prize. These emails are often designed to look legitimate, with logos and branding that mimic the company they are impersonating. If a consumer falls for the scam and provides their personal information, scammers can use it to steal their identity or make unauthorized purchases.
To protect yourself from phishing email scams, never click on links or provide personal information in an email unless you are absolutely sure it is legitimate. Instead, go directly to the company’s website and log in to your account to check for any messages or updates.
In addition to being vigilant and doing thorough research before making a purchase, there are other steps consumers can take to protect themselves from online shopping scams. Use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or payment services like PayPal, that offer buyer protection in case of fraud. Keep your antivirus software up to date to help prevent malware infections that could lead to scams. And always be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be a red flag for a potential scam.
While online shopping offers a world of convenience and choice, it’s important for consumers to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves from online shopping scams. By staying informed and being cautious, you can shop online safely and securely.
