Achi news desk-
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Ferrari is increasing battery knowledge, although there is no intention to produce them
Bologna, Italy: Ferrari wants to increase its expertise in battery cells given their importance in the transition to electrified vehicles, but has no plans to manufacture them itself, its chief executive Benedetto Vina said on Monday.
The Italian luxury sports car maker has been selling hybrid-electric cars since 2019 and has promised its first electric vehicle at the end of next year. Ferrari ( RACE.MI ), opening a new tab, which sold just 14,000 cars last year, may not have the scale to make its own cells profitably.
“We want to open cells and understand what’s in there,” Vigna said at the opening of a battery cell research center in partnership with the University of Bologna in Italy and chipmaker NXP Semiconductors ( NXPL.O ), Opens a New Tab.
“Manufacturing will always be done through external manufacturers, based on the knowledge we hope to acquire through this research center,” Vigna said during a presentation.
“We cannot afford to take cells as black boxes,” he added.
The E-Cells laboratory focuses on electrochemistry and aims to increase Ferrari’s long-term expertise in battery cells, which it buys from external suppliers.
“We’ll be using more and more cells and we’ll have to know the chemistry,” Vigna said.
E-Cells Lab will initially focus on liquid-state lithium-based cells, but would be willing to turn to treatment chemistry and new technologies, although Vigna said he doesn’t see solid-state batteries as a real option for now.
Toyota tightens controls on Daihatsu small car unit hit by scandal
TOKYO: Japan’s Daihatsu Motor said on Monday it would streamline the way it reports development and certification to its parent Toyota Motor ( 7203.T ), opening a new tab as the compact car maker seeks to overcome a safety inspection approval scandal.
The move comes more than a month after a new Toyota president took over at Daihatsu, facing the daunting task of getting the small car unit back on a growth path.
Daihatsu will still be commissioned by Toyota to handle actual vehicle development, the company said in a statement, opening a new tab that has redefined itself as a “mobility company centered on mini vehicles.”
The changes in the business structure include the dissolution of the emerging market compact car company (ECC), which until now served as a bridge between Toyota and Daihatsu.
Daihatsu will move its development and certification reporting line to another Toyota segment focused on compact cars.
The change will be made based on timetables for replacing the model.
Toyota will also be responsible for its resource management and optimization related to Daihatsu’s business and product planning, Daihatsu President Masahiro Inoue said.
Daihatsu wants to tackle the challenge of running a battery-powered “K-car,” which is smaller and less powerful than conventional cars, he added, without giving a time frame.
Toyota’s domestic sales fell in the third of February due to production stoppages at Daihatsu, which makes some Toyota-branded cars, and the drop in reputational safety approval at its unit.
The world’s largest carmaker by volume also faced separate governance issues at truckmaker Hino Motors ( 7205.T ), opens a new tab and subsidiary Toyota Industries ( 6201.T ), opens a new tab.
The scandals at the three companies led Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda to issue a rare apology in January.
In volume terms, Daihatsu accounted for 4% of Toyota’s total group sales of 1.6 million vehicles in the first two months of the year, including those of luxury brands Lexus and Hino Motors, down from 7% in all of 2023.
President Daihatsu Inoue was previously Toyota’s CEO for Latin America and the Caribbean before assuming his current role on March 1.
Understanding Cryptocurrencies: Mechanisms, Price Volatility, Investment Viability and Investor Tips
thirdryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology. Below is a detailed explanation of how it works, why prices can rise quickly, the feasibility of the investment and investment tips:
How cryptocurrencies work:
Blockchain technology: Cryptocurrencies work on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions in a network of computers. Each transaction is grouped into a block and added to the chain in chronological order.
decentralization: Unlike traditional currencies that are controlled by central authorities such as governments or banks, cryptocurrencies are decentralized. This means that they are not controlled by any single entity but by a network of participants (nodes) that validate and record transactions.
Cryptography: Cryptography ensures the security and integrity of blockchain transactions. It involves complex mathematical algorithms to secure transactions, control the creation of new units and verify the transfer of assets.
Price volatility:
Supply and Demand: Like any asset, the price of a cryptocurrency is primarily determined by supply and demand dynamics. If the demand for a particular cryptocurrency increases while its supply remains limited, the price tends to rise. Conversely, if demand decreases or if there is an increase in supply, the price may decrease.
Speculation and market sentiment: Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative, driven by investor sentiment, news and market developments. Positive news or developments surrounding a particular cryptocurrency can lead to increased demand and price increases, while negative news can have the opposite effect.
Market Manipulation: Due to the relatively small size and less regulated nature of cryptocurrency markets compared to traditional financial markets, they are susceptible to manipulation. This can lead to rapid price swings and volatility.
Investment feasibility:
Potential for high returns: The cryptocurrency market has seen significant price increases over the years, with some cryptocurrencies experiencing exponential growth in value. This potential for high returns attracts investors seeking to take advantage of price volatility.
A high risk: However, investing in cryptocurrencies also involves high risk due to price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, security risks (eg, hacking, fraud) and market manipulation. Prices can change dramatically in a short period of time, leading to significant gains or losses.
Lack of regulation: The lack of regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency market increases the risk for investors, as there are fewer protections compared to traditional financial markets.
Investment tips:
Research: Before investing in any cryptocurrency, do thorough research to understand its fundamentals, technology, use case, team behind the project and market dynamics.
variety: Diversify your portfolio by spreading your investment across different cryptocurrencies to reduce risk. Avoid putting all your funds into one cryptocurrency.
Risk Management: Only invest what you can afford to lose, as the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and speculative. Define clear investment goals, risk tolerance and exit strategies.
keep up to date: Stay up-to-date on market news, developments, regulatory changes and emerging trends in cryptocurrency. This information can help you make informed investment decisions.
security: Use reputable cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets to store your funds securely. Enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords and consider cold storage options for long-term holdings.
Seek professional advice: Consider seeking advice from financial professionals or advisors with cryptocurrency investment experience, especially if you are new to the market or unsure about your investment decisions.
As for how much to invest, this is a personal decision based on individual financial circumstances, risk tolerance and investment goals. It is generally recommended to invest only what you can afford to lose and avoid investing funds needed for essential expenses or savings purposes. Additionally, consider starting with a smaller amount at first and gradually increasing your investment as you gain more experience and confidence in the market.
