Bloomberg Mercedes-Benz Group AG has committed to manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand after signing an agreement to import its battery-powered cars — part of a government plan to bolster the Southeast Asian nation’s status as a clean automaking hub. The luxury carmaker will receive a slew of benefits including lower import duties and excise taxes for each fully electric …

  Bloomberg Stellantis NV plans to idle a Jeep-making factory in Belvidere, Illinois, citing challenges such as cost burdens due to the shift towards electrification of more models. The automaker said in a statement that the “difficult but necessary action,” effective Feb. 28, will result in layoffs of an unspecified number of workers, which will likely extend for more than …

  DHAHRAN / WAM The Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) and Shandong Energy group, are exploring collaboration on integrated refining and petrochemical opportunities in China. The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which includes a potential crude oil supply agreement and chemicals products offtake agreement, supporting Aramco’s role in building a thriving downstream sector in Shandong Province. The …