BMW

Electric Mobility: BMW Debunks Myths in Video Podcast

Electric mobility is progressing rapidly, with a continuous rise in registrations of fully electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles. To address these misconceptions, BMW has launched a ten-part video podcast series called “Electric Myths.” Hosted by British tech enthusiast Tomi Adebayo (also known as GadgetsBoy) and transgender racing driver Charlie Martin, the podcast aims to debunk common myths and provide factual information about the advantages and possibilities of electric vehicles.

In each entertaining episode, the hosts discuss real-life anecdotes and answer questions that skeptics often have. They explore the day-to-day benefits of electric cars, their range capabilities, their cost-effectiveness, and their impact on the environment. The podcast also addresses the misconceptions surrounding hydrogen-powered vehicles and their safety.

The ten episodes will be released weekly, presenting a fun and informative way to understand electric mobility. Martin and Adebayo emphasize the enjoyable driving experience offered by electric vehicles from BMW, taking driving pleasure to a new level.

The podcast aims to create a better understanding of electric mobility without overwhelming the audience with contradicting statements. The episodes focus on lively exchanges, maintaining a modern and youthful vibe. Starting from June 22, 2023, the first two episodes will be available on BMW’s audio channels on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts, as well as in video form on BMW.com and the company’s YouTube channel.

This podcast series, “Electric Myths,” follows BMW’s successful sustainability podcast, “CHASING THE GREENEST CAR.” In the previous series, environmental activist Anne Therese Gennari explores the sustainable efforts of BMW and the significance of electric mobility in reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The podcast delves into topics such as recycling, circular economy, social impact, and the future wave of innovations.

With a commitment to sustainability, the BMW Group aims to drive the transformation towards electric mobility. The company already offers fully electric models in all relevant segments and plans to increase the delivery share of all-electric vehicles to 50% by 2025 under the Neue Klasse models, while further reducing the carbon footprint over the entire product lifecycle.

Link to the podcast: https://www.bmw.com/en/electric-future/electric-car-myths-podcast.html

RollsRoyce

Rolls-Royce Extends Sustainability Partnership with Goodwood Estate

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars extends longstanding partnership with Goodwood Estate
  • Range of initiatives to preserve and enhance biodiversity, and benefit the local community
  • New collaboration focuses on tree-planting, study of rare wildlife, measures to help bees and wildflower seeding
  • More than 20,000 trees planted over the course of partnership to date
  • Maintains links with Chichester District Council and important Strategic Wildlife Corridor project

 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is extending its longstanding environmental partnership with the Goodwood Estate, with projects designed to benefit wildlife, biodiversity, and the local community.

The Estate, home to the Dukes of Richmond since 1697, extends to 12,000 acres. With over 4,900 acres of forestry and one of the largest lowland organic farms in the UK, it operates traditional land management practices that support diverse habitats for local wildlife.

Rolls-Royce has worked closely with the Estate since it was chosen as the location for the marque’s global headquarters and Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in 2001. The Rolls-Royce site currently occupies some 42 acres in the south of the Estate, with the company recently announcing proposals to expand on neighboring land to the east. Built with sustainability in mind from the beginning, the Home of Rolls-Royce is itself a pioneering champion of wildlife and biodiversity conservation, through projects including its recently rejuvenated Wildlife Garden, which forms part of the proposed Strategic Wildlife Corridor, and the celebrated Rolls-Royce Apiary with its colony of 250,000 European honeybees.

Since the partnership began, more than 20,000 trees have been planted along the South Downs National Park boundary, benefiting both wildlife and the local community. A variety of mainly native broadleaf species were planted, along with some more unusual species, including disease-resistant elms, planted from cuttings collected on the Estate. In order to minimize waste, no single-use plastic tree guards were used in the planting scheme.

Following traditional methods, volunteers from Rolls-Royce have laid a stretch of native-species hedgerow at the Wildlife Garden, under the guidance of Chichester District Council’s Wildlife Corridor Project Officer. This will help to link the Estate with other important habitats, as well as providing a safe haven for the resident wildlife and a valuable source of nourishment for those creatures traveling along the wildlife corridor.

The new, extended collaboration with the Goodwood Estate focuses on continuing this legacy of sustainability and preserving and enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions.

Specific projects include a joint study together with a local chiropterologist into the flight patterns of the rare and elusive Barbastelle bats that live on the Estate. Monitoring the bats’ movements between their roosts and their feeding grounds around Chichester Harbour to the south has already led Chichester District Council to adjust the route of its proposed Strategic Wildlife Corridor, which now includes part of the Rolls-Royce site. The study will run throughout 2023.

Rolls-Royce has also supported the Estate’s investment in a custom-built, mechanized wildflower seed harvester, which will enter service this year. This special harvester will enable seeds from a wider variety of species to be gathered easily and efficiently, before they are subsequently planted on the Estate’s grasslands and around the Rolls-Royce site.

“We are proud to continue our work with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to create a lasting legacy of biodiversity in this beautiful and biodynamically diverse corner of West Sussex. Our joint approach creates a bountiful environment for all wildlife with a special focus on nurturing and protecting rare and threatened species. Additionally, we create an environment for local people and the millions of visitors to the Estate to enjoy for many generations to come.”
 Lloyd McNeill, Estate Managing Director, The Goodwood Group

ToyotaUk

Toyota Recognizes Excellence Among North American Suppliers for 2022

YORK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (June 22, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announced that it has given awards to suppliers who have performed exceptionally well in 2022. The awards program honors both direct and indirect suppliers who consistently exceed TMNA’s expectations in various areas.

During a recent ceremony, TMNA presented a total of 68 awards. Direct suppliers received Performance awards in Superior and Excellent categories for technology and development, supplier diversity, value improvement, VA achievement, quality, launch, and value chain promotion. Indirect suppliers were recognized for their exceptional performance in diversity improvement, quality, cost improvement, management, and customer service. Moreover, select indirect suppliers were given special recognition for their performance in their respective business category.

In addition, Gentex Corporation received the Regional Contribution Award, and the Total Exceptional Achievement for Manufacturing (TEAM) Award was given to Toyoda Gosei North America Corporation.

“We appreciate the contributions of all our suppliers, and we are proud to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond in their performance,” said Robert Young, group vice president of Purchasing Supplier Development at TMNA. “We view each supplier as a partner in producing and delivering world-class vehicles and mobility solutions to Toyota customers.”

This recognition program highlights the importance of supplier relationships in promoting a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, which are crucial to the success of TMNA.

Suppliers are evaluated each year in multiple performance areas through an internal scoring system that includes specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). While the award categories remain consistent, the number of awards given varies each year based on the number of organizations that meet TMNA’s goals.

Potential suppliers interested in doing business with Toyota can visit www.toyotasupplier.com for information on the company’s purchasing policies, principles, and supplier diversity efforts.



Citreon

CITROËN OPENS ORDERS FOR PETROL AND DIESEL NEW C4 X

  • Orders are now open for the petrol and diesel versions of the New C4 X, following high demand from customers.
  • The range complements the fully electric New ë-C4 X, giving buyers the option to choose the powertrain that suits their needs.
  • The launch includes two petrol engines and one diesel engine.
  • Petrol models are available in Sense, Sense Plus, Shine, and Shine Plus variants, while diesel models are exclusively sold in Shine Plus.
  • This range update follows the earlier update to the New ë-C4 X, which introduced a next-generation 54kWh battery technology.
  • The New ë-C4 X is equipped with a 54kWh battery and a 115kw electric motor, enabling it to achieve a range of up to 260 miles (WLTP) on a full charge.

 

In response to high demand from customers, Citroën has announced that orders are now open for the petrol and diesel variants of the New C4 X. These models complement the fully electric New ë-C4 X, which has already been available in the market. The prices for the petrol and diesel variants start from £22,080 OTR, and the first deliveries are scheduled to begin in July 2023.

 

At the launch, customers have the choice between two petrol powertrains: the PureTech 100 S&S with a six-speed manual transmission or the PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As for the diesel variants, they will be sold exclusively with Citroën’s efficient BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 with an eight-speed manual transmission.

 

Starting from July production, the New ë-C4 X will receive a powertrain upgrade, featuring a 115 kW electric motor with a 54 kWh battery. This new powertrain, which was announced in May, will increase the range of the New ë-C4 X to up to 260 miles (WLTP), compared to the previous range of 222 miles (WLTP). This upgrade will be exclusively available on the new ë-series trim level, in addition to the existing 100 kW motor with a 50 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 222 miles (WLTP).

 

The petrol variants of the New C4 X will be available in Sense, Sense Plus, Shine, and Shine Plus variants, while the diesel models will be exclusively offered in the Shine Plus trim. The fully electric New ë-C4 X will continue to be available in Sense, Shine, and the new ë-Series trims.

 

The ‘Sense’ models come with 18-inch ‘Aeroblade’ alloy wheels, Advanced Comfort® Seats, and a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto. They are also equipped with features like Active Safety Brake, Speed Limit Information, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Driver Attention Alert.

 

The ‘Sense Plus’ models build on the standard equipment of the ‘Sense’ versions and add My Citroën Drive Plus, the next-generation infotainment, and navigation system with integrated natural voice commands. They also feature a head-up display and a reversing camera with Top Rear Vision.

 

Stepping up to the ‘Shine’ trim level, the exterior look is enhanced with dark tinted rear windows, chrome details, and bi-tone diamond-cut versions of the 18-inch ‘Aeroblade’ alloy wheels. Additional convenience features include Automatic Intelligent Beam Headlights, an auto-dimming electrochrome interior rear-view mirror, and front and lateral parking sensors. Safety is improved with Advanced Active Safety Brake with night-time and cyclist detection, as well as Extended Traffic Sign Recognition.

 

The range-topping ‘Shine Plus’ versions further enhance the ‘Shine’ models with heated Alcantara® seats for the driver and front passenger, as well as Citroën’s Highway Driver Assist, a level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology that combines lane-keeping assistance with adaptive cruise control for a more relaxed driving experience. The Ë-C4 X electric versions have their own dedicated top trim level called ‘ë-Series’, which includes features like wireless smartphone charging, the 8-speaker Citroën Hi-Fi system, Onyx Black ‘Aeroblade’ 18-inch alloy wheels, and a distinctive bi-tone Perla Nera Black roof.

 

Please refer to the table below for the trim levels, powertrain options, CO2 emissions, and prices for the different variants:

TRIM LEVEL

POWERTRAIN

CO2 g/km

MRRP OTR

Sense

PureTech 100 S&S 6-speed manual

121

£22,080.00

100kW electric 50kWh battery

0

£31,995.00

Sense Plus

PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 8-speed auto

130

£25,435.00

Shine

PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 8-speed auto

129

£26,980.00

100kW electric 50kWh battery

0

£34,495.00

Shine Plus

PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 8-speed auto

129

£27,540.00

BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 8-speed auto

126

£29,170.00

Ë-Series

100kW electric 50kWh battery

0

£36,295.00

115kw electric 54kWh battery

0

£37,195.00

 

 

Citreon

FIRST CITROËN MY AMI BUGGY II SOLD IN THE UK IN UNDER 3 MINUTES

  • A UK buyer purchased the first My Ami Buggy in just 2 minutes and 10 seconds
  • A limited run of 40 My Ami Buggy II was released for sale in the UK and sold out quickly
  • The My Ami Buggy II features a rugged design, colorful accents, and exclusive accessories
  • The My Ami Buggy is the latest addition to the Ami range, joining the versatile Ami Cargo and Ami 100% Electric

 

The first UK customer managed to purchase their My Ami Buggy II in just 2 minutes and 10 seconds, with ten units sold in the first 4 minutes.

 

Following the public’s enthusiasm for the My Ami Buggy last year, which sold out in France in 17 minutes and 28 seconds, Citroën decided to create a limited run of 40 units for the UK market.

 

The My Ami Buggy features an adventurous design, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with fun accessories like the Khaki exterior color, black protective elements, reinforced bumpers, skid plates, headlamp surrounds, wheel arch extensions, and a rear spoiler for a muscular appearance.

 

The My Ami Buggy II is part of the Ami range and is based on the Citroën Ami 100% Electric, which is a sustainable mobility solution aimed at addressing environmental challenges in cities. The Ami range also includes the My Ami Cargo model, which has a payload capacity of up to 140kg, a maximum load capacity of 400 liters, and a tight 7.20m turning circle.

 

Like all Ami models, the My Ami Buggy emits zero emissions during use and has a 5.4kWh battery that can be fully charged in four hours. It has a range of up to 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph, making it an affordable and clean mobility solution offered by Citroën.

 

News

Kia design boss: “the post-SUV is coming”

In recent months, many brands have suggested that the traditional SUV’s days may be numbered. These upright, two-box vehicles, favored by regular drivers but often criticized by car enthusiasts, are facing reconsideration due to the increasing importance placed on aerodynamic efficiency and sustainability. Despite this, the demand for SUVs remains high.

Kia’s design chief, Karim Habib, is open to exploring new possibilities: “We will try different things,” he says. “I believe there are more efficient ways to utilize space.” With the elimination of the transmission tunnel and engine bay on the horizon, interior design can take a completely new direction. In the near future, cars no longer need to be the same size and shape to provide comparable utility and comfort.

“I personally believe that you can create really cool vans,” Habib remarks. He offers the rakish Carnival, not available in the UK, as an example of a “cool” and “desirable” take on the traditional MPV. Meanwhile, Habib emphasizes that technological progress must be evident in SUVs for them to survive. It’s not about the specific typology, but rather, what it represents.

Kia’s design lessons from Land Rover

While it may seem unthinkable, Kia finds design inspiration from Land Rover. Habib points out the EV9’s simplistic lines and minimalist details as evidence. “There’s something really nice about these authentic, honest, boxy SUVs,” he states. Habib admires the enduring appeal of the Land Rover Defender, both old and new, for its cool factor.

News

BYD Dolphin: Affordable Electric Car with Impressive Range

Chinese automaker BYD has revealed the UK pricing for its new small electric car, the BYD Dolphin. With deliveries expected to begin later this year, the Dolphin is priced at £25,490 in the UK and €29,990 in mainland Europe. This makes it one of the most affordable electric cars currently available, undercutting rivals like the MG 4 EV by approximately £500.

The BYD Dolphin offers customers a choice of four trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design. The Active and Boost trims are equipped with a 44.9kWh battery, providing a range of around 211 miles and 188 miles, respectively. The Comfort and range-topping Design models feature a larger 60.4kWh battery, offering an impressive range of 265 miles. These models also boast a more powerful 201bhp electric motor, capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in approximately 7.0 seconds.

The BYD Dolphin is equipped with fast-charging capabilities, allowing it to charge at speeds of up to 88kW. This enables the battery to reach 80% capacity in just 29 minutes. The car also offers four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Economy, and Snow.

BYD Dolphin

Standard equipment in the BYD Dolphin includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a heat pump, and a suite of safety features like emergency braking, traffic alerts, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control. The car also features a 360-degree camera.

For those opting for the range-topping Comfort trim, additional features include a panoramic sunroof, a vehicle-to-load power strip, rear privacy glass, and wireless phone charging. Prices for this model start from £30,990.

With a length of 4290mm, the BYD Dolphin falls between the Peugeot e-208 and the Volkswagen ID 3 in terms of size. It shares the same e-Platform 3.0 as the BYD Atto 3 family hatchback, which was launched in the UK earlier this year.

News

MG Cyberster to be showcased at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The highly anticipated MG Cyberster, designed by Carl Gotham, the design director of MG, will be unveiled at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. Gotham, who leads the brand’s advanced design group based in London’s Marylebone, acknowledges the increase in size of the car but believes it carries it well and creates a new kind of roadster that will appeal to a new generation of sports car drivers.

The main objective of the Cyberster is to establish the design language for future MG models. While MG will continue to focus on SUVs and estates, the Cyberster is set to be more than just another sports car in their lineup.

The response to the Cyberster has been overwhelming, with MG receiving numerous requests from potential buyers. MG’s British dealers, who are expected to reach around 150 in number, have also shown great enthusiasm for the new model.

Contrary to popular belief, the Cyberster is not solely focused on volume sales. It serves as an image-builder for the brand, with estimated UK sales of around 2000 units per year once demand stabilizes.

Read more: Best small electric car in the UK

In addition to offering great value for money and an extensive new car distribution network, strong brand recognition plays a critical role in MG’s success. The positive response to the Cyberster from older buyers has been particularly remarkable, as there is a large and active group of buyers who still have a deep affinity for the MG brand and remember its past excitement and promise.

MG’s sales in the UK have been consistently growing, with over 51,000 units sold in 2022, surpassing their sales from five years ago by more than five times. The growth of MG across Europe has been even more impressive, as sales are projected to reach 120,000 units by the end of 2023, compared to less than 1000 units in 2019.

Q&A with Carl Gotham, MG’s head of design

Carl Gotham, who trained in design at Coventry University in 1999, joined MG a decade later. He has worked in both interior and exterior design before assuming his current role in 2017. In 2018, he established the advanced studio in Marylebone, where all the hard work has been leading up to the development of the Cyberster.

How did the Cyberster project start?

News

My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 41)

On the latest episode of the Autocar motoring podcast, My Week In Cars, Steve Cropley and Matt Prior share their adventures driving to Le Mans and enjoying a thrilling race. They also discuss their excitement about the next Bentley created by the special Mulliner coachbuilding team and dive into a range of motoring topics. Plus, they answer listener questions in the correspondence segment.

To stay updated on all Autocar podcasts, be sure to subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

News

2026 Lotus Type 135: Electric Elise still in works after Alpine split

Lotus is continuing its legacy of excellence in dynamics, aerodynamics, and lightweighting with the upcoming release of the Type 135, an all-electric sports car. Although it will have a different propulsion system, Lotus aims to maintain its signature qualities while also benefiting from features like instant torque, easier cooling, and better packaging. As a result, the Type 135 will offer ample storage and packaging benefits.

The E-Sports platform, which will underpin the Type 135, will support both single- and twin-motor powertrains. The power output is expected to range from 469bhp to 872bhp, offering significantly more power than the current Elise models. The higher-powered versions of the Type 135 could even fill the gap left by the track-focused Exige.

The E-Sports platform is designed to accommodate both rear- and four-wheel-drive powertrains. Although the showcased concepts have so far featured rear-mounted drive systems, Lotus remains open to the possibility of offering a torque-vectoring setup similar to the one found in the flagship Evija. As a result, certain defining features from the Evija may find their way into future Lotus sports cars.

Lotus is also focused on making the Type 135 as aerodynamically efficient as possible. Taking inspiration from the Venturi tunnels of the Evija, the car will feature aerodynamic aids that run throughout its design. This design approach takes advantage of the compact nature of an electric drivetrain. However, while the Type 135 will have similarities to the hypercar, it will be far more accessible and affordable.

Lotus plans to leverage the efficiencies within the broader Geely group, which includes Volvo, Polestar, Lynk&Co, and LEVC, to keep development and retail costs down. By utilizing components and systems from other brands, Lotus aims to deliver affordable performance. While it may not be possible to offer the Type 135 at the same price as the entry-level Elise, the cost of necessary materials and components is expected to decrease significantly. This could potentially position the Type 135 in the price range of the retired Exige line-up, estimated to be between £80,000 and £100,000.