Tag Archives: announcing

Technology

Why Everyone Thought Gmail Was An April Fools’ Day Joke

In the weblog publish asserting Gmail, Google claimed that the brand new electronic mail service got here with 1 GB of storage. While this would possibly sound ridiculously low by right now’s requirements, it was fairly unimaginable again in 2004. To put issues into perspective, Gmail provided greater than 100x the area accessible on alternative email services from Yahoo and Hotmail, which provided a paltry 4 MB and a couple of MB of area, respectively, on their free tiers on the time.

These unimaginable claims (for the time) cemented hypothesis about Gmail being simply one other April Fools’ joke. After the preliminary hullabaloo, individuals (and opponents) rapidly famous that Gmail was, certainly, the true factor and that Google meant enterprise when it mentioned each Gmail account would get 1 GB of free storage. This finally led to rivals responding by rising their storage capacities by respectable quantities. For instance, Yahoo went from 4 MB to 100 MB, whereas Hotmail went from 2 MB to 250 MB inside the span of some months.

Google would go on to additional add storage capability at common intervals, with free storage rising to 2 GB in 2005. Another unimaginable announcement made in 2005 was the promise that Google would preserve including more room to Gmail perpetually. Gmail’s internet interface even confirmed a ticking counter of the perpetually rising storage capability. Google would finally break that promise and, as of 2024, all free Google accounts get 15 GB of area, with this capability being shared throughout a number of Google providers. So, in the event you barely use your Gmail however find yourself storing 15 GB of photos in your Google Drive, you will not be left with any area on your emails.

Motorsport

The Average Sales Price Of A New Porsche Is $128,000

Porsche had its annual press convention this week, and aside from asserting the 911 Hybrid, the corporate additionally shared the same old uninteresting monetary figures. We will not bore you with many of the numbers, however there’s one which stood out. In 2023, clients paid on common about €117,000 on their buy. At present trade charges, that works out to roughly $127,800.

To put that into perspective, a Carrera T prices roughly the identical within the United States after factoring within the obligatory supply and vacation spot fees. For practically $128,000, you would purchase two base Macans and nonetheless have a number of thousand {dollars} left so as to add some choices. As is the case with just about all vehicles, Porsches are cheaper within the US than they’re within the European Union the place individuals pay value-added tax (VAT), which will be as excessive as 27 % in Hungary.

2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Rear 3/4

On prime of that, governments in EU nations penalize individuals who wish to purchase vehicles powered by high-emissions engines. That’s why a Toyota GR Yaris can cost over $100,000 in France. The Honda Civic Type R is also a six-figure car in The Netherlands. Europe (excluding Germany) was good to Porsche in 2023 as shipments grew by 12 %. In the corporate’s dwelling market, demand went up by 9.9 %. Europe accounted for practically a 3rd of worldwide demand. North America (excluding Mexico) was subsequent with a 26.9 % share whereas China (together with Hong Kong) represented 24.8 % of the overall gross sales.

Porsche explains the common transaction value retains rising 12 months after 12 months as a result of Porsche is rising the usual tools, which is mirrored within the base value. Someone who enjoys enjoying with on-line configurators has observed costs are going up often, making the 911 (or some other mannequin for that matter) tougher to acquire. That’s to not say gross sales are down. On the opposite, 2023 was one other file 12 months.

For the third 12 months in a row, deliveries reached an all-time excessive, peaking at 320,221 autos or 3.3 % greater than the 12 months earlier than. The Cayenne was the corporate’s strongest vendor with 87,553 models, adopted carefully by the smaller Macan at 87,355 crossovers. The iconic 911 took final place on the rostrum with 50,146 sports activities vehicles whereas the electrical Taycan completed fourth with 40,629 vehicles. The Panamera occupied the penultimate spot with 34,020 models whereas the 718 Boxster/Cayman was final with 20,518 autos.

It’ll be fascinating to see whether or not Porsche will have the ability to preserve the gross sales momentum in 2024 contemplating the gasoline Macan is being retired from the EU. Because of upcoming cybersecurity laws, the corporate is pressured to take away its money cow from all 27 nations that make up the EU. The sporty crossover will proceed within the UK.

Motorsport

GM Changes Its Mind, PHEVs Are Back On The Table

General Motors is revisiting its stance on hybrid know-how, saying a shift in its product lineup technique to incorporate plug-in hybrid electrical autos. The revelation was made by GM CEO Mary Barra throughout an investor briefing on Tuesday.

This change marks a departure from GM’s earlier place, notably in 2018, when the corporate’s President, Mark Reuss, declared that GM wouldn’t put money into hybrids, emphasizing a concentrate on battery electrical autos. Three years later, in an interview with The Washington Post, Reuss stated the automaker had determined “a couple of years ago that we weren’t going to get into a large hybrid or plug-in hybrid play but rather go right to pure battery electric vehicles.” 


Motorsport

Canada To Ban Sales Of New Cars That Produce Emissions From 2035

Canada is placing one other nail within the combustion engine’s coffin by asserting a zero-emission mandate. The ultimate model of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard was revealed this week, and it features a gross sales ban on new automobiles that generate emissions from 2035.

Before that occurs, automakers energetic in Canada must adjust to different rules. Beginning with the 2026 mannequin 12 months, at the least 20 p.c of automobiles bought by an organization in a 12 months must be ZEVs (zero-emission automobiles). By 2030, the goal will enhance to 60 p.c, with the last word purpose being ZEV-only gross sales by the center of the following decade.

Canada ZEV mandate

It’s vital to notice the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard technically will not outlaw combustion engines from 2035. Aside from battery-powered EVs and hydrogen EVs, zero-emission automobiles will also be plug-in hybrids that may run solely on electrical energy. However, these PHEVs should work in EV mode “for a specified minimum distance before they transition to operating as hybrid vehicles, using both liquid fuels and electricity.”

Light-duty automobiles generate roughly half of Canada’s greenhouse gasoline emissions from the transportation sector. The transportation sector itself is answerable for a couple of quarter of the nation’s general greenhouse gasoline emissions. With the 2035 goal set, authorities challenge that polluting light-duty automobiles will all be faraway from the roads by 2050.

Canada is the most recent nation to place stress on automakers to change to zero-emissions automobiles. Earlier this 12 months, the European Union determined to ban sales of new cars that generate emissions from 2035, however ICE automobiles operating on artificial fuels might be allowed. The EU consists of 27 nations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic (Czechia), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

The UK is now not a part of the EU nevertheless it too is focusing on 2035, a five-year delay in comparison with the unique plan. Countries such Norway, Israel, and Singapore are additionally setting aggressive targets for automakers to change to EVs. Similarly, an increasing number of states within the US intend to undertake these requirements within the coming years.

News

2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 And 500 Now Get Stock Towing Accessories

While Suzuki Motor US was busy announcing its returning 2024 motorcycle models, it also announced its returning KingQuad ATV lineup for 2024. 

The 2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 and 500 families both get a color switchup for the new year, but they also get a very cool and useful new feature included as standard: Towing accessories.

All models in the 2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 and 500 lineup will now have a ball mount, hitch pin, and an R-clip included as stock equipment from the factory in Rome, Georgia. Please note that trailer balls and/or hooks are not included, so you’ll have to supply your own.


2024 Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi - Front Right Angle View 2

20 Photos

Together with the KingQuad’s current towing capacity of up to 1,322 pounds, this should help to make your hauling jobs easier. Plus, the KingQuad lineup has winch-ready mounts and wire conduit already installed, so hooking up a winch is also simplified.

Engines

The KingQuad 750 family is powered by Suzuki’s dual overhead cam, liquid-cooled, 722cc single-cylinder engine. Bore and stroke are 104.0mm by 85.0mm, and the compression ratio is 9.9 to one. It features an automatic variable ratio belt drive transmission with high and low range, as well as reverse. It also has a shaft final drive.

Meanwhile, the KingQuad 500 family uses an overhead cam, liquid-cooled, 493cc single-cylinder engine. Bore and stroke are 87.5mm by 82.0mm, and the compression ratio is 9.9 to one. It features an automatic variable ratio belt drive transmission with high and low range and reverse. Like the 750s, it also has a shaft final drive.

Chassis

The 2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 and 500 lineups both utilize an independent double wishbone coil spring suspension up front and in the rear that is gas-charged and oil-damped. Both ends have five-way preload adjustability.

When you need to stop, you’ll find disc brakes with twin rotors up front, and a sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc brake setup in the rear. 

Both the KingQuad 750 and 500 lineups have 4.6-gallon fuel tanks.

Variants, Colors, and Pricing

Here’s the list of 2024 KingQuad 750 and 500 variants, as well as their colors, 2024 prices, and 2023 prices (where applicable).

Model Available 2024 Colors 2024 Price 2023 Price
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE+ Cast Carbon $11,399 $11,249
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE Camo True Timber Kinati $11,399 $11,249
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE Armored Blue Gray $11,399 N/A
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering Desert Beige, Flame Red, Terra Green $10,799 $10,649
KingQuad 750AXi Flame Red, Terra Green $9,699 $9,599
KingQuad 500AXi Power Steering Desert Beige $9,749 $9,599
KingQuad 500AXi Flame Red, Terra Green $8,099 $7,999
BMW

“BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today”: BMW Group and UNICEF announce global partnership. The long-term collaboration will help equip young people with skills and knowledge to succeed in the future world of work.

Munich/New York. Today, on World Children’s Day, the BMW Group and UNICEF are announcing their long-term partnership under the slogan “BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today.”

The partnership will contribute to UNICEF’s global aim to reach 10 million children and young people each year through education. The BMW Group’s long-term support, with an initial commitment over seven years, will help provide science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and skills development to children and young people in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. 

STEM-related jobs are the engine of global economic growth, yet millions of these jobs are projected to go unfilled due to a gap in skills. The problem is more acute in low- and middle-income countries and much more prevalent among girls and women. Today, women constitute a minority in both STEM education and careers, representing only 28 per cent of engineering graduates, 22 per cent of artificial intelligence workers and less than one third of tech sector employees globally.

“Young people around the world have the power and creativity to influence societies for the better,” says Georg Graf Waldersee, Chairman of the Board at UNICEF Germany. “We need to empower and support them so they can become the innovators and change makers of tomorrow. Because sustainable transformation and the path to a fairer, safer world begin where young minds come together and discover their potential – in classrooms or working labs. We are proud and grateful that the BMW Group is accompanying and supporting us on this journey as a strong private sector partner.”

“At the BMW Group, we believe that education is the engine that drives the development of our society,” states Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. “With UNICEF, we have a long-standing partner at our side who shares this opinion. Therefore, I am beyond delighted that we are joining forces with our global collaboration over the long term from now on. Together, we will bridge the gap between schooling and working life as well as enable the transfer of knowledge.” 

Ilka Horstmeier continues: “With our multinational workforce on five continents, we consider ourselves as a true corporate citizen. It is not only important for us to be engaged on a global level, but also on a local one. That’s why, together with UNICEF, we get involved at the BMW Group sites worldwide. Additionally, it is great that we can give our diverse network of stakeholders the chance to engage and participate in the partnership to ensure basic education for children in crisis situations.”

Following the launch of the collaboration between the BMW Group and UNICEF in South Africa in 2023, the partnership will be expanded in 2024 to Brazil, China, India, Mexico and Thailand – all of which have programme needs and have BMW Group presence. The collaboration will support programmes ranging from providing laboratory equipment to developing a customized teacher training curriculum, and from mentorships to job-shadowing. With this in mind, the BMW Group is not only providing financial support amounting to two million euros each year until 2030, but also contributing its own expertise and network. 

In addition, in 2024, the BMW Group will join forces with its global network of affiliates and with the involvement of stakeholders to raise funds to support the UNICEF’s work in emergencies and protracted crisis thereby ensuring continuity of children’s learning in safe environments.

For further information, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications
Milena Pighi
Spokesperson Corporate Citizenship
Email: milena.pa.pighi@bmw.de
Telephone: +49-89-382-66563

Bernd Eckstein
Head of Communications Human Resources, Working Environment, Real Estate, Corporate Citizenship
Email: bernd.eckstein@bmw.de
Telephone: +49-89-382-59490

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

UNICEF
Laila Ali
UNICEF Geneva
Email: laali@unicef.org
Telephone: + 41 76 784 65 32

Motorsport

2024 Kia EV9 Achieves Up To 304 Miles Of EPA-Estimated Range

After announcing full pricing for the all-new EV9 three-row electric SUV earlier this week, Kia America has now revealed the long-awaited EPA-estimated figures.

The automaker says the range figures are higher than previous target estimates for all five EV9 variants. The range champion is the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD with a 304-mile EPA rating on standard 19-inch wheels, up from Kia’s internal range target of 300 miles.

The EV9 Light Long Range RWD is followed by the EV9 Wind and EV9 Land dual-motor AWD variants (both on 19-inch wheels), which have an EPA-estimated range of 280 miles. The range-topping Kia EV9 GT-Line, which features styling enhancements and larger 21-inch wheels, has an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles.

It’s worth noting that these four trim levels are powered by the largest battery pack available on the EV9, with a capacity of 99.8-kilowatt-hours. The entry-level Kia EV9 Light RWD powered by the smaller 76.1-kWh battery offers an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles on 19-inch wheels, compared to the manufacturer’s initial estimate of 223 miles.



 2024 Kia EV9 in US specification exterior rear three-quarter view
Range
Kia EV9 Light RWD 304 Miles
Kia EV9 Wind AWD 280 Miles
Kia EV9 Land AWD 280 Miles
Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 270 Miles
Kia EV9 Light RWD 230 Miles

“The EV9’s diverse powertrain offerings deliver on both AER and performance capabilities for our customers’ individual needs and preferences,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America.

“While the EV9 Light trim offers all-electric driving range ideal for long-distance family travel, the GT-Line trim can deliver spirited acceleration for around-town driving. There is something here for everyone considering an EV SUV as their next vehicle.”

Interestingly, the EV9’s EPA-estimated range figures did not come up at all during Kia’s EV Day event in Seoul that Motor1 attended.

The EV9 is Kia’s first model based on the E-GMP platform to feature fourth-generation battery technology destined for improved energy density.



 2023 Kia EV9 GT-Line interior

The standard 800-volt electrical architecture enables ultrafast charging at high-speed DC chargers, with the EV9 going from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes when connected to a charger that can take the maximum DC charging speed of 236 kW.

The Kia EV9 is expected to arrive at US dealers this quarter, with prices ranging from $56,395 for the Light RWD entry-level variant and $75,395 for the GT-Line range-topper (including $1,495 destination).

Kia will start taking reservations for the EV9 on October 16. Customers will have to place a $750 fully refundable payment with participating Kia dealers to reserve one of four trim levels available at launch: the Light Long Range RWD, Wind AWD, Land AWD, and GT-Line AWD.

Motorsport

2024 Kia Sportage Pricing and Features

The 2024 Kia Sportage is receiving some updates in terms of pricing and features. These changes come after the introduction of the latest generation model in 2022.

Kia has decided to remove the SX AWD trim from the Sportage lineup. This particular trim level served as a mid-range option in the previous models. However, customers can still enjoy the other available trims.

In terms of safety, the second-row seats of the 2024 Sportage now come equipped with airbags, providing enhanced protection for passengers. Additionally, projection-type LED headlights are now included as a standard feature.


News

Under the skin: Is ammonia the key to cutting CO2?

A Chinese manufacturer, GAC, in partnership with Toyota, has made news by successfully running a car engine on carbon-free ammonia. While the idea of using a substance commonly associated with fertilizers and cleaning products may seem unconventional, further examination reveals that it is not as impractical as it sounds. Research into the use of ammonia as a substitute for fossil fuels has been ongoing for nearly as long as cars have existed, for both petrol and diesel engines.

During World War II, ammonia-powered buses were used in Belgium, and the US military explored its use in the 1960s. The chemical formula of ammonia, NH3, offers an explanation for its effectiveness. Each ammonia molecule contains one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms, making it a dense “hydrogen carrier.” In other words, when ammonia is burned, the engine essentially runs on hydrogen.

However, there are challenges associated with using ammonia as a fuel. It contains less energy than petrol or diesel and has a slower burning rate. Previous research has explored two approaches: splitting ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen and burning the hydrogen gas, or using some fossil fuel to facilitate ignition. The first method adds complexity and cost, while the second partially defeats the purpose.

GAC has not provided detailed information on their approach, but it is possible to directly ignite ammonia. Mahle Powertrain released research findings last year on developing ammonia combustion as a replacement for diesel in heavy-duty engines used in trucks, buses, machinery, and marine applications. They tested two methods.

The first method involves retrofitting heavy-duty turbo diesels with a second set of injectors to introduce gaseous ammonia as the main energy source. Alternatively, Mahle Powertrain successfully ran a single-cylinder research engine on pure gaseous ammonia using their innovative Mahle Jet Ignition (MJI) system. This system eliminates the need for fossil fuel as an ignition source and produces ultra-clean combustion with minimal harmful pollutants such as NOx.

The MJI system features a small pre-chamber in the top of each combustion chamber, equipped with holes at the bottom. A spark plug and fuel injector are inserted into the pre-chamber. A small charge is injected into the pre-chamber while the main charge enters the cylinder through the usual inlet ports. When the charge in the pre-chamber ignites, hot gas is expelled through the holes into the cylinder, efficiently and evenly igniting the main charge.

Ammonia offers an advantage as a road fuel because, although it exists as a gas at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, it liquefies under relatively low pressure (around 7.5 bar) and can be transported in tankers in that form. In contrast, hydrogen is typically stored in cars at 750 bar.

BMW

BMW Announces New Long-Term Partnership with the Städel Museum

The BMW Group has announced a new long-term partnership with the Städel Museum, one of Germany’s oldest and most renowned museum foundations. To kick off the collaboration, artist Marc Brandenburg has designed an exclusive BMW iX1. Together, BMW and the Städel Museum invite visitors to experience contemporary art in a unique way through the STÄDEL INVITES event series.

In the past year, BMW and the Städel Museum Frankfurt launched the STÄDEL INVITES format. These events, held in conjunction with exhibitions by selected contemporary artists, aim to make contemporary art more accessible to a wide audience in a relaxed atmosphere. The events include live artist discussions, talks, short tours, and music.

As a highlight of the new partnership, Marc Brandenburg, the museum’s collection artist, has designed a BMW iX1. The vehicle will be unveiled on July 11th in the Städel Garden. Brandenburg will explain how he incorporated the elements of time, space, and speed from his artwork into the car design. The Städel Museum will also exhibit Brandenburg’s drawings and video work from October 28, 2021, to January 30, 2022, in the exhibition “Hirnsturm II.”

“We are excited to expand our cultural engagement through a new partnership with the Städel Museum,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG. The design of the BMW iX1 by Marc Brandenburg signifies the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will offer many inspiring encounters with artists through the STÄDEL INVITES format.

Philipp Demandt, director of the Städel Museum, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the BMW iX1 designed by Marc Brandenburg. He highlighted the shared aspiration of the Städel Museum and BMW to inspire quality and people. Together, they aim to venture off the beaten path and explore new possibilities, including joint event series and a film series featuring contemporary artists presenting their works in relation to the Städel collection.

The STÄDEL INVITES series started in October 2022 with artist Michael Müller and will continue with exhibits by Philipp Fürhofer and Miron Schmückle. The series offers an opportunity for visitors to gain insights into the artists’ works and practices, as well as their connections to the Städel collection. The respective artists will also share their ideas and creative processes in the video series “Was bewegt (…)?”

About Marc Brandenburg:
Marc Brandenburg, born in Berlin in 1965, is an artist who primarily focuses on drawing. He spent his childhood in the USA and returned to West Berlin in 1977. Brandenburg has been part of the Berlin club scene, worked in fashion design, and eventually dedicated himself to fine art in the late 1990s.

BMW Group has a strong presence in the fine art arena. The company supports leading museums, art fairs, and platforms worldwide, including Art Basel, Frieze art fair, Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and Gallery Weekend Berlin. In Germany, BMW has a long-standing partnership with the Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig (MdbK), and also supports the Premio BMW de Pintura in Spain, the Berlin National Gallery prize, and the Academy of Fine Arts Munich.

BMW iX1 xDrive30: power consumption combined in kWh/100km: – (NEFZ), 18,4 – 17,3 (WLTP)*; CO2-Emissions: 0 g/km (NEFZ), 0 g/km (WLTP)*, Electric range (WLTP)* in km: 413 – 438.  * All figures are preliminary values.